A/N: Firstly, I have Jedi-lover's permission for this piece. This idea was adapted from her story Alter of Waru. It was inspired by Luke mentioning he had friendships with women but no desire for them to be romantic after Mara died.

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"Luke, this is Melinda Rotham." His sister introduced. "She works in the Senate."

Luke winced inwardly; his sister obviously hadn't gotten his message when he professed no wish to date. Yet, here was this woman so obliviously set up. Rotham obviously wasn't familiar with his sister's matchmaking tendencies; even when Luke had been young Leia had been very upset by her brother's inability to settle down.

Not that Luke hadn't tried. He'd tried several times during his lifetime, before he married Mara—most of his tries ended with the relationship going down in proverbial flames.

Rotham offered her hand. "Pleasure." She said, smiling genially.

"Likewise." If he had to do this, Luke decided he might as well do it well.

He grasped her hand gently and brought it up to his lips. He kissed it only for a moment before lowering it.

Once his loving sister was satisfied with the display, she left as quickly as she had come.

"I fear we've been set up." Rotham said conversationally.

"Was it that obvious?"

He studied her for the first time. She was a woman of his height; with deep brown eyes and mahogany hair, traces of grey in it. Her eyes glinted with a mischievous smile as did her lips. She was dressed elegantly yet simply in a long red shimmersilk dress.

"Not to most, but I have heard rumors about your sister."

Luke arched his brow.

"Have you?"

"Yes. Look, Master Skywalker, it's clear that this wasn't of your making or mine, so I'll let you off." She started to retreat.

"No. You don't have to go."

She paused. "Are you sure?"

"Positive." He smiled. "I'm sorry about this really. I'm afraid my sister still treats me like a child, even at my age."

"Then why don't you turn her down? I'm sure you're capable of doing that." She paused. "Perhaps…you're afraid?"

Luke laughed. "Not afraid. I just know when to pick my battles; I've learned sometimes it's easier to go along with Leia instead of fight her…That is, if you'll still have me after those remarks."

"No offense taken." Rotham assured. "After all, we were both set up weren't we?" She perused him. "Besides, you're not such bad-looking company." She winked at him.

"Well, that's a relief." He looked around. "Join me for a drink.."

"As in alcohol?"

"Of course." Luke grinned. "I imbibe once in awhile." He examined her face as if searching for something. "Surely you don't hang on to the misconception that Jedi are monks, Ms. Rotham."

"I don't. I just never thought you would offer. I've never seen you drink much at these functions."

"You've been watching me."

"You don't need to say it as if I were a stalker. Merely, observing. I like to watch people; it's fascinating." She flashed him a smile. "Now, I believe you mentioned a drink. Shall we, Master Skywalker?"

"After you—but I insist you call me Luke, Ms. Rotham."

She stared at him through upturned eyes. "Very well…Luke. Then I insist you call me Melinda. Do we have a deal?" She held out her hand.

He nodded genially, reaching out to clasp her hand.

"Melinda it is then."

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Well, hope you enjoyed this! This will be a people centered/drive piece so I can write this faster than others.