Author note: It's been a long time since I've written Star Wars, much less my OC Lens Eli. I had a spark of inspiration recently looking at my 2012 Norman Rockwell calendar. I've decided to write an EU drabble or vignette based on all twelve painting included in this year's calendar. I also plan to do them in order, which has already proven challenging. Without further ado, here are Lens Eli and Ben Skywalker in...

"Movie Starlet and Reporters"

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Lens Eli had never seen holo star Kyllo Aloyan in person. He may never have had the opportunity if his friend Ben Skywalker hadn't invited him on this rare public relations appearance by his father. The Jedi Grandmaster had chosen to attend the premier of the film The Empire's Upper Hand in order to lend his support to its success. Though the title was awful, the production was one of the best ever filmed of young Luke Skywalker's exploits against the Empire. Given its attention to historical detail, terrific action, and astral special effects, the film was bound to give the Jedi a boost in the eyes of the galactic masses.

None of this was news to Lens who was an avid fan of the actress portraying Princess Leia. Though a natural blonde, Kyllo had dyed her hair for the role and, when in costume, gave striking resemblance to actual Princess of Alderaan.

Now, the actress was only meters away from him as holo reporters surrounded her, peppering her with questions.

"Miss Aloyan!" exclaimed one reporter. "Has Princess Leia commented on your performance?"

Another one shoved a microphone in her face asking: "What kind of training regimen were you on to prepare for the role?"

A third, close enough where shouting was unnecessary, said: "What is your favorite scene from the film?"

Kyllo, who seemed oblivious to the barrage of questions, was staring into the crowd. As her gaze swept the crowd, which was cordoned off from the red carpet, Lens was sure her eyes met his. To make matters worse, she began walking his way. It was only a few meters. His hands started to sweat. His tongue seemed to swell in size. He could feel the wave of heat rising from his neck and topping off at the crown of his head. She was so close. A broad, radiant smile emerged in slow motion as Lens could feel his eyes widen in awe as reach out her hand.

Suddenly, he felt a push from his left and was nearly knocked off balance as Kyllo passed by to take the hand of none other than Luke Skywalker. Regaining his composure, Lens looked to Ben who was standing next to his father, and glared daggers. Ben flashed his eyes and motioned Lens to come to his side if he truly wanted to meet Kyllo Aloyan.

"Smooth, Lens," Ben whispered. "Real smooth."

"Stow it, Ben," Lens replied through a flimsy smile. "She's my weakness."

"Weak in the knees is more like it," Ben retorted in near silence. "I'm surprised you kept your feet."

"I know where my boot is likely be, next opportunity, if you ruin this chance."

"Uh-huh."

As though it were down a long corridor in the bowels of the Jedi Temple, Lens heard Kyllo say: "Nice to meet you, Ben. I hope you enjoy the film. I'm sure you are already aware, but your father is real hero."

Lens turned only slightly to see her shake Ben's hand. The younger Skywalker smiled graciously and assured her he would enjoy the film. His father was also a good judge of what was entertaining.

Kyllo laughed at that and was, suddenly, in front of Lens.

"And who is this nice looking young man?" Kyllo said, turning to Luke for and introduction. The truth was Aloyan was only three years older than Ben and four years older than Lens.

The heat, formerly in his neck, was gone, replaced with a cold sweat. His knees locked and his breath came in short spasmodic spurts. "…Lens Eli."

Lens saw her tilt her head as she regarded him with concern. "Is he ok, Luke?" Aloyan asked.

Lens felt Ben's arm come around his shoulder and the Force holding him vertical. "He hasn't been feeling well all day, Miss Aloyan, but he didn't want to miss this opportunity to meet you," Ben added hastily.

"Hi," was all the star struck, love sick apprentice could manage. He raised a hand to wave in a tragically comic gesture.

"Nice to meet you as well, Lens," Kyllo said, politely, as she turned to make her way back to pack of reporters.

It was her turn to gracious.

Moments later…

Lens was sitting on a duracrete bench just off the red carpet, with his head in his hands.

"Kill me now, Ben," mumbled Lens. "Take your lightsaber and take my head. You'll be doing me a favor."

"As much as I'd like to my Dad says no. He mentioned something about the pain of humiliation and what doesn't kill you will make you stronger."

Lens looked up, stricken. "You mean he doesn't want to kill me either?"

"Apparently not," Ben said, mock disappointment curling on his lips. "It would have been nice to see him dressing down someone other than me for a change."

"The day isn't over yet," Lens said, sitting up straight with a new look of determination.

"I know that look," Ben warned. "It's bad enough you making of fool of yourself without even trying, but I promise you, Lens, if you make this worse by putting your mind to it, I will take your head."

Lens grinned mischievously. "I do believe you would, My Friend. Think nothing of it."