Week 13 - 6/29/09 – UDC 4
61. Hold Back the Darkness
A hand grabbed hers and her first instinct was to strike out, to punch… to get away from the touch. Two seconds of thought put things in perspective. This was right. It was right to let the touching happen. Slowly, deliberately… she squeezed his hand in acknowledgement. They could do this together.
Together, they could stand. And only together would it be held at bay. Darkness knawed at her from the edges… and it was going to stay where it was. No backing down, no giving in. Not even one inch. This… whatever it was between them? It mattered.
62. Take a Stand
Taking a deep breath, she glanced at him. Was this right? When he stole a look over at her, their eyes met and her doubts disappeared. Of course it was.
"You ready?"
"As I'll ever be."
He paused, considering her answer with a frown. "We don't have to do this today, Mara. It can wait."
"It's important to you."
"And…?"
She reached up and smoothed his hair down with her hand. "What if I'm just being silly, hmm? We said we'd do this today, so today it is."
"But if you are unsure…"
"Farmboy?"
"Hmmm?"
"Hush."
63. When You're Lost
Luke lost himself for a moment in her eyes, searching for something in her gaze to give him some clue as to what to say. In truth, they hadn't really talked about this. He'd asked her and she'd said yes, consenting… but that wasn't the same as discussing it. Was this what she wanted? "Mara?"
"I had my doubts," she said slowly, deliberately as she continued to cup his cheek with her free hand. "I don't have those anymore."
He wanted to ask her why, but she silenced him with a kiss, rebuking him silently over their shared bond.
64. No Solid Ground
Minutes passed as she reassured him of her sureness, not in words, but with simple physical contact. He lost himself in the moment, and all questions ceased to matter. The only thing that mattered was this moment, here, with her.
Mara wanted to tell him why she was sure, but the reasons melted away until there was only one… because it was the right thing. The right thing for them, just in this moment. And now.
Explanations, if they still needed them, could wait a while.
65. There's Only Us
A giggle, and reality reluctantly resumed as the kiss was broken and they both looked down at the baby held in Mara's other arm. Mara smiled and then locked eyes with Luke. "I think he agrees, don't you?"
Luke blinked, sharing her smile. "Yes, I think he does."
"You ready to have your holo taken?"
"If I said no, would we be doing this anyway?"
"Yes."
"Then yes. I'm ready to have my holo taken."
Days later, Leia got one of the best presents she'd ever received: a holo of her brother, his wife, and their infant son.
