Corran stumbled through one of the shadiest nightclubs he had yet seen to see on Coruscant, side stepping people, and avoiding bottles that where thrown across the floor. Remind me to never let Wes pick the spot anymore, he thought as he located the table where most of Rouge Squadron had gathered. Sitting down, he accepted the drink that was offered to him. The club was packed, and the music was loud. It was just the place where someone could hide in. No one figured that any high standing citizen would step foot in a place like this. It was the perfect place for Rouge Squadron to relax.
"What took you so long?" Wedge slurred, leaning heavily on the table.
"Um… Someone moved the refresher," Corran mumbled back, trying to remember who he needed to thank for this round of drinks.
"Yeah," Wedge said, seriously. "I hate when they do that."
Corran took another sip of his drink while watching the rest of his pilot buddies. He suddenly sensed something through the Force. Trying hard to concentrate he pinpointed the feeling; someone very familiar was standing behind Wedge. Turning to look, his jaw dropped open when he saw the person that stood with her back to them. Wedge turned, trying to see what he was looking at. Beyond them stood a shapely redhead wearing one of the shortest black skirts Corran had seen in a long while, and an equally tight black shirt. Her hair was piled on top of her head, with a few strands hanging loose around her face.
"Isn't that Mara Jade?" Ooryl asked. Obviously, their study of the female did not go unnoticed.
"It sure looks like her," Klivian agreed.
"It is her," Corran confirmed, knowing, even without a clear view, that the woman was indeed Mara Jade.
"But I thought she was off with Luke somewhere," Wedge asked, looking over at Corran. "The last I heard of Luke, he took off somewhere after her."
"Normal Skywalker behavior."
Just as the statement was made, a blond male handed Mara a drink as he approached her. She took it and they smiled.
"Oh man, that's Luke!!" Wedge yelled. The mumbling at the table exploded into hysterics when Luke leaned in and kissed her.
Luke worked his way through the crowd until he finally reached Mara's side. The place was dark, too crowded and it smelled bad, but he had to confess he was enjoying himself.
"Here you go," he said, handing her one of the drinks he was carrying. "This is fun. I'm glad I let you talk me into this."
"What!" she exclaimed, turning to face him. "I had to dare you into it."
"What's wrong Mara? You are not happy holding up your end of the dare?" He said, indicating her outfit. He had searched her closet looking for exactly the perfect outfit. His goal was to make her as uncomfortable as she was trying to make him. However, he had to admit that she looked great in it.
"No, I'm fine with it," she said. "I have had to wear less in public. I was just wishing you were a little more ill at ease with your end. How come you are still so relaxed here?" She asked, indicating the club they were in.
"I was not always a Jedi Master you know," he told her, smiling.
"Oh, thank goodness," she said, and stepped in close as they kissed lightly.
Luke felt happy for the first time in a long while. It was pleasing to know that they had just enjoyed their first kiss in public. It was a step in the direction of letting everyone know. Life was taking a turn for the better, he was sure of that now. He drew her in a bit closer before ending the kiss. When the area behind him exploded in shouting, he almost jumped out of his skin. He buried his face in Mara's shoulder so he could whisper in her ear.
"Please tell me I am mistaking the familiarity of that shouting," he groaned, low enough that only she could hear it.
"Who is it?" Mara asked, then moaned as she too realized who had noticed them.
"Looks like you don't have to worry about letting your friends know about us, Skywalker. They seem to have found out on their own."
"It does look that way," Luke said, laughing as he looked back at his friends, who only shouted louder when they saw him looking.
"What are they doing here?" Mara demanded. This was their first night out and she did not want to spend it in the company of his pilot friends.
"That's what I was trying to tell you," Luke explained. "Rogue Squadron is most comfortable in places they are not noticed in."
"Figures they would decide to be here, tonight," she fumed.
"Rogues tend to be at the right place at the right time." Luke said as he led Mara slowly towards the table. I am hoping to quiet these guys down before they cause more of a scene.
I didn't say anything, Mara sent back, trying to deny what she knew she was going to ask.
I know. But I agree, why now? Luke asked.
Had I known they would be here, I would have found another place to take you, she assured not only him but her too.
It's nothing to worry about. We'll just say hi and then we'll be on our way.
"Something tells me that it will not be that easy," she declared, when she got close enough to tell that the guys had maybe had a bit more to drink than they needed.
"Luke!" Hobbie called out.
"Never knew you had it in you!" Tycho shouted.
"Way to go boss!"
"Hi, Mara," Corran said, leaning on the table. "Good to see you."
"What are you guys doing here?" Luke asked, saving Mara from having to say anything. She knew what she wanted to say would not have kept this drunken group of men in a very good mood.
"Obviously not as much as you," Gavin blurted out. The table burst into laughter once again. No one seemed upset about what they saw, which pleased Mara. All they seemed concerned about was they caught Luke doing something they all thought he did not want them to see.
Why should they be upset, Mara? You have a lot of friends here.
It seems that way. I think they have had a bit more then their limit tonight.
I agree. "So, what's the occasion?" he asked aloud.
"Time off. It's the first time all of us have been off together in a long time."
"As good a reason as any," Ooryl mumbled.
"I'm hurt, Luke, the last to know? I thought we were pals," Wedge whined.
Luke laughed and shook his head. "What do you mean the last to know? You are one of the first."
"That's good to hear," Wedge said, obviously satisfied.
Options? He silently asked Mara.
Mara laughed. I can think of a few things. I'll be back.
What are you going to do? He asked as she got up from the table.
You'll see, she sent back, turning to offer him a slight smile before disappearing into the crowd.
"Hurry back!" Hobbie yelled as she moved away from the table. She walked to a quiet corner of the club and pulled out her personal com unit. She entered the code and waited for the sleepy answer she knew she would get.
"Hello?" came the confuse female on the opposite end of the transmission.
"Hello, Mirax?" she asked.
"Mara? Mara is that you?" Mirax was sounding more awake with every second. "It's good to hear from you. When did you get back on planet?"
"Just today. Mirax, do you know where Corran is?"
"He went off with Wedge somewhere," she explained. "You should be able to reach him on his com."
"No need to do that. I can see him where I am." It crossed her mind that maybe she ought to feel bad about what she was doing, sending Mirax in to bust up the party, but she knew it was what needed to be done. Not only if she wanted to save what was left of her date with Luke, but for the safety of the men at the table. "I think you should send someone after them, if you want to see him home in one piece."
"One piece is preferable. That is until I can get hold of him. How bad is he?"
"Personally, I think he should be cut off. He on the other hand would say he could have a few more."
"Ok, tell me where you are," the other woman suggested. "And I'll make sure he and all the other boys make it home safely."
Mara relayed her whereabouts and discontinued the call. Returning to the table, she noticed another round sitting in front of each of them. With one added for herself and Luke.
I ordered them, Luke sent her immediately.
Why? She asked.
They asked me to, he explained. However, they are mostly water. These guys have had so much they won't even notice.
She could feel something odd and noticed Corran staring at them funny. He pointed a shaky finger in there direction.
"You're talking about us," he told them. "It's not nice."
"What makes you think we are talking about you Corran?" Luke asked, studying his former student with the same intensity they were being given.
Corran taps his temple with two fingers. "I just know," he slurred. "What are you saying?"
"They are saying that you need help, Corran!" Wes declared with glee.
"No, no, no," Corran interrupted. "They are saying that …. Oh, never mind, I forget."
What is this plan you have? Luke asked her.
Don't worry, she'll be here soon, she assured him, delighting in the worried look that crossed his face.
She'll be here? He asked her. What did you do?
"We just can't let you men out of our sites can we?" Everyone turned at the new voice coming from behind Wedge. Mirax stood behind Wedge with her hands on her hips.
"Aw, who called in the wives!" Tyco complained.
"Time to go you boys," she said, patting Corran on the shoulder. "It's getting late." There were moans all around the table. Mirax looked at Mara who only smiled in response. "Don't you think you've had enough?" she asked, sounding more like she was talking to a group of children rather then grown men. "How did you plan to get home?"
"Luke is still sober," Wedge announced, putting his arm around his long time friend. "He could have drove us home."
"I am sure Luke and Mara have more important things to do then play babysitter to a bunch of drunk pilots that should have known better."
"I bet they do," Hobbie said, grinning stupidly at the couple sitting opposite him.
Mara could tell Mirax was intrigued that Hobbie didn't get as much as a glare from her for that statement. Normally, anyone implying that there might be something going on between her and Luke was met with much hostility. Mara was sure she would be getting a call the next day so Mirax could try and find out if she had missed anything. "Come on, Corran," Mirax said, smiling slightly in her direction. "You and your friends can continue this at our house."
Where she can keep an eye on them, Mara added silently.
Luke only received minimal looks when he laughed at Mara's comment.
Once the group was gone and safely on their way home, Luke and Mara decided they had had enough fun for the night. They slowly made their way out the door and on down the street.
"I will be a nightmare to try and get a cab out here this late," Luke said, glancing up and down the busy street.
"It's not too bad of a walk back to my place, I think we will be fine."
"Sounds good to me." They began walking slowly in the general direction on Mara's apartment. The further they got from the club the more peaceful the walk became. She was not surprised when Luke took hold of her hand and held it as they walked. She was beginning to think that she would never stop being amazed at the things she permitted Luke to get away with. She could remember plenty of times when men would have been lucky to walk away with just a punch if they had tried to do such things. She strangely did not feel that it made her soft. She was still as tough as she always was. No, what it did was make her happy.
"Well, our first night out went well," Luke spoke softly as the walked.
"I think next time we try to arrange it do we are not spotted," Mara said, turning him down a side way, a shortcut that would get them there faster.
"Or just plan for it," he explained. "That way it's not such a shock."
"I'd rather have you to myself for a while, if you don't mind."
"Well," he said, looking around at the deserted streets. "I think you have managed to get that."
"At least for a little while."
"So, when do you leave?" he asked quietly. She wanted to kick herself for having to leave again so soon. She had to keep reminding herself that no matter what happened, she still had a job to do.
"First thing tomorrow morning," she told him. "You?
""Tomorrow afternoon. I won't be gone long. I mean I like the Serears and all, but I am no longer very comfortable there. I can never stay long."
"Well, naturally you still have some friends there," she said, glancing at him. He was casually looking around, she had the feeling that he still was aware of everyone that strayed near.
"Oh, I still have people there that I know," he told her. "But I have never looked anyone up."
"Why not?"
"I've told you about how things where for me growing up. The only good friend I had was Biggs. Since he is not there, I did not think anyone would care if they ever saw me again or not."
"I swear, Skywalker. You are the biggest baby I have ever met."
"Why do you say that?"
She just sighed in frustration. "How do you know they would not want to see you if you have never tried?"
"I guess I really don't." She was satisfied when he lapsed into silence, the last thing she wanted was to start one of their arguments tonight.
The couple arrived at her apartment a short time later. They walked quietly through the building until they arrived at her door.
"I'll see you when I get back?" Mara asked, leaning back against the door.
"I should be here," Luke assured her.
"Do you want to come in?" Mara asked, hope evident in her eyes.
"I'd better not," Luke said reluctantly. He knew that he should turn and leave because it would not be right to push the situation, but he also knew that what he wanted more than anything was to stay with her, even just a little while longer.
"You know, it would not make you a bad person if you did," she told him. It was as if she could still read his mind even though he was keeping those thoughts safely shielded.
"You are not making this easy, Mara."
"It's not that difficult," she told him, a good-humored grin tugging at her features. "You just take a few more steps and you are there." He could see the game she was playing, and he decided to play along for a little while. He took a few steps closer to her.
"You mean like this?" He asked, standing close enough to hear her soft intake of breath.
"Not exactly what I meant," she said, looking into his eyes. "But this is nice."
Luke had intended to return some of her teasing, then leave, but he debated that decision. He wondered why it was he was resisting. For years, they had been trying to push each other away. Now that they were no longer doing that, it was almost impossible to stay apart from her. He wondered how he had ever done it before and how he all those years had never noticed the feelings he had for her. With all the things going on in his head, he found himself struggling for an answer. He ran his hand down her arm.
"Mara?" he croaked, the uncertainty he felt a little to evident in his voice.
"Don't worry about it Luke," she assured him, running her hand across his cheek. For once do what you want, not just what you think is right.
Luke opened his mouth to say something. Then he realized that the things he wanted to tell her, he could not find the words to express. He decided that there was really only one way, he knew, to tell her how he was feeling--to show her. Without any more second thoughts, he captured her lips with his. Luke closed his eyes as the intense sensation washed over him. He ran his hands down her arms as he deepened the kiss. She responded by running her hands through his hair. Signing contently, he ended the kiss and looked into her beautiful eyes.
"I would be lying if I said I wanted to leave," he whispered.
"Then don't," she said, as she backed up to her door and unlocked it. Grabbing Luke by the collar, they disappeared into the apartment, closing the door behind them.
"Can I get you something from the kitchen?" She asked, indicating the room off to her left, as they walked into the living area. She emptied her pockets, tossing the contents on the table beside her. She did not seem to notice when some of it fell to the floor.
"No," he breathed, pulling her back into his arms, and kissing her with all the passion he could muster. He had made the decision to stay and could not help himself. Seeming to understand how he felt, her hands immediately went to his chest and he could feel her unbuttoning his shirt.
He shrugged himself out of the garment and let it fall to the floor. He slipped his hand behind her neck to pull her closer, and trailed small kisses across and down her neck. Grasping the clasp of her dress, he worked to undo it, fighting the slight shivers that occurred every time Mara ran her hands across his bare chest. He traveled his kisses down her neck to her collarbone.
Mara stepped away and let the cloth that was passing for a shirt tonight fall to the floor. She smiled when she saw how Luke was studying her. She took his hand that was resting on her hip, and brought it to her mouth to kiss the palm. Letting him go, his hand drifted across her skin between her breasts. He used his thumb to tease the nipple sending a tingling sensation shooting through her.
Taking his hand again, she encouraged him to join her on the floor. She laid softly on her back and smiled when her laid down beside her. Positioning himself on his side, he once again ran his hand down her body. Bending he took one nipple in his mouth. She was unable to stop the moan that escaped her lips. She arched her back as he continued to tease and entice her with his mouth. She ran her hand through his hair and down his back.
Somewhere in her passion fogged mind she noticed an insistent beeping. She chose to ignore it, but it did not go away.
"I think you should get that," Luke said, looking at the offending piece of metal lyingon the floor beside them. Mara fumbled through all the stuff on the floor. Finally locating the com unit, she turned it on.
"Jade," she barked, deciding that who ever it was must have a death wish.
"Mara," came Karrde's relieved voice. "I just got the message you left me earlier. I feared that it would be too late to call tonight, but I see I did not wake you. I'm glad you made it back."
"So am I," she said, tersely, throwing Luke and apologizing look. "There had better be a good reason for this."
"Are you going to be able to make that drop for me?" he asked, unfazed by her curt manner.
"Yes," she said, rolling her eyes. "I'm leaving first thing in the morning, but…"
"Great," he declared, interrupting whatever she had planned to say. "Where are you?"
"At my place, but…"
"Great," he said again, causing Mara to ball her free hand into an angry fist. "I have some last minute things I need from you. I'll be right over."
"But…" she started to say, but the transmission ended. "I'm going to kill him." She looked up to find Luke watching her, unable to hide the amusement he felt. Seeing how easily he was taking the interruption, she decided to lighten up.
"Company coming?" Luke asked, for once finding it amusing to see Mara feeling just as frustrated as he was. To finally be able to relax and enjoy themselves, only to be stopped by an insistent boss that decided to get a little business done at the last minute.
"It seems that way," she said, still holding the com unit. She looked like she was ready to crush the device so he took it out of her hand and set it on the table.
"I guess I should be going then," he said, starting to pick himself up off the floor.
"No, you should stay," Mara told him, holding his arm. Her voice sounded strained and he knew that she wanted this distraction about as much as he did.
"Stay and let Karrde come over in the middle of the night to find me here?" Luke asked, feeling extremely lighthearted about the entire situation. He felt like shouting his feelings from the highest rooftops, but knowingly allowing Karrde to walk in on them, barely half dressed, was not the best way to go about announcing the news.
"Sure, why not?" she said flippantly. "He deserves a shock after what he just pulled. He had no right to just invite himself over to my place."
"He's never done that before?" Luke asked.
"Well…yes he has," she admitted. "But this is different. I was never busy before."
"You are unique, Mara," Luke said, kissing her lightly. Mara could be a very frightening person, and he never did understand how he was able to get as close to her as he had. If anyone took the liberty to say the things to her that he did, there would be a lot less people around. He never felt any fear when it came to her. If anything, he always knew that he was safe as long as she was with him.
"I will take that as a complement," she said, with a raised eyebrow.
"Good, because that is how it was meant," he said as he searched the floor around them. Finding what he was looking for, he grabbed his shirt and pulled it on. He looked at Mara and smiled. "Karrde is near, you going to get dressed?"
"It would be interesting to see his expression." She drew the straps to her shirt back around her neck, and fastened the garment in place. Pulling Luke into another embrace, she kissed him deeply. "I wish I could just stuff you in my closet, and keep you close," she whispered after they once again ended the kiss.
"I think people would start to miss me," he said, kissing her forehead.
"Humm. I really want to kill him," she admitted, resting her forehead against his.
"We will have plenty of time when you get back," he told her, looking into her eyes.
"I am going to hold you to that," she swore, smiling brightly at him. "So?"
"I'll stay just a while longer," he agreed. "I don't think I will get in the way too much."
"Trust me, you will not be the one in the way."
With one last kiss, they prepared themselves for the visitor that was drawing closer. Mara left Luke standing in the living room while she opened the door for Karrde. Luke could hear them talking, but it wasn't until they walked further into the apartment that he noticed was noticed by the visitor.
"Karrde," Luke greeted him with a nod of the head. Luke began to have second thoughts about staying here when he saw the look on Karrde's face.
"Skywalker." Karrde looked from Mara to Luke, the color draining from his face. "Did I interrupt anything?"
"I was just leaving," Luke said, smiling at Mara, then turning to the other occupant of the room. "It's good to see you again Talon."
"I'm sorry, Luke," Talon said, offering his hand.
"For what?" Luke asked, shaking his hand hesitantly.
"For doubting you. Thank you for bringing Mara back. You are a good friend."
"No, Talon," Luke said with a smile. "Thank you. I'm sure you rushed over here for a reason. Sorry Mara, you sound like you have some work you need to get done. I should be going."
Luke made his way to the door, and could feel Mara follow. He could feel that she was up to something, and he was almost afraid to ask what it was she was planning. "I will see you when you get back. You have a safe trip."
"I'm sorry about this, Luke," she told him, speaking softly.
"Don't worry about it. It's not your fault."
She glared in Karrde's direction. "No, your right. It's not." She brought her gaze back to the man in front of her.
"Good night, Luke." Luke could feel Mara's plan blast to the front of her mind. He tried to find out what she was up to but she kept that carefully hidden from him. He started to smile as he braced himself for whatever she had thought up.
"Good night, Mara," Luke said, running the tips of his fingers down her cheek. Knowing Mara, she was planning whatever would shock him the most. Also knowing Mara, he had a good idea of what she was up to.
Therefore, it came to no surprise to him when Mara leaned in for another kiss. Trying to ignore the fact that they were showing off, he kissed her lightly on the lips. When she did not pull back right away Luke decided it was time to know for sure what she was up to.
Remember we have an audience watching, he sent her silently.
Good, then he knows that he did, in fact, interrupt something, she answered back, wrapping her arms around his neck to pull him even closer.
Yes, I am sure that fact came across loud and clear. In fact, any more and you may just give the poor man a heart attack.
No, I would not want that to happen.
They separated and both automatically looked in Karrde's direction. The smuggler was staring at them with his jaw hanging open. Luke only smiled at him and walked to the door. "I think you have a lot of explaining to do," he told Mara.
"Yeah, but it was fun."
"See you soon." Luke took her hand in his, but keeping Mara's guest in mind, he turned to leave.
"Bye," Mara said, wishing there was a way to convince him to stay. She knew she was not the reason he was leaving. She could feel how much he wanted to stay. He had a point though. She did have work to do, and it would become a bad habit if she suddenly started to disregard her responsibilities when he was around. Sighing she released his hand and allowed him walk out the door.
"What was that all about?" Karrde asked, as soon as the door had closed behind Luke.
"I don't think you really need it explained do you?" Mara asked.
"That's not what I meant. How long has this been going on?"
"A few days," she said, disappearing into the kitchen to grab a much needed glass of water.
"So are you two together?" he asked.
"Yes," Mara said automatically. "Now that we have that out of the way, can we get to work? I have to get up early."
"One question, if I may," he asked, she could feel the barly controlled curiosity he was feeling, and she was not in the mood to answer every question he had about her personal life. "Are you happy?"
A smile spread across Mara's face. "Yes. I am happy."
