The Arrangement
By Rhea Jediknight
Disclaimer: I'm not making any money from this work. Thanks go to George Lucas and Timothy Zahn for creating such wonderful characters.
This story is dedicated to Ash Darklighter for her friendship and infinite patience and to Veronica for her unflagging encouragement. Thank you!
Part Four
Leia Organa Solo had secured a table for them by a panoramic window. The commissary was buzzing with activity, numerous beings taking a break from their busy schedules to consume a meal in the New Republic's official cafeteria.
"Luke... Mara." Leia began to rise when she caught sight of their approach, and Luke gestured for her to remain seated. He leaned down to give her an affectionate hug and Mara stood back smiling politely.
"Hi sis. Recommend anything?" Luke asked eyeing her plate of food.
She winced and said, "Anything vegetarian. I think they have a Wookiee working the grill this shift. All the meat dishes are practically raw."
Luke nodded and began to head in the direction of the self serve area, he gave Mara a look and she said, "Just get me whatever you're having."
He smiled, hesitated slightly, his gaze going from Mara to Leia and back again. Then he left them alone.
"That's brave." Leia commented as Luke disappeared into the crowd.
Mara sat across from her and smiled. "I have eclectic tastes," she responded. They could see a landing platform just outside their window with various ships either landing or merging back into the busy air traffic.
"I'd say you have pretty good taste." Leia said gesturing slightly in Luke's general direction.
Mara was prepared for Leia's curiosity, but was surprised at how quickly she got down to business.
Mara raised an eyebrow and gave her a satisfied smile. "Uh hmmm," she agreed.
Leia reddened slightly but she continued determinedly, "So how long have you two . . . ?"
"We've known each other for years. I think we were both surprised when it finally happened." Mara said evasively, not wanting to lie and hoping that Skywalker would return quickly.
"I'm not," Leia said, giving Mara a direct look across the table. "Do you love my brother?"
"You don't pull your punches, do you?"
"When it comes to the well being of my family, no."
The silence stretched on and Leia said, "You still haven't answered my question."
Mara weighed her various responses, her eyes going to the ring glimmering on her hand. Leia caught the direction of her gaze, and she gave a little gasp.
Luke's voice interrupted the stillness that surrounded them despite the murmur of the other diners, "Has my sister finished her interrogation?"
"Don't worry. I've experienced worse." Mara said as she accepted the plate Luke slid in front of her. He sat down beside her, and her awareness seemed to become focused on the side of Luke's leg as it casually pressed against her leg, and the way his arm pressed ever so slightly against her own.
Luke could sense his sister's surprise and saw her stare at Mara's hand. He glanced down and understood immediately. The ring. He had forgotten the ring when he had agreed to meet Leia. They had decided to not reveal their wedding plans until a later date - after they had already established themselves as a couple. He wondered if Mara had forgotten to remove the jewelry, or had deliberately decided against taking it off. Although it made things more difficult, he was pleased that she still wore the ring. Luke wasn't really adverse to accelerating their timeline.
Luke met Mara's questioning gaze and he sent her through the Force, *Should we tell her?*
*We have to say something. It's up to you, she's your sister.* Mara replied.
"Am I correct in assuming that congratulations are in order?" Leia's voice interrupted their silent dialogue.
Luke grimaced slightly and turned to regard his sister, "I'm sorry Leia. I didn't want to tell you like this. It just happened so quickly."
He took Mara's hand in his and said to Leia, "Mara has agreed to marry me."
Leia was silent for a long moment, her back stiff and her emotions in turmoil. Finally she said, "This is rather sudden."
Mara couldn't blame her for her surprise.
"It might seem that way, but I believe it's the right thing to do," Luke attempted an explanation. His voice was earnest, his eyes shining.
Leia's eyebrows shot up, "You're not pregnant are you?" she asked Mara.
Mara's ire rose quickly. She had to admit the conclusion was not really that far fetched. From Skywalker's comment about doing the right thing and the scene Leia had witnessed this morning in the Jedi's apartment, it made sense.
"Mara." Luke said soothingly, tightening his grip on her hand. He could feel Mara's temper rising and he felt as if he were quickly losing control of the situation.
But she couldn't help the anger that filled her at the slightly accusing tone in Leia's voice, "You find the idea of us having a child together, abhorrent?" Mara asked heatedly.
"No, no." Leia quickly back peddled and then realized how rude her comment must have sounded, "I just thought. . . "
This was too much for Mara. The proposal, the way Skywalker was holding her hand solicitously, the way her blood threaded through her veins like quick silver, and the implication that she had trapped the Jedi in marriage by seducing him and then becoming pregnant was just too much. She suddenly longed to be away from the both of them, to escape the tumultuous emotions that the Jedi evoked in her, and return to the calm she had started to accept as the norm in her life.
Mara yanked her hand free and stood up. "What's between Luke and me is our business. If we decide to have a child together, we aren't going to ask for your permission." Mara glanced at her wrist chrono and saw that she still had plenty of time until her meeting, but she said, "I'm late for a meeting, so if you'll excuse me." And she left her plate of food uneaten as she stalked away.
Luke jumped to his feet and ran after Mara. He grabbed her by the shoulders and she tried to shrug him away. "Don't go," he pleaded.
"Go back to your sister. We'll talk about this later." Mara assured him.
Leia stood up at the table, but kept her distance.
"Tell her whatever you want, Skywalker. For right now, I'm done." Mara turned on her heel and walked away.
Luke watched her disappear, and Leia placed her hand on her brother's arm. "I'm sorry, Luke."
The waver in Leia's voice caused him to glanced in concern at his sister and he was surprised to sense the sorrow in her. "It's all right, Leia."
"No. it's not. I shouldn't have said that. I love you, brother. You deserve all the happiness in the world. I was just so surprised. You getting married . . . and with Mara. I had no idea that you were even dating her until this morning."
Luke smiled wryly, "I didn't even know that we were getting married until this morning. We have this. connection like none I've ever experienced." That wasn't a lie.
Leia persuaded him, her features softening. "Go after her. We can talk later. Come to my house tonight for a dinner celebration. I'd like to get the chance to apologize to her. I was rude."
Luke shrugged, but needed no further urging. He kissed her quickly and said, "Thanks, Leia."
*********
Instead of heading in the direction of the assembly hall which was the location of her next meeting, Mara walked quickly to a small garden that was hidden just off the main entrance. Luke caught sight of her ducking into the small alcove that led to the verdant chamber and hurried to catch up to her.
When he neared the entrance he slowed, trying to organize his thoughts and regain his composure. Ever since their meeting more than a week ago, Luke had been having a hard time maintaining his usual calm. His thoughts were in turmoil, his emotions spiking sporadically at the slightest provocation. He gathered the Force around him in a protective mantle and took a deep calming breath. He walked forward.
"This meditation garden was planted by the Jedi Order over a two hundred years ago." Luke said as he entered the enclosed area. The multicolored transparisteel ceiling created a rainbow of colors streaming down overhead to illuminate the rich growth of tropical plants and fragrant flowers.
Mara sat on the single bench in the corner of the room, and glanced up at Luke in surprise.
"I thought I was the only one who still knew about this place," she said softly.
Luke walked in measured paces toward her, absently touching the green bushes and the petals of the large flowers. His eyes never wavering from Mara's face.
"It was designed by Jedi Master Domino Salar in an attempt to bring perfect balance to the natural world. When the sunlight hits the transparasteel design directly overhead, the colors fuse to create the purest white light I've ever seen. It's utterly breathtaking."
"I know," Mara said.
Luke sat on the bench beside her and Mara twisted the ring on her hand in agitation. "I should have taken this off."
Luke reached forward taking her hand, halting the uneasy gesture. "I'm glad you didn't. Leia didn't mean to be insulting or hurtful. She was shocked; she didn't mean the things she said."
"I know. This hasn't gone at all like we planned." Mara pulled her hand out of his grip and began to pace the area in front of the bench. "Maybe this isn't such a good idea. How do we know that the rest of our plan won't fail in the same way? I might never be able to be the kind of wife you want, and I know I'll never be the kind of person you deserve to spend the rest of your life with."
"Mara." His tone arrested her and she stopped her pacing and turned to face him. He rose to his feet and stood a little too close for comfort. "I never had any illusions that this was going to be easy, but I've made my choice. And I have no doubt that I've made the correct decision. Right now, I'm more concerned that I don't disappoint you."
She swayed toward him. Mara's eyes searched his and she did something that later she would be unable to explain. She leaned forward and kissed him. There wasn't an audience to witness the kiss and she wasn't trying to prove their sexual compatibility. She just kissed him.
Mara threw her arms around his neck, pressed her body flush against his, and claimed his mouth. Luke was startled, but he responded quickly his mouth meeting hers, his arms going around her to hold her tightly against him. The heat consumed them and it wasn't long before they were both regarding each other breathlessly, desire pulsing between them through the Force.
Mara said, "I'm not concerned about disappointment."
Her words served to remind Luke of the strictly physical nature of their arrangement. He smiled, taking care not to allow his disappointment to show on his face or through the Force.
Luke gently disentangled himself from her arms and retreated a step. His heart was still hammering in his chest, and he marveled at this woman's ability to effect him so profoundly. He wondered how long this consuming passion would last between them. Surely, this level of intensity had to dull after the first time they made love. It had been too long since he had any contact of a sexual nature, although, Luke acknowledged that never in his life had he been so effected by a kiss.
For the first time since he had proposed this arrangement, he wondered if perhaps he had gotten into something that was completely out of his control. Mara's bright green eyes became shuttered and she touched her mouth with the tip of one finger. She cleared her throat, and dropped her hand.
"Leia asked us to dinner tonight to celebrate our engagement." Luke said with a surprisingly steady voice.
Mara raised an eyebrow at him and Luke hurried on, "We don't have to go, if you don't wish to."
"No. That's fine. I'll meet you there after I get out of my obligations here." Mara assured him.
Luke wanted to insist on arriving at the Solo household with his intended bride, but at the moment he feared that she was on the verge of refusing the entire thing, and he didn't want to push her unnecessarily.
"Fine. I'll be there by Six."
Mara nodded noncommittally and left the small meditation area. Luke stared after her long after she had disappeared. Not for the first and certainly not for the last time, Luke wished he could talk to old Ben Kenobi.
*********
By Rhea Jediknight
Disclaimer: I'm not making any money from this work. Thanks go to George Lucas and Timothy Zahn for creating such wonderful characters.
This story is dedicated to Ash Darklighter for her friendship and infinite patience and to Veronica for her unflagging encouragement. Thank you!
Part Four
Leia Organa Solo had secured a table for them by a panoramic window. The commissary was buzzing with activity, numerous beings taking a break from their busy schedules to consume a meal in the New Republic's official cafeteria.
"Luke... Mara." Leia began to rise when she caught sight of their approach, and Luke gestured for her to remain seated. He leaned down to give her an affectionate hug and Mara stood back smiling politely.
"Hi sis. Recommend anything?" Luke asked eyeing her plate of food.
She winced and said, "Anything vegetarian. I think they have a Wookiee working the grill this shift. All the meat dishes are practically raw."
Luke nodded and began to head in the direction of the self serve area, he gave Mara a look and she said, "Just get me whatever you're having."
He smiled, hesitated slightly, his gaze going from Mara to Leia and back again. Then he left them alone.
"That's brave." Leia commented as Luke disappeared into the crowd.
Mara sat across from her and smiled. "I have eclectic tastes," she responded. They could see a landing platform just outside their window with various ships either landing or merging back into the busy air traffic.
"I'd say you have pretty good taste." Leia said gesturing slightly in Luke's general direction.
Mara was prepared for Leia's curiosity, but was surprised at how quickly she got down to business.
Mara raised an eyebrow and gave her a satisfied smile. "Uh hmmm," she agreed.
Leia reddened slightly but she continued determinedly, "So how long have you two . . . ?"
"We've known each other for years. I think we were both surprised when it finally happened." Mara said evasively, not wanting to lie and hoping that Skywalker would return quickly.
"I'm not," Leia said, giving Mara a direct look across the table. "Do you love my brother?"
"You don't pull your punches, do you?"
"When it comes to the well being of my family, no."
The silence stretched on and Leia said, "You still haven't answered my question."
Mara weighed her various responses, her eyes going to the ring glimmering on her hand. Leia caught the direction of her gaze, and she gave a little gasp.
Luke's voice interrupted the stillness that surrounded them despite the murmur of the other diners, "Has my sister finished her interrogation?"
"Don't worry. I've experienced worse." Mara said as she accepted the plate Luke slid in front of her. He sat down beside her, and her awareness seemed to become focused on the side of Luke's leg as it casually pressed against her leg, and the way his arm pressed ever so slightly against her own.
Luke could sense his sister's surprise and saw her stare at Mara's hand. He glanced down and understood immediately. The ring. He had forgotten the ring when he had agreed to meet Leia. They had decided to not reveal their wedding plans until a later date - after they had already established themselves as a couple. He wondered if Mara had forgotten to remove the jewelry, or had deliberately decided against taking it off. Although it made things more difficult, he was pleased that she still wore the ring. Luke wasn't really adverse to accelerating their timeline.
Luke met Mara's questioning gaze and he sent her through the Force, *Should we tell her?*
*We have to say something. It's up to you, she's your sister.* Mara replied.
"Am I correct in assuming that congratulations are in order?" Leia's voice interrupted their silent dialogue.
Luke grimaced slightly and turned to regard his sister, "I'm sorry Leia. I didn't want to tell you like this. It just happened so quickly."
He took Mara's hand in his and said to Leia, "Mara has agreed to marry me."
Leia was silent for a long moment, her back stiff and her emotions in turmoil. Finally she said, "This is rather sudden."
Mara couldn't blame her for her surprise.
"It might seem that way, but I believe it's the right thing to do," Luke attempted an explanation. His voice was earnest, his eyes shining.
Leia's eyebrows shot up, "You're not pregnant are you?" she asked Mara.
Mara's ire rose quickly. She had to admit the conclusion was not really that far fetched. From Skywalker's comment about doing the right thing and the scene Leia had witnessed this morning in the Jedi's apartment, it made sense.
"Mara." Luke said soothingly, tightening his grip on her hand. He could feel Mara's temper rising and he felt as if he were quickly losing control of the situation.
But she couldn't help the anger that filled her at the slightly accusing tone in Leia's voice, "You find the idea of us having a child together, abhorrent?" Mara asked heatedly.
"No, no." Leia quickly back peddled and then realized how rude her comment must have sounded, "I just thought. . . "
This was too much for Mara. The proposal, the way Skywalker was holding her hand solicitously, the way her blood threaded through her veins like quick silver, and the implication that she had trapped the Jedi in marriage by seducing him and then becoming pregnant was just too much. She suddenly longed to be away from the both of them, to escape the tumultuous emotions that the Jedi evoked in her, and return to the calm she had started to accept as the norm in her life.
Mara yanked her hand free and stood up. "What's between Luke and me is our business. If we decide to have a child together, we aren't going to ask for your permission." Mara glanced at her wrist chrono and saw that she still had plenty of time until her meeting, but she said, "I'm late for a meeting, so if you'll excuse me." And she left her plate of food uneaten as she stalked away.
Luke jumped to his feet and ran after Mara. He grabbed her by the shoulders and she tried to shrug him away. "Don't go," he pleaded.
"Go back to your sister. We'll talk about this later." Mara assured him.
Leia stood up at the table, but kept her distance.
"Tell her whatever you want, Skywalker. For right now, I'm done." Mara turned on her heel and walked away.
Luke watched her disappear, and Leia placed her hand on her brother's arm. "I'm sorry, Luke."
The waver in Leia's voice caused him to glanced in concern at his sister and he was surprised to sense the sorrow in her. "It's all right, Leia."
"No. it's not. I shouldn't have said that. I love you, brother. You deserve all the happiness in the world. I was just so surprised. You getting married . . . and with Mara. I had no idea that you were even dating her until this morning."
Luke smiled wryly, "I didn't even know that we were getting married until this morning. We have this. connection like none I've ever experienced." That wasn't a lie.
Leia persuaded him, her features softening. "Go after her. We can talk later. Come to my house tonight for a dinner celebration. I'd like to get the chance to apologize to her. I was rude."
Luke shrugged, but needed no further urging. He kissed her quickly and said, "Thanks, Leia."
*********
Instead of heading in the direction of the assembly hall which was the location of her next meeting, Mara walked quickly to a small garden that was hidden just off the main entrance. Luke caught sight of her ducking into the small alcove that led to the verdant chamber and hurried to catch up to her.
When he neared the entrance he slowed, trying to organize his thoughts and regain his composure. Ever since their meeting more than a week ago, Luke had been having a hard time maintaining his usual calm. His thoughts were in turmoil, his emotions spiking sporadically at the slightest provocation. He gathered the Force around him in a protective mantle and took a deep calming breath. He walked forward.
"This meditation garden was planted by the Jedi Order over a two hundred years ago." Luke said as he entered the enclosed area. The multicolored transparisteel ceiling created a rainbow of colors streaming down overhead to illuminate the rich growth of tropical plants and fragrant flowers.
Mara sat on the single bench in the corner of the room, and glanced up at Luke in surprise.
"I thought I was the only one who still knew about this place," she said softly.
Luke walked in measured paces toward her, absently touching the green bushes and the petals of the large flowers. His eyes never wavering from Mara's face.
"It was designed by Jedi Master Domino Salar in an attempt to bring perfect balance to the natural world. When the sunlight hits the transparasteel design directly overhead, the colors fuse to create the purest white light I've ever seen. It's utterly breathtaking."
"I know," Mara said.
Luke sat on the bench beside her and Mara twisted the ring on her hand in agitation. "I should have taken this off."
Luke reached forward taking her hand, halting the uneasy gesture. "I'm glad you didn't. Leia didn't mean to be insulting or hurtful. She was shocked; she didn't mean the things she said."
"I know. This hasn't gone at all like we planned." Mara pulled her hand out of his grip and began to pace the area in front of the bench. "Maybe this isn't such a good idea. How do we know that the rest of our plan won't fail in the same way? I might never be able to be the kind of wife you want, and I know I'll never be the kind of person you deserve to spend the rest of your life with."
"Mara." His tone arrested her and she stopped her pacing and turned to face him. He rose to his feet and stood a little too close for comfort. "I never had any illusions that this was going to be easy, but I've made my choice. And I have no doubt that I've made the correct decision. Right now, I'm more concerned that I don't disappoint you."
She swayed toward him. Mara's eyes searched his and she did something that later she would be unable to explain. She leaned forward and kissed him. There wasn't an audience to witness the kiss and she wasn't trying to prove their sexual compatibility. She just kissed him.
Mara threw her arms around his neck, pressed her body flush against his, and claimed his mouth. Luke was startled, but he responded quickly his mouth meeting hers, his arms going around her to hold her tightly against him. The heat consumed them and it wasn't long before they were both regarding each other breathlessly, desire pulsing between them through the Force.
Mara said, "I'm not concerned about disappointment."
Her words served to remind Luke of the strictly physical nature of their arrangement. He smiled, taking care not to allow his disappointment to show on his face or through the Force.
Luke gently disentangled himself from her arms and retreated a step. His heart was still hammering in his chest, and he marveled at this woman's ability to effect him so profoundly. He wondered how long this consuming passion would last between them. Surely, this level of intensity had to dull after the first time they made love. It had been too long since he had any contact of a sexual nature, although, Luke acknowledged that never in his life had he been so effected by a kiss.
For the first time since he had proposed this arrangement, he wondered if perhaps he had gotten into something that was completely out of his control. Mara's bright green eyes became shuttered and she touched her mouth with the tip of one finger. She cleared her throat, and dropped her hand.
"Leia asked us to dinner tonight to celebrate our engagement." Luke said with a surprisingly steady voice.
Mara raised an eyebrow at him and Luke hurried on, "We don't have to go, if you don't wish to."
"No. That's fine. I'll meet you there after I get out of my obligations here." Mara assured him.
Luke wanted to insist on arriving at the Solo household with his intended bride, but at the moment he feared that she was on the verge of refusing the entire thing, and he didn't want to push her unnecessarily.
"Fine. I'll be there by Six."
Mara nodded noncommittally and left the small meditation area. Luke stared after her long after she had disappeared. Not for the first and certainly not for the last time, Luke wished he could talk to old Ben Kenobi.
*********