Disclaimer: the usual.

Note: OMG! Did anyone else notice that Adi had a sex-change at the end of the second chapter? –claps hands over mouth- And yes, I know I'm bad with that cliffie and then.. like.. not updating at all. I know. I know. I SOWWEE!!

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Yavin- Luke's POV

Damn. I know when I'm in bantha-dung, but it can take a while for me to realize that I'm knee deep and sinking in it.

This was one of those it's up to my knees- it's up to my waist- it's up to my shoulders types of situations.

I'm in love.

With Mara Jade.

Master Trader and almost Jedi Knight, ex-Emperor's Hand and professional Imperial assassin.

When did Jedi Masters become suicidal?

Mara's POV

Somehow in Luke's expression I saw something… new. Different. My farmboy's really grown up, I reflected for a moment before immediately becoming horrified.

Did I just call him… my farmboy? My farmboy?!...!

But upon further thought, it's true.

I wouldn't really mind, I guess… calling him my farmboy without this feeling of…

Well, in a very strange and twisted way, affection and just a sense of rightness.

This is scary in a very pleasant sort of way.

Regular POV

Luke sighed as he watched Mara go down the hall. He had classes in fifteen minutes, but had no urge to get up and teach like he usually did; his newfound… ideas about his apprentice had left him reeling.

'It's true, though,' he commented mentally. 'I do love her, and-'

Skywalker?

Mara, I thought you were going to sleep?

You're thinking rather loudly.

Luke froze. Had she heard what he was thinking? Or just the white noise?

Did you hear any of it?

Nope. Was I supposed to?

No, was just wondering.

Gonna tell me?

Maybe. Possibly… eventually.

C'mon, Luke. Tell me.

I doubt you'd want to know.

C'mmmonnnn…

That's okay. I'll pass. Luke gently shut the link between them after sending a gentle compulsion to rest. She grumbled about his subtle hint but took it anyway, dozing after a few minutes.

Luke blew out his breath, ran a hand through his untidy blonde hair, and got up to change before his classes. Uncharacteristically, he wasn't wearing his Jedi Master outfit, as Mara called it; tugging on his tunic he departed for the meditation rooms.

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Mara woke a few hours later, completely refreshed, and realized just how much stress Karrde's missions- and her broken lightsaber- presented her. Glancing down at her jumpsuit, she smoothed out the wrinkles, took down her hair, and ran her fingers through it as she walked towards the newly rearranged living room and stopped.

Luke was meditating, customary Jedi tunic and shirt nowhere to be found, clad only in his pants as he floated three feet above the ground. He sensed her presence and let himself down, unfolding his legs before he gently touched down.

"Hey, Mara." She only smiled and moved towards him, realizing for the first time exactly how muscled and toned his body was.

'God, I'm like an infatuated teenager.' She made extra sure her thoughts were guarded and was happy to see he didn't seem to notice. Stopping when she was in front of him she reached her arms out for a hug and Luke, while extremely surprised at her uncharacteristic display of affection, agreed readily. They stood like that for a few long moments, drawing comfort from their closeness that they had not yet noticed.

Pity they cannot see what is in front of them, Obi-Wan Kenobi commented from the all-knowing Force that was flowing around the two.

A bond they have, Yoda replied in his cryptic manner. Very strong it is. Both are strong, very strong in the Force. Destined they are.

Destined for what?

They are destined for love and to be loved, my young Padawan. Kenobi smiled at Anakin Skywalker as he approached. Your son has helped many, but none as much as Mara Jade.

This I have foreseen, but I wondered if you had seen it too.

We have. Yoda's green ears twitched. Wise your children are.

I am proud of them.

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Enjoy!