Ok, well here's the next part. I told you it wouldn't take me another
month (. Anyway, thanks for the reviews! I hope you guys like it. HAPPY
HALLOWEEN!
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Mara stood by the waterfall, her golden dress blowing slightly in the nights cool breeze. She had been there for what seemed like hours now, taken away with contemplation. He was standing behind her, he had been there for some time now, but Mara didn't need the force to know he was watching her. She could feel his warm gaze; it wrapped about her like a blanket and made her feel important. Finally after a long moment of silence she began.
"How do you think they're taking it?"
Luke sighed and walked over to stand by her side, his gaze now focused on the waterfall in front of him.
"Padmè seems really calm and that surprises me, physically as well as emotionally. She's not a Jedi, I know, but my mother seems wise beyond her years. I believe that us coming here to warn them was a second chance, an opportunity she won't let pass by."
That didn't surprise Mara, she could see the similarities between Padmè and Luke and she wouldn't expect Padmè? to take this any other way. Mara knew as well as anyone what second chances can bring you. What if she had succeeded in killing Skywalker? Where would she be if the Emperor were still alive? A bitter, lonely assassin that has no chance at living. What if Skywalker hadn't forgiven her for all those death threats? She would have no one and that was something Mara didn't like to contemplate. Shaking her head to clear her thoughts Mara focused on Luke's profile.
"And Anakin?" She asked watching to see his reaction.
Luke sighed again, "He's blocking me, I can't get through his barriers and he won't let me in, like someone else I know." She blushed at this but said nothing so Luke continued, "I can feel his anger, his anger at himself. I don't think he can understand why he would give up his life for darkness, loneliness, and to be a slave again. A slave of the dark side, and Palpatine.
I can also feel him fighting, I can sense him calming his emotions, and not letting the anger inside rule him. I think that by telling him, he'll do all he can to stay on the light side. No longer is he yearning for power, but only for the love of Padmè. He worries that she won't be able to forgive him for something he hasn't done."
//Always in motion the future is...//
The echoing in the force reached them both and Mara nudged Luke slightly in the shoulder as if to reassure him. When that didn't work she voiced her opinion, what the force has been whispering to her the moment she stepped out into the night's cool air.
"I don't think we have to worry about him making the wrong decision Skywalker." Mara commented and studied the farm boy out of the corner of her eyes. Luke only nodded in reply as he continued to study the waterfall. A strange silence engulfed them and it made Mara feel uncomfortable, so uncomfortable she would do anything to break it.
Luke glanced at the beautiful woman beside him and couldn't fight off the smirk. He had a feeling that with Mara here, by his side, everything will turn out to be fine.
Mara opened her mouth to speak, but snapped it shut when she noticed that strange glint come into his bright blue eyes. That could never be could, could never end well for Mara. The smirk that was widening on his face only proved her point. Before she knew what was happening, Luke was jumping into the waterfall they had both been staring at intently.
She lifted her skirts and ran to the water's edge waiting for him to surface. He didn't. Kneeling down, Mara's eyes darted back and forth looking for the errant Jedi.
Farm Boys can swim...right?
Mara knew he could swim, she was even pretty sure she had seen him swim before, but even if he couldn't there was no way she was going in after the dumb Jedi. She had thought earlier that she would do anything to break the silence but jumping into a waterfall? Give me a break, she thought with a snort and moved to stand up.
Just as she was almost up a soon-to-be-man pulled her into the cold water by her waist. Sputtering as she surfaced Mara pulled her water logged self out of the water. Luke was laughing at her and even when she sent her best glare his laughter didn't cease.
Coming onto the bank by her side, Luke grinned stupidly, his bangs covering his eyes, and he looked up at her. Mara raised her eyebrows then pushed him on the forehead causing him to tumble backwards back into the water.
It was her turn to laugh now as she tripped over her own feet in order to get away from him. They both laughed like children, laughed like the child neither one got to be, as Mara twirled away from his warm embrace.
Finally she was caught, and they both breathed heavily, trying in a vain attempt to control some of their merriment.
"Mara I..."
Mara pulled his head down to meet his lips in a soft kiss. If Luke was surprised that she had taken the initiative and finally kissed him, he didn't let it show and kissed her back. He poured all of his emotions into this one kiss, everything she wouldn't let him say, hoping she would understand the true depths of his love for her.
"Marry me Mara," Luke whispered breaking away from the kiss.
"What?"
"Marry me," he repeated patently and smiled sheepishly. "For real, not just because of some game or because you feel you have to. Marry me because you want to, marry me because you love me as much as I love you."
She couldn't speak, partly because she was still reeling from that kiss, but mostly because of his words and the sincerity and love she felt coming off of him. He was serious, he wanted her to marry him and he loved her. Part of Mara barely contained the smile that wanted to surface, but she couldn't help but feel that maybe that wasn't enough. If they were to marry how was she ever supposed to let him go?
Mara couldn't really think of living without him, she couldn't get a clear picture of her life without this farm boy. This farm boy that has come to mean so much to her. Even the first time she saw him she loved him. Of course, it was an obsessive I-love-to-hate-you-kind-of-love, but that was perfectly understandable considering all of the lies Palpatine told her.
She values his friendship and in her heart she knows that there can be no other man for her, no other man to complete her as he does. He is the other half of her heart, the other half of her soul. To her surprise, her love for him hasn't been in question for a long time; the question instead had been whether or not it would be easier to let him go after she let his love in. Or when she never had him at all.
Luke noticed her hesitation and pulled away sadly, his blue eyes clouded. "If you have this much doubt Mara then obviously you don't feel the same."
"Don't say that Skywalker! I may not know what I want or what love is because I've never experienced it before, but that has never been in question. I just don't...maybe I'm a coward, but I'm afraid of losing you. I don't want to lose you."
Instead of understanding, like she had believed he would, he pulled away completely. His blue eyes now almost devoid of any emotion. He was trying to shut her out, but his barriers wouldn't let him shut her out completely and Mara could feel the pain she was causing him. It broke her heart but she couldn't force herself to comfort him, she couldn't let her fear go as her heart wanted.
Luke held her gaze for so long, she began to doubt her own conclusion even more. Then he wrenched his gaze from hers and looked up at the starlit sky. She saw his jaw clench and could still feel his pain.
Finally his blue eyes locked once again on hers and they had returned once again to the light blue she remembered, sad but clear. He lifted his hand slowly and traced her cheek before raising it even more and plucking a flower from her hair. He tossed the flower aside and looked directly at her again.
"Haven't we wasted enough time?"
With that said he turned and strode back to the resort across the green fields.
Mara stood there, tears frozen in her eyes, and watched as Luke disappeared from her sight. She couldn't help but wonder if she had a second chance, would she do it any differently, would she change anything? Would she let her heart finally win?
Glancing down she saw the discarded bloom and without really thinking she picked it up and inhaled its fresh scent. She gave a soft smile when she realized that yes, she would change that moment, and she would listen to her heart if she had a second chance. Then with a determined look Mara followed Luke back to the resort.
Not everyone needs a second chance to make something right, sometimes you just need to prolong the first a bit.
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"Anakin," Padmè called out softly when she noticed him walk by, shoulders slumped, out of his room. Finally. He stopped and looked over to her with a guarded look in his eyes, but sat by her side next to the fire as she requested.
Under any other circumstance, the setting would be rather romantic, but Anakin was too confused to even comment on it. Instead he sat awkwardly.
The silence stretched on, neither one knowing what to say. Padmè finally caught his eye and gave a soft smile ready to begin.
"I'm sorry," he blurted out before she could even begin to speak. Her smile never wavered, only softened even more.
"I'm sorry," he repeated again, his voice so soft she had to lean closer in order to hear it.
"There's nothing to be sorry for Anakin," she reassured him just as softly and he scoffed slightly.
"No Anakin, you don't need to apologize for something you've never done. There are different paths in life to choose from, we just have to make sure you stick with me through them all."
Anakin's bright blue eyes met hers and they glazed over with moisture when he realized she was serious. He hadn't lost her.
Her smile softened even more when she noticed his innocent expression. She loved him; she knew that now with a certainty. Rising up her hand slowly she smoothed out the wrinkles in his forehead then traced his strong jaw line. She laughed slightly when she noticed him draw in an unsteady breath. It felt good to know you have that affect on someone with only one touch, and they have that same effect on you.
Padmè leaned forward slowly and brushed her lips against his. This kiss was different than the first. Tentative at first, then filled with love. She could no longer hide her emotions from him but there really seemed to be no point to anyway. She pulled away leaning her forehead against his.
"I'm not going to deny my feelings for you Anakin, but I don't know if this is the right time to start something, even though it is inevitable..."
"I don't want it to be like that Padmè," Anakin argued his eyes wary as he pulled away and stood up.
"Like what?"
"I don't want you to feel obligated to love me..."
She tried to open her mouth to argue only to close it again when she didn't know how to make him understand that what she felt for him was real.
"I see."
"I don't think you do Anakin! I don't feel any obligation to you. You know me, would I ever do anything I didn't want to?"
Anakin didn't answer her; there really was no need to so he waited for her to continue. He didn't have to wait long.
"I want to be with you Anakin, but with all that's happening now do you really think it would be a good idea? No matter how times have changed the way of the Jedi for Luke and Mara it's not that way here. You're studying to become a jedi and.... I'm a senator. If you follow your thoughts through to a conclusion it will take us to a place we can't go right now, no matter what we feel."
Anakin nodded in understanding and sat by her side taking both of her hands in his. She brought both of his hands up and kissed each one softly, his blue eyes followed her movements.
"We could keep it a secret."
"We'd be living a lie, one we couldn't keep even if we wanted to. I couldn't do that, could you Anakin? Could you live like that?"
"No."
"If we wait we won't have to. We will be together Anakin, this much I know for certain."
He smiled and leaned forward giving her a soft kiss as she had given him earlier. To his surprise she kissed him back quickly then pulled away smiling. They were interrupted as Luke stormed passed, only giving them a slight smile before heading to his quarters, boots sloshing with every step. Padmè looked at Anakin brows raised but he shook his head not really knowing what was going on either. Moments later a water logged Mara, drenched as Luke was, came hurrying in with a determined look on her face.
"Where'd Skywalker go?" She asked impatiently and Padmè glanced at Anakin as if to say right here.
"Luke!" Mara clarified in a huff and Padmè smiled at her own mistake before pointing towards the sleeping quarters. As soon as she was gone Anakin could no longer control his mirth and burst out laughing. Padmè laughed as well, but sobered up and called out to the angry red head.
"What happened to my dress?"
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With a steadiness of purpose she hadn't felt in a long time Mara strode determined to their quarters and hit the release button.
Nothing happened.
She hit the button again and came up with the same results. First she was locked inside of her room, and now she was locked outside. Unbelievable! Then it finally hit her, like a pod racer at full speed, he locked her out.
Luke had locked her out!
"That stupid no good for nothing son of a..." Mara muttered trailing off and glaring at the door willing it to open, her pride would not let her knock. Finally she turned to leave, her determination no longer as strong. It could wait till morning; let him mope about for all I care, Mara thought with a huff.
Her strides shortened when she saw Padmè waiting at the end of the hall for her.
"What?"
Padmè said nothing, only gave her a look, wincing slightly at the wet dress. Mara thought she caught the hint and apologized for letting the stupid farm boy throw her in the water.
"No, not that Mara..." She trailed off and glanced at the door, "Did he lock you out?"
Mara felt that her question didn't need and answer but she couldn't help the slight blush that came to her cheeks. Padmè smiled brightly, obviously amused and Mara dared her to continue with a glare. She did of course.
"What's this about then?" The brave young woman asks holding up a black little box. The black little box. Her ring.
Mara made a move to snatch it away but Padmè was quicker. "Did you turn him down or something?" Padmè asked jokingly. Once again Mara blushed, but this time it wasn't with embarrassment, but shame. Padmè frowned when Mara didn't react to her caustic manner.
"Why would you do a stupid thing like that?"
Leave it to Padmè to be blunt.
"Well, I changed my mind but stupid farm boy had to lock the door..."
"Why did you say no in the first place?"
"I didn't, not really. He just jumped to a conclusion and that was that..." Mara trailed off realizing she was just making excuses for herself. Padmè looked at her expectantly, not buying any of her lame excuses. For the first time in a long time Mara couldn't stand the interrogation and relented, telling Padmè everything. Padmè listened intently, never interrupting, and when Mara was finally finished she looked almost sympathetic.
"Think of it this way Mara, you love him, and you want to spend every moment with him. I know you better than you think and I believe that you'd even have these doubts if you weren't in the past. You've been hurt so much already in your life that you're afraid to let anyone in. Loving Luke won't hurt you Mara, in my opinion loving someone makes you stronger."
"When did you figure all of this out?"
"Honestly? I have no idea what so ever; all I know is that you and Luke are made for each other no matter what doubts you have. There was a reason you came to the past too Mara, maybe it was to help you realize that you have loved Luke for a long time. You were meant to love Luke."
Mara was silent contemplating for a few moments. She had already decided that she would marry Skywalker no matter the cost but how was she supposed to make him understand she loved him and wanted him as her husband?
"Good night Mara."
One thing was for sure; she wasn't going to let him get away. Mara turned around and walked down the hallway stopping at the locked door again. This time instead of fuming she used the force to open it. Why she didn't think of this earlier when they were trapped was beyond her.
She glided into the dark room and opened her mouth to speak only to close it seconds later when she saw Luke sleeping what looked like as uncomfortably in the chair by the bed. Mara stared at him for only a few moments before grabbing her dry work out clothes that Padmè had lent her, and headed to the fresher to change.
It didn't take long and Mara found herself staring once again at Luke. Cursing softly under her breath she grabbed the quilt off the bed and placed it on him up to his chin. She couldn't stop herself as she leaned over and placed a caste kiss on his forehead before spinning around, grabbing her lightsaber and leaving the room.
Outside of the room, Mara let out a breath she hadn't realized she had been holding. She started to walk down the hall when she heard a soft whimpering coming from Jaina's room. No one had appointed her guardian of the child, but she couldn't help caring for the little squirt. Before she realized what she was doing she was inside the little girl's room, standing by the bed and staring at a lump of blankets with, presumably Jaina underneath.
Mara tapped the head of the blanket and it let out a little squeal. "Hey squirt, don't worry it's just me."
The sheet slowly lifted and Jaina's sad, teary-eyed face came into view. "Auntie Mara?" She whispered and raised the sheet beckoning for her to come inside quickly. Against her better judgment Mara did as requested.
"Did you have a nightmare?"
Jaina shook her head no and put a finger to her lips bringing up the glow light. "There's something under my bed." She whispered forlornly.
Mara didn't dare smile; Jaina's face was too serious to even think about finding this situation amusing.
"Want me to kill it?" Mara asked pointing to her hold out blaster that was strapped to her arm.
Jaina bit her lip, deep in thought but eventually shook her head no. Mara felt a slight twinge of disappointment than berated herself for feeling so. It was after all a fictional creature that lived under the bed
"No, but do you think you could scare him away, just for tonight?"
Mara nodded and stepped out of the bed, blaster drawn. Jaina gave her whisper of luck and Mara knelt stealthily on the ground. "All right, you better leave Jaina alone or I'll have to get angry." Mara growled convincingly and it took a few more moments of threats before Mara chased it out of the room much to Jaina's delight. Mara sat back on the bed with a satisfied smirk and Jaina tackled her in a hug.
Thanks Auntie Mara!"
Mara felt her heart constrict at the title and she remembered what she was doing before this little detour. "Are you going to be ok now?"
Jaina nodded bravely and Mara stood up once again and turned to leave. "Night," she commented on her way out.
"Where are you going?" Jaina asked as she settled herself under the covers.
Mara needed time to think about everything but she knew that wouldn't be what J wanted to hear. She was really going to the combat room to vent out some frustration as well as think, and since she really didn't see the need to lie to the girl she told the truth.
"To go beat up some droids."
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Mara stood by the waterfall, her golden dress blowing slightly in the nights cool breeze. She had been there for what seemed like hours now, taken away with contemplation. He was standing behind her, he had been there for some time now, but Mara didn't need the force to know he was watching her. She could feel his warm gaze; it wrapped about her like a blanket and made her feel important. Finally after a long moment of silence she began.
"How do you think they're taking it?"
Luke sighed and walked over to stand by her side, his gaze now focused on the waterfall in front of him.
"Padmè seems really calm and that surprises me, physically as well as emotionally. She's not a Jedi, I know, but my mother seems wise beyond her years. I believe that us coming here to warn them was a second chance, an opportunity she won't let pass by."
That didn't surprise Mara, she could see the similarities between Padmè and Luke and she wouldn't expect Padmè? to take this any other way. Mara knew as well as anyone what second chances can bring you. What if she had succeeded in killing Skywalker? Where would she be if the Emperor were still alive? A bitter, lonely assassin that has no chance at living. What if Skywalker hadn't forgiven her for all those death threats? She would have no one and that was something Mara didn't like to contemplate. Shaking her head to clear her thoughts Mara focused on Luke's profile.
"And Anakin?" She asked watching to see his reaction.
Luke sighed again, "He's blocking me, I can't get through his barriers and he won't let me in, like someone else I know." She blushed at this but said nothing so Luke continued, "I can feel his anger, his anger at himself. I don't think he can understand why he would give up his life for darkness, loneliness, and to be a slave again. A slave of the dark side, and Palpatine.
I can also feel him fighting, I can sense him calming his emotions, and not letting the anger inside rule him. I think that by telling him, he'll do all he can to stay on the light side. No longer is he yearning for power, but only for the love of Padmè. He worries that she won't be able to forgive him for something he hasn't done."
//Always in motion the future is...//
The echoing in the force reached them both and Mara nudged Luke slightly in the shoulder as if to reassure him. When that didn't work she voiced her opinion, what the force has been whispering to her the moment she stepped out into the night's cool air.
"I don't think we have to worry about him making the wrong decision Skywalker." Mara commented and studied the farm boy out of the corner of her eyes. Luke only nodded in reply as he continued to study the waterfall. A strange silence engulfed them and it made Mara feel uncomfortable, so uncomfortable she would do anything to break it.
Luke glanced at the beautiful woman beside him and couldn't fight off the smirk. He had a feeling that with Mara here, by his side, everything will turn out to be fine.
Mara opened her mouth to speak, but snapped it shut when she noticed that strange glint come into his bright blue eyes. That could never be could, could never end well for Mara. The smirk that was widening on his face only proved her point. Before she knew what was happening, Luke was jumping into the waterfall they had both been staring at intently.
She lifted her skirts and ran to the water's edge waiting for him to surface. He didn't. Kneeling down, Mara's eyes darted back and forth looking for the errant Jedi.
Farm Boys can swim...right?
Mara knew he could swim, she was even pretty sure she had seen him swim before, but even if he couldn't there was no way she was going in after the dumb Jedi. She had thought earlier that she would do anything to break the silence but jumping into a waterfall? Give me a break, she thought with a snort and moved to stand up.
Just as she was almost up a soon-to-be-man pulled her into the cold water by her waist. Sputtering as she surfaced Mara pulled her water logged self out of the water. Luke was laughing at her and even when she sent her best glare his laughter didn't cease.
Coming onto the bank by her side, Luke grinned stupidly, his bangs covering his eyes, and he looked up at her. Mara raised her eyebrows then pushed him on the forehead causing him to tumble backwards back into the water.
It was her turn to laugh now as she tripped over her own feet in order to get away from him. They both laughed like children, laughed like the child neither one got to be, as Mara twirled away from his warm embrace.
Finally she was caught, and they both breathed heavily, trying in a vain attempt to control some of their merriment.
"Mara I..."
Mara pulled his head down to meet his lips in a soft kiss. If Luke was surprised that she had taken the initiative and finally kissed him, he didn't let it show and kissed her back. He poured all of his emotions into this one kiss, everything she wouldn't let him say, hoping she would understand the true depths of his love for her.
"Marry me Mara," Luke whispered breaking away from the kiss.
"What?"
"Marry me," he repeated patently and smiled sheepishly. "For real, not just because of some game or because you feel you have to. Marry me because you want to, marry me because you love me as much as I love you."
She couldn't speak, partly because she was still reeling from that kiss, but mostly because of his words and the sincerity and love she felt coming off of him. He was serious, he wanted her to marry him and he loved her. Part of Mara barely contained the smile that wanted to surface, but she couldn't help but feel that maybe that wasn't enough. If they were to marry how was she ever supposed to let him go?
Mara couldn't really think of living without him, she couldn't get a clear picture of her life without this farm boy. This farm boy that has come to mean so much to her. Even the first time she saw him she loved him. Of course, it was an obsessive I-love-to-hate-you-kind-of-love, but that was perfectly understandable considering all of the lies Palpatine told her.
She values his friendship and in her heart she knows that there can be no other man for her, no other man to complete her as he does. He is the other half of her heart, the other half of her soul. To her surprise, her love for him hasn't been in question for a long time; the question instead had been whether or not it would be easier to let him go after she let his love in. Or when she never had him at all.
Luke noticed her hesitation and pulled away sadly, his blue eyes clouded. "If you have this much doubt Mara then obviously you don't feel the same."
"Don't say that Skywalker! I may not know what I want or what love is because I've never experienced it before, but that has never been in question. I just don't...maybe I'm a coward, but I'm afraid of losing you. I don't want to lose you."
Instead of understanding, like she had believed he would, he pulled away completely. His blue eyes now almost devoid of any emotion. He was trying to shut her out, but his barriers wouldn't let him shut her out completely and Mara could feel the pain she was causing him. It broke her heart but she couldn't force herself to comfort him, she couldn't let her fear go as her heart wanted.
Luke held her gaze for so long, she began to doubt her own conclusion even more. Then he wrenched his gaze from hers and looked up at the starlit sky. She saw his jaw clench and could still feel his pain.
Finally his blue eyes locked once again on hers and they had returned once again to the light blue she remembered, sad but clear. He lifted his hand slowly and traced her cheek before raising it even more and plucking a flower from her hair. He tossed the flower aside and looked directly at her again.
"Haven't we wasted enough time?"
With that said he turned and strode back to the resort across the green fields.
Mara stood there, tears frozen in her eyes, and watched as Luke disappeared from her sight. She couldn't help but wonder if she had a second chance, would she do it any differently, would she change anything? Would she let her heart finally win?
Glancing down she saw the discarded bloom and without really thinking she picked it up and inhaled its fresh scent. She gave a soft smile when she realized that yes, she would change that moment, and she would listen to her heart if she had a second chance. Then with a determined look Mara followed Luke back to the resort.
Not everyone needs a second chance to make something right, sometimes you just need to prolong the first a bit.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~**************************************~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~
"Anakin," Padmè called out softly when she noticed him walk by, shoulders slumped, out of his room. Finally. He stopped and looked over to her with a guarded look in his eyes, but sat by her side next to the fire as she requested.
Under any other circumstance, the setting would be rather romantic, but Anakin was too confused to even comment on it. Instead he sat awkwardly.
The silence stretched on, neither one knowing what to say. Padmè finally caught his eye and gave a soft smile ready to begin.
"I'm sorry," he blurted out before she could even begin to speak. Her smile never wavered, only softened even more.
"I'm sorry," he repeated again, his voice so soft she had to lean closer in order to hear it.
"There's nothing to be sorry for Anakin," she reassured him just as softly and he scoffed slightly.
"No Anakin, you don't need to apologize for something you've never done. There are different paths in life to choose from, we just have to make sure you stick with me through them all."
Anakin's bright blue eyes met hers and they glazed over with moisture when he realized she was serious. He hadn't lost her.
Her smile softened even more when she noticed his innocent expression. She loved him; she knew that now with a certainty. Rising up her hand slowly she smoothed out the wrinkles in his forehead then traced his strong jaw line. She laughed slightly when she noticed him draw in an unsteady breath. It felt good to know you have that affect on someone with only one touch, and they have that same effect on you.
Padmè leaned forward slowly and brushed her lips against his. This kiss was different than the first. Tentative at first, then filled with love. She could no longer hide her emotions from him but there really seemed to be no point to anyway. She pulled away leaning her forehead against his.
"I'm not going to deny my feelings for you Anakin, but I don't know if this is the right time to start something, even though it is inevitable..."
"I don't want it to be like that Padmè," Anakin argued his eyes wary as he pulled away and stood up.
"Like what?"
"I don't want you to feel obligated to love me..."
She tried to open her mouth to argue only to close it again when she didn't know how to make him understand that what she felt for him was real.
"I see."
"I don't think you do Anakin! I don't feel any obligation to you. You know me, would I ever do anything I didn't want to?"
Anakin didn't answer her; there really was no need to so he waited for her to continue. He didn't have to wait long.
"I want to be with you Anakin, but with all that's happening now do you really think it would be a good idea? No matter how times have changed the way of the Jedi for Luke and Mara it's not that way here. You're studying to become a jedi and.... I'm a senator. If you follow your thoughts through to a conclusion it will take us to a place we can't go right now, no matter what we feel."
Anakin nodded in understanding and sat by her side taking both of her hands in his. She brought both of his hands up and kissed each one softly, his blue eyes followed her movements.
"We could keep it a secret."
"We'd be living a lie, one we couldn't keep even if we wanted to. I couldn't do that, could you Anakin? Could you live like that?"
"No."
"If we wait we won't have to. We will be together Anakin, this much I know for certain."
He smiled and leaned forward giving her a soft kiss as she had given him earlier. To his surprise she kissed him back quickly then pulled away smiling. They were interrupted as Luke stormed passed, only giving them a slight smile before heading to his quarters, boots sloshing with every step. Padmè looked at Anakin brows raised but he shook his head not really knowing what was going on either. Moments later a water logged Mara, drenched as Luke was, came hurrying in with a determined look on her face.
"Where'd Skywalker go?" She asked impatiently and Padmè glanced at Anakin as if to say right here.
"Luke!" Mara clarified in a huff and Padmè smiled at her own mistake before pointing towards the sleeping quarters. As soon as she was gone Anakin could no longer control his mirth and burst out laughing. Padmè laughed as well, but sobered up and called out to the angry red head.
"What happened to my dress?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~***********************************~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~
With a steadiness of purpose she hadn't felt in a long time Mara strode determined to their quarters and hit the release button.
Nothing happened.
She hit the button again and came up with the same results. First she was locked inside of her room, and now she was locked outside. Unbelievable! Then it finally hit her, like a pod racer at full speed, he locked her out.
Luke had locked her out!
"That stupid no good for nothing son of a..." Mara muttered trailing off and glaring at the door willing it to open, her pride would not let her knock. Finally she turned to leave, her determination no longer as strong. It could wait till morning; let him mope about for all I care, Mara thought with a huff.
Her strides shortened when she saw Padmè waiting at the end of the hall for her.
"What?"
Padmè said nothing, only gave her a look, wincing slightly at the wet dress. Mara thought she caught the hint and apologized for letting the stupid farm boy throw her in the water.
"No, not that Mara..." She trailed off and glanced at the door, "Did he lock you out?"
Mara felt that her question didn't need and answer but she couldn't help the slight blush that came to her cheeks. Padmè smiled brightly, obviously amused and Mara dared her to continue with a glare. She did of course.
"What's this about then?" The brave young woman asks holding up a black little box. The black little box. Her ring.
Mara made a move to snatch it away but Padmè was quicker. "Did you turn him down or something?" Padmè asked jokingly. Once again Mara blushed, but this time it wasn't with embarrassment, but shame. Padmè frowned when Mara didn't react to her caustic manner.
"Why would you do a stupid thing like that?"
Leave it to Padmè to be blunt.
"Well, I changed my mind but stupid farm boy had to lock the door..."
"Why did you say no in the first place?"
"I didn't, not really. He just jumped to a conclusion and that was that..." Mara trailed off realizing she was just making excuses for herself. Padmè looked at her expectantly, not buying any of her lame excuses. For the first time in a long time Mara couldn't stand the interrogation and relented, telling Padmè everything. Padmè listened intently, never interrupting, and when Mara was finally finished she looked almost sympathetic.
"Think of it this way Mara, you love him, and you want to spend every moment with him. I know you better than you think and I believe that you'd even have these doubts if you weren't in the past. You've been hurt so much already in your life that you're afraid to let anyone in. Loving Luke won't hurt you Mara, in my opinion loving someone makes you stronger."
"When did you figure all of this out?"
"Honestly? I have no idea what so ever; all I know is that you and Luke are made for each other no matter what doubts you have. There was a reason you came to the past too Mara, maybe it was to help you realize that you have loved Luke for a long time. You were meant to love Luke."
Mara was silent contemplating for a few moments. She had already decided that she would marry Skywalker no matter the cost but how was she supposed to make him understand she loved him and wanted him as her husband?
"Good night Mara."
One thing was for sure; she wasn't going to let him get away. Mara turned around and walked down the hallway stopping at the locked door again. This time instead of fuming she used the force to open it. Why she didn't think of this earlier when they were trapped was beyond her.
She glided into the dark room and opened her mouth to speak only to close it seconds later when she saw Luke sleeping what looked like as uncomfortably in the chair by the bed. Mara stared at him for only a few moments before grabbing her dry work out clothes that Padmè had lent her, and headed to the fresher to change.
It didn't take long and Mara found herself staring once again at Luke. Cursing softly under her breath she grabbed the quilt off the bed and placed it on him up to his chin. She couldn't stop herself as she leaned over and placed a caste kiss on his forehead before spinning around, grabbing her lightsaber and leaving the room.
Outside of the room, Mara let out a breath she hadn't realized she had been holding. She started to walk down the hall when she heard a soft whimpering coming from Jaina's room. No one had appointed her guardian of the child, but she couldn't help caring for the little squirt. Before she realized what she was doing she was inside the little girl's room, standing by the bed and staring at a lump of blankets with, presumably Jaina underneath.
Mara tapped the head of the blanket and it let out a little squeal. "Hey squirt, don't worry it's just me."
The sheet slowly lifted and Jaina's sad, teary-eyed face came into view. "Auntie Mara?" She whispered and raised the sheet beckoning for her to come inside quickly. Against her better judgment Mara did as requested.
"Did you have a nightmare?"
Jaina shook her head no and put a finger to her lips bringing up the glow light. "There's something under my bed." She whispered forlornly.
Mara didn't dare smile; Jaina's face was too serious to even think about finding this situation amusing.
"Want me to kill it?" Mara asked pointing to her hold out blaster that was strapped to her arm.
Jaina bit her lip, deep in thought but eventually shook her head no. Mara felt a slight twinge of disappointment than berated herself for feeling so. It was after all a fictional creature that lived under the bed
"No, but do you think you could scare him away, just for tonight?"
Mara nodded and stepped out of the bed, blaster drawn. Jaina gave her whisper of luck and Mara knelt stealthily on the ground. "All right, you better leave Jaina alone or I'll have to get angry." Mara growled convincingly and it took a few more moments of threats before Mara chased it out of the room much to Jaina's delight. Mara sat back on the bed with a satisfied smirk and Jaina tackled her in a hug.
Thanks Auntie Mara!"
Mara felt her heart constrict at the title and she remembered what she was doing before this little detour. "Are you going to be ok now?"
Jaina nodded bravely and Mara stood up once again and turned to leave. "Night," she commented on her way out.
"Where are you going?" Jaina asked as she settled herself under the covers.
Mara needed time to think about everything but she knew that wouldn't be what J wanted to hear. She was really going to the combat room to vent out some frustration as well as think, and since she really didn't see the need to lie to the girl she told the truth.
"To go beat up some droids."