Title: Clear As A Bell

Author: Sw (aka Jeditheskyisblue)

Rating: Teen

Summary: Mara waited too long to accept Luke's offer of marriage or did she?

Author's note: I wrote this for a challenge I believe from a yahoo group about how the Emperor got Mara Jade as a child. I have a whole outline of that but never did get around to actually putting it into the story. Perhaps one day I will.

Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars and am making no money off of this story. I just wrote it for fun.

Part 6:

The walk back to Leia's was in silence. Mara was making plans of revenge against her former lover. Every once in a while Luke would glance over at Mara.

He knew she was planning some payback for this. Luke couldn't help but smile at her. Leia looked at her brother and caught him staring at Mara.

The feelings she felt coming for Luke were confusing her. She clearly felt Luke's protectiveness over Mara. Leia knew the two were friends, but she had no idea they were that close. As she pulled the com link out of her suit she clicked it on.

"Solo here" came Han's voice over the com link.

"Han it's Leia, I've got Luke and Mara with me. Can you make sure the droids start a late breakfast?" Leia asked as she kept up pace with Luke and Mara.

"Sure thing Sweetheart, I was just about to make breakfast for the kids anyway." Han said.

"Han be sure to not let the kids eat too many sweets." Leia said, then clicked off her comlink before Han could asks, "Who, me?" in that innocent tone of voice. Leia was surprised to see Mara stopped in her tracks smiling at her.

"Fathers, you can't trust them. Their idea of breakfast is anything that makes the kids happy." Leia said she didn't know why she just told the trader that. It wasn't like Mara Jade would ever have a child to find out.

Luke looked at Leia and smiled. She was starting to warm up to Mara. That was a good thing. If the two could become friends it would be wonderful. Mara was going to need a friend that was a Mother. Someone to ask baby questions to.

Overhearing Luke's optimistic thoughts, Mara glared at the Jedi. (Not in a million years Skywalker would I ever ask your sister anything about babies.) Luke just smiled. Mara knew that look. It was the 'you'll-see-look, the look that annoyed her the most.

Mara's anger came to the surface as she felt a nagging sensation that Luke might be right.

Callista had just finished getting dressed when she heard the Solo kids yelling, "Uncle Luke's coming!"

So Luke was finally showing up. Callista felt anger growing inside her. She had tried not to listen to Leia and Han arguing earlier, but as she was living under the same roof and only a wall away. She couldn't help but hear them yelling.

Callista wasn't upset at Han for taking Luke's side. Luke wasn't there and someone had to defend him. But Han's arguments did hit close to home. Luke wasn't a child, he knew what he wanted. The more time she spent with him. The more time she spent with him, the more Callista began to believe that Luke didn't feel the same way that he once had. Although it hurt a great deal, Callista knew she wouldn't want Luke anymore if he didn't love her, body and soul.

Leia entered her apartment followed closely by Mara then Luke. Leia got the feeling Luke wasn't letting Mara out of his sight.

"Uncle Luke!" yelled three very excited kids, running into Luke. Luke just smiled and gave each one a hug.

(Do they do that every time you come over?) Mara asked Luke through their bond.

(Yes, afraid they'll start doing it to you once the baby's born?) Luke asked teasing the red head. Mara just shook her head in response to his question.

"Hey, Kid," Han said as he greeted his brother-in-law. When his eyes fell to the red-head, he coolly added, "Jade." To say he'd been shocked when Leia had announced that Mara was coming for breakfast was an understatement.

"You look pretty, Aunt Callista," Jaina said. All eyes turned to take in the sight of Callista, former Jedi Knight. She was wearing a sky blue gown that appeared to be glued to her body--at least that's what Mara Jade thought.

Mara couldn't help but feel a ping of pain when Jaina had called Callista 'Aunt'. Sure Jaina was a child and didn't know any better. But that was what everyone thought as well. That Callista would become Mrs. Luke Skywalker.

Luke took his eyes off Callista and rested them on the most beautiful woman he had ever known. Her jade-green eyes told of the pain she felt. (Have I told you how beautiful you look today, Mar?) Luke asked, and was rewarded a moment later when a smile appeared on Mara's face.

Mara Jade didn't feel beautiful, though. She felt tired and a little sick to the stomach that, and fat. Though she had only gained a few extra pounds so far, she would soon be a Hutt. (Come on, Mar, you'll never look like a Hutt) Luke teased her. Mara just shook her head at him. Neither noticed Callista and Leia trying to ask them if they would like to eat now.

Han couldn't help but laugh then nudge his brother-in-law in the shoulder. Luke looked up and met the eyes of Leia and Callista. "Sorry, I wasn't listening. What were you saying?"

Both women looked fit to kill. Mara felt protective of Luke all of a sudden. 'They shouldn't treat him that way.' Mara thought.

"Don't worry Jade. I'm sure you won't let them kill him." Han said from her side, then watched the ex Emperor's Hand turn as red as her hair. Han chuckled to himself. And yet, just a few minutes ago he'd been planning on making a break for it. Yes this afternoon looked promising.

TBC…