I just finished stepping into my gown and was securing the straps of my favorite heels when I heard an obscenity followed by a slight crash coming from my kitchenette.

Before I had the chance to even register a thought in my head, I was half-way down the hall with an empty thigh-holster strapped to my leg and the comforting feel of my holdout blaster firmly gripped in my steady hand.

"Damn it, Skywalker! This is exactly why I don't let people into my apartment!" I yelled when I saw the broken crystal shattered across the cool stone of my kitchen countertop.

I looked up to glare into Luke's eyes for scaring the Force out of me and breaking a piece of my priceless Alderaanian crystal, but he wasn't looking at me. His wide eyes were on the blaster, still in my hand and coincidentally pointed at his chest. With an annoyed growl, I hiked up my gown and holstered my weapon before trying my best glare again.

Once again, my expression was lost on him as his eyes were now trained on the curve of my leg beneath a shimmer of emerald fabric. I watched his face for a half-second before he cleared his throat and joined me in what I like to refer to as reality. Or so I thought. Maybe that crystal hit him on the head? I felt my eyebrows coming together in annoyed impatience when he finally spoke.

"What else do you have hiding under there?" He pointed towards my hemline, which ended just above my ankles.

Now I really glared at him, "A swift kick in the ass if you're not careful, Farm Boy! Now kindly explain to me your need to break my nice things!" I crossed my arms in front of me and waited for his explanation.

Reluctantly, his eyes returned to my face. He winced slightly as he met my gaze but other than that, he managed to hold up under the pressure. He must have tapped into a reserve of emergency Force or something, because suddenly he was cool, calm and relaxed. And I swear on the emperor's lightning that the Jedi winked at me. Did he not just see me pointing a blaster at his chest?! I have never known anyone who could get me so infuriated this quickly!

"Sorry about the glass, Mara," he said smartly, "I was just trying to pour us a drink and it slipped. Don't worry, I'll replace it."

Obviously, he had no idea what he was talking about. If he had, he'd realize that the crystal was irreplaceable. I scowled. They really didn't get made anymore, since their creator was destroyed along with his planet. I told him as much and waited patiently for his reaction.

Any normal person in these circumstances would have squirmed and looked sheepish before becoming prostrate with apology. Luke, being the least-normal person I knew, didn't miss a beat. He just smiled warmly, annoying the Force out of me.

"Seriously, Mara. I promise I'll replace it. Now just don't worry about it and have a drink." He handed me a thin flute of champagne, which he had poured after cleaning up the mess, and picked up a glass for himself.

Our fingers touched ever so lightly when he handed me the drink and in that instant, I felt a wave of calm wash over me like a refreshing breeze. It caused me to inhale sharply and close my eyes while I held my breath for a second. I re-opened my eyes slowly as I exhaled and couldn't for the life of me remember why I'd been so angry before. It's just a glass, right?

Luke raised his champagne and I caught his eye. Have they always been such a brilliant shade of blue? Funny, I can't remember them ever looking so clear.

"I haven't told you, yet, how breathtaking you look tonight. Thanks for agreeing to go with me on such short notice," he raised his drink a little higher, "Here's to good times and even better friends."

I was taken completely aback. I mean, I know I'm an attractive woman, and I know I looked good tonight…I spent a long time in front of the mirror making sure of that. But somehow, the way he said it…

My stomach did a little backflip while I downed my champagne in two large gulps and set the crystal down on the counter.

"Let's go, Farm Boy. The faster we get out of here, the faster the night can be over."

I quickly turned and headed for the door. Unfortunately, I wasn't quick enough to miss the hurt expression on Luke's face as I insulted him and completely ignored his compliment. What the heck is wrong with me if I can't take a compliment from a friend?

I really didn't want to think about what that might mean. Besides, we were going to be late for the Thing. I was doing him a favor, he should be grateful.

He walked past me to exit my apartment and I noticed his eyes again. They were a little different, cloudy even. It must have been the light before. Hmm. Oh well, something else to think about later. For now it was time to go.