The wine was everywhere. How could there have been so much still in the glass? My dress was obviously ruined, but I didn't really care about that. What I cared about was getting some blasted oxygen into my lungs! I was still coughing and sputtering, and my throat simply refused to open.

How funny would it be if my life ended like this? At least I wouldn't have to think about those words, and maybe that wouldn't be so bad after all.

Skywalker wasn't about to let me off so easily. He grabbed my hand and sent waves of calm washing over me. I could feel my muscles relax one by one, including my throat, and suddenly I could breathe again.

Well, then. I guess there was something to be said for having a Jedi around, after all.

I sat there for a minute, just breathing, staring at my empty glass lying on its side in front of me on the table amidst a slowly expanding red stain. I glanced down at my gown; one I had chosen because I knew Skywalker appreciated it. It was awful. Dark stains pooled in my lap and splashed across my chest and lower legs. I'd have to toss it. Shame.

Han spoke as if out of nowhere, "You know, Sweetheart, if you're going to hang around with this kid so much you really ought to do like Leia and me, and switch to drinking only white."

I looked up at him in surprise, as if only just realizing he was there. I quickly glanced across the table and noticed similar sympathetic stares from everyone else. No, this wouldn't do. I don't want anyone's pity!

Abruptly I stood up, and then realized Skywalker was still holding my hand. I pulled it out of his grasp. I couldn't stay. I couldn't bear to see people looking at me like they all were. "I have to go."

I looked at Luke for the first time since his confession. I searched his face. His eyes were calm, and I saw no embarrassment there. No trace of the pity that was splashed across everyone else's faces like the wine down my dress. There was just honesty. It was because of that look that I didn't run. "Luke, please take me home."

He nodded and quickly said 'goodbye' to everyone at the table. When he stood up, he shucked his suit coat and held it open for me to put on.

I slipped into the sleeves gratefully and then folded my arms across my abdomen. I remained silent, but nodded when Skywalker asked me, "Okay? Right, let's go."

He placed a warm hand at the small of my back and used his other to softly hold my elbow as he deftly guided me to the hall's exit.

Once outside, Skywalker signaled a driver, and we were loaded into the dark privacy of the shuttle. I waited until the vehicle was moving before I accused, "How could you say something like that in front of so many people? It was none of their business."

The Jedi didn't back down, "It was the only place I knew I could get you to sit down and listen to what I had to say. I tried to tell you when we were outside, Mara. You didn't want to listen to me, you just ran away. You've been running away from me all night!"

"Oh yeah?" I retorted hotly, "And just why do you think that is?"

"Because you're in love with me, too."

"That's twice tonight I've been accused of that by a Skywalker! And let me assure you, Jedi, contrary to popular opinion it is not true!"

"I believe it is. You just can't admit it to yourself."

"Impossible!"

Looking as frustrated as I felt, the Jedi threw his hands up in the air, "Why can't you stop to even consider it as a possibility? What are you afraid of?"

"Afraid? I'm not afraid of anything! I don't need to consider the possibility, because I know I don't need you! I don't need anyone!"

Suddenly quiet, Skywalker leaned back in his seat, "I didn't say you needed me, Mara. I'm talking about love."

"Love, need, same thing." I could feel the beginnings of a headache coming on and started to massage my temples.

Adamantly, Skywalker shook his head, "No, Mara. They're two completely different concepts, how hard is that to understand?"

My fuse ran out and I exploded, "I don't know, Farm Boy! You're the expert on love, families and happiness! You're the one with all the answers, why don't you explain to me how it all works, because apparently I haven't the foggiest idea!"

Luke looked at me and froze, studying my face with his head cocked to one side. "You're right." It was a statement more to himself than to me. "You don't."

"That's what I've been saying, you knucklehead! I don't love you."

"No, not that. What you just said. The part about not knowing how love works."

I crossed my arms in defiance and snorted. "It's called sarcasm, Farm Boy. I've had a few lovers over the years; I think I get how it works."

Ignoring me, he frowned and closed his eyes in concentration, "You're afraid to let yourself love."

"Nonsense! Skywalker, that's just ridiculous. I told you…!"

"You're afraid…because you think that would mean you'd have to depend on someone other than yourself."

I was outraged at his presumption. Who did he think he was? "GET OUT OF MY HEAD, JEDI!"

I couldn't stand this barrage any longer, so I keyed a switch on the side panel. "Driver, right here is fine, thanks."

I was still several blocks from my building's sector, but I'd much rather walk the remaining distance in solitude than sit here and listen to this drivel.

The driver pulled over and I was out of the transport before you could say 'Mitth'raw'nuruodo'. I turned to look back inside the vehicle. Skywalker started to say something, but I managed to cut him off, "Take this as a token of my love and affection, Jedi." I slammed the door shut and disappeared inside the building behind me.