Chapter 24

Luke came back from the meeting and walked into the apartment bedroom. Nomi was sitting on the bed folding her clothes. "Where were you? I walked out there and you were gone?"

"Did you get a hold of Gavin?"

Nomi knew he didn't answer her question. "Yes, I leave in three hours."

"Good, I don't leave for five."

"What are you talking about? Where are you going?" Nomi asked hurriedly.

"Felucia. There have been some smugglers fighting with the Republic troops. I've been asked to go out there and 'fix things'." Luke told her.

"When are you coming back?" Nomi worked hard to keep the worry out of her voice. She kept think of what was said in the dream. 'Now that he knows you're going to stay, what's going to prevent him from leaving again?'

"A standard week at the most. I'll be back before you will, don't worry." Luke walked up to her and placed kiss on her forehead. "Once you get back we can start working on those plans."

"Good." Nomi sat and continued to pack her things as Luke began to pack his. He'll be back! Don't panic. Nomi just couldn't get it out of her mind.

"You sure you don't want me to come with you?"

"I'm sure. This is something, I've got to do. I'll be okay."

Luke wasn't so sure she was going to be okay. But who am I to question her. Luke continued to pack. When he was finished he grabbed their bags and put them by the door. They still had two hours before her transport was to leave.

Luke sat on couch and held Nomi close. She was happy he was holding her. She was worried he would've been mad at her for pushing him away. But he isn't. She laid her head on Luke's chest. She privately wished they could both stay like this forever. Together. She knew she had to leave soon and he had responsibilities that needed tending to.

He could smell the scent of her hair. He wished things had been going differently. Their engagement hadn't gone like they had hoped. He just sat there and held her as the time passed.

Luke had reclined on the couch and Nomi was still laying on him. She rolled over to look him in the eyes. He seemed so different and yet so much the same. He started to smile at her and she couldn't help return the smile. Her smile quickly faded, she looked down and then back up at him.

She leaned in and kissed him. It quickly turned into a passionate kiss. When Nomi began to pull at his tunic, Luke pulled back.

"Nomi wait."

"What!" She was confused.

"We shouldn't do this. When you get back."

"We don't know when I'll get back." She said as she kissed him again.

"Nomi, we shouldn't. You're fixing to go to your father's funeral."

"I don't care, Luke."

"You don't care?"

"Just shut up Luke." She said as she kissed him again. Her advances were unfortunately too much for the Jedi.

Luke stood up and was putting his tunic back on. He wasn't sure they should've done that, the time felt...strange.

"What time is it?" Nomi asked as she pulled her hair back.

"OH, Sith!" Luke called from the other room.

"What is it?"

"If we leave now and go straight to the hanger we might make it before Gavin leaves."

"Were that late!"

"Yes, come on!" Luke saw Nomi grab one of her bags and he grabbed the other. The two began to run down the hallway. They ran past Threepio, Jacen, and Jaina.

"Uncle Luke, where are you going?" Jacen called out.

Luke turned and ran backwards so he could face the twins. "I'll be back, go on in and wait for me, okay? I'm late."

"Don't worry we'll be here when you get back." Jaina called out.

Luke and Nomi continued to run down the corridor and into the open repulsor lift.

"We are cutting it awful close, huh?" Nomi said smiling and out of breath.

"I'd say so." Luke said doing just the same.

"You two better hurry that Gavin kid is getting a little antsy." A female voice came from behind the two.

"Mara!" Nomi shouted. "What are you doing here?"

"Turns out I left something up at Leia's apartment. I was just coming to get it." Mara said as if it was no big deal. "Where are you two headed in such a hurry?"

"I have a transport that is leaving the hanger bay in a few minutes."

"Oh, you two are going on vacation or something?"

"No, I'm going for a funeral. There's been a death in the family. Luke's got to go on an errand for the Republic."

"I'm sorry to hear that." No you're not! "I hope everything turns out okay?"

"Listen, Mara, Leia's not at her apartment. But the twins and Threepio are at mine. You can go and wait there until I get back. I'm pretty sure Jaina will be excited to see you."

Mara rolled her eyes at the thought of the child running to meet her. "Thanks Skywalker. I'll see you up there. I think this is where you two get off."

"You're right. I'll see you when I get back Mara." Nomi called as the doors shut.

Luke and Nomi ran to the ship Gavin was taking "Was wondering if you were going to show up."

"Well I'm here." Nomi said as she handed her bags to her cousin.

Nomi turned to Luke, "I love you."

Luke put his arms around her, "I love you too. Hurry back." He placed a kiss on the tip of her nose.

"I will. I'll call you as soon as I can. I'll miss you." Nomi gave him a kiss on the lips. One quiet similar to the one shared earlier that day.

"You do that to me on purpose." He said giving her a mischievous look.

"I have to keep you coming back, don't I?"

"Yes but now I have to go back to our apartment and deal with three Force sensitive beings. One, that will be able to tell what I'm thinking and feeling if I let my guard slip."

"Well then, Master Skywalker. Don't let your guard down. I better go." She gave him one more, quick kiss and boarded the craft.

Luke stood back and watched the craft take off. A strange feeling crept over Luke. He wasn't sure what it was, but he was sure it wasn't good.

Luke slowly walked back to his apartment. When he got there he saw Jaina and Jacen in the common room. He walked into the kitchenette to find Mara gulping down water.

"You okay?"

"Yeah, Skywalker, I'm fine."

"If you say so. Listen I have to get going. I've got some things to take care of before take off. You and the twins can stay here until Leia gets back from her meeting or where ever she's at."

"Thanks."

Luke walked into the common room. He sat with twins and they told him what they had been up to lately. He told them that he was going on a little trip and would be back shortly. They said their goodbyes and he left.