Dear Readers,
Hey there, SailorLeia here with a new chappie for you. I apologize for the delay, I really hope this chapter is reaching you all in good times. And I hope that everyone is having as much fun with this story as I am. But before we can continue with this chapter, I must warn you this is probably the steamiest chapter I've ever written for Luke and Mara. Don't worry, I didn't get too carried away! But they are suggestive and very romantic, I truly hope no one is offended, because it's all out of fun. Now that you've been warned, I have to start it off right! And start by thanking all of you wonderful reviewers who took the time to write in!
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Mara look-a-like – Thank you so much for writing in and reviewing! You know I always love to hear from you and I REALLY hope you enjoy this chapter. You were so instrumental in this chapter's progress! (Wink-wink!) Much Love my friend!
wbsaw – Yeah, it would be so much easier if Luke and Mara did just tell Han and Leia. But where would the fun in that be? LoL! They'll find out soon enough, and I can't wait to write how, I have it all planned out! And I hope you like how it all falls into place! Hope you're still reading and hope to hear more from you! Much Love!
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Midnight Vampyrezz – Wow! Glad that I inspired you! I love to go and read whenever I feel stuck; I'm so thrilled I helped someone the same way! Yeah, my interpretation of Mara tends to be a little sweeter sometimes, and I think it's because she is (like you said) in love. Because my chapters get so gushy! But glad you understand and hope you're still reading and writing out there! Much Love!
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Dedicated to a dear friend Mara look-a-like, for being wonderful enough to help me out with this chapter's beta process! CAN'T thank you enough, Much Love!
"The Secret Romancing Of Mara Jade!"
Chapter 3 – The Blissful and the Concerned
Mara Jade was flying, no… she was SOARING! She couldn't remember an occasion within the timeframe of her existence where she'd felt so happy! So content, so moved, and grateful to be where she was. It was EARLY in the morning, and the sun wasn't even thinking of materializing yet. She'd stayed up most of the night talking, making out, and loving her secret boyfriend. The warm chest pressing tightly against her bare back and holding her tightly in his sleep.
She should be tired; she had earned some rest in their hours of entertaining each other. But she was so ecstatic, and exultant; she couldn't seem to sleep as easily as the farmboy. She rolled to cuddle closer into his warmth, hoping maybe some sleep would come if she were warmer. She couldn't help but giggle to herself at the sight of her love; Luke was so comical to her when he was asleep. Mouth partially open, a snore escaping every once in a while, and smiling ever so slightly. The vision of bliss itself, so at peace, and he didn't reach such a place easily. Her fingers involuntarily brushed his cheek, and he gave out a soft sigh.
She didn't want to wake him, but she couldn't help herself. She snuggled even closer to him and left a slow soft trail of kisses along his neck. The Jedi Master's small smile turned to complete elation, and he laughed out, "Mara… It's late."
"I know what time it is…" She just said before Luke pulled her into a deep and slow kiss on her lips. When she was able to escape, she caressed his face smiling, "I'm so sorry I woke you, I didn't mean to."
"Kissing me like that and you thought I'd just keep on sleeping?" He asked as if it were out of the question.
"Well, I did wear you out," Mara smirked suggestively.
"Yes you did, but I could have sworn you were pretty tired as well." Luke said, with a bit of his worries creeping into his eyes. While Mara stretched happily like a cat.
"Oh yes, I was very tired, but I wasn't asleep for long. I woke back up, somehow." Mara practically laughed out jubilantly, while Luke was relieved that he hadn't said or done anything wrong. Or she wasn't thinking about the conversation they'd had earlier. She was just as thrilled as he was, and that gave him better peace of mind.
"Hmm, wonder what could be keeping you awake." Luke said, tapping his chin reflectively. Mara mimicked this action and made a thoughtful face back at him.
"Maybe it's all of the work I've been doing? I haven't had a break in ages, not one long enough where I could come see you." Mara said resting her head upon his chest, as Luke wrapped her tightly in his arms and their blankets.
"Yeah, it has been too long since we've felt this way. It's going to be very difficult to say goodbye tomorrow, in front of a room full of people; and not give us away." Luke confessed pouting adorably, and Mara laughed, "Listen to that whine."
"I'm serious, Mara."
"I know you are Luke, I just can't believe it."
"Why? After the last few hours, you have doubts?" He asked suggestively, gaining a surprised glance from his sweetheart.
"Well now that you mention it-" Mara teased before Luke started tickling her. "I'm kidding, I'm kidding, truce, truce!" She cried.
"That's better!" Luke said feeling like he'd won, until Mara started to give him the same treatment. "Hey! Hey!" Luke cried between hysterical laughing, "Alright… ALRIGHT!"
"Now we're even!" Mara said, resting back against her pillows beside Luke while both occupants were catching their breaths. Once she'd regained a normal breathing pattern, Mara leaned up on an elbow, to explain her earlier statement to him. "I wasn't saying I doubt you or our potential at all! What I was trying to say was, I just can't believe we're really doing this. That we're seriously trying to be a couple, and we're actually happy." Mara explained, looking into his eyes.
Luke snagged one of her hands and kissed it tenderly before tugging her back to rest against his chest. "I don't think it so out of the question." Luke said with a shrug, "Why is it so hard for you to believe?"
"I don't know, I mean… we've always cared for each other… a little more than we should at times." Mara admitted.
"Which is why it makes sense to me… I've always loved you."
"No, you didn't."
"Yes, I did, I know I did. I loved you the first time I saw you, even though you were trying to kill me. I know it's taken us a ridiculous amount of time to realize it, but the important thing is we know now." Luke clarified.
"Well, I can't disagree with you there, if I didn't feel some feeling for you, you wouldn't be here." Mara smirked, and Luke sneered back. "All jokes aside, farmboy, I would have killed you and thought nothing of it. The fact that I couldn't, plagued me, because I had plenty of opportunities to end you, but I kept making up excuses to myself. Lame ones, sometimes… and now look at us." She giggled.
Luke peeked under the covers and breathed, "Yes, look." Earning a swat from his intended.
Mara gasped overdramatically, "Farmboy, you incorrigible!"
"And you Jade have not properly explained why you're so shocked that we make such a good pair. Especially since you know what great team we make!"
"I realize all of that Luke, and I can't explain it! I just guess the truth of the matter is… I've just wanted to be here so long, and now that I'm really here. I'm so afraid I'm just going to wake up one day, and I will have been dreaming all of this time. Ya know what I mean?" She tried her best to convey.
"I know exactly what you mean," Luke assured, before whispering in her hair like this was a well-kept secret. "You know what, though?"
"What?" Mara whispered back.
"I'm not planning on going anywhere, because this is the happiest I've ever been. And I'm not giving this up for anything in the world." Luke said with an utter certainty, somehow widening when he saw the dazzling smile on Mara's sleepy face. She pulled him into a deep, and somehow tender kiss. Luke rolled a little so now he was resting on top of her again during their kiss. It was warm, and loving, unlike the bruising passion they'd shared earlier. When they were finally able to part, Mara yawned adorably and he kissed her forehead lingeringly.
"I think I can sleep now," Mara breathed, snuggling closer to him.
"I think that's a good idea, you do have to leave this evening. And you've got quite a lot to do." He reasoned, not expecting her to complain.
"I just wish I wasn't so tired, I don't want to miss a minute I have with you. Who knows, when we'll see each other, like this again!"
"Don't worry, we'll work something out, hopefully our time won't be so limited next time."
"I hope not either," Mara sighed, before rolling on her side, and taking a hold of Luke's arms. She pulled him close, and wrapped her form comfortably around his, before quieting completely. She pressed a sweet goodnight kiss to his kiss-swollen lips, and after a few seconds her breaths were coming out in soft warm puffs against Luke's neck. He closed his eyes holding her tight and relished his time with the love of his life. As troubled about their next rendezvous; or rather how far away it would be, as she was! But he wouldn't let his companion in on that little tidbit.
He promised himself that he would not waste their small window of opportunity with worry! He would simply cherish every moment he got to share with her. Leave his bothersome worries to have at him later, when he was back to being alone, to continue their abuse till he could be amid her presence once more. Which was something else he vowed to himself, he would not let her stay away for so long again.
Now that he's realized where he belonged, where he was happy, why punish them both when they could be together. He knew he could work something out, where there was a will, there had to be a way! He would have to try and set a definite next time that they would see each other again. One absolute guarantee of seeing her, not months down the road, one month or two was the max. They did have an anniversary coming up; he could say they needed to plan for that! Yeah! That would work.
He knew he should be sleeping, he was tired, and felt like he could sleep more… but then he'd look at Mara. She was so gorgeous when she was asleep now! Hair sprayed out over her pillow, gentle smile on her lips. She was warm, soft, her breath came out in tickling whispers, and she didn't want to let go of him, not for a minute. She'd become so protective of him, so caring and she even cuddled him now. All things Luke knew would shock anyone else, if they heard such things! Especially his family! He knew he'd never felt so close to anyone before either, they were a very unique pair, not like any of the other woman he'd been with.
He's track record wasn't as seasoned or colorful as Han's or Lando's. But he'd had his fair share of relationships, all of them disastrous leaving him miserable. At the time, Luke had thought there was something wrong with him. Something wrong with the girls he let himself get interested in, or something amiss with him, altogether. Now he knew, all of them had gone wrong simply because they weren't Mara. He'd never felt for any of them, the way he feels for her. And he wasn't lying before when he told her he'd loved her from the start. Because he had, he couldn't remember a time when she didn't make him feel better, just being around her.
He quietly marveled over how much she's changed, over the year. She looked so safe, so trusting in his arms, when she seemed to sleep with one eye open before! He was so entranced by her beauty and peace… he didn't want to sleep! But he knew if he wasn't careful he would be wary later on, and he only had till this evening alone with her. So reluctantly, the jedi snuggled down and even closer to his love, and closed his eyes. It wasn't long at all, before he was joining her in sleep.
Later That Evening…
Much Later…
At The Solo's Home…
Winter, Han and Leia were all gathered around the computer screen of Leia's study. All three adults were huddled together and muttering to themselves and each other only every now and again. They seemed to be in a deep decision of great importance. Which left young Jacen, Jania, and Anakin under the impression that their mom and dad had completely forgotten about dinner tonight…again. All three were arguing over who should brave up, and go remind their patents how late it was getting. But all three were showing their yellow streaks, and not ashamed to say so!
"Jania you're the oldest!" Jacen reminded.
"Only by what, a minute? There's one girl besides mom and two boys, one of you should go!"
"I'm not doing it!" Little Ani made clear, crossing his little arms tightly over his chest.
Just that moment Han glanced towards the door, sure he'd heard whispers and noticed their three children. "What's up guys?"
"Umm… hi dad." Jacen and Jania greeted nervously.
"Hi Daddy!" Ani waved.
"Why don't you three come here?" Han asked waving them over. All three rushed over and Jania climbed into her dad's lap. While Ani snaked his way into his mom's and Jacen sat opposite his sister on his father's other leg. "Now what exactly are the three of you little monsters up to?"
"Well, the sky's getting awfully dark outside Dad." Jacen pointed out and Jania finished his sentence for him. "We were just thinking… when are we going to have dinner."
"My goodness it is getting late, Mara will be leaving in a few hours and I completely forgot about dinner for us!" Leia snapped her fingers. "I was so into all of this research me and Winter have been looking through-"
"I still say you two shouldn't be messing with that stuff! It's none of our business!" Han argued, and Leia shushed him with a warning glance. Obviously not too keen on their children being present when they were at odds.
"What kind of research, mommy?" Jacen asked, as innocent as snow is white.
"Nothing all that important, dear," Leia smiled, bouncing Ani a little on her knee. Her smile brightening as his contagious laughter filled the air in her small office. "Just some of your uncle's old holonet news data."
"Your mother is still convinced that your uncle is trying to make up a girlfriend to get her off of his back." Han whispered to the children, too loud to really be considered a whisper and Leia kicked at his foot irritably. Making both twins giggle, even if kicking that foot slide Jacen a little shorter than his sister.
"That wasn't very lady like, your highness." Han complained.
"Why don't you make yourself useful, and try to go throw something quick together, for dinner."
"I would love to, but our cupboards are bare. Remember, we were talking last night, we ended up ordering out last night too, our delivery of fresh supplies arrives tomorrow." Han reminded.
Little Jania let out a loud, excited gasped and asked her Dad, "Does that mean we get to have pizza?!"
"No, you kids have been eating way too much pizza and not enough healthy food!" Leia put her foot down, and all four kids (when you count Han) groaned sadly.
"No kids, your mom's probably right about that. It's important that you all eat smart so you'll grow up to be big and strong. Like me and your uncle Luke-"
"Like Mom, Winter and Auntie Mara too!" Jania cheered happily, and both women smiled and said. "That-a-girl."
"Leia if you get something for me to fix, I'll cook so you can keep researching in here, with Winter." Han compromised, but Leia was in the middle of what could be a break through. She didn't want to leave, but before she could object, Winter spoke up and said, "Go ahead, princess, looks like I'll be reading for a while before we find anything at all. You might as well go, by the time you get back, we may have some answers."
So reluctantly, the princess dressed for going out, set Threepio to watch the children, as well as Han. She then sauntered out of her apartment and down to the nearest market for rations. She spent thirty minutes gathering the pieces of a healthy meal for her family, and another thirty standing in line waiting to pay up and get out. As soon as it was her turn, the droid behind the counter malfunctioned and shorted out. Bursting into flames and making the entire checkout area smell of brunt hair and cheese. Some clean up droids hastily were ripping what was left of the poor droid and replacing it with a new cashier when suddenly, Leia felt a tap on her shoulder. To her shock, she turned to discover the person who'd tapped her was Callista Ming! Not only her former friend, but the last girl to break Luke's heart.
"Hello Leia! How are you?" The girl asked kindly.
"I'm doing very well, how about you?" Leia asked, still more than a little shocked. "You're looking very well," Leia observed, noticing a lot of changes in this girl, when she compared her to the woman she'd last seen, before she stomped on poor Luke's heart. She seemed taller somehow, happier, there was a new luster to her skin and she was tanner than Leia remembered her ever being. Her hair had grown out and she wore it in lose malt curls down her back. The woman smiled kindly and nodded appreciatively, for Leia's compliment.
"Well thank you, it really has been too long, how is Han and your kids doing?"
"They're all doing great, though their all waiting for me to get back with their dinner. But other than that they're doing just great."
"I bet the little ones have all grown so much since the last I saw of them." Callista said wondrously, while Leia added mentally, 'Yeah! They've grown a lot since you tore out my brother's heart and left him for dead!'
"How is your brother doing? Has he found someone else, settled down, I know that's what he always wanted?" She asked, just as Leia had been waiting for her to do.
"He's never been better, he was sad for a time after you left him the way you did. But he's over you now, and I hear he's got a new girl, but I haven't met her yet. He sound's pretty serious about her too." Leia knew she shouldn't have said that. But she wanted to make Calli believe she didn't have a chance. So she wouldn't go seeking Luke out and begging for him to take her back years later! Not minutes, hours, days, or months... YEARS! She's done enough damage to him; she needed to leave him the hell alone!
"Well that's great, I hope he has all of the happiness he deserves." Callista said looking a little amused by this information, something Leia hadn't expected. It was off somehow; it didn't match a normal reaction to such news. Unless she really meant it because she'd moved on too!
"How long have you been back, are you planning on staying for long?" Leia asked, curiously.
"I've only been back for a few days, and yes, I've been out of the loop for so long. It's going to feel nice to finally be back in the know, again." Calli explained, while the new droid was bugging Leia for credits. Leia blindly dealt with it's questions while still asking. "Where have you been all of this time? Luke searched the better part of the galaxy for you before we could reach him and make him stop."
"I know he did, but I didn't want to be found, or at least I wasn't ready for him to find me. Not then, I still had so much to learn." Calli began to explain as the same droid began to move on and possess Calli's order. Leia ended up walking out of the market with her; listening to her tell her story. She'd been far out beyond the outer rim territories. She'd been reaching ways for her to feel and touch the force without turning dark side. She'd succeeded for the most part, it just didn't feel anywhere near the power she'd possessed before. When she'd been a Jedi Knight in the old republic.
Leia was nearly back home before a revelation hit her so hard she had trouble blinking for a long moment. It was a pretty huge coincidence that Callista just happens to come back now. At the same time Luke gets particularly weird about this new love he's hiding from everyone. Weirder still how different this new and improved Calli seemed to be. And she'd noticed her strange reactions when she'd been speaking of her former boyfriend……. What if… NO! Leia would even think it, Luke was not that naïve!
But what if he was!? He did really love her, it had nearly annihilated him when she'd left! He hadn't been with anyone since, to her knowledge, not until very recently! Leia suddenly began to silently pray to the force for this to not be true! ANYTHING… or rather ANY ONE BUT HER! She couldn't be trusted, not after the way she'd left him completely before! There was no way of knowing whether or not she would do it again!
When Leia got back, Han and the rest of the family immediately noticed the difference in the princess. If she wasn't so regal, from all of her princess training, Han was convinced she would have been dragging the ground. He had some trouble getting his three force-sensitive children to leave mommy alone. They all could feel her remorse and wanted to help too. But Winter was instrumental in getting them to listen and convinced them all to come color with her in the play area. As soon as the little one's were out of ear shot and Han had his pot on the stove waiting to come to a boil. He turned to his wife and asked, "Do you mind explaining what happened to you?"
"Han…" Leia choked suddenly feeling tears prick her eyes, saying it out loud would make it more real.
"Leia, what is going on!" Han asked, really concerned now.
"I'm afraid something terrible may be going on." Leia confessed quietly, before explaining louder and clearer, "Something I was hoping would never happen!"
"What?"
"Han, while I was out I ran into Callista Ming."
"Calli? Luke's Calli?"
"Yes."
"Well where the hell has she been all this time? And what the hell is she doing back now?" Han asked blunt and frank as ever.
"She says she's been on Coruscant a few days… she told me all about her studies she's been conducting on touching the force again. The whole conversation with her was uncomfortable and peculiar." Leia said with a disturbed chilled coursing down her back.
"What conversation with that tramp wouldn't be? Did she even seem the least bit sorry for what she did to Luke?" Han asked curiously.
"She asked about him, but no, I don't think she's sorry in the least. It wasn't till I was on my way home that I realized that… I hate to even think it! But Han, do you think it's possible that Luke could have taken that demon back?"
"What!? No! Leia, the kid's been hurt by her before, deeply hurt! He's not stupid enough to take her back!"
"He did love her."
"But he told me himself, he could see now that Calli never did love him. She loved the power he possessed! There's no way there back together."
"I hope you're right, but you didn't see the way she was acting. So cool… too cool, and what a coincidence, her being in town for the same amount of time that Luke's been with this mystery girl of his."
"That's got to be all it is, a coincidence."
"A very big one!" Leia said, while Han placed a steaming cup of stem tea in front of her.
"Please drink this and relax a little bit, huh? Dinner will be ready in a few minutes and then we have to go see Mara off. To send her off right, you can't be interrogating your brother!" Han said, making Leia smile a little.
"You're right, darling, the important thing is that we see Mara off with good spirits." Leia smiled.
"There's my girl!" Han cheered on hugging her shoulders and kissing her forehead.
"I can cross-examine Luke once she's gone." Leia chirped happily after taking a sip.
"Princess, I'm begging here, give it a rest tonight. The kid's been as wound up as it is lately! He doesn't need your help!" Han asked nicely, even if a little whiney.
"Oh cool it, I'm not going to really question him. He won't know what I'm up to, however I think he should know who I saw. Regardless of them being back together or not, because it concerns him."
"I'm not so sure about that, your highness. I think Luke counted himself out of anything concerning Calli years ago."
"Sure, but his reaction to my news may be all the evidence I need. Luke isn't as well versed in his jedi-mask as he thinks he is."
"Yet he's hidden an entire relationship from us for how long?"
"Good point, but I imagine it hasn't been easy for him."
Docking Bay 3479…
Han and Leia walked in with all three kids along for the ride. Jacen turned to Jania and said, "Auntie Mara is the best! She's leaving so late that we get to be up past our bed time!"
"Only by a bit, and if you ever want to see her off again, I suggest you all behave yourselves!" Leia said very motherly.
"We'll be good mom," Jania promised, taking her hand. Then she sent a waning glare at both brothers and added, "aren't we?"
Anakin hid from his sister's glare and Jacen laughed, "You can be so evil!"
"I'm not evil, I'm tough, like mom and Auntie Mara!" Jania said, nose in the air. It was that moment that the family spotted Luke and Mara sitting on the ramp of the Jade's Fire. They were side-by-side and smiling at each other about something. Han wished he knew what, because no matter how strange Calli had talked he was still more suspicious of the pair sitting before him.
Mara was then hugged by everyone and sent off with varying, 'take care's and 'don't stay away for too long this time's. She seemed sad to go and Han grew more confident by the second! He was having trouble not choking on his self-satisfaction, while Leia was having a similar difficulty swallowing. But she's was dying to test her theory on Luke, though she knew she would need to wait till after Mara was gone for that. The ex-assassin had never been to keen on Luke and Calli when they were together. And She and Luke were on such good terms of late. She hated to ruin that for them, and know she was cause. Especially when they had no idea when they'd be seeing the fiery red-head again. She was a very busy woman, after all.
Leia felt a little guilty about hiding her information when Mara hugged her without hesitation. Something that had rarely happened before, she even gave her a good squeeze. "I'm so glad I did get to spend some time with you all this trip."
"I am too," Leia smiled, "Next time you're on Coruscant don't hesitate to call, okay?"
"Oh, you know I won't," Mara winked. She did manage to hug Han and warn him, "You better behave yourself while I'm gone, I don't want to have come back here and pull you or Skywalker's butt outta danger!"
"Me and my butt? Don't worry Jade, Luke would need saving a lot quicker than me!"
"Hey!" Luke complained.
"You know it's only true because you attract all of the weirdoes!" Han winked.
"Well Gee, that makes me feel so much better!" Luke deadpanned, rolling his eyes heavenward.
"I mean it, Solo, watch yourself and these guys." She did say just as all three young Solos attacked her one last time, and wished her luck. Then she turned to Luke and poked her finger in his chest, "That goes double for you, farmboy!"
"Yes, ma'am!" Luke mock-saluted.
"Ungrateful-"
"Mara, just give me a hug and go on! You know if you take too long, the fleet will move on with out you." Luke reminded, arms out for a hug.
Mara tapped her chin thoughtfully, and asked out loud, "Do I really need to come in physical contact?"
"It's a hug Jade, I'm not attacking you." Luke said still coming closer.
"Is there any alternative?" She asked the sky.
"Okay, fine," Luke said putting his arms down at his sides. "I'll save my it for the next time I see you. Though I don't know how good it'll be half a year from now."
"It won't be that long!" Mara complained.
"It was nearly this time, have a nice trip Mara. I hope the force is with you." He said with a very formal little bow while Mara shook her head. Muttering to herself, "So overdramatic!"
Luke began to walk away and Mara sighed loudly, "Alright, ALRIGHT!" Then when Luke turned to regard her, she hugged him just as tight as she'd hugged Han and Leia. "Now was that really so painful?"
"No, and I am going to miss you Luke, you'd better keep out of harms way, because you'll have to deal with me if you don't."
"Wouldn't want that!" Luke said with a shiver. Then Mara was waving as she half ran up the ramp. Seconds later, the ship lifted off, as soon as Mara's ship was off the ground, all three children ran to the end of the docking bay waving to her. It was something they'd done since they could walk, whenever any of their friends or family left. It was that moment Leia chose to drop the bomb. Watching her brother's face very carefully, she teased "You won't believe who I saw earlier today."
"Who did you see?" Luke asked, still staring after the ship.
"Callista," she answered simply, taking Luke completely off guard.
"Callista… as in Callista Ming?"
"Yes, did you know she was back?" Leia asked sounding very blankly, trying not to sound too interested.
"Well, no… I haven't heard anything from her since… Where did you see her?"
"When I went to a ration supply for our dinner. Our full order arrives tomorrow, but we just wanted a quick fix. You know, before seeing Mara off." Leia explained, not missing the strange glance her husband sent her way for bringing it up. She wasn't sure what that was about, probably something to do with that hope he still clung tot hat Luke would be with Mara.
"Yeah, makes sense… how was she?"
"She looked… happy, I guess, we had the most perplexing conversation. She snuck up behind me while I was waiting in line. She approached me and seemed very light-hearted about the whole situation with you, so I was wondering had you come in contact with her."
"No… I haven't… light-hearted, did she even ask about me?" Luke asked, trying to get a better feel for exactly what his former girlfriend was playing at. Reappearing after years of silence and approaching his twin sister like this!
"Well, she seemed different, happier… if she hasn't come in contact with you. Maybe she was just trying to put you behind her, or make sure you're alright. I was afraid that you may be getting back together with her."
"No Leia, I'm way over her, I'm not a glutton for punishment." Luke said, with a smile of reassurance that had Leia's shoulders relaxing in relief. He continued with saying, "I'm glad she's happy though, we've both found happiness elsewhere. I wasn't too worried about it, but I have to admit it's nice to know."
"I told ya he's smarter than that, Leia." Han said a little too loudly, earning him a small elbow in the gut and a glare.
"No Leia, you have absolutely nothing to worry about there. Any chance that she and I had as a couple shot the breeze when she left. I learned my lesson the hard way, given, but I won't allow it to happen again."
"Good for you kid, as great as it would be stand here and bash Calli all night. I see three very sleepy children up past their bedtime." Han pointed out perceptively.
"Yes, Mara has taken flight, and we should follow her example." Leia agreed before turning to the youngest members of her family, and saying with authority as well as warmth, "Say goodnight to your uncle and let's head home."
All three did as they asked, so spent, Little Ani had to be carried. Once Luke's speeder whizzed by, Leia sighed in full relief. "You didn't have to tell him now, ya know."
"Oh yes I did, I had to know for sure, that he would not take that woman back. I will gladly welcome whoever this mystery girl is with open arms. As long as it is not Callista Ming." Leia said determinedly.
"All right you worshipfulness, simmer down, he's over her and hopefully she's over him. She can have a happy life with some other body snatcher and Luke can be happy with Mara."
"You are unbelievable!" Leia shook her head.
"One of the many reasons you married me." He winked and Leia scrunched down in her seat. So she could hide her smile from him, he always knew how to get her smiling, even if it was in disbelief over how persistent he was being of this one little possible pairing for her twin. She did confess that Mara would be a great match for her brother, but in the end she didn't really care who he was dating now. As long as he was trying, he was happy, and it wasn't one of his former acquaintances. Especially the skank that had most recently broken her brothers warn and battered heart, Callista Ming!
Well that's all for now Star Wars fans! Now it's your turn, did you like it, love it, hate it, tolerate it? Let me know I love hearing from all of you! And you're my fuel! You really keep me going! Hope you all enjoyed and are as excited about chapter four as I am! Sorry again for the wait, hope it was worth it! I want to thank Mara look-a-like, DragonsFlame86 and FireFigiLove94 one more time for her unyielding support through everything including this tale! You guys are the best! Much love!
-SailorLeia
