Chapter Four:

It was quite some time before Mara began to squirm in his arms. Luke let her up without complaint, and she got to her feet, Luke following suit. He spotted the dried blood on her hand, and took it in his.

"That one was an accident." Mara assured him when she saw his eyes flash with concern.

He relaxed slightly at her words, and fetched his med kit.

"Sit, please." He instructed, indicating the divan.

They sat together on the couch, Luke facing her so he could tend to her hand. He worked quietly and efficiently, his calloused and work-worn hands surprisingly soft. He grabbed a cleansing wipe and methodically removed the blood from her palm. When she winced at the stinging sensation as the wipe met the actual cut, his fingers tightened fractionally.

"Sorry." He apologized softly.

She studied his face, sensing the underlying tension in his presence as he relived the past few moments. She knew she had to say something to him, but the words were hard for her to say… to anyone.

"No, I'm the one who should apologize." She intoned.

He froze midway through bandaging her hand, but only for a heartbeat. Then he silently resumed his work. She caught his hand, trying to make him understand.

"Luke…" She began, but paused when his hand began to quiver.

"Don't you ever pull a stunt like that again!" He hissed, finally turning his eyes up to hers.

Mara was surprised by Luke's genuine anger, and she lowered her gaze.

"I didn't think you'd…"

"What?"

"I didn't think anyone would care." She said in a hushed tone.

She felt Luke's anger morph into astonishment, and when she raised her head, it was to find him staring agape.

"That is ridiculous Mara." Luke finally said. "You would be very much missed."

He resumed wrapping her hand, systematically enclosing her injury in a protective cover. He fastened the bandage with a metal bracket, but did not release her hand.

"Mara…" He said, almost nervously. "I don't ever want to lose you. You are the best thing in my life, even though you may not see me that way. And that's fine, but I cherish every second we spend together." He glanced up, his eyes moist with emotion. "If I lost you… I don't know what I would do."

Swallowing hard, Mara took her hand from his and glanced about them. Her eyes found the discarded bag on the ground near the door, and she felt her eyebrows lift. Protruding from the bag were pieces of women's clothing, including a bra.

"What is that?" She asked curiously.

Luke followed her line of sight, and, to her amazement, blushed sheepishly.

"I, uh, didn't think you would want to spend any more time in that hospital gown."

She glanced at her front. She was tired of the current fashion trend she sported. Mara stood and retrieved the bag. Returning to the couch, she took each item from the parcel, and scrutinized it. Luke had purchased a set of underwear, a nice pair of green trousers, and a simple black tunic.

"I had to guess your size." Luke offered gingerly.

Mara squeezed his hand. "They're perfect, thank you Luke."

He smiled, and she felt her heart flutter.

"If you'd like to shower, feel free." Luke gestured toward the refresher. "Take your time, get cleaned up, and I'll make us something to eat." He turned stern blue eyes to her. "But no funny business or I will have Artoo stand watch while you're in there."

Mara grimaced as she remembered locking the droid in Luke's room. "Alright."

Taking the bag, Mara entered the refresher and locked the door behind her. Taking a deep breath, she slumped against the wall. Overcome by Luke's steadfast faith in her, Mara slid to the floor, and just sat there.

00000

Luke watched Mara disappear into the refresher, and sat back with a quiet sigh. That had been way too close. Shaking himself out of that line of thought for the moment, Luke picked up the remnants of the med kit and replaced it into the kitchen cabinet.

Once that task was done, Luke leaned against the counter, barely seeing the half-prepared sandwich. Dimly he heard the sound of the shower being turned on, and he closed his eyes.

A few seconds later, and she would be dead. Luke heaved an unsteady breath. Why didn't Artoo warn me what was going on?

Luke glanced up, belatedly realizing the astromech was nowhere in sight… but there was an insistent warbling coming from the back of the apartment.

He went to the master bedroom and opened the door to find R2-D2 wheeling a pattern into the carpet. Upon seeing his master, R2 whizzed up to him, beeping and whistling frantically.

"I know Artoo, it's okay." Luke assured his mechanical friend. "Mara is fine."

Artoo moved past his master to see for himself, and Luke shook his head. Returning to the sitting area, Luke up-righted his table and straightened the couch. Then he went back to the kitchen, leaving Artoo to his own.

Luke glanced at Mara's meal, and finished making it for her. He made a second sarnie for himself, and set the table for two.

His comm. unit beeped for his attention just as he set the food on the small round table. Luke wiped his hands off, and moved to answer the call.

"Leia." Luke greeted his sister as her face materialized. "How are you doing?"

"I'm fine." She replied. "Are you alright?"

Luke nodded slowly. "I'm doing okay."

His quick sister didn't miss his play on words.

"Just okay?"

Luke chewed on his lip, deliberating. Mara's condition was private, and though he trusted Leia, he didn't think Mara would want her problems to be made public knowledge.

"I'm just dealing with a few things." He said at last. "I'd rather not get into it right now."

She studied him critically, no doubt considering grilling him anyway. Instead, she chose a different topic.

"The kids keep asking to see you, why don't you come to dinner tonight?" Leia offered. "Han's making Corellian gumbo."

Luke glanced at his chrono. "What time?"

"Come by at about 1800 hours."

"I'll be there; it'll be great to see the kids." Luke told her.

"See you then." Leia said and signed off.

Luke sat back, running a hand through his hair. He heard the refresher door open, and glanced back. Mara emerged wearing her new outfit, red-gold hair falling loosely about her slender shoulders.

Luke felt his breath catch in his throat momentarily at her beauty. He rose as she entered the sitting area.

"How do you like them?" Luke queried, indicating her clothes.

"They fit just fine." She replied. "Thank you. And you were right: I do feel better."

Luke chuckled. "Lunch is ready, if you are."

She nodded, and led the way to the dining area. "Who was on the comm.?"

"My sister, she wants me to visit for dinner." Luke sat across from her. "Will you be okay alone?"

She picked up her food, blushing when her stomach rumbled loudly.

"Yes, I will be fine." She said, and took a bite.

R2-D2 rolled into the kitchen then, warbling irately at the woman. Mara glared at him for a second, before patting his head.

"Yeah, I know. I'm sorry, okay?" She said. "It won't happen again."

R2 bleeped suspiciously.

"Artoo, that's enough." Luke told him. "Leave the lady alone."

The droid blatted once, but obeyed. Luke watched his faithful companion wheel into his alcove, appreciating the devotion R2-D2 showed to Luke and his loved ones.

Loved ones…

Luke shook his head, chasing that notion away for now. Mara was in no shape to have such a conversation.

"Actually, I think I'll go to my apartment tonight." Mara said into the silence. "I appreciate your hospitality, but I need to try being on my own for a bit."

Luke nodded quietly. He didn't think it was such a good idea: at least, not yet, but Mara was her own person.

"You are always welcome here." Luke told her. "Anytime, anything you need."

"Thank you." She whispered, not sure what to make of that right now.