That's Love
Author: LVB
Summary: Ben Skywalker watches his parents. Post Dark-Nest and slightly AU.
Disclaimer: Mara is the creation of Zahn, Ben of someone else and Luke of Lucas. But guess what- I don't own any of them so there!
A/N:I use American spelling under protest. And look, I haven't dropped off the face of the Earth! I thought I'd post this little ficlet in honor of sending the next chapter of Father of the Bride off to the beta! Stay tuned. This is dedicated to Mara Jade, because dang...what a woman!
I've always wondered what my parents saw in each other. Sure, they were both Jedi Masters but their personalities were always so different. Dad is so calm and in control and my mother has always been like a bomb waiting to explode.
As soon as I was old enough my mother told me the story of how she and my father met and fell in love. To be honest, it didn't surprise me at all to learn that the notorious Mara Jade had wanted to kill Luke Skywalker. I didn't understand at first; in fact, I spent weeks avoiding my mother. Now I'm older I guess I understand. It wasn't her fault. The Emperor used her, just like he wanted to use my father.
I'm looking at them both now. I guess you could call it spying. I'm not home that often anymore. I'm too busy living the life of a Jedi, living up to the legacy of the son of Skywalker. For someone whose parents are so famous, I get along without much interruption. I like the solitude.
On this particular visit home I wanted to spend it with my parents. We're getting old, Ben, my father told me on my last visit. It was hard to accept that my parents were in fact, getting older and that one day they wouldn't be here. I felt so guilty after that. So I made it my mission to see them as much as I could.
After the death of my sister, I had thought they wouldn't make it. Mom had fallen pregnant again just after I had turned ten. But her body hadn't been strong enough. Twelve days after little Padmé was born she had died and Mom had closed up. Sure enough, my father had opened her up a little but it was to me that she finally broke down to. It was the worst moment in my life.
They've finally repaired their relationship. I can see it. I had offered to help clean up after dinner, but they waved me away. I've stopped just outside the door and I'm watching them. Their eyes and movements are drawn and tired. But that doesn't stop them. Mom giggles as she playfully elbows Dad. He spins her around and plants a playful kiss on her lips.
I smile as I relax watching them. I gently put my shields up so they can't sense that I'm here. I want to catch them in their most tender moments. The Holo Net is permanently on in this household. Dad casually changes the holo station and a soft melody begins to play.
He and Mom exchange a knowing look and he extends his hand out to her. She smile and takes it, spinning around into his arms in the process. They begin to dance. To be honest, I'm not familiar with the strange type of old music my parents listen to. 'Empire' music isn't popular with my generation. But they seem to know this song well. I'm mesmerised by their movements. I can feel their gentle presences in the Force. If I concentrate hard enough, I can just tell them apart. I never realised how in tune with each other they are.
They're balanced. They lean in for a kiss. I avert my eyes and now, I'm going to leave them alone. I know I can feel them anywhere in the galaxy. And I know they'll always be just Luke and Mara; my parents. And I know that I'll feel many more moments just like this. That's love, after all.