By: Aleese Sundancer
Disclaimer
All of these characters are owned by Lucas film, and I am not earning any money off of them. This story is purely for the enjoyment of the writer and the reader.
An Uncertain Beginning
Mara Jade looked down at the face of the small child in her arms. She smiled to herself and placed a light kiss on the child?s head. The child opened up her eyes ever so slightly and looked at her. She smiled even wider and felt pure bliss.
Suddenly the quiet lull of the room was shattered as a door was thrown open and a very exasperated Luke Skywalker walked in. He looked at her.
?Mara? Are you alright? I could feel your pain from Yavin. Mara?? He asked, not even noticing the small child in her arms. He looked around the room, a typical hospital room, and wondered what was wrong with her, than put her in such pain.?
?Luke. I?m fine. Take a deep breath and calm down!? Mara said in a quiet yet forceful voice. Luke took a seat and finally noticed the small bundle in her arms. He moved closer in his chair and pulled back the blanket that was hiding the child?s face.
?Mara? You?.??
?Yes Luke, She?s mine.? Mara said, looking at him, watching his reaction.
?You?why didn?t you tell me! I thought that we were friends?more than friends.? Luke muttered, feeling slightly betrayed. He felt hurt that Mara would keep this from him. That she wouldn?t tell him that she was with child.
?And how would I have gone about that Skywalker? ?Oh hi Skywalker, guess what?I?m pregnant. It?s your child?wanna run off with me??? She said, slightly unnerved. She looked down at the child and let out a sigh. She tried to calm herself down, but she found that it was quiet hard.
?Mine?? Luke asked. He looked at the child.
?Yes Luke?yours.? Mara said quietly.
?Why didn?t you tell me Mara? I mean?you shouldn?t have been alone during this whole?ordeal. I would have stood by you?helped you?taken care of you.? Luke said. His feelings coming out through the force loud and clear.
?Luke, you weren?t even supposed to know, this was going to be my little secret. I don?t want to ruin your life. You don?t need me or this child in your life, not now. You need to find your one true love and start a real family. Besides, how would it look??Jedi Master knocks up Master Trader? Luke? I couldn?t do that to you.? Mara said. She looked near tears. Luke stood up and sat on the bed beside her. She bit her lip and leaned into him slightly. He sighed.
?Mara, I have found my true love.? He said, looking down at the two of them. He could feel Maras curiosity and she looked up at him. He bent his neck even so slightly to bring his lips onto hers. She kissed him back.
Once the kiss ended Luke only one question. ?Mara, is this why you left me on Yavin. Because you knew that this child was growing inside of you??
?Yes Luke. And that?s why I hid from you. You don?t know how hard it is to hide from you.? Mara said, smiling ever so slightly. Luke smiled back at her. ?Do you forgive me? I was only thinking about you and the child. I??
?Of course I forgive you. As I said on Yavin, I love you Mara. How could I not forgive you??
Mara smiled and looked at him ?Luke, I ran. I couldn?t stay. I love you too Luke. I didn?t want to hurt you?so I ran.? Mara said, ashamed of her cowardice.
?Mara. Don?t be ashamed. You did what you thought was the best. But it all worked out. We are together again.? Luke said, doing his best to put it behind him. He still felt betrayed that she had just left and didn?t tell him.
?I?m sorry Luke. I don?t know if I?ll ever be able to apologise enough. I mean, this is something that hurts, I?m sure.? She said, placing one of her hands on his knee. Luke looked down at her and noticed how much just having the child had changed her anger into acceptance.
He pulled her into his arms. The child in her arms squirmed ever so slightly. Luke smiled.
?You want to hold her? She is after all, part you.? Mara said, handing him the baby. He took her into his arms and felt at home. Mara smiled.
?What?s her name?? Luke asked, realising that he didn?t even know it.
?Padme. It?s a name I heard on one of my trips when hiding from you.?
Luke seemed to go distant for a minute, then come back. ?That?s a beautiful name Mara.?
?Luke? What?s wrong? You went away for a minute??
?Oh, it?s nothing. The name just sounded familiar. I must have met a Padme and forgotten. That?s all. But it?s a great name. Padme. Our daughter.?
?Yes, our daughter.? Mara said, leaning into him further and falling asleep. Luke looked down at his sleeping Fianc�e and smiled. For once the world seemed right.
?Master Skywalker. Welcome home!? Kyp said as Luke walked down the ramp. He smiled and pulled him into a friendly embrace. ?Who do you have onboard??
?Mara, and Padme.? Luke said, unsure of how he was going to explain everything. As he was talking to Kyp, suddenly Kyps vision was moved to the ramp. Mara had emerged with Padme in her arms and a baby bag over her shoulder.
?Mara! You?.!?
?Kyp. This is Padme. Padme, this is one of the Jedi named Kyp. You gonna wake up and say hello love?? Mara said to the baby. Luke smiled and walked over. He took the bag from her and slung it over his shoulder.
?And who might the father be of this child Mara?? Kyp said suspiciously. He didn?t like this one bit. After what Mara had done to Master Skywalker, Kyp didn?t feel much like being friendly to her. Especially if she had went and got knocked up by another.
?Take a lucky guess Kyp.? Mara said, her face going serious. Luke took the sleeping child out of her arms and held it tight.
?Master Skywalker? She?s?yours!? Kyp said, obviously shocked.
?Yes, she is.? Luke said quietly. He walked over and handed the baby to Kyp, and out of the corner of his eye, he caught Mara straighten up ever so slightly. Kyp held the child and closed his eyes.
?She has much of your ways Master Skywalker. Her very personality is like yours, quiet, yet strong. I wonder who?s temper she has.? He smiled. Luke took the child from him and went back to Mara. He whispered something in her ear. She looked at him, considered for a moment and nodded reluctantly. Luke smiled and led Mara into the Temple. Kyp stood on the landing pad and watched the couple walk off.
?Sometimes you Jedi drive me nuts!? Mara exclaimed as she wandered into their room. Luke smiled and laid Padme in the makeshift crib he had bought on Coruscant. She moved slightly and fell back to sleep. Luke then helped Mara off with her jacket and led her into the bedroom.
?Luke, I?m fine. I don?t need you to help me.? Mara said, growing annoyed with Luke?s constant helping.
?Mara, you are still weak from the whole birthing process, and you didn?t get much sleep on the trip back. You need to get some rest Mara, so you can feel better.?
?And give you pleasure hmmm?? Mara said seductively. Luke could feel himself harden, but urged himself to calm down. This was not the time.
?I didn?t say that? Luke said quietly. He helped Mara lay down and was embarrassed when she noticed how excited he was.
?Oh, Farmboy is yearning?how, amusing.? She said laying down. She laid her head on the pillow and could feel sleep taking her. She closed her eyes and opened them slightly. Luke was watching her, his blue eyes full of love. She closed her eyes again and fell asleep.
Luke looked down on Mara and kissed her slightly on the forehead.
Mara woke up the next morning and found Luke lying down beside her. He was fast asleep. It was obvious that he had been up in the night taking care of Padme. He still had a small toy in his hand. Mara smiled and sat up. She kissed Luke lightly on the forehead and got out of bed. She was still stiff, and wandered in to grab a hot drink. She looked though Luke?s cupboards and was slightly surprised when she found a few bottles of liquor, half consumed, and several canisters of hot chocolate. But no coffee.
?I don?t drink coffee. Its bad for the nervous system.? A tired voice told her from behind. She stood up straight and turned to look at him. He walked right up to her and took her into his arms. She seemed to struggle slightly.
?Skywalker. You had best get your hands off of me.? She warned. Her old fears of intimacy returning. He held her closely and bent his head down ever so slightly.
?Mara, don?t be afraid of me.? Luke said. At that moment Mara felt as if she would melt.
?I?m not afraid OF you. Don?t get so high on yourself Jedi.? Mara said, trying to push him away. After a few moments of this he lifted her up into his arms and carried her to the bed.
?Now Ms. Jade. You need more rest. I will get you some hot chocolate and bring your child over for a visit alright?? Luke said putting her down.
?Luke, why was there so many bottles of alcohol under your sink, almost half empty?? Mara asked remembering the bottles.
?Mara. You leaving hit me hard.? He answered and left the room. Mara stared at the doorway a moment longer. She had driven the Jedi Master to drinking. The first thing she would do once he let her out was to see just how bad it had been.
Luke soon emerged with a glass of hot chocolate and their child. Padme was wide awake and eager to be held by her mother. Luke smiled and left the two alone.
Luke wandered outside and took a clean breath of air. The cool wind on his face was nice, and it seemed to clean him. He took another deep breath and was about to start his run when his voice was called out. He swivelled to face an on coming Kyp. He smiled and waited.
?Master Skywalker, you look well today.? Kyp said as he walked up to him
?Yes. It?s a wonderful morning.? He said motioning around him. He hadn?t felt so good in ages.
?And how is the child this morning?? He asked, still slightly unnerved at finding his master home with a child.
?Padme is good. Very alert. And very, very loud I have to admit.? Luke said with a small laugh.
?Most children are.? Kyp said, smiling. ?Perhaps I could join you on your run this morning??
?I?d like that? Luke said. ?Ready??
?Of course Master.? Kyp said and started on his way. Luke ran after him.
Mara looked around the room as she fed Padme and smiled. Once again she was in Skywalker room. Only this time, things were different. She had a child in her arms. She looked down and smiled. It was her child. A bit of her. Before she would have never wanted a child, seeing them only as an inconvenience. But, back then, so was love. So much had changed.
Mara looked up as she heard a noise behind the door. It was Luke?s voice. He was talking to someone, a woman. Mara tried to hide the small tinge of jealousy she felt bubbling up inside of her. She took a deep breath and put on a smile as Luke and Tionne entered the room. Tionne rushed over and gave Mara a hug.
?Congratulations Mara. I had just heard from Master Skywalker! You should be proud.?
?I am.? Mara said quietly. ?Would you like to hold her? I still have to get dressed. Skywalker, perhaps you would help me?? Mara asked.
Luke smiled and followed her into his room. Mara shut the door and walked up to him. ?How many people have you told Skywalker???
?Only Tionne, but the whole academy knows. Its hard not to.? Luke said pointedly. Mara sighed and started to take off her robe. She walked into his closet and rummaged around in her suit case. She pulled out a green dress and started to take off her night-gown. As she did, she noticed Luke blush slightly and turn away. She frowned slightly and quickly put the dress on. Was she already so unattractive to Luke? She put on a slight smile and walked into the main area of the bedroom. Luke turned around and smiled.
?Mara , you are gorgeous. I love green on you, it accents you eyes.? He said walking over. He ran a hand down her cheek and turned to walk out. Then, he felt something on his arm. He turned and looked at Mara. She looked at him with such intensity it seemed to burn through him. He bent his head down slightly and kissed her. She pulled out of the kiss, smiled, and wandered out to get her child.
Leia looked down at her com as she received a call from Luke. She looked at his face and smiled. He brother was smiling again.
?Leia, I need you to come to Yavin. There is something rather important for you to know. Can you come?? Leia looked at his earnest expression, and could feel the vibrations in the force that she had better go.
?Of course Luke. I?ll be there as soon as I can alright???
?That?s great. Thank you Leia. Oh, and, don?t forget the kids. I know that everyone back at the academy would love to see them again.?
?I wont. See you in a bit. Love you? and she clicked the screen off. She stared at it a moment longer, pondering what he had said, then proceeded to go talk to Han and the kids.
Mara looked over at Luke who stared at the com screen. He put his head in his hands and let out a sigh. He then perked up and looked at her. She was serious, many things on her mind. But she was feeling much better. Luke looked at her, and they knew what the other was thinking. Luke didn?t know how to tell Leia and Mara dreaded what would come of it. She then turned around and walked over to the kitchen. Luke quickly stood up and strode over. She looked at him silently and then turned away.
?They will understand Mara, don?t worry.? Luke said, breaking the silence.
?No, they wont Skywalker. How could they? They are going to have a field day knowing that I got pregnant and then stole your child from you. We are going to be a laughing stock.? Mara said, raising her hands for emphasis.
?No we wont Mara. Don?t worry.?
?Dammit Skywalker. I never should have come with you.?
?Mara, calm down. Its getting late, we are both tired. Now, lets get some sleep, everything will be better in the morning alright???
?Fine.? Mara said stifling a yawn. She wandered into their room and changed into a night-gown. She then slid into the bed and closed her eyes. She opened them when she didn?t feel Luke beside her. She looked up at him. ?What is it??
He looked down at her and smiled slightly. ?Nothing Mara, just get some sleep.?
She closed her eyes and drifted off into a fit full sleep.
Mara woke up with Luke by her side, fast asleep. She stood up and stretched, and peered at the clock. She looked back at him, and knew what she had to do. She silently stood up and started to pack all of her stuff into her bags. She then wandered into Padmes room and packed up her stuff. She was just putting in the last piece of clothing when a voice behind her startled her.
?Please Mara. Don?t.? Luke said.
?I have to Luke. I love you too much to let this happen to you.?
?It?ll be much worse if you leave now. Please Mara. Don?t leave me.?
Mara held back tears and finished packing. She then picked up the baby and walked past Luke into their room. She picked up her bags and slung them over her shoulder. She grabbed a Jedi Robe and threw it on. Luke stood in the doorway.
?Mara, I am not letting you go this time. If you want to leave, go ahead. But I am not letting you take our child.? Luke said stubbornly. The tears in his eyes becoming apparent.
?Luke. You don?t deserve this.? Mara said, pushing past him. She ran out the door, the child in her arms and went down the halls through to the landing pad. She used the force to open her ship up and started up the ramp when her legs gave out. She started to cry openly, and Padme soon joined in. She sat on her knees, huddling her child. Luke walked over and put his arms around her. She melted into him and cried harder.
?Mara, please. Stay.? Luke asked.
?But Luke??
?Marry me Mara. Be my wife.? Luke said into her ear quietly. Mara looked up at him and stopped crying.
?Luke? You?.?
?I want us to stay together forever. Me and you.?
?I want that too but??
?Then just say yes. Say you?ll marry me.?
?I will Luke, I will.? Mara said, fresh tears falling down her cheeks. Luke smiled wider than he had in a long time, and was shocked when he heard a familiar voice behind him.
?Hey Kid. Whatcha doing?? Han called out.
Luke turned and looked at him, and Mara wiped away a few tears.
?We were just talking Han.? Luke said, helping Mara up. As Mara turned to face them, the gasp from the Solo family was unmistakable.
Suddenly, Anakin wandered over and hugged Mara. ?Welcome to the Family aunt Mara.? He said. She smiled and bent down so that he could see the small child in her arms. Soon, the whole family was crowding around Luke, Mara and Padme. Hugs and kisses were passed back and forth. Luke soon found himself outside of the group beside Leia.
?Luke. She's beautiful. Why didn?t you tell us sooner??
?I only found out the other day.? Luke said, still slightly in awe.
?Well, congratulations Luke. And what of Mara?? Leia asked, finally.
?We are to be married as soon as possible.? Luke answered, a smile on his face and a light heart.
?I?m so happy for you Luke. Finally, you will be happy.? Leia said, pulling him into a hug.
After finally getting the Solo family settled in, Luke and Mara had a few minutes to be by themselves. Jacen and Jaina had been eager to play with their young cousin, and Leia promised they?d take care of her, so they left her with them. As the walked into their room, Luke suddenly lifted Mara into his arms and gave her a kiss. Mara moved her hands around his neck and kissed him back harder.
?Finally a minute alone.? Luke muttered.
?Yes, and now we can finally do what you wanted.? Mara murmured back. Mara let out a giggle as Luke carried her over to the bed.
?Are you ready my love? Cause the fun is just about to start.? Luke said, as their lips met and their bodies united.
Mara woke up with her head on Luke?s shoulder, and his arm around her waist. She smiled to herself and let out a small sigh. She looked up and Luke, who also had woken up and their lips met in a kiss.
?I love you Luke Skywalker.?
?And I love you Mara Jade.? Mara put her head down on his chest. All was finally right in the universe.
Epilogue
As Luke and Mara walked out of the wedding chapel on Coruscant, they smiled at each other and their lips met in a quick kiss. They then turned to the hoards of press and sighed.
?You were right, they are quite anxious to make a bigger deal out of this than it is.? Luke muttered
?Aren?t I always right?? Mara muttered back and smiled.
?Almost my love, almost.?
And with that, the two courageous Jedi went up against the Paparatzi, for a fight to the doom?.
The end
Well, that?s my quick little flick. Wow, what a marvellous piece of reading right?
Okay, well, if you have any problems with it, mail to me at [email protected], and if you have any good things to say, well, same addy. Thanks for reading!!