Beyond - Legends After Her - Update 01/19/16

Sorry for the late reply. I read it on my phone and when I do that I don't write a review thinking I will do it when I get on a computer and then when I get on the computer I forget to write a review.

Nice update! I like how things are coming together.

 

When are we going to see more of Melinda and Luke?? More, please!!

 

A really enjoyable story. I love the emotional depth you've given Luke and Ben, it's very believable. Would love to know whewn you update this

Great work

 

Wow, its been awhile since I wrote anything. Life has really swamped me and left me a bit listless in the writing department.

Thanks to all who waited: Nyota's Heart, Gemma, Falcon, and jedi1952, Briannakin, Jedi_Lover, EGKenobi.



Melinda and Luke sat in the back of the speeders in companionable silence. Ben remained quiet except for the whistling. As much as he was like Luke in some aspects he remained his mother’s son; he knew when to speak and when to be silent. No doubt he’d sense what his father was feeling.

The boy was very bright.

No, not boy. He hadn’t been a boy in a long time. He was a man now, with a fiancée. He would be married in under a month—an event his sister had eagerly looked forward to orchestrating.

He took a breath then released it.

Life was good. He was truly content—and he hadn’t been so in a long while.

“Luke? Is something bothering you?” Melinda inquired.

He turned to face her and gave a gentle yet warm smile.

“No, I was just thinking how good things are is all.”

“Is that so?” She smiled radiantly, her eyes dancing.

“Yes,” He placed his hand intimately on her, interlacing hem.

A throat cleared.

“I’m still here you know.” Ben informed them.

Luke turned to stare at his offspring, their eyes locking in the rearview mirror. He grinned unabashed.

“Sorry, Ben.” His eyes sought out Melinda’s, barely concealing his grin. “We did mean to weird you out; we’ll try better next time.”

“Why does that not reassure me?” Ben muttered.

Melinda gave a weary shake of her head then leaned close to him.

She playfully whispered, “You are simply terrible.”

Luke’s eyes widened expressively as if startled. However, deep within them Melinda could see a hint of mirth. She laughed lightly at his guileless expression.

“You are too much.”

**

They dropped Melinda off at her complex with Luke taking the time to escort his lady to the door.

“Are you sure I can’t accompany you upstairs?” He asked.

She smiled, patting his arm. “I’ll be fine from here.” She then leaned in and kissed his cheek. “Go home and get some sleep.”

He grinned wryly.” That’s doubtful. I’ve been playing hooky lately so I’m behind on paperwork.”

“Well then, don’t work too hard.”

She then turned and left.

Luke watched her walk to her door; her smooth, graceful gait hypnotic in nature. Never since his wife had a woman’s walk look so enticing. He heaved a heavy sigh and turned back to the speeder where his son waited. Popping open the passenger side door, he climbed in and settled into his seat with another sigh.

Ben raised his eyebrow.

“You okay, Dad?”

“I’m fine. Just thinking…”

His son didn’t speak, but simply waited.

Luke waved his hand. “It’s nothing.”

His son snorted.

“What?”

“Dad, I’m old enough to have learned when people say nothing it usually means something. C’mon, spill. Something’s on your mind, I know it.”

Luke gave a melancholy smile.

“It’s about Melinda isn’t it?” Ben inquired.

“Am I that transparent?” He asked quietly.

“Pretty much. Through all that stoicness you try to give off, your actual feelings have always been pretty honest, Dad.”

“I see.” He gave a light laugh, pausing.

Ben waited a beat before inquiring.

“What’s really got you thinking, Dad? It isn’t Mom is it?”

“What makes you think that?” His father responded.

“Hmmm. Answering a question with a question. Interesting.” He caught his father’s eyes in a sideways glance. “Mom would want you to be happy, you know.” Ben informed him.

Luke crossed his arms over his chest.

“I know,” His lashes fluttered as he released a trembling breath. “It’s just hard when I miss her so much. Your mother was the best thing that had ever happened to me, Ben, and when I lost her I felt like my entire world had ended. Now, I’ve met Melinda….and I never thought I’d find someone who made me feel the way Mara did.” Another breath. “It’s hard…to let go.”

Ben sighed and pulled the speeder over. He killed the engine, sitting back in his seat.

“No one’s expecting you to, Dad. In fact, I’d be worried if you were to that easily.” He threw his arm over the seat back. “Dad, I want you to do what you feel is right for you. Forget about everything else and everyone.”

Silence.

“Dad?”

Ben turned to face his father, and the sight he took in hit him squarely in the chest: his father with tears streaming down his cheeks. He gulped unsure what to say. Luke took a sniff and briskly wiped his tears with his sleeve. Even then, though, there was a visible lump in his father’s throat as if Luke was trying to keep his feelings from bubbling out.

“Uh, Dad...” Ben reached out and touched his dad’s sleeve.

“I’m fine, Ben, it’s just… it was like a dam broke; crumbling and washing away all my fears.” He took breath.

“You’re afraid I wouldn’t accept her?” Ben was confused.

“No, that’s not it. I didn’t want to give up your mother in that sense, and I suppose I was afraid of the thought I had to, but when you spoke it was like a light turned on.”

Ben had a strong urge to go, well, duh, but kept it to himself and simply listened.

He paused, his voice clearer, firmer.

“I don’t want to forget her, Ben, but I can’t give up Melinda either.”

Ben shrugged as if it was so simple.

“Then… you’ve got to go for it,” he pursed his lips. “Faint heart never won fair lady and such.” His last words had a hint of snark to it.

“I think will.” Luke said decisively.

“So you want me to turn around?” Ben asked.

Luke shook his head.

“No, I want to do this right. Let’s head home, I’ve got plans to make.”

“All right.”

Ben started to speeder backup and, checking over his shoulder, pulled into the skylines. “So, you sure you’re up for this? Cause it has been a few years you’ve made a move on a woman, Dad.” There was a hint of a smirk to his voice.

Luke shot a reproachful look to his offspring.

“I think I can mamage it, Son,” He replied laconically. “I’m not that far gone by any means.”

There was a confident, yet semi-cocky tone to his father’s voice and his chin his tilted up, holding h his head high.

Ben smiled inwardly.

Yes, that was his dad. He wasn’t overtly proud by any means, but did have a certain inner strength to him; one that Ben had always admired. And in that Ben himself was proud. Very proud.

******

They made it back to the Temple around o twenty two hundred and Ben pulled into the hangar. Luke got out of the speeder and ran a hand through his damp hair, surveying the hangar in the low light. It was empty except for a few technicians and a droid cleaning crew working in the background. The driver’s side hatch hissed as it popped open and he could hear Ben stepping out of the vehicle. There was a slight popping noise as his son worked his joints and muscles.

“Ahhh, that’s better.” He said with a sigh. “Sometimes I think that speeders getting smaller every day.” He dropped his hand, coming around the front end.

“Somehow I doubt that.” Luke replied dryly, then reached up and ruffled his son’s hair. “These are the few times that it’s good to be short.” He chuckled at his jibe to himself.

“Yeah, yeah. Laugh at my pain why don’t you.”

He ruffled his hair again.

Ben stretched once more. “Well, I’m going to do a perimeter check, I’ll be up after that.”

“I’ll walk with you.” Luke offered. “I’m not quite ready to turn in yet.”

A raised eyebrow.

“I’m not that old.”

“Never said you were.” A slight smirk was in Ben’s voice. “Now, let’s see if you can keep up.”

“Is that a challenge?”

“Take it any way you like, but I’m not responsible for dragging your butt back to the room afterward.”

“Unlikely,” A pause. “Care to make this interesting?”

Ben goggled. “What you mean like, a bet?”

“Something along that line yes… terms are…..loser has to take over cooking duties for two weeks.”

“Done.”

“In the cafeteria.”

“What!? You never said that.”

“I just did. Are you backing out? Afraid an old man will beat you?”

Ben snorted in a very Mara-esque manner. “Not very likely. Bring it on, old man.”

“Oh, it’s already…. As you youngsters say, been brought.”

 

EmeraldJediFire -- hi! Missed you around these parts! LOL! You've still got the masterful Ben/Luke snark touch. I have some stellar L/M recommendations if you're looking for great stuff to read LOL

 

Very nice!

 

You updated. YEH! Excellent dialogue between Luke and Ben.

 

Oh, I have missed this. Great exchange between Ben and Luke.

 

Then I'm glad I could entertain you once more. I think I'll probably write more soon


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

excellent dialogue between father and son, can't wait for more.

 

Wonderful update -- loved all of the father/son chat -- the serious and the fun.

 

Great update Liking this side of Luke too

 

Well, I got out another chapter BEFORE the month's end. Hooray for me! Thanks all for reading:EGKenobi, Gemma, Falcon, Briannakin, jedi1952, Jedi_Lover, and Nyota's Heart.
Writing Luke/Ben scenes are my favorite as you can tell. I also think I'm pretty good at them...as you do too it seems.

Nyota's Heart, I am in need of L/M fics.

Enjoy all!



“Oh, don’t let it get to you, Ben. I only beat you by a few feet.” Luke joked.

“You didn’t beat me.” Ben said dismissively. “I simply pulled a muscle tripping over that frakin' root."

“Ah-hah, is that the story you’re going with?” Mirth was in his voice.

"Bite me." His son muttered, sounding none too pleased.

Luke’s eyes sparkled. “Now, Ben, don't be a sore loser.”

Ben let out a snort. “There was no competition to begin with! Geez you're insufferable…”

The Jedi Master let out a chuckle as he folded his arms over his stomach.

There was silence for a bit before Ben spoke again.

“Dad… I’ve been thinking…”

His father raised a curious eyebrow. “Yes?”

Ben shoved his hands in his trouser pockets. “I think it’s time I stopped living at the Master’s quarters. I’m going to be married soon and…well…I’d like to find a place of my own-for myself and Myra. In fact, I should have done this sooner.”

“You should, you’re not a boy anymore.” He smiled sadly.

“Don’t do that.” Ben groaned. “I’m just moving out on my own finally, not heading off planet. Isn’t that what you’ve been harping on me about for the past year?” He arched a brow to make his point.

“Not harping. Just a fatherly nudge; all birds must fly.”

Ben’s face softened. “I fly fine, Dad.” He reassured.

“I know.”

“Good,” He nodded. “You know, it’s good you found Melinda. That means you won’t be alone.” He scuffed his foot sheepishly.

Luke arched. “Is that the reason you’ve been sticking around for so long?”

“Not entirely.”

His father stared pointedly at him.

“Okay, partially.” His shoulders sagged. “I use to think…if I’m not here for you, who will be? Up until recently that is.”

“Ben…” Luke whispered, emotion overcoming him once more.

“Don’t get me wrong, my life hasn’t completely stopped. Myra’s been in her program and she’s been focused on it. We wanted to wait until she graduated to get married—and we have her place near campus so it’s not like we never get any….ahem private time.” He turned slightly red, then cleared his throat, briskly, “In the end, it just made sense to stay where I was ya know...”

“Sure, Ben.” Luke said with a barely concealed grin.

Ben sighed heavily.

“There’s no living with you sometimes…which is why it’s a good thing I’ll be going soon.” He lifted his chin up, trying to sound irate.

Luke through his arm around his son’s shoulders. “Ah, but without me who would you have to tease you?”

“I’ll get by somehow.” Ben responded dryly. “It’s you I’m worried about, old man.”

A raised eyebrow.

“I’ll get by somehow.” The elder Skywalker quipped.

Ben just rolled his eyes at this.

*****

Luke woke the next morning well past his usual hour. He yawned big, stretching his arms over his head and sat there for a moment. Usually it took him no time at all to wake up, but he’d been filling out paperwork late into the night and hadn’t gone to bed until two in the morning. He’d been half asleep when Ben had found him and urged his father to get some rest.

Throwing his legs, over the side of his bed, Luke crossed over to the window and push aside the drapes to greet the day. His bedroom faced the east, receiving full morning sunlight. He gaze at the splendorous, glowing sun and yawned once more, running a hand through his silvery blonde hair.

Looks like it was time to greet the brand new day.

He crossed back over to the bed, bypassing it and making a beeline for the door. He stepped out into the living and cast a quick glance over it before heading for the kitchen area. His head felt extremely muddled as if a fog had seeped in. What he needed right now, he decided, was some caf, because try as he may he couldn’t seem to wake himself up.

Pushing through the swinging door, he entered the kitchen, flipping on the light as he did so. He walked over to the counter and immediately began readying his caf. Midway through the process he heard the distinctive sound of the apartment door opening and the shuffling of feet.

“Dad!” Ben called out. “

“In here, Ben!” Luke called back.

“Good, you’re awake.” His offspring pushed open the shutters over the sink. “Was wondering when you were gonna wake up.” He hefted his datapad. “The piece Diana Landon did on the Order made the morning paper; thought you might like to take a look at it.”

“Ah, good. I’ll do that right after I get some caf in me.”

“A ‘right.” He placed the ‘pad on the bar top. “I’ll just leave it here .And I also bought the pastries.” He hefted the bag up to eye level. “Thought you could use a little pick me up.”

“Sounds good. Just put it down next to the pad.”

“Will do.” Ben set it down. “Well, I’ll be going. I just wanted to drop off those two things. I’ve got a class in fifteen. See ya later!”

“Later.”

Once more, Luke was left by himself. Curiously he reached, over the sink, through the small opening, and plucked the pad off the ledge along with the pastries. Opening the paper sack, he pulled out a kriller and examined it before turning his attention back to the datapad. He flicked it on and keyed up the Coruscant Times, finding Landon’s article on page three.

He bit into the kriller as his eyes scanned the article. The piece had been handled with aplomb and professionalism. It was detailed and insightful—something he felt was an adequate representation of the Jedi Order and himself.

His first instinct was to get in touch with Landon to thank her, but he held back. He didn’t need to wade back into that. Diana Landon and he had come to an understanding of sorts….it was best he leave it at that.

A chime sounded somewhere behind him in the living area. Luke eyes checked the chrono that blinked over the cooktop. Crap, he really had slept in. Not to mention he had a meeting with Corran.

The Corellian's never going to let this go.

****

Luke met Corran downstairs and related to him the news about the article.

“Yeah, I saw it,” Corran said, rubbing the back of his head. “I’m surprised it went so well. To tell you the truth I was a bit skeptical it was going to go so well.....what with the lady in question.” He paused. “I wasn’t entirely sure how it was going to go with her period.

“It went fine,” Luke said shortly.

Truth be told, he was getting tired of people questioning the whole situation.

“She’s not a threat, Corran. I’ve set everything straight.” Corran raised an eyebrow at this. “And that’s all I’m going to say.”

He shrugged.

“All right. I’ll drop. I guess I judged the woman wrong.”

Oh, Corran hadn’t be off, but Luke wasn’t about to correct the man.

Luke nodded. “Good.”

“Now, that that’s settled. Care to join me for a bit of sparring.”

“I thought you wanted to speak with me about something.”

“I did.” A subtle grin.

Luke sighed.

So that had been the Corellian’s game. Why was he not surprised?

Corran raised his hands. “I know, I know. But I’m just concerened for you, Luke, as a friend.”

“And I do thank you for that.” He cleared his throat. “Now, you said something about sparring?”

“Yes, are you up for it?”

The Grand Master raised an eyebrow.

“Right then,” Corran said jovially. “Let’s get to it!”

***

“You’re getting sloppy over there, Luke.” Corran called out, circling nonchalantly. “Getting slow in our old age?” The Corellian grinned.

Luke snorted uncharacteristically.

“Hardly.”

“You sure?” Corran playfully taunted.

Narrow his eyes, Luke dashed forward. “Positive,” He hollered, before darting to the side and attacking the man’s unguarded side with a backhanded strike.

Startled, Corran jumped back, avoiding Luke’s blade by mere inches. He raised his saber into an offensive position and circled once more, fixed on moving himself out of attack range. Eagerness flashed in his green eyes as a wide grin crossed his face. There was no doubt in Luke’s mind that Corran was enjoying this.
It was time to make it interesting.

Concentrating, his eyes narrowed once more and a training block came soaring from its pile. Corran turned in surprise and ducked one before slicing another one in half.

“That’s playing dirty.” He shouted.

“I’m just using every tool at my disposal.” Luke replied matter-of-factly. “Isn’t that what you’ve always advocated?”

Luke knew the real reason for Corran’s ire. His fellow Jedi was capable of many feats; he was an excellent swordsman and had a deductive mind….but what he lacked (what all his family lacked) was kinetic abilities.

He then felt a stirring in the Force and gazed upon Corran. Determination shone brightly in the Corellian’s jade eyes.


This was just getting started, he decided.

 

Great update. I loved the Luke-Ben teasing.

 

Thank you! me too...

 

I like the father and son moments. Nice update!

 

I adored the father/son comments at the beginning. I like that Ben has Mara's snark.

 

LOL I loved the Ben/Luke teasing and open talk. Glad the published article was dignified and did the Order and Luke justice.

 

So it seems, I've been nominated for Best Original Relationship. I've been working so hard this is just the boost i need to start writing more.

 

Congratulations big mega times EmeraldJediFire - Melinda is just what Luke needed & kudos for making the relationship feel right to the characters.

 

Wow, has it really been four months since I last wrote for this story. Well, wait no further. I finished my next chapter. I was thinking of writing a longer one to make up...but I decided to get this one out as soon as possible to make up for all those lost months. I hope you enjoy it.

Thanks, Jedi_Lover, Gemma, Nyota's Heart, and Briannakin, for their patience.



Luke walked into the cafeteria after his arduous sparring session with Corran to find his sister chatting animatedly with her nephew (with said nephew doing his best to look interested). It was obvious though he was giving off desperate vibes. In other words, help me.

He grinned and felt Ben’s mild irritation directed toward him.

I hope you’re enjoying yourself. His son voiced accusingly.

You know if you broadcast yourself, your aunt’s going to hear.

“Oh, Luke!” His sister called out, noticing him for the first time and lifted her hand, waving wildly. “Come and join us.”

Luke watched Ben’s face turned pleading.

Smirking silently, he decided to give his son a reprieve and walked over to where they sat.

“So, what’s going on?” He asked jovially.

“We’re discussing the wedding.” Leia informed in an excited manner.

Ben added, “Yeah, and I’ve been telling her it would be better to wait to get Myra to weigh in.” Luke could tell he was trying to keep the annoyance out of his voice

“Well, of course. I’m just trying to get started—we have two weeks after all.”

“I’ll make time. I’m sure she’d know some of this stuff better. Flowers and themes and…stuff.”

Luke almost guffawed at that.

“That’s perfect.” She reached over and patted her nephew’s hand. “Just wait, it will be perfect.”

“She’s right. If your aunt can handle your mother’s and mine, then she’ll have no problem with yours. In fact, I think your mom was happier not to have to weigh in."

Ben smiled. “Yeah, Mom, never could stand things like that.”

Mara had always handled formal occasions with aplomb, but her own wedding had frustrated her.

Leia nodded. “I remember her storming off during the wedding dress fittings.” She commented.

“I would have died to see that you know.” Luke said casually.

“I think you probably would have died period.”

Ben cracked a smile at this.

“What are you smirking at,” Luke asked, reaching out to ruffle Ben’s hair. “You’ve got quite a handful yourself. Just wait until the big day gets closer.” He wagged a finger at him.

Ben scoffed. “I doubt Myra will turn into bridezilla or something.”

“I didn’t say anything of the sort.” Luke returned easily. “Corellians though are….interesting. Right sister?”

“Interesting? Is that the word they’re using now?” Leia said jokingly.

“I’d rather not say otherwise.” Luke grinned as he pushed himself to his feet.

“Coward.” Leia called out gently.

His son’s eyebrow’s shot up. “Hey, where’re you going?”

“I have things to do.” He replied as if it was obvious. “A Grand Master’ work is never done.”

“You didn’t even eat.” Ben pointed out.

“I’ll be fine.” Luke promised, reaching out to ruffle Ben’s hair again. “I’m really behind on my paperwork. Plus I’ve got a lesson to teach.” He raised his hand to his sister. “I’ll leave you and your aunt to your planning. See you later, Leia.”

“Later, Luke.”

Planning, Ben thought, suppressing an audible groan. More like interrogation. He braced himself as his aunt turned back to him.

“Huh.” Leia commented thoughtfully. “Well, that was odd.”

“Uh, yeah.” He said with a frown.

“Did your father say anything to you this morning? Maybe he’s going to see Melinda.” She murmured, watching the door where her brother had disappeared.

“Maybe.” Ben shrugged. “But I don’t think so. He saw her yesterday.”

Leia looked interestedly at him.

“Did he?”

“Yep.” Ben didn’t say a word more.

Leia understood completely. He wasn’t going to break his father’s confidence whether made to promise or not. She respected that.

Ben spoke up again, “I’m happy for him you know.”

She looked at him, seeing the softened, considering look on his face and the slight smile. She could hear the emotions in his voice as well.

“I am too.” She responded, then got up. “I should be going….” Leia leaned over and kissed her nephew’s cheek. “Take care…I’ll see you and Myra tomorrow. I already spoke to her about it.”

Ben looked dumb founded.

She let out a light laugh at his confusion.

“Wait, then why did you have to interrogate me?” He asked, sounding bewildered.

His aunt was already headed for the same door his father had left through.
“Oh, no reason.”


His jaw remained in the dropped position.

“Well, that was weird.” He said.

****​

​

Luke returned to his chambers shortly after. He paused in the front office and surveyed the scene of the mounting pile of datapads on his desk. He’d made decent headway but it still wasn’t enough. He checked the chrono on the wall. His class was scheduled to be held in an hour and a half. If he buckled down he could get most of it done before he left. Rolling up his sleeves, he got down to work and started with a datapad on the top of the stack.

It was all mostly standard stuff.

“A Master’s work is never done.” Especially when you’re the head of the Order. He amended silently.
*
Luke nearly had cleared the stack an hour and a half later. He slid another finished piece of work to the right side of his desk and leaned back in his chair. He felt a slight pounding in his head and began to massage his temple with his fingers. It hadn’t been that arduous but it had taken longer than he’d like due to his frequent distraction. He had often let his mind wander during the course of the one and a half hour—which was very unlike him. He prided himself on being focused and never losing sight of the goal.


Twirling a stylus in his left hand he considered his current trains of thought—which were multiple. They mainly focused two matters….Melinda and Ben; both whom were very important people in his life. The two also represented very important times in his life. Now, Luke could never discard who he was as a father, but he felt a new person immerging through his continued relationship with Melinda Rotham.

He sighed at the thought of her—actually sighed. He wrinkled his brow.

“What am I? Some love-sick kid?” He said with a derisive snort.

He let the stylus go with a clatter and pushed away from the desk getting to his feet. He felt his muscles stretch and the subtle crack of his back. He scrunched his nose at the sound. I must be older than I thought, he thought.

He’d only been sitting there for a short amount of time, after all. It was sort of odd, seeing as how he could sit cross legged for hours on end in a meditative pose. He pondered this and wondered if it was time for him to slow down. Was this where his life finally led?

His thoughts returned to Melinda, remembering her radiant smile and her warm, yet soft touch. The tinkling of her laughter was like music and his heart tightened in his chest. He sighed heavily once more—and this time he laughed lightly.

“I am a love sick kid.” Luke said with a smile.

Love.

His spine went rigid and he became momentarily startled by the word. Love. It was such a powerful word. It carried so many emotions…so much weight—and right now it cause him to become almost light headed. It buoyed his spirit and made his heart thump heartily. Then, all at once, an inner peace seem to settle over him and he floated down. His mind felt clear for the first time in a while; truly clear. Before he’d only been momentarily certain, but always hesitant. Always afraid. Too afraid to reach out…to let himself feel again.

Luke no longer held such reservations.

He knew what he wanted and how he felt. And right there, he knew the path he had to take.

I knew you could do it, Farmboy. He heard his wife say encouragingly. You always had it in you to love. You would never have been able to hide from it for long.

I was afraid, love. You told me it was okay, but…I couldn’t imagine myself loving anyone else.

I know. But it’s okay…didn’t I say that?

“Yes, you did.” He said aloud. “I just had to realize it for myself.”

Mara’s voice quieted and Luke, knowing his heart now, bent over the desk and tapped into the comm system.

“Yes, Jedi Vale. Please tell Master Clighal that I won’t be teach anymore more lectures for the day. Have Master Durron take over.”

“Yes, Grand Master.” The woman’s voice intoned. “I’ll pass the message on.”

He felt her curiosity brimming on the other end of the line. She wanted to ask him what was going on but restrained herself.

“Thank you, Jedi Vale.”

“It was my pleasure, Master….take care.” She added, before cutting the line.

Luke pulled back from his desk and the comm system, straightening up once more. There that was done. He turned and walked over to a nearby couch which he had deposited his outer robes and slipped them on once more. He took the lift down to the ground floor and headed through the grand corridor, his strides purposeful and his mind focused. He still wasn’t sure what the next step was for him, but he did know the path to take.

Fifteen minutes later, he found himself standing in front of one of Coruscant’s quaint flower shops. This one was only a few blocks from the Temple and Luke had found himself led here as if he was on autopilot. He looked at the looping letter on the front window.

The Floral Emporium. It said.

He strode into the shop after moment’s hesitation. It dawned on him as he crossed the threshold that in all the weeks he’d spent with Melinda. He’d never given her flowers. Never shown her a slightest gesture. Inwardly, he had told himself that flowers were too meaningful; they placed too much emphasis on such new relationship.

Luke stopped nearly a display.

He knew though, he couldn’t approach gifting her with flowers as some ordinary occurrence. He couldn’t give her them just because he hadn’t had the foresight to do it prior to this. In fact, he wasn’t sure why he’d come here at all. No flower could ever express his emotions more than he could.

​

***​

“What is he doing?” The tall, brown haired man whispered.

He had watched the Jed intently, following him with a curious gaze as Luke Skywalker stopped in front of flower shop. After waiting for a moment the other man went inside.
Rurich hadn’t meant to follow Skywalker, but his curiosity had gotten the better of him. He knew what the holozine and the HoloNet said of Luke Skywalker, but the man didn’t know the Jedi from Aidan. He had to find out what type of man he was…the man his mother was so obviously in love with—even though she’d never admit it to herself or to her children.

He knew better, however. As always, he’d always been able to sense his mother’s true feelings.

Rurich pretended to examine a display of flowers to the far left of the shop, all the while watching Skywalker out of the corner of his eye. He wasn’t sure what to make of the current situation.

“What is he doing?” He muttered again.

The Jedi didn’t seems to be looking for anything in particular. In fact, he seemed rather lost in his own world. Carefully, he picked his way over to Skywalker.

“Can I help you with something, Sir?” A feminine voice inquired.

Rurich looked over to her: a small brunette had approached him on his left side.

“No thank you. I’m just browsing. But I’ll call you if I need help.” Saying that, he dismissed her

As soon she turned away, Rurich once more edged his way toward the Jedi. Skywalker was still in the same place he’d been before, this time examining a bouquet of flowers. He found it odd that he sales girl had not zeroed in on him, but quickly dismissed it. It wasn’t important.

He pretended to look at a stunning bouquet a few spaces down, taking it off the shelf and turning the crystal vase in his hands carefully. He listened to the delicate rustled of flower steps and watched from his peripheral vision as Skywalker released the yellow flower he was currently grasping.

Taking a chance, he spoke up, “The hycipthia is probably what you’re looking for. The yellow one you’ve got would be all wrong—it means friendship.”

Skywalker turned to face him, a strange, confused look on his face.

“Excuse me?” He eyes stared at Rurich curiously.

“I said, you’re looking at the wrong one. Flowers…..have a language all of their own. Botany is my specialty" He gave a small smile, then reached down and plucked a pinkish flower from waist level. "This one…the hycipthia, evokes feelings of devotion….love if you will.”

The Jedi’s eyebrows went up.

“And what makes you think I’m looking for such a flower?” He asked conversationaly.

Rurich shrugged. “It’s nothing that complicated. You just didn’t look like you were contemplating buying something for a child or sister or anything. It looked like something deeper.”

Skywalker’s mouth twitched and the other man could tell he’d struck a semblance of truth within him.

The Jedi snorted suddenly. “It’s even obvious to a perfect stranger.” He turned to Rurich and gave a strange smile. “Strangely enough…I don’t think I even need that flower…Or to be here.”

That statement took Rurich aback.

“Thank you.”

A peaceful look crossed his face and the Jedi turned, leaving him behind dumbfounded.

88888​

And....cliffhanger...does anyone rememeber who Rurich is?

 

OH yay! An update! I laughed at the scene with Ben and Leia. Poor Ben.

And I wonder what Luke is doing

 

I loved the scene with Leia chatting Ben's ear off about wedding plans. I thought Rurich was one of Melinda's children -- but I thought Luke had dinner with her children -- so I guess not.

 

He hasn't had dinner with them yet.

 

Wonderful scene with Ben, Luke, and Leia. And gosh, but I love Luke's musings over Melinda and his sense of peacefulness over moving forward. Bravo on that choice. Fascinating with the flower emporium scene.