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crack_van2012-01-05 10:37 am
Chasing Dreams by JadeLotus (Teen)
Pairing: Luke Skywalker/Mara Jade, past Luke Skywalker/Callista Ming
Length: ~35k
Author on LJ:
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lotusflower85Author Website: Her FF.net profile, although she has other stories on her LJ
Why this must be read: This story was written in 05-06 but still remains a staple of the fandom. The story is structured by the comparisons of two time periods: the prime story is ~32ABY, after the Vong War and the second time period is ~12ABY. Both time periods deal with the fallout of Callista Ming and the effect she has on Luke himself and the Skywalker family unit, told through the eyes of Mara Jade.
Callista's return causes so many negative memories for Mara and it is just heartbreaking to read her feelings and emotions, particularly in the past, where you want her to know that things eventually work out. The current timeline of the EU has rendered this fic AU, but this story is not one to be missed. JadeLotus weaves heartbreak and hope, past and present, and the overwhelming concept of love so well in this fic and her emotive language leaves you laughing and crying with the characters.
Excerpt
"Mara?" She heard Luke's voice permeate her reeling mind and refocussed her attention. "Mara?" He repeated as she – finally – turned to face him. "What's so wrong with my being in love with her?"
Mara recollected her emotions. "Nothing" she spat out, a little too eagerly. "I just wasn't expecting you to reveal it like that".
"You think it's too soon" Luke nodded sagely. "That's what Han said".
"Well, Solo isn't always so far off the mark". Her voice had returned to a normal level.
"I can't really explain it, Jade. But what we share…it's incredible".
Mara rolled her eyes as she caught that faraway look in his gaze again. "I'm sure".
"I really want you to accept her, Mara" he tried for her hand again, and this time she didn't pull away. "Your opinion is very important to me".
His clear blue eyes pleaded with her. Mara felt herself drawn to them - she had never really noticed how deep they were before. His words rattled through her mind. He wanted – no, needed, her acceptance, her support. The question was whether she was prepared to give it to him.
"She'll just have to prove herself to me". The words tumbled out of her mouth before she could think them through. It was an automatic response, although she wasn't sure if it was a truthful one.
Luke's eyes betrayed his hurt, and he slowly pulled his hand away, nodding resolutely. It was then that Mara realised the fundamental difference between them. While she needed time to judge people, to weigh their worthiness of her trust and support, Luke always accepted without question. Unlike his unending faith, her friendship was conditional.
Understanding and perhaps, Mara realised, a little saddened by it, Luke hoisted himself to his feet. "Thanks for the rescue, Jade" he acknowledged coldly, before making his way towards to hatch. He winced in slight pain as he twisted his leg at the wrong angle. Mara ignored it.
She heard the release mechanism of the door, and something twisted inside of her. "Skywalker" she called to him, her voice stripped of all emotion. It sounded pitifully tinny in the cockpit, echoing off the walls. "What you said, about…humanity…"
He didn't answer, but she felt his full attention. She swallowed forcefully, loathe to say anything at all. But something within her forced the words out. "In most of the people I've known…" She looked sadly out to the stars. "It hasn't existed at all".
The silence was palpable, and Mara was unable to gauge his reaction. Understanding flowed through from him, but no words. She hadn't really wanted any. His presence shifted, and then grew fainter.
The door whipped closed behind him, and she was left alone in the cockpit, contemplating the stars.
Chasing Dreams
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