crack_van | Beyond Memories by Jedi-lover (Teen)

Fandom: STAR WARS
Pairing: Luke Skywalker/Mara Jade
Length: 46k
Author on LJ: She doesn't have one
Author Website: Profile on FF.net
Why this must be read: This is the second memory loss story I am reccing this month. This time, it is Mara who has lost her memory. This story is a heartwarming tale of Luke trying to help Mara not only regain her memory, but move through the emotional baggage she has accumulated from her time serving the Emperor. Mara without her memories of her time as the Emperor's Hand is something else and Luke is his perfect, Jedi self. While this story is teen, there is a naughty outtake which fits in with chapter 19, available here. You are required to register, however.

Excerpt

On the third day Mara was taken out of her forced sedation.

"She should slowly regain conscious within the next hour," Dr. Defel said. He, along with Luke, Leia, Han and Karrde were standing by Mara's bedside observing the young woman. "Don't be surprised if she is groggy or a bit confused. It is normal, and should disappear during the course of the day."

It seemed to Luke like an incalculable amount of time passed before they saw Mara's eyelids flutter slightly. Her eyes opened and she blinked against the bright lights of the room. Mara's eyes fell on the entourage standing around her.

She opened her mouth to speak, but paused. Luke picked up her thoughts through the Force and fetched a glass of water.

"Here, drink this," he offered and Mara gulped the water down eagerly. Finally, with her thirst satiated, she once again turned her attention to the people in her hospital room.

"Miss Jade, I am Doctor Defel. I'm a neurologist," he explained before Mara could speak. "You were hit by an airspeeder and sustained a head injury. Do you remember the accident?"

Mara shook her head slowly. "I don't remember anything. How long have I been here?"

"Three days. Your injury was not severe, but you did suffer a violent seizure after the accident. You will need to be on medication and observation for a few months," Dr. Defel said as he made notes on her chart. Luke stepped forward and sat carefully at the edge of Mara's bed before she could object.

"Mara, I volunteered to take care of you. I set up a place for you in my spare bedroom and you can stay with me." Luke smiled, fully expecting Mara to protest, if not at the idea of staying with him, then at least at the thought of being on medications for a few months. To Luke's surprise, Mara said nothing, but just looked at him blankly.

"I am going to live with you?" she finally asked.

Luke immediately rethought his decision. Yes, they were friends but they weren't that close. How could he have just assumed that Mara would accept living with him for at least three months?

"I am sorry, Mara," Luke apologized. "If you would be more comfortable staying with Leia… or with someone else, I will make all the arrangements. I don't want you to think I was being presumptuous. I just felt responsible for your recovery."

"I am not sure if I understand," Mara admitted as she gave him a confused look. "I am in a hospital and for the next couple months I am going to live with you?"

Luke's cheeks burned with embarrassment. "I must admit that was my plan. I'm sorry. I should have waited to talk to you before making these decisions."

"Well, it's just…" she looked up at Luke with a dazed expression, "Who exactly are you?"

Beyond Memories