Luke bit back a curse as a kick to his chest sent him
sliding backwards. He barely had time to register the pain before his opponent
came again at him again, forcing him to quickly lift his lightsaber
to block the next succession of strikes. Needing to regain control, Luke leaped
out of his opponent's range, grimacing as he did so. He'd been distracted that
time - a fact which had clearly not escaped his opponent - and nearly paid
dearly for it.
But really, he mused, as he studied the fighter that stood before him, could
anyone blame me?
Even now, as he took in the sight of her, he felt his already racing heart beat
even faster. That lustrous red-gold hair, gathered in a low ponytail, some
loose strands framing her face...The determination burning in those green eyes
as she stared him down...The utter confidence that she emanated...Stars, she
was beautiful. He had to fight the temptation to let his eyes trace the curves
of her figure.
The tight-fitting jumpsuit she was wearing really wasn't helping.
A drop of perspiration slowly trickled down the pale skin of the exposed
portion of her chest, flowing towards her cleavage. Luke found himself
following its path with his gaze before he realized what he was doing. Hurriedly,
he shifted his focus to her eyes, at the same time using the Force to compose
his mind, lest his sparring partner discover what had stolen his attention
away.
Judging from the knowing smirk on Mara's face, though, it was all probably
futile anyway.
"I know you're supposed to keep your eyes on your opponent," she
drawled, a teasing glint in her eyes. "But really, Skywalker..."
Luke allowed a growl to escape his lips, a sound that was half annoyance, and half...something else entirely. "Very funny, Mara."
It wasn't fair, he thought, how, when she fought, she could be so
incredibly...alluring.
"Better pay attention," she called out, as they began to circle each
other. "Because next time, I will get you."
"Oh, I'd like to see you try," Luke shot back.
Returning her smirk with one of his own, he sped towards her, suddenly overcome
by an eagerness to end the session quickly. The sneer on his wife's face faded,
and her eyes narrowed as she braced herself for his strike.
The next few minutes were lost in a furious flurry of attacks and parries. But
finally, with a difficulty not entirely due to Mara's skill, Luke managed to
disarm her with a swift, powerful move.
For a few moments the two of them stood there, breathing hard, Mara's eyes
glaring defiantly into his own. Then she sighed, and bent down to retrieve her
fallen lightsaber. "Well, Farmboy,"
she said, as Luke deactivated his own weapon. "Looks like it's round one
to -"
Her words were abruptly cut off as Luke grabbed her by the waist and captured
her lips with his.
Adrenaline fueling his desire, his kiss was forceful and hungry. His hand
reached out behind her to remove the tie that held her hair up, and buried his
fingers in the silky strands. His mind reached for her as well, and he immersed
himself in the fiery presence she radiated through the Force.
Mara had hesitated in surprise, but now her hands were gripping his shoulders,
and she returned the kiss with equal fervor. As she opened herself to him, his
mind and senses became filled with her as their tongues resumed their earlier
duel.
When they finally pulled apart, Luke felt a slight sense of loss as he withdrew
from her. With his arms still tight around her as their lungs worked for air,
he noted with satisfaction that Mara's eyes had glazed over slightly.
"That," he told her, leaning his forehead against hers, "was my
prize for winning." He then gave her a little glare. "Even
with you having the advantage."
Despite her somewhat disoriented state, it didn't take long for a smug look to
emerge on Mara’s face. "I always knew I looked a lot better swinging a lightsaber than you do."
Luke grinned. "And somehow you expect me to restrain myself when you look
so good." The last few words were a husky whisper into her ear.
He heard Mara's snort of derision. Pushing off his shoulders, she leaned back
and she shot him a reproving glare. But through their bond,
and from the way her the corners of her lips lifted slightly, Luke could tell
that she was pleased with the compliment. Jabbing a finger into his chest, she
scolded, "So much for Jedi self-control. What kind of Master are you
anyway?"
Luke threw her a look of indignation in response. "Hey, it took a lot of
self-control not to jump you before I disarmed you, you know." At
that, Mara finally dropped her glare, and chuckled.
Leaning forward, he tried to press his lips to her neck. But she laughed and
leaned away, denying him. As he frowned at her in frustration, he saw her
expression turn positively wicked.
"If I recall the Jedi code correctly, Master Skywalker," she
said pointedly, her eyes dancing, "'There
is no passion...'" She broke off, grinning, as Luke let out a groan.
"You just love turning my lessons back on me, don't you?" he said,
glowering down at her.
Mara's smile was completely unrepentant. "Well, considering how you kept
drilling those blasted mantras into me until I was ready to scream, it wouldn't
be fair if I let you forget them, now, would it? Now repeat after me, the third
line; 'There is no -'"
"Oh, stow it," Luke grumbled, his cheeks burning. As much as he
wanted to make her pay for that crack, banter wasn't really what he was in the
mood for. "Whoever came up with that never had to spar with you."
He saw Mara's mouth open to retort, but before she could voice her comeback, he
quickly shut her up with another kiss.
