Chapter Text
"That holo was practically slander.” Luke chuckled lightly to himself as he stepped out onto the streets one step behind Han, who was absorbed in a heated verbal review of the holofilm they’d just watched. “The way they depicted smugglers was a disgrace. No scoundrel I know would ever think to leave their way of life for some... royal. Makin’ that seem like the respectable choice was just ridiculous!”
“There was definitely some pretty far-fetched stuff in the plot,” Luke agreed, suppressing his grin. “But even if its depiction of the Spice Trade was a bit exaggerated, I still thought it was fun.” Han shot him a withering glare, prompting Luke to allow his grin to bloom undisguised. “But, next time we hang out, I’ll let you pick what we do. Deal?”
Han just looked at him for a long moment, narrowing his eyes before sighing and shaking his head. “I donno what it is about you, kid, but if you were anyone else, I’d’ve cut my losses and run long time ago. Some reason, I just can’t say no. So ya got yourself a deal. But I don’t wanna hear anything from you when you find out what’s in store.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Luke replied lightly, offering a softer, more genuine smile to his companion. “Comm me when you’re available next, yeah?”
“Yeah, alright.” Han paused a minute, a shade of concern passing over his face. “Sure you don’t want me to walk you home? The lower levels here ain’t exactly the kindest place on the planet.”
Luke’s eyes drifted just over Han’s shoulders to an alley off to the side. His expression sobered a touch, but he did his best to maintain a light demeanour when flickering his gaze back to Han. “I can take care of myself, don’t worry. My home would be... very much out of your way. Too much of an inconvenience for you. But, as always, I look forward to our little get togethers. I’ll see you next time you’re on the planet.” Offering one last genuine smile, Luke brushed his hand against Han’s shoulder before turning to walk away. “Take care, Captain Solo. Until next time.”
Han mumbled a farewell in return and took off in the opposite direction.
Luke waited until he could sense Han was well away from the area he was in before sighing and stepping towards the alleyway that had caught his attention earlier. “You can come out now, Father.”
Remaining shrouded in the shadows, the distinctive figure of Darth Vader stepped forwards, visible to Luke alone, who slipped between the buildings to join his father out of sight of any passersby.
“He’s just a friend, you know.” Luke raised his eyebrow up at his father, who folded his arms across his chest. “You don’t need to lurk around every time I spend time with someone.”
His father simply stared down at him for several seconds, conveying a blend of displeasure and doubt. “I do not trust the smuggler,” he rumbled softly, “and neither should you. He may not know of your identity now, but should he find out - ”
“Yeah, yeah, he’ll sell me out, take advantage of me, use me for his own gains,” Luke cut in, rolling his eyes. “I’ve heard the speech a million times before. But you heard him. He’s not interested in royals, and he knows me for me. And, like I said, he’s just a friend. I don’t think it’s a crime to want to be around someone who just... wants to be around you.” He’d spent so much of his life surrounded by sycophants who did nothing but praise him endlessly, serve his whims, treat him as above them, even when he insisted he wasn’t. “Han is... he’s different, Father. Please. Just... trust me.”
Vader tilted his helmet, probing his son with the Force and considering the Prince’s words. Perhaps Luke would luck out and score a victory...
“Very well.” Success! “But be warned, should this... Solo... do anything to harm you? I will personally see to his punishment, and that is a promise.”
A wry smile tugged at Luke’s lips, and he shook his head slightly. “I suppose that’s all I can ask for. Thank you, Father.”