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You flopped down on the ship’s bunk hard, resting your elbows on your knees and letting your head fall into your hands. The last few missions had been hit after hit, and you were just so drained. It felt like the galaxy was sucking you dry of all your energy in a way that squeezed the air from your lungs and made you tremble. You took a shaky breath, cursing yourself for how it rattled around in your chest.
You’re a Jedi, you told yourself. You’re supposed to be better than this.
Luke had decided to keep the imperial shuttle he escaped the second Death Star in, modifying the insides so you both could live on it if need be. Two cargo holds had been converted into bedrooms with the others holding food, medical supplies, clothes, weapons, and more. The main area had been renovated to mimic the Falcon’s main hold with a refresher in the back. He’d named it the Redeemer and it had become a cozy home filled with your and Luke’s things as you two flitted around the galaxy.
You closed your eyes and let yourself fall into the Force’s embrace. Another rattle of breath filled your lungs as you dug your nails into your skin, resisting the urge to hyperventilate. There was nothing to hold onto out in the coldness of space. All you could sense were the inanimate objects around you, the thrum of R2’s energy, and Luke’s steady heartbeat from where he sat in the cockpit. You focused all your attention on his solidity, breathing in time with him and letting the steady thump-thump of his heart calm you.
Several moments later, a soft voice said, “Hey, starflower.”
“Hi,” you grumbled without looking at the doorway. Still focused on his body, you could feel him carefully walk towards you.
His fingers gently stroked your hair. “What’s wrong?”
“I don’t know. It just…got bad all of a sudden.” You felt the mattress dip as he sat beside you and pulled you against his side. You let your head fall against his shoulder as he took both of your shaking hands in his own.
“It’s nothing to be ashamed of.” He nudged his nose into your hair before leaving a kiss there.
“But Jedi aren’t supposed to do this—”
“You’re allowed to have emotions, Y/N. You’re allowed to feel drained and take time for yourself, even if I hate watching you suffer. I just wish you’d come to me when you’re feeling like this—not that you can’t have space if that’s what you need, but I just wish you wouldn’t worry so much about bothering me.”
You turned to meet his eyes. The ocean-like blues held love, sadness, and softness in equal measure as he cradled your face in his hand. “But you have enough on your plate.”
He tilted his forehead against yours. “You’re not a burden. I’m glad you’re on my plate.”
Love for him overwhelmed you and you couldn’t help but give a small smile.
He smiled in return. “There’s the smile…I know things have been hard lately and I’m sorry. Maybe once we get back from this mission, we can take a little break and go somewhere. Just you and me.”
A beep of protest echoed from the cockpit, making you both laugh.
“And R2,” he amended.
You pressed further into his side. “That sounds nice…Where should we go?”
He pressed a soft kiss to your lips. “Anywhere you want. Just name the place and I’ll fly us there.”
You thought for a moment. “Leia really seemed to like Naboo when she went. You could learn more about your mom, too.”
He nodded. “She said it was really beautiful there…so you’ll fit right in.”
You snorted. “Wow, that was smooth for you, Skywalker.”
“Hey! I can be smooth!”
You giggled. “Have you been talking to your dad’s Force ghost again? Is he giving you suggestions?”
“You know what—come here.” He stood, pulling you up with him and holding you tightly as he suddenly kissed you deeply. You couldn’t help the moan that escaped you as his tongue darted past your lips. You drank in his scent and taste, letting your fingers wander into his hair.
One of his hands splayed across the small of your back while the other cupped the back of your head. You made a sound of surprise against his lips as he suddenly dipped you, bringing you back upright just as quickly. Laughs bubbled out of both of you as you broke the kiss.
“How was that for smooth?” he asked, a smug smile on his face.
You playfully whacked his chest, beaming brightly. “You’re ridiculous.”
He laughed and dragged the tip of his nose against yours. “Only for you.”
You cackled harder. “Now I’m just picturing you dipping diplomats on base in lieu of a handshake.”
He threw his head back and you couldn’t help but beam at the bright laugh that escaped him. “Oh, I’m sure Leia would love explaining that.”
“Just dip her, too.”
“I already lost one hand. I don’t need to lose the other. Or any feet.”
“Or your head—do they make cybernetic heads?”
He chuckled and buried his face in your neck. “Hey, I thought you liked my head.”
You squeezed him tight. “I like both your heads.”
“Oh, Maker, now you’re the one being ridiculous.” Although his face was hidden, you could feel it suddenly grow hot against your skin as he continued haltingly. “You haven’t even seen the…other…head…”
You chuckled and nuzzled into him, massaging your fingers through his hair. He melted into you and sighed, holding you tighter. “Not yet, anyway,” you mumbled.
He snorted, pressing a soft kiss to your neck before pressing his cheek to yours. “I love you. And I’m here for you, always. Please don’t ever hesitate to come get me when you need me.”
“Okay—but only if you come get me, too.”
“I will. Promise.” He gently caressed the side of your face before planting a kiss on the other side. R2 beeped and whirled from the doorway. “Come on, we’re about to come out of hyperspace.”
You took his hand as he led you to the cockpit. Before you could move to the other chair, he pulled you into his lap and pressed another kiss to your lips. He sighed against you as you deepened it, his hands running up and down your sides and spine. “I love you, too, by the way.”
He smiled. “I know.” The stars stilled around you as the blue light of hyperspace disappeared to be replaced by Ajan Kloss. Luke gently patted your butt as you transferred to the copilot’s chair. You watched as his hands expertly directed the ship toward the planet and hoped your upcoming trip to Naboo would involve him doing other things with his hands.