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The Empire has been destroyed. A new state, a new world is being built. Everyone is hoping for the best.
This is evident in everything: people, droids, and all the other numerous creatures and inhabitants of the world have become happier on every planet. Everyone has hope for a brighter future, as if a ray of sunshine has broken through the darkness that is as impenetrable as the snow on the icy planet of Hoth.
Leia believed in her impending marriage to Solo. The droids believed in the speedy restoration of their masters' powers and the revival of peacetime. Chewbacca believed in returning to his home planet, although perhaps he hoped more for the resumption of travel on the «Falcon».
Han has never been understood, but Skywalker is sure that he believes in something too. Maybe his hopes coincide with the wishes of the princess.
And Luke, of course, despite everything, believed and hoped with them. Perhaps he hadn't yet decided or chosen what to believe, but he was simply by his friends' side.
After the destruction of the Empire, it was as if a huge boulder had fallen from the sands of his native Tatooine.
After all, it was Tatooine that became the first place of meeting and the starting point of the beginning of the adventures.
Although this small planet usually did not attract the attention of tourists and passers-by, Luke always liked it. Maybe it was because of the memories associated with this place, or maybe it was because of the quiet atmosphere of the planet's intimacy.
In any case, after the death of Anakin Skywalker and the dark personality of Darth Vader, he needed a change of scenery, and that's why he wanted to come here with everyone, under the pretext of taking a break and relaxing after their exciting adventures.
It could be considered a vacation for the entire team. In fact, no one seemed to mind. Except for one stubborn bastard.
«Not the best place to relax, of course.» - Han immediately began to criticize. - «Moreover, I will have to work as a laborer and manage the ship again while everyone is resting.»
«But Han!» - everyone shouted in unison. In that scream, even Wookiee spoke like a human.
«Okay, okay. So let it be. Rejoice, the most beautiful and highly qualified pilot is with you.» - he replied with a trademark smile and a flash of his white teeth.
The princess clicked her tongue and rolled her eyes. Luke noticed that this gesture could only mean one thing: she was probably pleased with Han's words.
The journey was not particularly long, and overall, it was a peaceful and pleasant trip. The only notable aspect was Lando's drunken state and Solo's constant grumbling. However, these were minor issues.
Upon arrival, the group immediately headed to Chalmun's Cantina. For both Luke and Han, this place was undoubtedly very nostalgic. Their first encounter took place here, and although only a couple of years had passed, they had already become quite close.
They were seated at a large table, which had been carefully set up by several of the bar's waiters as a compliment and a sign of respect for the heroes of the New Republic. Solo, of course, had become quite arrogant due to his personal service. Skywalker, on the other hand, didn't really care who took their orders. He simply thanked the waiters at every opportunity due to his manners and upbringing. Han took every opportunity to tease the young man for his kindness and adherence to good manners.
Drinks flowed freely and new dishes landed on the table before they even had time to take away the empty plates. Skywalker physically couldn't help but joke about Wookiee's indomitable appetite.
Leia, choking on the grape wine, burst out laughing and almost fell off her high chair. This made the company laugh even harder.
In the midst of the general merriment, no one noticed how the main entertainer had disappeared.
Luke looked around in confusion, and it was only then that he saw his friend's silhouette talking to a man he didn't recognize.
The man was urgently asking the captain something, but he was just laughing and waving it off, seemingly not taking the other person's words seriously.
«Come on, friend!» - the man Han was talking to shouted. - «These faraway lands haven't heard human singing for a long time, and I remember that you can really get the party going. Sing for us, don't be shy! Shyness isn't your style, dude.»
Han just chuckled again, and despite whatever they were talking about, he agreed and walked straight to the microphone setup and the droids playing music.
Judging by how old the microphone looked, it had been a long time since anyone had touched it. It must have been there since the bar was first opened, when people used to sing great songs.
The droids abruptly played the introduction, and Luke winced at the loud drum beat. Almost immediately after the song began, a man started singing, and everyone in the bar turned to look at him.
Yeah, I got to know your name!
Well, I could trace your private number, baby...
Leia gasped in love and rested her chin on her hand, listening intently.
Han's face was playful and amusing, but his entire demeanor was very sexy.
Skywalker reprimanded himself after this thought.
However, when he turned back to the stage, Luke was stunned. Solo was staring directly into his eyes. He was still wearing that flirtatious and sexy grin, as if he was dedicating the lyrics to the Jedi.
And I, I've got to have my way now, baby!
All I know is that to me
You look like you're havin' fun
Open up your lovin' arms
Watch out, here I come!
It took Skywalker a while to realize that he was sitting in the same way as Princess Leia. His hand was supporting his chin, and his elbow was resting on the hard surface of the table. His mouth was slightly open, and his eyes were probably shining with surprise and admiration.
At that moment, he felt like a terribly sentimental fool. It was unlikely that his friends would understand his behavior.
Meanwhile, Solo didn't seem to be taking his eyes off Luke, staring as if he were looking straight into his soul.
You spin me right round
baby, right round
Like a record, baby
right round, round, round!
What was this man doing to him? Luke hadn't expected to feel this way. He shifted uncomfortably in his chair. Looking around, he noticed that Organa was still sitting there. The droids were standing right next to the stage, and Lando and Chewie had disappeared again. They were probably at the bar counter.
There, next to the music stand, was Han's acquaintance, along with R2D2 and C3PO. Luke finally realised that he needed to talk to him.
Skywalker turned his attention back to the man on the stage. He was still staring directly at Luke.
I want your loooooove!
His heart seemed to skip a few beats. Solo looked at him and sang the line several times. He immediately jumped up and went straight to the friend of Solo, who had started all of this.
The man seemed to be completely calm. When he noticed the young man walking towards him, he simply looked at him in surprise and allowed him to sit next to him on a small sofa.
«My name is Luke.» - Skywalker began, extending his hand to the man. - «I'm a new friend of Han Solo... I... I just wanted to know... Who are you, and how do you know him?»
The new acquaintance chuckled and shook the other man's hand.
«My name is Weller, my young friend. Weller Naokin. Han is an old acquaintance of mine. We met a long time ago, when these lands were still free from wars and conflicts. Sometimes I feel like an eternity has passed since then...»
Weller chuckled thoughtfully and fell silent, but soon continued quietly:
«You probably want to know what I meant when I said that Solo knows how to «get the party going»? - Luke nodded in surprise. The older man just chuckled. - «When we were young and carefree, people still sang. They sang great songs, and the words flowed from their lips. And Han, by the way, was the best singer in these lands.»
Naokin winked and smiled again.
Luke sat in silence, but his face gave him away. His expression was a mix of pride, surprise, and embarrassment.
«Are you his partner?» - Weller asked sharply, knocking the air out of Luke's lungs. He choked and only after clearing his throat, he said quietly:
«No...»
Naokin didn't seem to understand what he had asked. His face was so calm that for a second, Luke began to convince himself that it was a common question.
«That's weird.» - the man continued. - «He's looking at you like that...»
Meanwhile, Solo stopped singing. The audience burst into loud applause, and some of the bravest in the audience called for an encore. Han simply walked off the stage with a straight face and headed straight for Naokin.
When he saw Luke standing next to him, he turned pale. He must have tried very hard to pull himself together and not lose his composure, because he quickly gathered himself and continued walking towards them. But Skywalker, of course, noted to himself that his palms were too sweaty for someone like him.
«What do you think, Wel? Do you remember the old days?» - even on the move, the captain began with his trademark malicious smile.
Naokin replied to him, but Skywalker's thoughts were already far away from there. The puzzle in his head was forming by itself right before eyes. There are too many coincidences. What if Solo really dedicated this song to him?...
Before he could think about it, a strong hand grabbed his wrist and dragged him to one of the private rooms of the cantina. After all, it was a hotel for tourists, so there were rooms here too.
Solo abruptly pushed the young man into one of these rooms and entered himself, locking the door.
At this point, Luke was not even bothered by the fact that the man had booked this room in advance. He had anticipated everything as soon as he met his old friend and heard his proposal for the first time. He must have had a plan in mind right away. What a trickster.
«What are you doing, Han?» - Luke was the first to speak, sitting down on the bed.
«Don't you know what I'm doing, Princess?»
«Without princesses, please. You already have one. Go to her.» - Luke covered his face with his hands, breathing heavily.
«I'm sorry, I won't say it anymore. And Leia's feelings have always been one-sided and non-reciprocal. I can't stop her from loving, baby.» - Han continued. He didn't have that snide smile on his face. Only excitement and fear. And Luke didn't understand what he was so afraid of.
«What do you mean?» - the young man stubbornly did not understand.
«I love you. I've loved you since the first time I met you. And I dedicated the song exclusively to you. I needed to let out at least some of my feelings, and Weller's suggestion helped me do that. This song symbolized love and passion in my youth, and it was often used to express feelings like this. Nowadays, no one does this, but...»
The elder man paused. His eyes were darting around the room at a rapid pace. He was still holding the small key to the room, fidgeting with it nervously. After a few seconds, he continued:
«I need you, and I've always known it.»
Luke gasped in surprise and stood up from the bed. His hands landed on Han's cheeks. They stood together in silence for a long time before Skywalker broke the quiet.
«I was really surprised when you started staring at me while you were singing. Although, Leia is probably still convinced that it was meant for her.»
They both laughed, looking at each other, and as soon as the laughter died down, there was an awkward pause.
Han reached out carefully, placing his hand on Luke's face to stroke his cheek. The young man didn't mind. When their lips met in a gentle kiss, he certainly didn't mind at all.
Solo wrapped one arm around Skywalker's waist, while the other still held his chin.
Luke simply placed his hands on the back of the man's head, gently stroking and running his palm along the entire length of the man's neck. Being around this man made him want to be himself, to open up and never wear a mask again. In fact, he had every intention of continuing to do so.
The constant biting of his lips, coupled with the warm touch of Solo's mouth and tongue, caused a shiver to run through Luke's body.
Han's cold hands slowly caressed Luke's milky skin along his ribs. Luke let out a soft moan into the kiss.
The elder raised his eyebrows in surprise, but his hands tightened on her waist, causing an even more intense reaction.
When he pulled away, Solo could only stare into his honest blue eyes and watch his gaze return. He was certain that they had a long way to go.
In that moment, Luke finally understood and defined what he believed in and hoped for. Although he may have stolen the idea from Leia. However, it no longer mattered.