poor puppy Luke :( I know, I know, I am really mean to him :'( I think hes falling in love? ...
Home Comforts
As Luke got closer to home, he could feel Rey's Force signature, getting stronger, becoming brighter. For Force-sensitives, it was akin to having a 6th sense. It was like all the senses rolled into one. When he got near to her, Light radiated. Her beauty shone out, and not just her physical beauty. Her inner beauty along with all of her other astonishing qualities combined made for a blinding allurement which Luke felt it difficult to resist.
Approaching the hut, Luke could hear soft singing. He warmed inside at the sound. She sounded like ... home.
The sun was setting. Luke entered the hut, pushing all thoughts of the day's events into the furthest pit of his mind. As he closed the front door, the smell of freshly baked bread hit him.
"Good evening, Rey."
"Good evening, Master Luke." she piped up from the kitchen, grinning like a loon. "How was your day?" she beamed.
Everything about her was divine and pure. He purposely skipped over the details of the afternoon, presenting in his own mind, an altered version of the day.
"It was lovely, thank you. I took a walk over the hills, had a swim in one of the coves, and just enjoyed the day. And what about you, Rey?"
"I made bread!" she squealed, lifting a tray from the wood-fire oven built into the wall. Her top teeth were biting her bottom lip in excitement as she grinned, placing the tray on the counter & transferring plump bread rolls into a cotton-lined basket.
He chuckled; "Is that what you've done all day? I noticed you rose early this morning."
"Few other things." she muttered, ducking her head back towards the oven, pulling another tray forth. "I went in search of some native vegetables and fruits." Dumping the second tray on the counter, she dashed over to a pot heating over a fire, its contents bubbling away and gave it a stir. "I wanted to make us a nice meal." She lifted a spoonful to give it a taste.
Luke's stomach growled as delicious smells began surrounding his senses. He walked over to the kitchenette, to see what else Rey was concocting. A feast fit for a thousand men came into view. The large pot of stew bubbling in the corner. On the counter; the basket of (10!) bread rolls, and surrounding it was a large selection of fresh fruits; most of which he recognised. Fruits he'd eaten a dozen times and more.
He tittered, looking round the table. It was definitely too much food.
"What is it, Master? she inquired.
He didn't want to dis-hearten her.
He reminded himself this was still all pretty new for her. He'd listened to the horror stories of her surviving on nothing but measly packaged rations in exchange for a full day's labour in the beating sun. Whilst food on Ahch-To was easy to harvest and available in abundance. He bit his tongue, saying nothing. They would make use of the leftovers, he reasoned.
"Nothing at all. It looks fantastic!" he beamed.
He noticed she had lit the hut by candlelight, just in time for sunset. He couldn't help but think how romantic and... domestic it all felt. It felt nice; he felt happy. But then... the sadness came. His affections for her were growing stronger by the day. He worried about how long he could keep his feelings to himself.
"I'm just going to wash up for dinner." he told her, making his way to the fresher. He needed a minute to himself.
Luke closed the door and stood in front of the mirror, staring at himself. Staring at his old reflection. He examined his weathered face, the lines, the wrinkles. He felt ashamed at what he felt for Rey. He felt like a dirty old man. Although he did want her sexually (and he was ashamed to admit that, even in his own mind), he had begun to care deeply for her and wanted to protect her. He wished she'd been born in his time, that he had met her many years prior. He'd never had the chance to get close to someone, not like this. Not since Leia, and look how that turned out!
He tried to push his developing feelings deep deep down and away.
All he wanted was companionship. The loneliness had eaten away at him. He marveled at the fact he'd allowed himself to get this close to another, to be frank. That he had agreed to such an arrangement; her living with him while training in the Force. All so that she could one day, soon, face her enemy, again. His own nephew. He was teaching a girl he'd only just met the skills necessary to one day perhaps destroy his sister & best friend's own son. It was quite absurd.
She was such a bright, young woman, with a great future ahead of her. He knew she would go on to do great things; take down the First Order? Lead the Resistance? Definitely have a positive impact on the galaxy in some way. Never mind the fact she had probably sparked the interests of several of the handsome young men in the Resistance. She would probably follow on in the footsteps of Leia; he could see her becoming an exceptional leader and after achieving much greatness, settle down and marry, maybe have some younglings and a family of her own.
He washed his face and hands, the luke-warm water welcoming on his skin. He brushed his hair out of his face, before returning to the common area.
"Hungry?!" Rey asked with gusto as she finished getting the table ready.
"Famished." Luke replied.
She'd dished up bowls of the stew for them and fetched some water. She stood and pulled out Luke's chair.
"Please, sit!" she enthused.
"Rey, you don't need to -"
"Ahh!" Rey jokingly frowned a him, putting one finger to her mouth and 'shooshing' him. "You're always doing things for me. Taking care of me. Let me take care of you."
His heart jumped slightly at her words. He wasn't one to argue. He slid comfortably into his chair, as she tucked him in. He smiled at her. This was totally unnecessary, but pleasant all the same. She had the bouncing energy of a young child, darting around, serving up stew, making sure everything was just so for their dinner. She pushed her basket of bread towards him as she took her seat across from him.
"Please try the bread, its the first time I've made it. I hope you like it."
Luke took a bite. They were still warm, and soft inside, with a perfect crunch on the outside. He dipped it into the stew and ate. Delicious! He was rather surprised at her cooking skills. "Mmm, this is really good, Rey. Where did you learn to cook?
"Well, I guess I cheated a bit. I learned a lot from General Organa, Master." she said with a wink.
Ah. Leia. Of course. She'd been a great wife and mother through the years, having done a lot of home-cooking for Han & Ben.
They chatted idly about not much at all while they enjoyed the rest of their meal.
"That was delicious, Rey." Luke complimented. She smiled, feeling and looking extremely proud of herself.
They tidied up together then Luke went to sit out on the grass in front of their hut. It was a picturesque evening and the sun was setting beautifully.
He sensed her. She came out to join him on the grass. They both looked on, and began chatting without making eye contact.
"Is everything okay Master Luke?"
"Of course, Rey. why do you ask?"
"You've just been awfully quiet today."
He looked on, saying nothing.
"Something feels closed off. In your mind. It feels like a brick wall when I try to connect with your mind."
"Oh, I'm just weary, sweetheart. Nothing to worry about." he tried to reassure. She looked unconvinced, but decided not to probe.
She shifted herself closer to him.
His heart rate increased.
She leant her head against his shoulder as they finished watching the sun set together. His heart was in his throat now.
He felt so comfortable with her. He allowed his body to relax.
Her eyes closed.
"I feel so safe with you, Master."
He wanted nothing more than to stroke her hair. To take her in his arms and hold her.
No.
NO!
He would not allow himself this. He didn't deserve this moment. And it was agony to have it and not have it at the same time.
Abruptly, Luke stood and made his excuses. "Goodnight, Rey." he told her as he retreated to the safety of solitude.
Rey's eyes shot open as she watched him leave.
"Master!" she called after Luke.
He did not look back...
