Chapter 35

As they entered the banquet hall, they were met with cheer and applause and Luke felt himself turn red with all the attention until it died down slightly.

Scanning the room, he saw Wedge, Leia and Ari talking, along with a few others that Luke couldn't remember the names of. He made his way through the crowd, replying graciously to the compliments he received.

"Hey," he smiled as he came up to them, resting on arm on Ari's shoulder for a moment.

Ari smiled at him and gave him a hug. "Hi." Her eyes locked with his for a moment before she blushed and looked down, smoothing her dress.

"Hey is this a party or what?" Han asked, joining them, arm going around Luke's neck for a brief moment, in a brotherly way.

As if in response, two doors opened that led to a buffet style of food. Everyone quickly got in line and went through, finding places to sit all over. Some sat at the tables that were provided, while others sat on the ground or stayed standing.

Ari, Luke, Han, Leia, and Chewie, along with the droids found an empty table and sat down, though R2 and 3PO remained standing.

They all ate, talking and joking, and watching the others enjoying themselves, almost everyone smiling and laughing.

"You know…" Han started, pushing his tray away, finished. "Everyone is all happy now, but one of these days you Rebels are going to find that this was just a walk in the park compared to everything else."

Leia sighed then nodded in agreement. "As much as I hate to admit it, you are right." She paused. "And you won't consider staying on as a Rebel yourself?"

Han gave a small frustrated sigh. "Listen your Worshipfulness…" he started.

Ari jumped up and made a horizontal slicing motion with her hands. "Stop. Not tonight. Not now," she insisted, sitting back down slowly.

"She is right," Luke agreed. "Let's worry about it tomorrow, we have had enough stress and fighting for today." A sad look fell over him.

"They didn't die senselessly," Leia told him, placing her hand over his for a moment.

Luke nodded and furiously wiped his eyes. "I just…I mean, I wish Biggs and Ben were here," he finally muttered.

"We won't let them be forgotten," Leia assured him and Ari gently rested her hand on his shoulder.

Luke smiled slightly at them in response, eyes lingering on Ari for another moment. He just couldn't believe this was the same girl he had known since he was eight. It seemed like just yesterday and yet, the day they had just went through had seemed to last a lifetime in itself.

Luke didn't have long to lose himself in his thoughts though as some of the Rebels came over, everyone making introductions with each other and talking excitedly still.

Quickly, a few hours passed and Leia excused herself. "We have to leave as soon as possible tomorrow," she told them. "Since the Empire will be coming after us once they find out we have destroyed the Death Star." She then turned to Ari, Luke and Han. "Ari, there is another room next to mine you can have and the two rooms across from there are empty as well," she nodded to Han and Luke.

"Thank you," Ari answered and Luke responded in the same fashion.

"Thanks Princess, but I think Chewie and I would prefer it on the Falcon," Han replied, and Chewie gave a throaty growl in agreement.

"Well, the offer is open if you change your mind. Goodnight," she nodded and made her way back to her room.

By this time, the level of excitement was starting to drop as everyone started the feel the effects of the day's events and slowly the crowd was dwindling.

"I could use some sleep myself," Luke commented, standing up with a yawn. Ari nodded; she also could feel the fatigue.

"Yeah, and don't forget we all have an early day tomorrow," Han remarked, getting to his feet as well, starting for the hanger bay, Chewie at his side.

"Goodnight Han, Chewie" Ari called and Han winked over his shoulder at her.

" 'Night you two," he replied.

Luke and Ari paused for a moment before they started for their own rooms and Ari yawned, resting her head on Luke's shoulder.

"I don't think falling asleep in the hallway is a good idea," Luke joked and Ari moved her head to look at him.

"True, you have a point," she answered, then feeling a bit awkward, she moved her head, walking beside him again.

The halls were quiet, their footsteps echoing on the stone floors, neither saying anything, though it was a comfortable silence.

Soon enough, they found themselves at their rooms, with Ari's help, since she remembered where Leia's room was.

"Looks like you were able to make your mark on the galaxy in one day," Ari teased him. Luke just shook his head with a small laugh.

"You did great out there too," he told her.

"Thanks," she smiled back slightly. Then there was a pause that seemed to add to the tension. "Well, goodnight," Ari finally stated, almost like a whisper and gave his hand a gentle squeeze before going into her room.

"Sweet dreams," Luke replied quietly, making sure Ari was in her room before going into his own, falling asleep almost immediately.

AN: Sorry this is so short…I do have my reasons though in terms of fluidity. Promise. J