Prompt 49 - Photograph
Leia never realized how many holos of Han she had until she collected them for his funeral.
No one had retrieved Han's body before Starkiller Base exploded, so there wouldn't be a coffin, but she was going to make sure that in a coffin's place there would be other memorabilia of him. Now which holos to use?
The holo of them posing at their wedding would definitely be in the display, as would the holo of her feeding him cake at the reception. He would probably be embarrassed that she was going to display a holo of him with cake frosting on his lips to the public, but it was one of Leia's most cherished memories and she was going to share it.
There was also a holo from the medal ceremony at Yavin 4 – that would definitely be on the display. In it, Han was giving a wide grin that looked almost embarrassed, as if he couldn't believe he was actually there, that he had actually returned to the Rebellion after running off.
There was another holo of him on the beach during one of their many Naboo vacation, where he was about to run into the ocean. Definitely going on the display – she had to show her husband's playful side after all.
And here was one of Han and Luke clinking glasses at a bar that actually made Leia giggle despite the current circumstances. She would add this one to the display for sure.
Then she gazed over at the holos she hadn't yet added to the display pile. These showed Han at various ages, spanning the last three decades, engaged in various activities, but they all showed one thing in common.
Their son . . .
Here was Han holding baby Ben for the first time, his eyes teary as he gazed down at the infant. There was Ben's third birthday and Han applauding his son for blowing out the candles. Here was Ben riding his father's back and there was Han and Ben eating ice cream. On and on they went, filling Leia's head with memories and welling up her eyes.
How could she put these holos on the display? These holos of Han with . . . his killer?
Tears streamed down her face as she pressed the holo of Han holding their baby against her chest. Why had she told Han to bring Ben home? Why had he listened to her?
Because they loved him. A stupid, sentimental reason that had cost Han his life.
She sniffled as she looked again at Han smiling down at the baby . . . the baby he had sacrificed himself for.
After a deep breath, she placed it on the pile for the funeral display.
