Chapter 20

AN: Time for another chapter for all you wonderful readers. You know the disclaimer and all, so enjoy!!

"And then I jumped onto the ramp just before you and the others showed up. I started to get cold after hiding back a bit. I wanted you to be the first to see me. I was afraid I might get shot first and asked questions later if it was anyone else." Ari winced as Luke gently rubbed some more bacta over the cuts.

"I'm sorry," he apologized and blew gently on them to help cool the burning sensation the bacta was leaving. He looked up at her, lips still just inches from her hand, blue eyes searching hers. Ari felt her heart start to beat faster, remembering the kiss he had given her and she wondered what his lips would feel like on hers. The very thought made her shiver slightly, her lips tingling in anticipation though knowing it wasn't about to happen.

"Cold?" Luke asked as he let go of her hand and without waiting for an answer. rubbed his hands over her arms to warm her up, which caused her to blush slightly, his touch seemed to warm her skin and then seem to flow from there and through her until she was warmed completely.

"Better?" he asked, sitting down to face her again. Ari just nodded, unable to talk for a moment. There was a brief pause then Luke prompted her. "So you were cold…"

"Oh, yes." Ari nodded, trying to pull her thoughts back to telling him what had occurred since they had went in search of R2, just earlier that day, yet seemingly lifetimes ago. "I went to get my cloak that I had dropped and pulled it on. I turned around to see that other girl…" Ari trailed off and looked at Luke for a name.

"That was Princess Leia of Alderaan and a leader of the Rebellion. She is the one from the message." Luke got a small smile on his face as if remembering something and his fingers gently brushed over his lips as his smile grew.

Ari frowned slightly as she took this in, remembering how Luke had compared her to an angel. She felt like a fist was around her heart, squeezing it just a bit. "What is the smile for?" she asked, trying to sound like her typical self.

"Well…" Luke leaned forward slightly with a big grin on his face. "She kissed me," he told her in a stage whisper.

Ari felt like she had been punched. "Kissed you?" she asked after taking a deep breath.

Luke nodded excitedly. "Can you believe it? A princess kissed me!" His excitement was shown, eyes bright with happiness. "She is so beautiful. But not only that. Ari, she is perfect. Smart, quick on her feet, brave. She also has a great sense of humor," he chuckled softly, remembering.

Ari turned her head away from him, biting back anger, sadness and pure frustration. 'I love you Luke!' her heart seemed to scream at him. She wanted to proclaim it to him but couldn't. He saw her as his best friend, like a sister. Nothing more.

"Ari?" Luke asked after a moment, noticing she was looking anywhere but at him, her body language indicating something wasn't right.

Luckily, Ari was saved any further questions as the pair turned to voices echoing down the hall.

"You never specified," Leia was saying, her voice sarcastically sweet as she entered the room, carrying a tray with two drinks and two plates with some sort of meat with sauce and noodles on it.

"You knew what I meant," Han growled as he followed her, Chewie a few paces behind, looking as if he was trying to keep from laughing.

"Well, you said you were hungry, but of course since princess and galleys just don't go together I felt it would be best to save you from possible food poisoning by giving you a ration."

Ari wiped her eyes quickly as she held back a laugh, turning to them. Leia placed the tray down in front of them and gave her a small smile.

"I figured you two might be hungry. We three ate already," she replied, shooting a smile and glance at Han who just glared, crossing his arms.

"Thank you, Princess," Ari nodded slightly as a sign of respect, but Leia shook her head.

"Just call me Leia. I am a now Princess without a planet." For a moment her eyes filled with intense pain and loss that Ari herself felt still deep within. Luke had told her about Alderaan, how the Death Star had destroyed it.

"I'm sorry about Alderaan," Ari spoke up softly, eyes meeting with Leia's for a moment.

Leia gave a small nod. "Alderaan is my reason for fighting now. To stop any other planets from meeting the same fate." Ari was almost shocked to hear this, having felt the same way about her family. To avenge their deaths by helping stop the Empire.

A look passed between the two woman, both girls who had been forced to grow up before it was time, both seeing the loss of the things they had held most dear. Both were going to fight for what they believed in, for a cause they were willing to die for.

At that moment they were connected, comrades in arms at the very least.

"You should eat before it gets cold," Leia finally told her softly and Ari nodded, turning back to Luke then frowned ever so slightly.

His eyes were transfixed on Leia with a smile that she returned as she moved back slightly. Han glared at her once more but said nothing.

Trying to not let her emotions show, she took her food and drink, silently, pushing the tray to Luke. He took it and started to eat as fast as he could, as if he hadn't eaten in ages.

Ari took a bite and then noticed how hungry she also was, the smell and taste welcome to her senses and strength as she ate greedily almost.

Finally, when her plate was clear, she placed it back on the tray, finishing the last of her drink.

"How was it?" Leia asked.

"Wonderful," Ari answered with a small smile. "I didn't realize how hungry I was." Her soft laugh was genuine as Leia shot a triumph smile at Han, as Luke mirrored Ari's comments.

"Yeah yeah so she can cook," Han shook his head then his eyes fell on Ari, really looking her for the first time. His eyes flashed with mischief as he walked over. "How could I be so rude? Han Solo, Captain of the Millennium Falcon." Chewie gave a small bark. "And my first mate and best friend, Chewbacca." Han took her hand to shake then, looking at the bandages kissed the top of her hand instead.

"Han…" Luke growled at him as Ari blushed ever so slightly. Leia gave a sigh, rolling her eyes slightly.

"You know, Luke, you should have told me that there were such beautiful girls on Tatooine. I thought they only raised farmboys with huge egos, but now I see there is more than just sand there," he replied sweetly, eyes not leaving Ari.

"Alright, Han, that is enough," Luke told him, pulling him back slightly as he stood up.

Han turned and looked at him, but not before winking at Ari. "I didn't know she was yours. You never mentioned a girlfriend."

"She isn't my girlfriend," Luke answered, hotly. "But she is my best friend."

Han thought this over for a moment before smiling smugly, looking from Luke to Ari's somewhat red face. "Sure thing, Kid," he emphasized Luke's nickname as he sauntered off.

Looking upset, Luke followed. "Now wait just a minute…" he started but the rest was lost as the golden droid started to walk in then turned to follow Han and Luke.

"Oh Master Luke, Captain Solo, I was worried that something was wrong with the ship because R2 and I had tried…" his voice then faded as they moved further away, Chewie and the R2 unit in tow.

Ari glanced up to where Leia was still standing. The Princess shook her head with a soft laugh. "I am surprised he can walk through here with such a large ego." Ari laughed as well, feeling still a bit sore by Luke's feelings to this other girl but said nothing as she stood up.

Grabbing the plates on the tray she turned to Leia. "Where is the galley? I really should wash these."

"I'll come. I need to do something to stop myself from going crazy on here," Leia replied and took the tray from Ari, before leading the way.