AN: Please R&R!!
Luke glanced over at Ari, who was now awake after having been dozing off all day. At least, that was what R4 had reported. While Luke had tried to stay with her as often as he could, he still got commed at least half a dozen times. Each time he had hoped that it was something that he could answer quickly. However, each and every time he had to leave. He never wanted to though. That was why had asked R4 to stay with her, just in case she got worse. Ari had protested that she was fine, but Luke was just as stubborn as her.
It was now after the evening meeting, and while Luke was supposed to be looking over reports, he found that he kept glancing over at Ari, watching her as she read through an aging bound book. Her mother's journal, she had explained. Apparently there was a lot written in it, since Ari wasn't as far into it as he had thought she would be. However, the handwriting was done in swooping letters, at least what he had seen. That could take some time to read, especially when sick. It was also her interest in that journal that had given Luke an idea. An idea that had taken him all over the base in search of a certain item. He had been able to find such a thing, and had felt very pleased with himself. It meant doing some extra help for one of the Rebels, but was worth it.
"Do I look funny or something?" Ari asked, sensing him watching her, not even looking up.
"Not at all," he smiled back. "I was just thinking…" he trailed off.
"About what?" Ari asked him.
"About what today is," he answered.
"Today? What is today?" she asked, honestly not knowing. She had lost track of the days and weeks since they had left Tatooine. She put her forefinger into the book to keep her place.
"Today, a certain someone turns 19," he smiled secretively.
Ari looked at him for a moment, and it was clear that she was thinking about the days. "My birthday. Force, I forgot all about it," she admitted with a laugh.
"Do you feel any older?" Luke teased.
"Ask me a few days from now when I feel better," she answered, but a smile was still on her face. "Well, I have caught up with you now, Luke."
"Yes, you have. Just like you do every year," he gave a wink over at her.
Ari gave small wink back, joking with him. "Last year, I wouldn't have been even able to imagine we would be here."
"Well, it isn't the best environment. Which is why I am sorry we can't really celebrate it."
"Oh, don't worry about it," Ari shook her head. "Honestly. It isn't a big deal. I wasn't expecting a party or anything," she gave a small laugh
"Well, whether you think that or not, we are going to have our own small celebration," he smiled.
"What? A celebration?" Ari asked, perplexed.
"Yes. Nothing big, but…." He trailed off, reaching next to him, turning her back to her. He had a small plate that was covered with wrap. On the plate was a pastry. Luke had also managed to get a small candle.
Taking the wrap off of it, he put the candle it in the center. Pulling out a small lighter he had borrowed, he lit it before turning back to Ari.
Ari's eyes grew a bit larger at this, surprised, but pleased. She set the journal down beside her, no longer keeping her place.
"R4, can you dim the lights?" he asked the droid, who beeped, then complied.
Luke got to his feet, and then sat beside her on the bed. "Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday, Dear Ari. Happy Birthday to you," he sang to her. R4 had even joined in, trying to whistle in tune.
All this caused Ari to laugh with small shake of her head.
"Now, make a wish," Luke instructed.
Ari looked over at him, only the faint candlelight showing his features. The constantly shifting of the flame caused shadows to dance over him, and for a moment, Ari shivered, and she knew it had nothing to do with being sick. She forced that thought away, instead seeing the happiness in his eyes. Something she hadn't seen enough of since they had joined the Rebellion.
Thinking of a wish with a small smile, she blew out the candle. R4 turned up the lights again as Luke handed the plate to her. "So what did you wish for?"
"I can't tell you," she insisted. "Or else it won't come true."
Luke just gave a small laugh, starting to get to his feet to go to his bed again.
"Don't you want some?" Ari asked. She knew it must have been hard to get something this nice on a base where so many luxuries were missing. Even showers were more like a luxury now.
"There isn't a lot. Besides, it is yours," Luke answered, with a shake of his head.
"And I decided I want you to have half of it," she replied with a smile. Even this seemed to be taking a lot out of her. However, she was enjoying it, and planned to last as long as she could.
"You are always sweet," Luke commented as he took his vibroblade from his belt. It was almost funny to use it for something like this. A weapon used as a knife to cut a pastry.
Ari must have thought so too because she laughed as he cut it halfway, taking one part for himself, giving her the other half still on the plate.
Both glanced at each other, taking a bite at the same time. Ari closed her eyes for a moment. It was good. Not as good as her mother's cooking, but it was heaven after months of bland food and rations. "This is good," she told him, opening her eyes again.
"Very," he nodded, and both had finished their pieces before they knew it.
"Thank you, Luke," Ari smiled at him.
"Well, it isn't done," he answered, then laughed glancing over at her.
"What?" she asked.
"You have a little something, right there…" he leaned over and brushed away the berry jam that had been on it and had ended on the crease of her lips.
Ari blushed slightly at this. "Thanks," she murmured.
"Anytime," she answered lowly.
Then he realized how close they were and made himself step back, feeling awkward.
"Umm…yeah, but there is still one more thing to give you," he spoke up, digging through his bag. He took the item and hid it behind his back, walking back towards her.
"I couldn't wrap it," he told her. "But I hope you like it anyway."
"Luke, honestly, this is more than what I expected."
Luke gave a small smile and handed the item to her, causing a small gasp escape from Ari.
It was a leather bound book, the pages still crisp and white. Ari took it, running her hand over the smooth cover. She flipped through the pages, all except for the first one blank.
"A journal?" she asked, looking up at him.
"Well, I saw how much you enjoyed your mother's, and I know you have many stories to tell. This way, you can write them down and always remember them," he smiled.
Ari glanced at the front page, reading the inscription. To Ari on yourr nineteenth birthday. You have so many adventures still left to take, and here you can write them down to remember them forever. –Luke
"Thank you so much," she sat up a bit more, hugging him tight. It made her miss her life back home, yes. However, with Luke there, the pain was less, because they still had each other. It would continue to be hard, but they would get through it.
Luke hugged her back, able to smell the light perfume of her shampoo since she had taken a shower earlier. He held her for a moment, knowing they were both thinking about her last birthday. So much had changed since then. They had as well. There was one thing that hadn't changed at least. They were still best friends.
"Happy Birthday, Ari," he whispered back with a small smile.
AN: And for those of you waiting for the section of "Empire" to start, stay tuned! J