September Discord Challenge - use the word 'Cool'
Cool and Collected
Pacing the small room, Han paused to wipe a bead of sweat from his forehead. Then he glared at his co-pilot, who was sitting sprawled out on a comfortable recliner, his blue eyes sparkling with amusement.
*Hot, Cub? Usually you're as unfazed by what life throws your way as a new born pitten.*
"Humpf," Han grumbled, stepping closer to the air vent that blew cool air, letting it cascade over his face and hair. "You'd be nervous, too, if you had to march out in front of billions of beings and try to remember what to say and do and not to mess things up."
The Wookiee chuckled. *You still have time to bolt.*
Han turned and frowned at Chewie. "Run away? I love Leia. I wouldn't leave her standin' all alone at the alter!" He sighed, turning his face back to the air blower. "I just wish it could've been a small ceremony, and not a galaxy-wide viewer event."
*Being in the discerning eye of the public will be part of your life, everyday now. It comes with marrying a Princess.*
"I know!" Han snapped. "You're not helping me calm down, pal. The best being is supposed to be supportive, ya know, not make the groom more nervous."
The door slid open, and Lando, looking as debonair and cool as usual, popped his head inside. "The Wedding Song is starting to play. It's time to kiss your freedom and all those lovely ladies goodbye, for the rest of your life, Solo."
Chewie stood up, grabbed Han by his shoulders and turned him toward the door. *Being a consort to a Princess probably won't be so bad. Just remember to bow to her in public and stay two steps behind her at all times.*
"I hate you guys," Han muttered to the loud laughter of both Lando and Chewie as, heart pounding, he headed toward the alter in his tailored suit and shiny boots.
A few minutes later, all his fears and nerves faded away as Leia, holding her brother's arm and looking even more beautiful in her sparkling, flowing gown than Han could possibly have imagined, entered the huge chamber.
Now cool and collected, Han Solo spoke his vows to the woman he loved without once stumbling over his words.