Author's notes: Here it is.
Last chapter.
Hope you enjoyed the story.
:)
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Leia gently ran her fingers through her hair, marveling at how soft it felt after the shower. The conditioner in the Jedi temple had clearly not been designed for the care of her long, exquisite locks.
Turning to the full body mirror, she admired the work her beauty droid had done. Her hair had been elegantly styled in a braided crown, adorned with delicate flowers and jewels. Loose ringlets cascaded down, framing her face perfectly.
Her eyes were accentuated with a light, shimmery plum eyeshadow, and her lips were painted a berry shade, giving her a touch of sophistication. A subtle blush highlighted her cheeks, adding a healthy glow to her complexion. The dress she wore was a belted lavender chiffon floral dress, decorated with many purple and white flowers and green stems. To complete the ensemble, she wore a matching pair of earrings and a necklace, enhancing her overall radiant appearance.
Leia couldn't help but smile at her reflection; she hadn't dressed so feminine and carefree since her days back home on Alderaan. It felt liberating to be out of the Jedi robes, wearing something beautiful, and having makeup applied. As she looked at herself in the mirror, it felt like her reflection was telling her that her mission on that planet was finally over. A sense of relief washed over her, and she let out a relaxed breath. Now, she could truly relax and celebrate with her family.
Leia stepped out of her room, her lightsaber in hand. She had learned in her training to always keep her weapon within reach or at least in the same room.
In the dining room, Luke and Anakin were deep in conversation, completely unaware of her presence. Anakin was nearing the end of recounting everything that had happened to him and Leia.
A content smirk played on Leia's lips as she watched father and son reunited, fulfilling the desire she had harbored for so long – to gift Luke with their father.
She carefully placed her lightsaber on the kitchen counter and walked over to the fridge, feeling the cool air brush against her skin. Upon opening the door, she was delighted to find the leftovers she had prepared earlier that day before her journey to the planet still neatly stored inside.
Just as Anakin finished recounting the tale to Luke, a plate of steaming, delicious-smelling food was placed in front of him. It was a large slow-cooked rancor shoulder shredded and tossed in a BBQ sauce, sandwiched between two buns, accompanied by a large corn on the cob.
The sight instantly made Anakin's mouth water.
Leia grabbed the rest of the items off the floating tray beside her and set them in front of her father. There was a glass of Corellian ale with ice, a small scoop of ice cream in a tiny bowl, and a pill for pain relief.
Anakin looked up at her, his eyes widening in amazement at everything she had presented him with. Then, his gaze softened as he looked at her, taking in her breathtaking appearance.
"What?" Leia grinned, her hand confidently on her hip. "You fed me all the time and took care of me when we were back on that rock. I figured it was about time I started paying you back."
Anakin couldn't help but break into a wide grin, his eyes filled with pride and affection.
"You look marvelous, my little darling angel," he breathed in awe, his voice filled with gratitude and love. "Thank you."
Luke stared up at his sister, his emotions swirling. He had never seen her dress so beautifully, and in that moment, she didn't look like a rebel leader anymore. She appeared to be just a normal young woman, her face glowing with happiness. But Luke knew better. He sensed the aura of a Jedi standing near him, his sister who had bravely faced her demons and vanquished them, embodying the virtuous ways of a Jedi. Luke couldn't have been prouder of her.
He got up from his seat.
With a soft exhale of her name, Luke pulled Leia into his arms, enveloping her in a deep, heartfelt hug. The young Skywalker, like the princess, had also experienced the pain of losing family, and now he had found a sister and had their father.
Leia returned his hug, her arms wrapped tightly around him, feeling a deep sense of belonging and love in the embrace. She had missed him so much, and in that moment, she was profoundly grateful for the family they had found with each other and the bond they shared.
"You're amazing, little sis," Luke said, his eyes filled with admiration.
"Says the man and hero with a heart of gold. I'm not as amazing as you, Luke. I'm not as good-hearted as you. I know you would have handled it better. Did father tell you how I threw the cup at him?" Leia asked, looking up at him with a raised brow as they broke their hug.
Luke chuckled, shaking his head.
"Yeah, he did. But hey, we don't know that. I mean, I probably would have chosen to throw the cup with the hot tea at him."
Leia snorted in laughter in response, her eyes sparkling with mirth, and Luke grinned back at her, enjoying the moment of lightheartedness.
Luke looked down at Leia with a strange smile on his face, prompting her to ask, "What is it, Luke?"
He chuckled softly. "I was just thinking, if Han could see you now, he'd fall flat on his face and forget to breathe."
Leia blushed at the thought and then giggled, imagining Han's stunned reaction. But when the laughter subsided, Anakin, who had been watching his children with a smile on his face, noticed the hurt and longing in Leia's eyes for Mr. Solo.
It felt as if his heart had been stabbed with a lightsaber, a pang of sadness washing over him.
"I haven't eaten anything like this since before I... Vader could only eat RepMed vita paste and drink water," Anakin slowly said, his eyes fixed on the spread before him, attempting to divert Leia's attention from her somber thoughts.
Luke's jaw dropped, and he returned to his seat, while Leia, now seated across from her father, frowned at his revelation, well aware of how repulsive RepMed vita paste was.
"RepMed vita paste?! But those things are infamous for tasting like bantha poodoo!" Luke exclaimed, his horror evident.
Anakin chuckled weakly.
"Calling RepMed Poodoo would be paying that sludge a compliment, my boy."
Luke frowned, his heart heavy at the thought of the suffering his father had endured due to the injuries he sustained as Lord Vader.
Anakin stared down at his plate, a cloud of guilt marring his eyes.
Leia and Luke could sense the thoughts within him:
I shouldn't be allowing myself to enjoy such a meal, not after all those lives I've taken cannot.
"Dad, those pure souls Vader slaughtered aren't sitting or standing somewhere watching, hoping you choke on your dinner. They're celebrating with us that Vader is dead and you're alive again," Leia reassured him, her voice carrying the weight of her conviction.
Luke nodded in firm agreement with his sister
"She's right, and Jedi forgiveness extends to forgiving yourself," he said, his blue eyes filled with understanding.
A smile gradually spread across the older Jedi's face, pride glowing in his eyes as he gazed at the wisdom displayed by his children.
The father quickly finished his plate in record-breaking time, savoring the taste of his meal. Once he was done, he downed almost all of his ale in one gulp, surprising himself and his kids after with a loud belch – certainly not something his food would have caused him to do as Lord Vader.
"Pardon me," Anakin said to his twins in embarrassment before turning to Leia.
"Thank you, Leia. That was fantastic."
"I'm glad you liked it. Although I was one of the dead hoping you would choke, only because you still owe me for that time I saved you on Thalassa, requiring me to get covered in tar. Remember how you couldn't stop laughing in the shuttle on our way back home because I had all those leaves sticking on me?" A voice asked.
The Force ghost of Obi-Wan appeared before the table, surprising the small family.
Anakin quickly shot up from his seat, exclaiming Obi-Wan's name at the sight of the man he had once killed.
Obi-Wan, with a smile on his face, asked, "Is that how you greet an old friend?"
Tears misted in Anakin's eyes as he choked up at the mercy of his old mentor, Kenobi. Overwhelmed with emotion, Anakin walked quickly over to Obi-Wan and stretched out a hand towards him, half-expecting it to pass through the ghost. To his amazement, his hand rested on Obi-Wan's shoulder. Anakin then pulled the smiling ghost into a tight hug, unable to contain his gratitude and joy at the unexpected reunion.
Both men clapped each other loudly on the back, the sound echoing in the room. Obi-Wan's eyes softened with a mix of nostalgia and affection. "It's good to see you again, my dear brother, after such a long time. I didn't think I would ever see the day."
Anakin, overwhelmed by a flood of remorse, knelt before Obi-Wan, his voice heavy with regret.
"I'm sorry for all the evils I've done, including killing you. I took the lives of the Jedi, and other than my daughter, now I am alone. All my friends, the wise masters, are gone." His words hung heavy in the air, weighted with the burden of his past.
"Master Yoda is still alive, Father," Stated Luke, while Obi-Wan, in his calm manner, simultaneously uttered, "Yoda lives."
Anakin looked back and forth at his son and Obi-Wan in shock.
"Master Yoda?" He uttered, the words leaving his lips reverently. "Is alive?"
Obi-Wan nodded, smiling gently. He placed a comforting hand on Anakin's shoulder.
"I have forgiven you, Anakin. As have the others. I will speak to you again, old friend, at a better time and in private."
Then, Obi-Wan turned his gaze to Leia, his expression warm.
"A message for you from beyond the grave, your highness: Your parents, the Organas, asked me to tell you they couldn't be more proud. Likewise, all those kind souls who perished in Alderaan," Obi-Wan said as he faded away from sight.
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One week later
Master Yoda now lived among the Rebels, dedicating himself to teaching Luke in the ways of the Force and training him to become a Jedi. He also spent time reminding Anakin of the Jedi teachings he had long forgotten while Princess Leia often came to Yoda for his sage advice.
When Anakin was not spending time with his children or aiding the rebellion in combat, he was commonly clung to by R2-D2. The astromech was overjoyed to have his old friend returned after so many years apart. C-3PO was also devoted to Anakin now that his memory had been restored by his creator. The protocol droid practically worshipped at Anakin's feet, referring to him always as "Master Ani" or "The Maker."
Leia had just settled down to rest after meditating when a message from Luke interrupted her peace. He implored her not to ask questions and to meet him and the others outside in thirty minutes, specifically dressed and looking as nice as she had been after she and their father had returned from the unnamed planet.
Suppressing a grumble, Leia bit her lip. Luke had hung up before she could protest. She had been looking forward to a peaceful day of rest on the secure, secluded planet the Rebels had discovered. The small, beautiful location, known only to those in the Alliance, offered a respite from their usual chaos. All Leia wanted was to return to the pool soon at the Alliance hotel, not to put on makeup and a fancy dress.
The men were supposed to be enjoying themselves too at the hotel, but all the guys instead wanted to fly around the planet together in the Millennium Falcon for practically the entire day. Her father had expressed that he wished to practice flying the ship and perform some tricks, and away all the men went, leaving her with 3PO.
Leia obeyed her big brother, slipping into a lovely blue dress. Her hair was fashioned into an extraordinary updo, adorned with beautiful accessories, and her makeup highlighted her features. She even wore heels, an unusual choice for her.
With her lightsaber attached to her hip, Leia stepped outside, every inch the elegant lady. Her heels clicked beneath her feet as she watched the Falcon land. She crossed her arms where she stood, waiting for Luke, planning to question him about the unusual request.
But when a male figure emerged from the ship, it wasn't Luke.
Leia's arms fell to her sides like dead weight, her legs threatened to buckle beneath her, and her lip quivered uncontrollably.
Han had stepped out of the Falcon, and upon seeing her, he ran towards her, calling out her name
Leia kicked off her heels, sprinting towards him, her joyous laughter filling the air.
They met in the middle, and Han swept her off her feet, his strong arms encircling her as they both laughed in sheer delight of being reunited.
"I love you, Leia," Han said earnestly as he gently set her down. "Wow, do you look divine."
His thumb tenderly stroked her cheek.
Leia giggled at his compliment, her heart swelling with love.
Cupping his face in her hands, she looked deeply into his eyes.
"I love you too, Han. I regret every moment I denied my feelings for you."
Their lips met in a passionate kiss.
When their kiss ended Leia looked at Han in bewilderment.
"Han, how is it that you're standing here with me? Jabba had you," she asked, her eyes searching his for answers.
Han smiled, his eyes softening as he brushed a strand of hair away from her face. "Your father Anakin went in there and saved me. Jabba wouldn't let me go despite what your pops asked, so he was forced to kill him. Not that I'm complaining," Han added with a smirk. "Luke told me everything that happened when I was out. Well done, miss royal Jedi. You're incredible... But please tell me you're not going to abide by that old Jedi rule of no marriage? Because I, for one, can't wait to make you a Mrs. Solo."
Leia shook her head, grinning.
"Definitely not. And if you plan on marrying me, you better do it soon, mister," she teased, a playful glint in her eyes. "While you were gone, I got a whole lineup of men asking for my hand now."
Han raised a playful brow. "Oh, do you now?"
Leia nodded, raising her chin in faux pride.
"Well then, missy," Han said, leaning in with a grin, "Do introduce me to them. And while you're at it, let me borrow your lightsaber. I'll give them an introduction of myself they'll never forget."
Han and Leia both erupted into laughter at his response.
Leia, her eyes softening with affection, placed a gentle kiss on the hand that rested on her cheek.
"I can't wait to become Mrs. Solo," she confessed, her voice carrying the weight of her emotions as if making a solemn vow.
Han's heart melted at her words.
"Looks like we need to pick you out a ring," he said with a smile, his eyes brimming with love.
The couple felt eyes intruding on their moment, their human instincts alerting them. They broke apart and turned, finding Anakin standing close by with Luke nearby, Chewbacca and Lando standing in the background. R2-D2 began to roll down the ship with a happy blip and beep.
Leia exchanged one final shared look with Han before striding over to her father, her heart full of love.
The princess immediately gave her father a hug.
"Thank you so much," Leia said, her voice soft and filled with gratitude, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.
Anakin cleared his throat, his voice catching in his chest.
"Next I'll be giving you the Emperor's head, little angel."
Leia looked up at him, still holding her father in her arms.
"I can never give you back the planet I've taken away," Anakin said, his voice thick with emotion, "but I know this man was what I could return to you. I know how much you love him."
Tears of guilt welled up in his eyes.
Leia gently wiped the tears from his eyes, her touch gentle and reassuring.
"I do. I do love him, father. I love him from the bottom of my heart. Just like I love you." Her words were filled with sincerity and love, wrapping around Anakin like a warm embrace.
His daughter gave him another hug, feeling the warmth of her love enveloping him like a cacoon.
"I love you, Dad," Leia said.
Anakin returned her hug, his strong arms wrapping around her gently, as if trying to convey all the love and remorse he felt in that one embrace. He placed a tender kiss on the top of her head, his lips lingering there for a moment, as if trying to imprint the love he felt for his daughter into her very soul.
"And I love you, my princess," he says, his voice catching in his throat, overwhelmed by the depth of his feelings.
In their hug, the shadows of the past seemed to dissolve, evaporating like dewdrops beneath the morning sun. They both felt it - a profound understanding that their shared history, no matter how haunting, would not cast a shadow on their love.
In that tender moment, they embraced not just each other, but also the promise of a future together that they both could sense was brighter than all the suns of the galaxy.
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THE END