desolate.

10. celebrations.

Beau watched as Luke's X Wing landed in the hangar, and the rebels surrounded him, cheering and clapping as Luke climbed down. Beau and Leia were the first to reach Luke's side, and the trio immediately hugged each other as they laughed. Han came running towards them, a wide grin on his face as he stopped in front of them.

Han tackled him in a hug, both of them grinning. Luke laughed. "I knew you'd come back!"

"I just couldn't let you get away with taking all the credit!" Han laughed, shoving Luke playfully.

Leia stepped up to him next, grinning and hugging her. "I knew there was more to you than money."

As the group of them hugged, the technicians lowered R2 down from his post, who looked severely burnt from being shot at. 3PO seemed horrified at R2's state and stepped towards his friend. "R2, can you hear me? You can repair him, can't you?"

Another technician on the floor unhooked R2 and turned to the golden droid. "We'll work on him right away."

"Sir, if any of my circuits or gears will help, I'll gladly donate." 3PO cried, turning to face Luke now.

"He'll be alright," Luke reassured him.

"I can't believe you made the shot," Beau beamed at him, nudging Luke's arm lightly. He stared at the blond, admiring the view.

"Thanks! I couldn't believe it either, I just had to trust in the Force, I guess." Luke beamed back.

Beau smiled softly at him as the group passed through the threshold. Though he was surrounded by friends now, he had the underlying feeling of dread as thoughts of his family weasel their way into his mind, reminding him of his betrayal to them, and that ultimately, if he were to return home, there wouldn't be a home left for him.

-

A ceremony was held later that evening to award the brave heroes who fought in the battle, and Leia awarded the medallions to Han and Luke. The entire rebellion was there, in their best attire. Though they all had plans to attend the ceremony and look impressive to the officials, they were all looking forward to the party the "core four", as the rebels began to call them, planned.

Beau was hesitant to be surprised that the others saw the four in such high regards. Though it made more sense for Leia of course, and for Luke, but he and Han were a different case. Han was a smuggler, who was wanted too, and Beau had previously been affiliated with the Empire and worked for them as well. But on the other hand it made sense, when they all teamed up together to take down the Death Star.

Beau sat in the front row of the hall, looking up at the stage where Han, Luke, and Leia stood. Threepio, R2 and Chewbacca were also up there. The horns began to play along with the drums, and the ceremony began.

The medals had been presented to Leia, and she turned to both of the boys up on the stage. Lifting them, she lowered them both over Luke and then Han's head. They beamed and turned to face the crowd, and everyone stood to clap, and R2 whistled in excitement.

As Han and Luke come off the stage, Beau makes his way over to them, a wide grin on his face. "Wow, look at these war heroes."

"Ugh," Han said, fake shuddering. "I'll never get used to that."

Luke grinned at him before looking at Beau. "You did as much as we did."

Beau shook his head. "I like being on the sidelines, war wise. Normally I'm absolutely soaking in the attention."

Han rolls his eyes and Luke laughs, and Leia is finally able to join them. She claps her hands together as she reaches them, grinning between the three of them. "So, you ready to party?"