Bittersweet Devotion [Star Wars x Anakin Skywalker]

33.

"That's cause a droid don't pull people's arms out of their sockets when they lose. Wookiees are known to do that." - Han Solo

'I see your point, sir. I suggest a new strategy, R2. Let the Wookiee win." -C-3PO

Alarms blared throughout Echo Base, a cacophony of sound that reverberated off the metallic walls, sending rebels into a frantic race against time. The once orderly corridors had transformed into a whirlwind of activity, with people rushing in every direction, their faces etched with determination and fear. In a dimly lit chamber away from the chaos, only Han, Chewbacca, Luke, Anakin, and Rain remained.

Leia had cast one last conflicted glance at Anakin's unconscious form sprawled on the cold durasteel floor, her expression unreadable. She muttered something about needing to assist in the command center, then turned and disappeared into the chaos, leaving a heavy silence in her wake.

Rain knelt beside Anakin, her fingers trembling slightly as she wiped away the tears that stubbornly clung to her lashes. His face, once so full of life and passion, now lay pale and still. She looked up at Han, her gaze pleading, but determined, her voice strained with emotion.

"Han," she began, her voice barely audible above the distant sounds of the base preparing for battle. "You and Chewie need to get out of here. There's no reason for you to risk your lives and fall into the Empire's grasp."

For a moment, Han just stared at her, his eyes searching hers as if weighing her words. Then, with a terse nod, he turned to leave, his footsteps echoing ominously against the cold floor. Rain looked down, focusing on Anakin's serene face, trying to ignore the growing lump in her throat. But the sound of Han's footsteps abruptly ceased, and she glanced up, puzzled.

To her surprise, Han hesitated at the doorway, his posture stiff and uncertain. Before she could say a word, he crossed the room in quick, decisive strides and pulled her into a tight embrace. The suddenness of the gesture caught her off guard, and it took a heartbeat before she returned the embrace, her arms wrapping around his back. The hug was far from romantic; it was a raw, unfiltered connection between two comrades facing an uncertain future.

When he pulled back, Han cleared his throat, his usual cocky demeanor slipping for a moment to reveal genuine concern. "Well, Rain, it's been... well, it's been. Time for us to leave, Chewie." His eyes darted everywhere but her face, a faint blush creeping up his neck. From the corner of her eye, Rain caught Luke suppressing a smile.

Feigning surprise, she turned to Luke, a wry smile tugging at her lips. "Was that emotion from Han Solo just now?"

Luke chuckled, crossing his arms over his chest. "I believe it was, Rain."

Han's cheeks flushed deeper, a mixture of embarrassment and irritation crossing his features. "Alright, alright, you two. Don't get too excited."

Rain smirked, the tension momentarily lifting. "Don't worry, Han. We won't tell a soul. Wouldn't want to tarnish your grumpy reputation."

He shot her a narrowed glance, his lips twitching in amusement. "Right." Turning on his heel, he beckoned to his Wookiee companion. "Come on, Chewie, we're outta here!"

Chewbacca let out a mournful howl, his blue eyes shimmering with emotion. Before Rain could react, he scooped both her and Luke into a bear hug, his massive arms enveloping them in a warm, affectionate squeeze. Rain let out an involuntary 'oof' as the air was forced from her lungs, her face pressed into his thick, comforting fur.

"We're gonna miss you, big guy," Rain mumbled, her voice muffled by Chewbacca's chest. Luke awkwardly patted the Wookiee's back, his hand disappearing into the thick fur.