Bittersweet Devotion [Star Wars x Anakin Skywalker]

34.

"It's true, all of it... The dark side, the Jedi, they're real." - Han Solo 

The city of clouds drifted serenely above the gas giant Bespin, its floating platforms casting long shadows across the endless skies. The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over the pristine white corridors and elegant spires. Despite the beauty surrounding them, a palpable tension hung in the air, as thick as the clouds that floated beneath them.

Rain stood on the landing platform, her eyes scanning the endless expanse of sky, a deep unease settling in her stomach. The platform was eerily silent, save for the distant hum of city life that barely reached their ears. She shifted on her feet, the cool breeze tugging at her navy-blue jacket, but the discomfort gnawing at her had nothing to do with the temperature.

"Han, are you sure we can trust these people?" she asked, breaking the silence for what felt like the hundredth time.

Han Solo, who had been leaning against the ship with his arms crossed, finally looked up. His eyes flicked to Rain, then back to the horizon, his expression unreadable. He exhaled sharply, clearly growing tired of the question.

"He'll be here, alright? Trust me," he replied, though there was a hint of impatience in his voice.

Rain's frown deepened. "What if he's planning an ambush right now? We've been waiting here for almost an hour. This whole situation feels off."

Han let out a long breath, pushing off from the ship and turning to face her fully. His posture was relaxed, but his eyes carried a hint of fatigue that Rain hadn't noticed before.

"He'll be here," Han repeated, though this time his voice held a note of finality. "Lighten up a bit, Rain. You're almost as bad as the princess with all the whining."

Leia, who had been standing nearby, her arms crossed as she surveyed the area, narrowed her eyes at Han's remark. "Excuse me? I 'whine' because I have every reason to. This ship is barely holding together, and your so-called 'friend' is late. We're stranded on a floating city with no idea if we'll make it out of here alive."

Rain suppressed a smile, sensing the familiar banter that had become a staple among their group. 

Han opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, Chewbacca let out a low growl, his keen eyes spotting a group of figures approaching from the far side of the platform. The Wookiee pointed, and all eyes turned to the newcomers.

The group of men was led by a tall, dark-skinned man with a commanding presence. He walked with purpose, his cape billowing slightly in the wind, and his expression was stern, almost angry. Rain's hand instinctively drifted toward the blaster at her side, her body tensing as the men drew closer.

As they reached the group, the leader stopped in front of Han, crossing his arms over his chest. For a brief, tense moment, Rain was certain things were about to go very wrong.

"We are so screwed," she murmured to Leia, her eyes never leaving the imposing figure before them.

But then, to Rain's utter surprise, the man's stern expression broke into a wide grin, and he pulled Han into a rough embrace, both men laughing heartily.

"For a second there, Lando, I thought you were here to kill me," Han laughed, clapping the man on the back.

Lando Calrissian chuckled, shaking his head. "I'm not going to lie, Han. The thought crossed my mind. But I suppose I can let bygones be bygones... for now."

Leia, still skeptical, folded her arms tighter across her chest. "You thought he might kill you, and you still brought us here?"

Han shrugged nonchalantly, though his eyes held a mischievous glint. "Course not, princess. I knew Lando wouldn't hold a grudge forever."