A Sun In Darkness

Never Grow Up

Luke awoke to the sound of his father's respirator. He blinked, puzzled as to why the man was here. The Sith rarely entered his bedroom, preferring to speak to him in other environments like his office.

"Is everything alright, Father?" Luke asked, sitting up on his bed. His hand reached for his hair, hastily trying to neaten the blonde rat nest on his head.

His father looked at him for a long moment, his red lenses seeming to stare right into Luke's soul. The teen felt his skin crawl at Vader's gaze, genuinely uncomfortable but did not comment on it.

After what felt like a lifetime, Vader spoke. "Are you well?"

Confusion filled Luke instantly. "What?" He asked.

"Are you well?" His father repeated.

"I am, but are you?" Luke said, raising an eyebrow.

Vader fell silent for a moment before seating himself on his bed. Then he did something Luke never expected him to do.

He pulled Luke into an embrace, the blonde's head meeting with the Sith's shoulder.

His father had never hugged him. Well, not in years.

Nonetheless, Luke allowed himself to relax into the man's arms, childish satisfaction blossoming inside him when Vader tightened his hold around him.

Then, his thoughts returned to reality.

"Father", he said awkwardly. "Are you really okay?"

"I am in excellent condition, young one", Vader rumbled.

"Then why are you so-", Luke's speech was cut off when he felt Vader gently stroking his hair soothingly. He felt like a child again but he had to admit it did feel nice, so calming and warm in the cocoon. He hadn't felt this safe since he was probably nine years old.

"Hush", Vader said softly. Luke let out a sigh and decided to just go with it. Well, it wasn't every day he got a hug from Darth Vader.

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The next time it happened was when he was on his way to the palace hangar. His speeder was in dire need for a wash and Luke could not wait to get the chore done before he postponed it (again).

As he made his way through the hallways, a familiar control box filled his vision.

"Hi", Luke greeted as Vader studied him carefully.

"Where are you going, young one?"

"Just to clean my speeder", Luke explained. "You were complaining about it for weeks".

"Yes, I do recall that", Vader said, tucking his thumb into his belt. "You will be pleased to know I have already had someone clean the vehicle a few days prior".

This was too good to be true.

"Really?" Luke exclaimed. "Thank you so mu-"

"Luke", his father sighed. "What time is it?"

"Um", Luke checked his wrist-chrono and a sheepish smile appeared on his face. "It's almost midnight".

"Then it is wise for you to head to bed, young one", Vader stated, folding his arms.

"Okay", Luke sighed, relenting. It was late after all. "Whatever you say, Father".

He turned on his heel to leave when-