Crossed Signals, Part 2/4, Star Wars AU, Han Solo/Luke Skywalker, Rated PG-13
TITLE: Crossed Signals, Part 2/4
AUTHOR: general_solo
FANDOM: Star Wars AU
CHARACTERS: Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, Wedge Antilles, Chewbacca
Pairings: Eventually Han/Luke
RATING: Rated PG-13 for language; may be a higher rating for other parts.
WARNINGS: None for this part besides a little bad language
WORD COUNT: 2040
DISCLAIMERS: I don’t own these characters. I don’t make any profit from them. This is a work of fiction for my own enjoyment.
SUMMARY: Han Solo, unsure of his feelings and unsure of his place in his friends’ lives, decides to leave the rebellion.
Crossed Signals, Part 2
Han Solo jerked on the sleeves of his best jacket as he hurried down the path that led to the old commissary and wondered again why he wasn’t halfway across the galaxy by now. Shaking his head in disgust he came to a stop just outside the doorway to the old building. Chewbacca plowed into him from behind nearly knocking him head first through the doorway.
Finally regaining his balance, Han turned and glared at his first mate. Chewbacca growled a soft apology.
“What the fuck is wrong with you, Chewie? Am I invisible all of a sudden? Or do you just like stepping all over me?”
Chewbacca gave a mild reply, sauntered past Han and snagged a drink off a passing service droid. Downing the drink in one gulp, he placed the empty glass on another tray and went in search of more.
Han stood with his hands on his hips, glaring after him, until he suddenly realized he was the subject of conversation for a gaggle of young, pretty technicians and pilots standing in a group to the side of the entranceway.
Giving them what he hoped was a nonchalant smile; he shrugged his shoulders and eased into the crowd and away from the bright-eyed girls. Nope, didn’t want to tangle with that bunch tonight. He didn’t think he’d survive. Maybe he was just getting too old. Once the thought would have worried him, now he just felt a mild relief. Maybe he was just tired…that was it. Not up to running form. Another reason to leave this place and get back to where he belonged.
A small band started playing what Han assumed to be music and he craned his head up to see over the heads in the crowded room. There must be nothing but a skeleton crew on duty, everyone else seemed to be at the party.
Looking left and right he finally spotted Leia and froze. She looked magnificent, soft, filmy dress and a riot of curls down her back. A dream vision. Slowly he worked his way towards her. And her audience. She was surrounded by a variety of admirers, human and otherwise, and seemingly of all different ages. Han couldn’t help but smile at the picture.
Then he stopped, suddenly spying the young, fair-haired young man making his way towards Leia, a drink in each hand. Leia spotted him too and gave him a brilliant smile, her face glowing and eyes sparkling. Luke reached her side and handed her one of the drinks, then leaned close to her as she whispered something in his ear. Whatever it was must have been hilarious because he then threw his head back and gave a shout of laughter that Han could hear even over the noisy room.
Han felt his mouth twist bitterly. He knew he shouldn’t have come.
“You know…there’s no rule that says you can’t go talk to her too.”
Han spun his head around to see Wedge Antilles standing at his elbow, drink in hand and shirt unbuttoned halfway to his waist, showing off a surprisingly nice looking, tattooed chest.
“Talk to who?”
Wedge rolled his eyes upward, and then gestured with his drink, sloshing a bit of liquid across Han’s boots.
“Her…the princess…in all her bountiful glory.”
Wedge gestured grandly with each gesture, and then looked confused when, bringing his glass to his lips, he discovered it empty.
Han grinned widely, turning his head to better read the inscription under Wedge’s right nipple.
“Bountiful, huh? You referring to her figure or her money purse, Wedge? And who’s Clina?”
Wedge looked remorseful for a moment but then brightened when a passing friend handed him another drink.
“Clina was…a ship that passed in the night.”
“Must have been one heck of a night then.”
Wedge shivered and looked covertly around him before leaning close to whisper near Han’s ear.
“It was. But…uh…if…though it’s not likely…but if you ever run into a woman named Clina…don’t let on where I am.”
Han clapped him on the shoulder.
“Sure thing, buddy. Clina…don’t know you…got it.”
Looking relieved, Wedge saluted with his hand and turned, heading back into the thicket.
Han turned back to his previous distraction only to find himself looking at the top of a headful of brown curls.
“Leia! You’re looking very beautiful tonight. I’m breathless just being in your presence…”
“Can it. I’m not one of your fly by night girls, Han.”
“And how would you know what a fly by night girl is?”
“I know everything.”
“And why can’t I give you a compliment same as the rest of your admirers?”
“Yours don’t really count.”
Han laughed, shaking his head. The woman was unbelievable. Try to be nice and get nothing but insults.
“Have you seen Luke?”
Han stiffened. He should have known.
“Why, no, your Highness! I thought I saw him hanging on to your skirt tail earlier.”
“There’s no reason for you to be an ass when I ask you a simple question. I’ve been trying to talk to him for days but he’s not cooperating.”
“Ohhh…that’s a shame.”
Leia’s face flushed red and she clenched her fists. Han wondered vaguely if she’d actually take a swing at him this time.
“You scruffy, dense-brained…I happen to be worried about Luke. Something’s wrong, something’s upset him, but he won’t talk about it.”
“Wrong, huh.”
Despite himself, Han felt a sudden uneasiness.
“Has he said anything to you?”
“Nah…he doesn’t talk about that kind of thing with me. With you…maybe. But not with me.”
“I see.”
She stared at Han thoughtfully as he snatched a drink from a passing tray. This one was a cool bluish-green and had a flower hanging out of it. Han sniffed it cautiously. Stuck his tongue in.
“I don’t suppose you’d be willing to talk to him.”
He raised his eyebrows in surprise and gave a bark of laughter.
“Well, that’s a first. You asking for my help.”
She ground her teeth together. Han stared at her curiously. She really was the most beautiful when she was angry. Dark eyes flashing, cheeks flushed pink. Yeah, any other time…
“Look…maybe I’ll ask him if he’s…okay. But I’m not prying into his business, not even for my most favoritest, bestest Princess.”
He threw his head back and downed the drink in one gulp. The room spun slightly. He sniffed at the remaining flower. Was he supposed to eat this?
“But you will ask…right, Han?”
“Yeah, yeah, I said I would, didn’t I.”
Leia gave him one last glare before heading back off to mingle with the important crowd.
Hell, now what? Maybe he should find Chewie and get the Falcon ready for take-off. She was actually sounding good since Han had done that last bit of work on her.
Standing on his tiptoes he looked for his hairy friend but didn’t see him anywhere, and usually Chewbacca stood out in a crowd. Slowly he started pushing his way through the crowd, trying not to step on anybody’s feet…or tentacles…or tails. He mostly succeeded.
Making it to the far wall he stopped to look for the wookiee again. Finally, he spotted him being friendly…real friendly…with a twi’lek pilot. Han took a deep breath and plowed his way over. Just before he got to them, Chewbacca and his new best friend slipped through a small side door.
“Chewie…you idiot.”
Reaching the door, Han pushed the small button on its side. It wouldn’t open. Putting his ear to the door, Han tried to hear over the loud music and talking behind him. He heard…a lot of grunting…and growling…and…”oh, Chewbacca”…and funny wet sounds. He backed away quickly. Okay…that was too much information.
“I’ll just go wait for him on the Falcon.”
A tray passed in front of his nose and he snatched another drink, pink this time, with foamy bubbles on top. This one he would sip as he slowly and carefully made his way to the exit. He was just bringing the drink up to his lips and taking a careful taste when a voice whispered in his ear and a warm breath caressed his cheek.
“Taste good?”
The sip turned into a slurp and the damn bubbles burned down his throat and up his nose. For a moment everything seemed to go black as he tried to breathe and swallow and cough and speak, all at the same time.
Then Luke was laughing and beating him on the back and after what seemed an eternity Han thought he might survive the pink bubbling nightmare after all.
“What the fuck were you trying to do, Luke? Kill me?”
Luke was still snickering and trying to wipe Han’s face with a cloth someone had handed him. Han snatched the cloth away from him and blew his nose.
“Well, if I had any idea that you were going to inhale your drink…”
“Ha ha.”
“I’ve been looking for you all evening.”
“Yeah, well…I was a little late.”
“I thought maybe you’d changed your mind and weren’t coming.”
Oh, no…I said I’d come.”
Luke stood watching him. He had a peculiar look on his face again and Han suddenly felt very uncomfortable.
“Uh, I saw Leia…earlier. She’s uh…worried about you.”
Luke tilted his head to the side and smiled a little.
“Why would she be worried about me?”
“Oh, I don’t know. Just said she was. You’re not…uh…you’re okay…right?”
“I could be better.”
“Oh, yeah, well couldn’t we all.”
Han tried to smile but his lips seemed to have forgotten how. Then he noticed Leia weaving her way back towards them. Shit. Just what he needed, an encore performance.
“Han, what are you staring at…”
Turning his head, Luke caught sight of Leia and frowned.
“Luke! Come here for a minute! I want you to talk to someone…”
Then she was tugging him away and Luke was throwing Han a funny, worried look.
“Han! Don’t go anywhere! I’ll be right back…”
Han smiled and raised what was left of his drink in a salute.
“You bet, kid.”
Han swallowed the rest of the drink and shoved his way to the door.
“Stupid party anyway. Fucking music would drive anybody insane.”
Finally, he stepped out into the cool night air. He closed his eyes for a moment and then looked back through the open door. He’d miss some of them. They were a courageous bunch. He walked back to the hangar where the Falcon was berthed, with a sinking feeling in his heart.
It wasn’t often that Han Solo had wanted something. Really wanted something with all of his heart and soul. He stopped in the middle of the worn path and looked up at the stars. He’d never felt so alone in his life and he despised the feeling.
Turning he looked behind him once more, thinking of blue eyes and a special smile.
“You have a good life, Luke Skywalker…”
He stumbled unseeing the rest of the way. When he came before the raggedy, scarred old ship, he gently laid a hand on her.
“It’s almost time to go. Just me, you, and Chewie. That’s good enough. It’ll have to be.”
He walked wearily up the ramp, shrugged out of his jacket, and began the necessary preparations for departure. Systems checked and rechecked, a semblance of a course plotted.
He’d thought maybe he would finally feel a sense of freedom, now that he was leaving, but it hadn’t emerged yet. Maybe later. And maybe one day he could look back on these days with a fondness, and a shake of his head at his foolish feelings.
He was just checking the side guns when he heard a soft step behind him.
“Hey, Chewie. I was afraid I’d have to send out a search party. I’ve already gone through a cold systems check, what say you go crank everything up…”
Han turned and felt the words die in his throat.
Luke was propped against the door, eyes glittering in anger. Han was about as far from a Force-sensitive being as one could get but he felt a sudden premonition of impending doom as he faced the last of the Jedi.
Part 1
AUTHOR: general_solo
FANDOM: Star Wars AU
CHARACTERS: Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, Wedge Antilles, Chewbacca
Pairings: Eventually Han/Luke
RATING: Rated PG-13 for language; may be a higher rating for other parts.
WARNINGS: None for this part besides a little bad language
WORD COUNT: 2040
DISCLAIMERS: I don’t own these characters. I don’t make any profit from them. This is a work of fiction for my own enjoyment.
SUMMARY: Han Solo, unsure of his feelings and unsure of his place in his friends’ lives, decides to leave the rebellion.
Crossed Signals, Part 2
Han Solo jerked on the sleeves of his best jacket as he hurried down the path that led to the old commissary and wondered again why he wasn’t halfway across the galaxy by now. Shaking his head in disgust he came to a stop just outside the doorway to the old building. Chewbacca plowed into him from behind nearly knocking him head first through the doorway.
Finally regaining his balance, Han turned and glared at his first mate. Chewbacca growled a soft apology.
“What the fuck is wrong with you, Chewie? Am I invisible all of a sudden? Or do you just like stepping all over me?”
Chewbacca gave a mild reply, sauntered past Han and snagged a drink off a passing service droid. Downing the drink in one gulp, he placed the empty glass on another tray and went in search of more.
Han stood with his hands on his hips, glaring after him, until he suddenly realized he was the subject of conversation for a gaggle of young, pretty technicians and pilots standing in a group to the side of the entranceway.
Giving them what he hoped was a nonchalant smile; he shrugged his shoulders and eased into the crowd and away from the bright-eyed girls. Nope, didn’t want to tangle with that bunch tonight. He didn’t think he’d survive. Maybe he was just getting too old. Once the thought would have worried him, now he just felt a mild relief. Maybe he was just tired…that was it. Not up to running form. Another reason to leave this place and get back to where he belonged.
A small band started playing what Han assumed to be music and he craned his head up to see over the heads in the crowded room. There must be nothing but a skeleton crew on duty, everyone else seemed to be at the party.
Looking left and right he finally spotted Leia and froze. She looked magnificent, soft, filmy dress and a riot of curls down her back. A dream vision. Slowly he worked his way towards her. And her audience. She was surrounded by a variety of admirers, human and otherwise, and seemingly of all different ages. Han couldn’t help but smile at the picture.
Then he stopped, suddenly spying the young, fair-haired young man making his way towards Leia, a drink in each hand. Leia spotted him too and gave him a brilliant smile, her face glowing and eyes sparkling. Luke reached her side and handed her one of the drinks, then leaned close to her as she whispered something in his ear. Whatever it was must have been hilarious because he then threw his head back and gave a shout of laughter that Han could hear even over the noisy room.
Han felt his mouth twist bitterly. He knew he shouldn’t have come.
“You know…there’s no rule that says you can’t go talk to her too.”
Han spun his head around to see Wedge Antilles standing at his elbow, drink in hand and shirt unbuttoned halfway to his waist, showing off a surprisingly nice looking, tattooed chest.
“Talk to who?”
Wedge rolled his eyes upward, and then gestured with his drink, sloshing a bit of liquid across Han’s boots.
“Her…the princess…in all her bountiful glory.”
Wedge gestured grandly with each gesture, and then looked confused when, bringing his glass to his lips, he discovered it empty.
Han grinned widely, turning his head to better read the inscription under Wedge’s right nipple.
“Bountiful, huh? You referring to her figure or her money purse, Wedge? And who’s Clina?”
Wedge looked remorseful for a moment but then brightened when a passing friend handed him another drink.
“Clina was…a ship that passed in the night.”
“Must have been one heck of a night then.”
Wedge shivered and looked covertly around him before leaning close to whisper near Han’s ear.
“It was. But…uh…if…though it’s not likely…but if you ever run into a woman named Clina…don’t let on where I am.”
Han clapped him on the shoulder.
“Sure thing, buddy. Clina…don’t know you…got it.”
Looking relieved, Wedge saluted with his hand and turned, heading back into the thicket.
Han turned back to his previous distraction only to find himself looking at the top of a headful of brown curls.
“Leia! You’re looking very beautiful tonight. I’m breathless just being in your presence…”
“Can it. I’m not one of your fly by night girls, Han.”
“And how would you know what a fly by night girl is?”
“I know everything.”
“And why can’t I give you a compliment same as the rest of your admirers?”
“Yours don’t really count.”
Han laughed, shaking his head. The woman was unbelievable. Try to be nice and get nothing but insults.
“Have you seen Luke?”
Han stiffened. He should have known.
“Why, no, your Highness! I thought I saw him hanging on to your skirt tail earlier.”
“There’s no reason for you to be an ass when I ask you a simple question. I’ve been trying to talk to him for days but he’s not cooperating.”
“Ohhh…that’s a shame.”
Leia’s face flushed red and she clenched her fists. Han wondered vaguely if she’d actually take a swing at him this time.
“You scruffy, dense-brained…I happen to be worried about Luke. Something’s wrong, something’s upset him, but he won’t talk about it.”
“Wrong, huh.”
Despite himself, Han felt a sudden uneasiness.
“Has he said anything to you?”
“Nah…he doesn’t talk about that kind of thing with me. With you…maybe. But not with me.”
“I see.”
She stared at Han thoughtfully as he snatched a drink from a passing tray. This one was a cool bluish-green and had a flower hanging out of it. Han sniffed it cautiously. Stuck his tongue in.
“I don’t suppose you’d be willing to talk to him.”
He raised his eyebrows in surprise and gave a bark of laughter.
“Well, that’s a first. You asking for my help.”
She ground her teeth together. Han stared at her curiously. She really was the most beautiful when she was angry. Dark eyes flashing, cheeks flushed pink. Yeah, any other time…
“Look…maybe I’ll ask him if he’s…okay. But I’m not prying into his business, not even for my most favoritest, bestest Princess.”
He threw his head back and downed the drink in one gulp. The room spun slightly. He sniffed at the remaining flower. Was he supposed to eat this?
“But you will ask…right, Han?”
“Yeah, yeah, I said I would, didn’t I.”
Leia gave him one last glare before heading back off to mingle with the important crowd.
Hell, now what? Maybe he should find Chewie and get the Falcon ready for take-off. She was actually sounding good since Han had done that last bit of work on her.
Standing on his tiptoes he looked for his hairy friend but didn’t see him anywhere, and usually Chewbacca stood out in a crowd. Slowly he started pushing his way through the crowd, trying not to step on anybody’s feet…or tentacles…or tails. He mostly succeeded.
Making it to the far wall he stopped to look for the wookiee again. Finally, he spotted him being friendly…real friendly…with a twi’lek pilot. Han took a deep breath and plowed his way over. Just before he got to them, Chewbacca and his new best friend slipped through a small side door.
“Chewie…you idiot.”
Reaching the door, Han pushed the small button on its side. It wouldn’t open. Putting his ear to the door, Han tried to hear over the loud music and talking behind him. He heard…a lot of grunting…and growling…and…”oh, Chewbacca”…and funny wet sounds. He backed away quickly. Okay…that was too much information.
“I’ll just go wait for him on the Falcon.”
A tray passed in front of his nose and he snatched another drink, pink this time, with foamy bubbles on top. This one he would sip as he slowly and carefully made his way to the exit. He was just bringing the drink up to his lips and taking a careful taste when a voice whispered in his ear and a warm breath caressed his cheek.
“Taste good?”
The sip turned into a slurp and the damn bubbles burned down his throat and up his nose. For a moment everything seemed to go black as he tried to breathe and swallow and cough and speak, all at the same time.
Then Luke was laughing and beating him on the back and after what seemed an eternity Han thought he might survive the pink bubbling nightmare after all.
“What the fuck were you trying to do, Luke? Kill me?”
Luke was still snickering and trying to wipe Han’s face with a cloth someone had handed him. Han snatched the cloth away from him and blew his nose.
“Well, if I had any idea that you were going to inhale your drink…”
“Ha ha.”
“I’ve been looking for you all evening.”
“Yeah, well…I was a little late.”
“I thought maybe you’d changed your mind and weren’t coming.”
Oh, no…I said I’d come.”
Luke stood watching him. He had a peculiar look on his face again and Han suddenly felt very uncomfortable.
“Uh, I saw Leia…earlier. She’s uh…worried about you.”
Luke tilted his head to the side and smiled a little.
“Why would she be worried about me?”
“Oh, I don’t know. Just said she was. You’re not…uh…you’re okay…right?”
“I could be better.”
“Oh, yeah, well couldn’t we all.”
Han tried to smile but his lips seemed to have forgotten how. Then he noticed Leia weaving her way back towards them. Shit. Just what he needed, an encore performance.
“Han, what are you staring at…”
Turning his head, Luke caught sight of Leia and frowned.
“Luke! Come here for a minute! I want you to talk to someone…”
Then she was tugging him away and Luke was throwing Han a funny, worried look.
“Han! Don’t go anywhere! I’ll be right back…”
Han smiled and raised what was left of his drink in a salute.
“You bet, kid.”
Han swallowed the rest of the drink and shoved his way to the door.
“Stupid party anyway. Fucking music would drive anybody insane.”
Finally, he stepped out into the cool night air. He closed his eyes for a moment and then looked back through the open door. He’d miss some of them. They were a courageous bunch. He walked back to the hangar where the Falcon was berthed, with a sinking feeling in his heart.
It wasn’t often that Han Solo had wanted something. Really wanted something with all of his heart and soul. He stopped in the middle of the worn path and looked up at the stars. He’d never felt so alone in his life and he despised the feeling.
Turning he looked behind him once more, thinking of blue eyes and a special smile.
“You have a good life, Luke Skywalker…”
He stumbled unseeing the rest of the way. When he came before the raggedy, scarred old ship, he gently laid a hand on her.
“It’s almost time to go. Just me, you, and Chewie. That’s good enough. It’ll have to be.”
He walked wearily up the ramp, shrugged out of his jacket, and began the necessary preparations for departure. Systems checked and rechecked, a semblance of a course plotted.
He’d thought maybe he would finally feel a sense of freedom, now that he was leaving, but it hadn’t emerged yet. Maybe later. And maybe one day he could look back on these days with a fondness, and a shake of his head at his foolish feelings.
He was just checking the side guns when he heard a soft step behind him.
“Hey, Chewie. I was afraid I’d have to send out a search party. I’ve already gone through a cold systems check, what say you go crank everything up…”
Han turned and felt the words die in his throat.
Luke was propped against the door, eyes glittering in anger. Han was about as far from a Force-sensitive being as one could get but he felt a sudden premonition of impending doom as he faced the last of the Jedi.
Part 1