Jedi Council Forums - Old Debts - Han and Luke - written for the Han/Luke characterization challenge

Jedi Council Forums » Fan Fiction » Beyond the Saga »

Locked Topic | Read Only Topic | Previous Active Topic | Next Active Topic

Author	Topic: Old Debts - Han and Luke - written for the Han/Luke characterization challenge
VaderLVR64 Title: Fan Fic Manager in Combat Boots Registered: Feb '04	Date Posted: 4/25 6:24am Subject: Old Debts - Han and Luke - written for the Han/Luke characterization challenge
	Title: Old Debts Author: VaderLVR64 Characters: Luke and Han Summary: Han and Luke find that all is not forgotten when it comes to Bespin. Notes: Written for the Han and Luke Characterization Challenge Old Debts Han sat back and heaved a sigh of relief. He was dirty and grimy and exhausted – and smugly satisfied. The Falcon was purring like a kitling and life was good. He barely looked up when Luke stumbled into the room. With a groan, Luke collapsed into a chair nearby and rubbed at his closed eyes with equally filthy fists. “Just throw me a blanket and I’ll sleep right here,” Luke murmured, still sprawled in the chair as if he meant to do just that. “Aren’t you hungry, kid?” Han asked as he cast a longing glance toward the kitchen. Unfortunately, the kitchen was there and he was here – and it was just too damned far to walk at the moment. He was so tired it might almost be worth it to have a few of those Jedi powers that Luke was always talking about – just to levitate some food his way. Almost. “I am,” Luke admitted. “But the thought of actually moving is just too painful right now.” The two men were silent for a moment. “We could make a comm call and have something delivered,” Han suggested at last, but he knew that he did not sound particularly enthusiastic about the idea. Again, there was a flaw in the plan. It required moving. Both men looked toward the comm. Luke reached out with one languid hand but fell short of the mark. “Nope,” he decided. “Can’t reach it from here.” “You could have tried a little harder,” Han chided. “Then you get up and make the call,” Luke countered. “I’m not moving until there’s a war declared or I get enough energy to blink again.” “Why not just give it a wiggle of your fingers?” Han mocked. There was an edge to his voice; the same tone that always seemed to creep in when he talked of things Jedi. “Too tired.” Luke either did not hear or chose to ignore the edge, for which Han was grateful. “You’re acting like a baby,” Han observed, feeling more relaxed now. “We’ve done harder work than this before.” Then he yawned widely and Luke smirked. “That’s true,” Luke agreed. “But I think the only time I’ve been this tired was the time Uncle Owen made me work on six vaporators in one day because he thought I had too much energy and free time on my hands.” “And did you?” Han asked with a slight smile. The younger man did not often refer back to his life on Tatooine, a reticence that Han could understand. Even when he did, there was usually a strain to his voice as horrific memories erased thoughts of happier times. Now, however, Luke’s face held only fondness for a time and a place long gone. Time, Han thought, could heal all sorts of wounds, even the worst ones. Luke grinned, his teeth showing white against the grime on his face. “Probably,” he confessed. “He’d caught me racing in Beggar’s Canyon….again.” He shook his head. “Boy, was he mad!” “He was probably scared,” Han suggested, sitting up a little straighter. His sore muscles were starting to loosen a bit and he rolled his shoulders. Yes, definitely a little better. “Yeah,” Luke murmured, sounding surprised, as if he had just considered it. “I suppose he was.” He looked at Han and smiled ruefully. “At the time, I just thought he was trying to ruin my life.” Luke’s expression grew sad. “I was pretty rough on him that day.” “I think he understood,” Han said softly. The fell quiet again, their silence both comfortable and companionable. Han contemplated getting up and actually scrounging for something to eat. He looked between the comm and the kitchen, trying to decide which action would take less effort. About to get to his feet, he had decided to call out for food when Luke’s voice interrupted him. “Do you ever think about the people from your past?” Luke asked. “You know…the ones who aren’t here anymore.” “Sure,” Han answered with a shrug. “That’s only natural, I guess.” Luke looked over, linking his hands behind his head. “Do you and Leia ever talk about it?” “Talk about what?” Han asked with a grin. “Past lovers?” He shook his head. “That’s old news by now. And family is sorta a sore subject for both of us.” Immediately, he regretted his words as he saw the pain and regret flash through Luke’s eyes. “What I mean is-” “It’s all right,” Luke interrupted. “I know what you mean.” “Listen, Luke,” Han started. This was a touchy topic for all of them, and Han often felt caught in the middle. His sympathies were for Leia because he loved her and because he understood her feelings all too well, of course. They had both suffered at the Vader’s hands. “Leia will come around. One day you’ll be able to talk to her about – about your father - without her flying to a rage.” Han wanted to believe that was true, if only for Leia’s sake. He hated seeing her at odds with her brother; he knew it hurt her. However, he wasn’t sure that Leia would ever be able to talk about Darth – Anakin Skywalker, he reminded himself - with anything approaching reason. And he wasn’t sure he blamed her. Unconsciously, his muscles tensed up again and his jaw bulged. It seemed as if every nerve twitched in a reminder of what he had endured on Bespin. He remembered screaming. He remembered wondering what Vader wanted – and he recalled thinking that he didn’t care what Vader wanted. He’d have given almost anything to make the pain stop. “I’m sorry,” Luke whispered, bringing Han back from those dark memories. “What’re you talking about?” “For everything, for…Bespin.” Luke’s voice was hesitant. “Are you peeking?” Han asked. “Using those Jedi powers of yours?” This was still a somewhat sensitive topic for them. Han was uncomfortable with the thought of Luke’s powers. It made him feel as if their friendship was uneven somehow, with Luke having the advantage of insights that Han did not have. Besides, it didn’t seem natural for a being to have so much power, and they all knew how Palpatine and Vader had used their abilities. “No,” Luke assured him. “Just the power of friendship.” “Oh,” Han said, feeling discomfited. “Sorry,” he muttered. There it was again, that stark reminder that Luke was different from his father, aware of what he could become if he was not careful. “There seems to be a lot of that going around,” Luke observed with some humor. Once more, the situation shifted, lightened. Han grinned. “Well, I’ve said ‘sorry’ more in the past year than I said in all the years before.” “That’s what having a woman in your life does for you,” Luke teased. Then his smile faded. “Is she doing okay?” Han considered the question for a moment and then shrugged. “She hides a lot – pushes it deep down inside.” “Yeah, she does.” “I can’t blame her really. It’s her way, and life’s taught her to keep her hand hidden.” “Do you think she-” Luke stopped. “Do you think she blames me?” “Blames you?” Han asked in surprise. “For what?” “For Bespin,” Luke answered quietly. “For what happened to you?” “Why would she blame you?” “Do you blame me?” Luke asked. “No, kid, I don’t,” he answered bluntly. “What happened to me was all Vader. I get that. I understand it. I even accept that Vader and Anakin were – to you at least – two different people.” Then he shook his head. “But Leia isn’t there yet. And I’m not sure she ever will be.” Silence fell on them once more, no longer comfortable. “What Vader did-” “Don’t worry about it, Luke.” More than anything, Han wanted Luke to drop the subject. It was as if he could hear a warning claxon ringing in his skull. This is dangerous, it seemed to scream at him. “You’ve never talked about it,” Luke continued. “Not really. I mean, I know some of the details from Leia…and Chewie. But not from you.” Luke’s eyes met his. “Why?” Han swallowed hard, moving his shoulders in a swift, jerky motion. Turning, he looked away from Luke’s earnest blue gaze. Suddenly, the naïve young farmboy was back and the Jedi was tucked away. Strange how that happened, Han mused. It didn’t happen often, at least not anymore. Luke had long ago assumed the serene, dignified mantle of a Jedi. Every now and then, however, the farmboy made an appearance, and it always startled Han. Clearing his throat, Han finally answered. “Because it doesn’t matter,” he croaked. “Not really.” “I think it does.” “Shows what you know.” From somewhere deep inside of him, Han felt anger – shocking and hot – well up. Surging to his feet, his exhaustion forgotten and buried beneath an unexpected rage, he stumbled into the kitchen. He had to get away – from Luke and his damned apologies. He was slamming a cup down on the counter when Luke’s hand covered his. Their hands were filthy, covered with nicks and cuts from their shared labors. Briefly, Luke squeezed and then released Han’s fist. “I’m gonna go now,” Luke said softly as he moved toward the door. His voice was utterly weary, worn out beyond exhaustion. Luke’s fatigue was one of the spirit, not just the body, and Han suddenly felt ashamed. This was Luke, not Vader’s son. Luke. Still, the rage welled up, bubbling ferociously. Han almost let him leave, came so close to giving into his anger. Then he remembered Luke risking his own life to save him on Tatooine. Luke had thrust himself into the hell of Jabba’s palace. Without Luke and Leia, Han would still have existed in that hellish noplace of the carbon freeze. This was not Luke’s problem, Han admitted. It was his. Luke had not tortured him on Bespin, any more than Leia had. If Luke was guilty by the association of blood, then so was Leia. Neither was responsible for what their father had done. They never would be. Vader’s guilt was not theirs. It belonged to Vader alone. And Vader was dead. Killed because he had saved Luke. The debt, to whomever it was owed, was old, it had been long paid and it was time to put it to rest. Han turned. “Wait, kid,” he called out. Luke hesitated and Han saw that he set his shoulders as if anticipating a punch. Finally, Luke turned. “Wait,” Han said again. He held up the cup. “I make a halfway decent cup of caf,” he offered by way of apology. “I prefer cocoa,” Luke replied, accepting. “Farmboy,” Han mocked. “Smuggler,” Luke countered. They never spoke of Bespin again. There was no need. -----signature----- If you have to choose between tears and laughter, remember that laughter burns more calories. Army Mom! HOOAH! Adopt a soldier: http://soldiersangels.org/
	~~Locked Topic~~ \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
ccp Registered: Apr '05	Date Posted: 4/25 6:39am Subject: RE: Old Debts - Han and Luke - written for the Han/Luke characterization challenge
	I like it. Well done! -----signature----- Padwan to Big Fatty If someone says, "Have a nice weekend," I never say, "You too." Because I never know if, perhaps, by the time the weekend rolls around, I will have other plans for that person. Come Friday, I may wish to have them slain. - George Carli
	~~Locked Topic~~ \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
EmilieDarklighter Registered: Jan '02	Date Posted: 4/25 7:58am Subject: RE: Old Debts - Han and Luke - written for the Han/Luke characterization challenge
	<3 -----signature----- Master of Jedi_Emeritus Former Padawan of Gabri_Jade Little sister to Gabri_Jade and LadyPadme 25 Rules for Successful Writing http://boards.theforce.net/fan_fiction_resource/b10304/28400222/p1/?2
	~~Locked Topic~~ \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
PonyTricks Registered: Jul '03	Date Posted: 4/25 8:08am Subject: RE: Old Debts - Han and Luke - written for the Han/Luke characterization challenge
	Han grinned. “Well, I’ve said ‘sorry’ more in the past year than I said in all the years before.” - I'd bet that's the truth. This was a lovely, bittersweet story. Great job! -----signature----- Brain: Now, Pinky, if by any chance you are captured during this mission, remember you are Gunther Heindriksen from Appenzell. You moved to Grindelwald to drive the cog train to Murren. Can you repeat that? Pinky: Mmmm, no, Brain, don't think I can.
	~~Locked Topic~~ \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Blue_Milkshake Registered: Nov '05	Date Posted: 4/25 8:57am Subject: RE: Old Debts - Han and Luke - written for the Han/Luke characterization challenge
	Faboooooo! Han swallowed hard, moving his shoulders in a swift, jerky motion. Turning, he looked away from Luke’s earnest blue gaze. Suddenly, the naïve young farmboy was back and the Jedi was tucked away. Strange how that happened, Han mused. It didn’t happen often, at least not anymore. Luke had long ago assumed the serene, dignified mantle of a Jedi. Every now and then, however, the farmboy made an appearance, and it always startled Han. Han's powers of observation are so keen. I love it when folks bring that out when they write him. -----signature----- Not all chemicals are bad. Without chemicals such as hydrogen and oxygen, for example, there would be no way to make water, a vital ingredient in beer. --Dave Barry
	~~Locked Topic~~ \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
dancing_star Registered: Feb '07	Date Posted: 4/25 9:14am Subject: RE: Old Debts - Han and Luke - written for the Han/Luke characterization challenge
	“Do you think she-” Luke stopped. “Do you think she blames me?” “Blames you?” Han asked in surprise. “For what?” “For Bespin,” Luke answered quietly. “For what happened to you?” “Why would she blame you?” “Do you blame me?” Luke asked. “No, kid, I don’t,” he answered bluntly. “What happened to me was all Vader. I get that. I understand it Neither was responsible for what their father had done. They never would be. Vader’s guilt was not theirs. It belonged to Vader alone. And Vader was dead. Killed because he had saved Luke. The debt, to whomever it was owed, was old, it had been long paid and it was time to put it to rest. Han turned. “Wait, kid,” he called out. Luke hesitated and Han saw that he set his shoulders as if anticipating a punch. Finally, Luke turned. “Wait,” Han said again. He held up the cup. “I make a halfway decent cup of caf,” he offered by way of apology. “I prefer cocoa,” Luke replied, accepting. “Farmboy,” Han mocked. “Smuggler,” Luke countered. They never spoke of Bespin again. There was no need. Loved this!! Loved the whole thing! And I'm so glad they forgave each other, and that Han realized what happened was not Luke's fault. Beautiful work! Thanks so much for doing the challenge! I'm off to get this awesome fic indexed in the thread! -----signature----- See my updated bio for fics God bless America and our troops. "The LORD gives strength to his people. The LORD blesses his people with peace." Ps 29:11 ~~~ Drabbles!! http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/29148282/p1/?9
	~~Locked Topic~~ \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
dm1 Registered: Jun '04	Date Posted: 4/25 9:41am Subject: RE: Old Debts - Han and Luke - written for the Han/Luke characterization challenge
	This was awesome! I could feel their bone-weariness from your description, and their friendship really shines in this one. I love seeing Han's introspection and thoughts on all of this. -----signature----- Internet Mom to HSG! Hey, HSG, watch those explosives, be careful!!
	~~Locked Topic~~ \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Golden_Jedi Registered: Jun '05	Date Posted: 4/25 9:46am Subject: RE: Old Debts - Han and Luke - written for the Han/Luke characterization challenge
	“Wait,” Han said again. He held up the cup. “I make a halfway decent cup of caf,” he offered by way of apology. “I prefer cocoa,” Luke replied, accepting. “Farmboy,” Han mocked. “Smuggler,” Luke countered. They never spoke of Bespin again. There was no need. Perfect. -----signature----- The country is that place where chickens walk around uncooked - Julio Cortázar Unexpected Blossom http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/28693266 Sailing Little Boats http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/28747916
	~~Locked Topic~~ \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Alexis_Wingstar Registered: Sep '06	Date Posted: 4/25 10:15am Subject: RE: Old Debts - Han and Luke - written for the Han/Luke characterization challenge
	Perfect. Absolutely perfect. Of course I don't expect anything less than perfection from you, but then that's not the first time I've said it. You got both Han's and Luke's voices down perfectly. -----signature----- "Change. It can be good. It can be bad. It can be expected or come as a thief in the night. Invited or not, it always comes." ~Koria "Tender Shadows", co-written w/ The Musical Jedi "Two Peas Out of the Pod" http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/user/205643
	~~Locked Topic~~ \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Jaina_and_Jag Registered: Apr '03	Date Posted: 4/25 11:29am Subject: RE: Old Debts - Han and Luke - written for the Han/Luke characterization challenge
	Great viggie! I just loved Han's thoughts on the matter and how he struggled with separating "Vader's son" from Luke. Lovely job.
	~~Locked Topic~~ \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Jedi-2B Registered: Nov '00	Date Posted: 4/25 1:18pm Subject: RE: Old Debts - Han and Luke - written for the Han/Luke characterization challenge
	Perfect job of showing Luke & Han's deep friendship. Loved it! -----signature----- It was on her fifteenth day in the darkness of the Nirauan cave when Mara Jade awoke to discover a rescuer had finally arrived. It was not, however, any of the potential rescuers she would have expected. It was Luke. ~~And the rest is history~~
	~~Locked Topic~~ \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
dancing_star Registered: Feb '07	Date Posted: 4/28 3:35am Subject: RE: Old Debts - Han and Luke - written for the Han/Luke characterization challenge
	Since you did my challenge, here's an "up" for you! Thanks again for writing this wonderful fic! -----signature----- See my updated bio for fics God bless America and our troops. "The LORD gives strength to his people. The LORD blesses his people with peace." Ps 29:11 ~~~ Drabbles!! http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/29148282/p1/?9
	~~Locked Topic~~ \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
KELIA Title: Fan Fiction Moderator Registered: Jul '05	Date Posted: 4/29 3:46am Subject: RE: Old Debts - Han and Luke - written for the Han/Luke characterization challenge
	That was wonderful. How typical of Han not to want to get into the details but I'm glad to see they were able to clear the air. I loved their entire conversation. Great response to the challenge -----signature----- "Do or do not, there is no try." Master Yoda A Light In The Darkness: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28150602/p1/?8 Undue Circumstances: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28530583/p1/?10
	~~Locked Topic~~ \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History

Jedi Council Forums » Fan Fiction » Beyond the Saga »