Never Look Back

Long ago, in a galaxy far far away….

A single cheer could be heard on every planet, in every city. “The Emperor is dead!” Years of oppression seemed to melt away with each celebration.

Endor was no different. Fires burned bright in every village, Ewoks and rebels alike dancing in joy. It almost seemed too good to be true, but no one dared to voice those thoughts, lest something else happen. For now, everything seemed right.

Freedom from the Emperor wasn't the only thing on a few people's minds. Off to the side, a small group of heroes were huddled together and talking softly.

“So, what are you plans now?” A black-haired man in his late 20s was studying the couple sitting across from him. Han was trying to get a sense of where his new friends would be going. “Are you going to go back Natura or will you stay in Corucsant for awhile?”

The blonde man sitting on the opposite side of the small fire thought for a second before shaking his head. “I'm not sure yet. Now that the war is done, I feel the need to return to my people in Aeris." Many things were going through the young prince's mind. Baron glanced down at the beautiful young woman leaning against his chest. “But at the same time, I don't want to have to go back just yet. I know what awaits me there, being of  age, but I don't know if I'm ready for the throne."

The woman stirs at his words, her chestnut colored hair falling in her face. “You will be the finest king the Aeris kingdom has ever known. How could you doubt yourself?” Deep, chocolate eyes stared into his as Lara tried to convey the strength of her words. It was almost more than he could bear.

An awkward cough rudely broke the moment, making them both jump. Baron glared playfully at the new arrival. The man was about his age, young with sandy blonde hair and the bearing of a seasoned fighter. Next to Luke stood his sister, a pretty woman with long chocolate brown hair. Leia was currently elbowing her brother in the gut for interrupting the moment.

As he pretended to gasp for breath, she walked over to Han and bowled him over in a hug. “I can't believe it's actually over. We're free.” Leia was worried that they would all wake up from the dream.

Tilting her head back to look at him, her new lover gently pressed a kiss to her lips. “Don't overthink it, princess. Right now we just need to enjoy the moment.” Completely ignoring everyone else around, he scooped her onto his lap and stole her breath away. It was going to be a long time before he let her up for air.

While Luke stood there flabbergasted, the Baron looked over at his betrothed in deep thought. When their eyes met again, there was no dimming the spark this time. A full blown inferno was now begging to be let go, to be fed.

And fed it was going to be. Leaning in close, he carefully tucked some of her long hair behind her ear. A small smirked found its way into his face as he watched the blush start creeping its way up her face. Slowly closing the gap between them, he put one hand behind her head and the other on her back. Pulling her in the rest of the way, one would have sworn the wind stopped and the earth stood still.

Nothing existed but the two of them the minute their lips made contact. Soft at first, the heated passion gradually started to grow. By the time they broke apart, a huge crowd had gathered to cheer them on.

Blushing furiously, they broke apart and stood to address the crowd. “It has been an honor to serve with each and everyone of you. We will never forget the heroes who have fallen, nor the ones left fighting. But for now, it is time for us to return home.” He looks at the speechless woman beside him and chuckles. “i have some unfinished business to attend to.”