Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and
situations created and owned by Lucasfilm, Ltd. No
money is being made and no infringement is intended.
Notes: Written for the Theatrical Muse 'laughter' challenge.
Just For Laughs
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The war makes her laugh, when it's over.
After all the pieces of her scattered family have been gathered again, she sits in the Errant Venture's largest dining room, doubled over with laughter. She's been grinning like a fool all night, a grin that simply won't stop.
It's over. They made it.
She twists Baron Fel's Academy ring on her finger, and smiles.
The wine and spirits flow; everyone had something special they were saving for the end of the war, and they all wanted to bring a little something...
Someone had the brilliant idea to put Threepio in charge of watching the liquor stash, lest the older and more expensive bottles wander away, and the results are...interesting.
Jaina laughs as she listens to her father try to argue the droid out of one more drink. "Listen up, Goldenrod- I want to toast my daughter, and I'm not doing it with an empty glass, understand?"
"Well, of course, Captain Solo, in that case-"
Jaina ducks her head, embarrassed. She has been in the spotlight for much of the war, and she had hoped to quietly slip away from it now. "Dad-"
"Oh, let him have his fun," says her mother.
"If you want to run for it," Kyp says, "we'll cover for you, right, guys?"
Nods of assent from the Twin Suns and Vanguard pilots.
"I think it's too late, though," Jag says.
"Now," Han Solo says. "Can I have everybody's attention for a second? Thank you." He looks around the room, until he is sure that everyone is watching him. "We've had a lot of toasts tonight, and some good ones-"
Jaina nods. They had, indeed. To absent friends and to family, to those who survived- to life, and to peace...
"But there's one I haven't heard yet, and I'm afraid I can't just let this stand. So." Han raises his glass. "To my daughter Jaina- congratulations on your engagement, sweetheart." Pause. "And to Jag Fel. If you hurt her, I'll kill you."
"To Jaina and Jag," the others echo, lifting their glasses.
Jaina blushes as Jag takes her hand. "Thanks, you guys."
by Christine Anderson