fh_trips | Endor [Monday, December 29]

Luke, a tall golden droid, and the Ewok chief Chirpa, were waiting for the volunteers when the portal finally deposited everyone on Endor. "Welcome," Luke said, giving them all a smile, "and thank you in advance for your help."

He gestured to the Ewok. "This is Chief Chirpa, the leader of Bright Tree Village, where we'll be staying for the next few days." Chirpa bowed to them, then spoke a few words. The droid shuffled forward to translate. "Chief Chirpa welcomes you to Endor," he said, words coming out pinched and precise, "and requests that you make yourself at home. If there is anything he or his warriors can do while you are assisting their neighbors, please let him know."

There was a brief conversation between Threepio and the Chief. "Or tell me and I will convey it," Threepio said. "I am C-3PO, human cyborg relations, and will be serving as translator for you during your stay here. Do watch out for the bugs, and the large drops, and the variety of creatures found in the forest..."

Luke shook his head at him and Threepio stopped speaking. "He worries a little too much," he explained with an easy smile. "If you'll follow me, you can drop off your stuff in the visitors' quarters and we can get started building some huts."

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Luke smiled. "And Grace is far too young, since apparently you're supposed to date the same sex after a break up or something. I must've missed a memo. I'm six months behind on my fling with Gavin."

"Oooh, maybe I'll give Rikku a call," Dawn laughed for the first time about this. "And your schedule's got to be nuts. I'm sure they'll forgive you for being behind. Gavin? Really? How come?"

Not that she really knew him, but it intrigued her to see who Luke would pick.

"He's one of my best friends," Luke said with an embarrassed shrug. "I don't know..."

"You liiiiiiiiiike him," Dawn teased. "Luke and Ga-vin, sitting in a tree..."

"Hush," Luke said, trying to ruffle her hair. "He's like an annoying little brother. The version in this reality is nine years old or something."

"Oh my god, that's so illegal," she said, squealing as she tried (unsuccessfully) to duck hand. "I'm telling!"

"Not that version!" Luke squealed, trying to tickle her. "Weirdo!"

And now she was giggling and squirming and squealing like a loon, trying to tickle Luke back. "Hey, I'm not the one who has a crush on a nine-year-old!"

"I don't have a crush on a nine year old!" Luke said, coming dangerously close to toppling them both over as he tripped over a tree root.

"That's not what you said!" Dawn giggled, not helping the situation by tripping over Luke, "Yoooooooou said that you were overdue to have a wild fling with Gavin, and then you said he's niiiiiiine. Ewwwww, you dirty old man!"

"He's not nine," Luke insisted as he tumbled over, trying to yank Dawn with him. "He came with you!"

There was another squeal, followed by an oof as Dawn fell down to the ground. "Oh, see, that's different," she said, still giggling, "Does he know how you feel? I'd be happy to tell him..."

"I will put you up a tree and leave you there," Luke threatened, reaching out to tickle her again.

"I know how to climb down," she tried to squirm out of the way, but was only halfway successful.

"You can't see the tops of the trees from here," he said, pinning her down.

And only then realizing what kind of position they were in. He went crimson.

Dawn blinked up at Luke in confusion when she saw his blush, and it didn't even occur to her to struggle against his hold.

Then she realized the implications, and she was blushing almost as hard as he was.