A touching moment between Chewbacca and Leia from the novelisation of The Last Jedi

This scene from Jason Fry's novelisation of TLJ takes place after the Falcon leaves Crait, but before Rey and Leia talk about Luke's sacrifice. It was really nice to see Leia and Chewie finally have a moment, but also makes me more sad about how Leia probably won't be in Episode 9. It seriously seems like she's not only the Resistance's, but the galaxy's brightest beacon of hope now, even with the emotional burden of everything that's happened weighing down on her. Also really makes me want to hug a Wookiee. Novel excerpt ahead:Chewbacca sat in the co-pilot's seat, his hairy hands drifting over the controls with a grace that belied his size. The Wookiee chuffed in amusement, then indicated she should take the pilot's seat.Han's seat.Leia's steps carried her to just behind the chair, but no farther. She stopped with her hand on the seat's back."Chewie..." she said, then stopped, needing a moment to control her emotions. "Luke... gave his life for us. To buy us time. To save us."Chewbacca's hands slowed on the controls, then stopped. The Wookiee whined, a small sound almost lost deep in his throat. His hands fell into his lap and he slumped in his seat.Leia's hand settled on his shoulder as she gazed out through the viewports, remembering.Chewie had been in that same seat the first time she'd entered the Falcon's cockpit. She remembered the chaos, being pressed into service as an extra pair of eyes and ears during their frantic flight from the Death Star. With the last of the Imperial sentry ships destroyed she'd flung herself into the startled Wookiee's arms, elated by their unlikely escape.They'd sat side by side during many long watches on the agonizingly slow journey from Hoth to Bespin, unsure if the Rebel Alliance had survived. And once again when they'd doubled back to Cloud City to rescue Luke.And here they were again, so many years later. So many years, and so many losses."It's just us now," Leia said. "But we'll find a way."She realized tears were pooling at the corners of her eyes and tried to stop them, irritated with herself. But it was no use. She stood, silent and still, as twin lines of tears ran down her cheeks.Chewbacca looked up at her, his blue eyes bright. He saw her face and rose from his seat, towering over her.She tried to tell him she was all right, but the words wouldn't come. He reached for her and folded her against his chest.Leia buried her face in the Wookiee's warm fur, clinging to him, and finally allowed herself to weep, to surrender to the grief that had filled her to overflowing. She wept for Luke, and for Han, and for Ben. For all those they had lost.Chewbacca made no sound but simply held her, his embrace surprisingly gentle. They stood like that, Leia's chest heaving, until she was able to master herself and step away. She stared out into the infinity of hyperspace until her breathing was slow and regular again, and she knew she was ready to be what the people waiting in the Falcon's hold needed her to be. via /r/StarWars http://ift.tt/2IBhQF6