Fun and Games

By Erin Darroch and Justine Graham

Chapter 1 - Prologue

"Take a look at that, Princess," Han muttered around a mouthful of toast, gesturing with his cup at the little holovid screen embedded in the wall above the kitchen counter. "The fair starts this weekend."

Leia cast a glance in the direction of the local newscast currently playing on the screen, but she kept walking, checking the chrono on her wrist as she moved past Han's position and made a beeline for the kaffe station. She was all-business now that she was dressed for work, and she was not so easily distracted. "What fair?"

"The Interplanetary Cultural Expo in downtown Hanna City," Han replied, taking a sip of his kaffe. "Not as big or fancy as the Galactic Fair on Coruscant, sure, but it's a pretty big deal here. We should check it out."

Leia was waiting for the kaffe machine to dispense her favourite beverage and she didn't immediately respond. When it was done, she turned back to face in Han's direction and leaned back against the counter, then lifted the cup of steaming kaffe to her lips with a motion that was almost ceremonial. Her eyes drifted closed as she breathed in the fragrant vapours, then she took a little sip and smiled to herself. "You want to go to a fun fair?" she queried at length, opening her eyes to give Han a skeptical look. "Who are you and what have you done with Han Solo?"

Han looked injured. "Hey, I know how to have fun, Sweetheart. When's the last time you went to a fair?" He winced a little, realizing as the words left his mouth that his flippant remark would likely turn Leia's thoughts to Alderaan, and her youth.

But he was wrong; Leia didn't flinch or look sad. In fact, she adopted a somewhat defiant expression as she met Han's eyes. There was a long pause as she weighed up her answer against his probable reaction, and then sighed. "Never," she said succinctly. She took another sip of kaffe and then lifted her chin, holding his gaze.

Han's eyebrows rose and he took another bite of his toast, watching her as he chewed. He didn't have to say anything; she knew what was coming. And anyway, he thought with smug satisfaction, she was the one who'd suggested they take turns deciding on activities and destinations for their sporadic "date nights". It was Han's turn to choose, and that fun fair sounded like just the ticket. He swallowed his toast and took a sip of kaffe, waiting for Leia to elaborate.

Leia sighed and offered a little shrug. "We had fairs on Alderaan, all the time," she explained. "I just...never had the opportunity, nor the inclination, to go."

"Well, Sweetheart, there's a first time for everything," Han declared, draining the last of his kaffe and setting the cup on the granite countertop. "So it's settled; that's my choice. Date night this time around is the Hanna City Expo. Rides, games, greasy food; it'll be a blast."

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