Okay, I'll be honest, I'm struggling with a story I've been writing for a little while now and think I may have lost my way so...I've taken the opportunity to revisit one I wrote about six years ago to share with you here.
If you've read any of my other whitterings you'll know I write in the now defunct EU and, predominantly, Han and Leia are my stars. The couple are married and carrying out their respective duties within, or for, the fully established New Republic. Despite her initial fears, Leia is pregnant and with twins!, which is where we start our story...
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Leia Organa Solo stood on her balcony luxuriating in the feel of the warm night's breeze ruffling at her gown.
Absent-mindedly, she swept a hand across her stomach soothing the babies within.
Her time was fast approaching and any doubts or fears she may have had about becoming a mother would, by necessity, very soon need to be pushed aside.
She smiled to herself as a strong pair of arms circled what used to be her waist and Han's stubbly chin nuzzled her neck.
"Whatcha doing out here all by yourself Princess, can't sleep?" Han whispered.
Leia just shrugged as she reached one hand up to caress his cheek whilst the other covered his hands, now interlaced across the widest part of her belly.
"I can alter the temperature control if you like. I know these two keep you pretty warm." He offered.
He gave her tummy a very light squeeze. She'd been complaining recently that her stomach felt sore which he'd been concerned about, but she'd insisted everything was okay, it was just another stage of her pregnancy.
"I'm fine." She said, closing her eyes and relishing the few moments alone in the arms of her husband.
"How about a back rub? Or an ankle massage?" He persisted.
"My back's fine. So's my ankles."
"Well, you're awful late in the day if it's second thoughts you're having." He pressed, softly rocking her in his arms.
"I'm not having second thoughts." She told him, disentangling herself and turning to face him. "I'm not too hot and I'm not too cold. I don't have back ache, or sore ankles...at least, no more than usual. I just...I just needed a moment."
"So, you're coming back to bed?" He asked.
"Be there in a minute." She promised, smiling and standing on tiptoe to kiss him lightly on the lips.
Leia turned back to gaze once again into the night sky.
Whilst Coruscant was a constant hive of activity, Leia had managed to find herself one star to focus on. It always seemed to be there. Always in the same spot. Always twinkling, just for her, she felt.
And she would pray to that star that her fears were unfounded.
That her babies would grow into gentle, kind human beings.
That she and Han would teach them compassion and love.
And that the path they followed would stray absolutely nowhere near the Dark Side of the Force.
She was aware Han had moved only inches away and was watching her.
She tried not to be irritated or annoyed, she knew only too well that he was just concerned as much for her mental well-being as for her physical health.
But that twinkling star represented the dropped stitch in the tapestry of her life. It represented the man she wished could have shared in the most important days of her life: the end of the Empire; her Wedding day; her firstborn child - or in this case children.
Her father, Bail Organa, was represented by that single, bright twinkling star.
The man who had adopted her within hours of her birth. Given her a home, a life and every ounce of his love, just as if he had been her biological father after all.
Leia sensed Han's tension and with a silent sigh she turned and followed him back to bed.
There was an irony, Leia felt, that no sooner had she settled down to sleep than the twins she was carrying decided to wake and jockey for position. However, seeing as the little one's foot that had been lodged beneath her ribs since the day before yesterday had moved some place else Leia actually couldn't have been happier to have been awake for most of the night.
Now, sitting on the sofa, Han was frowning. Not at her, at himself.
At Leia's first scan Dr Tanray had tut-tutted at Han, explaining that their babies stood every chance of inheriting their father's height.
That being the case, Leia's pregnancy stood every chance of being particularly uncomfortable. Especially in the latter stages when space was at a premium.
Sitting beside her, one leg tucked beneath him, he gently stroked her stomach.
"They've moved again." He said.
"You don't say!" Leia exclaimed.
"No. I mean, they've really moved. They seem...I don't know...in a different place." He explained.
"Really! No kidding!"
"Hey! I gotta surprise for you." He teased and leaned in to kiss her cheek.
"Spicy Corellian soup is not going to make these babies come any sooner, you know." She told him.
"Another standard week and they'll induce you, you know." Han countered. "And I'm not making spicy Corellian soup."
"Good." Leia all but snarled.
"I'm making Alderaanian stew." Han grinned.
"Please don't make it too spicy! It'll give me heartburn." She pleaded.
Han wriggled the tip of her nose with his finger.
"It's called 'gas' Sweetheart, not heartburn." Han taunted as the door chime sounded.
He pushed to his feet and headed to the door.
"And I love how you break wind or pee yourself whenever you burp, cough or sneeze. It's like being married to a Corellian not an Alderaanian Princess!" He laughed.
Leia just curled her lip at his retreating backside.
"Luke!" Han exclaimed as he opened the door. "Look Sweetheart, it's Luke."
Han stepped aside, allowing Leia's brother into their apartment.
Leia rolled her eyes.
"This is a surprise. Isn't it a surprise honey." Han said unconvincingly.
"A complete shock." Leia replied. "Though I would have thought you'd have been expecting him, since I heard you invite him over."
Han pointed at himself innocently. "Me?"
"Is there another Han Solo in the room?" Leia arched an eyebrow at him.
Han grinned and pointed at her belly, noted her pursed lips and let his smile fade.
"I'll go finish dinner. You'll stay won't you Luke?" His eyes indicating the appeal even if his voice feigned a casual inquiry.
As Han headed into their kitchen, Luke first kissed his sister's cheek then settled himself in a chair opposite her.
"He taking care of you?" Luke asked.
"If you mean is he clucking round me like an old mother hen? Then yes, he's taking very good care of me!"
"He's just concerned for you." He assured her.
"Well, he needn't be."
"I'm concerned for you too." He told her.
"Well, you needn't be either."
Luke's face told her she was being childish.
"Luke, I'm going to give birth pretty soon. Not just to one baby, but to two. And Jedi babies at that! Have you any idea how high up the scary scale that is?" She explained.
"Technically they're only force-sensitive, not actual Jedi." Luke corrected, trying to break the tension.
It worked.
"Semantics!" She laughed.
"He doesn't know what to say to you. If he tells you you're beautiful, he's trying too hard. If he doesn't say anything at all, he's not trying hard enough." Luke relayed the essence of Han's conversation with him.
"Did you mention to him that I happened to be heavily pregnant?" Leia queried.
"I pointed that out to him, yes." He confirmed.
"What did he say to that?" She eyed him suspiciously.
"He said he'd been wondering what the bump was." He confessed, his lip trying not to turn into a smile.
"Don't suppose he told you what I found him doing yesterday?" Leia asked, getting a shake of Luke's head in reply. "I caught him pacing the bedroom with a rolled up towel in the crook of his arm. Said he was practising at holding the baby. And you wonder why we can't have a sensible conversation." Leia shook her head.
"He just wants to do the right thing. Say the right thing."
"Maybe he doesn't need to do or say anything. You think of that?" Leia answered. "I just..."
She trailed off, not sure if she wanted to go down this particular road with her brother.
"You miss him. I know." Luke answered for her.
"I don't...I no longer think of Vader the way I once did," She continued, "but I don't think I can ever see him the way you do. And I don't think I will ever see Bail Organa as anything but the most wonderful father anyone could have wished for."
Her eyes searched Luke's face for understanding.
"How do I tell them?" She whispered. "I want them to know the truth. It's only through knowing the truth of the past that we can truly learn how to better the future. But how do I tell them that their Grandfather was responsible for so much hurt and death and anguish..."
Luke rose and moved beside her, wrapping a protective arm around her shoulders and slipping his human hand into hers.
"Hey! Let's see them take their first breaths; cut a tooth; take a step." He tilted her face towards his and smiled. "Pull their first fistful of hair from Chewie's back, before we worry ourselves too much about the genealogy lesson, eh?"
Leia smiled and averted her gaze shyly.
"Say, where is the big walking carpet anyway?" Luke asked.
"Banished." Han answered returning from the kitchen wearing an apron emblazoned with 'Who's the Daddy'. He sank into the chair vacated by Luke.
"My little whisperkit seems to have developed an allergy to Wookiee fur. It has a kinda unfortunate effect on her. Doesn't it sweetheart?" Han smirked.
"My husband finds it highly amusing that I have zero control over my bladder. For some reason Chewie's fur makes me sneeze. And when I sneeze, I pee myself." Leia shrugged.
"I guess that's one thing you celibate Jedis don't have to worry about." Han said, his smirk widening into a grin as he leaned back and stretched his long legs out, hands clasped behind his head.
"Of course, you also miss out on all the other really cool bits too. The swollen ankles, the back ache, the stomach cramps, the tender breasts and that's not to mention the h..."
"Han Solo!" Leia spat. "If you dare say what I think you're going to say!"
Han rocked forward laughing. "I don't know what you thought I was going to say sweetheart, but what I was actually going to say was 'hormones'. Anyway, dinner's about done so if you would care to wedge your not so dainty rear end into a chair at the dining table, I'll bring it on through."
Han rose and smoothed down his apron before heading back into the kitchen.
Luke held Leia's chair out for her to get settled, before taking his own seat opposite her.
"Luke?" Leia was studying him through narrowed eyes. "There's something about you. You're hiding something...no, not hiding, just not telling us."
"Here we go!" Han announced placing a large tureen of stew in the middle of the table. "Don't forget to put your bib on sweetheart. You wouldn't believe what falls from her cleavage when she gets ready for bed Luke. It's like showering with her in a pantry! Though I suppose you celibate Jedis only ever shower alone. Oh, I forgot the bowls."
Han returned to the kitchen to fetch the missing dishes.
"You're seeing someone!" Leia hissed excitedly.
"I...I...no...I..." Luke stumbled.
"Do I know her?" She pressed, eyes sparkling.
"It's not...you've got it all wrong..." He stammered.
"Oh!" Leia's voice dipped. "Do I know him?"
"That's not what I meant." He tried to explain.
"I know it's not easy being honest with yourself. I understand that. Just look how long it took me to accept my feelings for Han." Leia ploughed on.
"No. You don't understand." Luke tried to interrupt.
"I think it's wonderful. Just wonderful!" She smiled.
"What's wonderful?" Han asked, returning with bowls and utensils.
"Luke's fallen in love." Leia gushed.
"No...will you just listen..." Luke tried again to interrupt.
"That's great kid. Pleased for ya." Han took his seat and started ladling stew into bowls. "Help yourselves to spoons and bread, it's home-made."
"With a man. Luke's gay." Leia told Han.
"He's not being Godparent!" Han said without missing a beat.
"Stop! Both of you! I'm not seeing someone. I'm not in love. And I'm not gay." Luke finally managed to silence them, looking from Leia to Han and back to Leia as he spoke.
"But..." He exhaled as he continued. "I have met someone. A girl. Well, a woman really. And she's...well, she's making me question certain aspects of my faith."
Han placed a bowl of stew before Leia and then one in front of Luke.
"Okay kid, you're back on the Godparent shortlist." Han advised, filling his own bowl with stew. "So what's so special about her that she's making you turn your back on Jedi-hood?"
"I'm not turning my back on anything. It's just...well, I feel things for her that a Jedi isn't supposed to feel and she's making me question whether denying those feelings is the right path to take. For all Jedi I mean, not just for me." Luke explained.
"I always say abstinence makes the heart grow fonder." Han quipped. "Don't I always say that sweetheart?"
"Sounds an awful lot like you've fallen in love to me Luke." Leia said.
Luke shook his head. "We've spent some time together in training. Walked a little. Talked less. It may be something to build on. But it's not love. Not for either of us. Not yet."
Brother and sister sat opposite one another staring into each others eyes and exploring the others soul.
Luke searching for her understanding, Leia giving it.
Han, from his position at the un-appointed head of the table, looked back and forth between the pair.
"Well, I'm sure glad we got that cleared up. Now, eat your stew before it gets cold." He said.
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With dinner finished and the table cleared, Han, Luke and Leia returned to the seating area.
Luke sat in a chair, whilst Han fussed at making Leia comfortable on the sofa. He sat against the sofa arm with a pillow lying upright between them both and cuddled her to him.
Leia's head rested against his shoulder, his arms circled around her stomach, her legs up and supported by two cushions.
Luke smiled to himself as he considered their relationship. Thinking about it, as Luke so often had since learning Leia was his sister, Han and Leia's feelings for one another had been obvious right from the start.
Han had never successfully explained his decision to turn back during the attack on the first Death Star. Or why subsequently, despite the numerous opportunities he'd had to leave, he had chosen to stay.
Leia, meanwhile, seemed to have actively sought out Han's company. Usually to berate him over some trivial matter or another, but seek him out she had.
Luke had been so young when they'd all first met. So had Leia, of course, but her life's experiences had almost certainly better prepared her for their meeting. Luke had merely seen a beautiful young woman and fallen instantly in love with her. Thankfully, he'd never had the nerve to try to take their friendship further than an affectionate kiss or comforting hug. Han on the other hand, not at first realising or maybe accepting his feelings as love, would have bedded her in an instant if she'd let him.
They had been a perfect match for one another. Han relishing the chase but never considering being caught himself. Leia evading capture, but never acknowledging the pleasure she derived from the chase.
"Comfy?" Han asked Leia.
"I will be when you get your great, bony knee out of my back!" She moaned.
With an effort, Han wriggled the leg he'd bent beneath him straight and squeezed it alongside her on the sofa. She was now lying against him between his open thighs, a position Han always found highly enjoyable.
"Well, this is cosy isn't it?" He said and grinned over at Luke. "Say, does your new little playmate let you do this with her?"
Han waggled his eyebrows suggestively whilst Luke just shook his head.
"Is she a Jedi?" Leia asked, turning her head to look at Luke.
"She's at the Academy, yes." Luke answered truthfully.
No point in lying to Leia, he was like an open book to her now.
"A graduate?" Leia enquired.
"She's...she's incredibly gifted." Luke said, choosing his words.
"That's not what I asked." She replied, her brow knitting.
"Blonde? Brunette? Redhead?" Han's grin widened with each hair colouring.
"Redhead." Luke responded. A flash of long, wavy, fiery red hair crossing his mind.
And Leia's. He thought.
"I knew an incredibly gifted redhead once." Han reminisced. "Double-jointed. She could bend over backwards and kiss her own ass. Of course, I liked it better when she bent over and kissed mine!"
That earned him a sharp elbow in the ribs from Leia.
"Knew this real beautiful brunette once too. Now, she was feisty! Best friend one day, greatest foe the next. Married this wonderful guy, ex-smuggler I think. Got a couple of beautiful kids too, last I heard." Han winked at Luke before pressing on. "Blondes now...According to legend, they have the most fun. But it's not strictly true. All the blondes I've ever known have been pretty lame. And I've known quite a few I can tell you."
"Yeah, you just keep that up flyboy and you'll find yourself sleeping on the sofa permanently. You're already on pretty shaky ground as it is." Leia leaned her head into Han's neck and closed her eyes whilst his hands gently glided over their sleeping babies.
"Why? What's he done?" Luke asked, hoping to deflect further questioning.
"It was nothing." Han said, with a 'did-you-have-to-ask' look on his face.
"Nothing!" Leia would have shot upright if Han hadn't kept her from doing so.
"Now sweetheart, remember what your doctor said about getting yourself excited." Han told her. "And we both know how excited you get when you're in my arms."
"Laser Brains here..." Leia hooked a thumb in Han's direction. "Took my Wedding band to be polished. Only the jeweller he chose, who happened to be one of his old friends I might add, closed his shop, packed up all his belongings together with the contents of the business, the safe and my Wedding band before skipping town!"
"I said I'd get you a new one." Han muttered defensively.
"It's a Wedding band! You're not supposed to replace them periodically. Once it's on, it's supposed to stay on!" She barked.
"Then why'd you take it off?" Han countered.
"Because, as you very well know, my fingers were swollen and you were worried it was going to cut off the circulation." She told him. "Can we just change the subject before my hormones bring on the tears again."
"She cries a lot too." Han said to Luke. "Couldn't stop when we first found out she was pregnant, then came the morning sickness and the cravings, now we're back to tears and tantrums."
"I do not have tantrums!" Leia thundered. Then calmed. "And if I do, it's only because you know how special that band was to me."
Han snuggled his face against hers. "Yeah. I know it was." He said simply.
And he did.
Some of the survivors of the destruction of Alderaan, Mon Mothma and Winter leading them, had donated items of gold jewellery to be smelted down in order that their Wedding bands be fashioned from pure Alderaanian gold.
"Hup!" Han gently pushed Leia forward and extricated himself from his position behind her.
"Thought I was the one with the weak bladder." She arched her eyebrow and called to his departing back. "About time you got that prostate of yours checked."
Sitting up, Leia clasped her hands across the top of her belly and smiled at Luke.
"So, does this gifted redhead have a name?" She asked.
"I believe she does, yes." Luke replied.
"But you're not ready to share it with us. Right?" She studied her brother's face.
"Not yet. No, not just yet." He looked away, clearly embarrassed.
"Well. I hope things work out for the two of you." She brushed him lovingly through the force. "I so want for you to be with someone. To be happy."
"May I?" Luke asked, pointing to her stomach.
"Sure. Why not." Leia shrugged. "About a thousand complete strangers ask for a feel every day, I'm getting used to it."
Luke perched beside her and carefully placed his splayed hand on her abdomen.
He could feel both beings.
One, female, strong and determined. The other, male, gentler and more introverted.
Then, a vision? A lightsaber? A scream. A sense of loss, of pain unparalleled.
He pulled his hand away, breathing heavily.
"What?" Leia looked fearful.
"It's just..." Luke smiled, reassuringly. "Just such an odd feeling."
Han cleared his throat as he re-entered the living area.
"I...er...I gotta confession." He said sheepishly.
"Didn't make it all the way to the 'fresher flyboy?" Leia smirked.
"I...er..." He held out his hand, a box lying on his open palm. "I didn't actually take your band for polishing."
Leia looked up at him, puzzled.
"I wasn't going to do this until the twins were born, but...well...I know how upset you've been and...well...Leia, would you please just take it." He offered her the box rather forcefully.
"My band?" Leia asked, taking the box and opening it with trembling fingers.
Han sank into the sofa the other side of her from Luke, awaiting her reaction.
"You...you had it inscribed!" She exclaimed, her voice breaking as she read aloud. "I know. Now and Forever. Oh Han! It's...it's...perfect!"
Leia forced her band back onto her swollen finger and Han hugged her swiftly knowing her tears would only be a heartbeat away.
"I should go." Luke said and got to his feet.
"No!" Leia told him, wiping at her cheeks and grasping his hand. "Please don't go, not yet. I hardly ever get to see you now."
"Yeah. And we haven't finished hearing all about Red." Han added. "You let her play with your lightsaber yet?"
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Luke stayed until late, enjoying both the company and the ease of their friendly banter. Both Han and Leia trying to get the upper hand, only to fall foul of the other's quicker wit. As the night wore on, Leia made her excuses and retired leaving her husband and her brother to talk.
"So. How does she seem to you?" Han asked, taking a long gulp of his Corellian brandy.
"I think she got you this time. I made it twelve to Leia, eleven to you." Luke grinned.
"Yeah. Right. In your dreams!" Han scoffed. "Seriously, you think she's okay?"
"Han..." Luke leaned forward in his seat, elbows resting on knees. "I think she's doing absolutely perfectly."
"She got to ya, didn't she?" Han tutted.
"I don't know what you mean." Luke said, genuinely puzzled.
"It's what she does. It's her 'thing'. You've got your lightsaber, she's got her powers of persuasion."
Han took another swig of brandy and Luke shook his head.
"You don't sense anything...anything I should know about?" Han asked, all bravado gone from his voice.
"Okay." Luke sighed. "You got me. There is something."
"Something bad?" Han swallowed.
"Something she couldn't tell you, but I felt it. Felt it loud and clear." Luke confessed.
"I do love her. I know maybe I don't always tell her, but that doesn't mean I don't feel it." Han said, draining his glass. "Okay, so what is it? What's she hiding from me?"
"I think it's for the best." Luke said, nodding. "I know she'd want you to you know, she just doesn't have the words to say it for herself."
"You gonna tell me or do I have to get too drunk to hit you first?" Han snapped.
"Okay. Sure. She...well, she..." Luke ran a hand through his hair. "She-hopes-you're-not-going-to-stay-up-all-night-talking-about-her-behind-her-back-with-her-incredibly-perceptive-brother-before-turning-in-smelling-of-cheap-Corellian-brandy. There. I've said it!"
"This brandy is top shelf!" Han snarled. "And they say Jedis have no sense of humour!"
"Okay, okay." Luke laughed. "Look, Han, she's fine. Really. Just nervous and paranoid and emotional and pretty much like any first time Mother, I imagine. If you really want to help, then give her room to breathe when she needs it. I know you love her. She knows you love her. I know you want to do whatever you can to protect her. And so does she, so you don't need to worry about that. Just...just sometimes, let her be."
"So you think I'm just being an old mother hen too, huh?"
"No. I think you're just being the nice guy Leia fell in love with and that you very occasionally let the rest of us get a glimpse at." Luke answered truthfully. "But now, I really must be going. And you should get some sleep. While you still can!"
Luke gave him a knowing smile and rose.
"You know, you can stay here if you want." Han said, rising also. "No need to go heading out across the city at this hour. In fact, why not stay for the birth?"
"Thanks. But I've arranged quarters and besides, I can't very well criticise your smothering techniques then move in for the rest of Leia's confinement." Luke answered.
"No. I guess not." Han stepped forward and hugged Luke, giving him a customary back-slap. "But if you change your mind..."
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Sleep came quickly to Han.
In fact, he barely recalled the sight of his sleeping wife beside him before his head hit the pillow, his eyes closed and the darkness engulfed him.
"Come on hotshot, wake up!" Leia shook his shoulder firmly.
"Five more minutes Chewie, then I'll take the con." He mumbled in response.
"Five more minutes it is." Leia sighed and went to her secure console to place her first call.
Within moments, Winter's sleep weary face appeared on the screen.
"Your Highness? Is anything wrong, it's very late." Winter said.
"I know. I'm sorry to have woken you. I was wondering if Tycho was with you." Leia enquired.
"He's here, yes Your Highness." Winter responded, Tycho Celchu's face appearing beside her.
"I wonder if I might prevail upon your good nature to do something for me." Leia continued.
"I am at your service Your Highness." Tycho Celchu answered. "What is it you require?"
"Unmarked transport. To the Medical Centre if you are able." Leia smiled at him.
"It should be my honour, Your Highness. I shall be with you directly." Both he and Winter grinned his reply.
"No rush Captain. I still have to raise my husband from his pit! Organa Solo out."
Leia closed the channel and returned to the bedroom.
Leaning across the bed she shook Han's shoulders more forcefully.
"Wake up nerfherder. It's time." She told him.
"Hmmm...can't be. It's still dark in here." He grumbled in return.
"Han! I said, it's time." She told him crisply.
Han leaned his arm onto the bedside cabinet, picked up the chrono and shook it at her.
"It's still the middle of the night sweetheart!" He groaned.
"Tell that to your son and daughter." Leia said.
Han shot up in bed sharply.
"You mean...now?" He asked, his voice carrying a slight tremble.
"Now!" Leia replied. "I have transport arranged and my bag's packed. I just need my husband to get his butt into gear and we can be on our way."
"You're sure?" He questioned, climbing out of bed and circling on the spot. "I mean, you're sure it's not just false labour like they told us could happen. And where the Hell did my clothes get to?"
"I'm certain. And I thought we had an agreement, on the Falcon you may drop your clothes where you take them off but at home, they go in the recycler. Which is where I put them after I nearly tripped over your boots!" Leia told him. "Try the closet. That's where all your fresh, clean clothing hides."
Leia left him to dress and returned to her secure console, placing a call first to Chewbacca to let him know he was soon to be an honorary Uncle. Chewie's excitement, however, was tempered when Leia reminded him that he would have to be patient. He was very welcome to visit once they were all home, but the Medical Centre had made it very clear he would not be admitted to their sterile atmosphere.
Her last call was to Luke who, of course, had already sensed that his niece and nephew were close to making their appearance.
"How's Han holding up?" Luke asked.
"Where the Hell d'ya put my pants Leia?" Han yelled.
"Sorry I asked." Luke replied to his own question.
"Will you join us?" Leia rolled her eyes at herself. "Outside the delivery suite, obviously."
"Sure. If that's what you want." Luke assured her. "You seem remarkably calm."
"Guess all those calming techniques you taught me really do work. I just hope the one's that regulate pain do too!" Leia smiled.
"Soon gonna find out!" Luke smiled back. "I'll see you at the Medical Centre. Skywalker out."
Leia sat for a moment staring at the blank screen.
"Hey. You comin' or what?" Han asked from the doorway. "Tycho's here."
"Coming." Leia answered flatly.
"You okay sweetheart?" Han crouched beside her, his voice laced with concern.
"We're really going to do this, aren't we?" Leia said.
"Sure looks that way." Han lay his hand over hers. "You ready?"
Leia smiled and leaned her forehead to his. Han rubbed his nose softly against hers in response.
"Come on Princess. I'm right here beside you. All the way." He told her, lovingly.