I own nothing all rights belong to Disney, Lucusfilms, and whoever else is involved.

Unravelling

By Dark Polergeist

This is an AU story set between ROTJ and TFA.

Summary: Han and Leia have worked hard to have a happy life after the fall of the Empire but the shifting of galaxy powers and the power of the force in their lives can unravel even the strongest of bonds…

AN: Han and Leia are my favorite characters. It irritated me to no end to see the fate that this set of filmmakers had decreed for them. The only reason they were broken up is that the film industry in general has an unwritten but widely accepted belief that a happily committed couple is boring and that people won't watch. I completely reject this notion as committed couples often have relationship issues and work through them and in a story/script it would be called good writing (rather than taking the easy way to create drama by splitting up the happy couple).

And the two of them having a psychopathic son that went dark? Not explained. And I'm sure they had some failings as parents (who doesn't?) but not enough to warrant Ben turning into a monster because he wants to be like his grandfather Darth Vadar.

The split of Han and Leia. I can wrap around the fact that things could have been too painful for the two of them after Ben went dark and killed the others at Luke's school. If anything could break up a strong marriage that is probably it, but even with that I would expect them to get back together.

Han being a smuggler. I reject this too. He'd have to have a damn good reason to go back to this after he had grown so much. No reason given in the movie.

Luke disappearing: Again, a good reason is needed – why would Luke do this?

Rey's parentage. For this story and the one after this, Rey is a Solo. There are many reasons I feel this could be true and I will touch on them at the end of this story or the beginning of the sequel to this: Unfinished Business. (Bloodlines doesn't count in my reasoning of this because the filmmakers wouldn't want Rey's heritage revealed before the next movie comes out no matter that she is a Solo or a Skywalker, in my opinion, and thus they would simply tell the author that subject was off limits and to exclude it from the book; happens a lot).

I was so dissatisfied with TFA that I wrote a story called Unfinished Business, an AU Post TFA SW fiction. And then I realized I had too many flashback scenes in it; so, I removed them and put them in a new document with the intent that I would sort and use the relevant scenes. Instead this story evolved which leads into Unfinished Business which will be posted after this story is complete.

So, trying hard to make lemonade from the lemons Disney has left me; I hope you like it. And yes, now I'll shut up so you can read the story. Please review and thanks for reading.

UB – Unravelling

By Dark Poltergeist

Chapter One

Eight years after Endor

After a long mission that kept Han away from his family for two weeks, Chewbacca sat down in the cockpit beside Han and began to go through the checklist with him, sensing his friend's eagerness to be on his way. They finished in record speed and with a shoulder squeeze, thanking Chewie for his help, he left the Falcon to return home to Leia and Ben.

Twenty minutes later he palmed the lock on their door and let himself into their suite.

"Leia? Honey, I'm home," he called in a teasing tone.

The apartment was quiet, really quiet. Han frowned and called again.

"Leia?"

He dropped his duffle bag to the floor and finally looked at the room around him, it was lit by candlelight, a chilled bottle of what he assumed was wine sat on the table, a place setting for two, and the smell of something wonderful cooking in the kitchen.

Unbidden, his stomach rumbled in annoyance, reminding him that in his haste to return he hadn't eaten in a very long time. Curious, he wandered into the kitchen and lifted the cover off of a catered meal. Nerf steak medallions, Corellian spicy rice, and Aldaarian vegetable soup. He also spotted dinner rolls, and some sort of dessert hidden under a silver cover.

If he wasn't so anxious to see his wife, he'd probably start eating without her, he thought as his stomach rumbled again.

Clearly she wasn't coming out so it was up to him to find her. He started in the most logical place, their bedroom, but she wasn't there. He searched the apartment and discovered, much as he suspected, that Ben was out for the evening. But where was his wife?

Some instinct, maybe the unseen bond they seemed to share urged him to look out of the glass door to their large balcony, and he saw Leia reclining against the balcony rails, watching him, a smirk on her face.

Grinning, he opened up the door and stepped into the cool evening air.

"Hey, Princess," he noted she was wearing a sheer cream colored dress that showed off her toned legs, lovely derriere, shapely hips, small waist, curvaceous breasts, and a beautiful face which had him mesmerized from the first moment he laid eyes on her

"Flyboy. Took you long enough to figure it out."

"Are you expecting someone?" He teased.

"Well, there's this pilot I've been seeing…"

"Do tell." He said, as his eyes raked over her, filling with love and desire as his gaze grew warmer. Still they hadn't touched. It was a game they played, allowing their desire to build between them without touch until they drove each other mad; there was never a cumulative winner as their percentages somehow seemed to even out.

"He's extremely handsome, but a bit of a rogue." She said is a most serious manner.

"And this rogue, does he treat you well?"

"Very well."

"I see. Do you love him?" The passion in Han's eyes had turned them a deep green, and they twinkled in amusement.

"Yes. He's a bit of a thief as well."

"Oh?" Han arched an eyebrow at Leia.

"Because he's stolen my heart and won't give it back."

"I know why he did that," Han whispered in her ear, his cheek barely moving a few wisps of hair.

She shivered feeling his warm breath on her neck. "Why?"

"Because your heart is invaluable, there is nothing more precious to him." Han smirked, but his expression grew serious. "Maybe the only way I thought I could get your heart was if I stole it from you." He finally stepped so close that they were now touching from head to toe. "And I have no intention of giving it back to you."

"I don't want it back," she murmured.

"It's a fair trade. You took my heart a long time ago."

They stared into each other's eyes, lost in the feelings of love, warmth, and desire as they somehow felt their feelings heating between them, their love washing over each other in waves. Han reached out and took Leia's hand in his, rubbing small circles on it, relishing the simple act of touching her as they continued their silent communion

Leia smiled as she reached out with her other hand and placed it on his cheek, and she opened her force enhanced connection to him and pushed her feelings of desire at him.

He gasped as a wave of lust overtook him and stimulated his already noticeable arousal. "You're cheating," he growled

"I have to do something to get you…stimulated," she gave him a mild look of reproof.

"Oh, like that is it, Princess?" He gave her a lewd grin and pulled her against him as he kissed her fiercely.

Han broke his lips from where they had been sealed with hers, and stared into her deep brown eyes. "What did I ever do to deserve you?" he murmured between soft kisses.

"You saved me…in so many ways."

Unable to speak, he allowed his emotions to flow back to Leia, and the depth of his love for her was reflected in his eyes. She dropped her head for just a few moments trying to absorb it all, and when she gazed back into his eyes he saw the brightness contained within.

He raised a questioning eyebrow; how did she want to be loved tonight? Slowly and sweetly? Or hot and heavy?

"How much stamina do you have, Hotshot?"

"Sweetheart, you know the answer," he said smugly.

"So you can go all night?" She gave him an amused look.

"Is that a challenge? I thought you already knew about the stamina of Corellian men, and some of our secrets."

"Secrets?" Now Leia raised an eyebrow as she regarded her husband. "Are there secrets to your mating ritual you haven't told me about?"

"Mating ritual?" Han laughed. "I wouldn't call it that, but you know from experience how quickly I recover, and I have mountains of stamina." He leaned forward and began to nuzzle her neck. "I haven't heard you complain."

"Not complaining," she drew back and regarded him thoughtfully. "It's nice out here, isn't it?"

"Yeah, great." He gave her a puzzled look before a smile slowly spread across his face. "Are you saying what I think you're saying?"

Leia blushed, just a little.

"The dress is beautiful, but what do you have underneath it?" Han breathed, his imagination beginning to run away with him.

"Why don't you find out?" Her brown eyes twinkled with playfulness.

"Princess, we're out in the open."

"We're unspeakably high up, no one from the street can possibly see us, it's night, and I'm willing to risk it."

"We could make the tabloids, Can you see the headlines?" He paused and smirked at her. "Princess Organa impaled by General Solo on balcony."

"That would be Princess Organa Solo. Impaled? Really?" Leia openly laughed at him. "Maybe 'Princess Organa Solo ravished by a Pirate in Public' would be a better headline?"

"A pirate? Really? That's what you think?" There was a definite edge to Han's voice as he suddenly closed in on her, his arms on the railing on either side of her. "I'm going to claim my booty." With a well-practiced move, he smoothly burrowed his hand under her dress, lifting it as he discovered she wasn't wearing any underwear. "I'm shocked, your Worship."

Leia giggled and his heart soared at the sound. How did she manage to turn him into a gibbering pile of mush with a laugh?

His fingers found the folds of her core and began to gently massage her as he stepped close and pulled her back against him, softly grumbling in her ear. He nuzzled her neck as she began to moan and leaned into him.

"Like that, Sweetheart?"

Her low throated moan nearly did him in as she began to rub against his groin, and she was so wet already, he knew she was ready for him. Her hand reached back and rubbed against the front of his pants and he groaned as he pushed against her.

"Gods, Leia!"

They continued to mercilessly, lovingly, torture each other until Han finally swatted her hand away and released himself from his pants, and with a smile for him, Leia gripped the railing as Han lifted her dress out of the way and he slid inside of her. They both moaned at the delicious joining of their bodies, the almost sinful pleasure they evoked in one another.

Within moments their rhythm accelerated and Han was thrusting into her with an undeniable vigor that was starting to rattle the railing which Leia clung to; just as his pattern became erratic she cried out and found herself closing around him, tightening in bliss as he finished and held her to him, their breath slowly evening out.

They clung to the railing and each other for a few moments, until she turned in his arms and placed a sweet kiss on his lips, lingering just long enough to make it sensual.

"You're amazing," he whispered.

"Didn't expect this, did you?"

"Not at all." He studied her with amused eyes. "What's the occasion? Not that I'm complaining, but you haven't been this…wanton in a while."

"Think about it, Han. My hormones are in overdrive."

He blinked, not yet connecting the dots.

"This has happened before. I mean, I always want you, but now I really, really want you and what you can do for me."

He remained silent, but blinked at her again, but now she could see the wheels turning in his mind. She waited and watched him patiently.

He narrowed his eyes and stared at her and she saw him swallow with some difficulty. "Leia, are you saying…are you?"

"Yeah." She bit her lip.

"How long?"

"Early, maybe four weeks." She shrugged. "I confirmed it while you were gone."

"You knew before I left?"

"I suspected. I didn't want to tell you until I knew for sure."

"Well, damn, Sweetheart. I'm going to be a father again!" Han was grinning from ear to ear. He picked her up and held her tight as he spun her around, putting her down only when she started to squeak in protest.

"I love you, Leia, Gods but I love you!"

"I love you too. And our daughter is going to love her Daddy too."

"Daughter?" Han was back to blinking at her. "A girl? We're having a girl?" He yelped in happiness and Leia was sure that the entire apartment complex heard him.

"Shhh," she tried shushing him. "Calm down. We have done this before."

"I'm allowed to be excited, so you can stop shushing me!" He tried to scowl but it was nullified by the constant grin on his face.

"Come on, Flyboy, I need some dinner."

As if on cue, Han's stomach growled loudly, but he appeared only slightly embarrassed. "What? I haven't eaten since this morning."

"Then I'd better feed you."

"Oh? Plans for me Princess?"

"Lots of plans for you tonight. And I'm starving."

"Well, you are eating for two."

"I'm going to be fat again," she complained as Han took her hand and led her into the apartment.

"You'll be beautiful," Han corrected, and shut the doors behind them.

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Han couldn't sleep despite two rounds of energetic sex, he was wide awake and staring at his wife, feeling incredibly mushy.

"You're amazing," he whispered.

"So are you," she murmured, startling him, and then laughed at his startled expression. "Han, what is it?"

He studied her, his expression filled with both love and concern. "It's just that…" He frowned and stopped.

"Han!"

"It's just that…well, are you sure?"

"Sure of what? That I'm pregnant?" She rubbed her abdomen. "Very sure."

"No, not that, I mean of course you'd know that." He sighed.

"What so hard to say?"

"Leia, you haven't wanted another baby. We're both on contraceptives."

"I noticed that." She offered him a soft smile. "It's true I didn't, we didn't plan this. It's true I've been hesitant about having another child, especially since we know Ben has some issues. And it's true I'm still concerned about my bloodline."

Han's expression was serious as he studied his wife. "Will you keep her? I mean, you know I won't force you into anything, but…"

"Han, I couldn't get rid of her now if I wanted to, she's too much a part of me. Of us. And this is going to sound strange, but I can feel you, and me within her, the parts of us that make her. It wasn't like this with Ben."

"Is it normal?"

Leia laughed. "How is anything with us ever normal?"

"I mean, it won't hurt you, or her?"

"No, not at all." She stroked his face with great tenderness at his still worried expression. "I'm fine, the baby's fine, and I'm happy about this."

"You're sure?"

"I'm positive. I wouldn't tell you this just to take it away from you. I know how much you want to have more children."

"More? How many more do you think I want?" He brushed a stray strand of hair away from her face and placed a gentle kiss on her lips.

"More than two?"

"Hmm, ideally, yes. I never had a family and I can't imagine anything better than a house filled with our children. Three or four would be a nice number," he mused.

Leia shook her head, and grinned at him. "Who are you and what have you done with Han Solo?"

He had to laugh at that. "I know, who would have thought I'd be like this when you met me? I didn't even know I'd be like this."

"You're a marshmallow, you know that, right?"

Han chucked and kissed her hand. "Yeah, and it's your fault."

"Han, I only want this baby. No more. Can you live with that?"

"Yes, Princess. I can be perfectly happy with a handsome son, a beautiful daughter, and a stunning wife. I'd call that a wonderful family."

"Han Solo, family man." Leia laughed out right. "What happened to my scoundrel?"

"You tamed me and you're the only one that could."

"Do you hate it?" She studied him with curiosity.

"I couldn't be happier." He pulled her close and breathed in the scent of her.

"You know how busy I am with work, so you'll have to help take care of her."

"I know that."

"Sleepless nights."

"Yes."

"Crying and projectile vomiting…"

"Yes…"

"Moody, hormonal wife…"

"So, what else is new?"

She swatted him on his chest and he only laughed.

"Leia, we did all of this. I got it."

She looked deep into his hazel eyes and saw only love, and sighed. "You are a pretty good Dad, and a decent husband."

"Only decent?" He huffed.

"Did I offend you? Oh, poor Scoundrel." A slow predatory smile crept across her face and she dropped her hand underneath the covers.

"Princess! What could you possibly be thinking?" he pretended to be affronted at her bold assault on his manhood, and she laughed.

"You know what I'm thinking," she said and began to nibble on his neck and his chin, her hand doing amazing things to his moving parts.

"Leia," he growled.

"This is the insatiable part of things, remember?"

He sighed as if put out. "So lots and lots of sex for a while?"

"Umm," she made a noise of agreement and with a wide grin for her enthusiasm, he rolled her over and began to return the touches in earnest.

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Two months later the time had come to share the news with their son, Ben. Early in the pregnancy the doctor had detected an abnormality but assured them it was something common, at least as much as such things could be, and by the time she had made it through the first trimester the problem had resolved itself. Now, just past the three month mark of her pregnancy, they felt comfortable telling Ben he would soon have a new sibling.

Ben, five years old and tall for his age, came into the living room slowly, a frown on his face as he looked at his parents. He had black hair, a face that seemed sharper than his father's and deep brown eyes he had inherited from his mother. At the moment those eyes regarded his parents warily, as if he were afraid of them.

"Ben, you okay?" Leia cocked her head as she picked up on her son's feelings of unease.

"Yeah, I guess," he muttered to the floor.

"What's wrong?" Han asked, noting his son's unease.

"You have something bad to tell me, don't you?" He quickly glanced at them before looking at the ground again.

"Why would you think that?" Leia asked as she went over to him and gently guided him to the couch where he sat between the two of them.

"I can feel it. Are you mad because of…because of…cause I'm sick sometimes?" His dark eyes were filled with remorse.

"Oh, honey, no."

"But I have to go to the head doctor."

"He just wants to make you better, Ben. He wants to help you from having those awful nightmares," Han said, joining in on the conversation.

"So you're not mad at me?"

"No, of course not." Han pulled his son to him and hugged him until he squeaked. Then they began to wrestle on the couch, displacing Leia who landed on the floor next to the couch with a thud. The boys stopped and looked at her, rubbing her sore behind, as she did her best to scowl at them but was unable to hide the hint of a smile.

"You okay?" Han said, his expression immediately serious.

"Fine, Hotshot, just fine. Note where I landed."

"You're sure?"

"Positive, but you two need to stop wrestling and help me up."

"I'll help you, Mom," Ben offered and put out his hand.

Leia smiled at Han over Ben's shoulder and accepted the help of her son. Once they were all seated again, Ben smiled at them, happy with their playful antics.

"Dad, can we wrestle some more later?"

"Maybe?" He gave Leia a questioning look. "We'll see how it goes.

"Okay." He regarded them with great patience while his parents exchanged looks, silently communicating, and he rolled his eyes in a manner so like Leia that Han almost laughed.

"We have something to tell you, Ben."

"Something good?" He saw the happy smiles of his parents.

"It's really good. " Leia took Ben's hand in hers. "How would you like to be a big brother?"

"What?" Ben drew back and regarded her in confusion. "No. I'm happy by myself."

Han and Leia regarded each other in concern, they hadn't planned for this scenario at all.

"But you'd have someone to play with, and I know you'd be good at it," Han tried to paint a happy picture for his son.

"Maybe," Ben's tone was doubtful.

"You told me you wanted a brother or sister."

"I changed my mind. I like being an only child." He regarded them with somber eyes.

Han was flummoxed, he really didn't know how to handle this conversation and turned pleading eyes on Leia, asking for her to take the lead. She only smiled at him before turning her attention back to their son.

"Ben, think of all of the fun you could have, you'd have someone new to play with and we know you'd be a great big brother."

"Well, maybe."

"And you'd get to show the baby how to be a good child, show her all the things you've learned…"

"Her?" Ben's eyes lit up in suspicion and he grasped his mother's hand in his two small ones and closed his eyes to concentrate. When his dark eyes opened and stared back into hers, they were filled with wonder. "Mom, you have a baby in you."

Leia laughed and Han looked immensely relieved to not have to explain a whole lot more, but froze at Ben's next words.

"How did that happen?"

Leia laughed as she regarded Han's panicked expression. "We'll talk about it the specifics a little later, okay?"

"Okay." Ben sighed but still regarded his mother with amazement. "Where is she? Can I feel her yet?"

"No, she's too little. She's growing here, in my stomach." Ever so gently she reached over and placed his small hands on her stomach and watched as he eyes grew large as he felt the presence of his sister.

"She's strong," he said in a matter-of-fact voice.

"Yes, she is," Leia nodded and mouthed 'later' in regards to Han's questioning gaze. "Are you okay with having a baby sister?"

Ben grinned at Leia and Han. "Yes. She will be remarkable," he said with such sincerity that both of his parent had to grin at him.

"She's an Organa-Solo, you bet she will be," Han said and kissed his son and his wife on the respective foreheads, and they loaded a holo they all liked and settled back into the comfortable couch, using Han as the oversized pillow.

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Later after Ben had gone to sleep, Han opened up his arms as Leia climbed into bed and snuggled up against him. Content, he sighed in her ear.

"That went better than I expected," he said.

"Not too bad," she agreed.

"Thank you for helping him to see the good points to having a little sister."

"I kind of had to, didn't I? It's a little late to change our minds."

"Wouldn't want to," he muttered gruffly in her ear. "I love that I'm having another child with you."

She made a somewhat indignant noise, which he understood because he was fluent in Leia.

"But of course, you're doing all the work, your highness."

She laughed and turned in his arms to face him. "Me too. Despite my early misgivings, I'm really happy, I want this child. And a girl?" The smile on her face was like a beacon in the darkest night. "Are you happy Nerfherder?"

"Do you need to ask?" He drew her lips to his and kissed her gently, sweetly and stared into her dark eyes that were filled with love for him. "I love you, wife. Always."

"Always, husband." She echoed, staring back at him.

"But what was that earlier business?"

"What business?"

"About her being strong?"

Leia bit her lip and hesitated.

"Out with it, you know you're going to have to tell me anyway. Might as well do it now."

"Well, you know how strong Ben is in the force?"

"Yeah, of course."

"This baby is stronger."

"What?" Han drew back and regarded her with a mixture of emotions, mostly concern and grudging acceptance of their daughter's gifts. "So she'll be strong in the force?"

"Very strong. You okay with that?" Leia regarded him with some wariness.

"Well I'd better be, I am her father after all. If I wasn't okay with it, I shouldn't have helped to design her, should I?" He smirked at his wife.

"I don't know I'd call it "design"…exactly."

"What then?" He regarded her with curiosity and bent his head and began to nibble lightly on her neck.

"Hot sex in the shower?"

"You think it was the shower?" Han regarded her, a smirk on his face as he thought about the time frame her conception must have occurred in. "Maybe the closet at that god awful elite diplomatic party you dragged me to…"

"You were supposed to behave yourself."

"I did. I didn't complain the rest of the night, did I?"

"Well, no."

"And you didn't complain when we snuck off either."

Leia had the grace to start studying the ceiling.

Han began to explore her neck again. "Or maybe when we had the beach all to ourselves…"

"Oh, that," Leia blushed remembering just how needy she had been and how she hadn't wasted any time making use of the private beach and Han's natural endowments.

"So many choices," he marveled as Leia began to sigh under his gentle assault, his hands now beginning to travel along her body.

"Han," she murmured and all talking ceased for the night.

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

This time Han's military assignments had kept Han away from his family for an extended period of several weeks, something he hated especially since Leia was now late into her pregnancy. Being a General wasn't all it was cracked up to be, and with things finally falling into a semblance of normalcy after six plus years he was feeling that soon it would be time for a career change. Smuggling was no longer an option, for obvious reasons, so maybe he'd have to start a legitimate business. Gods! The inner core of Han laughed at his predicament. The once independent, never needed or wanted anyone, carefree, reckless version of himself had willingly and without a fight become a domesticated family man. And not only was he okay with it, but he was completely happy and couldn't imagine anything better than having Leia and their children in his life.

He was more than glad to have a few weeks off as leave and intended to be at home for the entire time, and he planned to see his daughter make an entrance into the world.

Letting himself into their Suites, he kicked off his boots and dropped his duffle bag onto the floor.

"I'm home," he yelled, and he was rewarded with noise from one of the back bedrooms as Ben came bursting out of the room at a full run and threw himself at his father. "Dad! You're home!"

"Damn right. I missed you, Ben," he said and he tightly hugged the boy to him.

"Missed you too, Dad." Han glanced over Ben's shoulder for some other sign of life within the apartments but only heard a slight rustling and as he watched, C3PO emerged from the hallway.

"Captain Solo, so good to see you," the droid said.

"Where is everyone?" he whispered to Ben.

"Out."

"Out where?" Han was somewhat disappointed to not also be greeted by his wife and daughter.

"Shopping. Mom said she needed to. She planned to be back before you got home." Ben looked at a nearby chrono. "You're early."

"Yeah, guess I am. I pushed it. I couldn't wait to see you guys." He set Ben down.

"They should be back any time, Captain Solo. Mistress Leia wanted to get something special to welcome you home. She was making a trip to a store called Mistress Natalie's closet," C3PO prattled on.

Han raised an eyebrow and smirked. He knew which store it was, it was one which sold all types of salacious clothing for both men and women as well as maintaining and assortment of…toys. It was a store that you went to when you wanted to spice things up in the bedroom, though he wasn't sure how spicy thing could get with a pregnant woman who was past eight months along but he would leave that up to Leia. At this point in the bedroom he was her humble servant and would do her bidding but he was pleased beyond belief that she would consider such a thing.

"Dad!" Ben tugged at his pants, wanting attention.

"What? Oh, sorry, Ben. I was distracted for a second." He pulled Ben to him, hugging him again. "Hey, kid. I got something for you."

"You do?" Ben's dark eyes lit with anticipation.

"Yeah, I hope you like it." Han scratched his chin as he studied his strapping five year old and thought back to the toy he brought back for him. It was a stuffed animal, a replica of his co-pilot Chewbacca. Ben had always loved Chewie, and had a fascination with the Wookie. But looking at his boy, he wondered if maybe Ben was too old to appreciate such a toy.

"Come on, Dad. What is it?" he whined.

"Let me get it, hold on." Han went back to his duffle bag and pulled out a wrapped present. He dropped the bag back to the floor and waved the present in front of Ben with a frown.

"What's wrong? Why aren't you giving it to me?"

"Buddy, I got this for a reason, but now I'm wondering if you're too big for this type of toy."

"Dad!" he whined, jumping up towards Han's hands which held the wrapped present over the boy's head. Laughing, he gave the present over to his eager son who dropped to the floor and opened it at his feet. Surprised, but with a pleased smile on his face, Ben gazed up at his father. "It's Chewbacca."

"Yeah, it is." Han agreed, smiling as he remember Chewie being both terribly pleased and somewhat bemused that a stuffed likeness of him was going to be a toy for Han's son.

"Do you like it?" Han remembered more than one occasion where Chewie had watched the Ben for them and had allowed his son to cling to his warm, furry chest after having one of his prolonged nightmares. Ben had found comfort in his big, hairy friend and Han had been grateful. The nightmares Ben suffered through were part of his mental illness which they were still trying to get a handle on, but somehow, Han thought that maybe the stuffed Wookie toy would be something to comfort him until he and Leia could get to him when he woke up screaming from his nightmares.

"Do you want the toy?"

Ben grinned at him. "Yeah, I like when you bring presents back."

"And I like giving them to my family."

Ben took the fake Chewbacca out of the box he was contained in and examined him thoroughly, even experimented with hugging the toy to his chest before he looked back to Han. He smiled at his Dad "I'm going to call him Bacca. It's okay if he sleeps with me, isn't it?"

Han wrinkled his brow, trying to fathom where this question was coming from. "Of course, why wouldn't it be?"

"Dad! I'm a big boy now. Is it okay for big boys to sleep with a toy like this?"

"Will it make you happy?"

Ben nodded.

"Then that's all that matters. C'mere," he said and opened up his arms to his son who willingly stepped in for a hug. "I'm proud of you, Ben, and I love you. Always."

"Always, Dad? No matter what?"

"No matter what."

"Cool." Giving up the pretense of being a big boy, he settled back into his father's strong arms content for the moment to be rocked and held within the circle of Han's strength, both physical and emotional.

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Leia is beautiful. The stars in the sky paled in comparison next to her light, Han thought as she held their newborn daughter in her arms. Appearing quite serene in her role as a mother, Leia motioned for Han to come over and take their daughter while she rested.

Quietly he accepted the precious package and held the most wonderful baby girl in the entire galaxy, and he felt his heart swell with an all-encompassing love for this incredible life that he and Leia somehow managed to create. He stared into her brand new baby face, her somewhat blue eyes were already darkening but it was too soon to really tell what color they would be. The baby stared back at him with undisguised fascination, and without being aware of it, Han began softly singing to her, an old Corellian lullaby he had heard in his youth.

Leia was tired, and meant to take a short nap, but found herself watching her husband with open fondness as he sang, actually sang to his little girl. He was immersed within her bubble and had completely forgotten where he was and that Leia was even in the room. Leia smiled knowing their daughter was already wrapping Daddy around her little finger.

Content at the scene before her, and at peace with life, Leia closed her eyes and left their treasured daughter to the care of her father as she opted for a short nap.

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

The apartment seemed confining to young Ben as he stared out the upper floor of his parent's bedroom yet again. He gave a heartfelt sigh and after a few moments turned and ran out of the bedroom to the main room where Uncle Luke sat quietly, watching the holo.

"Uncle Luke, when will they be here?"

"Come over here, Ben, and sit by me." Luke patted a spot on the couch next to him.

With an extremely patient sigh for a five-year-old, Ben complied and sat on the couch next to his Uncle.

"They'll be here any time." Luke studied his nephew who regarded him with serious eyes.

"What's taking so long? They only have to come home!"

"There are a few things to do at the hospital before they come home. They have to check over your mother to make sure she is all right to come home."

Ben's eyes widened in worry. "Mom's all right, isn't she? The baby didn't hurt her?"

Luke chuckled and rubbed his nephew's head. "No, Ben. It's just to make sure she's as healthy as she can be."

"Is she?"

"Yes, but the doctors also have to check your sister to make sure she's healthy enough to come home too."

"Why wouldn't she be?" Ben's brow wrinkled in concern, not understanding how a brand new baby, a brand new life could be ill.

"Babies are little people, sometimes they get sick too."

"But she's new. How can she be broken?" His dark eyes searched his uncle's blue eyes with such earnestness that Luke laughed.

"They are brand new people but they can be sick too. You were as little as your sister when you were born."

"I was, wasn't I?" Ben bit his lip and Luke was surprised to find that he seemed to be remembering himself as a baby; an ability he must have inherited from Leia because she could remember her mother too even though she was with her for such a short time.

Ben gave his Uncle a sudden dark, look and Luke sat up straighter, suddenly paying a great deal of attention to his nephew. "Ben? What is it?"

"Nothin'," he muttered suddenly sounding remarkably like Han.

"Ben?"

Ben chafed under Luke's gaze. "It's just that…she's so cute…and sweet. And a girl! What if they love her more than me?"

"Ahh, that's what your worried about?"

The small boy bit his lip and nodded as he regarded Luke. He reached out and put a gentle hand under Ben's chin, causing the child to look up at him. "Ben, your parents love you unconditionally."

"Unconditionally?"

"It means they will always love you no matter what."

"You're sure?" Ben frowned.

"Of course. They love you more than anything, and they will love Breha more than anything. It's the same for both of you."

The boy sat back against the couch and was quiet, but a couple of minutes later he placed his hand on Luke's leg, demanding his attention.

"What is it, Ben?" Luke offered his beloved nephew a smile.

"I already love Breha too." The boy's smile turned into a wide grin. "She's going to be special."

"With you as her brother, and the parents you guys have, she will be special." Luke laughed. "In so many ways."

"Uncle Luke?"

"Yes?"

"I will be a good big brother to her. I will take care of her."

"I know you will, Ben. I have great faith in you."

"I won't let anyone ever hurt her."

"That's good, Ben. Really good. You'll make your parents proud."

Ben beamed at the compliment when they heard the door code keyed in and the door opened to admit Leia, and Han, with their new daughter ensconced safely within Han's strong arms. The parents positively radiated happiness as they entered the room. Leia, gently pulled the baby blanket away from Breha's sleeping face as Ben and Luke stepped closer.

"Ben, Breha's home. This is your new baby sister."

Finally allowed to be close to his new sister, Ben extended a finger which his little sister grabbed in her baby fist. The connection was instantaneous, and Ben knew he would always love her with all of his heart. He looked up to his mother and father who were watching the exchange with a bit of anxiety in their eyes, and he smiled up at them.

"She's beautiful. I love her."

Relieved, they grinned foolishly, and Luke slapped Han on the back and once again congratulated the happy couple, pleased to be a part of their young family.

Fascinated by the small infant, Ben stared at his little sister, mentally vowing to always keep her safe.