Winter Wonderland

By Justine Graham and Erin Darroch

A/N: This story was written for MrsScruffyNerfherder (a.k.a. Kershawk) as part of the HanLeiaSecretSanta fanfic exchange on Tumblr. Mrs. Scruffy wanted "dinner and a holo night...or anything anywhere where they are together and adorable". She also said "yes" to smut. Yay!

So, here ya go, ! We hope you like it. Sorry it's more than four times the recommended upper word limit; we never claimed to have a lot of self-discipline in that regard. ;)

Content warning: this story is rated 'M' for sexual content.

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Part 1: Sleigh bells ring...are you listening?

Looking up from his task of adjusting the pressure in the Falcon's starboard hydraulic strut, Han Solo shielded his eyes from the midday glare of Endor's twin suns and grinned at the sight of Leia Organa stepping carefully through the mountain meadow that served as the ship's temporary landing field. She cleared the tall verge and then lengthened her stride as she approached his position, her petite figure looking trim and attractive in a tailored uniform top, fitted trousers and knee boots. He gave her a little wave and then leaned one shoulder against the upright durasteel housing, absently wiping his grimy hands on the rag that he'd tugged from his belt as he waited for her to cover the short distance. He loved to watch her move, and nothing made him happier these days than to see her coming in his direction with a purposeful stride. He gave her a wide smile.

"Hey, Princess. How'd it go?" he called.

"They're not taking 'no' for an answer," she answered as she drew near, ruefully shaking her braided head. "I've been relieved of duty for the next ten days, whether I like it or not."

Han fought to suppress a smile. "Told you High Command wouldn't budge on that," he replied mildly, wiping the rest of the dirt off on the seat of his trousers before reaching for her. "You've been working non-stop for at least three years that I know of, Sweetheart. And while you were off trying to talk 'em into making an exception for you, I got the same orders."

Leia blinked, and then accepted his extended hands, allowing him to draw her into a loose embrace. She tilted her head back to keep her eyes trained on his face, and furrowed her brow as she slipped her arms around his waist. "But I thought you and Chewie had been tapped to help clear the Moddell Sector," she said, puzzled. "Madine said…."

"I thought so, too," Han said. "But apparently we already did our bit in formulating the strategy and lining up the resources. Rieekan says it's a solid plan, and he's got more than enough bodies to make it work. So, that means ten days' furlough for me and the Wook, starting now." He jerked his chin at the Falcon's extended boarding ramp. "Chewie's inside, comming Malla to say he's headed home."

"She'll be happy to hear that," Leia smiled and then quirked one fine eyebrow in query. "So...Rieekan was here in person, huh?"

Han nodded. "Yep. Just missed him. We had a pretty good chat about...things." He decided to keep the news of his official commendation to himself for the moment; he found such public recognition mildly embarrassing and, anyway, he had more important matters to attend to at the moment—such as persuading Leia to bum around the galaxy with him for a while, maybe go somewhere special. He gave her a little squeeze. "He also made sure to mention the fact that your services wouldn't be required here for the next ten days, either." He dropped his chin to his chest and gave her a meaningful look. "I think the general's trying to play matchmaker."

Leia laughed softly and then slanted a coy smile up at his face. "Think it'll work?"

"I dunno," Han gave a nonchalant shrug. "Better ask the Rogues. I hear they're still taking bets."

"My money's on 'yes'," Leia whispered, stretching up on tiptoe to offer a kiss. Her lips were soft and warm, and Han took a moment to savour the sweet sensation of Leia pressing her pliant body against his as she gave herself up to the moment. When she subsided, though, it was with a vaguely troubled expression, telling Han that dutiful Leia still lurked under the surface. He sighed.

"But how can we all just...leave?" she queried, confirming his suspicions about her mindset. "There's still so much to be done, and now that the Emperor is dead there are hundreds of worlds in open revolt that need our help." She tipped her face up to his with a look of uncertainty in her deep brown eyes. "People are still fighting and dying for their freedom out there, Han." Her eyes searched his face and her tone was almost plaintive. "I don't think now is the time to be granting leave to a quarter of our personnel."

Han gave a nod of cautious agreement. "I know, Sweetheart." He eyed her for a moment and then ventured carefully, "But there's also literally millions of beings joining up to fight on the Alliance side now, more every day. Rieekan knows his business; if he says they've got enough personnel in reserve to let us take a break, I believe him."

Leia skewed her pursed lips to one side and looked away.

"Take some time off, Sweetheart, please," he said, lowering his voice to his most persuasive rumble and dipping his head down to capture her gaze once more. "You've earned it. All of that stuff is still gonna be here ten days from now, and we'll be back by then to keep doing our part." He placed a light kiss on her forehead. "We're in this for the long-haul, right?"

She looked up, brightening at that comment, as he'd known she would. Nothing made Leia glow like being reminded that he was now as committed as she was to seeing the Republic reinstated and some semblance of order restored to the galaxy. She made a thoughtful-sounding hum of acknowledgement and then gave a little nod.

"I'll admit, I am tired. And some down time with you would be..."

Han started to grin. Leia's cheeks tinted pink and she lowered her eyes, dark lashes veiling her gaze for a moment before she lifted her head and looked at him once more, a smile playing around her lips.

"That would be really good. But I'm not sure I can lounge around idle for ten days," she cautioned, seeing his mounting glee, "while everyone else keeps working."

"That's why we're not gonnastay here, Sweetheart. What good's a furlough if you don't disappear for a while? I gotta take Chewie to Kashyyyk anyway, and after that…," He let his voice trail off on a suggestive note.

Leia arched an eyebrow. "What do you have in mind?"

"Nothing yet," he admitted. "Just playin' around with an idea…." He reached to tuck away a sprig of Leia's hair that had escaped its crown of braids and then dropped a kiss on her forehead. "So, it's settled. We'll leave in the morning. Swing by and drop Chewie off, say hi to the family, and then..." he lowered his voice, "...then we find someplace nice...where we can bealone."

"That sounds like a not-bad plan," Leia allowed, biting the corner of her mouth to quell a smile. "But wouldn't that take some time to arrange?"

Han waggled his eyebrows. "Trust me, Sweetheart. I know a guy. He's got connections, and he owes me big-time. He won't let us down."

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