HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! In the spirit of love and romance, I am posting my new fic earlier than planned. It's very dark and different from my other fics. I really hope you like it :)

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Dark Matters

By Dant Solo

Han Solo sat on his bunk, pondering the fade and glitter of the necklace between his fingers. Light played brightly over the blue and green gems, reminding him vaguely of the land and sea of a distant planet. His lips twisted to one side in quiet contemplation.

A rap on the door distracted him and he placed the trinket to one side on the bed. "Come in," he called gruffly.

The door slid open to reveal Chewbacca's massive, furry form. He roared an update on the latest repairs to the Millennium Falcon.

Han nodded. "Great. Now we just have to work on the central lifter." This was their last night on Hoth. In the morning they would lift off and he would finally face his debt to Jabba the Hutt. It was not what he wanted, but at this point, he had no choice.

After the mission to Ord Mantell with Princess Leia, he made the harrowing decision to leave the Rebellion. And her.

Why had he waited three long years to admit to himself that he wanted her? Now, after his outstanding debt had almost gotten Leia killed, he had to go. And it was too late for them. He had wasted years in denial and doubt. It was definitely one of his biggest mistakes and it left a sinking feeling in both his stomach and heart.

Chewie's growled question pulled Han's thoughts back to the present. He followed the Wookiee's gaze, embarrassment taking him by surprise.

"Yeah," he answered in his most biting, sarcastic tone. "I got it just for you." He could hardly deny who the necklace was intended for. Would his faithful companion believe it was for Luke?

Han was surprised by Chewie's soft suggestion. "Nah," he answered quietly. "I can't give it to her now." He picked it up again and gingerly ran a thumb over the gems.

The barking question caused him to grimace. "Throw it in a drawer, I guess."

Chewbacca growled with a grin, suggesting he give it to Leia himself and then she might just fall in love with a Wookiee.

When Han only responded with a roll of his eyes, Chewie warbled encouragement.

Han was not feeling confident at all. "I don't even know if it would matter to her."

The Wookiee assured him it would.

Han's brow rose but his frown remained. "You keep saying that. But, every time I think maybe you're right…" he trailed off and sighed. "She gives me a reason to change my mind." He shook his head. "Anyway, what does it matter? We're leaving."

Chewie growled softly, telling Han not to be a fool and let this chance slip by him.

"Never knew you were such a romantic," Han sneered. He looked down at the sparkling bauble in his hand. For a long time, Chewie had advocated his belief that the Princess returned Han's feelings. After steadily denying that he had those feelings, he finally admitted the truth. But, it was still hard to believe she felt the same. And every time he glimpsed something in her eyes that spurred him on, she quickly showed him contrary feelings and his doubts returned.

Chewie encouraged him to go to her and asked what the worst was that could happen.

Han pondered the question. The worst? He imagined her scoffing response and the hurt and disappointment he would leave himself open to. It was something he had avoided his entire life by shrouding his heart in full body armor. He wasn't willing to put himself in such a vulnerable positon now.

He had come damn close to exposing his feelings in the south passage. She didn't appear to catch on to why he was pushing her to acknowledge how she felt about him. Did she think he was just being a jerk? All right, he had to admit, he had acted like a jerk and he deserved her anger. But, he had been so mad and disgusted by her apathy when he told her he was leaving. And since he had intended to take off as soon as possible, he had figured he had nothing to lose.

But, then he had rescued Luke from the freezing elements and he was still here. She had thanked him for going after Luke. But, she hadn't said much else. Had she been concerned about Han's well-being at all?

He returned his attention to Chewie. "Forget it," he grumbled. "Like I said, we're leavin'."

Chewie's next words gave Han pause. They could always come back.

Han had never given the idea serious thought. Of course, Jabba was a variable. He was obviously furious with Han, as indicated by the outrageous sum of the price on his head. He didn't know if he would even make it out of Jabba's palace alive to go anywhere, much less return to the Alliance.

To Leia. He might as well see it for what it was.

He looked dubiously at his first mate. "I dunno."

Chewie again encouraged him to give the necklace to the Princess and admit his feelings. Admitting his feelings straight-away was out of the question. But maybe…maybe, if he gave her the necklace it would lead to something.

Was it worth the risk to once and for all know where he stood with Leia? Maybe it was. But the thought knotted up his stomach.

He stood and dropped the necklace in his jacket pocket. "All right," he said with dread. "I'll go feel her out."

Chewie's comment about what else Solo might get to feel did not amuse Han. Then his friend wished him luck and his tone was very sincere.

Han tossed him an uneasy glance and grimly replied, "Thanks." It was approaching night and he hoped he would be lucky enough to find her in her cabin. Getting her alone would be difficult otherwise.

He left his cabin, passed through the corridor and opened the boarding ramp. He strode down with a shiver. He was going to miss Leia. But he was not going to miss this frozen hell.