First of all I own nothing. I'm just some Han and Leia fan and like to write for fun. I'm also German and started writing in english when I was 14 years old. This is the first thing I publish on the net, so please go easy on me. I hope you enjoy it anyway. Let me know.
….
"Ready?" She asked her husband who still seemed uncertain.
Threepio stood next to her and waiting for an answer.
Han looked at her, than his eyes moved toward her feet.
"You're sure this is really necessary?"
"Come on, flyboy it will be fun!" She took a step closer, offering her hand.
"The last time we had fun, I stepped on your feet"
"I can take more than you think. Come on!"
She pulled him closer. "Just like he taught us, we start with the left..."
As Leia attempted to begin, Han didn't move an inch.
"Wait!" He stepped back and took off his shoes.
"Han I will hurt you with my shoes!?" He glanced at her shoes, reconsidering, but then put on a smile. "Well it's my turn to get hurt." He pulled her close again and straightened his back.
"Alright goldenrod start your program"
"Gladly sir!"
Music began playing.
"Just like last time, left foot first."
Leia knew it would be hard to convince her husband to learn the dance of the planet Hamaleen, but that was nothing compared to getting him to actually get it right.
He knew how important this dance was. A lot dependent on it and this time he didn't like to be the one blowing it. We have to convince them that they took their culture serious. He remembered his wife's words.
If he screwed this one it would not only mean losing an important alliance for the New Republic it would also mean embarrassing his wife in front of those snobs. That was the last he wanted, mostly for his own sake, then hers.
Leia was still asleep while he lay next to her, going through the steps in his head.
Deciding it made no sense getting back to sleep; he got up quietly, creeping through the Falcons corridors and sneaked up to Threepio who connected himself to the power system.
"Hey wake up!"
The droids eyes lit up. "Oh no we're being attacked!" His arms went up in air in fear. "Please don't hurt me! We surrender!"
Han hold the droids mouth shut.
"Shut up you will ya!"
"Captain Solo?"
"Listen goldenrod, first of all we never surrender! You understand? Second of all keep quiet; I don't want Leia to wake up!"
"I beg your pardon sir but may I ask what this is about?"
"I need you to go through the steps with me again."
"Wouldn't it be more affective to do that with the help of mistress Leia?"
"I didn't ask you for your opinion wise guy! Just teach me the steps!"
Han unplugged the droid who got up immediately.
"Do you prefer the simple version or do you want me to add the advanced steps this time?"
"Advanced steps?"
"Princess Leia asked me to leave them out the last times. She was afraid they were too difficult for you, sir."
"Teach me all of it!"
"But sir, according to your learning abilities the past days, it will take you four days to learn them."
"Listen smartass I've told you before: never tell me the odds! That hasn't changed, so just teach me!"
"Certainly Captain Solo!"
Han stood up straight and started with the left food.
"Excellent sir! Now take a bow and offer your hand to your mistress."
Han mimed it feeling just stupid while doing it.
"If you tell any of this to anybody I will use your golden head as a hood ornament for the falcon!"
"Oh my..."
Han came out of their cabin fully dressed and looking like a perfect gentleman.
"Excellent sir! May I say that you look like a noble man?"
"Thanks Threepio!" Han checked himself in the mirror and tried to straighten his tie. He hadn't worn one in many years. In matter of fact he didn't even dress up like this for his wedding.
"Princess Leia will be delighted, sir!"
"I didn't mean for the compliment goldenrod."
"My pleasure."
Han turned around still trying to fix his tie. "But remember what I've told you last night!"
"Certainly Captain Solo."
Leia came out dressed in a breathtaking gown which didn't fail its effect on Han.
"Keep breathing fly boy!"
Han caught his breath again and tried to play it cool turning back to the mirror.
"It's that stupid tie. You're sure I have to wear it?"
Leia stepped next to him and turned to fix his tie.
"You seem nervous!?"
"Have you ever seen me nervous?" He checked her work in the mirror.
She knew the answer to that question. - Every time something didn't work on the Falcon. But she didn't want to start that right now.
"We certainly make an appearance don't we?"
Their hosts reserved a spot for the Falcon in their hanger where she was the biggest ship around.
"Welcome to Hamaleen. We wish you a pleasant stay."
"It seems like a very polite nation", Threepio said, while Han shut down all the systems.
"Sure till they rip off your head"
"You think they would do that?"
Leia stepped between them.
"Don't listen to him Threepio. He's just nervous about all the dancing."
"Oh Captain Solo there is no need to be nervous. You're an excellent dancer!"
Han turned to him ready to present Threepio's head as a present himself.
But Leia held him back, holding back a smile. She had to admit it. As much as his short temper bothered her at times, she had to hide her amusement almost every time.
"Come on Nerf Herder we have a ball to attend."
They got welcomed by the princess of Hamaleen. She seemed like a nice person but much to Leia's dislike the princess showed a bit too much interest in Han. As they walked down the big, glamorous hallways of the palace Leia did her best to keep the princess attention away from her husband.
"So your family is living here?"
"When we don't live in our vacation house up north. It has a beautiful fireplace and a huge garden, perfect for young lovers." She glanced over to Han who was busy thinking what huge garden meant in their dimension. The palace was already beyond huge. Taking the hint for him, Leia took his hand squeezing it. Han seemed confused. Just a minute ago it seemed, she told him to act casual on this trip and now she took hold of his hand. Did he miss something?
"It must be perfect for your family then. I've heard you all keep very close." Leia tried to ignore the confusion in Han's face.
"We try our best. It has been hard during the war of course" the princess face changed to serious.
"We lost 7 brothers to Imperial Fighters"
"Seven brothers?" It was the first time Han seemed to join the conversation. Leia knew he grew up almost alone, knowing nothing about his family. "How many are there?"
The princess face softened again. "My parents thought more than ten would mean expanding the palace."
"I'm sorry about your loss." Leia said trying again to keep the princess attention away from Han.
"We've all lost family members during the war."
Leia thought about Alderaan but then decided not let her feelings interfere with this mission.
"We prepared the guest suite for you. It has a wonderful view over the garden."
They stopped in front of a heavy gate made out of wood.
"The ball will begin in an hour. I hope you will have a pleasant stay."
She tried again to get Han's attention but he was busy figuring out the craftsmanship of the door.
As the door closed behind them Leia turned to Han punching his shoulder. He looked at her in surprise.
"Is there something wrong?"
Leia made a face and walked down the three steps to the main room. He followed her still wondering what he did wrong this time.
"What?"
"She was flirting with you laser brain!"
"Who?" He looked at her even more confused.
"I believe the person Princess Leia is talking about, would be the princess of Hamaleen. "
Han turned to the droid. "How would you know?"
The droid straighten. "I noticed it too, sir."
Leia stepped next to Threepio and switched him off. She didn't need the smart comment of a droid for this conversation.
Han turned to her trying to calm her down. "Listen sweetheart I don't know what he saw but..."
Leia looked at him in disbelief. "Don't tell me you didn't notice. She practically undressed you with her eyes!" Han had to hold back a grin. Instead he stepped close to his wife, pulling her even closer on her waist. "It's not my fault you have such a gorgeous husband your highness."
She tried to get away from him but he kept hold of her.
"But don't worry! One princess is enough for me."
She wanted to get furious but had no chance because he already bent down to kiss her.
As they entered the big ballroom they got welcomed by two soldiers on each side of the entrance. They stood up straight not flinching one bit.
Han immediately straightened up himself trying to look like some sort of noble man.
Leia gave him a warm smile and took his hand. At first Han thought she did it to calm him down but when he saw the Princess of Hamaleen already gazing at him from the other side of the room, he knew that wasn't it. They walked up to the Royal family through the crowd.
The princess introduced her parents and her two brothers.
One was around Han's age and one was around 10 years old and seemed already bored. The older one of the two, named Darius welcomed Leia with a kiss on her hand. Something Han never liked. "Princess Leia. I wanted to meet you for a long time."
Han looked down to the 10 year old who pretended to throw up. Han hid his smile offering a hand to Darius. "Nice to meet you too"
Darius looked at him a bit puzzled at first but then came back to his senses to shake Han's hand.
"You must be the famous General Solo."
"Famous yes, but no longer a General."
The princess of Hamaleen turned to Han. "It's a shame. I bet you looked good in uniform."
Han held back his flushing and took back Leia's hand in his.
The 10 year old looked up at Han for the first time interested.
"You're the Han Solo?"
Everybody turned to him in surprise and Han's pride rose up.
"That's right kid." Leia smiled at the boy, secretly grateful to him for ignoring his sister's comment about Han. "Is Chewie with you?"
Han knew he found the first person in this royal family he actually enjoyed talking to.
"No he is with his family at the moment."
The boy seemed disappointed. "Oh...but you came with the Falcon did you?"
"Wouldn't fly without it." The boys face lid up again. "Except when you lend it to Lando and destroyed the Energy shield generator on Endor!?"
Han looked at Leia in surprise. "That's right, an exception."
"Can I see it?" Han would have liked to take him right away. It would've been more fun than this grownup stuff but they got interrupted by Darius who seemed embarrassed by his younger brother.
"That's enough Farius." He looked down at his brother with a warning look and turned to his guests. "You have to excuse this. Princes Leia I hope you give me the honor of dancing with me tonight." Now Han had a warning look in his eyes. What is this? Leia didn't like the idea at all. She didn't like the way Darius dealt with his brother and she knew that would lead Darius's sister to dance with Han. But this whole thing wasn't for pleasure it was business. She squeezed Han's hand and gave the Prince a nod. "Gladly"
Farius lost all the interest again. He took a closer look at Threepio instead, walking around the droid. "Who are you?" The boy asked Threepio. Leia had told the droid only to talk when asked this evening. Which, she knew wasn't easy for him. "Prince Farius, it's an honor to meet you. I'm C-3PO personal protocol droid of the princess of Alderaan" Farius knocked at the droids shoulder. "You're sure a funny guy"
Han stepped next to the kid and looked at the droid in amusement. "That's why we love him. Always fun having him around, right goldenrod?"
Especially, when he interrupts private moments with my wife. The princess of Hamaleen started to laugh and stepped next to her little brother. "You have to excuse my little brother Captain Solo. He sometimes forgets how to behave."
Han and Leia's eyes met and they both held back a smile. They both liked the boy. Han ignored the princess and turned back to him. "I think I haven't answered your question. If you like I can take you on the Falcon first thing in the morning!?"
"Amazing!" The boy's attention went back to Han. "Thanks!"
Han stepped next to Leia, putting his arm around her waist.
Darius didn't seem happy with all the attention drawn away from him.
"Let me lead you to your seats."
Han glanced down to Leia. She leaned in his side and they both followed the royal family.
Much to Leia's dislike Han was seated next to the princess, while she was seated next to the prince opposite them. Well at least she and Han could share some of their secret conversations. Over the years they both knew each other so well; they were able to read the others thoughts only looking at each other. Except when they had an argument, Han it seemed, wasn't able to read her at all. Or maybe he just didn't like what he read.
Looking at him now she could see that he was just as unhappy about their seating as she was.
During dinner Han had trouble dealing with some of the instruments laying out for them, so Leia made sure they finished their meals at the same time, so he could copy her.
Darius it seemed wanted Leia's full attention, so he hardly ever stopped talking.
She knew war stories could be boring but coming from a man who put himself in front of the picture it was almost unbearable. While she pretended to listen she shared a view glances with Han and had to hide her amusement about the faces he gave her back in response. He had the same problem as she had with the princess. All she talked about were the homes her family owned and how she loved to play in the gardens as a little girl.
They both wished the dancing would start soon. To Han's surprise he was looking forward to dancing with her, to hold his wife close.
He looked down the table to look at the other guests who talked about all sort of politics. At the other end of the table he found little Farius bored, playing with his food. When their eyes met he received an excited smile and the boy waved in excitement. Sorry kid, I can't safe you. Han met Leia's eyes again who almost looked as bored as Farius, except she wasn't playing with her food. He winked at her and their feet met under the table.
The king and the queen rose from their seats and the dancing ceremony began.
They walked up to the dance floor and everybody got up and followed them. Darius turned to Leia. "I'm sorry Leia that we can't share the first dance. Tradition says I have to dance with my sister first." Han stepped next to Leia and took her hand. It felt so good to have him close to her side again. "It's alright I'm here to cover for you." He said with one of his scoundrel grins as he led his wife away from the prince. Leia leaned into his side. "Thanks!"
Han leaned down to his wife. "Hey if there's someone getting the first dance with you it will be me."
He kissed her head. "I didn't learn the steps to waste all my talent on another woman."
She gave him a quick kiss on the mouth. "No fence fly boy but dancing is something you have no talent for, I'm afraid. Let's keep it simple so we don't hurt each other."
He gave Threepio a quick look, afraid the droid would go off again spoiling everything but much to his ease the droid was too busy listening on the other conversations around them.
The royal family danced first and then the closest friends joined in and then it was time for the guests. Little Farius had to dance with a cousin of his. He wasn't bad at it but for a ten year old boy there were more exciting things to do Han thought; like looking at the Falcon for instance. Now it was Leia's and Han's turn to join.
Leia pulled him on the dance floor. "Good luck sir!" Threepio said stepping back watching the others.
They began with the left foot as learned; than Han took a bow offering his hand to Leia and bent down to kiss it. He gave her a grin and pulled her close. She wanted to start with the steps they've learned together but much to her surprise, Han started leading, squeezing her even closer to his body. He started with the advanced steps Threepio taught him the night before.
She looked at him surprised. "Where does that come from?"
He leaned down to her kiss her ear. "Talent" he whispered into it.
Leia let herself go and just enjoyed being close to him. She even had fun dancing and it seemed he was enjoying it as well.
They kept dancing through the next two songs till little Farius stepped next to them and asked Leia to dance with him. Leia accepted it. Everything was good from keep her having to dance with Darius. Han stepped next to Threepio watching them.
"How am I doing goldenrod?"
Threepio put his golden hand on Han's shoulder. "Excellent sir, just like I've told you."
Little Farius was a good dancer but seemed a little nervous. "You're a very talented dancer I must say" she encouraged him. He was a little smaller than her but she could tell he would grow at least as tall as Han.
"Is Luke really your brother?" The boy asked looking at her.
"Yes he is." The boy looked relieved. It seemed like he meant to ask her questions the whole evening.
"And he is a Jedi?" His eyes widened. She gave him a warm smile. "Yes he is; any Jedi in your family?"
The boy thought for a minute and a disappointed look appeared on his face. "Not that I know of. Many soldiers, though." She never understood what was so appealing to be a Jedi. In her family it meant struggling with the force and fighting not to turn to the dark side. For her personally it meant a father who lost the fight, a mother killed, a brother always in danger and a fear to lose herself in the Force as well. "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
She asked the boy pushing her thoughts away. "Well I can't be a Jedi but I think being a pilot would be great." What was it with boys and fast flying? She hated it when Han pushed the Falcon to the limits risking his life. "When you want something real bad you will achieve it." She said looking over to Han who was watching them dance. How did he learn to dance like this? Knowing him for years he still was able to surprise her.
The evening went on and Leia and Han shared a view more dances and sat back down on a table in one corner of the room. To both of their relief Darius and his sister were too occupied to dance with them. Han put his arm around her shoulder pulling her close. "Had fun dancing with the kid?"
"He wants to be a pilot when he grows up." She said leaning into him.
"Every boy wants to be a pilot."
"I think he wants to be like you"
Han smiled at her. "You mean a scoundrel, married to a princess and best friend with a Wookiee?"
"Doesn't sound too bad." He gave her one of crooked smiles. "So your highness, you think it's allowed to kiss you, or does that cause any political crisis?" She turned to face him. "Well hot shot, you have to do it quick, so no one will notice." Before she could end her sentences, their lips met.
Unfortunately they had to dance with the prince and princess. While doing it they both were glancing at each other every chance they got, both watching careful that no one crossed a line. To Leia's relief that wasn't a problem with Han. He was focused on her that he danced as badly as he did when they first tried it. He stepped on the princess foot more than once, sometimes without noticing. He did all the steppes wrong and lead the princess into other dancers.
They said good night to their hosts and walked back to their suite and the moment the door closed behind them, Leia pulled him close starting to undress him.
"It's time to show me your other talents"
"Admit it, I'm a very talented dancer."
She kissed him passionately while he ripped off his tie and threw it into one corner of the room.
"You really think I don't notice my husband getting out of bed and not coming back for the rest of the night?"
She opened his pants and drew herself closer to him.
"Did the goldenrod tell you?" He looked at her opening her dress.
"Well your threat had some effect on him I must say"
"How did you get it out of him?"
"I didn't. He did avoid talking to me the whole day."
"Good boy."
He led her to the bed pushing her backwards while kissing.
"You have quite a power over people captain."
She led her dress slit down to her feet and he lay her down on the bed, hovering over her.
"We make the perfect match your highness!" She took him by the shoulders and rolled him under her. It was a game they always played before their actual lovemaking: Two stubborn lovers who liked to be in charge.
The next morning she woke up in his arms. Leia had to admit that jealousy on both sides really turned her on. She knew they both didn't like the Royal offspring's but just the fact of someone trying to get between them drew them both even closer together.
She decided to climb on top of him and kiss his chest and worked her way up his neck. He kept pretending to sleep but occasionally opened one eye to get a glimpse at her. By the time she reached his mouth she saw him smile as their lips met.
Suddenly they got interrupted by the door monitor. Han for the first time opened his eyes and held her back against his body while she was trying to get up.
"Han come on. I have to at least check who it is." She kissed him once more, got up and put on a robe. She answered the door and it was little ten year old Farius.
"It's for you!" She said turning to Han with a smile. "Come on in."
On her way to the bathroom she collected the clothes that lay around, handing Han his underpants and shirt. He put them on as she left into the bathroom. He got out of bed and looked at the kid a bit confused. "Can I help you kid?"
"I'm sorry captain but you've said you would show me the falcon first thing in the morning!?" The boy looked at Han in expectation.
Han looked out the window. The two suns were just beginning to rise out of the horizon.
"Right...first thing in the morning. ...please sit down for a moment and let me get ready."
"I can come back later if you like!?" The boy said a little disappointed. Han reconsidered but then decided to keep his promise. After all he didn't want to disappoint the only Royal family member he actually liked. "No, no just give me a minute. You want something to drink or something?"
The kid sat down in one of the chairs, his feet dangling over the floor. "No thank you!"
"I'll be right back." Han said and leaving to the bathroom.
Leia was coming out of the shower putting a towel around her.
"Found a new friend?"
Han looked at her distressed. "I know I've said first thing in the morning, but this…"
He splashed water into his face, trying to wake up. She looked at him in the mirror and held back a smile, hugging him from behind instead, kissing his shoulder.
"It's not like you don't like the attention."
He turned around holding her close for a moment and picked her up sitting her down on the counter.
"I had all the attention I need, before he interrupted us." He started to kiss her neck, but she pushed him away and got off the counter. "You have a promise to keep Nerf herder." She put on her robe and left the bathroom.
The moment they arrived at the hanger Farius started to run and look at it in awe.
"Wow! She is bigger than I thought." He said running around to get a look from every perspective. Han and Leia walked behind him, followed by Threepio. Leia glanced at Han, who had a grin all over his face. She rolled her eyes at him and he followed the kid, showing him everything on the outside. Threepio turned to Leia, watching the two "boys" running around the falcon in excitement. "Excuse me your highness but I'm not sure I understanding this"
Leia held back a laugh. "It's a boy's thing I think." Han lowered the ramp and they walked inside the Falcon. Inside Farius ran from one end to the other taking a close look at everything he saw. When they reached the cockpit he stopped at the entrance in awe. Han stepped behind him.
"Sit down." The boy took a careful step in and considered where to sit. "That's where you sit and that's where Chewie is sitting. He must be huge." looking at the size of the seat. He sat down in Chewie's chair. Han sat down in his seat.
"You like it kid?"
"It's awesome! You think we can turn on the control panels?"
"Not today but if you like we can try to reach Chewie!? He must be awake by now"
The boy first looked at Han in excitement but then tried to play it cool. "Sure, why not?"
Han turned on the comlink and tried to reach Chewie. "Chewie? You're awake?"
A growl came over the speakers. "Wake up you fuzzball. Here is someone who likes to speak with you!" another growl came up. "He will be ready in a minute." The boy turned to Han.
"I don't speak Wookiee." Han put his hand on the boys shoulder. "Don't worry kid, Chewie will love you!"
He got up from his chair and stepped next to Leia holding her around the waist.
"Found a new co-pilot?"
"Can we keep him?" He kissed her cheek. Chewie appeared on the Holocom and he looked at the boy in wonder. "Nice to meet you Chewie! I'm Farius…I'm a huge fan of yours." Chewie gave out a growl. "See told you, he'll love you!" Han said watching them.
After a while someone appeared at the hatch. It was Darius and his sister. "I'm sorry to interrupt but we are looking for…" he stopped seeing his little brother sitting in Chewie's chair talking to a Wookiee over holocom. "Here you are! Mother is worried about you."
"That's Darius, my stupid brother!" Farius explained Chewie, who responded with a grunt, that Han didn't want to translate. "Farius, please go and let the grownups talk for a while. Mother is looking for you!" Farius turned to his brother. "I'm having a conversation here!" The boy said turning back to Chewie. Han hid his face into Leia's neck, trying to hide his amusement and waited for Darius's reaction. "Farius, that's enough!" Darius face turned to stone. Farius got up from the co-pilots chair and turned to Chewie. "I'm sorry! It was nice talking to you!" He turned to Han and Leia. "Thanks! I had a great time!" the boy left the cockpit disappointed. Han wanted to hold him back but then decided not to interfere with family matters. He turned to Chewie instead. "I'm sorry buddy, we have some business to attend I'm afraid. Talk to you later!" the Wookiee growled and not even Threepio dared to translate that. Han shot down the holocom and stepped next to Leia who was disappointed as he was about this.
Darius turned to them. "I'm sorry for this! Farius is at a difficult age."
Leia looked up at Han. She knew what was going on in his head and held his arm to calm him down. "So what can we do for you?" She asked turning to Darius and his sister.
"Can we talk somewhere private?" Darius asked looking at her in a way that Han didn't like at all.
"We can talk on our way out." Han said offering them to go ahead. Leia rolled her eyes. "I think the best place will be the lounge." She offered them to sit down around the table.
They sat down. "So? What's this about?" Han's desire to leave this planet with his wife became more urgent by the minute.
The prince turned to him with a serious look. "I hope you had a pleasant evening yesterday!?"
Not really, Han thought, the night with Leia wasn't bad, but…
Leia knew it would take a lot of work, to ease him down again. "We had a great time, thank you!" Just like Han, she thought about the night, not the evening. "The truth about your visit is we need your help." Han leaned back sharing a look with Leia. "May I ask what sort of help we are talking about?"
The princess looked at him a bit disappointed. "We haven't been quite honest to you."
"Really?" Han asked and couldn't hide his sarcasm. "The truth about our family is that we didn't really lose 7 brothers at war. We only know of 6. The seventh, his name was Garius"
He got interrupted by his sister. "His name is Garius" Brother and sister shared a look. It seemed that they had this argument before. "What happened to Garius?"
Leia asked trying to ease the tension. The Princess turned to her. "He disappeared." Han looked at the princess and for the first time her attention wasn't on him. "What do you mean, he disappeared?" Darius turned to him. "They brought all of our brothers home, but he never came back."
Doesn't surprise me, Han thought. "So what do we have to do with this?" Leia asked putting a hand on Han's leg. "A while ago, we got news, that he was seen on Gungeloo . We want to bring him home." Han looked at Leia and then turned back to brother and sister. "What makes you think he wants to come back? Maybe he started a life somewhere else." Darius looked at his sister. "We think he is held as a prisoner." Han didn't like it at all. "So now what?"
"We need your help. We heard about your missions in the past and thought…" The princess got interrupted by Han. "So you thought: oh let them walk into dangerous territory and risk their lives so we don't have to!?" Leia knew it wouldn't be easy to convince him of anything at this point. "Why do you need us? You have your own soldiers. Don't you think they can handle it?" Darius gave a smile. "It's not easy to admit, but we need a smuggler who can hide in the crowd." Leia looked at Han. "I gave up being a smuggler a long time ago." He said taking Leia's hand in his. "And having us disappear in a crowd will be difficult, don't you think?" Leia asked not sure what her opinion about this was. "We will provide for your safety, Leia" Darius said. Han sat up straight flinching at him. Nobody called her by her first name. Not even to calm her down. That was his job anyway.
"What will be in for us?" Han asked putting his arm around Leia's shoulder. Usually Leia would have rolled her eyes, but she wanted to know it too. Darius smiled at them. "If you don't help us, I'm afraid we won't be longer alliance." Han felt Leia straighten as her jaw dropped. "You're threatening us?" Han gave them a look, that could've killed a weak person, but Darius wasn't weak. He was a guy who expected this reaction. "I wish I wouldn't have to. We are alliance. Normally we wouldn't have to ask you for your help." Leia held Han back, who was ready to jump up to strangle Darius. "That rule applies for the Republic not for us. We are no soldiers."
Darius took a deep breath. "We don't need soldiers. We can supply them ourselves."
"No smuggler though?" Han asked leaning back. Darius stared at Han for a moment.
"I'm afraid so."
"So besides you remaining our alliance what will be in for my wife and me?" Han said looking straight to Darius. Darius eased a bit and leaned back to his seat. "Isn't that reason enough?"
Han didn't even blink. "You want a smuggler, you get a smuggler. So?"
If this weren't so serious, Leia would have kissed Han right away. He was back. The scoundrel she fell in love with all those years ago. "What about enough money to buy a new ship?" Leia knew that
Darius lost Han right there. "I already have a ship. You're on it. So if you want to keep this conversation going, come up with a better idea." Han said putting one hand on Leia's neck.
Darius looked around the Falcon for a moment. "I didn't mean to insult you…"
"Too late!" Han was ready to throw his guests off the Falcon. "I know you're very attached to your ship. I bet she could use some repair. I don't care what you do with the money. It will be enough I can promise you that."
Han got up from his seat. "We will think about it. Now excuse us."
Darius and his sister got up and looked at Leia for help, but she wouldn't give them that.
They left the ship.
Han was working in the cockpit. Leia already lied in the bunk bed of their cabin. She knew he wasn't really working. He was thinking and he did that best sitting in his pilot seat. It was clear to her that this mission was tempting for him: A mission outside the Republic, just like old times. But she also knew that for him nothing was like old times. He was married to her and wouldn't dare risking her life. Not for money and especially not for the Republic. They both loved the adventure but this was risking both their lives. The life they loved spending together like they promised to each other on their wedding day. She had to talk to Mon Mothma and tell her. After all, an important relationship for the Republic was at state.
After a while, Leia decided to go and look for Han. Just as expected, he sat in his pilot seat looking out the front. She stepped behind him running her hands down from his shaggy hair, down to his belly, kissing his head. "Tell me what you think flyboy!" He leant back and kissed her. "I'm having a bad feeling about this, Leia." They looked at each other for a moment, before she sat down on his lab. She remembered the first time she sat on his lab inside the cockpit. He had caught her when the asteroid like Threepio analyzed was unstable. Back then she didn't want to admit it to herself, but being held by him, had excited her more than she ever thought something or someone could. She was afraid of the scoundrel in him and still nothing turned her on more.
"Admit it, the scoundrel in you wants to take on this mission!?"
"It's tempting alright." He looked at her and she knew what he was thinking. "I know you're afraid of risking my life, but we met during an adventure. Remember? We fell in love during the war. We ran together from Vader. We have gone through a lot together. Risking our lives was part of it." He grinned at her. "You're not really thinking about my sake do you? You're afraid that the Republic will lose an important alliance."
"You know me too well." She looked out the window ashamed. He started kissing her neck. "Some things never change, I suppose." She turned to look into his eyes. "Alright hot shot, what's your plan?" He started grinning again. "Right now? Stop talking about business would be a start" He lifted her up and carried her into their cabin and lied her down on the bed. "Remind me of calling Chewie in the morning" He said letting his hands crawl under her robe. She again rolled upon him and he sat up holding her in his lab. "What for?" She asked pulling off his shirt over his head.
"We have a mission to prepare." he answered while pulling off her robe.
The next couple of days, made Han wish he didn't agreed to come to Hamaleen in the first place.
He and Leia had hardly any time for privacy, since they agreed to take on the mission. Mon Mothma had ordered Leia to do some diplomatic work while Han was preparing the Falcon. Chewie arrived two days before the mission was supposed to start. When he didn't work on the Falcon with Han he was busy playing with Farius. Watching his friend playing with the boy like that, made him think about how long it would take for Leia and him to have a baby. They've talked about it. She was still worried about the force in her family, but not having a child with Han became an unbearable thought for her. She wanted this. She needed this. A family of her own. Seeing Han and Chewie spent time with Farius made her wonder what kind of father Han would be. The way he dealt with the boy meant a great one. He even let him help them to work on the falcon. Han usually let nobody besides Chewie near it.
After another conference she lied down next to Han late at night. They were staying in the suite again, so Chewie could stay on the Falcon. They all knew that as soon the mission began, they would be stuck on the Falcon together for a while, without real privacy.
As she lied down next to Han, he turned around to look at her. "Hey…" She turned to her side to look at him. "Hey…" Han started to stroke her cheek. "How are you doing?"
She pulled herself closer in his arms. "Exhausted…" He kissed her and then pulled back turning on his back. "You better get some sleep, princess." She knew he was teasing her but as much she hated to admit it; the thought of getting some sleep was arousing. When she didn't argue he lifted his head looking at her. "I was kidding you know?"
Han offering her to be on top from the beginning, coming from him could only mean one thing. He was exhausted himself. She gave him a warm smile, laying on top of him, kissing his chest then resting her head upon it. "I know." She said, closing her eyes.
For a moment it seemed like he was waiting for more to happen, but then he took a deep breath of relief, pulled the blanket over them and shot his eyes holding her close to his body.
To both their surprise they were waking up from the alarm, in the same position they fell asleep in.
But the moment the alarm went off, Leia woke up so abrupt that she sat up straight on Han's morning erection and he winced in pain. "You know I love you sweetheart, but this kind of hurts" She looked down on him in confusion, wondering what he meant. He pointed down to his groin and tried giving her a smile. She started to blush. "Oh…Sorry!" She climbed off him lying flat on her back next to him. With the alarm still ringing, they both laid there for a moment looking up to the ceiling. "One more day…" She said shutting her eyes. Han turned, reaching over her, stopped the alarm and lay back. "If you're not in this bed with me by sundown, I will personally pick you up from whatever you're at and drag you in here." She turned to him, grinning. "There is no meeting today." He turned to her in surprise. "Don't toy with me your highness."
She gave him a kiss getting out of bed leaving for the bathroom. "I'm not toying with you, Captain"
When she reached the bathroom door, she let her robe slit down and disappeared inside.
In the evening they took a walk through the garden.
"That garden was a present given for friendship." Han said looking around. "How do you know that?" She asked. "The princess told me." Leia knew he was up to something. "The princess? So you were actually listening to her?" "No but I pretended." He said taking her hand. "Alright hot shot, what is it you want out of this?" She turned to him letting her hands slide down to his rear.
"There is only one thing I remembered her saying." He kissed her and looked into her eyes for a moment. She had the feeling it was something important. "This garden was a present from Alderaan. Your father gave it to the king. If the princess told the truth they were old friends."
Leia took a step away from Han. "You're okay?" He asked her looking at her worried.
She looked around for a moment, not answering. "My father did this?"
"Well Bail Organa, not…" She turned back to him smiling. "That was my guess."
She pulled him close. "Thanks for telling me this!" she rose to her toes and kissed him.
They got interrupted by Darius. "Am I interrupting something?" Han ignored him, but Leia pulled away. "What can we do for you, Darius?" Han stepped behind her, putting his arms around her looking over her shoulder, grinning at the prince. He left out a small detail telling Leia. According to the princess, Bail Organa promised the King his daughter as a wife for Darius.
Too late buddy! She is mine.
"I was wondering if there is something you need for tomorrow?"
"Some privacy" Han said, pulling Leia closer. Usually she would have loosened her from him, but he was right. They really needed privacy. It was their last evening together, before going back risking their lives. "I'm sorry, but I think we should talk about the mission, before you leave."
"We can do that tomorrow." Han took Leia by the waist and pulling her away from the prince.
"I really think we…"
"…have to relax before tomorrow. Now excuse us, we have some business of our own to attend to." Han took Leia by the hand and they left the garden.
Leia woke up in the middle of the night. What Han told her about the garden and her father kept her up. She got out of bed and got onto the balcony, looking over the garden. She loved the garden next to the palace on Alderaan. She spent most of her childhood there. Han turned in bed trying to reach for her but when he didn't find her; he sat up looking around. "What are you doing princess?" She turned around smiling at him. With the moonlight behind her and a slight breeze blowing around her, she looked like a goddess. "Looking at you hot shot." She answered smiling.
"You like what you're looking at?"
She stepped closer to the bed, before answering. "Gorgeous!"
While Han was taking a shower, Leia packed their few belongings, Threepio helping her. "Forgive me for asking, but you look a little distressed this morning!"
"Well Threepio we have a mission ahead of us." She said fixing the bed. The door slit open and Chewie came in. Leia was relieved that he joined them. Han was functioning better having him around. "Hey Chewie, where is your shadow?" Chewie growled. "I think what mistress Leia is trying to ask is, why prince Farius is not with you." Threepio translated for Chewie. Leia already turned to look at the garden, not expecting an answer. It wouldn't take long and they were heading toward dangerous territory trying to find and rescue a prince, who might don't even want or even needed to be rescued. The door slit open again and prince Darius and the princess came in.
Leia turned around in surprise. "Ever heard of privacy?"
Darius gave her a warm smile but to Leia it had no effect.
"I'm sorry Leia, but we really have to talk about the mission."
Han came out of the bathroom with just a towel around his waist. "I didn't know we had company." He said walking over to the bed to get his raiser out of the bag, giving best to ignore them. "Did you see my pants sweetheart?" He said smiling at Leia and walking up to the closet. The princess of Hamaleen couldn't take her eyes off Han, so Leia just threw his pants and shirt at him. "Thanks!" He gave her one of his scoundrel grins and left into the bathroom.
Darius kept quiet for a moment while Leia turned to Chewie. "Is the Falcon ready?"
Chewie growled looking at Darius showing his teeth.
"For guests you act not very friendly" said the princess taking a step away from Chewie.
Han came out of the bathroom. "Well princess we don't really like to get threatened by our hosts." Leia stepped next to him and handed him his blaster. Perfect timing sweetheart. Han thought. Darius turned to him. "We will reward you for this."
Han rolled his eyes at Leia. "How very thoughtful of you."
Leia sat down on one the chairs. "I think you came to talk about the mission? So let's talk."
Han knew she wasn't feeling well when she was having trouble to act diplomatic. He sat down next to her on her chairs arms. "Please sit. Can the droid bring you some refreshments?"
"I'm sorry Captain Solo but I'm no service droid. I'm fluid in 6 million forms of communication"
Leia for the first time this morning had to smile. She knew that was Han's intention.
Their hosts sat down. "We sorry to bother you Captain Solo but our brother is missing. You have to understand that for us there is more at state than money."
Chewie gave out a growl. "You've said it Chewie." Han turned to Darius. "I'm sorry for your loss Darius. But we've all lost family members and friends to the war. A whole nation got destroyed" He put his hand on Leia shoulder. "But to threaten us so we do dirty work for you has nothing to do with it."
"I thought a guy like you likes the adventure!?" The princess now focused on Han trying to act cool.
"I'm sorry to disappoint you but my wife and I prefer choosing our adventures ourselves."
Leia smiled at him taking his hand in hers.
"You don't have to help us." Darius said focusing on Han. Han wondered if Darius knew about the arrangement his father and Bail Organa planned for him and Leia.
"Since you made it a political issue I'm afraid we have to."
It was the first time that Leia joined the conversation.
"Alright let's get to work than."
Darius straightened up getting out a holopad showing the planet and maps.
"One of our spies will meet you at the rendezvous point."
"How will we recognize him?" Han leaned forward to look at one of the maps.
"He will pick you up from your ship. Gungeloo is known to be a friendly planet these days. Nobody will question your being there" Leia leaned back. "Where did I hear that before?"
She and Han shared a look. They were known all over the Galaxy. Showing up somewhere usually meant getting recognized and getting questioned.
"Where will he take us?"
"Straight to the palace."
Han leaned back and leaned close to Leia. "And then what? We just walk in and drag out your brother?"
Darius had trouble losing his temper. "You think this is funny?"
"No…No…I don't…but just as a thought. Did it ever crossed your mind, that he doesn't want to be rescued? Maybe he just wanted to get out."
"He has a wife and a son, waiting for him at home." said the princess looking very serious. Han looked at Leia, taking a deep breath and turned to their hosts. "That changes the story." Han said sitting up straight. "So what will we do when we arrive at the palace?"
"They will be expecting you. They think you came to win them as new alliance."
"You really thought this through, didn't you?" Han looked at the map.
"Like I've said this is no joke for us." Darius looked at them. "While you're there you will look around, find out more about them and the palace. You will hopefully find our brother and give our spy the information. He will contact us and we will be on our way." Han leaned back again. "So you don't want us to rescue your brother? You want to do it yourself?"
Darius smiled at them. "Like I've said, you're safety will be guaranteed. You will leave the planet might get new alliance and we will bring our brother home."
The Falcon was ready for takeoff. Han and Chewie sat down in their seats, with Threepio and Leia sitting behind them. "So here we go again." Han said turning on the engines. "You know there's still a chance the prince doesn't want to be found." Leia said leaning back. "Hold on a minute Chewie." Han said turning around on his seat. "Listen your highness, if you don't want to go on that mission, we will fly straight back home. I'm not risking our lives if you don't feel like it." Chewie gave out a growl and Han realized what he just had said. "Alright?" Leia shut her eyes, smiling.
"Take off Laser brain"
Suddenly they got interrupted by a voice over comlink. "We hope you had a pleasant stay."
Han turned it off. "Chewie let us get out of here."