As Lika got ready for her unexpected night out, she felt almost giddy. Never had she ever been out with anyone before. None seemed to have wanted her company, the major reason for her keeping to herself so much. When she heard his knock at her door, she nearly lost her breath. My, what a handsome man this Han Solo was. The ex-soldier had decided to wear his military jacket. Evidently, he'd chosen to rent a landspeeder. It was a shiny thing, a sleek-looking two-seater. Getting to the cantina didn't take long. He knew how to handle the speeder, like a pro.
She walked ahead of him on their way to the cantina. Lika entered the place first and was in for a surprise, knocking down her low expectations. It wasn't so dirty as it was smoky, hazy. Somewhat. Han, who had since taken her arm, led her to a booth. When their server showed up, Han asked her what she would have. She had no idea what to have. He took the liberty of ordering her something he thought she would like. He ordered his usual. When their drinks arrived, he watched Lika with half-lidded eyes hesitantly take her first sip.
Whatever it was she was drinking was quite good.
Han smiled at her. "It's harmless. Not intoxicating."
"It's good. I like it."
"You're welcome." He laughed heartily, winking. "It's called a myminga."
She finished what she had and wanted another, which was promptly brought to their table. They spent a while there, chatting and absorbing the music, which she also liked. The exotic atmosphere, coupled with Han's charismatic, easy-going nature lowered Lika's reserve.
In the wee hours they rode back to her home. The return trip was pleasant as the balmy air swirled around them. Outside her house, Han coaxed her hand into his. His skin cocooning hers was heady. His hand; manly, swarthy, roughened by toil; was inviting and warm. Softly, Han told her, "If you're not busy tomorrow, I'd enjoy showing you the Falcon."
Staring straight into his sincere eyes, Lika said, "Sounds interesting." He'd piqued her interest by leaps and bounds. She would often marvel at the numerous ships as they flew past, descending to landing pads in the bustling spaceport.
"When are you free?"
She quickly replied, "After the midday meal." She nodded, smiling at Han shyly.
He squeezed her hands, holding them firmly in his. As he smiled his crooked smile, which captured her heart, he said, "It's a date."
Headiness had her swooning, yet again.
Morning came swiftly, and she spent most of it trying to decide what to wear. She didn't own extravagant, but she could boast that her attire was clean, well cared for and tasteful. Before fully making up her mind, his knock was upon her door. The rousing sound not as startling as it had been the first time.
"Are you ready?"
"Yes, I'm ready."
"You look..."
"Yes?"
"Wonderful."
She told herself not to blush, but she failed, seeing Han sheepishly grin.
En route to the Falcon, he went on and on about his prized possession. How he'd won the ship in a high stakes game of Sabacc once he'd left the military behind. She'd heard of the card game, but had never known of anyone who'd actually played in one. The Falcon was fast; he couldn't stop saying that, over and over. How his 'baby' had made the Kessel run in less than 12 parsecs, give or take. How his ship had successfully negotiated the Akkadese Maelstrom and escaped the Maw. Lika was awed as she reflected on men loving to talk at length about such things. In her mind's eye, she remembered her adoptive father sharing stories about his duties and responsibilities, and seeing the glow in her adoptive mother's eyes link to her smile from across the room.
Several ships were docked at the spaceport. Again, surprised, Lika got a load of the ship Han pulled the speeder alongside. His ship was the largest one, and the most beat-up looking. Aboard the Falcon, she detected the overwhelming pride in Han's voice as he gave her the grand tour. He happily pointed out the cockpit, the many cargo holds, the unique cabins, the compact galley and last, but not least, the fresher.
On the lounge seat, they settled together, side-by-side. Snug, as though they had always belonged that way. Han was talking, and Lika attentively listened while he continued to elaborate about the worlds he'd been to, the wonders he'd seen throughout the galaxy. He'd been to places she knew she would never see. When he grew quiet, slipping his arm around Lika, she got very still. Han tipped her chin toward his face with his index finger. Cautiously, he kissed her. Her first kiss; she knew she wouldn't be telling him so. Although, she suspected he probably could tell.
Parting slowly, he studied her questioningly. His voice thick, he drawled, "Sweet."
Lika said nothing, unsure of just what to say.
"I like shy," Han confirmed. A sudden slyness had crept into his manner.
"Is that what you think?"
"Aren't you?" he whispered, arching an eyebrow while inviting her into his arms for a longer stay.
What was he suggesting with his eyes at full glint? Restlessly, she had a strong idea of just what. First kiss, check. First time... Lika remained in his arms, her mind racing. All the while, as it did, she told herself, I'm not one of those, those... She squeezed her eyes shut, doing her best to keep what she needed to say from getting all jumbled. He's like a dream come down to my world, but...I'm not ready to be what he thinks I should be...easy...
Her chest tightened. She struggled to form coherent words. "H-Han..."
As the tip of his nose nuzzled the shell of her ear, he murmured, "Uh-huh..."
She took his face into her hands, and spoke in a level voice. "D-do..."
He wriggled out of her slight hands so his nose could graze in her hair atop her head. "I want to, if you do."
Gulping, Lika requested, "Do y-you have some of that myminga? Here?"
Her facial expression disarmed him. "It? No. Not a drop. Something stronger I think you might like. Want some?"
"Yes. Yes, sure. I'll try some," she said, sounding relieved.
"Comin' right up," Han promised, a trifle taken aback, but determined to please his comely, yet demur guest. Maybe a bit of harder stuff could loosen her up. Not that he wanted her liquored up, just a little less edgy. "Don't go away," he jibed, heading for the nearest hatch.
"Not planning to," Lika promised, liking how suddenly self-assured she thought she sounded.
