8. The Dark

The sun was beginning to rise when Han crept back into the tent. His heart was still on fire. Memories of Leia's mouth on his, the way her hair felt between his fingers, of her twinkling eyes in the dim light. What had he been thinking? This was not the place, not the time. He was still in a relationship for Christ's sake! But the moment he'd set his eyes on her that evening… her pale skin more on show than he'd ever seen it, her hair loose and so long it took his breath away. She was a princess, an angel and he was not worthy of her. Why had it taken so long for him to realize how he felt?

The signs had all been there. They'd been there from day 1…no girl had ever affected him like Leia did. She challenged him, she kept him on his toes and though this could be irritating as all hell… he'd always got a thrill from it. It was only in that hallway a few weeks ago…when her captivating laugh revealed the truth that had been staring him in the eye all this time. He liked Leia. More than a friend. And that just…. Well it sucked ass to be quite honest.

He was with Sadie. She was supposed to just be a short fling at first as all the other girls had been. But she was sweet as hell and kind and funny and he'd grown to care for her. But then there was Leia. Nothing compared to the feeling he got in his chest when he heard her voice, saw her smile, when he caught her looking at him from across the cafeteria. Luke often questioned Han about his relationship with Leia and what the deal was.

He didn't blame him.

He'd like to know that himself.

Han moved to open his sleeping bag when he heard someone clear their throat. He turned to see Chewie sitting awake with his arms crossed.

Han breathed a sigh of relief, he'd thought it might be Sadie.

He signed to Chewie, Whats up?

I heard you get out of the tent. Where did you go?

Of course he had. Chewie was sharper than a knife.

I couldn't sleep. I went to get some water.

Chewie snorted in disbelief. You were gone for some time. I got worried.

Han stiffened. Chewie had that look on his face the one that always meant he knew something and wasn't gonna be fooled by any excuse. The boy was mute but he was smarter than any other guy he knew and wouldn't let this go.

You saw. Han signed after a few minutes of silence.

Chewie nodded, waiting for Han's explanation.

I didn't know it was gonna happen. I swear Chewie.

But it still did happen friend. I knew there was something, you look at her more than anyone. And you never shut up about her and how irritating she is. But you shouldn't have done this. It isn't fair on her or on Sadie.

He was right, of course he was. But he didn't know how in the heck he was supposed to fix it. The kiss had happened and it had been mutual but he shouldn't have let her kiss him. But she was mesmerizing in the moonlight and he couldn't help it. He couldn't resist.

What can I do?

Chewie thought a long while before signing: You have to choose. Sadie or Leia. But remember these girls aren't some conquest Han, they're people with feelings. Leia was in the wrong but I bet she's torturing herself over this. You two need to talk this through. And tell Sadie before she finds out the hard way.

And then he simply tucked himself into his sleeping bag and closed his eyes, leaving Han in the dark with his thoughts.