Holding hands, they made their way, meandering back down the ladders and along the walkways to the medium-sized hut where he and Chewie had tossed their belongings when they'd first returned to the village.

In the intervening hours, dozens of other Rebels had added their gear to the pile, and it took Han several minutes to locate his things in the ensuing disorder. He hastily shoved loose items into the duffel and swung it over his shoulder, taking Leia's hand again.

Just down the walkway was a much smaller hut where Leia had clearly already set up housekeeping. "It's not much, but I think Wicket displaced an entire family to put me in here," she told him, sounding embarrassed to have been given such luxury by the small creatures.

"Ah, don't worry," he assured her. "They're probably thrilled - they get a chance to bunk in the big house with the Golden One."

"Better them than us," she remarked, automatically, and Han chuckled his agreement.

Leia bent to gather a handful of things from a bag that lay open on the floor and disappeared into the screened corner. Han sat down heavily on the edge of the sleeping platform and eased off his boots with a relieved sigh. Shedding his shirt and grimy fatigue pants, he quickly exchanged them for the lighter, cleaner trousers he'd brought in his pack.

Leia emerged from her corner just as he turned around, tying the drawstring on the trousers. She caught herself staring at his solid muscled arms and shoulders, the gentle sprinkling of hair along his chest, and where it disappeared into his trousers. It wasn't anything she hadn't seen before, but somehow, it was different now.

This was Han Solo, standing beside her bed, and he was waiting for her to come and join him.

She had to remind herself to breathe.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing, it's just..." She looked down at herself. "I feel a bit overdressed."

"You look fine," he assured her. She had exchanged the oversized khaki coverall they'd given her at the medical tent for a loose tunic and slim leggings. Her feet were bare, and her hair still fell down her back in a long braid. He lifted one leering eyebrow and added, "You can take your shirt off, too, if it makes you feel better."

"Nice try, flyboy, but I think I'll keep it."

"Can't blame a man for trying."

"Han, are you sure you don't mind? I know this isn't what you want."

"Yeah," his expression softened, "it is what I want." He came around the platform and took her hands in his. "There's some other things I want, too," he added, honestly, "but I'll get over it."

She lifted her eyes from their joined hands to meet his serious gaze.

"I'm sorry..." she began, and he put his finger to her lips.

"Shh. Nothing to be sorry for, honey." She didn't look convinced. "There'll be another night, Leia. Lots of them, I hope."

She smiled at this. "I hope so too."

"Hey, can I…?" He gestured at her hair and she nodded, although she wasn't quite sure what he wanted her permission to do. Catching the end of her long braid in his hand, he loosened the clasp, and then used his fingers to gently comb it free. Long waves tumbled over her shoulders and he lifted a handful to his lips. "Gods, Leia," he murmured, leaning down to rub his cheek against the soft silk that flowed over his fingers. "Do you know how long I've wanted to do this?"

"As long as I've wanted to do this?" she breathed, tracing circles on his sternum with gentle fingers.

He drew back and smiled, crookedly, down into her eyes. "What the hell were we waiting for?" he teased.

She laughed and leaned in to rest her forehead in the hollow of his shoulder. The gentle brush of her long hair on his bare torso was such a sensual delight that it made him catch his breath. She felt it, and took a step back, but he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer. Pressed tightly against him, she could feel the evidence of his arousal, and she drew back, a little harder this time.

"I thought we weren't going to rush this?"

He swallowed hard and blew out his breath. "We aren't." Just take it slow, Solo. Don't screw this up. "C'mon, honey, let's get some sleep."

She took another step away from him, and went around the sleeping platform. Sliding under the blanket, she lay on her back, looking at the hut's high, thatched ceiling, and wondering what to do next. Oblivious to her inner turmoil, he reached across her to turn out the light, and his arm remained outstretched, beckoning her closer. "C'mere."

Cautiously, she nestled against him and blew out a long sigh, her breath fluttering across his skin, rustling the fine hairs on his chest. He settled himself comfortably beside her, suddenly content just to have her close to him. It felt so right.

How long had it been since he had actually slept with a woman?

Unexpectedly, she sat up, and then leaned across him, planted her hands on the pillow on either side of his head, and bent down to kiss him. Her hair cascaded over her shoulders and tickled his neck, enclosing them in a shimmering private curtain of chestnut silk.

He was so surprised, he opened his mouth to ask her what she was doing, but she opened her mouth against his and he gave up. He simply lay back and enjoyed the weight of her body against his and the warmth of her tongue as it explored his mouth. At last he couldn't bear it any longer, and he put his hands on her waist and gently pushed her up.

"Hey," he whispered, against her lips. "I thought you said you weren't asking for anything else tonight."

"I'm not," she whispered back. "I just like kissing you."

He smiled into the darkness. "I like kissing you, too. But you probably don't want to climb on top of me right now, sweetheart. Not unless you've changed your mind about keeping your pants on."

"Oh." she pulled away abruptly, chagrined to realize that she was, in fact, lying on top of him, and that the evidence indicated his enthusiasm had not dampened. "Oh, Han. I'm sorry." Then she gave a soft chuckle. "You're saying you'll behave yourself, if I do?"

Beneath her, his ribs rocked with laughter. "I'm not complaining, honey. Kiss me all you want. Just don't expect to get much sleep if you keep it up."

"All right, all right. I didn't mean to tease."

"I know you didn't." His hand slid up to her shoulders. "Here, turn a little." Rolling up onto his side, he guided her gently along with him, settling her into the curve of his body. "I want to hold you."

She sighed and leaned back against his warmth. "This is nice."

"Yes," he murmured, into her hair, "it is."

"You really aren't mad at me?"

"I'm really not mad at you."

"I do love you, Han."

"I know." He leaned down and kissed her, softly. "Good night, Princess," he said against her ear, twining his fingers in hers again.

"Good night, Han."