Author's Note: Thanks again for your reviews, especially concerning the rating--as a new poster, I'm concerned about crossing the line, and since I've read everything from G to NC-17 without flinching, I'm probably not a good judge of ratings.
A point of clarification: The "father" of Leia's baby is an Imperial officer, not a stormtrooper (not that it matters, really, an Imp is an Imp, but I felt the need to clear that up). As per Han and Leia's conversation in Chapter 9, Han always uses condoms; Leia's pregnancy and probable lack of disease are irrelevant.
Also, cybercookies to JZ for guessing the source of the title--both are right.
Han: Proposal
Han was torn between deciding he had taken advantage of Leia and congratulating himself on his restraint. He had been ready to explode when he had suggested they stop, but knew that neither of them would have forgiven him if he had followed his impulse to roll her onto her back and continue in spite of her reluctance. He had barely contained his excitement when she had made it clear that her hesitation was a result of inexperience, not unwillingness. He was becoming aroused again at the thought of her hands on him, and he forced himself to pay attention to what he was doing.
He had removed some rolls from the cryo storage and was assembling a simple stew from supplies set aside for the purpose; he did not think he was capable of anything more complex at the moment. 'Course, when I put these away, I thought I'd use 'em when I didn't have time to cook 'cause I was in the middle of repairs. He busied himself adding the light seasonings he had chosen to avoid upsetting Leia's stomach. An image came to his mind as he thought her name--she was doing something to her hair at the desk in his cabin. What had she said? Her chosen mate. Is that me? Do her customs mean I have to marry her? Han was surprised to find himself intrigued by the prospect, rather than disturbed as he would have expected. Sure, I like her, even care about her. But I'm definitely not about to marry her; I've only known her a few weeks. Maybe someday, but not yet. What the hell am I thinking?
He shook his head at the stray thought. You're not the marrying kind, Solo. You decided that years ago. Don't go getting ideas. Besides, she didn't say she agreed with the tradition, just that her hairdo could be taken the wrong way. Relax--she's not gonna be lookin' for a proposal. She'll prob'ly be happy to put the whole trip behind her once she gets back to base, and I'll--what? I dunno. Put the whole trip behind me, too. I guess. I can go back to smuggling for Jabba with Chewie.
Leia entered the galley then, saving him from further introspection. "Can I help?"
"Nah. It's just simmering now. It'll be ready in half an hour." He set the timer as he spoke, then focused his attention on her.
A playful look graced her features as she responded, "That long? Maybe I should have made you stay in the galley while I had a nap."
"I'm very glad you didn't. You could take that nap now, though, if you want. I'll wake you when dinner's ready."
"I'm not tired any more. Even if I were, I think I'm too hungry to sleep."
"Gotcha." Han looked for a way to continue talking with her, since it seemed they had hit a dead end in the conversation. "How'd your call go?"
"It was okay. General Hudsol was unavailable, but I spoke with General Willard. I've known him for years. He wouldn't have believed me if I'd said I was fine, so I told him I had decided to take some time to deal with things."
"Not the whole truth, but enough to shut him up?"
"Not quite. He proceeded to read me the riot act for my desertion from the military."
"You're kidding!"
"Unfortunately not. I apologized, and pleaded for leniency. Well, sort of. He brushed that off and assured me that there would not be a court martial, then told me to take all the time I need, as long as I keep in contact."
"There won't be a bounty, then?"
"Don't worry, Han. I ruined your reputation; I told Vanden you'd been a good boy."
"Great. Now he'll try to recruit me."
Her expression made a rapid transition from playful to vulnerable and she asked softly, "Would that be so bad?"
Han was taken aback by her reaction. He had convinced himself she would be in a hurry for him to leave. He chose his words carefully. "Staying on as a smuggler wouldn't be bad at all. But I ain't gettin' into a uniform again. I don't take orders real well."
"You've been in uniform before? That's how you know so much about Imperial medical practices."
"Yep. We can work out an exclusive contract, if you want. I'll agree to work only for you, but I still get to pick the jobs. There are things I won't do, and places I shouldn't go. As long as I keep that much independence, we can figure somethin' out." I'm suggesting a formal arrangement? Why would I do that?
"What about your employer on Tatooine? Didn't you promise him you would work for him again?"
"No. I told him I'd let him know when I was available. If that's after the rebellion's done with me, he'll have to live with it." She just gave me an out, and I argued against it. What the hell is wrong with me? Must be lack of blood to my brain.
"I don't think it's my job to work out such details. Actually, I don't know what my job is now. I might be responsible for hiring smugglers." She giggled at herself.
"If so, you might want to rethink the job interview. I mean, don't get me wrong, it's the best one I've ever had, but the Council prob'ly wouldn't approve. There could be discrimination suits, or--"
"All right, enough. In all seriousness, I hope you know that what happened today was not an audition."
"Yeah, I know." He grinned before he continued, "But if it was, I'd be happy to demonstrate some other skills."
"I've seen your piloting already, Flyboy. Based on that, if the decision is up to me, you're hired. We can work out the particulars when we get back to base. That said, it's probably not my call. There is also the conflict of interest to consider."
Han failed to see where she was going. "What conflict of interest?"
Leia lowered her gaze and her vulnerability reappeared. "While I am certain Captain Solo would be a great asset to the rebellion, my judgement may be clouded. I want Han to stay."
He disregarded the alarms sounding in the independent part of his brain as he closed the distance between them. He pulled her into his arms, kissed her on top of her head, and whispered, "I'll stay."
The timer chimed on the cook top, indicating that the stew was ready, but Han stood where he was, Leia in his arms. She ended the embrace after several minutes, backing away quickly. "I'm sorry. Let's just blame pregnancy hormones, and forget this ever happened."
"This?" This what? Everything? The last few minutes, or the last few days? Does that mean she doesn't want me to stay? "Sure, if that's what you want. Let's eat." Han turned to the stove, unwilling to acknowledge the pain he felt at her easy dismissal of their time together. He served two bowls of the mild stew, handed Leia one, and added hot sauce to the other. They walked in silence to their now-customary seats. Of course she doesn't want me to stay. She got away from the base, got laid. Why would she want me to stick around? He had eaten most of his stew and roll before she spoke.
"I need to go back to the medcentre."
Han banged his leg on the underside of the table as he stood, abandoning the remainder of his meal. "Do you need me to carry you, or can you walk?" He rushed around the table and prepared to lift her gently so he could get her to the speeder. His heart pounded in his ears, so he barely heard her laughter. "Wait--why are you laughing?"
She stifled her outburst, but could not hide the amusement in her eyes. "I didn't mean right now, Han. You can relax. I meant that I'll need to go tomorrow to get the results of the blood tests and find out if the baby is okay. I'll have to start prenatal treatment."
"Oh, yeah. Sure. I don't think the rental agency'll have a problem with you driving the speeder. Here's the passkey."
Han removed the chip from his pocket and tossed it to her as he snatched his bowl from the table and headed back to the galley. His hunger had dissipated rapidly when his adrenalin kicked in, and he all-but-threw the dish on the counter as he stormed off the ship.
He did not know where he was going, nor did he care. He just knew he had to get away. She doesn't get it. I don't tell just anyone I'll stay. And then she tells me to just forget it! To hell with her. He walked quickly, almost jogging, trying to work his anger off through exertion. Kest, Solo! What's your problem? It's not like you to get all wound up over a chick like this. Except Leia's not just some chick, is she? Han replayed Leia's words in his head. If you'd been paying attention, you'd have noticed she didn't need immediate attention by the tone of her voice. But, no, you were too busy sulking, feeling rejected. And then you take off because she laughs at you. Maybe you're the one with pregnancy hormones.
Han's pace had slowed, and he was some distance from the Falcon when he heard the raspy voice behind him. "Stop right there, pal. Don't turn around. Just empty your pockets, nice and slow."
This was something Han knew how to deal with--something he could tackle head-on, spend his testosterone on--unlike the enigmatic feelings he had been trying to sort out. He reached down slowly, as though following the command and going for his pockets, then quickly changed his posture, moving to unholster his blaster. Which was on the ship. He had already turned and half-crouched for the speed-draw when his hand came up empty. His would-be assailant was stunned by Han's movements, and Han used the delay to glance around the area. He noted a second man, a few steps away, and chose to start with the one nearer to him. His opponent held a vibroshiv, and Han liberated it almost before the other man realized it. Han, still facing both men, swiped the shiv just close enough to let them know he meant business. The previous owner of the shiv bolted; the second man called after him and unsheathed his own weapon, a much larger vibroblade. Han was once again at a disadvantage, but at least he was no longer outnumbered. He acted on instinct, dashing inside the other man's reach before the blade was activated. They grappled, the shiv humming between them, and as they wrestled for control both men fell to the ground, with Han on top. Han felt wetness on his clothes before he felt the sting that he was certain would follow, but forced himself to concentrate on his foe. The man had stopped struggling, and Han backed off to assess the situation. A pool of blood had gathered under the robber's arm, and he clutched at the wound, his weapon forgotten. Han collected the vibroblade and moved into the man's line of sight.
The man's eyes widened when Han brandished a weapon in each hand. "Don't do it. We weren't gonna hurt ya--just need credits. Please don't kill me." The man stopped pleading as his expression went from panic to disbelief.
Han wondered at the man's sudden change in attitude, and looked down to follow his gaze. Han's shirt was slashed diagonally across his chest, the edges of the torn cloth wicking blood from the skin beneath. He killed the power to the vibroshiv, slid it in his pocket, and withdrew his comlink. He decided that the fallen man was no longer a threat, and that they both needed medical attention. He was glad he'd been paranoid about Leia's health, since it meant he had made sure his comlink was in his pants when he had dressed before dinner.
"Emergency crews," he broadcast on the channel advertised in the medcentre.
"Please state your name, location, and the nature of your emergency," came the reply from an automated-sounding voice.
"Deckard Boyd, main port of Terius. I need security services and medical crews. Two human males with vibroblade wounds following an attempted robbery."
"Please specify your location within Terius Main."
Han looked for some indication, but saw only a berth number. Hope that's enough. "We're outside berth 126."
"Thank you, sir. Medics and security teams are en route. Estimated time of arrival is six minutes. Please leave this line open and notify us of any changes."
Han directed his full attention to the man on the ground. "I'm gonna sit down now, but if you even think of moving, I'll make sure it's the last thing you do."
"Sir, your instruction is unclear. Please rephrase-" Han thumbed the volume control on the comlink, effectively silencing the droid without closing the channel.