Star Wars Disclaimer: I do not own the original characters, LucasFilm & Disney does, however, I own Jcubbie, Bespin, Dr. Roemke, and Betzy. Please do copy this story without permission, please and thank you.

Wookieepedia has also been used for Star Wars facts.

Razor Cat – A native feline on Corellia

Jeanmarie3, my beta, you rock.

Also, this chapter is dedicated to all mothers who carried a child to full term out there, they were given precious tattoos from their children (Tigress Stripes). Some women hate them and complain about them, but there are women out there that would give their right arm to have those stripes. Wear them with pride ladies if you have them because they are honorable and beautiful. :-)

Chapter Eleven – Reflection (part 2 of 2)

Leia Organa, calm down. Deep breaths, deep breaths. However, before she could fully calm down, Jcubbie sent several hard punches and kicks toward her mother's ribs, eliciting a gasp from Leia. Jcubbie, my little stowaway, watch where you're kicking. I guess it could have been worse, on my bladder, but those jabs hurt baby girl.

Han found Leia hunched over holding onto the sink with one hand as she rubbed the side of her stomach with the other. He immediately sidled up to her with a concerned and fearful look on his face. "What's the matter? Are you in labor? Do you need me to call or get Doc?" Han questioned with a slight squeak to his voice.

The look on his face and the screechiness to his tone caused a giggle to slip past Leia's lips.

"What?! Answer me, please," Han pleaded while assessing Leia's body as well as the ground below her.

"The look on your face and the panicked lilt to your voice is priceless and quite comical scoundrel, and stop looking to see if my water broke," Leia sniggered. "I'm fine Han, honestly. Jcubbie just gave my ribs a few hard kicks and punches. She took me by surprise that's all.

"Are you sure?" Han continued to query as he helped Leia straighten up.

"Yes, Han, I'm sure," Leia soothed as she patted his cheek with her hand, earning a bashful smile from him.

"Okay," Han replied as he nervously shifted from one foot to the other. "Do you need help?" He offered shyly as he gestured toward her pants. Leia swallowed a dry lump in her throat as she realized her tough scoundrel was walking on eggshells around her. Tears began to form in her eyes again as she launched herself into his arms. Where he eagerly accepted her in a tight embrace, tucking her head under his.

Leia inhaled, in and out, the musk she missed and craved so much the last few months. Her body began to shake with sobs as she attempted to explain her actions moments ago, but they were incoherent to Han.

"Sweetheart, I have no idea what you are trying to say. Please calm down and take deep breaths for me," Han requested as he rubbed her back up and down, peppering her crown with supportive kisses. "That's it, Beautiful, deep breaths through you nose and out through your mouth."

Oh Han, this is not how I dreamed our first few nights together would turn out. How do I convey all my self-doubts and sudden inadequacies that I feel about myself as your lover? I know you love me, but …

Once Leia's sobs turned into sniffles, Han tilted her chin up toward his, the pads of his thumbs wiping away her silent tears. "Now, sweetheart do you mind repeating those words again?" The love and tenderness in his eyes nearly caused another round of tears, but Leia took another deep cleansing breath and drew strength from her Senator upbringing to hold them back. Her inner struggle was noted by her scoundrel, "I never imagined that our child would cause so much emotional havoc on her mother." This earned him a half-hearted swat to his side. "Hey, now I'm a recovering man."

"Poor baby," Leia placated in a sarcastic-motherly tone as she patted him on the cheek in mock sympathy. "Somehow, I think your scoundrel ego will bounce back in no time." This caused a Cheshire grin to spread on his face and a soft chuckle to emit from Leia at his natural self-assured reaction. His deep belly laugh joined hers as he pulled her in a tighter hug, reveling in the feel of her and Jcubbie pressed against him again. Oh, how I love this Han behind our cabin's closed doors. He's so touchy feely, and not in a needy way. This incredible self-assured, Corellian swaging, fire first and ask questions later Nerf Herder has a tender and protective side, Jcubbie, which he tucks deep inside, outside these walls. Oh, don't worry baby girl, his protective side leaks out quite often especially in front of our misfit family, BUT this cuddly and sappy Han only comes out behind these closed doors. So, savor it when it happens because when we exit our safe haven his cocky, self-confident, Corellian swag returns, transforming him into an infuriating and frustrating Laser Brain.

Tiny hands and feet pushed out in response to Leia's silent musings, earning an immediate response from her daddy. As Han released Leia from their embrace he fell to his knees to savor another moment with Jcubbie in Leia's womb. His awed expression never seemed to cease and caused a flutter of love to erupt within Leia's heart again. Leia began to run her hands through his unruly locks as he began another game of 'chase the raised hand or foot pressed out' with their daughter. However, her administration halted as shock momentarily stunned her after Han abruptly pushed her tunic over her belly without warning. Once she recovered from her surprise, a new game called 'tunic tug of war' began between the two parents.

"Leia!" Han exasperatedly exhaled after a few moments of their struggling.

"Han!" Leia responded in the same tone.

"What's the matter?"

"Let go now, Laser Brain," Leia seethed. Han knowing that look and tone stopped their tug of war and eased back as Leia hastily pulled her tunic down over her belly; however, not without giving her his own stink eye.

After a few seconds of their silent standoff, Leia wordlessly conceded, her demeanor morphing into mortification and defeat as the fight left her and wariness overtook her. Her sudden change in mood immediately reflected Han's disposition as bafflement and confusion took over his form. Leia feeling insufficient again, attempted to leave the fresher to escape her inadequacies and Han's inquiries; however, Han hastily blocked her path and gestured toward her dirty pants, "Leia at least change your pants, love."

Leia assessed her attire and rolled her eyes in irritation toward herself, which had quickly replaced her humiliation. She huffed and muttered, "I hate my pregnant brain and don't even think about punching or kicking my ribs again Justice Carleyza." Forgetting that Han was in the fresher with her, Leia startled as she felt Han's hands on her hips to assist in steadying herself. "Han!" Leia screeched and attempted to shoo him away but nearly fell in the process.

"Leeeeia, quit being so stubborn, your acting like a Bantha Heifer. I get you don't want to prance around in your birthday suit. Why I don't know, but you don't need to fall and break your neck trying to change out of your clothes. Let me help for Hoth's sake." Han huffed with indignation as he gently grabbed Leia's ankle to help her step out of the dirt pants, however, she continued to resist his help.

Her action had Han immediately staring up at her with mixture of exasperation, hurt, and puzzlement. "Fine, suit yourself," Han grumbled as he threw down Leia's pants and began to sulk as he headed toward the door; but, before he left the fresher he added softly, "I can't pretend like I know what's going on which is causing you to balk away from my help, but … if I had to guess, it's 'cause you think I'm still broken … or somethin'. All I can say is … I'm sorry especially if this is about 'little Han.'"

If Han had watched the myriad of emotions changing on Leia's face during his abrupt departure and his confession, he'd have witnessed her self-defense and self-disgust morph into love and concern. Leia quickly stepped out of her trousers in order to reach Han before he left the refresher. She combed her fingers in his hair before starting, "Han, it's not you, it's …"

"Leia, don't use the classic, 'it's not you, it's me' line," Han clipped sarcastically, attempting to shrug off her caress, however, his body wasn't listening to his mind as his posture slowly relaxed from her administration.

Leia feeling some of the tenseness leave him, spun Han around as she clasped his head in between her hands. "Han look at me, please," Leia urged. His eyes slowly traveled up to meet hers but not before giving her his classic stink-eye. "Thank you, now listen closely, Han Solo. I'm not disappointed in having you back, and I'll take you one way or another; but, when I say it's not you, you better believe me. Do you understand?"

Han nodded like a chastised child during her revelation, however, he also witnessed her self-bravado deflate in front of his eyes. What in Sith is wrong … wait. I haven't seen that look in a while. Self-consciousness? No, it's that look she gave for years, when another woman would sidle up to me, and flirt right in front of her like she didn't even stand a chance. Like she was the homely gal pal and not the exotic intoxicating woman she is to me. Holy Hoth, is this what Malla was warning me about? Boy, did I nearly miss the starship on this one. I can only hope, it's what Malla eluded too about Leia not feeling sexy enough right now!

"Leia," Han commanded softly as he cupped her head within his hands bringing her gaze back to his. "You know you're the only gal in the galaxy for me … No hear me out." Leia had started to pull away from Han, but stopped abruptly with his plea.

"Look, I'm not great with my words, you're the Senator, but Leia you are the sexist woman in the galaxy. It's not just your exotic looks but your mind, your wit, your courage, your loyalty, your honor, your heart, and so much more. It's intoxicating," Han paused as he swooped in for a searing kiss to make his point before his thumbs brushed away Leia's tears of disbelief. His hands then traveled down to her baby bump where he tenderly held her belly before kneeling on his knees and pushing her tunic up in all one swoop. Han then placed an affectionate kiss on her bump before glancing up at her in awe and wonder before adding, "And this, Princess, is the greatest gift you could have ever given me."

Leia fondly raked her hands through his hair, as hope, humility, and love started to swell within her heart slowly replacing her self-consciousness and doubt, but then rolled her eyes at his scoundrel smugness. "Right, and these hideous stretchmarks and royal blue veins are sexy as Sith!"

"What?!"

"Don't act like an idiot, Laser Brain!" Leia commanded as she pointed out said blemishes on her sides and a belly. "These are the most revolting …"

"Just hold that tongue right now! Which Nerfherder gave you that idea?" Han asked incredulous. Okay, okay, come on smooth talker, think of something that can help your Princess' self-image and worth. Personally these stretch marks just go to show the miracle she carries, and how lucky we are to have Jcubbie. That's it! After the short dramatic pause, Han continued, "On Corellia these hideous marks are a woman's fortune. They're considered nature's tattoos, signifying another Razor Cat Mama has earned her stripes, and even though you may hate looking at them, just think how lucky you are? Some women would kill to have these stripes."

Leia started to protest, but Han placed a finger over her lips before commanding softly, "No hear me out." She agreed with a subtle nod as tears clouded her beautiful brown orbs. Oh, these tears are so annoying at times, but I can't believe Han would make up such a beautiful Corellian tale. One of the many reasons I love your daddy, baby girl.

"Now where was I … oh yes. Many women on Corellia would kill for these stripes, Princess. As you know on Corellia traditional families are part of clans, and a woman's worth, barbaric as it sounds, is the herd of children she brings into the galaxy. And, yes the more males she provides her mate the more coveted she is to the clan, but like I said before I was not born to those 'traditions' so having a daughter is A-okay in my book," Han added to ease any doubts she still felt about Jcubbie being a girl. Leia rolled her eyes at his assumptions before playfully running her hands through his messy locks and bobbing her head slightly for him to continue.

Han began to caress Leia's belly as he resumed his dialogue, "Your beautiful belly houses our daughter, it's a safe darkness, not a carbonated entombment …" Leia continued to stroke her fingers through Han's hair in comfort as she heard the strain and pain in his voice. She sensed he needed to regroup and regain his composure before continuing his monologue.

Leia's patience was rewarded not long after as he cleared his throat before restarting his speech as he began to trace each stripe with his index finger to emphasize his point. "As I was saying these stretch marks have not ruined your beautiful porcelain skin, they've enhanced it. Each stripe represents a milestone our little girl has already achieved within your womb."

"Oh really, do enlighten me, my smooth-talking scoundrel," Leia requested because Han had stopped his monologue to begin another game of chase with Jcubbie's hands and feet. Jcubbie, your father was on a roll, please allow him to finish his thoughts. He gets sidetracked so easily and his speech has eased my heart so much already. I want to see what else his quick wit can come up with in order to get me out of my clothes. Whoops, I probably shouldn't have sent that comment your way.

In response to Leia's plea, Jcubbie slowed down her movements, and began pushing out her two hands in greeting, her father took it as a perfect opportunity place his large over hers before continuing. He gave Leia a look of amazement, wonder, and adoration before resuming, "Yes … as I was saying your belly is Jcubbie's first home. It's housed and protected our beautiful little girl during many of her first milestones. She's taken her first breath in there … her first yawn, kick, punch, wave, thumb sucking, tumble, and hiccup. A lot of firsts, Princess, and she's slept in perfect darkness with no nightmares, something very rare for both of us. These marks give us a beautiful purpose to crush the Empire so our little girl can live in a galaxy full of light, where nightmares are just bad dreams that can be cured by a hug and a kiss, and not past tortures that like to linger in the corners of our minds."

By the time Han had completed his speech, Leia had tears of awe, love, and validation cascading down her cheeks. When it appeared Han had finished his statement, Leia tugged on his hair to silently command him to stand. As his body ascended up, her lips captured his in a searing kiss of passion and raw love.

When they drew apart for breath, Han panted impishly, "So, I guess nature's tattoos are a blessing now and not something to hide, Your Sexiness?"

"As beautiful as that speech was I have a hard time believing it is a Corellian Proverb my Smooth Talking Liar through the skin of your teeth; BUT, it was lovely and very poetic, I would call it another Soloism. Perfectly crafted out of unconditional love and blindness, if I wasn't privy to all your raw emotions and expressions, I'd probably not believe you and chalk it up to nice intentions to make me feel more valuable; but, I was blessed on our trip to Bespin to see the real Han Solo because he loves me so much that he allows his scoundrel shield of self-preservation to come down behind our cabin doors," Leia replied as she tenderly raked her hands in Han's hair. She then punctuated her last comment with three pecks to his lips before he captured her lips in another passionate kiss to confirm his unconditional love for her and Jcubbie. He pulled her as close to his body as possible, reveling in her closeness with Jcubbie in between them.

"So, do you wanna get naked now?" Han asked rakishly once their breaths returned to them.

"YYYYou are such a scoundrel," Leia replied as she playfully swatted her hand against his chest, but her gleeful smile told another story. Han captured her hands with his as his lips began a game of nip and kiss with hers. Then in silent agreement they both began to help the other strip away clothes in between smooches and caresses.

When the last article of clothing was Leia's tunic, Han's adoring eyes asked for permission to remove it. Leia's wobbly smile and slight nod of approval was all he needed to slowly raise her tunic over her torso, however, he schooled his gaze on Leia's, silently sending her affirmation and love. Once her tunic was removed, Han scooped her up into his arms and carried her back to their cabin never taking his eyes off of hers. As he slowly set her down he asked, "May I now look at you, Gorgeous?"

Leia nodded her head with approval, and proudly stood in all her motherly glory, even though instinctively as Han's lover she wanted to shield her new blemishes from him. In turn Han lazily appraised all the of Leia's physical changes with unconditional love as he slowly backed into their bed and crawled backwards with a bit of Corellian swag. He then patted the place in between his legs for Leia as he continued to admire her new silhouette.

Baby girl, I hope one day you find a man that finds you beautiful even when you feel ugly. Your daddy's eyes, actions, and words have shattered my earlier reservations and self-doubt.

"I thought we would be hunkering down to sleep. Like you spooning behind me as we laid down in bed, not sitting up in it," Leia admonished as she crawled in front of Han after giving him a curious look.

"Oh, we'll get to that position soon enough," Han murmured in Leia's hair as his hands began to caress her baby bump, "but I'm afraid you'll doze off before we resume some unfinished business from earlier."

"Like what business are you talking about?" Leia asked coyly as she basked in the love and attention Han's hands were giving to her body.

"Well, like the Death Star plans … or I know, how about the one where our daughter's middle name is a combination of Carlist, Leyvi, Betzy, and Malla's names?"

To Be Continued …

Disclaimer, Han's dialogue about Razor Cat Stripes is adapted from several wonderful Pinterest posters about Tigress Stripes a mother earns after having a baby. J

Also, you finally know what the 'C' stands for, but you'll have to wait and see if Han's guest is right or not. ;-)