Six months later

Leia Organa excitedly threw five packages of pens into the carriage at the office supply shop.

"You do not need five packages of pens, Leia," Bail exclaimed.

"Yes I do! This package is for writing essays, these for correcting mistakes, another for taking notes, these are my signing pens, and these over here are colorful doodling pens."

Bail simply rolled his eyes and let his daughter have her fun. He told her that one of their servants could have gone out to buy her school supplies for her, but Leia insisted on going herself. Now he understood why.

Leia was as thrilled as ever to start a new school year. Her enthusiasm for learning grew with each passing day, and she was becoming a strong diplomat. Leia had natural skills of persuasion and compromise, public speaking, and authority that made learning diplomacy easy for her.

Along with her increasing passion for diplomacy, Leia also spent an increasing amount of time with Oliver. The pair saw each other almost every day of the summer. They would read, study, talk, and climb trees by the lake together. Oliver was very interested in the politics Leia studied, and she often shared what she was learning with him. Likewise, Oliver had a strong affinity to military and self-defense. He taught Leia military tactics and strategy, and even showed her how to shoot a blaster. Bail noticed this and realized that the two would be great assets to the Rebel Alliance one day.

Oliver introduced Leia to Kira shortly after they made up, and the two instantly became friends. They all had active imaginations, and on many occasions the trio would head to the lake and act out fantastical scenes. Both Oliver and Kira were four years Leia's senior, but they were not to afraid to let the children inside themselves free.

Everything in Leia's life was exactly in place. Fascinating studies, a bright future, great friends. She had not only fully returned to being the Leia she was before her time with Heather, but she flourished even more.

However, Bail couldn't help but notice the way that Oliver began to look at Leia halfway through the summer. There was adoration towards her with every glance, and Bail saw that Oliver took every opportunity to lightly touch Leia's hand or shoulder. The crush was obvious to Bail, but not to Leia. He knew that his daughter had a very one-track mind. She was often so focused on studying and intellectual matters that she missed huge social cues in interpersonal relationships.

Bail decided that it would be best to talk to his daughter about the whole "boy" situation. He didn't even know if Leia was interested in dating, but if she was, he felt she should be prepared to deal with it.

The great senator, who could face Imperial sympathizers and Grand Moffs with incredible ease, brought it up rather awkwardly during one of their usual evening relaxations in his study.

"Um, Leia." Bail cleared his throat. "How do you feel about boys?"

Leia almost spit out the tea she was sipping on. "What?! What do you mean?" She was already blushing furiously.

"I just mean, have you considered dating boys yet? Do you find them attractive, or do they...uh...still have cooties? Because if you do, I want to make sure you are prepared for what dating entails-"

Leia clapped her hands over her ears. "Ew, Papa, stop! I've already had 'the talk' with Mother! I don't need to hear it again!"

Now it was Bail's turn to choke on his drink. "That wasn't what I meant at all! But if that's all you think dating is, young lady, then we need another conversation."

"Of course not! I've haven't even considered that, I'm only thirteen. That's so gross!"

Bail held up his hands in surrender. "Fine, fine, we won't discuss that topic anymore."

Father and daughter sat in awkward silence for a minute, before Bail continued. "But in all seriousness Leia, have you thought about dating at all? Most girls your age do."

Leia crossed her arms in front of her chest. "Well, I'm not like 'most girls'. I don't have time for such frivolous things, I need to focus on my studies. The entrance exams for junior senator are at the end of this year!"

"I completely agree that your exams are important, and I would hate for you to become distracted. However, having a crush and dating are wonderful parts of growing up. I just don't want you to become so single minded that you completely close your eyes to possibilities that could be right in front of you." Bail stressed the last part, putting in some support for Oliver. "I'm not forcing you to like boys and date right away, I'm saying to not completely disregard the idea."

Leia nodded her head and contemplated her father's words.

"I'd be completely lying if I said I haven't started to notice that boys are attractive. And that I've daydreamed about what going on a date would be like," Leia spoke in a near whisper. "But who would want to go on a date with me? Boys barely even look at me."

Bail wanted desperately to tell his daughter that wasn't true, but he wanted Oliver to have his moment when he told Leia he liked her.

He simply responded, "My dear, you are a very beautiful girl, inside and out. Mark my words, boys will start to notice you in no time. You needn't worry about a thing."

It's me who needs to worry. Bail thought. I've always predicted a day would come when boys would be lined up around the corner to court Leia.