Chapter Twenty

Leia

"Han, wake up," I mumble, nuzzling his neck, drawing lazy circles on his chest with my finger. He mumbles something unintelligible in response, squirming in his sleep. "Han," I try again, running my fingers through his shaggy hair. "You need a trim," I mutter, an amused smile on my lips. After trying a couple more times, I sigh and roll out of bed, slipping my robe over my shoulders. Poor guy deserves some sleep, I suppose. He may not show it, but I know he's worrying like hell. For what, I don't know, but I'm worried, too, I'll admit.

I venture to the kitchen, in hopes of finding some food. I'm starving, since I barely ate last night. I find a pack kaffe in the cupboard. A good start, I guess. I check the rest of the cupboards and fridge, and there's nothing premade…I realize I'll have to resort to the one thing I'm absolutely horrible at; cooking. Gods, I wish Threepio was here to help me. Speaking of him, where the hell is he? It's been, what, three days? And no sight of him? Something's definitely wrong here, and the sooner the ship is fixed and we get back to the Alliance, the better.

"Mornin', sexy," Han rumbles suddenly from behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist. He places light kisses down my jaw line and neck, stopping at my shoulder. "You know," He drawls, kissing my cheek, "I would have loved waking up next to you,"

"I tried waking you up," I reply sweetly, trying to hide the smirk that threatened to appear. "So it's just too bad for you, isn't it, Solo?" I turn around and place a quick yet gentle kiss on his lips, before ducking out of his embrace and heading towards the fridge. "And you should be happy," I add, pulling out the milk. "I'm cooking for you!"

"How should that make me happy?" He crows, throwing his head back and laughing.

"Don't tease!" I chide, flinging some batter in his direction. "Unless, of course, you don't mind skipping love-making today…" I can't hide the smirk this time. I laugh at his appalled reaction; he's so fun to tease. I turn to the cupboard and attempt to reach the top one, but my damned height makes it practically impossible. "At least help me out here,"

"Fine, Shorty," He grins lopsidedly, a glint of amusement and mischief in his hazel eyes. He easily reaches up and opens the cupboard, pulling out a bag of sugar, flour and baking powder.

"Don't call me that," I glare at him, accepting the three bags.

"I don't wanna get in a food fight like last time," He begins, leaning in and giving me a soft peck. "So just tell me when it's ready, okay?"

I sigh, my lips curving into a smile. I mock-salute the smuggler. "Yes, sir."

"Hey, Princess, why're ya gettin' all dolled up?" Han asks casually, leaning against the doorframe. He crosses his arms over his chest and watches in silence as I begin to braid my long hair.

"Since you gotta go to help Chewie, I figured I'd go out," I explained, deciding to leave my hair down. I really don't want him to go, to be honest; I want him all to myself today. Fine, I'll admit it, I'm selfish, but if my hunch is right, I want to spend as much time as possible with him, to compensate. I dab on some lipstick, then turn to Han. "How do I look?"

"Gorgeous," He gapes at me, making my complexion turn a very bright red. "I feel like I should come with you, now," Han rubs the back of his neck, shifting his weight from one foot to the other.

I raise an eyebrow at the scoundrel. "And why is that?"

He shrugs and takes a seat on the daybed. "All the guys are gonna be comin' after you," He grins crookedly, my heart skipping a beat in response. "Nice men, I might add,"

"Well that's too bad for them," I offer him a loving smile. "I only like scoundrels,"

"Since when?" Han beams, crossing his ankles.

"I can't exactly put my finger on it," I wave my hand dismissively. "But I think it was when that smuggler decided he'd try to seduce me," I smirk, walking over to the closet.

In one swift movement, Han is off the daybed and pressing me up against the wall. "Admit it; you like it," He growls seductively, trailing his lips down my neck.

"Han," I try in a vain attempt to repress a moan as his lips cover mine in a fervent kiss. I feel my feet slowly lift off the ground as he picks me up and carries me over to the big, inviting bed. I kiss his neck as he works on unbuttoning my blouse, moans escaping the both of us. As he runs his hands up and down my legs, this blissful moment comes quickly to an end; the knock at the door pulls us out of our fantasy. I hear Chewbacca growl from the other side of the door, a blush creeping onto my cheeks.

"I'm coming, Chewie!" Solo turns back to me, an apologetic look on his handsome face. "Sorry, sweetheart," He kisses my forehead, looking slightly embarrassed. He still hasn't made a move to get off of me.

"You'd better get going," I whisper regretfully, tracing the scar on his chin with a feather-light touch. "Chewie sounds pretty mad," The Wookie proves my point by slamming his fists on the door, letting out an angry howl.

"You're right about that," Han leans in and places a lingering kiss on my lips. "Later, Princess, I promise," He winks, climbing off of me. He hesitates at the door. "Love you,"

I smile warmly at him, biting my lip. "Love you, too."

"Sweetheart, I'm back," Han whispers, climbing into bed next to me. He wraps his arms around my waist and nuzzles my neck, pulling me out of my sleep.

"What time is it?" I ask, still half-asleep.

He cranes his neck to check the chrono resting on the table. "1200," He answers, suddenly sounding exhausted. He climbs on top of me, his eyes boring into mine.

"You should get some sleep," I suggest, kissing his nose. "You've had a long day," I brush a few strands of hair from his forehead.

"Aren't you forgetting my promise?" He attacks my neck with open mouthed kisses.

"Since when do you keep your promises?" I ask shakily, struggling to keep my breathing even. I tangle my fingers in his hair, pulling him closer.

"For you, always," He replies seriously, staring straight into my eyes before fiercely kissing my lips. He kicks off his boots and removes his shirt, his mouth never leaving mine.

"Han," I gasp as he nibbles on my earlobe.

"Mm?"

"I need you," I blurt out, pulling his face towards mine. "I'm in love with you,"

"Me too, Leia," Gods, I love it when he says my name. "I've always been,"

"Then we're on the same page," I wrap my arms around his neck. "I was scared, Han,"

"I know, sweetheart," He gently kisses my lips. "I was, too,"

"I still am," I admit quietly. "I'm scared- no, terrified- of losing you," He kisses my hairline, urging me to go on. "Han, I-I'm completely in love with you," My voice cracks, my body racking with shudders. "And nothing can change that," After a few moments, he still hasn't responded. "Han? Answer, please,"

"Leia, promise me one thing," He practically begs, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Anything,"

"Promise me you'll always love me," He brushes a lock of hair from my cheek. "Because I sure as hell will always love you,"

I try to smile through the tears. I kiss him passionately, never wanting to let go. "I promise," I realize that I love him more than anything in the galaxy. I'm his forever. And he's mine. A huge grin spreads on my face. A princess, completely and utterly in love with a scoundrel. An unlikely pair, but perfect. That's what we are. Perfection.