Rated M again...well, you know why...

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He was standing beside her, so close that his warm breath shifted the fine hairs framing her face. From the corner of the Princess' eye, she could tell Han was staring intently, but not at the soft dough waiting for them on the work- table.

She tried to ignore his alluring, distinctive scent and the warmth generated from his proximity, instead attempting to concentrate on the task at hand. But when Han whispered in a smoky-velvet voice near her ear, "I'm completely fascinated watching you in action– you've got very talented hands." Leia couldn't suppress the excitement fluttering in her stomach and the flush crawling up her cheeks. He's doing this on purpose...

Attempting to re-focus, the Princess' nimble hands returned to knead the temperamental dough on the work-board, huffing at him with a flustered smirk. "For the love of Petr, will you stop that- I can't concentrate."

"Stop what? I'm here to offer my services in any way necessary," Han offered in the most innocent tone he could muster, given the fact that he was turned-on by just being in the same room with the Princess and was trying his best to seduce her away from this culinary lesson.

"Don't play innocent with me, Hotshot- I know exactly what you're trying to do," she subconsciously licked her lips while giving him a sideways glance. "We promised to make a nice meal for Chewie as a kind of peace offering for putting up with our frequent...absences. And weren't you the one who wanted to learn how to do more than just boil water in the kitchen?"

"We taught each other a few things earlier today," he countered with a low chuckle near Leia's ear.

Her lips curled upwards at his sexual innuendo, muttering with a slight grin. "You're incorrigible. The least you could do would be to pay attention or feign a little bit of interest. I did help with the power cell refabs yesterday," Leia teased with a raised eyebrow while flipping the sticky dough over on the board for more kneading.

"Sweetheart, I AM paying attention," to the cute expression on your face, the curve of your neck, your cleavage that peaks out when you lean over a bit to work that pile of dough...

Han's baritone voice rumbled playfully. "Why, look what we have here ... you've got a tiny smudge on your neck," Han drawled while licking an imaginary spot of something off the delicate skin just below the Princess' ear. He couldn't resist peppering kisses on the nearby love bites that remained from one of their previous encounters.

Han grinned into her skin, detecting an aroused sigh as Leia's shallow breaths quickened. He continued to nip her flesh while whispering, "And I recall thanking you for your assistance with those power cells - didn't you enjoy my show of appreciation afterwards?" Han moved behind her while his hands caressed the Princess' hips over her pale orchid dress, pressing up against her curved bottom as his hands stealthily slid upward to cup her breasts.

"I like it when you're grateful," Leia managed to whisper as her resistance faded under his insistent touch; almost (but not quite) angry at herself from the wetness increasing between her legs. Still, she argued, though rather unconvincingly, "But I have to spread out this dough before it ends up unworkable."

"Feel that, Princess?" He growled into Leia's hair while grinding his growing bulge against her backside and lower back. "Screw the bread-making. I'm going to spread you out," nibbling on the space between her neck and shoulder.

Their joining was a foregone conclusion; just a look from him was enough to make her desire flare, so this bombardment was altogether too much to resist. Leia twisted around to grab at Han's shoulders with flour-covered hands, dragging her body up against him as she pulled him into a heated kiss, which he hungrily accepted.

Han clutched her tiny body with one arm while the other swept the pastry-board off the table with a reverberating clatter, the forgotten dough plopping to the floor as puffs of flour curled through the air.

The Princess' eyes flickered towards the galley's portal with wavering concern about being caught doing something much more fulfilling than bread making. Han responded before she had an opportunity to ask. "I gave them a long list to double-check – we won't be interrupted," he barely mumbled out before taking Leia's breath away with another frantic kiss.

"I don't care - I've been wanting you inside me since you sauntered in here," she mewled as Han's hands clutched her waist before launching her onto the work-table. Leia shimmied out of her panties with a breathy giggle as he rushed to unzip and drop his pants, her fingers already reaching greedily for his hardened member.

Grabbing at the layers of fabric of the Princess' dress, he wedged himself between her legs as his hand groped underneath for her center, plunging a finger into her wetness. Yelping at Han's touch, her sexy moans grew more wanton as he worked her flesh in concentric circles, her thighs spreading wider in invitation as he withdrew his finger and teased her entrance with the head of his cock.

Han hesitated; a small and still logical part of his brain analyzing the possibility of his weight atop hers toppling the table. "C'mere," he gruffly demanded, snapping Leia's descending body back upwards against his chest. "Don't want to break the table," he explained, shooting a wicked grin at her surprised expression before smothering her mouth with his.

Leia felt disoriented from arousal and the sudden change in her position from his manhandling, but her legs happily wrapped around Han's waist as he grabbed her ass in his large hands, carrying her squirming body a short distance to the nearest bulkhead.

He held Leia up easily while she frantically pulled the material of her dress upwards to grant him access to the Heaven waiting in between her legs. Clutching her thighs, Han pushing them upward and open wide as he thrust home into her.

She squealed in pleasure as he relentlessly drove deeper inside, with her back pressed against the cold durasteel wall as they both raced toward release, flying higher, higher...

Soon, the princess was clenching around him and crying out his name. He stuck a few fingers in her mouth to silence her, which she bit down on while feeling the hot gush of Han erupting within her. Wilting against him in spent satisfaction, she whispered against his hair, "You're going to be the death of me."

"Best way to die," he groaned into Leia's breasts as their breathing spiraled downwards before she admitted with a giggle, "I've never had so much fun in a kitchen before in my life."

Han chuckled in agreement with his face buried in the Princess' chest, before gently slipping her down his body so Leia's feet could finally touch the floor.

As they rearranged their clothing, the Princess declared without remorse, "You have flour in your hair." She tugged playfully on Han's messy, dark mop as he conceded with a grin, "Probably other places too. I'd say it was worth it."

Leia's eyes began veiling over again with desire as she suggested innocently, "We could get cleaned up in the shower- I'll be sure to take extra time washing you."

Han's expression shifted from amusement to recognition to carnal want. "I love cooking..."

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Dinner proceeded as usual, with banter flying around the table at swoop-racer speed as Han and Chewbacca inhaled the food set before them.

*This roast is fantastic, Little Princess,* Chewbacca woofed after swallowing another huge mouthful of meat before digging into the seasoned potmatoes with gusto.

"As usual," Han crowed in agreement between chews, having just finished his second helping of everything. Sex sure had a way of increasing one's appetite. "She's a woman of hidden talents; I wonder what she'll surprise me, I mean, us, with next," leering at her from across the table.

*I thought you were going to teach Cub how to make Alderaani savory pies? Or was he a lackluster student?*

Leia's eyes darted to her lover, looking over the edge of her wine glass to see a familiar, smug grin plastered on Han's face. He was obviously enjoying this line of conversation and the flush on her cheeks, his smile growing wider before he took another pull of the brew in his hand.

Without missing a beat, she exclaimed. "Oh no. He was very interested in learning. But I had my back up against the wall with other activities that couldn't wait," smiling coyly while Han choked on his gulp of ale at her entendre. "I'll make them tomorrow, I promise."

*I don't want you to think I'm complaining, Little Princess – we're grateful for whatever you make; your meals are always delicious.* The Wookiee shoved a whole butter roll into his mouth for added emphasis.

"I'll be happy to help out in the galley again," Han offered the Princess with an extra-long appreciative stare before pursing his lips and blowing her a kiss from across the table. With their mutual raging libidos, the captain mused there would be a serious problem for himself and Leia, of ever getting any type of work accomplished if the other was in arms-length...or in the same ship...or building...or...

Chewbacca couldn't help himself, teasing the couple, *Alright, alright you two. There's enough pheromones floating around the Falcon for the 'Old Girl' to spontaneously combust. *

C3PO's insistence that pheromones were not, in fact, flammable - garnered some hearty laughs and a dark flush on the Princess' cheeks.

It was C3PO who changed the conversation to something more serious. "Are you planning on venturing into Pragada tomorrow, Captain?" the droid chimed in. I think you've done as much refurbishing and re-working as is possible this last week. "Chewbacca and I double-checked the remaining repairs and the associated parts needed for purchase or special order. Before we know it, we'll be returning to the rendezvous point!" The golden droid twittered happily.

Kreth, that droid can really kill the mood, the captain thought scornfully. But it was time and he knew it.

Time to stop dragging his feet and get the parts ordered and finally put the finishing touches on his beloved 'Bucket -Of-Bolts'.

Time to bid goodbye to the paradise he and Leia had carved out here on his home world, and return to war and political intrigue...

She visibly witnessed the storm roll in and overshadow Han's earlier playful demeanor, her own mixed feelings about returning to the Alliance unsettling her stomach. As if in response to his melancholy thoughts, Leia offered with a hopeful expression while reaching over with her tiny fingers to grasp his hand, "We can always come back here, some day."

The Captain cleared the emerging lump in his throat before drawling with a lopsided grin, "I'll hold you to that, Princess."

C3PO was the first to break the silence. "I'm afraid to ask, but do you require my services in Pragada?"

The droid's skittish question brought both lovers back to reality, Han responding first. "Huh? Oh yeah. Right. Hell, yes 3PO - I can't take Chewie along with me; we'd just as soon put a bulls-eye on my back. Corellians and Wookiees don't typically 'mix'. And don't ask me why 3PO, because I'm not in the mood to explain," Han's mood darkening further while his thoughts circled back to the Alliance and the unpleasant reality of facing Mothma and Dodonna. They'll be thrilled to discover we're a couple...and while I don't give a shit about what they think of me, I sure as hell don't want them being hostile to Leia.

The Princess instinctively knew what Han was brooding over, wanting to throw her arms around him and wishing she could convince him with her words and malleable body that everything would be fine when they returned to the rendezvous point, but her stomach felt suddenly queasy at the realization that they would most likely face plenty of objections to their relationship.

Instead, she decided to offer a tiny smile while squeezing Han's hand. "Let's focus of Pragada for now. I have my own list of things to pick up, and I can't wait to explore this city you've been boasting about for so long," she offered brightly, hoping to pull him out of his funk.

For kriff's sake - how am I going to sell the family brooch in a local jewelry store with 'Miss My Mind-Is -A-Durasteel- Trap' around me.

Han genuinely meant the nick name as a compliment; it was one of the first things he admired about the feisty Princess. But at the moment it created a dilemma for the ex-smuggler...

Leia could almost see the gears turning in Han's head as his countenance faltered, subconsciously rubbing his chin before beginning slowly, "Yeah... about that, Sweetheart...I was thinking,"

The former senator was an excellent interpreter of physical posturing, and Han's squeamishness only served to irritate her as Leia sputtered with disappointment flaring in her voice. "Thinking what, exactly? Don't you dare try to tell me I'm staying on the Falcon. I've got enough veils for a Scillian harem, and I intend on putting them to good use tomorrow." She stood up from the table with defiance lighting her eyes.

"I was just about to say, before being so rudely interrupted," Han's initial tone harsh, but it softened while grinning in amusement at her foot tapping on the floor impatiently. "That WE'LL leave early enough to give us time for lunch in Central park, plus we need to get you a bathing suit. I promised to take you to Lake Tsala, didn't I? "

The Princess bit her lower lip in mild embarrassment for jumping all over him, though a tiny part of her mind figured he probably deserved it anyway. She nodded up at Han with a tiny grin. "Yes, you did, Captain - and I know you are a man of your word." Reaching to stack his dinner plate on hers before making her way to the galley.

"Oh, and Goldenrod - don't start packing your bags yet. It'll take about a week for all the special order parts to come in, then we have to finish up the Falcon before we head back to the Alliance."

Turning back towards Leia, Han reached to assist her with the pile of dishes she was hoisting up. "Oh no you don't!" She waved Han's hands away playfully. "You and Chewie have been doing the galley clean-up for most of the week, and it's my turn. You two males stay here and talk about... whatever it is you talk about," she finished tartly.

"I'll gladly assist you with any chores necessary, Your Highness!" C3PO clucked enthusiastically as he shuffled around the side of the table to reach her.

Han harrumphed a low chuckle, shooting Leia a devilish grin. "I think 3PO has a thing for you."

"Don't be ridiculous!" she huffed with a giggle, pausing briefly to give the droid a sideways glance before making her way to the galley.

While Han admired the Princess' retreating wiggle and sway of her hips, Chewbacca shook his hairy head before woofing,*Have the two of you started?*

Han's forehead furrowed with curiosity at his best friends cryptic inquiry. "What are you barking about... have we started what?" he deadpanned, willing to take the bait his friend was unloading.

*Picking out names,* Chewbacca paused long enough for the innuendo to sink into the captain's thick skull. *I warned you, Cub, but you just wouldn't listen. With the way you two have been mating all this time, you better propose before the Little Princess starts 'showing'," he chortled with a toothy grin.

He shot back at Chewbacca confidently. "Not like it's any of your business, but I'm up to date on my contra injectable," taking one last pull on his ale.

*From what I heard, those things aren't one hundred percent fool-proof. And that particular description seems to fit you, in regards to the little Princess.*

Han brushed aside the Wookiee's good-natured jib with a wave of a hand. "Nice one, Chewie. I plan on doing this the right way - no 'blaster-gun weddings so the dress still fits' for us... I want to get the Princess the kind of ring she deserves and ask for her hand in marriage, and I'm hoping she'll marry me before we go back to the rendezvous point. I'm going to sell my clan pendant when we're in town - that is, if I can sneak away for a little while. And keep your big mouth shut, 'cause I want to surprise her, OK?"

*My lips are sealed. And Cub; I've got to say that seeing you in love and wanting to settle down makes me one happy Wookiee.*

Han stretched his arms high above before linking his hands together behind his head with a huge grin reaching from ear to ear. "Hard to believe, huh? A Princess and a guy like me," he chest expanding as he continued. "But God's I love her, Chewie...I love her more than my own life..."

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Carefully removing the pins from her plait and loosening the braids into a sea of long waves down her back, Leia waited for Han to return to his cabin. No - he insisted it's 'Our' cabin now...she smiled while silently correcting herself before deciding to remove her dress and slip into something decidedly more comfortable. Making her way back to the crew's quarters for a nightgown would be pointless; it would be easier and more convenient to borrow one of Han's t-shirts... it wouldn't be on for long anyway...

The Princess stuck her hand into the mess of shirts in the chest of drawers, her fingers suddenly coming into contact with something other than clothing.

She carefully pulled a small, weathered box out of the drawer in piqued curiosity. Her fingers went to remove the lid but her conscience prompted her to stop. This was something private, hidden in the back of Han's belongings... it would be wrong of her to peek inside.

Oh, but the temptation to peek! She sighed while sitting on the mattress staring at the mystery parcel in her palm, debating whether it would be possible for the lid to mysteriously 'fall off'...

The Princess didn't notice when Han entered the cabin, lost in her own conflicted thoughts. Soon however, Leia caught his figure from the corner of her eye, her gaze widening in guilty surprise.

Han's eyes travelled to the item resting in her hand, before witnessing what appeared to be a shadow of fear crossing her youthful face. It made his chest clench in pain as he wondered, Is Leia afraid of me and of how I'll react? Or is she afraid of what she'll find inside...

Approaching the Princess slowly, Han offered a gentle smile to quell her anxiousness, thankful Leia's features relaxed as he sat down next to her and wrapped an arm around her waist with deliberate care.

He knew this would open up a deluge of questions, of both pleasant and horrible memories...

She reached for his hand at the same time Han pressed a soft kiss to her temple. "I don't want you to be afraid of me, or of my past. And it's okay, Leia, that you found this," his tone soothing while he glanced downwards to the scuffed-up box clutched in her tiny hand. "Did you look inside?"