Now, where we we? Oh yes, Leia has a plan. Here's the deal: I kinda like this chapter. I hope you do, too.

Chapter 36: First Final Goodbye

"You're not going to exactly – " Leia caught sight of Han, Chewie and Jorik heading back in. "Here they come. Let's finish this discussion in the kitchen while we get dessert."

"Hey, what's going on in here?" Han asked good-naturedly. "Any java left for us?"

"Of course, Dear. Why don't you boys sit and we'll bring in the dessert and java?"

They sat down with Han wedging in very close to the Princess. All three women got up in unison carrying their mugs and headed to the kitchen. When Han noticed Leia following along, he caught her wrist to stop her. He seemed disappointed. "You're going, too?"

"Why not?" Leia definitely read disappointment in his hazel eyes. It made her want to smile. With a little luck, her plan would work. No matter how risky or the final outcome, he'd be worth it, but she could never let anyone know that – especially him.

"Uh, no reason."

"She'll be right back, Dear. Don't worry," Anke sing-songed teasingly as she lead the small posse to the kitchen.

"I'm not worried. Just surprised." His tone was nonchalant. Both Chewie and Han were aware of Leia's limited skills in the food prep arena.

You'll find I'm full of surprises, Captain. She smirked to herself, but outwardly she ignored the remark and followed Kat and Anke as they disappeared into the kitchen.

"What's with them all of a sudden?" Han asked looking at Chewie and Jorik. Chewie shrugged, but Jorik relaxed further into a big overstuffed chair next to the couch.

"What're you talkin' about, Han? They're just gettin' dessert. Just relax and enjoy it." Jorik chuckled.

"Buddy, you have a lot to learn about women." Han shook his head.

"Oh really? And you're an expert?" Jorik sat up, ready to engage.

"Of course." Han shrugged and sold it with his best confidence. Chewie chose that moment to start snickering uncontrollably. "Hey! Nobody asked you, Furball."

"Sure, Han. So why did that beautiful princess you've been hanging around for the last few years suddenly jump up and go to the other room when you sat down next her, huh? Better yet, why aren't you two together?"

Solo waved Jorik's comment off with his hand. "Cuz' it's not like that between us."

"Ha! I saw you two dancing together last night. She's interested and so are you." Jorik snorted and pointed at Solo. "Ain't no way any Corellian male with eyes wouldn't want to be with her if he had the chance."

Instead of defending a losing battle, Han went on the offensive. "If you think you know so much, then where's your wife, Loverboy? You're plenty old enough to be married by now."

Suddenly, Chewie had a lot to say about that pointing vigorously at both of them then taking his hands and coolly swiping them up and over the crown of his fur to cross them at the back of his head while nodding and smiling smugly – a Wookiee smile, that is.

"Yeah, yeah." Solo looked over at Jorik while he jerking his thumb towards Chewie. "He says we're both scared pathetic cubs and he's the only real adult male here since he's not only married, but has a cub of his own, too."

Anke and the other women chose that moment to re-enter carrying trays of dessert and java. "Chewbacca has a cub of his own? That's wonderful! You must show me holos of your family."

Leia actually handed Solo his mug of java complete with a small smile which surprised him, yet again. The weird part was she then made a point to sit in between Jorik and Chewie on the couch across from Han. Meanwhile, Kat sat down very close to Solo, but seemed to keep her eyes on Jorik the whole time even while she handed Han his dessert plate. Solo didn't even have Chewie to help him out on this odd turn of events. Chewie was eating up all of the attention of Anke cooing about the adorableness of Chewie's son as they scrolled through holos he pulled out.

Normally, Solo would be slightly less observant of the whole thing just as Jorik had said, but this would be his last night with Leia in any form and he was on edge about it. He wished it could be different, but he resigned himself to the fact that she wouldn't be happy living the Clan life with him. He had nothing left to offer her that would enhance her goals. Without being able to stick around and watch out for her and Luke, there wasn't anything else and she would never ever consider giving up the Rebellion just for him. Hell, he wasn't even sure she loved him. He thought he was pretty sure before, but now he wasn't sure of anything other than his own feelings for her.

He spaced out for most of the rest of the conversation until it was time for them to head back to the guest house for the night. Han considered staying on the Falcon, but since he had Leia clear out her traveling gear, he couldn't handle the thought of her sleeping in his cabin knowing he couldn't be with her. The guest house was more neutral territory and the bedrooms would be more comfortable for her there.

Just after they had said their goodbye's, Anke followed Solo to the speeder. She gave him a big motherly hug and whispered into his ear, "Dear, are you sure you want the Council and I to decide for you? We meet first thing in the morning and you have to be there right after that."

"I'm sure," he whispered back. "It doesn't matter to me anymore."

"Dear-" Anke's eyes reflected the man's broken heart.

"It'll be fine and I'll make the best of it I can. Trust me." Han reassured her.

"I know you will." She hugged him again very tightly this time. "Have faith. Corellian Luck has always smiled on you, Dear. No reason it won't this time, too."

He smiled weakly and kissed her cheek before turning and getting into the speeder. It was a good thing he was driving and it was dark because he was having a difficult time keeping his emotions off his face.

When they arrived back at the guest house. Han hung back as much as possible so he could gather himself and face talking to the Princess for what he intended to be the last time.

He found her waiting for him in the main room. Chewie was nowhere to be seen. He took a deep breath and walked over to her.

"So…"

"So…" She echoed as unreadable as he wished he could be at this moment.

"I, uh, gotta be outta here first thing in the morning." He knew he had to keep his words short. He had no idea how to say goodbye to this woman. No wonder he put it off for so long. "Chewie will get you where you need to go. He can take the Falcon. She's ready."

"Okay. Thanks."

"He doesn't have to hurry back. So, if he wants to stick around or help out, it's okay by me." Han was so numb that it still didn't dawn on him that he offered her his ship and his first mate/best friend to stay with her indefinitely.

"Chewie's always welcome to stay - if that's what he wants." Leia watched him carefully. "So are you."

"Thanks, Princess," he choked out. He had to put an end to this before he lost control and begged her to marry him, kissed her or, worse, fell apart in front of her. He cleared his throat, took one last long look in her eyes and gave her a saddened version of his infamous Solo smirk. "Okay, well, you and Luke try and stay outta trouble since I won't be around to perform any more of my amazing rescues. "

Leia offered him a smile and held out her hand. "Friends?"

"Aw, hell, c'mere." He took her hand, pulled her tight to his chest and spoke into her hair. "Always, Princess. Always."

He memorized the smell of her hair and the feel of her in his arms as she was crushed against him. Reluctantly, he pulled back leaving a kiss on the top of her head as he went. Then without another look, he turned and went into the kitchen. He was going to need a few drinks before he could think about sleeping.

Leia watched him walk away, mixed emotions each took their turn on her face. She was well aware there was only one reason that she made it through that conversation.