Chapter Thirty Five
Birthday Boy
Leia felt warm and comfortable. Her body relaxed in her bed and the soft blankets covering her sleeping form. She could feel her eyes fluttering and being pulled from her restful state. Peaking her eyes open she saw the bright sun gleaming into the bedroom. Her eyes quickly shut, not ready to see the bright morning. Her mind more awake now, Leia took in her surroundings. She could feel Han's arms wrapped around her middle and smell the Falcon from his skin. Sighing she stretched back into Han's embrace. She felt fingertips run across her neck, brushing her hair away. Leia smiled softly as she felt lips touch against her neck. Han left small pecks across her skin, his grip on her tightening.
"Morning Princess." Han whispered against her ear.
"Shhh, I'm not awake." Leia whispered back, her eyes still shut. Han chuckled against her neck, moving to drag his lips against her skin once more. Exhaling a slow breath, Leia smiled and enjoyed Han's movement. His tongue drew circles and patterns over her jaw and down to her collar bone. "Han…" Leia sighed out.
"What is it?" Han mumbled against her.
"I'm sleeping…"
"You're not." He corrected, moving his hands up to cup her chest.
"Ben will be up soon, we have a busy day. I need rest." Leia explained to her husband, still enjoying the feel of his arms around her and his lips on her neck.
"I can show you a better time." Han promised her with a soft whisper. Leia laughed, snuggling back into Han's arms.
"Promises, Promises." She giggled, giving up her fight. Twisting her body, Leia slowly rolled over to face her husband. Keeping her eyes closed, a small smile graced her lips. Han stared at his wife's restful expression. Leaning in he placed a kiss against her nose. Leia's giggle warmed his heart, as she moved closer into his arms. Their chests pressed together and their faces barely apart. Leia's fingers ran up his bare chest, her touch burning at his skin.
"You given up yet?" Han asked her.
"Maybe." She whispered back to him, her eyes opening and meeting his gaze. He stared into her dark brown eyes, taking in her morning beauty. Han would never tire of waking up to Leia in his arms. She looked beautiful all the time, but there was something about her sleeping face in the morning light that warmed his heart. Her hair draped down over her shoulders, blanketing her back, as her lashes fluttered. "Morning." She grinned at him. Han's fingers ran over her face, brushing his fingertips along her lips. Leaning in, Leia brought her lips to his. Sighing into each others touch, the pair moved their lips softly against one another. His hands found their way down her sides, resting against her hips and softly pulling her body on top of his. Leia pulled away, smirking down at her husband.
"What are you doing?' She asked.
"I thought that was obvious." He smirked up at her, grinding her hips into his own. Leia's laugh echoed against the walls.
"Ben will be up soon…" she sighed against his kisses.
"He's not up yet." Han reminded her, as his fingers ghosted under her night gown, drawing circles over her skin. His touch felt so warm and perfect. Maybe she could give in this time. Leaning down, Leia captured Han's lips. Their kiss grew and soon their tongues moved against each other, as their hips pressed together. Moving to lift Leia's gown from her body, Han groaned when he heard movement from the hallway. Leia's head whipped up and away from her husband, as her ears caught the sound of feet running down the hall.
"Damn it." Han muttered under his breath. Leia smiled down at him, quickly moving her body to his side. Ben bolted into the room, his energy clearly wide awake and ready for the day.
"Later…" Leia whispered, Han only groaned and leaned his head back against the pillows.
"Mommy! Daddy!" Ben said running into their room and jumping up and on to their bed. His dark curls bouncing against his face. His small legs pressed up and down into the mattress, his excitement shaking his parents bed. Leia laughed at her son, allowing him this silly moment. Han slipped his arm around Leia once more, his face burying into her shoulder in hopes of hiding from his energetic son. Ben's crazy movement continued to shake his parents.
"Good morning Ben." Leia said quickly taking Ben into her arms and stopping his jumping.
"Mommy! It's my birthday." Ben told her.
"I know that sweet boy." She said, kissing his forehead.
"Happy Birthday Ben." Han said, ruffling his hair.
"Daddy, I'm this many." Ben told his father as he held up 4 fingers.
"I know that little man. How are you four already?" Han asked, his eyes looking to Leia's. She shrugged. She really didn't know how it had been four years already. Her son was growing so fast, he wasn't a baby anymore.
"What do you want for breakfast Ben?' Leia asked him.
"I want lots!" He yelled as he dashed out of the room, running towards the kitchen.
"I think thats are cue to get out of bed." Leia told Han, rolling over and laying her head against his chest.
"Do we have to?"
"The boy will destroy the kitchen and besides it's his birthday."
"I suppose I do like the kid…"
"A little bit…" Leia giggled.
"He's a good boy."
"He's the best." Leia smiled, lifting her head up to meet her husband's gaze. "I love you." She told him, running her fingers up and through his hair.
"I love you too. You gave me a son four years ago."
"You helped." She laughed.
Hearing a large crash from down the hall, both parents sat up and looked down the way.
"I didn't do it!" They heard Ben call from the kitchen. Sighing, they both pulled the covers back and stepped out of bed. Leia reached for her robe, wrapping the soft fabric around her body. Han stepped towards her, pulling her close one last time before they found their son. Leaning down, Han tilted her chin up and kissed her sweetly.
"Later…" She sighed once more.
"Later…" Han agreed. Leia smiled, stepping to leave the room. Her voice yelped as she felt Han slap her ass. Turning her head to glance at him, she tried not to smile.
"Later…" She said, pointing a finger at him and trying to look mad. Holding his hands up in defeat, Han only smirked. Leia stared at him for a moment, before quickly stepping forward. Leaning up to her tip toes, She quickly pressed her lips to Han's. Kissing him deeply, before slowly pulling away.
"What was that?" He asked, slightly out of breath.
"You look good this morning." She smirked, before turning around and walking out of the room.
"I always look good, sweetheart!" He called after her.
Leia slowly walked into the kitchen, to find her son nibbling on a berry muffin they'd picked up from the market the day before.
"How's that muffin?" Leia asked, laughing at his messy face.
"Yummy, Mommy. It's my birthday." He reminded her again.
"I know, you are such a big boy. What happened to my baby?" She asked him, pouring herself a cup of caf.
"I grows up. I'm gonna be as talls as daddy." Ben told her.
"Oh, really?" She asked, turning to face her son. Already knowing he would surpass her height in no time.
"Daddy says so."
"What did I say?" Han asked, walking into the kitchen and immediately slipping his arms around his wife's waist. Leia leaned back against hist chest, handing over her mug of caf. A comfortable move between the pair after so many mornings spent together.
"Ben is going to be as tall as you." Leia explained to Han.
"Maybe taller." Han said, sipping the hot liquid.
"I don't, he is my son." Leia teased.
"Whats we doing for my birthday?" Ben asked.
"Well, funny you should ask." Han said, pulling apart from his wife and walking over to his son. Leaning against the counter across from Ben, Han smirked.
"I thought I might take the Falcon up today, and I might need a co-pilot."
"Me!" Ben said jumping up in his chair.
"Han…" Leia warned from behind him, he paid her no attention.
"I thought you could help me fly the old girl, what do you say Ben?'
"Yes! I wanna!" Ben shouted. "What about Uncle Chewie?" Ben said pausing and looking back to his father.
"We'll let the old fuzz ball do something, but today your my little man. Go get dressed." Han told him.
Didn't have to tell him twice. The small child bolted from the kitchen and ran towards his room. His feet echoing down the hallway. Han smiled, pleased to see his son so excited about flying. He smirked and slowly turned around. His face fell a bit as he took in his wife's glare. Her arms were folded over her chest and her eyebrows raised at him.
"Han." She started.
"Come on Leia, he loves the idea." Han interuped.
"Of course he does, but you didn't even think to ask me about this?"
"What's there to ask?"
"Han, he has a birthday party here in a few hours."
"We'll be back." Han shrugged, Leia only tilted her head towards him. She knew her husband too well.
"I know you."
"You do, I'll be back in time. Come on sweetheart. He's so excited."
"You should have talked to me about this." Leia said, grabbing back her caf and walking over to the rest of the muffins.
"I didn't think it was that big of a deal."
"Fine." She said shortly.
"Leia…" Han sang, smirking at her stubborn attitude.
"You better not be late. And I guess I'm stuck setting up all by myself." She sighed, mentally thinking over what all needed to be done.
"Isn't Luke and Naya coming in?"
"Not in time to help with anything. It's fine, I'll figure it out. You better go get dressed or he's going to drag you outside like that." She said gesturing to his pajamas.
Ben's feet ran down the hall and back to the kitchen. Looking at his father, he frowned.
"Where your clothes at?" Ben asked him.
"I'm getting there." Han sighed.
"You have to remember Ben, daddy is old." Leia whispered down to her son, with a smirk for her husband.
"Funny." Han barked out, walking past his family and down the hall to their bedroom.
Walking into the hangar, Ben dashed towards his fathers ship. Han laughed at his son's energy, not bothering to catch up with him. Han was still so pleased to see his son ready and excited to help fly his ship. Smiling to himself, he wondered if one day it would be Ben's ship. Han watched as Chewie made his way down the ramp and swept the child into his furry arms. Ben giggled, as Chewie's furry fingers tickled the child's sides.
"It's my birthday Uncle Chewie." Ben told him, Chewbacca nodding and wishing him a happy birthday.
"Figured we'd let him be co-pilot today." Han told Chewie, as he approached the ship.
"You help me Uncle Chewie?"
"Sure, little cub." Chewie told him, scratching across his curls.
"Daddy!" Ben squealed, as he lept from Chewie's arms and into his father's embrace.
"Let's go kid. Your mom will kill me if we're late for your birthday party."
"How long we got?" Chewie asked.
"Little over 4 hours." Han told him. Chewie laughed, shaking his head.
"What?'
"We're going to be late."
"We have plenty of time." Han told him as they boarded the ship and headed for the cockpit.
"You'll get up there flying with the cub and you'll lose track of all time."
"Not true. Leia made me set a reminder on my com."
"Doesn't surprise me. She's a smart one your wife."
"We'll be fine." Han assured him.
Setting Ben down to his own feet, Han watched as the boy moved towards the controls of the ship. Ben stared out ahead of him, still too short to see out the windows, but happy to see all the flips and switches in his reach.
"You ready Ben?" Han asked, leaning down to is level. Ben's eyes held excitement and happiness. Nodding quickly to his father, Ben smiled.
"I'm ready." He said, standing tall. Han smirked down at him, before taking his seat. Chewie followed, talking his own seat and pulling Ben up and into his lap. Ben bounced up and down on Chewbacca's lap, ready to start his co-pilot day. Han smirked at his son, watching him await his orders.
"Alright Ben, I need you to flip those three switches there. The red one and the two yellow ones." Han told Ben. Ben's face was concentrated as he watched where his father was pointing. Nodding, his small fingers quickly flipped the switches, watching the lights turn on beside them.
"Great job, Ben." Han told him, Ben smiling bright from ear to ear.
"What next daddy?"
"I need you to press the big red button on your right side." Han explained. Looking to his side, Ben frowned finding several red buttons.
"Which one Uncle Chewie?" Ben whispered to the wookie. Smiling, Chewie pointed to the correct button. Ben's small finger pressed the button, another series of lights flickering on. Han's hands moved across his side of the ship, flipping switches and buttons across the board.
Ben watched his fathers movements and soon felt the Falcon come to life. The rumble and vibrations, sent giggles from the child.
"Alright Birthday boy, come here." Han told him. Ben quickly jumped from Chewie's lap and found his father's. Reaching to strap them both in, silently remembering Leia's threat if he wasn't careful with their son. "We're going to lift the ship." Han told Ben, placing the boys hands on the controls.
"I'm ready Daddy."
"Good, my little Corellian boy."
"Mommy says I is a Prince."
"Well Mommy's not wrong."
"What now daddy?" Ben asked.
Slowly Han placed his hands around his son's and helped to him to slowly lift the levers up. Ben felt the ship shift and began to move from the ground. His smile was strong and his cheeks hurt from his pure excitement.
"We're doing it Daddy!"
"You are Ben." Han encouraged. The Falcon fully lifted from the ground and soon they hovered out and above the hangar. Looking up above him, Ben giggled as he watched the sky flash before them as they darted into the stars.
Back on Corellia, Leia shuffled through the house. Her mind was scattered as she tried to remember everything to set up. Moving from the kitchen to the living room, she made sure extra chairs were set out and the snacks were ready across the counter. She counted in her head the number of guests and hoped everything would work out smoothly. Hearing the door chime, her heart stopped. Whipping her head to the chrono, she still had an hour before the guests were meant to arrive. She sighed and slowly walked towards the door, palming it open she was surprised to see Pooja on the other side.
"Leia." she greeted.
"Hello." Leia said, pulling her into a small hug.
"I'm so sorry, we're early. Our launch was much faster then we planned. Can I help you with anything?" Pooja explained as her family walked inside the Solo home. Calvin, Pooja's husband greeted Leia offering her a small hug. Piper, Her daughter stood behind her father, growing shy.
"Oh no, please come in and sit down." Leia said, opening her arms out to the living room. "Are the others with you?" Leia asked, looking behind Pooja. The whole Naberrie family was invited today.
"Soon. My mother and sister will be here later." Pooja explained. "I'm afraid Grandma and Grandpa are going to have to miss this one. Grandpa Ruwee wasn't feeling well this morning and Jobal refused to leave his side." Pooja said.
"Oh, should you be there with them." Leia quickly asked.
"No they are well taken care of. They insisted we come and celebrate for Ben. Where is the birthday boy?"
"With his father I'm afraid. It will be a miracle if they make it back for the party." Leia sighed.
"Flying?" Pooja asked with a smile.
"How'd you know?"
"You are raising your son on Corellia."
"True." Leia smiled.
"Surely we can help with something." Calvin asked, stepping beside his wife.
"Oh please your guests here."
"We're also family. You look stressed."
"I…I suppose there's something." Leia said debating what else needed to be done.
"I have a few more chairs in the extra bedroom…"
"I'll grab them." Calvin said with a smile.
"Thank you." Leia said as he walked down the hall. "As for us, I just need to finish putting the snacks out." Leia told her cousin.
"Easy enough. Honey why don't you go watch the holo?' Pooja suggested to her daughter, looking to Leia for approval.
"Of course, go ahead sweetie." Leia told piper. Piper smiled softly, her dark curls bouncing as she skipped across the living room. Moving into the kitchen, the cousins stayed quiet as the worked on plating the snacks. Leia briefly wondering if she should have stole 3PO early from Luke.
"You look beautiful Leia." Pooja told her, admiring her cousin's dress.
"Oh…Thank you." Leia said with a small laugh. "Something I could easily move in." Leia laughed again, looking down to the loose purple silk around her.
"Han didn't want to help?" Pooja asked with a slight smile.
"He doesn't think about these things. And by the time he'd mentioned it, Ben was excited and I couldn't tell him no on his birthday."
"I understand. Calvin is the same with Piper. That little girl has him wrapped around her finger." Pooja explained.
"She is a cute little girl." Leia smiled.
"She is, but boy does she have the Naberie traits."
"Such as?" Leia asked, curious.
"Well these days she might seem shy, but she's an explosion when she warms up."
"I remember her being quite the ball of energy when she was younger." Leia said remembering their trips to Naboo.
"Oh yes. She has informed me she wants to serve in the Senate."
"Does she?" Leia asked, a little shocked by such a young girls decision.
"She does. She is very out spoken as well. Should make for an interesting Senator."
"Nothing wrong with out spoken Senators." Leia smirked. Pooja laughing.
"No I suppose not. If anything she can use you and Padme as influences." The awkwardness with the mention of Padme had long ago faded away. Leia felt comfortable with her found family. Speaking of her birth mother no longer bothered her, it was quite normal around her Naboo family.
"You too." Leia added. "You were a great Senator."
"I didn't lead a Rebellion." She smirked.
"Oh gods, be glad you didn't. I'm sure it took years off my life."
"It gave you your family?"
"It did. But I don't wish those times on anyone."
"Would you ever do it again?" Pooja asked, her voice quietening.
"Why would I need to?" Leia asked, her eyes flashing up to her cousins.
"Nothing, forget I mentioned it."
Leia stared at Pooja, hoping to pull something for her feelings. Knowing she shouldn't be using the force to tap into her cousin's feelings, but wanting to know what she meant by that. Leia felt several things at once coming from Pooja. Nerves was first and then it faded into panic and slight fear. Leia swallowed, wondering what exactly she was missing, now that she had been long away from the Republic. Calvin walked back into the room, interrupting Leia's thoughts. The extra chairs in were in his arms.
"Where do you ned these Leia?" He asked.
"Anywhere is fine. I just thought we could use the extra seating. Thank you." She said.
"Of course." Calvin said offering her a grin, before moving to sit with his daughter on the couch.
"Pooja?" Leia tried but her cousin stopped her.
"Really Leia. Just forget I said anything. Today is about Ben." She said quickly walking over to set more plates down. Leia watched her move about the kitchen, her mind still flickering with emotion.
The stars whiped around them. Ben giggled and squealed, clearly the boy was enjoying himself.
"Am I a good Pilots Daddy?" Ben asked Han.
"You sure are."
"You get me a ship for my birthday?" He asked, turning to face his father, a hopeful expression gracing his features. "Not this year buddy, you gotta get a little taller."
"Taller…Got it." Ben said, making a mental note to grow taller, faster. The Falcon flew through the stars, the lights pacing and lighting Ben's face. Sitting back against is father, he enjoyed the view of the Galaxy in front of his small face.
"How long have we been out?" Chewie asked.
"Not long…" Han trailed off, keeping his mind on flying his son through the stars.
"Where's your com?" Chewie asked.
"In my pocket. Trust me Chewie we have plenty of time." Han assured the Wookie. Flipping a few switches, the Falcon slowed. Sitting back, Han lifted Ben from his lap.
"How about a snack kid?" Han asked, feeling hungry himself. That's what he gets for not eating breakfast.
"I like snacks daddy. Can I have cookies?"
"Cookies aren't a good thing for you son."
"I promise I won't use the force." Ben mumbled out, remembering how his father still teased his mom about a day long ago that he couldn't quite remember.
"I know you won't. But later you'll have cake. How about some crackers?" Han suggested. Ben sighed but nodded, following his dad into the galley.
"Alright Ben, here we go." Han said sitting down with a box of some sort of crackers. He wondered how long they'd been aboard the ship. In the past he would have wondered if they'd been there for decades, but since marrying Leia she had saw to organizing his ship, especially the food sources.
"Daddy?"
"Yes Ben."
"Who gonna be at my party?"
"Well I'm not sure, your mom did the inviting. I know Uncle Luke and Aunt Naya with be there. Probably Momma's family from Naboo."
"Daddy?"
'Yes son." Han laughed at his son's constant questions.
"Why don't I have a grandma and grandpa?" Han choked a bit on his cracker.
"You ok daddy?"
"I'm alright."
"So…" Ben mumbled.
"You do, You have Grandpa Ruwee and Grandma Jobal."
"ohhh ok." Ben nodded.
"Why'd you ask that Ben?'
"My friends have more of them."
"Yeah, well. Our family is a little different Ben." Han said scratching the back of his head.
"Good or bads?' Ben asked.
"Good, you've got a family that loves you a lot Ben." Han smiled down to him. Ben smiled back.
"Han!" Chewie yelled moving into the galley.
"What's wrong?' Han asked.
"Leia." Chewie said pointing to his on comlink. Han groaned and stood, grabbing his friends com he quickly answered.
"Leia?" He asked into the device.
"Where the hell are you!?' She almost screamed.
"What! We have plenty of time." He argued.
"Han! you are supposed to be here half an hour ago. Everyone is here, except the birthday boy!"
"What?" Han asked, reaching for his own com. Finding it in his pocket he pulled it out. It's flashing light indicating the dying battery. "I didn't hear the com, I'm sorry."
"This is exactly why this was a bad idea."
"Hey Ben's having a good time."
"That's great but his birthday party is going on without him."
"We'll head back." Han sighed.
"Good." Leia said, the line going dead.
"Shit…Alright kid, we gotta get home or your mom might really kill me."
Leia paced the kitchen, the rest of the house was buzzy with laughter and chatter. Leia couldn't relax, she was too focused on where the hell her husband was. Hearing the door slide open, Leia quickly turned.
"Mommy!" Ben said running into the house. Leia smiled and leaned down to hug her son. "I flew the Falcon mommy."
"That's amazing baby. Go tell everyone hello, they all came here for your birthday."
"Alright Mommy." Ben said, moving away from his mother and towards all the guests. Looking up, Leia watched as Han and Chewie walked greeting everyone. Han caught her eye, but Leia quickly turned away. Sighing he quickly followed his wife down the hall. Pushing her into Ben's bedroom, he held her shoulders.
"Don't be mad at me." He said offering his best pout.
"You promised you'd be back and your an hour late. All these people came here to see Ben."
"I'm sorry. We lost track of time."
"Like I said you would."
"Alright you got me. You know me better then I know myself."
"Remember that."
"You mad?"
"I'm irritated." She said huffing out a breath.
"Is there anyway I could fix that?" He asked looping his arms around her hips and pulling her to him. "We have a date later…" Han reminded her.
"Oh we did. I'm not so sure now…." Leia stopped, as Han's lips pressed to hers. Sighing into his sweet kiss, her fingers found their way into his hair.
"Better?" He whispered against her skin.
"I hate when you do that." She whispered out, her eyes still closed.
"No you don't sweetheart." He smirked down to her.
"Well you aren't killing each other." Luke said from the doorway, causing Han and Leia to jump apart. "My nephew want's to open his gifts."
"We're on our way." Han nodded. Luke smirked, shaking his head at the pair.
The party progressed and everyone seemed to be having a good time. The few kids that Ben knew were there and all seemed to play well together. Being the older kids Piper and Poe Dameron helped Ben unwrap his gifts and open his new toys. The room was happy and warm. Luke and Naya talked to Poe's parents, both commenting on Yavin's weather and the progress for the academy. 3PO had found his way over to Pooja and her mother Sola. The poor pair sat chatting to the droid, clearly going out of their minds but too polite to shut him off, as Han would do. Everyone seemed to be in good spirits and were enjoying the party.
Ben giggled as he pretended to fly his new ship around the living room. His small legs carried him around in circles, as he explained how he flew the Falcon and went into the stars today with his Daddy. Everyone laughed and watched the child enjoy his birthday gifts.
"Happy boy." Han told Leia, coming up behind her to rest his chin against her shoulder.
"He is a happy boy." Leia nodded, wrapping her arms around his hands.
"You forgiven me yet?"
"Maybe…" She smiled, her gaze falling to Pooja. "I'm going to save my cousin." Leia said, pulling away from her husband and making her way over to Pooja and Sola.
"3PO, could you give us a moment." Leia asked.
"Of course Princess!"
"Oh my dear. Thank you." Sola sighed out.
"He can be a lot." Leia laughed, taking a seat beside her family.
"How are you dear?" Sola asked.
"I'm good, we're doing good."
"Have you given any more thought to a move?" Sola asked with a smile. It wasn't long after meeting the Naberrie family that they had all started suggesting the Solo family move to Naboo. While the planet was beautiful and Leia could see herself living there, Corellia was their home. They politely declined over and over again, but Leia's aunt always found a way to sneak it in.
"We're happy here, Sola." Leia smiled.
"Can't blame me for trying. Ben is such a bright child." She noted.
"He is."
"Wait until he starts watching the political debates and taking notes." Pooja said nodding to Piper.
"She is just following our family." Sola said smiling to her granddaughter.
"She'll be a strong force." Leia smiled, picturing the young girl growing into a strong political figure. Looking back to Pooja, Leia saw the same fear pass over her cousins face.
"Pooja could you help me with something out back?"
"What?" Pooja asked confused.
"Something we were discussing earlier."
"oh…" She sighed. "We'll be right back Mother." Pooja told Sola.
The cousins walked out the back door, the sea air filling their lungs. Slowly Leia turned to face Pooja. Pooja's eyes were to the ground.
"What is it?" Leia asked.
"It doesn't concern you anymore."
"It's upsetting you, it concerns me."
"Leia.."
"Is it the Republic? are there problems?" Leia guessed.
"Not exactly."
"So what is it?" Leia pushed.
"Leia, really I shouldn't have said anything."
"Pooja." Leia said her hands on her hips.
"Coleman has mentioned somethings to myself and the Queen."
"Problems within the Senate then?" Leia asked.
"No. The government seems to be running and moving along as it should."
"Alright…"
"We have no proof Leia."
"Proof of what?"
"A group. A growing group on the outskirts of everything."
"What kind of group?"
"We aren't sure. But there have been signs that could link them to the Empire. Signs that they could be sympathizers to Palpatine. We've been cautious on Naboo."
"Pooja, why didn't you tell me this earlier."
"It doesn't involve you anymore Leia. Besides no one within the Senate is interested in starting another war. We know almost nothing about this group. Its just suspicious and we are aware of it."
"I…Is there anything I can do."
"Leia…"
"Pooja. You seem afraid?"
"I am. I think of everything you went through during the war and I wonder if that is the future for my daughter. Every time she speaks about being apart of the Senate or helping to change things. She's so young but her mind is set. If we have another war headed our way, I don't want my daughter caught in the crossfire." Pooja admitted.
Leia nodded, her head swimming with thoughts.
"What evidence do you have?" Leia asked.
"Practically nothing."
"Could you send it to me?"
"Leia no, this isn't your problem."
"If the Galaxy is facing another war then it is my problem. I don't want my son involved in that either."
Sighing Pooja looked to the ocean.
"I'll send you the files. They are almost nothing. The Chancellor has denied further research."
"Well Mon doesn't control me anymore." Leia noted.
"Leia this could e dangerous."
"I'm not doing anything. I just want to read the files, I'm familiar with the patterns the Empire used. I could be of use." Leia explained.
"I shouldn't have mentioned this. It's Ben's birthday."
"It's alright." Leia said pulling her into a hug. "It's going to be alright." Leia assured her.
The hours ticked on and one by one their guests left. Hugs and kisses were shared as everyone shared their goodbyes. Many had planets to travel to return home. Ben had passed out fast, the excitement of the day truly getting to him. Han smiled down at his son, laying him down in his bed. Running his rough hand over the boys dark hair, Han smirked.
"Night little Pilot."
Stepping back into the living room, Han quickly snaked his arms around Leia's waist. Her attempt to clean the house stopped by his hold.
"Han…"
"Clean tomorrow." He sighed against her neck.
"I can't…"
"Why?"
"Cause, I won't be able to sleep if its this messy." She laughed out honestly.
Han laughed and released her. He watched her for a moment as she fixed up and picked up the room. He slowly helped her, his eyes staying on her face. She seemed to be in deep thought as she cleaned the room. While Han knew his wife had a deep connection to him, he sometimes wondered if he some how felt that same connection to her. She could hide things well, from most people. She had a hard time hiding anything from Han. Especially after the years of marriage. Since moving to Corellia their connection had grew, to each other, their son, even to the beach, as it was Leia's favorite place to be.
"You alright?" Han asked. Her eyes found his and she stopped her movement. Pushing her power towards him, Leia was surprised to find worry rested in her husband. Sighing, she didn't want to fight.
"I don't want to keep this from you, but I feel like I should."
"You should never keep things from me Leia." Han said, his voice defensive. "Out with it…"
"Pooja is just sending over some documents and files to look over."
"Why?"
"I offered."
"Why?" He asked again.
"She is worried and I'd like to help ease her discomfort. I have skills that would be helpful to her and Naboo in this time. I suppose I am an asset. I offered and she accepted." Leia said in a very political voice. Han tensed, it had been a few years since he had heard her talk as if she was addressing the Senate.
"What's in these files?"
"I'm not sure. She's not really sure either. But I'm looking for patterns."
"What kind of patterns Leia?"
"Patterns that the Empire used."
"What!" He barked out.
"Shh you'll wake Ben up."
"Why are we looking over old Empire files."
"They aren't old Han. These are new documents."
"Meaning, what theres a new Empire rising?" Han huffed with a laugh. Looking to his wife his face fell as her eyes sank to the floor.
"What the hell Leia?"
"We don't know anything yet. I'm just looking to see if I see those patterns. Scheduling, trade routes, other things Palpatine used.
"I don't even know what to say to that."
"Han…" Leia said stepping towards him, running her hands down his chest. "I'm just easing her mind. She's worried about what the future holds."
"You're just helping her?"
"Yes…Why?"
"I know you Leia. If you find something you'll be drawn back in."
"Han…"
"You're good at it, fighting the bad guy. But that is not our life anymore Leia."
"I know that."
"Promise."
"Promise what?"
"That you won't go off fighting a new Empire."
"Han…" she laughed.
"It's not funny damn it."
"I'm sorry. I have no intention of fighting another war Han, not while I have you and Ben here with me." Leia said with a soft smile. Her fingers running along his jaw. "I love my family and I'm not going to risk that. I will look into the files, maybe a little digging." she admitted. Han frowning at her. "But I won't be running a rebellion." She whispered, leaning in to kiss him.
"Good…" He said against her lips.
"I love you." she told him.
"I love you too."
"Didn't we have a date?" Leia smirked, pulling away from him and walking backwards towards their bedroom.
"Oh you remembered?" He asked.
"I did." She said, pulling at the bottom of her dress until it was up and over her head. Watching as his wife's body was revealed to him, he grinned. Closing the distance between them, Han kissed her, his fingers rubbing along her bare skin.
"Bedroom?" She whispered into their kiss.
"I've got it." He laughed, picking her up and carrying her down the hall. Her giggles echoed through the house, erasing any worries for the future.
Thanks for reading guys. I've been pretty busy lately but I'm hoping to Bam out a few chapters in the coming days so you won't have wait so long for updates. Great stuff coming up =) Thanks for reading... Review for a sneak peek! Hugs!