Dear Readers,
Hello again everybody? Hope everyone's doing alright and I hope everyone got the Trilogy on DVD! I'm so bad off I got it in both full and widescreen! Anyways, On with my story! I AM SO SORRY IT TOOK ME SO LONG! It took me forever to get all of this typed up and edited! I WON'T LET THAT HAPPEN AGAIN! I want to give a special thanks to all of those fabulous people who reviewed...
Pitdroid – I'm glad you enjoyed my last chapter; Chewie really is a great friend! And I'M SO GLAD you liked the part about Monday nights! I was SO afraid no one would get it! Thanks again for your kind reviews!
GreatOne – Glad to make you smile, I love happy faces! Han and Leia FanFics are very addictive and very contagious ((Every time I read a good one, I start thanking up new ones!))! Thanks for reviewing, great to hear from you!
Sweetdeath04 – I got tears in my eyes when I read your review and Thorney's! I still can't believe someone wrote a review, for my first story, saying "One of their favorite fanfictions of all time!" Thank you so much for your kind reviews all the way from Chapter 1 to now and thank you for telling me! If I never become a famous writer someday, like I want to, at least my story reached someone who could enjoy it! THANKS AGAIN!
Dana-Carter – I can't end it there? Yeah you're right, here's more! Glad to hear you liked it and hope you like this chapter.
Thorney – I'm glad Sweetdeath got you to read TCOPL, and I'm so glad the both of you are enjoyed this tale. The wedding did kind of get messy... but hey, at least Leia didn't marry the wrong guy! "One of the best fics you've ever read?" I'm honored! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR REVIEWING ALL THE CHAPTERS!!! I'M beyond words!
Limelight – Glad you came back and reviewed. And I'm so glad everyone liked the proposal! I was so afraid no one would like it! Thank you for all of your fun and kind reviews!
Princess-Aiel- (Takes a bow and smells a rose!) Thank you for reviewing! And I'm all for throwing a book or two at Dave Wolverton! I mean, that is my favorite book, but the romance really did need some help! Glad you enjoyed!
owphoenix - Glad to hear you're still enjoying it! Thanks again for all your encouragement! Keep up the great work on your stories too!
jedi-lelila – Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for writing in! I appreciate your kind words!
Dedicated to my dear friend Crystal, who's probably already in college. I know you'll do well and take the world by storm! LYLASG, Bless you, this one's for you Tazie!
The Loveless Bride
Chapter 8 – Give 'Em A Break
Four months ago, Han Solo asked Princess Leia Organa to marry him. Naturally she accepted, and days later they set the date, which had to be moved up. The couple explained it to their wedding party that there were two reasons for this sudden moving around of the date.
To avoid as much of 'the press' as possible
They just couldn't wait as long as originally planned.
Now, the wedding was only one month away, and everyone was helping out in full swing. But little did the bride or groom know that their friends and family were all secretly meeting in their absents.
Lando Calrissian, a good friend of Han and Leia, had brought up and interesting question. Should they give Han/Leia bachelor/bachelorette parties? While Bail, Rieekan, Chewbacca, Winter (Leia's Maid of Honor) and other important members of the wedding party considered the idea... Leia's Brother, Luke was weighing another idea in his mind.
"I don't know guys," Luke finally said out loud. "I don't really think that's what they need."
"Do you have a better idea?" Lando asked smoothly.
"I'm not sure, but I think I may be on to something though." Luke said squinting in concentration. "I don't know about all of you, but there is only one thing I hear constantly when I ask my sister about her soon-to-be-husband. That is, and I quote, 'I don't know, I never see him.' Am I the only one who gets that?" All of the others expressed a definite yes. "And... correct me if I'm wrong here! But when Han is asked the same question does he not give the same answer?" Again everyone in the room was following.
"Alright, so here's my idea. We somehow... 'Trick' Han and Leia into thinking there has been some huge catastrophe in planning some major part of the ceremony. We whisk them off and surprise them by really letting them spend an entire evening together! In normal cases, a night with the boys would be in order! Or a night with the girls... whatever! But Han and Leia don't have anything close to a normal relationship, and both people are truly unique. I think what the both of them truly need is a simple reminder of why! Why they're going through all of this headache, why they're getting married!"
"I think that is a capital idea, Skywalker." Rieekan slapped Luke on the back. "How about the rest of you?"
Everybody excitedly agreed and even Lando confessed, "That's much better than my idea, that's for sure!"
"All right, when should we spring this on our unsuspecting bride and groom?" Bail asked.
"I think we should let this occur, exactly a week before the wedding." Winter reasoned. "So they can relate to one another about all of the excitement and nervousness they're bound to be feeling."
"Yeah, we can tell Leia that there's been some confusion on her gown. And tell Han that there's been some mix-up on the rings!" Lando suggested. "That's two of the main things, and I know that would definitely get them worked up!"
"But where will we hold them captive?" Bail asked, obviously no one had been thinking of that. Everybody stopped and began to rack their brains, for the perfect place. Suddenly Chewie, who had been silent this whole time smiled, and announced, 'I know the perfect place!'
Approximately One Week Before the Wedding...
Lando Calrissian walked up to General Han Solo's office and entered the access code. He found his friend behind a large desk, with his head down, sound asleep. "Han... Han... HAN!" Han sprung up off the desk and pulled his blaster on Lando.
"Whoa, whoa, don't kill the messenger!" Lando laughed a little nervously.
Han put the weapon down and took a deep breath. "Sith Lando, you scared me half to death!"
"Sorry to interrupt, I can see you're busy as usual!" Lando laughed.
"Nice," Han grumbled, rubbing the sleep from his face.
"How have you been, old buddy? Haven't you been sleeping enough?"
"Not really, Calrissian, between here and planning this wedding... I haven't been sleeping and I haven't seen Leia in almost a month now." He said sadly. "I mean, I see her, but it's like... 'Do you like the white or blue candles better?'... I say blue, kiss her quickly and we're off again. Like that moment never happened!" Lando had to refrain from smiling. "Anyways, enough about my problems, what brings you here?"
"I'm afraid I may be adding to those problems, Han." Lando said, putting on a good performance. "We got a call, and they've found some kind of mix up in the rings."
"What kind of mix-up?" Han asked trying to keep his stress level down.
"They accidentally gave the wrong rings to the wrong couple. Now the other couple wants yours." Lando said as Han's head bashed itself on the desk a few times. Lando continued to explain; "Now the jewelers want to talk to you. Chewie arranged a meeting after hours on the Falcon. Do you think we should tell Leia?"
"NO! No, don't tell Leia! She's got too much to worry about all ready. I don't want her to worry." Han sighed, trying to calm his own nerves. "You know, being the bride is a lot hard than being the groom. She has so much to worry her, and the one thing I took responsibility for gets screwed up!"
"It's not your fault, Han. They messed up not you." Lando tried to comfort.
"So when exactly is this meeting?" Han asked trying to change the subject.
"Chewie told them around six, why?"
"Oh nothing, I was just hoping to see Leia tonight. See if I could talk her into grabbing a quick bite to eat together... or something." Han's eyes looked so sad, almost lonely. "I miss her, Lando. I'm nervous, the weddings getting closer all of the time and... I never see her. It's like she's not here... and she is the one person who could really understand, right now. I was hoping to run by and just see her, be around her for a few minutes and maybe even get to talk to her... ya know?"
"Yeah," Lando nodded, "I can't say I understand what you're going through, from experience. But I can see where you're coming from. If you ever need me, you know where I am, right?"
"Yeah, I know where you are, and I really appreciate all that you and the guys have been doing!" Han smiled sadly.
"That's why we're doing it; we know how important this is. And we're all glad to help. Sorry this social call couldn't be more cheerful, ol' buddy."
"No problem, pal, I'll see ya later okay." Han shook hands with his friend as Lando stood up to leave.
"Sure enough, oh, and Han... don't work too hard, okay?" Lando said with a wink. Han chuckled along and said, "Don't worry, now get out of here, and back to work, Calrissian!"
Lando stepped out of Han's office, and waited till he was safely in the lobby... before pulling his com-link out of nowhere, and speaking into it. "Hey, my main man, this is Back-stabber coming to you live from lobby AC-DC... Have you got your ears on out there boy?" Lando asked.
'I Copy, Back-stabber,' a shocked sounding voice replied slowly. 'This is Farm-boy, coming to you from my office a short walk away from Leia's. Did everything go well with Soon-To-Be-Brother-In-Law?'
"Yes, everything went great, now all you have to do is convince the Almost-Loveless-Bride!" Lando cheered his other friend on.
'Yeah, easy stuff,' Luke replied sounding down right worried now.
"Luke, are you okay? What's wrong, this isn't about convincing Leia, is it?" Lando asked wisely.
'No, I'm afraid not. I just received a note from Wedge. He warned me that Mon Mothma, Isolder, and Ta'a Chume have all escaped their prison on Bespin.'
"WHAT?!" Lando asked, "WHAT THE... HOW... WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN?!?"
'Sometime last night, Mon Mothma chewed through her bars and let the others go.'
"What where this bars made of, exactly?" Lando asked outraged, must haven't been very reliable.
'Durasteel, He sent pictures too, and it looks like a womprat had lived there instead of woman.' Luke said with disgust. 'What if they make it off world and come here after Leia and Han?'
"Now calm down, if Wedge and our guys are on it, they won't make it that far! Do Bail and Rieekan know about this yet?"
'No they don't, and I don't think Han or Leia know either. Should we tell them?' Luke asked a desperate tone in his voice.
"NO, well, we should tell Rieekan and Bail definitely. But not Han and Leia, they've got enough to worry about already! We go ahead as planned and let them spend sometime together tonight."
'Right, okay, I'll go talk to my sister and set that side of our plan into motion... like planned. Everything will be fine.' Luke told himself more than Lando. 'Over and out.' Luke turned off his com-link, and his computer, then got up. He left his office and walked down to Leia's, winking at Winter as he walked in... who smiled brightly and whispered, "Good Luck Luke."
Luke found his sister in her chair facing the window, he though she was daydreaming. But when he got around to her, she was curled up into a tiny little ball, sound asleep. Luke smiled to himself, his sister was a worker. He hated to disturb her, knowing how much trouble she was having falling asleep at night. But he had to do this, she would love the result. "Leia... Leia." He shook her gently. Leia's eyes opened slowly, and she smiled at her brother.
"I wasn't sleeping, I was just resting." She said as she stretched and yawned.
"Yeah sure, sis! Should I be warning Han about your ability to fall asleep in strange places and situations?" Luke smiled.
"You know, one day you're gonna meet a girl. A wonderful, beautiful girl with spirit who'll get under your skin... And when you come to me, saying you're going to marry her... I'll get my revenge. You just watch!" Leia wiggle a finger at him.
"Eww, I'm so scared, Leia." Luke said walking back around her desk and sitting in front of her.
"You should be, now, what's up?" She asked
"Well, we just got a call from the dress makers, about your gown." Luke began to explain. "They said they had good news and bad news for us. The Good news was that they finished your dress."
"That's great, but what's the bad news?" Leia asked.
"The Bad news is it was made for the wrong bride..." Leia's head slammed into her desk with a thud, but Luke continued to explain. "They mixed you up with another girl who wedding was this week, and she won't give it back, she likes your design better."
"Of course she does! Now I'm back to the drawing board! Not only do I no longer have a gown, but I have to get a new design, that kills, in UNDER A WEEK!!! And that one was so perfect too! With traditional Alderaanian design and quite a bit Corellian too... for Han..."
"I know, Leia, you really loved that dress. I'm sorry this all happened." Luke apologized sincerely.
"It's okay; it's not your fault, little brother. I'll handle it, everything'll be okay." Leia comforted, this was her wedding gown we were talking about, and she was comforting him!
"They said they'll bring some samples to the Falcon along with some new design ideas, around six, tonight." Luke smiled.
"The FALCON! BUT LUKE... That's where Han could pop up any minute and see the gown designs." Leia exclaimed, hanging on to sanity by a very thin thread. "I mean I would love to see, Han. Don't get me wrong, I feel like it's been months since I've seen him. But I want my dress to be seen by him, when I'm wearing it, and being ushered on my dad's arm, ya know?"
"I know, don't worry, Chewie has it all arranged. Lando and the rest of us guys are throwing Han a bachelor party. So you won't have to worry about him seeing the gown." Luke comforted, hoping Leia wouldn't catch onto his lie.
"Oh, poor Han!" Leia laughed for the first time in a while. "Okay, I'll be there and we can get this whole mess straight."
"Good, well, I just wanted to stop by and fill you in on what's going on." Luke said standing up and kissing his sister's forehead. "I'll let you get back to work and show myself out, okay."
"Okay, Thank you Luke!" she smiled tiredly.
"You're Welcome; don't work yourself to death, okay. When you get home tonight, get some rest, okay?" Luke asked, worried about her health... with good reason! It wasn't like her at all to fall asleep at work.
"Alright, mother dear, I will!" Leia teased, putting head down.
"I mean it, young lady. If our mother was alive, rest her soul, she would probably be a lot harder on you than me!" Luke reminded.
"I know, you're probably right! Now go on, back to work!" Leia scolded teasingly.
"Yes Ma'am, your highnessness!" Luke said with mock salute, before walking out of the room. Luke waited till he was back inside his office before pulling out his com-link again and speaking into it, "Back-stabber, are you still out there?" he asked.
'I hear ya loud and clear Farm-boy! Mission accomplished?' Lando's base voice asked.
"Yes, she said she'd be there, alright!"
'Nice works Luke, now, let's go get everything set up for tonight. Knowing them they'll both be a little early. We're gonna need all of the time we can get.'
"Right you are, so I'll see you at the Falcon?"
'See ya there, Out!' Lando called excitedly, both men already on their way out the door.
The Millennium Falcon... Around Six o'clock...
Han walked up to his faithful ship and saw Chewie standing on the outside working on the landing gear. He glanced Han's way and growled a greeting.
"Hey, pal! Working hard?" Han asked kindly.
'Yeah, trying to get this place decent for company!' Chewie complained, 'It has been a while since we cleaned the old girl!'
"That's for sure, listen, thanks pal, for everything! For helping us out so much!" Han said giving his co-pilot a friendly scratch on his back.
'No problem, I always thought you and Leia were a cute pair! The day we rescued her from the Death Star I knew you'd met your match, cub!'
"I know, and you love to remind me of that! EVERY SINGLE DAY! But you know what, I don't mind anymore." Han smiled. "And ya know why?"
'Because she's marrying you! Yeah, yeah, that's the twentieth time you've said that today!' Chewie grumbled.
"I still can't believe it, one week from today, she'll be Leia Organa Solo." Han said dreamily.
'About time!' Chewie growled. 'Are you still gonna try to stop by and grab a bite with Leia tonight?'
"No, I can't, since this little problem popped up, outta nowhere, a week before the big day!" he slammed his fist into the belly of the ship.
'I know, sorry cub!' Chewie said giving Han's shoulder a squeeze.
"It's alright, pal, it's your fault. I just wish I could see Leia, just for a little while before our wedding day. I miss her." He smiled sadly and said, "No problem, I'll just try that bright idea tomorrow... when I have time." Then he headed inside the ship, his head hanging ever so slightly. Chewie smiled himself, Luke couldn't have been more right! A night together was just what the doctor ordered! Tonight would be interesting indeed.
Inside the Falcon...
To Han's total surprise the inside his ship hadn't been cleaned up quite the way he thought it would be. Instead of coming in to find it bright, clean and shiny. The lights were turned down low, candles were lit and the place looked ready for a very romantic rendezvous. "Chewie, what the hell is all of-" He was cut off by the glow of something catching his eye. Sitting on the holo-chess table was a data-pad all lit up... With some of Rieekan's neat stationary and trademark text on it.
"Dear General Solo and
Soon-To-Be Mrs. Organa Solo,
There are no catastrophes in your wedding plans, and don't worry! Your crazy friends are not throwing you a huge bachelor or bachelorette party! But we did set up a little something for your enjoyment. We considered a night out with the boys/girls. But Luke made a suggestion that was perfect! So instead of separating you two, we're giving you an entire evening of privacy. Both of you have done nothing but complain about not seeing each other for months now. So we're giving you a night to yourselves! Dinner was prepared by Chewbacca, and is warming on the stove. Desert is in the fridge, and we all cleaned this ship up! Oh, and after dinner, you might want to come, look at the chapel where the ceremony will be held. We are going to finish the hard stuff tonight, while you guys relax. And don't worry Leia, your father paid close attention to the way you and Han want things! So everything will be fine! HAVE FUN!
Your Lovable-Kind-Hearted Wedding Party Members,
Luke Lando Bail Carlist Winter, Artoo-Detoo
Skywalker, Calrissian, Organa, Rieekan, Chewbacca, and Threepio
Han was so shocked; he didn't know what to say. This whole time he'd been complaining about never seeing Leia, and how miserable he felt... and that crazy bunch had given him exactly what he wanted most! But was Leia really gonna show? Was she in on it? Did they let her think there was some kind of mix-up in their plans too?
Then suddenly Han heard little footsteps behind him, and his girl appeared in front of him. Leia looked up at him in shock for a moment, then smiled, "Han!" She exclaimed joyfully, and then she seemed to panic. "What's going on, I thought I had this big problem to handle."
"I think we've been played, by our own family, Leia." He said handing her the letter everyone had signed. "Take a look at this."
Leia's wise eyes scanned over the letter, very quickly and she was just as shocked as he was. She smiled, and shook her head. "Luke had me all worked up, and worried."
"Lando did the same thing to me. I thought I was coming here tonight to straighten out this huge mess!" Han laughed, taking Leia's little hand... not-so-secretly thrilled to see her. He sat down at the holo-chess table and kissed her hand in greeting.
"I can't believe them!" She exclaimed, letting herself be pulled onto Han's lap. "I don't know weather to be mad or laugh! I don't know weather we should thank them for this charade or kill 'em for almost giving us heart failure!"
"I think we should definitely laugh," he smiled and kissed her shoulder, getting her full attention. "I think we should be very thankful and take advantage of this gift."
"Maybe you're right!" She smiled, slipping her arms around his neck.
"See I have some good ideas too!" He claimed proudly.
"You have your moments!" Then she pecked his lips, "Not many, but you do have them!" She managed to say, before Han pulled her head down to his, kissing the breath out of her. "So you did miss me?"
"Yeah," Han admitted, "you have no idea how much! I mean, sure, I saw you around, but I couldn't really spend anytime with you. That was almost worse than being worlds apart for a long time!"
"I know, you were there, but I couldn't really talk to you, or anything!" Leia said snuggling in his strong embrace. "It was awful!"
"Yeah, but hey, it isn't like that anymore. We're together thanks to that crazy bunch we claim as family. And we have all night... or at least till you get tired of me."
"Oh, like that's gonna happen!" Leia said sarcastically.
"What do ya say we start this evening with dinner?" Han asked, "Then we can, kind of, play it by ear from there."
"Sounds like a plan!" Leia replied brightly.
"Good, I'm hungry." Han admitted.
"Me too!" Leia laughed, yet neither of them made a move. They were still sitting there. A few moments of comfortable silence passed them by, and everyone's favorite couple just sat there, enjoying the other's closeness. Finally Han said, "Ya know, that food couldn't have been warming for long."
"Yes," Leia breathed, eyes closed. "I mean they had to clean this entire ship, and make it all romantic."
"That had to take some time, right?" He asked.
"Right! We probably have some time to burn before its ready." She smiled with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. Han didn't fail to notice either, and smiled as he gave her a short, little kiss. Then another, and another, until Leia was turning herself around in his arms and the kisses were getting longer. They did have to make up for long time afterall ((AN: you know you love it!)).
One Hour Later...
Han and Leia had just finished eating their dinner. They now, still sat very close together eating their dessert and talking about all of the disasters of planning. "So what did Lando say was wrong?" Leia asked curiously.
"He had me believing that our rings had been given to another couple who liked ours better than what they'd picked!" Han said, irritation clear in voice.
"Aww, you poor thing!" Leia laughed, making him lighten up a little.
"Well, I told mine, what did Luke have you thinking was wrong!?" Han asked, "I think I heard you mention heart failure earlier, so it must have been good!"
"Yes," Leia said, her own irritation coming through. "Brother dear had me under the impression that they had made my dress for the wrong girl. Not only was my dress not my size, but this woman wore it on her wedding day and would not give it up. So I had to come up with a new design and all of that in less than a week!"
Han kissed her forehead and chucked lightly, "No wonder your shoulders are so tense!" He gentle began to rub her shoulders and back.
"It doesn't seem half as stressful as it did before." Leia smiled, "After seeing you."
"I feel the same way, princess." Han brought his head around to plant a kiss right on her lips. "Are you as nervous about this as I am?"
"Probably," she shrugged nonchalantly. "A lot of my problem isn't the ceremony, really." She confessed further, turning a little pink.
"Well, what is it than?" Han asked, clearly enjoying this.
"Come on, you know." Leia said, turning an even deeper shade of pink.
"No, I don't know, enlighten me." Han said crossing his arms, a smirk on his face.
"Well, given my profession, standing in front of a large, diverse crowd doesn't really startle me. Promising to love you, for the rest of life, in front of everyone isn't hard either. But... I am afraid of what comes after all of that." Leia explained, pinkness getting worse and worse!
"You mean the reception?" Han asked, trying not to bust out laughing at how cute she was being!
"NO! I don't mean the reception and you know it, Han Solo!" Leia said turning bright red and pointing a finger into his chest.
"Then what do you mean, sweetheart?" Han asked the vision of innocents.
"What comes after the reception?" Leia asked, trying to force the blood filling her cheeks, back to its rightful place.
"Oh," Han said, showing he understood, Leia sighed in relief. "You're nervous about that long flight to Naboo? It's because I'm not flying, isn't it?" Han asked, while Leia let out a frustrated, somewhat-strangled shout! "Oh honey, you don't have to worry about any of that. I'm sure our pilot will do fine. I know me and Luke have spoiled you over the years with our skills. But I know everything will be alright!"
"No Han, that's not it either, just forget it, alright!" Leia grinded out between clinched teeth.
"No, if it's not that, what is it then? I want to know!"
"I'M NERVOUS ABOUT OUR WEDDING NIGHT AND THE REST OF OUR HONEYMOON, ALRIGHT!" Leia got out of her system.
"Feel better now?" Han asked and Leia's breathing slowly went back to normal and she turned bright red again.
"Yeah a little better... you nerf!" She slapped his arm playfully.
"What!" Han laughed wearing the look of innocents once again.
"You knew perfectly well that's what my problem was, and what's suppose to... happen that night-"
"Yeah, that's one of the many benefits of getting married, sweetheart!" He winked, with a wicked grin.
"Oh, stop it!" She said turning her head, probably blushing more... if that was possible.
"Listen, don't worry about it, okay, sweetheart." Han tried to comfort his overly-embarrassed-soon-to-be-bride.
"Yeah, easy for you to say. You're a guy; of course you would like that part... and experienced guy too!" Leia lightly accused.
"Not that experienced, Leia!" Han chuckled... with a bit of male satisfaction ((AN: don't you just love it when guys do that...NOT)).
"I don't know, Luke's told a few stories on you, your generalship. Like those crazy days before we met, and you were getting over a serious case of heart break." Leia said victoriously taking a bit of her desert. Not to mention putting Han in the spotlight. "I don't remember you ever mentioning anything like that to me, ya know!"
'DAMN THAT FREAKY TWIN THING LUKE HAS WITH HER!' Han cursed in his head. As Leia continued to ask, "So, what was her name?"
'I'm gonna kill Luke later for this. First I'm gonna marry his sister, then I'm gonna kill him!' Han thought darkly, then replied nonchalantly, "I don't know who you mean."
"Oh come on, spill! Luke was very vague, and drunk that night.-"
"Drunk? Leia, Luke hasn't drank any kind of alcohol in a long time! You know he cut that out a while ago." Han tried to figure out how long ago this happened... when the kid's tongue slipped!
"Oh, this was some time ago, I don't even think we were together yet." Leia answered thoughtfully. "It was one of those trips we took to the outer rim territories. Almost every time Luke got drunk like that, he'd be telling me all kind of things about you, Chewie, and even himself." She giggled to herself, "Then he'd get goofy and fall asleep."
"I bet that was interesting alright!" Han commented darkly, under his breath.
"It was definitely out of the ordinary, that's for sure." She smiled than said, "Now come on, out with it. I'll return the favor... pleeeeease?"
"There is only one girl that Luke could have possible known about, and her name was Bria." Han finally admitted.
"Bria, huh? This a nice name, what did she look like?" Leia dug deeper.
"She was just a bit taller than you, with bright red hair and bluish-green eyes." Han said kind of awkwardly.
"Why are you acting so strange talking about her, was it all that bad?" Leia asked, taking his hand and giving it an encouraging squeeze.
"Well, she's more than half the reason I was so hard on you when we first met." Han explained, an almost pained expression on his face. "She was the first girl I ever cared about, but it was all one-sided."
"She didn't love you?" She asked beginning to understand his situation.
"Yeah, and on top of that, she became a rebel... nothing like you and Luke, working for the rebel alliance. She was too two-faced."
"What happened, tell me the whole story." Leia said gently.
"I saved her, on more than one occasion, and she would walk out on me, every time." He took a deep breath, the hurt beginning to come back a little. "In the end, her and her rebel friends double-crossed us. They tried us up, knocked us out, and set the Falcon on a crash-course into the nearest star."
"That's horrible! How did you manage to stop it?" She asked worriedly.
"I didn't, Chewie did. He pulled himself together and managed to reach the controls just in time, and nurse me back to health. I had a nasty hit on the head and a bad case of heart-break. Then after I was back on my feet... Chewie could tell ya all about it, where I don't remember a thing."
"Why, was that your famous reckless streak?" Leia asked wisely.
"Yeah, everything kind of blurs together between then to meeting you and the kid!" Han explained the best he could. "Either him or Lando, he saw it too. All I can say, for sure is there was a lot of women. None I was serious about, just flirting with disaster, Chewie calls it."
"No wonder you were so reluctant to join, and didn't want anything to do with us at first." Leia realized. "By any chance was this Bria's last name Tharen?"
"Yeah, that's her, why? D'ya know her?" He asked his tone just a little snide.
"Well, I didn't, but there is an eerie connection here. She is the spy who sent me the plans to the first Death Star!"
"No WAY!" Han exclaimed, "You've got to be kidding me! That would mean she had something to do with us getting thrown together like we did!"
"Eerie isn't it?" She asked rubbing the back of her neck. "I'd kill her if she wasn't already dead."
"She died?" Han asked calming down a bit, after hearing about this strange connection.
"Yeah, right after she received the plans, she was discovered and swallowed poison. I guess it was because she knew she would be interrogated, and tortured. I had always heard of her methods being unorthodox, I had no idea she'd hurt you so much in the process."
"It's alright, princess, it's all over now. She's gone, I have you, and Chewie sleeps at night." Leia couldn't help but chuckle, poor Chewie. She could only imagine the drama young Han put him through. "There's just one thing I have to know!" His smile turned mischievous, "Did, your royal highnessness, just start a sentence with the word, 'Yeah?'"
Leia looked up at the ceiling and replied, "Maybe."
"I thought you said with a lady the reply is always 'yes' never 'yeah?'"
"What can I tell you, general? I'm around jedi and scoundrels all the time; they're a very bad influence on a girl." She smiled innocently.
"Hey, why is scoundrel suddenly plural?" Han demanded.
"I beg your pardon, good sir. There are other scoundrels around me, like Lando, and my own brother can be one at times. But let me assure you, none could come close to my scoundrel." She assured seriously, wiping some of her lipstick smirked on the corner of his mouth. Han smiled lop-sidedly and said, "Well that's a relief."
"You know better than to ever doubt that, Han." Leia scolded lightly.
"Yeah, you've got a point there." He leaned forward a little bit and gave her a kiss. Then he said, "I've got an idea."
"Oh no, what?" Leia was afraid to ask.
Han ignored her reaction and continued, "What do you say, we go see what our 'Loveable-Kind-Hearted Wedding Party' has done to our chapel?"
"Yeah, see if it's still there." Leia said smiling as they both stood up and began to blow out what was lift of the candles.
"And on the way you can tell me all about your first love." He teased.
"Do I really HAVE to?" Leia whined.
"Hey, I think you did say, and I quote, 'You'd return the favor.' That's what really got me to spill, because I'm curious. Now come on, start returning!" He said as he ushered her out of his ship... soon-to-be-theirs!
The Chapel... (About 30 minutes later)...
"Wow, Bail really was set on you getting married wasn't he? But you were so young!" Han exclaimed. "For the daughter he described loving and protecting all that time, he was sure ready to get rid of you quickly!"
"Well like I said, Alderaanian women were known for getting married at a young age. Force knows how many times my Aunts would lecture me, saying they were married before they reached their teens!" Leia still got chills from the very thought of turning out like this old betties!
"What hit your dad to change his mind?" He asked, truly curious, after thinking he knew Bail so well.
"I think it was my mother's death that shook him up." She said thoughtfully, helping him with the large gates blocking their way.
"You mean Padmé, or-" He tried to understand.
"No, not my biological mother, but my mom. She was the woman who raised me as if I was hers, took good care of me as long as she could. She died when I was eight."
"Was she sick or something?" Han asked very interested.
"No, she took a few laser bolts for me and dad, it was an assassination attempt on our lives, and she saved us. She died right in dad's arms on the platform in front of the palace. After that, dad had a hard time dealing with me, for years. It seemed the only times I saw him was when I was in trouble or when he had another prince he wanted me to meet! Then finally he got over it and convinced himself, that his girl could handle herself just fine... until mister right showed up!" Leia shrugged as they slowly walked towards the chapel... hand-in-hand.
"Okay and... continue." He nudged her slightly.
"Then I met Demetrious-" Leia murmured.
"Oh, sorry I thought I just heard you say you were once in love with a guy named Demetrious." Han teased.
"Han, be serious!" Leia scolded as they finally walked in.
"I am being serious, Demetrious!? No body names their kid that monstrosity anymore! What's with that?" Han poked fun even further.
"Well, I guess the queen of Dantooine thought it was a good idea to name the heir to her thrown, Demetri-" Leia's retort was cut short as the first few lights came on to reveal the classy chapel, looking better than they'd envisioned. Of course there was still a lot to be done like flower arrangements, and rehearsals for the ceremony, to name a few. But finally everything is starting to come together. At last they were getting somewhere, and it all felt real for the first time. This was all for them, and they were the ones getting married.
"It looks great!" Han exclaimed, the first one to really react.
"It's almost absolutely perfect." Leia smiled, her smile widening a little as she felt Han's arm drape around her shoulders as they walked up the aisle. He smiled down at her, excitedly, saying, "Yeah, it looks like we might get this right in the end, after all!"
"It's really happening Han, it's all really beginning to happen!" Leia giggled excitedly, like a little girl. "We're really going to get married, right here in one week!"
"I thought you said you were nervous, princess?" Han asked laughing joyously and taking a seat on the front row.
"Let's not start that again, please." She said, giving him a look of warning (daring him to bring it up again).
"Okay, alright, I won't bring it up again unless you want to talk about it, seriously, okay?" He said sincerely, holding her face in his hands.
"Alright, that's better." She smiled, giving him a light kiss for being so sweet.
"There's one thing you can't talk your way out of right now though." Han said, pulling her onto his lap again. "I want to hear more about this... Demetrious guy."
"Oh come on, Han, that was a long time ago. It's over and now I'm better off, with the man I truly love! All of that other stuff doesn't matter."
"It may not seem like much to you, Leia. But I want to know, really I do. Not to mention, I told you all about my past, you promised!" Han said determinedly.
"Alright, Alright, I'll tell you the whole story!" Leia said exasperatedly. "Like I said before, my dad really wanted me to get married, when I was very young. But I didn't like any of the suitors he was picking out for me. My aunts wanted him to force me to marry, but that's when he realized he had been letting them do all of the talking. And he announced, to the entire kingdom, that he was a king... but first and foremost a father to me. I was his child, and he ultimately decided what was best for his daughter. He decided that I was smart enough, to pick the man I was going to marry, on my own! Just like he had chosen my 'mother.' The looks on my aunts' faces' were priceless, I'll never forget it!" Leia laughed joyously at the memory. "I was around... fourteen at the time."
"I bet that shut those old betties up!" Han smiled.
"Well, it was quieter around the kingdom, for a while... until they found something else to nag poor dad about!" Leia giggled to herself. "Anyways, I started to focus on my career, getting serious about becoming a senator. I got the seat easily, taking a lot of my father's work load upon myself, and I was still a young teen. I was almost seventeen when I first met Demetrious; his home planet was the location of our new Rebel Base."
"And that's when it all began!" Han realized.
"Yes, he was the prince of Dantooine and I was the princess of Alderaan. When our parents heard we were getting along, they were already planning the wedding. After a few days, we were friends. After a few weeks, he asked me out, and it all went up hill from there. A little over a year later, we were planning our wedding, for real."
"Wow, so what happened?" Han asked; secretly glad whatever had kept his princess from marrying this guy happened.
"Well, at our rehearsal dinner, the night before our wedding, a miracle in disguise came along. I forgot something in my room and I ran to get it while our best man was looking for the groom, who had mysteriously disappeared. When I ran in room and grabbed whatever it was I was looking for... I discovered something I didn't expect." Leia explained, matter-a-factly.
"What?" Han asked curiously.
"I found the groom and my maid-of-honor; in an intimate embrace... on my bed... doing more than just making out."
"You mean to tell me, that dude was getting freaky with one of your friends on the night before your wedding?!?!?!" Han asked almost laughing at the absurdity.
"Yes, they weren't naked or anything, but... they were close. They were so involved in each other; they didn't even notice I was there. I remember feeling like I was going to be sick, and running out of that room as fast as I could. I ran all the way to the very back of the gardens, courtyards and as far from the palace as I could get. Dad didn't even find me, until early morning, when the sun was already coming up. I told him everything that had happened, and I think I can safely say, I've never seen him so mad."
"I can imagine," Han said understanding.
"And the real absurd part is, that morning, Demetrious denied everything. He called me all sorts of names and cliques. Saying I made it all up, just to have an excuse not to marry him; because my job was more important to me than he was. But then he turned around and married my maid-of-honor on, what was suppose to be, our wedding day." Leia shook her head at the memories.
"That's insane; your people must have seen the truth after that stunt." Han pointed out wisely.
"They did and I was grateful for that... but it was a long time before I trusted a man with my heart again." She said almost mournfully. "It's stupid, I know, but I had a hard time letting myself get close to people since my mother's death, Demetrious didn't help any."
"Who was the next person you trusted?" Han asked curiously.
Leia smiled, tears gleaming in her eyes, "You." Han smiled and took her hand. "That's why I was so hard on you, and why I had that 'Ice princess' reputation when we met. Now, in one week, we are going to get married. Right here in this room, in front of all of our friends and family. And for the first time, I know I'm doing the right thing. I know I can trust you, and love you for the rest of my life. I'm not nervous about that part at all. But what does worry me; is will I be able to make you happy, and do I deserve to spend my future with you?"
Han was getting all teary himself; he'd had no idea she'd gone through so much. She'd been through as much pain, if not more than he had. "Don't worry Leia, we'll get married, and everything will be fine. I know you're the one for me, and I'm doing the right thing too... Even though I can't leave you alone on Monday nights for a long time!" ((AN: wink-wink, Pitdroid!))
Leia laughed, a few tears escaping, "I told you it was all a joke, honey!"
"Nope, you can't sweet talk me now! I'm not letting you outta my sight for a long while, Sweetheart!" He smiled, even though he meant it. "The only hard part now is getting through this week!"
"Right!" Leia smiled up at him, as he wiped away her tears of joy. Then he leaned down and kissed her sweetly. Only pulling away to whisper, "I love you."
Leia giggled quietly and said "I know." Then the couple continued their kisses.
Peeking Through A Curtain... In The Doorway of On of the Backrooms...
Bail, Luke, Lando, Chewie, Winter, and Carlist were all grinning ear to ear. They'd made the right decision, this was exactly what Han and Leia needed. "Good call Luke!" Lando slapped him on the back.
"Thanks, but I couldn't have pulled it off without you guys!" Luke smiled in thanks.
"We know, just expect surprises like this if you ever decide to 'tie the knot,' okay?" Winter smiled.
"I'll be careful." Luke laughed, that's when his com-link went off. He gave Lando a worried glance, sensing it had something to do with Mon Mothma, Isolder, and Ta'a Chume's earlier jail-break.
"Go ahead and answer it, Luke. Ya never know, it could be good news." Lando encouraged.
"Yeah, I guess," He quickly stepped out of the room, to carry on this conversation more privately. "Hello? Skywalker here."
"Hiya, Luke! How is everything up there?" Asked the cheerful, always friendly Wedge Antilles as he appeared on Luke's mini-screen.
"Not to bad, how is everything down there?"
"Well, I wanted you to be the first to know." Wedge smiled, "We found all three escaped prisoners and now they are all back in custody."
"Really, that's great!" Luke sighed in relief.
"Yeah, Mon Mothma and Isolder are back and jail and awaiting execution." Wedge announced proudly. "The courts have recognized how dangerous those two truly are and have decided the death penalty is the only solution to stopping those two crooks."
"Wait a minute, what about Ta'a Chume, Isolder's Mother? What happened to her?" Luke asked nervously.
"She died in a freak accident with a butter knife! Don't ask me how, of why, but that must have been painful!" Wedge cringed, wrinkling his nose in disgust. ((AN: Thank of how much sawing it would take to kill someone with one of those dinky things! OUCH! Besides, it's always been a personal dream of mine to let one of the bad guys to die in that strange way! Hope everyone liked it!))
"Yikes! That must have been bad. Well thanks for the update, buddy." Luke thanked him, "I'll tell the others too. Are you gonna be back in time for the wedding, I know Han and Leia want ya here!"
"I wouldn't miss this for the world! I'll be there with bells on!" Wedge assured.
"Great, I'll see you then! Take care!"
"Oh, I will, don't worry! Talk to you later, and keep Han and Leia from chickening out, okay?"
"Will do, out!" Luke switched off his com-link and collapsed into a nearby chair, with relief. Little by little, things were beginning to work out for them. Soon this would be something else they could all laugh about and remember as another time they were all there for each other. "It's all beginning to work, Thank the Force!" Luke smiled, and closed his eyes for a second in prayer. "Finally my sister and my best friend can find the happiness they've been looking for!"
"Luke, come on out here, my boy." Rieekan's voice said, "Your sister would like a word with us as a group... several in fact!"
"I'm sure she does, I'm coming!" Luke took a deep breath, enjoying the last of his shattered peace and walking out of the little room to face his twin. "I'm never getting married! It makes us all too crazy!" He uttered to himself!
Well, how was it? Like It? Love It? Let me know, but please no flames! My heart can only take so much! Sorry again for taking so long! Hope it was worth it! Thanks again to all who reviewed and stay tuned! Next Time: THE MOMENT WE'VE ALL WAITED FOR! THE WEDDING OF THE CENURTY! Till then, TTFN, Take care, much love to you all!
-SailorLeia