AmandaGrace – Thank you very much!
Here's an extremely sappy chapter...
Chapter 4
Leia woke up the next day to the distinctive smell of the paloquais, her favorite flower. She felt somewhat disoriented at first, wondering if she were still dreaming, but when she opened one eye and saw Han's face about a centimeter from her own she knew that she was awake. She kissed him lightly, and raised one eyebrow when Han produced a bouquet of the beautiful flowers.
"To what do I owe this pleasant surprise? Is it bribery?"
"Well, if you want it to be, sure, but it's actually because I love you. Happy Sweethearts' Day, Leia."
Leia pulled back in shock, and almost crushed the delicate flowers as she clenched her fists.
"S-S-Sweethearts' Day? That's today?"
"Uh...yeah. Didn't you notice all the decorations and sales downtown? I thought women always remembered Sweethearts' Day!"
"No...well, not me at least. When I was growing up I never really celebrated it because I thought it was all an Imperial plot to get consumers to spend tons of credits on sappy and trivial things," Leia said as Han rolled his eyes. "I know better than that now, though. I really wanted to get you something special for Sweethearts' Day, honey. Now I know Sweethearts' Day is really a holiday to show your feelings to the ones you love. It wasn't even a holiday created by Imperials! Can I make it up to you somehow?"
"Hmm...I think I can probably think of something. But not yet – I have something special planned for you."
Han left the tiny cabin, leaving Leia alone with her thoughts. She felt terrible that she had forgotten Sweethearts' Day, but she supposed that Han didn't actually care too much, and she did have some things she could give him. He was being so sweet – it was wonderful to know that he cared so much. She couldn't even begin to guess what he had planned for her.
A few minutes later Han walked in with a large tray and set it down gently on her lap. It was filled with delicious looking food, including heart-shaped pastries, assorted fruits, and juice. It also had a small card and another bouquet of the paloquais on the right side. Leia looked up in utter awe of the man who stood before her. She had her whole life to figure him out, but she doubted that even in that time she would completely understand the man who was Han Solo. One minute a bitter mercenary, the next a hopeless romantic. She wondered if all men were as complex as her husband. He sat down on the bed next to her.
"Breakfast in bed for my beautiful wife," he said as he kissed her hand.
"Oh, Han, you're too much! You shouldn't have done anything for me, let alone prepare a feast. Now I'll really have to make it up to you."
"I'm not arguing with that, but just to let you know, this is just the beginning."
"The beginning? What else do you have planned, Han?"
"You'll see," he said with a wink.
"Well, at least help me eat this, there's enough here for five people!"
"Maybe five Leias, not five Hans. But no, Leia, that's all for you. You eat that while I go and get the next surprise ready."
He kissed her softly and left, leaving Leia alone with her breakfast. All of the food was decadent, and she had no idea how Han had managed to prepare it. When she was finished she picked up the card and read what her husband had written inside.
Dear Leia,
Happy Sweethearts' Day, Sweetheart! I assume by now you know how much I love you, but in case you didn't already I wanted to let you know. Leia, you mean more to me than you can possibly imagine, more than I can comprehend myself. When our eyes met on the Death Star it was electric, and from the fire our electricity sparked grew a love so powerful it could warm an entire planet. From that day forward you and I were bound to each other, a binding that neither of us was willing to admit to. I sure as Hell am glad that we did admit it though, Leia, because if we hadn't my life would be meaningless. You are my life, my heart, and without you I would be dead inside. Because of you I have discovered the most beautiful emotion in the galaxy. May we have decades of happy Sweethearts' Days from this day forward. I love you.
Love Always,
Han
Leia clutched the card to her heart and slowly stood up. The love she was feeling for her husband at the moment was overwhelming. She walked out of the cabin and through the corridor and spotted Han working on something in the kitchen. She swiftly walked up and threw her arms around him. He smelled of aftershave, oil, and sweet flowers. Not that she would ever tell him that he smelled like flowers. He turned around, facing her.
"Yes?" He asked simply.
"I love you so much, Han. You are a beautiful man."
"Oh, yeah? How beautiful?"
"Gorgeous."
"Well, I love you too, Leia. You are a beautiful woman," he said, somewhat puzzled.
"Your card was beautifully written. I never knew you could write so well!"
"Neither did I. But Leia, you should be back in bed. I want to make this day special for you. I don't need anything special."
"What are you making?"
"Oh, I was just making our dinner."
"Dinner? But Han, you just made me breakfast!"
"I just wanted to have everything prepared in advance so it's perfect."
"Well, you don't have to. Everything is already perfect here with you."
She moved forward and kissed him passionately, leaving no doubt as to where her thoughts lay. After a moment Han pulled away hesitantly, pulling a box out of his vest pocket.
"Well, since you don't seem to need to wait for dinner, I'll give this to you now."
He handed her the box and she opened it, gasping as she saw what was inside. A huge, heart-shaped, sparkling red gem hung on a beautiful woven silver chain. She turned to Han and smiled, and he stepped behind her to fasten it around her neck. He kissed the nape of her neck, and then turned to face her again.
"It's beautiful," Leia breathed.
"You make it beautiful, Leia. Happy Sweethearts' Day."
Leia kissed him again, and he led her to a room that he had prepared in advance. Dozens of fluffy, red pillows were laid before her, and hundreds of unlit candles were arranged throughout the room. Han walked to one of the walls and pressed a button, letting soft music into the room. He pulled out a multi tool and lit all of the candles before going back and taking Leia's hand. She clutched his hand in her own, and followed his lead. They sat down on the pillows, hand in hand.
"I love, you Leia."
"I love you, Han. Happy Sweethearts' Day."
"Happy Sweethearts' Day," he said, and they kissed. They fell back upon the pillows and celebrated their first Sweethearts' Day of many to come.
