From-Heaven2Earth – Thank you! Here's some more now!

SailorLeia – Gracias! I like putting in Chewie and his family into the story every now and then – they tend to get ignored in the profic. And Threepio is just so pick on-able!

ThePrincess04 – Thank you! Yes, Threepio is definitely misunderstood or mistreated by most (namely Han).

Thejedistarfiregrayson – Thank you! Yes, I've seen ROTS once (midnight opening showing), and I'm planning on seeing it again tomorrow. It's awesome! I'm glad you're enjoying this!

Chapter 41

The group had finally reached the entrance to the agency, with Han in the lead, when an excited Ty ran up to them and grabbed Han in a hug.

"Whoa, buddy! What's up?" Han asked, not sure whether to be concerned or happy.

"Can I stay with you guys, please?" Ty blurted, eyes wide and hopeful.

"Wait, is this the only reason you called us in? To ask if you could stay with us?" Han inquired, almost annoyed.

"Yeah," Ty said. "So, can I?"

"What did your parents say? And why are you here without them?"

"I'm working here!" Ty said proudly.

"You're working here? I think you're a little young, kid," Han chuckled.

"No, really I am. My parents both have to work today, so I asked them if I could stay here, and they said yes."

"But who's watchin' ya, Ty? I don't think that your parents should have just left you here."

"Mr. Hemra said he would watch me," Ty said, pointing to a white-haired man who lifted his hat in salute upon hearing his name. "I really don't need anyone to watch me, though. I was on my own for a long time, you know."

"Yeah, I know. I guess you can hang out here with me," Han declared, scratching his head. "But why do you want to stay with us? There's not a problem, is there?"

"No, not really. My parents said that we were going on a vacation, and I told them that I'd rather stay here with you. They said I could, if you were okay with it."

"Of course I'm okay with it! But why don't you want to go on a vacation? I'm sure it would be a lot of fun."

"No, it wouldn't. My parents are going to go someplace boring to look at museums and stuff. I want to stay here instead."

"Well, if you're sure that you don't want to go, kid. I have to ask Leia, though," Han added, already knowing what the answer would be. Leia's soft spot for the little boy was just as large as his.

"Of course you can stay with us, Ty. We have a big house now, so you can have your own room to stay in. When did you want to come over?" Leia asked.

"Tomorrow!"

"Tomorrow? Short notice, huh, buddy?" Han said, ruffling the little boy's hair.

"Yeah, sorry," Ty mumbled, looking at his feet.

"It's fine, Ty," Leia soothed before turning to Han. "Han, I have to go to the apartment right now and get ready for the Senate meeting. We're still moving out this afternoon, right?"

"Right."

"I'll see you then, flyboy," she said, kissing him on the cheek. "Love you."

"Love you, too."

A teasing chorus of "awws" came from the crowd of friends, but the couple chose to ignore them.

"You sure you don't need me to go with you?" Han asked Leia.

"I'm fine, Han. I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself."

"Don't worry, Han, I'll be her escort. I'll keep her away from all the roving bands of pirates and evil shrubbery that we may encounter along the way," Luke chimed in, taking Leia's arm in his.

"You'd better. I saw some pretty suspicious-looking bushes along the way here," Han countered.

Luke laughed. "See you, Han," he said as he and his sister went out the door.

"Artoo and I will go with Master Luke and Princess Leia. Perhaps I know the shrubs' dialect!" Threepio said as he and Artoo followed the pair outside.

Han looked at Chewie. "Was that a joke?"

Chewie shrugged. That droid always surprises me. It is certainly possible, he replied.

Han shook his head in disbelief. "Maybe that bucket has some brains after all. Though I'd never say that to his face, of course."

Of course not, Cub. I'll keep it a secret, Chewie replied. We should be going as well. I think a certain little cub's favorite holovison show is on."

Lumpy nodded his head emphatically. Chewie hugged Han once again, and then the three Wookiees departed.

"So, looks like it's just you and me, huh, kid?" Han said, rewarding Ty with a lopsided grin.

"Uh-huh. So, can I help you with something?"

"Sure. You can help me run the place today. You want to be boss for the day?"

"Yeah!" Ty replied enthusiastically.

"Well, then, let's get to work."