AN: It's July already? Really? That doesn't sound right.


It was a lot to hope for - she knew that.

But sitting hunkered down on the rotting balcony ledge of a small damp hotel room, Leia reasoned there wasn't much else to do except hope.

She had watched them go; hours now. Stalking into the dark.

She should have brought him. Should have swallowed the large lump of pride which seemed to well inside her so easily these days.

He had held her eyes for a moment too long. She had smiled. I'll be fine. Luke's coming. Don't worry. I'll be back before you miss me. Forcing a smile to tug at the corner of his mouth - he nodded quickly twice, not liking it at all. Kissed her slow. And they were gone.

Rain drummed down slowly around her. Small drops matching the retreating steps of the turncoat Imperials disappearing into the shadows.

She didn't like this. Hope fading now, draining out of her like sand spilled into vacuum.

She should have brought him.