ok, back to Cargo Bay #3 and another reminded shout out to Arrallute for her permission to use the idea of naming it Cargo Bay #3

xxxmtfbwyxxx

Chapter 14: Heating Up in Cargo Bay #3

They did find Chewie in the galley drinking an extra-large cup of cold water. He growled a greeting to the Princess and then followed an interrogative bark.

"Actually, I need to speak with both of you. It's about the mission to Ord Mantell."

Han poured himself and Leia a cup of cold water and then leaned against the counter. "What's up?

"As you both know, the base personnel is split because of the construction of the base on Hoth."

Han chuckled and gestured to the Wookiee. "Not gonna have to worry about the heat or the humidity on that iceball, Pal."

"We can't afford to pull anyone off of that project and we can't afford to postpone Ord Mantell, either."

"So what's that got to do with us?" Han asked before taking a long swig of water.

Leia was again momentarily mesmerized by the movements of his throat and the rest of Han's half-naked body. "You're one the scheduled rotation of patrols for this base during the same time as the mission." She turned her attention to the Wookiee. "Those patrols are over-extended as it is. Chewie, I was hoping maybe you would be willing to stay here and cover Han's patrol shifts?"

Chewie looked at Han. Leia knew he wouldn't want to leave Han on the mission. Ord Mantell wasn't the easiest of systems.

Han looked to his co-pilot. Years of being partners had given them the ability to have instant conversations without much more than a look, but Han reassured him vocally anyway, "We'll be fine. I can take care of myself and her."

"I would rather you come with us, Chewie, but this is a desperate situation."

Chewie growled a warning to Han.

"I promise. Ok?"

Chewie nodded his acceptance and a few other things.

"He says he'll do it and he would be happy to help." Chewie growled again gesturing to Leia. Han rolled his eyes and grudgingly translated, "Because I promised to stick to the mission and nothing extra."

"Thank you, Chewie." Leia gave Chewie a quick hug. Very quick because with this humidity, his fur was rather uncomfortable to touch. "Would you do me a favor and go tell the Deck Officer that you'll be taking Han's slots?"

Chewie nodded and said something else.

"He says he's going to go the mess hall after that and cool off for a bit. Take your time."

"Chewie, why don't you find one of the empty bunks in the quarters and sleep there tonight? The air controls aren't supposed to be working until morning." Leia suggested.

Han's ears perked up. "What about me? Don't I get an invitation?"

"You're certainly welcome to join him if you wish, but you and I have a few mission details to go over first and it's better to do it here without anyone on base being able to hear. Now that Chewie won't be with us, we'll need to make a few adjustments."

"Yeah, I guess we will. You can start by clearing out the cargo bay."

"What?"

"Well, I'm not gonna make Chewie do it." He gestured in the direction of the Wookiee. "He's not even going."

Leia couldn't believe Han was serious. He wasn't just secretly telling her that he wanted her. "Fine, but you're doing it with me. This is your ship and I'm not going to be responsible for cleaning it up."

Chewie just chuckled and waved goodbye.

The main hatch cycled shut. Han walked out of the galley with the Princess not far behind and engaged the lock not wanting any surprise visitors.

"Let me just get a fresh shirt and I'll be right there."

He walked past her, but she caught her finger in his waistband to stop his motion. She couldn't believe her wasn't making a play at her. He all but started it with his little show on the Falcon's hull and suddenly he was all business? Maybe he was waiting for her to make a move. Well, she could do that.

"You don't need a fresh shirt."

"I don't?"

"I definitely prefer you shirtless."

Han's eyebrow quirked up followed by his grin. He was catching on. "Oh, so you did like what you saw."

Leia glared at him for just a moment. "You knew I was watching?"

"I know you like looking at me, Sweetheart. Most women do."

The Princess released her finger and turned to leave. "I think you overestimate my interest, Hotshot."

He grabbed her arm and pulled her to him, crushing her against the hard defined planes of his chest and stomach that she had been admiring until she was not only hot, but bothered.

"You sure about that?" His eyes beckoned her as much as the seductive tones of his voice.

"Yes," she affirmed, but it was a definite challenge.

"Liar. Your eyes give you away."

"That's your delusion."

"My delusion? Really?"

"You heard me."

She made no move to stop him as Han's hand moved to the front of her uniform pants. He quickly dispatched the fastenings and smoothed his palm down along her skin. Once he was low enough, his fingers found what he had been searching for and his self-satisfied smirk slanted up the right side of his mouth.

"I suppose that's my imagination, too?"

She still glared at him, but her voice had become husky with arousal. "Shut up."

He pulled his hand out of her pants and held up his two moistened fingers. He slid one into his mouth and his eyebrows rose. "Tastes damn good for a dream. Here, try." He gently swiped his other finger along her parted lips.

He ducked his head down to hers, gently licking her lips as he brushed his mouth over hers. A moment later, he was walking her backward towards Cargo Bay #3 undressing her as they went.