A Careful Application of Pressure

Chapter Seven: And the Sun Rises

This is it, Felda thought. I've crossed all lines of decency. Here she was, still out though the sun was about to rise, and with a man, no less.

She turned to look at Bill, who sat next to her on the rock, watching the horizon. "Bill?"

"Felda?" Bill put his hand on hers.

"I need to tell you something, before this goes to far. I'm legally married." He started to pull away, but she grabbed his wrist. "Back home. I thought I loved him. But after I said yes…" She shook her head. "he hurt me, Bill. Really hurt me. So I ran away. And now.. Well, you should know. I come with baggage."

"Me, too," he said sadly.

"Do you want to tell me about it?"

"I can't. Not yet."

Felda nodded. "I understand. Maybe…" She twirled her hair, carefully considering her next words. "Maybe we could help each other. We can take it slow."

"Sounds good to me."

Together, they resumed their sky-ward vigil.

Faintly but steadily, the sun was rising.

"Really, Luke. I thought you were the responsible one." Leia stood in the doorway, hands on her hips but smiling.

Luke got to his feet, and she wrapped him in a hug. "Blame it all on Han," he said. "You know he's always the instigator."

"I resent that."

Leia spun around. "And you." She shook a finger in Han's face. "I can't send you out to get milk without you almost getting yourself killed."

"Sorry, sweethear," Han said. "I try to behave." He put his arms around her waist and pulled her in close. Leia hesitated and looked back at Luke.

He smiled. "Go ahead."

Han lifted her up to kiss her with all the joy of living.

"I noticed you two are civil," she said afterwards.

"You could say that."

"I told you so."

"How'd you get here so fast?" Han asked, changing the subject.

"By violating just about every galactic transportation regulation in the book," Leia said. "You know you really had me worried, if you had me breaking rules." She surveyed the pairs various wounds. "I hope you two adventurers are healed enough to head home. I have an appointment to catch."

Han raised an eyebrow. "An appointment?"

Leia nodded. "Some problems can only be solved by asking for help."

A/N: So there you have it. Thanks to all of you for reading. I hope you enjoyed!

May the Force be with you,

TSW