Chapter Six

"I think we should rest," The young Jedi declared, dropping her satchel onto the soft, green grass. It was late afternoon on the Middle Rim planet, and the prince and the Jedi had been walking for most of the day, but with small breaks in between. She was worried about Han, since she discovered he had a mild concussion. Her concern, although sweet, he supposed, was getting on his nerves. He wanted to get to her aunt's house, get a transport and go to Bespin. The sooner the mission was over, the better.

"Well I think we should keep going," He countered, walking ahead.

"Solo, do you even know where you're going?" She called out a couple minutes later, watching him from the top of the hill. The Corellian turned around and saw her staring at him, hand on her hip.

"Not really, no," He admitted, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Tell you what," Leia began, running her hand through her long, dark curls. He noticed dark circles under her big, brown eyes. She was tired, no doubt, since she took care of him for three days, never sleeping for more than two hours at a time. "We'll take a break, and then I'll show you something,"

The prince gave her a funny look. "Like what?"

Skywalker smiled and walked down the hill to join the Corellian. "It's really cool," She grabbed his hand and pulled on it, leading him further ahead. "I promise."

"How's your head feeling?" Leia asked casually, falling into step next to Solo. They had taken a short, fifteen-minute break, and were walking towards what Skywalker told him was her favourite spot when she was a kid. He wasn't sure exactly where they were going, but she was willing to open up to him more, and that was all that really mattered.

"Better," Han responded simply, shoving his hands in his trouser pockets. "Thanks, by the way," He lowered his voice.

"For what?"

He shrugged. "Helping me out, I guess,"

"You don't have to thank me," Amidala said sheepishly, avoiding his gaze. She rubbed her arm as the prince noticed her cheeks turning a faint pink. He smiled; she was so easy to embarrass. The dimming sun shone through the forest trees, the late-afternoon breeze ruffling the Jedi's long hair. The pair eventually reached a small clearing, and Leia pulled back the trees, revealing a gorgeous waterfall, the water a color Han had never even seen. "Pretty sweet, huh?" Skywalker grinned, enjoying Solo's astonished reaction.

"It's great!" He breathed, his hazel eyes wide. He hadn't even realized the girl had left his side and was already running towards the water.

"Last one in is a slimy Hutt!" Leia giggled, sliding down the hill. She peeled off her top, threw off her shoes, slipped out of her trousers and dove into the water. She laughed even more as Han stared at her in awe and surprise. "C'mon in, Solo!" She shouted, treading through the turquoise water. "The water's fine!" He gave her a funny look. "What? You scared?"

"Not at all," He replied haughtily, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Then what are you waiting for?" She drawled, leaning against a rock.

"If you insist," He teased, jogging down the hill and pulling his shirt over his head. Once he was only in his boxers, he ran and jumped into the water. The Corellian prince quickly swam over to the Jedi and dunked her underwater.

Obviously aided by the Force, she pushed him off, coming up and panting for air. "You bastard!" Leia exclaimed, breathing heavily. She was trying not to laugh, he knew. He feigned innocence and pointed to himself. She finally gave in and laughed, splashing him in the face. "Yes, you, Your Royal Bastard,"

He raised his eyebrow. "Is that any way to talk to your superior?"

"How'd you find this place?" Han asked nonchalantly, leaning back on his elbows. The sun shone on the pair as they rested on the rocks at the top of the waterfall. They overlooked the waterfall, the sunset casting a beautiful reflection over the turquoise water.

She shrugged, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "Me 'n my brothers were just wondering off one day and…I dunno. We ended up here," Leia gestured to the spectacular view in front of them. She smiled, a dreamy look in her eyes. "It was so easy back then,"

"What do you mean?" The prince inquired, pushing himself off up his elbows and moving a bit closer to the Jedi.

"It's hard being the Chosen One's daughter," Skywalker answered, her lips pressed in a firm line. "And then my mom's a famous politician…it's just really hectic, I guess," She shrugged again, her lips twisting into a frown.

He snorted and rolled his eyes. "Try being the prince," Han examined his fingernails, trying to look casual.

"Do you have any idea how much pressure I have to deal with?" She gritted through her teeth, staring daggers his way. "Everyone just expects me to be like my father. Do you think I want that? Do you think anybody would want that?"

"Being a prince ain't no walk in the park, either, sweetheart," He retorted, matching her glare.

"Oh, I'm sure," Amidala said sarcastically, crossing her arms over her chest. "You're filthy rich, you can do whatever you want, whenever you want- you have servants, for Kriff sake!" She threw her hands up in exasperation.

"You think I want to get married?" He growled, a flash of anger passing through his eyes.

"Well you're certainly not going to try to stop it," She replied calmly, tilting her chin up.

He shook his head and breathed deeply. "You're so damn infuriating sometimes,"

"Me?" The Coruscanti exclaimed, her eyes widened. She quickly turned away from him, her jaw clenched tightly, redness spreading over her cheeks and neck. Her quiet curses became indistinct murmurs as Solo finally took the time to study her almost naked body, sitting only inches from him. Clad only in a white bra and matching underwear, with her long hair covering her shoulders and beads of water glistening on her skin, she was extremely alluring to the Corellian prince. His shorts suddenly felt tight and uncomfortable against his skin. He knew he couldn't have her. He never could. Maybe it's worth a try…he mused silently.

As if reading his mind, Skywalker turned back towards him. The Corellian leaned in and rested his forehead against hers, their lips centimetres apart. "You're gonna be the death of me, you know that?" She murmured, staring deeply into his eyes.

Solo grinned. "A good cause, no?" He closed the space between them, his lips meeting hers in a soft kiss. She didn't pull away like last time; he had a feeling she expected the kiss this time. He snaked his arms around her waist, pulling her closer. He had a sudden need for her touch, her skin against his. He felt her arms slide up his bare chest, behind his neck and her fingers tangled in his messy hair. Solo pulled Leia into his lap, his lips never leaving hers. I could spend the rest of my life with her, he realized in shock. "You're not reading my mind, are you?" He panted, nuzzling her cheek.

"No," Skywalker breathed, shaking her head.

"Good," He captured her lips once more, his head spinning. The sweet smell of her skin intoxicated him, sending sparks wherever she touched him. The prince trailed his lips from hers, to her jaw line, down her neck, stopping and nibbling at her collarbone. She moaned softly, bringing a smile to his face. He reached for her bra hook; You almost got her, Solo…

Amidala panicked and pushed him away, breathing heavily. "I'm sorry," Her voice was barely a whisper. "I shouldn't have done that," She bit her lip and turned away from him, obviously embarrassed. She silently scolded herself; Leia, stop being so damned vulnerable! He doesn't love you; he just wants to bed you!

He tried to look confident, but his eyes betrayed it, hurt and pain clear as day in the hazel orbs. "My mistake."