Adelyn 12

Twins 4

Chapter Ten

The Falcon rested back down in it's rightful spot on Coruscant, and Han let out a sigh. Chewie mumbled something to him about shutting the ship down and Han nodded. He felt exhausted, but he guessed it was worth it. It had been a big trip for work, but considering everything had gone better then planned he couldn't really complain. The clients were pleased and had expressed their interest in using Han's company again, so really it was a win win. But it had been draining. Constant days of work, with no real break, and being away from home felt weird to him. Han almost never took jobs like this, if the company took a long trip supply he'd often send someone else. He didn't like being away from his family, and the other guys were young and didn't mind, considering they didn't have family waiting for them every night. But this client had been picky and almost insisted Han run the job himself. He'd almost denied it, and turned it all down. But Leia had soothed his worry and assured him he could go, and they would all be fine.

"You ain't gonna miss me?" Han had questioned and Leia had laughed at him.

"Maybe a little," She had whispered to him, holding his face close.

He'd only been gone a week, but he missed his family tremendously. The evening was slowly fading, and Han knew he still had time to get home and see his children before they went to bed, and Leia had assured him she would stay up to meet him. They flipped switches and fully shut the ship down, before locking her up and moving to leave the hangar. Han and Chewie mumbled to each other as they left the ship, both tired and ready to head home. Walking down the ramp, Han was shocked to hear a familiar voice.

"Daddy!" Cora called from across the hangar. Looking up Han was surprised to see his whole family waiting for him. Cora and Caleb dashed forward toward's their father. While Leia and Adelyn smiled at them, and watched as they ran forward. Han dropped his bags and scooped them both up. They were both getting so big, but he could still lift them up with little trouble. "Momma said you were back!" Caleb told his father.

"We wanted to come and see you," Cora said finishing her brothers words.

"I am back, I missed you guys," He said dropping a kiss to both of their heads.

"We missed you too daddy," Caleb said with a nod, he was growing up to look so much like his father. Han smiled down at him, as he walked forward to meet the rest of his family.

"Hey little Princess," Han said, greeting Adelyn. She smiled back at her father, offering him a side hug around her siblings.

"I wasn't expecting to see you guys," Han said, looking to his wife.

"Mom wanted to surprise you!" Cora added. Leia nodded her head softly.

"Thought you'd like more time with them before bedtime," Leia suggested, with another soft nod. Her eyes looked a little off. Han wasn't sure what exactly it was, but her normal bright smile was lacking. Perhaps she was just tired, he wasn't sure. He'd talk to her later after the kids went to bed. He hugged the children tighter, before setting them both down and moving to grab his bags. Chewie moved closer and greeted the kids. The children of course ran to his side and gave him hugs as well. Giving Han and Leia brief moment. Reaching up, Han cupped her face and smiled down at her.

"Good to see you sweetheart," He whispered, leaning in and kissing her softly. she kissed him back, and offered him a small smile.

"Glad you're home," She told him, hugging him.

"You alright?" He asked.

"I'm fine," She nodded, dismissing his question and pulling back. She offered him a reassuring smile, but he saw through it. She forgot sometimes how well he knew her, and understood how her mind worked. He smiled back, deciding to ask her later for details. Han only hoped it hadn't been something they could have avoided if he was home. He was already feeling guilty leaving his family, he didn't want things to be worse. Giving his wife a gentle squeeze, he was happy to feel her move further into his side. They both looked back to their children, the twins were up in Chewie's arms and Adelyn was hugging her furry uncles side.

"Can't control your cubs?" Chewie called over to them. Han laughed and shrugged. They may be crazy but he loved his family more then anything else in this galaxy.

"They love their uncle for some reason!" Han called over and the Wookiee snorted.

"I'm a good Uncle!"

"Yes you are!" Leia agreed with a soft smile. "Come on little cubs, let Uncle Chewie go. If you want to spend time with your father tonight, we need to get home before bedtime," Leia told them. The twins offered a whine, but slowly let go of their uncle and ran back towards their parents. The group of them walked towards the entrance of the hangar, before grabbing the nearest lift towards their apartment building. Leia sat close to Han during the journey home. Her hand was tightly grasped in his, and her head rested against his shoulder. He'd missed her, and he got the feeling she had missed him as well. Although the lingering worry that he had missed something still wandered his thoughts, he was trying to simply enjoy the time with his loved ones.

The twins went on and on about all the things their father had missed. Little things really, new things they had learned or games they were now playing with each other. Adelyn added a few things as well, mostly things regarding school and her studies, but she brightened up so much when she spoke of such things that Han didn't mind hearing about them. As they came to their building they all said goodbye to Chewie as he moved to his floor of the complex and to his apartment, while the Solo family continued to their own. Adelyn palmed the door open and the twins practically dragged Han inside. He laughed, letting the small children pull him around the room and into their home. It looked the same and smelled the same, not that he expected much to change in the short time he was gone. But he had honestly missed his home. Han sat on the sofa, as all three children surrounded him. The twins mumbled suggestions of what to watch or what to do the first night they had their father back. Han smiled down at them, letting them decide on their night plans. His wife got lost in the mix, and when he looked up to find her she wasn't far, simply standing across the room. He stared at her for a moment, wishing she'd look toward him.

"Leia?" He questioned, making her eyes flicker up to his.

"Huh?"

"You joining us?" Han asked, it seemed his children had decided on a holo to watch before bed.

"Of course," she said with a nod. Moving over Leia sat beside Cora on the sofa. The twins snuggled up on both sides of their father, while Adelyn sat in her own chair to the side of the rest of her family. Han glanced to his wife a few times during the holo, never catching her eyes. Her gaze was focused on whatever film they were watching, but he just felt like something was wrong. Reaching his hand up he rested it against the back of Leia's neck, rubbing soft circles along her skin. She smiled softly, but didn't look to him. His touch was always calming to her, and he couldn't help but want her close, even with small humans placed between them. One by one each child started to fall asleep, even Adelyn's eyes were fluttering from her spot in her chair. Leia's gaze moved from her children, to the holo and back to each child. They were so pleased to have Han home, and that warmed Leia's heart. Han ran his fingers along Leia's jaw, making her turn to look at him. He smiled, before his eyes flickered down to the twins. Leia stared at him, and offered him a small nod. Standing up Han grabbed Caleb, as Leia lifted Cora into her arms and they started to move out of the room. They both paused to look at their oldest, her dark eyes trying to fight to stay open.

"You should go to sleep baby," Leia told Adelyn as she stepped closer to her chair.

"The movies not over," She protested, but looking up at her now passed out siblings she sighed. Maybe an early night would be good for everyone. Slowly standing, Adelyn rested her body against her fathers side as the whole family walked down the hallway. Han squeezed her shoulder with his free hand, helping her down the hall. Adelyn disappeared into her room first, offering her parents a quiet goodnight, before shutting her door.

Han and Leia continued to the twins room, both being careful not to wake their sleeping children. Han was the first to lay Caleb in his bed, making sure his son was comfortable and properly rested against his pillow. Before then turning to his wife and lifting Cora from her and laying her down as well. Both children continued to sleep, the movement not effecting them at all. Han and Leia stayed quiet for a brief moment, theo only sound around them was their children breathing. They both stared down at them for a silent moment, taking in the sweet image of their sleeping twins. Han's hands ran up Leia's arms and pulled her back to rest against his chest.

"Tired?" He whispered.

"I am," She nodded, taking hold of his hand and slowly leaving the twins room. Han followed her silently, hoping she would tell him what was troubling her once they were alone in their bedroom. Their door slid shut and Han waited. Leia looked like she wanted to start pacing the room, but was holding back.

"Leia?" He questioned stepping forward.

"You must be tired from your trip," Leia suddenly said.

"I guess, doesn't mean I don't want to spend some time with my wife," He offered with a smile as he kissed her forehead. "Talk to me," He urged her, not pretending anymore. He knew there was something wrong.

"I'm fine," She insisted.

"Leia?"

"It's been a tough work week," She sighed, plopping back on their bed and letting out a loud breath. Han offered her a small smile, before crawling across the bed and resting beside her.

"Like what?" He asked, taking hold of her hand and kissing her palm softly. Leia looked up at him, laying next to her with his head propped up on his arm.

"I'm tired Han…and my work has been questioned," She trailed off.

"By who? Not the Vader bantha shit again?!"

"No not that! It doesn't matter, all that matters is people seem to think I've put work on the back burner, and my family first," She explained and Han smirked. "I know," She sighed. "They aren't wrong, but that doesn't mean I'm doing bad work! I'm allowed to love my family, spend time with my children and have a successful job. It doesn't have to be either or. I am good at my job!" She said, her voice almost exploding as she vented her feelings to him. She'd clearly been keeping them inside for days, and finally have Han home and by her side, was so healing. She trusted him, and could talk to him about anything.

"You're right," Han agreed.

"Aren't I always?" She questioned with a smirk.

"What's got you stressed? This hasn't bothered you before. People said this stuff after we had the twins?" He reminded her.

"It's different now," She said shaking her head and sighing.

"How so?" He asked, kissing her palm once more.

"I've been asked to re-up my position."

"Within the Republic?"

"Yes, I would remain in this position for another term. I would continue with this specific work within the Republic and for the Republic. Nothing would change."

"Alright…"

"Han, I don't know if I want to," She sighed.

"Your quitting?" He asked with shock in his voice.

"Not exactly…My work for Alderaan would never go away and I don't want it to. But some things I don't have to do anymore. The treaties, the negotiations…I have the option to change things up…" Leia trailed off and Han stared at her, a little shocked. "Don't look at me like that," She sighed, feeling nervous about talking to him about this.

"So you wouldn't work for the Republic anymore?" He asked trying to understand.

"No, I still would, just in a different position. I could never leave it all behind, but…I can make my own decisions and not have higher up officials tell me how to do my job. Or how much time I should be spending with my children."

"Oh," He said softly.

"Things have been so good for a while, the galaxy is good. Gods I feel like I'm going to jinx it," She said letting a shaky breath out.

"You're not jinxing it, we're just talking, you can always talk to me Leia," He reminded her.

"I know that."

"So tell me what you would be doing?"

"I've looked into advising."

"Advising…?"

"It would be similar to what I do now, but not full time. It would focus on areas I specialize in…"

"Which is everything," Han noted and she glared at him.

"It would be a smaller level of what I'm doing now, plus my work for the Alderanians. Han, I'd still be doing good, but not at the price of people telling me I can't have a family too."

"Screw them," Han muttered and Leia laughed.

"I don't know Han, It's just been on my mind lately. And with you not home, it's been quiet, I get lost in my thoughts."

"It's been quiet around here with our three monsters?" He asked and Leia smiled again. He was already improving her mood. "Wouldn't stepping down give them what they want? You'd be choosing us over your career?" Han asked.

"No, it would be taking my career back to what I want it to focus on. Instead of being given piles of work, that honestly shouldn't be brought to me, I'd be focusing purely on what I do best," She explained. "They been…taking advantage of me for a while, and I want to change that."

"Wow," Han sighed, this was a lot to take in. "An advisor huh?"

"Han," She sighed. "There's more."

"What are you pregnant too?" He asked with a smirk and Leia rolled her eyes.

"No Han, I am not pregnant."

"You know I'm game if you are," He laughed, kissing the side of her head and along to her lips.

"Han…" She sighed.

"What else sweetheart?"

"I could be an advisor…anywhere," She said slowly.

"Meaning?"

"It wouldn't require me to stay on Coruscant anymore. Everything could be done remotely, with the occasional trip back here," She explained gently. Han just stared at her. She wants to move? His mind asked.

"You want to move?" He asked, directing his question to her now.

"I don't know Han. This is all overwhelming my thoughts. It's a lot, I really didn't meant to spring all of this on you," She said closing her eyes.

"But you've thought about it, leaving Coruscant?"

"I have, I thought about it for a while. Maybe I should have done it years ago, but it was easier being here and looking for you," She trailed off. "Coruscant was so convent for finding you," She said running her fingers along his jaw. "It made sense for my job…But I don't know if it was really right for our family," She explained.

"You've never mentioned moving before, we've never brought it up," Han added, trying to remember if it had ever been brought up. But it had been his journey back into the real world after the carbonite, getting to know Adelyn and finding his way back to Leia. Then it was their relationship without a war going on, which quickly turned into that damn man Murzim trying to take away everything Han cared about. Then the wedding, the twins and it all slowly blurred together. The best years of his life, he knew that for sure, but in all of it, they had both just assumed they would stay on Coruscant.

"Leia," He started, but she stopped him.

"You hate it here Han, I know you've only stayed here because that's where I was needed. This was where I started raising Adelyn…but you hate it here," She repeated softly.

"I've never said that," He mumbled. "You don't have to, I know you…"

"Well I know you too sweetheart, this is a big step. What about the kids?" He asked.

"I think it could be good for them. But I just don't know Han. What if this is horrible for the kids, too much to think about. It's been sending me into panic attacks thinkings about it," She said hiding her face in her hands. This had been on her thoughts for days now, but really speaking the words and talking to Han about it was making this all so real.

"Why didn't you com me? You can always call me Leia," He reminded her. "Always."

"I didn't want to worry you on your trip. There's so much to think about. Do I really want to make this step, should we move away, what about your company? I don't know how to sort these thoughts out."

"Well," Han started. "I can run shipments from anywhere sweetheart, that won't change anything. Do you think this would make you happy?"

"I wish I knew, I'm just so up in the air, Han."

"Where would we go?" He asked tracing over her jawline.

"Haven't got that far. I'm sorry Han," She said suddenly jumping up and moving across the room. Han sat up on the bed and watched her.

"For what?"

"Dropping all of this on you, You just got home."

"Who else you gonna talk to about this? You got another husband?"

"Just the boyfriend," She offered in a teasing tone." Han glared at her and stood up, in a few short steps he was back in her arms.

"You can always talk to me Leia, Always…."

"What do you think Han?" She asked him, holding him close. "Really, what do you think?"

"I think you've thought about this a lot, and I want you to be happy Leia."

"I am happy with you," She whispered, leaning up and kissing his chin.

"I know that sweetheart. I also know that you've been busy for a lot of years now. Maybe this question about your work, came at the right time. Gave you some time to think about where you see us in a few years."

"I see myself with you Han…"

"And where are we?" He asked her, brushing her hair back softly.

"I…" she started, closing her eyes slowly. Her mind reached for something, where did she see them? Where did she want her family to live? To grow? And to live their lives? Alderaan, that's where her mind went. But her heart clenched as she moved passed that thought. Her thoughts mixed together before slowly coming up with one clear image. "I see us on Corellia," Leia told him, opening her eyes and staring at him. She had such good memories from his home planet and she could see it. The children enjoying the planet and growing up there. She could see Han excitedly showing them all parts of his home. That was it, that was where Leia saw her family. Han offered her a smirk and nodded his head.

"Good choice. You think you'd like Corellian things?"

"I like Corellian things," She smirked, kissing his chest.

"So I've heard. Don't be too hard on yourself Leia, we'll figure this out," He whispered down to her. Leia nodded and rested her head against his chest. Han's arms reached around her and held her close. They would figure it out, they'd decide what was best for their family, together.

Choices for this Solo family =) Thanks for reading! New chapter coming soon!