Okay all, I haven't really dropped off the face of the earth, but school started and it's been really knocking me down on my butt! I had this silly idea that I should go to college someday and deceided that I was getting too old to put it off any longer!

I haven't given up on this story (I hope those of you that were reading this won't either!) and I hope to have something posted sometime this week.

Thanks!

Sweetdeath04 – I'm just not sure yet what Han is going to do!

RivendellWriter – Thanks again!

Limelight- I'm sure Han will eventually tell Leia about the mission...I'm just not sure if it will be in this story!

I AM EOWYN – I know the cheese thing was a little silly, but I thought they could use a light moment!

Ann-glad you like it!

Hayley Brown-Thanks for reading!

owphoenix-A little sappy sometime, huh? Thanks!

diago –Thanks!

Niki-We'll have to wait and see...thanks for reading!

Aguila – I'm sure sure how qickly I can get the posts out. But I'm trying. I certainly have a lot of ideas to try and get out.

MissE – Thank you so much!

I am so sorry if I missed anyone! Thanks to all reading!

Leia struggled to reach the upper shelf where Han kept the glassware. She was about to turn around and call Han for some help, then felt the warmness of his chest as it pressed into her back. His arm came up around and over her and he grabbed two goblets from the shelf. He set them down on the counter in front of her and whispered into hair, "I'll be right back."

She stood there a moment and caught her breath. The feeling of Han's breath and the closeness of him sent a shiver down her spine. Han was making it really hard for her to keep her focus. And she couldn't afford to lose it. Not tonight, and not anytime in the foreseeable future, she reminded herself. Besides, Han made it clear that the rebellion wouldn't be a part of his long term plans. The day that Han would leave would be hard enough for her already, why should she make it worse by embarking on a relationship that could never last? Besides, she didn't really think that Han's interest included a relationship in the first place.

He came back into the galley with a bottle wine. "How about a pre-dinner drink?" He held up the bottle to reveal a label from an Alderaan vineyard.

She reached for the bottle and said, "I'll pour. You better check on dinner."

She took the bottle and the goblets and headed for the lounge. The first thing she noticed was the table cloth that covered the holo-chess board. She poured the wine into the glasses, and unable to wait, took a small sip. Her eyes closed and she tilted her head back letting the fragrant and sweet liquid slowly trickle down her throat.

Han watched her from across the room and felt very pleased with himself as he watched her indulgence. He knew in moments like these, this was a woman he wanted to know better.

"How is it?" He asked.

She gave him an inviting look and held up a glass. "It's fabulous, Han. Thank you."

"Dinner is almost ready." He walked over to her and took his glass, noticing the softness of her fingertips as they brushed across his hand. They held up their glasses and with no words spoken, gently clicked them together and listened to the delicate chime the crystal produced.

The moment that followed seemed almost awkward. They hadn't spent any time around each other lately, not counting the few minutes they had last night. The atmosphere was oddly...calm. Han thought that since they hadn't seen each other much lately, they didn't have the usual friction that caused so many of their conflicts. It crossed his mind that if he could take care of the ship and what was on board quickly, this trip might leave him time to spend with the Princess. And since timing was everything, the lack of animosity that Leia sometimes displayed towards him might be a sure sign that the time was right for Han to make his intentions, whatever he decided they were, clear. And Pantolomin was certainly the right place. For all he knew, the "old friend" Leia was to meet had that thought in mind as well...

"Have you ever been to Pantolomin, Princess?"

She didn't mind so much when he called her Princess. It sounded different when it came from him, almost affectionate. "No, but this isn't a leisure trip for me, Captain. Anyway, even if I find some time, I will not waste it sitting in a smoky, dark, unsavory casino."

"You don't know what you're missing, Sweetheart." He grinned and took a big drink of wine. "You could be my good luck charm. Blow on the dice, bring me drinks; it could be fun."

'Well, if you are trying to ask me out, you'll have to think of a better scenario then that." Did I just say that out loud? Seriously, Organa. As if you should even entertain the idea of a 'date' with Han Solo! He knows I'm kidding, right?

"I'm flexible. No opera or ballet, but I'm sure I can think of something." Like the beach and Princess Leia Organa sweetly asking him to rub lotion all over her... He gave her that wink that always twinkled and before she could get the last word, he went to the galley to get dinner.

Shaking her head at the little hole she just dig herself into, she followed, right after she filled her glass again.

They sat together at the holo-chess table, enjoying their dinner and the wine. They both were on their third glass now and Leia was grateful that they were eating. They were having the fowl and peppers that Han had prepared with a rich cheese sauce slathered all over and a side of a type of mashed root that Leia never had before. She appeared to be thoroughly enjoying every bite.

Every time she closed her eyes, Han couldn't help but smile. This was just the reaction he was hoping for. He couldn't believe how easy things were between them right now. He had entertained the idea of instigating a small argument so she wouldn't question his absence on Pantolomin, but now he was reluctant to cause a rift when things were so comfortable. He'd have to just see how things went. Thinking fast on his feet was his specialty. One of them, anyway.

Leia picked up her glass and finished it off, holding it up yet again to indicate she was ready for a refill. The glass only filled halfway when the bottle emptied. Giving Han a mischievous look, she downed the contents. "Looks like you'll have to get more. I think you purposely made this extra spicy just to get me intoxicated."

Did she realize just how seductive she could be when her voice was so soft and husky? "Always thinkin' ahead. Did I ever tell you I have a thing for inebriated princesses?"

"Ha! I bet you do!"

Han quickly retrieved a bottle, not Alderaanian this time, and refilled the glasses.

"Thanks." She stood up feeling the heady effect the wine was started to take on her. "Excuse me. Please."

"Of course. Are you finished? I'll clear the table."

"Okay." She went to the 'fresher and after tending to her needs and splashing a bit of cold water on her face, she looked at herself in the mirror. What was she thinking? She shouldn't really be drinking like this and she just knew that Han was breaking down some of her defenses. She didn't know how to act. Their usual routine of arguing, even about nothing, wasn't happening. She was happy at that, but it left her wondering what would happen next, that is, if she allowed anything to happen at all. This was as close as she'd ever come to considering that something could very well happen. If she hadn't been making it such a point to stay away the last few months, it dawned on her that she probably would have been dealing with the dilemma before this.

Leia returned to find that Han had cleared the table and turned down the lights. She found her self sitting down next to him. Not quite touching, but close.

He leaned over a little bit and held out her glass. Again, no words were spoken as they made a silent toast. Next, he held up a data pad displaying various pictures of Pantolomin resorts and entertainment venues. Even if he didn't get the time to catch up to her during her stay, he thought she could use a little relaxation and diversion from war. Then a small little thought almost made him choke on his wine. Damn, I had to go and remind myself about that 'friend' again. Maybe I should have Chewie stay behind to watch over her. Hell, it be a good idea anyway, old friends aside. Several times that evening Han had to fight the urge to ask about her that old friend. But he didn't want to threaten what was becoming the best evening they ever had together. An evening where Leia couldn't run away from him. Not far, anyway.

"It's breathtaking, Han." Without thinking, she laid her head against his shoulder. Right in this moment, perhaps because of the wine, she decided that she wouldn't worry anymore tonight about what she should or shouldn't do. She felt too good inside, carefree even.

Han looked down at his side and kissed the top of the sleeping princess' head. He would wait, but it was becoming apparent that she was coming around. He knew now that he was in no hurry to leave the princess or her rebellion. He'd already been fighting for her cause the last three years, even if she didn't know it. By his actions, Han was choosing a life he never thought he'd be interested in. And now he couldn't imagine anything else he wanted more than the woman sleeping at his side and the crusade that was giving his life direction once again. Han only hoped that nothing in the coming days would jeopardize this.