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Chapter Six

Han had been staring at his reflection for about an hour now, he had no idea what he was doing, but he knew it would work out. His heart was jumping at the thought of seeing Leia again. He knew she would be surprised to see him, especially at this type of event. Maybe it would be better to meet around other people, perhaps the pressure would be off if they weren't alone. Han hoped so, he hoped this would work its way out. He wondered how she would look tonight. He remembered every event they got ready for and every dress Leia slipped into. The way her longer hair fell down her back as she braided it's length. Those sweet moments when Han tried to convince her to stay home and to take the dress back off. The way he would dance with her across the floor, showing everyone how much he loved her and how she was his. And always the best part of the evening, when Leia agreed it was time to go home. They never seemed to get much sleep after those events and Galas. Her bright smile from those nights would always be in his memory. While those thoughts and feelings were from a different world, he was convinced he could have those things here, with this Leia.

"Wow…" Chewie said as Han walked out of the cabin and towards the ramp. "You looking to impress some royalty tonight?" Chewie asked with a chuckle.

"That's the plan…" Han smirked.

"Han…You know I care about you and I cared for Leia. Do you think this is wise?"

"What? Going to the Holiday Gala?"

"Pushing her to see you again. Perhaps lunch was enough?" Chewie questioned.

"I need to see her again. I'm going to make this right."

"You keep getting crazier and crazier." Chewie sighed.

"The crazier the better."

"Well you look nice, hopefully the Princess appreciates that."

"Hopefully." Han nodded, she used to always appreciate when he cleaned up and dressed well. She always told him how handsome he looked, maybe this Leia would think the same way.

"Just promise me something?" Chewie asked.

"What promise?"

"Don't get arrested, I don't wanna bail you out tonight."

"Why would I get arrested?" Han laughed softly.

"If you piss the Princess off, I'm sure she has plenty of guards to pull you off."

"She won't do that." Han said sternly, hoping he was right. Leia wouldn't do that, Right? Maybe this Leia would. He felt like he needed to relearn this Leia, get to know her once again. She wasn't his wife anymore, this was something Han had to constantly remind himself of. Running his hands down his suit once more, Han looked up to his friend.

"Best of luck." Chewie said as he walked down the hall and left Han to his thoughts.

His mind wandered to the cloaked figure. Clearly he had wanted to give Han and Leia a second chance, he wanted them to try and start over. Whatever power he held, or things he had planned, he had brought Han here. There had to be a purpose for this, for all of this. And Han was convinced that his purpose was to win Leia back and spend the rest of his life with her. She could love him again, he could prove to her he was a different man. Han straightened his tie and ran his palms down his jacket, a nervous habit of his whenever he attended these things. Normally Leia's hand in his would always calm him down. He smiled hopefully. This would be a good night, he knew it. It had to be.

—-


The Gala was huge and incredible. They weren't kidding when they said people from all across the galaxy would be attending. The line outside was large and Han checked several times to make sure he hand the bar code of his ticket. The last thing he wanted was to lose his ticket and not be able to make it inside. His nerves were growing, but he tried to focus on the idea of seeing Leia again. He knew she would be beautiful and breathtaking. He also knew he would feel calm once he laid eyes on her. Han looked up at the lights, as they flashed around him. Walking steadily into the hallway he took one last breath before he entered the main room. The decoration hung from the ceiling and the lights shimmered across crystals hanging everywhere. Even Han had to admit it looked beautiful. The holiday themes were present through out the room and the slight music playing in the background added to the atmosphere.

A waiter approached Han and offered him a drink. Han nodded and took the clear glass. He had no idea what the liquid was but he assumed they wouldn't be serving poison. His eyes darted around the room and desperately looked for Leia. He knew she would be here, this was her event. Sipping the cold liquid he cringed at it's sweet flavor, not exactly his taste, but it would do. Taking another gulp, Han walked the room. The crystals reflected beautiful lights against the walls and the floor, capturing the deep colors around them. The music shifted into a familiar holiday tune and couples slowly made their way to the dance floor. Watching their movement Han looked across the room and settled on watching the crystals reflection dance across the surfaces.

"Yes well thank you so much for joining us." Han heard her voice before he could find her within the crowd. It was like the room silenced and all he could hear was her velvety voice. His head immediately turned and started searching the room for her beautiful face. The couples moved and danced across the floor, making it hard for Han to see anything at all. Suddenly a pair moved slowly to the left and parted the way. Han had a direct line of sight to her. She was surrounded by others and was greeting and smiling to them all.

He hadn't been wrong, she looked amazing. The emerald green silk of her dress clung to her body and cascaded down her small form. The silk caught some of the crystals shimmers and brought Han's eyes up and down her body. Her bare arms caught shimmers as well, against her pale skin, moving all the way up to the green sleeves that lightly clung to her shoulders. She looked every bit like a holiday dream. Beautiful, sexy, breathtaking and everything Han wanted. His eyes stayed glued to her, taking in the way her short hair brushed against her shoulders and the way she bit against her dark red lip. She hadn't noticed him and for that he was thankful. He wanted to take in this moment and never forget how perfect she looked. If this would be his last decent holiday memory he would savor it for as long as possible.

Leia continued to talk wit her fellow Ambassadors, Senators, and political figures. The main room looked just as she had planned and everyone seemed so thrilled with how it had turned out. They hadn't had a Holiday Gala in years. This year just felt right and Leia was so pleased she could take part in it. She rarely decorated for the holiday's or celebrated at all anymore, this was a nice way to express her love for the season. She missed loving the holiday's. The days with her mother and father enjoying the beautiful holiday colors and the magic that seemed to light the room every year. She smiled sadly to herself now, thinking of her parents did that, especially around the holidays. Maybe that's why she stopped celebrating. She had Luke of course, but he was always off planet working on one Jedi matter or another. She missed him, but she understood his work. She was alone most of the time, without anyone to keep her company. Besides the occasional nightly guest.

Sensing an odd feeling around her, Leia looked from the guests surrounding her and instead moved her gaze to circle the room. She saw many familiar faces but her eyes were glued to one in particular. Han. Her breath might have caught in her throat, as she saw him standing across the room from her. He was staring right at her and she couldn't pull her gaze from him. Their eyes were locked and seemed to hold each other in a familiar way. Han offered her a small smile and she tried to respond but her face seemed to be frozen in place. She just stared at him, not sure what to think or feel. Her mind screamed at her, why is he here? While her heart beat a little faster and her eyes took in how handsome he looked.

Han took the next step and started moving towards her. He squeezed in between the dancing guests, his eyes never leaving Leia's. Her eyes seemed to track his movement, her dark brown eyes staring at him deeply. His smile brightened as he caught sight of her flushed skin. He watched as Leia excused herself from the group and slowly met Han next to the dance floor.

"Leia…" Han said his voice low and husky. His eyes continued to trail over her, landing on her lips. She was so beautiful. They must have stood there for a few silent moments, wondering what to say or how to proceed. Finding her voice, Leia slowly spoke.

"Han? what are you doing here?" She questioned, her voice seemed open and friendly.

"I told you I wanted to see you again."

"So you bought a ticket to this?" She asked, confused on what would bring Han Solo to this Holiday Gala.

"Figured you'd have to be here if you planned it…it's a beautiful party, you should be proud of yourself." Han told her, when he saw the confusion cross her face he quickly clarified. "I read that you put this together. It's amazing Leia."

"Oh well, thank you." She nodded.

"You look beautiful Leia."

"Thank you." She said again, her tone colder then it had been. She was closing herself off to him once more, desperate to keep her walls up and around herself.

"I'm still a bit surprised to see you here. It's not really your style. You don't even look like yourself." She said noting his suit.

"You don't like the suit?" Han asked surprised. His Leia always loved how he looked dressed up, not that she was against his usual relaxed attire.

"I didn't say that…" Leia quickly added. Han smirked and looked down to their feet. The length of her emerald green dress brushing against the floor. His eyes traced over it and back up to meet her eyes. "Why are you here Han?" She asked again.

"I just wanted to see you and celebrate the Holiday."

"Oh…Well I hope you enjoy yourself." She said softly, looking back over to the group she had left moments before. "I have some more people to greet and welcome…"

"Of course, Miss Ambassador." Han nodded softly, feeling brave he reached out and took hold of her hand. He knew she felt the familiar spark between them as their skin touched. Leaning over Han kissed the top of her hand softly and smiled up to her. Leia felt a blush come up her neck and heat her cheeks. Pulling her hand out of his hold, she looked away from his gaze.

"Have a good time Han." She said, walking away from him and back to the group around them. Han watched the sway of the silk shift with each step she took. The delicate fabric clung to her body and fell to the floor perfectly. She was perfect, always would be.

Han grabbed himself another drink as he watched Leia make the rounds around the large room. She greeted everyone with a smile and a hand shake. Everyone seemed to point and stare around the room to the crystals, the lights, the music and all of it. It was clear that everyone loved the event and Leia was thankfully getting all the credit. Han couldn't remove the smile from his face as he watched Leia in her element. It was a secret pleasure of Han's, watching her interact with her fellow politicians or handle the presses questions and comments. She was such a strong force and he loved watching her do her thing.

While Leia did smile and greet everyone with kindness, Han couldn't help but notice the smile never met her eyes. When Leia smiled for real, her eyes sparkled and her face flushed. Or there was her other smile, the fake one as Han called it. She only used it at work or when she was expected to be courteous to delegates and leaders. Han had joked about her fake smile for years. Leia always suggesting he was seeing things and that she only had one smile. But Han knew her real smile and her fake smile. And tonight her smile never once reached her eyes.

Leia sighed and slowly excused herself from the newest group of guests. Everyone was so thrilled with her and she tried to be happy about it, but she felt a sense of nerves and uneasiness now. She wanted to know why Han was here. She didn't buy his story of wanting to see her again or being in the holiday spirit. She worried he wanted something, she was also worried that he might be telling the truth. That he really was there to see her and talk with her again. That scared her most of all, she couldn't let herself think that way. Or allow herself to be swept up in Han Solo again. Too much time, too many harsh words shared, there was too many things to take into account and too many things that could never be fixed. There was no going back.

Stepping to the bar, Leia ordered herself a drink and waited patiently against the counter top. She wanted to look over the room and find where Han was hiding, but she knew that would do her more harm then good.

"Ambassador Organa." She heard someone say from the side of her. Turning around Leia was met with another familiar face. Looking up Leia smiled and greeted the man before her.

"Maddox." Leia greeted with a small nod and another smile.

"You look beautiful tonight Leia." he whispered his voice hushed now. She looked down to her finger tips and nodded her head softly. His dark brown eyes bored into hers as he moved to stand beside her. Leia turned reaching for her drink once more, sipping the cold liquid before looking back up to Maddox's face.

"It's good to see you Maddox."

"As always Leia." He said reaching up to brush a stray hair from her face. She closed her eyes at his touch. His finger tips were warm and some what soothing. Flickering her eyes open she met his gaze, as he leaned in to whisper in her ear. "You really look beautiful." Leia tried to smile but she couldn't help but compare his words to Han's. It didn't sound as good coming from Maddox. She hated herself for feeling that way, but Han always had a way of making her heart flutter, Maddox would never be Han and she'd known that for a while.

"I didn't know you were attending the Gala." Leia told him, looking up to meet his intense stare.

"You're quite special Ambassador, I knew this wouldn't be an event to miss." He smiled, his white teeth catching the crystals reflections from across the room. Leia nodded softly and watched as he moved to run his hand up her bare arm.

Han about dropped his glass as he watched the tall man approach Leia. At first he assumed it was another guest for Leia to greet, but the feel to them quickly changed. Han watched as Leia sipped her liquid and spoke to the man in front of her. His Light hair was greased back away from his face, making it clear to see when he was speaking to Leia. She offered him a smile and closed her eyes at his touch. Han watched each and every move the man made, from the slight touch against Leia's face. To the way Leia turned into his embrace as he whispered words into her ear. He wanted to know what he was saying, he needed to know who the hell this guy was. The logical side of his brain begged him to not question it. You wouldn't like that answer, his mind told him.

Han watched as his fingers traced Leia's bare arm. She nodded something and her lips moved, answering a question of his. Han swallowed deep and his heart thudded against his chest. His heart felt like it was ripping from inside him. He wanted to look away but couldn't find it in him to close his eyes. He watched as Leia's red lips whispered back to the man in front of her. His arm slid down Leia's side and gently rested against her hip. Han felt his fist clench and his scowl spread across his face. "Don't touch her!" His mind screamed over and over again. "She's my wife!" His mind added, fueling Han's anger. "No she's not." The other part to his insane thoughts said. Stepping forward, He didn't care anymore. He didn't care if this ended badly, he wasn't going to stand by and watch as this guy touched her! While she let him touch her like that! He pushed his way through the crowds of people. When suddenly someone grabbed hold of his arm and pulled him back.

"What the hell!" Han exclaimed, as he turned to face the stranger that had grabbed him. He swallowed hard and looked at the cloaked man before him.

"You can't Han." He told him.

"Why would you care?!"

"You'll ruin this with her! If you rush over there and cause a scene she will never speak to you again." He explained to Han. Han glanced over to Leia, she still stood next to her mystery man. He didn't want to admit it,but the cloaked figure was probably right. Looking back to his hidden face, Han clenched his fists.

"Why would you bring me here?"

"You wanted a second chance!"

"At what? Watching Leia go off with someone else? What a happy love story."

"You need to have more faith!"

"Lost faith the day I lost my wife!"

"Even after all of this?"

"I…"

"You have been given a gift Han, a miracle! Don't ruin, or you'll live the rest of your life regretting it." He quickly said, before releasing his hold on Han and moving to walk away into the crowd. Han looked to Leia once more and watched as the blonde man slowly took Leia's hand and kissed her fingers softly. They both nodded to each other before the man walked away and Leia greeted other guests.

—-


Leia felt a hand on her shoulder and quickly turned around, finding Han staring deep into her eyes. His eyes looked intense and she briefly held concern for him.

"Dance with me Princess?" Han asked her.

"Oh…I'm not really dancing tonight."

"A favor for an old friend…" Han tried. Leia hesitated, looking down to his outstretched hand.

"Just a quick one." Leia said taking hold of his hand as they walked toward the dance floor. Han felt a joy of electricity fly through him as their skin touched and she held on to his hand. Walking out on to the floor, a fast tempo song played, making the feel much more comfortable for Leia. Han twirled her around the floor, before pulling her back to his side. Leia kept her hand in his nice and tight. Leia's body moved against Han's and he tried to focus on her face and not the way her warmth made him feel.

"Are you having a good time?" Leia asked as they moved back and fourth to the beat of the music.

"It's been lovely…" Han said with a bitter tone. "So is that guy your boyfriend?" He asked, figuring he was at least allowed to ask about him. Leia stared at him silently for a moment before she snorted out a laugh.

"Watching me Captain Solo?" Leia asked, wondering how on earth he thought he had a right to be jealous. Not after all this time.

"I like watching you." He said, surprising her and making her heart beat faster.

"Well my sex life isn't any of your concern."

Han's heart dropped at her confirmation. Images of Leia kissing that man flashed through out his mind, Leia allowing him to touch her, or remove her clothing. He swallowed hard as he imagined Leia with anyone else but him. He didn't like the images his mind was creating. Leia caught sight of his flash of discomfort but she pushed it a side.

"I'm sure you have someone, or a few someones. I highly doubt Han Solo has stayed celibate all these years." Leia said with a laugh, hoping to lighten the mood of their dance.

"Maybe…Why didn't you mention him at lunch?" Han asked.

"Why would I mention him?"

"He seems to be important to you…"

"Not that it's any of your business but it's not like that between us. He's a friend, of sorts."

"Looked like more then friendship."

"And if it was? It has nothing to do with you Han, you have no right to question who keeps my bed warm. You've been gone for a long time."

"Leia…" Han tried, not wanting her to fully blow up at him.

"I'm not going to make a scene here Han."

"I don't want to make a scene. I want to see you happy Leia." Han admitted, as much as it hurt him. He would always want her to be happy, even if it wasn't with him.

"Maddox is a friend, who happens to be single as well. It's a convenient relationship."

"Oh…"

"So you've heard all about me, what about you Captain? What's her name? The latest conquest?"

"I don't remember."

"Right…" Leia nodded, remembering his "Memory" Problems. She wondered if he was using that as an out, instead of answering her question. She knew he'd been with other people, most likely too many to count. And she didn't want to think about who they were.

"I didn't mean to upset you Leia."

"I know." Leia nodded.

"I was just curious…"

"I know…" she whispered again. Neither could or would ever admit it, but cloud city flashed through both of their minds at her simple words.

The song slowed and came to a stop, everyone clapped and smiled around the dance floor. Leia clapped along and offered Han a small smile.

"Thank you for the dance Captain…" A slow song started to sound through out the large room and Han quickly grabbed for Leia's hands once more.

"Han?" She questioned when his arms wrapped around her and swayed softly.

"One more dance?" He said, their tempo slow and gentle.

"I'm not sure this is a good idea." Leia said softly looking down to where their bodies were pressed together.

"It's a good idea. It's just a dance Leia." Han sighed into her touch. Leia wanted to pull away and move as far from him as she could. But she felt such a great comfort in his arms, she always had. Laying her head against his chest, Leia took a shaky breath and wondered what the hell she was doing.

Han was surprised and shocked, but he wasn't complaining. The feel of Leia resting her head to his chest was so natural for them. Most nights they slept this way, Leia draped over his chest and his arms wrapped tightly around her form. He missed it. The nights he had spent without Leia, in this new world had been lonely and confusing. He'd wake up in a sweat, wondering where Leia was and what had happened. Then he would remember seeing her lifeless body and it would all come back to him.

Han swayed with Leia's body, the whole world disappearing around them. Leia lost herself in their movement, his hands felt so gentle against her back and the sound of his steady heart against her ear was lulling her into relaxation. Her mind flickered around to memories with this man, some good, really good. But then her mind thought to the end, and how bad things got. Han felt her tense and looked down at her distressed face.

"I should really get back…" Leia said pulling away from his arms.

"Alright…" Han said not wanting to push her any further.

"Thank you for coming tonight Han."

"Always…" He smiled, leaning in and surprising them both when he kissed her forehead. Leia's eyes fell shut, remembering just how soft his lips were. Her mind went far away then, lost in his touch, in their closeness. Han smirked down at Leia's awed expression, as he slowly pulled back from her.

"Good night Han." She said softly.

"Good night Princess."

Han watched her step away and walk over to speak with a new group of people. It hadn't been perfect but it was getting better. If only he could just jump ahead and have her back now. Looking across the room, Han caught sight of a familiar cloaked figure. Han cocked his head to the side, wondering if he had been watching them dance. Han almost stepped towards him, but he seemed to disappear before Han even had a chance. Sighing, Han took one last look at Leia before he moved to leave the Gala.


As always thank you for reading!