Chapter Nine

Han stared up at the top of his ship. He hadn't moved for a few hours, too lost in his own thoughts to do anything productive. Only one thing was on his mind, Leia. She would always be on his mind, even if things didn't turn out the way he wanted them to, Leia would always remain in his thoughts and his heart. He'd been laying back against his bunk simply debating his next move. Every time he thought he made progress with Leia, something put another wall between them. He knew she cared about him, he could read that in her eyes every time they spoke or saw each other. But the real question was this new version of him enough to erase the pain of the past. He was a different man, Han repeated in his mind. He wanted to prove and show Leia how different he was, how he could make her happy again. She tried to pretend she was happy or at least some what happy, but Han could read through that. Her hard exterior showed it all. She didn't have to be lonely anymore, she could be happy and loved once more.

Han quickly jumped from his bunk, and grabbed for his jacket. Stepping out of the cabin, Chewie was surprised to see him up and awake. He watched as Han shrugged his jacket on and walked to exit the Falcon.

"Where are you going?" Chewie asked him, turning his head to the side and examining the look on his friends face.

"You know where I'm going." Han said quickly.

"Han, It's late?"

"I need to see her."

"Be careful cub!" Chewie warned, as he watched Han run down the ramp and into the cold weather. Shaking his head back and fourth, the wookie hoped Han didn't mess things up again.

The cool Coruscant air sent goosebumps up and down Han's body. But he fought through the conditions and quickly found a shuttle to take him to Leia's side of town. Looking out and around at the city as the shuttle flew through and in between the buildings, Han really did hate this planet. He'd only agreed to stay on Coruscant for Leia's career, but looking back on it now, he should have pushed harder to move away. Somewhere peaceful, where Leia could have relaxed and none of this would have happened. Han watched as lights flashed out and around him, each building seemed to be in the holiday spirt, featuring bright lights and decorations in their different windows and balcony's. He tried to steady his heart beat but part of him knew it wouldn't calm down, even if he tried.

The shuttle slowly came to a stop and Han looked out at the familiar area. Leia's apartment was just a short walking distance from this stop. Walking back into the cold air, Han tugged his jacket closer to his body and started his journey. He wasn't a fan of the cold, he'd always preferred warmer weather, but he'd brave the chilly weather for Leia. Hell he had stayed on Hoth for her, he could handle a Coruscant winter. It was late and Han hoped Leia was still awake, he needed to see her and speak with her. Please be awake, Han said quietly to himself. Coming to the entrance of his apartment, Han groaned. The security stared at him and Han tried to offer him a smile.

"Hi…I'm here to see Ambassador Organa."

"I'm sorry sir, she doesn't have any scheduled visitors for this evening."

"I know…This wasn't planned, I was here just a few days ago. You approved me then." Han said trying to explain.

"Name?" He asked Han with a sigh.

"Han Solo."

The pair of security guards looked down at their screens and exchanged frowns between each other.

"The Ambassador did approve him not long ago." The one said to the other. They sighed and scrolled through Han's security information. Seeing no red flags, they nodded. "Go ahead Captain Solo, We will have to notify her that you are on your way up?"

"Alright…" Han nodded. "Thank you." Han said quickly moving to the nearby lift. Left alone in his thoughts once more, he tried to think of what his next move would be. It was very possible that Leia wouldn't let him in her home. Then what? Did he sit outside her door begging her to open the door for him? Didn't sound ideal, also sounded like a good way to get arrested. Maybe she would let him in. Han didn't know, he was left with too many questions as the door pinged open, revealing Leia's floor. Stepping out and towards Leia's door, he paused once more. Trying to gain the courage to ring the door, and wait the long wait until the door slid open. You can do this, he told himself. Reaching out he pressed the small button beside her door and waited.

It didn't take long at all, the door almost immediately opened. Leia looked concerned as she looked at him.

"Han?" She questioned.

"Hey…"

"What are you doing here?" She asked.

"They said I could come up, I didn't break in." Han offered.

"I'm aware, they informed me. Still doesn't answer what you're dong here at this hour."

"I needed to see you, and talk to you. Can I come in?'

"Han, it's late."

"You never go to sleep this early." He reminded her. She frowned at him and folded her arms across her chest.

"Assuming you know everything about me will not make me let you in."

"I'm sorry, Leia…Please can we just talk."

"Han…this isn't a good idea." She said shaking her head.

"Come on Leia, You can make me some caf and I can see if your cooking has improved." Han offered with a smile.

"Caf is hardly cooking." She sighed, moving to the side and motioning for him to enter the apartment. Han slowly stepped into the room, his eyes flickering over to the warm fire Leia had going.

"You still like fires?" Han asked, stepping closer to the warmth of the flame. Leia stayed quiet behind him, not sure when she had ever told him she enjoyed fires. Maybe it was a forgotten memory of hers. Funny that Han would remember something like that.

"I always have I guess…Let me get you some caf."

"I was just kidding about the caf…" Han said, wanting to reach out and take her hand, but stopping himself.

"What can I do for you Han?" She asked, moving to stand beside him next to the fire.

"I just wanted to see you, talk to you…"

"Why?" she questioned, moving to sit on the couch behind them, putting as much distance between them as her heart would allow. She stared up at him, as he struggled to find his words. He smiled softly at her before answering slowly.

"I wanted to apologize for what happened at the store."

"It's alright, I know you didn't mean to make me uncomfortable."

"No! I'd never want to do that."

"It's fine Han….Why are you really here?" She questioned, feeling a shift in the room.

"Can't I miss you…?" He asked, not sure how she would take that question. Her heart thudded against her chest, but her mind screamed at her to tell him to leave.

"Han, I can't do this with you." She said looking down to the floor. Han watched as the flames bright movement danced over her face, before he sighed and spoke.

"Do what?" He said, stepping closer to her and moving to sit beside her. His heart was begging him to touch her, and with a leap of faith, he took a hold of her hand. His fingers ran over her warm skin, just tracing patterns over her palm. He just stared at her face, as her eyes stayed glued to the ground.

"Why are you making things so difficult?" She questioned him, looking up and into his eyes.

"I'm not trying to."

"Han, we're friends. We could be good friends Han…You have to stop looking at me like that."

"Like what?" He asked with a small smirk.

"Like that! Like no time has past!…I can't…I can't have you looking at me like that." She cried out, turning away from him. "If you don't want to be friends then maybe you should leave."

"I don't want to be your friend Leia…."

"Then why the hell are you even here?"

"I want to be more then your friend, you know that." He whispered to her, his hand moving up to cup her face. Her eyes closed and her face rested against his palm. "Leia…" He whispered to her.

"Why do you seem so different?' She questioned, more to herself then Han. She'd felt the difference ever since she had seen him again. He seemed so vastly changed from the last time she had seen him, and said goodbye to him. She wasn't sure what the difference was, but this Han made her want to give in to what her heart begged her to do.

"Leia…" Han sighed.

"What?"

"Tell me you don't feel this…these feelings between us?"

"Han…"

"Tell me you don't feel this and I'll leave you alone…"

"Please Han." She practically begged.

"Just tell me." He said pushing her further. "Tell me you don't feel anything between us…"

"You know I can't." She sighed. "But It's not that simple, it's never been that simple."

"Leia…"

"We can't…Han there's too much history."

"I'm not that man anymore." Han quickly added.

"How can you be so sure?'

"I know who I am."

"Han…" She sighed, her head slowly moving closer to his face.

"Princess?" He questioned.

"We shouldn't…" She whispered, her face so close he felt her breath against his lips.

"Life is too short to be alone." Han whispered to her. He knew very well, that life was too short and that they needed to accept these moments together.

Han was still debating his next move, when he felt Leia's warm lips against his. He was shocked at first and wasn't sure how to react. Leia was kissing him! He didn't kiss her, she kissed him. His hands ran down her back and pulled her closer, as their lips danced against each others, as if no time had passed at all. Her arms wound around Han's neck, both breathless but neither wanting to pull away from their passionate kiss. Her fingers traced the back of his neck, as he felt her sitting up. He pulled away slightly, only to see her lift her body up to straddle his across the couch. He almost whispered her name, but her lips were back on his. Han's hands ran down her spine and settled against her hips. Her kisses were hard and rough now, he felt a since of desperation between them now. Leia slowly pulled away, taking in a large deep breath. Han didn't waste any time and quickly moved his lips against her neck. She felt so warm and perfect, he'd missed her so much. He could hear her moans, echoing in his ears as his lips traced over her skin.

"Han…" She whimpered out.

"Hmmm." He mumbled out. Leia surprised him by standing up and leaving his lap. His heart dropped, She's changed her mind, Han thought to himself. He looked up at her and prepared for the worst. But instead he only found her flushed face and her dark eyes looking down at him with want. Her hand out stretched towards him. Taking hold of his hand, Leia pulled him up and slowly started to walk him down the hallway. Han followed closely behind her, his free arm coming to wrap around her waist as he stayed pressed against her back. His head dipped down against her neck, placing another kiss to her shoulder. Leia continued to walk them down the hall, until she reached out and palmed another door open. Han watched as Leia's bedroom was revealed. He didn't have time to survey it or even pay much attention at all, before Leia's lips were pressed back against his. He reached to lift her higher and closer to his face, Leia moaned against his lips never wanting their kiss to end.

"Han…" She mumbled into their kiss, making Han slowly pull back and look at her.

"Hmm?"

"The Bed…" she nodded over to her large white bed. Han nodded quickly, walking them over to the edge of the large mattress. He set Leia against the pillows softly, taking a quick moment to look down at her flushed face, her swollen lips and her eyes filled with nothing but passion. He watched as Leia lifted her shirt up and over her head, revealing her lace covered chest. He traced his eyes over her skin, smiling at how beautiful she was. Moving to sit up on her knees, Leia pulled him closer.

"You're turn fly boy." She told him, her voice rough. She tugged at his shirt and pulled it free from his body, kissing the bare skin along his chest. Her fingers worked their way to his belt and expertly undid the fastener and the clip. Han's large hands ran and moved circles along Leia's stomach and chest, moving up to grasp her breasts with soft squeezes. Moving up to kiss his lips once more, Leia smiled against their kiss. Han stared down into her eyes, both smiling at each other and feeling more relaxed then they had in a while.

"Leia, I love…"

"Shhh." She said quickly interrupting him and placing her finger against his lips. She kissed his mouth, distracting his words and moving along their movements. His pants fell down his legs and Leia pulled him across the bed and on top of her. Their lips never left each other, their bodies pressed to each other and locked in a tight embrace. Han let his lips travel down her neck and across her chest. He pulled at her bra clasp, pleased when it easily came free and he was able to kiss across her bare chest. Her small noises were growing louder with each flick of his tongue. He needed and wanted to move this along. Kissing down her body, he grabbed at her pants and quickly started to slide them down her legs. His eyes opening and kissing her stomach softly. Looking down at the skin along her stomach, Han paused.

"What's wrong?" she asked him out of breath, looking down to where his eyes traced over her skin.

"What are these?" Han asked, pointing to the small circles across her belly. They looked like burn marks.

"Han, don't worry about it…" she said pulling at his shoulders, until his face was back to hers and kissing him softly.

"Are you ok?" He asked her.

"I'm perfect." She told him wrapping her leg over his hip and bringing their bodies closer together. Han's hand traced over her face, leaving little kisses up and down her features. "Han…" She whispered to him.

"Leia…" He smirked, feeling such joy and happiness in this moment. Feeling nothing but love surround them.

"What are you waiting for?" She questioned.

"Taking in the moment." He told her, and she laughed with a snort.

"When did you become a romantic?"

"A while ago…" He whispered against her lips, before kissing her once again.

"I forgot what a good kisser you are…" Leia admitted.

"I won't let you forget again." He smirked, kissing down her neck. Leia's eyes closed, asking and pushing her mind to not over think this. It was something they both wanted, maybe it would help things between them, removing the tension. It didn't have to mean anything, she just hoped Han would understand that. Honestly she hoped her own heart would understand, she felt so right in his arms, she felt happy and loved. She wanted so badly to give in, but she knew where they'd end up, back to the horrible fights and the painful words. She just wanted one night with him.

Her thoughts disappeared as their lips met once more and their bodies aligned. His hips moved forward and they both let out a similar moan into their kiss. She was unable to control herself as she threw her head back against the pillow behind her head. Their bodies moving together, in a way Leia didn't realize she had missed so much. It was different, so different with Han. Her mind played over their time a part and how nothing had ever felt this good. She had missed him, she had missed him so much her heart was hurting at the thought of missing him again. The way he was looking at her was warming that broken heart, and the way he kissed her, she knew how he felt. She just didn't understand why he felt his way after all this time. She kept her face close to his, not wanting to drift away any longer. She wanted to be here in the moment, kissing Han Solo, letting Han Solo make her feel loved and wanted.

Han felt like he was on a high, everything was finally coming together. He had Leia here in his arms, their kisses held so much love and want. It was so clear to Han that their love making would change everything now. He stared down at her face, as she blissfully enjoyed each and every moment between them.

"Leia…" He sighed against her.

Their lips came together for a sweet and deep final kiss, their bodies pushed over the edge as they came together with a shuddering gasp. Neither moved, both felt numb and too tired to move. Leia tried to control her breathing, she felt a little silly breathing so heavily and out of control. Her face was flushed and she felt so over heated, in a delicious and perfect way. Han smiled down at the beautiful woman before him, leaning in and kissing her forehead softly, before he slowly rolled off her and to her side. Leia stayed staring up at the ceiling above them, still focused on her breath. She could feel Han's gaze on her, from beside her body. Moving her eyes to the side, she stared back at him. She wasn't sure if that was the best or worst decision of her life. Han looked so happy and satisfied, she wanted so bad to feel and stay in that happiness, but she knew that wasn't how her head worked.

Leia slowly pulled away and moved to stand up from the bed, reaching over for her robe she tied it around her body, before looking back to Han. He sat up and watched her movements.

"Where you gong beautiful?" He asked.

"I think I'll take a shower…"

"Come back to bed…" He chuckled softly, as he sat up and reached for her. Hesitantly Leia took hold of his hand and stepped beside him.

"I'll be right back." she told him with a small smile.

"Alright Princess." He smiled, leaning up and kissing her lips softly. Leia gladly accepted the kiss, her finger tips ghosting over Han's jaw. "Hurry back…"

"Ok…" She nodded.

Han watched as she stepped out of her bedroom and into the fresher. The smile was permanently etched on his face. This day had taken an unexpected turn, not that he minded at all. He thought back to the way she kissed him or how she ran her hands down his body. He loved her so much, he hoped she felt that. Looking back to the door, Han sighed and quickly stood up and made his way into the fresher. The steam filled the room, as he looked towards Leia's figure behind the glass. He smiled and stepped closer, sliding the door open and emerging himself into the warmth. Leia quickly turned around, a look of confusion on her face.

"Could you use some company?" He asked, looking down at her as the water blasted down and around them. Leia smiled up at him, a real smile that lifted up and into her eyes. She didn't say anything, instead she nodded and pulled him closer to her and into the spray of the water. Han's arms wrapped around her waist, and Leia's face found it's way against his chest. She let out a shaky breath, letting the warmth and comfort surround her. She wasn't sure if it was the temperature of the water or the way Han's arms felt so right around her body, but she didn't want this to go away. She didn't want to wake up tomorrow.

"I can't get over how short your hair is." Han noted, his hands running through her locks. Leia chuckled and looked up at him.

"Makes hairstyles easier." She told him. She felt a since of calm around him now, it felt so normal to be in his arms. They almost seemed like a normal couple. It felt so right to be loved by him, and every time her heart was close to opening up fully, her mind reminded her of the hurt.

"I'm sure it does." Han nodded, kissing her forehead. "You look tired.." Han noted. "I wear you out?" Han smirked.

"Maybe." She said, not wanting to admit that he had done much more then that.

"Maybe you should get some rest." Han said, moving to shut the water off. Leia nodded and reached out for a pair of towels. Leia slowly handed him one, beginning to dry her own body off. An awkward silence filled them, as neither really knew what to say. Han continued to smile and stare over at Leia, watching her simple movements as she drug the towel up and down her body. Leia patted her body dry, as she felt Han's gaze upon her once more.

"What is it?' She asked, looking up and finding a worried expression on his face.

"What are these?" Han asked again, his finger tips brushing against Leia's stomach. He traced the small circle along her skin and looked up to question her once more.

"I had a procedure done a while ago. Nothing to worry about, I'm fine." She assured him.

"You're sure?" He asked stepping closer to her and bringing her into his arms. Gods his arms felt so good around her. She felt safe, a feeling she hadn't felt in many years. She rested her head against his chest for a moment, listening to the steady rhythm of his heart.

"I'm fine…Are you…um sleeping here?" She questioned, as she pulled back from his chest. The question sounding so out of place. Han smiled and leaned in to kiss her.

"If you want me here." He replied simply. Leia stared up at him for a moment. She should have known this would be different. Han wasn't Maddox and this wasn't a simple one night stand, Han would always be different. There were feelings behind their actions, feelings that had once been love. Leia wondered if Han still loved her, she wondered if she still loved him, but deep down she knew the answer already. Looking up to meet his eyes, she realized he was waiting for an answer.

"I think I do." Leia nodded as she slowly walked out of the fresher and back to her room, grabbing a simple night gown, she slipped it over her head and crawled back into her bed. She watched as Han crawled in beside her. Her mind couldn't help but scream "What the hell are you doing?" Leia stared over at him, not sure what her next move should be. Han turned to face her, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Come here?' He offered. Leia didn't let her mind debate her choices, she was quickly in his arms and her head rested against his chest. Things were complicated, that was for damn sure. But for tonight, she needed to sleep restfully in his arms. He pulled her close, his finger tips brushing against her skin.

"Goodnight Leia." Han whispered, two simple words that filled his heart with such joy. Leia was in his arms again, that's all he had wanted.

"Goodnight Han." Leia whispered back, letting her body relax and relish in a night of feeling safe in his arms.


Made My heart happy to write this chapter! I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! Next chapter should be interesting =)