Han Solo knew why he stuck around. No one else did. It was a game, a joy. He had no clue what was going on behind those big brown eyes, same as when she looked into his. But he knew her. And he knew why they fought. He was waiting on Leia the Flirt-
That was his favorite Leia. Yeah, he'd take that one any time.
Everyone got Princess Leia. Where was the fun in that? Han wanted more.
Now, Diplomat Leia- that one was kind of boring. His attention would stray. He'd start to wonder how anyone could sound unemotional and passionate at the same time.
He was scared of Warrior Leia. He let her win.
The best way to handle Sad Leia was with a fight. Better eyes flashing daggers than dripping tears.
He'd only seen Flirty Leia a few times. Once. But she was memorable, holy fuck. That was the Leia-
He sidled up to her. "Polished my boots for you, Your Worship."
Data board, intense concentration, issuing orders. This was Mission Leader Leia.
He knew this one was Mission Leader Leia, because he was going on a mission, and they told him she was leader. They hadn't left yet, but hopefully it would get more interesting when the shooting started.
He had broken her focus, and she shot him a quick glance that included a frown. Then her stare returned to linger.
"That's much better," she approved, and went back to the data board.
Han angled his face at her, considering. It could be considered flirting, yeah? Anyway it was a compliment. His eyes surveyed the hangar for confirmation. Did anyone hear that? But no one was around. No one he was willing to discuss the Princess with, anyway.
He was told to dress the part of salesbeing of educational materials. He and the Princess had fought about it, naturally. He wanted his weapons close, he wanted to be free to move, and- he didn't say this one out loud; that is, he hoped he hadn't- he hated when anyone told him what to do.
The Princess argued forcefully back. It was an educator conference; weapons were forbidden inside the convention center, and he would do as he was told. The clincher was, "or I'll find someone else."
Han wasn't going to miss a shot at Flirty Leia. He wanted to go. So he drank a bit, trying to dilute his mule-headedness, and finally got drunk enough he was willing to clean up a bit in case his favorite version of the Princess made an appearance.
Leia was muttering toward her data board. Maybe she was detailing his outfit for the debrief. "I'm sure you stuck a vibroblade in your boots. It was smart to remove the blood stripes, at least for the conference, but you really pulled off the look by buttoning your collar."
Han stuck a finger inside the shirt and tugged. "It's tight," he complained, fishing for some sympathy. Or flirting.
She was not really listening. "Tucked in all those chest hairs," she said in a sing song hush of a voice.
Kriffin' shit, these were thoughts. Han got excited. Real thoughts, inner ones. It was like witnessing a... a rainbow, or a whale breach. Something special.
"...just screaming to get out," she said.
Han looked around again, to be sure no one heard. This was Leia to Leia, not even to him, but since it was about him, he was going to stand there and wait until she finished.
"...sun starved plant. Can't have them wilt," she sang, and her head waggled a little, and her mouth was pursed, and oh, she might shoot him when she saw him there, but he couldn't resist.
"I'll let you undo the button," he said in his smoothest voice, but it may have snagged on his tonsils before it came out.
"What," she said impatiently, as if he just approached.
"You said all that out loud," he said.
It was the stupid grin on his face that told her he wasn't lying.
Those big brown eyes went from horror to dismay to denial and attack in a flash. "Of course I did no such thing," she snapped.
Han used her title appropriately. This was the... fourth time? She couldn't yell at him for it, because it was what he was supposed to do. "Whatever you say, Your Highness." He walked away. He had to. His eyes probably looked happy.
She followed him, snapping and picking on his appearance and threatening to kick him off the mission list, and it was a good show. It looked like she won; he was willing to take one for the team. The team of Flirty Leia and Han Solo.
Yeah, he was sticking around.