Valentine's Challenge: The Sequel. Submission #11

No, we're still not done with these.  Another from Amara Z.

Leia laid stretched out face down across her bed unable and unwilling to move. She knew she should move. Ought to move. But just couldn’t. She was in too much of a languid state of bliss to even consider it. And all she really could do was stare out of the window, watching the light turn to gold as the Coruscant afternoon turned into night.

 

She knew she wouldn’t go that far anyhow. Before she had left on a weeklong diplomatic mission alone, she and Han had promised they’d spend the day together when she returned, preferably in bed. And they had certainly held to that promise. She couldn’t think of anything right now that would drag her away, content to lay there with Han and let day slip into night.

 

“How many times was that?” she asked quietly, breaking the silence that had fallen over them.

 

She could hear Han shift on the bed and felt his hand come to her back, gently caressing the skin there. “I dunno. I lost count.”

 

Leia somehow managed to turn her head towards him and cocked an eyebrow. “You did not. I know you keep track.”

 

A soft smile came to his face and he trailed his hand down her back until it reached her backside and started to knead. Her eyes closed momentarily at the feel of his touch against her skin.

 

“Not counting today,” he replied. “But five or six at least.Got to make up for lost time.”

 

That they did. Not that they couldn’t do without each other if they had to, but neither of them seemed very happy when they were apart. And it made her that much more grateful for these times together. Leia felt Han gently tug on her hip and finding a hidden bit of energy, followed his lead and snuggled into his embrace.

 

They laid there silently, Leia carefully tucked against his side, her hand playing with the hairs on his chest. Han’s caresses continued, his fingers trailing along her skin. It wasn’t long before Leia’s breath was coming short and her body starting to respond to the constant stimulation. She reached up to give him a long, soft kiss as her hand moved further down, exploring other, more sensitive areas.

 

Han broke the kiss, laughing as he did. “Sweetheart, not that I’m not interested, but I think I’m going to need a nap before we go any further. We’ve been busy today and a man can only do so much before he needs to recharge.”

 

Leia nodded giving him the impression she agreed, but without a word, she slid on top of him. Her legs straddled his hips and she let her hands and lips roam across him hungrily without apology. When she rubbed her body against his, letting her slick folds glide across him, his body quickly hardened in response.

 

Leia slowed her movements, pushing herself to sitting, and looked down at her husband. She inhaled deeply as Han’s large hands slid lightly up and down her back in a way that only confirmed his own growing need. “Feels like there’s a little charge left in there after all,” she said with a sly smile, stroking her hips against him again, evidently pleased with her efforts.

 

“Apparently so,” he replied and pulled his wife back down to him for a kiss.

 

Short but sweet.  Thanks for the submission!

Valentine's Challenge: The Sequel. Submission #10

Thought we were done, did you?  You know us better than that.  This one comes to us from a first-time Han and Leia author, StatsGrandma.  If you like what you see, please let her know.  Enjoy!

AIR AND WATER

by: StatsGrandma

 LEIA:

He is water.

Water is essential for life in all of its varied planetary forms.  It constitutes 70 percent of the galaxy, as it does for individual humans.

I watch as he tinkers with the Falcon.  When we're not trying to get out of a tight situation because the hyperdrive has failed yet again, he possesses a nearly Zen like calm as he works with his hands. To the casual observer, he is a happy grease monkey.

He tells jokes with his friends, many of which are not repeatable in polite company. He's always up for a game of sabaac, and he'll calmly bet the spaceship on a smashball tournament.

He's a hail fellow well met when in public.  Leadership is something he wears easily and naturally and he doesn't appear to take it too seriously. 

He would give the impression that he is a rather shallow pool.

That impression would be wrong.

The sparkling hazel eyes are merely the shallows near the shores.  Once past them, the water rapidly becomes deeper, and at times, darker.  Han's emotions are bottomless, and he guards them carefully.  His passions are always roiling beneath the surface, something very few ever witness.

He chose me to not only witness, but to be engulfed by them.  I was terribly frightened at first.  I had been groomed to be self contained, constantly in control.  My destiny, as I understood it, was to be that of service to my world and to my galaxy. A private life was never discussed.  I was duty bound.  There would be no room in my world for the deep waters of private passion.  I'd defined myself as my father had defined me.

And then, the tsunami struck.

The first time it hit me was at the awards ceremony, where I was to give Luke and Han their medals for valor.  I remember Han's face, looking around as if he didn't know quite why he was there.  But then I placed the medal gently around his neck, and he looked up at me...

And winked.

It took everything I had not to melt into liquid at that moment. 

Later that night, many liquids were consumed, in vast quantities.  It was late and I was feeling more than a bit tipsy when Han came over and asked me to dance.

I didn't want this to happen.  I needed to push these feelings aside, because I knew that if I gave in, I'd drown. Drown in a deep ocean of love, unable to navigate the waves.

He smiled at me in such a way that it was impossible for me to refuse.  I stretched out my hand and allowed him to lead me to the dance floor. We danced.  I thanked him and rushed away, my mind a storm of feelings. 

I couldn't allow myself to be dragged away in the undertow. 

For the longest time, I avoided him as much as possible. 

He took it as a challenge, and he'd show up everywhere that I was.  I told myself that as soon as we'd moved operations to Hoth, he'd be gone and that would be that.

But he didn't leave.  And he seemed to delight in taunting me like a schoolboy. 

Some schoolboy.

Any notions of that vanished the day we were doing repairs on the Falcon.  He had come over to assist me and, not wanting to fall further into the undertow, reacted with my typical hostility.

He wasn't buying it.  He took my hand, and I began trembling in fear of going too far into the depths.  And when he kissed me, it became apparent that I was so far in over my head that it was pointless to continue to deny how I felt about him.

Today was the death of the space station.  It was near twilight, and then suddenly, there was a great burst of light in the sky. Han looked at me with those beautiful eyes of his, and I knew then that I would swim with him forever.

HAN:

She is air.

No one can breathe without air.  The composition may differ in places, but without it, everyone and everything's dead.

Including myself.

Before her, I was living pretty good.  My life consisted of playing sabaac, getting drunk with my smuggling buddies, and transporting illicit goods for big bucks.  It was a lifestyle that allowed me plenty of time and money to goof off, which worked for me.  No entanglements.  No commitments.  Just good times and decent pay.

I felt empty sometimes, but Alderaanian ale in sufficient quantities would take care of that.  There was the hangover the next day, but I could still outrun Imperial ships with my head throbbing and my mouth tasting like a Tauntaun. 

And then, I was boarded.  And Jabba wasn't in a forgiving mood.  I was totally screwed and was having a hard time breathing; if something didn't get me out of this mess soon, I'd have no need of breathing.  While drowning my sorrows at the cantina in Mos Eisley one afternoon, I was approached by an old man and a kid about a transport to Alderaan. They were paying good bank and I figured I was home free.

What was supposed to be a quick and easy transport turned into the incredible life changing event. 

Because of her. 

I think it was when we were back on the Falcon that I felt my breath hitch in my throat.  She had the power to suck out every bit of air in my lungs. 

I found that I needed her near me to breathe at all.  I ended up staying on for the revolution that wasn't mine, to be near her.  Not that she didn't leave me sucker punched for what felt like forever. I'd follow her about, trying to feel alive.

I realized the life I'd been living wasn't living at all.  I'd been dead inside. 

And then, there was the day in the circuitry bay.  She'd been having trouble with a latch, and I came down to help her. She pushed me away, but I wasn't going to give up without a fight. I pulled her close.

I had never been so breathless -- or so alive.  It was like fresh oxygen pumped into my entire body and the soul I didn't know I had.

Threepio does not know how lucky he is that I didn't dismantle him permanently.

Fortunately, after that, she kept kissing me, and loving me, and...well, other things.

That she wakes up next to me is what gives me breath every day.

Like air, she is a force that cannot be contained.  Air gives her the fire that drives her, conflagrates her passions.  She can be a gentle breeze or a gale force wind, and believe me, I've experienced both. She is the most exciting, passionate, complicated woman I've ever known. 

A look, a touch, and I'm alive again.  I can float away with her to places I never knew existed in me.

Because of her, I live.

 

Thanks so much for the submission!  And like I said, people, don't be shy about the comments!

Valentine's Challenge: The Sequel. Submission #9

This submission comes from Claire1976 and is a follow-up to her previously published story, "Afterglow."   It's not totally necessary to read it to understand this one, but if you haven't already, I suggest you check it out because it is worth a read and a nice lead-up to this one.  Enjoy!

RECONDITIONING

Leia was momentarily distracted by the distinctive whoosh of the apartment's door, as Han entered the living room.

"I wasn't expecting you back yet," she called from the kitchen, the surprise evident in her voice. She peered into the adjoining room, catching Han as he swiftly removed his blue jacket and tossed it onto a nearby chair.

She could tell immediately by the sour expression on his face that he probably hadn't had a very good afternoon at the reconditioning bay. Following their recent mission to the planet Tatooine to retrieve the painting Killik Twilight, the Falcon was in need of serious repair, and had spent the past seven weeks in the care of the New Republic's best mechanics, very much to Han's disdain. He would rather have undertaken the job himself, but since deciding to start a family, he and Leia were devoting most of their spare time to the more important task at hand. But several times a week he would pay a visit to the reconditioning bay to check on how things were progressing.

"Well I thought I would call it a day and head back,"  he grumbled as he flung himself heavily onto the cream coloured couch. "Besides, the Dreadnaughts are playing later tonight," he added as he began taking off his boots.

Han reached out to the small, ornate glass table in front of him, and picked up the holo tube remote control, flicking it on as he settled back into the comfortable couch. He gave a weary sigh and ran his fingers through his thick brown hair. "Leia, remind me never to trust those goons with the Falcon again," he called out.

Leia exited the kitchen area and glided over to the couch. Han felt his jaw drop slightly as he absorbed the glorious sight of her. She was dressed in a shimmering royal blue gown that fitted in all the right places, tight round her hips and low cut to her breasts, and maybe, just maybe, a little bit see-through, unless his tired eyes were starting to play tricks on him. Her beautiful long, chestnut hair was plaited in a thick braid that hung down over her left shoulder.

The lopsided grin didn't take long to make an appearance. "You look...gorgeous," he said with a twinkle in his eye. Leia just smiled as she leaned in to give him a kiss that lingered perhaps longer than she had first intended it to.

As their lips parted the grin was quickly replaced with a frown, followed by a look of total bemusement. "What's the occasion? I don't get it. Did I miss somethin'?"

Leia took a seat next to him, a devilish gleam in her eyes. "No, but I missed something."

His frown became more intense as his confusion grew. What exactly did she mean by that? Probably nothing Han thought, and for a moment they just looked at each other. Han broke the silence. "Anyway, as I was saying, damn fools, they don't know one end of a hydro spanner from the other."

"I don't think I want to know," Leia said with a sigh.

"Trust me, sweetheart, you don't."

"But, I get the impression you're just going to tell me anyway, right? And then, I have something I need to tell you," she said with a smile.

"Really? That's great...but listen, the entire aft stabiliser is just screwed. I don't know what in the nine Corellian Hells they did to it, but it was practically hanging right off. Seriously, Leia, I couldn't believe it. Seven weeks of this Bantha crap, and for what?"

"Well, we needed the time together." Leia pointed out.

"I know, and I ain't complainin' about that," Han reassured her with a wistful smile.

His mind was quickly filled with brief flashes of all the times they had made love over the past seven weeks. In the bedroom, on the floor, in the 'fresher, the hot tub, Leia's office after everyone had gone home, on the kitchen table, and countless times on this very couch.  Their sex life had always been healthy, but trying for a baby had most definitely given it a renewed vigour that even he didn't think was humanly possible. It was more urgent somehow, more meaningful, and they simply couldn't get enough of each other. It was no wonder Han was so tired, and Leia had complained about trying to conceal her weary yawns from the beady eye of Mon Mothma during provisional council meetings. Neither of them had been getting much sleep, but gods, it had been so much fun. Well, apart from the one occasion when Luke had made an unscheduled visit to their apartment and found them deep in the throes of passion on the living room floor. Han thought that Jedi were supposed to be able to see things through the Force ahead of time, but clearly that wasn't always the case. He didn't know who was the more embarrassed, them or Luke. But he later made sure to get the access codes changed, to prevent anything like that happening again.

"Anyway, as I was saying. The aft stabiliser, hanging off real good.  I could see that from several feet away. So I grab the tool kit and take a closer look. The kriffing thing just falls off in my hand, I barely even touched it, it wasn't my fault!  I knew it was a bad idea getting those clowns to do the reconditioning.  Maybe I should have listened to you and used the military repair droids."

Leia tried hard to stifle her snigger, "So you're saying that maybe for once Han Solo was wrong about something?"

"Oh come on, sweetheart, you know I don't trust droids."

"But, I was right?" It was more of a statement than a question. She raised an eyebrow and gave him "the look". A look he knew all too well. A look that told him you don't mess with Leia Organa Solo.

He then had little choice but to yield. "Ahh, you were right...I guess I should have used the droids."

Leia couldn't hide her laughter.

"But, as I always say, things only get done right if you do it yourself. I should have checked up on them a bit more often. Letting these, well, kids, who know next to nothing about anything recondition your ship, it doesn't pay off."

"Well, I know one bit of reconditioning that has definitely paid off."  Leia said, shifting a little closer to him.

"How the hell am I going to explain this to Chewie? I've got to go collect him from Kashyyyk one week from today. How can I do that with no aft stabiliser?"

"Han..."

"Do you know how long it takes to secure an aft stabiliser? This is just what I don't need right now. It's not my fault."

"Han, I'm pregnant."

"It's not my fault.."

"It damn well is flyboy, and you know it!!" Maybe that came out a little harsher than she intended, Leia thought, but she had been trying to tell him the good news since he had returned home, but Han being Han wasn't picking up on any of her hints. When the Falcon was in jeopardy, it was hard to get any sense out of him.

Han's eyes suddenly grew wide. "Um, what? What did you say?"

"I said it's your fault and you know it."

"No, no, right before that bit."

"I'm pregnant." Leia repeated, her radiant smile lighting up the room.

"Really?"

"Yes, really," she said, reaching out and squeezing his hand. "You were right. It didn't take us long."

"I'm gonna be a daddy?" Han said, all thoughts of the disastrous reconditioning on the Falcon quickly dissolving as he tried to make sense of those words that sounded so alien in his ears.

"You're going to be a daddy," Leia reaffirmed.

The dumbfounded look on his face reminded Leia of the moment in the fern dell on Endor five years earlier when she had finally revealed to him that Luke was her brother. She fondly remembered his stunned, almost childlike expression and how she had then placed her hand to his face and drawn him in for a kiss. And she now did the same. Gently cupping his cheek she pulled him slowly towards her and pressed his lips against her own. He returned her kiss, softly at first, then with more and more fervour, until they were both lost in the moment.

"How long have you known about this?" Han asked, when their lips finally parted. He took her hand from his face and held it tightly within both of his.

"I just found out today. I planned on telling you over dinner, but I just couldn't wait that long." Han could see the tears welling in her dark eyes, as her smile grew broader. Now it was his turn to reach out and frame her perfect face in his hand, his thumb catching the solitary tear as it rolled down her cheek. "I'm so happy".

He returned her smile, "Me too," he whispered, wiping the tear away. "See, told you my blaster would be fully charged."

"Your blaster is always fully charged, hotshot." Leia laughed.

She snuggled up against him, her head resting against his shoulder, and he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into his strong embrace. Han's mind raced, imaging them as parents. It just seemed beyond comprehension to him, and yet somehow, so undeniably perfect. Would they have a boy, or a girl? Who would they look like?  Han pictured a cheeky young boy with messy brown hair, familiar lopsided grin and eyes sparkling with trouble. Then a pretty little girl with big brown eyes and long chestnut hair, holding a cuddly wookiee toy. He smiled proudly at the thought. He would teach his son to fly the Falcon someday and how to shoot. And his daughter, well, she would be spoiled rotten and would never ever have anything whatsoever to do with boys. Daddy's little girl. Yeah, he liked the sound of that.

"I love you, nerfherder," Leia said softly.

"I know."

For a long moment they just remained there in the comfort of each other's arms, just content to be close, and savouring the touch of the other. Han breathed in deeply, letting the exquisite smell of Leia's sweet perfume tantalise his nose. "You smell really great, y'know," he whispered into her hair.

"It's that perfume you bought me for my birthday," Leia replied.

"Picked a good one then," Han said with a smug grin. He closed his eyes, enjoying the luxurious smell a little longer.

"So are we having dinner?" Leia wondered.

Han was glad that Leia couldn't see the horrified look on his face at that moment. "You didn't cook, did you?"

"Well, I wouldn't want to ruin the evening, now would I? I had something brought in, it's just warming now. It's probably almost done." She stood up, pulling him with her and started to move toward the kitchen.

Han held back, letting go of her hand. She turned to him. "What's wrong?"

"I've gotta comm the reconditioning bay. I just thought of some parts they're gonna have to order for me. But these," he said, jabbing a finger at his own chest, "I'll be fitting myself."

Leia frowned, "It can wait until after dinner, Han. Now come on."

"Nah, this is important."

"What is?"

"A little baby seat with it's very own crash webbing. Gotta be prepared, sweetheart," Han said with a wink.

 

Thanks for the submission, Claire!  To the rest of you, remember, there are no deadlines.  And we also have several other challenges waiting to be answered so don't be shy about submitting!

Valentine's Challenge: The Sequel. Submission #8

This submission comes from Zolo77. 

Lunch Date:

"Today's schedule is a busy one, Princess."

"Aren't they all?"

The aide smiled shyly. "Yes, you're certainly right there. So, for today, your finance meeting has been moved to 0900, that's scheduled for an hour but it will likely go over a bit. The Mon Calamari ambassador requested you sit in at a border development agreement today at 1000 - I replied tentative to that one. Let's see, oh, tomorrow night before I forget, you have a request to attend the Alderaan-inspired art exhibition pre-opening ceremony at the Jyncet Building, I said you were busy, just in case you didn't want to go, and... I'm not sure when this was entered, I don't remember doing it, but you have a lunch meeting scheduled today at 1130 and that runs until 1430, then-"

"I have a three hour lunch meeting? With whom?" Leia's brow furrowed. Three hours?

"I'm not actually sure, there's no other details. It doesn't even give a location, perhaps just here in your office?"

"How can I have a meeting for three hours and not know who I'm meeting with, or why, for that matter?"

"I'm not sure, I'm sorry, Ma'am." The aide's eyes widened and she swallowed visibly.

"No no, it's not your fault, Najia. I might have made it myself. My mind isn't quite where it should be. I'm blaming the upcoming Trade Summit, but I'm not sure if that's the real culprit. No one else has access to my calendar do they?"

"Certainly not."

Three hours. Excellent. She rolled her eyes at herself. So much for getting her nails re-done. She would have to go another day looking like a low class, Mid-Rim dancing girl. She could deal with the length, but the blood red, high shine lacquer with sparkly silver tips was much too much. This is what I get, she silently chastised herself, for saying those fated words "I don't mind, whatever" to the new salon girl yesterday.

She also knew it had taken every ounce of Han's self control to not mention her new nails last night, which was nice of him. Suspicious, but nice.

"Strange. Well, I guess we'll find out at 1130. Carry on." Leia waved her hand dismissively.

"Okay, so after your mystery lunch, you have a call with the Ithorian ambassador regarding a trade grievance at 1530. I have you scheduled for 30 minutes on that one. You have from 1600 to 1700 booked to handle Summit details. And... that's it. Oh sorry, one more thing, at 2000 there is a note about a dinner party and a reminder to pick up your dress."

Lando's party. Right.

There was also no time today to pick up her dress. She'd never get there before they closed. Maybe I can have it delivered the apartment? Or maybe Han could pick it up.

Today was not shaping up well. Perfect, she'd have to go to this party with hooker claws and without her new dress. Just perfect. I could always just cut them off, she mused absently drummed her fingers on the desk; listening with detached interest to the harsh clicking they made on the glass top. She finally looked up to find her aide still staring at her.

"Thank you. Sorry, my head is all over the place today."

"No problem. I'll get your notes together for the finance meeting." And with that the aide stepped out of the office.

The beginning of her morning went by as imagined, quickly and with very few tangible results. It always astounded her that after everything she had accomplished and survived through the course of the Rebellion, her days were now spent behind a desk; doling out advice which was hardly ever taken, avoiding so-called political incidents, and rushing to pick up her cleaning on the way home.

Home. The idea sent a happy shiver throughout her body. It had been years since she had a home to go back to every evening. A home made even more appealing at the moment, since Han had been placed on grounded service for the next two months. And, provided living together didn't end with one of them killing the other, she smiled inwardly, the arrangement might even, hopefully, become a permanent one.

XxX

The finance meeting was as unproductive as she had predicted. It had also run late, forcing the meeting with the Mon Calamari ambassador to be canceled and rescheduled for another day. And to top it off, after an extensive Comm-Messaging war with Han throughout the entire meeting, she was no closer to convincing him to pick up her dress. Stubborn man, she jabbed her stylus on the datapad, waiting for her mystery lunch companion to arrive. Han's highly unhelpful response of "just wear the red dress, I really like that one" had only resulted in her becoming annoyed. She couldn't wear the red dress; not with her current nails.

She turned her attention to the pile of flimsies on her her corner of her desk. Endless stacks of colour-coded folders and files added a small amount of life to the white environment surrounding her. Petitions for sovereignty, trade negotiations, border disputes, disaster relief requests; the documents were endless. Taking an orange folder off the top of one of piles, she was about to open it when muffled voices started outside her door.

"Strange," she murmured flipping the comm on her desk. "Najia? Is everything alright?" No answer. "Najia," she called again. Nothing. Leia rose. It wasn't like her aide not to answer a call. The girl had proven herself very efficient. Cycling the office door open and stepping into the receiving area behind Najia's desk. There she found her assistant, leaning forward in her chair, eyes wide and blinking with exaggerated effort at the man leaning casually against the opposite wall, jacket slung over his shoulder, the familiar 'Yes, I really am this attractive' grin creeping across his face. Leia cleared her throat and the girl jumped, flustered and very obviously embarrassed. But Leia's attention was focused on the tall man still leaning against the wall, his eyes dark and teasing.

"Are you just here to bother my staff, General? Or do you need something?"

"Me?" Classic Han, she smirked as his free hand came up to his chest in a very typical fashion.

"Yes, you. I imagine you have better things to do today than stand around causing havoc."

His smile widened and, picking up a white bag from the floor beside him, he stalked towards her slowly. "As a matter of fact..." leaving the rest of the sentence to hang in the air, he slid past her into her office. Najia's face had still not returned to it's original colour, but there wasn't time to deal with that just now. Leia waved a hand in exasperation, stepped back into the office and closed the door behind herself. Standing just inside the doorway, she watched Han watch her, looking marginally more pleased with himself than usual, leaning way back in her office chair, feet propped up on her desk, arms folded behind his head. The white bag sat on the corner, with a pale green leaf inscribed in the centre, which only ever meant one thing.

"You hacked my calendar, didn't you?" she asked, moving around to stand in front of him.

"Hacked?"

"No one else has access but myself and Najia. You must have."

Instead of answering, he sat up and drew her in between his legs, pinning her against expertly against the desk. With a smile, he reached over and switched the comm over, "Najia, why don't you take an extended lunch?" his eyes never leaving hers.

"Umm... Princess?"

"Yes, Najia. That's fine. I'll deal with this." The comm clicked in conformation and Han switched it over to Silent.

"Deal with what?"

"You."

"I don't think I lie being described as a 'this'. And anyway, I wasn't aware of any rule against a guy dropping in on his girl every once and while. I have to make sure you eat, don't I?"

"Nerf."

"I'm right." he stated smugly, arms resuming their arrogant position behind his head.

Leia said nothing, not wanting to concede to his argument. His interruption was quite well timed and very welcome; with Lando's party looming ahead of them tonight and the Trade Summit guaranteed to take up most all of her spare time over the weekend, they were likely not going to spend any time alone for a while.

"You hungry?" he asked, reading the whiff of regret which swept across her face.

"That depends."

"On?"

"Did you bring me fried ice cream and air cake?"

"That depends."

"On?"

"How nice you are to me over the next three hours."

"I can be very nice."

XxX

"Wow."

"Yeah."

"That wasn't very ladylike was it?" She breathed her question into his chest, lightly playing with the damp hair at the nape of his neck.

"Not really, no."

"I blame you."

"Me?"

"Yes, you. Before you came along I never had lust-filled lunch meetings."

"And for that, I am thankful. You're all mine."

She grinned mischievously and shook her head in mock disgust, raking her fingers across his scalp. "I blame my nails," she whispered heavily.

"I kind of like them."

"I look like a hooker," she stated, leaning back and pouting slightly.

"Well, a very expensive hooker."

"I'm going to assume that was supposed to be a compliment."

He kissed her forehead. "I'll see you at home later."

Nodding and pushing off the desk, she rose to see him out.

"Oh, I almost forgot," He pulled a garment bag from behind his jacket, nearly unnoticeable against the white walls of her office. "I picked this up for you before I got to the office this morning."

"My dress."

"See you at home," he tossed her a wink, a sideways smile and disappeared through the door.

Thanks so much for the submission and thanks to everyone for continuing to contribute to this one.  This may be a record for challenge submissions!

Valentine's Challenge: The Sequel. Submission #7

Happy Valentine's Day!  And thanks to all of you for continuing to submit.  Remember: there are no deadlines.  I don't care if your story is given to us at a time frame more suited to St. Patrick's Day.  We never turn them away.  The above is part of a comic I believe we already reviewed but I thought it was somewhat appropriate.  This submission comes to us from Amara Z.  Enjoy!

 

 

For Us

 

Leia could hardly believe this day had come. That finally she, and to some degree the galaxy, had found a measure of peace. After all they had been through and all they had lost. She made no assumptions about what this respite might mean or how long it might last. But for now, she could enjoy what she had – this quiet moment with her family and Han. As she looked around the room, an antechamber usually used by Jedi to prepare themselves for meditation, she knew it was possibly the most tranquil spot in the entire galaxy to be. 

But Leia was feeling anything but at peace as she turned towards the mirror again, the nervousness rising in her like bubbles to the surface in a tumbler of water. It struck her as odd she seemed just as nervous as the first time she made this decision. To a degree it felt like she was starting a new stage of her life, but she knew that wasn’t the case. This wasn’t a new beginning or the first time for them. Or even a renewal. But a confirmation of what she had always felt.

Leia considered her reflection carefully, turning different directions. Her hands smoothed carefully over the layers of silk surrounding her. The urge to fidget was too great and she wanted to purse her lips, but didn’t dare. She didn’t want to touch up her makeup again. Instead she took a deep breath and tried to let the peace of the situation run through her, to remember the calming thoughts she had learned. She could at least take comfort in the fact that there was one big difference about today. Today belonged to them.  No press. No holonet. Just them.

“You look great, mom,” Jaina said as she appeared in the mirror behind Leia.

“You think so?” Leia leaned in to inspect her hair, frowning slightly, before turning towards her daughter. “You don’t think I need another pin here?” she asked as she pointed to the area in question.

Jaina smiled indulgently at her mother. The last hour had been filled with such questions and nervous flitting and it had Jaina wanting to laugh. It was a simple event and here her mom was acting more anxious than she’d seen her before, even more than when she gave a speech. Jaina stepped forward, took her mom’s hand in hers, and sent a gentle push of calmness to her through the Force. “Don’t worry. Dad is going to love it and everything is going to be perfect.”

Leia squeezed Jaina’s hand. “I hope you’re right.”

The door to the room slid open and Jacen walked in. He raised his eyebrows at the women of his family. “You two about ready? I think Dad’s getting a little antsy.”

Leia and Jaina exchanged a knowing look. Han was no doubt starting to run out of patience and they probably didn’t have much time left. “I’ll go check on him.  Let him know we’re ready,” Jaina said and gave her mom a brief hug before slipping out of the door.

Leia took a moment to look at her son, filling with amazement and satisfaction over the young man he had become. Stepping up to him, she gazed into his face, taken aback as always by how much he resembled his father, with his twinkling hazel eyes. There were touches of her in there to be sure, but as she ran her hand across his hair and down his cheekbone, she was never more reminded of another face she had fallen in love with all those years ago.

And then he smiled, a crooked grin that was very familiar. “You feel as nervous as Dad.”

Leia let out a sigh. “Not really. Excited. Just seems to be translating into nerves,” she replied with a smile. Her hands came to rest on his shoulders. “I appreciate you being here, Jacen. I know you are ready to get started on your trip.”

“Least I could do. And one more day isn’t going to hurt anything.”

Her hands trailed down, smoothing out the front of his robe as was her habit with one of the kids or Han. It was her ritual and way to enjoy one last contact with them before they went about their business for the day and she went about making sure Jacen was in proper order. Leia’s fingers brushed against something smooth and oddly out of place against the rough, dark fabric of his robe. Pausing to look closely, she found two small, metal stars pinned to the lapel of Jacen’s robe.

Leia didn’t have to guess or use the Force to know what or who they were for. She already intuitively knew  – Chewie and Anakin. Fingering them lightly, she swallowed the lump in her throat and tried to will the tears back from her eyes as she glanced up at Jacen. “For those that were lost?”

Jacen nodded solemnly, his stoicism showing. He shrugged. “It seemed the right thing to do. I know they would have wanted to be here in some way.”

He shook his head and his demeanor instantly lightened, another lop sided grin coming to his face and he held his arm out to her. “Come on, Mom. Let’s go make Dad the luckiest man in the galaxy a second time.”

 

~~~~~~~~~~

Not far away, in the middle of a garden, Han stood waiting for his wife and doing his best not to fidget. As he looked around the space at the lush plants and trees, he had to admit they couldn’t have picked a nicer spot. The Jedi Temple garden was beautiful and proving to be a perfect backdrop for them to gather. But standing there with nothing to do, he felt as nervous as a new bridegroom. Which hardly made much sense as he knew the odds were good Leia would show up.  But he felt uneasy just the same.

He was only glad Leia had not made him dress up formally for the occasion. While he didn’t mind, he much preferred his own gear. He had made an effort though and wore the best spacer’s jacket and pants he owned.

He started to shuffle his feet again, but stopped himself and straightened his jacket instead. It was his only outward sign of nervousness as he kept his face impassively calm like he did in a sabacc game or negotiation. But as he glanced around at those gathered – Jaina, Luke, Mara, and the temple Master Kam – he figured being surrounded by Jedi, they were all quite well aware of what he was feeling anyhow. As if in answer to his thoughts, he felt Jaina lay a hand his shoulder. And if he had the Force he was certain he’d sense a wave of reassurance from his daughter.

A light breeze started up, blew by, and rapidly changed directions, ruffling his hair. His hands moved quickly to smooth it back down. And was that a bird chirping he heard? Indoors?With no animals native to the garden? Han’s gaze immediately shot to Luke. His brother-in-law had one of those sneaky, knowing half-smiles on his face, the kind that frequently irritated Han over the years, and he knew Luke had tried to distract him. He considered commenting on it, but changed his mind when he heard footsteps coming towards them and turned towards the sound.

Suddenly it didn’t seem to matter anymore and everything else fell away as soon as Leia cleared the bend in the garden path and came into view. She had taken his breath away for the past twenty years and still did and he had to remember to take a breath. Hanging on lightly to Jacen’s arm as they walked towards Han, there was only one word to describe her – stunning.

The silk of her dress floated in layers around her, the ice blue color a perfect complement to her skin. Her hair was lightly pinned in places, small gems catching the light here and there, leaving the bulk of her hair to fall loose and wavy like he preferred it. And Han gave silent thanks that this woman was promising to be his once again.

It didn’t take long for them to complete their walk and Han held his hand out to Leia as they drew close. With a quick kiss from Jacen, Leia placed her hand in Han’s and stepped forward to take her place at his side.

Kam nodded and then began the ceremony. The words in Basic were quite familiar, speaking of love and devotion and the importance of joining with another to create something more than ourselves. Words he had heard before. But when Kam effortlessly switched into Corellian, Han was caught by surprise and he looked at Leia questioningly. With their original wedding held at the Alderaanian consulate, they hadn’t had the opportunity for a Corellian service or tradition. And he hadn’t been able to hear the words he heard now. Leia’s only response was a sly smile that told him all he needed to know. She had done it for him and it touched him even more that she would have thought of it. Turning back to Kam, he let the words flow through him, their meaning and history sink into him.

Eventually Kam stopped having reached the point where they were to say vows they had written and they turned to one another. Han had no doubt that what Leia had written would be elegant, but simple. And as she spoke, they were the most beautiful words he’d ever heard.

“You and I have come a long way from those first moments in the detention center. Such a long way.Kids, marriage, more wars than we care to recall. One very long flight to Bespin,” Leia said with a smile. “But one thing has never changed– my love for you and the man you are. I can’t say opening myself to your love was the easiest thing I’ve ever done, but falling in love with you was. And when I look at the life we’ve built and the time we’ve had together, I know it is by far the best thing I have ever done.” She glanced briefly at the small group gathered and knew that without Han most of it wouldn’t have been possible. Her hands tightened on his, squeezing them briefly. “You are my rock, my foundation. That part of the world that anchors me and enables me to be the best I can be in all other areas of my life. I can only hope I provide you with half as much as you have given to me. I am honored to share my life with you and I can’t imagine anything greater than strengthening our bond for the rest of our lives.”

Words could never adequately describe how he felt for this woman in front of him, but he could try. “Leia, you’ve been my friend and lover for more years than I can count. You’ve been so much more to me than I ever expected and certainly more than I ever deserved. You’ve stood strong beside me for the last twenty years and I’ve done my best to do the same for you. And it is my honor to be able to do it for another twenty and more. It is my vow to love and support you for the rest of our days, through all that may come, and all that we may be. I love you, Leia, with all my heart.” He paused and slipped easily into Old Corellian for the last part, reinforcing the bond between him and Leia forever. “And I promise it is you and I as long as we both shall live. In this world and the next.”

Leia squeezed his hand, nodding in agreement. “In this world and the next.”

They should have turned back to Kam as he said the last words that would close the ceremony, but they didn't. Han couldn’t take his eyes off of Leia and kept his gaze locked with hers. There was no way he was ever turning from the woman in front of him ever again.

As Kam pronounced them husband and wife for the second time, Han smiled, gathered Leia to him, and kissed her. He poured all of his emotions into that kiss, trying to express everything he was feeling – awe that this wonderful woman was part of his life, pride at the life they had created together, and gratitude for the love they both still held for one another.

 

Thank you for the wonderful submission!  And remember, the challenge does not end just because Valentine's Day is over.  I've got at least one more story to post and new submissions are always welcome. 



Valentine's Challenge - The Sequel. Submission #6

The following submission comes from Elivagar.  Loving the amount of submissions, people.  Keep them coming.  Even once Valentine's is over, there is no such thing as too late for these!

He watched her form fall dark against the glow of white sheets beneath them, every dip and curve of her body shaded. With a single arm draped awkwardly atop her stomach, she tilted her head toward him expectantly. He wondered, briefly, when they had crossed the line.

A visible tremble from her set him in motion towards her, his frame casting one solid shadow upon her as he blocked out the faint light of the illuminated city.

Reaching her, he hovered only briefly before covering her entirely. His head fell to the dark spill of hair, free to indulge in the scent he had known for years, finally pressing his lips to her neck. Feeling her lungs fill with a gasp urged him to press against her harder. Her hands were now smoothing across his back, timid at first, yet steadily growing firmer. His let his mouth meander until he found her own.

It all had accelerated too fast, too soon.

It shouldn't have been happening like this, with fear and death nipping at their heels.

And he had intended to resist, hoped that she would stop it--this thing he spent so many nights longing for. Yet, he knew that whatever happened, he would never have the strength to bear it, whether he stopped now or faced her in the light of day. He would give in. He would stay.

And suddenly he was inside her, and all he could comprehend were her inarticulate moans, all lost on the ears of the universe.

 

Short but sweet.  Thanks again, Elivagar!

Valentine's Challenge: The Sequel - Submission #5

Thanks for Blamey77 for this Mushy Story Challenge Submission!  (Again, I hope she doesn't mind the picture.  Who doesn't love Lego Han????)

Inspiration for this story: I sat down to work on an assignment and ended up writing this instead. So, procrastination I guess?

                                                                  *****

The mission had gone smoothly. Leia had met with some potential alliance benefactors and they had been genuinely interested in helping the Alliance. The trip had gone so well that Han, Chewie and Leia had some spare time on their hands. Leia didn't need that much convincing to join the other two in a little exploring. After three months on Hoth, she was extremely happy to be wearing something other than a snowsuit.
The three of them wandered around the small town, enjoying the sun. Later, they stopped for lunch at a restaurant with chairs too small to accommodate wookies and portions too tiny to interest Chewie. He happily headed back to the Falcon where a slab of meat was waiting to be consumed.

While the two of them ate, Han told Leia amusing smuggling stories which always seemed to end with him and Chewie escaping despite overwhelming odds against them and always due to some inspired flying from Han. Despite his endless need to brag, Leia found herself enjoying Han's company.

After lunch, they wandered through a marketplace when Leia spotted a familiar image on the cover of a book on display. She rushed over to the book and picked it up. The title was 'Alderaanian Architecture.' Leia was transfixed as she flipped through the pages, savouring the images. She waited for the familiar tightening in her chest that always accompanied memories of her lost home but it didn't happen. The book seemed to trigger only happy memories and Leia was indulging in it when Han appeared at her side, curious to see what had grabbed her attention. She glanced at him and smiled, then went back to the book. And then she saw it. The Palace. Her Palace. Leia stopped flicking through the pages. Her fingers found their way to the picture and traced the outline of the building. She remembered the many staircases, the beautiful pieces of artwork on the walls and the large windows, allowing light to bathe the rooms.

Her brain vaguely registered Han talking to the shop owner and handing him something.
Leia had no idea how long she had been standing there but the next thing she knew, Han was gently leading her away from the shop.

She was still holding the book. "Oh, I have to put this back," Leia said, quietly.

"No, you don't. It's yours."

Her grip tightened on the book and Leia looked at him. His face was unreadable. Someone bumped into her but Leia barely noticed. Han put his hand on her back and led her through the crowded marketplace. A warm feeling spread through her chest as she thought about what he had done for her. The book was hers. She felt somewhat dazed and tried in vain to clear her head. All she could think about was looking at the Palace again. For too long, she had avoided thoughts and memories of Alderaan, afraid that despair and longing would take up residence in her being and never move. Suddenly, it was different. For the first time since its destruction, Leia had felt something other than sadness towards Alderaan.

As she noticed that Han was leading her back to the Falcon, Leia wondered if he could see how preoccupied she was.

He didn't say anything as she hurried up the ramp and for that she was grateful.

*

That night, Leia tried and eventually gave up on sleep. She turned on the light, wincing at the brightness. She became deeply engrossed in the book yet again when-

"You're up late."

Leia looked up from the book in her lap and smiled at the man leaning against the doorway of his cabin- hers for the duration of the trip.

"I couldn't sleep," she said, shrugging.

"Me either," Han admitted.

Usually, Leia didn't like anyone catching on to her troubled sleeping pattern but she found it hard to be hostile to Han at that moment. He had obviously gone to bed some time ago. His hair was flat on one side and sticking out every which way on the other. His bare feet stuck out from under rumpled pants and his shirt was haphazardly buttoned, displaying a decent amount of chest. The methodical part of her wanted to button that top properly. Another part of her just wanted to unbutton it completely and reveal what was underneath. Leia blushed and quickly looked down, irrationally afraid that he could tell what she was thinking. She silently willed her cheeks to cool down and she made a show out of turning the page. Han shifted in the doorway uncertainly and said, "Well, I'll leave you alone."

Leia realised she had unintentionally dismissed him and felt guilty.

She asked, "Do you want to see where I grew up?" and lifted the book invitingly.
Han looked surprised but then he grinned in that asymmetrical way unique to him and made his way to the bed where she was sitting. He sat on the other side, swinging both legs up on to the bed. Leia gathered all of her hair behind her and flipped through the book's pages until she found the one she was looking for. She looked up at him and found him staring at the hair trailing down her back.

"Here," she said. Han craned his neck to see the pages. Leia leaned closer to him so he could get a better look. Han was quiet as he scanned the page. His eyes widened as he took in the grand building that had once been her home. "The Palace was on an island?" he asked. "Yes," Leia answered. Han looked fascinated and she felt happy.

"Sure beats Hoth."

Leia chuckled and said, "It does at that." Han smiled at her and Leia realised he had been carefully watching her reaction. He looked back at the book. "Can I have a look?" She nodded and he lifted it carefully off of her lap and onto his. Leia sank back against her pillow, happy to watch Han as he slowly turned the pages, looking at the architectural highlights of her former world. She sighed, not sadly, just exhausted. Every night, Leia wished she had a switch like C3PO that would enable her to immediately power down. A long string of sleepless night had left her tired of feeling tired. Her eyelids felt so heavy sometimes…

*

Leia was suddenly very aware of something loud next to her. She sat up, quickly. Her first thought was that an odd-sounding alarm was going off. Leia turned and found the source of the noise was in fact a snoring Han Solo. He was sprawled out next to her. A pillow leaning against the headboard indicated that he had been in a sitting position when he fell asleep. However, Han had definitely slipped down the bed during the night because they had been sharing a pillow. The book was still open on his stomach. Leia picked it up. It was open to the picture of her Palace. She put the book aside and took a long deep breath, trying to digest this new development.

It was morning. She had unexpectedly fallen asleep and stayed asleep. Han had obviously done the same. She was clothed. He was clothed. It was all very innocent. So why did she feel so uneasy?
Because she was never going to live this down. Leia rubbed her face and groaned inwardly. Han would undoubtedly tease her about this as soon as he woke up. She imagined Han smugly telling Chewie of his sharing a bed with the Princess. Han boasting loudly to anyone who would listen on the Rebel base of his sharing a bed with the Princess. Han's voice blaring on the speaker system on Hoth bragging about sharing a bed with the Princess.

Her imagination was not her friend at the moment. She needed kaffe. And a splash of cold water on her face. And for Han to not suddenly wake up next to her. She hurried to the fresher and closed the door. Leia ran the water and collected it in her cupped hands. She thought of the day before and how generous Han had been. And how perfectly nice he had been as he sat with her on the bed.

Maybe he wouldn't make a big deal out of falling asleep together.

Leia splashed her face and turned the water off.

Han was unpredictable. He could be sweet one moment and prickly the next. She never had sure footing with him. It was almost as if he didn't want to be nice but he couldn't help it every now and then and he had to pick a fight to make the world right again.. Leia was afraid that after his recent kindness, Han would revert back to his loud-mouthed arrogant self.

She sighed. There was nothing to be done about it. She had to face the music. The infuriatingly egotistical music. Leia took one last look at her reflection then she exited the fresher.

Han was nowhere to be found.

Why wasn't he lying on the bed, hands behind his head with a huge grin on his face? He had just left the room, giving up a prime opportunity to torment her.

She would never understand Han Solo.

Leia was changing out of her bed clothes when she heard the unmistakeable sound of Han and Chewie walking past the cabin on their way to the kitchen. She froze, trying to hear their conversation. The words 'sensor' and 'malfunctioning' relieved her immensely.

Chewie rumbled a greeting to Leia as she entered the kitchen a few minutes later. Han had his back to her as he poured a cup of kaffe. Leia smiled at Chewie and he left to start working on the ship. They were alone.

"Good morning," Leia said, cautiously. She was suddenly very afraid of what was going to happen next.
Han turned around, handed her the cup of kaffe and said, "Good morning." Then he walked out of the kitchen.

Leia stood there with the cup in her hand for a couple of minutes before shaking her head in disbelief and sitting down. She took a sip of kaffe.
She would never understand Han Solo.

Valentine's Challenge: The Sequel. Submission #4

This latest submission comes from jzhanfan.  This is her second submission to the challenge, which is just a reminder to the rest of you that there is no limit to submissions.  This story contains adult situations, so to our underage readers, this is not for you!

 

Once again, the Falcon's hyperdrive was in need of repair, and the nearest base where they could expect to find the needed parts lay seven days away at sublight. They'd already been gone longer than expected on their most recent mission, and High Command hadn't liked the idea of further delay, but there was no better option. It had taken a while, but Leia had finally managed to get their revised flight plans approved.

Relieved to end the conversation, she signed off and rose from her seat at the communications station in the Falcon's lounge.

The Princess was actually looking forward to a few days of no responsibilities. But there was one more being whose permission Leia felt she needed, before she considered herself off duty.

She sought out Chewbaca in the cockpit and broached the subject carefully.  "Chewie, you know... you know Han and I... well, you know we're, together, right?"

["You've been together for months. You mean you're mating with each other now."] Wincing, Leia nodded. ["of course I know,"] Chewie chuckled. ["Any being with a sense of smell knows."]

If possible, Leia's blush got even deeper. "Will it bother you, if we...?"

["Princess, what would you do if I said yes?"]

"All right, you've got a point. Let's try this again. Han and I are planning to spend the next six days in his cabin, naked. Do you think you and Luke can get us to Sullest on your own?"

The Wookiee turned to stare at her in surprise, and then saw her expression. ["You're joking?"]

"Of course I'm joking. Can I bribe you to take the first shift in the cockpit so we can have some time alone, though?"

["Will you promise not to use up all the water?"]

"Will I... what?"

It was Chewie's turn to be embarrassed. ["Perhaps I'm speaking out of turn."]

"Perhaps, but it's too late now." Leia's curiousity swiftly overrode her flash of jealousy. She was well aware that she wasn't the first woman who'd been with Han while on board the Falcon. There wasn't much point acting surprised about it. "Come on. Tell me."

There was a long silence while the Wookiee composed a tactful answer. ["He's always claimed that shared showers save water, but he's wrong."]

Leia bit her lip in amusement at Chewie's attempt at delicacy. "If we end up in the shower, I'll be sure to keep that in mind," she assured him.

Chewie gave her a knowing look and heaved a sigh that she took to mean, "oh, you'll end up in the shower, all right." It was a bit disconcerting to realize that the Wookie probably knew plenty more about Han's personal life that he wasn't sharing. "So, will you take the first shift?"

["Did he send you up here to ask me?"]

"No!" Leia cocked her head. "You really think I'd do that?" Chewie shrugged. "I came up here because I want to make sure there are no hard feelings. This is between you and me."

["What about Skywalker?"]

The princess looked at her hands. "Well... I was... sort of hoping... you'd talk to Luke? It's bad enough worrying that he can read my mind."

Chewie hadn't thought of it that way. Having a Jedi for a brother could get a bit awkward, at that. ["All right, all right. I'll talk to Luke. He and I will take the first two shifts. You've got sixteen hours. Then I expect you two to start being social again."]

"Deal." She went up on tiptoe to hug him tightly. He patted her shoulder affectionately.

["Don't worry, Princess. There are no hard feelings. I'm happy for you both."]

"Thanks, Chewie. I'm pretty happy for us, myself."

["Tell Solo he owes me a trip to Kashyyyk. Soon."]

Leia was immediately contrite. How could she have failed to realize that what she and Han had together might make Chewie feel the absence of his own wife more sorely than usual? "I'll tell him, Chewie. And I'll make sure it happens, too."

Solo was waiting for her when she got to the crew cabin, and he had her backed against the bulkhead before the hatch had completley closed. His fingers were undoing her buttons while his tongue explored her mouth. She came up on tiptoe to meet his kiss and he moved in closer, lifting her hands over her head and pinning them there with his forearm. Her eyes widened with surprise but she made no move to pull free. They gazed into each other's eyes for a long moment, and she whispered, "I love you."

His hungry expression softened and he bent to kiss beneath her earlobe. "I know. I love you, too." His mouth slid lower and he tasted the pulse at the hollow of her throat. The sensation sent chills down her spine and her back arched toward him. His hand slid along her thigh and his knee nudged hers, coaxing her legs apart so he could fit her even closer against him. Her fingers slipped beneath his waistband and found his aching erection. When her warm hand closed around him he went very still and then swung her up into his arms. In two steps he was across the cabin, depositing her on the bunk in a heap. He shed his pants quickly and was naked before she had her belt undone. He seized the bottoms of her trousers in both hands and tugged them off in a single move. In the process he dragged her forward so she lay with her hips at the edge of the bed.

And then he was slamming into her, hard and fast. Her legs wrapped instinctively around his waist, driving him deeper with each stroke. Awed and overwhelmed by the sheer power of his need, she dug her heels into his ass and hung on tight, letting him take her with him to a shuddering shared climax.

They lay together, panting, in the tangle of sheets, damp with each other's sweat. Leia drew circles on Han's chest with her fingertip and he stroked her hair, idly. "Is it always like this, Han?" she asked, very softly.

"Like what, honey?"

She propped herself up on an elbow and looked down into his face. "Like this," she gestured at the disheveled bunk and the heap of clothing on the floor. "Frantic. Hungry."

"As opposed to?"

"I don't know. Slow? Tender?" He cocked an eyebrow. "I've read too many romance novels, haven't I?"

"Come here," he drew her beneath him again. "Let me show you how slow I can go." The velvet touch of his tongue traced the shape of her breasts, outlined the hollow between them, tasted the soft flesh on their underside. Soft, wet kisses covered her nipples, crinkled tighly and aching with need. At last his mouth closed around one rigid nub and took it in, sucking hard.

Every tug of his mouth on her breast summoned a matching tug between her legs, and when his fingers parted her slippery folds to slide inside her, she whimpered softly.

He was true to his word, taking his time and bringing her twice with clever fingers to the edge of oblivion, only to ease her back down again. At last came the exquisite sensation of his tongue, deftly licking the wetness from her folds. It was nearly more than she could bear.

Tossing her head and moaning, her fists clutching at the sheets, she was nothing but her body. Nothing, but her quivering legs, her muscles clenched as she arched toward him again. "Please," she begged. "Please, Han. Please."

"Do you want me, Leia?" he growled against her heated flesh. "Do you want me inside of you?"

"Yes," she gasped, her voice ragged with need. "Please."

"No," he whispered, "not yet. Not this time. I want to watch while you come," he coaxed, as his thumb circled a particularly delightful spot. "Right now, baby. Go on, let go." His mouth was on her again, and his tongue replaced his finger. Her body shuddered and rippled around him, and she gave a helpless, high pitched cry as she surrendered to her orgasm.

He knew that her center would be almost painfully senstive at that moment, and he let go just in time, coming up on his knees to glide into her, slowly, sliding through her wetness and filling her before he backed away again. "Oh," she sighed, "oh, Han."

"You like?" he asked, softly, watching her face transform as she rode the slow waves to a completely different sort of climax.

"Yes," she breathed. "Yes." She reached up and took his face in her hands, kissing him deeply. She tasted her own wetness on his tongue, felt his rhythm pick up speed as she moved her own hips in time with his thrusts. It seemed to last forever, and her body felt different, softer somehow, more open to his length, more aware of his motion.

When at last he let go and gave one hard, trembling thrust, she felt it, clearly, as the hard length of him bucked and spilled a warm wetness within her.

"Mine," he whispered, against her lips, his eyes dark and intense as he came. "You're mine, Leia."

"Yes," she agreed, feeling tears build in her eyes. "And you're mine." She wrapped herself around him and held on tightly, not wanting to ever let him go.

They fell asleep, tangled in one another, never noticing when the cabin door opened and the Wookiee's head peered in. "They're asleep. Go, quickly," he motioned to Luke, who ran, hastily, to the fresher, eyes averted. Chewie, who was less easily embarrassed, crossed the cabin to retrieve the twisted sheet from the floor and spread it, lightly, over the sleeping lovers, who didn't stir.

Luke came out of the fresher, and went straight for the door. Pausing for just a moment in the hatchway, he felt a gentle wash of peace and contentment that was so nebulous he couldn't be sure whose emotions he'd brushed.

The water shower stall in the fresher unit was indeed Han's next idea, when they awakened, and Leia was feeling sweaty and sticky enough at this point not to argue. It took a lot of water to rise the shampoo out of her long hair, and they were both extraordinarily clean when the job was finally complete.

She found his hands, running along her wet body, more arousing than she had expected, and when Han backed her against the slippery bulkhead and pinned her there with his hips, she was as ready as he was.

At the last second, she remembered Chewie's admonition about wasting water. She manged to reach around him and switch off the water before her hand closed around his erection. Some time later, it occurred to her, belatedly, that perhaps there was a good reason to leave the water running after all.

Han's grunts of pleasure as he thrust into her, and her answering cries echoed in the small chamber, and she had no doubt that the sounds were carrying to other parts of the ship. But she was beyond caring, and beyond restraining herself even if she had wanted to.

Up in the cockpit, Luke and Chewie exchanged a glance, but neither said a word. Skywalker had long ago slammed shut the door in his mind that led to his sister's emotions.

Sixteen hours and one minute into the trip, Han and Leia finally emerged from the cabin and came up to the cockpit together, holding hands.

"Looks like it's our shift in the cockpit, eh, Chewie?" Chewie rolled his eyes but kept silent as he and Luke departed.

Han settled himself into his chair and caught Leia's hand again as she perched on the edge of Chewie's seat.

"C'mere," he pulled her gently onto his lap, where she nestled contentedly, her head tucked into the hollow of his shoulder, legs dangling over the arm of the chair.

"It won't always be like this," she said, softly.

"I know," he agreed. "Aren't you the one who said we should take our moments when we can?"

"I didn't think you were listening."

"I was." He smiled. "We're not always gonna have days like this. But it's gonna be good, sweetheart. You'll see."

 

Thanks for the wonderful submission!  And to the rest of you, keep them coming!