Title: Proposal
Author: R.Solo56
Category: Romance
Rating: G
Date (date posted): 8/2/00

Han finally proposes to Leia.... This was my second attempt at fanfiction, so I apologize if it's extra corny.

Han Solo looked on as Leia Organa watched the early morning sky turn from grey, to purple, to orange. He was content, at peace to study the small princess ; her beauty radiating from her slender figure, made even more charming by the rising sun. And yet, he was nervous as hell. He loved that woman, of that he was sure, but did she love him? Love and trust him enough to spend the rest of her life with him?

He was also concerned about how their earlier occupations would affect their possible relationship. He knew how important the rebellion was to her and how close to her heart New Alderaan and the New Republic were to her now. He understood and he planned to back her up every step of the way. He would not be jealous of every official and ambassador who greet her formally. He promised himself that if she did accept, they would move at her desired pace; although he would help guide her the unknown terrain and feelings, he found no pleasure in hurting or frightening her. He vowed than to respect, cherish, and protect Leia Organa for the rest of his days, as a friend or spouse.

*First thing's first,* he thought. Han rubbed the engagement ring in his pocket for luck than stepped toward her. "Good mornin', sweetheart."

She started and whirled around. "Han!" she exclaimed. Than, more softly, "What are you doing here?"

He grinned, noting how stunning she looked in the low- neckline, shimmering white gown she was wearing. Her long, silky hair spilled almost to her knees, and the shorter strands near her temples were curled and they framed her face.She resembled an angel. *Hell,* he thought affectionately, *she is an angel.* He hoped- he prayed- that she would be his angel. "What kind of greeting is that?" he asked teasingly.

She gave him a wry smile. "Sorry. Good morning, General. Now why are you here?"

Han smirked at her formal greeting. "Cute. Well, I was going to work on the Falcon," he lied. "and I saw you out here, alone. I thought you would enjoy some company." *Well, that much is true,* he mused.

Leia studied him. It was a reasonable excuse, but the more she watched him, the more nervous he seemed. He was hiding something. "So you always work on your ship this early?" she pointed out.

"Uh... yeah." He was definitely hiding something.

"Han, that is not the reason you're up at this hour." Han raised an eyebrow and Leia smiled. "I'm Luke's sister remember? I have the Force too."

He sighed. "All right. I have to talk to you about something."

*Huh?* "What?" she asked gently, now curious.

"Lets take a walk," he suggested and held out his hand to her. A bit baffled, she took it.

They strode through the thick, green forest in silence until they reached a clearing revealing a clear blue, glistening lake and a meadow beond that where the elegant, rare flowers of Dithomir were plentiful. The small geranto birds hummed and glided through the clear blue air above them. She gasped in amazement at the site of such serene beauty. "Oh, Han," she breathed, "You knew about this place?" Even though they had been on the planet for over a month, she had no seen or even heard of it.

"Yep," he replied, "Do you like it Princess?"

"I- I love it. This place- its so... so beautiful, so peaceful." She turned a bit and hugged him. "I love it," she repeated in a whisper.

Proud of himself, he returned the embrace. But he wasn't out of the woods yet. When she pulled back, he took both of her hands in his own. "Leia," he began softly, "do you love me?"

Taken aback by his abrupt question, she nodded. "Of course I do."

"And you know I love you, right?"

"Yes..." she answered, getting suspicious.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, blue- tinted diamond on a gold band. He that got down on one knee. "Than... marry me?" It was more a question than a demand.

Shocked, Leia opened her mouth to reply, but choked on the words. She was somewhere between laughing and crying, truly touched that this man kneeling before her was finally willing to make a commitment not only to the New Republic, but to her personally. But... was she ready? Ready to allow herself to give herself up to something, or in this case someone, besides the government? Ready to let him calm her fears of feelings she had never thought possible? Feelings she had locked safely inside herself for too long? She was.

"Yes," she finally managed, answering his silent prayer.

He smiled as he slid the ring on her finger. He than brought her hand up to his face and kissed her palm tenderly. His smile was not the usual lopsided teasing grin, but one of gentleness, loving, and knowing, and as he pulled her into his strong, protective arms, she knew she had made the right choice.

NOTE: This, along with another story and poem, were written originally by me. Although on other sites, my name might vary from R_Solo56 to R.Solo, and my old e-mail might still be attached as well, I assure you they came from me first.