How perfect was that?! Thank you.

I'm hoping for something to hug. This was so touching and kind of sad, but extremely well written!

Oh Han, what a caring and thoughtful man! This chapter was pure gold, thank you!

Oh no! Why?! But I do not let go of hope, this had some hidden underground passion that I cant wait to resolve!

Lovely ending! I'm glad you reblogged this story on Tumblr recently because I hadn't read it yet. Loved seeing the progression in their relationship, and especially Han, through each New Year :)

Nooooo this chapter was so heart-breaking! For a moment I thought you were going to go AU, but I'm glad you didn't because this was an unexpected twist.

This one was such a good mix of emotions. I really liked peeling each layer of it, discovering each detail - Leia's brush with death as she tried to do the most she can before her time was up, Han taking her away while she heals, giving her a little sanctuary, her confusing feelings for him, his consideration for the effects of the drug and refusing to take advantage of it.
"I'll be there. Whoever you turn out to be" - Ugh, I loved that.

I loved the inverted echo to the first chapter in the beginning of this one, clearly showing a change in Han. Also the way Leia's wish comes back to haunt her, and Han reminds her that it's not her fault. I really liked that a little bit more of Alderaan's traditions and Leia's family showed up here too.
Poor Han, realizing that the mysterious masked woman had been next to him for the past year only when it was too late!

This was such an intriguing beginning! Han feeling alarm bells going off, especially with the suspicious waitress, was so him. I loved his conversation with Leia, both of them keeping their New Year's Eve traditions for what neither of them knows will be the last time in several years. It was hilarious that Winter arranged the terms of the meeting, only to then be unable to go herself and poor Leia being bound to it anyway!
The last sentences of this chapter were so poetic and wonderful :)

"A smuggler and a Princess walk into a bar…"
I love the way this came full circle. It “ended where it started” as Leia said in the second chapter. Everything about this is magnificent, but I really really love the ending.
“Ten, nine”
“Eight, seven”
“Six, five, four”
“I love you”
“I know”
One

Even though I KNOW Han is going to be fine in the end, this absolutely d.e.s.t.r.o.y.e.d me. Just. Wow. I was practically crying by the time we got to Han’s pre-recorded goodbye message, and then you twisted the knife. I think this chapter is my new headcanon. It’s so utterly Han. You’ve killed me. I am dead now.

NOOOOO! I wanted this chapter to go on forever and ever and ever. For it to never end. There’s so much that I love about it that I’m not sure I’m even capable of articulating it. If I tried to tell you the comment would never end. Tender, sad, heartfelt, frustrating, heavy, sweet. Perfect.

This is so painfully beautiful. Leia’s hurt is palpable, her sadness. Her guilt.
And Han. Poor Han. Right at the beginning. Not knowing yet how good of a person he is, because there’s never been anyone to believe in him. Not truly believing yet that he can be a forever, one-woman type of guy.
This is lovely.

*screaming* I almost died when Leia admitted that Winter added that caveat to the mission after she’d seen Han’s picture. And of course, even after demurring and sidestepping, Leia pushes up to her tiptoes to kiss Han, because when the time comes she has never really been able to resist him. I love love LOVE this so far!

This story is so. many. things. A Han/Leia classic, to be sure. The concept of a return to New Year's at different stages of their relationship is a stroke of genius. I love how you anchor the whole tale with that premise, and then let your brilliant imagination run wild with the five chapters you so skillfully build to show time passing and progress being made. And your ending - oh my god. Top-notch, "Ten, Nine," "Eight, Seven," she joined in. "Six, Five, Four," "I love you," he murmured. "I know," she said their new favorite way to sign off. "One." So, so, well-done. The way you incorporate the sneaky "Three" and "Two" in there - so clever and heart-meltingly satisfying. :) Thank you, thank you, thank you.