Time passes slowly on their little island. Day turns into night and back again, one season making way for another. Rey is not certain how long she has been in this place by now. Sometimes it seems like yesterday, the moment she climbed up the steep hill to find her now lover standing on its edge, silently watching the ocean below. And then there are times she feels like an eternity has passed, given the way their relationship has grown, strengthened, bound them together as if they were one.
They train and meditate, explore the island, they talk, sit in companionable silence and take comfort in each other whenever another nightmare threatens to disturb their peace.
While Rey has learned to be patient, draw strength from calmness and being level-headed to guide her instincts, she has at the same time brought out a passion in Luke, which her lover had long thought lost to him.
They are like opposites, perfectly balancing each other out, their everyday routines evolving into a constant give and take.
Whenever they train it must seem like an intricate dance to any outsider, a perfect choreography, not guided by coincidence, but deep understanding.
Rey parries a downward stroke with her staff, ducks, glides away under his feet before he can land back on the ground after performing a high jump. She spins halfway, attacking his back and is blocked by his own weapon. Luke smiles, pride evident in his eyes.
He draws back and swings his staff low, attempting to swipe away her legs, but she's faster, leaping up and linking one knee around his neck, effectively bringing him to the ground with another spin.
The impact leaves him stunned for a moment. She uses it to straddle him, the wooden rod locking him in position.
Luke coughs "You did well. Release me?"
She smirks "And what is my price?" Rey looks down at him expectantly.
"My dear padawan, you should know better than to get cocky" His eyebrows wander up high enough to vanish behind his bangs.
"Your padawan knows, the girlfriend-not so much."
He can't help but laugh "You're incorrigible. Name your price then."
"A kiss shall be fine, my dear master Jedi."
"You'll have to take it. I am...somewhat indisposed" There is a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"You poor man." She places her staff aside, not expecting him to jerk aside, managing to roll them over, pinning her to the mossy floor.
"Never let down your guard so easily. Someone might take advantage of it." As he leans forward his hair falls into his face. Rey blushes. He is a sight to behold in the shallow morning light, the first rays of sun making his silver mane glisten like a halo around his face.
"Staring again, hm?" he teases.
"You should be glad I am. Now, what are you planning to do next, master Jedi?"
"I think I will demand my price now."
"Your price? Whatever could a Jedi want?" She leans up, expecting him to request the same thing she did mere minutes ago.
He gets up "I expect my Padawan to be more disciplined."
Luke chuckles as he sees her disappointment. "And a kiss from my fair lady, if she is willing to grant me this"
"She is indeed" Rey kisses him softly, nipping his bottom lip.
"How about a revenge?"
"Certainly."He picks up his weapon. "Take your stance!"
They keep on training till dusk, forgetting about time itself as they get lost in each other, their bodies soon no more than dark silhouettes against the red light of the setting sun.
Afterwards they wander down to the ocean, their clothes sticky from sweat and dust gathered throughout the day.
They divest of their ruined garments, no shyness left between them.
The clear water washes away the evidence of a hard day of training.
"Luke?"
"Yes, love?" The endearments come easier to him day by day. Rey has managed what no one did before: making him believe he is worthy of being loved. Under her guidance he has learned to return it in kind, without fear or shame.
"Will you let me wash your hair?"
"If it pleases you." He flashes her one of his bright smiles.
"Of course it does. Lean back for me?" He does as he is told, enjoying the feeling of her hands running through his hair, removing dust and grime.
He sighs contently.
"You seem to like this." Her hands wander lower, massaging his neck and broad shoulders.
"I do."He straightens up and turns to face her. "Let me return the favor?"
"Please…" Rey closes her eyes and lets herself be guided by his gentle hands as they loosen her braids.
She has lost her fear of water, just as he had lost his fear of loving. She gives in, allows her body to float upon the waves, feels the energy around her and finally is caught in his arms. And when their bond enfolds them once more in moments of passion, only the moon is witness to it.