-Good morning grumpy!- Rey appeared behind Ben squishing his cheek. He groaned inwardly shuddering from drowsiness. She gripped his shoulder and planted a loud kiss to his cheek. He winced from the volume and force of it but leaned in nudging her shoulder. She sat next to him pressing herself to his warmth. He silently understood, she was more or less cold in the morning when the temperature was still low. His hand snaked behind her gripping her waist.
- How are you doing Hux, Phasma?- Rey turned her attention to the companions of her best friend leaning on her elbows.
-Tired as shit.- Phasma groggily answered into her cup of caf.
-Aren't you supposed to be somewhere sweetheart.- he lit a cigarette never lowering his own caf, enjoying the warmth that radiated through it.
-All my classes have been cancelled for today, so I wanted to have breakfast with you.- she smiled brightly at him reaching for the cup he was holding. He was momentarily distracted with her dazzling smile and let her take it from him. As she sipped slowly he grew aware she stool the only thing that kept him awake at the moment.
-Hey, give that back!- he pushed towards the cup with the force but it didn't budge, it floated mid-air between them, their relentless stubbornness bouncing it between them slightly.
-You do realize I will gladly get you a cup.- he furrowed his brow, irritated by her childlike behaviour.
-But I like this one!- she stuck her tongue at him.
-Don't make me spank you princess.- he smugly answered at her pushing harder.
-You wouldn't. I know you too well.- she shoot back hiding her blush with her hair.
-You know I can take whatever I want.- He pulled her suddenly with his hands towards him sending her straight into his lap. She squealed releasing the cup sending it in a downwards trajectory into her lap but Ben caught it swiftly and brought it up to his lips again with a devilish grin gripping her harder.
Ben….- she said threateningly trying not to laugh while his fingers ghosted over her waist tickling her in the process.
-Yes doll?- his hair fell over her shoulder.
"People are staring… " she smiled sheepishly up at him.
"Well, if it makes you uncomfortable…" he released her slowly but caught a chance to kiss her temple. Rey blushed covering her rosy cheeks while she settled again next to him throwing her legs over his lap. He hummed to himself as he smoked and glided his palm over her calves and thighs slowly back and forth under the desk while they drank his caf. Every now and then extending it to one another.
-Aren't you too lovely.- Rose slid next to them on the bench throwing them both off guard. – Have you asked him?-
- Oh kriff, what do you need.- he huffed running a hand through his hair.
-Well…- Rey looked away shyly. – I need a ride…- she glanced at him again.
-You're not telling me everything sweetie, say it.- he looked between Rose and Rey.
-I need to buy some clothes.- she shifted uncomfortably glancing up at Rose again. He lifted his eyebrows at her. – Why are so uncomfortable kid.-
" Kriff Ben, can't you just take me to the galactic mall and be done with it." She winced at him hoping he would understand and stop questioning her in front of Phasma and Hux who listened intently enjoying the way he pushed her buttons. He glanced her up and down carefully relaxing his face into a small smile.
- Fine...- he pretended it was an inconvenience to him, he would steel a ship to take her to another planet if she asked. He stood from the table stubbing out his cigarette.- But it better be something good.-
- Really?!- she exclaimed turning after him. He nodded extending a hand to her. She took it eagerly practically running alongside him, his steps always seemed impossibly large to her.
- You could have just told me you need a new bra.- he guided her through the packed mess hall, one hand resting on the small of her back.
-It's embarrassing Ben!- she exclaimed not even surprised he noticed her lack of support today.
-You're a grown woman, you need all that feminine shit.- he chuckled while they excited the building completely.
-I wish I didn't. Everything was so simpler without these.- she gestured vaguely at her chest.
- Or you can just not wear one, you know that is an option?- he cocked his head to the side observing the lines of her chin while they walked.
- No I can't!- Rey threw her hands in the air. – What if people notice?- her outrage was palpable
- Notice what?- he pinched the bridge of his nose.
-My nipples.- she whispered condescendingly scrunching up her nose in an adorable fashion.
- Force forbid.- he smiled through his blush throwing his arm over her shoulder. – If someone does I'll make sure he doesn't see anything ever again.-
-Ben!- she slapped him over his chest laughing in the process. He returned her a shy smile lowering his gaze to the ground.

-Wait for me here sweetheart.- he left her on the side of the curb walking in another direction.
She glanced around noticing Rose running after her. Rey laughed with a confused look while she huffed next to her trying to catch her breath.
-You.. Left… Your wallet…- red splotches appeared on her face.- At my place, remember?-
-Kriff!- Rey turned just as Ben pulled to the side with his black speeder bike, it's black elongated surface reflecting in the sun. He stretched upwards taking of his helmet. Rose looked between them as Rey still cursed her forgetfulness.
-That's your bike?- she circled it carefully watching his amused face. He nodded slowly pushing a helmet at Rey's direction.
-He rides a bike and you didn't tell me!?- Rose exclaimed enthusiastically at Rey gliding her finger over it carefully. – It's so cool man. I've been admiring that thing for months every time I past it.-
- You can take a ride if you want, another time thou.- he played with the visor of his helmet.
-I forgot my wallet.- Rey finally came to her senses after watching their exchange. She always had a soft spot for Ben and speeders, especially around summer time when he'd dawn his tight shirts and long, wavy high wasted pants. No matter how hard she tried to deny it he was very attractive, his chest and back muscles bulging and ripping through his shirt as if it were wet. She must have blushed because his gaze fell upon her face while his lips twisted in a devilish smile. Rose yammered on and on about the speeder, it's specifications and models looking at every flip and switch at the front console while Ben and Rey stared at each other, his hot gaze bouncing all over her face.
" What?" she covered her mouth subconsciously feeling the burn of his intense stare upon them.
"You're cute when you blush." He smiled more sure of himself than ever before. She averted her gaze completely from him scared that he would read her deeply hidden secret from her eyes.
- Are the repulsors in vanes or clusters?- Roses mouth hung open as she scanned the bike again.
-I'm sorry, what?- Ben snapped his concentration back cursing to himself.
-Vanes or clusters?- she chuckled looking back at Rey, she clutched the helmet impossibly tight against her stomach looking at it, trying to calm down her pulse.
-Vanes of course.- he scoffed reaching a hand towards Rey.
- Come on doll, fuck the wallet, let me treat you.- he coaxed her with his gloved hand. Her eyes sparked with delight bouncing to him. He rolled his eyes up at the sky at her child-like behaviour scooting forward, making room for her. As she straddled the bike he half turned to her. – Do you have a hair tie?-
-Oh sure.- she reached to her wrist snapping the band from it. As he tied his hair into a messy bun Rey turned towards Rose again.
-I'll call you.- she shouted over the sound of the engine that roared beneath them. Ben lowered his helmet over his face while Rey adjusted hers. It was a special gift from him when he started riding. She would never forget the first day he picked her up with it, extending the helmet to her, a small inscription at the bottom. For my little sunshine. Although Luke was furious at him he knew Ben was a very skilled driver with fast reflexes so he indulged them from time to time until she grew a bit. That never stopped them from snucking out at night and riding through the city, he showed her all kinds of places some rich and lushes, some quiet with hidden green oases that were sparse throughout the city to begin with.
-Visor down sweetheart.- he looked over his shoulder at her. She obliged as he turned more towards her checking her helmet. – Nice and secure…- he murmured placing a hand on it as if to be sure. It was a ritual he never stopped doing, first starting to make sure she did it right when she was just fourteen years old. -When we get back I can take you for a lap.- he shouted to Rose sliding his visor down as well. She gave him an enthusiastic thumbs up and waived.- Drive safe!- Ben nodded ducking down for the handles, revving the engine. Rey giggled behind him embracing him around his waist securely, pressing her chest into him. He enjoyed to no extent the way she gripped tight to him when he rode of. " How about we go fast?" he smiled to himself knowing full well she won't see.
"But not too fast Benny, alright?" she gripped even tighter scooting as close as she could to him.
" Whatever you want darling." He revved some more while they waited for the light to turn green. He loved to ride with her because they could still carry on a conversation through their force bond relatively normal without shouting. As they neared the galactic mall he would swerve here and there overtaking other land speeders. She giggled as an angry Balosar yelled after them from his vehicle cursing loudly. They arrived shortly after in front of the mall and Ben parked them close to the entrance. A pack of women stood at the main doors, bags in hand as they chatted and cackled at one another. They clocked them instantly and turned towards them commenting amongst each other. Ben helped Rey of the levitating bike removing his helmet. The women whistled at them but he paid no mind to them focusing his attention back to Rey. He took both of their helmets and stashed them at the small compartment at the front of the bike turning to her. – You should get a landspeeder, or a small bike at least.-
-But I like when you drive me places.- she mulled over the idea of her owning any kind of vehicle, she knew how to drive but the thought of Ben not getting her places was unnatural to her, she grew used to him driving her around.
-Look…- he leaned on the bike retying his hair again, the bun loosened by the helmet.- I like taking you to shopping malls, and holo projections but I won't be able to all the time.- She nodded silently but wanted to change the subject, she didn't want to grow up fully just yet.
-I want you to be independent, you are smart and pretty, you can take care of yourself.- he leaned forward to her reaching for her hand.- But I shall always be here, whenever you need me. – he squeezed reassuringly.
-Thank you.- tears began to form at the corner of her eyes while she smiled up at him. Ben was the only constant in her life, always reliable. Only he could make her feel small but powerful at the same time.
-Now let us buy you that bra, chilly days are coming.- he threw his arm around her shoulder leading her to the entrance.
-What are you insinuating?- her eyes grew large.
- Wouldn't want to jab someone's eye out now would you?- he turned his head towards one of the stores awaiting for the stab of her small elbow.
- The only eyes I'll be jabbing out will be yours boy.- she dug her index finger at his muscled chest. He sputtered on his own saliva couching in the process, wheezing forward through the large corridor.
-Not with my nipples Ben, you perverted nerfherder.- she pushed him away from herself acting mad.
- You said it not me.- he laughed at her blushing cheeks pinching one with his fingers. She turned away angrily huffing.
-Come on, I was joking.- he half yelled after her when she picked up her pace. Ben caught up with her easily matching his stride with hers, falling in sync with her steps.
-May I ask, what happened to your bra?- his face lowered completely resting on her shoulder, his back hunched in a huge arch. She stopped abruptly catching a glimpse of a beautiful, floor long white dress. She extended one solemn fingertip, pressing it in the glass that separated the display window and her.
-Rey?- he straightened and turned to face her. She just stared at it, and at the price, her brows furrowing in a tight knot at the centre of her forehead. She could never afford it. He understood everything just form the lines of her face, not even needing to listen to her thoughts.
-Come one sweetheart, you can try it on later.- he grasped her elbow hopping to encourage her movements. She nodded sadly and followed.
- The dance is coming up in a few weeks and I still haven't found a dress.- she sighted loudly pushing her hands in the back pockets of her beige trousers.
-I'm sure you'll find something, everything looks good on you.- he tried to stop himself but to no avail, the words escaping him in a clipped tone. She scoffed turning a corner, him following her diligently.
- Nobody asked you to the dance.- it was more a statement then a question.
- Actually, Zidane did, but I turned him down.- they entered the packed store walking between huge glass displays.
-Oh, heartbreaker!- he exclaimed in surprise, deep down glad she declined her suitor. Rey turned suddenly towards him making him freeze in his tracks not wanting to crash into her.- You'll be there right?-
- Wouldn't want to miss seeing my princess all dressed up now would I?- he chuckled looking down at her.
-Stop…- she giggled pressing her palm flat against his sternum. As quick as her hand came to rest against him it was gone and she continued walking forward. He blinked from his daze and jogged behind her. -It's true doll.- he flipped a solemn strand that fell over his face. – And Luke did make me be a chaperon, just in case one of you kids does something stupid.-
- Well, you'll be having your hands full then.- she laughed perusing through a rack. He suddenly found himself very uncomfortable, not knowing what to do with himself. The feeling was familiar to him, remembering the first time she asked him to take her to a store. She was maybe thirteen at the time, just starting to go through puberty. She was just as embarrassed as she was today, asking in a shy, quiet voice. It didn't even occur to him that her body was staring to change. After a long talk with the shopping lady and his shuffling about the store she emerged with an impossibly small bra that to him didn't even serve a purpose, the shopping lady explained to her about the clutches and straps and all sorts of things Ben didn't understand while he stood watch practically hiding behind one of the stacks, even though his height didn't allow for good coverage.
-Is that your brother over there?- she pointed at him lightly smiling brightly down at Rey's small stature. – It's very nice, what you're doing.- she said a bit louder at him.
-That's not my brother miss.- Rey turned to him with an apologetic look.
-Oh, force, is he your boyfriend?- the woman bore a strange look of discomfort on her face.
-No, no! He's just a really good friend.- Rey rose up her hands reassuringly. Ben didn't remember a time he was so uncomfortable with a situation.

- Hope they don't jump us again like that time.- Rey giggled up at his uncomfortable form.
-Do you have to be listening to my thoughts all the time kid?- he scrunched up her hair.
- Like you don't do that to me….- she shook her head pulling a bra from the rack.- What do you think about this one?-
It was a lacy and black, the straps silken and a deep shade of red. He looked away from it at the rack trying not to imagine her in that thing.
-What about something more simple?- he panicked turning to another aisle.
- Like this one?- she pulled another trying to gain his attention. This one was a simple ivory colour with matching straps, a single small pearl dangling in between the cups.
-Well…- he leaned his head to one side.
-I see you have everything in control here. How nice of your boyfriend coming with you.- a sales lady appeared behind a tall glass shelve.
- Yes, thank you.- Rey stiffened forcing her words through a fake smile. Ben placed his palm flat against his face breathing deeply. – Why do I always volunteer to do this?- he asked himself out loud.
- Yeah, next time I'll ask Luke.- Rey huffed returning both bras to the rack forcefully.
-You can ask Rose…- Ben massaged his temples starting to really hate the bright white lights of the store.
- How do you plan us getting here?- Rey turned around to another rack.
-Public transport, taxi, you driving, take your pick?- he irritably shot back turning at her direction.
- And listen to her advice? If it went her way I would be wearing a gold bikini and nothing else.- she looked at him over her shoulder waiting for his reaction.
-Right…- he looked downwards knocking one shoe at the other to distract his thoughts again.
-Look at this one.- she pushed her hand in front of him.
- It's okay.- he nodded to himself.
-Just okay?-
- What do you want me to say? Yeah babe your tits would look amazing in that, come on Rey. It's a bra, not a lifestyle choice. – he was now rather irritated and wanted to leave the store as soon as possible. She looked down and up at him again, a look of disappointment all over her hazel- green eyes….
- Sorry sweetheart. It really doesn't matter to me what kind of a bra you wear. But I'll buy you anything you want.- he smiled shyly at her.
- I think I'll go with the ivory one, yeah?- she smiled brightly up at him.
-Good choice.- no matter how much he tried not to care about what kind of bra she wore he rather liked the one she picked, it suited her tan skin, or at least he imagined it would. Damnit… Don't imagine anything you stupid idiot. He pulled his mind closed for a brief moment hopping she was to distracted to notice. They walked to the credit register and he thanked the force that it was operated by a simple droid. Wouldn't want to hear more inappropriate comments today. As he paid she pressed to him gripping his forearm lightly, he smiled down upon her always enjoying to see her tender side. As they walked back the way they came he stopped at the store window that displayed the dress she admired so.
-You want to try it out?- he gestured at it.
-No… If I really like it I won't be able to buy it and that would suck.- her hand waived at it.
-Come on, for me doll. Please…- Ben gripped her waist positioning her in front of the large display window so she could see her reflection in it, lining her up with the dress.- I bet you'll look stunning in it.- he purred into her ear.
- Fine.- she giggled trying to hide the shudder he caused.
- Good girl.- he planted a sweet kiss to the juncture of her neck and chin and guided her in, his hand securely at her back.
- Welcome, how can I help you?- A tall, slender Nimbanel greeted them at the entrance.
- Could you please get that white dress from the display?- Ben's hand rested flatly on the tops of Rey's shoulders while she looked down blushing.
-Certainly sir.- he disappeared among the aisles as they waited in the corner of the small shop.
-Why are you doing this?- she half leaned on him looking around.
- I'm a selfish bastard.- he winked at her noticing the salesman approaching, dress in hand.
-Here you go miss.- he extended it to her, it was impossibly soft beneath her fingers.- The changing room is right over there, would you like to accompany her to the waiting area sir?- he was impossibly polite and professional and Ben obliged following them. While he waited for her to change he sat on a small beige futon curling his legs under him, the structure all too low for his long legs. Ben didn't have to wait long and she soon emerged wrapped in tender silk wraps that feel over her shoulders delicately, her legs showered with the tender material, it took his breath away, she took his breath away. Wordlessly he stared at her, mouth slightly agape, his chocolate eyes blinking slowly at her.
-Say something.- she giggled nervously her cheeks garnering a bright red tint.
- I…- he looked up at her eyes.- I think stunning was the wrong word for me to use.- he blushed furiously not even caring anymore. He couldn't hide his surprise and delight from her.
-Ben…- she sighted.
-It's true!- he stood up suddenly finding himself in front of her in two long strides.
- You look…- he grabbed her chin delicately.- There is no word to describe how beautiful you look.-
-It's just a dress Benny.- she shyly looked away biting her lower lip.
- I'm not talking about the dress.- she didn't think she could blush harder than she did but her body managed somehow.
- You have to have it.- he released her chin slowly but remained close.
-Yeah, only if I win some sort of credit award.- her head shook violently.
- Let me buy it for you.- he pressed on.
-Ben, no! It's too expensive. – Rey waived her hand dismissively in front of his face.
-I beg of you Rey… Please.- he insisted. She took a deep breath turning to a wall sized mirror looking at herself again. He stood behind her again, just as he did in front of the store but this time his hands snaked around her waist, his palm resting at her taunt stomach. – Please.- he whispered again nudging at her neck. All of his emotions of love and adoration poured into her, it overwhelmed her.
-You'll spoil me.- she finally exhaled turning in his arms.
-Is that a yes?- he readjusted his grip on her.
- I guess.- he lifted her up in his arms spinning her around happily.
-You deserve to be spoiled sweetheart.- he said to her at the credit registry while the Nimbanel packed the dress away carefully.
- I hate you, you know that?- she hid her face again in her arms, just as her blushed subsided he would say something to make her fluster again.
- I hate you too.- he took the bag from the salesman and led her out the store, holding her in his arms.