Complications and Candor

Ren felt a shift in the Force before the first blast hit. It wasn't fire. It was a surge coming from somewhere behind him. He recognized the culprit as a First Order device instantly and the master of it not long after.

Hux.

He cursed. The general was swiftly becoming his most troublesome associate. Though he didn't know the motives behind Hux's attack on the Shrike, he was certain he knew what the red-headed man was after.

Rey.

Bazine Netal had clearly gone to great lengths to ensure the First Order seized the Force sensitive woman. He would not permit it, at least not until he had convinced her to join him, and no one — General Hux included — would lay their hands on her. She was his. Even if she didn't know it yet.

Ren stalked towards the hyperdrive Rey had been fixing. Sure enough, when he peeled the panel off the underside, he saw the pulsing red beacon light. It was a tracker, newly outfitted with a hypermatter disrupted, which meant-

He raced toward the cockpit.

"Exit Lightspeed! Now!" He hollered as he burst into the small space.

The captain and his first mate both stared at him, incredulously. They most have thought him mad or terrified or both. Ithano regarded him for a second, then resumed his place. His Gabdorin co-pilot did the same.

His hand itched at his side, yearning to wrap his hand around his lightsaber. If they wouldn't adhere to his command on their own, he would give them the motivation to. Reaching for his weapon, his fingers slipped around the cool metal, tightening around the hilt.

"Sidon! We need to make the next jump out of hyperspace!"

Rey charged forward, shoving past him as she thrusted a data pad into the captain's hands, angling it in such a way Quiggold could see it as well.

"Blast!"

The Crimson Corsair wasted no time in heeding her warning. Immediately, he began plotting the course to the next jump-off point, while the Gabdorin on his right began flipping switches and preparing the ship to exit prematurely.

Ren watched Rey's face, as she took in the sight. She was transfixed by the workings of the vessel, primarily the captain's position. There was a brightness radiating off of her, and he recalled how Ithano had told him she was hungry for adventure. He considered all the planets he could take her to, if she accepted his offer long-term. There were countless civilizations they could explore, thousands upon thousands of stars to view, and an endless galaxy to traverse. He'd give it all to her, if only she would remain at his side.

In the time it took him to admire her, the captain had found an exit. He made an abrupt turn to the side, nearly knocking his first mate out of his seat. Ren grabbed at a panel in the ceiling to steady himself with one hand, while using the other to wrap around Rey.

On impact, she stiffened under his touch and he was reminded of how he had goaded her in the hull. Her eyes were hard as they stared up at him. She was still angry with him. He sighed, releasing her as quickly as he had caught her. Every time he made progress with her, it slipped through his fingers not long after. It vexed him. At the same time, it captivated him.

The girl was quicksand, luring him in, pulling him down, and completely overwhelming him. He only wished he had the same effect on her. Where he felt as if he was drowning in his need to have her, she appeared unwilling to let go of her past connection to this Ben Solo character. No matter what he did or said, he couldn't break her link to the dead prince. He wanted her and she wanted the man she believed him to be.

If she had been anyone else, he would have taken advantage of her desperation to be reunited with her friend. He would have played the part cunningly, drawing her in until she was in too deep to resist. It would have been all too easy.

But Rey wasn't anyone else.

She was his equal. She had power beyond her comprehension, a tie to the Force he had never seen in any other Force sensitive with the exception of himself. She would not be fooled by any unseemly attempts on his end. He needed to find another way to seal her to him.

"Anyone want to tell me what the hells happened?" Ithano questioned, looking at both of them over his shoulder.

"The First Order," Ren answered, "they installed a device on your ship which renders the hyperdrive useless."

Beside him, Rey's eyes widened. He suspected she knew the issue had been with the hyperdrive but not the extent of it. She glanced down at her side, her arms coming up to hug herself.

"And you know this because?"

"Because I oversaw the development of the tech."

There was grumbling between the two pirates. He waited to see if they would address him further, perhaps even interrogate him. Captain Ithano was protective of his crew and Rey, plus with his ship in danger there was no telling what he would be willing to do in order to ensure their safety.

Rey reached out a tentative hand, touching his arm. Ren hadn't anticipated she'd willingly seek contact from him, so he flinched a bit in surprise. To others, it would have not been noticeable, but Rey caught the movement.

"Ben," she stepped back, removing her hand at his reaction. "Sorry."

"It's fine," he reassured her. She didn't move to place her hand on him again.

"Can we detach the device?"

"If we attempt to dislodge it while in flight, we run the risk of it kickstarting a self-destruct sequence." Her eyes and the eyes of the pirates were trained on him. "It's standard protocol. If you can't catch your quarry, you end the hunt. Permanently."

All three wore the same expression. He could feel an increasing unease in Rey and immediately moved to remedy her fear.

"If we find someplace safe to dock, I can talk you through how to disengage it, but we'd have to land. The self-destruct won't trigger if the vessel is powered down."

Ithano nodded, once again turning to his maps to locate a destination.

"Where are we coming out at?" She asked, as they emerged safety from hyperspace.

Behind her, he breathed a sigh of relief. The pulse the new First Order trackers emitted altered hypermatter until the vessel they were attacked to could no longer remain stable within the realm. Often the ship would implode on itself or in one rare case, during the testing phase, the pulse had gone on too long and had created a black hole. Either way, the crew onboard had not survived. Ren didn't want to add himself to the list of deceased test subjects.

"We are still in the Mid Rim," Ithano replied, his eyes on the Star-studded scape before them. "We're near Cheelit. I know a place we can dock."

The tension in the room lessened and Ren felt Rey's signature brighten. She had gone right back to her normal Lightsider-self, obviously relieved for the moment.

The Gabdorin swiveled in his seat towards her, congratulating her on the catch and purposefully ignoring Ren.

"Nice work, kid." Quiggold pressed his large fist against Rey's tiny one. Her hand was dwarfed by his sheer size, yet she laughed as if she had done this a hundred times before. She probably had.

Ren didn't understand her fascination with all the rabble. None of these pirates or any of the mob back on Takodana were worthy of her. He failed to see what they offered her, a reason for why she kept them around and treated them all so graciously.

"I'm going to take a shower," she announced to no one in particular.

Ren watched her walk off, ready to go after her, when he saw Kix at her side. He was holding a bundle out to her and she took it with thanks. Then he was directing her to the utility room and they both walked off. Ren wondered if the clone could grow an arm back if he pulled it off.

Rey leaned her head back, allowing the hot water to hit her forehead and roll down through her hair and down her spine. The warmth was delicious and she lingered in the narrow space, genuinely enjoying the steam and heat. Space was cold and after her roller coaster of emotions brought on by Ben Solo, she appreciated the consistency the fresher provided.

He deeply confused her. One minute he was the boyish, gentle person she had known and loved and the next he was an arrogant, egotistical fly-boy who she'd rather toss down the garbage shoot. She had thought about doing that to him before the ship had been affected by the FO device.

As aggravated as she had been with him, hearing him admit his part in creating the device had humbled her. There was regret in his eyes and pain in his voice. It wasn't prominent or even noticeable to the others, but Rey had caught it. She could feel it from his signature.

She had also felt his loneliness. He was so starved for any semblance of kindness. Before she and been aware of her own actions, she had reached for him. Her intention had been to reassure him, but as soon as she touched him, he had jerked like a scared animal and she retreated back.

"Ahhh," she screamed against the humid air, banging her fist against the wall.

Just when she thought she was breaking through to him, that he remembered who had once been, he turned back to the darkness, back into the self-serving soldier his master had made him into. Rey felt as if she was drowning. Each time her head crested above water, another wave came crashing down over her, pushing her back beneath the surface, deeper into the enigma which was this man. Yet, she kept fighting.

Ben may not remember her, but she would never forget him. He had been her rock, her safety-net, her home — and if he couldn't remember it, then she'd learn to accept it, but she'd be damned if he was going to lose himself the way he had lost his memories. She wouldn't allow him to stay trapped in the darkness.

Rey had forgotten to ask Sidon about his library. She made a mental note to do so at dinner. Stepping out of the fresher, she wrapped herself in a clean towel, while she waited for her clothes to be done. Captain Ithano and his crew may be pirates, but they took care when it came to personal hygiene. Rey believed it came from self-preservation. Being on a ship with the same lifeforms for the majority of the year would get taxing of those lifeforms were unwashed or in tainted garments.

Changing into the robe Kix had given her when he had provided the crew's payment for her services, she she twisted her towel around her hair to keep moisture from slicking the floor. She didn't want to fall now that she finally had some peace and quiet.

Of course, it was at that exact moment, a flurry of beeps got her attention, followed by a metallic bang. Rey opened her chamber door to see BB-8 waiting in the corridor. With all the excitement of the First Order attack, she had forgotten her droid companion.

"Sorry, BB-8," Rey apologized, stepping back to allow him to roll into her room. "I was trying to…"

What exactly? Save someone who didn't want to be saved? She let out a sigh, feeling the frustration from earlier still boiling under the surface.

Trying to what? The droid whistled and beeped at her.

"Nevermind," Rey shook her head. "How do you like the Shrike ?"

If we make it the Ileenium system in one piece, I'll be impressed.

"The Ileenium system?" she echoed. "Is that where the Resistance is?"

The astromech droid did his best to nod in response. Rey groaned. If they couldn't use their hyperdrive, a trip to D'Qar would take longer than a week.

Do you want me to signal Poe to get you?

"No," Rey told him, quickly.

She knew if BB-8 reached out to his owner, Poe would show up assuming the worst. He hadn't wanted her leaving on the Shrike or with Ben. If his droid commed him now, he would probably bring the calvary with him. As much as she loved him, Poe could be reckless.

"I have something I need to sort out before we get to the Resistance," she told her friend.

Ben Solo?

"Yes."

I could shock him for you, if you think that would help.

Rey laughed. "No," she smiled. "I don't think that will help."

What will help?

"I don't know," she replied, the smile leaving her lips. She wasn't sure how to reach Ben. Her physical appearance wasn't enough. Talking about his past hadn't sparked any memories either. What else was there? Silence stretch on between her and her friend, as she contemplated options.

BB-8 seemed to sense her doubt and rolled himself back to the doorway. Do you mind if I power down for a few hours to recharge?

"Of course not. Go rest," she told him. "I'll be here."

The droid wheeled himself out of her room, the sound of metal on metal echoing in the hallway as he left.

Settling down in the edge of her bed, Rey took in her toned legs and wiggled her small toes up at herself. She was plain, compared to the beautiful woman she sometimes saw passing through the castle. Some were slaves, purchased for their flesh and looks. Others were adorned in fine clothes and jewels, symbols of their impressive status and wealth. No matter their lot in life, they were each blessed with flawless skin, gorgeous features, and perfect hair. It made Rey feel rather like the doll she had made herself when she had been on Jakku.

After her parents had vanished, she had been all alone. She needed a companion, so she built on out of scraps of cloth she had found while scavenging the harsh desert plains. The colors reminded her of the Resistance, orange and white. It had been a faceless friend, one which had sat on her shelf during the day. She needed it at night, when the winds howled and her tiny hammock shook from the force of it.

The doll hadn't been particularly handsome, crafted by her grubby little fingers, but it had served its purpose until Luke Skywalker had entered her life.

She was like the doll, without an identity and serving only the most basic of purposes. She was there on Takodana to escape, to survive. While she sat in the confines of the castle, the war between the Resistance and the First Order, like the Jakku winds, raged on outside, until it became too strong to ignore.

Rey had never been one to sit still. Even though she hadn't left Takodana until now, she had kept her body trained. She and made sure to run and train with her staff daily, convinced the skills would save her life one day. And they had. She had managed to hold her own against Captain Phasma.

The image of the fallen female soldier reminded Rey of what she had left behind to achieve such skill. She had never had much of her own. Items such as her handmade doll had been difficult to part with, but she had in order to pursue training with Master Skywalker. Like her six-year-old self, she had been forced to choose between staying with Finn or helping Ben. It was an impossible decision made even more impossible by the man she was currently trying to help. Restless with energy, she rose off the bed and went to check on her laundry.

Padding barefooted out of her room, she made her way to the utility room where her clothes were finishing up.

It was a huge luxury to have a miniature unit on board. She watched her clothes slosh about, covered in bubbles and grinned. When she had her own ship, she was going to make sure it was outfitted with one of these. Grinning, she hauled herself on top of the unit, letting her bare legs dangle off the top.

Ren had just closed his eyes when he heard the hiss of the door opening.

"Dinner is ready," his temporary roommate announced. Ren opened one eye to glare at the man, who was not paying any attention to him. Ignoring the call to a shared meal with the pirates, Ren closed his eye, content to lay down for a spell.

"I'm going to grab Rey. See you there."

His eyes snapped open. Kix would not grab Rey. He wasn't going to do anything with Rey. She was his and this man would not put his tainted hands on her.

"I'll get her," Ren insisted, rolling off the bed and exiting the room before the other man could say a word.

He walked the handful of steps between his bunk and hers, lightly rapping on the door worn one knuckle. There was no response.

"Rey?" He tried again. Nothing.

A slight wave of panic set in. Where was she? She had said she was going to shower.

Then he heard it — a soft humming floating along the corridor. Like a lighthouse beacon their bond flowed gold in his mind. He followed the internal pull and the outward noise to a small utility room and there she was.

She had sat herself up on top of the washer, her lithe body swaying slightly as she kicked her legs back and forth out in front of her. Her eyes were closed, as were her lips. The tune she was humming sounded familiar, but he couldn't place it. Unlike the last time he had seen her, she was no longer in her beige and tan outfit.

Rey was draped in a crimson red robe that was far too big for her petite frame. She had tied the sash around twice to keep it in place, but even so, her legs were bare from the tips of her toes up to mid-thigh. Suddenly Ren was very glad he had come to find her instead of Kix.

"What are you wearing?"

She jumped at his intrusion into her little world, her surprise immediately giving way to anger when she realized it was him. "A robe, flyboy, what does it look like?"

Flyboy?

Something about that particular insult came at him with a tinge of comfort, which he didn't understand. "You need to cover up," he demanded, looking around the room for something to place over her expanse of skin.

"I don't take orders from you, Ben Solo."

There was a hint of remorse in her gritted response. He ignored it. Ren found a cabinet with a few extra towels in them and plucked out out. "Here." He moved to bundle her up in it.

Rey smacked his approach away, kicking her legs out at the same time so he'd back away. He growled. Why was she so kriffin' stubborn? He tried once more, intending to swaddle her in blankets completely and carry her to dinner. She kneed him, barely missing his groin area as her kneecap collided with his hip.

"Kriff, Rey!"

Disregarding the pain, he lunged at her, grabbing her and hoisting her up over his shoulder. He was careful as he lifted her to watch her head, afraid she'd knock herself unconscious against a wall or the ceiling due to the way she was thrashing.

"Benjamin Organa Solo! You had better put me down now before I take away your reason for living!" she threatened him, angling for another kick.

He effortlessly held onto her ankles, keeping her legs pinned down with one hand, while the other positioned a towel over her backside, which he was convinced had to be showing from the way he felt the robe bunching up. He tried, with great difficulty, not to think about it.

Ren carried her back to her room, rolling his eyes when he noticed she had never set s passcode to lock it. How had she survived on Jakku? She was entirely too trusting.

He dropped her, unceremoniously onto her bed, keeping himself turned away so he wouldn't see anything if her robe had come undone. He heard her thrash around for a moment, before she drove her heel into the back of his right knee. He crumbled to the floor.

Kriffin' Chaos! What was this woman's problem?

He saw her bare toes under him and his eyes traced up her beautifully tanned skin until the robe cut off his vision and he was staring up at a very flustered and rather enraged Rey.

"What has gotten into you?"

"Me?" he shouted, rising to his feet so he was once again towering over her. "You hit me first!"

"I'm not a child anymore! You don't get to treat me like a baby."

"Well, if you're going to act like one-."

Smack

Ren felt his head snap to the side from the impact of her slap. Cautiously, he circled back around to her.

"Don't. You. Dare!"

If he had thought she was mad before, it was nothing compared to the burning fury before him now. She was practically in flames.

"You left me to fend for myself. You disappeared eight years ago without a trace. I went looking for you. They almost killed me. I got to your hut and it was destroyed, completely blown apart. I thought you were dead." She paused, eyes hardened. "All these years, I went on hating myself because I survived and you didn't. And all this time, it was a lie. You let me think you were dead!"

By the time she had come to the end of her rant, her screaming had made her voice hoarse and she had started to cry.

This was not what he wanted. He had come looking for her to escort her to dinner, to get them back on track with building a relationship. It had been the sight of her, all legs and subtle curves scarcely hidden beneath the robe which had unleashed the monster within. He hadn't meant to hurt her. He had only meant to keep her safe and pure.

"Rey-."

"Why didn't you try to find me?" She asked, her tear-filled eyes begging him for an answer he had no way to give her.

Ren didn't want to lie to her. He genuinely wanted to be honest to build a strong foundation, to create a lasting relationship with her. If she was going to join him, he needed to be open with her and her with him. Because of that, he can't ignore the pain she laid before him. She was raw in this moment, bare in more than just skin. So when he spoke next, he meant it, even though to her the connotation was different.

"I'm sorry."

Their bond bloomed brilliant gold as soon as the admission left his lips. It was all he could do to hold her. He barely recognized himself as he embraced her, gathering her shaking form against him.

"I'm sorry," he repeated again, softer this time — words whispered against the crown of her head, like a prayer.

He isn't aware of how long she permitted him to cradle her. For once, he didn't feel the pull of Snoke giving him tasks, or the need to train until he nearly passed out from exhaustion. For once, there were no Knights waiting on his orders or an endless stream of Stormtroopers to silently judge him behind their masks. It all fell away. For once, he was not alone.

Rey mentioned he — not the real him, the doppelgänger she loved — left her alone. He would never make such a grave error. Feeling her weight leaning into him, he vowed to never leave her. He can't fathom her not joining him at the end of this week. She fit in his arms, resting against him, trusting him not to hurt her as she broke down. Their connection hummed, much like she had earlier, light and pleased and he was convinced they are meant to be together.

Ren leaned down, not sure what was drawing him in but he couldn't find it in himself to stop. His need to have Rey with him was morphing into a different kind of desire. After having seen the silky smooth skin of her legs and having her pressed to him, he dove head first into the budding sensation.

If he got swallowed up in this quicksand, it would be worth it to feel her lips against his.

"Ben?"

He halted, his eyes springing open. She was staring up at him, tears gone. If he angled his head slightly more to the side, he would have been able to see down the front of the robe. He swallowed the lump on his throat, ignoring the temptation, lest he wanted to be on the receiving end of Rey's slap again.

"I'm sorry I yelled at you."

They were so close he could feel each word as she spoke.

"You don't have to apologize."

She didn't move and he didn't either. It would be so easy to lower his head another inch and tilt his mouth onto hers. It would be as easy as breathing. He lessens the space slowly, afraid she will reject him as she had every time before.

This time, Rey didn't move. Her eyes shut and she remained where she was — waiting. He took it as a sign she wanted the same thing as him. He leaned down and-

A knock came at the door.

Rey stumbled backwards, startled by the noise. Ren instinctively reached out to steady her, but stopped when he heard someone call through the door, equally startled.

"Hey kid, you in there?" It was Kix. "Your clothes are done and dinner is ready."

"I'll be right out!"

They waited wordlessly until they heard his footsteps leading away. Ren thought she'd want to discuss whatever is going on between them. She didn't. She exited the room in a hurry, off to grab her clothes. By the time his mind caught up with her actions, he realized that she had run away from him.

Again.

Rey locked the utility door behind her, rapidly changing out of her robe and into her fresh clothes. Her pulse was racing and her skin was flushed. Had Kix not interrupted, she was sure Ben would have kissed her.

But no, it couldn't be true. Ben was her best friend and even though he couldn't recall their time together on Yavin IV, he certainly didn't care about her that way. Could he?

She thought about how he had been adamant about her contact with the crew and how he got uncomfortable with her choice to wear the robe. The darkness in his eyes had been dangerous, a flare of an unknown emotion. It hadn't registered at the time, her mind too consumed with anger until he had broken down and apologized.

Then everything had shifted. All her wayward feelings fell away, as she heard him become remorseful. She still wanted to know what had happened to him, but the pain in his voice told her to hold off. He'd tell her once he was ready.

Yet, it didn't explain why he had attempted to kiss her. Being sorry had nothing to do with the need to place his lips against her, so why had he tried?

He had grown into an attractive man, though to her he had always been handsome. When others had tormented him for his large ears or prominent nose, she had never been bothered by them. All of it was a part of him and she loved every part. She still did.

But had that love changed?

Rey worried her bottom lip, hand hovering over the control panel to the door. When she left the room she'd be expected to go to dinner with the rest of the crew and Ben. How could she sit with him so casually after what had transpired?

As if he could hear her thoughts, he knocked. "Rey? Are you coming to dinner?"

With a deep breath, she convinced herself to act as though nothing had happened, until she could determine how she felt about the recent development. She opened the door. "Yeah, let's go."

They walked in silence to the galley. Rey kept her eyes away from him, never once glancing over to see if he was as tense as she felt. It wasn't until they stepped into the kitchen area, where the rest of the crew was, that the quiet was broken.

"Ah, you've decided to join us then." Sidon beckoned her to a seat next to him, leaving Ben to take the only other chair on her other side.

For pirates, they ate astonishingly well. There was an assortment of dishes piled along the countertop - stews, vegetables, and even a small array of desserts. Rey had been convinced they would be limited to rations. Seeing real food was a pleasant surprise, though she seemed to be the only one impressed. The crew appeared indifferent.

She was familiar with the captain, his first mate, and Kix, but she had only seen the others in passing. The other four members of the Shrike seemed friendly enough, though Rey found there was only one female among them. The Twi'lek had a cybernetic left arm, which contrasted against her red skin. Rey absently wondered if she had been one of the two Ithano had been in bed with.

"This is Rey," he introduced her, as she pulled up her chair, then gestured to Ben, "and our benefactor for the voyage, Ben Solo."

Each pirate regarded him as if he was made of pure gold, instead of flesh and blood. Rey was thankful when Sidon cleared his throat to bring their attention back to him.

"This is Reeg, Pendewqell, Squeaky, and Reveth." As he introduced each, the named member offered a wave to Rey and a nod to Ben.

"You already know Quiggold and Kix." Quiggold only smiled at Rey. He didn't bother with Ben, while Kix blew her a kiss, making her shake her head at his antics.

"Now that we've completed the introductions, let's eat!"

She was about to ask Squeaky if that was his true name, when she saw Quiggold passing a plate of cooked Synthsteak to Ben. "Stop!" Every head at the table turned to her. "He's allergic to that."

Ben stared at her, strangely surprised by her outburst. "H-how did you know?"

"I remembered." She rolled her eyes. When was he going to let go of whatever half-life he had been living and believe her? She knew him. She had always known him.

Wordlessly, she got up to remove the plate from the table. Everyone went back to their feasting without giving her a second thought — everyone but Ben. He seemed enraptured by his Beru stew, until she sat back down. Then his intense focus was once again on her.

How did you know that, Jedi?

It's not polite to have a private conversation when you're dining with friends.

They won't notice.

He wasn't wrong. The crew had begun annihilating the food in front of them. There was no discussion or quips, but there was also no longer any stares targeted at them. Each pirate was set to eat their full before returning to their posts.

So once more, how did you know?

With a huff, Rey poked her fork into her sahbiye. I told you. I remember.

From when we were friends?

Are you saying we aren't friends now?

She watched as his face contorted slightly, as if he was unsure how to respond. She took pity on him and continued.

Your Dad came to visit once, the one time he came which wasn't your birthday. It was just him and Chewie. They took us away from classes all day, which mad Master Skywalker mad, but your Dad thought it would be more fun to work on the Falcon than train.

Ben was watching her, as if she was weaving a tale instead of telling him about his childhood.

Anyway, we were working all day and your dad had some ration packs and Synthsteak. He made it for us for dinner, and while we were eating you started to cough. You couldn't breathe. We had to call for Master Skywalker. He was able to use the Force to remove the product from you, though it hurt your esophagus. You had to drink broth for over a month. It was that night we found out you were allergic.

I don't remember that.

Rey shrugged, trying not to be hurt by his honesty. He didn't speak in her mind again, finishing his meal in silence. She did the same.

When everyone was done, she started to collect the dishes to be cleaned, when the Arcona, Reeg, put a hand on her shoulder. "Guests don't do chores. Pendewqell and I are on dish duty."

"I don't mind," she told him.

"We do," the Ishi Tib teased, gathering the flatware from her, "besides, a lady shouldn't have to do dishes."

"Then what am I?" Reveth barked, smacking his across the back of his green head. It was hard enough, Rey heard his beak snap.

"Not a lady," Kix chuckled. The rest of the crew did the same, even Pendewqell, who rubbed the back of his head.

While the crew joked with their own female member, Ben appeared at her side, giving her arm a tug. He motioned to the doorway and she followed him out.

"Don't go too far," Sidon called after them. "We'll be coming to Cheelit soon and we'll be needing your help to remove that device."

"This will only take a minute," Ben responded.

Rey walked behind him until they reached an empty cargo bay. Ben stepped inside and she followed.

"What?"

He waved around the empty room. "This."

She furrowed her brow. "It's a cargo hold."

"I can see that," he snarked. "It's the perfect room for us to train in."

Appraising the chamber, Rey had to admit he was right. There was ample space and it had several air vents to keep them cool while sparring. They were lucky the pirates had dropped their cargo off on Takodana before Ben had paid for their services. Otherwise this probably would have been filled with illegal goods, items banned by the First Order.

"It will do."

"We can start now."

"Now?" She cried. "We just ate!"

"You're getting soft, Jedi."

Her nostrils flared at his insult. "At least I haven't gone Dark."

"To each their own," he replied, smugly, "when do you propose we train?"

"Tomorrow morning."

"Fine," he sighed, "but our week starts tomorrow, not today. We accomplished nothing today."

"You got me to come with you," Rey pointed out. His smugness fell away to reveal relief. "That's something."

"Indeed."

They were locked in place once more, quietly watching one another, both waiting for the opposite to react to the growing feeling between them. He thought it was a bond. Rey had no reason to believe otherwise, but she believed it was more than their Force connection.

She thought it was fate.

A/N: A HUGE thank you to reylocalligraphy who turned this chapter around in a matter of hours...yes, hours!...even though it took me days to get around to editing it. You, girl, are AMAZING!