Not on the Same Page

"I don't know why you don't just move in with him," Rose told Rey a week later while she packed her overnight bag for the third time in as many days.

"Rose!" Rey's cheeks were scarlet as she threw a pillow at her roommate.

"Or you could get married," Paige commented from her spot on the couch. Even from across the apartment, Rey could see the smirk on her friend's lips.

"Reminder, we've been dating for a couple of weeks," Rey pointed out. "You don't marry someone you just started dating."

"You don't spend every waking minute with them either," Rose retorted.

"Or offer to work your weekend so you can make use of the company paid for hotel room," Paige added.

Rey groaned. It was true. There hadn't been a single night she hadn't been at Kylo's apartment since last Monday. While the investigation at work went on, they remained professional, only speaking to one another if the occasion called for it. After Bazine nearly caught them, Rey had put the brakes on any contact in the office. They had been lucky so far, but Rey didn't want to tempt fate. They could only be so lucky for so long.

The interviews and meetings with HR were not as painful as Rey anticipated. Kaydel has been nothing if not supportive of Rey throughout the process, always having bottles of water set out and giving everyone breaks in between the various levels of the investigation into Hux.

Poe had been particularly vocal. Apparently he was vehemently against a man laying his hands on a woman. When he heard how Hux cornered Rey, he marched straight into Kylo's office and demanded the redhead be fired for assault. That night, back at Kylo's apartment, the Editor in Chief admitted to liking Poe, but only in that minute.

It seemed, however, the longer the interviews went on, the more Poe and Kylo spoke. Poe had even gone to lunch with Kylo a few times, leaving Rey and Kaydel to have their lunch hour to themselves. As odd as it was to see Kylo behaving around the PR manager, Rey was glad. Her boyfriend seemed happier to have a friend, though she would never say it out loud. She was certain Kylo wouldn't appreciate her opinion on this subject.

Friday was the kickoff to BookCon. With Jessika Pava still out on maternity, Poe mentioned the team was down one member. Rey volunteered before she could realize what a terrible idea it was. When Poe mentioned the company over time and daily stipends for food, she had immediately jumped at the opportunity. The fact she and her boyfriend would both be given a hotel room, courtesy of the company, was just a bonus.

Of course, as enticing as the offer was, it was also dangerous. Over the last week and a half, Rey managed to keep herself away from Kylo until after hours. She went home each night, packed her bag and took the subway to Kylo's place. He had arranged for one of the doormen to meet her at the back entrance at eight each evening. Shielding her from the camera, the doorman would let her inside and take her up the utility elevator to avoid detection.

They were done taking chances.

By the time Rey got to Kylo's door, he'd be waiting with a glass of whiskey in hand and dinner out on the kitchen counter. They rarely ate while the food was hot, typically rushing off to the bedroom the moment Kylo shut the door behind her.

Eventually they came back out to eat, taking their seats on the couch and watching an episode or two of 'Nailed It' on Netflix. They discussed their days, Kylo remarking on who had been the least efficient person he interacted with and Rey updating him on the progress of the investigation. When they returned to the bedroom afterwards, it was to sleep.

As with their first weekend together, there was a domesticity to their routine, which was probably why her roommates kept insisting her and Kylo were on the track towards a ring.

"How are you two going to keep it in your pants this weekend?" Rose questioned.

Rey shrugged. Along with Kylo and Poe, Snap Wexley, who wrote for the men's health section would be attending. Rey had only interacted with Snap a couple times before, but he seemed like an easy-going guy.

Despite that fact, she knew she'd have to be careful around both him and Poe. Her friend was on high alert since the Hux incident and was hovering more than usual. If he were to suspect anything going on between her and Kylo, it would be the end of their careers.

Biting her bottom lip between her teeth, Rey contemplated backing out. It was Tuesday night. Surely Poe had enough time to find someone else to cover before Friday, right?

She already knew the answer to that.

Her nerves weren't all due to the fact she'd be spending the entire week working alongside her amazingly handsome, totally off limits boyfriend. She was also waiting for hear back from Mr. Calrissian.

Though the interviews were ending this week, Rey felt scrutinized. Every interaction she had ever had with her manager was being picked apart, as well as any other inappropriate incidents which had occurred during his tenure. It also didn't help that every time she glanced at Kylo's office, his assistant was glaring daggers at her.

Despite Kylo's reassurances that Bazine knew nothing, Rey had been wary of the woman since their impromptu lunch. She maintained her distance, not wishing to further the woman's ire. It was one of the reasons Rey had sought Leia out.

The more pressure she suffered in the office — both from the HR interrogation and Bazine — the more Rey believed there was no future for her at Skywalker Publications. At least not if she wanted a life with Kylo. Her earlier courage to take Hux on diminished with each interview she participated in.

If Hux returned to work, he'd constantly hover over her, watching her for the slightest admission she was with Kylo. If he didn't return to work...well she had her own suspicions about Bazine's sudden interest in her. No, if Rey wanted to be with Kylo Ren, she needed to make a change. As terrifying as the prospect of leaving New York was, it scared Rey more to think of losing him.

Long distance wasn't a death sentence for a relationship, it would just serve as a challenge for them. And perhaps after a year or two she could transfer to a different publication in New York, one with no affiliation to Skywalker Publications.

It wasn't ideal, but it was her only option.

Her phone rang, startling her from her thoughts.

"Hey," her boyfriend's voice came from the other end. "I can't decide what to get for tonight. Are you feeling more like Indian or Italian?"

Rey instantly broke into a smile. He was always so thoughtful, her man. Rose sent her a knowing look, playfully smacking Rey with the same pillow Rey had launched at her earlier.

"Why don't we order from that sushi place you love on Third and Linney," she suggested.

"Perfect," Kylo replied. "See you soon, kitten."

Love you.

Rey's breath caught in her throat. Where had that come from?

"Rey? Everything ok?"

"Yeah," she caught herself quickly. "Yeah, See you in a bit."

She hung up, tossing her phone down on her bedspread and staring down at it as if it had personally offended her.

"Hey, hey," Rose placed a hand on Rey's arm. "What's wrong?" Paige leapt off the sofa, coming around to where they stood.

"Rey?" the eldest Tico called to her.

"I love him. Kylo," she told them, barley believing how it was possible to love someone so completely and so effortlessly in such a short span of time. "You're right. I'm in love with him."

Neither girl laughed, as Rey expected. They didn't mutter, 'I-told-you-so's' and they didn't mock her. Instead, her roommates wrapped her up in a group hug and merely chorused.

"We know."


Kylo paced his apartment, running his hand through his hair repeatedly as he went back and forth. The sushi was already set out, in the off-chance Rey wanted to eat first. He had the next episode of 'Nailed It' queued up on be TV and made sure to have the maid wash the sheets this morning. Everything was perfect. Everything but him.

He was a mess.

In the afternoon, Kylo had gone to see his mother. The look of surprise which crossed Leia Organa's face when he asked for his grandmother's ring was one he'd remember forever.

The same ring now sat in the pocket of his sleep pants. It might have well been made of hot coal because it was burning through the fabric, aching to be placed on Rey's finger. Of course, she couldn't actually wear it until after they figured out how to continue their relationship.

Leia had cautioned them to wait until after the Hux fiasco blew over to make any moves, but Kylo was nothing if not impatient. He knew what he wanted and he wanted Rey. Timing be damned.

Over the last week and a half, he had struggled. Every minute Kylo was confined to his office was one less minute with her. He didn't care they had only been together officially for a few weeks. This was it. There wasn't anyone else like Rey, not that it even mattered. He didn't want anyone else. He was in love with this woman.

And tonight he was going to make that clear to her in the best way possible.

The clock on his oven blinked forward, displaying 8:00 on the dash. Any minute now, he mused. He continued to pace, unable to keep still when the rest of his life hinges on the outcome of the next few moments.

It felt like forever before he heard her normal light knock on his front door. Kylo practically ran to answer, pausing just before he did so he didn't alert her to something being off about their evening.

"Hey," Rey greeted him, when he swung the door open. Her cheeks flushed as her eyes scanned up his chest to his face.

"Hi," he returned, before taking a step back to allow her entry.

She strolled past him, letting out a pleased sound at the sight of dinner. "Looks great!"

So dinner first tonight. That's fine. That's good, he told himself, fighting to remain calm. If they ate first, he could make love to her afterwards and propose. That was romantic right? Or should he propose before and then have her strip down to nothing but the ring on her finger?

Decisions, decisions...

Rey was already moving the food to the living room so they could watch TV, when Kylo moved to join her. "So what do you think?" she asked, pointing with her chopsticks to the screen. "Total mess or complete disaster?"

"Probably both," he chuckled.

She started the episode and Kylo relaxed slightly, glad they were in familiar territory. Dinner and catching up on their favorite show was normal. It was how they spent the majority of their evenings and if Rey's contented smile was any indication, she had no clue he was about to ask her the most important question of her — their — lives.

As she laughed at something someone on the screen said, Rey expertly plucked up a piece of her spicy tuna roll. Kylo grinned. He had been the one to teach her how to eat sushi correctly, telling her how to properly select food instead of just woofing it down.

He never judged her for her upbringing. Rey had admitted to being self-conscious of her eating habits, but with two working parents living on a moderate budget, most of their meals had been quick. Her parents had focused on conversation instead of manners, enjoying the scarce minutes they could be together and sit down as a unit. It was a sharp contrast to his own upbringing.

If they had children, Kylo wanted to raise them with manners, but he was growing less concerned with appearances and more concerned with making sure those hypothetical kids were loved. Of course, any child of Rey's would be loved.

Kylo imagined how she'd glow, emanating a warmth unmatched by anything else. Rey was always gorgeous and he knew as an expecting mother she'd be even more beautiful. The idea of coming home to her with a swollen belly made him forget all about his dinner. He would kneel before her, worship her and her round stomach, whispering promises to their unborn baby. Maybe he'd turn his home office into a nursery or-

"Aren't you hungry?" Rey asked, interrupting his thoughts.

"Yeah, yeah," his response was rushed. Rey quirked a brow at him, but didn't press. She resumed eating her roll, taking small bites of her seaweed salad in between.

His focus was entirely on her, which was how he missed the fact that he hadn't selected a piece of his eel roll, but the entire dollop of wasabi.

As Kylo chewed, the sinus-searing pain of swallowing too much wasabi hit him. It was only then he realized his error. Suddenly his throat burned and, as if anticipating the torment to come, his stomach flipped.

He jumped to his feet, darting to the kitchen to grab a glass of milk. Gulping down the thick liquid, he felt he effects instantly on his tongue. He reached back into the fridge for a refill.

"Kylo?" Turning around he found Rey with concern written all over her face. "Are you alright?"

"Fine," he managed to get out before coughing.

Her face told him she didn't believe his response. "Do you want me to turn the show off?"

"No," Kylo shook his head. "Unless you aren't enjoying it."

"I am," Rey replied, "but you haven't watched a single moment."

"Yes, I have," he lied.

"Oh really?" Rey challenged, crossing her arms over her chest as she cocked her hip out. "So who is Anne and what's she attempting to make?"

Shit.

"Um...she's a school teacher and she's working on one of those Harry Potter Sorting cakes?"

What the fuck? Where the hell did that come from? He groaned internally knowing he couldn't have been more wrong if he tried.

Rey was staring at him, waiting for an explanation.

"Wasabi," he rasped, before taking a long swing of milk.

Her face broke into a huge grin. Then she began cackling, her hands falling away as her body convulsed with her deep laughter. "The Great Kylo Ren, Editor in Chief and all around feared leader of the First Order fell victim to some spicy food!"

"Hey," he growled playfully. Rey continued to giggle, eyes squeezed shut. "That's it," Kylo announces, setting his glass down to scoop her up.

He tossed Rey over his shoulder, carrying her off to the bedroom. She pretended to struggle, but he knew if she sincerely wanted down, she would have been able to free herself.

"Stay," he commanded as he dropped her unceremoniously on the mattress.

Rey smirked up at him, propping herself up on her elbows. Kylo shut the bedroom door, unwilling to turn the TV off but also not wishing to hear the noises of the show, as it continued to play.

"You've been naughty, kitten."

"I'm a good girl, sir," she insisted with a coy smile on her lips.

"Mmm, we'll see."

Kylo pulled her blouse up and over her head, before unzipping her skirt. He stripped her down hastily, removing everything until she was bare before him, lying invitingly upon the bed. He made quick work of his own attire after that.

Crawling across the comforter, he hovered over her, caging Rey's body between his muscular arms. Unable to wait any longer, Kylo moved to capture her lips in a heated kiss.

He could still feel the tingle of the wasabi from earlier. The burn wasn't as intense but it was noticeable.

"Is this your idea of spicing things up?" Rey murmured between kisses.

"Naughty girl," he growled, grabbing a handful of her hair and yanking slightly.

Rey purred as his lips descended upon the pulse point on her neck. He nibbled and sucked along the expanse of bare skin, slowly making his way down towards her breasts.

She snaked her arms around him, clutching him to her so their bodies were mashed together. His hardness pressed into her belly, as his lips worked around her nipple. Rey's breathy moans filled his ears and he delighted in the sharp intake of breath she was forced to take when he took her bud into his mouth.

"Ben," she moaned.

His cock twitched at the sound. He loved hearing her say his true name. As forbidden as their relationship, the secret name fell from her lips like a glorious prayer, both heavenly and damning. Because there would be no one but Rey for him. No one would ever fulfill him the way his girl did.

"Are you ready for me kitten?" Kylo asked, after releasing her nipple with a slick pop.

"Yes," she drawled, eyes unfocused due to her heightened desire.

"Good girl."

Kylo skimmed his hand down her flat stomach to position himself at her core, finding his girl wet. He made an appreciative sound, dragging his head along the folds of her entrance, covering himself sufficiently. Rey squirmed beneath him, eager for more. He chuckled, watching her so out of control and needy for him.

He snapped his hips, sheathing himself fully. They both groaned. She always felt so good around him, like she was made to take him. They fit together physically and emotionally. A perfect match.

Glancing down, he saw her staring up at him, eyes filled with so much desire and need, adoration and compassion and something else, something just breaking through to the surface.

I love you, he wanted to say, but he held back. Telling Rey he loved her the first time needed to be special. Kylo wouldn't give her any reason to doubt the sincerity of his words. He'd tell her later, before he proposed.

Kylo didn't rush, keeping his pace languid and smooth. He rocked into her, their eyes locked and breathing heavy. This time they didn't speak. He didn't demand anything of her. All he wanted was her love. All he wanted was Rey.

His hips rolled against hers and when he hit that sacred spot within her, she shuddered in his grasp. Kylo ducked his head, whispering of his devotion, telling her how perfect she was and promising to take care of her always. He never said the four letter word on his tongue, but he expressed the depth of his feelings for her.

In turn, Rey clung to him, her legs locking around his to keep their bodies pinned together. She moaned and whimpered in his ear, her heartbeat racing beneath her ribcage. Her fingernails raked across his back, spurring him to pick up the pace.

He canted his hips, thrusting into her quicker and deeper. Rey keened, her hold tightening each time he pushed into her. Kylo increased his pace, until they were both crying out and he spilled into her. Rey's release pulsed around his length, the aftershocks of their love making in sync.

Kylo pulled out of her, rolling to his side and dragging her over with him. Rey wordlessly surrendered, nestling into his chest, her head tucked under his chin. They laid together silently in their embrace, the only sounds the soft dialogue of the TV still playing out in the living room.

Until a new noise burst their post-coital bubble.

Rey's cell rang obnoxiously loud. Kylo grumbled under his breath, not prepared to move or allow her to move either. He was content to stay in bed, wrapped around her, his nostrils filled with her scent. Each day he had to be without her was torture but this — having her here in his arms now — this more than made up for that.

In his haste to undress he forgot about the ring in his pocket. He needed to get cleaned up and retrieve it. Perhaps tomorrow night would be better.

Her phone continued to ring and she wriggled free of his grasp. "Rey," he attempted to growl but I came out as more of a whine.

"I'm expecting a call," she replied, quickly redressing.

Kylo sat up, perplexed as to who would call her so late in the evening.

Rey answered, slipping out of the bedroom. Kylo threw back the sheets, tugging on his boxers before following her.


Mr. Calrissian had perfect timing. Not that Rey wanted to leave Kylo or his warm bed, but at least the call hadn't interrupted them mid-act. She snuck into the kitchen, leaning over the counter to keep her conversation down.

"Good evening, Rey Andor," she announced, as she connected the call.

"Rey! Lando," a caramel smooth voice introduced himself over the line. "Lando Calrissian. I hope it's not too late for you. I know the time difference can be a challenge."

"No, not at all. This is fine," she confirmed.

"Great. So Leia tells me you're looking for a career change," he continued.

Rey bit the inside of her mouth. A career change was what it was on the surface but a life change was what it really was. If she went through with this, she'd be taking a huge risk. Coming to the States alone had always been her biggest adventure, but that was all about to change. All because of love.

"Yes, that's right," she replied confidently.

Kylo was worth it. Taking this leap of faith was worth it, if she could actually be with him. Their relationship would no longer be a secret. She wouldn't have to pretend she wasn't interested in dating because everyone would know she had a boyfriend and it wouldn't matter what positions they held in the writing word because they wouldn't be at the same company.

This was it. This was her chance to prove to Kylo how deeply she cared for him. She was choosing them. Above all else, Rey was choosing him.

"I have an opening for an opinion writer to cover our lifestyle section," Lando informed her. "I think it would be an excellent fit for you. It's an entire section of our paper, so you'd be starting at a Senior level and overseeing three other writers who work that section. Our compensation plan is quite competitive for the market, even by California standards."

"That sounds amazing," Rey replied, feeling a happy flutter in her chest.

"If you're interested, I can have our HR department send over the job description and our compensation package. If it looks good to you, I'd like to set up some interviews. Would you be alright with a Skype setup? I don't have the bandwidth to travel out to the East Coast this week."

"A Skype interview would be fine," Rey told him.

"Wonderful," Mr. Calrissian responded. "Think of it as a formality. From your samples and Leia's recommendation, I'm prepared to make you an offer now, but I think it's best if I give you time to come to the decision on your own, once you've had time to review the documents."

"Thank you," Rey said. "I appreciate that."

"It was nice speaking with you, Rey. I hope to speak with you soon."

"I'll be in touch, Mr. Calrissian," she promised. "Thank you for taking the time to speak with me."

"The pleasure was all mine. Have a good evening, Rey."

"Goodnight." Rey ended the call, taking a moment to process what just transpired.

As she turned to go back to the bedroom, she jumped. Kylo was standing behind her, leaning against the kitchen counter, arms crossed over his chest. His eyes were narrowed and his anger was radiating off him.

"You're speaking to Lando Calrissian?"

"Kylo-."

"Are you moving to California?" he cut her off.

"Nothing has been decided yet. I-."

"When were you going to tell me, Rey?" he interrupted again, disappointment poisoning his voice.

"Kylo, please, just listen. I've been in all these interviews about Hux and even if he doesn't come back-."

"He won't be back," Kylo hissed. "I will make sure of it. There is nothing keeping us from being together."

"Just HR," Rey snapped, irritated he wouldn't allow her to explain herself.

"Connix doesn't suspect a thing and neither does Dameron. He's too busy playing the golden knight card."

"Your assistant knows something is up," Rey insisted. "She's been watching me constantly."

"Don't worry about Bazine," he waved her off.

"Kylo," Rey took a step towards him, reaching to pull his arms down. "I didn't say anything because there was nothing to say. Mr. Calrissian is sending over some paperwork for me to review and I'm going to interview but they haven't made me an offer yet and-."

"They will," he jerked away from her touch, walking to the edge of the kitchen counter. He placed both his palms on the cool granite, leaning forward as he stared at her. "You know they will."

Rey sighed defeatedly. "It was the only way."

"The only way?" he scoffed. "Moving nearly three thousand miles away was the only way?"

"Will you give me a chance to explain?" she begged, her body shaking the more he raised his voice.

"What is there to explain? You're leaving!" he shouted.

"Kylo," Rey attempted to hold back tears. Why didn't he understand? Couldn't be see what she was sacrificing? Didn't he know she cared enough to risk her status and her career on this move? On him? "Ben, please."

"Don't," he spat, his eyes dark and full of fury. "Don't call me that."

Rey jolted, eyes widening and she stumbled backwards. The force of his words hit her as if he had physically struck her.

Immediately Kylo came around the counter, moving towards her, the anger gone. "Rey, I'm sorry. I didn't-."

"I think it's best if I go home," she told him, feeling all her old walls falling into place. She knew she was shutting down — shutting him out — but she was helpless to stop it. Self-preservation always won out in the end.

"I need some time," Rey said, retrieving her overnight bag. "I have a big decision ahead of me."

"Rey-."

"Goodnight...Kylo."

She walked out of the apartment before he could say anything else. She couldn't bare to hear him try to justify his actions.

If she cried the entire subway ride back to her place, well at least her reaction was justified.