He's not coming, the dark voice spoke within, taking advantage of Rey's vulnerability.
No! Rey shot the voice down. He is coming! He told me he'd come back and I believe him.
Fate has something else in mind.
Fate?
Yes, the voice affirmed to Rey. You must accept the things to which fate binds you, Rey. You've been bound and destined for loneliness.
Rey stared blankly outside the window, wrestling with inner turmoil. All of a sudden, something dawned on her, and a smile stretched her lips.
I know that quote, Rey countered internally. And since you are me, you know that quote, too. We learned it in philosophy. You and I both know that… it's unfinished.
The voice was quiet as Rey continued.
The complete quote says, "Accept the things to which fate binds you… and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart."
Marcus Aurelius didn't know what he was talking about when he said that, the voice sneered. He was just a kook, anyway.
Now he's conveniently a kook, Rey rolled her eyes. Listen, I don't have time or the patience to deal with your negativity, so just... kindly fuck off.
The voice scoffed, offended. I'm only try to help you. Help us.
Help?! Rey screeched internally. All you do is criticize, disparage, and beat me down every chance you get. I already told you, I'm sick of it! Just GO AWAY!
The voice harrumphed before vanishing.
Rey breathed out in relief.
Her phone vibrated then, alerting a text had come in just as a black car pulled up in front of her apartment building. She hastily read the text.
I'm here!
Her heart skipped a beat as she whipped her head back, looking out the window to see her boyfriend burst out of the vehicle, not waiting for the driver to open his door.
"Oh my God," Rey gasped, clutching both her friends' arms. "He's here! He's really here, oh my God!"
"Yeah, Rey, he is!" Jess squealed.
"Told you so, peanut," Finn smirked.
They watched as Kylo took a step forward and in his hurried state, he tripped over the curb, falling face first into the concrete sidewalk.
"Shit!" Finn winced.
"Ooh!" Jess grimaced.
"Fuck!" Rey cursed, clapping a hand over her mouth. "Is he okay?"
Kylo quickly gathered himself together and brushed off his clothes. He looked up to see Rey and her friends staring down at him with concern, so he shot them a thumbs up as his gaze lingered on his girlfriend's face. His face was radiant, beaming with a resplendent light.
A light that Rey helped bring out.
He waved slowly at her, his smile wide.
Rey waved shyly back with a full on dimple-cheeked grin.
He blew her a kiss before sprinting towards the entrance.
"Looks like he's okay," Finn stated, stifling laughter as he thought what a dork he was.
"Oh my God, he's actually inside the building!" Rey fought for breath.
Finn and Jess chuckled.
"Yup, he's on his way up here!" Jess cried out, sharing her friend's enthusiasm.
There was an urgent, loud knock at the door then that made Rey release a startled gasp.
"Damn, he flew up those stairs!" Finn remarked, turning back to look at frozen Rey. "Well, aren't you gonna open it?"
"I can't," Rey disclosed, her body overwhelmed with excitement, effectively paralyzing her. "I'm stuck! I-I can't move, peanut."
"Oh, peanut," Finn patted her shoulder, shaking his head. "It's a good thing we're here, then. Right, Jess?"
"Right," Jess nodded affirmatively, rising to her feet. "Don't worry, Rey. We'll get it for you." She gestured to Finn, and they both walked over to open the door. They shot a glance back at Rey and she signaled to them to go ahead. Jess went ahead and unlocked the door, turning the knob before swinging it wide open.
And there Kylo was, waiting for Rey on the other side of the door.
He came back, Rey's chin trembled, tears already welling in her eyes. He came back… for me.
"Hi there!" Jess greeted cheerily.
"What up, Kylo?" Finn welcomed. "Glad to see you made it safely here."
Kylo neither addressed nor glanced at either of Rey's friends, staring straight ahead into the apartment. His eyes immediately locked onto Rey, sitting motionless on the couch in the living room. Her glossy eyes intently held his gaze.
"Rey," Kylo's voice shuddered with emotion, shoving passed Finn and Jess to get to his teary-eyed girlfriend.
"Kylo," Rey sniffled, tears streaming down her face.
Kylo scooped her up from the couch into his arms, and Rey wrapped her legs around his hips, her hands flying up to hold his face. Their lips collided with a fervent need to express how much they missed each other, reigniting the fire that separation had dulled. It was burning fiercely again now and both felt alive. So very alive.
They let out a lusty groan as their kiss deepened, inhibition and discretion thrown out the window as the world around them faded away. It was only them, deliciously lost in their own universe, brimming with their intense love for one another.
Finn cleared his throat, whispering to Jess, "We, uh… we should probably go."
Kylo started heading down the hallway into Rey's bedroom, and she grabbed the hem of her shirt. Kylo was glad to have gotten a tour of the place beforehand, navigating them expertly without breaking their passionate kiss or bumping into anything. He kicked the bedroom door shut behind them, just in the nick of time as Rey parted briefly from his mouth to whip her shirt over her head.
"Yeah," agreed Jess, grabbing her phone and purse hurriedly as both tried to ignore the very loud moans and groans that could be heard throughout the small apartment. "You up for brunch? My treat!"
Finn was about to answer when Rey's screaming startled them both.
"Oh, fuck! Yes, Kylo! Yes!"
"As long as it's far away from here," Finn replied as they skedaddled out of the apartment. "Come on, let's go!"
"I've missed you so much, Rey," Kylo told his girlfriend, his voice muffled against the soft skin of her inner thigh. "So fucking much."
"I—" Rey paused to moan as his hands moved from fondling her breasts to place them under her bottom, lifting her to his eager mouth. "Oh, ahh! I've… missed… you, too… ugh, yes!"
Placing his hands on her inner thighs, he spread her legs wider. Kylo moved to hover on top of her, his face inches from hers. She was looking up at him with those beautiful hazel eyes, staring right into his very soul with nothing but tenderness… and love.
He stroked her hair, carding his fingers through its chestnut waves. "I love you, Rey."
"I love you, too, Kylo," she smiled warmly. Lifting her mouth to his ear, Rey whispered, "Now hurry up and get inside me before I go crazy."
Kylo chuckled through a groan, lightly pressing the head of his cock to tease her throbbing entrance. Before Rey could utter a complaint, he thrust into her, fast and hard, burying himself inside her.
Rey drew in a sharp breath of surprise and pleasure. She thoroughly enjoyed the feverish pace he set, removing any and every thought from her mind. There was only them as their bodies joined together, one heart beating wildly where there once was two.
They both wanted this.
They both needed this.
The pair moved in unison, their rhythm rapturous and sublime. Their coupling was always unlike anything either had ever experienced before with anyone else. It was, simply put, different when they were together. It was something bigger, beyond anything they could imagine. They continued to climb higher and higher, crying out in euphoric chorus as they reached the culmination of their passion together.
It was violent and shattering, their bodies a quivering mess of limbs, racked with the aftershocks of their simultaneous orgasm.
"Whoa," they both panted breathlessly.
"I never thought that was possible," Rey confessed, resting a hand on Kylo's cheek.
Kylo twisted his head to kiss her palm, then turned to look back down at her. "Me neither."
The two were silent, simply holding their gazes for the longest time, both coming to the conclusion that what they had could only be labeled as sui generis.
And they wouldn't have it any other way.
"God, I don't know why I'm so nervous," Rey disclosed to Kylo, seated inside a booth of a local eatery, waiting for their guests to arrive.
Kylo had been chewing on his fingernail and his leg was bouncing, visibly apprehensive as well. He placed his hand over Rey's and held it there, attempting to put both at ease.
"I think it's because we hope they have answers for us," Kylo explained. "Of how we can get through this. Or at the very least, offer us some kind of… encouragement."
"It's just… so fucking hard, you know?" Rey sighed. "I don't know how to—"
"Hello!" someone greeted in a sing song voice behind them. "Ahh! It's so nice to see you two again!"
Kylo and Rey turned their heads to see a strikingly tall, beautiful and buoyant young lady—arm-in-arm with her handsome partner of a more serious, but still friendly, disposition—approach their table.
"Haru," Kylo got up from his seat, and Rey followed suit. "Aleks. It's good to see you both. Thank you for agreeing to meet with us." He held out his hand.
"Ooh, why so formal, Kylo?" Haru tsked, placing her hands on her hips. "Come on, dude. We're practically family! No, you get a hug!"
"Uh," Kylo's jaw dropped. He quickly shot a glance at Aleks, who shrugged his shoulders, and then to Rey, who was covering her mouth, trying to suppress her giggles.
Before he could protest, Haru had attacked him with a great bear hug, then pinched his cheek.
"You get a hug, too, girl!" Haru looked down at Rey and hugged her tightly, lifting her off the floor.
"Oh!" Rey gasped as Haru squeezed her.
Aleks shook both their hands prior to taking their seats. The waitress came to grab their orders and Haru was the first to speak once they were alone.
"So what's up, you guys?" Haru inquired, flicking her gaze from Kylo to Rey then back again. She grinned widely. "Oh, you guys look so cute together!" Haru inhaled sharply, her eyes growing round. "Please tell me you're together!"
Kylo and Rey exchanged glances and smiled.
"Yes," Rey replied gleefully. "We're together."
Haru shrieked, smacking her husband's arm. "That is amazing news! Oh my God! I was rooting for you, Kylo! Wasn't I rooting for him, babe?"
Aleks nodded. "She was rooting for you."
"Thanks," Kylo mumbled timidly, not knowing what else he should say to that. "But we kind of need your guys' help."
"Help?" Haru lifted an eyebrow, concerned. "Of course, but what is it that you think we can help with?"
"We…" Rey began, but paused to scratch her head. "We just need advice on how to survive being in a long-distance relationship."
Haru flitted her eyes from Rey to Kylo, the corners of her lips turning downward. "Oh no, you guys. I'm so sorry to hear that. Believe me, I know the struggle."
"Yeah, we know you do," Kylo acknowledged, then looked over to Aleks, who had a somber expression. "We know you both do, so we would appreciate anything you could say to us. Anything at all. How did you guys do it?"
"Well, I'll be honest and say it's hard," Haru turned to look at her husband, who wrapped an arm around her shoulder. "It was probably the hardest things I've ever had to do, but… it's worth the struggle, especially when you think you have something special."
"We do," Rey chimed in eagerly, bouncing her head up and down. "We do believe that."
Kylo put his arm around Rey and brought her close, kissing the top of her head sweetly, gently.
"Aww," Haru pouted out her bottom lip as she placed a hand over her heart. "Okay, so first thing you have to do…"
Kylo and Rey leaned in closer, hanging on to Haru's every word as if their lives depended on it. And, truth be told, it kind of did.
"...you're already doing," Haru told them. "You have to have faith. I see you got that down." She winked at them.
"Second thing I would advise you guys is to have an end date," Haru imparted.
"An end date?" Rey tilted her head to the side.
"What do you mean by that?" Kylo asked, furrowing his dark brows.
"I know," Aleks interjected. "It sounds ominous, but it's not. Being in a long distance relationship requires motivation. There's no way around that. One way to keep motivated is to set a date when you will no longer be in a LDR."
"It helps to know that it's not going to last forever," Haru expanded on her husband's words. "That one day you will be together. Having that goal in mind to reach, it's both empowering and motivating."
"Right," Aleks agreed.
"And well, I know life can throw you some curveballs," Haru sighed heavily, "so you might have to change the end date, but that's okay. We had to change ours a number of times. The point is to have one in place, though."
"Okay, yeah, that makes sense," Rey said, glancing at Kylo. "I feel like we should be writing this down."
Kylo whipped out his cell phone, opening up the Notes app. "Already on it."
"You guys are funny," Haru giggled, "but I like your enthusiasm!" She narrowed her eyes, flitting her gaze from Rey to Kylo. "I think you guys are going to be good. You two have what it takes to survive this."
"Mm-hmm," Aleks hummed in agreement.
"Thank you," Rey told them. "It means a lot to hear that, especially from you two."
"Of course, girl!" Haru cheered. "I wish we had had someone to talk to about this, but we learned along the way. Oh! Definitely set up a visiting schedule. I see Kylo's already on that as well."
Kylo chuckled quietly as a slight blush spread over his cheeks. "How often would you recommend visiting each other?"
"Yeah," Rey inclined her head. "How often did you two visit each other?"
Aleks and Haru exchanged glances, thinking on the answer.
"I'd say it was at least once a month," Aleks scratched his chin. "That's what our schedules and budget would allow."
"Yeah, it was like once or twice a month, on average," Haru informed. "But you guys just do what you're able to. I mean, heck, if you're able to see each other more often than that, I'd say do it. Visit each other as often as possible would be my advice."
"But, you know, there's also FaceTime and Skype," Aleks reminded. "That was something I always enjoyed doing daily."
"Yes, I would always look forward to that," Haru commented.
"Oh! We already do that," Rey exclaimed cheerily, clutching Kylo's arm. "At least once a day."
"That's great!" Haru clapped her hands together. "Because communication is key."
"Yeah," Aleks agreed. "It really is."
"Always talk to each other, but also give each other some space," Haru advised. "Don't center your lives around one another, focus on yourselves as well. Because if you're happy, then your partner will be happy, too."
"Right," Aleks concurred. "And I mean, it goes without saying that there should always be trust and honesty, as it should be with any relationship."
"Oh, yeah, definitely have trust and be honest with one another always," Haru backed her husband's advice. "And stay positive!"
"Definitely stay positive," Aleks seconded. "Keep the negativity to a bare minimum. Eliminate it, if you can."
"Yeah, don't listen to any naysayers or doubters," Haru told them. "Always hold onto your faith."
"Always," Aleks upheld. "Because it's going to be an emotional journey."
"An emotional roller coaster," Haru groaned as she shook her head slightly, "full of ups and downs…"
Kylo placed a hand over Rey's and she laced her fingers with his, clutching him tightly.
"But," Haru emphasized the word, offering the nervous couple a glimmer of hope, "know that it's not going to last forever. One day things will change."
Aleks nodded, turning to look fondly at his wife. "One day you'll be together, at last."
"Yep!" Haru turned to beam at Aleks, bringing a hand up to stroke his cheek lightly. "And you'll be a boring, normal couple… just like us!"
The four of them broke out in laughter as the waitress arrived with their food and drinks. The two couples partook of their meal, enjoying the delicious food and pleasant company as they shared stories and laughs.
"Thanks again for meeting us," Rey articulated her gratitude, giving Haru a kiss on both cheeks before hugging her. "We appreciate the advice. We learned a lot."
"Anytime, girl," Haru said. "We'd love to do it again sometime! Just shoot me a text."
Haru turned to kiss Kylo before she squeezed him half to death. Rey tried to stifle her giggles, but failed miserably. "Come back soon, Kylo! Don't be a stranger, cuz!"
"Okay," Kylo inhaled raspily when she released her death grip on him, gasping for air. "Have fun on your honeymoon."
"Yeah, enjoy Bora Bora!" Rey waved goodbye as the newlyweds turned to leave.
"Oh, we'll have fun alright," Haru glanced over her shoulder and waggled her eyebrows. "We'll enjoy ourselves very much, won't we, honey?"
Aleks colored fiercely as he waved goodbye to the tittering couple behind them.
"I like them," Rey announced as they walked back towards her apartment, delighting in the cool, crisp autumn air.
"Yeah, I do, too," Kylo agreed. "Although I could do without Haru's bear hugs. Christ! She's just as bad as her father was."
Rey snickered, wrapping her arm around Kylo's waist. They continued their stroll in silence, feeling both enlightened and emboldened after their meeting.
"We can do this," Rey proclaimed firmly.
"We can do this," Kylo affirmed back unwaveringly.
A slow hand traced the side of Rey's naked body, sliding gently along her smooth skin. They were lying in Rey's bed, skin to skin, her back pressed against his front.
"So, June 16 then?" Rey asked, turning her head slightly from her phone to glimpse at Kylo.
"Sounds good to me," Kylo skated his fingertips back down the length of her body. "If that's what you want."
"Yeah, it's what I want," Rey replied, putting her phone on her nightstand. She turned her body over to face him.
"But you've never even been over there yet," Kylo stroked her head.
"I will next week," Rey told him, "when I come visit you."
His eyes widened. "You're coming to New York?"
"Yes," Rey bit her lip and grinned. "I already bought my ticket."
"You did?" Kylo breathed excitedly, cupping her face. "Really?"
"Yes, really!" Rey laughed. "I told you I'd come when I could pay for my ticket. I found a great deal online and…"
"And what?"
"Well, I actually have an interview with a company in New York," Rey informed. "It's for a new graduate position. Once I'm done with school."
"What? That's great, Rey! Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
"I just found out today," Rey said. "But don't get too excited. It's a highly sought-after position. The competition is fierce."
"What company is it?"
Rey held her tongue. "I'd… I'd rather not tell you. At least, not yet."
"What?" Kylo scrunched his eyebrows. "Why not?"
"Because I know you," Rey told him. "I know you'd want to help me and pull some strings and I just… I want to do this on my own. If I get this job, I want it to be because of my own merit. Not because my boyfriend had connections."
"But Rey…"
"No, please, Kylo," Rey put a finger to his lips. "I appreciate your help, I do. But just try to understand. Please."
"You know I could easily find out what company it is," Kylo mumbled.
"Yes, I know you can, but I hope you won't. I hope you'll respect my wishes."
Kylo huffed, then took a long breath. "Fine. I'll respect your wishes."
"Thank you," she removed her finger to plant a swift kiss on his mouth.
"You don't even need my help," Kylo declared, kissing her neck. "I'm sure you'll get it, anyway. They'd be stupid not to pick you."
"I hope I do get it," Rey moaned as he nibbled his way down to her shoulder. "But even if I don't, I still want to do it. I want to move to New York. To be with you."
"Oh, Rey," Kylo kissed his way back up to her panting lips. "You'd do that? You'd move for me?"
"Yes," Rey whimpered her response before his tongue swooped into her mouth, entwining with hers, their passion growing.
"I love you, Rey," he professed wholeheartedly.
"I know," Rey maintained eye contact as she swung her leg over his, wrapping her fingers around his hard length. "I love you, too."
They were both short of breath already, but they did their best to take things slow. They wanted to savor every single touch, caress, stroke… every single second of their time together before they had to part again.
They lay face to face, breathing heavily, never tearing their gazes away as Rey used the head of his pulsating cock to gently massage her clit.
"Mmm," Kylo groaned, staring into Rey's hazel depths. They focused on their connection, their love, simply holding the moment, wishing it could last forever.
After the longest while, Rey finally moved, gradually taking just the tip in before pausing once more. She gently grasped the shaft before she pressed her mouth against his, kissing him slowly, deeply. They lingered there, reveling in the feel of joining the lower and upper parts of their bodies, then pulled back.
"You're so beautiful, Rey," he said almost reverently, as if he were glaring into the face of a goddess.
"And you are absolutely magnetic, Kylo," her eyes sparkled as she ran her tongue over her lips. "I can't pull myself away from you!" Her eager mouth was on his again, gently pushing his cock downward as she moved her body closer, pressing her entrance against the top of his shaft.
They continued to hold their position, keeping still as they nibbled and nuzzled, teasing... building the tension.
A sound of approval rumbled in his chest when she began to ride his shaft. Slowly, up and down his length she went as their eyes locked. Her delicate hands moved to his bottom and squeezed, causing Kylo to thrust between her legs.
His heart was racing with anticipation. He needed to be inside her.
"Rey—"
"Yes," she answered quickly, knowing what he wanted to ask and Kylo wasted no time. He slammed deeply into her with one single thrust.
"Ooh, yes!" Rey yelled. "Don't move, babe. Just… stay still."
Kylo gulped as he held perfectly steady, their eyes fixed as they remained motionless. After many seconds passed, Rey finally moved to massage her clit against his pelvic bone. Her teeth dug deep into her bottom lip as she very slowly moved her hips back. As she unhurriedly drew back, she clenched her walls around him.
"Shit, Rey," Kylo gruffed.
"Get on top of me," she commanded softly.
Kylo rolled over quickly to be on top of her. Rey's hands were still clinging to his backside, massaging him as he sheathed himself, slowly and deeply. She squeezed her muscles around him tightly as he did so. When he was completely inside her, they would hold the moment, savoring as Rey rubbed her clit against his pelvis. Then he would pull back out at a leisurely pace and she would tighten around him as he did so.
They hummed and moaned with pleasure, repeating the motions languidly, over and over again, taking their merry time in reaching that edge of glory. Their burning gazes were fastened on one another and never broke, even when the spasms rocked through both their bodies, violently and deliciously.
He collapsed on top of her, and they both tried to catch their breaths as they came down from their high, ecstatic and spent.
"I don't want to leave," Kylo's voice was desperate and broken.
"I don't want you to leave, either," Rey's chin quivered, but she didn't cry.
"I'm just…" Kylo lifted his head to peer into her eyes. "I'm broken without you. So lonesome. I mean, I was used to being alone, but now it's… different. It's almost like we're—"
"—two halves of a whole," Rey finished for him, putting her hand on his cheek.
"Right!" Kylo turned his head to kiss her palm, clasping her hand tightly. "Exactly!"
Rey didn't know where she gathered strength and courage from, but she smiled and offered her lover some hope.
"Well, then that means you're never truly alone, Kylo," she reassured. "When darkness comes to consume you, I'll be your light. Know I'm never far. I'm… I'm right here." Rey placed her other hand over his chest, where his heart was beating fiercely beneath her palm. Her words were powerful and uplifting, resulting in a stream of tears to fall from his eyes.
"Rey," Kylo sobbed. "Know that you're never alone, too. I'm the shadow to your light, always by your side, because I'm right here, too," he pressed kiss to her left breast, right over her thrumming heart.
Tears filled her eyes then and suddenly she was weeping. Kylo enveloped Rey in an all-consuming hug, and she returned the ferocity of his embrace. They melted into one another, fading away, consumed by the burning fire that was their love the entire night, straight into the morning.
Kylo and Rey found saying farewell was still difficult, but somehow more manageable.
"June 16, Biggie," Rey reminded Kylo after giving him a long kiss goodbye. "That's the end date to this torture. We can make it. We can do it."
"June 16, Smalls," Kylo took out his phone from his pocket. "It's already in my calendar. Rey's Graduation/Move-In Day."
"Yeah, it better be in your calendar already," Rey chided playfully, giving Kylo one last hug. She watched as he reluctantly got into the backseat of the Uber. "See you later, alligator."
"In a while, crocodile," he waved dumbly before Rey slammed his door shut. He rolled down the window, poking his head out to stare at Rey until the car turned the corner.
And he was gone.
"June 16," Rey repeated to herself, wiping away a tear. "Only 8 months to go."
When the day of the commencement—Rey couldn't help but chuckle at how appropriate that word was—ceremony finally arrived, neither Kylo nor Rey could've prepared for the wild ride it was to get to this point. They had been warned, true, but neither could have guessed all the obstacles they had to face in reaching their end date.
Rey turned around in her seat, wearing her black cap and purple gown, and scanned the audience for a familiar face. She quickly spotted Finn near the front of the large stadium. She beamed when he met her eyes, and they both waved enthusiastically at one another.
"Yeah, peanut!" he yelled at her, fist-pumping the air.
Rey laughed, grinning from ear to ear before searching the crowd for another familiar face.
"I found him, Rey!" Jess chirped from the seat behind Rey, tapping on her shoulder. "He's over there!"
Rey whipped her head in the direction where Jess was pointing... and there he was! Right in the front row, too. She should've known. He was dressed in an all-black suit, wearing dark sunglasses that complemented his features so perfectly. Rey thought he looked fucking hot and her mind started to wander salaciously, especially when he licked his lips once he saw she had spotted him.
Rey drew her bottom lip under her top teeth. Her lurid thoughts abruptly stopped when the live band began playing "Pomp and Circumstance."
All the graduates rose to their feet.
"Please welcome the class of 2017," a voice boomed through the speakers.
Rey continued to stare at Kylo in amazed relief.
They had made it.
Today, she was graduating magna cum laude, then jetting straight off to New York City to start a new chapter in her life.
Her stuff had already been moved into Kylo's sprawling duplex penthouse condo, located in the Manhattan neighborhood of SoHo. Rey recalled fondly her first trip to the Big Apple. She had been so nervous for various reasons, but once she landed and set foot into the vibrant city, she fell in love. The city, it's where she knew she belonged. New York was fast-paced, exciting and sexy, pushing and challenging her from the moment she walked through its bustling streets.
And when Rey got the offer of a lifetime—the chance to work under the legendary Luke Skywalker as a new graduate engineer at Skywalker, Inc.—it only solidified her decision to move.
"Why didn't you tell me you were interviewing to work for my uncle?" Kylo had asked Rey when she told him she got the job.
"I told you, Ren," Rey scoffed. "I didn't want your influence looming over this. I didn't want him to be biased because I'm your girlfriend. I wanted this job to be mine because of me."
"Luke Skywalker listen to me?" Kylo jeered. "Yeah, he wouldn't have done that, trust me. But you're right, I probably would've found some way to get him to hire you had I known."
"See? Exactly why I didn't tell you," Rey slapped his shoulder. "Although I appreciate the thought."
"Well, I guess congratulations are in order then," he kissed her passionately. "So… you're really doing it? You're moving here?"
"I'm moving to New York," she announced with a wide grin.
"Yes!" Kylo punched the air before swooping her up into his arms and taking her to his bedroom.
Rey blushed at the recollection of what he did to her as she took her seat again. She tried to listen to the speaker give his speech, but she remembered how everything had been going so well and then it had gone to shit so unexpectedly.
All because of Mr. Snoke.
God, did she hate that man. She seethed in her chair, thinking back to how it had all started.
"We're filing for bankruptcy," Kylo told Rey during a FaceTime session, sighing deeply.
"Oh no, that's terrible, Kylo," Rey was saddened to hear the news, especially seeing how dejected her significant other looked. She wished she could be there physically to comfort him. "I'm so sorry."
"It's okay, baby," Kylo smiled, though it didn't reach his eyes. "It's not your fault. These things happen. Mr. Snoke is the one taking it pretty hard, though. He wants me to take the lead on this. He says it's too difficult for him to deal with, which is understandable."
"So… what happens now?"
Kylo inhaled deeply. "Well, we wait for our case to go through so we can receive our discharge."
"How long does that take?"
"Months," Kylo informed. "Typically 4-6."
"Damn."
"I know," Kylo breathed out slowly. "I know."
Four months had passed by.
Rey had called Kylo for their daily FaceTime session. She was taken aback when someone else's face popped up on her screen.
"Mitaka?"
"Uh, hi, Miss Nowan," Mitaka greeted nervously. He was flustered and looked a bit clammy.
"What's going on, Mitaka? Is Kylo there? Why are you answering his phone?"
"Well, uh," Mitaka wiped his forehead with his shirt sleeve. "He… Ha-have you watched the news lately?"
"No," Rey answered, quickly grabbing her laptop. Dread pooled in her stomach as she typed his name into the search engine. Her eyes bulged when she read the first news story that popped up. "He's been taken into custody by the FBI?!"
"Um, y-yes, Miss Nowan," Mitaka stammered, sweating more profusely now. "He's been accused of—"
"Bankruptcy fraud?" Rey read from her laptop. "What? I don't understand anything. Why only him? It was Mr. Snoke who told him to file. Kylo told me so himself."
"Mr. Ren's name is on a lot of… incriminating forms, unfortunately, Miss Nowan," Mitaka regretfully informed. "It turns out First Order Investments was never losing money at all.
It looks like he's been concealing assets and siphoning money. At least that's what the FBI is saying."
"What?!" Rey screeched. "That makes absolutely no sense at all!"
"I know," Mitaka admitted. "I-I believe Mr. Ren has been framed, Miss Nowan."
"What?"
"I… I overheard something the other day, and… I know it wasn't Mr. Ren. It was Mr. Snoke."
"Mr. Snoke?" Rey saw red as she clenched her teeth.
"I don't know where he's keeping the money, but it was him, Miss Nowan. He's been planning this for years, I think, to time everything so perfectly and have Mr. Ren take the fall."
"We can't let him get away with this, Mitaka!" Rey screamed at the top of her lungs. "We have to do something!"
"I'm sorry, Miss Nowan," Mitaka shook his head in defeat. "I-I don't think there's anything we can do."
"What? Mitaka, no—"
"Nobody can get to Mr. Snoke," Mitaka's voice trembled as a terrified look crossed his features. "He's too powerful. No one can beat him."
"I'm nobody," Rey whispered, almost inaudibly.
"What, Miss Nowan?"
"I'm no one," Rey intoned louder as she glared at Mitaka with conviction. "I can beat him."
A scattering of applause jolted Rey back into the present. The speaker had ended his speech and it was now time for the graduates to walk across the stage. Rey turned to look back at her boyfriend. His gaze was still on her, smirking proudly.
Rey recalled how he had been stubborn. He didn't want to fight, accepting his fate behind bars.
"I had it coming," Kylo told her when she came to visit him at the prison. "I did this to my father and now I have to pay. He'd warned me that Mr. Snoke was just using me and that he would crush me, eventually. Deep down I knew it was true, but it's what I deserve."
"Kylo, don't do this!" Rey pleaded. "Don't this to yourself, to us!"
"No, Rey, you deserve better than me."
"What are you saying, Kylo?" Rey eyed him cautiously. "Are you—are you breaking up with me?"
Kylo was quiet for a long moment. He finally replied in a small voice, "Yes."
Rey shot up from her chair, shaking a finger at Kylo. "No! Nuh-uh! You don't get to do that, Ren! You don't get to give up like that. I won't let you!"
"Rey, listen—"
"No, you listen!" she spat back. "This is exactly why I didn't want to fall in love. I'm scared. I'm terrified of not being with you. I didn't need anybody. I don't need anybody… but you. I need you and I know you need me, too!" Rey huffed before turning on her heel. She glanced over her shoulder. "And that's why I'm going to help you, Biggie. Because that's what girlfriends do. They help their boyfriends in any way they can."
"Rey—"
"You brought back a sparkle that was missing in my eyes," Rey disclosed shakily, her face flushed as she sniffled. "It was buried deep inside. You really helped to put the broken pieces back together. I feel safe with you. I feel at home with you. You made me understand what love is."
Kylo was crying boisterously, not bothering to wipe his tears or blow his nose. "I love you, Rey."
"I love you, too, Kylo," Rey told him. "You saved me first and now… it's my turn to save you."
And so she did.
She had come face to face with his vile boss, a powerful man that inspired fear, loyalty and devotion among so many. Ultimately, though, he was neither god nor monster. He was only a man. Men had their weaknesses and Rey not only discovered Mr. Snoke's, but exploited it to no end.
And she defeated him.
"You got him to confess?" Kylo asked Rey incredulously. "How-how did you get him to do that?"
"Easy," Rey bragged. "I beat it out of him."
"Oh my God, Rey," Kylo grabbed his stomach and roared with laughter. "You-you're unbelievable."
She ran into his arms when they released him.
"Oh, I've missed this so much," Rey exclaimed when he embraced her. "It feels so good to be back home."
"Thank you, Smalls," Kylo placed her face in his hands.
"Don't mention it, babe," Rey shrugged her shoulders. "It's what girlfriends do, you know. They rescue their boyfriends."
"What did I ever do to deserve you?"
"I don't know, Ren," Rey confessed. "But what I do know is that you're stuck with me, and if you ever try to break up with me again, I'll kick your ass."
"Don't worry," Kylo guffawed. "I promise never to do that stupidity again."
Rey smiled as she made her way up the stage, thinking how he had kept his promise since then.
Mr. Snoke had ended up behind bars, where he belonged, sentenced to twenty years in federal prison for bankruptcy fraud, fraudulent transfer and concealment, and money laundering, among a slew of other charges, thanks to the recorded confession Rey obtained.
"Rey Nowan," her name was announced through the speakers and she made her way across the stage. She shook some important person's hand, accepting her diploma from him.
"GO, PEANUT!" Finn shouted.
Kylo raised his fingers to his lips and he whistled loudly.
She flashed a megawatt smile to them both before walking briskly off the stage, sitting patiently in her seat for the rest of the ceremony to come to a close.
"We did it!" Jess whooped and hollered just before the graduates tossed their caps high into the air.
"Yes, we did!" Rey turned to wrap her friend around her arms, and hugged her tightly. "I'm going to miss you, Jess. Please come visit me in New York soon!"
"Oh, I totally will, Rey," Jess rubbed her back. "Thank you for being the best roommate ever and for being an awesome friend. I love you!"
"You love me?" Rey's stifled a sob as her lip quivered.
"Of course I do!" Jess smiled warmly, giving her one last hug before turning to walk away. "Text me when you land, okay? Take care of yourself!"
"You, too," she whispered back.
"Hey, peanut!"
Rey turned around to see Finn making his way towards her. "Peanut!"
He gave her a hug, but it was cut short when they heard Kylo cough way louder than necessary when he approached them.
"Jeez, Kylo, I already told you a million times that I'm not interested in Rey like that!" Finn scolded. "I already have a girlfriend."
"I know," Kylo said impassively with his arms crossed. "It still doesn't change the fact that I don't like you hugging her."
"Ren, stop being ridiculous!" Rey admonished.
"Anyway, Rey, here," Finn handed her a bouquet with balloons. "Congratulations! And good luck in New York! I'll come to visit you next month."
"Can't wait, peanut!" Rey hugged her friend one last time, despite Kylo's chagrin. "Thank you for the gift!"
"You're welcome," Finn smiled warmly at his friend before saying goodbye.
When he was gone, Kylo pulled Rey in for a kiss.
"Congrats, sweetheart," Kylo said to her. "You did it."
"We did it," Rey hummed softly, a sparkle in her eyes.
"We made it to the end date," Kylo breathed contentedly. Rey caught the sparkle in his eye as well, and it glowed, letting her know that she was never alone and would never be alone anymore. "Ready to go home?"
"Yes," Rey nodded fervently. "Let's go home."
Kylo had taken the day off of work to be at Rey's graduation. He was named CEO of First Order Investments after Mr. Snoke was sent to prison, and the company thrived under his leadership. Even Hux had to admit the company was faring well in his hands.
Kylo had wanted everything to be perfect the moment Rey crossed the threshold into her new home. He was bursting at the seams with joy to finally have Rey at his side, no longer separated by distance.
Together, at last.
Kylo wished to keep it that way. Always. So as soon as Rey set foot inside the grand penthouse, he dropped down to his knee.
Rey's hazel eyes went huge. "Kylo, what are you—"
"I can honestly say I fall more in love with you everyday," Kylo began, looking up into her shocked expression as she placed a hand over her mouth. "Every single day, Rey. From the instant we met, I knew. And when we first kissed, it only confirmed it. Each kiss after that has intensified that assurance."
"Kylo," she whispered as teardrops fell to the marble floor.
"You inspire something inside me I honestly thought was gone, but it was only buried," he confessed as a watery film clouded over his gaze. "I've never been one to want to be the best person I can be until you came into my life. Because of you, I want to be good. I want to be great. I want to spend the rest of my life with you because I love you, Rey, and I always will love you. So…" he took out a small velvet box from his pocket and Rey held her breath as he opened it. "Will you marry me?"
"Yes!" Rey shouted, tears streaming down her face, and Kylo got emotional as well, and started to cry with his fiancé.
He got up from his kneeling position, taking her hand to put the dazzling ring on her small finger before they wrapped their arms around each other, and shared a kiss so deep and intense, they almost lost their balance.
"I know the perfect place where we can get married," Rey told him when she drew back to look lovingly into his eyes.
A smile tugged at the corners of his lips then, because he knew exactly where she wanted to get married.
It was where he wished to get married, too.
"The Morton Arboretum," Kylo whispered gently.
"Yes," Rey breathed excitedly. "The Morton Arboretum."
And they kissed each other once more, ardently until their hearts and souls were on fire. The day had finally come when they were together, at last. Kylo and Rey had each other now, and each knew, without a shadow of a doubt, they would never be alone again.
Author's Note:
The End Y'all!
It was my goal to finish this fic before I saw The Last Jedi and I did it!
Oh my goodness, this was such a journey for me and I just want to thank every single one of you readers for coming along with me. This was my first story that I've ever written and to see it come to an end is a bittersweet moment, but I hope you guys liked it!
Please feel free to always leave me a comment, no matter how old this story is! Any questions, thoughts, concerns, comments, just shoot them my way. Whether here or you could do it on tumblr, too. My url is grlie-girl.
I also want to thank my darling friend, Juulna, for giving me the push to write. I'd never would've done it without you, girl! Please check out her fics if you haven't already! They're SO GOOD!
Also quick shout out to my cousin for beta-ing when she could! Love you, D!
I'm about to leave and go watch The Last Jedi, whee!
May the Force be with you!
Reylo forever and ever and canon. Amen.