There's that telltale tingle of warmth in her womb when she wakes. Ben is 'playing' with their daughter. He's holding Rey with one arm, his other hand on her abdomen and what she thinks is her child's laugh tickles along her spine.

She opens her eyes and watches Ben, whose eyes are trained on her belly and his expression is wide open. Seeing him like this, so joyful, his grin transforming his face, it gives Rey true hope. This, this is the man he was meant to be.

Mama!

Rey puts her hand over Ben's and greets her daughter as she always does, sending out a light tendril of the Force, imagining her bathed in a warm glow.

Mmmm. Mama …

Their fledgling daughter isn't making words, not really, it's just how it makes Rey feel. Like a sparkle of energy she only expresses for her.

"Good morning," rumbles in her ear.

Settling back into his embrace, she glances up and finds him looking at her intensely. "Hi," she offers, suddenly feeling a bit shy. They're still naked and she's not quite used to that yet. They'd only touched each other last night, but being intimate, even like that, has her feeling vulnerable.

Maybe Ben is right to want to wait, to get used to this first. This much contact with another person is overwhelming as it is; she's not sure how she'll feel letting him into her body. The thought is exciting and terrifying.

"Rey," he croons.

His voice feels like the softest of silk moving along her nudity, and she again sinks into contentment. "Yes, Ben?"

"Thank you. Thank you for our daughter. Thank you for letting me touch you last night. Thank you for being in my arms this morning," he declares ardently.

Smiling bashfully, she shakes her head. "You don't need to thank me."

His eyes darken. "But I do. You are … everything." His hand presses down on her abdomen. "You both are."

Rey makes a lopsided smile. "Rose says I should start showing soon."

"Really?" he asks, his eyes eager and his tone brimming with excitement.

"Yup. Before you know it, I'll be huge."

He shifts swiftly and moves down her body, dropping kisses as he goes. Then he's nuzzling at her belly, caressing her softly between his words. "Gods, Rey, I can't wait … I want to see you swell with our baby … feel how you get round and ripe ... "

His kisses turn decidedly carnal, but then there's a burst of giggles from their precocious daughter.

Papa silly! PapaMamaPapaMamaHappyHappyHappy.

Ben pulls away swiftly, his cheeks absolutely flaming and Rey can't keep from laughing.

"Come on, Papa. Time to get ready!" she chirps.

He rolls over on his back, slinging his arm over his eyes. "I think I like it better when she sleeps," he grumbles.

Three weeks. Three glorious weeks have passed since his meltdown. Now he's sitting at his desk after grunting a greeting towards his … colleague. Sipping his caf, he contemplates how quickly the time is passing.

Much as it pains him to admit it, Dameron is not entirely stupid. They've managed to place spies in several key operational areas of the First Order. Ben's knowledge has made it possible to infiltrate at higher levels than the Resistance had managed thus far and a nice little spy ring is coming together.

He and Rey have settle into a very pleasant routine. During the day they focus on their respective tasks and at night they continue to explore each other's bodies. Once Little Star is asleep, of course.

Every morning he starts the day by smoothing his hand over her belly, checking to see if today is the day she starts showing. Rey is at just over four months now and Ben isn't sure he's ever been so happy.

Rey has been getting more and more eager for him and he's considering asking her if she'll allow him to taste her. As satisfied as she seems when he uses his fingers, an air of frustration has begun to appear sometimes. He wants to give her more, find new ways to make her call out his name. Most of him wants to throw caution to the wind and try everything but something is holding him back. There will only be one chance to make love to Rey for the first time and his need for it to be perfect paralyzes him. But he knows she's getting impatient.

He's had dinner with his mother twice now and he wonders if he could talk to her about it? Then he realizes that that would mean actually talking to his mother about sex and he quickly discards the notion.

Setting his cup down he looks at his hands, remembering how his mother had asked him a very difficult question over their last meal together. She wants to hold a 'family dinner' with himself, Rey and … Chewie. He doesn't know how to feel about it. And he really doesn't want to know how in the galaxy she got Chewie to agree. Rey thinks it's a wonderful idea, of course.

But Ben … he just worries it will trigger one of his storms. He's been able to keep himself together for three whole weeks and the ease of his life with Rey is intoxicating. Not having any idea what to do, he decides he'll figure it out later.

"Alright Dameron, lets pull up the Cathne system. I had an idea last night."

The pilot glowers, but does what he's asked.

Yawning, Rey wakes up, careful not to jostle Ben. She's started to notice that her abdomen is beginning to curve ever so slightly, but she's not sure if it's her imagination. She hasn't said anything to Ben because he seems to truly enjoy checking every day. It's a little silly, it's not like she's going to wake up with a bump one morning, but his eyes always glow with adoration and his touch is so tender.

Gliding her hand over her stomach, she's certain that she can really feel it now and wonders if Ben will be able to tell. It really should be any day now, according to Rose.

The last few weeks have been blissful. But she hasn't allowed herself to forget the danger Ben presents to her baby and she's been sneaking looks at the slim volume Master Luke had suggested. She still hasn't told Ben about his appearance, not being able to shake the fear that she, and she alone, must know how to shield their child.

She knows she should trust him with this knowledge, but then she remember his face contorted in rage and her daughter's frantic cries.

Thus far all she's found is a few interesting stories about pregnant Force users. Apparently being able to communicate is to be expected, just not as early as they've experienced. There's nothing about what a Force bond might mean for all of them.

However, yesterday afternoon she'd come across a section that seems extremely promising. Something about emotional bleed between mother and child. Hopefully, her work load will allow her an hour or two to read this afternoon.

Ben snorts loudly, waking himself up. She has to stifle a giggle, he does this regularly and it's just so endearing.

"How are my twin stars," he asks groggily.

"Wonderful," she purrs before trailing kisses along his jaw.

"Mmmmm," he groans appreciatively.

Rey isn't sure she'll ever get used to how responsive he is to her touch. It doesn't matter if it's for affection or pleasure, his attention is always wholly focused on her. It's intense and it makes her feel essential to him.

"Let's see how Little Star is this morning," he murmurs as he slides his large hand along her belly. She loves how huge his hands are, the way one covers her whole stomach. He's playful and sweet this morning, but then he stills.

He catches her eyes and repeats the motion, a giant grin breaking out on his face. "I can feel it! I can feel her!"

Biting her lip, she murmurs, "Mmmhmmm."

"Oh, Rey," he sighs out, then he kisses her hard. "I love you, I love you so much."

"I love you, we love you."

Then he's nudging the slight bulge with his nose. "Hello, my beautiful little girl," he croons.

Rey leans back and lets Ben whisper words of love and awe to the small being growing within her.

PapaPapaPapa …

At his desk in his shared office, Ben tries to keep the grin off of his face, he really does. But he can't stop remembering feeling the first true physical sign of his daughter nestled in Rey's womb. It feels so much more real now and he's impatient to watch Rey blossom.

His little girl had been like a bouncing ball of light this morning, unwilling to stop their little games until he'd had to go, lest he be late. It's clear that she has her mother's personality and he absolutely adores it. Perhaps he should start calling her Little Spitfire. The thought makes him chuckle and Dameron slams down his hand on his desk.

"What has you so happy?" he asks with an edge of contempt.

Ben looks at him blankly. He's not about to share anything to do with his family with this man. Yes, they've managed to work with each other, more or less, but that's a far cry from sharing personal details.

Dameron snorts and shakes his head. "It's not right that a man with your body count is so damned content. I know you. You're just going to hurt her and her daughter."

The truth in his words hooks into Ben's heart and he clenches his fists. He must not let this man get under his skin. But that knowledge doesn't keep him from snarling, "You mean my daughter?"

Looking vaguely ill, Dameron grimaces. "Don't remind me."

"Don't remind you that Rey carries a part of me, inside her?" Ben taunts.

Dameron jumps to his feet and tries to loom over Ben's still sitting form. In the back of his mind, Ben knows he's crossed a line, using Rey to gain a point with the pilot, but he's been ignoring weeks of little snipes and nasty comments and he's had enough.

He breathes in and out slowly, nostrils flaring, trying to calm himself down.

Then Dameron sneers, "Like she even chose you. If you didn't have the Force as your pimp you'd still be murdering your way across the galaxy."

Ben is on his feet in a flash. "You know nothing of what's between us," he grits out through clenched teeth.

Chin jutting forward, Dameron provokes, "I know she'd never be with you if she wasn't knocked up. The Rey I know would have hated you for everything you've done. Does she even know a fraction of it?"

"Yes, she does," Ben snarls. "She knows everything."

A look of revulsion fills Dameron's face. "And she still invites you to her bed." He rocks back on his heels. "And I thought I knew her. I never would have pegged her to whore herself out to the dark side."

Dameron is pinned to the wall by his throat before Ben even thinks about it. He's about to plow his fist into Dameron's face, but the man is … grinning?

"Do it," he rasps out. "I know who you really are, First Order scum."

Ben blinks rapidly. If he gave into the rioting need in his blood to beat this man to a pulp he'd have to see that fear in Rey's eyes again. No. He won't let himself lose control, not over the pilot. Slowly, he pulls his hand away from his throat.

"It's only a matter of time before you break and show your true colors. I'm on to you," Dameron wheezes out. "I won't let you hurt them."

He has to get out of here. If Dameron keeps at him, he won't be able to keep himself in check. The madness is calling to him so sweetly. Wouldn't it feel good to break his nose? Imagine how satisfying it would be to see his blood flow … No! No … his twin stars need him sane.

Bursting out of their office, he stalks down the corridor. If he could just get somewhere unobserved … but no. He's pledged to himself he won't do that any longer. That doesn't change that the rage is boiling inside him, screaming for an outlet.

Walk. Just keep walking. Deeper into the mines he goes, but it's not helping. Because he knows Dameron is right. It is only a matter of time before he breaks and hurts his family again.

It's what he does.

When Ben enters the command center Leia looks at him with concern. "Ben?" she inquires. He should be working with Poe right now.

"General," he acknowledges politely.

She frowns, not liking the formality. "Come to my office."

He follows her silently and she tries to feel for him through the Force. All she finds is his usual wall and she sighs. She misses how open he used to be to her.

Once her door slides shut she turns to him and says, "You know, Son, you don't have to call me 'General'."

"It would be inappropriate to call you 'Mom' while on duty," he replies with rolled eyes.

"I think I've earned a few moments outside of protocol," she rejoins, her eyebrow arching. "Anyway, what do you need?"

He looks away, his bearing radiating shame. "I … I had an … episode. With Dameron."

"I see. Is he still in one piece?"

"Yes, but it was a near thing. I don't think I can go back, at least today."

"What happened?"

"He goaded me, said some awful things about Rey, tried to prove I haven't changed."

Leia purses her lips and shakes her head. She'd thought Poe was over this ridiculousness. What else can she do to get that man to understand that Rey is simply not for him?

"Well, we both know you have."

"Have I?" he asks in a bleak tone.

"Ben … of course you have. Instead of pummeling Poe into dust you left. That's progress."

He just shrugs.

Sighing, she says, "When you first came here you were a livewire of rage and possessiveness. Now you're calm-" Ben snorts loudly. "Alright, relatively calm. And you're obviously very happy with Rey."

A small smile forms on his lips. "She's showing," he says with pride.

"Really? Oh that's wonderful! You'll both be at dinner tomorrow, yes?"

His brows knit and his jaw works. "I don't know. I'm not sure it's a good idea."

"You and Chewie need to work this out, you know you do."

He holds her gaze, his eyes full of naked fear. "But what if … I just don't want to screw up. If he pushes me about Dad … I don't know what might happen."

"I'll be there, Rey will be there. You have support. You need to face this."

"Yeah … okay."

Once he leaves his mother, he finds himself striding swiftly to the hangar. He just needs to hold Rey for a moment. Remind himself of what's real and true in his life. And there's no way he's going to think about the upcoming dinner.

Dameron had gotten to him. As he walks, he just keeps hearing the man's crude words.

Like she even chose you.

I know she'd never be with you if she wasn't knocked up.

He knows he should ignore the insidious doubt in the back of his brain. But the pilot is right. She never chose him. Given time though, maybe she might have?

Scoffing into the empty corridor he knows she never would have. She's just made the best out of a bad situation.

She does love him, of that he's sure. But he's equally sure she never would have if the Force hadn't played Maker with their lives.

Rey only just manages to hide away the Jedi text before Ben reaches her station. She's flustered and feeling caught, but then she sees his eyes. They're swimming with anguish and she rushes to him.

"Ben! What is it?"

He pulls her into his arms and shakes his head against the crook of her neck. She holds him tightly with one arm along his back and the other carding through his hair. He lets out a broken little whimper.

"Ben?" she prods cautiously.

"I just need to hold you." His words vibrate along her skin and she keeps running her fingers along his scalp.

After several long moments, she tries again. "Please, tell me what happened?"

Letting out a great sigh, he pulls back and searches her face. "I … something Dameron said."

Rey purses her lips. "What did that hothead do now?"

He snorts inelegantly. "Only pointed out the truth." He sounds so forlorn and Rey is growing truly concerned.

"What did he say?"

Ben looks away briefly, his arms still around her waist. "He said you never chose me, that if it weren't for Little Star, you never would have."

Rey raises her eyes to the ceiling and huffs. "Poe doesn't know anything about anything."

"But he was right about that. You didn't choose me."

Her Ben can be such an idiot. "But I did."

"After you were pregnant with my child."

"Well, technically, yes. I suppose I was about two hours pregnant with her when I chose you, but I certainly didn't know that."

Now his face shifts into profound confusion. "No, it was on Eshara-"

"Ben." She holds his face with her hands. "I came to you on Snoke's ship with nothing but my lightsaber and hope."

His mouth hangs open and his eyes are comically wide. He seems utterly befuddled.

"What else would you call that? I chose you, I did."

Then his expression transforms into an almost gleeful joy and then he's kissing her so deeply she can barely keep up. She manages, though, and soon she's lost in the pleasure and heat of Ben's glorious mouth.

Her core twists with delicious tension and he lifts her in his arms, his hardness trapped between them. She's about to wrap her legs around him when she hears a large clang.

"Oi!" shouts one of the pilots. "She's already pregnant, hands to yourself!"

Sheepishly, Ben lowers her to the ground and they part quickly. She catches his gaze, worried he'll be embarrassed, but instead his eyes are full of fire.

A single word sears through their bond, making her shiver.

Later

After her shift, Rey heads to Ben's quarters to meet him before dinner. As soon as she enters his room, he's on her, kissing her frantically. His hands move swiftly to pull off her top.

"Please tell me she's asleep," he growls.

"Yes-Mmph!" He cuts her off with another deep kiss. Usually she's the one to climb all over him!

She's about to ask him what's going on, but he latches onto her breast and snakes his hand down her leggings. The twin sensations of him sucking at her nipple and rubbing circles on her clit has her moaning in no time.

Then he thrusts a finger deep inside her and her head rolls back. "Gods, Ben, what's gotten into you?"

"I need you, Rey. I need to be close to you." Then he's right back to lathing her breast with his tongue.

She tries to think clearly as he expertly pleasures her with his oh so talented fingers. Her knees are going weak and she steadies herself with her hands on his shoulders.

"Ben, did something—oh dear Maker—d-did something else happen?" She's already so close and she can barely form words.

She squeaks out in surprise when he removes his hand from her center and swiftly lifts her in his arms. Now looking at him face-to-face, she sees that his eyes are almost wild.

"What is it? Please tell me," she pants out.

"Shhh, I just need you." He kisses her firmly then lays her on his bed, his hands immediately hooking the waistband of her leggings. "Rey … let me taste you."

She goes up on her elbows and takes in his hungry expression. His hair is falling around his face and he looks almost feral, his breathing harsh and his eyes alight with lust.

He startles her again when he buries his face at the apex of her thighs, breathing in deeply. "Gods, Rey, you smell so good. Please, please let me," he begs.

They haven't gone past touching each other and the thought of having his mouth there is both terribly exciting and rather odd. But it feels wonderful when he sucks at her breasts, licks at her neck, and his plea is so desperate …

"Please," he groans out.

His eyes lock with hers and she nods slightly, biting at her lower lip. Her agreement seems to unleash something in him and he strips her in a flash. She feels his tongue at her entrance before she's really caught up.

"Oh!" she calls out in surprise as he licks past her entrance until he's at the center of her pleasure. Then she's completely lost as he swirls his tongue over the tight bud of nerves.

Her back arches off the bed as he swipes up under the hood of her clit. Dear gods, she didn't know she could feel like this! With each pass of his tongue, she climbs higher. Now he's making little whimpers, clearly enraptured by his task.

You taste amazing, Rey, blooms in her head, and his ecstasy sweeps through her. Tell me, tell me how this feels!

"I-I, gods, Ben!" she cries out as he presses a finger into her, creating an almost a feedback loop. It's nearly too much and she can't form words. Instead, she opens herself fully to him and lets the dizzying pleasure flow.

Ben groans, deep and guttural, and the vibration tingles along all of her nerves. "Ben! Yes, Force, yes!" Then her words dissolve into desperate calls. She can't think, she can only ride the glorious waves of bliss crashing into her.

Yes, yes, give it to me, give me your pleasure, give me your song!

His frantic need for her, his mirrored excitement, it's all too much and her release rips through her, almost violently.

"Ben!" she keens as her orgasm pulls her down, down, down.

With one final, leisurely lick, Ben sits back, looking at her with complete devotion. They're both breathing hard and trapped in each other's gaze.

Slowly, he crawls up her body and gathers her into his arms. She wants to reciprocate, but she's not sure she can move just yet.

He kisses along her forehead and lets out a satisfied sigh. "So good, so good …"

"Mmmhmm" she agrees emphatically.

Shyly, he again catches her eyes. "That was … that was alright? It wasn't too much?"

Rey rolls her eyes and grabs his face, kissing him firmly. His lips are tangy and there's something about knowing he tastes of her that makes Rey feel treasured. But, he's stiff and needy against her thigh and she feels somewhat recovered so she starts to reach for his belt.

"Someone is decidedly overdressed," she purrs.

His hand closes over hers and he stops her. "Soon. That was just for you; you don't need to do anything."

"But I want to," she almost whines.

"Soon, my love, soon," he murmurs.

Deciding that it would be rather nice to just enjoy the languid feelings in her body, Rey stops her attempts and wraps her legs around his.

As she begins to doze she realizes what she wants. She loves him with all of her soul and it's time to show him with her body.

It's time to merge in all ways.

A/N: Readers! I apologize for the confusion around last chapter. They did not finally go all the way, just kept it to hands. But we'll get there soon!

ArtemisBare, thank you so so much for your constancy, my dear!

Thank you Readers! You're all simply magnificent and having you give me the honor of reading my work means more than I can ever say. Being part of this community really helped this week.