"You love me?" Ben asked, awed. His eyes searched her own, as if he didn't quite believe the words he'd heard. Rey kissed him again, pushing all her love towards him. She opened herself to him, so that he could feel what she was feeling.

When he pulled away, she smiled. "Yes," she whispered. He smiled back at her, the look of happiness upon his face rivaled the sun. "If you'll have me, I am yours."

"As I am yours," he whispered, taking one last kiss before Rey turned around and watched the beautiful rays shining through the blue sky. For the first time in her life she knew what true peace felt like. She knew what it felt like to be complete now.

Ben flew them onward. The longer they flew the more Rey wondered why they hadn't turned back to the base. "Where are we going?" she asked.

"There's somewhere I want to show you. I found it a few years ago, and I often go back to it when I want to be alone. I want to share it with you."

Ben landed the X-Wing in a large open field. He helped Rey out of the cockpit and took her hand once they were on the ground. She allowed him to pull her towards the forest, the thick trees and shrubs sprouting green and orange leaves. It was beautiful. They walked into the forest, following a small path.

The further they went, the more Rey lost her way. If she were alone on this journey she could never have made it back to the X-Wing. But, Ben's steps were sure as he led her around corners and through thick brushes. Rey could hear a sound ahead of them, though she couldn't see anything but trees. The further they walked, the louder it became.

Suddenly, they broke through the thick green ivy. Rey stopped, her eyes widening as she gasped at what she saw. Large boulders grew above her head, stretching towards each other on both sides. There was only a small slit left between them for the sun to shine. Water, as blue as she had ever seen, swirled around as if a wind gently blew on top of it. Rey slowly looked up, taking in a breathtaking waterfall.

"Sometimes, when I feel my mind is going a million places at once I come here. I'll swim or just sit in the grass and listen to the waterfall. It's so quiet around here except for the water. It eases my mind, makes it seem as though the galaxy has stopped to allow me to just take a breath for a moment."

"It's so beautiful," Rey breathed.

Ben was right. Rey felt the galaxy, the universe, stop for just a moment. Nothing mattered. There was no Palpatine or First Order. There was no No Resistance. There were just two people in the center of Rey's universe, and nothing could touch them.

Rey turned to Ben, pulling him down towards her. She kissed him deeply, passionately, needing him closer to her than he had ever been. That need gave her the courage to break the kiss and step away from him. As she did, she began to loosen her shirt. She heard his intake of breath, but she didn't stop until she stood naked before him. Her heart pounded loudly in her ears, but she refused to allow her nerves to win. Rey knew what she wanted, and she wanted this man completely.

She stepped towards the small stones, slowly making her way towards the water. The water was cool as it splashed over her body. She weighed out to the center, to where the water stopped just underneath her shoulders and turned to face Ben. He hadn't moved from where he was standing, his eyes wide and watching her. Rey held out her hand for him to join her.

She smiled at him as he hurried to take his own clothes off. He stood before her, naked, as she had done for him moments ago. She drank in the power that he exuded, the muscular tones of his arms, chest and legs. He waded out into the water, swimming towards her.

The moment Ben made it to her, he wrapped his strong arms around her, pulling her towards him. Their kiss was desperate, their want growing as the seconds passed. Skin against skin, Rey felt as if their minds were one, as if their souls were one. The bond between them pulsed around the small waterfall, around the rock formation and danced upon the water.

"Are you nervous?" he asked, his eyes searching her face.

Rey slid her hand softly up his face, relishing in the feel of his stubbled skin. She moved into his hair feeling the slicked-back strands glide through her fingers. She looked deep into his eyes, to the place she knew she belonged. "Not as long as you don't let go," she whispered.

Ben picked her up, kissing her all the way to the bank of the small river and laying her on the thick soft grass. There, they made love for the first time as the waterfall played a soft song of love.

"Would you like to fly?"

They were on their way back to the base. Rey wore a smile she couldn't get rid of if she tried. She felt so different, so complete. Making love to Ben felt so right that she longed to do it again. Her smile grew bigger at the thought.

"I don't know. I'd probably make us crash," she said, laughing. He chuckled in her ear, causing goosebumps bumps on her flesh.

"Don't worry, I'll guide you," he said, placing her hands on the controls. "Just keep it straight."

Ben's hands left the controls. Rey's hands tightened on the leather contraption, her eyes widening. She was controlling the large hunk of metal. She did as Ben had instructed and kept the X-Wing straight.

Ben's fingers gently touched the nape of her neck as he pulled her wet hair out of his way. The touch of his lips on the sensitive part of her neck made it hard to concentrate. She groaned, and his lips disappeared for a moment.

"First lesson… never become distracted. Control your mind, your body," he whispered against her neck, causing her to shiver.

That was very difficult to do as she felt his tongue taste her skin. "You're cheating," She breathed, her eyes slowly closing.

"Am I?" he whispered, his lips moving up her neck towards the spot underneath her ear. His hand slithered over her stomach, and he gently pulled her back against him.

Rey couldn't stop herself. She released the controls and turned to face him, her lips finding his. She grabbed his shoulders and pushed herself as close as she could be to him. Even as the X-wing suddenly descended she didn't let go of him. Ben hands left her and grabbed the controls to save them, but never broke their kiss. He deepened it, and she met him stride for stride.

"You failed," he chuckled, when they finally came up for air.

She smiled at him, her hooded eyes staring at his swollen lips. She had done that. "Guess you'll have to give me more lessons."

"Oh, is that right?" he laughed. "Well, it will have to be another time seeing as we have an audience."

Rey looked out of the cockpit window to see Poe, Finn, Rose and Leia watching them fly over the base. They had made it back. Rey pouted, not ready to share Ben with others just yet. What had started out as a horrible morning had turned into one of the best days she had ever had. Ben parked the X-Wing inside the hanger and he and Rey climbed out.

"Of all the stupid things, Ben! You should have at least taken the Millennium Falcon! What would have happened if you would have crashed? The X-Wing is a one person jet! Why, I should throw you over my…" Leia said, the mother coming out of her. Her words died in her throat when she looked between Ben and Rey.

Ben's arm was around Rey, their eyes on each other wearing matching smiles. The group watched them, understanding dawning on each of their faces.

"Took you guys long enough to figure out what we already knew," Poe said. Rose jabbed him in the side, her large smile never falling.

Ben cleared his throat, looking away from Rey towards his mother. "Sorry, mom. It won't happen again."

"Well," she breathed, tears of happiness in her eyes, "see to it that it doesn't." She hugged Ben, giving him a kiss on the cheek. She turned to Rey, embracing the girl. "I'm happy for you. Thank you for making my son happy," she whispered in Rey's ear.

Rey didn't know how to respond, so she hugged the woman tighter. Ben made her happy as well. Han stood off the side, his eyes staring at his son. Rey watched the father-son exchange. They smiled a knowing smile Rey wasn't privy to, as Han gave Ben a slight nod of his head. The older man walked off without a word spoken, yet when Rey looked up at Ben she saw raw emotion in his eyes. He watched his father until he disappeared. She thought about asking him what that look was about, but sometimes things should be left between father and son.

Lunch time came and the group sat at their usual table sharing small talk. Ben's hand had yet to leave Rey's. She wouldn't let him go even if he had tried. She was talking with Rose about going into the city for some fabric to make her some clothes.

"We could leave in about fifteen minutes if you can tear yourself away from Ben for a few hours," Rose said, her eyes wiggling.

Rey rolled her eyes. She knew the group would make a big deal about them expressing their love finally. And sure enough they had. Even now, Poe was trying to get Ben to admit they had "done it".

"I don't know why you just don't admit it, man. You two just did it. It's written all over your faces," he said.

"Like I'd ever tell you, you big lug!" Ben said, throwing a grape at the other man's head.

"Not admitting it is admitting it, my friend! Welcome to adulthood!" Poe said, laughing.

"Please… we both need to get away from the testosterone!" Rose whined.

"You two mind if I tag along?" Finn asked, his eyes looking at Rose.

"Girls trip… sorry," Rose said, her voice harsh. She looked angry for some reason. Had something happened between them?

Finn's hopeful face fell, "oh, right… sorry," his voice low. He turned back to the guys' conversation, his shoulders falling.

Rose looked back at Rey, trying to smile, but there was hurt behind that look. Yes, something had happened. "You okay?" Rey asked softly.

"Fine… are you ready to go?" Rose said, rising from her chair.

"Go?" Ben asked, catching the last part of their conversation.

"Rose and I are going into town for some items she needs. We will be back in a bit."

"Keep the connection open," Ben said, quietly. He reached over, giving her a soft kiss before she stood to follow Rose.

"You two so did it!" Poe said, laughing again.

Rey shook her head, her face turning five shades of red. She turned and gave Ben a small wave before disappearing around the corner.

"Okay, out with it!" Rey said, as Rose drove them towards town.

Rose sighed, the hurt back in her eyes. "I saw Finn talking to Maggie Weaver this morning. She's a low level mechanic in our squad… A LOW LEVEL! They were laughing and he had his arm draped on the wall behind her. When he saw me his arm dropped to his side and the smile fell. He called out my name, but I left. I didn't want him to see me crying."

"Oh, Rose, I'm so sorry." Rey said, feeling bad for her friend.

"Why does he do that? Why does he hurt me like that?" Rose said, swiping angrily at her tears.

"Have you told him how you feel?"

"I… well, no I haven't. He should know by now!" Rose huffed.

Rey chuckled. "Sweetie, if he's never heard how you feel how could he ever know the truth? Do you love him?"

"Yes," Rose breathed.

Rey reaches over and squeezed her friend's hand. "Then, you owe it to him to tell him. He deserves to know the truth, to act on his own feelings if he feels the same. Until you tell him you can't hold his actions against him."

"It's scary," Rose whispered.

Rey nodded her head, "More than you know." She thought about Ben. She thought about how hard it was to be honest with herself and to him. But the moment she admitted how she felt, that she loved him, a freedom grew within her. She closed her eyes, feeling him close to her.

"You guys really did do it today, didn't you?" Rose said, a goofy smile on her face.

Rey's eyes flew open, her face gawking at Rose. Suddenly, a smile broke out on her face matching her friend's. "Yes," she admitted.

"Oh my God! I knew it! Tell me everything… wait, not everything, but most of it!"

Rey laughed, but told Rose of her final admission of love and that Ben had taken her to the waterfall. How they both had went for a swim in the blue water, how they kissed and held one another. She finished with telling her how Ben laid her in the grass and they made love.

"Wow," Rose breathed.

"Wow is right," Rey said, blowing out a long breath. Even now, the moment felt magical. She still felt his skin on her skin, his lips exploring every part of her.

"I'm so happy he found you! He deserves to be happy," Rose said. Rey felt touched by her words.

Rose parked the cruiser in front of a hole-in-the-wall building in the middle of town. Different creatures, big and small, mulled around the variety of outlets and makeshift stores. Humans mingled in with the creatures, inspecting different fabrics and jewels. Rey got out of the cruiser, her eyes taking in all the scenes.

"Come on, I want you to meet Shemeer. I've bought my fabric from him for years. He's a good friend."

Rey followed Rose into the small building. From wall to wall hung different kinds of fabric in every color. Gold, purple, blue, yellow and red string hung from stands along the center of the store. In the small window was a display of several types of jewelry. Some were big. Some were small. From the outside the place looked like a dump, but to step inside was as if you stepped into another dimension. Rey had never seen so many colors in one place before.

"Rose! My favorite flower, how are you, my dear? You haven't been to see me for a while. I was beginning to worry."

"Shemeer! You know I wouldn't forget about you! I have a big list today," Rose called out, happily.

She stepped towards a large green creature. His legs were the size of small boulders, and his body wasn't much smaller. Two large arms wrapped themselves around Rose in a hug. Rey looked Shemeer in the face and her eyes went wide. His nose was long, as an elephant's nose. Two long, sharp teeth hung out of large lips. His eyes were blood red. If Rey has met Shemeer any other time than with Rose she would have run screaming, but she noticed how the large creature was so kind with Rose, how he handled her with care, as if she were made of glass.

"Shemeer, I'd like you to meet a good friend of mine. This is Rey," Rose said, bringing the large creature her way.

"Welcome, Rey!" he greeted, shaking her hand softly. "Any friend of Rose's is a friend of mine. You ladies help yourselves. If you need assistance let me know."

"Thank you very much," Rey said, smiling. Looks could be very deceiving. This creature was a gentle giant.

Rey strolled around the room looking at the different fabrics displayed. She ran her hands over the silk, letting it glide through her fingers. She thought of Ben's wet hair from earlier, and a smile lit her face. Something caught her eyes in the window and she walked towards it. A small wrist band made of leather with stars etched in the top of the leather. It was stunning.

"That looks nice. Do you want it?" Rose said, looking over her shoulder.

Rey smiled sadly, putting the band back into the window. She did want it, wanted to give it to Ben, but how could she buy it? "I don't have the money to get that. Palpatine didn't exactly give me an inheritance when I left," she said, low.

Rose reached over her and took the band, "But, your new family has you covered now. Ben will like this a lot."

Rey turned, looking at her friend in surprise. "I can't ask you to buy that, Rose."

"You're not asking me. But, I'm still buying it," she said, winking. Rey watched her friend walk to the counter to talk to Shemeer, stunned.

Rey turned back to the window, looking out with a large smile on her face. Something passed by the window, her eyes following the figure. Slowly, her smile fell as her eyes grew wide in fear. As she watched, more came into view… Stormtroopers.

"No," Rey whispered, taking a step back from the window.

They marched through the marketplace, their footsteps echoing loudly in her ears. Three of them stopped in the window, turning their backs to her at the same time. Everyone stopped, watching them. Silence grew around the groups of people shopping.

"Among you are the Rebel Scum! We know they are on this planet and we intend to find them. They are harboring a fugitive of the First Order."

Rey stumbled further from the window, her chest rising and falling in fast succession. She knew that voice, knew it as well as her own and it caused her fear to choke her. Hux walked into view, his Knights close behind him. In his hand he held a hologram. Rey covered her mouth as she saw her face slowly turning in a circle over the hologram machine. He held it out for all to see.

"R—R—Rose," Rey whispered.

Rey stole a glance at Rose and Shemeer. They watched what was happening outside. Rose's eyes grew wide when she saw what Hux was showing the crowd. Her eyes jerked to Rey, both girls wearing the same frightened look.

"Go… I will keep them occupied," Shemeer said, coming around the counter.

Several people spoke at once, their fingers pointing to Shemeer's shop. Hux, his Knights and the Stormtroopers all turned to where the people pointed. Rey dropped to the ground instantly, crawling to the other side of the store. Rose was right behind her. They searched for another way out, and saw a small door behind the counter. It was their only hope.

Shemeer's large frame blocked the entrance to the store as Hux stood before him. "Let me pass, sir, on the orders of the First Order. I will search your shop."

"I apologize, but as the owner of this establishment I can refuse service if I so choose. Move along, please."

"You dare refuse me, sir?" Hux said, low.

Rey took that moment to crawl towards the back of the counter with Rose right at her feet. They made it to the door and slowly pushed it open. Rey took a chance, looking over at Shemeer. The moment she did, Hux saw her. Their eyes met as time stood still. His icy blue eyes widened for a moment before they grew cold as stone.

"There she is! Get her!" He screamed.

His Knights ran towards Shemeer, but the creature never moved. He grabbed the sides of the door as they stabbed him repeatedly with their long swords, yet he refused to let them pass. Rose screamed beside Rey as she watched the massacre unfold. Rey grabbed her and ran through the door, locking it behind her. She could hear Rose crying, but she couldn't comfort her friend… not yet. They had to get to safety first.

Rey opened her connection with Ben. He was lying on his bed reading, but the moment he felt her he sat up quickly. The book slipped from his hand as he felt her fear thicken in his throat.

"Rey?" he cried, jumping to his feet.

"Help us!" was all she could scream as they burst out of the back of the building and into the arms of waiting Stormtroopers.