A/N: Ok, guys! It's this chapter and then the epilogue left. So.. it was fun while it lasted, but I'm ready to end it now. Thank you all so much for reading and the reviews were very welcome. Thank you so very much for the support! Sorry for the long chapter! I couldn't decide if I wanted to put the wedding into it and the reception, but as you see, I decided to, so that added a lot more than I expected. Next one won't be too awful long. Enjoy this last chapter before the epilogue!
BROKEN
Chapter 17: Bound
The months flew by. So much had happened in a couple of months. Rey and Ben had started running the business in an official capacity. Rey was handling the book work and customer service, as is fitting, and Ben was handling inventory and scheduling. They worked together, complimented each other, in so many ways. Just as they had since meeting. The business was flourishing! Rey and Ben even had to hire on another person to help them out, Finn. He was a quiet one, but he was really fun to be around. Ben wasn't really fond of him with the odd little looks he'd been shooting Rey, but he'd figured out that once they kissed in front of him, Finn stopped the looks. Rey had also met his new girlfriend, Rose, and hit it off with her. Ben was happy to see Rey getting more friends. Ben was still not too keen on making friends, though, which wasn't really a problem for him. He was civil to everyone, which was saying a lot because the old Ben would just be shooting daggers at everyone and reply with icy comments that pierced straight to the core.
He sat in the garage, looking at the parts and tickets that had come through. Rey was answering the phone like a perfect little businesswoman and Ben couldn't help but watch her from time to time, a small smile on his face. Finn had seen it a few times and gawked, making some comment along the lines of "The Ice King can smile." Ben promptly shot him a look and rolled his eyes at the boy. Ben stood and stretched from his spot after Rey handed him another ticket, still on the phone with the customer, mouthing off the required dates. Ben checked the books and nodded as he penciled in the customer's name that Rey had handed a paper about. She walked away with the confirmation, Ben kissing her temple gently, earning a wink from her. Once she hung up, she sighed and flitted around the garage, seeing Luke watch her with keen interest. She was doing just fine. It was amusing to see the two of them working together. They had great work ethic, he realized. He had chosen well. It made him proud to know that the woman he helped raise had turned out so well with his nephew who had so many issues from childhood. But seeing Ben now...
Luke let a true smile come over him as he watched Ben smile over at Rey. He truly was proud of his family. They'd come so far and helped each other so much. He knew that when he was gone, these two kids would be just fine. Ben glanced behind him and saw Luke smiling at him. He was a bit taken aback at that, since Luke didn't smile like that, especially not at him. Luke nodded at him from his position in the doorway and Ben gave him a small cheeky smile. Luke just snickered and shook his head, retreating back into the house. He was fine knowing that the broken was bound now. Even if it was held together with duct tape and chewing gum, they were still together. And they were happy this way.
At the end of the day, Rey closed up with Ben. Finn gave them a wave as Rose showed up to meet him after work. Rose hugged Finn and then ran to Rey and hugged her as well. Rey let out a soft laugh as Ben closed the garage door. "We're going for dinner. You in?" Rose asked with a glowing smile.
Rey thought about it for a minute and gave her friend a gentle shake of the head. "Not tonight. But thanks, Rose." Rose nodded and her and Finn left.
Ben looked down at Rey, a brow quirked at the turndown. "Are you feeling ok?"
Rey nodded and held her fiance's hand. "I just want to be at home with you tonight." Ben smiled at her. "If it's ok with you... maybe we can go out next time with them?" He nodded contently. She kissed him and snatched his keys from him, earning a grunt. "I'll drive this time!"
Ben rolled his eyes. He'd gotten over the 'no one will drive my car' rule. He knew she really wanted to drive it, so he let her. He took the passenger seat this time, Rey jumping into the driver's seat with a happy squeal. She drove all the way home, loving this car so much. She beamed all the way home, he saw, which made him smile lazily at her. He had leaned his head back against the seat, arms crossed as he dozed for a few minutes. When they pulled into the apartment complex, Rey cut the car and looked over at the sleeping Ben, admiring his relaxed and beautiful face. She leaned over and kissed his cheek. "We're home."
Ben woke and sighed as he rubbed his eyes. They got out of the car in silence. As they climbed the steps, Rey unlocked the door and went inside, kicking off her shoes and setting to work in the kitchen to give Ben a break. This was their routine. If either one looked too drained, the other would take over dinner. Ben had taught her how to cook the basic things and she was grateful since all she really knew how to do before was make tea and stuff. She'd learned a lot in the past few months. She started the noodles and started the meat for spaghetti. Ben walked through the door, hand going over his face in utter exhaustion. Finn had ruined a few things on a car and Ben had lost his temper again. It always drained him when he got angry. Mainly because he beat himself up for it way harder than his explosion in the first place. All Rey had to do was put a hand on his shoulder and he had calmed down, telling Finn to go take a break. The poor boy had come back, albeit hesitantly, not too long afterwards with the part in hand that he'd broken. Ben found new respect for him then. He gave him a grin and the two set out to fixing it together. Ben had taught Finn how to properly install an alternator, and it didn't include beating it to death.
Rey had seen the whole thing. She saw him lose his temper after so long, but she also saw him apologize to Finn. They shook hands and that was that. She was glad that Finn didn't hold grudges because it was especially difficult for Ben to apologize to anyone, let alone a stranger. She was proud of him for the progress. She watched as he kicked off his boots and headed to the shower. She debated following him, but decided against it, remembering that she needed to cook dinner. And besides that, they weren't married. She was sure he'd have a problem with it anyway. She smiled softly at the amount of respect Ben had for her, and for himself. She knew it was a struggle for him to keep himself in check sometimes, but the restraint he showed with her, not pushing anything, was remarkable. She could tell how his mood changed when he would get too intimate with her. He went from quick need to slow and loving. She could tell that he was calming himself down so he wouldn't do something either of them would regret. And she was so very grateful for him and his control. As much as she'd been abused in the past, she still wanted him.
She finished dinner and set a beer out for him, knowing he would probably want one. She grabbed a water for herself and plated everything. Just as she set both plates at their spots at the bar, Ben emerged with a towel around his neck. He was shirtless, hair wet, wearing black plaid pajama pants. He looked at the dinner laid out for him and smiled at her, wrapping an arm around her and kissing her forehead. "Smells good, Rey."
Rey smiled shyly as she took her seat next to him comfortably. They ate quietly, both drained from the day's events. It was a happy silence. "So... one week left," she said, a small blush on her cheeks.
Ben glanced over at her, considering her expression for a moment. "Are you nervous?" Rey nodded. "We don't have to if you're not ready yet," he offered, though he was hoping that she wouldn't back out. He'd been looking forward to it since she announced it to Maz.
"No... we told everyone November. We can't just cancel because I'm not ready."
"The date doesn't matter, Rey. What matters is that you're comfortable enough to do it. Everyone will understand."
Rey thought about his words carefully, lifting her water bottle to her lips and sipping quietly. She set it down then turned to Ben. "I'm nervous... but I want it to happen. I'm not backing out. It's happening in a week."
Ben studied her face, her nervous eyes, her quivering lip, her pink cheeks. "As long as you're comfortable." Rey nodded firmly. "Ok." He finished his beer and kissed her cheek softly. His hair tickled her face at the quick movement, her arms winding around his neck affectionately. She pulled at him, forcing him to stand between her legs. She wrapped her legs around him and he lifted her off the chair, carrying her to the bedroom, dishes forgotten. He plopped her on the bed and kissed her lips, earning a small giggle from her as she pulled away. "I need to take a shower, Ben," she whispered, his lips finding her neck as he nipped at it and laid kiss after kiss on the soft skin. "Ben-"
"Don't worry. I'm not..." He let it hang in the air as he looked down at her with a small smile, a slight pink hue on his cheeks as well. "Not tonight," he whispered to her as he kissed her one last time. "Go take a shower."
X~x~x~x~x~X
The week had come and gone. The day before their wedding, Rey kissed Ben goodbye to go stay with Luke, as per tradition. It was the most restless night they both had had in a while. Both from eagerness to loneliness. But they knew that it was only one night. And at the end of the day tomorrow, they'd be together forever, never to be separated except through death. As Ben lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling, he thought about tomorrow. Would she be ok? He reminded himself that they didn't have to consummate the marriage immediately, and that it would probably take her some time. He didn't even care how long it took. He meant what he said to her; he couldn't miss something he'd never had. He rolled over in bed, the smell of her in his bed making his mind drift to her as he drifted to sleep with a smile on his face. He wasn't nearly as nervous as she was.
X~x~x~x~x~X
Rey paced her old room at Luke's, staring at her wedding dress that hung in the closet. She knew he would like it. It was strapless, a bow tied around the bust and the dress went to the floor elegantly. It looked like a princess gown. She hated dresses, but she didn't mind getting dressed up for one day. She bit her nail as she studied the dress quietly. She loved it when she bought it... but now she wasn't so sure. It must have been pre-wedding jitters. She sighed as she rushed down the stairs to get some tea for herself. Luke kept some around for her, just in case she ever wanted a vacation or visited or something. She drummed her fingers on the bar as she waited for the water to spit out of the machine. "Hey, kid." Rey grunted in response. "Can't sleep?"
"Nope."
"Nervous?"
"Yep."
Luke sighed as he walked up behind her, a hand resting on her shoulder. "You'll be fine. It's just a change in title. That's it. You guys are living together already, so there's really not much changing except the physical relationship and a title." Rey's cheeks heated up fiercely at the physical changes. "Ahh... that's what you're worried about. I see." Rey averted her glance, shielding her face behind her hair. "Rey, don't think about it too much. If you're not ready for that, Ben would be fine waiting. I'm sure he's already told you." She nodded. "So then what's there to worry about?" Rey stiffened for a second. "He has enough control to resist. He's done so so far, right?" Rey hesitantly relaxed and nodded. "If you keep thinking too much about it, you'll get cold feet." Rey looked at him curiously. "It means you'll run away and not go through with the wedding."
"I won't run."
Luke nodded. "Good. Drink your tea and go to bed. You have everyone coming over early tomorrow."
As soon as Luke was gone, she felt tears falling from her eyes, unable to keep them in any longer. She loved him so much, but she was so scared! She felt the doubt rising in her chest again and she pushed it away. She didn't need to doubt him. He was fine. He was nice. Gentle. Caring. He wouldn't hurt her. He hadn't so far. He'd told her multiple times that he would wait for her. He'd proven it. If he didn't mean it, he surely would have cracked by now. She ascended the stairs with her tea, sipping it pensively. She flicked her eyes at the wedding dress that was staring her in the face. Her mind went to tomorrow and she smiled softly. Tomorrow, she would be Rey Solo. Butterflies fluttered around in her stomach, making her let out an airy laugh. Tomorrow would be as perfect as their engagement. As perfect as their confession. As perfect as... their broken pieces being fixed and bound together.
X~x~x~x~x~X
A loud rap at the door shook her awake as the door came flying open, women pouring in to get Rey out of bed, all led by Rose. "Up and at em, Rey! Let's get you ready to be hitched!" Rey groaned as she pulled the blanket back over her face. She wasn't ever a morning person... Apparently Rose was... The blankets flew off of her, making Rey shrink into herself. She was wearing Ben's shirt and some running shorts for bed. She sighed and glared at Rose, who was smiling down at her like she'd won the lottery. "We have coffee for you!" she said as Leia handed her the cup with a soft smile. It occurred to her then who exactly was there.
Rey shot up out of bed and looked around her room. Rose. Rose's sister, Paige. Leia. A friend of Leia's, Amilyn. She'd met them all before and was actually close to them all, but not as close as to Rose and Leia. Tears came to her eyes as she realized once again that she was getting married today. Rose laughed and hugged her friend. "Now now... don't ugly cry." Rey choked out a laugh as she took the coffee Leia was holding out. She sipped it slowly and watched as Rose was flitting around the room, organizing everything in what she called "stations." There was a makeup station that Amilyn was going to head up, a nail station that Paige had, a hair station that Rose had, and final touches that Leia had. "To the makeup station!"
"Rose... can I bathe first?" Rey asked in a small voice.
Rose laughed and nodded then, clapping her hands excitedly. "Yes, yes, of course! Hop to it!"
Rey smiled and pulled herself from bed, walking to the bathroom to shower. She heard the chatter of her friends and wondered how Ben was faring with Maz, Luke and Finn.
X~x~x~x~x~X
Ben was already awake stupid early. He made himself coffee and sighed as he heard the knock at his door. It was too early for this... He didn't want a bunch of people in his house... He was more than capable of getting ready on his own. Begrudgingly, he walked to the door and there stood Maz, Luke, Finn and... another guy. His eyes narrowed at the other guy, already not liking him with the arrogant air he was putting off. "Morning, Benny boy! This is Poe, Finn's friend." Poe nodded at him and Ben back before he stood aside with a sigh, knowing full well that there was no point in arguing with Maz.
"Maz, I can get-"
"Yeah, yeah, I know you can get ready by yourself, but this is your special day, Ben. So just accept the help." Ben sighed and shrugged. He knew it was no use, but at least he had to try.
"Coffee's ready for whoever wants it. Cups are in the top right cupboard. Help yourselves. I'm getting a shower." He left the room and shut his bedroom door with a sigh. He didn't like a lot of people in his house... He hated it. He went to the shower and heard Maz barking out orders. Apparently, from what he could make out, Finn and Poe were in charge of ambiance for afterwards. Luke was in charge of helping him get decent. Maz would take care of reception preparations, which were apparently happening at Maz's restaurant. She'd shut the whole thing down just for them and their party. He shook his head and went into the shower, preferring not to think about it at the moment.
X~x~x~x~x~X
Rey walked into her room, wearing another one of Ben's shirts and stopped to see Leia standing there with a small smile. The older woman was staring at her, much as Ben did, as if she were studying her. After a minute, Leia smiled and wrapped her arms around Rey. "I'm happy for you, Rey."
Rey smiled and hugged her back. "Thank you, Leia."
Rose clapped her hands to demand attention, earning a small glare from Leia, who apparently had an issue with taking orders. "All right, Rey! Let's get you dolled up!"
Rey rolled her eyes and went over to the first station: makeup. Amilyn smiled down at her, looking at her face for a quick moment. "You don't need much, if any," she said as she started to apply a moisturizer to her face and then foundation. Rey wasn't used to this much makeup. She hated it already. As Amilyn went on with her procedure, Rey noticed that everything she did was very calculated, as if she were making a strategy in her head ten steps ahead as she applied each stroke of a brush. Until Amilyn told her to close her eyes. She felt the eye makeup being applied and she sighed softly. Maybe this wasn't so bad... She just hoped she didn't look like a clown when all of this was done.
Amilyn muttered a soft "done" and Rose squealed with delight. "All right! Next station!"
Rey sighed as she got up and went to Paige. Paige looked as uncomfortable as she did. Paige did her nails, sure, but she didn't really put much effort into her own. She leaned close to Rey with a mischievous smirk. "Can we pretend like we did something, or would that make Rose mad?"
Rey laughed softly. "She's your sister."
Paige rolled her eyes with a smile. She started to paint Rey's nails a pretty blue. Her accent nail was a stormy grey as Paige drew a simple line across her nail in grey on the blue nails and blue on the grey nails. Once she was done, she put a top coat on it and let Rey dry. "I know you're not a fancy type of girl so... I hope you like it."
Rey nodded with a small smile of thanks. "I don't like anything flashy," she said with a soft laugh. "This is great. Thank you, Paige."
It continued much the same way like that, the girls chatting in her room. Leia kept watching Rey, seemingly lost in thought. When she went over to the hair part, Rose eagerly started to brush her hair, thinking about what to do for Rey's hair. Her hair was short, but not too short to put up in a bun... Long enough to be close to doing nothing with, but not long enough for a pretty braided upstyle. Deciding on what to do, Rose started to gently braid Rey's hair, swooping it behind her head and tugging at some of the strands. She did the same with the other side, leaving bangs to fall into her face. Rey sipped her coffee patiently, anxiety welling in her as she wondered what Rose was doing to her hair. After a few more moments of careful pinning and tugging, Rose smiled at her. "Finished." The other girls smiled at the hairstyle, easing Rey's fears a lot. She couldn't wait to see what everyone had done, not having the luxury to see anything done except her nails at the moment.
She looked at the time. Less than an hour remained. She worried her bottom lip as Leia rose from her place on the bed and walked over to her dress. "Time to get dressed, Rey," she said gently. It was so motherly that Rey felt her chest tighten at the affection in that one sentence. She nodded and set her coffee down. She hesitantly took her clothes off, the girls not paying her any attention. Leia did see the scars on her back and frowned to herself. Those would show over the strapless wedding dress. She thought quickly and whispered to Amilyn, earning a nod as Amilyn left the room. Rey stepped into her dress, careful not to disrupt anything that had happened. She had already put on her strapless bra as she pulled the dress up her figure, the smooth satin hugging her curves as she turned for Leia to help zip it up. The older woman zipped it gently and saw the scars on her shoulder and back. "Amilyn is coming back in a moment with something for you to wear over this." Rey turned to look at her, wondering what it was she was talking about. As she studied Leia's face, Leia raised her brows and dropped her head a bit in typical Leia fashion, expecting her to figure it out. Rey blushed as she felt anxiety well in her chest. She hadn't even considered her scars! "It's ok. She'll be back soon."
Rey nodded and Leia started to do a walk around. She tied the bow in the back, fluffing it to make it presentable. She took some flower pins and started gently putting them in Rey's hair. When she finished there, she walked around and looked at Rey, a small smile on her face. Amilyn had come back, holding a lace bolero. It was just enough to cover her back and arms. Leia and Amilyn helped Rey put it on, fastening it to the middle of her top where it couldn't be seen. The back fastened to the bottom of her bra, making it appear seamless and that it was just part of the dress. Rey smiled gratefully at the two. Leia looked at the woman before her that was marrying her son. She didn't need to wear earrings, having no piercings anyway. But Leia did give her a necklace. She presented it to her and Rey felt tears well in her eyes. "It was mine when Han and I got married. I want you to have it, Rey." Rey eyed the beautiful necklace. Silver chain with a delicate diamond in the middle of it. She could tell with how short it was that it was a choker. She smiled warmly at Leia and threw her arms around the older woman, mumbling a thank you into her ear. Leia smiled and put the choker on her then.
Rose and Paige brought a long mirror so Rey could get a full view of herself. Her eyes widened at her own appearance. She looked... "Beautiful." Ben's words echoed in her mind as she turned a little to admire the back of her gown and her hair. Her hair was braided at the sides, a pretty waterfall braid on each side. Decorative white flower pins accented her braids all the way to the back of her head, which were held together by several more white flower pins that looked like one long beret. Her makeup was minimal. Amilyn wasn't kidding. She put on a few nude colors, browns to accent her eyes in just the right way, mascara, and a slightly darker lipstick, just a hair darker than her lips. The choker sat above her bolero, not interfering with it in the least. She looked at her friends and tried her best not to cry. "Hey, hey! You'll mess up your makeup!" Rose exclaimed as she rushed to her friend, hugging her tight. The rest of them followed and after a few moments, they all pulled apart.
Leia took Rey's hand and led her out of her room. "Rey, I want to thank you." Before she could ask what for, Leia continued. "I wasn't ever there for my son. I wasn't there for you either. I had my own wreck at home. Han was in and out and Ben was neglected all his life... I hurt him so bad. But... I knew there was still good in him. I knew he hadn't closed himself off completely. He was just searching. Searching for the right person to help him become the man I knew he was capable of being." She looked at Rey, holding her hand in her own with an affectionate, motherly smile. "You helped save my son from becoming a monster. Thank you so much, Rey."
X~x~x~x~x~X
Ben pinched the bridge of his nose in utter annoyance. Why were these men here? He really didn't need help getting decent for his own wedding. He didn't need support. He was fine. Not to mention the fact that he didn't really form a close friendship with any of these people currently in his house! He sighed in frustration when he heard another knock at the door. "Hey, kid. You done in there?" Luke called from the other side.
"I don't need you checking in on me, hermit," he called back as he crossed the room to get his underclothes on. When he was done, he opened his phone and debated texting her, but realizing she was probably having a good time with the girls. He let a small smile come over him as he looked at the picture she'd sent him a while back with the rose. It was the first picture she'd actually sent of herself to him. And it was just as if it were still new. He couldn't wait to see her today. Another knock came at the door and he sighed, putting his phone down and walking to the door. He unlocked it and went to his closet to get his suit on.
Luke walked in, shutting the door behind him and looking at Ben, as if sizing him up. Ben paid him no mind as he slipped his suit pants on, tucking his undershirt quietly. Luke observed him for a few moments longer and gave him a knowing smirk. "Nervous?"
"What kind of question is that?" Ben bit out as he raked his hands through his hair. "Terrified," he admitted quietly with a frown. He knew he shouldn't be, but truth be told, he was. He was nervous that she would cancel on him and call it quits. He was nervous that he wouldn't be able to make her happy. He was worried that... they'd end up like his parents.
"You'll both be fine, kid. You won't end up like your parents. Your relationship is different," Luke said in a fatherly voice. It took Ben aback as he shot his dark eyes over at him. His lips were closed tightly, a thin line on his masculine face as he tried to get his thoughts together at Luke's words. "What? You don't think so?" Ben looked away and ripped his shirt off the hanger, slipping it on without a word. Luke then laughed and shook his head, putting a hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry, Ben. She's as happy as you are. Don't let the anxiety get to you. You two will work it out."
Ben's actions slowed then as he went from angrily buttoning his shirt, stopping at his belly to consider Luke's words. He slowly and calmly finished as he gave his uncle a nod. "Thanks."
Luke shrugged and went to walk out of his room. "You got this, kid. I'm heading over to get your wife."
Ben smiled at his uncle, a genuine, giddy smile as Luke called her his wife. It awakened something in Ben. Something warm and amazing. Something that made him realize that freaking out was pointless and that today was the best day of his life. With that, Luke was gone. Ben went back to getting ready, a permanent smile on his face as he walked through the house, grabbing a coffee cup for himself from the kitchen, allowing Poe and Finn to head into the bedroom. Poe had a mischievous look on his face. Ben didn't allow it to affect his mood as he sipped his coffee happily, looking at the clock on the wall eagerly. Maz had long vacated and made her way to her restaurant to get the food ready. Once she was done there, he knew she'd be off at the venue to secure the final touches with his mother. He looked at the clock again and heard Poe and Finn rummaging around in the bedroom quietly. They emerged, holding Ben's jacket and shutting the door behind them. Poe wore a victorious smile. "All right, dude. You're all set for tonight. As soon as you leave, we'll finish up here and lock up."
Ben nodded, shrugging it off. He knew Rey better than they did. He had a sneaking suspicion it would take longer than a night to get her to...
A knock came at the door, one that sounded unsure, but firm in its presence. He tilted his head, but he set his cup down and walked over. When he opened it, he saw his father standing there. His eyes widened and he stood frozen in spot as Han looked up at him with that usual smuggler's smile of his. "Hey, kid."
"What are you doing here?" Ben asked as he felt the anger well up within him. He knew today was too good to be true! Why was he here? To ruin his day? Had someone told him!? When he found out, he would-
Han turned sheepish, but nonchalant all at the same time. Ben could tell he was nervous as he stuck his hands in his pockets. "I wouldn't miss your wedding, Ben." Ben's brows furrowed as he looked down at his father. "Your mother told me... I didn't want to miss your most important day... but if I'm intruding, I'll go. I just... wanted to tell you congratulations."
Han turned to walk away, but Ben bit his cheek. "Wait." Han paused midstep and turned to look at his son. Ben stood awkwardly, but moved to the side. "Coffee?" Han smiled at his son and came back to him.
X~x~x~x~x~X
Rey walked down the steps, the girls behind her making sure her train and veil didn't get caught on anything. There was happy chatter as Leia walked Rey down the steps and handed her off to Luke, who was apparently waiting for them, arms crossed in the doorway. Luke smirked up at her and his sister. "Did he make it?" Leia asked, a somewhat strangled and anxious tone to her voice.
"He was walking up the steps as I was leaving. Wonder if he stayed..." Luke said as he looked over at Rey, taking in the sight of the girl who was usually a tomboy, now arrayed in a beautiful gown and made up for her big day. His smile softened. "You look nice, Rey." Rey blushed and looked away. "He's as nervous as you are," he said as he rolled his eyes and chuckled, Leia joining in briefly.
Leia released her hand, gave her one last hug and smiled at her. "I'll see you in a while." She looked at Luke and punched his arm weakly, but apparently hard enough to hurt Luke, as he rubbed his arm. "Make sure she gets there. CLEAN."
Luke shrugged. "Sure." With that, Leia was gone. He turned back to Rey with a wide grin. "All right, ladies! Pile in! We got a wedding to go to!" Squeals erupted and Rey flinched as she looked at Luke with a small smile. He put a hand on her shoulder and gave her a wide grin. "Today is going to be good. Don't fret." She smiled at him and nodded as they all piled into his truck.
X~x~x~x~x~X
Han and Ben sat in silence, but it wasn't really an awkward one. It was just... there. Han looked over at his son, who kept checking the clock to see how much longer he had to wait to get to the venue, which was only fifteen minutes away. Han chuckled then. "When I married your mother, I did the same thing. Couldn't wait for the clock to tell me to go. Wasn't soon enough."
Ben looked at him then. "Why were you always gone then if you couldn't wait to marry her?"
Han sighed heavily, as if he highly regretted everything. "Ben... I would have rather been gone than for you to see us fighting all the time. It was easier if you didn't remember me at all than to remember me in a bad light."
Ben rolled his eyes. "Sure, because being fatherless was a great alternative. And having a mother that was too busy to spend time with you was a really nice reality." His words were venomous, but his tone was even and level. "Why are you here? Why care now? You didn't care before, so why now?"
The older man frowned and couldn't meet his son's eyes. "I messed up, Ben. I should have been there for you and I wasn't. I'm here now. I know it doesn't make up for the past..." Han raised his sight to look at his son. "I love you, son. This is a very important day for you." Ben nodded at his father, acknowledging he was right. "If you'll let me... I'd like to be part of your life again."
Ben thought hard on his father's words. He'd never had his father around for longer than a couple of days. Part of him wondered if this was just another time that he'd be here for a few days, then gone again. His eyes took on a darker hue as he considered that possibility. And then his hand burned. He briefly thought about it. Rey had a burning when he grabbed her... He bit back a laugh, not wanting to seem unstable for laughing for no reason. Oh, but was it funny. They'd left such a mark on each other that he could feel her touching him when she wasn't. He could imagine her here with him now, looking up at him and begging him to consider his options before acting rashly. That was all he needed. "You better not leave again, old man."
Han gave him a classic Solo grin, complete with a nod and a wink. "Not on your life, kid."
The younger Solo nodded and looked at the clock. Just in time. "We'd better get going if we're going to make it in time." Han gave his son a warm smile. He said 'we.' Han was allowed to come. And his family accepted him back. Today was definitely a good day.
X~x~x~x~x~X
Finally, everyone made it to their respective area. Maz had secured a ballroom where Han and Leia had gotten married so long ago. Rey was waiting anxiously in her own room, pacing as she felt herself getting more and more anxious as the time went on. She glanced at her phone. Five minutes. Five minutes until she would walk down that aisle and... And then what? Her face softened and her pacing stopped. Five more minutes and she'd be married to the man she loved more than life itself. The one that helped her through her nightmares. The one that was there for her and worked so very hard to earn her trust. The man that, despite all he went through in his life, was there for her, casting his own worries and problems aside, for her. She was so lost in her own thoughts that she forgot who was in the room with her. Amilyn had already gone to her position as one of her bride's maids, as well as Rose and Leia and Paige. She was left alone with Luke, who, in all respects, would walk her down the aisle and give her away to his nephew.
She got a vibration from her phone and her smile widened. Ben. "See you in a few, Mrs. Solo." She smiled a watery smile, but remembered that her friends would kill her if she messed up her makeup so she bit back the tears and responded back with, "Can't wait." She looked over at Luke and saw him smiling up at her. When he stood, Rey knew it was time. She turned to face him as he stepped toward her and pulled her veil carefully into place. Without a word, he offered her his arm and walked out the door to wait at the entrance of the ballroom. Rey steadied her breathing and closed her eyes as the procession started. Rose and Maz walked together, Maz standing on Ben's side and Rose on Rey's. Amilyn went with Poe and stood in their spots. Rose went with Finn and stood next to them. Leia went with... was that Ben's dad? She'd never met him. Her eyes started to water again as Luke nodded at the smug guy that walked Leia down the aisle to stand in the honored positions, Leia in Maid of Honor and Han in Best Man.
The music changed and Luke gave Rey's hand a small squeeze, a wide grin on his face. Now that he'd shaved, he looked a lot younger, but she could still see where the years weren't as kind to him. "Come on, kid. Let's get you to him." Rey smiled and nodded with determination. And then, they were out in the open. There were a lot of people she didn't know that were there, probably all friends of Maz and Leia. She paid them no mind. She was only focused on Ben. He stood there with his usually contained excitement grin, which was a lopsided smirk, as he watched her carefully, as if memorizing every movement she made. Their eyes stayed glued to each other as they walked the forever walk down the aisle. When they made it there, Luke turned to Rey, lifted her veil, kissed her cheek and smiled down at her. He then turned to Ben and handed Rey off, Rey's hand finally finding Ben's in what seemed like forever. He helped her up the steps onto the small stage and smiled down at her, considering her up close before turning to proceed with the ceremony.
Neither one of them could focus on the words. It was very traditional, sure, but all they could think about was how happy they were. All they'd been through had all came to this. She never would have guessed she would be standing here with Ben Solo, the same arrogant jerk that showed up at Luke's garage out of the blue with his black Nissan GTR, complaining about it not running right. He never would have guessed that he would ever be interested in the girl with grease smeared on her face, working on parts in his uncle's garage, who apparently hated to be touched for fear of being overtaken by her own demons. But they were here.
Ben said his "I do," followed by Rey and when they turned to each other, they put their rings on each other's fingers, Ben shaking as he did so, but Rey quickly getting it done for fear of dropping the band. And then came time for the end. Without hesitation, Ben grabbed Rey's face and pulled her to him, pressing his lips to hers as cheers erupted in the ballroom. Rey melted in his arms, not wanting to break free yet as her hand laid on his chest. When they pulled apart, Ben gave her a warm smile, his own eyes watering at the beauty of it all. He told her he loved her over the cheering and started to escort her down the walkway. Now time for pictures, and then food at Maz's.
X~x~x~x~x~X
Rey and Ben had piled into his Nissan GTR and scurried off to get their clothes changed for Maz's reception. They both wore smiles and the air between them was a joyous one, one that couldn't wait to start the rest of their lives together. They chose Luke's to change their clothes, both feeling comfortable enough to change in the same room as each other now. Rey glanced over her shoulder at Ben and saw the way his muscles rippled as he slid his jacket off. The shirt underneath did nothing to hide his muscles. He didn't really need to change, but he did want to get out of the bowtie and jacket. She knew he hated that. She couldn't help but giggle at him when he sighed as the bowtie was lost on her old bed. He turned to look at her, smiling at her as she blushed. She slowly turned her back to him, asking if he could unzip and unbutton her, glancing shyly over her shoulder at him. He stood frozen in place, a pink tint slowly turning red. "Ben... can you... I can't unzip it myself."
Ben cleared his throat awkwardly and mumbled under his breath as he approached her. He helped her unfasten the bolero that Leia and Amilyn helped her with. She shrugged out of that with a soft sigh and then his eyes landed on the scar. He gently touched it and Rey stiffened. "What happened?" he asked softly.
Rey ducked her head and glanced back at him. "Plutt. Got in trouble for getting the wrong part and... yeah."
Ben frowned, but shrugged it off as he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her back against his chest. "No one will hurt you again," he promised as he kissed her scar. She blushed and smiled at him, holding his clasped hands around her waist. "Let's get this dress off of you," he said as he gently released her and went to work at unbuttoning and unzipping her dress. The more he saw of her naked back, the more he wanted to see, but he resisted the urge. When she was unzipped, the dress started to fall to the ground, but she grabbed it and held it against her quietly. "I'll go," he said as he started to walk off, but Rey grabbed his hand, stopping him.
"It's ok," she whispered. Her face was redder than red, but somehow her voice exuded confidence. He stayed when she released his hand, a quick glance up at him, showing she was comfortable enough. A small smile formed on her lips. She let the dress fall, revealing her undergarments to him. As much as he wanted to stare, he also wanted to give her privacy, but then realized that he'd see her this way a lot in the future anyway so he decided to look at her, his eyes raking up and down her body, as if memorizing every curve, dip and scar. His eyes then rose to hers. She seemed to be fidgeting uncomfortably. "I... um..."
Ben smiled at her shyness before stepping forward and wrapping his arms around her, kissing her forehead. "You're beautiful, Rey," he whispered in her ear. He felt her body heat up from the blush that was spreading, but she wrapped her arms around him, pulling him closer. He kissed her neck, giving it the necessary attention as she softly sighed in his arms, lolling her head back to give him more access. He glanced up at her and saw her eyes closed in content. He chuckled softly as his hand ran up her ribs, thumb stopping just under her bra. If he wanted to, he could lift and touch, but he stopped. "Not now, love. Or we'll be late." Oh, but he wanted to! And she seemed so open to him now. She let out a huff, showing him more that she wanted to at least try it, but he resisted, pulling away just enough to smile down at her, lips mere inches from hers. "There will be time for that later, if you're still up for it," he purred against her lips, pressing his to hers and sensing her urgency. His hand slid around her back, loving the feel of her soft skin beneath his calloused fingers with no clothes in the way. She pressed her body against his and he bit back a groan before pulling away. He had to steady himself, committed to his resolve to not take her now. But that resolve was steadily slipping, he realized. He cleared his throat when he saw the sultry look Rey was giving him. "W-where's your dress?"
X~x~x~x~x~X
After a long time trying to resist each other's advances, they finally made it out of the house. She was in a delicate white dress, spaghetti strap, that reached to just below her knees. It looked like a modest cocktail dress. It had a sash around the waist, coming to a bow on the side. Her heels were white and he substituted his bowtie for an actual tie, black of course, against his white dress shirt. They pulled up to Maz's and Rey heard music coming from the inside. She looked over at Ben and saw him considering her silently. "What?"
Ben smiled at her, his hand going behind her neck and gently pulling her to him. "I love you, Rey," he said as he kissed her again. His right hand played with her rings on her left hand. She tilted her head to deepen the kiss, but they pulled apart when they heard a loud clearing of throats and a knock on the hood.
They looked outside and saw Han standing there with his arms crossed and Leia wearing a small grin. "Save it for later, kids. Hop out," Han said to them, earning a small laugh from Rey. The two got out of the car and Ben held Rey's hand in his. Ben's parents each gave him a hug, telling him how proud they were of him and Han's eyes fell on Rey. "Well now. You must be something special to have gotten Ben's attention. Han Solo," he said as he held out his hand to her. She hesitated, glancing up at Ben and over at Leia. When Leia smiled and nodded at her, she smiled back and looked at Han, giving him a hug.
"Nice to meet you, Han."
Han blinked a few times and awkwardly patted her back. Ben and Leia both let out a chuckle at the man. He clearly wasn't used to being touched unless he initiated it. She pulled back with a smile and Han could see what captivated his son so much. Leia grabbed Rey in a hug then and the two shared a soft laugh, making Ben smirk at his dad. "You see it, too," Ben said simply before stealing his wife back from his mom and walking into Maz's.
The night went as expected. They were forced to dance with each other while everyone was watching, shared some cake, Rey shoving it in Ben's face as a joke and Ben wiping icing on her cheek, only to lick it off. It was a really nice night of being silly. And when she threw the bouquet, as per tradition, as insisted upon by Rose, Paige and Amilyn, she did. Rose caught it. The girl was blushing and smiling from ear to ear and Finn only cleared his throat nervously, smiling shyly at Rose, but Poe elbowed his ribs with a laugh. She looked out from her table next to Ben and smiled at all of her friends. She'd learned that the tall man was Chewie, Ben's adopted uncle. Chewie was a workmate of Han's, and they were as close as brothers. She'd come to appreciate all of these people that she'd come to know.
She felt an arm around her shoulders, a nose nuzzling her ear and that deep voice she loved so much grace her ears. "Thoughts?"
Rey smiled at him and leaned against him, glass in hand with the champagne she realized she loved so much. "It's nice to have a family," she said simply, leaning her head against his shoulder.