Chapter 23: Thinking of the Future

Ben laid back down on the cool grass to allow the tide of emotions to wash over him. After almost an hour, he had accepted everything his mother had told him and actually felt quite airy inside. Usually his emotions felt as if they were weighing down on his conscious, but now he felt lightweight.

He got up and walked over to his and Rey's ship. He reached out with the force, feeling their two force signatures moving around at a busy pace. They were organizing and putting away supplies.

Rey, would you like me to help you two with the supplies? He asked across their bond.

Rey was silent for a moment. Actually, me and Finn are just about finished. You're welcome to come inside though, you know that right? Her voice chuckled in his head and he relished it's sweet sound.

Ben stepped inside going to the cargo hold where they were busy organizing what they had brought in.

"We have plenty of water and food portions, as well as, supplies for making campfires, makeshift shelters, staying warm at night and tools for fixing the ship, should we need it. Our sabers are in the kitchen and so is the blaster Finn will be using should he need that. We should be ready to go at dawn." Rey was reporting to Ben since he had missed out on them taking stock of what they had.

"Excellent, nice work you two." Ben was listening but also seemed distracted. He did manage a small smile at Finn who seemed ecstatic to see Ben's approval of their work.

"Rey, I'm going to Temmok for something specific. I'll be back within an hour, possibly sooner. Please stay here with Finn, I'm sure he would enjoy some time with just you." Ben continued smiling at the two friends. He hoped that they would enjoy this time together while he took care of his errand.

Finn smiled back at Ben. It was clear that he enjoyed the idea of him and Rey hanging out like old times.

Rey nodded but her expression was slightly worried. Ben? Are you sure you're alright? I'll be happy to stay here, but please tell me you're not going to leave permanently.

Ben was shocked by her statement through their bond. It suddenly dawned on him, he had never gone anywhere without her, since they had decided to be together. Of course she would be worried about being abandoned, it was an emotional scar that had cut her so deeply, that she may never completely heal from it.

Ben couldn't help himself. He briskly walked over to her embracing her in a tight hug, before grabbing hold of her hands in his and staring into her eyes with all the passion he could show her.

"I'm coming back Rey, you know that I could never leave you. I promised you remember? If it eases your mind to know why I'm going, than i'll tell you. I'm getting you a gift before we have to leave tomorrow morning. It's something... special." He beamed at her, his eyes dancing in excitement over getting his love something so sentimental.

Rey smiled back at him warmly. "Okay, I can't wait to see what it is. Also thank you for reassuring me, I really needed that."

Ben squeezed her hands tenderly before letting go and walking out of the cargo hold. He kept up a brisk pace as he exited the ship, and throughout the journey to Temmok.

Meanwhile, Rey and Finn lounged around the kitchen of the ship. They were sipping Tea and discussing what they would like to do after the war was over.

"I haven't really thought much about the specifics of what I would want to do. All I know is that I want to be close to Rose, if she'll have me...heh." Finn laughed nervously rubbing the back of his head with his hand.

Rey chuckled at him. "Finn I don't think you have to worry about that. She saved you from sacrificing yourself on the battlefield and kissed you afterwards. She wouldn't have done that if she didn't really care for you."

He smiled at her. "Yeah, you're right Rey. I don't know why I'm so worried that she doesn't."

"Maybe it's because she's the first woman you've ever liked before." Rey blushed slightly, knowing that this was exactly how she felt about Ben.

Finn blushed and looked at Rey with wide eyes, knowing that this was indeed the reason for his insecurity over Rose. "Yeah, that must be it..."

"Rey... can I ask you something?" Finn had been wanting to ask his friend for advice for a while now, but she was hardly ever alone these days.

"Yes of course you can Finn, what's on your mind?"

"How did you know that you loved Ben? I know it must have been extremely hard for you, giving the circumstances."

Rey sipped her drink thinking for a moment. "Well, if I'm being honest... it was easier than you think. We started having the force bonds and slowly got to know each other through them. I suppose the force gave us an edge over your average relationship."

She chuckled continuing on, "I knew I loved him when he told me, that he was willing to leave the First Order so that we could be together."

Finn nodded looking into his tea, deep in thought over his relationship with Rose.

Ben had arrived in Temmok and was only in town for five minutes, before he saw the store he was looking for. Going inside, he saw large glass cases filled with different kinds of nice and expensive jewelry.

He bee lined towards the rings and within a few moments, had found the one he knew was the one for Rey. He quickly bought the ring, which had a bright yellow diamond in the center of a silver rose, and the band was braided with two silver bands and one rose gold one. It was as beautiful as Rey in Ben's eyes.

He left the small town, continuing his brisk walk back to his and Rey's ship. He was both anxious and ecstatic to give his present to Rey and ask her the most important question he could ever ask.