Ah, welcome! I have been itching to put a Reylo story out for a while now, and I had an idea for a modern-day one. I'm planning this to be a long term project of mine! I haven't written a fanfiction in quite a long time, so I apologize in advance if I'm a little rusty in some spots, as time goes on it should flow much smoother. Please note that this is Rated M, namely for chapters in the future. For now, please enjoy chapter one!
Living in a big city was something that Rey Palpatine was used to. The hustle and bustle, all the noise, sights and energy of everyday life. However, she welcomed the relief and quiet of entering her apartment.
Rey lived in the center of the city, to some that may sound like a luxury but it was quite dangerous. Robberies, stabbings and shootings were common around the area. Thankfully Rey always kept pepper spray on her person and made sure to lock her apartment door whenever she went out. Despite all this, this was home.
Rey was just getting back from running a few errands, including picking up some groceries and some paints for her new project. She was a freelance painter, doing works for people who hired her as well as doing her works. Unfortunately, being a painter didn't cover all the bills. She also worked part-time at a bookstore with her best friend, Rose Tico. Rose had been her roommate for a while until she moved in with her boyfriend, Finn.
Setting her lanyard and the bags she was carrying onto the counter, Rey flicked on the kitchen light. Her kitchen was moderately sized with an electric stove, stone-top counters with dark oak cupboards and a gray double door refrigerator. One of the bags that she was carrying contained some paints and brushes for her work.
Rey began to unload the bags, putting the groceries away in various cupboards and the refrigerator. She brought the paints and brushes into the living room which also served as her studio. Canvas', painted and plain, rested in a corner between two windows covered by a white sheer curtain.
Peering out the window as she pulled the curtain back, she saw that the sky was painted pink and orange as the sun descended in the distance. She looked down to the street, Rey lived on the fourth floor, she saw that there were still many cars driving about as well as people walking along the sidewalks, couples, and singles. Rey was currently single, but she was not miserable. She had her painting and her friends which was enough for now.
Rey unlocked and opened her window to let the cool spring breeze in, fluttering her curtains. She could now hear birds singing outside, and the sound of voices just below in the streets. Pulling her window open even more, Rey looked outside and saw a moving van. The back was open and she could see two movers hauling out furniture and boxes.
Someone must be moving into the building was her first thought. She wondered where at in the building. Realizing that she had forgotten a bag in her car, Rey pulled away from the window and grabbed her keys. She also realized that maybe she could see who the new tenant would be. Still wearing her shoes, light blue Toms, Rey exited her apartment and descended the stairs. There was an elevator but it had been out of service for years.
Eventually Rey reached the ground floor, which was mostly a wide hallway that leads to the front door and the apartments on the ground level. The front door was propped open with a box that must have been heavy enough to hold the heavy door. Suddenly, the two movers were hauling an expensive-looking black leather couch in through the door, Rey quickly ducked out of the way, pressing against the wall. After they had moved past, Rey headed for the door. As she was about to walk out, she ran right into a body much bigger and harder than hers. She stumbled but kept her footing.
"Oh, sorry!" Rey apologized; she had a British accent. She looked up to see who she had bumped into. Feeling warmth flush to her freckled cheeks.
The figure in front of her was tall and looked to be well built. He had strong features and dark eyes that bore into her, as well as mid-length black hair. He wore a powdered blue button-up that had the sleeves rolled up, black pants and shoes.
"That's alright." He said in a deep voice, his eyes flickered across her face. Rey noticed and glanced away for a moment. Thankfully, he stepped aside so she could get past. Rey slipped past him and headed outside, the cool breeze washing the warmth from her cheeks.
Once she was outside, she headed for her car. Unlocking it and retrieving the bag that she had forgotten. After she had it, she waited again as the movers were bringing a glass coffee table through the door. She went back inside and found that the man she had nearly been toppled over by, was still there. She might as well be friendly.
"You must be the one moving in here," Rey said as she watched the movers bring the table up the stairs, being very careful in the process. Once they were out of sight, she looked at the man.
"That's correct." The man said as he looked down at her. "And I assume you live here." He added with his deep voice.
"Yes! I do." Rey said with a smile, looking up at him. "Where are my manners...Rey Palpatine." She said as she extended a hand, which he took firmly and shook. Rey internally shuddered at her last name; it had been something her grandfather had insisted.
"Ben Solo." He replied with a faint smile, his hand lingering in hers for a moment before pulling back. She had very soft hands, he noticed. She must be a painter; he had also noticed some dry white paint on her cheek and her hands. He hardly paid mind to her odd last-name.
"Nice to meet you Ben," Rey replied with a smile, her hand felt warm after they had shaken hands. "Well I better get back to my place." She said as she began to walk away. "I'll see you around, Ben Solo.
Soon enough, Rey got back to her apartment. Cool air flowed in through the window she had opened earlier in the evening. She kept thinking about the man she had just met. He looked so out of place in a fairly mediocre apartment complex. He looked like he should be living in a penthouse or even just a house. Rey shook her head and went to get ready for bed.
Walking into her bedroom, she flicked on the light. Her room was pretty messy, with clothes laying on the bed and the floor, shoes haphazardly thrown about and some paint splatters on the dark wood floor. "I'll clean up tomorrow," Rey said to herself as she stepped over a few articles of clothing on the way to the bathroom that was connected to her bedroom.
Once she was in the bathroom, she undressed, tossing her clothes in a clothes basket by the sink. She drew up a warm bath and added some lavender-scented bubbles before getting in. She had her hair tied up as to not get it wet. Closing her eyes as the warm water and the scent of lavender helped relax her from an eventful day, Rey rested her head against the linoleum wall.
Rey soon finished up in the bath. Climbing out, her body dripping water onto the light blue bath mat she had just outside the tub. She wrapped a fluffy white towel around herself and walked into her bedroom where she dried off completely and changed into an old t-shirt and soft shorts as pajamas. She shut off her lights and climbed into bed, welcoming the relief of a soon-to-be goodnights sleep.