Rey and Ben walk hand in hand to the main hub of the hotel they are staying at. It resides in the heart of the capital city of Theed. Each hallway they walk down is filled with giggles and chuckles. Their love can be seen clearly by others staying at the hotel. They come to the end of one hallway and see Finn and Poe waiting for them by a large window.
"Took you long enough," Finn teases as he pulls Rey into a hug.
Rey hugs him back, gives Poe a hug, and then returns to Ben's side. As much as she enjoys the company of her Resistance friends, Rey never wants to be too far away from Ben's side. Since the Battle of Exegol, they have been inseparable. They nearly lost one another that day. Each day afterwards, Rey and Ben have always been together. Growing, learning, teaching, and being one.
"Are you ready for the rehearsal?" Poe asks, sliding a hand into Finn's open hand.
"Do we really have to rehearse?" Rey asks, trying not to roll her eyes at the classic tradition.
"Yes! It's very important we practice so everyone knows what is supposed to happen tomorrow," Finn explains excitedly.
"What does it matter? Who cares if it's not perfect?" Rey asks.
She turns her head to look at Ben. He smiles gently down at her, making her heart race. Rey takes a breath and turns her attention back on Poe and Finn.
"What I mean is...this is our day. What should matter the most is Ben and I being together surrounded by the people we love. Right?" she says gently.
Ben slides his arm around Rey's waist and hugs her close. She leans into his side and wraps an arm around his back. He presses a gentle kiss to the top of her head. Then he leans down, his breath tickling her ear.
"I think we can indulge them in this, Rey. It shouldn't take long," he whispers, kissing her behind her ear before standing back up to his full height.
Rey sighs and nods.
"We know it's your day. We just want you to be happy and for you to have it be a perfect day," Poe explains.
"You deserve the best day," Finn adds.
Rey looks from each Resistance general and smiles. Since bringing Ben back with her from Exegol, it was a little rocky between the four of them. It got to the point where Rey thought about taking Ben and leaving the Resistance all together. But the generals eventually came around and were able to see Ben Solo the way Rey had always seen him.
Finn and Poe lead Rey and Ben down the hallway to a door opening up to a beautiful garden. This was where the ceremony was going to be held. Ben had picked it because he knew how much Rey loved the color green. He always wants to make her happy. They all walk about the garden until they come to a small gazebo. It glistens in the sunlight and Rey can't help but be wowed by it's subtle beauty. There are two vases filled with flowers on either side of the steps leading up to the gazebo filled with all of Rey's favorite flowers.
"So Poe will be standing on the first step of the gazebo to officiate the ceremony. You two will walk down the aisle at different times: Ben first, followed by BB-8 with the rings, then Rey," Poe explains.
"Once you both are together, Poe will begin the ceremony before you two say your vows," Finn continues.
"Then you will exchange the rings and that will be the ceremony," Poe finishes.
Rey looks at the eager generals and feels so much love from them. She is very thankful to have such caring friends in her life.
"If I could ask for something?" Ben speaks up.
Poe and Finn look at Ben and wait for his response. Rey looks up at her fiancée in wonder and curiosity.
"I want to walk with Rey down the aisle," he says softly.
The blush on Ben's cheeks doesn't escape Rey's notice as her heart flutters from his statement. Finn and Poe look at him curiously, still stunned by this softer side of this man they once feared. They step forward and each place a hand on either one of Ben's shoulders.
"Of course you can," Finn says with a smile.
Ben returns the smile and claps his free hand on top of Finn's. He looks over at Poe and nods towards him. Poe nods back with a smile. They step away slightly and continue going through the rehearsal.
"Do you both have your vows prepared?" Poe asks.
Ben and Rey look at each other, staring deeply at one another. Rey blushes as she nods in response to Poe's question.
"Then that is that - we're all set for the ceremony tomorrow!" Finn exclaims excitedly.
"But there is one last thing for the both of you. You each need to go to your final fittings for what you'll be wearing tomorrow," Poe cuts in, patting Finn on the arm as a reminder.
"We'll be there," Ben says with a nod.
He turns with Rey and they make their way back to the hotel. They walk together until they reach Jannah and Rose's room. Rey turns to Ben and smiles up at him. Ben smiles down at her and kisses her gently.
"I can't wait to see what your dress looks like," he whispers against her lips.
"I can't imagine you in a tuxedo," she whispers with a giggle as he pulls her closer.
They continue kissing for a few more moments until the door opens.
"Rey! I'm so glad you're here! Come in, come in! And you, Ben - you can't see her dress yet," Rose exclaims excitedly.
"I know. I'll go to my fitting," he replies with a wink.
Then his attention falls on Rey. They stare longingly at one another. Rose chuckled and shook her head as Jannah came to stand behind her.
"Come on, Ben. You'll see her after the fitting," Jannah says with a smile.
Ben's eyes raise to meet Jannah's and he nods. He gives Rey a small smile and kisses her hand tenderly. Before he turns to leave, Rey jumps and wraps her arms around his neck. She kisses him deeply on his plush lips. They pull apart and giggle together. Kissing one last time, they part ways for the time being.
"Come on, Rey. Let's get to your fitting," Jannah and Rose tease together.