Sparks
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A/N-LOL, I'm not sure if anyone is still actually reading this, but here's the next chapter anyway. ;)
Chapter Twelve-Love
The wands of rising branches of the Wroshyr trees became dancing silhouettes in the night sky above Ben. Beneath the noble starry-black, he observed the beauty of Kashyyyk's three moons-one a brilliant ball of orange. They graced the planet's sky to glow equally for all, a picture in light as if created by love. Ben couldn't remember the last time he had felt so relaxed, so at peace with the world and himself. In the night he felt as one with the flora of nature that surrounded him all on sides, alive and unseeing.
Into this peaceful solitude walked Rey. Like always, Ben took a moment to drink her in, she radiated a quiet beauty that always left him feeling breathless. As he let his eyes wander from the loveliness of her face to her hair, a smile found its way to his lips. "What happened to you?" He laughed.
"Ha ha." Rey deadpanned. "I'm glad you find my predicament so amusing, Ben Solo."
Rey's mid-length brunette hair was a mass of wind tousled curls. It framed her face like a wild halo. The silky strands bounced and waved, the light of the three moons giving her hair a glimmering red sheen. She stopped in front of Ben; her hands placed on her hips as she stared up at him. "You could have warned me about this particular Wookiee custom."
"I just assumed you knew." Ben teased as reached out and tried to tame the curly morass. His touch was tactile and comforting. He ran his fingers through the fine strands as if giving her the gentlest of massages. "You know being groomed by a Wookiee is regarded as one of the highest compliments they can pay you. You should feel honoured."
"Oh, really?" Rey arched one eyebrow and gave him a keen look. "Then you should consider yourself equally as honoured."
"What do you mean?" Ben's tone turned wary. In the distance he saw the dark outline of three tall figures.
"Its your turn next." Rey grinned. "Have fun, sweetie."
Ben suddenly looked hunted. "No way! No one is touching my hair!" His hands flew to his head as he slowly backed away from the approaching female Wookiees.
"But it's the highest compliment a Wookiee can pay you, remember?" Rey called after him gleefully as she threw his own words back at him. She put one hand over her mouth to stifle her giggles as she watched Ben turn on his heel and run in the opposite direction.
The campfire appeared to echo the starlight above. The flickering flames highlighted the Wookiees thick, shaggy coats of fur-they came in a variety of shades of brown, black, grey, and white. At the head of the group sat Chewbacca, with Ben and Rey flanking him on either side. His piercing blue eyes looked on with amusement at Ben's tousled black hair. It was sticking up in all directions. The female Wookiees had easily ambushed him, bringing him down in a co-ordinated attack. When they had Ben cornered, they set to work, spending many happy hours pulling at his hair as they groomed him. What was relaxing to them, was the opposite to him. But like Rey, he had endured all the attention, knowing that this was such a sacred custom of the Wookiees.
After a hearty meal and sharing several stories about the Wookiee society and culture, a comfortable silence fell among the group, only broken by the occasional crackle coming from the campfire. Flames sent red sparks dancing into the breeze. Ben glanced across at Rey, she sat on Chewie's other side on a mossy log, her face toasted warm, mesmerised, relaxed. The smoke twirled heavenward charming her worries away. A lump rose in Ben's throat, he didn't think it was possible she could look more beautiful than she already did, but tonight she was practically glowing.
Rey felt his gaze on her and turned to make eye-contact. His eyes were full of tenderness, his emotions clearly on display, the vulnerability telling Rey he needed more of a connection, or maybe that she did, though in reality it was both of them. His eyes looked so different in moments like these, softer than she knew eyes could be. If it were anyone else, she would drop her gaze, but with him she was always drawn in closer, always wanting more.
Chewie looked at Ben and Rey knowingly. In all his long years of life, he didn't remember ever coming across such a palpable attraction between two sentient beings. The air was thick with it. It was like a tangible thread in the air, you couldn't help but be aware of it. It was so obvious the young couple were dying to leave so they could be alone, but were too polite to leave the gathering early in case they caused offence. Chewbacca looked over at the other Wookiees, his blue eyes twinkling with mirth. They were all wearing the exact same expressions as he was. They could all feel it, sense it.
"I think we should call it a night." Chewbacca said in a soft whine, deciding to be magnanimous.
Ben and Rey rose immediately, not even bothering to hide the relief on their faces. They murmured a quick goodnight to everyone, before quickly melting into the darkness. Once they were out of earshot, a loud rumble of laughter (which to the human ear sounded like a series of guttural growls) erupted around the campfire from the gathered Wookiees.
Ben's attraction to Rey was the sanest kind of madness. That's the only way he could describe it. It swirled between them as invisible ropes, as he tugged on her hand, just stopping short of picking her up and hauling her over his shoulder in his haste to reach the Falcon.
"Slow down." Rey said breathlessly as she tried to keep up with his longer strides.
"I'm sorry." Ben apologised as he slowed his pace a little. He turned to face her, walking backwards as he took both of her hands in his. When he looked at her, it was if space and time became the finest point imaginable, as if time collapsed into one tiny speck and exploded at light speed. His universe began and ended with her. He was so in love; it was physically painful. He often wondered how he had managed to survive so many years separated from her. "Is this better?"
Rey watched him move backwards, his eyes always trained on her face. There was so much of the warrior in him, but it was combined with a gentleness that made her heart reach out. She bit her lip, wondering how she had lived without him all these years. It was a miracle they had found each at all. If she had never crossed paths with BB-8 under the hot desert sun, she would probably still be on Jakku, endlessly waiting for her parents to come claim her. How naïve she had been? How lonely? She never wanted to feel that way ever again, not now she had found her soul's other half.
The Falcon's forward mandibles loomed out of the darkness; Rey felt Ben's fingers tighten around her own as their anticipation began to build. Even though it was far from their first time, somehow it felt like it. This was different. They were truly alone. They wouldn't have to engage in their usual hurried fumbling in the dark like on Ajan Kloss, worrying that they would be overheard, they could take their time, explore each other at leisure, be as loud as they wanted. No interruptions.
Ben's teeth gleamed white in the darkness as he smiled. It was the softest smile, holding all the love Rey would ever need. She returned it as he drew her into his arms. They had reached the opened ramp now. In his embrace, Rey's world stopped still on its axis. There was no time, no wind, no rain. Her mind was totally at peace. Again, she wondered how she hadn't seen Ben's love for what it was before? Pure. Unselfish. Undemanding. Free. Why had she been so blind to what he was offering when he held out his hand? Rey felt his body press in, soft and warm. This was the love she'd waited for all her life, prayed for. She inwardly thanked whatever miracle had brought them together and hugged all the tighter. A love like this was to be cherished for life. Finally, she was home….
When Ben scooped her up into his arms and carried her bridal style up the ramp, Rey made no protest, instead her quiet laughter echoed through the night as they disappeared inside the ship.
A/N-thanks for reading!