Rey woke from a dream that was so intoxicating she'd almost been able to convince herself it was real. A crooked smile. The touch of a lover. The feeling of connection and contentment. And belonging—a childhood dream come true. With a shake, she pushed herself up from her small bed. The rough synthfur caught against her skin as she struggled to sit, brain foggy as the sleepiness lingered.

It was a dream she'd had many times before.

When she'd been small and alone, before she'd killed Unkar Plutt, before she'd left that barren hellscape of Jakku, Rey would dream of a better life. Sometimes, instead of studying alien languages or practicing flight sims, she'd read. In the crew's quarters on downed Imperial ships, far from the big hauls that would draw other scavengers, she'd find little personal treasures which were all that remained of the long-dead officers and troopers.

So many datapads with stories, some of which were absolutely not appropriate for a young girl, but she read anyway. There was one story, however, that always stood out, that she'd never forgotten, even after she'd murdered and fought and clawed her way out of that life.

There was a girl who was unloved, and she found herself looking for her family, but losing herself on along the way. And in this story, there was also a boy, one who had lost himself so long ago that he no longer remembered who he was or what it was that made life worth living. He'd sold himself to a great and terrible entity for power so that his existence could mean something. The entity assured him that all he wanted was within his grasp, if only he made a small sacrifice—his freedom. Surely it was such a thing to ask for in the face of such immeasurable power?

Lies. Betrayal. Deceit. His path was darkness until he met the girl. And everything changed. Sometimes, Rey would pretend that she was the lost girl, fighting for survival against insurmountable odds. Sometimes, she was the dark boy, given himself so wholly to the darkness that he didn't see the cracks in his armor until her light shined through.

Together, they saved each other in every way possible. The story's ending was a happy one and Rey had read and reread that tale until, one day, the datapad had refused to turn on anymore and the story was shelved in her memories. But she never forgot it and, sometimes, she even dreamed about it.

Today was one of those days, and waking to the reality that nothing had changed, that she was still in Maz's castle, still poor, still scraping by... still in the service of someone else, even if that someone else was no longer Unkar Plutt.

And still, she dreamed of freedom. She really was an irrepressible fucking fool, wasn't she? A voice sounded from outside of her tiny room and Rey knew that, if she lingered any longer, Finn would be pushing through and into her room to drag her bodily out of bed.

But first, Rey reached over and grabbed her datapad and connected to the Holonet. She wasn't getting shit done without checking the news first—asteroid charts, weather on the planet, that sort of thing. Okay, so maybe that wasn't the only thing she was interested in. No one knew... at least, she'd encrypted her datapad so no one should know, that she'd been obsessively checking the gossip holos for news of Ben Solo because, as she'd predicted…

She could. Not. Stop. Thinking about him.

And, given how often he was in the public eye, he was always in the Holos. Night after night, he was seen with the galaxy's elites, a new outfit for every engagement, each more extravagant than the last. He really seemed to live to push the boundaries of fashion. Rey could only imagine what his closet must look like.

Sometimes, he even did events with his mother, which were more subdued, but they made quite the pair—Ben, hovering over his tiny mom as she gave some public speech or another. She was running for Senate again, so she was almost as much in the press as Ben. Not that Rey had noticed or even known that his mother was Leia Organa before meeting him at Dev's.

Rey normally didn't keep up with Aristos, but she just couldn't get Ben Solo out of his head. For the most part, he seemed to attend events alone, but occasionally, he'd have some sentient or another on his arm. It was a badge of honor for the social elite and Rey was more than just a little bit jealous of the fact that it was so easy for these people to have fun, to forget everything else in the galaxy to just… enjoy life.

They could wear a pretty dress. Do their hair. Put on some makeup. Have fun. Oh and be on the arm of one of the galaxy's most eligible bachelors. And Rey looked for a glimpse of that glittering life, more and more and more, every morning and every night checking the gossip on the 'net for news.

Sometimes, Ben smiled in pictures. And he was so breathtakingly handsome that Rey had started saving the candid shots to her 'pad, just to flip through when she was… well, whenever she wanted. Mostly, he was serious in photos and she thought that maybe it was because he knew his face looked pretty fucking good when he was playing a part, but those quick moments where that smile broke through and the frustrating, beautiful, teasing Ben that she'd seen peeked out?

Glorious.

Rey sighed as she read through the gossip. No news since last night. He'd attended the opera in Coruscant with his ex, but they'd arrived separately and left the same way. Not that Rey was paying attention or worried about it, or anything. Armitage Hux was a notorious serial-dater (and she knew this now because her obsession with Ben had extended to his exes, unfortunately). So, she didn't have anything to worry about. Not that she was worried. She was not worried! Why would she be worried?

Rey sighed to herself. Same old excuses. Same bullshit. She cared because she'd kind of gone and gotten a crush on Ben Solo, who'd kissed her more soundly, and so completely, that she'd not been able to get the feel of his lips—body—teeth out of her mind since. That stupid ass. The absolute cad. How dare he? And yet…

Sometimes, when she was really lonely, she'd think about his promise that what they could have together didn't have to hurt and she'd regret turning him down. Sometimes, with her hand between her legs and her lip tight between her teeth, she'd pretend it was his fingers touching her, pushing her higher, and then she really regretted it.

But, mostly, she knew her place and was absolutely certain that she did not belong in Ben Solo's life at all, no matter how enticing he was. And, besides, what would he want with a desert rat like her? She had more important shit to worry about—like making some fucking credits so she could get out of this life.

Clearing all thoughts of her dreams, of complicated, beautiful temptations, Rey focused on the moment—closed her eyes and really felt what she needed to do next. And it was with a blinding sense of clarity she realized that there was something in her mind that wasn't quite right, wasn't quite her, actually.

It felt as if something was waiting just at the edge of her awareness for her to really notice, for then, and only then, would the source of her confusion reveal itself. And as quick as it revealed itself, the feeling was gone, and she was alone. It felt strangely important. Like being tugged in a certain direction by an unseen force.

What the fuck was that? She wondered to herself while reluctantly slipping out of the bed. Her feet hit the cold stone floor, and she cursed as she fumbled around for some slippers. She eventually got her shit together enough to hit the shared 'fresher on her side of the castle before getting on with the rest of her morning routine and kind of brushed the whole mental weirdness as lingering effects from her dream.

Things slipped back into a familiar sort of normal, but she couldn't banish the thought that something big was about to happen, something life-changing.

Good or bad, she wondered before finishing up with getting ready.

Rey didn't have much time to spare thinking about it and, soon enough, she was in the galley with Maz and Finn to hear a briefing for their next job. It was something different from their normal spice runs. This job paid well, unlike most of the others they'd had recently. Maz would have her cut, of course, but that left more than enough for her and Finn to split. And maybe, just maybe, she'd be able to put some of those credits away for safe keeping and save up for a new life.

Other staff from around the castle moved throughout the galley, slipping in and out as the sounds of dishes and food being scraped together filled the room. It was a big space but felt smaller for all the activities. It was actually one of Rey's favorite parts of the castle and one where she didn't feel quite so alone. Plus, there was always extra food lying around and Rey was always hungry.

Rey sipped on a bitter cup of instant caf while waiting for the nanowave to finish heating up her breakfast. Once it was finished, breakfast and caf in hand, she walked over to the small table in the corner and slipped into a seat beside Finn who looked like was nursing a hangover.

"Up too late in the cantina?" Rey asked, just barely keeping the smug smile from her face. Rose was probably unimpressed, but she'd also had her fair share of late nights in Maz's. They all had.

Finn groaned. "Yeah, one bet led to another and—you know what? Let's not talk about it. My head is throbbing."

"I can make you one of my hangover cures if you want?" Rey offered and this time she couldn't keep the smirk from her face.

Finn made a face. "Fuck no, but thank you. That cure is worse than the hangover."

Maz stepped into the room, her tiny frame somehow managing to take up a huge presence in the galley. Maz was all business at this time of the day and went right into what she wanted and needed Finn and Rey to hear.

"We're branching out," she said with a coy smile, hands rubbing together as she considered them both. "Getting some new business—protecting clients."

Rey wasn't sure what she meant by 'new' considering Finn had been doing bodyguard work for Maz since before Rey had even landed on Takodana, but she'd never expected that kind of work from Rey. Guess things were changing.

"Don't we already?" Finn asked before swiping Rey's caf and gingerly giving a sip. "This is terrible," he added to Rey, who rolled her eyes and ignored him.

"Certainly, but not of this caliber. It's time to make some real money!" Maz said with a little chuckle. She looked absolutely thrilled with herself, which Rey knew was a bad sign. Whenever Maz looked thrilled about something, it usually meant that she or Finn were going to be put through some sort of wringer.

"What kind of clients?" Rey asked before scooping up a spoonful of her rapidly cooling oats.

Maz fixed her gaze on Rey, glasses glinting in the low light of the galley as she stared. Rey liked Maz, but she was wary of her—she was wary of everyone, really. But Maz in particular. It was hard enough to trust, but knowing that Maz had lived for the equivalent of almost 40 of her human lives was daunting to think about.

Finally, Maz answered, "Same as always."

"So, babysitters for the rich," Rey finished with a sigh. Rich Aristos with too much time and no responsibilities. Great.

Maz laughed. "This is why I like you! Never afraid to say it how it is. But you should mind yourself Rey, your face always gives you away, even if your words don't."

Rey shrugged because it was only true for people who actually knew her. She worked to keep herself as stoic and disconnected as possible. It didn't always work. Somehow, her anger always managed to get through, but often her bluff was good enough to trick most sentients.

Not Ben Solo, her mind unhelpfully supplied. No, not him at all. He, like Maz, seemed to know things about herself that even she didn't. It was unnerving, but there wasn't much she could do about it other than avoid him, which was what she fully intended to do.

Rey's spoon hit the side of her bowl with a little clink as she finished her breakfast. Finn gave her an incredulous look, and she knew it meant something like 'You eat as fast as a bantha during feedings,' but she didn't take offense.

She did eat quickly. It was something she'd learned at a young age, either you eat quick, or there might not be any food left. People weren't kind or forgiving to scavengers on Jakku and, more than once, she'd had her portions taken after not paying close enough attention to her surroundings. Better to eat fast now than to not eat at all.

"I thought Aristos had their own security details?" Finn, voice strained as if every word amplified the pain of his hangover.

"Syndicates are branching out and headhunting the best. The Aristos are playing power games. I have no time for such nonsense, but I do not like that the syndicates are sticking their noses in where they don't belong," Maz grumbled.

Rey could understand that. She'd had a few run-ins with syndicates over the years and it was always nasty business. Almost lost her head more than a few times. And it wasn't just any syndicate that had been giving Maz trouble, but Crimson Dawn.

Rey had more than a few run-ins with them herself, and she knew that this bodyguard business wasn't just a new source of income, with Maz, it was personal. Which meant Rey had to keep her eyes open and her ears to the ground for information on what the Syndicate was planning.

"What do they want?" Finn asked.

Maz chuckled softly. "What they always want—power, money, influence."

"And that means fucking around with the Aristos?" Rey asked and Maz gave her a nod.

"Certainly does. Dev had men at his doorstep just last week, asking for protection money."

Rey made a face. The last thing she wanted was to deal with syndicate goons like that, and she said so. And, to her surprise, Maz nodded her agreement.

"That's bigger than I want to mess around with too. But for private events, public outings, you and the others will be up for contract work as… deterrents."

"Deterrents," Rey deadpanned.

"Yes, you will stand around and look pretty and help your hosts if anything untoward happens."

"And if we don't wanna?" Finn dared to ask. She must have had this conversation with the rest of her smugglers, as Finn and Rey were hardly the only people in her employ—though, they were her favorites.

"Then you know where the door is, my dear boy," she replied, which was answer enough. Take the jobs protecting rich Aristos or show yourself out.

Not much of a choice, but I guess I'll take it. Rey gave Finn a look, and he seemed to be coming to the same conclusion as her.

Finn shrugged. "Guess I should brush up on my blaster skills."

"You wouldn't need to brush up if you just listened to me once in a while," Rey teased.

It was true. Rey didn't have the luxury of getting sloppy as there was no telling when she'd need to make a break for it—and quick. But Finn had Rose and, in a way, Maz, which made him soft. Rey didn't have that security. She was no one who had no one. But that was okay. At least, this way, it would keep her from getting hurt again.

"Blaster skills aside," Maz interrupted. "You two need to brush up on your manners."

"I'm plenty polite," Finn disagreed.

"Social protocol with these events is a little different from what you two are responsible for when delivering spice. Don't draw attention to yourselves and keep others from drawing attention, as well."

"Deterrents," Rey finished as Maz nodded in agreement.

"Look like you belong, keep our clients safe and happy, and keep things flowing—or find a quick exit. That is your job."

"And when do these jobs start?" Rey asked as she finished her drink, and wasn't quite paying attention to how grimy it was at the bottom, so ended up with a mouthful of caf-flavored silt in her mouth.

Instead of answering, Maz asked. "Do you have formal clothing, Rey?"

Rey blinked, sucking the rest of the caf from her teeth, before gesturing to herself. "This is as formal as it gets, Maz."

"Well, we'll have to see about that, won't we?" Maz replied. And Rey knew from the smile on Maz's face that, whatever was happening with this new assignment was, she was not going to enjoy it. Not one bit.


About three hours later, back in her room, Rey was most definitely not enjoying herself. At least, she had Finn for support, but at the moment, he was pissing her off more than anything else.

"You know, you're almost pretty when you're not covered in an inch of dirt," Finn mused as Rey glared over her shoulder.

"Shut the fuck up."

"Never, pumpkin," he promised with a laugh. "Seriously though, you look great. Almost respectable. You sure you're not secretly a runaway from some noble family yourself?"

Rey sighed. "Nope, I'm a certified nothing and nobody from nowhere."

Finn cocked his head to the side. "Well, you coulda fooled me."

So, maybe she didn't look as bad as she thought she would in a dress. And Maz had been thoughtful enough to consider her weapons as the holster on her leg was sufficiently hidden and her boots were high enough to hide a vibroblade. And there were sharp pins in her hair if things got really rough. But the rest of the dress… left precious little to the imagination—with a deep split in the front and the back. She looked more like a companion than a bodyguard, though Maz had explained that this was part of the plan.

And it wasn't black, it was a lush, forest green. Rey didn't wear anything but black, normally. But this was apparently going to help her blend in better—people at celebrations didn't wear black, apparently.

"I can see the line of my underwear with this," Rey grumbled as Finn snorted out a laugh.

"Yeah, I don't think you're supposed to be wearing anything but courage under this," he explained.

"Are you fucking serious?"

"The most fucking serious," he managed while holding back another laugh at her expense.

"This is going to kill me," Rey grumbled, hopelessly.

"Probably," Finn agreed. "But at least you'll look good going down."

"That is something, I guess." Rey smoothed out the skirt of her dress while she stared at the stranger in the mirror.

Almost looks like one of those makeover transformations from the holo-dramas, she thought. She really did look different when she wasn't covered in blood and dirt and sweat. Almost respectable, even.

Finn gave her a long, appraising look, hand raising up to his chin for a moment as he considered Rey. "Now, we just need to do something about that hair."

"What's wrong with my hair?" Rey asked before self-consciously patting her messy bun.

"Oh, everything," he commented mildly and entirely ignored her indignation, finishing with, "I'll get Rose. She can handle anything, even your hair."

Rey was still shouting obscenities at him, her hair, the fucking dress, the whole situation that necessitated this bullshit, as he ducked out of her room.

And this isn't even the worst part. The Galactic Concordance celebrations are a big deal on their own… but Leia Organa is also throwing a party for her son.

Ben Solo. I get to play bodyguard during the speeches and then have to watch as the world celebrates his name day.

"This is going to kill me," she repeated aloud, to no one in particular, as she had the faintest feeling that somewhere in the galaxy Ben Solo knew of her plight, and was joyous with the prospect of what was yet to come.


Author's notes: Any mistakes are my own and yes I am just writing in tropes and situations I enjoy in fic lol what of it? Rating is probably going to go up in like two chapters, which means some of this will only be on Ao3 because it's 2020 and ffnet is in 2002 (search for Butterscotch Goddamn or Pacificwanderer/CNichole to find my work on Ao3). I can't wait for Concordance daaaaaaaay ha ha ha.