*it's been 84 years* I was really hoping this whole self-quarantine thing was going to give me a magical burst of writer inspiration but instead it gave me a strong case of "play animal crossing until you can't see straight and the last thing you want to do is write". But I managed! If I catch any mistakes I'll try to patch them up later! Notes at the end - enjoy!
Rey reaches across the bedspread to pull the blanket tighter over her giggling friend. They'd spent a better part of the evening trying out the assortment of products Rose had found in her fresher, even though most of their descriptions were in a language neither girl had never seen. They'd settled for the lotions with the sweetest fruit fragrances and took turns brushing out the others' hair. Rose had wanted to try braiding, but Rey convinced her otherwise once she discovered just how uncoordinated her poor friend had become. One too many glasses and this commander is a loose cannon - and that second bottle of wine didn't help. Rose's cheeks glistened in the warm bedroom glow as she grinned. "All those lotions smell so sweet!"
"They do!" Rey feigned excitement as she tucked her in tight. "Now get some rest and your pillows will smell that nice forever!" "Really! Oh I love that-" Rose snuggled into her sheets. Rey reached to turn out the light but paused as Rose sniffled softly. "This was fun..."
"Rose?" "I like having you as a friend Rey. You're so strong...just like...like..."
Rey took Rose's hand in her own instantly. Finn had told her the sad story of Rose's sister Paige when they'd all reunited on Crait. Rey's heart ached as she realized all the times she'd passed up on spending time with Rose on Ajan Kloss - knowing Finn or Poe was there to keep her company. Rey also realized how much time Rose was prone to spend with Jannah or Kaydel, even when it was just Resistance business. All this time she just wanted that feeling of having a sister again... "I wish I could've met her."
"Ohhhh she would've loved you! Ben too- well besides the whole being a bad guy thing. But if she taught me anything...it's that love is more powerful than anything."
"...Love..." The word felt like lead on Rey's tongue. Rose closed her eyes with a smile. "That's how we won the war. Love! You and Ben are proof of that. And I know you're worried about how everyone feels about him but everything will be okay. Your love is stronger than hatred"
Rey's mouth hung open as she watched her friend soundly fall asleep, her words and their meaning lost to a deep slumber. Rey blinked rapidly as she turned out the light, grabbed her dirty clothes and left the room as quietly as she could manage. As she let her friend's door click shut, Rey instantly felt the pull of the bond from across the house.
She pulled at the sleeves of her long silk robe - another discovery from her girl time. Rose had insisted they try on the robes and their matching nightdresses. Making her way into her room, Rey found Ben standing shirtless over the bed, looking down at two shirts like he was about to interrogate them.
"We keep meeting like this," Rey smirked as she stepped through the threshold and set her clothes down. "did one of those garments do something to you?"
"I'll have you know I was deciding which one I hate the least. Do you think Dameron will let me but in an order for more black clothing?" Ben turned to her as he scooped up the darker beige top, his jaw going slack as he looked at her. "Oh-"
Rey stared back at him as his gaze swept over her. "What...what is it?" Rey blushed and turned away from him, catching herself in the mirror. The robe was a light shade of pink, which seemed to stand out against Rey's tan chest. Her chest - which she considered to be vaguely unexciting - was accentuated with the lace hem of the nightdress and the tight wrap she'd done at her waist. Her hair was half tied up in the smallest bun with the rest cascading against her shoulders. She definitely looked...different.
"You say that like it's a bad thing." Ben's deep voice interrupted her critiques. She turned to find him steps closer to her, his shirt entirely forgotten on the dresser. Rey flushed even more as she realized she'd been assessing her appearance through the bond. "I-I must admit I wasn't paying much attention when Rose and I were getting ready. She had a bit to drink and I was worried she'd hurt herself."
Ben reached out with his hand to touch her hair while his other fell on her waist. "Are you always this flustered when someone compliments you..."
"That depends on who's complimenting me." She smirked as Ben pulled her closer, both his hands resting against her hips. Rey gasped softly as her conscious was flooded with a colorful series of just how much Ben liked her ensemble. It was almost distracting enough to make her forget their task at hand. "I can change into something less distracting. I wouldn't want to get this dirty in your mother's vault."
Ben winced. "I was afraid you'd say that." "Say what? ...Ben?"
"I am...having second thoughts..about going." Ben stepped away from her and grabbed his shirt, sliding it over his massive frame. "I...tried to...meditate...while you were with Rose. My mother didn't call to me or give me any answers and I... don't know what we'll find in there..." or if I'm ready to face it.
Rey tensed as he turned his back to her. She searched herself for the words to comfort him as a memory flashed between the bond. Ben standing on the edges of the Death Star wreck, looking into the eyes of his Father. Rey summoned the courage to speak as Han Solo's words echoed through her. "You do...or...you are."
She took a step towards him, placing her hand against his back. "You had the strength to save me...to come back to me...and you have the strength to face anything else your past can throw at you." Rey nudged his elbow, tempting him to face her. "You don't have to second guess your abilities any longer..."
Ben's dark hair swayed against his cheeks as he hung his head. Rey kicked her hesitation aside and stepped into his arms, wrapping her own behind his back as best she could. He didn't return the embrace at first, but she felt his hand slowly slide to her waist and squeeze her tight. The touch sent a shock through Rey - the whispers of her memories on Exogul poking at the back of her mind. She brushed it aside quickly, eager to not ruin the moment.
"Ben..." Rey tilts her chin up and meets his gaze. Ben's deep brown eyes are glossy as he gives her the smallest smile. "I don't think I've done enough to deserve you..." He tugs Rey closer, trapping her against his chest as he cups her cheek. The bond flares between them once again with all it's distractions.
Ben's hand wanders against her hip and Rey can barely stifle her gasp she presses against him. "I see you're feeling better?" She meets his smirk with a wrinkle of her nose. He nods. "You've convinced me. I'll take you to the vault...on one condition."
"And what might that be?"
"You absolutely cannot change out of this robe."
"Ben!" Rey swats his chest and steps out of his embrace with a huff. He chuckles and lets her go with little ceremony to retrieve the key from the bedside table.
Rey checks her appearance in the mirror once more, taking in her fashion choice with a new appreciation. I never considered how powerful a nice outfit could be...I'll have to remember that. She could feel Ben poking at her through the bond and is careful to shield her thoughts.
"Ready?" His deep voice made her jump slightly, despite looking directly at him. "Yes..."
Their footsteps echoed through the dark hallways as Rey followed Ben towards the back of the house. He'd taken her hand as soon as they'd left the room, his strong grip reminding her just how nervous he was. Rey's own mind was a junkyard fire waiting to explode. What would they find? Why was Ben so worried? Should Leia have warned him about something? Was there something he was not telling her?
"Rey..." His voice pulled her out of her thoughts in an instant. She met his concern with a warm smile. "Hmm?" "You're silent..." He reached up and poked her forehead with his free hand. "...even up here..." "Was I? ...I must be getting better." She grinned at him, hoping it masked her thoughts even more. They approach a massive set of double doors that swing open as Ben reaches out with is power.
Ben's shoulders are tense as they step into the master suite and Rey barely has to use his thoughts to find the source of his troubles. "These were...your parent's rooms aren't they?" Ben nods. "My mother loved this side of the house because of the view. I'll have to show it to you in the daytime."
A large painting in the sitting room catches Rey's eye as she glances around the room. "Who is that?" The portrait was twice the size Ben and seemed to illuminate the room in the soft moonlight. The beautiful woman's head was held high as she looked off into the distance, her brunette curls styled in an elegant updo, decorated with a golden tiara that matched her necklaces. She looks like a princess...like a...
"A queen..." Ben finished her thought. "This...is Queen Padmé Amidala Naberrie. She is the mother of Luke...and Leia. Which makes her my grandmother."
Rey's mouth fell open. "Where did she rule?" "This planet. In simple terms...it has a matriarchal government. They elect a queen to oversee their affairs. Padme was one of the youngest to ever rule. My mother didn't always like to talk about her...she preferred to tell me stories of her childhood home, Alderaan. Sometimes I'd sit in here and stare at this picture while my mother did her work. One time...my uncle found me and sat right here...and told me all about her."
Rey's heart ached at the weight of his words as the memories flashed between them. She could see Master Luke, much younger with sandy blonde hair and a mischievous grin as he told his nephew an epic tale of a princess who helped her people. As she turned, Rey could also sense where Leia had been standing that afternoon so she too could listen to the tale once again.
"She's beautiful."
"She is...I can see where my mother got it from." Ben smiles down at her, the sadness in his eyes apparent. "See what I mean?" "What is it?" Rey shook her head. "This is a lot heavier than I expected. I should be here with...with my parents."
Ben's signature bristled significantly as he swallowed his own painful words. Rey turned and took both of his hands in her own. "You had no way of knowing Ben. No one did. You said it yourself...there's nothing to be sorry for anymore. Your parents forgave you..." He sighed and shook his head. "You're right."
"I know." She grinned up at him as his eyes twinkled with something new. Ben's face relaxed into a warm smile, his dark eyes boring into her own as if Rey would disappear at any moment. Rey squeezed his hands, shaking him from his trance. "Ben?"
"We should...continue...before it gets too late." He's almost flustered as he takes a step away from her and gestures at the painting. "Chewie said the door is actually behind this painting. Do you mind moving it?"
"Of course not." Rey reached out and concentrated her power on the portrait. It shouldn't have taken much, but Rey gasped as she had to channel more and more of her power. "I-..." Rey drops her arm in defeat, breathing as heavy as she would after running a training course. "It's not working."
Ben snorts as he leans against an armchair. "Are you serious?" Rey grimaces at his tone and he winces. "Sorry...what's wrong?"
"I can't move it. It feels like the Force is...holding it...against the...forget it. I'll try again." Rey thrusts her arm out and pushes more of her power towards the portrait. She can feel her anger build up inside her as nothing happens and she lets go again. This time, Ben meets her falling hand halfway, catching it on his own. He laces their fingers together and pulls her hand to his lips. "I'll try. That was unkind of me." Rey does her best to remain stoic and she lifts her chin. "Right..."
Ben takes a breath as he turns his gaze from her and focuses on the portrait. Without letting her hand fall from his, Ben steps behind her and reaches out with his right arm. He crinkles his brow in focus as he turns his hand and the portrait sweeps away from the wall. He releases a shaky breath and looks down at Rey in surprise. "I-...I felt that. The resistance of the Force..."
"I'm not insane. Thank the stars." Rey snarks back at him and leans into him.
Ben chuckles lightly and lets her out of his embrace. "I would never call you insane. I'm only so much like my father."
"Even when I reject a proposal to rule the galaxy?" Rey smirked, knowing she is playing with fire. Ben rolls his eyes and doesn't answer as he smirks back at her. "Shall we?"
Ben retrieves the key and uses it to unlock the safe. The door swings open to reveal a staircase leading into complete darkness. Ben shakes his head. "Remind me how I ended up with a family that cared for such dramatics?" "Come on then..."
They stay closer together as they step down the staircase and reach flat ground. "It's a hall...I can sense it." Ben doesn't let go of her hand as they both get a feel for their surroundings. Rey grasps his hand. "Do you feel anything?" "Yes...this way..."
Ben leads her through the darkness like it's nothing, the Force weaving between them as it leads him where they need to go. Ben stops them suddenly and turns, making Rey crash into his chest. "Oof- Ben?" "I have an idea."
He steps a breath away from her and brings their hand together. Rey feels the Force pulse around them as Ben channels something deep within him. The Force surges around them and with the snap of his fingers, Ben produces the smallest flame. "Damn..." He huffs in defeat.
Try again. She whispers through the bond as the flame flickers away and they're shrouded in darkness once again. Rey senses his power as he concentrates and he's able to produce a larger flame in his hand. It floats before them for a moment before he casts it at one of the torches on the wall. "There..."
"What was that?" "Pyrokinesis." "Who...when did you learn that?" Ben takes the torch from the wall. "My mother. She used to love having candles at the table." He smirks at her as her mouth falls open. "Were you expecting something more sinister?"
"I-" Rey shook her head. "I've never even heard of it before. Not even in the texts."
"Maybe it was one of the ripped out pages." Rey frowned as they shared one of her memories of her combing through the Jedi texts on Ajan Kloss. There had been plenty of missing pages that she hadn't thought twice about. Most of them were from sections she didn't understand anyway. "Perhaps...but why would someone take it out...?"
"The ability to summon something like a fire is very dangerous...maybe someone...thought it wasn't meant to be taught."
Rey nods. "Can you teach me?"
Ben's eyes grew wide as he stared down at her. The fire puts a warm light between them, casting shadows along his sharp features. "I...could. If you want to try." Rey extends her hand to him with a grin and without breaking her gaze, Ben takes her hand and laces their fingers together.
He opens his mind to her and Rey sees his memories: A young Leia walking about an elegant apartment with a city skyline - both his parents scrambling about as they prepare a table for guests - the look of shock on their faces as Ben lit the candles on the table all on his own.
Rey giggled softly as she opened her eyes - not even noticing she had closed them. "You said she taught you!" "She did! ...by my watching her do it." "How old were you?!" "...I was three."
Rey can't hold in the fit of giggles that escapes her, or her surge of happiness as Ben begins to chuckle with her. Rey waves her hand out of his touch and takes a step back. "I'll give it a go." She takes a deep breath and snaps her fingers together, both of them jumping back as a large flame appears between them. Rey meets Ben's bewildered expression with a grin.
"You..." Ben gapes down at her like she's grown a second head. "How did you...?"
"I watched. I'm a pretty fast learner." Rey smirked as she cast her own flame down the dark hallway, lighting several torches as it went. Ben remains silent as he looks at her, his mouth forming words that never seem to come. Rey pokes at his mind to find the perfect blend of bewildered excitement and confused envy. "Shall we?" She takes his hand and they continue forward.
As they come upon a second door, Rey can barely contain her curiosity. Someone as important as General Leia Organa is bound to have an exciting collection. Rey pictures something magnificent, like a massive ballroom filled floor to ceiling with all kinds of treasures. She can Ben is just as curious as he turns the key and pushes on the door.
What they find instead, is an incredibly cramped and cluttered storage room. Several of the crates are stacked haphazardly as if someone didn't bother to put them back where they belonged while the rest of the furniture is covered in old sheets. Ben coughs as he puts the torch on the wall and waves his arm, attempting to move some of the dust around with the Force.
Rey steps carefully along the opposite side of the room, clearing dust off the higher shelves. "Well...at least we know no one's been here in a while." She coughs as a cloud of dust erupts in her face. "No kidding..." Ben pokes at a few of the crates with his boot.
Rey pulls at one of the sheets to reveal a row of glass cases. "Well here's...something..." Rey runs her hand against the glass case as she admired a vibrant garment inside. "Was this your mothers?"
"That-" Ben arrives at her side. "...is actually a collection of my grandmother's gowns. I didn't even know my mother brought them here...she usually let the palace keep them on display." "This one...seems special..." Rey could barely take her eyes off the gown as Ben poked at one of the other cases.
"I know this one...my mother really liked it. This was her wedding dress." "That must've been quite the occasion." "It was actually...a secret." Rey looked up at Ben in surprise. "A secret...wedding?"
"My grandfather was still a Jedi when they got married. No one was allowed to know. Attachment is..." "Forbidden." Rey completes his thought with a frown. "...I don't agree with that. I...I wouldn't have become a Jedi without..." "Compassion." "Yes..."
"My grandfather felt the same way. His love for my grandmother was his greatest weapon...and ultimately led to his downfall."
"He became Darth Vader trying to protect her...didn't he?" Rey wasn't quite sure where her conclusion came from, but she knows she's right before Ben nods at her. "It's an incredibly sad story...no matter how you look at it. A man protecting his family..."
Darkness weaves around them as Rey catches a glimpse at everything Ben learned about his grandfather. Even as she'd already put the pieces together, the reality strikes a chord deep inside her. They were supposed to be a family...two young lovers and their twins...Why would Luke & Leia keep this from him?
"There was so much they didn't tell you." The statement leaves her before she can stop it and Ben looks at her with an intense sadness in his eyes. "I've realized they were trying to protect me...I think...they both were..."
He means Luke... Rey immediately steps into Ben's space and rubs his arm, soothing the thunderous feelings rolling off of him. He doesn't hesitate to pull her into his arms and hold her tight against his chest. "They deserved more time...I should have given them more time..."
"Everyone makes mistakes Ben...that doesn't mean they stopped loving you." She tilted her chin up and met his misty eyes, the smallest of tears forming at the edges. "I think I know the first thing about parents making choices that don't make sense on the surface."
He tenses under her touch. "That's unfair to say...I had everything...I threw it all away." "We are both victims of the darkness in the Force Ben...and the best thing we can do is work through it...together remember?" He answers her by squeezing her tight, pressing soft kisses into her hair. She can sense his struggle to tell her how he's feeling through the bond. I know... She whispers back to him.
Rey turns her face and glances at the vibrant gown again, admiring its unique design while Ben rubs small circles on her back. It's so...beautiful... Rey imagines herself in a gown just like it, looking like royalty. She was never one to consider the idea of dressing up, even when she joined the Resistance and Leia offered her a new wardrobe, she'd settled for her simple style. Would I look good in something like that?
"You would..." Ben chuckles against her as Rey rolls her eyes and pushes herself off him. "You think so? I've never been one to wear a gown..." "Then I'm officially adding it to the list of things to change..." He leans down to kiss her brow, then her cheek, the edge of her lips - while his arms held her close against him. Rey feels it again, the urge to drop everything and just get completely lost in him. It's almost frightening how quickly she wants to give in. She can tell Ben feels the same as his hand tilts her chin and he captures her lips in a deeper kiss.
Rey pokes on his chest as he ventures away from her lips and continues to kiss her cheek all over again. "You. are. getting. distracted. We are searching for something..." Ben instantly rolls his eyes and gestures around the room, letting Rey step away from him. "I don't know where to start. There's got to be hundreds of things in here."
"Well, we have to try...here!" Rey moved one of the crates and made some space on the stone floor. "We should meditate." Ben frowns at the space on the floor and then at her. "I...suppose that could help."
Rey plops down and crosses her legs with a smile, patting the space in front of her. Ben reluctantly gets down to her level and sits across from her, their knees pressing together as he crosses his legs. Rey closes her eyes and takes a breath.
Be with me. Be with me. - I am with you.
"Ben." She doesn't open her eyes as she feels his thumbs rubbing at the tops of her hands. "Concentrate." "Fine."
She hears him take a deep breath, and they both fall into a peaceful meditation. The Force flourishes between them as they search the room for a clue, poking and prodding at the various hidden treasures of the Skywalker legacy. No...not that...no...wait-
Rey's eyes snap open to meet Ben's as a crate tumbles off one of the higher shelves across the room. They both start to stand and Ben helps Rey to her feet as her robe gets caught under her. Ben carefully pushes crates aside with his power and picks up the fallen one. The lid snaps open as he holds it, revealing an unorganized pile of parts.
Ben's mouth falls open as he picks up a small leather bag from the pile. "These are..." He hands Rey the bag to hold, her mouth falling open as she feels what's inside. "Kyber crystals?"
He nods. "And parts...this is a set of lightsaber pieces." "You can rebuild your lightsaber! Ben that's what we were meant to find!" He blinks at her in surprise. "I...I don't know..." "Don't be silly! Your mother wanted you to find this - to start anew." Rey watches Ben carefully as he stares at the parts, a quiet chuckle escaping him as he closes the crate.
"This must be the next step she spoke of...perhaps if I grow more in the light I can find more answers...this..." Ben meets her gaze with a smile. "Thank you..."
"For what?" Rey reaches out and touches his cheek, smiling wider as he leans into her hand. "For believing in me...even when I don't deserve it."
"Ben-" Rey's words are swiftly cut off as Ben leans forward and captures her lips with his own. Rey kisses him back, running her fingers into his hair and keeping him at her level. She can hear the rattle of the box of parts as Ben discards it and grabs at her, pulling her closer to him. Rey. Rey. "Rey..." He groans as he shuffles her backward and traps her against the wall. Rey whines softly, immediate embarrassment rolling off of her, as Ben kisses at her jaw and moves to kiss her neck. Don't be afraid...I feel it too... Ben's voice sends a vicious wave of an unfamiliar heat through Rey as she's lifted off the ground. Ben groans against her neck as her legs wrap tightly around his waist. Rey can feel him searching for something - a couch, a cushion, something to lay on - as he reaches out with his power.
Rey gasps in surprise as something is knocked over, sending several more crates tumbling to the ground with a cloud of dust. "Oops..." Ben chuckles as his lips continue to press into her collarbone. Rey shivers, both from their newfound boldness and the cold breeze that sweeps through the room. "As tempted as I am...to let you continue..." She loosens her grip around his waist. "I have this nagging feeling we're being watched."
Ben freezes, pulling back just far enough to meet her eyes and slowly releases his grip on her to help her to her feet. "I-" It only takes a moment for him to feel the same presence in the Force she does. She can feel his immense embarrassment as he helps her readjust the ties of her robe, keeping her at arm's length. His pale cheeks flush furiously as he glances around the vault.
"I don't know about you, but I think we found what we're looking for." "I think so too."
"Let's go...before someone decides to make an appearance..."
They leave the master suite in comfortable silence, keeping their thoughts to themselves as they creep back through the big house. They're especially careful as they pass by the other bedrooms and reach their own. Rey opens the door for Ben and helps him clear space on the dresser for the crate. As he brushes off the dust from his arm Rey's stomach does a backflip. It's time for bed...together. She doesn't understand why she's suddenly so nervous. You slept in the same bed earlier. This isn't anything new. Except...this time...
"As much as I've enjoyed the view...you were right about getting the robe dirty."
"What?" Rey looks down at herself and gasps. The entire hem of her robe is covered in dust. With a glance at her backside, she can see the same fate was met anywhere she sat down. "Oh..." Rey flushed as she thought about how short her nightdress underneath was. She could barely keep her thoughts to herself as she made a decision. "Well...I guess I'll have to go without it."
Ben's eyes grew wide. "Really..." "Yes. Really." Either that or I have to change. Rey held her breath and she stepped away from him, pulling at the ties at her waist. Ben doesn't take his eyes off her as she releases the robe and rolls it off her shoulders. She folds it neatly over her arm before meeting his eyes again.
For what feels like the tenth time that evening, Ben Solo is staring at her like she's some sort of creature from another galaxy. Rey can feel herself blushing from head to toe, feeling the urge to cover herself again. "I know I'm not much-"
"Rey." Ben cuts her off as he steps closer to her and pulls her into his arms. Rey can't hold the squeak that escapes her as she's wrapped in his tight embrace. They stand like this for a long time, the sound of Ben's beating heart soothing Rey as she buries her face in his chest.
"You must know how much you mean to me...even though it's been difficult to...articulate." His deep voice sends a shiver through Rey as she hides her face. "I never thought someone...like me...would ever have a second chance. You believe in me. You always have."
"Ben..." She sighs against him, pushing her chin up to attempt to look at him. When she finally can meet his gaze, he cups her cheek and leans down to bring their lips together. Rey kisses him back eagerly, pushing against his tight grip to reach up and wrap her arms around his neck. When she finally breaks the kiss to catch her breath, Rey is met with Ben's grin - his incredibly wonderful, perfect, beautiful smile. Rey returns the favor and smiles back, feeling the same rush of joy go through him as he looks down at her and kisses her again.
Rey doesn't realize they're moving until they fall onto their bed in an awkward tangle of limbs. Rey leans up on her elbows as Ben kicks his boots off, grumbling as he fumbles to find his footing and climb over her. "Everything alright?" "Never been better." Ben leans down and captures her lips, careful to not crush her under his massive...everything. As Rey basks in the glow of their shared euphoria and the happy hums of the Force, Rey catches something through the bond that makes her freeze under his touch.
"Ben. You're exhausted."
Ben's brow wrinkles as he leans on his arm and stares down at her. "What?"
"You...we should rest." Rey can barely believe the words as they leave her mouth. She was moments away from her most secluded fantasy - the desires she'd hidden from even herself all this time - to instead tell him to get some rest. In truth, she wants nothing more than to rip off their clothes and make the most of their blossoming romance.
But that feeling is brushed aside by just how badly she wants to take care of him.
"Nothing can get past you..." He smiles lazily at her, the exhaustion apparent in his eyes as his shoulders sag. Rey tries her best to ignore the way he's pressed against her and nods viciously. "You need to rest. I know you didn't sleep earlier." "I wasn't tired earlier."
"And you're tired now...please..." She runs her fingers against his cheek. "There will be plenty of time...for everything we want...but now it's your turn to rest...Alright?"
Ben answers her with a chaste kiss. "Yes..." "Good." Rey shuffles out of his grip as Ben sits up and pulls his shirt off. It takes all of Rey's remaining strength to conceal her thoughts as she admires him.
"If you keep that up, there won't be any resting," Ben smirks at her as he begins to pull the bed covers out on his side. Rey bites her lip as she turns over to pull at her own side of the sheets, knowing full well her nightdress is riding up on her waist and he's staring at her.
"You're not getting out of this." She slides under the blankets and lets her head fall against her pillow, her hair splaying out in every direction.
"I wouldn't dream of it." Ben turns out the light and joins her, kissing her firmly until Rey pushes on his chest. She doesn't protest when he wraps her in his arms and kisses the top of her head instead. Rey snuggles tight against him and listens to the sound of his steady beating heart. Eventually, Rey can feel it through their bond as Ben gives in to his exhaustion, letting go of all that he'd been holding onto. Rey couldn't help herself as her heart ached - remembering how she too would push herself when she had so little left to give.
As she slowly gave herself into her own sleep, Rey made a promise to herself to always make sure Ben was taken care of. Ben was going to always want to put her first, always want to give everything he had for her...and someone had to do the same for him.
She was going to love him as much as he loved her.
I am- WOW. When I planned out this plot point I did not imagine it would be such a difficult chapter to write. You'd think with all this time on my hands I'd be comfortable just writing away all day, but alas. I distinctly remember putting on Pride & Prejudice one morning to drum up inspiration and instead I started a Reylo AU fic themed after the movie and worked on that for a week instead *facepalm*. Even with TROS on digital, I was too distracted to really buckle down and decide how I wanted to execute this part of the story. But we powered through - I'm really not the writer I want to be.
Notes:
- bit of a headcanon that Leia and Luke didn't give Ben the full backstory on their lineage. I can't imagine it was their favorite story to tell and Ben was obviously young before everything went south. I was initially going to have this whole connection made between Rey being a Palpatine & his involvement in the fall of Anakin but that was not something I enjoyed outlining...let alone writing. We don't have time for that in this domestic bliss fic.
- If you're wondering "where the hell did fire-bending come from?" I fact-checked myself here: Pyrokinesis on wookiepedia
- visual inspiration for the collection of Padme's dresses was from a Leia comic
If you're still out there following this and haven't been frightened away by my sub-par prequel references or terrible updating schedule, here's to you. I hope your quarantine snacks stay replenished always. I have a few ideas for where I want to go next so I'll try to work on those as soon as I can! I'm still undecided on how I'll bring ol' Hux back into the story but I really want him to return.
If you don't hear from me for another month...blame Tom Nook.
On a completely separate side note - what is a song that reminds you of Reylo? Dua Lipa's Love Again from her new album has made its way to my writing playlist and I love it so. Let me know! Thanks for reading!
