Hey! Thanks for the response to chapters 1 & 2. I am really excited about writing this one, but I get off break soon which means updates will become more of a weekly thing.
I said before, this is a slow burn. The good stuff is yet to come haha, just wait.
I was thinking of doing 20 chapters, but I don't want to confine myself to limitations, so I'll just keep writing until I feel a good place for this story to end. Happy ending or tragic ending? I don't even know yet. I only see about 3 chapters into the future lol.
If you have any suggestions on what I should do in certain chapters, let me know by PM of Review. I won't get mad if you don't like it, I want to make this the best story possible.
More fluff is coming, so prepare yourself.
Thanks again, for all the follows and favs. Means a lot, really.
-London
Rey was still asleep. Passed out in an almost awkward position in her hammock bed, the sun was already bright in the sky when Ben awoke with a sigh. He didn't see the face of his father in his dreams, he saw the face of Rey. He looked around at her hut, this place was so cozy. Ben sat up, checking the time he saw it was almost midday, he chuckled inwardly. They really needed their sleep, he stretched and yawned, scratching his neck he made his way to a cupboard next to her stove. He searched it, his stomach growled with hunger and he found some eggs. He picked up four and began to look for a pan, she had to have one. He opened another cupboard near her stove. Aha He though as he saw a nice pan and some wooden plates. Ben picked them up and placed them on the stove, cracking open two eggs he watched them cook. He glanced over at Rey, who was still asleep. She's going to be so happy to wake up to eggs. Ben smiled just thinking of her, his soul was finally free. The eggs began to crackle and the hut smelled of good fresh food. Ben flipped the eggs over, cooking them fully. He lightly walked over to where Rey slept, on arm dangling off the hammock the other over her precious eyes. Her hips were twisted so one leg crossed over the other, but Rey was flexible.
"Hey, Rey" He whispered, lightly tapping her arm. She didn't budge "Rey, wake up. I made you breakfast." Ben spoke as he waited for her eyes to flutter open. Sure enough, they did. She looked dreamy but was clearly in a better way then from yesterday. Rey could already smell the eggs once she became aware of her surroundings. She smiled wide, the exact thing Ben wanted to see. Rey yawned as he stepped back to finish up the food.
"Eggs?" Rey asked, she already knew the answer but dialogue was necessary. She hadn't had a dream that scared her, and she desperately wanted to talk about it. Ben nodded and flopped the eggs onto a plate and handed it to Rey who smiled again. "Thank you, Mr. Solo" She then forced picked up a fork and zoomed it towards her. Rey took a bite "Mmmmm" she loved it, not only was the food good but the fact he had made it for her.
"You're welcome." Ben flashed his adorable smile, cracking two more eggs for himself. Rey watched him cook, taking bite after bite and enjoying every bit of it. She had wanted Ben to be Ben so badly, that she almost never thought of what him being 'Ben' would look like. Seeing him now, it was fantastic.
"Did they teach you this in the First Order?" Rey questioned, finishing up her plate and standing up from her hammock. She winced, he legs and back were so sore. Reminders of what she had done just a day ago. I wonder how Ben feels.. She though, heading over to her clothing bin. She opened it and looked through the neatly folded sets of clothes. Hmmm what should I wear. She asked herself as she passed by a brilliant red outfit, Yes! This is the one, I forgot they made this for me. Rey pulled it out. Red and white, the perfect mix. She stood up, grabbing an extra pair of white pants.
"No." Ben finally answered as he was too focused on the eggs to notice Rey's question initially. He turned to face her, noticing her color choice. "Nice red, should suit you well." He smirked and started to his breakfast. Rey blushed slightly at his compliment, she had gotten words like that before on Jakku, but they were just old junk lords who wanted Rey as a working lady.
"Why thank you, Ben." She walked towards the door. "I am going to shower and change, if you feel safe enough, go ahead and explore the base." Rey said as she exited. The bright, late morning sun hurt her eyes as they struck her pupils. Squinting at first she made her way down the hill and towards the main base areas. The workers and soldiers had set up up a pavilion on the runway, with lights and candles hanging from ship to ship. They were preparing for a celebration, and Rey was ready for a day without war for once. Maybe they will finally let me unwind... She sighed and continued to walk, turning past a tree which lead to the path towards the waterfall. Lost in her thoughts about tonight, she didn't see Finn and almost ran into him. Startled, he turned around.
"Rey?" His tone was almost impatient. "What are you doing? Did you not see me?" He glared at her, which had almost never happened before. She was taken aback, her jaw dropped, and her tongue stumbled on her own words. Finn, noticing her tongue tied state, pressured her more. "Why are you wearing red? You never wear red." Finn stared into her eyes, as the Jedi searched her brain for the right response.
"Finn, I-I'm sorry for running into you." Her eyes darted across his face, scanning for emotions. "I was on my way to change- I was busy thinking... errr" She gritted her teeth for a moment, Finn's eyes drilled into her forehead like the beam of a blaster. This was incredibly uncomfortable. "Leia, and I had gotten this made for me." Rey gestured towards the clothes she was holding. "I never got the chance to wear it." Rey forced a smile as if to apologize again, but Finn had none of it.
"You know what it looks like to me?" He questioned, his whisper became louder and more powerful. Rey shook her head in reply. "No? It looks like those Storm troopers we fought on Exegol." He pushed back on the red felt, making Rey step backwards for a moment to regain balance.
"Finn!" Rey gasped. She didn't understand the point she was making, but she didn't like where this was heading. Finn didn't hesitate to continue.
"How can we trust that you didn't get these robes there? You did bring Ren back, maybe you brought your new status too." His face has constricted, Rey knew he was furious. His anger was so strong, in fact, she could feel it in the force. However, those comments hurt her.
"You can trust me!" Her eyes were pleading, but her tone was strong and loud. Why is he saying all of this?! She cried internally, not wanting to loose a friend.
"Is that an order? Empress?" Finn hissed the last word out. Rey froze, what did he just call me? Anger welled inside her too now, I died! How is that not enough? How dare he! Her eyes grew icy and she stood straight up to face him, looking up into his eyes.
"What did you just call me?" Rey's voice was low and threatening, shocking Finn in return for the shock he had given her. He stepped back, giving space between him and his friend.
"Empress" Finn didn't care what Rey did next. For all he knew, he was right. Rey had brought an enemy of the very meaning of the Resistance back, and not only that, slept with him. He hoped it wasn't true, which is wasn't, but he didn't know any better. He was in a lot of pain. Rey growled, and quickly she lifted her arm making a waving motion over Finn's face.
"You will leave me be and NEVER call me that again." Rey watched as Finn repeated what she said, her useful force trick came in handy. She did not want to hurt him, but what he had said made her furious to the core. Finn walked away from her and she took a moment, How did he know I was a Palpatine? Wait- did he tell anyone else? No- he wouldn't. She made her way through the bushes and into the waterfall area. she placed her clothes down. The air was fresh and the birds sang a delightful song, she was ready to relax again.
Rey threw off her top and unbuckled her waist belt, untied her boots and slid off her pants, tossing the dirty clothes into a corner. She bent over and took her socks off. Now naked, she tip toed over to her soap box and took a fresh bar out. Smelling it before officially using it Ahhhh yes, such a good scent! Rey smiled and hopped into the water, the cool liquid rushing over her skin giving her goosebumps at first. She let out a squeak, but the water opened her skin up and she lay back. "Mmmmmm" She closed her eyes, floating in the water, feeling her body tension release by the second. A few moments later, Rey undid her hair and let it come out. Empress? Ha, I can't let that get to me. I defeated him. I am not part of him. Rey rationalized what Finn had said, smiling at her own thoughts. He was just upset, that's all. You are not a bad person, you are only a Palpatine by blood. Somehow she had managed to calm herself down, drifting off into mediation in the water. Rey hadn't known how much time had passed, but she peacefully floated in the water.
"Empress." A strange, harsh voice called out to Rey. She shot her head up out of the, and what she saw horrified her. Standing by the edge of the water was her, Empress Palpatine, dressed in all black wielding the dual red light sabers. Rey couldn't speak and her body tensed up, feeling a surge of addrenaline pump through her bones she shot her arm up and force pushed the other Rey away. It disappeared, leaving Rey lost in the sounds of the waterfall crashing into the pool where she bathe. Shaking, Rey stood up and glanced around nervously before breaking down into tears. "Why..." She cried out softly, salty tears rushing down her cheeks. "I thought you were gone..." Rey stood up, forcing herself to stop crying. It was just your imagination, Rey. Calm down. After a few moments of silence again, she began to get dressed.
Ben hadn't explored the base, unlike Kylo Ren, he felt shy and awkward about being here. It seemed nice and all, but he wasn't ready to face the people. He needed Rey to be with him when he did, she would help him stay safe and get on the good side of the Resistance. So, for the time that Rey was gone, Ben just wandered around the hill and inside Rey's hut. During his small exploration, he learned a lot more about the young Jedi then he previously did. She seemed very keen on writing, and making things. Almost every part of the house was hand made by someone if not Rey. Ben had also found a journal, but left that untouched as he felt it would be wrong to read it. He also had noticed some parts of the hut were a mess, so he took the time to clean it. Ben smiled at his good deed, it felt so much better to do things in good faith. Renewed, he sat down on the couch to read a Jedi legends book Rey had found on Jakku. A few moments passed before Ben heard the approach of footsteps and the exquisite harmonic pitch that was the voice of Rey.
"Hey, Ben." She entered wearing the dashing red outfit she had picked. It's outer layer was a red poncho like coat with the middle unbuttoned, the collar was popped slightly and shoulders were broad. The shirt inside the poncho was white with a red belt. It fit snugly around her waist, showing her very nice figure. The sides of the poncho went half way down her thighs, which were covered by white quarter pants. Ben smiled at the sight of her.
"You look dashing, whats the occasion?" Ben asked kinda awkwardly, it had been awhile since he had conversations like this with people. Rey had really been the first he talked to about things that didn't involve him or the First Order, and it was fantastic. Rey smiled at the compliment.
"We are having a party tonight to celebrate our victory on Exegol later today, I wanted to look my best, so thank you." Ben flashed a smile back, but sensed Rey wasn't in the best way. While Ben debated on whether or not he should ask her what was wrong, Rey had went over to a a small box on the shelf near her bed. Curious, Ben watched her do so.
"What is in there?" He asked curiously, watching the Jedi open it. Rey didn't respond but instead showed him the contents of the small box, Kyber crystals. He gasped, how did she get these? She took on out and looked at it, the sun's rays glinting off and casting sparkles around the room. She smiled
"Luke gave them to me, when I was on his island." She gazed in awe at the beautiful crystal, "He told me to build my own saber, when I was ready." She looked at Ben, who was also gazing on the small but powerful rock. "I need your help to build one later, if you'd like." Rey smiled at him as she put the rock back in the box. He gasped again
"I- I'm flattered, but- If I help you it will turn out red! I'm corrupt." He looked down after he finished. After everything he did to the galaxy, he didn't deserve redemption. All he wanted was to do his best to fix what he had broke, and live a normal life with Rey when it was all over. He smiled at the thought of him and Rey, together somewhere living free of this bloody war.
"Who cares, Ben." Rey rolled her eyes, walking up to him, she wrapped her arms around his muscular trunk and looked up at his eyes. "This is our saber. If it turns out red, it turns out red." Ben looked down into her eyes. "What matters is how we use it, our intentions and who we save. The color means nothing, you used a red saber, and look at you now." He felt the same tug that he felt for her after his shower, but this time, he felt his heart swell with pride as well. "I don't need your help to make this, Ben. I want your help." She closed her eyes and rested her head against his chest. Feeling his heat beat hard and fast, the light radiating off him. He was truly Ben, even if he wasn't before. Rey felt his hand rest on her head, pulling her closer to him, she smiled. "Now are going to make this thing or what?" She asked, biting her lip subconsciously while look up at him. He noticed this and it made his insides melt, she was adorable.
"Yes, yes I am" He smiled, but Rey didn't let go of his waist. She wanted to kiss him, no, she needed to kiss him. Rey closed her eyes and pulled herself up to her tip toes to reach his lips. Ben quickly realized what she wanted, but he was shocked that she wanted to again. He knew he did, but Rey wants it too? HEe asked him as he pulled her closer and closed his eyes, waiting for the warm embrace of her lips against his.
Their lips met in a crack of burning tension, exploding their bodies into a frenzy of feelings once again. Ben felt Rey's soft lips caress his, sending his mind into a cluster of emotions. Rey on the other hand, felt her body grow hot with the feelings of Ben's hands slowly wrap around her waist, lightly caressing her sides sent shivers through her body. Nothing had ever felt this good to her, and nothing had ever felt this right to Ben. Rey broke the kiss, let out a peaceful sigh as she did. Blinking twice she looked into his eyes
"I wanted to get that out, now. Help me find something to build this out of." Ben smiled and the two became to dig through the house. The strange stillness of calm settled over the hut as the dyad began to work on the saber.
The party was about to start. Resistance members gathered on the runway to celebrate. Finn, however hadn't been seen since earlier this morning and Poe was out looking for him. He needed some expert help, so he approached Rey's hut to invite her to the celebration and to ask about Finn. Poe quickly walked up the hill, on approach he heard Rey's laughter and say the light from inside the hut. At first he thought that Finn was with her, so he knocked on the door.
'Rey, can you open up! You're going to miss the party." Poe called, hoping that incentive would make Rey come out. Usually, Rey would spend hours upon hours in her hut, most people thought it was because of her training. He heard the laughter stop and footsteps come towards the door. Sure enough the door nob twisted, and Rey opened it for Poe.
"Hey, Poe." Rey smiled, greeting her friend. Poe however looked over her should to find that it wasn't Finn she was with but Ben. He shrugged, looking back at Rey, who stood politely waiting.
"Have you seen Finn?" He asked kinda hastily, Rey scrunched her eyebrows up. Yes she had seen Finn, but it was hours ago, and she had put him in the trance using the force. For all she knew e could be lost in the forest somewhere.
"Uhhh, not since this morning. Why?" She answered back. Ben now turned around in his chair to see who she was talking too, he figured it was the pilot but he didn't know for sure. And he wanted to apologize for the things he had done.
"Oh, well I'm sorry for asking. The party starts soon," He took a step back and lightly put a hand on her shoulder, "I'll see ya there then." But before he had turned to go, Ben stood up and shouted, knocking his chair over.
"Wait! Pilot- I mean, Poe. I have to tell you something!" Ben hurried over to stand next to Rey, who turned to him in confusion while Poe stopped in his tracks. Rey grabbed Ben's arm and gave him a look of 'be careful', and Ben nodded.
"What." Poe said bitterly, clearly not having any of it, but he did turn to look at Ben when he spoke to him though. A tiny sign of respect. Ben took a breathe and formulated his speech inside his head. Poe waited, raising his eyebrows to show his impatience. Ben began to speak
"I am sorry for everything I did to you, and your fellow soldiers." He paused, looking for a reaction in Poe, but Dameron didn't flinch. "I wasn't me, I wasn't Ben. I was deceieved, used and manipulated by the dark side and Palpatine." Rey flinched at the name, but no one noticed. "I know those aren't excuses for my actions, but, let me make it up to you. General- I will fight along side your troops until the last First Order troop is dead, under your command." Poe, relaxed slightly. Ben was giving himself up to fight as a Resistance solider, a good gesture, but Poe needed to show him that he wasn't fully forgiven.
"Well, Rey knows the force better then I do, and I trust her to believe you when you say that. I will let you fight alongside my men, but I will be watching; and if you ever, and I mean EVER, show any chance of being an inside agent, I will lock you away forever." He turned to go, but wanted to add one last thing. "Is that clear, Private Solo?" Ben nodded, respecting Poe response and enjoying the fact he didn't deny him the ability to fight. Rey smiled slightly, watching as Poe walked away. As soon a the Ace was out of sight, she turned to Ben.
"That could've gone a lot wore." She said, closing the door behind her and returning to the desk where a half assembled lightsaber lay. Ben followed her and let out a chuckle, sitting down at his seat next to hers.
"I thought it went pretty well; I mean, he didn't shoot me." Ben said as he examined the black and grey saber. Rey chuckled, that was true. She looked at her staff, they had taken some pieces from it to make the saber.
"I think we should head to the celebration, you and I." Rey said, her voice echoing off the window as the sun sat below the trees. Ben looked up from their work, tools in hand. He raised an eyebrow
"You, want to party?" He hand't guessed her to be the most social type. Not that she wouldn't have friends, or be eager to make them. Parties just didn't seem like something Rey would do. She nodded, but turned to face him.
"Yes, but I mainly want you to celebrate. I think you could use it... plus! You get to drink, I'm sure you couldn't do that in the First Order." Rey walked around her hut as Ben listened, following her moves with his direct attention. She put her hands behind her back, stunting around like an aristocratic. Ben smiled, seeing her like this. "Leia never let me; but Poe did if we were out on a mission. Maybe he isn't the best influence, I don't know." She stopped pacing, standing in the corner near her bed. "That being said, would you like to join me?" She held her hand out like he had when 'Kylo Ren' offered her his hand. He laughed at the remark stood up, the ability to mock his former self was a great sign to Rey. He truly was getting over the past.
"When you offer me your hand, I have to take it." He said, getting up as Rey laughed. Ben had gotten a jacket out of the pile of clothes Rey had gotten him the other day. He quickly put that on, Rey was already at the door so Ben hurried, he didn't want to make her wait. She smirked at him fumbling to put his jacket on.
"You okay there, Ben?" Rey flashed her teethy smile at the big clumsy Ben in front of her. He gave her a playful look and triumphantly got it on. Quickly he walked over to her, flexing his new jacket to her.
"Well maybe if it wasn't so tight, I could get it on faster." He snickered, Rey pretended to be hurt by what he said, opening the door for him the two walked out in their best moods since their first kiss.
"How dare you?!" Rey playfully pushed him out the door with one hand and closing it behind him with the other. He shook his head in laughter when he heard the door close behind them. Carefully, he walked down the mossy terrain that was the hill Rey's hut was located on. Already they could see the light from the party, and hear the sounds of it too.
An few hours had passed since Rey and Ben entered the party, with drinks in hand some people actually went up to talk to Ben about things. It made Rey happy to see him talk to people and get along, its the life he always deserved. She too had been approached by people, and engaged in conversation with other Resistance members. It was a fun night, music and dancing. Rey didn't dance, neither did Ben, but it was still fun watching tipsy folks dance their heart away. Rey sighed, drink in hand. Ben was talking to a fellow fighter who had defected from the First Order, so she stood alone. Still no sign of Finn, an Poe was off dancing with Zorii somewhere. All the bloodshed, and its finally nearing the end. Was it worth all the pain? Of course... I need another drink. Rey joked to herself, what she really needed was a dance partner. She had never danced before, especially not on Jakku.
"Hey Ben, I am going to get another drink." Rey said as she walked off towards the bar, he nodded and sent his new friend on his way. Ben took a seat and waited for Rey to return. Maybe I should ask her to dance? Ben thought whilst waiting nahhhh, she wouldn't like it. I've never even danced before! Ben argued with himself for the time Rey was gone, and when she got back he had made up his mind.
"You're back!" Ben said happily when he noticed Rey emerge from the crowd. Rey smiled at him, taking a large sip of her new drink, this caught Ben's eye. "Slow down Rey, its still early!" He half joked, but at the same time he serious. He didn't want Rey to get all drunk, it wouldn't suit her. Rey rolled her eyes and took another sip.
"I'll be fine, it only my third." While she wasn't lying, her normally snappy attention to detail had begun to soften around the edges. The drinks were kicking in, just not as fast as she'd hoped. Ben nodded, agreeing with her for now.
"Well... okay. Do you want to dance with me?" He asked nervously, playing with his hands waiting for a reply. Rey froze, that was exactly what she had wanted, besides another drink. She quickly nodded and smiled, feeling all bubbly at the thought of finally dancing.
"Yes!" Rey looked around, worried Finn or Poe might see, she grabbed Ben's hand and ran out of the crowd. Ben followed against his will, being tugged by a buzzed and excited Rey was hard to deal with. She pulled his arm as they weaved in and out of groups of people, passing by the empty anger and up the hill. Rey slipped a bit going up, but caught herself before she col fall. Ben laughed at the sight, but kept pace with the giddy Rey. They eventually reached the top of the hill where her hut was, and Rey spun around to face Ben.
"Someone's excited.." Ben quipped, Taking Rey's other hand in his. He was beyond thrilled too, but he just couldn't show it. Rey could sense his excitement, smiling at the situation she was in. More of her drinks starting to kick in.
"Yes, yes I am, Ben Solo." She walked closer to him, the lights from the party below cast shadows on their faces. Rey looked all over his face, the scars she had put there, and some others she didn't know about. His eye, the way they twinkled in the light; and his smile. The best smile in the galaxy, so rare but so pure. Ben looked into her eyes, nothing could be said about Rey that hadn't been said before. Her eyes, mouth, cheeks, skin, lips, eyebrows everything was perfect. Rey wrapped her arms around Ben's neck, starting the dance. Ben's heart raced, and so did Rey's.
"Uh- where do I put my hands?" He asked, lightly grabbing her upper back. His large hands took up a lot of space on her petite frame. Rey giggled, taking her hands off his neck for a second to push his hands down to her waist and hips. Ben looked on, feeling the Jedi's tight body as she guided his hands
"Here, silly." She laughed once they were in place, putting her arms around his neck once again. Ben just stood there, in amazement of how beautiful she was. Even in the dim light, she glowed with beauty. For a brief period, they just stood there, in each others embrace. Rey's eyes darted up and down Ben's body, he was so good looking. Why hadn't i noticed this before? Wait- I did... I just denied it.. She thought to herself, realizing they weren't dancing she laughed. "Come on, lets dance!" She began to sway back and fourth, and Ben kinda staggered awkwardly trying to keep up. She noticed him struggle, and looked into his eyes. "Slow down.. and just sway your body with mine." Her voice was sweet and cool, giving Ben chills at the tone. Nodding, he followed her directions, and slowly the two swayed in sync.
"I- I got it.." Ben whispered, the two slow danced to the tune of nothing but their own feelings. The sounds from the part rose and crashed into their ears, muffled by the trees. Rey closed her eyes, this was the kind of moment she had always wanted to have. Even as a teenager on Jakku, but she never imagined it would feel this right. Ben smiled, watching Rey have the moment he knew she wanted, and they felt their souls light up with electricity. Connecting with one another the force leaped out and connected the two as they danced. Rey's heart nearly jumped out of her chest as she felt Ben's hands lightly grip her hips, moving in silence, she swore Ben could hear it thump. Lost in his own thoughts about the young Jedi, he barely noticed how fast his own heart was thumping.
They danced for what seemed like only mere seconds, but was actually closer to ten minutes. Locked into each others feelings, locked into each others embrace, time seemingly sped up. Rey opened her eyes to find Ben just staring at her, she felt his feelings. And what she felt made her burst into a frenzy of joy. Her eyes teared up, but from joy this time.
"Ben-" But before Rey could finish what she said, a large siren sounded from below on the runway. The crowd below them gasped and yelled, Ben whipped around to see what was happening. Rey's eyes got wide and she took her hands off of him and ran back into her hut. What Ben didn't know, was that the siren was a warning; A warning that a planet was under attack.
Under attack by the First Order.
Well, that was a long one!
I was going to cut it in half around midnight last night, but I decided that this chapter needed the dance scene or it would feel to choppy. Plus, remember what I said? I loveeeee the tension between Rey and Ben. So, this just adds to that.
I'm sorry it took a bit to get this one out, but the daily updates will stop once I get back in school. This might be the last one before next Sunday.
After that expect weekend updates!
But...
What do you think Ben was thinking? What do you think Rey was going to say?
Let me know in the reviews! I would be more than excited to hear your theories!
Thanks again for the lovely responses to my story already, every follow, fav and review is read and appreciated!
Thanks, - London.
