Chapter 11

Ben helped Rey out of their quarters and walked with her out into the sunlight shining through the foliage of the Resistance Base. Her body was still recovering from her fight with the Emperor and he never left her side. He guided her through the base with his arm wrapped tightly around her waist for support as she leaned against him. She watched as members of the Resistance stared at the pair of them, but she didn't care. Ben was hers and no one was going to tell her otherwise. They continued walking together until they reached the beginning of the Jedi training grounds that Rey had grown to know. Ben helped Rey down to the ground and sat next to her, smiling as she laid her head on his shoulder as they looked out into the lush forest beyond. He kissed her forehead and then laid his head on hers. Rey closed her eyes and felt the Force around her. She listened to the birds chirping in the trees and felt the heartbeats of the many creatures roaming the forest floor. But the biggest pulse she felt through the Force was Ben, not just because he was next to her or the fact that they were bonded together. He had completely opened himself to the Force in a way that he hadn't done in years. They inhaled and exhaled as one and let the Force surround them. They were slightly startled when they heard BB-8 roll up next to them. Rey chuckled at the droid as he began to beep like mad. He wouldn't stop talking and was glad to see that Rey was okay.
"I know, it's good to be home," Rey replied to BB-8 as she rubbed his head lovingly. Ben admired the way she interacted with others but took special note of how she was with droids. She was so kind and generous to all and it made him smile, his heart swelling with even more love for this girl. BB-8 continued with his beeps to Rey as Ben looked on.
"That sounds like fun, BB-8. We'll be sure to come," Rey replied to the droid. He happily beeped his response and then rolled away back to the base. She could feel Ben's confused gaze on her and she looked into his eyes to reply to his questions popping through their bond.
"They're planning a celebration for tonight for the end of the war against the Emperor," she spoke with a smile in her eyes. Ben couldn't help but smile back. He pulled her close and kissed her forehead.
"I wouldn't miss it for anything," he replied as Rey nuzzled herself closer to him. They sat for a little while longer before heading back to get ready for the big night ahead, walking hand in hand back to their quarters.