Published March 1, 2022

Author's Note: Part of my motivation as a writer is the hope that my work will bring some joy to people experiencing dark times. That's why I push forward with projects like this, even in the midst of catastrophic historical events in the world. I can see from my stats that I have a few readers in Ukraine, and I'm guessing even more have Ukrainian heritage or know people in that country. My thoughts and prayers are with you, and with all people longing for peace and justice.

Content warning: The first half of this chapter contains intimate cuddling and intense kissing. If you don't like that, you can skip to the scene break. (If, after reading it, you think there should be a different description of the content, let me know in a review; I'm new to this kind of labeling.)

"Persuasion"

In that day I will make a covenant for them
with the beasts of the field, the birds in the sky
and the creatures that move along the ground.
Bow and sword and battle
I will abolish from the land,
so that all may lie down in safety.
I will betroth you to me forever;
I will betroth you in righteousness and justice,
in love and compassion.
I will betroth you in faithfulness,
and you will acknowledge the Lord.

~ Hosea 2:18-20, New International Version

Every time they approached the agreed-upon end of Rey's time on the island, Ben convinced her to add another day or two. They were both reluctant to part ways, and kept contriving reasons to put off her departure. But even as she extended her visit, Rey insisted she could not stay for more than two weeks.

On her last full day there, the weather was perfectly clear, which was a rare occurrence on Ahch-To. To take full advantage of this, they spread a blanket out on the grass on the western side of the island, where they could watch the sunset. When night fell, they lay down on their backs to study the stars, huddling together under another blanket to stay warm as the temperature dropped.

It would have been an ideal time to talk about any of the concerns they had raised before Rey's arrival—that had, after all, been the ostensible reason for her coming in person. But instead, they talked about everything else: memories of their parents; the life and movements of stars; whether astrology was a science or superstition; whether the Cosmic Force had a consciousness; and whether fate and free will were mutually exclusive.

Neither of them suggested that they go back to their respective sleeping quarters. The only hint that it had crossed their minds was when Ben remarked, "This isn't technically sharing a bed, or a room, is it?"

"No, I guess not," Rey conceded sleepily.

How long they spent talking and cuddling, they could not say, but they were still holding each other as they fell asleep.

Ben awoke first, not long after daybreak. The clouds and the mountains helped to shield them from the light of the sun shining on the opposite side of the island. He tried to stay still so Rey would continue to sleep.

The porgs were a bit of a problem when they began to vocalize and venture out from their nest. But when they came close enough to be heard, Ben lifted one hand and steered them away with the Force.

When Rey began to stir, it took her a moment to get her bearings. "Where am I?"

Ben enjoyed watching her realize how close they were, and seeing the happiness it inspired in her. Remembering the first time she had asked him that question, he answered the same way he had then, with almost the same ironic tone: "You're my guest."

Rey chuckled softly, but when she started to sit up, Ben kept his arms around her and pulled her back down. "It's only dawn, Rey. You can sleep longer, if you want. There's no rush." She paused, considered, and then did as he suggested, snuggling against him again.

When she woke again a short while later, Ben spoke more firmly. "Go back to sleep, Rey." He was not trying to mind-trick her, but the combination of her grogginess and their bond seemed to produce a similar effect of docile obedience. It was something to marvel at, considering how Rey used to defy any kind of order or suggestion from him. Now, their wills were aligned enough that she could afford to give in to his promptings.

Perhaps even more marvelous was that, at this moment, she had no real desire to move from where she was. That knowledge was both humbling and extremely satisfying to Ben. After all the times they had fought, all the times they had hurt each other, all the times she had resisted and rejected him, Ben relished feeling her relax under his touch. He savored every breath she took, trailing his fingers lightly over her skin and through her hair.

For her part, Rey liked that, with Ben, she did not need to be the strong one all the time. On Jakku, she had relied on her strength—physical, mental, emotional—in order to survive. In the Resistance, everyone looked up to her, relying on her to be a warrior and a spiritual leader, someone to guide and inspire and organize them. She had to at least give the appearance of strength, and hide any fears, doubts, or weaknesses.

But Ben knew her thoroughly, and he respected her for who she was, with all her strengths and weaknesses. With him, Rey could allow herself to be soft, without any fear of being judged or letting people down. She could let someone else take care of her. She enjoyed feeling small and safe in Ben's arms. And she no longer needed to guard herself against her own feelings where he was concerned; she could let them wash over her and even, to the extent on which they agreed, act on those feelings, and allow him to act on his feelings for her.

So she continued to doze, occasionally floating up into semiconsciousness before sinking back into sleep. At one point, she turned away from Ben to stretch her arms and legs, but then she snuggled back into him. She made a satisfied sound as he secured his arms around her, one across her chest and shoulders, and the other around her middle. She could still bend her arms at the elbow, and now she grasped his arms to keep them in place around her. Feeling victorious so far, Ben ducked his head to kiss to the curve between her neck and shoulder.

He would have been content to stay there forever, safe and warm and alive. He continued to caress and nuzzle and occasionally kiss her, all the while whispering sweet nothings through their bond. Sleep. Stay asleep, sweetheart. Stay with me. Love me. Stay, love …

He must have begun to lull himself to sleep, because he was startled awake by Rey's voice, clear and fully conscious. "Ben?"

He reacted the same way he had earlier, hugging her and trying to hush her. "Shh."

"Ben." Her voice was equal parts suspicious and playful. "Are you trying to stall me?"

"Where would you get that idea?" he asked, feigning innocence.

"We've never slept this late in all the time I've been here."

He did not answer her question, but his silence confirmed what she suspected. Still, she made no move to get up.

They stayed like that for some time, neither of them wanting to break this intimate moment. They could easily have fallen asleep again, slept the day away, letting the planets continue their rotations and orbits while they stayed indefinitely each other's arms. That was where they belonged, more than any particular place.

"Will you be okay while I'm away?" Rey asked softly.

"I'll survive," Ben allowed, "but I don't know if I'll be okay."

"I'm not sure this will be easier, or harder, than the first time we said goodbye here."

He shifted tone then, and rolled over so they were lying on their sides. "I could just keep you here." He tightened his hold on her, and curled his body around hers so they were both in the fetal position. "I could put you to sleep, disable the Falcon—"

"You wouldn't!" Her words conveyed outrage at the idea, but he could hear the laughter in her voice.

"I wouldn't destroy it, just stop it from taking off."

"My friends know where I am," Rey reminded him, implicitly threatening retaliation and rescue.

"And you'll tell them you want more time away," Ben replied smoothly. "And they'll believe you, because they know it's true."

She did not deny it. Ben rested his chin on her shoulder, his cheek against her cheek, and began to coax. "You could use as many of the huts as you want. We could even make new things. We could set up a workshop, a greenhouse, a library, a museum …"

He felt Rey relax as she imagined the peace, privacy, and prosperity he described. "That sounds lovely," she murmured, sounding dreamy.

"Then maybe I should do it." It was more of an offer than a threat. He placed his hand over her eyes, deliberating.

Rey reached up then, grasped his wrist and pulled it down. She kissed his palm and then rested it on her chest. Then she turned her head, trying to face him over her shoulder. When their eyes met, she asked softly, "Wouldn't you like it to be my choice?"

"I would. But …" He kissed her neck, then her shoulder, while moving his hands up and down her arms. "… I think," he murmured against her skin, "I could convince you to stay."

She huffed, but he could hear the smile in her voice. "So … after all this time, you're still trying to seduce me."

He grinned against her neck. "I thought I already had. You came here, of your own free will … the second time you put your fate entirely in my hands …" His tone became smug. "And to think you once said you wouldn't give me anything."

"You give me just as much." Rey squirmed, and Ben loosened his hold enough for her to turn around and face him, her eyes full of love and gratitude. She freed her hands and touched his face, tracing each mole and freckle, loving even his imperfections. Then she leaned in to kiss him.

He returned the gesture, then grasped her shoulder and, without breaking the kiss, rolled her onto her back. She was surprised, but she allowed him to deepen the kiss she had initiated, even as he lowered his body onto hers, pinning her down with his weight. If she had wanted to escape him, it would have been next to impossible; but she was more than content to stay where right she was.

As they parted to catch their breath, Ben thought more calculatingly than he had for a long time. Perhaps he could kiss her into oblivion. They had only just emerged from that languid state between sleep and wakefulness; maybe he could bring them back there. Even if the attempt failed, he could at least distract her, keep her happy and detain her here for a few more precious seconds, or minutes, or hours.

He cupped her face in his hand, looked deeply into her eyes, and said firmly, "You want to stay with me."

Rey had been slightly dazed, her mental faculties dulled by her body's pleasant sensations; but now her eyes sharpened with awareness. She drew in a breath, suspicious. "Are you …"

Ben smiled with the merest hint of sheepishness. "I figured it was worth a try."

Indignant, Rey tried to brace her arms against the ground and push herself up. "You—" Ben silenced her accusation by kissing her again and gently pushing her back down. She struggled a little, but without much determination. Laughter bubbled up in her mouth, and he heard it when she turned her head sideways to break the kiss. "You scoundrel," she muttered.

Hearing that word made Ben pause. "Do you know that's what my mom used to call my dad?"

Rey blinked in surprise. "No. I didn't."

"He always wanted her to quit politics and travel with him. He knew that was what she wanted too, but she wouldn't let herself." Ben smiled down at her, watching as she made the connection in her mind. "Now here I am, wanting you to stay in one place. With me." He touched her forehead again and intoned, "Which is what you want too."

Rey laughed again, though now it sounded somewhat sad. "Oh, Ben."

"You haven't said I was wrong," he pointed out.

"If I stay," she managed to say, "it'll be because I want to … not because you pressured me …"

"Is that what I'm doing?"

Her entire body squirmed underneath his, emphasizing their highly suggestive position. "I'm feeling a lot of pressure right now."

His eyes had a little of their old wickedness in them, but also something like Han's cocky attitude. "I haven't heard you complain."

She tried to glare at him, but she could not maintain it; her smile broke through. She closed her eyes as he started to kiss her skin behind her ear, down her neck to her collarbone.

"If you keep this up," Rey said, feigning thoughtfulness, "trying to persuade me to stay … maybe I shouldn't hurry to make up my mind."

At this, Ben started to laugh, a quiet but long laugh. "Oh, Rey …" She opened her eyes to meet his mischievous gaze as he drew closer. "You should know better … never reveal your strategy in the middle of a game, or a fight, or a debate …"

"I didn't say that was my strategy," she protested. "It's just an idea."

"But now I'm onto you."

"So are you going to stop?"

His answer was serious: "Not unless you ask me to."

"Good answer," she said, her voice hushed and approving.

He leaned down and spoke softly in her ear. "If you have to leave," he murmured, "I want you to remember what you have to come back to. And if there's the slightest chance I can change your mind, I'd like to make every effort." He pulled back enough that she could see his eyes. "Will you let me?"

Rey gulped, deliberating. For a moment, the most primal, irrational fears coursed through her, as though she were once again an untrained teenager facing a new, hulking enemy. Ben was so much bigger than she was, and strong even without the aid of the Force. What if he abducted her and kept her there forever? What if she enjoyed it too much to care? But this was Ben; underneath their jests and warlike language, she trusted him, and she had faith in his love, his respect, his self-control.

She braced herself, nodded, and said simply, "Okay."

Pleased, Ben smiled down at her, which was a beautiful sight; but the look in his eyes was a little frightening, because she recognized it: hunger, and an arrogant kind of self-assurance. He knew that she wanted him, and he was going to use that to his advantage.

He softened when he saw her apprehension; his smile became reassuring, inviting. "Don't be afraid. I feel it too." He kissed her forehead, and then her cheeks, working his way toward her mouth.

Rey tried to speak between his kisses, her eyes fluttering closed. "That's … exactly … why … I … am …" Her last thought before Ben captured her lips was that she did not know what was more frightening: how much he wanted her, or how much she wanted him.

With a bold decisiveness he had not exhibited for a long time, Ben slipped his arms around and under her, trapping her arms at her sides. He kissed her deeply and squeezed her tightly, trying to hold as much of her as he could at once, as though she was everything to him and he wanted to be everything to her. Unlike other times when they had kissed or cuddled, he let his full weight fall on her from head to foot, pinning her down with a gentle but insistent pressure impossible to ignore.

Rey was completely at his mercy, and her body's instinct was to be alarmed; but, through an act of will, she did not resist. The arms enveloping her now were the same ones that had cradled her on Exegol, carried her to her own bed when she fell asleep in Ben's hut, and hugged her so many times that by now she had lost count. They were where she felt most safe, most loved, most cherished. She had trusted them in the past, and she chose to trust them now.

Her mind and body both relaxed as she let go of rationality and surrendered to her feelings. It was almost like how she surrendered to the Force in the heat of battle: despite the pounding of her heart and the adrenaline coursing through her blood, her fear faded, and peace filled her as she let her partner guide her, obeying the wordless promptings to move or be moved at the right time.

Ben sensed the shift in her emotions, and it gave him more confidence. He lifted her up enough to move his arms across her back, squeezing her biceps and shoulders, lacing his fingers through her hair. Rey was pliant, her body curving as his did, her lips and tongue moving in harmony with his, allowing and encouraging his touch.

His movements were gentle, but powerful; unrelenting, but slow and rhythmic; like the waves crashing against the cliffs that formed the coast. Being held and kissed this way was like being in the best kind of dream, both soothing and exhilarating, and Rey wanted to enjoy it for however long it lasted.

Ben felt a different kind of intoxication. For the first time in years of humble abnegation, he allowed himself to indulge in selfish impulses and self-congratulating thoughts.

When the two of them had been enemies, they had fought each other, pursued each other, threatened and pleaded and rebuffed each other. Now, Ben reflected, he finally had the object of his quest—not just Rey herself, but her goodwill, her cooperation and affection—and being with her was so much more than he could have imagined. She had formerly refused to cooperate with him or give him anything; now she was literally bending to his will, giving him what he wanted, accepting what he could give—and she liked it. It was one thing to have someone in your power and exert your will over them; it was quite another for them to be happy about being in that position, and it was far better when it was done out of love.

With these thoughts running through his head, Ben felt more powerful than he had in years—perhaps his entire life. Every one of his deepest desires was in his possession, literally within his grasp: love, joy, peace, acceptance, intimacy—everything he had ever longed for was present in the shape of this person. No one else knew or understood or believed or loved him as much as this generous girl—this selfless woman—this unyielding warrior lying acquiescently in his arms. No one had ever allowed themselves to be so vulnerable with him—and he was the only one for whom Rey became so vulnerable. No one had ever given him so much, or accepted so much from him—and she would give more if he only asked, accept more if he only offered. He sensed—through the Force, their bond, and the wordless language of their bodies—her absolute trust, her overwhelming pleasure, her deep longing, and her willingness to fulfill his desire.

They both gasped as their lips came apart, breathing each other's names like a prayer, desperate and reverent at the same time. He hugged her once more and began pressing kisses along her face, her neck, her shoulders, whispering her name in between. He heard her little gasps and sighs of pleasure. "Rey. —My Rey. —My own Rey. —My brave—beautiful—headstrong—wonderful—Rey." On this last naming, he brought his hand behind her head and kissed her lips once more. Rey moaned, sounding defeated, but she opened her mouth to him and let him carry on.

Ben was winning, and they both knew it. Her mind was weak and did not want to think; her body was tired and wanted to rest; slowly but surely, her will and ability to leave him were crumbling.

The part of Rey that was still capable of rational thought wondered: Was this how things would be between them, if she stayed—or would things be even better, then? Could they belong to each other so completely that no boundaries were left? Did she want that? The answer came to her immediately: yes, she wanted that, for both of their sakes.

With their mental defenses lowered, Ben's thoughts bled into hers: there was no substantial reason why she should not stay. For once in their lives—perhaps for the first time in their families' intertwined histories—their desires were not in conflict with their morals or duties or loyalties. In fact, they could be brought into alignment very easily.

When Ben finally broke the kiss, he kept his face close to Rey's, so that their lips continued to brush as he spoke. "Search your feelings."

Rey's breaths were slow and heavy. She kept her eyes mostly closed, putting off the moment she had to face him and acknowledge her feelings.

"You know the truth," Ben said, his voice hushed. "Say it."

When she finally opened her eyes, they were glossy with tears. "I love you. And … I want … to be with you."

Ben felt as though his heart was melting within him. He smiled as he blinked back his own tears. "You see?" he said. "I can't let you go when you want me so much." He stroked her cheek with his fingers, studying her features. "I want you to be happy, Rey. If being with me makes you happy, why not stay?"

"It's not a question of whether; it's a question of when and how. If you'll recall, that was part of the original reason for my coming in the first place."

"Why didn't you bring it up?"

She laughed. "Why do you think?" she teased, before planting a kiss on his neck. "We kept getting sidetracked."

"Well—if that was the real reason—you oughtn't leave before we've talked it through, right?"

Rey looked at him in a way that struck him as almost parental, or like a teacher—as though he were a child, and she were considering whether to trust him with some adult matter. "Are you ready to talk seriously about it? About us? Because there's a lot that I need to consider—and that I'd like you to consider—and I don't know how you'll feel about it."

"I'm ready whenever you are."

Just then, Rey's stomach gurgled; Ben felt it more than he heard it. Rey spoke firmly. "I'll be ready when I've had some food, and when you're not trying to seduce me."

Ben considered her, weighing his options. Finally she heaved a dramatic sigh and said, "Look at it this way: I'm willing to surrender; we just need to discuss the terms."

At that, Ben smiled in concession. "Alright, scavenger. We'll find some food."

By unspoken agreement, they waited until they had cooked, eaten, and cleaned up from their morning meal before broaching the subject. They hardly spoke during that interval, as Rey was gathering her thoughts. Ben felt as though he were watching someone mentally draft a plan of attack, and it made him more nervous than he expected himself to be.

After they had cleared away the dishes, Rey pointedly sat on the opposite side of the firepit, so she was facing Ben directly. He did not like this change: it felt more like a meeting of adversaries than a discussion between allies.

"Can I ask something, first?" Ben asked.

"Sure."

"Is there a real reason why you haven't started this conversation sooner?"

Rey answered hesitantly, slightly embarrassed. "Well … it's true I didn't want to spoil the mood, when everything was finally so—so good, so right between us. The thing is … I don't know how you'll react to everything—or whether it'll make you change your mind about me."

Ben frowned. "Nothing will change my feelings toward you."

"I know; but you get to decide whether to act on them."

"Okay." After a pause, he got to the main point. "So, why can't you stay now—or move in at the earliest opportunity?"

"Well, I need to give everyone some warning first. And I don't think now's a good time to do that."

"Why not? What are you waiting for?"

"Well, as a matter of fact, I've heard from a very reliable source that my best friend might be getting engaged soon."

Ben blinked in confusion. "Your best—who?"

"Finn!" Rey spoke as though it were obvious.

"Oh." Off of her questioning, half-reproachful look, he explained, "I guess I flattered myself that I was your best friend."

"You're half of my dyad. That's practically my soulmate. Finn is my best friend—he's basically my brother in everything but blood. My point is, I don't want our affairs to overshadow theirs. Because when the news spreads about my leaving and us getting married, people will have a lot to say, and I'll have a lot to do. I don't want to take the attention away from them. And," she added, "I want to be able to attend their wedding. That will be easier if I'm still with the Resistance."

Ben nodded slowly. "Alright. That makes sense."

"Regardless of when that happens, I need time to set things in order so everyone can carry on without me. That will include training someone to take over my work."

"How long would that take?"

Rey hesitated. "At least a few months. Maybe a year."

"A year?" Ben could not stop his voice from rising, both in volume and in pitch.

"I'll visit in the meantime, and we'll still see each other in the Force." Her smile was only slightly suggestive, but Ben realized, with some pleasure, that they need no longer be shy about touching or kissing each other in those stolen moments.

Rey had one more condition, and while she was just as firm as earlier, she had to overcome some shyness to make herself say the words. "And if I move here permanently … I'd want us to get married first."

Ben stared, baffled. A long moment passed before he finally spoke. "Are you … actually proposing this … or just speaking hypothetically?"

"I kind of thought we were heading in that direction anyway," Rey said, looking at the ground.

"I'm not saying I'm opposed to the idea," Ben said slowly. "I just … am wondering … why?"

"Well, why not? We love each other, we want each other, and if we're committed to each other, why not?"

"I kind of think our being a dyad is a deeper connection than the marital bond. If anything, I think the Force already sees us as something like a married couple."

"But is there any reason why we shouldn't be one legally?"

Ben could not think of a substantial argument against it. "I guess not. I just don't see the necessity of it. It's no one's business but ours."

"Maybe so, but I don't want this to be some shameful secret, as if you're my guilty pleasure. You're so much more than that. I would at least want my friends to know who I'm giving my heart and my life to, even if no one else does. But I can see some practical reasons, too. If it ever came out that you and I are in a relationship, it would be good to be able to say that everything is proper and official—that we're not just fooling around with each other. Plus," she said, raising an eyebrow, "if anyone else is interested in me, it would be helpful if I could explain that I'm already married."

That made sense, Ben could see. "So, you'll stay once we're married?"

"Yes."

He gave her a look. "Do you want to do it right now?"

She laughed a little, as though he had said something naughty. "That wouldn't count, Ben, and you know it. You need witnesses to get married."

"We could ask the caretakers."

Rey wrinkled her nose. "We could invite them, yeah … but I'd want my friends to be there, too."

That was when Ben understood what she was getting at. "What—like a real wedding? With a ceremony and a party and everything?"

"If we can, yes."

Ben was incredulous enough that had to resist the impulse to laugh. "Um … Rey … that's a nice idea, but … I'm not sure anyone would want to come."

"Chewie and Lando would. And I'm sure Finn and Rose will come if I ask."

"I can't imagine Dameron being very happy about it."

Rey grimaced, but quickly masked it and shrugged indifferently. "He'll have to deal with it."

"What if he, or your other friends, try to stop us?"

Now it was Rey's turn to be skeptical. "Do you think they would succeed?"

"I think it would be an annoyance to have to deal with them, when we're trying to start a life together." On the other hand, a petty part of Ben liked the idea of being able to gloat over Rey choosing him, becoming his, while her friends watched with resignation.

Rey spoke with conviction and finality. "If you want me, you have to accept my friends. And if they want to continue being my friends, they'll have to accept my husband."

Ben had thought he understood that, after hearing similar advice from Luke and Anakin. He supposed this was the first test of it. "Does it really mean that much to you?"

"Yes." Rey shifted, suddenly nervous, and switched topics before Ben could give his assent. "On a different, but related subject … there's—um—something else to consider … if we get married …"

"Yes?"

Rey suddenly stood and walked a few yards away, to the pegs next to the door, where she had hung up her bag. She retrieved something from an inner pocket, then brought it over to R2-D2, all the while avoiding Ben's gaze. It was only when she inserted the item that he realized it was a holochip. "I didn't tell you about this sooner, because, well … I don't know if you'll think it's silly, or if it'll make you sad."

Ben watched, uncomprehending, as R2-D2 woke up, registered the device, and projected a hologram of its contents. Rey stepped back so Ben could see, and he came up to the droid for a closer look.

There was an image of Rey kneeling next to a child, who seemed to be showing her a homemade toy of some kind. Then it faded into another image: Rey and a few other female Resistance agents surrounded by a gaggle of children. Another fadeout: Rey holding a sleeping toddler. Another: Rey and Rose tending a baby. The subjects and poses varied, but in all of them, Rey looked happily, tenderly, and lovingly at the child or children she was with.

"What is this?" Ben asked, his tone neutral.

"These are some of the slaves we've rescued over the past few years," Rey explained. She glanced at Ben to see his reaction, but his expression remained blank. She turned back to the pictures, and there was no mistaking the wistfulness in her gaze. "Seeing children used to always make me feel sad—like I was missing something. I thought it was because I wanted my own parents. But more recently … whenever I interact with them, I can't help feeling … I want to be a parent." She looked at him shyly. "I did wonder if … not now, necessarily, but someday … you might want that?"

The idea was rather alien to Ben. He had virtually no experience interacting with children in his adult life. Despite Leia's long-ago hope of becoming a grandmother, he had never harbored any real desire for children of his own. It had not seemed like a possibility until now, and it struck him with several different, confusing thoughts and emotions that threatened to drag him into a downward spiral.

It was too much to consider all at once: the bliss of being together, just the two of them, enjoying the present moment, had pushed all future hopes and fears to the side. The topic of whether or not to have children seemed far too big to open up now, and might even lead to arguments and hurt feelings. The end of a visit was not the right time for that.

Rey saw his uncertainty and sensed his inner conflict. Mercifully, she turned off the projection and said, "Why don't we both take some time to think about it? We can talk it over next time I come."

Ben would have been glad to put off the subject—his feelings were too complicated and contradictory to discuss without some forethought—but the prospect of saying goodbye was not one he wanted to face either.

Rey could tell he was trying to think of some excuse for her to stay, and she circumvented his half-thought-out attempts by seizing his hand. "Do you trust me?" she asked.

His answer was immediate: "With all my heart."

"Then trust me to come back."

"I will." He touched her cheek tenderly. "I just don't know how I'll be able to wait."

She caught his other hand, before he could attempt to restrain her again. "If you let me go, I promise one kiss—one good kiss—every time the Force connects us."

Ben eyed her. "Only one?"

"At least one."

They looked at each other, then both broke into grins and laughed at themselves.

"Alright, scavenger. I accept your bargain. You're free to go." He took her chin between his thumb and index finger. "Just remember: we're not done yet."

"I won't forget," she whispered, before closing the distance between them.

As he walked her back to the Millennium Falcon—almost like they were a normal couple finishing a date—Rey leaned against him and said, "I think this has been the best week of my life."

He smiled, hugging her to his side, and answered, "I know it's been the best week of mine."

Author's Notes

This chapter underwent a lot of rewriting and rearranging, so I would appreciate feedback about whether it works overall.

I will be on hiatus during Lent but return with updates after Easter. In the meantime, I have two new stories you can check out: a Loki short story cycle, "The Sun Will Shine On Us Again," exploring Loki and Sylvie's characterization and relationship development; and a Star Wars story, "Saving Love," based on the myth of Cupid/Eros and Psyche, with Ben/Kylo and Rey as the protagonists.