These words race through the mind of Ben Solo as he climbs up the steep crevice. Although exhausted, drained, and most likely having broken bones, he pushes forward as quickly as he can. His breathing is labored beyond the physical climb. Since he was flung into the crevice by Emperor Palpatine, he was able to feel Rey through their bond as a Dyad up until simply moments ago. Her light, his beckon of hope, simply stopped its normal, comforting pulsing.
I can't feel her. I have to get to her. She has to be ok. She needs to be.
"Rey, I'm coming," he breathes, hoping some part of her can hear him.
His large hand slams onto the edge of the crevice. Finally at the top, he struggles to pull himself up and over the edge. As he pulls himself out, he looks ahead and sees someone laying on their side. His heart races as he tumbles forward, cursing slightly from the pain. Ben pushes off his elbows and groans as he forces himself to stand. The form ahead of him remains still. His heart beats faster still as he looks upon the figure dressed all in white.
"Rey!" he calls out as he shuffles over, his right foot sliding along as he tries not to put weight onto it.
He makes it over to Rey and falls to his knees, gasping and trembling as he looks at her. With shaky hands, he crawls over to her and reaches out carefully. His left hand makes contact with her arm and his thumb lovingly strokes her soft skin. The other hand slides over to her other arm gently.
"Rey? Rey, it's me," he whispers, his words almost getting closed as he swallows away the threatening tears.
No response. As carefully as he can, Ben gently pulls Rey to him and onto his lap. He grunts as he adjusts with his broken body screaming at him. Ben simply ignores the pains in his body. All that matters in this moment, what has always mattered most, is Rey. His Rey. Ben lays her across his lap and his heart drops. Rey stares up at the ceiling motionless.
"Rey? Rey, please…please wake up. Please," Ben begs as he looks down into her beautiful, still face.
He shudders and the tears begin to fall as he looks about the ruins of the Sith temple. No one is around. No one to help. Ben Solo is alone.
"Help me…help me please. I have to save her. She doesn't deserve this. I…I love her," he whimpers to the air.
His eyes look down towards Rey. Tears roll down his cheeks as he pulls her close to his chest, hugging her tightly. He has always wanted to hug her but never thought this was how it would happen. His body shudders as the tears stream from his deep brown eyes. Ben's mind wanders to all of the special memories he's had because of this strong, confident woman. Every memory with her, good or bad, means everything to him. He suddenly remembers how she healed him back on Kef Bir. Feeling great resolve in his heart, he slowly lowers Rey's back onto his lap and moves his hand to her stomach. His thumb brushes over her stomach gently as he closes his eyes and breathes deeply.
Ben passes all of himself into her, wanting nothing. Needing nothing except having her back in this world. He continues breathing deeply until something pulls him out of his focus. A warmth clasps his hand and he opens his eyes quickly. Ben looks down in shock as he sees Rey blink her eyes and meet his gaze. Her eyes widen and she sits up on his lap, her hand still holding his at last. He looks at her and nervously her up and down, worried he'll lose her again. His other hand still holds the back of her neck securely. Rey stares back at him with wonder, a small smile on her face. She gazes at him and looks him all over. Then she smiles the widest smile he has ever seen.
"Ben!" she whispers, her smile growing even more.
Fresh tears fill his eyes at hearing his name from her. He shudders as she raises her hand from his to cup his face. A small smile crosses his plush lips as they gaze into each other's eyes. Her hand touches every part of his cheek as she looks at him, eyes filled with love for him.
"Rey, I…" he begins to say.
He's pleasantly cut off when Rey suddenly leans forward and kisses him on his plump lips. As soon as her lips connect with his, he wraps his arm around her back, holding her close. He nuzzles against her kiss and moans softly when he feels her tongue touch his lips. Ben opens his mouth for a moment and they both sigh into the deeper kiss, tongues tangling softly but passionately.
They pull apart for air and Ben looks at her. Rey smiles at him, a blush crossing her cheeks from her impulsive gesture. Her heart swells with joy and even more love when she sees Ben's huge, toothy grin. Her smile widens too until she suddenly feels how cold he is. His smile slowly falls and Rey becomes gravely concerned.
"Ben?" she asks softly.
"Rey…" he breathes before falling backwards onto the floor, his hand wrapped tightly around her own.
She feels and hears the silence all around her as she gazes upon Ben laying before her. She tightens her grip on his hand as she feels tears flowing from her cheeks.
"No…no no, please…no…Ben, I…I love you," she whispers through her tears.
Rey collapses onto his chest, crying into his black sweater and holding him close. She doesn't dare leave his side. Not now. Not ever.
"I love you, Ben. Please…please come back to me," she prays.
