"How long do we have till you need to be at the opera house?" Rey asked, still in Ben's lap, and reluctant to leave it.

"Three hours. Which is just barely enough time to get you ready."

"What do you mean, 'ready'? I am ready!"

An indulgent smile worked its way onto Ben's face, and Rey knew she was going to hate whatever he planned on saying next.

"You won't get in through the front door in your leathers," he said softly. "No matter how charming I find them. There's a dress code," he finished. As if Rey gave a shit about dress codes.

"I'm your bodyguard. Cirraen is the one who's going to be there on a date," she replied, glumly. So, apparently, she wasn't quite over that whole 'date' thing and maybe still wanted to punch the rude Aristo from the auction in the face.

Rey was doing her best not to be jealous but was failing miserably. Ben, either sensing her mood or upset about the situation himself, reached out and gently cupped her cheek. "It's not a date, and I'm not entirely certain she's going to be with me."

"What do you mean?"

Ben shrugged. "We set everything up with her people, only to find out she'll be arriving with someone else."

"Any idea who?"

"Mystery guest who's more important than I am, apparently."

Rey frowned. She didn't like this change of events and hadn't prepped for it. She'd expected to be doing bodyguard work for Ben and Cirraen, and now it was Ben, Cirraen, and someone else? Or was it just Ben? Would Cirraen bring her own guard?

Ben gently pinched Rey's cheek as her mind circled through all possible outcomes. "It's fine. My uncle has security stationed throughout the city, so we don't need to worry about any of that."

Reading my thoughts again?

They are very loud, Ben sent back before leaning in to place a soft kiss on her lips.

"Fine," she conceded. Sometimes, her thoughts were loud to even her, so it didn't really surprise her that Ben had an easy time making them out. Even Maz seemed to be able to read Rey's mood through her facial expressions alone.

"C'mon, 3PO and I have everything ready for you."

"I'm not that hopeless," she griped as she shifted off of his lap and stood. Rey helped Ben up, and soon he was tugging her through the monochromatic apartment. Aside from the wide windows that let in the waning light of Bespin, everything was so white that it almost hurt her eyes.

"This room's attached to mine," he said before pressing a panel to open the door.

With a soft hiss, the door retreated into the wall, while Ben led Rey inside. It was more like a dressing room than an actual bedroom. More white furniture, several large mirrors, what looked to be a walk-in closet, and a huge 'fresher rounded out the room.

"Great, let's get started," Ben said while gesturing towards a hover-chair.

"You're going to do my hair?" Rey asked.

"Among other things. 3PO will help, right 3PO?"

"Of course, Master Ben," the droid called from somewhere in the closet.

As soon as Rey settled in the chair, Ben met her gaze through the mirror and gave her a quick wink. "Don't worry, I'm very good at this."

And he was. So was 3PO, actually. She had to hand it to them, she hardly recognized the woman who stood in the mirror. Her long hair was coiled and cascaded over the curve of her shoulder but was still away from her face. And Ben had styled it. He was so good at working with her hair, she had half a mind to tell him that maybe he should employ her full time, just so he could play with her hair more regularly.

"All you have to do is call, and I'll be there," Ben cooed in her ear before he set the look with some hairspray. A thin braid coiled around the length of one of her curls, and Ben had attached a little jewel at the end—violet, of course.

Rey tugged on the little bauble. "Any meaning?"

"Only that you're mine," he beamed at her through the mirror.

"Really?"

"Something like that. Might get me in a bit of trouble with my mother, but she's on Hosnian Prime, so I don't need to worry about her."

"Trouble with Senator Organa? What kind of trouble? Is this some sort of political thing?"

Ben's eyebrow quirked as he stared at her through the mirror. "No."

"Well, what does it mean, then?"

"It's a secret."

Rey huffed. "You're the worst, Solo."

"Of course, but I'm also the best in so many other ways, aren't I?"

She wasn't going to open her mouth to refute that, because he was right and he'd know she was lying, so Rey just reached for her makeup and ignored the handsome, frustrating Aristo. Ben eventually excused himself to start his own preparations, leaving Rey alone to tend to her face.

Fortunately, Finn and Rose had been working with Rey, so she managed to perk up her face enough to pass for someone who normally wore makeup. As Rey worked on her face, she realized that the color of her hair looked different—darker, closer to Ben's. She realized that he must have used some sort of temporary coloring. She had to admit, she liked the look.

The ruby-colored dress Ben gave her was unfortunately long, but a slit ran along the length of the skirt, so Rey would be able to hide and access her holster easily. The dress was covered in a fine, beaded fabric that reached up to her neck and down to her wrists. A sweetheart bodice peeked out from beneath. A gold belt cinched the fabric at her waist and was tighter than Rey was used to wearing, but she decided she liked the look.

Ben knew her well enough to realize that she'd hate wearing heels. Instead, a soft pair of black leather boots were aside for her. They were whisper-soft against her skin, stopped mid-calf, and were wide enough to fit a 'blade along the side, which she did.

"Where d'you get the dress?" she called from the guest suite as she admired herself—if it could be called that, the room was bigger than anything she'd ever lived in.

"It's custom," Ben answered from the door, surprising Rey. She spun on her heel to face him and did a double-take. "I took the liberty of having it made once the confirmations were complete."

Gods, he looks sinful... Perfect look for a night at the Bespin Opera house.

He was completely covered and dressed in black and white, not that it did anything to mute the blatant and overwhelming sexuality he always seemed to exude. He looked like a prince, and Rey remembered that he was.

Some people would kill to be where you are right now, she thought before standing up a little straighter. She was strangely happy to be there with Ben at that moment, even if it meant she'd have to put up with Cirraen later. It was worth it just to see him.

Remembering the scant manners that Maz had managed to bully into her, Rey said, "You look stunning."

Ben's lips quirked as he strode forward and the full force of his scent hit her like a brick. Rey's breath caught in her throat as she tried and failed not to think about how addicted she'd become to that scent and how much she enjoyed the way he smelled when he was pressed against her.

Hard.

Writhing.

That cloying perfume mixing with the scent of their desire.

Fuck! Rey cursed internally. Ben was going to read her thoughts and know everything. Not that she was embarrassed, but it definitely put her at a disadvantage. Fortunately, he seemed as wrapped up in her presence as she was with his.

But, Gods, she wanted him. Especially after his wicked words and the sweet temptation he'd offered as she'd sat astride his lap. They were going to be in public. At the opera, even. How much trouble could she get in when they were both in public?

Ben's lips widened into a grin, finally responding to her thoughts. His expression told her, if she so desired, they could get into a great deal of trouble in public.

A custom dress... I guess he's had his hands on me enough to be able to figure out my measurements, Rey sighed as she tried to focus her attention anywhere but on the thought of him, which was impossible considering he was standing right in front of her.

He wore a swirling-patterned jacket that hung off his shoulders with matching trousers, which contrasted with a black and white shirt that did nothing to disguise how broad he was. A wide, ribbed leather belt crossed his waist and Rey had the most irrational urge to reach out and touch it. Which she resisted, just barely. His black loafers clicked against the tile as he moved closer, gloved hands curled at his sides as if he was resisting reaching out and touching her, too.

The web-like detailing of her dress contrasted wonderfully with the strange stripes and swirls of his. She had to admit, they looked good together.

"You look divine," he assured her. "I'd love the chance to see you in dresses more often. Though, I am fond of the look of your ass in leather."

Rey rolled her eyes and shifted to look at her outfit in the mirror again, but Ben surprised her by reaching out and gently pulling her close. His eyes locked with hers as he stared down at her.

"What?" she said, swallowing thickly; this close, it was hard to ignore how handsome he was and how much she wanted him.

"I... Do you know how beautiful you are?" he asked her, and it was almost awkward, as if he was having a hard time finding the right words to say to her, which was so unlike him.

"You don't have to flatter me, Ben," she replied, as a sad smile fell into place. "I know what I am."

Desert rat. Scavenger. Smuggler. Nothing.

But Ben shook his head, the long length of his jeweled dark hair dipping into his kohl-rimmed eyes.

"No. Not only on the outside," he said, his fingers traveling down her collar before settling over her sternum. "Here. You bewitch me like some Dathomirian spell. I have the strongest urge to see you spread out naked on my bed, but I spent so much time with your hair that I'm going to have to wait for it. And Rey?"

"Hmm?" she softly breathed, entranced by his words and touch.

"I am not a patient man."

She could feel how badly he wanted her. For a moment, she could see how exactly. He didn't even have to ruin her look. Just quickly shift her skirt out of the way so he could wedge himself between her strong legs. Another quick motion to free himself, the rough swipe of his fingers to move her underthings out of the way and then… and then…

Ben chuckled softly before pressing a tight kiss to her neck. "Oh, not that impatient. But maybe, if you tease me…," his words trailed off.

Rey nibbled her lips, which were already flushed red from her makeup. She did want to tease him, but she also wanted to see what he had planned for their first time. Her stomach did a little flip at that—their first time. Rey never thought she'd end up somewhere like this. Working for Maz had seemed like enough of a blessing. But being wrapped up in the arms of an Aristo—of Ben Solo? Who not only wanted her but seemed to care for and cherish her? It was enough to melt even her icy heart.

"Let's go. Or you're going to be late, but maybe that's what you want?" she joked.

Ben gave her another tight squeeze. "You have been paying attention. What's the point of making an entrance without an audience? Better to be late and have everyone notice your arrival and, besides, Cirraen won't be ready for at least another hour or so."

Rey sighed as she remembered the nasty woman. For a moment, she'd almost tricked herself into believing that she was the one going to the opera with Ben, and not as his security, either. Stepping out of his arms, she tested out the weight of her dress. She could fight in this thing, if she had to, though it wasn't the most practical outfit for her to be wearing.

Still, she liked it, and for a moment, she pretended that it was hers and this night was more than a moment in time that would ripple and fade into the past as soon as it was over. Just for a moment, she would believe that she was worthy of more.

"It doesn't have to just be a moment," he said softly as his arms tightened around her.

"Promise?" she whispered. She shouldn't have said such a fanciful thing, but she couldn't stop herself and didn't want to.

"Promise to make you wonder why you bother leaving my side at all? Absolutely," he teased, but when he saw her crestfallen look, he added, "You have but to ask. But for my part, I'm not going to be letting you go any time soon if I can manage it."

"Is that right?" she asked, rebounding a little. Maybe it was silly, and maybe she was stupid for hoping for more moments beyond this, but she did. Hope was a dangerous thing for a woman like Rey. Hope made her weak. But it also opened her up to so much more and didn't she deserve it after the life she'd lived? Didn't she deserve Ben's love and regard?

Ben gave her a tight hug and pressed a soft kiss into her cheek before noting, "You missed something."

He shifted and Rey noticed the little compact in his hand. Popping it open in front of her, Rey recognized the velvety little faux beauty marks from her time on Coruscant, back when she was guarding Leia for Maz.

It felt like so much had changed since then. Ben dipped his long finger into the compact and plucked up a small, black circle. "Smile," he instructed, so Rey did. His finger pressed into her cheek, right where his own mark was on his face.

"Perfect, now you really look like you belong to me."

"What does it mean?"

"Aside from what I just said? It's honoring one of my grandmothers. After she passed on, it became the fashion on Naboo to wear styles similar to what she'd favored or little facial embellishments to show respect to her memory."

Ben was pretty sparing when it came to details about his family's past, so Rey was happy to hear him talk about it now. Hopefully, one day, he'd open up about his family a little more, but the last thing she wanted was to push him into talking about things that made him unhappy. Family was complicated, she knew that first hand. To her, bloodlines didn't matter. What mattered was being there for someone when they were in need, family or not.

Increasingly, family for Rey was becoming the people she managed not to scare away—Finn, Rose, even Maz. And Ben. She'd always felt like too much, like her past and present pushed people away and made her hard to relate to. She'd lived so long on her own, and it was hard to open up and trust people to be there when she got back.

That kind of trust had almost gotten her killed on Jakku, so it had been easier to keep to herself and not rely on others. Anticipating betrayal kept her safe, waiting for someone to pull the rug out from under her did not. But now… She was learning to trust again, thanks to her friends and Ben. It was a comforting feeling and one she hoped they shared with her.

"That's really lovely," Rey commented while gently poking at the fake beauty mark. "Almost looks like it belongs there."

Ben reached out and gently gathered Rey against his body once more. "It does belong there because you belong here," he said.

Rey's cheeks flushed at that quiet admission, but instead of feeling uncomfortable, it just made her feel right. She quickly turned her head and placed a soft kiss on his cheek.

"We should get going, shouldn't we?" she suggested, though it was the last thing she wanted to do. These slow moments alone with Ben were filling out the cracks in her heart, seeping in and warming her with the knowledge that there was at least one place in the galaxy that she did belong.

Ben gently rubbed his nose into her neck. "If we must."

Rey chuckled. "Well, I'm not the one that agreed to be auctioned off, so the only reason we're going is because you're obligated."

"Ahh, the high price of being indebted to a friend," he sighed.

"That's how they getcha. Better to be like me and have no friends."

"Mmm, and here I'd thought I was counted among the lucky few that could call you a friend?"

"Are we only friends?" Rey wondered. "I mean, I don't generally roll around naked with my 'friends.'"

"Duly noted. Lovers?"

"I was going to say, employer to employee with perks, but I'll take lovers."

"You know, you'd have more friends if you just opened up and let people in," he chided.

"Says the man who's notorious for flings. Speak for yourself. And besides, I'm planning on 'letting you in' later," she purred.

"Touché. And I am so looking forward to that." Ben's arms tightened around her shoulders as he held her in a tight hug. "I'll take whatever you're willing to give me."

And that was it, wasn't it? How he'd managed to get into her heart. Ben gave and gave and gave so much that Rey sometimes wondered what he kept of himself. Was she worthy of his regard? He seemed to think so. Rey reached up and gently squeezed his arm as she decided that if he thought so, then she was good enough. Perhaps it was time she gave more of herself. Really, though, she wanted to.

For the first time in her life, she wanted to give more of herself to someone else. It was scary, and she still had to resist the little voice inside of her that couldn't help but tell her, repeatedly, that she would regret it. But she decided, even if she did regret it, it would be worth taking a chance on—that Ben was more than worth it. Maybe that's what love was, two people taking a chance on each other? She liked the thought of that.

"Oh, I almost forgot," Ben said, interrupting her thoughts before he pulled away. "There's something else I wanted to give you."

Ben crossed over to a dresser in the corner and pulled out a small box.

"What's this?" she asked while trailing him.

"Open it," he replied, passing it over.

Rey took the little velvet box and opened it with a snap. Inside were two things, a small, dark mask that perfectly matched the striking red of her dress, and a delicate, glittering chain.

"Do you like them?" Ben asked. His anticipation, and a little anxiety, was rolling off of him as he waited for her to say something.

"They're lovely, what are they for?"

Ben let out a little breath. "Well, the mask is to keep the press off of your tail, but the bracelet is a gift."

"I thought I'd be walking in after you?"

"Absolutely not," Ben balked. "In that dress? With that makeup? And my mark? You're coming with me."

Rey scrunched her face a little. "But isn't that a bad idea?"

Ben shrugged. "Who knows what life will bring next? I'd rather regret something I did do, than something I didn't. And besides, I have a mask, too. We'll match. It'll be cute and definitely start a fashion trend."

"Spoken like a true Aristo," Rey teased. "I'm glad you thought of the mask. Probably should have worn a helmet to the auction too, now that I think about it."

Fortunately, no one really seemed to give much of a shit about the help at that event. Rey couldn't imagine the same could be said for something like this.

"I promise there's a difference between going to an event as my bodyguard and going to an event as my date."

"I'm your date? I thought Cirraen was…?"

"She's not arriving with me, remember? You are. And if she's going to play games, so am I. And, besides, I've been wanting to take you out with me for a while. Might as well seize the moment."

This was a little more reckless than Ben was known for being, but who was she to criticize when she ran spice for a living? Maybe he just wanted to make sure that the celebrity gossips didn't get a hold of that piece of information, hence the mask?

"Or maybe I just know how unrelenting they can be and would rather keep that from happening to you, if I can?" he offered.

"Oh, this is a learned experience thing, isn't it?"

"Definitely."

"And with your other relationships?"

"Let's just say, my adoring public and the press have always been a strain on my relationships. But I'm learning to put up some boundaries—with your help, actually."

"Because you're a person and don't owe them shit?" Rey beamed before passing back Ben's gift. "Give me a hand?"

Ben laughed softly. "Wouldn't quite put it like that, but yes. And, of course, turn around for me."

Rey turned, and Ben couldn't resist trailing his fingers over the exposed skin of her back, softly running along the curve of her spine before reaching in front of her head with the mask.

"It's got an adhesive—don't worry. It's tech, so it won't ruin your makeup."

"I mean, that's the last thing I'd worry about," Rey said with a laugh. "And the ribbon?"

"Mostly for decoration," he replied before leaning in to murmur, "and something fun for me to pull off of you later."

With the mask on, Rey turned and looked at herself in the mirror. She had to admit, she was practically unrecognizable with the mask and her hair as dark as it was. Ben smiled from over her shoulder, then trailed his fingers down the length of her arm before gently grabbing her wrist. The jewel-encrusted bauble shined between them, glittering like starlight.

"It's beautiful, thank you," Rey said as he gently clasped the bracelet around her wrist. "Doesn't really go with my whole gun and leather look, but I'll make it work."

"Figured I could give you a little something for all you've done for me recently. Not many people would be willing to take a blaster shot for me," he said softly. "You look beautiful, Rey. Truly."

Rey wasn't used to accepting compliments, so she did what she did best and deflected. "And we're going to be more than fashionably late if we don't get going."

"You're probably right," Ben replied before placing a soft kiss on her cheek. "Let's go. My Uncle's arranged a shuttle for us."

After they finished up, Ben led Rey down a quiet access tunnel that took them to the docking bay. A black, Lambda-class T-4a shuttle was waiting for them.

Rey let out a low whistle. "Imperial?"

"Scavenged," Ben admitted with a wink. "Uncle's always been a fan of collecting airships."

Inside, the former Imperial vessel was retrofitted for comfort. At least, that's what Rey assumed considering there were several plush benches, a fresher, and a small bar, among other amenities, to use while onboard. While the Empire was known for its dark aesthetic, comfort wasn't something they'd prioritized, at least if the insides of their downed vessels on Jakku were anything to go by.

Ben sat and commed the pilot, and Rey settled in beside him on a plush bench. They were quiet during the chauffeured shuttle ride over to the opera house and, after helping Ben slip on his own mask, Rey took the time to focus her thoughts and work out a game plan.

She'd studied the specs for the opera house so, if needed, they'd have an acceptable escape route, but she worried about the masses of people. There was only one of her, and if someone wanted to get to Ben, it'd be hard to keep that from happening.

Still, for once in her life, her gut was telling her to sit back and enjoy the moment, but as they pulled up to the entrance and Rey and Ben made their way to the boarding ramp, she couldn't contain her worry. Ben reached over and gave her hand a quick squeeze as the hydraulics hissed and the ramp slowly descended.

A dizzying array of flashes and incessant shouting greeted them as the press fought to see the Ben Solo and, by extension, her. She realized quickly that she hadn't quite fully understood what it would be like to be on the arm of one of the most eligible bachelors in the galaxy.

This is... a thing, she managed to think as Ben stepped out before turning back to help her down the long ramp.

"Watch your skirt, Rey," he murmured, and Rey's hand flashed down to hold the fabric in place. The last thing she wanted was to show her blaster to all of Bespin.

Rey took a steadying breath as Ben threaded her arm with his. With the black mask on, he was a little fearsome, honestly. But his warm, brown eyes stared down at her as his lips curved into a comforting smile.

"Ready, sweetness?" he asked.

"No, but let's get this over with, shall we?" Rey replied. And with that, Ben led her along the glittering carpet and into the wild night.

Author's Notes:

Hope is a dangerous thing… is paraphrased from the Lana Del Rey song because they always seem to fit so nicely when I'm writing and I'd originally thought about titling this story after that song ? Been doing a lot of writing lately (yay) and trying to keep my wrists from dying (not yay lol), so the next chapter should be up sooner rather than later. Going to have to up the chapter count a bit. I'm sorry, I swear I'm not doing this on purpose, I just wanna tell the story as it is in my head and I get that can kind of be frustrating for people to see, but it is an estimate lol. I'm gonna say like 25/6? (that's what I have plotted out, anyway). There are a few more things I want to do, but I'm going to try to get this done asap because I want it done because I hate making people wait (I'm working on it and other things for Nano). Makes me feel anxious having unfinished business. Also, this chapter takes me over 100k words (on Ao3) which LOLLLLLLLLLL I'm so sorry. Thanks for sticking with me and for all of your lovely comments and support. Means the world to me.

ALSO, good job getting though (most) of the week. It's been a rollercoaster in more than a few places in the world. Big hugs. Love to you all!