A/N: I tried to find out if Derek Klivian's nickname "Hobbie" was derived from actual facts in the SWU, but didn't find anything. So I wrote my own backstory in this chapter. Also, Rey's and Ben's thoughts in this chapter are definitely supported by lots of alcohol in their system. Rest of the story they're a bit more mature about it... for the most part anyway. Enjoy!

~V. Bar Hopping~

~i. Getting to Know Each Other Pt. 1~

As luck would have it, Ben and Rey ended up sitting next to each other in the limousine, seeing as half the party consisted of couples and their host was already pre-gaming with a bottle of tequila and sticking his head out of the sunroof. They didn't mind of course since it was an unspoken thing that they were both glad to be around one another even for just a bit longer. Although nothing physically or verbally happened in the limousine between the two, the mutual tension was almost unbearable. If any of their friends cared to notice, they could have easily seen that there was some level of attraction present.

At the first bar everyone scattered after Poe bought the group a round of shots. As if it were a natural thing, Ben and Rey stayed close to one another. They found some stools at the bar to settle into. A couple sips of liquid courage in and the pair began a conversation.

"So," Ben started. "What is a pretty little English girl doing in Sin City? Better yet, what did you do in a previous life that punished you to get acquainted with the enigma that is Poe Dameron?" he quipped.

She couldn't help but giggle, thankful that the room wasn't well lit as a blush from the 'pretty' remark crept up on her cheeks.

"All I know is that Poe makes my life interesting. And he gives us free booze."

"Did he finally buy a bar?"

"Yeah, the Cantina on the pier."

"No way! Good for him," Ben said before taking a swig of his beer. "So, what about you?"

"What about me?" Rey was attempting to be coy. She told herself she needed a break from her love life, though she couldn't deny her ridiculous gravitation to this man.

"Who is Rey?" he smiled. Yup. That did it for her. If he wanted her bank account and all her credit cards, she'd give it to him no questions asked.

"Hm," she pressed her lips tightly, trying not to let his coquettish grin make her melt inside. "Well, I'm from London. Moved here for school and stayed when I landed a job," she tried to be brief.

"Ah, so are you some hotshot powerhouse or something and you needed to let off steam for the weekend?"

"Maybe," she answered with discretion.

"Maybe that's how you know my mom, you're in the business," he quipped an eyebrow.

"I mean who doesn't know your mom. She's LA royalty, right?" she pointed out.

"Yeah I guess," he shrugged.

Suddenly his whole demeanor shifted. What was once playful banter, Ben turned away from Rey and leaned his back on the bar, wandering his eyes around the room noncommittally. She felt that she may have said or done something wrong. So much for flirting with the cute stranger, she thought.

"I'm sorry if I offended you," she said, feeling that he was not comfortable with the topic. "If it helps, I don't care who your mom is. It doesn't change my perspective of you."

He turned to her, another coquettish smirk on his face. "You have a perspective of me?"

She impishly hit his arm. "Like you don't have one of me?"

"I do, actually."

"And what is it exactly?" she was curious of what he thought of her.

"I think you're beautiful," he kept a strong gaze on her, showing he meant it.

She froze mid gasp, begging herself not to smile like a complete goof. Holy crap, maybe there's still a chance, she cheered inside. Be cool, Rey. Be cool.

She took a sip of her cosmopolitan and looked into his eyes.

In her most sultry voice, she responded, "Flattery will get you everywhere, mister."

Heat rushed south at her remark as Ben was very much liking where this conversation was headed. Also trying to play it cool, he finished his beer and ordered another before speaking to her again.

"Well, the night is young. If you won't tell me about yourself, I've got all the time in the world," he was sure of himself. That cockiness. Rey didn't usually like that on a guy, but on him it was dead sexy.

"Well how about you, who is Ben Solo?" she tried desperately changing the subject as to not lose her composure. This tantalizing game of cat and mouse was almost too much for Rey to handle. But she wanted to see it through. She really wanted to see it through with Ben.

"Just a guy," he said coolly.

"Oh no fair," she hit his chest. Damn was it firm. "You beg me to talk but you say three words and it's casual?"

He smugly grinned. This earned another tap on his toned chest from her.

"How about this," he offered. He was never this forward on a woman, usually they would fall into his lap without him trying anything. But for some reason he felt the urge to step up his game for her. So, with his deepest and smoothest voice he whispered into her ear. "Grace me with your presence for a little bit longer tonight and I'll tell you anything you want."

Oh my gawwd YES! Rey screamed in her mind. Thankfully, the alcohol didn't overcome her thoughts just yet and she remembered why she was there. As hot as he was, she couldn't just ditch everyone.

"I don't want leave my friends behind," she reminded him.

Augh, Ben was inwardly groaning. This woman was driving his libido crazy and he hasn't so much touched her yet. Quickly, he thought on his feet.

"I'm sure we're all going to hangout a little bit longer before we go our separate ways. Poe's a really insistent guy."

It was a very tempting offer. On one hand, she planned to be with her friends for the weekend so she wouldn't feel miserable about her breakup. On the other hand, Finn and Rose would probably have more fun having alone time and Poe would probably sleep with every woman he buys a drink for tonight.

Then there's Ben. On one hand, he's a complete stranger. Their meeting was unconventional. But on the other hand, he's undeniably attractive, and Rey could not deny her pull towards him any longer. She didn't think she'd even get involved with another man right after her breakup, let alone hook up with what Rose would call a 'rebound' guy. But spending time with Ben was getting dangerously comfortable, and Rey had no idea what to make of any of this.

However, she did want to have a spontaneous, off the books weekend. She recalled saying that to her friends. And she wouldn't mind having it with Ben. Actually, she only wanted to have it with Ben.

So, she listened to her gut for once instead of her mind.

"Buy me a drink and I'll consider."

~ii. Getting to Know Each Other Pt. 2~

On their next stop, Poe brought the gang to an outdoor bar; everyone dispersing to do their own thing, leaving Ben and Rey alone once again. They grabbed another beer and cosmopolitan and found a table to sit and continue talking.

"So, Rey, can you at least tell me your last name?"

"It's Andor."

"Rey Andor," he said, as if to confirm her existence. "What do you do, Rey Andor?"

"I work for a nonprofit in Mid City. I do the outreach and planning and development."

"Ah so you are in the business," he teased. "The big leagues."

"Not that big," she said modestly. "Just a nice little nonprofit. What about you?"

"Ah well, I'm sort of in between jobs right now," he awkwardly scratched the back of his neck. He didn't want to bring that up to the girl he was trying to score with, though he caught his faux paw since he was the one who asked what she did first. Great Ben, way to blow it! He mentally kicked himself.

"I'm guessing it's why you're here," she had put two and two together.

"No, I'm here to hit on cute English girls," he winked. She couldn't help but show her blush this time. When he caught it, he felt like he was ten feet tall. Maybe there was still a chance. "Actually, I'm thinking of getting my pilot's license. Been wanting to do it for a while now."

"Wow, that's awesome," Rey was impressed. "Never met a pilot before."

"Poe never told you he used to be a pilot?" he took a quick swig.

"What, Poe was a pilot?!" she almost spat her drink out.

"Well, he got his license right after we graduated high school. I don't know if he ever did anything with it. But for as long as I've known him, he's always wanted to own a bar for some reason," Ben said. "Then again, the man's got an alcohol addiction so maybe it's not all surprising," he chuckled.

"That dummy. He could be giving us free booze and rides," Rey joked.

"That's Poe for ya," Ben laughed.

~.~.~.~

By their third bar, Ben was adamant to know more about Rey. He was interested in knowing everything about her, and something told him she may have the same intentions.

"Have you ever been to London?" she asked him, almost having to scream over the obnoxiously loud music.

"London? No. But I've been to Dublin though. Hux is from Ireland and we went to visit his family one time over a summer break."

"I haven't been home in years. I don't miss the weather, but I do miss the food."

"I mean, American food ain't healthy, but we've got some pretty good grub. Can't ever go wrong with pizza! Or any other kind of pie."

"Yes, I am in love with pies! Apple, blueberry, cherry is my absolute favorite!" she exclaimed. "And don't even get me started on brisket. YUM!"

Ben chuckled. This tiny little woman had a huge appetite. Who knew?

"I'd like to visit London some time," he said. "Would you give me a tour of everything?"

"Oh, would I?! I'll show you all the best pastries shops and pubs!" she got excited. Leave it to Rey to get excited about showing a traveler the food instead of the landmarks.

By his amused face she giggled, realizing she never mentioned the typical tourist traps. If Ben ever went to London with her, she could only imagine a great time with him.

"So you were born and raised in Los Angeles?"

"Yeah but I went to school up in Northern California. Then I came back home for a job."

"And that was?"

"I worked in a control tower at a private airfield."

"That explains the whole fascination for a pilot's license then," Rey said.

"Yeah, I was hoping to get my pilot's license so I could fly but I got canned so… oh well," he dismissed it hoping she wouldn't ask.

"Well, c'est la vie," she spoke, and they clinked glasses.

He smiled at her when she turned away, thankful that she didn't push him to talk about himself. While Rey continued to go on about the great food discoveries she made since moving to the states, Ben decided that her silent cues on sensitive topics was what he was beginning to like most about her. And they only just met!

~iii. Don't Think, Just Do~

Their fourth stop happened around 10 PM. Poe was quick to have everyone leave each bar if he didn't find his next conquest. It seemed like this would be the last of the collective group's destination though as Poe had made plans to go to a club with the flirty receptionist he met at the hotel, Hux and Phasma talked about seeing a band play, and Finn and Rose wanted to see the Blue Man Group. Ben ordered their drinks and he and Rey stood privately to the side as this bar was more crowded - most likely because it was later into the night. They didn't mind of course of this close proximity. It was a win-win for them both.

"So really, why are you here, Rey?" he tried asking once more.

She knew he would ask that again. It's not like she was the only one to ever encounter it, but she just didn't want to think about her ex. This whole night, Ben had distracted her so well that Rey was actually happy for the first time since it happened.

"Honestly?" she said. "I'm here to get over a breakup."

She fiddled with the straw in her glass. It was the first time she had shared this blow with someone other than her friends.

"Oh," was all he could say. Shit, Ben thought. I ruined her night.

"Yeah," she said before taking a long sip of her cocktail.

"Guy's an idiot if he ever thought of breaking up with you," he scoffed, drinking his beer.

"Want to know the worst part? We were engaged," she said matter-of-factly. While the subject had been difficult to bring up, strangely she noticed that the words didn't hurt her as much when she said it aloud. Maybe Ben was a good distraction.

"Wow, then he is the biggest fucking moron to not marry you," he said incredulously.

Her word vomit continued. "Broke up with me the day after Valentine's day. Said he didn't want to 'ruin the holiday for me'. As if one day would make a difference for the inevitable."

"What a dick."

"Yeah well, that's Hobbie for ya," she said. She took a rather long sip of her drink to wash down his horrible name from her mouth.

"What kind of a name is 'Hobbie'?" Ben snorted.

"His name's Derek," Rey clarified. "Hobbie was a nickname given to him since he was a kid. He did a lot of things in his spare time; lots of talents – rowing, cricket, baseball, scuba diving, reading - and his friends gave him that nickname because of it."

"Well he should find a new 'hobby' in getting a brain because he's an imbecile," he joked.

She giggled, knowing he was trying to make her feel better. It was definitely working.

"Yeah… you know he told me that I was the problem? That I was weighing him down and all. I sure know how to pick 'em, huh?" This time, however, those words made her feel small.

Ben was in shock. He didn't know what to say. It was a stock answer telling someone that their ex made a mistake, and his other responses were actual honesty. But for the first time that night he saw a vulnerable side to Rey that made him want to hold her protectively in his arms so she wouldn't break. He knew there was nothing he could really say to make her feel better. She was feeling her breakup. Nothing anyone ever told him while he was in pain had helped either. So, he just let her figure out her own thoughts for a minute.

"You know that job that I was let go of?" he slightly changed the subject. She seemed surprised but was relieved as she didn't seem to want to elaborate more on her love life. "Well, did I mention I worked for my dad?"

"Ouch," Rey shuddered, feeling sympathy. "And you'd think a place in the family business would mean job security. That's brutal."

"Yeah, right?" he scoffed.

Ben took a long gulp of his beer. When he spoke again, his tone changed.

"If my dad thought I was a horrible guy, I must be doing something wrong."

"Hey, don't beat yourself up," she tried to encourage him.

"Yeah well it's kind of true. I'm not exactly the reliable type. I wouldn't bet on myself."

"I'd bet on you, Ben," she said sincerely.

Ben looked at her as if for the first time someone actually noticed him. For a moment, he didn't feel like a complete let down.

"It's a risky move, Rey. But thanks."

"Yeah, but worth it," she explained. "I risked trusting you to not harm be in the hotel room when we first met. I guess my gut was right because now I'm out having drinks with you," she nudged him lightly.

Ben dryly gulped at her words. It was true. She had taken the chance to trust him. That lifted a large weight on his shoulders for absolutely no reason at all, especially coming from a girl he had barely known for six hours.

~.~.~.~

For the rest of the hour their conversations had tapered off. They each exposed such sensitive areas of their personal lives that their emotions were eating them up inside. However, reality set back in for Ben and as their friends were preparing to venture off to their own plans. He dreaded knowing that he had no real reason to be around Rey anymore.

Rose had mentioned that she and Finn would be heading out to watch a show and while she was invited, Rey did not want to be the third wheel, so she declined. Instead, she decided to stick with Poe and most likely look out for him while he partied all night. There wasn't really another option for her at this point.

"You alright?" Ben noticed her blank expression once her friends left.

He was still debating whether or not to head to a concert with Hux and Phasma. Obviously, his decision was tendered on Rey's plans.

"Yeah, I'm fine," she weakly smiled.

Unfortunately, without Rose or Finn around to keep her from talking about her ex, she was starting to feel a grey cloud settle over her head. It was so apparent that Ben caught on the reason why she was acting aloof.

"Hey," he tried to get her to look at him. "You know how they say, 'it's not you it's me' but really it's you?"

She nodded. Though Hobbie didn't say it that way - his was much more blunt - she was familiar with the expression.

"Well the same goes for the opposite."

She stared at him, bemused.

"I'm serious. If that dumb fuck told you that you were the problem, then he was more likely the real reason. You know aside from the fact that he must have a brain aneurism for even considering to mess things up with you."

He had never met the guy but already decided he wanted to hunt him down for the pain he caused Rey.

"Thanks Ben," Rey said. She took a hold of his arm, squeezing it lightly to show gratitude. This arm touching an hour ago would have made her giddy, but the mood shifted and right now she was feeling her heart ache. "But he wasn't wrong. He told me I was well… boring."

"You are far from boring, Rey. I mean do you remember how we met?! Thought I was going to dent my ego by letting a tiny little lady beat the shit out of me!" he joked, prompting her to laugh. Score, Ben said to himself.

"Yeah well, I've definitely always been the good girl playing it safe," she confessed.

"You're in Vegas, Rey. You do know they call it 'Sin City' right?"

"Well I'm hardly doing anything wild. I'm just bar hopping with Poe."

This was his chance. His chance to turn the night around. To explore this mutual attraction and show her a good time. He wasn't going to let both their nights go to waste in sullen grief.

"Well then," he offered his hand again, like he did the first time they met. "Let a stranger help you have a good time tonight."

"I don't know…"

"Come on Rey. Don't think, just do."

She looked at his hand waiting for her to take it. Her thoughts of Hobbie momentarily went away and the earlier motives of the start of their evening came flooding back. She wanted to say yes, especially to Ben, but this was a recipe for disaster. Something she would probably regret. Something she never in her wildest dreams would ever consider, something- wait… but wasn't that the point? To let loose and not think about the next five steps? To be herself again? The think for herself lighthearted woman she was before she met Hobbie? Wasn't the point of this weekend to have fun? Screw it.

She rolled her eyes and this time took his hand.

"I'm going to regret this, aren't I?" she teased.

He smirked at her. "Probably, but maybe you won't."

A/N: The preview below is the story's description, but I couldn't choose another excerpt without giving away even more!

A/N: Preview of next chapter: The Morning After

"Thanks again for bringing me along for your friends' special night," she said to Poe.

"What are you talking about, beautiful?" he asked her.

"Oh silly, you remember, last night with these two."She pointed between Ben and Rey.

"Uh… she's not my girlfriend," Ben tried to correct her.

"Well of course not anymore, sweetie," she nudged Ben's arm. "She's your wife. You're married now."