A/N: Remember when I said Ch 15 (Burning Bridges) was the longest word-wise? So the other day I came back to this story and added more content to some of the later chapters and even wrote an epilogue because I had an idea and why not? Turns out I added quite a bit more to this chapter and now it's the longest one by just a bit :)
Also want to clear a few things - First, this is going to be a fast/forward moving chapter, covering almost an entire week. Second, in the movie with the same name, their romance escalates quick and out of nowhere. Obviously this isn't out of nowhere, though the sudden romance is where I took this chapter. But... well, just enjoy this chapter ok? I'm sure it's what you've all been waiting for!
~XXIV. Gathering Up The Courage~
When Ben and Rey didn't actually want to avoid one another, things got in their way. Poe ended up crashing with the couple for the weekend, not leaving until Monday evening. While they desperately wanted some alone time to talk, they were glad to help their friend get back on his feet and recuperate from his heartbreak. By the end of his stay, Poe felt refreshed and encouraged to start anew and see where his feelings for Kaydel would take him.
"Thanks again you guys for the hospitality. Really, I appreciate it!" Poe said gratefully to his hosts.
"You should probably stay away from alcohol for a while," Rey suggested.
"And be boring like you two? Pass," Poe snorted.
"At least watch your alcohol intake for a bit," Ben said to him.
"What are you my AA sponsor?" Poe teased Ben.
"I feel like I was a few days ago!" Ben exclaimed.
"Geez. You get in one bar fight and you're pretty much grounded," Poe scoffed.
"You shouldn't have been in a bar fight in the first place, mister!" Rey scolded him.
"She's right," Ben agreed with Rey.
"Augh Gawwwd," Poe rolled his eyes. "Yes mom, yes dad. I won't overdo my alcohol intake again. Ya happy?" he mocked.
Ben and Rey awkwardly shuffled at his remark. Did he really have to call them 'mom and dad'? Poe knew he had turned the tables on them and haughtily grinned in delight. Yep, jokester Poe was definitely back.
"Anything else before I go, mom and dad?" he asked teasingly.
Rey glared at him and smacked is arm, eliciting a laugh from all three of them to relieve the tension. Ben walked over to open the front door. Rey followed suit and walked over with their friend hugging his side.
"Just promise no more bar fights okay?" Rey ordered him.
"No more, promise! Unless of course someone tries beating Finn up again," Poe chuckled.
"Finn's come a long way, I'm sure he can fend for himself with some hapless drunk," Rey giggled.
"I can vouch for that. The man nearly killed me the first time we met," Ben reminded them.
After another round of hugs and thank you's, Poe finally departed and left Rey and Ben alone together for the first time in three days.
They stood in place, lingering for a bit. After their intimate night the previous Friday, one would think they'd continue where they left off. Though a few days to think about it, they each thought that they were too caught up in the moment and impulsivity took over. It's not that they were second-guessing their feelings, no. Instead, they were thoroughly trying to decide the best way to approach each other from the after math. They wanted to do this right. No more rushing into things.
"Um…" Ben mumbled.
Rey looked at him hopefully.
"I'm going to catch up on studying. Lost a few days while we took care of Poe."
"Oh," Rey replied. There was a hint of disappointment in her voice. "Okay."
They timidly walked past one another, Ben to the computer desk and Rey to the kitchen to busy herself and probably find a snack.
"Rey?" he said from across the room.
She whipped her head around instantly. A little too eager than she had hoped to seem.
He was about to speak; To tell her how he felt, ask her out on a real date. But this was Ben Solo, of course he chickened out. Instead, he asked her something else.
"D-do you mind helping me study for a bit?"
She really thought he was going to say something. Maybe bring up what happened last Friday. But, she figured, it was still a very touchy subject to talk about, so she accepted his other offer and walked over to sit beside him.
They spent the remainder of the evening going over the important concepts that Ben needed to know for his exam. Here and there, they stole flirty glances and let small giggles escape from their lips. It felt almost right, yet no one still brought up their intimate evening.
When it came time for bed, Ben and Rey instinctively walked to their bedroom. Assuming now that Poe left, he would resume his new sleeping spot. Going back to routine, they both got ready for bed, then made themselves comfortable on their respective sides of the mattress. They settled in the same position, both lying on their backs, facing the ceiling. Ben turned his head slightly to get a view of Rey's face.
"Goodnight," he softly spoke.
"Goodnight," she twisted her head slightly and replied.
I guess we'll talk about it tomorrow, Ben thought. For now they would take it slow. Though in the back of his mind, he knew time was a factor. In just two weeks their time as 'roommates' would no longer be required as their court appointment was near.
Ben wanted to do something subtle. To assure her that he was still feeling things from last week. He slid his arm towards the center of the mattress to fiddle with Rey's idle hand nearby. She responded after a second and locked her fingers with his. She sighed lightly and at the corner of his eyes, Ben saw a tiny smile form on her lips. Now he'll have a good night.
~.~.~.~
The following day, Rey had to wake up earlier than usual to take a longer commute to Burbank. She had an important meeting and needed to dodge the morning traffic to get there in time. Ben hadn't woken up before she left so they missed a chance to chat briefly. When he did wake up, he fought with his mind all day on how he should talk to Rey and what he would tell her. He wanted to do it right this time.
Only 10 days and counting, he thought of their court date.
Unfortunately, Rey ended up texting him late in the afternoon informing that she would be home late, with her meeting in Burbank lasting the entire day. By the time Rey arrived back, half past 9 PM, Ben was fast asleep on his side of the bed, handbook sprawled over his chest from studying all day. Rey smiled to herself, she was so proud of his dedication. But she was upset at herself for missing a day to spend with him and try to talk about what happened last week. She too was counting the days and knew that she would have to talk to Ben sooner or later.
Wednesday was no different as once again Rey needed to spend her workday in Burbank. She departed early but this time left a note for him explaining her late night arrival and apologizing for it (though she didn't really have anything to apologize for). Ben, although was upset, knew she had a job to do so once again he bummed around, gathering his thoughts and busied himself with studying.
He was snacking on a bowl of ice cream before starting his study session that afternoon when on the bottom of his computer screen a video chat request from his mother popped up. Usually he'd miss her calls because he didn't use his computer much and his mother, being the businesswoman she is, utilized web conferencing almost all the time. Deciding he had nothing else to do and was obviously free, he answered it.
"Hey Mom," he waved.
"Oh sweetheart! You actually picked up!" Leia smiled brightly through the screen.
"Yeah well I'm not usually on the computer much. You really need to learn how to Facetime. I taught dad how to use it."
"The screen on a phone is too small, and I'm always with my notebook wherever I go, you know that son," she explained.
"Therein lies the problem, mom," he laughed.
"I'm surprised you're on your computer to begin with. I just took a shot and thought to call and say hello."
"I was studying for my exam. Normally Rey and I would just use the book, but she's not here so I figured I should take some practice tests online."
"Sorry about that dear, that's my fault."
"Huh?"
"Rey's been coming to my office in Burbank the past few days with Lando. We're working on a new contract for a collaboration project, remember?"
Before Ben could answer, Leia spoke again.
"Oh Rey!" she said off screen. "Come here dear, I'm talking to Ben."
A few seconds later, Rey appeared on the screen, hunching over behind Leia.
"Sorry I've taken your wife for the past few days sweetheart, you know us working women," she joked.
Rey smiled softly and waved to him. "Hey."
"Hey," he blushed. Hopefully the picture didn't immediately highlight the tints on his cheeks.
Someone off screen had called for Leia.
"Oh be right back dear, I think my assistant needs me to sign something," she said to Rey. Leia got up and left quickly. Rey decided to take her seat for the time being.
"Long time no see," he joked with her.
"I know, I'm sorry. I've been meaning to tell you I was visiting your mom at work. It's just been so hectic the past few days."
"No worries. You're in the big leagues now, I'm proud of you," he courageously winked.
"Thanks," she blushed madly. "Sorry for missing dinner again. I'll make it up to you."
"You better," he said. "It's been pretty pathetic of me eating ice cream by myself in front of the TV," he chuckled.
"You really need to watch your sugar intake," she teased him.
"Too late," Ben comically scooped a large bit of ice cream and showed Rey his spoon before taking a bite of his dessert.
"You're so bad," she laughed.
He crinkled his nose and smirked at her.
"Aww isn't that sweet," Leia ogled at the two as she stepped back inside her office. She walked up to Rey and turned to the screen. "Well, as much as I'd love to see you two make googly eyes, Ben dear we need to get back to work. I promise I'll get your wife home to you soon," she winked.
With that she signed off the video chat.
*click*
So that's why she had to travel far the past few days, Ben thought. Truthfully, he liked the idea that his mother was spending time with Rey. The two most special women in his life bonding. With that thought in his mind, he blushed to himself.
Rey arrived back at the loft this time nearly 10 PM. After a long day, Leia insisted on taking her out for dinner. She enjoyed spending time with older woman. More so loved whenever Leia would constantly remind her that she was her daughter-in-law. While it was a bit deceiving and certainly complicated, it was times like tonight that Rey couldn't help but feel warm inside to have a type of parent, a mother figure in her life once again; No matter that her days of her new title were almost up. In the back of her mind, she maybe hoped that she and Ben might work things out and she would permanently have a family again, and a mother in Leia.
The loft was dark when she walked in as it usually was when she got back late. Ben was most likely asleep in their room so naturally he turned off all the lights. Except tonight he left a single light on in the kitchen. Curiously, she walked over to the counter where he had left lit and found a tiny surprise.
A post-it note was taped over a small box.
Figured you'd come home pretty late, Ms. Big League, so I bought you a snack. Got you your favorite ;)
"Ms. Big League," Rey chuckled to herself.
She glanced down at the box, reading the name of the place, "The Pie Hole". She rolled her eyes at the name. Of course Ben would go to a place with a whimsical name.
She opened the tiny dessert box and found a slice of pie. Cherry pie. Her favorite. She remembered telling Ben that little thing about herself the night they met. How he remembered everything she's told him was beyond her, but it always made her feel warm inside when she realized it. Smiling into the first bite of her dessert, all Rey could think of was how grateful she was for having such a considerate 'husband'.
When she finished her snack and she was cleaning her dirty plate and fork, she hummed lightly and smiled to herself for no reason other than that she was thinking of Ben. He's been so sweet to her lately; making her laugh, making her smile, making her think of him every free moment she had-
Oh my god, Rey suddenly realized. Am I in love with Ben Solo?
~.~.~.~
The next morning, Thursday, Rey didn't have to go to work until her usual time of 8 AM. Thank god. The fatigue was getting to her and she needed that extra time to sleep in. However, she didn't sleep in long enough when she was woken up by Ben sometime in the early morning. She would've been upset, but this was the first time he had done something like this. Plus, the excitement in his eyes told her that he was up to something. So she got up and got ready for work, per Ben's wishes.
He wasn't lying when he wanted Rey to make up her absence in the loft for the last few days. He woke up earlier than her and made them breakfast. Hoping she wouldn't sleep in, he even tiptoed back to the room to gently wake her up when he was done. She was surprised but was delighted for his thoughtfulness and a was happy to have a reason to spend time with him that morning - despite losing some much need sleep. After her whole late night revelation, she was still trying to figure out what to do about it.
"Thanks again for the pie. It was just what I needed after a long day."
"I got to take you to the place I got it."
"They do have a catchy name," she teased.
"Yes, they do," he chuckled. "And they've got amazing flavors."
"Oh say no more I'm in!" she agreed.
"They've got some interesting flavors too. Like one of them, the earl grey tea pie, it's actually pretty good. You might like it."
"Why, because I'm British?" she stuck her tongue out at him.
"I mean, you guys love your tea!" he laughed heartily. "And hey, you teased me last week when I went to a Dodger's game with Hux!"
"Ben, you were painted blue from head to toe. You looked like a smurf!" Rey cackled. "I didn't know what the term 'America's pastime' meant until I saw you that day."
"Yeah, but I was a cute smurf, right?" he waggled his eyebrows playfully.
"Whatever helps you sleep at night," she giggled at him.
"You should see when Poe and I used to go to Lakers games. He'd bleed purple. He looked like a Teletubby!"
"Well, he's already got the name for one," Rey poked fun at their friend as well. "Speaking of Poe, he might stop by today. He left his jacket here the other night. I washed it for him so it's on the dresser."
"Got it," Ben nodded, calming down from their laughing fit.
They finished their meals and Ben got up to start putting things away.
"Thanks for breakfast," she said sweetly when he picked up her plate.
"No problem," he winked at her. This made her blush. Score one for Ben!
These few days that Rey was gone, Ben got a lot of thinking done. He was determined to talk to Rey and tell her how he felt. That he knew. But the problem was gathering the courage to do so. That was still a work in progress. Baby steps.
He walked over to the sink to dump the dishes, then came back to wipe the table down.
"Oh shoot, I better start the Keurig right now so I can make some coffee for work," Rey glanced at the clock on the wall, seeing that she had just enough time to do so.
She got up and walked over to the kitchen, then proceeded to turn the coffee machine on, choose her pod and wait for the water to heat up. She grabbed a travel mug from one of the shelves above and anticipated grabbing another one in case Ben wanted a drink as well.
"Do you want a cup of coffee t-"
She was halted from her question when she turned around only to be in very close proximity to him. He was standing barely a few inches from her, looking down at her with a clouded gaze.
"Hi," she said softly, feeling his body heat so close to hers.
The last time they were this close was in the elevator at the gala. Was he going to lean in this time?
"Hi," he hummed back.
With no retort from his actions, Rey allowed Ben to step closer – if that were even possible – and he kissed her firmly. She moaned into the contact, which made him kiss her even harder. A moment too soon she surprised them both and pulled away.
"Ben, what are we doing?" she said breathlessly, asking as sound as possible, but her lustful need for him was weakening her defense.
"Oh man, you've never made out with someone before? You poor thing," he teased.
Sure, he should've been more serious about her question, but he didn't regret his actions. Thankfully, she thought he was being playfully cute.
"Jerk," she giggled.
"Alright, if you want me to stop, then-" he started to let go of her to step away. She pulled him back by the arm and he stumbled forward, trapping Rey between the counter behind her and his massive form.
"Just shut up and kiss me," she narrowed her eyes at him seductively.
"Yes ma'am," he lowly drawled.
He pressed his lips to hers again and deepened the kiss more than the first time. She tangled her hair in his luscious black locks, something she's been wanting to do since the last time she'd done so in Vegas. He placed his hands on her waist sliding his fingers under her blouse and pushing the garment up to get a feel her smooth skin. He stayed grabbing at her sides and pressed against her as they mindlessly took advantage of this intimate moment.
It wasn't Ben's fault entirely for this impulsiveness. When he finished wiping the counter down, he had turned around to see Rey, with her slim figure and gorgeous ass reaching for a travel mug on the top shelf. He couldn't not listen to his hormones. He's only a man for goodness sake!
They heard a knock on their door a few seconds later, because why not? When were they ever given an actual moment to themselves? Oh universe, you heartless bitch.
It was barely 7:30 AM. Who on earth would visit them?
"I swear to god if that's Poe I'm going to kill your friend," Ben groaned.
"He's your friend too," Rey chuckled, still held in his grip.
"Yeah well if he's behind that door right now then he's public enemy number one to me," he grumbled.
"Go get the door, I have to get ready for work anyway. Stop distracting me," she patted his chest playfully.
They really needed to stop. This spur of the moment act of desire was a whirlwind, and Rey didn't even know what to think of it. Sure, she confessed to herself her true feelings for the man, but it was all still new to her and she didn't know if he was on the same page. Though based on the way he was kissing her, she'd bet that there was definitely some mutual attraction. She just knew that she wanted him to kiss her, which was why she let it happen. She'd explore the meaning of it later.
Ben pouted letting go of Rey and dragged his feet to answer the door.
"Mom?" He didn't expect her at their loft that morning.
"Good morning dear," Leia stepped inside and gave her son a kiss on the cheek.
"Leia, good morning!" Rey was surprised as well.
"To what do we owe this very early surprise?" Ben said through gritted teeth.
"My goodness Ben, why are you so grumpy this morning?" Leia dismissed his actions.
If his mom knew what she interrupted, she'd understand his frustration.
Rey smirked at his behavior, telling him to be nice.
"I'm going to meet with Lando and Rey at their office today. Your father drove me to town a bit early. Figured I'd stop by and accompany Rey to work," she explained. "Besides, can't a mother stop by and say hello to her son and daughter-in-law?" she probed.
"I'd be honored to have your company, Leia," Rey giggled at her last remark.
Ben joined in eventually, apologizing for his initial surprise.
"Before I forget, your father is picking me up after work. Why don't you two join us for dinner tonight?" Leia suggested.
Ben grunted loudly, the two women turning their attention to him.
"Mom, you've had Rey for the past two days to yourself. Don't I deserve some alone time with her?" he said boldly aloud.
Rey was thrown aback by his remark. He was never this forward in front of his parents about their relationship, or to anyone in fact. Then again, this was uncharted waters for them. They've never randomly made out in the six months they've known each other (Vegas not included). He flashed her a mischievous grin, which made her core heat up and a chill run down her spine. Was he implying something? Because their tiny make out session moments ago was already a lot to handle. Either way, Rey was definitely on the same page if he was. My god, what is happening to me?! She thought.
But they were in the presence of his mother and she still had some dignity left for the two of them. Some.
"Oh humor me!" his mother swatted his shoulder. "You can have your alone time with your lovely wife any night. Come on, make your mother happy and have dinner with us tonight?" she tried guilting the couple.
"Ben let's join them, it'll be fun," Rey offered.
As much as she desperately wanted to explore this 'alone time' that Ben had mentioned, she didn't want to disappoint his parents.
"Oh alright," he gave in. "We'll be there."
Rey smiled at Ben and he nearly melted inside. This woman was too desirable as of late. He knew how impulsive he was that morning by kissing her, but his insides were about to burst if he didn't make a move with Rey already. And Ben wanted her to know her effect on him. He really wanted her to know.
"Wonderful! I'll let your father know and I'll call you later to meet us at the restaurant."
Rey finished making her coffee, as well as a to-go cup for Leia, and the two women started to leave.
"See you tonight, dear," Leia waved at Ben before stepping out into the hall and starting for the stairs.
"Wait!" Ben called from the kitchen. "Rey, you forgot something."
Rey was following Leia out the door but stopped in her tracks when Ben called her.
"I'll meet you downstairs," she said to the older woman and went back inside.
"What did I forget?" Rey wondered.
She was always on top of things and prepped her messenger bag the night before with whatever she needed to take to work.
Ben walked up to her and shut the front door so they could have some privacy.
"Nothing, I just wanted to do this," he smirked.
He grabbed her by the waist, pulled her in close and kissed her roughly, resuming their spontaneous make out session from earlier.
"Ben… I'm… going… to… be late… for work…" she tried to say in between kisses. But her giggling wasn't convincing him that she was serious about being late.
"You could play hooky today," he suggested after he finally paused with the affection. He held on to her, not wanting to let go.
"That's tempting but your mother is downstairs waiting for me," she reminded him.
"Oh alright…" he pouted. "But this isn't over yet," he demanded.
His frustration was adorable.
"I'd hope not," she boldly teased.
He was shocked when she said that. It was kind of a turn on.
Rey still couldn't believe this was even happening right now. But here they were, a sudden 180 from the past six months of awkward sexual tension kissing like they've been doing it for so long.
"But…" she tried to reason with him. "We do need to talk."
"Right," Ben nodded. They certainly did. "But for now, I'm going to kiss you again."
She smiled as he leaned in one more time to press his already swollen lips to hers in a passionate kiss. He wanted to savor the moment, the taste of her lips on his for as long as he was allowed. Because he still wasn't sure if he was dreaming or if this was actually happening.
"Benjamin Skywalker Solo, you better not be doing what I think you're doing in there with your wife!" his mother hollered from behind the wall.
They abruptly broke apart and stared at the closed door.
"Oh god," Rey buried her embarrassment in Ben's chest.
"Moooom!" Ben grunted.
"I swear, you're just like your father sometimes…" they heard Leia murmur on the other side.
They turned to each other and laughed.
"Duty calls," she said, fanning her face with her hand a bit to cool down from the heated moment with him that resulted in the embarrassing remark from Leia.
After one last kiss, Ben finally let Rey go. About damn time they started showing this much affection!
They opened the door to a smirking Leia, and Rey - bless her heart - bit her cheek to try not to go red in the face even more. Ben rolled his eyes as his mother scolded him for trying to make Rey late before the two women finally left for the office. And yes, they were late to work.
Whatever this moment was with them this morning, Ben was keen on continuing it with Rey later on. That and their talk. Don't forget the talk… But mostly kissing.
~.~.~.~
That evening, Ben met up with his parents and Rey at a tea house in Beverly Hills. Leia was always one to have unique dining experiences and this was certainly new for all of them. They enjoyed light salads and a delectable selection of charcuterie to pair with their flights of different teas.
"Mmm this Lapsang Souchoung has a very smoky aftertaste," Han was impressed. For a man who took his coffee black and his whiskey neat, he was thoroughly enjoying his tea tasting.
"Yeah, it's piney. Really good," Ben added.
"You know what would go great with this? Bourbon," Han suggested.
"You know, it tastes kind of like the bottle of Maker's Mark Obi-Wan gave grandpa for his birthday last year, doesn't it?"
"We definitely got to try this tea with that bottle," Han agreed. "You and Rey still on that no alcohol diet?"
"Going on six months," he proudly said, exchanging high-fives with Rey.
"Jesus, six months without alcohol," Han couldn't believe it. "You sure you two aren't expecting?" he teased.
"No, dad we're not," this made Ben flush. Rey giggled at him and assured Han as well.
"Oh! Rey dear, you must try the jasmine lotus tea. It's got a wonderful aroma," Leia suggested.
Rey picked up the cup of tea she was referring to and took a sip.
"Mm you're right. It's delightful!"
Leia smiled approvingly and took another sip of her beverage as well.
"Did you know that the Hindus believed that the lotus flower was a symbol of fertility?" Leia shared innocently.
Rey nearly choked on her drink. She started coughing a fit.
Ben, who was just as shocked, placed his cup down and rubbed her back gently, handing her a napkin.
"You alright?" he asked her.
"Mhm," she managed to say in between coughs.
"Jeez mom, be any more be subtle," Ben scoffed.
Leia and Han laughed at the young couple.
"Well can you blame me?" Leia remarked. "Your father and I aren't getting any younger. When are you two going to give us grandchildren already?"
Again, Rey was trying to clear her throat from the awkward moment.
"Dad please tell her to stop!"
"Sorry son. I'm with your mom on this one. We want little ones to spoil again," he winked at the couple.
"That's enough tea for me tonight. I need some water," Rey said to Ben. He signaled for a waiter to bring them some glasses.
"Well it was worth a try," Leia shrugged.
~.~.~.~
"Thanks for dinner, Han! Leia!" Rey waved as she and Ben stepped out of the car.
"Yeah thanks for the ride," Ben added.
"Any time, kiddos!" Han said.
"You two have a good night," Leia winked.
When they drove off, the two headed up to their loft. They had stayed out all night with his parents, another day lost in trying to talk alone together. But they wouldn't consider it a complete loss on the count of their intimate interactions that morning. They got ready for bed, changing into their sleepwear and brushed their teeth together per usual. Rey went to her dresser to take off her earrings. While Ben was being scolded earlier that morning, she ran to the room to grab her pearls for later that evening. She figured since it was going to be a double date with Ben's parents that night that she would dress up her outfit a bit with the scarce amount of jewelry she actually owned.
When she finished taking off the last piece, she felt familiar arms wrap around her waist, a warm body hugging her from behind.
"I think we have some unfinished business from this morning," he whispered in her ear.
"And what is that exactly?" she played along.
He twirled her around to face her and she snaked her arms around his neck.
"I think you know what I'm talking about," he mumbled.
Before she gave in, which she really wanted to, Rey had to be the voice of reason for them. As Ben inched his way closer to her face, she paused him gently, sliding her hands to his chest to keep a comfortable distance.
"Ben, I… is this not weird for you?" she asked him softly.
He knew what she meant. And maybe it was. But it felt more right than anything.
"Don't be afraid. I feel it too," he said as he caressed her cheek softly.
It was vague, but more than enough for them both to understand that they were on the same page. Confused, worried, anxious… but totally into each other. She finally gave in and pressed her lips to his.
After a minute they broke apart, desperately seeking air to fill their lungs after that passionate kiss. He touched foreheads with her, smiling like a fool. She smiled back, then suddenly yawned.
"As much as I'd love to keep going, I'm really exhausted from today," she confessed.
"Aww," he pouted. Damn, why did he look so cute when he did that?
"I'm sorry. I haven't had much sleep with all the traveling. And I didn't want to sleep in because you made that amazing breakfast," she said to him.
"It's alright," he grinned at her. "Thanks for waking up early for that. I really appreciate it."
"Would I ever say no to food?" she smirked.
He rolled his eyes and chuckled, kissing her forehead. "Let's go to bed. We can talk more tomorrow."
They broke apart and made their way to the mattress. Rey basically fell onto her side, she really was exhausted from her long week.
"I'm sorry about my parents earlier, they're so embarrassing," Ben said as he fluffed his pillow to his liking.
"It's alright. I kind of miss when my parents used to embarrass me," Rey smiled, reminiscing a happy time in her life.
"Well I'm 30 and they still know how to push my buttons," he chuckled.
They settled into comfortable positions, much closer than they usually did and were facing each other for once. This time Ben intentionally linked hands with Rey, no more of this subtly for them. She didn't mind of course, grinning at his forwardness and squeezing his hand gently in response.
"Baby maker tea aside, that tea house had some pretty good food," Rey said before yawning again.
"I've lived in Los Angeles basically my whole, yet I'm still discovering so many good eats around here," Ben admitted.
"We got to try more new places," Rey sleepily replied. She was in a losing battle with herself trying to keep her eyes open.
"Yeah we should," He said to her. Something inside him instantly lit up, and he sat up in bed, gazing at Rey and smiled.
His sudden movement was enough to keep Rey awake as she was about ready to drift off. She grinned back sleepily, wondering why he suddenly looked at her that way. Ben stilled for a moment, then his smile grew wider. Rey was curious and began to giggle at his expression.
"What?" she asked, fighting her sleep to sit up as well, fiddling with their intertwined hands.
"Rey," he breathed deeply, "Would you like to go out with me this Saturday?"
This time Rey was fully awake, and her expression grew. Did he mean in general or…?
"Like… on a date?" she timidly asked.
"No, not 'like' a date… But a date," he said brashly. "I'm asking you out on a date, and I really hope you'll say yes."
God how many times did I say the word 'date'? I must've sounded like an idiot, Ben thought to himself. But this was it. He was putting himself out there. If her actions this morning and tonight were any indication, he was hoping for a 'yes'.
She let her initial shock linger for a moment before coming back down to realization. Ben Solo was finally asking her out. First a make out session, now a date? She was not expecting any of this.
They really should talk about their feelings before even thinking of going on a date, let alone making out like they did so much today. But Rey's gut was telling her that everything was going to work out and to just trust her feelings this time. So, she leaned over, placed a soft kiss on his lips and smiled at him.
"Yes," she breathed. "I'd love to."
A/N: Preview of next chapter: When Everything Falls Apart
"I messed up, Rey... Really fucked this up."
"It's a little too late for that. You hurt me."
"Give me another chance."