A/N - Hey guys! Welcome back to the story!
.xo - I'm so glad you're enjoying the fic that much!
Kagami420 - My updating schedule is a little random... but I'm happy it worked out in your favor!
Daikon. Kaiser of all Sith - So, the problem with my other stories is that I quite honestly haven't figured out exactly where I'm going with them yet. The reason I've been focusing on this story so much, and the reason why I am able to update so quickly, is that it is based on a series of books called the Captive Series. As a result, I have the entirety of this story planned out already and some dialogue and descriptions to draw from by looking at the books. I hope to get back to the other fics soon!
hellakitty - I don't usually write any super explicit smut that goes into detail, just because it makes me a little uncomfortable. But you know these two, I'm sure they'll argue at some point!
GuestCT - I'm glad you like it!
Ben wrapped the cloak around her, surprised to realize that she was only wearing her undergarments beneath it. He didn't know if he was more excited by this prospect, or infuriated by it.
Though, if Dameron hadn't been standing there, Ben knew what the resounding answer to that question would have been.
Rey seemed oblivious to his surprise over this new development as she continued to glare defiantly at Poe. Ben's gaze turned back to him.
"I came here willingly, and I know that there is no future for us as long as we remain on opposite sides. You don't have to continuously remind me of something that I am painfully aware of. I wanted this. I needed this.
"Rey," Poe said morosely, looking lost and dumbfounded.
Her fingers curled around Ben's arms.
"I know everything," she told him. "I know it all, and I accept it for what it is, Poe."
Ben struggled to remain calm as this man, this stranger, tried to tear Rey away from him. He didn't think it was because Dameron had romantic feelings for her, but in fact probably viewed her as more of a sister, or a good friend.
A friend he was trying to protect. But unfortunately, Poe was trying to protect her from him, and also seemed determined to hurt her in this attempt to get her away from him.
Poe just didn't realize that he was trying to keep her safe from someone that would die to make sure that she stayed that way.
Ben cradled her face in his hands, savoring the feel of her silken skin. He rested his forehead against hers, taking a small moment to enjoy the peace and splendor she brought to his hectic world.
"Kriff," Poe whispered, slumping against the cave entrance. "What have you done, Rey? What have the two of you done?"
Ben kissed her lingeringly before pulling back.
"Please go get dressed, Rey." He told her softly. She glanced at Poe, her forehead furrowing in consternation. "We'll be fine."
She paused for a moment more before finally nodding her consent. He watched as she hastily moved toward the back of the cave and disappeared from view.
Ben turned back to Poe, folding his arms over his chest as he studied him.
"What is this between you?" Poe asked.
"I don't know," Ben answered honestly.
Poe frowned at him.
"Rey's strong, I'll give her that, and she's seen a lot, but she's also very innocent in a lot of regards. You didn't see her after I took her away from there," Poe sighed. "She's been broken ever since I took her away from you. I have to protect her."
"You think that I won't protect her?"
There was a hopeless air around Poe as he studied Ben.
"I think you'll try, but there's only so much you can do. You won't turn your back on the Dark side, on the First Order, not even for her."
"You don't have a clue as to what you're talking about," Ben growled.
"And why is that?" Poe demanded. "You're supposed to be Supreme Leader one day, aren't you? That is your world, this is not-"
"She is my world," Ben interrupted sharply.
Poe's gaze slid past him but Ben's hand had extended toward Rey before she arrived at his side. She took hold of his hand, squeezing it between both of hers as she held it before her. Poe studied the two of them incredulously.
"Kriff, this is a mess," he breathed. "Finn and Chewie are worried about you, Rey."
"I'm sorry for that," Rey murmured. "I should get back soon."
She didn't look at either of them as she uttered the words. He could hear the sorrow in her voice, the strain it caused her to say the phrase.
He leaned closer to her, briefly nuzzling her hair. She finally turned toward him, her eyes morose, but there was an air of resignation and steely resolve to her.
"Rey…"
She smiled thinly at him as she stroked his cheek.
"Thank you for bringing me here. Thank you for giving me last night."
He grasped hold of her hand, hating to see her like this, hating the distance he felt her putting between them.
"Not yet, Rey."
She smiled sadly at him as she turned her cheek into his hand.
"Yes, it's easier to just do it now. Poe will take me back. It will be okay."
There was a forlorn look on her face as she squeezed his hand. His chest constricted and panic tore through him. He couldn't lose her again.
"Rey…"
"It's fine, Ben. We'll both be fine." It sounded like she was trying to convince herself as much as him.
Ben pulled her firmly against him.
He could stay here, stay with her, help with the rebel cause. Make sure she was safe. They could both be happy.
But even as the thought crossed his mind, he knew that he couldn't. If he were to leave, and if Snoke were to discover why, he would destroy everyone and everything in order to find Ben and punish him.
If he ever found Rey…
Ben couldn't finish the thought, it was too awful. What Snoke would do to her in order to punish him would be horrendous, atrocious. He couldn't put her in such a position, couldn't risk her life in such a way.
She reluctantly pulled away, her head bowed. He grasped hold of her chin, tilting her head up to kiss her. She melted against him, a low sigh escaping her.
He barely registered the sound of Poe's retreating footsteps as he lost himself to the astonishing feel of her. It was awhile before he roused himself from the sweet taste of her mouth.
Unblinkingly, she stared up at him, before a small smile appeared.
"I'm going to miss that."
He ran a finger over her swollen lips.
"I can come back," he said impulsively. He had never planned to come back, it was too much of a risk for her, but faced with the prospect of never seeing her again, the words had popped out of his mouth. "I will come back."
Tears slipped down her cheeks.
"Ben…"
"I'll come back, Rey, as soon as I can," he vowed. "I will be back. I will find you."
"Won't it be risky for you?"
"I'll find a way," he promised, stroking her face.
She smiled tremulously. He could tell that she wanted to argue with him, wanted to tell him no, but neither of them were strong enough to walk away. Not right now anyway.
He kissed her again, before taking hold of her hand and leading her out of the cave. Poe stood at the edge of the woods, his back to the cave entrance. He turned at the sound of their approach.
"Make sure that she stays safe until I can come back," Ben ordered.
"You're coming back?" Poe's mouth dropped as he stared at the two of them.
Ben just glared at him.
"Yes."
A/N - Looks like that goodbye wasn't quite so final after all! Hope you enjoyed this chapter!
As always, please leave a review with your thoughts, suggestions, and predictions, and I'll see you in the next chapter!
~ Elizabeth (FanOfDeliciousFlavour)