Chapter 5

Ben and Rey sat back to back in the prison chambers. They were tied together and couldn't get free of their bonds. Rey hated that she couldn't see Ben's face but felt comfort with his hand intertwined with hers. He squeezed it every so often and it brought a small smile to her lips that he could feel through their bond.
"I'm so sorry about this, Rey. Hux ambushed me and there was no way out. I tried to tell you."
"Ben, you need to stop being so hard on yourself. When will you understand? I was coming for you and I will not leave without you. We'll get out of this somehow."
"I will not let him touch you. No one should touch you like that ever, especially someone as vile as him."
"I can handle myself. He's no different than many of the scrapers and junkers I had to fend off back on Jakku." Ben smiled at her confidence. It was one of the things he loved about her. He leaned his head back against her.
"I know you can handle yourself, Rey. You have been able to take care of yourself in ways I've never seen anyone do. It's truly remarkable."
Rey blushed at his words and he smiled as he felt it through their bond. She squeezed his hand and laid her head against him in response. Ben took a deep breath and turned as much as he could to face her.
"No matter what happens, I want you to know that you are the most important person in my life. I love you Rey, I always have. But seeing what you've done today, I know that you were the person I was meant to spend the rest of my life with. My love for you stretches far beyond the reaches of the galaxy."
"If we weren't sitting like this, I would have grabbed you and kissed you right now. I love you more than words can say, Ben. I'm sorry it took me so long to recognize my feelings, but I really do love you."
They sat there as their love radiated through their bond, finally feeling at peace with every conflict that had gone through together. The Force brought them together and they were meant to be, there was no denying it. They fell asleep laying against each other, hands still entwined.