Three Months Later
Epilogue
Rey dropped into the autmosphere of the now familiar outer rim planet, a spike of excitement rushing over her. She piloted an old shipping freighter, easily slipping under the radar of the New Republic, and easy to sell. It was the perfect ship. Rey had been gone for the past three months, getting her affairs in order to leave. Some had suspected, while others knew her plans for certain. Leia knew, and Finn knew. Others only suspected that she meant to never return.
Finn was sad at first, but after a brief moment of shock, he told her that if they were meant to only see each other one last time they would do it laughing. So they went out to their favorite hangouts and taverns. They visited their favorite places, played their favorite games, and hung out with the boys from Poe's squadron. Finn and Rey had a great night together, and as they said goodbye he held her just a little tighter. Finn understood why she had to leave, and he was excited for her. But it was a bittersweet parting.
Now she flew over the city, spotting the two mines. She would set her ship down on the clearing beside the newly modified North Wind. Rey could sense that Ben was making last minute repairs to the ship, and he was instantly alerted to his presence.
Hello Beautiful, he whispered.
Rey smiled, Ben's familiar voice in the back of her head. Hey stranger, she whispered back. Sorry I took so long.
It's alright, he replied, I'll see you soon.
Rey landed right outside the southwest mine amid a swirl of dust. Shutting off the engines, she grabbed her duffle bag and slipped from the cockpit and walked down the ramp of the old ship. Slowly, she let her eyes adjust to the bright sunlight, and saw a familiar figure standing on the outskirts of the clearing.
Broad shouldered, the tall figure strode toward her through the settling dust. His dark hair shining in the midday sun. But his smile was what truly outshone the sun.
She felt herself take in a deep breath as she began grinning uncontrollably from ear to ear. Dropping her bag at the base of the ramp, she walked toward him. Then she jogged, and then she broke into a run.
Rey plowed into him, throwing her arms around his neck as she laughed.
A smaller man would have been knocked off his feet, but he took her momentum and swung her around in the air. Ben chuckled, holding her tight and burying his face in her hair.
After a dizzy moment, Rey felt the ground beneath her boots and she steadied herself, hugging him tight. It had been a very long three months, and she had missed him more and more as every day passed.
Ben held her so tight that it almost hurt.
Rey closed her eyes tight, relishing the moment, "I missed you."
"I missed you too," Ben came away, brushing her hair out of her face, a half smile pulling at the left side of his lips, "You seem different," he peered at her, his dark eyes searching hers, "What's going on?"
Rey shrugged, "Nothing."
Ben lifted his eyebrows, "Liar."
She smiled, keeping her lips tightly shut.
He chuckled again, "Fine," he answered, "Tell me later."
Rey nodded, pulling him down to her lips for a kiss, "Right."
He kissed her back, his warm mouth inviting and familiar.
She closed her eyes, her heart jumping at how close he was. Something deep inside her recognized him. Every single time. It was as if the core essence of who she was felt him close and rejoiced in finding him.
Tbc
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