A gateway separates the mundane from the sacred space. Within lies a safe haven of peace, mediation, and intimacy. A paradise that separates mind from brain, heart from chest, and soul from body. Here, inside the bound of plaster walls, crafted between the four directions, Rey found a place of refuge. This room, she could call home. For now, she could admire the simple comforts of an ordinary life.

The brass key was aged and appeared fragile in Ben's large rough hand. He turned the key to unlock the entrance, which led into their shared room at the inn. As the door cracked open, cool air brought a chill to Rey's arms, while wet clothes adhered to every contour and crevice of her body.

The moon's shine illuminated the room enough to aid in Ben's quest for the light switch. Upon entering, the breeze coming from an open window caused the door to slam shut behind them. Fatigue consumed both of their faces, as their tired eyes searched about the small space. Before observing all the fancy embellishments, they first noticed that there was only one bed.

Rey glanced in his direction, only to notice his discomposure.

He looked away as he spoke, "I will sleep on the floor, of course. Unless you prefer the room to yourself."

Baffled, she responded, "No..." While looking over to the bed, her fingers smoothed over her lips as she contemplated the situation. Laced with a heavy gray comforter and soft feather pillows, the mattress had to be at least three times as big as the one she was used to. "There is room for both of us."

Distracted by the way her hands moved, he nearly missed what she said. "As you wish." His eyes watched as she wandered about. He marveled the way she admired their room. In his own mind, the space was not so luxurious and was similar to other places he had traveled. However, when compared to the rest of the city, the inn appeared to be from another time. Rather than having the sterile look of hi-technology decorated with metallics, machinery, and other fashions inspired by modernity, the inn was lavished with laced fabric, antique woods, and floral wallpapers. This place was soft and comfortable. Unlike any dwelling, he had come to know over the last decade. If anything, it was comparable to the place he once called home, long ago. Or perhaps, it was not the room that brought upon his feeling of ease, but instead, it was…

She caught his gaze while curious hands explored the handles on the sink. The way the water poured from the faucet pulled her attention away from him.

A wave of shock washed over him. Suddenly, he remembered that Rey was unfamiliar with common luxuries. Air conditioning, electricity, and running water were foreign to her. He had taken her away from this kind of life. "Take off your clothes." Lips softly murmured while his dark eyes continued to fix on her.

"W-what?" Her inquiry lacked signs of any revulsion.

"That is...I will send them to be cleaned and draw you a warm bath. Besides, it is not as though I have not already seen you…" He paused to clear his throat, and to his surprise, Rey began to slip out of her garments.

"A gentleman would turn around." Merely a suggestion that she offered, which he chose to ignore. After a moment passed, Rey gave him a sharp glare to let him know she was serious. "Ahem."

"You said a gentleman. I am no gentleman." Ben could not hold back his smirk before he caught her look of disapproval. With that, he sighed and obliged her demand.

While standing with his back turned, he felt a chill. Hard eyes focused on the moonlight that danced wildly upon the window seal. The feeling of the cold ran through him and forced him to sneeze. Soothing arms extended around his waist from behind. The cold was defeated by the wave of heat he felt from her touch. After feeling her forehead press against his back, his eyes perked open. He was stunned and rendered completely motionless by her touch. "Rey…?"

"Take care, Ben." Small hands began to pull away his robes. Just as they smoothed up to his shoulders, he stopped her.

"Don't…" His voice was much firmer than before. Those strong hands grasped hers to a halt but lingered atop them.

His refusal was infuriating. Unable to contain herself, she forced him to turn. "You're cold. Why do you stop me?" Ignoring his request, Rey continued to tug away his tunic.

His own anger matched hers. Taking her by the wrist, he forced her to cease her advancement. Without hesitation, she pushed back. Her glare was sharp enough to pierce his skin.

Dazzled by her strength, his eyes wandered over her body while his grip tightened around her wrist. Desire pulsed within him, and he wanted nothing more than to rid her of her undergarments. Ben knew he should free himself from such thoughts before he lost control.

Hesitantly, he loosened his grip. "This is why…" Words trailed off as he pulled away his tunic and exposed his bare chest to her. Scars covered his upper body. The largest and most fresh being the one she had inflicted. The reminiscence of each carved wound would forever be a reminder of his devious deeds as Kylo Ren.

(The next passage skips ahead to the next night. Rey is recalling what happened previously while taking a shower. Italics are the past.)

The small drizzles of warm water spilled down the curvature of Rey's bareback. While standing under the shower faucet, her mind contemplated the night before.

Seeing his scars made her feel and share his pain, his torment. Her mind had left its flesh container, and time itself was lost within their silent stare.

All too soon, the quiet had been broken by his sudden maneuver to strip away the rest of his garments. Without any words spoken, he wrapped himself in a stark white towel and slipped out of the room with their soiled clothes.

For the first time, in the small span of a few days, Rey was left alone with her thoughts. Having rattled him, she ended up drawing her own bath. That night, the warmth of the freshwater encapsulated her worries. She was able to rid her mind of them and rest her tired eyes.

Rey was startled awake by an unease call to her. "Rey...?" Words were spoken through the closed door. The tone of his voice appeared to have calmed. When there was no reply, he took it upon himself to enter the bathroom.

The realization of his presence made her body recede into the water. Her eyes snapped over to his, but his gaze looked at the soft cotton robe that was cradled in his arms. Seeing him stripped of his dark clothes felt intriguing. Though his eyes looked elsewhere, she allowed hers to wander. He sensed her admiring his snow white tan.

"I brought you a dressing gown." Resisting the dark side was much easier than resisting the ache of desire he felt for her. After feeling the twinge of longing beneath his towel, he left her robe on the sink and made a quick exit.

In the shower, Rey began to blush as she recalled the next part. Her hand sensually graced her arms with a bar of soap, before wrapping them around herself. Memories of how he touched her the night before consumed her.

Bare feet led her back into their shared bedroom. The pure white robe was loosely wrapped around her nakedness. Her damp hair was pulled over to her left shoulder. After sitting on the foot of the bed, her hands nervously combed through her dark locks.

This time, he took her in. The cloth that shielded bare body was simply restrained by a thin belt. One that could easy be undone with his mind. Something about seeing her bare feet and loose wet hair drove him wild. Yet, he felt so comfortable being here with her. A feeling he could not taint with impure thoughts.

Ben took advantage of having a shower to get his mind straight. The water that washed over him was cold, but it did not help shake intimate images of Rey from his mind. The harder he tried, the more they seemed to invade him. He had to stay in control, stay focused. But what could ease his tense state? Hard breaths escaped his lips as flesh touched flesh. Those dark eyes laid shut while his hand stroked himself.

Her eyes simultaneously followed his motion after she laid back against the plush mattress. Mind was too focused on thoughts of Ben to notice how comfortable it felt. It appeared has though she had lost control of herself. Her hand crept into her robe, and fingers explored the wetness that had formed between her legs. The sensation of her touch sent waves of pleasure through her body. Their minds connected, and she could envision him touching her even clearer.

Having her in his mind made it hard for him to control his release. Feeling her pleasure made him climax. Dazed by the power of their connection, he was unsure if it had even been real. Though his action had soothed his mental state, his member was still hard and throbbing.

Rey suddenly lost her link to his pleasure, but she continued to touch herself. Just as her sensation was about to reach its peak, the bathroom door creaked open.

He had caught her in a semi-compromising position. Despite having had time to pull her hand from beneath her gown, the fabric was clearly displaced and exposed every inch from her upper thigh to the tips of her toes. The cloth had even fallen from her shoulder and her breast nearly spilled out. If that wasn't obvious evidence, then the flushed look on her face should have been enough to incriminate her. Rey tried to hide her heavy breathing, and gently bit her lower lip.

He had never looked at her with such wide eyes. "Fuck…" was all his thoughts could articulate. Of course, he did not say that out loud. Rather, he played his words very carefully. "If you wanted me to touch you… you should have just asked." With his words well played, he smirked and allowed his erection to extended out beneath the towel.

Quick hands shuffled the fabric back in place, and she clenched her robe together at the neck. "I am going to bed…" Her pulse intensified at the sight of him. Rey did not waste any time to turn away.

A soft but smug kinda laugh escaped him. "My dear, despite how you may feel about me...you cannot go on denying this attraction we share. Rather it is unwanted or not, the bond is there. However, if it isn't unwanted... then don't fight it."

Many emotions were racing through her, and she could not quite get a grasp on them. Desperately, she tried to remember her teachings but was drawing a blank. When it came to her feelings for Ben, she was just an ordinary person. Not a force user. Her feelings were not something she could control. All she could do was hide them behind lies. Just as soon as she laid down, her body snapped back up. "Don't think for a second that you have that kind of power over me. The bond is most definitely unwanted, and my supposed feelings are non-existent. Now for once and for all, goodnight!"

Under normal circumstances, her words would have hurt him, and maybe they did. But he wouldn't let them get to him, not tonight. "It isn't that easy Rey. I won't have you tonight… but I will give you a taste of how good it would feel to let me in."

His body moved onto the bed and dominated over hers. The movements forced her to ease back against the bed frame. She found herself trapped between his muscular arms, and crushed beneath his strong chest. He forced himself between her legs and pushed his crotch against hers. After clasping her cheek within his hand, Ben drug his rough fingers over her smooth lips. His hand then slipped down her throat and into her dressing gown. Barely missing her breast, his hand ventured across her chest and over to her shoulders. Long fingers pulled the fabric to once again fall off her shoulder, which made it easier for his hand to stroke down the full length of her arm. At the same time, his other hand ventured up her thigh, slow and steady, until he nearly touched her most intimate area. He could feel the heat coming from her, and it was intoxicating.

His every movement gave her chills. Moans trailed from her parted lips, and her hips uncontrollably bucked forward against him. She felt the bridge of his nose extending up the length of her neck, and Ben whispered, "you're wishing that I'd kiss you... You want to know what it feels like to have another's lips upon your own… Not just anyone's, but mine. That is…it's only proper that I kiss you before I go on touching, licking, and fuc-." He paused to let his bottom lip smooth over her earlobe. The heat from his breath made her tense up. "You want to know the feeling since no one has ever kissed you before." He paused and grinned before continuing on. "Well, aside from the kisses I have given you within dreams. Do those count?" Finally, his leering stare captured her. He marveled at her every way.

"I've told you before to stay out of my head…" Rey's voiced snapped back, but her eyes said something completely different. Neither the way her pupils were dilated nor the fact that she did not fight his advancements went unnoticed. She was angry, but not at his advancements. Angry at herself. Angry that her body betrayed her. Angry that if he continued on that way, that she might say yes.

"I don't need to be in your mind to see that you desire me in that way." He admired her a bit longer before he took to his feet. "Now, you can finish yourself if you'd like. Goodnight... sweetheart." With that said, he slipped into his own nightgown. Now feeling somewhat satisfied that he had tormented her as she had him, he left the room.

Her arms fell to her sides as she thought of the next part. Looking down, she saw the stream of the shower's clear water going down into the darkness of the drain. Those almond-shaped eyes had lost their spark and were overtaken by a sad kind of longing.

That night, Rey did not dream.. She was awoken by a gentle knock on the door. Before thinking about who it could be, her eyes darted to Ben's side of the bed. There was no sign that he had come back. The cover was still neatly tucked into the mattress.

Her legs stumbled over to the door to open it, but she paused. Memories of the night before flashed through her. Her hand extended out to place itself on the door as she hesitated.

She knew it was him on the other side, but wondered why he took it upon himself to knock this time. Again, he knocked. That one startled her out of her trance, and she slowly opened the door.

He wouldn't look at her. His body was stiffly holding a tray of food. "I realized that I didn't know what you liked… So, I got you one of everything." The tray of food was brimming with fresh fruit and pastries. He hovered at the doorway but refused to come in uninvited.

The words thank you flowed through her mind, but something kept her from saying them out loud. "Come in…" Two words that were spoken instead.

The tray was carefully placed on a nearby table, along with her washed clothes. "There's more…" Her back was to him, which actually made this easier for him. Silent moments passed, and she said nothing. So, he continued on instead. "I want to apologize for my behavior last night. As you know, being close to you is difficult for me. It clouds my judgment, and I am sorry." At last his somber eyes looked upon her, but he realized that she was not looking back. "I am really... sorry." Words he deliberately emphasized. "I have reserved my own room and made arrangements for the innkeeper's daughter to show you around. Tomorrow night's event is formal attire. So, I have placed the proper currency in your clean garments. I won't see you again until then. Of course, should you need anything… I am in the room across the hall." He very purposely had his room placed near her own. By the time she turned, he was gone.

The events of the rest of the day seemed small in comparison to the moments she had shared with Ben. Though she was being shown around the city, it was hard for her to enjoy herself. Without Ben by her side, she felt the hole that he had patched beginning to unravel.

The Inn Keeper's daughter had been kind enough to select Rey a gown for the formal event held by the republic. She had also offered to help her prepare her hair and make-up. Though the thought made Rey feel uneasy, she graciously accepted.

The two returned to the inn rather late. After parting ways, Rey headed back to her room for a warm shower. Before entering, she stared in the direction of Ben's room. It was as though gravity was trying to pull her towards it. She wouldn't allow herself to go to him. Rey knew it was silly, for he had been kind to her, but she felt disheartened that he hadn't been the one to show her around. After all, she got a very strange feeling about this place. One that made her feel a bit unsettled. Something about it felt… all too familiar.

She had hoped that the warmth of the water would soothe her. Instead, it just gave her more time alone with her thoughts. The pouring water reminded her of the glorious fountain that was at the center of the city. Similar to the inn, it did not fit in with the rest of the modern architecture. It was much older and hand-crafted with great artistry. Rey closed her eyes and envisioned the fountain, and it prompted a memory. The vision brought tears to her eyes. Hands masked her face as she wept.

By the time he found her, the water had grown cold. Ben's hand briskly pulled the shower curtain back, to find his sobbing companion. When he felt her sadness, he hadn't hesitated to come to her side. While still in his slacks, he stepped into the shower.

Rey frowned at him as tears rolled down her face. "Why didn't you tell me?" As he came closer to her, she fought him and pushed him back. "You lied to me… you said you would always be honest with me… I trusted you. Why did you keep this from me?"

Ben allowed her to beat on his bare chest. "Are you done yet?!" His tone was a laced with fury until he saw the deepness of her sorrow. A hard sigh escaped him. "Look, I was going to tell you… the timing just hadn't been right."

Rey stopped her assault on him, and let her arms fall limply to her sides. She hung her head down feeling ashamed to have let him see her in such a state.

"Don't…" He pulled her sultry body into a tight grasp. His hand forced her chin up, which made her eyes meet his gaze. "Strength comes in many forms… Allowing yourself to be vulnerable can express great strength."

To her own surprise, her arms tied themselves around his neck and she surrendered to his tender embrace.

With great ease, he lifted her up and carried her to bed. He helped slip her into her dressing gown, before tucking her under the feathery comforter. "Sweet dreams, sweetheart." His lips upon her head made her heart ache. When she saw him headed for the door, her aching heart sunk into her belly. "Ben…?"

He stopped. "Yes?"

"Would you stay...with me?"

He continued to the door, which caused her to look away in disappointment.

After locking the door and switching off the light, he made his way back over to the bed. When he rested back against his side of the bed, she locked eyes with him. Again they just stared as though they could see into each other's soul. Rey's hand reached out and stroke his cheek while she studied the details of his face.

He just closed his eyes and accepted the warmth of her touch. His Rey of light was the brightest thing in his dark world. Her every way was so beautiful to him. He would do anything to keep her light from fading into darkness. Rey was his only refuge.