Chapter 10: La Vena Amoris

So if you love me, won't you let me know?

If you love me, won't you let me know?

Violet Hill, Coldplay

Numbly walking through the casino, Rey's instincts kick in, and, not wanting to draw attention to herself, she forces herself to slow down and join the natural flow of the crowd. Immersing herself in the flashy clothes, bright fabrics, and excited guests, she hides in plain sight. Making her way to the showy arrivals deck, Rey silently boards the transport vehicle, out of breath and exhausted, knowing it was too much to expect for Ben to join them, but still hoping he'll run up behind her and join them.

"We good?" Poe asks.

"Take us home."

"And the Garibaldo?"

"Won't be joining us today."

"Copy that." Poe's voice is heavy with understanding.

As Poe focuses his attention on piloting them off the planet, Rose sits in the co-pilot seat and remains silent. Rey settles in the small room behind the cockpit, flinging her heels at the wall, desperate to get back into her usual clothes. While she's banging around, Finn joins her, pouring her a fresh cup of caf. Taking a seat next to her, he says, "You really have a connection with him, don't you?"

She won't deny the obvious. "Yes."

"And you think there is still something worth saving?"

"I know it doesn't seem possible, but I think his actions as this scoundrel personna are meaningful. I think… I have to think they are leading somewhere."

"I suppose you know him better than anyone."

"Don't say it like that."

"Why did you hide what was happening between you?"

"It went away. After Snoke was killed." She is lying to Finn. The bond with Ben hadn't completely been severed. The strange connection had been there, a small thing, but a link she felt every day. She's sensed Ben's emotions across the miles, knew he wanted to speak to her, but had kept her end silent. Scared of what might happen. Of how she might react. There had been nights where she had wondered how things might have played out if she accepted Kyo's plea and joined him.

"If you say so. But Rey, there's not denying the obvious fact - he's the Supreme Leader."

"I know."

"I just don't want to see you get hurt."

She gives a slightly watery smile. "Too late."

Finn stands and pressed a hand gently on her shoulder. "I'm going to get out of this uniform and see if I can help Poe."

"Thanks, Finn. For everything tonight."

In a daze, Rey sips her caf. As she prepares to change back into her regular clothes, somewhat forgotten in the madness, Rey feels the small bag Ben pressed in her hand. Holding her breath, she opens it, surprised when a small piece of jewelry spills out. Of all the things she was expecting, the simple ring - a dark and delicate band, is among the last. The color of the band was like Kylo himself, and the lack of refinement in the material also reminded her of him. When had he picked it up? Why did he have it? Why did he give it to her?

"What's that?" Rose asks, all but bouncing in to the room.

Rey is too shocked to hide the ring. Holding it between her thumb and forefinger, she holds is up in the light. "A ring, I guess."

Rose whistles in appreciation, and Rey looks at her. "What?"

"I'd recognize that material anywhere."

Tucked away on Jakku, Rey was constantly reminded of the shortcomings of her childhood. Fortunately, Rose looks at her with kindness, and Rey asks, "Wh-what is it?"

"I could be wrong, but I think that's Mandalorian Iron."

"Truly?"

"Yes. It's incredibly strong. Why is it in the form of a ring… Oh!"

"What?"

"The last person you saw was Kylo Ren."

"He was."

"Did he give that to you?"

Rey could lie and say she won it at some point during the evening, that she found it on the casino floor, but she's had enough lies. "Yes. Why?"

Rose smiles again, making feel Rey slightly silly. "It's an antiquated tradition."

"What, giving gifts?"

"No. A ring - in some cultures, a ring was meant as an engagement token. Given from a prospective groom to his bride. If she accepted, then they were to be married."

"Really?"

"It's kind of romantic, really. The belief was that the ring finger was directly connected to the heart. Did he ask you anything when he gave it to you?"

"No… I… There wasn't time."

Rose is quiet a moment, then says, "I don't know you very well, Rey."

"I…"

"No, it's a matter of fact." Rey knows this is mostly from her lack of communication with others, as Rose has tried on multiple occasions to befriend her. "All I want to say is that, this war or conflict or whatever you want to call it has left casualties on both sides. We're all scarred - physically or emotionally."

"What are you trying to say?" Rey hasn't taken her eyes off the ring.

"If… If there's any chance at love, no matter how impossible it seems, I think you have to try. For everyone who's sacrificed...for them."

"Thank you, Rose."

"Just something to think about. I'll leave you alone and check on the boys."

"I'm glad you came with us today." Rey says as the young woman leaves the room.

"Really?"

"You saved the day."

"Thanks."

Alone, with the rattling of the ship around her, against her better judgment, Rey slides the ring on her left hand and smiles when it fits perfectly. It's not him, of course, but it's a promise. She knows this, and that is enough. For now.

AN: And here we are, somehow, at the end of this little project. Thank you so much for the support. As I've been doing for as long as I've been writing fanfiction, whenever I finish a project, I always like to know what your favorite scene was. And have no fear, there will definitely be more Reylo from me!