That first date felt like a dream to Ben. He barely spoke, but he didn't have to. Rey chatted excitedly about everything and nothing and he could have listened to her forever. She found beauty in everything and Ben found himself seeing the world anew through her eyes. It wasn't just her words that had him fascinated, he couldn't help but drool as she licked each of her fingers after devouring yet another slice of pizza, she was a snippet of a girl but she sure loved her food much to Ben's delight.

At the end of the evening, Ben had plucked up the courage to ask Rey if she wanted to pick a dessert from sweet surrender and they sneaked back to the shop hand in hand to peruse the shelves.

Rey ran her hand along the jars. 'What shall I have?' She pondered. Ben hung back watching her. The floaty Summer dress she was wearing lifted slightly as she reached up on her tiptoes to read one of the labels. Ben's eyes focused on her bare thighs and he inhaled a shaky breath as he imagined himself running his fingers over the soft skin that resided there. Rey selected some sherbet lemons and Ben poured some out into the silver scale, then picked one up and held it out to Rey between his thumb and finger. She took it from his outstretched digits with her mouth earning a blush and a shocked look from Ben.

Rey sucked the sweet for a little while then bit down, enjoying the bittersweet taste of the sherbet as it flowed down her throat.

'Oh! I almost forgot!' She said. 'I didn't pay you for the sweets I took earlier!'

'That's okay.' Ben said holding up his hands.

Rey moved towards him. 'No, it's not' she said licking her lips. 'If you won't take my money? Then maybe I can pay you in some other way?'

'W-what do you mean…?' Ben stammered, just before Rey reached up and pressed her lips against his. She tasted sweet from the resonance of sherbet that hung on her tongue.

Ben had kissed girls before but not like this. His mind exploded. His trousers tightened and he ached to reach out for her chest but kept his hands politely fixed to her back. Rey's hands he allowed free reign and she explored his hips, back, broad shoulders and hair at her leisure. When they pulled apart they were both flushed and panting.

There was a moment of silence before Ben eagerly asked, ''Can we do this again tomorrow night?'

'Absolutely.' Rey replied.

Four weeks later Ben tried to hold his composure, as he tidied up the store, while his girlfriend, Yes, his girlfriend, sat on the counter swinging her bare legs and swiping jelly babies out of a nearby jar when she thought he wasn't looking. He continued complaining to her as he replaced jars and wiped down shelves.

'So they come in everyday and always want the pear drops from the top shelf. Why do they think the top shelf sweets are any different to the ones down here? It's infuriating.' He said with a scowl.

Rey tilted her jelly baby filled head to the side and assessed him for a moment while she chewed. 'You know it's not about that, right?' She said after she had swallowed.

'What do you mean?' Ben asked, perplexed by her response.

'You can't really be this naive?'

Ben blinked at her.

Okay…...apparently you can be. They don't think the sweets taste any different sweetie, they just want to ogle your ass in those tight white pants. That's why they make you climb up there. Honestly, I can't really blame them.' She said with a wink.

Ben's ears went red. 'That's fucking harassment.' He grumbled.

Rey snorted and scooted down off the counter, 'Well why don't I make sure I'm here tomorrow when they come in, hmm?'

Ben grinned, 'Okay.' He agreed as Rey came towards him and give him a quick kiss. She turned to leave but Ben pulled her back into his arms,

'Don't think I didn't notice all those jelly babies finding their way into your mouth! You owe me more than a quick peck.' Rey giggled and leaned up to press a deeper kiss against Ben's lips.

'Okay, now I really have to go or Poe will lose it!' She said extracting herself from his grasp.

'Okay, I'll see you after your shift.'

'Yes.' She winked as she left the shop.

Early the next morning, Rey was sitting in her usual spot on the counter when the two girls came in. They eyed Rey wearily. She jumped down and smiled at them.

'What can I get you?' She said cheerfully.

Ben stood behind the cash register with a smirk plastered on his face. The girls looked at Rey.

'You don't work here.' One of them said.

'Excellent observation skills girlies. I'm just helping out my boyfriend. You know my boyfriend don't you?' Rey gestured to Ben who gave a little wave.

'So….what can I get you?'

'Pear drops.' Said the other girl quietly.

'Okay, oh look! Here they are! right here on the counter!' Rey said tapping the jar.

'But we like the ones from the top….' Said the first girl.

'I know! You like the ones from the top shelf. That's why I went up earlier and got this jar down for you.' Rey pointed to the empty space where the jar once resided. She weighed out a quart and handed them over.

'That will be two pounds please!'

The first girl handed over the money with a sulky look on her face.

'Thank you. Have a great day!' Rey said cheerfully as the girls exited sullenly.

Ben snorted, 'That was great but you can't do that everyday.'

'I'll bet you a quart of jelly beans they won't be back anytime soon. Right! I had better get back to my real job!' She said as she leaned over the counter and kissed Ben goodbye.

'Be safe baby.' He said rubbing his nose against hers.

She beamed. 'I will.'

The summer passed in much the same way, with Rey becoming a frequent visitor to sweet surrender and Ben stealing as many candy sweetened kisses as he could. Rey was so perfect it left him wondering how he was going to make it through his final year at university without her. Whenever he brought up the subject of having to go back to school, Rey always avoided the subject.

'We're here together now, let's just enjoy it. We don't have to have everything figured out.' She would say lacing their fingers together and kissing the back of his hand.

They had only been together for just two months when Ben realised he was in love with Rey. It happened on a day much like any other, just another cooling summer evening. He had just closed up the shop and they were walking down to the burger joint on the corner, when a bunch of boys their age walked past and smirked.

'Nice outfit!' One of them shouted as they passed and his pathetic audience erupted into a fit of laughter. Ben balled his hands into fists and made a step towards the boy when Rey appeared in front of him.

'Isn't it though? I can't get enough of it.' She said to the group of boys before turning and pressing a very demanding kiss onto Ben's lips. When she finally released him, Ben just stood stunned as Rey smiled sweetly at the boys and told then to enjoy their night before she starting pulling on his hand to lead him away, he recovered just in time to shoot the guys a smug smile as Rey dragged him down the street.

'You don't have to deal with every problem using your fists your know.' She said. Ben didn't respond.

The only thing he could think to say was that no one has ever managed to get him to back away from a challenge, yet Rey has managed it with ease and he wasn't even mad. If anything he was happy. Happy that she wanted to be seen with him, that she wanted people to know that she desired him that she was his and that's when he had stopped dead and pulled her into a tight embrace and buried his face in her hair.

'I love you.' He has confessed into her chocolate curls.

'What?' She asked. He pulled away and looked into her eyes.

'I love you.' He said.

Rey opened her mouth to say something then smiled and kissed him. 'Come on.' She said. 'Let's eat.'

They hadn't mentioned it again since that night and it hurt that Rey didn't want to say it back, but Ben knew she cared for him and he told himself that was enough.

Then one day, everything changed. Ben was manning the store as usual when two people came in who looked like they had no business being in a sweet shop.

'Can I help you?' Ben asked as he wiped down the counter.

'Ben Solo?' Asked a ginger haired man wearing a black suit and carrying a black briefcase.

'Who's asking?' Ben said.

'We have business to discuss with Ben Solo, are you he or not?' Said a tall blonde woman standing next to the man with a matching suit and briefcase.

'Yes. I'm Ben Solo.'

The ginger haired man smiled and came forward placing his briefcase on the table and opening it,

'Ben Solo, My name is Armitage Hux, I represent John Snoke, founded and CEO of Thirst Orders drinks corporation. You have been personally selected by John Snoke, the founder and CEO of Thirst Orders drinks corporation, to be the recipient of our new three year apprenticeship. Congratulations!' He said sounding like an infomercial and holding out a wad of paper towards Ben.

'I never applied for this.' Ben said.

The blonde lady clicked her tongue and rolled her eyes, 'Mr Solo, you don't apply for this position. You are selected. It's a great honour. Just take a look at the contract.'

The man called Armitage, was still holding out the contract towards Ben. He took it and looked it over, his eyes settling on the exorbitant stipend that came as part of the placement.

'How does John Snoke know about me?' Ben asked.

'Mr Snoke has been interested in your family for a long time, he has great respect for the Sweet Surrender brand.'

'Hold on, didn't Thirst Order try to buy Luke's rights to the Sweet Surrender brand within the U.K a while back? I knew that name sounded familiar.'

The blonde stepped forward, 'Mr Solo, I'm Phasma and yes that is correct. Mr Snoke saw great potential for growth within the United Kingdom, your Uncle Mr Skywalker was offered a considerable amount of money. He refused. We were prepared to keep him on as a general manager but he chose instead to try and crack the market himself. With little progress as I understand it. There is still just this one store, am I right?'

'Yes.' Ben said feeling his anger start to rise. Phasma smiled and tapped the contract in his hand.

'Do you know what this is Mr Solo? It's an opportunity. We can train you, teach you everything there is to know and when you finish the programme? It's up to you what you do, but we hope you would choose to stay on with the company.'

Ben looked at the contract, 'Can I finish my studies?'

'I'm afraid not. We want you to start as soon as possible, but don't worry. You would have the opportunity to study for new qualifications as you work.'

'Can I have some time, to think about all this?' Ben asked.

Phasma and Armitage exchanged glances.

'Certainly. Armitage said, 'We can give you 48 hours. 'We'll be in touch. Goodbye Mr Solo.'

Ben looked down at the contract in his hands. This was his shot, his chance to make something of himself. His chance to show everyone that he could do it alone. He didn't need nepotism to make him a success.

What about Rey? He asked himself.

What about her? She doesn't love you. You're just a loser in a silly hat and that's all you will ever be. Maybe if you go away and make something of yourself, maybe then she will love you.

Ben had to admit it was tempting, to come back in a sharp suit, with a pocket full of cash and sweep Rey off her feet? The more he thought about it, the more he convinced himself of the idea.

That night he laid all his plans out to Rey over the small dinner table in the apartment he shared with Luke, but she didn't look excited. She looked concerned.

'And they came to you, out of the blue?'

'Yes.'

'Why?'

'I don't know.'

'And you say this Snoke fellow has made an offer to your family for the business before? Could that be anything to do with why he made this offer to you?' Rey said.

Ben bristled, 'why are you poking holes in this? Maybe they seeked me out because they saw some hidden talent?'

Does she think me so worthless that no one would even consider me on my own merits?

'Babe please, of course that might be the case. I just worry for you, that's all.' Rey said reaching across the table to take his hand.

He pulled it away, stood up and walked away from the table. 'It's an amazing offer Rey, I'd be a fool not to take it.'

Rey stood up, 'I thought you wanted to discuss this objectively, it sounds like you've already made up your mind.'

'Maybe I have.'

'Then there is nothing else to for us to discuss.' She said.

Ben was taken back by her cold demeanour. He wanted to ask a thousand questions.

Why was she so mad?

Would she still allow him to see her?

Were they broken up?

But he was a coward so he kept his mouth shut.

Rey looked at him, he sensed she was waiting for him to say something, and when he didn't, she filled the empty space,

'I'd better go, it's late.' She said.

He nodded dumbly.

'I'll see you tomorrow?' She asked tentatively.

He nodded again.

Stop her. Tell her to stay.

To his own disgust, he ignored the impulse and did nothing as she left.

The next day, Rey came into the shop before her shift started, slamming the door open hard and putting her hand on her hips.

'Ben Solo you are an idiot. You are stubborn and conceited, your temper is a goddamn liability and after the way you treated me last night, if I had any sense at all I would walk out of here and never see you again!'

'What's stopping you?' He said with a miserable scowl.

'Because I'm in love with you.' She said.

Ben dropped the jar of mint humbugs he was holding. The glass jar smashed into a million pieces on the floor sending the striped sweets flying everywhere. He looked at the mess, then he looked at Rey's face.

She loves me. Rey loves me.

'I'd better clean this up.' He said grabbing the broom.

'Is that all you have to say?' Rey cried.

'He started sweeping the floor, 'What do you want me to say? Do you want me to say I love you too? Because I do! Of course I do. You already know that. How could I not? You're everything I could ever want. You're my absolute world! But I can't think about that right now, because it just makes all this harder, because I've already signed the contract. I'm going to take the deal.'

He stopped sweeping and ran his hands through his hair, 'Rey, I need to do this. I need to make a name for myself, this is my shot.'

'I might never see you again.' She said with tears in her eyes.

Don't cry Rey. Please.

'Then come with me.' He said looking up for his task.

'No. I can't. My future is here, and to be honest, I did some research last night, and I want nothing to do with that disgusting company peddling harmful substances to the masses. Selling people quick fixes and false promises. That's not you Ben. That's not who you are.'

Don't say it. Don't say what you're thinking.

Ben felt his anger rise again, 'How do you know? You don't know me. No one really knows me.'

Ben regretted the words the moment they had left his mouth but his pride kept him silent.

Rey looked shocked, her mouth fell open but she closed it again. Her anger seemed to ebb then.

'If…. if that's how you feel, then I am sorry for you Ben.' She said and turned to leave. She looked over her shoulder before she left, 'I will … I will…miss you. You know where I am, if you change your mind.'

Go after her. Run.

But he didn't, after Rey left Ben focused on sweeping the floor, hoping desperately that by picking up all the broken shards of glass, he would also be able to put his heart back together.

That night as he packed, he vowed he would make something of himself and come back for Rey, one day.

They didn't speak again, though he watched her each day as she patrolled the shores. When Luke returned, he prepared to leave. Unsurprisingly, Luke also strongly objected to his choice.

'They're bad news Ben. They swallow everything in their path. Don't do this.'

The more Luke opposed the idea, the more Ben wanted it. 'I have to do this.' Was the only explanation he could offer.

'What did Leia and Han say?'

'They were mad, threatened to cut me off. I told them to knock themselves out.'

Luke sighed, 'They'll blame me. They'll say I didn't look after you properly.'

Ben rolled his eyes. Typical Luke. Always thinking about himself.

'Yeah well, my parents always like to find someone else to pin their blame on.' He said slinging his bag over his shoulder.

'Don't do this Ben. It'll change you.'

'I'm counting on it.' Ben replied with a cold stare as he walked out of the apartment for good.

He didn't seek Rey out to say goodbye to her, didn't see her standing across the road with her hood up as he trudged down the street to the train station, tear tracks marring her freckled cheeks.

Five years later….

'Hux, if they still won't sell we have to persuade them some other way.' Ben said leaning forward in his chair and resting his elbows on his desk as he steepled his fingers, 'We need that location.'

Hux nodded, 'Yes Sir.' He said leaving the room.

Ben pinched the bridge of his nose. He knew Hux would go bitching to Phasma as soon as he was out of ear range. It drove him wild that Ben had been promoted above him despite his young age, but Mr Snoke seemed to have a soft spot for Ben. Ben tried not to think about it too much.

He stood up and wandered to the window putting his hands into the pockets of his suit and looking out at the streets of London below. In just two short years since completing his internship with Thirst Orders Corp, Ben had risen to the rank of junior executive. He had developed a bit of a reputation for being pretty cut throat when it came to deals, and no was never an acceptable answer for Ben. His resourcefulness had impressed John Snoke who saw to nurture his creative approach to business.

As predicted, Phasma entered the office moments later. Ben sighed.

'Hux is mouthing off about you again.' Phasma said taking a seat, 'He says it can't be done, that you're asking the impossible.'

'It's all a question of angles Phasma.' Ben said walking back to his desk and sitting down, 'You know as well as I do, they have a weakness. We just have to find it.'

The deal they were currently working on was a new store location that Snoke was determined to have. The currently owners were refusing to sell despite Ben authorising Hux to offer twice what the aging building was worth.

'You know they aren't going to give this up without a fight, they've deluded themselves into thinking they are some sort of benefactor to this community.'

Ben snorted, 'yeah, a second rate pool, a run down gym and a few practice rooms. They're real heroes alright.'

'You know as well as I do, that Hux doesn't have the balls to see this through, send me down there.' Phasma said.

'I need to give him another chance. Snoke wants me to keep testing him. If he fails then I'll send you in.'

Phasma nodded, 'Okay boss.'

Phasma had taken Ben's transition from trainee to superior much easier than Hux. Perhaps that was because Phasma was Snoke's eyes. She saw everything and she reported what she thought was important straight to him, for that reason Phasma was untouchable.

It was also the reason why Ben never tell Phasma that he was going to leave once this final deal was sorted. It was time. Time to track down Rey. It was time to make good on that promise he made to himself all those years ago, but he couldn't let Snoke know about his plans just yet. Ben knew that Snoke would do everything in his power to keep him in his grasp. So he kept his mouth shut and listened to Phasma give him a run down of the monthly profit reports. When the time was right, he would make his announcement and start his own business, then he would finally be free, free of dependence on Snoke, free of dependence on his family. He would be strong, he would be a man who could do right. He could do right by her then.

The next day, Hux was back in his office again looking sheepish. 'I tried, but they aren't budging.' He whined. 'They won't accept any offers and now they're becoming somewhat hostile towards me.' Hux pouted.

Ben rubbed his forehead as he paced the floor, 'Hux this is a business deal not a playground quarrel, get your head out of your ass and make this happen!'

'Look if it was just the old lady then maybe, but there's also this…girl. She's... scary.'

Ben felt the hair stand up on the back of his neck. A girl? What girl? Maz had no living family according to her background check. This was worrying, unknown variables could be very troublesome. If they didn't land this deal, Snoke would not be happy. He was going to have to deal with this himself.

Ben took a deep breath and sat down, 'Tell me about the girl.' he said.