Waking up the next morning, Rey laid in bed for a few minutes, letting everything sink in. Holy hell, last night... So many things had happened at once. The things about Kylo's past could obviously wait until he was comfortable sharing with her, but when he kissed her- Jesus. It somehow made the weeks of waiting feel worth it.

She remembered the press of his body against her, the hunger and passion that he had kissed and touched her with. Yeah, she definitely hadn't been the only one struggling with restraint for a while.

The thought put a huge grin on her face.

So where did they go now? They clearly needed to talk but what then? Did she invite him in when he walked her home tonight?

Biting her lip, she let herself daydream about that for a minute. She'd been one hundred percent ready to let him take her against his door last night and she didn't feel remotely ashamed. Sure, she was a little embarrassed about how needy she'd been, how quickly she'd begged him to touch her, but he hadn't been complaining. He'd wanted her just as badly, his desperation matching her own.

Though Rey hadn't been in many physical relationships, she had never had the mindset of feeling shame over needing someone, physically or emotionally. It was human nature to crave being close and connected to someone.

Still, she didn't know Kylo's relationship history or what had happened in his past, she should probably take that into consideration before dragging him into her bedroom. Or letting him pick her up and carry her in.

Fuck, now she was imagining it.

Rey flung off her blankets, suddenly feeling flushed. She needed a cold shower.

One cold shower later, she stood in her room, wrapped in a towel. For some reason, she was having a difficult time picking out what to wear.

She sighed. This wasn't her, she wasn't the type of girl to dress up to impress a guy. But, it seemed important that she felt cute today, that she put in some effort. Was it so bad that she wanted Kylo to think she looked pretty?

No, she told herself firmly. There was certainly nothing wrong with that. If she wanted to put some effort into her appearance for him, then she damn well would.

Digging through her closet, she managed to find a cute flowy dress that just screamed spring. Light blue with fluttery sleeves and a scoop neck, it made her feel feminine and delicate but wasn't too fancy for work.

She threw on a little brown belt and some ankle boots to make it more casual. Instead of throwing her hair up as usual, she left it down, curling it slightly to add to the flirty look.

Satisfied that she looked presentable and like she wasn't trying too hard, she grabbed her purse and headed out the door.

...

Walking into work felt strange, the cafe looking just a little different than how she remembered. It still had the same battered tables and mismatched chairs, the same lights still dangling down all over the place. But after not being in for so long, it felt slightly unfamiliar.

Poe hurried over and hugged her firmly. "Good to see you, girl. Welcome back."

"Thanks. I missed this place."

"And it missed you," he grinned. "Some of the regulars asked where you were and since the attempted break-in was on the news, I figured there was no harm in letting them know that our brave Rey fought off a criminal to defend the cafe."

Rey groaned. "You made this a huge deal, didn't you?"

"You know I did," he responded, grinning mischievously. "I might have let it slip that today was your first day back too so expect a bit of attention."

"Was it really too much to ask for today to just be normal?" She muttered grumpily.

Poe laughed and pulled her in for another hug. "I missed you."

Through the day, several of the regulars showed up, making a big deal when they saw Rey behind the counter. Everyone seemed glad to see she was okay, telling her how brave and courageous she was. Somehow, she didn't think they'd be so impressed to hear that the stray cat did all the work.

Despite being embarrassed by all the attention, it warmed her heart to see so many of their customers obviously concerned for her. When one elderly man brought her a small bouquet of flowers tied together with a piece of twine, flowers he picked from his own garden, as he proudly told her, she had to discreetly wipe her eyes. She set them in a tall glass on the counter for everyone to admire.

As the afternoon dragged on, Rey found herself glancing at the door impatiently. What if Kylo didn't show up? What if he talked himself out of coming and seeing her?

"Finn told me you guys had an argument about your neighbor boy," Poe said from where he was cleaning the coffee maker.

"I didn't realize you guys were talking about me behind my back," she responded, arching a brow at him.

But Poe just shrugged. "He needed some advice. He's worried about you."

"Finn always worries."

Poe finished up with the machine and came to stand next to her. "Listen, it's not my job to fix things between you. I know Finn cares about you and he means well. But, I also know you like Kylo and you've been seeing each other."

Rey stared at him in surprise. "What? How-"

He rolled his eyes. "I'm not an idiot. He's here every day, watching you like you're the greatest thing he's ever seen, then hangs around to walk you home. Not to mention the pair of mugs on your counter every time I visited. Oh, and the stack of 80's movies on your coffee table that I know aren't yours. Not very discreet."

She flushed. "I wasn't trying to hide anything. Finn can just be a little overbearing and I didn't want him sticking his nose in this before I even figured out what this is.".

"Fair enough. I'm not here to lecture you about it." Poe paused, thinking for a second. "To be honest, I like Kylo. He cares for you and even though you pretend otherwise, I know you're lonely. I'm glad you have someone to take care of you. You deserve to be happy. But you need to be honest with Finn and just explain that you like Kylo, he loves you enough that he'll get over it."

"I know he will," Rey sighed. "I just hate that I have to explain myself to him, that he can't just trust my judgment."

"You're the most important thing in Finn's life. That means he's going to be a little illogical and overprotective when it comes to you. If anything, you should feel fortunate to have someone in your life who loves you enough to drive you crazy," he pointed out, smiling softly.

There was a moment of thoughtful silence between them as Rey pondered what he said. Poe was right, she hadn't really been mad at Finn anyways, but it was hard to not get aggravated with him. He still viewed her as a kid that needed protecting.

"So, you guys have sex yet?" Poe asked suddenly.

She let out a snort of laughter. Should have seen that one coming a mile away.

"Sorry to disappoint, but no."

"Girl, you need to try harder. I would have pulled him into bed weeks ago." Poe got a wicked look on his face. "He's just so big, I feel like he would just pick you up and move you around..." he trailed off suggestively.

Rey felt herself blush. He was more right than he knew.

He eyed her red face while she avoided eye contact. "I know that look, you minx. You totally slept with him, you rotten little liar!"

Kill her now. Poe was like a bloodhound when it came to things she didn't want to tell him. "No I didn't... but there might have been some kissing. Possibly a little groping."

He gasped. "Spill right now."

She quickly gave him the condensed PG-13 version of what happened last night. Though she was giving him a hard time, it felt great to vent to someone and get it off her chest. Poe was the perfect person as he was unfailingly unjudgemental and always got excited for her.

When she finished, he fanned himself. "Damn, I wouldn't have thought Kylo had it in him. It's always the quiet ones." He gave her a knowing look. "He coming in today?"

"He said he would," Rey replied, glancing at the door again.

"Well, the offer to let you use the back closet as your secret sex room still stands," he offered, laughing when she gave him a disgusted look.

...

When Kylo finally came in, he was almost half an hour late. Half an hour Rey spent convincing herself that he had changed his mind and wasn't coming. She cursed herself for bothering to look nice, that was probably what had jinxed it.

Then he showed up at the counter, a bouquet of daisies in one hand, a hesitant expression on his face. As usual, he was in all black, hair messy in a way that just made Rey's hands itch to run through it. Their eyes met and a jolt went through her.

"Well hello there, loverboy," Poe cooed from where he leaned near the register. "Are those for me?"

"Uh..." Kylo looked like he was about to hand the flowers over just so he wouldn't have to come up with a response. Pink patches appeared on his cheekbones.

"Leave him alone," Rey scolded, nudging Poe to the side and giving him a meaningful look. "We're you going to see if we had more caramel sauce in the back?"

"Oh you're no fun," he whined, but disappeared in the back, giving Kylo and her some privacy.

"Sorry about that," she apologized, tucking her hair behind her ear. "He thinks he's funny."

Kylo shook his head, eyes lingering as he glanced over her. "It's fine, he's a nice guy." He held out the bouquet awkwardly. "These are for you. For your first day back."

She took the flowers from him, admiring the vibrant colors and lush looking petals. "Thank you. You remembered daisies are my favorite." She couldn't help but be surprised, she had mentioned it to him only once before.

He shrugged but looked pleased. "It looks like someone beat me to it," he said, gesturing to the flowers sitting in a glass on the counter.

She laughed, grabbing another tall grass from under the counter and filling it with water. "They're from one of our regulars, a sweet older guy. He wanted to congratulate me on kicking that robber's ass. Surprisingly bloodthirsty, that one."

Smirking, he watched as she undid the wrapping around the bouquet. She could feel his eyes on her as she bent down to throw it away under the counter. Once the daisies were in the glass, she positioned them on the counter with a smile.

"Thank you, they're beautiful," she said honestly and he flushed. "Did you want the usual?" she asked, already reaching for his mug.

"Please." He stuffed a tip in the jar, hesitating when he turned to head to his table.

"Something else?" she questioned, pausing to face him.

"No... it's just- I, uh... you look lovely in blue," he finally got out, clumsily complimenting her.

It was so sweet and unexpected. She would have never thought the word "lovely" would come out of his mouth.

Rey felt herself blushing. "Oh... thank you. I like blue," she said lamely, wanting to punch herself. One compliment and she's reduced to an idiot who can't form complex sentences.

They stood there smiling at each other for a second, both a little embarrassed.

"I'm going to go sit down now," Kylo finally said, laughing self-consciously, running a hand through his hair. He walked to his usual table, sitting down and pulling out his battered journal.

Poe reappeared, raising his eyebrows. "You've got that poor boy wrapped around your finger," he muttered, eyeing her flowers.

She rolled her eyes at him, making Kylo's tea then heading over to his table.

"You were a little late today," she commented as she set his drink down, hoping she didn't sound accusing. It wasn't his fault she'd spent the last half an hour worrying.

"I stood outside for a while trying to muster up the courage to come in," he admitted, give her a sheepish look.

Rey grinned at his honesty, pleased she wasn't the only one feeling a little out of her element.

"Do I make you nervous?" she teased, cocking her head playfully.

He studied her, eyes lingering on her mouth. "Among other things," he finally said.

She had a feeling both of their minds went straight to what happened last night. Her skin flushed.

"How did the meeting with the publishing company go last night?" she asked, trying to diffuse the tension between them. Something told her Poe wouldn't be very happy if they jumped each other in the middle of the cafe.

"Oh, it went well actually. They said they'd like to publish my book," he replied casually, like this wasn't a huge deal.

"Kylo! Holly hell, congrats!" she exclaimed. "I can't believe you didn't tell me right away, that's amazing."

"I've had a lot on my mind," he muttered.

Rey knew the feeling. "We obviously have some things to talk about," she started, glancing over her shoulder at the counter. "Things we can't really discuss right now. Are you going to walk home with me?"

Kylo's eyes darkened. "As if I'd let you walk by yourself."

Silly, overprotective man. She knew she would appreciate his company when they walked home in the dark though.

"Well, we can talk on the walk back, yeah?"

He smiled, nodding in agreement. Though he said he had been nervous, he looked more at ease now that they were talking, something she was thankful for. He hadn't come in oozing of regret or looking like he was having second thoughts, so that was something.

...

The hours dragged by. Rey lost count of how many times she would look up and find Kylo watching her. He was unusually bold, usually holding her gaze for a few solid seconds before looking away with his lips curled slightly in the corner.

When it came time to close, he promised to be waiting in the alley for her then left while she and Poe tidied up.

Standing near the back door while Poe set the alarm, her stomach twisted anxiously. He opened the door to the dark alley and she felt her breath catch reflexively.

Calm down, she told herself sternly. You're fine.

But when Poe held the door open and she went to step outside, she froze. All of the usual shadows suddenly looked like the perfect hiding places, deeper and darker than normal.

"Rey?" she heard Poe ask, but it sounded distant, like an echo from down a tunnel.

Her throat went tight. She recognized the feelings of panic but knowing didn't make it hers to control.

"Rey." Kylo's deep voice sounded next to her, his hand suddenly supporting her firmly under her arm. "Deep breaths. You're okay, I've got you."

"I'm fine," she said automatically, tearing her gaze away from the shadowy end of the alley. "Subconscious reaction."

She could feel his eyes on her face but she closed her own, taking a deep cleansing breath, focusing on channeling the fear out of her body. Her hands were shaking a bit so she curled them into fists.

"I'm okay," she told Kylo and Poe, both watching her quietly. "I wasn't expecting to be so spooked, caught me off guard." She smiled at them ruefully.

Kylo was hovering over her, hands slightly up like he was ready to grab her if she pitched over.

"Let's go," she told him firmly, taking a few steps outside.

Poe shut the door behind her, giving her another concerned look, mouth downturned in the corners. But all he said was, "Good night, honey. See you tomorrow."

"Good night," she called back, already hurrying towards the front of the cafe and the safety of the streetlight. Once in the open street and light, she felt the band around her chest loosen.

Kylo stood with her for a second while she rode the last wave of jitters. She didn't apologize, knowing he would understand. She stopped saying sorry long ago for things that weren't under her control.

"I can't believe I'm saying this, but I kind of miss that cat," Kylo said after a minute.

"Me too," Rey admitted. "Hopefully he goes to a nice family who loves him like he deserves." It made her sad to think she wouldn't see him anymore but he didn't belong on the streets. She would have considered taking him but her apartment didn't allow pets.

"Even though he's a stray and no one wanted him in the first place?" Kylo asked, looking at her strangely.

"Even strays are worthy of love," she responded without hesitation. "And we don't know his original family abandoned him. Maybe he ran away or got lost. Maybe they've wanted him back this whole time."

He looked away, letting out an unconvinced sounding grunt. Rey didn't push it.

"Come on," she said, taking off down the street slowly. He joined her and they walked side by side for a minute in silence.

Feeling bold, Rey reached over and took his hand, giving him a smile when he jolted in surprise. It took him a second but he wrapped his fingers around hers, warm and firm.

"So..." she said, reveling in the feeling of walking down a quiet street with Kylo's hand in hers.

"So?" he asked innocently and she laughed.

"Fine, I'll go first, you coward," she teased. "We should talk about a few things but first, I should probably point out that I like you. I mean, obviously, I like you. A lot."

"I like you too," he said quietly, and when she peeked over, his cheeks were pink.

There was something so juvenile yet perfect about them holding hands and shyly saying they liked each other. It made her want to laugh that they went from kissing and grinding against a door to this, but it was so fitting.

"I just... I haven't really done something like this," Kylo said. "I mean, I haven't really dated or anything. There've been women before, but no one I've really liked enough to have a relationship with." He kept his eyes on the ground, obviously feeling self-conscious.

Rey wasn't above feeling jealous at the thought of him with other women. She wasn't surprised, with his looks, women probably pursued him like crazy. But the fact that he was putting her above all of them, saying he liked and cared enough about her to want something more made her heart stutter in her chest.

"It's just- I don't really know how to do this," he continued. "I don't know how to..." He gestured between them.

She squeezed his hand and he finally met her eyes. "We can figure it out together," she told him.

Instead of looking happy though, he frowned, his brows furrowing. "There are things you don't know about me," he muttered. "I'm not good at this sort of thing, being close to someone. I always ruin good things."

He looked so vulnerable, shoulders curled in protectively, telling her this in such a raw and honest voice, like he really believed them. Like he was trying to talk her out of wanting to be with him because he cared about her.

"You don't have to tell me anything until you're ready, I know enough about you to care for you," Rey told him. She stopped, tugging on his hand until he looked at her. "And so far, all you've done is make me the happiest I've been in a long time. You took care of me while I was injured, given me something to look forward to at work every day, walk me home so I'm not alone in the dark. You've made me addicted to your cooking, asked me more questions about myself than anyone ever has, and introduced me to all the amazing movies the 80s has to offer." She giggled when he smiled at that. "That doesn't seem like you're ruining anything, now does it?"

Kylo flushed but he looked pleased.

"I guess not," he responded, clearly unsure of how to take the compliment. She couldn't help but wonder when the last time was that someone told him he'd done something right.

They walked in a thoughtful silence, Rey letting him think things over as they reached their apartment building and made their way to their floor.

At her door, she turned to face him, stomach jittery with anticipation.

"I really like you," he finally said, eyes a soft brown. "It's hard for me to even understand how this happened but I'd hate myself if I didn't give it a shot. If there was ever someone worth trying for, it's you."

Her cheeks hurt from the force of her grin. "Okay then. Why don't we just see where this takes us, no pressure or anything."

He smiled back at her, letting go of her to settle his hands gently on her waist. She could feel the heat of them through the thin fabric of her dress.

"No pressure. Except trying to win over an insanely beautiful girl who's way out of my league. Yeah, no pressure at all," he murmured, leaning in, his scent washing over her.

"You could start by kissing me," she whispered huskily.

Kylo didn't hesitate, arms wrapping around her to pull her close and bending down to kiss her. His lips were soft, kissing her sweetly and gently, like she was something precious.

Rey slid her hands up his arms, feeling the corded strength in them, raising up on her tiptoes to twine her fingers in his hair. She pressed herself against him, wanting as much of him touching her as she could get.

His tongue swiped at her lips and she opened her mouth, moaning softly. He set her on fucking fire.

The kiss was quickly turning passionate, both of them giving into the need. One of his hands slipped down to stroke her thigh and a shiver worked its way down her spine. His rough fingers making teasing circles against her bare skin made her buck slightly against him, hips rubbing against the front of his jeans.

He pulled away, nipping at her bottom lip, sending a bolt of heat to her core. She loved how he looked after kissing her, lips red and swollen, hair mussed, eyes so dark they were almost black. He looked like pure sin.

Rey pulled his face down so she could kiss his jaw, tasting his skin with her tongue. He shuddered when she kissed the sensitive spot right where his jaw met his neck.

"Fuck, Rey," he groaned hotly in her ear. "You need to stop or I'm going to take you inside."

"Is that a bad thing?" she purred, thinking that sounded like a great idea.

Kylo sighed, the air stirring her hair. "I'd like to take you on a date or something. Isn't that what I'm supposed to do?"

Rey giggled at the helpless tone in his voice. He was so adorable sometimes.

She took a step back, untangling her fingers from his hair. "You want to take me on a date?"

He nodded, looking delectably rumpled. "I do. Is that okay?"

"Yes, it's more than okay." Kylo Ren, reclusive hermit, and all around socially awkward guy wanted to take her out on a date. She felt stunned and touched.

"I have no idea what we're doing," he chuckled. "But how about your next day off?"

She would have skipped work the next day if he'd asked. "Sounds perfect," she breathed, watching his eyes light up. One day, he'd stop being so surprised when she said yes.

"Since you're trying to be honorable," she teased, "I'm going inside before I start kissing you again."

"I'm suddenly regretting saying anything," he grumbled jokingly.

"Good night, Kylo," Rey laughed, letting herself into her apartment. She didn't want to leave, more than anything she wanted to invite him inside and stay up with him all night. But if he wanted a date, they'd go on a damn date. Who was she kidding, she wanted to go too. The thought of going out with him made her giddy with excitement.

"Sleep well," he said, watching her until the door closed between them.

Sorry this ended up taking me so long to finish, this week was hectic and it was hard to find time to write. This chapter ended up being full of lots of talking, hopefully no one minded. Their date will be next chapter, any guesses as to what they'll be doing? These dorks make my heart melt. As always, a million thanks for all of the amazing feedback, you guys have no idea how much it means to me 3