"I know we don't know each other well, but I don't feel comfortable staying in one of these rooms alone. Would it be alright if I…if I stayed with you?" Rey asks, shifting her weight nervously.
Kylo's heart flutters from her question. Never has he ever had such a reaction to a woman's request before. Granted there have been women he has stolen a kiss or two over the years but never has he shared a room with one or even one he's given himself to. None had ever been enough to peak his interest or desires, if he had any at all. But in this moment, especially with how Snoke gawked at Rey, Kylo feels a sense of protection towards this woman.
"Of course, Miss Rey. You're more than welcome to stay with me," he says gently.
Rey blushes and breathes a sign of relief. Having lived her life not trusting anyone but herself and Maz, she has surprised herself in how comfortable she feels with this pirate captain. She hands the key back and he grasps it from her hand before pocketing it along with his room key. Her skin tingles from where he touched her.
"Would you like to get a drink?" Kylo asks softly.
She nods and they walk together side by side to the ground floor of the tavern. They take a seat out of the way and Kylo flags down one of the tavern workers, ordering glasses of water for them both. He takes one of the mugs in hand as Rey grabs for the other. Kylo clinks his glass against her own before he guzzles the water. She follows suit and gazes at him.
"What?" he asks, feeling his skin heat from her gaze.
"I can't believe that man," Rey remarks.
"Snoke? Yes, he's definitely quite the character," Kylo replies, taking another swig from his water.
"He's slimy. I don't trust him," she continues, shifting uncomfortably in her seat.
Kylo looks on and feels his heart ache. He knows she must be thinking of her own experiences with her employer. How fitting is it in a whole world full of people they were able to find each other. Two souls experiencing similar stories.
"I don't trust him either. This is why we'll be leaving at first light tomorrow. No exceptions," Kylo states.
Rey nods and grasps the mug of water and drinks from it as she watches people dancing along to the band. She can't help but tap her foot along with the music. Kylo notices and smiles softly.
"Would you like to dance?" he questions.
A blush flashes across her beautiful skin as Rey nervously fidgets with her mug. Kylo's lips curl into a bigger smile.
"Oh, no, I couldn't possibly…" she stammers.
Rey watches as Kylo shakes his head and moves to stand. He stretches out a hand to her and looks down at her, smiling kindly.
"Dance with me, Miss Rey. Please?" Kylo breathes.
She nods and moves to take his hand, not knowing what has come over her. Rey loves music but has never formally danced with anyone before nor has anyone ever asked her to dance with them. Together they move through the throng of people hand in hand until they reach the center of the dancers. Kylo holds her hand tenderly while placing his free hand on her waist. He fights a shudder through his body when he feels Rey place her free hand on his shoulder.
They begin to jig along with the upbeat tune pulsing through the tavern. Rey smiles as she settles into the music and Kylo grins back at her. The music picks up and they whirl around feeling as if they are the only two people in the tavern. A tinkling laugh spills from Rey's lips and Kylo feels his heart flutter from the sound. He pulls her closer as the music reaches its crescendo.
The music continues for the last few beats then ends in a flourish, causing the crowd to clap in amusement. Kylo still holds Rey and looks down into her beautiful eyes. Rey stares back at him, her eyes drifting from his lips to his eyes. His eyes flick down to her lips in turn and they each move forward until the tips of their noses connect.
"I…I don't know what this…I've never felt…" Rey breathes.
"Neither have I," Kylo whispers back.
They close their eyes and sway to the beat of the slower song, their foreheads pressed together. Time seems to slow to a standstill as they hold one another. At some point the song ends and both Kylo and Rey find themselves walking up the stairs to the hotel rooms offered by the tavern. Kylo walks Rey to their room, hoping she's still comfortable with sharing the room with him. After seeing how Snoke looked at her earlier, Kylo has become protective of this woman who's flounced into his life.
He opens the door and holds it for her, stepping inside once Rey has entered. The door closes behind them and the air is still. It's just them now as Rey turns to face him. Her cheeks are flushed from dancing and a secret blush he's grown to love, seeing how it makes her even more beautiful to behold. Kylo steps forward and tentatively reaches out to brush his fingertips against her own. Feeling no pushback, his hand carefully wraps around Rey's as he steps closer to her. They stand a breath apart. Rey looks up into his face with wonder in her eyes.
"Is it possible to feel…to feel a connection in such a short time?" she whispers.
Kylo brings her hand to his lips, tenderly kissing each soft knuckle slowly. Rey trembles and a soft moan passes her parted lips.
"I believe so. You feel it too?" he breathes against her skin.
"I don't know how but, yes…I do," she replies softly, stepping closer to him and pressing a hand against his chest.
"I do as well," Kylo whispers before their lips meet.