A/N - Hi there Lovelies!  Well, life (and work) has continued to get in the way, and has slowed down my updates.  I'm so sorry!  Rest assured, most of the rest of this story is already written, so it will definitely get finished.  I'll try to keep updating at least weekly - hopefully even more frequently on occasion!  Things are starting to move for our two lovable Stupidheads - the good stuff is coming - I promise!  We still have a few more chapters to go though.... but things will definitely warm up from here on in!  Thank you to all for your patience with my updates and with the pace of this story.  These things take time 😊😜 - but it should all be worth it in the end.  As always, please let me know what you think, and don't forget to hit the little star to vote!  Enjoy!!

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It was the headache that woke her up; the pounding in her temples beating in cadence with her heart.  Her muffled groan came out as a croak when she tried to swallow through her parched throat.  Forcing her eyes open and blinking purposefully, she rolled over to see that it was still mostly dark – barely dawn.  Inhaling deeply, she rubbed her temples to soothe the ache and was hit with a blast of Ben's scent.  Disoriented, she sat up quickly and looked around, groaning once again at the sudden pressure in her head.

She was in Ben's bed again.  What the fuck?  Momentarily confused, she struggled to recall what had happened last night.  Suddenly, it all came flooding back to her.  Finn.  Rose.  The betrayal.

Her throat started to close as renewed anger and hurt pressed in on her yet again.  Taking a deep breath, she swallowed to clear the tightness that had formed in her chest.  No.  She would not cry over him any more.  He wasn't worth it.

Getting up, she went into the bathroom to try to find something for her headache.  Spotting some meds in Ben's bathroom cabinet, she gulped the pills down with a big glass of water and splashed her face.  Looking in the mirror, she concluded that she really did look like shit.  Her skin was pale and there were circles under her eyes.  Ugh.  Hopefully some coffee and food would take care of it.

Tiptoeing into the main room, she could see Ben sleeping on the couch.  Quietly kneeling down in front of him, she silently gazed at his features, soft in sleep.  Her heart softened, slowly melting as she watched his chest rise and fall.  She was so thankful to have him in her life.  He'd been like a rock for her in the past few months – and she hoped she'd been the same for him.  She knew without a doubt that she could always rely on him – that he'd always be there for her.  Leaning closer, she gently stroked a strand of hair away from his eyes, and shifted down to softly kiss his cheek.  "Thank you."  She whispered under her breath.  "For being the best friend I've ever had.  I don't know what I'd do without you."  Getting up quietly, she silently padded towards the kitchen.

Ben's eyes flicked open as he heard her shuffle away.  He stayed completely still – not wanting her to know that she'd woken him.  He'd always been a light sleeper – having been plagued by nightmares in his younger years when he'd been with Snoke.  Now, the slightest noise or movement usually woke him.  His heart clenched hearing her whispered gratitude.  Best friend.  Two words that he loved yet hated.  He knew that she was hurting right now, but could she ever see him as anything more?

She quietly crept into the kitchen and made herself a cup of coffee, setting out another pod and a mug for Ben when he woke up.  Sitting at the kitchen island, she silently contemplated what to do that day.  Thoughts of Finn started to creep back into her mind and she determinedly pushed them away, wanting a bit more peace before anger and sadness descended upon her once again.

She really didn't feel like going back to her apartment just yet – the thought of setting foot in there today, knowing what had happened in her bed while she'd been away – still made her feel sick.  She supposed she could go hang out at Obi and Anna's, but then she'd have to rehash it with them – relive it all over again - and she just wasn't quite ready to do that yet.

Silence.  That's all she wanted for today.  Some time alone with her thoughts.  Unless she was willing to go back to the apartment, she probably wouldn't be getting that.  Sighing deeply, she rested her head in her hands.

After a few minutes she could hear Ben starting to stir.  Getting up, she made his coffee and carried it over to him just as he was sitting up.  "Good Morning."  She said softly.

"'Morning."  He rumbled in a deeply scratchy voice, scrubbing a hand over his still sleepy face.  When he looked up, his eyes became a bit more focused and he smiled at the cup of coffee she held out to him.  "You're my hero, I swear."  He said, grabbing the coffee and taking a careful swig.  "Mmm.  Good."  He grunted.

"Rough night?"  She asked innocently, one brow raised in question.

He looked up at her warily.  "It was okay."

Leaning closer she poked him in the chest.  "You did it again!"  She exclaimed in annoyance.

His lips quirked as he looked down and took another sip of his coffee, avoiding her gaze.  "Did what?"

Growling, she punched him lightly in the shoulder.  "You slept on the couch!"

"And?  You slept in the bed.  So what?"

She huffed out an irritated breath.   "I've told you before, I am fine with the couch!  You're much too big to sleep here!"

Shaking his head, he took another sip of his coffee and smirked.  "Let it go Rey."

"Fuck."  She cursed.  "You're so fucking stubborn!"

Grinning, he laughed.  "And you're not?  Its like we're –"  He stopped himself, biting his lip.

Cocking her head to the side, she asked.  "Its like we're what?"

"Nothing."  He said, shaking his head, still smiling up at her.  "I'd rather not get my ass kicked so early in the morning, so let's just forget it."

She gazed at him skeptically for a few seconds before finally shrugging and turning to head back to the kitchen.  "Do you want breakfast?  I can make us some while you get ready, if you like."

"Sure.  There's bread or cereal, if you just want something simple.  Or there's bacon and some eggs if you're feeling more adventurous."

She gave him a bright smile as she traipsed into the kitchen.  "I never pass up bacon.  Even if I have to cook it myself."

He sat there for another minute watching her while he drank his coffee, a warm feeling blooming in his chest.  She looked right at home in his kitchen.  Comfortable.  Innocently beautiful – even in yesterday's rumpled clothes.  Swallowing thickly, he realized that he wanted to see her like this every morning.  As he watched her, he could imagine her shuffling around the kitchen happily, her belly rounded and swollen with their child.  The image caused a shiver to run down his spine.  Holy fuck.  He really was a goner.

Scrubbing his hand over his face once again, he looked up, asking.  "Were you planning on going to work today?"

"No, not after being away for almost 2 weeks.  I suppose I could....but...."  She shrugged, before biting her lip.  "I also don't really feel like going back to the apartment just yet.  I figured I'd just go hang out at Obi and Anna's instead."

"I have to go into the office today - I have a meeting I really can't postpone."  He told her.  "But....if you wanted.....you could just stay here. Hang out for the day."

She smiled softly, biting her lip.  "Are you sure?  I mean, I'd really appreciate that Ben.  Today I think I just want some peace and quiet – but I don't want to invade your space."

He gave her long suffering look.  "Rey, you will not be invading my space.  Just stay here and relax, watch some movies, whatever."

"Do you have snacks?"  She asked saucily.

His lips quirked.  "Probably not any you'd eat."

Sighing exaggeratedly in mock resignation, she gave him a coy smile.  "I guess I'll just have to make do."

He rolled his eyes.

"Thanks Ben.  I mean it."  Inhaling deeply, she closed her eyes.  "I seem to be causing a lot of chaos in your life recently."

"What?  What are you talking about?  No."  He told her sternly, shaking his head.

"Yes."  She said emphatically.  "First my parents.  Then all of the repeated nonsense with Finn – how many times has it been now?  You've constantly been there – helping me deal with my shit."

Getting up, he walked over and put his hand onto her shoulder.  "Rey, that's what friends do."   He looked at her intensely.  "I wouldn't want you to be anywhere else."

She nodded silently, her eyes glassy, the barest hint of smile teasing the corners of her mouth.  "Okay.  Me too Ben."  Taking a deep breath she said.  "I wouldn't want anyone else to have been with me throughout......everything."  She wiped a tear from her eye before chuckling to break the heavy mood.  "Go – do – whatever you normally do to make yourself look like the beautiful Ben Solo that stops women in their tracks."

Ben's breathing stuttered, and he tried not to react outwardly to her words.  It felt silly, but his knees suddenly felt a little weak.  She called him beautiful.  It wasn't a very – masculine – thing for her to have said, but still.  No one had ever called him that before.  She couldn't possibly know what her innocent words did to him.  He felt very much like a fish on a line that she was slowly but surely reeling in.

Swallowing the lump in his throat, he rolled his eyes at her to break his suddenly heavy mood.  "Ha ha, very funny.  I'm going to get dressed now."  He said pointedly, striding away to his bedroom.

She was still chuckling when she turned away to start preparing their meal.

****

Twenty-five minutes later he appeared back in the kitchen, freshly showered and coiffed, wearing a dark grey suit and a blue dress shirt that was open at the throat.  It was still early – barely 7 AM, but the sun was now streaming in through the living room windows.

Rey decided that she loved the bright, early morning sunshine and the view from Ben's apartment.  It definitely helped lighten her mood.  When he strode into the room she couldn't help appreciate his fine form, and swore he looked like a model from the cover of a GQ magazine.   "No tie today?"  She teased, immediately beginning to scoop the food onto their plates.

"Its Friday."  He answered, as if it should be obvious to her.  When he noticed her turn and raise a brow at him, he continued.  "This is as casual as I get in the office."

"Ah. I see."  She smirked.  "I've learned something new about you today."  

Placing a plate of bacon, eggs and toast in front of him, she sniffed lightly.  "Mmmm.  I have to admit, other than bacon, there is nothing that smells better than a freshly showered and cologned male."

Ben's ears went red as his memory went back to a night not so long ago, when she'd whispered that she liked the way he smelled.  His dick twitched and he gritted his teeth to shove the sudden intimate thoughts away.  Fuck.  It was almost as if she was innocently trying to kill him.

Seeing his discomfort, she smirked.  Deciding to poke the bear a bit more, she continued.  "And you do look mighty fine in a suit Mr. Solo.  Little wonder that you turn heads when you walk down the street like that."

Looking across at her in confusion as she took her seat, he frowned.  "And when have you ever seen that?"

"Oh, lots of times when we're walking back to the T after we've met for lunch."  She played coyly.  "You just don't notice the sometimes open-mouthed stares.  Stupidhead."  She grinned.  "And its not only the ladies who are staring."

He blushed an even deeper shade of red and shoveled a forkful of the scrambled eggs into his mouth.  "Mmmm."  He grunted, trying to change the subject.  "These are good."

She rolled her eyes.  "I do know how to cook you know.  Anna made sure of that."  She remarked, waving her fork in the air.  "And cooking is just chemistry, really."

He looked at her in surprised amusement, a small chuckle escaping his lips as he shook his head.  "I've never quite thought of it that way."

Shrugging, she continued to dig into her breakfast.

"Kay took all of her stuff, but I laid out one of my T shirts and a pair of gym shorts if you wanted to change.  They'll be huge on you, but I figured you could MacGyver something."

"Sure – thanks.  I'll figure something out.  It'll be much better than spending another day in these clothes."  She gave him a small smile.

"Just – make yourself at home.  I'm serious – just take whatever you need."

"Thanks Ben.  I'll be fine.  I really appreciate this...."  Her voice trailed off uncomfortably.  "I just couldn't face the thought of going home yet.  Its still too fresh."

His eyes were somber and intense when he replied.  "Take as long as you need Rey – there's no rush.  I don't mind at all.  You don't have to do anything until you're ready."  His lips quirked up at the corners.  "And I kind of like the company."

She smiled back.  "Me too.  I wouldn't want to be alone right now."  Sighing she finished off her plate.  "But I'll eventually have to get some clothes and stuff."

"I can take you whenever you want to go.  Just say the word."

"Thanks Ben."  She smiled warmly.  "Has anyone ever told you that you're amazing?"  Getting up, she grabbed their plates and took them into the kitchen to load the dishwasher.

Once again he watched her, thinking about how perfectly she fit into his surroundings.  "You'd be the first."  He called to her in the kitchen.

Her head popped up from behind the island and she smirked at him.  "But probably not the last."

****

A couple of hours later, Rey was lounging on Ben's sofa watching cheesy daytime talk shows.  She'd showered and was now wearing the plain black T shirt and gym shorts Ben had left on his bed for her.  She'd knotted the shirt at the waist, and had found a couple of elastics that she used to tie off each side of the shorts, after rolling the waist down several times.  The outfit wasn't pretty, but she was a hell of a lot more comfortable than she'd been in her work clothes from the day before.  She just wished she had a change of underwear and a comfier bra – but beggars couldn't be choosers.  She was happy to be at Ben's for the day, content to simply lie around at his place - desperately needing the solitude.

Even though the TV was on, she really wasn't watching it.  Her mind had drifted back to her relationship with Finn, thinking about how they were when they'd started out, and how they'd been over the past year or so.  Even as she'd thought about things critically, she really couldn't find anything different, other than maybe that their lives were generally busier and they didn't talk as much as they used to.  Over time, she'd just chalked it up to both of them being so busy – with lots of work commitments, but looking back, she could see that it was a sign that their relationship had in fact changed.   And neither of them had really noticed – nor said anything.

Sighing deeply she came to a stunning realization.

She wasn't really as upset about losing Finn as she was about what he'd done.  

It shocked her to think that he'd actually had sex with someone else while they were still technically together.  A year ago, if anyone would've told her that this would happen, she would've laughed in their face.  Not Finn.  He was the quintessential good guy.  She would've staunchly defended him – would've never believed that he'd have it in him to do that.  So maybe she really didn't know him as well as she thought she had.  That was something she'd have to think about a bit more – one day – to prevent making the same mistakes again.

As she continued to ponder everything, it became clear that it had been a very long time since it had felt like her and Finn were truly together.  Somewhere along the way they'd morphed into close roommates that had sex.  Although she'd tried her best to keep the relationship together, she could see now that Anna was right; he'd never really been the right person for her.  She'd just been unable to see it through her own stubbornness.

Now that it was officially over and she'd been more objectively examining things, she could say that she didn't really feel deeply connected to him, and maybe never had.  He was a friendly and affable guy, but she'd never really gotten close enough to share her hopes and dreams of the future with him.  Had never really seen the two of them getting married and having kids.  And because of that it was only a matter of time before one of them had needed more – and found someone who could give them that.  She'd just wished he would've been a decent human being and told her that before he'd actually fucked Rose.  He'd had plenty of opportunities - she'd all but given him an out a few weeks earlier, but he'd been a coward, plain and simple.  Had he ended things properly - told her that he wasn't happy - she probably still would've been upset and a little sad, but at least she wouldn't feel the depth of hurt and betrayal that she felt right now.

She knew she'd eventually get over it – but now would likely always have a nagging fear – a hang up – about infidelity.  Or at the very least, insecurity about not being enough for a partner.  Not good enough, not pretty enough, not shapely enough.  Recognizing that, she'd have to make sure she didn't let it contaminate any of her future relationships.  

Taking a cleansing breath, she shook her head and pushed the lingering sad thoughts away, just as her phone dinged to alert her to an incoming text from Ben.

'Hey, just checking in.  U ok?'

'Yes Ben I'm fine.  Tx tho.'

'I ordered some groceries for dinner tonight too.  Figured we could cook – you know, to save your cholesterol. 😝'

'Ha ha.'  She replied back.

'They should be delivered shortly.  I took the liberty of including some snacks you might prefer.'

'U had me at snax!  Tx!'

'I should be home by 5.  Try not to spoil your appetite for dinner.'

'🙄 I'll try.  See you then.'

It wasn't long afterward when door chime buzzed and she was rifling through grocery bags, finding all the ingredients for homemade lasagna and ceasar salad. Mmmm  she thought as her mouth watered.  Digging through the other bags, she began laughing when she saw the contents.  There were two small tubs of Haagen Dazs and two small tubs of Ben and Jerry's ice cream in assorted flavours of chocolate, as well as a bag of ketchup chips and a bag of cheese puffs.

He really did know her tastes in snacks.  Grabbing her phone, she shot him another text.

'4 tubs of ice cream??'

'I wasn't sure which flavor of chocolate you'd prefer'

'Any flavor of ice cream would've worked but I appreciate the effort 😜'

'Did I choose well?'  he asked.

'Yes – everything is spot on.  I'll try not to gorge myself before you get home.'

'I have to give credit to my PA.  She said guy crises require ice cream.'

Rey laughed at that.  'She's right.  Tell her I said thanks!'

'I will.  See you later.'

'👍'

She put three of the ice cream tubs in the freezer and grabbed a spoon before taking the tub of Ben & Jerry's The Tonight Dough back to the couch to settle in.  It was never too early for ice cream.

Deciding that she'd prefer to watch a movie, she turned off the daytime drivel.  Finding Star Wars: A New Hope in Ben's history, she started that and got cozy.

****

It was shortly after 5 pm when she heard the door open and looked up to see Ben walk in carrying a couple of shopping bags.  Shaking her head, she realized that he didn't look much different from when he left this morning.  Did he always look so well put together?  And hot?  Smokin' hot?

"Hey."  He gave her a small smile.  "How are you doing?"

Rolling her eyes, she smiled back at him.  "I'm fine Ben.  I'm still angry and hurt by what that coward did, but I'm not sitting here wallowing in heartbreak – if that's what you're asking.  I'm pissed, but really not sad anymore."

The corners of his lips turned up.  "Good."

Setting one of the bags on the kitchen island, he brought the other over to her.  "Here, this is for you."

"Oooooh, more goodies?"  She asked, looking into the bag and gasping.  Her face lit up as she pulled out a pair of yoga pants and a T shirt.  Looking up at him in wonder, she exclaimed.  "Ben!  You didn't have to do this!"

He shrugged.  "I thought you might need them."  His face reddened and became sheepish as she continued digging through the bag and pulled out a box of panties and a couple of sports bras.  "Um, my PA went out at lunch and grabbed it all. I....I didn't even look in the bag.

She started laughing gleefully.  "That's probably a good thing.  I was suddenly trying to imagine you buying underwear for me and I simply couldn't picture it."

His face got even redder as he stuttered out uncomfortably.  "Uh, I'm going to change."

Rey finished going through the items in the bag and found another 2 T-shirts, a set of pyjamas consisting of shorts and a tank top, 3 pairs of plain socks, deodorant, face wash, a toothbrush and a small box of tampax.  She probably wouldn't need the tampax in the next few days, but she couldn't help thinking 'bless this woman'.  She'd have to tell Ben to thank her profusely.

Knowing that Ben would be at least a few minutes, she ran into the kitchen and ducked down behind the counter to strip off Ben's oversized T-shirt and her uncomfortable work bra.  As quickly as possible, she pulled on one of the sports bras, applied some of the deodorant and slipped Ben's T-shirt back on.  While she appreciated the new T-shirts, Ben's was comfy, and it smelled like him, so she decided to keep it on for now.

Standing up to see if the coast was clear, she stripped out of her lower half and replaced her now two-day old panties with fresh ones and pulled on the yoga pants.  Much better... she thought.  Wadding up her soiled bra and panties, as well as Ben's shorts, she stuffed them into the shopping bag and breathed a sigh of relief.

She was just pulling all of the lasagna ingredients out of the fridge when Ben came into the kitchen.  Noticing what she was wearing, he stopped in his tracks.  "Where did you change?"

"Here."  She shrugged with a smirk.  "I knew you'd be a few minutes – so I had time."

His eyes raked over her outfit.  "You didn't like the new shirts?"

"No – I did.  Yours is just really comfy though, so I decided to leave it on.  I hope that's okay."

A funny feeling rippled through him at the thought that she preferred his shirt.  She'd knotted it at the waist, but it was so big that it hung over one of her shoulders, showing the graceful curve of her neck and collarbone.  He took a deep breath and smiled with a nod towards her.  "Its fine with me – it looks nice like that."

"Thanks.  So – lasagna?"  She gestured to all the groceries she'd laid out on the counter.

His lips curved into a smile.  "Step aside.  This is my mother's recipe.  You're going to love it."

"We'll see."  She gave him a sardonic smile.  "Anna makes a pretty mean lasagna too - and she taught me how to make it.  So let me be the judge."

****

A couple of hours later Rey pushed back from the table, a quiet, gratified moan on her lips.  "Oh my God Ben, that was so good."

"I told you."  He smirked proudly.

"I'll make you Anna's one day, and then you can see if you like hers too."

"I'd like that."  He said quietly.

She studied him over the rim of her glass, before taking a sip of wine.  They'd bumped around the kitchen together while making the lasagna, taking turns chopping and sautéing.  They'd worked well together, and she'd had fun with him, drinking wine, bantering back and forth about what seasonings to use, the order of the layers, etc.  Sometimes their elbows brushed; other times there were casual touches when Ben leaned over her to grab something she couldn't reach from a higher cupboard.  She could still remember the feel of his warmth along her back and a small shiver coursed through her.

Before tonight, they'd never cooked together, always ordering in or going out when they had dinner, so she'd never realized how intimate it could be.  She recalled Ben holding a spoon up to her lips to taste the flavor of the sauce, his eyes never leaving hers, or the grace of his large hands as he deftly chopped the vegetables.

Her and Finn had rarely cooked together – and when they had it was usually done a bit frantically before their now historical biweekly dinners with Ben and Kay.  Their cooking encounters were definitely not the fun, easygoing experience she'd just shared with Ben.

"Then we're on.  This was really fun, Ben – despite everything."

"I'm glad.  You deserve some fun."  He told her sincerely.

"Yeah, I was planning on having some fun during my upcoming trip to the Bahamas.  I was actually looking forward to it, but now I don't know what I'm going to do."  She sighed heavily.  "I mean – I'm definitely taking it back from Finn – no way that asshole is getting a free vacation – on me - for him and his new girlfriend.  But going alone really isn't my definition of fun either."

"Can you get your money back if you cancel?"  He asked cautiously.

"Nope, the tickets are non-refundable."  She inhaled deeply and gazed into her wine glass once again.  Suddenly, her eyes flicked up to his, her gaze hopeful, as she sat up straight.  "Would you maybe consider coming with me?"

Ben watched her for a few seconds, his heart beating erratically in his chest.  She wanted him to go on a tropical vacation with her?  His brain stuttered, desperately trying to catch up with what she was asking him to do.  If he went with her, they'd spend several days together - essentially alone.  "When is it?  And for how many days?"

She smiled in excitement, realizing that he was considering it.  "Its only 4 days/3 nights, from February 10th until the 13th.  Please think about it Ben – it'll be so much fun! I'll even get you a separate room so you don't feel uncomfortable with it."

His heart plummeted.  Separate rooms.  Still, 4 days with her was definitely better than nothing.  It would give them some more time together, and hopefully she'd start to see what they could be together - that they could be something more than friends.  His schedule would be very tight though – he was leaving for L.A. on the 14th - staying for 6 weeks to open his new office.  But he desperately wanted to do this – to spend time with her - in a tropical paradise no less.

"Sure – count me in.  It does sound like fun.  But you need to promise that you'll let me pay for the separate room."

"Deal."  She held out her hand for him to shake.  "Leave everything to me."

He took it and gave it a quick shake, followed by a smile, before repeating.  "Deal."

Grabbing her wine glass, she polished off the remaining contents with a single swig.  "Thanks so much for the clothes Ben.  That was really thoughtful of you.  Please thank your assistant too – everything is perfect."

"You're welcome Rey.  I was serious when I said you can stay as long as you need to.  And I want you to be comfortable."

She smiled softly.  "I....think I want to do a little shopping tomorrow – just to prepare to go back in another day or so.  I've thought about burning all of the bedsheets – I'd rather not use any of my old ones again – so I'll need to buy some new ones."  Her eyes widened.  "Shit - I really don't even know what stuff Finn's taking – we didn't talk about that.  I just kind of left..."

"You don't have to decide anything right now.  You'll eventually figure it out."

She nodded.  "I know.  There are only a few things I'm really attached to, so I don't care all that much."

"I'll take you wherever you need to go tomorrow."

"Thanks."  She smiled.  "Why don't we clear up this mess and watch a movie or something?"

"Sure."  He replied, in that deep voice that always struck a chord within her.  "I'd like that – it will give us some time to relax for awhile."

A couple of hours later they were comfortably ensconced on the couch watching the newest Wonder Woman movie.  Rey sat in her now usual pose with her back against the arm and her legs draped over Ben's thighs.

The ending credits had barely started rolling across the screen when Rey yawned.

"Sleepy?"  Ben asked.

"Yeah."  She replied.  Glancing up at him, she narrowed her eyes in determination.  "By the way, I am sleeping on the couch tonight Ben."

His lips tightened slightly, but he remained silent.

"I mean it Ben.  If I wake up in your bed, so help me I will leave tomorrow morning!"  She warned.

Inhaling deeply, he closed his eyes.  "Fine.  You can take the couch."  He replied resignedly.

"Thank you."  After a minute, she quietly added.  "I can't say it enough – I really do appreciate all of this.  And I will be totally fine on this couch – its really very comfy."  She quipped.  "You saw me – I fell dead asleep on it on Black Friday."  Getting up, she added.  "I'm going to go change.  I'll be out in a minute."

Grabbing the shopping bag, she disappeared into the bathroom to get ready for bed.  While she did that, Ben brought out some sheets and blankets to convert the couch into a makeshift bed.

"I could've done that Ben."  She chastised softly, startling him from behind.

He shrugged.  "It only took a couple of minutes."  Turning around, his breathing stuttered when  saw her in the light tank top and shorts.  Her skin looked so soft, he had to fight an overwhelming urge to reach out and touch her.  Gritting his teeth, he tried to remember some of his breathing exercises to focus and calm himself.

Stepping closer to him, she surprised him by wrapping her arms around his waist and giving him a tight hug.  "Thanks for everything today.  I know I sound like a broken record, but...."  She took a deep breath and shook her head.  "Nevermind."  She smiled up at him before letting him go.  "Goodnight Ben."

"Good night Rey."  He hugged her back and placed a kiss on the top of her head before releasing her and turning to walk into his bedroom.  For the first time in many long months, a feeling of promise and hope – the promise of Rey - bloomed in his chest.  Despite everything that had happened, he couldn't help but sense that those Forces were once again guiding their footsteps, and that one day, everything would all work out the way it was supposed to.  He only hoped it would be sooner rather than later.  But no matter how long it took, he would be patient – he would wait.  Because it would all be worth it in the end. She was worth it.  After all, she was his future - his everything.