A/N - Hi Everyone!  I just want to start by thanking all of you for sticking with this story.  I know its taken  A LONG TIME to get our Stupidheads here - and sorry, but there are a few more chappies to go before the moment of realization - but it'll all be worth it in the end!  It is, after all, a SLOW BURN (lol).  The good stuff is right around the corner though - I promise.  Just....not quite yet though.  I had to get a few plot points in before that all happens.... Anyhoo, I hope you like it!  Please comment and vote!  Enjoy!!

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The next few weeks passed by quickly.  As usual, Rey was busy with work, and before she knew it there were only a few days left until they were to leave for the Bahamas.  It was Monday evening, and she had her earbuds in, listening to music while riding the T home after a long day.  Closing her eyes, she tuned out her surroundings and thought about life - about everything that had happened lately – and how she felt now that the dust was finally starting to settle.

All in all, it hadn't been the worst couple of weeks to get through.  Life was slowly getting back to a new normal for her – one without Finn.  Surprisingly though, she found that she really didn't miss him all that much, which she knew was rather telling.  It gave her a fresh perspective on what their relationship had actually become by the end.  Looking back on it now, she felt a bit foolish for letting it go on as long as it had, clearly having convinced herself that what they'd had had been real and solid – a foundation to build upon for the future, when it really wasn't. Anna had gently tried to tell her that, but she'd been too stubborn to listen.

It still felt odd coming home to an empty apartment every day, knowing that it would be just as empty later, unless Ben was coming over.  However, for the first time in a long time she felt free.  Now, the apartment was hers; she could do whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted, thankful to no longer feel like she was walking on eggshells when she was home, worried about saying or doing something that would piss Finn off.  That alone felt like a giant weight had been lifted from her shoulders.  She hadn't realized how much that had been wearing on her and generally stressing her out.

Also, she didn't have to tiptoe around the subject of Ben any more.  It hadn't been a daily issue between them, but she'd always felt that Finn got a little weird – almost out of sorts - whenever she mentioned seeing him, texting him, or talking to him.  Wanting to avoid the conflict, she'd simply spoken of their interactions less and less as time went on.  Not having to worry about it any more was like a breath of fresh air, and she was happy and relieved to finally be able to talk to him as often as she wanted, without worrying about what anyone else – especially Finn - might think.

Ben.  The mere thought of him brought a sure smile to her face these days.

Thinking back to those first few days after the breakup, he'd been simply amazing – and so very patient with her.  She'd stayed at his place until Sunday that week, crashing on his couch for those few days when she'd still felt so raw over Finn's infidelity that she hadn't wanted to return to the apartment, knowing that if she went home she'd be completely alone, and would probably stew over it.  His earnest words floated back to her.

That's what friends do, Rey.

He was right – she knew he was.  That's what friends – best friends especially - did for friends who were hurting.  But somehow, she'd felt.....cared for....by Ben in a way that she never had been before.  He'd literally thought of everything to make her feel better, and to make her comfortable at his place.  They'd cooked, talked, laughed – just spent time together – and those few days had helped to strengthen her spirit and lift her out of the pit she felt like she'd fallen into when she found those panties.

As she'd asked, he'd even taken her shopping on the weekend so she could replace all of the sheets and towels in her apartment – not wanting to ever have to imagine those sheets or towels being used by Finn and Rose in any way.  It was an extreme reaction – she was fully aware of that – but just the slightest thought of it had made her feel mildly nauseous – so in her eyes it was completely worth it to be rid of them.

He'd also accompanied her back to the apartment on Sunday when she'd told him it was time for her to go home.  When they'd gotten there, she'd instantly noticed that there were still various belongings scattered around the apartment that were clearly Finn's – and she'd wanted them gone from her sight.  He'd steadfastly helped her gather them up, tossing them into a box that he later stuffed into the closet.  She'd also immediately stripped the bed and loaded the old towels and linens into a garbage bag that Ben had taken out to the trash for her.

A ghost of a smile flicked across her face, recalling his demeanour as it got later and later in the day, the time approaching when he'd eventually have to go home.  He'd been so clearly reluctant to leave her that night, worried that she'd be sad to be alone, and would get upset again after he left.  But she'd promised him that she was totally fine – confessing that she'd felt stressed over Finn for so long already that she just wanted to move on with her life.  She'd asked him to stay for dinner though, and they'd ordered in, this time choosing something healthier.

He'd smirked playfully at her choice of shawarma on salad, remarking in a teasing tone that she must be feeling better since she wasn't asking for comfort food.  She'd simply rolled her eyes in response, reiterating that she was completely fine, and that she was happy to prolong their time together a little bit more.  His eyes had softened at that.  'Me too.'  He'd told her.  'I've gotten used to having you around – and not being alone all the time.  I liked living together.'

Those words did not make her a little breathless.  They absolutely did not!!

Since that night, they'd been in almost constant contact, seeing each other every night except for the ones where one or both of them had to work late, which was still 2 or 3 nights per week.  But that meant that they were together a lot, and she couldn't help but feel....happier because of it.

There were still moments when Finn's betrayal would suddenly resurface and she'd feel like someone had stabbed her in the gut, but those instances seemed to be getting less and less frequent as the weeks went by.

She was also eagerly looking forward to their trip to the Bahamas – ecstatic that Ben would be joining her, excitedly anticipating spending a few relaxing days in a beautiful tropical setting with him.  As soon as he'd agreed, she'd called the travel agent and had them change the name on the ticket to Ben's, as well as adding another room to the reservation.  The surcharge for the extra room was almost the same cost that she'd originally paid per person for the trip, but she didn't care.  It was worth it; she'd do whatever made Ben comfortable.

Yesterday afternoon had been a lazy Sunday, and since they were leaving on Thursday morning she'd started packing for the trip, finding that her beachwear was not in the best condition.  Not wanting to look ratty on their vacation, she'd decided to go shopping after work today to grab a few new items – namely some sun dresses, as well as a new bathing suit, cover up and flip flops.

When she'd gone away previously with Finn, she'd typically worn a one-piece suit, never really liking what she thought of as her boyish figure in a bikini.  But while on those vacations she'd always looked around the beach, noting that literally everyone wore bikinis – regardless of the shape of their figure.  This time, she decided she'd wear one too.  Why not?  She young, she was fit, and she was single again – let people look.

After digging through what felt like racks and racks of bikinis that were better suited to more curvaceous women, she was absolutely thrilled with the sporty black two-piece that she'd found. It reminded her of what professional beach volleyball players wore.  The low-cut, barely-there bottoms and top suited her athletic build perfectly, showing off her toned stomach and abs, but didn't feel like anything would fall out either.  She fleetingly wondered what Ben would think of it..... no, no, no, Rey. Do not go there.

Recently, there were more flashes of – something – when she looked at him.  Almost a fluttering in her middle that she couldn't stop.  And when he looked at her with that lopsided smile, she had to admit that sometimes she forgot her own name.  But she knew that there was nothing more than deep, caring friendship behind that smile; her reaction to it was just because he was so goddamned beautiful.  Pretty much any red-blooded woman would react like that!  Shaking her head, she laughed at herself.  Time to snap yourself back to reality Rey!

Arriving at her stop, she was moving towards the doors when the train suddenly lurched and she fell into a man that was standing with his back to her.  She apologized profusely before he turned away and silently nodded, still keeping his head down.  How rude.  She thought as she exited the train, looking back to see him watching her intently as the train pulled out of the station.

An odd feeling crept up her spine as her eyes met the man's.  He looked....familiar somehow, like she'd seen him before..... as she walked up the stairs to the street level, she stopped in her tracks.  He was in the coffee shop near her office this morning when she'd grabbed her daily 2nd cup of coffee.  Shaking her head, she brushed it off as a coincidence – after all, its not like he got off the train with her here.  Meh – it was just a fluke, she thought as she continued on home.

When she opened the door to her apartment a few minutes later though, she immediately knew that someone was inside.  Her senses flared as adrenaline kicked in and she debated what to do.  The lights were on – and she was 100% certain she'd turned them off before leaving this morning.  Recalling the man from the train, she considered not going in – just in case it was connected, but then Finn walked into the living room and she let out the breath she'd been holding.  Her relief was palpable before her jaw clenched in sudden anger at finding him there unexpectedly.  "What the hell are you doing here?"  She asked, her tone hostile, her heart still pounding from the scare.

"I forgot a few things, and I wanted to get them.  But I can't find any of it."  He replied defensively.

"You're supposed to text me first!"  She bit out.  "Remember, you don't live here any more? "  Placing a hand over her chest she took a steadying breath.  "You scared the shit out of me!"

"Sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you – but I knew you weren't here.  And I knocked first to be sure."

Her eyes narrowed.  "How did you know I wasn't here?"

"I still have you on my 'Find my iPhone' app."  He replied warily.

Anger flared even hotter in her chest.  "Time to delete that!"  She held out her hand.  "And since I'm paying the rent now, I want your key."

He sighed, removing the keychain from his pocket, unlatching the key and handing it to her.  "Fine."

She quickly slipped the key into her pocket.  "Your stuff's in a box in the closet."  She motioned with her head.  "Take it and go please."

Fishing the box out of the closet he walked back over to face her.  Both stood there in uncomfortable silence, waiting for the other to say something – anything – to break the tension.  It was Finn who finally spoke.  "I never meant to hurt you Rey."  He said hesitantly.

Her eyes snapped to his, anger and hurt flashing in their depths once again.  "Yeah, well you should've thought of that before you fucked Rose in our bed."

His eyes narrowed.  "I already told you – "

She cut him off.  "Finn, there is absolutely nothing you could say to me to redeem yourself in my eyes.  You're a fucking coward.  A real man would've broken up with his girlfriend before he took another woman to bed – so, just saying."

"Are you telling me that Solo hasn't fucked you since we broke up?  Made you feel better, huh?  I've always known that there was something going on with the two of you!"  He spat harshly.

Her face showed utter shock at his words, her eyes rounding in their sockets.  "Holy fuck.  Ben was right.  You are looking for an excuse to make yourself feel better!"  She shot back.  "For your information – like I've always told you – Ben and I are just friends, nothing more!"  She took a deep breath, trying to calm her raging temper, otherwise she'd end up screaming at him, and it just wasn't worth it at this point.  "And Ben is 1000 times the man you are!  The night we broke up, I was so hurt by what you did – I wanted to hurt you back – and I practically threw myself at him to do that.  I mean, why not, right?  It's what you always thought anyways.  But he refused – knowing that that's what I was doing – and valuing our friendship too much to allow me to throw it away in a moment of petty revenge.  That's the kind of man that he is!  And you're just a child.  So, fuck you Finn."

Walking over to the door, she held it open for him, silently waiting for him to leave.  He took three steps before stopping.  "You still didn't answer the question."  He intoned smugly.

It took everything in her not to roar in response to his continued prodding.  Instead, her voice was angry, but measured and laced with resignation when she replied.  "Oh for fuck's sake!  Its none of your goddamn business anymore Finn!  But just to be clear, no, Ben has not fucked me, and he probably never will because its not like that between us.  So, I hope, in some small, perverse way, that that makes you feel even shittier than you hopefully already feel."

He didn't even glance her way as he nodded and walked wordlessly through the door before she closed it behind him.

Growling, she dropped her head into her hands.  Asshole.  She thought, her hands beginning to shake as the adrenaline receded.  Ben was totally right.  Finn – that bastard – was trying to make himself feel better, to absolve himself of his own guilt, by hoping that her and Ben had had sex.

She inhaled deeply, sighing out a long breath to calm down, recalling her foolhardy actions that night.  She'd tried not to think about her moment of weakness – that desperate offer to become friends with benefits – and what that would've meant to their friendship.  Ben had certainly not mentioned it again either.

Thankfully he'd been sensible about it when she'd literally thrown herself at him, not willing to risk their friendship.  She remembered kissing him passionately while he just sat there, not kissing her back, before forcefully pushing her away.  Despite knowing that he was right, deep down, however, a part of her felt rejected - his behavior clearly showing that he didn't want her like that – causing a small ripple of hurt in the core of her very being that she'd been trying to ignore ever since.  She shouldn't feel that way though; there shouldn't be anything for her to ignore.  They were just friends dammit! It shouldn't hurt that he didn't see her that way.

Taking another deep breath, she shook her head, trying to calm down.  Pushing those pervasive thoughts away, she brought her purchases into the bedroom to pack away in her suitcase.

She really wished she could see Ben tonight, but they were both so busy that they wouldn't get the chance until Thursday morning when they headed to the airport.  Ben had apologized profusely, telling her that he just had far too much work to do before their trip, since he was leaving for L.A. for 6 weeks the day after they got back.

That tidbit of information had thrown Rey for a loop when he'd told her.  While she'd been away on her last business trip, he'd made the decision to open that office he'd talked about, and had scheduled the trip to get everything off the ground.

Six weeks without Ben.  The thought made her heart ache.  When he'd broken the news to her, he'd reassured her that they could still text, call and even FaceTime each other every day – and that the time would fly by before they knew it.  But somehow, Rey couldn't help feeling like it wouldn't.  She knew he'd scheduled the trip before her and Finn broke up – and that it shouldn't even matter – but since then she'd grown even closer to him, glad to be able to see him 3 or 4 times per week now.

Its not like she felt dependent on him or anything like that, but since the breakup he was literally the joy in her day.  Talking to him made her smile - made her believe that everything in her life would eventually turn out okay.

But ever since she'd found out about his trip, there was one thought that kept nagging at her – that stubbornly stuck in her mind – unwilling to budge - unnerving her.  What if he met someone in L.A. and fell in love?  He might never come back....

She choked back an unexpected sob.  That would be so much worse than him falling for someone here in Boston.  With an office in L.A., there wouldn't be any reason why he couldn't make that his permanent home, close to his new girlfriend.  And if that happened, there was nothing Rey could do to stop it.

A feeling of abject terror crawled up her spine.  If that happened, she'd lose him altogether.  Forever.  Oh, they'd probably remain friends over the distance – just like her and Poe had, but it wouldn't be the same.  She wouldn't be able to just go see him whenever she wanted to – whenever something inside of her just needed him close.  He'd be too far away, and too busy with his new office and his new girlfriend.  She shuddered at the thought.

All she could do was to talk to him – to try and see where his head was at about L.A.  But she knew that it wasn't fair to ask him not to get involved with anyone there.  He was now single once again, and being such an amazing person - a good man – he deserved someone to make him happy.  To love, and to love him back in return.  Madly.  Passionately.  Completely.

She would do everything she could to try to get him to come back – maybe even have him promise that he would, although she knew that that wasn't really fair.  But he'd do that if she asked.  She knew he would.  However, if he had someone waiting for him there, he probably wouldn't stay.  Eventually, the distance would be too much and he'd leave permanently.

A lone tear tracked its way down her cheek and she frustratedly swiped it away.  Stop, Rey.  There was no point in torturing herself with 'what ifs'.  Whatever will be, will be, no matter how terrifying or sad the possibilities were.  She just needed to concentrate on the here and now.  So that's what she'd do – and enjoy every minute she had with him, until it was time for him to leave, or until someone took him away.  Her heart constricted so much at the thought that it almost became difficult to breathe.

Enough of such thoughts Rey!  She scolded herself.  You're brooding over something that may never happen!  Swallowing the tightness in her throat, she took a deep breath and re-focused her attention on getting the rest of her stuff packed.  She wanted to finish it tonight, then give him a call later to chat.

Two more days and three more sleeps before they'd be off to the Bahamas.  She couldn't wait.

****

It was just after 9 PM when Ben's phone rang.  He'd just walked into his apartment after working very late, and hearing the ringtone knew that it was Rey.

Despite his fatigue, he smiled, swiping the screen to answer.  "Hey."   He said, the smile evident in his voice.  "How was your day?"

"Hi."  She said warmly, and he could hear the smile in hers in return.  "Most of it was good.  Yours?"

"Busy."  He replied.  "I just got home."

"Ugh.  Long day."

"Yeah.  My penance for taking Thursday and Friday off just before I head to L.A."

"Mmmm."  Was all he heard in answer.

"Which I would gladly do again in order to spend a few days on a tropical vacation."  He said sincerely.  "I'm really looking forward to it Rey."

"Me too."  She replied softly.

He was quiet for a few seconds.  "You said most of your day was good.  What happened to the rest of it?"  He could hear her frustrated sigh before she answered.

"Finn was in the apartment when I got home tonight."  She said, annoyance lacing her words.

"I take it that his visit did not go well?"

"No, it did not."  She said pointedly.

She could hear Ben's growl through the phone.  "Did he text you beforehand?"

"No.  He said he knew that I wasn't there, and had wanted to get some of his stuff.  Apparently, he was still tracking me on the iPhone 'find my' app.  I've blocked him through it now.  Bastard."

"He cannot keep doing that Rey."  Ben warned.

She smiled at his concern.  "He won't.  I made him give me his key."

"Good."

She was silent for a few heartbeats, trying to figure out how to tell him what Finn had said.  Sighing, she just blurted it out.  "You were right Ben."

"About what?"  He asked in confusion.

"Finn.  We argued.  I called him a coward to his face – for fucking Rose before he'd ended things with me."  She took a deep breath.  "Then he asked – and I quote - 'if Solo had fucked me yet'."

She could hear Ben's sharp gasp.  "That fucking douchebag!"

"I know.  So you were absolutely right.  He was trying to make himself feel less guilty."  She growled.  "I told him that it wasn't any of his business any more, but that no, you hadn't – and never would - because its not like that between us."

Ben was silent, his heart squeezing painfully at her response.

"Ben?"  She asked when he didn't reply.

"Yeah – sorry.  I'm just trying to process."  He sighed heavily.  "Do you think I should talk to him?  But note that if I do, I might not be able to stop myself from beating the shit out of him."

She giggled merrily.  "Oh, I think I'd actually like to see that.  But no, I'd say just leave it alone.  I probably won't see him again anyways.  I gave him the box, so I think he has all of his stuff now."

"Okay.  I'm sorry he did that to you, Rey.  Are you all right?"

"Don't worry, I'm fine."  She said warmly, her heart melting just a little bit at his concern.  "Do you need me to pick up anything for our trip?  Sunscreen?  Etcetera?"

"Nope, I think I'm good.  I'm going to try to start packing tonight - if I have the energy."

"I'm already done."  She smirked.  "I'm really excited.  Two more days!  I can't wait."

He laughed.  "Me neither."  After a brief pause he told her.  "I'm going to go now.  I'm beat – and hungry."

"Oh!  You didn't eat?  Its so late – you big Stupidhead!  Go find some food and then go to bed!"

"I will.  I'll talk to you tomorrow?"  He suggested hopefully.

"Absolutely.  'Night, Ben."

"Good night Rey."

He sighed when he ended the call, scrubbing a hand over his face before running it through his hair.  It had been a hell of a long day.  A hell of a long several days, but he knew that eventually, it would all be worth it in the end.

Smiling to himself, thoughts of their impending getaway flitted through his mind.  He'd have her all to himself – for 4 whole days.  He'd been so busy these last few weeks – getting his shit together for his trip to L.A. - that he'd barely had time to even think about their trip.  However, as their departure grew closer he'd been so excited he'd hardly been able to focus on work.  Just two more days......

Finn.  That asshole.  He couldn't believe that the stupid dick had the balls to show up unannounced at her apartment – had still been tracking her on that app no less – and had let himself in with his key!  He shook his head and blew out an angry breath.  At least she'd gotten the key back – and hopefully this time he'd finally be out of her life for good.  But a part of him – that small rotting part that he knew remained deep inside of him - still wanted to find Finn, have a 'conversation' with him, and then proceed to thoroughly beat his ass into oblivion.

However, no matter how much he wanted to, he'd told Rey he wouldn't do that.  So he'd keep his word, and stay away from Finn.

He had to admit, it had hurt when she'd told him what she'd said to Finn in response to his accusation.  Basically reiterating that they were just friends.  '...its not like that between us.'  She'd said.  She wasn't wrong – nothing had really happened to indicate that anything had changed between them.  More and more however, he thought he felt – something – from her.  Brief flashes where he'd catch her staring at him oddly, spotting a glimpse of fear in her eyes before she quickly looked away suddenly or covered it up.

It was becoming harder and harder for him to ignore it – but he wanted to be sure she felt the same way he did before he came clean about his feelings.  He was almost certain that she did; but there was another reason he hadn't told her how he felt.  He was a coward, plain and simple.  Scared that if he confessed his feelings, she'd rebuff him, tell him that he was wrong – that she felt only friendship for him and nothing more.  Frankly, he'd rather remain silent - not know – if that's how she felt.  It was simply too much of a risk.

He was hopeful though that she did feel something for him, and would eventually realize it on her own.  That's what he wanted most.  But he didn't think she was quite there yet.  So he'd give her more time to see it - to feel it.  That was one of the reasons he was so excited by their upcoming trip.  Being together, alone, for 4 days should go a long way towards showing her what they could be - what they were already well on their way to becoming.

The simple truth was, they no longer acted like best friends.  Aside from the absence of any physical stuff, everything they did – every time they were together – it felt like they were a real couple.  And it was becoming more difficult for him to hide his physical reaction from her.  Eventually, she'd do something, touch him, or smile at him in that certain way that simply wrecked him, and he'd be unable to keep from kissing her.  It was just a matter of time.

His stomach rumbled loudly, jolting him back to awareness.  Now was not the time to think of these things.  He was exhausted, starving and desperately needed a shower – wanting nothing more than for this day to end.  His imminent plans were to rummage around in the kitchen for some food, step into the shower, maybe pack a little, then fall into bed.  After 2 more days of this hell, he'd finally be able to indulge in some much needed relaxation and fun with the woman he loved – and he couldn't wait.

****

The dappled sunlight streamed in through the window behind Enric Pryde, highlighting the lighter tones in his greying hair, casting shadows in the room as he scrolled through the report he was reading.  His leg was crossed comfortably over his thigh, supporting the tablet that was propped on his lap.  The fabric of his expensive trousers was immaculate, the watch on his wrist was expensive, and the furnishings in the room around him were cozily luxurious.

Clenching his teeth, he let out a slow, angry breath at what he'd been reading.  Imbeciles!  He thought.

Suddenly, his desk phone rang, causing his mood to degrade further.  He had told them he was not to be disturbed!

"What?!"  He yelled into the phone when he picked it up.

"It's me."  Said the voice on the other end of the line.

His heart rate spiked when he realized who was calling, as he sat up straight, tossing the tablet onto the desk in front of him.  Excited relief began to course through his veins.

"Well?"  He demanded impatiently.

"We've found something.  A potential candidate.  She may be the daughter."

"Where?"  He barked out.

"Boston."  The voice hesitated.  "We're still not completely certain.  She's being watched closely, but she fits all the criteria."

"I knew it!"  Pryde growled.  "As soon as those inquiries surfaced...."  He gnashed his teeth together viciously.  "She must be found! Before its too late.  I don't need to remind you what will happen if the details become known!"

"I am aware."  The voice said, coldly.

The curt reply grated on his nerves.  He wanted to rage – to scream and curse fate for having this happen now of all times – after 20 fucking years!  "I want you to double your efforts.  If the current candidate is not the one, we only have two more months!  After that, well, I'm sure I don't have to go into the details."  He said ominously.

"No.  Rest assured, if she's still alive, we will find her."

"You'd better – because if this gets out, it's just as much your ass as it is mine!"  He threatened, slamming down the phone.

Imbeciles.  He thought once again.  They were supposed to have taken care of all of them 20 years ago, but of course the child wasn't in the car, and had survived.  He'd been in favour of eliminating the girl too, but then they'd lost track of her somehow.

They hadn't worried about it too much, however.  After all, she was just a child, and with the parents dead it was unlikely that anyone knew their secrets.  So, they'd let it go.  Until a few months ago when some inquiries started showing up on the Dark Web.  It had thrown them all into a panic – and they'd been searching for the girl ever since.  Clearly, someone knew something, and of course it didn't stay buried.  It was imperative that they find her before everything came out.  If that happened, it would be too late.

He just hoped he wasn't placing his faith in the wrong people – again.  There was too much at stake – now even more than before.

Contemplating his dilemma for a few more minutes, he decided that he wasn't willing to risk his fate on one person.  It was time to call in more resources.  If you want something done right.....he thought.  Picking up the phone, he rang his assistant.

"Sir?"  Came the expectant voice.

"Get me Kuruk."  He drolled out.  "ASAP."

"Yes, Sir.  Right away Sir."  Replied his assistant.

Pryde sat back in his chair once again, steepling his fingers, becoming lost in thought.  He was no fool.  He hadn't survived this long as CEO of Empire Biotechnology by leaving anything to chance.  His one mistake was Palpatine; one he intended to finally rectify after all these years.  And this time, he'd make sure that there would be no more mistakes.