A/N - Hi Lovelies!  This chapter is a bit of filler, and a bit of stuff to explore the couple's relationships and move the story along a bit.  Hopefully its not too boring...   Please let me know what you think, and vote if you like it!  Enjoy!

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Before Rey knew it, the days had flown by and it was suddenly Thursday; time for another one of their bi-weekly dinners.  It would be the last one before Thanksgiving, which was the following week.  It was Ben and Kay's turn to host, so they'd be going to his apartment this time. 

Although they'd texted back and forth a few times over the past couple of days,  Rey hadn't seen him since Tuesday morning when she'd left his place for work.  That was nothing new – some weeks they didn't see each other at all, but today she found herself looking forward to seeing him again, especially after everything that had happened a few days earlier.  Smiling, she felt a warm feeling in her chest, so thankful that he'd been with her - to support her - when she'd asked Obi and Anna about her parents.   He was her sole confidante and she really didn't want to lose this newfound closeness with him.

She also felt like things were slowly getting back to normal with Finn, and that they seemed to be on better footing than even just a few days ago.    But she was still extremely busy at work, catching up on everything she'd missed while she was away, and had had to work late the last two nights.  She'd be very happy when they finally managed to hire her an assistant, and suspected that Finn would be too.

Finn was fidgety in the cab ride over, explaining that he hadn't slept well the night before and had drank an extra coffee in the afternoon.  Rey chuckled.  "Does that mean you're going to talk their ears off tonight."

He grinned sheepishly.  "Yeah, probably."

"Concentrate on Ben then.  It'll more than likely annoy the shit out of him – and that's always fun."  She smirked.

"You really do like to get under his skin, don't you?"

She gave him a shit-eating grin.  "It's a particular specialty of mine.  But I don't really do it to annoy him – I do it to get him out of his shell.  If I didn't tease him and get under his skin, he'd be quiet and boring – too much like Kay.  This way, there's a little more balance."

"Hmm."  He thought for a minute.  "For some reason, you can get away with it.  I can't."

She studied him briefly.  "Nah – you just don't do it very often.  I do it all the time – so he's used to my teasing.  Try it – you'll see."

Shrugging, he replied.  "Maybe.  I wonder what's for dinner?  I'm starving."

The delicious aroma of cooking meat and garlic met them a few minutes later when they walked into Ben's apartment.  Rey gave Kay a warm hug and a kiss, and her and Ben exchanged brief kisses on the cheek in greeting.  Finn shook Ben's hand and gave him a slap on the shoulder, before turning to Kay to give her a kiss on the cheek.  "Hi guys!  Its so great to see you!"

"Hey Rey."  Kay said softly.  "Its nice to see you too."  She stepped back and a short dark haired young woman appeared from the kitchen. "Guys, I'd like you to meet my friend Rose."  Turning to face Rose she nodded back to their guests.  "Rose, this is Rey, and Finn."

They each gave her a little wave.  "Hi Rose.  Nice to meet you."

­After they'd all exchanged introductions, they got comfortable with glasses of wine at the kitchen island.  Rose was like a small, living, breathing tornado, moving around the kitchen, helping to put the finishing touches on their dinner.  Ben had seated himself next to Rey, wineglass in hand, feeling unnecessary with both Kay and Rose bustling around the kitchen.  She turned to give him a small smile, her eyes taking him in, noticing that he appeared to be more relaxed than usual, looking comfortable in an off-white Henley and black denim.  He gave her an inquisitive look, but she just shook her head back at him.

Turning her attention back to the activity in the kitchen, Rey asked.  "So Rose, how do you know Kay?"

"Hmmm?"  The woman asked while slicing up a baguette.  "Oh! We grew up together.  Lived on the same street.  We've known each other since Kindergarten, right Kay?"

Kay looked back at Rey and smiled brightly, nodding enthusiastically.  "She's my best friend.  I don't know what I would've done without her."

Rose walked up to Kay and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek.  "Isn't she just the sweetest?  But that's totally not true Kay!"

"It is!"  She looked at Rey.  "She moved away for work this past year and a half, and I've kind of felt like I was lost without her."  She smiled shyly.  "But she's back now – and I'm so happy!"

As Rey watched Kay, she had to admit that she'd never really seen her as animated as she seemed to be tonight.  It was almost like she drew strength and confidence from her best friend, appearing to glow with happiness.

Rey couldn't help feeling a small pang of envy as she eyed the two of them and their easiness with one another.  She'd never had a childhood friend like that, always preferring to play with the boys who lived on their street rather than the girls.  The girls had never shown her any interest anyways, and by the time she'd started high school was too different for those teenage bitches to do anything but make her life miserable.

Still, she couldn't help but think, what would her life be like if she'd had a female friend like that?   Ben really was her closest friend now.  She still had 'the guys' aka her engineering buddies, but they hadn't really stayed as close since graduation, only really seeing each other 3 or 4 times per year, with the exception of Poe, whom she texted a bit more regularly.  Absentmindedly playing with the stem of her wineglass she glanced over at Ben, who had been watching her, seeming to sense where her mind had gone.  She gave him a tight smile that he returned as he sipped his wine.

"So Rose, Kay said you'd moved away for work.  Presumably you've moved back for work too? What do you do?"  Finn asked.

"I'm a programmer."  She replied.  "I start my new job after Thanksgiving."

"No shit!"  Finn exclaimed.  "I'm a programmer too!  Who're you working for?"

"Comptex."  She told him.

"No way!  That's where I work!"  He told her in shock.

"Really??!!"  Rose squealed.  "I wanted to work there before, but they wouldn't hire me without experience – so I took a job in Salt Lake City – which let me tell you was not the most upbeat place – and kept applying to companies here in Boston until one of them finally hired me."  She gave him a huge smile.  "I can't believe I'm already going to know someone at work! I'm so excited!"

Kay told everyone to go sit down at the table since the food was ready, while the two programmers began talking excitedly.  

Rey smirked, watching Finn walk to the table with Rose, talking non-stop.  She could hear snippets of what he was saying.  "You're gonna love it! Comptex is an awesome place to work!  The people are great – really fun – not like typical geeky programmers.  I'll show you around and introduce you to everyone!"

Ben slid off of his bar stool and held out a hand to Rey to help her down, glancing over at Finn and Rose with a laugh.  "Uh oh.  I think we've lost them."

Rey shook her head.  "I think you may be right."

"Are you okay?"  He asked quietly.

She knew what he was asking.  He wanted to know if she was dwelling on her birth parents.  "I'm fine."  She told him.  "I did some thinking –"

"Uh oh."  He teased.

She rolled her eyes.  "I did some thinking..."  She continued.  "And I think I've sorted it all out in my head."

"Good."  He said, his eyes staying on hers for a few more seconds, searching for any hint that she was not being honest.  Finding nothing, he continued, extending his arm to indicate that she should precede him to the table.  "Let's eat – I'm starving."

As usual, Rey enjoyed herself immensely during dinner.  Conversation and laughter flowed, along with the wine.  She loved being able to get together like this, appreciating everyone's company.  Neither her nor Finn's busy lives really left a lot of room for many friends nor social engagements, so their friendship with Ben and Kay was very special to her.

Rose and Finn continued to chatter animatedly during the meal, clearly having a lot in common.  Their attention was focused almost solely on each other as they talked about programming and different computer systems, codes and configurations.

Rey watched them and chuckled at their behavior – the two of them clearly having found a connection to one another.  Having grown up in the foster system, Finn had moved around a lot, and had never really had a best friend either.  She recognized that her and Ben shared something similar – had simply 'clicked' with each other after they'd met.  Maybe Finn will find a best friend in Rose?  She thought.

Glancing at Ben, Rey watched him roll his eyes.  Chuckling, she leaned over and whispered.  "I have a feeling that what we're thinking right now is exactly what Finn and Kay think when you and I get into some of our discussions."

Looking back at her sheepishly, he replied.  "Something tells me you might be right."

Wanting to include her in the conversation, Rey turned her attention to Kay to ask about their plans for Thanksgiving.  Kay glanced at Ben briefly before answering.  "Um.  We're actually going to my parents on Wednesday for dinner – we'll stay overnight, then head to Ben's parents on Thursday after lunch."  She smiled at Rey, then flicked her gaze over to Finn.  "How about you two?"

"Oh, we'll just go to Obi and Anna's on Thursday, and spend the day with them, stuffing our faces.  By the end of the night, I always feel like I'm the stuffed turkey!"  She laughed.

Rey could see her glance back over at Rose, who was laughing heartily at something Finn had said.  "Actually, Rose and I are planning to go Black Friday shopping if you want to come?"

"Oh!  Well...um...maybe?"  Rey pondered the idea for a minute.  "I haven't been shopping in forever.  I've been meaning to go, but just haven't found any time..."

Ben sat quietly and watched as Rey stressed over something as mundane as shopping.  He smirked to himself and gave his head a small shake.  Most women would jump at the chance for a shopping trip.  Not Rey though.  Definitely not a girly girl.  He thought.

Kay smiled brightly and reached out to squeeze Rey's hand across the table.  "Please – come - It'll be fun!  We're going to hit all the stores downtown – and we can go to lunch.  Someplace nice!"

After a minute of uncertainty, Rey returned her bright smile.  "Okay – sure - why not?"

They chatted a bit more, trying to finalize some of the details of their planned shopping trip.  "What do you need most?"  Kay asked her.

"Clothes.  I need new clothes – most of mine are getting too worn out.  I hate shopping, but I simply can't put it off any longer.  And since practically everything will be on sale, I'm willing to stand in line to save a ton of money."

"Me too."  Kay replied shyly.

"Actually,"  Ben interrupted.  "now is probably a good time to mention the fact that my mother has invited all of us to her charity gala on New Year's Eve.  So if any of you ladies need a new dress, that would probably be the time to buy it."

Rey eyed him speculatively.  "How much are the tickets?  Those things are usually $500 a person!"

He shook his head.  "You're guests of the Chair – so don't worry about it."

She narrowed her eyes, not quite believing him, afraid he'd pick up the cost personally.  "Ben, you'd better not be paying for them."

"I told you – you're guests – so don't worry about it."  His face was a mask of innocence.

"That still wasn't a no."  She grumbled.

"This is always a grand party – and an excellent way to ring in the New Year.  It'll be fun.  And...." He continued, trying to further tempt her.  "The dinner is always the best meal I have every year."

She tilted her head at that, now seriously considering it, which made him laugh suddenly.  "What?"

"It never fails....just mention good food and whatever it is, you're in."

"I can't help it if I like to eat."  She grumbled.  "I have an active metabolism."

"Okay - so we're on for Friday next week?"  Kay asked to confirm.

Rose's attention was momentarily caught.  "What's on?"

"Rey's coming Black Friday shopping with us!"  She told her.

Rose's face lit up.  "I love it!  We're going to have so much fun Rey!"

Rey nodded, a slight smile on her face, but still not looking entirely convinced.

"Why don't we all meet here on Friday at, say, 9AM?"  Kay suggested.

"Sounds like a plan."  Rey responded.   Her eyes flicked to Ben and she noticed his small smirk.  "What?"  She asked.

He shook his head briefly, trying to wipe the smirk from his face.  "Nothing."  Rey's eyes told him she didn't believe him, so he continued.  "Its not that often I witness you behaving like a girl."  He chuckled.

"Fuck off, Ben."  She replied, causing him to laugh out loud.

****

The following week started off just as hectic as the previous one, except this would be even worse because it was a short week due to the Thanksgiving holiday.  Monday had come and gone and she found herself on the T during her daily commute, asking herself how the fuck it was already Tuesday.

Her weekend had been equally busy, still catching up on the domestic bliss of housework, laundry and grocery shopping.  Also, lingering guilt about how she'd left Obi and Anna's had her visiting them all day Sunday while Finn stayed home to get some work done.

Finn.  Things were getting much better between them.  He suddenly seemed happier – more animated than usual – which made her smile.  She hadn't realized how much of a funk they'd slipped into, really just going through the motions for the past several months.  But it felt like a weight was slowly lifting from her shoulders as things got back to normal between them.  They just needed to find that place between them again.

She'd spoken to Anna about it briefly as well, recalling their conversation. Anna had been blunt, and had told her plainly.  "Relationships take work, Susse.  Even the best ones.  Don't forget that."  She stressed.  "But....."

Rey had looked at her, puzzled.  "But what?"

Anna had sighed, looking hesitant to continue.  "Are you sure he's the one for you?"

"Anna!"  Rey replied in shock.  "Why would you even ask that?"

Reaching out, she'd grabbed Rey's hand.  "Don't look so shocked.  I'm only asking because you seem to be a bit confused right now – and the two of you are obviously having some difficulties."   When Rey had started to speak, she stopped her.  "That doesn't mean that they can't be overcome, but I think you need to figure out if you really want to.  We haven't seen him in months – so it seems as if he's also not making an effort to come here to visit when you do.  Since he doesn't have a family of his own, well.....I would've expected him to – and he used to come with you all the time."

"He's just really busy Anna, just like I am."  Rey countered.

"I know, and maybe that's all there is to it.  All I'm saying is that you should take a good look at what you have with him, and decide if that's what you want for the rest of your life.  You're both clearly not happy with the way things are right now.  Do you want children with him?  Does he want children with you?  Have you ever talked about it....?  You've been with him almost 3 years now – those are important things to know, don't you think?"

Rey looked away from her.  "I....I'm not sure about all of that.  I know that I'd like children, but you're right – we've never really talked about it.  He may feel differently, because of his upbringing.  And I guess....I guess I've been too scared to bring it up – afraid of what he might say."

Anna looked back at her sympathetically.  "If he told you he didn't want children, do you love him enough that you'd be happy with that?"

She shuddered, answering quietly.  "I don't know.  I can't imagine not having kids....."

Anna leaned over and embraced her.  "Oh, look at me, stirring things up.  Don't listen to me Rey – I'm an old woman.  But I do think you need to figure some things out on your own.  Obi and I love you and we want you to be happy – and have the life you deserve and want.  And if Finn isn't the one for you, you're a beautiful and smart young woman – I'm sure there's a young man out there who'll fall hopelessly in love with you – and you with him.  One who'll love who you are and everything you hope to be."  She patted Rey's knee.  "Now, enough of such deep talk – I feel like a coffee and some cake.  How about you?"

She had smiled, replying.  "I can never say no to your cake Anna."

Her mind snapped back to the present.  Anna had been right, she needed to have that conversation with Finn.  She was confused – but she also believed that she knew him well enough that they could continue to work to get past this bump in the road.

The train lurched and began to slow as it pulled into the station at her stop.  Once she made her way to the surface, her phone dinged with an incoming message from Finn.  Think of the devil.  She smiled.

'Hey Hon.  Busy day already.  Lots to finish up before tomorrow night, so need to work late.  Don't hold dinner for me. 😢'

She pouted momentarily before responding. 'Okay.  Try to have a good day.  I'll see you when you get home tonight.'

She didn't feel like being alone tonight, and while she could work late, she just didn't want to.  Before she changed her mind, she sent Ben a text.

'Hey.  Are you busy tonight?'

'Nope.  Kay is working late.  I won't see her till tomorrow.  Why?'  He replied.

'Finn has to work too, and I'll be bored.  Want to do something?  Or just keep each other company?'

'Sure.  Why don't you come to my place after work and we'll order in.'

She grinned to herself. 'Sounds good. Is around 6 okay?'

'Yes.  See you then.'

'Can't wait.  Bye!'

Continuing to walk to her building, she stopped to grab a coffee, her mind wandering to Ben.  They'd gotten so much closer over the past few months.  Spending time with him was not only easy – it was.... enjoyable.  They had similar ways of thinking, and never failed to be able to make each other laugh.  Usually through incessant teasing.  Smiling to herself, she realized that she was already looking forward to tonight.

****

Ben couldn't suppress the smile that teased the corner of his mouth as he put his phone back down on his desk.  He was glad Rey had texted him.  Kay seemed to have to work late more and more recently, and although he was busy himself with work too, some evenings he was just plain lonely.  It would be nice to have some company instead of just showering and reading reports before going to bed.

This would also give him the opportunity to delicately broach his issues with him and Kay's sex life.  If Kay knew he was going to bring it up with someone – never mind Rey – she'd probably freak.  But he knew that the situation couldn't go on, and as a woman, he was hoping that Rey might have some ideas or suggestions that might be able to help.

Smiling again, he realized that despite the heavy topic he wanted to discuss, he was looking forward to tonight.

****

Rey took a sip of her drink and got cozy on the couch while Ben ordered their dinner.  A few minutes later, he came back into the room, his own wine glass in hand, and got comfortable.  "They said 40 minutes till delivery."

"That's fine."  She said taking a sip of her wine.  "I had a late lunch."

"Me too, actually.  So, how's your week been so far?"  He asked.

"Same – busy.  Trying to get everything done in 3 days is crazy!"  She laughed.  "Also, I went to visit Obi and Anna on Sunday.  Just to let them know that I'm not really mad at them – and that I still love them."

He smiled over at her, his eyes soft.  "I'm glad.  They probably needed some reassurance."

"Me too.  They seemed pretty happy – and relieved – to see me."  She looked down at her wine glass.  "I had a pretty good chat with Anna too.  About Finn and I."

One of his brows raised in question.  "About what, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Oh, just the recent difficulties we've been having, and where its all going."  She continued to stare at her wine glass before glancing up at him uneasily.  "But there was one thing I just couldn't ask her.... maybe I can ask you instead?"

The look on her face made him immediately wary.  "Okay... what do you want to ask me."

She looked away again.  "Its about....ummm...a guy's perspective on sex."

He coughed, choking on the sip of wine he'd just taken.  His face showed his shock.  "Sex?  You want to ask me about sex?"

Looking up again, she nodded carefully.  "Um.  Yeah.  You see....he just doesn't seem as interested in it anymore."  He was silently regarding her, so she continued, discomfort written on her face.  "See, when I came back from my trip – the most recent one, well....he didn't seem to ..you know.....want to.  I know he was a bit mad at me for going away, but, well, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't concerned."

Still trying to process how she ended up being the one to broach a discussion on sex, he wasn't entirely sure as to how to answer her.  "So, um, when you came back from your trip, he...um....wasn't interested?"

She nodded.  "That's right."  She let out a frustrated sigh.  "I don't know, Ben.  Its just like – I would think that when I get back from being away for weeks, that he'd literally jump me when he saw me... but the last time, I had to actually seduce him.  And it took a couple of times before I was successful.  He just, seemed....distant."

Ben's ears went red.  "I don't think I want to know this."

She rolled her eyes and laughed.   Her tone was teasing, but he could see the concern in her eyes.  "C'mon Ben.. I need to know..... from a guy.  Should I be worried?"

Still embarrassed, Ben could feel that his face was hot.  "And um, since then....?"

Shaking her head, she replied.  "Just the one time."

Ben let out a long sigh.  "I don't know, Rey.  I think you're asking the wrong guy."  Scrubbing a hand over his face, he looked across at her.  Despite him having intended to ask her for advice on his issues with Kay, for some reason, he felt weird talking about this with her.  It just felt.... off.  But, he'd already decided to go down this road, so it was probably a good thing that she had brought the subject up first.

"You're right... I'd say that most guys would go out of their way to get their girlfriends into bed right away when they've been away for weeks... but.. you two are pretty comfortable with each other.  Maybe he just doesn't realize he's missing your signals?"

"I'm not sure its that."  She made a face.  "I mean.... we used to do it all the time.  Mostly in the bedroom......"  She muttered  "but....I'm pretty sure he knows when... when I'm..."

Glancing up, she could see Ben's blush, and couldn't help smiling.  She knew it.  Deep down, she knew that that was the kind of man he was.  Polite.  Reserved.  That's why she always teased him – to get him out of his shell.  She wondered if came out of his shell in bed.  Probably.  Grinning deviously, she continued.

"But now, I feel like I have to convince him.  Like really work to convince him – not just give subtle hints.  He's just not as into it anymore."  She sighed deeply.  "I mean, I usually travel with my vibrator, but I shouldn't need to rely on that when I'm home, right?"

Ben's eyes rounded and his face went redder than she'd ever seen it.  "REY!"  He covered his face with his hands.  "Okay, that is TOO much information.  Jesus, Rey – don't tell me shit like that!!"

Rey shrugged.  "What?  Guys just use their hand – but its not as easy for us ladies.  You don't think Kay has a vibrator?"  She asked incredulously.  Then, looking at him speculatively, she reconsidered, grinning.  "Wait, I take that back.  With you, she may not need one!"  Her eyebrows wiggled teasingly, before catching an odd look on his face.  Immediately, she stopped her playful teasing and looked at him askance.  "Hold on....what's that look?"

"Its nothing."  He answered quickly, something uncomfortable flashing briefly in his expression.

"Oh no its not."  She studied him intently, noting the look in his eyes before grabbing his hand and quietly asking.  "Hey, tell me."

He sighed again, looking at her hesitantly.  "I can't believe I'm doing this."  His eyes flicked away before returning to Rey's concerned face.  "I.... I think Kay loves me – and, I think I love her too...."

"Wait, you think you love her?"  Rey asked incredulously.

Ben frowned back at her, his answer surprisingly angry.  "I don't know, okay?  I've never been in love before, so how the fuck am I supposed to know?"

"I'm sorry, Ben.  Calm down.  I didn't mean to make you feel bad."  She quietly soothed.

Exhaling, he apologized.  "I'm sorry.  I.... I guess that's been bothering me, and..."

"Its fine Ben."  She looked at him quizzically.  "Have you said the words to her?"

Looking down at the floor, he mumbled.  "Not exactly."

Rey's eyes widened.  "And how long have you been together?  Something like 2 plus years?"

"Yes."

"Okay then.  So, is that the problem?  You're not sure whether you love her?"  She asked quietly.

Scrubbing a hand over his face, he replied.  "Yes.  I mean no.  I mean, that's part of it."

"Well, let's leave that for later, then."  She studied him closely.  He really was such a great guy.  So attractive – women were always looking at him – but also honest, insanely smart, genuinely funny and caring – once he opened up and you got to know him.  And there always seemed to be something darkly intriguing and exciting simmering just below the surface.  Like his mind was always deeply thinking about everything.  She could sometimes see it in the fathomless depths of his dark, expressive eyes.  Giving herself a mental shake, she returned to the thread of their conversation.  "So, what exactly is the problem?"

His face went red again.  "Um... well.  We also have a few issues...in the bedroom."  

Rey's eyebrows hit her forehead.  "What kind of issues?"

"Ummm....Kay is... well.... she..."  He blew out an embarrassed breath.

Rey's face was expectant as she watched him.  "Just spit it out Ben."

Swallowing his discomfort, he said.  "She's kind of timid..... in bed."

Taken aback, she studied him with more than a bit of shock.  Of all the things she would have expected him to say, that was not one of them.  Holy Shit!  How do you be with Ben Solo and be timid in bed?  Even though he was kind of shy, he positively exuded dark, masculine, sex appeal.  She was pretty sure that just by striding down the street in his suit, he dampened the panties of the women who noticed him – no, ogled him - as they passed by.  Those women would probably jump him in a heartbeat.  So she never would've thought that his quiet girlfriend wasn't at least highly pleased in the boudoir – but then again, one never could tell from appearances.

"Oh."  Was all Rey's shocked brain could come up with.

Ben's gaze was focused on the floor, still embarrassed that he had even voiced that to someone else.  He'd tried to talk to Kay about it – but she just kept telling him that she was fine, and it was just that he was so damn big.  He overwhelmed her when they had sex, to the point where she was a little afraid.

"Timid, how – exactly?"  Rey asked.

Ben growled.  He knew this was a bad idea. Now he'd have to get into the details.

She held up her hands in a conciliatory gesture.  "Hey, if you don't want to talk about it – I get that.  But, you're the one who mentioned it.  You could have said it was something else..."  Rey told him sympathetically.

"I know."  He said resignedly.  His eyes met hers.  "I actually meant to ask you for advice about it – tonight.  So, when you brought up your troubles with Finn, it just seemed.....fortuitous."  His voice was uncharacteristically hesitant as he continued.  "Its just a feeling....but I don't think she really likes sex.  I mean, I'm not sure she's ever liked it.  You know her – she's not only quiet, she's really introverted.  But she also doesn't share much of herself during......well, you know.  And...."  He took a deep breath.  "She says it hurts her sometimes."

Rey sat back on the sofa as if someone had pushed her, in complete shock.  "What in the absolute fuck, Ben?  Don't you know how to... "  She stuttered over the words  "make her want you?  You know... make her...."  It was Rey's turn to blush.  "wet?"  She finished quietly.

"Of course I do!"  He barked back.  "I'm not a complete idiot!  I do try.  Every single time.  We probably have the longest foreplay sessions for our age – like almost an hour!  But once it gets down to business, its like she freezes.  And then – I have to be really careful with her.  Sometimes, I just... I can't – if I let go..."  His chin dropped to his chest.  "And because of that, well, we don't.... we don't have sex very often."

She considered that for a bit, her mind working. "So how often do you do it?"

"Maybe once or twice a month.  Maybe.  Lately it seems to have gotten to be even less though."   His were eyes downcast and his hands were clenched in front of him as he let out a prolonged sigh.  He looked back up at her hesitantly.  "Its been awhile now...."

"Holy shit!  Ben!  That is not normal for a couple of your age.  Its normally once or twice per week!  If not more!  Well, at least that's what I used to expect....and get."  Rey exclaimed.  "Before recently...."

"I know.  But I think that the rest of our relationship is good!  She's the sweetest, most caring person I've ever met!  She hates hurting anyone else's feelings – even if they're in the wrong, and she is always doing nice things for other people – me especially.  She's so thoughtful!  She does things just to be nice – even if it makes her late, or she has to go out of her way – she'll still do stuff for people – all the time!"

She was quiet for several minutes, thinking, while Ben continued to hide his face in his hands.  Biting her lip, she looked over at him.  Poor guy.  She never would've thought he'd be going through something like this.  While his relationship with Kay had always seemed a bit different to her, it didn't appear to be bad in any way, just quietly comfortable and maybe a little reserved.  And although Kay was truly a lovely person, if he didn't really love her, this seemed to be a lot of work for him to go through.  Especially if she had some sort of hang up about sex.  But if he wanted – no, needed – her help, she'd give it to him.

"Okay, you're probably not going to like this question, but I'm not asking it to hurt your ego, nor question your skills or virility...."  Ben gulped, but then nodded to tell her to go ahead.  "Ben, do you know – umm ...whether you've been able to ...you know... make her....ugh, I cannot believe we're having this conversation – but... does she...you know... climax... during actual intercourse?"

He hid his face in hands again.  "I don't think so."

Rey's eyes widened.  "Okay – I'm not going to judge, but, there's the heart of your problem.  If you want to solve this, you need to loosen her up a bit.  Give her a taste of how yummy the carnal side of Ben Solo can be."

Rolling his eyes, he blushed.  "I told you, I've tried!  Really, really tried.  All sorts of things.  But she's either not interested, or tenses up when I try them."

She cocked her head at him.  "Does she do or try things on you?"

He shook his head dismissively.  "No – not really.  She's just not adventurous like that."

Rey appeared shocked.  "What do you mean she's not like that?  Sex is sex!  It's a give and take – with each partner both giving and receiving at some point!"

"Well of course she gives as well as takes!  She's an amazing kisser, and her touch is... well...its great...."  He muttered under his breath.  "How the fuck did we get so deeply into this conversation?"

She sat back and studied him again, staring intently.  "So.... does she ever give you.... I can't believe we're having this fucking conversation.... Does she..."  Rey sighed as she blushed furiously.  "go downtown?  Sorry, that's the nicest way I could think of to ask that!"

Ben blushed back at her.  He couldn't remember ever blushing this much in front of another human being.  But there was no way he'd have this conversation with another guy – not that he even had any guy friends that he was close enough to to have it with.   He took a deep breath before answering, his eyes not meeting hers.  "No – not anymore.  She did try it a few of times, but said she doesn't like it..."

"Okay – I get that.  Not all women like to do it.  But things like that are tit for tat in my book."  She blushed before asking.  "Do you...uh....do it to her?"

At that question, Ben started tearing at his hair.  "I've tried.  But she still wouldn't loosen up.  She kept saying that she didn't want me to do it.....afraid that I wouldn't like doing it!"

Her eyebrow shot up once again.  "Okay, while personally, the thought of going down on another woman is definitely not appealing to me – as a woman, I understand that many men actually do like it... so if you were willing to do it, why would you let her stop you?  As a woman, I can tell you – that's definitely the easiest way to get her to come."

"Because she didn't enjoy it the times that I did do it!  In fact, she seemed to be very uncomfortable, and kept pushing me away, so I stopped trying!"  His face was completely red, and his eyes were panicked, but beneath it all, Rey could see the forlorn look that he'd tried to bury.

Ben was clearly getting agitated, so Rey was going to drop it, but felt that she had to ask one more question.  "So, when you did that – do you mean to tell me that she didn't climax?"

"She did not.  She wouldn't let me.... finish the job."  He scrubbed his hand over his face yet again.  "I don't think she ever has with me.  At least, not that I'm aware of."  His voice was quiet, and to her ears he sounded defeated.

Her mouth fell open, and her eyes were wide when she whispered in shock.  "Wait – like never ever with you?"

He shook his head in answer, his body posture and facial expression clearly showing all of his frustration, desperation, and inadequacy.

Rey grabbed his hand and held it up.  "You mean to tell me that you can't get her off with these freakishly large hands???  I mean, if Finn had hands like these I'd probably go off like a rocket! "  Ben blushed furiously yet again.

"That's the fucking problem, Rey!  She's afraid of me!  She says I'm freakishly large everywhere!"  His answer sounded desperate, his eyes actually shining a bit.

Despite his clear distress, Rey closed her eyes and grimaced.  "You did not just say that to me – NO YOU DID NOT JUST SAY THAT!  Ben - that falls waaaaay under TMI!  I did NOT need to know that about you!"  Her face was red as a tomato, as she covered her eyes and shook her head.

Glancing up at him, she could see that his head was in his hands, his fingers gripping his hair. This was clearly tearing him up inside.  Inhaling deeply, she tried to clear her head.  "Okay.  So we need to find some way for you to get her to loosen up – to really let go – in bed."  He looked at her with his puppy dog eyes, and just nodded.  "For almost all women, the way into their panties is actually through their heart."

He regarded her curiously.  "Go on."

Her expression showed complete bafflement.  "Seriously!  Aren't you some brilliant strategist?  Were a teenaged prodigy to some big wig guy named Snoke – and you can't figure this shit out?"

His eyes flickered dangerously.  "Do not mention his name."

A chill went down her spine at the look he gave her.  She'd never been afraid of him before, but his eyes were suddenly darkly angry – almost evil.  "I'm sorry, Ben.  That was poorly done.  I was just trying to inject some levity into this situation.  I shouldn't have mentioned your past.  But you never really talk about it, so I didn't realize it was that off-limits."

Shame was written on his face.  "No. I'm the one who should apologize.  You're right – I've never really talked about it with anyone.  One day though, I will explain it all to you – but, I'm not quite ready yet."

Nodding, she gave him a wide grin, and dismissed the awkwardness.  "Soooo....getting back to Kay "  She exaggerated with a teasing gleam in her eye.  "with a little bit of concerted effort, I think we can get her heart a-pitter-pattering, and her panties wet."

His irritated growl came out on a laugh.  "You know, sometimes its like you're not really female...."

She giggled.  "So I've been told.  My friend Poe says I'm 'half-man'.  They all call me Halfsie."  Her smile was cheeky.  "A consequence of hanging around guys almost my whole life, and kind of becoming one of the boys.  Sometimes when they're talking I actually have to remind them that I'm a woman!"

The corner of his mouth quirked slightly.  "I thought they would've called you that because of your size."

She just laughed and shook her head.  "Ben, can I ask you something?"  She asked softly, and he nodded.  "Is Kay really the right woman for you?"  His eyes flashed to hers indignantly.  "Wait – just hear me out!"  Taking a minute to collect her thoughts, she continued.  "I know that she's a wonderful person – a really sweet girl.  But... you two seem to be so very different."

His eyes were pained when they met hers.

"I'm only asking this because you're my best friend – and I want to see you happy."  Treading carefully, her voice was soft.  "You've said that you're not sure you love her.  Are you sure you're not still with her because its comfortable – and because you just don't want to hurt her?"  She looked away, before looking back again.  "I'd be lying if I said the same thought hasn't crossed my mind about Finn.  But – I'm trying to figure it out."

Lost in his thoughts, his voice was quiet when spoke.  "I don't know.  I admire her.  She's just so.....good.  To everyone – including me.  I haven't had a lot of good in my life Rey.  She makes me want to try to be good too – to be better than I am."  He took a breath.  "I... I think I'm happy with the relationship – well, mostly.   I'd like it if she was around more – or would even move in.  But, the issues with our sex life can't go on.  Its not healthy."

Rey agreed wholeheartedly.  "Okay Ben, so let's figure out a way to help you fix this.  Maybe plan a romantic evening for the two of you?"  Reaching over, she grabbed a pad and a pen from the coffee table to make some notes.  "Here's what I suggest you start with...."