A/N - Hello there my Lovelies!  All I can say is WOW!  I am amazed that the story has 2.5K in reads.  Thank you, thank you, thank you to all who have been reading.  I am humbled by the response and kind words in your comments.   I've rated this chapter M for mature as there is a bit of mature content, but I wouldn't class it as "explicit" (but maybe I'm just becoming immune LOL).  I hope you enjoy where this story is going - I have a few more surprises to come so stay tuned!  As always, please don't forget to vote and I love comments!!  Thank you so much!

____****____

Rey opened her eyes and stretched, feeling her muscles protest.  She felt sore, and her body complained, feeling a bit abused, but in a good way.  Smiling, she remembered everything that had happened last night, both before and after they returned to 'their' quarters.  Both were feeling a little emotional and bit adventurous – ravenous for each other - and had tried some new things in bed.  At one point, Ben completely lost control, and was almost mindless in his passion as their lovemaking had escalated into something almost primal, and he had thrust into her so hard it was almost on the edge of becoming painful.  So hard that she was pushed up the bed, moving forward with every thrust.  But it hadn't hurt.  To her, it had felt consuming – the pleasure almost all encompassing – bringing them both to an intense climax.

She should have expected it – after her confessions to him and their pledge to one another, he had not been fully in control of his emotions last night – and that was usually when shades of Kylo Ren appeared.  As she had told him before, she loved all of him, even his darkness – which sometimes excited her.  Last night was definitely one of those times, she thought, on a smile.

Rolling over, she noticed that Ben wasn't beside her.  Reaching out, she could feel him in the shower, but his end of the bond was tightly closed.   She sighed.  He was probably feeling a bit insecure again – likely because of the borderline rough lovemaking.  She smiled to herself once again.  Since she'd be temporarily returning to the Resistance Base later today, she didn't want him to have any lingering doubts or uncertainties about their relationship.  She'd just have to go convince him that he hadn't done anything wrong...

***

Kylo let the hot water pour over his head as he stood in the shower, leaning on the wall with his hands pressed in front of him and his head hanging down.  He wanted to pound – to punch – something, anything – but was trying to stay calm so that Rey wouldn't see him come undone.   He'd closed his end of the bond too so she wouldn't feel his emotions – his remorse over what he'd done once again, despite promising her that he wouldn't.

He was like an animal the last time they'd made love.  They had tried something new to them.  It had started out normally, and she'd seemed to be enjoying it – they both were, very much – with her on her hands and knees, and him behind her, his hands gripping her hips.  He'd felt – powerful.   Dominant.  Then she'd moaned something, whispered something – maybe a plea for him to go harder, and it was like something inside of him had snapped.  He'd had literally no control, and had thrust so hard, she was pushed upward on the bed.  Her cries when she had reached her peak had been louder than she'd ever made.   And although she seemed to have enjoyed it, he was sure he'd hurt her.  He'd been almost insane with lust – even more so than the other time he'd lost it on Lothal.  If he looked, he'd probably even find deep bite marks on her shoulder and neck.

They were both completely spent afterwards, and she had fallen right asleep once her breathing had calmed.  But he had stayed awake most of the night, watching her - worrying about her, hoping she was all right.  And the more he thought about it, the deeper he fell into despair over his treatment of her.  She was so precious to him.  Their passion was amazing, but she didn't deserve to be abused while they were supposed to be making love!  He shuddered out another breath and clenched his fist against the wall.

Suddenly, he could feel her arms around him, as she leaned her face against his back.  "Good morning."  She said happily.

He was silent for a minute, reveling in her touch, before he sighed and turned around to face her, his hand going to her cheek.   "Rey – I'm so sorry.  Please tell me that you're okay.  That I didn't hurt you - too badly."

Sighing, she nuzzled his palm, then looked up into his eyes.   "I knew it.   When I felt you'd closed the bond, I figured you might have thought that...."

He gazed down at her, and swallowed thickly, smoothing a clump of wet hair out of her face.   Leaning up, she wound her arms around his neck.   "Ben.   You didn't hurt me.  Last night was one of our most intense and amazing experiences yet.   It.... it was.... exciting.   Consuming.  And it felt so, so good.  Physically and intimately."  Taking a deep breath, she continued.   "When you get like that, it makes me feel so wanted, so needed.  Its so exciting to me.  And I know you only get like that when you feel overwhelmed – and that's when Kylo usually appears."

His eyes widened again, and he was about to interrupt, so she kissed him gently to stop him.   "Shhh.   I've told you this before.   I love all of you.  What's left of Kylo too.  If you had been hurting me, I would have stopped you."

He groaned, and let out a shuddering breath, opening the bond as he dragged her to him, kissing her passionately, desperately, relief coursing through his veins.  She was okay.  She wasn't hurt, and had in fact, enjoyed it – seemingly as much as he did.  He didn't know how it was possible.  It had been so intense – and now that he knew he hadn't hurt her, he'd probably never forget it.  He shuddered again, this time on the memory of the pleasure from last night, as he began caressing her body all over.

She couldn't help but respond to the passion in his kiss, his touch, and to the feelings flowing between them.  The fire between them, always simmering at a low flame, surged to life.  His arousal was pressed against her belly, and she reached down to stroke him, eliciting a long moan from him.   He ran his hands down her back, lifted her leg around him, and traced the folds of her womanhood with his fingers, feeling her tremble with want.   He lifted her up, guiding her legs around his waist, and pressed her into the wall, kissing her deeply.  She could feel the tip of his shaft pressed against her core, and she moaned in anticipation, turning into a cry of pleasure as he gently began thrusting into her.  Her head arched back and her breathing stuttered as the heat between them intensified.  They stared into each other's eyes, their gazes unbreaking for long, passionate moments.  Their eyes remained locked, kissing slowly and deeply every once in awhile, until their passion peaked, and they each called out the other's name, shivering in ecstasy as the intensity washed over them.

Once their breathing slowed, they took turns carefully and tenderly soaping and washing each other, enjoying the last few minutes of physically being in each other's presence, and being able to actually touch and feel each other, rather than through the bond.

Later, as they dressed, Ben was very quiet.  She could see him repeatedly glancing over at her, looking as if he wanted to tell her something, but he kept silent.

He watched her as she dressed, and then rummaged around the room for the items she wanted to take.  He knew she had to do this.  Had to go back to that base and let them know that she was okay, as well as to say goodbye to them all.  He knew she'd go back to visit them when she felt the need, but after her admission last night, he also knew that that is exactly what it was to her.   A goodbye.  On one hand, he was upset for her, because he could feel her sadness.   But on the other hand, he couldn't help but feel joy surge through him every time he thought of her return.   Once she came back, she really would be his – and the galaxy would know it.  Pride at her courage flowed through him, and he vowed he'd never give her cause to regret her choice.

Once they were dressed, Rey had gathered the few things that she would take with her, and stood ready, waiting to leave the room with him.   Kylo walked over and put his hands on her shoulders, taking a deep breath and exhaling in resigned, but calm acceptance.  "I guess this is goodbye, then."

Rey gave him a tremulous smile, her throat suddenly starting to close.   "Not for long.   I'll be back in a week or so – 10 days at most."  She swallowed the lump in her throat.  "We'll still see each other every night – that doesn't change."

He nodded, pulling her close and kissing her softly.  When he drew back, he saw a tear tracking down her cheek, and wiped it away.   "Rey...."

"I know I'm being silly."  She dashed another tear away with the back of her hand.   "I'm the one who's choosing to do this, yet its so hard to think about being away from you.   I don't know, but suddenly I have a weird feeling - a bad feeling."

He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close once again, tucking her head into his chest.  "Shhh.  It'll be fine.  Like you said, we'll see each other tonight – and if something doesn't feel right after a couple of days, just let me know and I'll send a shuttle to bring you back early.   I'll even come myself if you want.  Okay?"

She sniffled, and looked up at him, starting to laugh quiety.  "I can't believe that you're the one comforting me as I leave!"

He smiled down at her and wiped her remaining tears away with his thumbs, then leaned down and kissed her again, this time deeply, tenderly.  "Its okay.  I understand Rey.  I know that you need to do this."

Her eyes lit up, relieved that he actually understood, and leaned up on her toes to kiss him once again.   When they pulled apart, she took a deep breath and felt calmer, nodding to him.   "Okay. I'm ready now."

He gave her a peck on the tip of her nose and said,  "Good.  Let's go."

****

When they arrived at the hangar, Rey was startled to see not only General Pride in attendance, but a contingent of Stormtroopers was there as well as Lieutenant's Tiga and Munro.  Looking over at Ben in surprise, she asked.  "Why were the Stormtroopers needed?"

Ben gave her a small smile.  "They weren't.   This was Delta's idea."  He told her quietly.  "These are all of the Troopers that have been assigned to accompany you since you've been here.  He thought it might be nice if they were able to see you again before you left too.  They were all asked if they'd like to be here – not ordered to be."  He could see the surprise on her face as she turned to look at all of them.

One Trooper stepped forward and called out an order.  She could see it was Delta from his ID designation of FN-6210. The contingent, previously at ease, immediately snapped to attention.   She could see Delta bow his head towards her, before himself straightening and standing at attention.

Tears threatened at this deferential gesture from them, and she figured that she should do something in response.   Straightening her posture, she swiveled her head to look at all of them, and then formally nodded, a shy smile on her face.

She turned back to Ben with a soft grin, and they continued toward the shuttle.  Pride stepped forward and intercepted them.  "Safe journey Lady Rey.  I hope we'll see you back shortly."

"Thank you General.   I should be back in a week or so."

"Very Good.   We'll see you then."  He said with a nod.

As they neared the bottom of the ramp, Rey stopped and turned to Ben, looking up at him with an unreadable expression on her face.  Cognizant of their audience, he took a step closer, lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles.  "Goodbye Sweetheart.   I'll see you soon."

She nodded, and pulled his arm closer to gently kiss his knuckles in return.  The action surprised him, and he gave her a soft smile.  "Goodbye."  She told him.   He could hear her voice start to break.  He gently stroked her cheek before she turned to walk up the ramp.  After a few steps, she stopped, seeming to be frozen in place.

Kylo could feel her turmoil through the bond.  His own emotions were roiling as well.  It felt wrong to just let her leave like this.  His chest was tight, and his heart was in his throat – he didn't think he could speak if he tried.  Finally, he made a decision.   "Rey!"  He croaked out.  She turned to look back at him, tears shining in her eyes.  He took three long strides and engulfed her in his arms, lifting her off her feet and catching her up into a desperate and passionate farewell kiss.  "I love you.  Come back soon."

When he put her down, he could see she was still somewhat dazed.  She gave him a brilliant smile before turning to walk up the ramp.  Just before it started to close, she turned to give him one last smile.

Kylo made his way back over to Pride, who was still there watching the whole scene with a bemused smile on his face.   "Well done, Sir."  He told him staidly.  "For a moment there I thought you were going to let her leave without a proper goodbye."  He gave Kylo a small grin and collegially slapped him on the shoulder.   "I'm sure she'll be back shortly.  And I'm sure the staff got what they came to see."  He said with a chuckle, while Kylo looked at him in shock, before Pride turned and departed the hangar.    Previously, no one would have ever dared to touch him, never mind give him a pat on the back in camaraderie.   A foreign feeling of acceptance bloomed inside of him.  He had hoped all of the changes would be worth it in the end.  Maybe his efforts were really starting to pay off with the staff and crew.  

He was also starting to suspect that Snoke's darkness and mind control might have extended to more than just the Force users in the First Order.  It wouldn't surprise him - Snoke had been extremely powerful.  As such, it was entirely possible that he wasn't the only one that could now think clearly.  Either that or they simply no longer lived and worked in constant fear.  Hence the apparent willingness for positive change.

Turning back, he watched as the shuttle fired up its engines and left the hangar, already feeling the absence of her presence nearby.  He watched until it jumped to light speed, and he could no longer see it.  Turning back to the Troopers, he dismissed them and left the hangar to start his day.  The first day without her here.