Then...
The day of the Resistance victory over the First Order on Chandrila was the turning point of the war between worlds, marking the death of an old era and leading into the rise of a new age. A new order that had been long foreseen approaching for decades following the fall of the Galactic Empire and now that of the First Order had begun to take shape. It was more than apparent that a new brand of government needed to be established rather than resurrecting the same tactics of the Old and New Republic from the swamp that continuously resulted in failure, inefficiency and separatist rebellion, which therefore led into a vicious cycle of war amongst the galaxy.
Clearer than anything before was the sentiment that it was time to let all old things die. The Empire. The First Order. The Republic. The old could not sustain a galaxy of this magnitude.
With the deaths of Supreme Leader Snoke and General Hux the First Order lacked the proper leadership to further lead the Order into a victorious retaliation. Following the Order's defeat on Chandrila the Resistance led a strike team to Starkiller Base – led by Captain Poe Dameron's Black Squadron and Finn amongst those fighters – that further resulted in another triumphant sequence of events that sparked the catalyst of the Order's new weapon, crippling from the core on out.
After having suffered such a massive loss, begrudgingly, the First Order was left with no choice but to surrender. The following days resulted with a consciously mediated truce among high ranking officials of the First Order and the Resistance; a temporary ceasefire while representing officials of Arkanis met with leadership of Chandrila to finally bring a treaty amongst the two worlds that had been at odds for years. Among that leadership was Ben Solo; who had conclusively opted in ascending to his rightful position as Chandrila's new ruler and becoming their king.
Poe Dameron, formerly Captain of the palace's guard, ascended to the position of Commander in order for Finn to fulfill his prior position. Furthermore, Finn was contentedly given the rank of Captain of Ben's guard after Leia commenced of his bravery in the fight to bring down the First Order and for his role in taking action against the destruction of Starkiller Base.
As repairs began for the countryside palace, the household prepared for the arduous task of planning of his formal coronation in which would take place at the central palace in Hanna City in the months to come. Naturally, Rey would be there at his side. The reunion of Ben and Finn had gone just about as well as Rey had imagined it would've. That was until a mutual agreement was rendered between the two, for Rey's sake. In order for her to have another friendly face to converse with at the palace Ben begrudgingly accepted Finn's presence in her life as much as Finn accepted Ben's place as her true love. The truce was tenuous at best, but Finn was already beginning to warm up to living in a palace so long as Rose Tico was nearby.
Now, 2 months and 17 days after the curse's end...
Another day, stuck in yet another meeting in the throne room's conference chamber, with officials he unquestionably detested since the day Ben attended his first senate meeting as a young boy with his mother. Day in and out, it was always the constant quarreling among senators and other representing officials that could never hinder themselves from their intractable viewpoints in order to seek a common ground. Whatever in the hell possessed him to consider ascending the throne was still a thought he had yet to manage coming to terms with when there were far more appeasing affairs that he would rather be tending to.
If he had to be more precise, he would've rather been spending the quality time with Rey. Since the curse's deactivation and Ben's decision to take over the throne there were more times than he'd like where he had begrudgingly been whisked away into meetings with the galaxy's famously known upper-class. Gossip spread quickly amongst common folk and the more dignified populace about the unknown girl from nowhere that managed to mend and steal the heart of Chandrila's prince that had fallen into darkness a decade prior. Formally putting his black attire aside and settling for suits fabricated in shades of dark grays and blues.
In most cases those who visited the palace most often tried to steal a glance or two at the girl in question. While Ben's staff more than willingly gave him and Rey their fair share of privacy there were often unfortunate cases where the only times they could steal a moment or two alone in clandestine meetings within the palace's rose garden filled with heated kisses that were all too brief or the more than needed sparring sessions in the training room before he was forcibly pulled away to another meeting.
Occasionally, Ben would be able to sneak a suggestive glance at Rey as she purposely passed the throne room's entrance in hopes of having a moment or two alone. He loved to watch her pace outside the door, now adorned in more chic, yet practical gowns since she had begun to settle more comfortably into the noble life. She would have to after all as his future queen. Even though he had yet to ask her that was indeed his eventual intent. The gowns chosen for her did nothing but accentuate her beauty. The way most of them clung to her lean figure – with some that were slightly more revealing – the mere sight of her was enough to drive his hormones through the roof. Now that the curse was broken there were officially no physical barriers separating them from proceeding further in the physical aspects of their relationship. The only barrier that kept them apart now were these tireless meetings and their own inexperience. But time was essentially on their side, allowing themselves to adjust with new developments while proceeding to explore each other at their leisure.
Sometimes in brief moments Ben would promptly excuse himself from the rabble before noticeably sprinting after her. The palace staff had on more than one occasion seen Rey walking down a corridor only to see Ben a moment later sprinting to catch up. When he did catch her, he'd pull her into an intersecting darkened corridor before promptly smashing his lips to hers, smothering her in kisses that left them both breathless before Ben reluctantly would have to whisk himself back to the daunting presences of the aristocratic company. He would note with a knowing smirk on his face their quizzical looks when he'd return with reddened, swollen lips and his hair slightly more in disarray before ordering the discussion to continue.
In alternative he now had to listen to the constant bickering amongst holograms of various officials who managed to attend the meeting with Arkanis' lone representative, Lady Carise Sindian. The initial intent of the prolonged meeting for the last month was to finalize the treaty with Arkanis in which would bring peace among other worlds and lessen the current government's iron first on the more impoverished planets.
Foremost, those worlds had been largely positioned within the Outer Rim. With further consideration Ben introduced the proposition of allowing all worlds the ability to freely govern themselves, while a stable centralized government would only intervene appropriately if deemed necessary. Schools would be built and provided freely to those who had been less fortunate enough to obtain proper education as well as free trade amongst worlds without import taxes hovering over those planets.
But of course, those officials who had been least subjected to the idea of such change still needed the slightest bit more convincing in order to completely seal the deal with Lady Sindian, who was still actively living under the deteriorating ideals of Supreme Leader Snoke. After weeks of long, drawn out debates they were finally beginning to show hints of progress.
Among those officials present that heavily favored within his corner was Gatalenta's senator, Tai-Linn Garr, who had served alongside and befriended Leia's adoptive father Senator Bail Organa during the days of the Old Galactic Republic. Having seen the initial rise and fall of both Republics, Garr didn't hesitate to promptly forward his support. Naturally, Ben's mother, Leia Organa, was also present in the flesh as well as Poe in order to assist with providing helpful insights to alternative military strategies.
And then there was Ransolm Casterfo, a senator from the Inner Rim planet of Riosa who had held a long-time friendship with Leia since his service began in the New Republic's Galactic Senate. Ransolm was also one of many social climbers prior to Ben's fall that continuously presented his daughter, Mila Casterfo, at every aristocratic social gathering the Solos attended in hopes of her claiming Ben's interest. As if Ben couldn't already stand the sight of the man then it wasn't until Casterfo's betrayal to Leia by outing her secret parentage from Darth Vader to the Galactic Senate that only increased Ben's grudge against him; even long after Leia tentatively offered Ransolm forgiveness.
Which is why now seated at his position at the head of the conference room's table, leaning his head against two fingers with his elbow resting on the chair's arm, Ben sat with his eyes hardened merely boring holes through the lucidly holographic figure of Casterfo while the senator disputed their case with Lady Carise. While holding Casterfo's endorsement was essential to bringing peace and prosperity amongst the galaxy he couldn't help but still harbor such hatred for the man. Had Ransolm been present in the flesh his lightsaber would've been put to better use rather than remaining holstered at his waist.
From his seat next to Ben, Poe eyed him knowingly as he was also fully aware of the Solo family's history with Casterfo. Clearing his throat nonchalantly he whispered loud enough for only Ben to hear, "Way to be subtle on the murderous eyes. Didn't you just get yourself free from the curse?"
Ben glanced at Poe from his peripheral, trying to maintain the sense that he was actually paying attention to the discussion ahead. "It's not much of a secret that I loathe the man, killing him shouldn't come across as that great of a shock. But lucky for him he had the sense to be present in a hologram. He may have finally caught on."
Poe smirked, "Look, I don't like the guy any more than you do, but we kind of need him here. Unless this deal just happens to go in our favor today you may want to work on being more personable, considering he'll be in attendance at your coronation next month."
Ben's shoulders rose and fell in a deep, inaudible sigh of irritation as he knew full well why Ransolm would go out of his way just to make an appearance at the highly anticipated day of celebration. Even though it was already more than obvious that his emotions for Rey were unambiguous it still didn't hinder the desperate social climbers of the galaxy to continue pushing courtiers in hopes of him taking interest in one of them to be his bride. As much as he loved Rey the biggest romantic overtures hadn't been made yet that would stop the incessant barrage of eligible courtiers paraded around by their parents.
Ben may have been young, but he wasn't ignorant of the fact that a vast majority of gallants still held true to their primeval ethics of marrying into a noble lineage. Bloodlines of all things were held high even though his own mother had married a scoundrel herself and his grandmother before her married a slave turned Jedi Knight in secret. The nobility of the galaxy would surely expect him to break with that less than pleasant familial tradition and unite with one of the more prominent houses. However, with Rey at his side it would make them push all that much harder to choose a woman they deemed appropriate enough for him to marry. It exasperated him to no end that his life was ever the life of a prince who always hindered afar from the emblematic customs of a privileged life.
"Fine," Ben growled, turning his head slightly askance in Poe's direction he quirked a brow in deliberate amusement. "But it's not like he would necessarily miss an arm."
"Absolutely not," Poe retorted in absolute.
"Okay a hand then."
"Really, Ben?" Poe inquired with bewilderment; raising his voice just above an octave enough to draw a couple quizzical glances from the senators in their direction. Remaining indifferent to their inquisitive audience Poe continued in a more hushed voice, "And no, the hand stays as well."
Ben chuckled at the noticeable rouse he was managing to stir up within him. "Must you always be so righteous?" he quipped further with a smirk.
Poe snorted; perhaps a little louder than he should have as he involuntarily caught Leia's attention, "Someone has to keep your ass in check when Rey's not around."
Leia sighed exasperatedly, shaking her head whilst rolling her eyes at the unripe attention the two men were unwittingly drawing to themselves. It was even more apparent that Ben would be taking the sovereign role just as serious as Han had initially done once he had become crowned king. Once again, the apple apparently hadn't fallen far from the family tree.
"Do I really have to separate you two?" She forewarned from the side of her mouth, hoping to not draw any more awareness than they had already. She was only met with that of a couple comical smirks in reply.
"Lord Solo -."
Ben's attention snapped back into his arduous glare at the mention of his name towards the Ransolm's vicinity.
"Is there anything that you would wish to add to the discussion before we dismiss?" The senator inquired, further regarding the reticent exchange at the opposite end of the table as all present eyes were now focused on them.
Ben glowered at the holo image of the man before him, but out of revere to his rising stance within the political trade he responded with a mildly composed temperament. "No, there's nothing more to add that has yet to already be discussed, Senator."
Seeming relatively pleased with his response all eyes quickly diverted back to the opposite end of the bench in which had been occupied by the holographic form of Lady Sindian.
"Very well then, gentlemen – and ladies alike," she added with a nod in acknowledgment to Leia's presence. "It appears there are valid enough motives in play for me to fully consider approving your motions along. Now, if you would allow me some additional time to further consider these proposals we can continue this discussion at a respectable later date. Rest assured I guarantee the initiative to have a treaty signed into place between Arkanis and Chandrila within the near foreseeable future."
Ben nodded his acceptance. "Very well, thank you for your time, Lady Sindian." He stated; discernibly satisfied that the meeting had gone entirely better than he initially expected before he directed his attention to the remaining senators. "And thank you to those of you who were able to be here in attendance."
"The pleasure is all ours, Lord Solo," Ransolm replied with gratitude before ending the holograph session. "Anything to be of help to further ensure this gets pushed through. And until then I shall see you at the coronation ceremony next month."
Ben rubbed his hands over his face, resting his elbows on the table top he pressed his palms into his eyes in hopes of easing the pressure he could feel building throughout the entire session.
"And what was that about between you two?" Leia retorted with a scowl directly towards Ben and Poe in regards to their earlier mishap.
Poe held his hands up in surrender. "Hey, I was trying to be the more rational one here," he admitted with a knowing look in Ben's direction.
A low growl in annoyance resonated through Ben's hands before abruptly pressing them to the table's edge to stand. "Pretty sure the dismissal was intended for you as well, Dameron," he added with a glare in Poe's direction.
Poe snorted to further concede as he followed suit in rising from the table. "All I'm saying is, Ben, regardless of your incentives to remain – abhorrently unreasonable when in Casterfo's company you need to at least put them aside so we can get this motion passed."
"He does have a point, Ben." Leia added with reassurance in acknowledgment to Poe's words. She followed suit in rising from the table. "We need all of the support we can get and Ransolm is a senator that is relatively vital to our cause. With his history living in poverty for most of his childhood he's been a crucial piece in getting this settled." She added while eyeing Ben, "I'm just asking you to be a bit more cooperative."
Ben stood impassive, wordlessly crossing his arms over his chest as he leaned his weight back against the table while further considering her reasoning.
"This goes far beyond a grudge," he stated serenely but with a sharp edge to his words that made his mother roll her eyes.
Leia considered him momentarily before sighing sympathetically. "Ben, when it comes down to you and Rey you know I'm in your corner. So, don't bark at me because you're upset with the social climbers of the galaxy."
Ben glowered at her reasoning, but mostly of the fact that he knew she was right. Running a hand through his hair, Ben squared his shoulders stiff before shoving his hands into his pockets. "I just want to enjoy one minute of being free of that goddamned curse before the vultures descend."
Leia smiled knowingly, "I know. Believe me they were especially not happy when I married your father. Given he wasn't of noble descent either."
Ben's face fell solemn at the mention of his father. Feeling a nerve twitch in his neck, he redirected his gaze towards that of a speck of imperfection in the chamber's lumber flooring that seemingly appeared far more interesting than harboring any more daunting thoughts of the reasons his father was no longer with them. Considering he had just spent the last decade imprisoned in a mask for the sheer reasoning behind Han Solo's death it was proven difficult every day to even consider what present times would be like had he been among them. The most likely part would be that Ben probably never would have met Rey, which made the thoughts all that much harder to consider when he attempted to forgive himself of his sinister wrongdoings.
"Your father would be proud of you, Ben." Leia reassured whilst placing her hand gently to his forearm, grazing her thumb in comfort across the fabric of his sleeve. "And I can assure you that he would have most certainly loved Rey."
A subtle smile played across Ben's lips at the mentioning of Rey as his shoulders noticeably fell lax. "Well, like him, she did appear to have an unfortunate soft spot for that bucket of bolts in the hangar bay."
Leia smirked before, nodding in amusement at the eccentric quantity of names the Falcon has acquired over the years. "How is Rey adjusting to the new life?"
During the initial discovery of the force bond with Rey, Ben would've had to momentarily search for the brilliance of her radiant signature within The Force – and her for him. Since the curse had been broken that same bond lingering between them had only intensified. Now, all he had to do was glance through his senses within The Force to feel the warmth of her presence. An action he did often during his meetings where the doldrums of which began to grate on his nerves.
"She's here now," he affirmed softly. "You can ask her yourself."
As if on cue the clacking of the bottoms of Rey's sandals across the hard flooring could be heard as she marked her entrance; adorned in another gown that managed to steal Ben's breath away and made him wish all the more ardently that his mother wasn't currently present. Shades of mauve and floral pastels obscured the dress's superior linen fabrication with a plunging neckline just below the exposed inner curvature of her breasts; a cream-colored sash across her torso offset the magnificence of the gown's elegant design as her hair draped in loose, summer waves over her shoulders. Had it been just them alone Ben's hands would have most assuredly been on her in an instant.
A warm, toothy smile played across Rey's face at seeing Leia in attendance. Not long after the curse's end and the First Order's defeat Leia returned with the Resistance back to D'Qar to begin clearing out the old base. With the Resistance no longer in need it was only suitable to formally resign as General and return to Hanna City for her remaining days as Queen before Ben's coronation.
"Leia!" Rey greeted cheerfully with outstretched arms.
Leia promptly met her with a gentle squeeze in an embrace. "It is so good to see you, Rey." She affirmed sincerely as she pulled back to consider Rey's appearance. "And seeing as to how stunning you look there's no need for me to question whether the nobility life is treating you well. It quite suits you," she concluded with a subtle wink.
A soft blush crept across Rey's cheeks upon receiving Leia's admiring comment. Truthfully it was still taking her time to fully adjust to her decision of formally trading in the practical casual wear for that of chic fashion. Regardless of how many times Ben would insist on how beautiful she looked flattery was still a concept she had to forcibly come to terms with given the fact that she never received such divine treatment prior to her arrival at the palace.
Naturally, Rey had to change the subject in hopes of shifting the momentary attention from her physique. "How was the meeting?"
"It appears that we're finally making some progress," Leia confirmed assertively. "But I'll let Ben fill you in on the remaining minor details."
Rey quickly glanced at Ben quizzically in response to Leia's nebulous remark. Her inquiry was only countered with Ben rolling his eyes clearly showing his distaste with the subject matter.
"Anyways," Leia added before taking her leave, "I best be getting back to Hanna City to oversee the ongoing preparations for your coronation, my dear. I'll see you two next month."
Rey smiled in acknowledgment, knowing that the ceremony in which would officially proclaim Ben as Chandrila's crowned King was going to be the event of the year. The idea of his royal nobility was something far from surprising news, but it never entirely settled over her until coronation date was set and began to rapidly approach. Once Ben was king, what place would she have in all of this and what would that make her? She knew they had this connection no one else could touch, but what did that mean when he was King? She didn't want to assume any role or place and he certainly hadn't broached the subject of what their relationship would evolve to. They hadn't had time for it really. She knew that her humble beginnings would definitely not sit well with the rest of the nobility should Ben decide to balk tradition as his mother had. Nevertheless, she was still just a 'nobody' from a backwater world that happened to inadvertently fall in love someone of sovereign heritage. She just hoped that whatever definitions or titles they placed on their relationship going forward that it only kept her at his side. The rest of it didn't matter so long as they were together.
"And Ben -," Leia added with conclusion in that of a formidable tone before taking her leave. "- please behave!"
With her curiosity now piqued Rey turned to Ben with a quirked brow. "And what was that about?" She asked subtly cocking her head towards the direction in which Leia had just exited.
Ben rolled his eyes with a heavy sigh in irritation. "It appears that my ascension to the throne also now means that every noble in the galaxy is offering up their daughter to be the next queen of Chandrila."
Rey raised her eyebrows as she blew out a breath at his admission before turning a corner of her mouth up into a subtle grin. "Is that so?" She goaded intentionally as she approached him with her arms crossed loosely over her chest, marveling over the fact that her appearance was clearly driving him mad as his eyes deviously shifted from her eyes to her subtly exposed breasts. "But you know, most men would be all too pleased with the prospect of having women throwing themselves at their feet."
Ben swallowed heavily, chewing his cheek as if to appear deep in thought. His expression fell solemn whilst considering his words. He held her gaze before his eyes settled to focus on her lips. "And if he's already made his choice?" He inquired, his voice falling low.
Rey cocked her head, biting her lip while furthermore considering his question. Her eyes settled upon how extra pouty his lips appeared when he attempted to be serious, appearing all the more inviting. "Oh, you have, have you? I didn't notice actually," she goaded lightheartedly.
Ben grinned deviously as he brought a hand to the baseline of her head and neck before he claimed her lips with his. And with that simple press of his lips upon hers all doubt and insecurity melted away for the time being. There was nothing they wouldn't do for one another, he'd already given his life for her once and saved her twice and she'd do just the same.
Instinctively Rey brought her arms around his shoulders, one hand at the base of his hairline and the other remained tightly fisted to the back of his jacket, securing herself firmly in place against him as she felt the room spin around her. Her fingertips massaged his scalp at the base of his hair as her lips moved in unison with his, kissing him with such force as if each kiss was meant to be their last.
A shiver ran up his spine at the feeling of her fingers ghosting across his skin; even though his skin burned where she touched. Ben brought his hand that was at her neck to her waist, the other up in opposition as he pulled her hips firmly flush against his, squeezing them gently in ardent passion. His lips parted slightly. A low moan resonated at the back of his throat as he felt her tongue briefly brush against his to deepen the kiss.
An inaudible gasp escaped Rey's lips as she felt his hands graze up her sides, stopping just shy under the lower curvature of her breasts. She was certain she felt his thumbs barely graze the curvature of her breast but before she could react his hands were promptly back at her waist.
Ben slowed the kiss to that of a gentler pace. His lips lingering momentarily longer on hers before placing a final peck to her lips; he pulled back just enough for his eyes to meet hers with a smile.
Feeling the absence of his lips on hers Rey whimpered softly in protest. Her eyes longingly gazed into his only to scoff at the chuckle that resonated deep within his chest. She grazed the tip of her tongue across her lips, savoring the fact that she could still taste his mouth on hers.
"Oh, right." She added still teasing, formally breaking the silence that lingered between them. "I guess it must have slipped my mind."
Ben chuckled before affectionately cradling her face in his hands to press a final kiss tenderly to her lips. "I miss this." He admitted softly, furrowing his brows with that of a more solemn expression as his eyes gazed longingly into hers. "Just us. Alone, without meetings that constantly need to be tended to. At least with the curse we were still able to have that time alone."
Rey frowned; while it was nice to have those moments of uninterrupted time with him the thought of her only being able to see his face inside of a diminutive chamber now seemed nonetheless appeasing. "As much as that was all well and good at times, I'd rather be able to kiss you freely than have to stare at an emotionless mask all the time."
Ben frowned in remembrance to the evening of their dance. The moment where he had promised himself that he was going to show her his face before his world temporarily began to fall apart. He swallowed heavily, "Rey, I was going to let you see my face the evening of our dance – right afterwards – before you left I was going to take you to my hyperbaric chamber and show you."
Rey blinked at his unexpected admission, furrowing her brows she pondered momentarily over how entirely different everything could have played out had she decided to stay that night. Would the curse have still broken in time? Would she have been able to go to Finn and not come back to Snoke, seizing full reign of the palace?
"But it may be a good thing that you didn't." Rey admitted as she brought a hand up to his cheek softly stroking it with her thumb as she held his gaze to ensure he understood the seriousness behind her reasoning. "I may never have been able to leave you if you had – and I needed to save Finn. But because of everything, and despite all of the horrible things that occurred in between, the curse is broken. The First Order is gone. Snoke is gone. And we now have a future ahead of us – a real future - without any boundaries lying between us." She affirmed with a reassuring smile. "And aside from the fact that I nearly lost you once, I would risk it a hundred times over just to be able to have this."
Ben considered the logic behind her reasoning, remembering the moments where he had desperately longed for the chance to freely press his lips to hers the way he was able to now. Aside from the fact they had to continuously make time to be together every precious moment was one that could never be taken for granted. Rey was right. Now he could only curse himself for even considering the momentary idiocy.
"You're right," he affirmed softly. "It was foolish and selfish of me to even consider it."
Rey smiled in acknowledgment before pressing her lips briefly to his once again. "I should let you go. I'll see you at dinner this evening?"
"Actually -," he started apprehensively, "- I was wondering if you would sleep with me tonight?"
Rey raised her eyebrows in surprise at the insinuation behind his words, but it wasn't until the words were out and he took in Rey's shocked expression that Ben realized how suggestive and prurient the words sounded. "I mean – not like that! Someday yes, but for the night you could stay with me – in my chambers."
Rey cocked her head, twisting her lips up amused at the suggestion. Considering the little time, they had spent together lately she was more than willing to take whatever she could. "Actually, it sounds perfect," she inclined contentedly with a smile. "I would love to."
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The walk to the West wing that evening should've been like the numerous other times Rey had visited Ben in his chambers. That included the one night he had whisked her from her chambers in the East wing and allowed her to spend the night with when Snoke had plagued her dreams. So why in the hell was this evening any different than the rest?
Rey hugged her arms over the front hems of the navy silk robe in which complemented the matching knee-length nightgown underneath; its matching lace, peeking out just subtly from its bottom hems. The same words repeated incessantly over within her mind as the butterflies fluttered heavily in the pit of her stomach: Why was this night any different?
The only explanation she could conjure within reasoning was the sheer fact that they were now both on the same page in regards to their relationship with no masked barrier to hinder their actions from proceeding. The past couple months had resulted in more than their own fair share of intense rendezvous and each time Rey found it harder to restrain herself from pushing their limitations further. But there was something about this evening, lingering in the atmosphere that made it all that much harder for her senses to ignore.
Which brought her to the definitive questions that lingered at the back of her mind as she approached the doors to his chambers – what was she most afraid of that could possibly happen? Was it the fact that she may no longer be able to contain her desires – or the fact that Ben may not try to stop her?
With a heavy sigh Rey brought her fist up to gently knock on the door to his chambers, welcoming the presence of him brushing against her mind as his own personal way of giving her permission to enter. With a clammy hand she gripped the doorknob and pushed the door open.
The West wing's interior had changed dramatically upon the curse's demise. The damaged furniture that was the evidence of his unremitted temper had now been replaced with new. With Ben no longer needing the hyperbaric chamber now revealed just how grand and beautiful the West wing was at its entirety. Where the luminosity of the moon's evening light had once been shielded by the hyperbaric chamber's bulkiness could now be visibly seen across the suite. The remaining lighting had been appropriately dimmed for the evening along with the evident fire lit in the fireplace. Its crackling logs, giving way from under the intense heat of the flame was the only sound heard resonating throughout the antechamber.
Within a matter of seconds after her entering Rey saw Ben emerge within the general direction of the suite's terrace; adorned in loosely fit, black linen sleep pants with a white sleep shirt that clung tightly to the muscles of his broad shoulders and chest. Where she had been so used to seeing him entirely clothed in robes and suits the mere sight of him now was more than enough to provoke that familiar ache between her legs from when she had only considered him to be just a dream. And by the looks of his blown pupils as he approached it was more than apparent he was having the same initial thoughts about her.
For a moment all Ben could do was stare at her with an awkward silence between them. He couldn't help but remember that first evening when he visited her chambers in the East wing with the sole purpose of asking her permission to teach her before the sight of her sent him into an unwarranted state of arousal. But then – those were the times in which he considered the possibility of her holding the slightest attraction towards him to be little to none.
Now, things had changed immensely between them to that of which he could no longer hold the excuse of her being incapable of eliciting the same emotions to him as he could to her. Enough to the point where Ben was now confident enough to express those same thoughts he had harbored so deeply within over the course of their relationship.
Ben swallowed thickly, making the perception of his apprehensiveness all the more obvious that he was just as nervous as she was. "You know – that evening when I first saw you dressed like this took every ounce of energy I had to refrain from putting my hands on you."
A subtle blush crept over Rey's cheeks, knowing full well of the evening in which he was referring to: the same evening following her early morning fantasies of his hands touching her in places in which had then been far beyond her wildest imaginations. Only now the possibility of those fantasies coming true had been more than apparent given the current tension lingering between them; however, the fact that he had harbored those same feelings then that she had for him came across as that of a bit of a shock. In those days he had done everything that he possibly could to have pushed her away.
Her mouth fell slightly agape, furrowing her brows she paused momentarily to consider her thoughts before allowing the hint of a knowing smile to spread across her lips. "Is that why you said what you did then?"
Ben's cheeks flushed red with embarrassment. Had it not been for the dim lighting it would've been all the more prominent as he nodded in inclination to her inquiry; suddenly feeling like the inhibited little school boy he had always been when it came to admitting his emotions to her.
"It's okay," Rey ratified with a reassuring smile as her feet inched her closer towards him. "You weren't the only one that was wound up after that talk."
Ben arched an eyebrow in surprise - astounded that she had felt the same towards him that early in their relationship. If he could even give it such a title as he had tried so hard to continuously push her away and even more so of the fact that she hadn't the slightest clue of what he looked like underneath the helmet's concealment. "Even then?"
Rey nodded; further rendering him into a further state of bewilderment as he stared confoundedly at her.
"But – you didn't know what I looked like. And yet you never appear to be the least bit disappointed," he added as he cocked his head to consider her.
Rey scoffed at what he was attempting to imply. "Disappointed?"
Apprehensively, Ben's eyes searched her face for any sheer signs of doubt. "That I'm not what you expected."
Rey frowned at the notion that he had even considered himself the slightest bit of unworthy to her. Her brows creased with that of concern as her gaze held his. "Ben, I didn't expect anything to be honest. It was you that affected me despite the mask. And despite the distance and the anger you desperately clung to. What made you think that I would be unhappy seeing your face?"
Ben frowned at her inquiry; when in truth the admission of his insecurities was something that made him all the more uncomfortable to admit.
Rey stood just inches before him as she brought her hands to his biceps, issuing them a subtle squeeze in hopes of ensuring she understood what he meant. "I didn't need to see your face to understand what kind of person you were beneath that helmet, Ben. Beneath that darkness and beneath that façade of you constantly trying to prove that you didn't care – there was a charm about you that I just couldn't brush aside." Rey paused momentarily as she considered him. Her eyes deviated between his eyes and his mouth in which her gaze finally settled on his lips that never looked so tempting to taste as they did in that moment. "I meant what I said when I told I would have always chosen you – curse or no curse. I'd choose you. Always."
A familiar energy hung in the air between them, sending an onslaught of emotions he was entirely incapable of resisting as he watched Rey purposely raise on the tips of her toes. Threading her fingers through his hair his body and his brain screamed in attention for two different things before he felt the heat of her mouth claim his. Uncertain as to which of the two emotions that had won out his attention as he had been too focused on his lips moving along with hers.
Momentarily everything else in the room was nonexistent, all of it faded away as he was too engrossed with the feeling of her tongue grazing across his upper lip before he even realized he had been guided to the edge of his bed as the backs of his knees met the wooden frame. A blockade that forced him to go nowhere else except down as he begrudgingly sunk upon the mattress' edge.
Rey pulled back long enough to consider his expression, smirking at the desire glazing over his eyes, assuring her that Ben wanted this just as much as she did. Slowly and carefully, she pressed a trembling hand to his chest, gently urging him to slide further back onto the bed's coverlet just enough for her to comfortably climb onto his lap; one leg situated at each side of his waist before settling herself onto the noticeable bulge in his pants. She sighed at the feeling of the length of his hardness pushing against her just enough to give her bold initiative to grind further into him to relieve the painful ache within her core. Yet she hesitated, waiting. As long as she had waited for this moment to come she was surely going to enjoy it, drawing out the imminent pleasure that both of them craved.
Her hands cradled his face in her palms just as Ben cupped the back of her neck with his hand, just at the base of her hairline, both claiming the other's mouth in a fervent hunger neither knew had existed until now. A faint sigh escaped her lips as Ben parted his lips, allowing her tongue to graze over his. Her head was spinning in a whirlwind of emotions; uncertain as to how far he would allow this illustrious moment of ecstasy to continue before pulling away. But the moment of doubt within her mind ended the moment Ben placed his hands to her hips to abruptly jerk her hips into his. The sudden motion brought out an audible gasp from their mouths at the friction of her pussy gliding along over his cock. Her hands slid to his shoulders, anchoring herself against him. For a brief moment they sat nearly frozen in place with only the sounds of their ragged breathing being all that reverberated between them.
Rey broke the kiss to bring her face just far enough from his to consider his reaction; her mouth slightly agape as she stared into his lust-filled bedroom eyes through her lashes only to see that he wanted her – needed her to continue. She placed one hand at the curve of the juncture of his shoulder and neck. Her other hand raked up through the back of his hair as she pressed her forehead to his, relying on his breathing as a focal point to help steady hers as she slowly, tentatively ground her hips over his. Both of them moaned in pleasure at the feeling of his cock rubbing against her with each movement with only the thin barrier of their clothing between them.
Ben closed his eyes, trying to focus his thoughts on steadying his breathing. And – oh gods – she was wet! So deliciously wet and all because of him, even through the linen of his pants he could feel the heat and dampness of her arousal pressing against him. Just as he thought he was going to come undone right then and there, she paused. His eyes blinked open, allowing his delirious mind frame to settle itself within the present as he considered with hesitant eyes what she was doing.
Rey held his gaze as her body trembled with pent up emotions. Swallowing thickly, she purposely moved her right hand that had been in his hair previously to grip his hand at her waist. Without taking her eyes off his she drug his hand up her torso to cover her breast, still concealed under the silkiness of her nightgown.
For the first time during their salacious activity Ben broke his eye contact with hers to study where her hand now lay over his on her breast. He felt amazed at how small, but perfect it was underneath his hand. He could feel her hand trembling over his, but whether it was his own nervousness or hers he couldn't be for certain. Swallowing thickly, he gently squeezed her breast, eliciting a soft mewl in gratification from her lips. A subtle smile played across his lips as he watched her eyes slowly close. She squeezed her hand lightly over his, clearly indicating that it felt just as good for her as it did for him.
Keeping her grip on his hand - and the other on his shoulder for support - Rey ground into him once again as she marveled in the feeling of them against each other. It was just enough to help her reach that peak in which was rapidly approaching.
His cock was throbbing, begging and pleading for release at Rey's incessant motion of her hips that was now driving him to the edge of the precipice. He could feel his climax abruptly approaching; his breathing became more labored as the waves of pleasure swelled within him. Quickly, his hand left her breast to tightly seize her waist, holding her steadfast in place against his hips he threw his head back as waves of ecstasy coursed through his body. His muscles shuddered as his orgasm washed over him.
Rey watched in awe with blown pupils as he reached his peak, feeling excited and accomplished that she had managed to do this for him. As Ben came down from his high he considered her reaction.
"Did you -?" he questioned with uncertainty.
Worrying her bottom lip between her teeth, Rey shook her head 'no.'
"Almost," she added with a reassuring smile.
But before she could react accordingly to the devious grin on his face Ben had already gripped the back of her knee to abruptly shift their positions to where she was now on her back and he above her. Her squeal in protest had been silenced with his lips abruptly crashing to hers. With an arm firmly planted to the bed for support, his other hand remained cupped behind her knee as he hitched her leg around his hip.
Rey wound her fingers through his hair, kissing him with greater force before Ben broke his lips away from hers. He paid his attention to her jaw; grazing his lips down the sensitive skin of her neck. Rey arched her neck, giving him better access, eliciting a contented sigh in encouragement for him to continue. Her breath hitched as his hand left her knee to gaze further up her thigh, gently pushing the bottom hem of her nightgown up before he whispered raggedly in her ear, "Show me."
Her body shuddered under the notion of feeling his warm breath against her skin. Swallowing thickly, she guided his hand over the taut muscles of her stomach and through the top of her panties. With purpose she showed him how to touch her, using her fingers and his to circle her clit, eliciting a shuddering gasp from her. He marveled at her response, following her lead he gently inserted a finger into her.
Rey moaned salaciously at the electrifying emotions coursing through her of feeling him inside of her, and at that of his lips ghosting kisses down her neck to the aperture of her collarbone. She raked her free hand through his hair, gently tugging his locks as to further ensure that what he was doing was right since momentarily she was rendered almost incapable of vocalizing anything coherently.
At Rey's encouragement Ben slid his finger along her inner folds before inserting another finger, stretching her gently before continuing his thrusts against her. With her hand retreating to grip his wrist, Rey arched her back to meet his thrusts, her hips moving along to meet the knuckles of his hand and her sounds grew stilted and rough, indicating she was nearing her climax.
"Ben..." she gasped, nearly coming out as a plea as she felt her muscles tense in preparation for her release.
Ben felt her constrict around him as Rey ground her hips into his hand. Her hand gripped his hair so tight it was almost painful, but not enough to distract from her body shuddering under his touch as waves of her orgasm rushed through her. He continued his thrusts, her other hand still tightly gripping his wrist as she rode out her orgasm.
For a moment all they could do was stare at the other, allowing what had just occurred to settle between them before Rey found herself being swept up into his arms. She squealed in shock as Ben cradled her against his chest; one hand on her back and the other cradled under her legs as her arms enveloped around his neck.
"Now where are we going?"
Ben grinned at her knowingly before stating as a matter of fact, "Shower."
Rey felt her breath catch in her throat at the insinuation of what they were about to do. Suddenly her emotional insecurities washed over her at the thought of him seeing her naked for the first time. Regardless of the fact that all modesty had already gone out the window after their intense moment of exchanged heated passion.
Ben considered her reaction. "If it makes you more comfortable we can go in separately," he ensured gently.
"No, that's not it..." she added quickly for save before sighing heavily. "I just need a moment to pull myself together. You can come in with me then."
Ben furrowed his brows, concern showing prominently in the crease as he studied her eyes. "Rey, I don't want to pressure you into this. It's okay if you don't want to."
"You've never pressured me, Ben. I trust my life with you, but please believe me when I say this has nothing to do with you and that it's just me being insecure," she stated assertively; although it wasn't until the words were out when she suddenly felt embarrassed for admitting such details.
Ben considered her momentarily, knowing all too well where she was coming from when he also had his own insecurities to deal with. It was one thing sharing such intimate pleasures in which they had just experienced but it was a completely different thing of its own to see one another in the nude for the first time. Ben nodded with an added smile of understanding as he pressed his lips gently to her forehead before carefully settling her to her feet. "I understand. Take your time and I'll be in with you in a moment."
Rey smiled at his understanding before making her way into his private fresher – alone. Instinctively she flipped the light switch before closing the door quietly behind her. Her eyes took in the fresher's greatness in size compared to the likes of her own in the East wing. While the overall layout of the vanity was close to hers in resemblance, the walk-in shower lined with cobblestone flooring was easily double in size compared to the one in her chambers with a massive showerhead strategically positioned to the far wall of its glassed-in enclosure.
Allowing the butterflies to settle in her stomach she began to undress. Shrugging the elegant robe from her shoulders she carefully laid it on the vanity's gray-marbled countertop. Closing her eyes, she sighed heavily in attempt to push all her anxiety aside before reaching for the lower hem of her nightgown to bring it up over her head. She formally tossed it to the side along with her panties.
Momentarily, all she could do was study herself in the mirror, trying to brush her ridiculous insecurities aside before she heard the fresher door begin to open.
Rey took in a deep inhale of breath, hoping to steady her nerves and thoughts before turning to see Ben standing vulnerably bare before her. She noticed him shift his weight slightly on his feet. The bulged muscles in his arms hung loosely at his sides, but the subtle grazing of his thumbs over his fingers, and the noticeable bob of his Adam's apple, was enough to ensure her that he was clearly just as nervous of the situation as she was. Her eyes trailed over his broad frame of solid muscle: to the definitive lines of his abs, to the V-shape definition of his hips and the other imperfections of moles in his skin, to...
Her eyes finally stopped saucer-shaped at the sight of his – cock. Yes, that's what she heard men call it amongst their gossip on Jakku. But – gods! It was nothing in what she initially thought it would be. As if she ever had the need to consider the thought of it before, really. But...
Was that honestly supposed to fit in her one day?
She gulped at the thought. It was definitely bound to happen one day, but now she had all the mental essentials to better prepare herself for when that time ever came. Biting her lip in apprehension, she began to approach him, completely unaware of her own insecurities until she came to a halt before him to see his eyes visibly trailing over her.
Ben swallowed thickly as she drew closer. She was perfect: everything from the delicate curvatures of her breasts to the taut muscles of her stomach and thighs from all those years of ascending ships and trekking through the unforgiving desert of Jakku. But it wasn't until Rey crossed her arms over her chest that shifted his gaze to the timid expression across her face.
Frowning, he urged himself closer to place his hands on her arms, gently rubbing them along the softness of her skin. "Please don't," he encouraged softly with a hint of such tenderness behind his words. "You're absolutely perfect."
Momentarily, Rey could only stare at the floor before she felt his hand graze over her cheek, prompting her attention to shift up to Ben's warming gaze as his fingers threaded through her hair. "You're so beautiful," he admitted gently before placing his lips to her forehead. "Please -," he continued to speak as his lips remained against her skin, "- please don't hide yourself from me, Rey."
Rey sighed heavily at his warmth so close to her skin, and with his lips trailing across her with such affection. Her heart swelled as she allowed herself to fully absorb his words. Tentatively, she placed her hands to his chest, fanning her fingers out against his incredibly toned pectorals before she trailed a single finger further down south. Being this close to him allowed her to now get a better look of him. The skin stretched across in length of his still subtly swollen cock to where the head was slightly darker in shade when compared to the rest of his creamy skin.
Quirking her brows in astonishment she returned her gaze back up to his. Apprehensively, she couldn't help but inquire what was currently lingering in her mind. "Are all men this size?"
Ben considered her momentarily before eliciting a light chuckle in response. "Um – I haven't the slightest idea. Not exactly something one studies on others. But I'm assuming, like all other biology, there's quite a bit of a range."
Rey gulped at that. Considering he was built like a redwood elsewhere it only made sense that he would be entirely well-off in other places if one was to go by proportions alone she supposed. Running the tip of her tongue between her lips, she went to touch him before Ben quickly seized her wrist in protest. The unexpected notion made her jump as she abruptly met his eyes questionably.
"Patience, Rey." He chided. "We have all the time in the galaxy now."
Rey huffed in defiance; only to elicit an amused chuckle from him as he cradled her face in his palms and placed a tender kiss to her lips. "Always my stubborn scavenger."
Rey attempted to appear annoyed with him, but the gentleness behind his words made it all that much harder to do so. Begrudgingly, she smiled as he led them to the shower. With a brief gesture of his hand the water began to trickle through the showerhead at his command; nearly resembling that of a waterfall flowing from a wild mountain's stream.
Their hands carefully moved over each other as they each helped the other wash. Studying, memorizing and engraving each part of the other's body into their memory.
Not long after their shower together, Rey marveled in the feeling of having Ben's arm around her in bed. Intertwining their fingers, she brought their hands up to her face where she softly kissed his knuckles.
Ben tightened his grip around her, securing her against his chest as his nose brushed against her neck to place a gentle kiss. Rey sighed softly at the feeling of his warmth around her as she felt her body melt into his, just as it had done the last time she briefly spent the evening with him.
"I love you," she whispered softly.
Ben smiled knowingly; grazing his lips over her neck he trailed sweet, butterfly kisses to her ear. "I know."
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