Breathe. Just breathe.

Those three words had become a lifeline as Rey stood front and center flanked by Finn and Rose, amongst the most gallant and posh of the galaxy's aristocracy, as the highly anticipated ceremony was about to begin.

The evening hues blending across the Chandrillan sky of pinks and oranges painted a stunning, picturesque background as the last of the sun's rays shone brightly through the windows, and domed skylights of the throne room.

Voices of the crowd echoed throughout the vast chamber creating a din unlike any she'd ever heard. Many were curious as to when the prince would reveal himself enhanced with the hopeful voices of eligible courtiers that clung to their last sliver of optimism of the prince choosing them to dance with.

While most of the chatter among the elderly gatherers had been regarding Leia, who regally sat upon her throne at the head of the chamber for the last time before ceding the crown to her son, the shimmering gold of Rey's dress blatantly made her an easy subject matter for the surrounding nobles as they heavily scrutinized her alluring appearance. The dress itself had geometric patterns of metallic gold fabric beset against an almost sheer taffeta. The off the shoulder, yet long sleeved gown was certainly opulent, with gold rope like heels to match and equally opulent gold celestial earrings topped off with a delicate gold comb with gold leaves weaving into her updo. A braided bun with Alderaanian braids of celebration that Leia had braided herself, teaching Rey in the traditions of long-lost her home world.

Rey felt like a goddess in the dress. She knew from the minute Leia had shown the gown to her, that it was perfect for Ben's coronation. To drape herself in regal clothing however was not something she was all that accustomed to even with her recent change in daily attire.

For most of her life Rey lived metaphorically invisible, easily blending in amongst the traders and villainous scum that mostly inhabited the outpost on Jakku. Now, it was apparent that she had been inadvertently thrown to another faction of wolves; those considered far more dangerous to one's own character than the pitiable genre of scoundrels she habitually encountered while scavenging in the desert. She would've unquestionably walloped someone over the head with her staff for degrading her in such a manner.

Presently, it took every ounce of The Force's energy for her to simply hold her tongue in regards to the vile glances and remarks from the surrounding courtiers – both men and women alike. The fact that it would've been highly frowned upon for whacking the indecency out of them for speaking of her as if she wasn't present, remained the lone voice of composure in her head.

"Filthy desert rat," remarked the elderly man to his wife alongside her. Jutting his chin to the air he remained indifferent to whether Rey heard his words or not.

"It's no wonder her dress is beautiful. Truly her looks have no parallel." She heard another lady courtier sarcastically spat somewhere within the row behind her before cackling with her equally rude friends.

The unwarranted attention made her wish all the more she could resort to her more conventional attire. It was her armor after all She could easily pull off the front of being a maid in the household that happened to curiously steal a glimpse of the newly proclaimed king's coronation.

Rey chose to stand as if she hadn't heard their slander - for her dignity's sake - wearing the striking attire that was purposely chosen to compliment Ben's apparel in representation of his true love. After all, their opinions were of insignificant value to her. At least that was what Leia had advised her. She'd been warned that the nobility were less than pleased that the soon to be crowned King of Chandrila was courting a commoner from a dusty outer-rim world. She would be damned if she allowed their judgments to dictate her happiness, and decipher from who she could love just because her upbringing was different from theirs. In the end, they were merely uppity adaptations of Unkar Plutt – just less blubbery. Clearly, manners and class were among the few things that money couldn't buy.

For the majority of the day, she and Ben had been separated, wholly sequestered from one another into their designated chambers to prepare for the evening's ceremony, where they would remain apart until the initial event.

It was then Leia offered to do Rey's hair. Her heart fluttered anxiously as Leia carefully combed her hair from the sides: braiding and purposely rolling her work into a bun at the nape of Rey's neck into the traditional Alderaanian braids.

Finally, once Leia placed the last hairpin, she unveiled the magnificent, golden hairpiece that now crowned the back of her head - just above the braids - while vines of leaves elegantly curved further up the crest of her head.

The golden apparatus of her earrings dangled to the mid-length of her neck. One, a star embellished with lightly blue emeralds and amethysts, while the other was a crescent moon.

Rose proceeded to take over her make-up, happily engaging in conversation to divert Rey's mind from the clutter of thoughts.

After, Rey was then helped into the dress: leaving her shoulders bare as its fitted form clung flatteringly to her lean figure. A train affixed to her waist flowed elegantly behind her, while a split running up the front of the dress' basic form left her knees down, to the strappy shoes that wove around her ankles, exposed.

To those who loved, and knew her best, Rey was a desert rose who irretrievably blossomed from the sweltering sands of a backwater desert world. To the surrounding strangers, she might as well been a womp rat as they continued degrading her humble upbringing, hoping that their insults would be deter her stance among them.

A scowl involuntarily crept across her face as the denigration rapidly traveled from mouth-to-mouth. A shuddered breath of anxiety only enhanced her fear of paranoia taking over.

"Don't listen to them, Rey." Finn encouraged as he leaned over for her ears to hear only. "It will only give them the satisfaction they don't deserve. We've dealt with worse marauders than this on Jakku."

Rey's expression altered to a look of indifference as she smiled lightheartedly. "What makes you think it's bothering me?"

"We're only human," Finn shrugged, countering with a smirk. "Plus, you and Ben aren't so subtle on the eyes when it comes to projecting."

Rey snorted humorously at how irrevocably true it was. Apparently, some of Ben's traits had rubbed off on her more than she was willing to admit: everything from subconsciously balling her hands into fists to the murderous glowering.

"You know," Finn started as he pressed his lips together in thought. "Despite the circumstances of how you and Ben met, I couldn't be happier for you, Rey. You deserve this happiness, and clearly he's proven nothing short of that."

Flabbergasted at his candor and approval, her brows shot up at Finn's unexpected comment, knowing that it surely took every ounce of his being to admit such a thing in regards to Ben.

"Thank you, Finn." She acknowledged with a grateful smile, placing her hand to his shoulder. "It means so much to hear that, especially from you. And who knows? You two may become friends one day," she added with a smirk.

Finn snorted, feeling less enthused of her outlook. "That may be pushing it just a little."

Rey rolled her eyes, huffing and crossing her arms in defiance. Before she had the chance to retort, all awareness had been diverted to the center front of the throne room. Ben stood with what she considered to be that of masculine poise: shoulders squared and his back upright. His stance only exhibited pride, and confidence; a form she recognized when he was adorned in the black robes and mask.

The majority of his attire was black but was beautifully offset with gold threaded embroidery that glistened within an embellished design on his chest, and elegantly aligned the jacket's collar that hugged his neck. The golden trim that edged the hem of his sleeves heavily complimented the matching shawl that gracefully flowed from his shoulders, looping his arms.

Their eyes settled only upon each other. Simultaneously, their breathing hitched as the rest of the world fell away. Both were mesmerized by one another as if they were reliving the evening of their dance in the ballroom. The only significant difference was that she could see his face, his expression, and the glimmer of admiration his eyes held. To anyone else it only could've been considered such a simple aspect. To Rey, it made her more emotional to see what the mask had robbed her of.

She'd considered him perfect back then but it was only appropriate to admit he was more beautiful than a man could've been deemed properly now that his visage was unencumbered. To say that he was handsome was simply an understatement and an insult at best.

Fulfillment swelled within her heart, knowing that out of all the beautiful women currently gathered around her - purposely flaunting their luxurious couture and diamonds in hopes of gaining the prince's attention –he was hers, and she was his.

Unlike them, Rey was able to see past the significance of his last name. To her, he was simply Ben: a man that was once so broken he ardently fought the light from penetrating his outer iron shell. Beneath that darkness she uncovered more love and tenderness than anyone could've been deemed capable of exerting. Seeing him now was enough to make her fall in love with him all over again.

The same reaction stood for Ben in regards to Rey.

Moments prior to his entrance anxiety had struck him vengefully as he waited for his cue to enter. As usual, he resorted to incessant pacing within antechamber that interconnected with the throne room like a caged animal.

He hated crowds. More so in particular when he was forced to share the stuffy atmosphere that was as thick as the smog on Coruscant. When it came to being within the same vicinity as said aristocrats, he could already imagine their rigid voices congratulating one another, boasting about their accomplishments.

Just before the moment came to make his entrance Ben closed his eyes, taking a deep breath to gain some sense of equanimity. Being a nervous wreck was simply not going to be acceptable when he was moments away from acquiring the crown to his throne. His throne.

Gods - never had there been a moment in his lifetime he imagined being in this position. There was never a need for him to consider it, really. His life had been lonely and miserable enough as it was. Compiling the notion of ruling a planet alone, unless he counted Snoke when he was present in mind, was enough to hinder his intention from ever seeking his birth right. Now, there was no doubt that this was the destiny fate had intended for him, and he had Rey to share it with.

Every moment of destitute she endured through life he would've single-handedly chosen a star from the cosmos of space for her; even going as far as to offering her the galaxy if she would allow it. There was nothing he wouldn't do for her, nothing that he wouldn't give her to express the gratification he felt for her relieving him of the lifelong misery he willingly clung to for so long thinking he deserved it. Truthfully, none of those options could ever fully express how much he loved her.

When his eyes settled on Rey's in the throne room, it was only a reminder of why he fell for her not so long ago after her arrival to his palace in the country. His heart fluttered, breathless and smitten over the girl from nowhere that only rendered him blind from acknowledging the other women occupying her same region, and further beyond. The way he gaped at her in awe could've fooled anyone from knowing the timeframe he'd known her; however, every time always felt like the first time once she managed to grab his undivided attention.

The way the last of the sun's rays reflected off the tiny embellishments on her dress resembled the warm, illumination of her force signature, easily blurring out the surrounding bodies into unfocused blobs that were merely just there to serve standard conventional purposes of making the superior courts happy. He could feel her warmth, without having to be next to her only enhanced the longing within him to have her in his arms. Suddenly, it only made the procession following his coronation when he could be within her proximity that much further away. Now, he had to do what was needed of him.

The minutes passed at their leisure as Ben took a knee before Leia while she rose to bestow the crown upon his head: his father's crown that was truly fit for a king. Its golden apparatus consisted of four fleur de lis, protruding from each sloping peak in alternation with a simpler design that encapsulated the rest. At its front crimson ruby graced the center of a star just below one fleur de lis.

His eyes met his mother's to see her offering a knowing smile, and a subtle wink as her way of wordlessly saying how proud of him she was. In return, Ben offered a curt nod of acceptance. He took his oath, pledging his life to always defend the lives of his people, and his home from ever falling into enemy hands.

Leia gestured with an upward motion of her hand, ordering him to rise she declared him Chandrila's King. The whoops and hollers of guests echoed throughout the great chamber, preceding the customary tradition of bowing before their new ruler.

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The ballroom of the Hanna City palace was about twice the size of the one at the country palace. Rey marveled over the similarities and differences between the two. While this one was far larger and even more elegant with gold leaf designs lining the walls and the most beautiful fresco painted map of the galaxy in all its splendor there was still a small piece of her that loved their ballroom back at the country palace and all that had held for their relationship. However, still in awe of such magnificence she looked around the ceiling, noting small crystal chandeliers hung throughout the massive hall with one large ornate chandelier at the center, illuminating the space and all who occupied it.

As per historical customs, it was expected of him to choose a lady to share a first dance as newly appointed King. Undoubtedly, the presence of eligible courtiers amongst the gathering was more to placate the nobles as Ben considered it a moot point when his heart already belonged to Rey. Everyone occupying her vicinity and beyond had disappeared into the darkness of his tunnel vision as Ben approached her to offer his ungloved hand.

The gesture shouldn't have been the least bit surprising to Rey. Momentarily, all she could do was foolishly gape at him, pupils blown wide, thinking this was a dream that only existed in fairytales. Her life had always been anything but such. The sensible reasoning within her mind finally screamed the notion of what he was asking; loud enough to mute the surrounding appalled gasps and Finn's gentle elbow nudges.

The corners of her softly pink-tainted lips curled up into a smile as she curtsied, bowing her head ever so slightly to show her acceptance of his offer. When she accepted his hand, Ben purposely led them to the centralized podium where they would share their first dance in his celebration.

The vibrant luminescence of the moon's lighting through the hovering skylight served as their personal spotlight. As the harmonious tune to the chosen song resounded throughout the chamber Rey placed her hand at his shoulder, remembering what he initially taught her when they first danced months ago, while her other hand remained lightly grasped in his.

Ben held her gaze, considering the tiny particles of light that dappled her irises from the evening lighting. Purposely, he placed his hand to the small of her back, pulling her closer to him. His lips curved upward subtly as memoirs of their enchanted evening came hurdling towards him. Only he considered her through his own eyes, and not through the visor of the mask. Behind her eyes he could only perceive the mirroring expression of his tender need, and yearning for her.

Rey blinked, noticing the longer she stared into his eyes she watched that same longing quickly faded into an adoring warmth and devotion – or was it something else? A more specific sort of tenderness she had never noticed, until now. Something was undoubtedly different about him – about them – which she couldn't quite put her finger on just yet.

Realization suddenly dawned upon her that Ben had already begun leading them into a steady waltz; unaware of the numerous pairs of eyes that solely focused upon them as she completely lost herself inside his.

The stars twinkled and sparkled above them as she allowed him to guide them seamlessly across the platform. Within that period Rey felt a whole new wave of inexplicable emotions wash over them: a nameless, invisible enigma that made that gaze of his more intense. Her senses tingled, like the static discharge of a live wire she mangled within a fallen ship in the badlands.

The bond between them hummed melodiously to life at the newfound sensation. Whatever this indiscernible feeling was she sensed that Ben must have realized it, too. The noticeable bob of his Adam's apple made his knowledge of the subject matter appear all the more apparent.

Her lips curled into a more expressive smile, realizing that she couldn't have been anymore in love with him as she was in that moment. "So, what happens now your majesty?" she inquired softly, without the usual playful jab behind the use of his formal title.

A noticeable grimace crossed over Ben's expression as he all but winced at her words. "You never need to call me that, you know."

Quirking her brow in intrigue, Rey's smile turned crooked as she further considered him. "Well, you are the King now – are you not?"

Ben chuckled lightly, leading them further along into the music he leisurely twirled her outward into a spin as the melodious sounds gradually reached a crescendo. The music began to fall into a slower, passionate composition, enhancing the emotions that were lingering between them.

"Royalty or no -," he started as he pulled her back into him, "- you are my equal in every way."

With his leading hand still gripping hers, Rey felt herself melt into him at his words as he pulled them closer together. His hand remained fixated to the small of her back, closing the seemingly large gap between them. Worrying her bottom lip between her teeth she was unable to suppress the grin on her face as Ben pressed his cheek against the side of her temple, only due to the fact that her shoes made up for their significant difference in height.

Bending her arm at the elbow Rey cupped her hand over his shoulder, resting her arm against his bicep, and purposely bringing their bodies closer together. "Fine then," she quipped lightly, "but you're my king regardless."

Hearing those words from her, in that moment, prompted the indescribable emotions that had been plaguing his entirety all day to become all the more apparent: emotions that had developed into a whole new level of sentiment that neither had yet to experience.

"Rey," he started softly. Within his timbre she noticed the undeniable shakiness of his voice, making it all the more obvious that he was nervous. "There's something I need to tell you - that I want to tell you – and I can't stop thinking about it. At first, I wasn't sure, but I couldn't be any more positive about it as I am right now."

Rey quirked her brows in acknowledgment, curiosity now piqued. "Oh? And what might that be?"

Ben turned his head subtly, burying his nose into her hair. He closed his eyes, breathing in her scent, and allowing his senses to hone in on composure for what he was about to tell her. His lips barely grazed her ear while his voice fell low enough for her to hear only, "Let me make love to you, Rey. Please?"

A rosy blush crept across her cheeks at hearing his admission, lasting only momentarily as she moved her head just far enough back to look into his eyes. Her mouth fell slightly agape, disregarding the rapid beating of her heart as she instantly discovered the answer she had been searching for within the softness of his gaze: the answer to those puzzled emotions that had lingered all evening. Momentarily, her voice felt lost; unable to express what she already knew to be true.

"Tonight?"

The music began to shift once more into one that appeared to imitate their brief moment of uncertainty as they were now treading through foreign territory. Ben spun her outward, following the steady rhythm of the music. As Rey glided back into his arms he could only nod to confirm her inquiry.

No further words needed to be expressed: any that could properly convey the onslaught of emotions rushing through her. But even the rising flutter of butterflies in her stomach couldn't hinder her from wanting the same thing as he. She was more than ready, and certain, to give that part of her to him.

She smiled, pressing her temple back to his cheek. Her nose gently nudged against him as she nodded her answer. "Okay."

The moments preceding his proclamation seemed to pass slower than he expected. Both of them wanted nothing more than to sneak away as the once forgotten courtiers began to join them in dance, begrudgingly with other guests. Whispers amongst the gathering went unnoticed as onlookers considered the fact that Ben had only danced with one woman the entire evening.

Perceiving their need to withdraw from the crowd, Poe purposely cut in to dance with a nearby courtier. At first, he appeared to be interested in her, but revealed moments later that was all a ruse to allow Ben and Rey a proper escape and that he was more than happy to cover for them while they retreated for the evening.

Ignoring the quizzical eyes of Poe's partner, Ben wasted no time as he took Rey's hand to lead her towards the peaceful solitude of his chambers. The only sounds were their staccato heartbeats reverberating in their ears, and the clacking of their shoes in swift strides across the tile flooring echoed off the walls of the corridor, as they picked up the pace towards the stairs of the west wing.

Considering his determination and speed, Rey expected his lips to crash onto hers the instant they were within the seclusion of his chambers, but even that played out differently than what she initially expected. In fact, the entire mood regarding their usual endeavors was offset entirely from the atmosphere that was now hovering over them.

Ben swept her up into his arms, carrying Rey bridal style over the threshold of his bedroom located to the right of the antechamber as a separate space of its own. The room had a pleasantly warm, inviting charm to it. A granite and stone hearth positioned crossways to the massive canopy bed as they entered. Fortuitously, these were things she considered earlier that morning when she'd woken within the newfound surroundings.

Now, she had more important things to keep her mind occupied; such as the softness of Ben's lips briefly grazing hers as he carefully lowered her to her feet. A shiver crept through her body as it mourned the temporary loss of his warmth around her; even though Ben was right in front of her. His hands lingered at her waist.

Momentarily, one considered the other; each boring deep into the other's soul, searching for any lingering signs of doubt that this would abruptly end before any chance of engaging could happen. None of that was found - only the stamina to follow through with what they longed for to happen. It was the final act to physically show and prove to the other what words could never wholly express.

Ben swallowed thickly as he shrugged his arms free of the shawl, chucking it to the side with indifference of the fact that a single thread of its fabricated silk was likely worth more than all the rations, and findings Rey and Finn had acquired together throughout their years on Jakku.

Worrying her bottom lip between her teeth Rey reached for his crown. Not once breaking the stare down between them as she blindly, gingerly sat it upon the aged vanity occupying the space next to them. Only when her hands traveled to the bottom clasps of his coat did her eyes deviate from his, licking her lips in unnecessary concentration at what should've been such a simple task to accomplish. Her eyes narrowed at her trembling fingers, clearly not following what her brain was willing them to do.

She flinched when Ben's hands delicately took her hands into his, breaking her concentration. Her eyes quickly levitated to his, scoffing enhanced with a quizzical stare behind her gaze.

"Patience, Rey." He chided, but with more gentleness blanketing his tone in which offset it entirely from his usual scolding. He offered her a reassuring smile for assurance. "The night is ours now."

Rey considered him momentarily. A knowing smile crept across her face, replacing the scowl of fleeting frustration as Ben knelt before her on one knee, intending to relieve the garments in which tightly hugged her feet. Her hands were placed at his shoulders for balance, wavering slightly on one heel as the other had been removed. Carefully, his fingers unclasped the delicate fastener of the other.

Once her feet were free of the uncomfortable attire Ben considered her from his stance. He cocked his head subtly, brows furrowed in thought. His mouth fell slightly agape as if he wanted to speak something of importance, but his lips curled into a smirk as he settled for that of something far less weighty to verbalize.

"Did you ever think – there would be a time you'd have a king kneeling before you?"

Rey chewed her inner cheek, appearing deep in thought whilst twisting her mouth into an uncanny position. One hand remained on his shoulder as her other leisurely raked through his hair, smiling when coming to conclusion of her answer. "Just you, my king."

A warm toothy grin spread across Ben's face; something that was significantly rare to be seen on him but only Rey ever managed to provoke. He breathed shortly, rising from his kneeled position as he anticipated their next move.

Rey took the initiative, letting her hair down from the stylish do. Clearing her throat, her eyes deviated to the floor, lowering her chin as she raised her hands to remove the hairpiece from her hair. Her fingers fumbled for the pins securing the extravagant piece in place, blindly searching for what comically felt like rummaging for a buried treasure. Once she managed to successfully remove all fragments from her hair, Rey sat the article of elegance next to his crown. Her fingers raked through her hair, searching for any lingering pins she might have missed while simultaneously freeing her hair of the ornate braids.

A moment of awkward silence lingered between them. Rey swallowed thickly, gathering her hair to one side she offered him a sheepish grin whilst gesturing suggestively with her eyes to help with her dress.

"Can you help me?" She inquired softly in consternation.

Apprehensively, Ben considered her before his brain managed to catch up with her blatant implication. It wasn't as if he hadn't helped her rid of clothing before.

So, Gods – why in the hell was he so nervous?

After what considerably felt like minutes of absentminded staring he moved leisurely behind her. Gulping down his nerves, Ben placed a steady hand at her shoulder; the other began lowering the zipper in which securely held her dress together.

Rey's breath hitched at his touch. She closed her eyes, focusing on steadying the wave of uprising nerves as she felt the snugness of the gown fall noticeably lax. A cold chill shuddered up her spine at the bare exposure of her skin without the dress' concealment. Her breathing gradually accelerated. Her arms hanging loosely at her sides prominently revealed the unsteady rise and fall of her shoulders, and chest as she felt the softness of Ben's hands on her unclothed shoulders.

Slowly, Ben pushed the sleeves down her arms. His heart pounded harder by the minute in his chest as he helped relieve Rey of her attire; furthermore revealing the numerous discolored and disfigured blemishes marking the sun kissed skin of her back as the dress fell to the floor, leaving her completely bare before his eyes.

His gaze melted from concentration into awe at her figure whilst his heart sunk at the realization that he hadn't noticed the scars before now. Regardless, Ben was all the more grateful that she would never have to endure such adversity like what she had faced before for as long as either of them lived. Despite the scars she carried outward, it wasn't nearly enough to deter his thoughts from considering how beautiful she was. If anything, it made him appreciate her tenacity and indomitable character all the more.

Rey hadn't noticed she was holding her breath until she felt the warmth of Ben's hands come into contact with the bare skin of her waist, issuing her a gentle squeeze in reassurance. She closed her eyes, sinking back into the fabric covering his chest as she wallowed in his touch. Her knees fell weak, wobbly and wavering as his plush lips trailed softly down the incline of her neck. The warmth of his breath flush against her skin prompted a shuddered moan deep from her throat.

"You're so beautiful." He whispered; voice throaty at the baritone octave in which he spoke.

Rey curled her lips up into that of a more expressive smile, feeling her body wither away at the sensation of his lips ghosting over her skin. Her face fell subtly sheepish, a little self-conscious of her appearance as she turned around to face him. Her hands cupped the back of his neck, threading her fingers together as she considered him momentarily, cocking her head subtly to the side.

"Would it be weird of me to say I think you're beautiful, too?"

Ben chuckled lightly, shaking his head before his hands gripped her hips. Abruptly, but in a single fluid motion, he hoisted her up to his waist.

Instinctively, Rey enveloped her legs around his hips. A small squeak in protest escaped her lips before Ben quickly silenced her with his mouth, smashing into hers. His hands, steadily gripped under her thighs for support as he carried her the short distance to his bed – their bed.

A shuddered breath escaped her lips, sighing contentedly she marveled over the heat of his mouth surrounding hers. Momentarily, her thoughts diverted to the softness of the plush coverlet underneath her naked form; only for her awareness to return to Ben – still fully clothed – as he hovered above her.

Rey cradled her face in her hands as Ben cupped a hand to her jaw. His other hand was pressed into the mattress for support. Their lips simultaneously crashed together, kissing the other in a fervent frenzy to satisfy their craving of the other.

A whimper in protest escaped her lips as she felt Ben's absence from hers, but that momentary disappointment was overshadowed as his mouth descended to the swell of her breast, to the peak of her nipple.

Carefully, Ben took her in his mouth, alternative intently with sucking and teasing her with the tip of his tongue.

Rey mewled in gratification of his touch, raking both hands through his hair she gently nudged him towards ache rising at her core.

His attention broke away from her breast, momentarily, Ben quirked a brow towards her with a devious grin. Licking his lips, briefly in thought, he leisurely trailed to the apex of her thighs. He led Rey with the incessant need of bringing her over the edge of her climax, and back in ways that she never believed a mouth and pair of hands could be capable of.

The room spun around her. Her mind so deliriously drunk with pleasure she could no longer cry out his name in a coherent language. Her bones turned to rubber as her muscles shook, rendering her temporarily immobile and gasping for air once he was finished.

It wasn't until Rey felt the soft, gentleness of his hand at her jaw line and neck when she felt her mind teeter from the feeble mind frame to that of significantly less hazy. His lips were soft and tender against hers, whispering hushed sounds to cajole her back to the present; enough for her to become aware of his presence once again.

Rey descended from her high; unable to stifle the soft giggle in acknowledgment to his persistency. Momentarily, they considered one another before Ben purposely pulled himself away, realizing that he was still fully clothed. Rey watched him undress, completely captivated and mesmerized with every movement he made as if he were the most fascinating person in the galaxy.

It wasn't until he was completely bare before her when her mind absorbed every line of muscle, every imperfection in his skin.

Realization of what they'd prepared for ceased to dawn upon her until Ben positioned himself between her thighs, making the reality of what was about to happen all the more prominent. The intensity behind his gaze bore right through hers. The fiery evidence that was their love for one another as each prepared mentally to give a piece of their self in the most personal, intimate manner either had ever experienced.

Ben considered the evident apprehension amid the crease of her furrowed brows. His heart beat rapidly; its fleeting, unsteady rhythm resounding in his ears as he lowered himself onto her, baring the majority of his weight on his forearms so as to not intentionally crush her. Before he could enact further a relative key element regarding intercourse sent a red flag waving ahead of his thoughts.

"Rey, are we -?"

"Protected?" Rey finished for him, realizing she had completely forgotten to mention such an important detail. "Yes, actually – I got the implant shortly after we arrived yesterday."

Ben quirked his brows, stunned at the unexpected admission. His mouth opened to question as to what conjured her to enact upon it then, but then reconsidered the reasoning as no longer important. Instead, he simply nodded in acknowledgement as he took a deep breath, calming himself for what they were about to do.

"Are you ready?"

Rey swallowed heavily, attempting to keep her nerves to a minimum as she waited with anticipation for what was to come. Her hands gripped his shoulders tightly, securing herself to him before responding with a reassuring nod.

"I'm ready." She stated serenely. She had expected the first time to hurt, considering how snug his fingers had felt inside of her during their first moment of pleasurable exchange.

Ben kept his eyes on hers, not once breaking their contact as he took himself in hand, aligning the head up with her folds, tentatively brushing over her clit.

Her muscles tensed expectantly, apprehensive. Her body quivered as she felt him tease her slickness with his cock, momentarily before he leisurely and gently pushed into her with a shuddering growl, causing a short gasp to escape her lips.

She winced slightly at the feeling of his fullness entering her, stretching her inner walls to accommodate his width. As quickly as the pain had come, quickly it subsided into a more bearable, discomforting pressure.

A gratified moan coursed through his chest as Ben felt the tightness of her around him. An electrifying current pulsated between them at their connection, sending a stimulating wave of erratic ecstasy through his body he'd never experienced until now.

Before he pushed any further Ben paused momentarily to consider the trepidation in her eyes, noticing it fade into a sense of refined composure.

"Are you okay?" He inquired hesitantly; not wanting to continue until she assured him of her comfort. He still had a long way to go before he was fully inside of her, and the last thing he wanted to do was hurt her however unintentional that would be. He placed his hand gently to her side, grazing his thumb over her skin in a reassuring, circular motion.

Rey nodded briefly in acquiescence, swallowing thickly. "I'm okay. The worst has already passed, I think." She reassured, offering him a trivial smile. "Just go slow."

Ben regarded her apprehensively, searching her eyes for any sign that she was only feeling obligated to continue. Purposely, the fleeting presence of her mind brushing against his was enough initiative for him to believe Rey still wanted this just as much as he did.

Rey removed one hand from his shoulder to rake her fingers through his hair, pushing the chunks of locks hanging in his face back as she pulled him down for a kiss. Her encouraging motion only gave Ben the essential need to drive further into her.

His hand remaining at her waist gingerly massaged her as a further comforting gesture. His heightened senses allowed him to perceive her slightest flinch in discomfort. Her subtle whimpers trembling against his lips prompted him to pause, allowing her body time to adjust to him before he made the final thrust.

Ben clenched his eyes shut as his jaw fell slack, burying his face into the crook of her neck he tried to keep his focus on the sweet scent of her aroma as a distraction from coming prematurely. His muscles trembled, noting how Rey arched her back into him, and the mewl resonating through her lips with assured pleasure as he thrust his entirety into her, fulfilling her completely with an acknowledging grunt.

"Oh Gods, Rey," he murmured with a shuddered breath into her neck. "You feel so good."

Rey swallowed heavily, reveling in his praise as her hand tangled in his hair, tugging slightly in agreement. Her other hand gripped his shoulder blade uncertain as to whether her nails digging into his skin were causing any pain as her senses were too focused on the slow motion of him pulling out of her, only to abruptly thrust his cock back into her. ​

When the initial sensation of his fullness imbued a discomforting pressure it quickly faded into eminent pleasure. Momentarily, she marveled in the rapture of feeling him move inside of her before taking the initiative to meet his thrusts with her own hips.

The sudden motion promptly brought Ben to attention, stiffly cementing his hips to hers with only a shuddered groan. Rey froze in place, scoffing at the thought that she had hurt him in some way even though for her it felt undeniably incredible.

"Shit – I'm so sorry!" She affirmed assertively, panic showing prominently through her worried tone.

"Fuck. No, Rey," he quipped, breathlessly, afraid to move for fear he may completely come undone right then. Momentarily, he remained steadfast in place before pulling back just enough to address her concern. "Please don't apologize. That felt good – really good."

Apprehensively, Rey chuckled at the apparent awkwardness that lingered between them, feeling better about the idea in which she spontaneously enacted upon. As abrupt as the humiliation came on it quickly faded as Ben sought to find a steady pace.

Rey met his motions with hers. Her thighs clenched tightly around his waist as she moved in unison with his thrusts. She was far from reaching her peak, but the prominent redness crossing Ben's cheeks, and his rapidly growing panting in her ear, made it clear that his wits were hanging on by a thread.

Blindly reaching for his hand Rey offered a tender squeeze as she massaged the back of his neck with her other hand. Momentarily, it was her way of wordlessly encouraging him further towards his peak.

"It's okay," she whispered intently into his ear. "You can let go."

She didn't have to tell him twice. Gritting his teeth, his muscles shuddered as the tumultuous fury as his orgasm coursed through every muscle of his body. His labored breathing became shallow as he collapsed on top her, bearing in mind to hinder his weight from crushing her.

Rey gently massaged the plane of his back, offering hushed sounds of comfort to coax him down from his high. Slight disappointment briefly meandered to the forefront of her thoughts of not being close enough so that she could have peaked with him, however that was almost instantly replaced with the overwhelming sense of awe. For the brief moment she held him in her arms all Rey could do was grin stupidly at what they had just done; satisfied with every moment that had occurred.

Ben blinked, while marveling in the feeling of her comforting gesture he couldn't help but feel disappointed at his own performance. He had tried to hold on long enough to bring her over the edge with him but hadn't quite made it. Begrudgingly, he wordlessly cursed under his breath for giving in to that seemingly selfish weakness.

"Rey," he started, bearing his weight on his arms he rose to meet her gaze. "I'm so sorry."

Rey eyed him quizzically, quirking a brow. "For what?"

Ben swallowed thickly, his expression grim. "For it not being good for you. At least let me make it up to you, somehow."

A knowing expression played across her face as Rey offered him a reassuring smile. Gently, she brushed his damp hair back from framing his face. "Ben," she stated shortly, still quite breathless. "It wasn't all bad. Once I got used to it, it was undoubtedly amazing."

Ben huffed shortly in relief, allowing the guilt to pass he pressed his lips tentatively to hers. His mouth, lingering long enough to feel the fleeting notion of her lips, curling into a smile. Ben broke the kiss, pulling back just enough to consider the fulfilled expression on her face. His heart swelled with devotion, affectionately, his hand cupped her cheek before pressing his lips to hers once again.

Rey hummed satisfyingly against his lips, marveling in the prolonged moment of intimacy. Gingerly, Ben pulled out of her to take up the space lying next to her. An inaudible whimper escaped her lips at the feeling of him no longer being inside of her; only the presence of a satisfyingly dull ache.

"I will make it up to you, Rey." Ben affirmed earnestly.

Rey smiled knowingly, settling herself against his chest she breathed in the heat of his skin blended with the usual musky scent. With one hand, settling upon his chest she stroked the line of his collarbone absentmindedly with her fingers, sighing contentedly.

"Like you said – we have the whole night to ourselves, Ben. Now, it's time to rest."

Ben acknowledged her with a subtle smirk. His arm draped lazily over her hip. Somewhere within the moment between his absentminded circles that he traced over her skin and hearing Rey's satisfied hums in return, they both succumbed to the darkness behind their eyelids.

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When Rey woke a matter of hours later sleep was exceptionally the last thought on her mind as she considered Ben's sleeping form next to her. Tentatively, her lips brushed against his, purposely coaxing him awake. The fleeting sensation of his lips moving with hers prompted her to sigh contentedly, satisfyingly, knowing she had succeeded in her mission. Her hips bucked subtly against his as their kiss deepened, goading him to acknowledge her craving of more than just the taste of his mouth.

"I want to try something." He whispered; his voice gruff, hinting at the sleep still lingering within him.

Ben positioned them, guiding her hips as they kneeled with him in position behind her. He gently coaxed her back against his chest, one hand skimming up to caress her neck. Leisurely, he drove into her with a more substantial ease as her body had become more accustomed to his presence in hers; as if her body had been completely remolded for his.

A throaty moan of pleasure resonated from their chests at the newfound position and angle. Ben steadied his weight with one hand, firmly planted into the mattress. The other across her chest, purposely pressing her back against his chest as his hips ground deeper into her.

Sometime within their salacious activity Rey had unwaveringly melted into the sheets below her down onto her elbows and pressing her shoulders into the mattress as her hand reached back to hold his hip. Ben's breathy grunts heavily overshadowing her ill-suppressed whimpers into the pillow, moaning at the exceedingly amount of pleasure of the spot he meticulously seemed to hit with each thrust.

"Ben..." She gasped, realizing her breathing aligned with his as she felt that familiar sensation, rising within her core.

"Come with me, my love." He asserted softly between short stilted breaths.

His fingers intertwined with hers as Ben felt her walls tighten around him. Their bodies simultaneously convulsing at the peak of their orgasms as Ben continued meeting her hips, riding out the pleasure to the end.

Rey acknowledged him with a tired smile as Ben collapsed next to her. His arm outstretched, allowing her to settle into his side. Their sweat drenched bodies blended together, focusing on the other's breathing to steady the sporadic breaths of their own. Their muscles now spent; exhaustion prompted them into slumber.