Farm country: a world where buildings morphed into trees, and cemented roads merged with gravel and dirt. Stop signs, billboards, and street lights were traded for parallel lines of corn and beans, and pedestrians on sidewalks for cows grazing in open pastures. Rey never thought she'd find a farmer's combine fascinating until she got to see one in action, combing its way through rows upon rows of corn for the approaching autumn's harvest.

There were plantations where a single piece of machinery or vehicle couldn't be seen, where combines were replaced with massive draft horses pulling plows and horse-drawn buggies were the sole means of transportation. What she found highly amusing was the laundry holding display on primeval clothing lines: men's simple button-up shirts, women's skirts, and underwear alike. Ben called them 'Amish,' saying that this was their half of the rural regions before they managed to make it back to the 21st century sector of the countryside.

Ironically, it was a world Rey never thought she'd fit in, yet it all started with the choice to take a course in Agriculture – and meeting one very specific teacher.

That was before the jitters started settling in her stomach, intensifying with every turn that Ben made from each winding road that reminded her where they were going.

"What if they don't like me?" Rey asked unconfidently, gazing out the truck's passenger window at a home with a lone horse grazing in its pasture.

"They're horses, Rey." Ben remarked, smiling crookedly at the windshield. "I can assure that you have nothing to worry about."

Rey rolled her eyes, providing him an annoyed look. "I meant your parents."

"Again, you have nothing to worry about."

Rey cinched her brows at the center, pondering her words for a drawn-out moment. "I just – I don't know," she sighed, looking at her laced fingers in her lap. "Maybe this wasn't such a good idea."

Ben frowned, prying his focus from the road to steal a glance in her direction. "I can still turn around," he offered, nearly whispering. "We're not there, yet."

Rey failed to answer at first. Here, she'd spent the last 48-hours longing for this opportunity and was already on the verge of blowing her initial chance to spend a full day with Ben.

"If it's any consolation to you, I'm nervous, too." Ben admitted as the edge underlying his tone broke the long stretch of silence.

Rey finally looked at him, surprised. "Really?"

Ben nodded, keeping his eyes on the road. "Like hell."

Rey considered him, feeling more at ease that she wasn't the only occupant in the vehicle that was nervous. The former taut muscles in her face gradually loosened as the corners of her lips tugged a smile, permitting the former butterflies in her stomach to subside.

"Why?" She asked, suddenly curious if it was relative to her own unease.

Ben drew in a breath, propping his elbow upon the driver's side window ledge whilst adjusting his weight uncomfortably in the seat. "It's not that I'm worried what they'll think of you," he scoffed, striving to conceal the grimace by chewing the inside of his cheek. "It's quite the contrary."

Rey blinked in bewilderment. "I'm not quite sure I follow? Why would you worry about what I would think?"

There was that question, again – why. It was a word that started to become a plague to his thoughts whenever he found himself thinking about her; which was roughly 99 percent of the time when Ben wasn't trying to concentrate on work-related matters.

But regarding her question, perhaps he wanted Rey to like his parents and, maybe, it was him feeling the pressure that this meeting would ultimately make or break this connection he had with her. She was the only girl that he ever felt the need to bring home, allowing her to see this world that he always tried to keep separate from prior relationships that ultimately failed.

Aside from Rey meeting his parents – there was Kylo. To say that Ben was nervous how the temperamental stallion would take to her made him sound more pathetic than he already did in his thoughts. That still wasn't the worst half of it all: they weren't even dating nor did it seem likely they ever would. Ben was beginning to believe he was enjoying this psychological torment he'd inadvertently got himself into.

However, all of those things were much too complicated to explain at the moment. They were quickly arriving upon the junction that led to the ranch. Ben had to settle for an explanation that was simple, something that remained somewhat close to the truth as he made the left turn.

"My father was in an accident several years ago," Ben explained tentatively. "Let's just say, considering his condition, his pride appears to be what suffered the most. Try not to take too much of what he says to heart."

Rey conceded with a nod, drawing in her bottom lip between her teeth. "What happened?"

Ben winced, recalling the vivid memory. "A horse took a tumble; unfortunately, my father just happened to be the one riding it," he explained, promptly changing the topic as he took another turn directly off the main stretch of dirt road. "We're here."

Rey's interest veered to the front of the vehicle. Pushing all queries regarding Ben's parents aside, she was immersed in a world that looked as if she leapt directly into the novelization of Black Beauty. Jaw falling slack, it drew her lips to gape in awe at the magnificently rich, green pastures carpeting the landscape that was Solo-Skywalker Ranch.

Maple and oak trees, whose leaves were just starting to change in honor of the approaching fall season, provided exquisite scenery to the backdrop. In fact, it was the most green Rey admitted to have seen in her life. Lost within a trans-like state, she didn't realize that she'd muttered the words out loud, encouraging a knowing expression to grow on Ben's face when he granted himself a look in her direction.

Stationed at the center of weather-wooded fences that lined individual grazing fields (which occupied a dozen or so horses moseying about the lush turf) was a circular, dirt-layered arena that was specifically used for training.

The heart of the ranch was the house stationed at the end of a long, cement-paved drive to the left of the main horse paddock: a two-story with dual garage doors and French-style paned windows. The foundation was lined in grey granite stone, accenting the weathered cedar siding with stained wooden trim along the roof as well as providing an elaborate arched design at the main peaks and above the home's main entrance. A stone hearth was at the far end of the residence near the front doorway. Small shrubs lined the front door's main walkway. At the back of the house, Rey could see what she initially guessed to be the barn's steeple peeping from beyond the roof.

"How big is this place?" Rey asked, her voice sounding dazed and afar from gawking.

"About 14 acres," Ben affirmed, smirking when Rey regarded him with an astonished look as he put the truck into park. "That also includes the 6 acres of riding trails at the back half of the property."

"It sounds amazing," Rey commented, smiling in wonder. "Do you think we would have time to do that today?"

"First things first, you need to know how to ride to tackle some of those trails."

"Oh, I wonder where I could possibly find someone to teach me," she goaded. Cocking her head, she grinned mischievously whilst placing a pointer finger against the jut of her jaw.

Ben chuckled at her persistence. "How about if I just show you around first and we'll go from there?" He challenged, fueling her tenacity. "Anyways, there is someone that I would like for you to meet."

Rey eyed him skeptically; falling in sync with Ben as they wordlessly unbuckled and exited the truck. She paused for a moment, taking in the subtle smell of freshly burning brush far off in the distance that had been captured within the morning's gentle breeze as she closed the door to the old classic.

"Is it another family member, perhaps?" She called from over the hood, meeting Ben in front of the Chevy emblem on the truck's grill.

"Something along those lines, yes." Ben assured cryptically, shoving his hands into his pockets. He urged her to follow with an advising jerk of his head, leading them around the closest side of the house to the far eastern back lot of the property, precisely where Rey had guessed the barn to be.

As if Rey didn't believe she could be anymore awed by the beauty of this place, the mere sight of the barn was enough to make her envious of the animals it traditionally inhabited.

The rustic-looking lodge had two massive barn doors positioned on a rolling track, each brandishing a large angel hair vine wreath that mirrored the opposite door's lower midriff. Two steeples (one narrower than the other in width) were placed centralized to the roof's peak. Decorative shrubs and two small pear trees with a variety of perennials in small flower beds elaborately furnished the gravel-paved pathway, just outside the barn's colossal entrance.

The interior of the barn was as equally stunning as its outer appearance. Massive beams alternated crossing lengthwise to angling upright towards the lofty ceiling. Brick paving served as a melodramatic walkway down the center with eight wrought-iron stalls strategically lining the left side of the barn and another four to the right at the far end, leading to more fenced-in pastures that Rey could see from where she and Ben were standing.

And the lighting...the lighting was provided by old-fashioned lanterns situated above the gate to each stall. If Rey hadn't known any better, she never would've guessed horses would be housed here later on in the day.

Aside from the cleanliness of the place, there was a potent blend of freshly polished leather extending from the open prep area at the right upon entering: where every bridle, saddle and other necessities for horses, riders, and staff was kept. The aroma easily blended with the dusty and slightly sweet-smelling earthy scent of freshly bailed hay, manure, and horse sweat lingering in the barn's atmosphere.

The slightest intake of breath was enough for the stench to awaken every one of Rey's senses. Regardless of being a very unpleasant odor in essence, it was exactly how Ben smelled the night before. It should've made her scrunch her nose like it previously did, but, instead, it made Rey smile in commemoration. It was enough to make her ponder whether Ben had dropped everything that he'd been doing to come to her time in need, or if he had just started to settle down after a long day's work – school and ranch alike.

Ben offered Rey a pair of rubber slop boots in exchange to save her converse sneakers from treading through unforeseen piles of 'horse bombs' scattered sporadically throughout the property.

"So, who are we seeing that we're getting so dolled up for?" Rey teased, arching a brow at Ben whilst folding her arms over her chest. She stood brazenly in front of him, bending a knee to display the newly acquired footwear.

"Getting impatient, are we?" Ben countered, evoking an agitated groan from Rey while pulling on boots similar to hers.

"Why the big secret?" Rey scoffed, lifting her chin as Ben rose to his full height.

Ben nodded towards the entrance at the opposing end. "You'll see here in a second, this way. At least, I'm assuming he's out here. I didn't see him out front when we came in."

"Who?" Rey asked, following alongside him with piqued curiosity.

Ben made a clicking sound out of the corner of his mouth, like he was calling for someone that couldn't be seen beyond the shelter's interior. Rey would've asked what it was for had it not been for the soft whinny responding from the pasture outside the barn's southern exit. Slowing her stride at the slope in the concrete just outside the massive doorframe, she gazed in awestruck at the majestic animal trudging through the pasture at a leisure pace. His head was held low, bobbing along subtly with each stride.

"Ben," Rey exerted in a breath, "is that - ?"

"Kylo," Ben confirmed, greeting the animal with a smirk that arrived at the fence within a matter of seconds after seeing his master as Kylo had urged himself into a quick trot. Rey considered the sweet reunion as watching someone welcome home a long lost friend, like it had been years since the horse last saw Ben rather than a matter of hours.

Seeing Kylo in person paled in contrast to what Rey had imagined him to be, having never set eyes upon a horse wholly covered from head to hoof in a coat that was as black as onyx. A wild mane framed his face and neck in finely trimmed layers of waves, offsetting a body that was darker than burning blocks of coal.

Then, there were Kylo's eyes, resembling windows to a gentle yet tattered soul speckled with blotches of a light honey-colored brown. His face was divided by a scar that left the right side of his mug features and neck painfully disfigured, making her heart sink in wonder of what his story entailed.

"He is beautiful," Rey confessed, setting an imploring gaze on Ben. "Can I?"

Ben considered her wish, hesitancy blatantly engulfing his features as he looked from Rey to Kylo. Flexing his jaw, he placed a comforting hand at the base of the horse's muscular neck, gently patting him for reassurance.

"Steady," Ben murmured softly, extending the other hand for Rey's.

Rey didn't know what to expect when she accepted Ben's silent offer. She held her breath, tuning the world out around her as Ben guided her hand, replacing his with hers upon Kylo's neck. Rey smiled, laughing proudly when she felt the coarse texture of horse hair beneath the pads of her fingers and palm.

Ben's hand remained on hers, but only for a moment as Kylo shifted nervously on his hooves and exerted an acknowledging grunt that prompted his nostrils to flair, making Rey flinch at the unexpected sound.

"Steady," Ben coaxed, running his free hand over the narrow velvety incline of Kylo's snout. When all seemed well and apparent that the horse was calm, Ben retrieved his hand from Rey's.

Setting all apprehension aside of how the initial meeting with Rey and Kylo would play out, Ben was taken aback and speechless. He heaved a sigh in relief, allowing himself to release air he hadn't realized his lungs had been holding. Since Kylo had come into the ranch's possession he was truly incapable of remembering any moment that the horse had bonded so well with another human that wasn't him.

"I think he likes you," Ben pointed out, cracking a smile to Rey.

A smile of her own beamed across Rey's cheeks. She laughed, oblivious to having glossy eyes while she gazed up at the magnificent animal, mindlessly caressing his coat and imprinting the feeling into her mind for keeps. "I think it's safe to say the feeling is mutual," she agreed, sniffing. "Can we ride him?"

Ben drew in a deep breath, feigning apprehension by stating the truth. "I should probably wash him up first. I was supposed to yesterday and never got around to it. We might not get to by the time he dries out."

Rey nodded, disappointed but understanding Ben's reason. "Can I help?"

"Absolutely," Ben affirmed. "I'll grab his bridle quick."

Her eyes trailed after Ben, silently watching him make a quick jog to the barn. "Can I tell you a secret?" She asked, returning her sights back to Kylo, eyeing him imploringly as if the horse withheld capabilities to carry on a civilized conversation with her. "But you can't tell him, okay?"

Kylo remained motionless, other than the casual ear flick to the side as if listening intently to every word Rey was saying. She took it as a sign that he agreed.

Rey grinned, snickering lightly. "Okay, this is between you and me. But I kinda like him – a lot."

Kylo snorted, turning his head askance in her direction. His head bobbed slightly, suddenly seeming interested in a patch of grass by her feet that he couldn't reach from behind the fence. Rey laughed and patted him gently on what would be his shoulder.

"Glad to know we have an understanding."

**

Rey ambled alongside Ben as he led Kylo to the external cleaning station located at the eastern side of the barn. Deciding to play it safe as he wasn't certain how Kylo would react to another person cleaning him, Ben instructed Rey to take charge holding the lead rope, ensuring that Kylo would stay in place while Ben worked. Rey was less enthused about the seemingly boring job; however, she dubbed it best to not second guess Ben's reasoning, bearing in mind the reputation that Kylo obtained.

Ben discarded his glasses and plaid shirt on a nearby bench. Truthfully, watching Ben hose the horse down was like witnessing Rose shopping at the mall: it was pure fucking torture. He was wearing a white tee-shirt with sleeves that clung greatly to his biceps, rising far enough above the waistline of his jeans whenever Ben lifted his arms to reveal the dark trail of hair traveling from his navel.

Drawing the side of her bottom lip with an incisor Rey felt the blood rush to her cheeks, causing an unfamiliar fermented ache between her thighs as thoughts of what lie beneath that dark denim began scourging her brain.

Unfortunately, all good things were never meant to last for long as a shower of freezing tap water hosed down the front of her attire. Rey yelped at the sudden cold rush, lowering her chin to see that the front of her white baseball tee with navy quarter-sleeves was now completely drenched – and exposing the pink bra with polka dots adorned underneath.

"Shit! Fuck – Rey, I am so..." Ben immediately lost his words, realizing the unfortunate mishap while bathing Kylo had clearly taken its toll over Rey's attire. His face took on a vibrant shade of red when he saw what had certainly not been for him to see as Rey folded her arms over her chest, giving him a nervous laugh in hopes of easing the awkward tension.

"What happened?" She inquired, trying not to sound harsh.

Ben Solo was at a fucking loss for words, until his brain finally managed to compute what just happened and that he'd been shamelessly staring at Kylo's handy work. "I – uh – sorry," he cleared his throat self-consciously, proceeding to explain. "Blame it on the horse. He found it funny to snatch the hose. I couldn't react fast enough."

Rey looked to see Kylo standing tall and proud, unbothered of the fact that his little antic had caused a momentary (and embarrassing) catastrophe. She couldn't help but chuckle at the sight, allowing the initial accusatory look to subside.

"You're lucky I'm a big forgiver," Rey stated as a matter of fact.

Ben swallowed heavily, purposely fixing his attention on the prior task. "You can borrow my shirt," he offered, considering her warily through his peripheral. "You can use the first stall on the left to change if you want. There's nothing in it."

Rey happily accepted his offer; regardless if the shirt he'd loaned her in exchange for the sopping rag of the other easily devoured her lean figure. She made better use of the significant size difference and left a few of the bottom clasps unbuttoned to tie the ends together, fashionably forcing the garment to conform to her tiny waist size. She rolled the sleeves so that they now came below her elbows instead of dangling a foot past her fingertips.

She may have also given the shirt an unabashed sniff, acknowledging the subtle musky scent lingering inside the collar that seemed to bring on a new wave of warm fuzzies.

Ben nodded his approval when Rey rejoined him a few moments later at the cleaning station.

"I think you wear it best," Rey teased lightly, feeling relaxed again.

Ben cracked an uneven grin, permitting all prior insecurity to recede. "I disagree, but I think it could be left open for debate."

Rey nodded and laughed, making sure she was more aware of Kylo's movements rather than eye fucking Ben when she retained to pick up where they left off and hold the horse's lead. They fell into a companionable silence as Ben finished bathing Kylo; which the horse now smelled handsomely like oatmeal in opposition to – well, shit – for lack of better terminology.

"Are you hungry?" Ben asked, confident that he'd heard Rey's stomach growl from the other side of the corral after returning Kylo to his pasture.

Rey huffed, exerting a dramatic sigh. "I thought you would never ask. Those two breakfast burritos didn't last long."

Ben chuckled, agreeing with the notion as he led the way to the house after depositing their muck boots in the barn and Rey's soggy shirt in the truck.

Rey had barely made it through the front door of the residence when a wave that reeked of freshly baked cookies with a hint of cinnamon tickled her senses, causing her to slowly pass through the Solo's open foyer and take in the smell of homemade snicker doodles. It was a memory she'd left forgotten in the deepest recess of her thoughts since her mother died.

The bittersweet memory triggered a whole new round of unsolicited emotions: ones that Rey never thought could be renewed as she stopped outside what she considered to be the dwelling's main sitting area to take in her newfound surroundings, ignoring the fact that Ben had continued into the neighboring sector that was the dining room and kitchen.

There was hospitable warmth wielded beyond the rustic décor and vintage western-style rugs lying on the barn wood planks for flooring. The atmosphere itself rendered a feeling that Rey considered to be almost foreign, mulling over the initial concept whilst gawking at the floor-to-high-ceiling stone fireplace in the living room. Rey wondered how many times Ben had spent his evenings reading books or building blanket forts in the living room with a vaulted ceiling, completely disregarding the room's lone occupant in the process.

"Hey, Ben is that –." The man's words abruptly ended midsentence, pivoting at his waist in the wheelchair stationed along the room's front window with a built-in reading nook to see Rey. "Oh," he said, realization emerging across his elderly features. "You're definitely not Ben."

Rey flinched, embarrassingly startled by the unexpected inhabitant whilst chiding herself for possessing the inability to examine rooms for an occupant before snooping. She gave a hesitant laugh, agreeing. "No, I'm definitely not."

"Ah," he scoffed, setting aside the unforeseen book that had been in his lap onto bench of the window's alcove. Hands gripping the top portion of the chair's wheels, he rotated the chair to better see his guest, mumbling some indecipherable words along the way. "You must be a new rider around here – got a name kid?"

Rey blinked, confusion panning over her face. It occurred to her then, considering the man wearing a navy pin-striped oxford tucked inside dark denim jeans with hair covered in grey, thought her to be a student.

Which she was – technically.

"Oh! Oh, um – no, I'm not a rider," she explained, gulping. "I'm a friend of Ben's."

That's what she was – right?

The man's grim expression turned elevated, quirking a corner of his mouth into a grin. "You must Rey."

Rey drew a breath, stumbling over her words in shock. How did he know?

"Yes," she replied, intending to not be rude and stare incompetently. She proceeded to enlighten him further, gesturing her hand towards the object he'd placed down a few seconds prior. "I apologize if I bothered you Mr. –."

"Han," he corrected promptly. "Please, call me Han. The whole prefix thing makes me sound older than I am actually."

Rey laughed, feeling easy with the added humor. "It is a pleasure to meet you then, Han. And I'm assuming that you're Ben's father?"

Han looked wounded, "What gave you that idea?"

Rey blinked again, having not considered the fact that this man could've been a step-parent or other family member. "Oh! I guess, I just assu–."

"I'm just messin' with ya." Han explained, chuckling at her credulous personality. "You hungry kid? I think my wife was getting around to making some sandwiches or something in the kitchen."

Rey nodded, letting Han lead the way from the room to the aforementioned area of the house, nearly colliding with Ben's bulky form when they rounded the doorway of the dining room.

"I think you lost someone." Han called over his shoulder, acknowledging that his son was probably going to look for her.

Ben rolled his eyes, arching a brow at the fact that Rey had accompanied his father. "Everything okay?"

Rey nodded, exerting a sigh. "I really need to make it a habit to not gawk in rooms without looking first."

"You didn't call him a prick did you?"

Rey snorted, "No! I learned my lesson the first time."

Ben chuckled, escorting Rey the remaining distance to where his mother was in the kitchen. "Are peanut butter and jelly sandwiches okay?"

Rey nodded, appearing elated about the menu. "It sounds amazing. Anything sounds better than the usual take out and microwavable dinners that I typically have."

Ben grimaced, "All the time?"

Rey nodded again, however spared from having to explain her aunt was an adverse workaholic when Ben's mother, Leia, caught sight of their new guest. If there was any doubt lingering at the back of Rey's thoughts in regards of what his parents would think of her, the apprehension had finally been put to a sudden rest.

Leia immediately greeted her with open arms and a smile that was far warmer than Rey initially expected, like they'd known her for years rather than just meeting her. If she had to be honest, Ben appeared to be just as relieved as she was – if not more.

"I hope peanut butter and jelly is okay, Rey?" Leia asked hopefully, turning back to her meal preparations as Rey claimed the seat next to Ben (across from Han) at the table in the integrated dining room. "It's quick when you have to constantly be on the go around here. There's also fresh vegetables and dip from the market."

"It sounds fantastic," Rey replied enthusiastically. "Are those snicker doodles that I smell?"

Leia nodded, seeming proud. "It's my mother's recipe – all made from scratch. They're Ben's favorite as well."

Rey turned to Ben, seeing him cock a smile at the corner of his lips.

"Would it be selfish of me if I claimed dibs on all of them?" Rey teased, giving him a cheeky grin.

Ben snorted, deciding to play along. "Just a little, but you may have some competition."

Rey's grin grew wider, "Challenge accepted."

"Has Ben gotten to show you much of the ranch today, Rey?" Leia asked, having moved closer to place a fine piece of Blue Willow dinnerware with a reasonable amount of freshly picked vegetables to accompany two sandwiches. She proceeded to set down the container of vegetable dip with a serving spoon at the center of the table that had been in the other hand's grasp.

"Not too much, yet. What I could see though from the drive and rear half of the barn, you have a beautiful property." Rey explained; kindly thanking Leia when she returned with plates meant for her and Ben.

Leia smiled proudly, mirroring Han's expression.

"And the horses?" Han asked, intrigued what Rey had to say.

Rey scoffed, casting an expectant look to Ben. "Just Kylo," she admitted, turning back to Han. "He's gorgeous. I've never seen a horse quite like him."

A heavy sound of silence filled the room, prompting Ben to immediately meet Han's glare upon the mentioning of an animal that was primarily avoided at any discussion around the table – or any time for that matter.

It didn't take the need for having knowledge of rocket science for Rey to notice the tension building between Ben and his father. Frowning, she realized that she'd inadvertently reignited a flame underneath an already hot and simmering kettle.

"You just couldn't resist taking her there, could you?" Han snapped bitterly; eyes filled to the brim with disappointment and fixed on Ben.

Ben set his jaw, fighting harsh words he'd been known to retort within the past whenever the subject of Kylo had been brought up. "He was fine today. She just held the lead while I gave him the bath."

"I don't give a damn if he didn't flick an ear at a blow fly that horse is the biggest liability on this ranch. Think about Rey here, Ben. Do you want her to end up like –."

"I said I had him under control," Ben sneered through gritted teeth, cutting Han's words off. "He was fine."

Leia quickly took the queue for damage control, fixing a sharp look at her husband with words piercing just as harsh. "Han, that's enough."

Han didn't repent, grumbling loud enough for Ben to hear whilst returning to the plate of food before him. "That horse should've been put down a long time ago."

Rey held her breath, considering the murderous look on Ben's face and eerily calm rise and fall of his shoulders. Judging by what she could see from his side profile of Ben's reaction she couldn't help but feel responsible for opening up the can of worms in the first place.

"Enough," Leia affirmed, being stricter than before. She issued a halting hand to Han.

Han begrudgingly let the topic die on spot. A scowl displayed on his face as he grunted, acknowledging Leia's warning, using a bite of peanut butter and jelly sandwich to swallow his unspoken words.

Rey cast a wary glance at Ben, sitting tensely with his back straight along the chair's backside. Her eyes traveled down to his hands, seeing they were clenched in tight fists in his lap. She took a breath and placed a comforting hand on his forearm closest to her.

Ben blinked, recoiling from the former state of mind when he felt her unexpected touch. His focus pivoted from the estranged man who was his father to Rey. Seeing her then, was all Ben needed to allow all prior agitation subside and ease his muscles from the pent-up tension. He gave her a curt nod: enough to ensure Rey that she could retrieve her hand.

"So," Leia started, taking a seat next to Han that was across from Rey with her own lunch, "how are you liking the Hoosier state so far, Rey?"

Rey smiled, acknowledging the barely noticeable wink from Leia as the woman proceeded to dip a piece of celery into her veggie dip. Feeling thankful that the remainder of the meal took a turn towards the lighter end of topics, Rey provided Han and Leia with an overview of her life during and before coming to Mishawaka, leaving everything prior to her home with Maz a mystery.

As everyone wrapped up lunch, Rey helped Leia with primary clean-up, making sure to bid Han a farewell when he declared retreating to the sanction of his study somewhere deeper in the house.

"Listen kid," Han began, stumbling over his words, "it was very nice meeting you. There's a lot more to see of the property if you're not in a rush to leave."

Rey could hear the pride in Han's voice, mentioning the ranch. It was just like the initial perception she got from Ben whenever he talked about horses with her during the brief period before class. She smiled genuinely, reassuring him with a stolen glance to Ben when he left the kitchen.

"I think that's exactly what we planned to do."

Han nodded, pleased with her answer whilst giving Rey a cocked smile. She couldn't believe she never noticed the resemblance between father and son since Ben had the tendency to give her the same smile at times. It made her realize they were alike in so many ways as they were different. Leia assured Rey that she would escort them briefly, hinting at her own duties that needed to be tended to around the property before Rey joined Ben in the front foyer.

"I'm sorry about earlier," Ben murmured lowly, running a hand through his hair with a heavy sigh.

Rey smiled, reassuring him that she understood the earlier events that unfolded and led to the unavoidable argument with Han. Rey didn't ask, but she was definitely certain that Han's condition and his incense toward Kylo were connected. It only made the conversation with Ben, concerning Rey meeting his parents before their arrival seem more apparent.

"I would be ignorant if I admitted not understanding his worry," Rey spoke softly. "But I also trust that you wouldn't let that sort of harm come to me."

There was a sudden jolt in Ben's chest, precisely where his heart was located when Rey admitted to withholding so much confidence in him when it came to Kylo. No one had ever believed in him, at least, never having admitted to it as Rey had done. Ben parted his lips to reply, but his words were immediately discarded to the back of his thoughts when Leia finally joined them in company.

"I'm so glad that Ben decided to bring you today," Leia admitted, drawing Rey into a parting embrace.

Rey smiled over her shoulder, returning the gesture. "Me too," she replied, withdrawing from the hug.

"Are you coming back with Ben tomorrow?"

Ben took a breath, anxiously shoving his hands inside his jean pockets. After the encounter during lunch, he was certainly not expecting for Rey to want to come back even when she did try to reassure him earlier.

But, to his surprise – she did.