Chapter 54 - Forward Movements

A/N - Hello all my little Reylo Lovelies!  Sorry for the slightly extra long gap between updates.  Its been a busy week, combined with a bit of writers block.  This is a bit of a filler chapter, but there are some important plot points in here - so I hope its not too boring!  There's still lots of Reylo goodness to enjoy though! We're coming up to the big day...slowly but surely.   I hope you like it!  Please, please, please comment and/or send your thoughts and reactions, and don't forget to vote!  Enjoy!

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The ceremony to accept the Ascendancy into the First Order as her flagship was full of the pomp and circumstance that would be expected for such an auspicious occasion.  Afterwards, as Rey walked through the ship with the Supreme Leader, her head was still spinning as she looked in every direction, overwhelmed with the sheer size of it all.   This ship was huge!

While nothing on the Finalizer had ever looked aged or worn, there was just something about the Ascendancy that looked not only new, but comfortable.  She recalled joking with Ben about his command shuttle – how it looked so sterile.   The same could not be said of the Ascendancy.    Yes, everything was functional and huge, but it also felt – livable, somehow.

Ben was like a child with a new toy.  She could see and feel his eagerness to explore his new flagship, as he was also looking around with a little bit of awe in his eyes.   As they walked through the corridors, he'd periodically stop to take a closer look at something, explaining why it was a vast improvement over the Finalizer.  She just watched him, quietly smirking at his enjoyment and enthusiasm, happy that he seemed to derive such pleasure from it.

Shortly after the ceremony, Ben showed her to their new living quarters, which were located on a separate deck, complete will full security of course.  Only herself and Ben, as well as selected Troopers could even access the level.  Similar to the Finalizer, there would always be two Troopers stationed outside of their door.  While this bothered her a bit – it felt like an invasion of privacy – she understood the need for the security and would just have to get used to it and accept it going forward.  She guessed that it would likely be the same at their new house when they moved to Yavin 4.

Given that it was their first day on the ship, Ben had a number of meetings and tasks to attend to as Supreme Leader, and so with an apology and a brief kiss left her to explore their new suite and the rest of the ship at her leisure.  Their belongings had already been transferred over earlier in the day, so that left her with almost nothing to do except investigate her new short-term home.

Feeling her stomach rumble, she decided to start with the kitchen.  Wandering to the large fridge, she found it to be fully stocked, and noted some cheeses and a container of small, bright red, round fruits that looked like they'd be tasty.  Grabbing both, she popped one of the red fruits into her mouth and smiled.  They were good.   Taking a bite of the cheese, she smiled again.  Mmmmm.

Looking around the room, she shrugged.  It's a kitchen.  She thought.  Sure, it was bigger and fancier than the one they'd had before, but neither of them actually prepared any food, so, as far as she was concerned, as long as the fridge was kept full, one was as good as another.

Walking into the main living area, she smiled.   It was definitely much larger than their room on the Finalizer – and was certainly much more than the two of them needed.   A dining area with 6 chairs was tucked into the corner of the room.  She wasn't sure when they'd ever need that many chairs, but it appeared to be intended for them to invite guests.  Next was the lounge area, with two large sofas, two comfortable looking chairs and a videoscreen that covered almost the entire wall.

Continuing on, she opened a door which led to what was probably the bedroom.  At first glance, she stopped dead, gasping.  In the middle of the room sat what was possibly the largest and tallest bed she'd ever seen.  Strolling over to it, she ran her hand over the surface before hopping up onto it.  Lying in the middle of it, she felt like she was on an island of bed, surrounded by soft grey blankets and fluffy pillows.  She started laughing uproariously at how over-the-top it seemed.

What's so funny?  Ben asked through the bond.

This bed!   She laughed.  Its HUGE.  And I literally have to climb up onto it.  What in the hell were you thinking?

After a beat of silence, he whispered huskily.   I was thinking of all of the things we could do in a bed that big.  After a beat of silence he sent her a mental picture of some of those things.

She was immediately contrite, and began blushing furiously.  Ben!

He snickered.   You asked....

She rolled her eyes.    Just so you know, I'll probably wander around the ship after I'm done in here.

Don't get lost Sweetheart.  It's a little bigger than the Finalizer.   And don't forget to eat!

I just had a snack.  Stop nagging me!  She laughed.

I am not nagging.  I'm reminding.  He responded firmly, a hint of a chuckle in his voice.  Have fun Sweetheart.  I'll see you later.

Crawling off the bed, she wandered over to the 'fresher that was connected to their bedroom, and once again gasped.   The room was also huge, with an enormous shower – big enough to fit 6 people – surrounded by floor to ceiling glass at the front.  Peering inside, she could see two sets of nozzles and controls on each side, all at different heights, and two showerheads.  The back wall also had a built-in bench seat.  Chortling, she realized that Ben clearly intended for them to use this shower together – a lot.

Next to the shower was a huge sunken tub that resembled a small swimming pool.  Shaking her head, she thought The man definitely doesn't think small.   Given his height and overall largeness though, that wasn't really surprising.   Closing her eyes she could imagine herself soaking in that tub, surrounded by bubbles, nestled between Ben's thighs, his chest to her back.  She began feeling very warm, flushing in anticipation of experiencing that with him.

Sweetheart?   Ben asked cautiously.  What is prompting this wave of intense heat I'm suddenly feeling from you?

Chuckling softly, she responded seductively.   This huge bathing tub.   I was imagining soaking in it, surrounded by bubbles – with you behind me, your hands sliding over my thighs...

She both heard and felt a choking sound come through the bond.  You asked... She smirked back, echoing his previous mischievous tone.

Don't start without me.... He droned huskily, sending a wave of heat through to her that rushed straight to her core.

Not fair Solo.  She purred back at him.  Just wait till you get here.....sending a mental picture of what would be waiting for him when he returned, she felt his sharp intake of breath.  Don't keep me waiting too long, Love.  She closed the bond and giggled.  That should guarantee he wouldn't get sidetracked playing with his shiny new spaceship for too long.

****

A couple of hours had gone by since Rey had left their new quarters to explore the ship a little.   She had visited the library briefly, and made a note to spend some time there in the coming weeks.  She had also passed the large entertainment complex, but was too intimidated to go inside.  When the smell of food reached her nose however, she couldn't resist entering one of the many canteens to have a snack.

For the most part, the majority of the staff she had encountered thus far had either ignored her, or politely greeted her when they passed.   A couple of them did actually detain her, requesting identification.  The first one was embarrassed when she gave her name and they immediately recognized it – apologizing profusely for the inconvenience.  The second was more insistent that she provide ID, almost radioing for backup until another passing staff member intervened on her behalf. It would take some time before everyone got accustomed to her, but so far it seemed to be going well.

She was just finishing her food when she could hear Ben call her through the bond.

Rey?

Yes, Ben?

Where are you?  I have some time before my next meeting, and I wanted to show you something.

She smiled.   I'm in a canteen on Deck 32, having a snack.

A wave of warmth washed over her through the bond, and she could feel his smile.  Good.   Meet me on Deck 18, Zone C4 in fifteen minutes.  Hopefully you're not all the way at the other end of the ship.

I have no idea what Zone I'm in....but I'm finished eating so I'll make my way there now.

It took her 22 minutes, and she got lost twice, but eventually she managed to find her way to where Ben was waiting for her on Deck 18.  Rey noticed that he was pacing back and forth in front of a set of doors, with many passing crew giving him odd looks.  The Supreme Leader typically didn't "wait" for anyone, let alone pace, so the sight of him doing so was confusing to almost everyone.    He noticed her right away and gave her a small smile.

"Hi."  She said, walking up to him.  "Sorry it took me so long....I got lost...a couple of times.  Is everything okay?"

"Its fine."  He told her, taking her hand and giving it a brief kiss, which caused her to smile.  "I was just worried about you, and was debating whether to try to go find you."  She could see his posture change, and he visibly relaxed.  Giving her hand a slight tug, and a grin, he pulled her towards the doors.   "C'mon.  Its in here."

He gently pulled her through two sets of doors into what felt like another world.  Trees and greenery surrounded her.  Looking up, it felt like sunlight was peeking through the trees.  She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, a serene smile on her face.   It felt like she was in the middle of a real forest.   "Ben!  What is this place?"

He was watching her carefully, wanting to gage and remember her reactions, and was pleased that she seemed to like it.   "Its our terrachamber.   The staff and crew spend such long periods in space, I wanted to build this to give everyone the opportunity to experience nature whenever they want."

"Its wonderful Ben.   I'm sure everyone will appreciate it."

"I got the idea from you."   He told her quietly.  She looked back at him puzzled.  "When we were on Naboo, I realized how important it was for you to be able to connect with nature.  Its never bothered me very much to be in space for long periods of time, but seeing how much you love nature got me thinking that maybe other members of the First Order feel the same way.  And so I wanted to have this added to the Ascendancy."

They continued walking though the huge chamber, and passed from the forest into a manicured flower garden.  He drew her over to a pretty bench where they sat down.   It felt like the sun was shining and it was a beautiful day.  "How did you do this?"  She asked, still awestruck.

"It's a combination of real trees, plants, and holograms.  Looks pretty real, doesn't it?"  He responded proudly, wrapping his arm around her and pulling her head to his shoulder, giving her a quick kiss on the top of her head.  "Do you like it?"

"I love it.   I'll definitely come here a lot.  Thank you for showing it to me."  Lifting her head from his shoulder, she looked around, and confirming that they were alone leaned towards him and gave his lips a soft kiss.  He immediately brought his hand up to the back of her head and deepened it.

After a few minutes, he pulled away and leaned his forehead against hers.   "I missed you, and just wanted to see you for a few minutes.  But unfortunately I have to get back soon.  The next few days will be very busy, before we leave for Naboo."

"Its okay."  She told him quietly.  "I know you have duties – and I don't want to keep you from them."   Their foreheads were still touching, and she was absentmindedly playing with his hair. "Ben, I'd like to get in touch with Leia, if that's okay?  I need to speak to Finn too...I might need to go to the base for a little while tomorrow."

He took a breath and grasped her hands in his.  "Rey, you don't have to ask.   The staff will do whatever you ask.  Just call Communications and they'll connect her to your holopad."  Letting out a sigh, he continued.  "And if you need to go to Dantooine, I want you to take at least 2 Troopers with you.  Just let me know and I'll assign them."

She chewed her lip for a few seconds.  "Okay.  I don't want to be any trouble.  I just haven't had a chance to speak to Finn yet, and want to check that him and Rose will be coming to the wedding."

Ben nodded.  His eyes actually sparkled when he reminded her.   "Three more days Sweetheart."

"I know."  She whispered.  "I can't wait."

Reaching up, he ran a finger along her cheek.  "Me neither."

****

After speaking with Leia on her comm link later that same afternoon, Rey had decided to go to the base to see Finn and Rose personally.  She had to ask for Leia's help with making the kyber crystal settings, and Finn was her best friend, so it was vitally important to Rey that he be present at her marriage.  But without speaking with him in person, she suspected that neither him nor Rose would come.   So the next morning, she left for the base, taking two Stormtroopers with her as Ben instructed.

There wasn't a crowd when the shuttle touched down at the Resistance base this time.  Only Leia and Chewie were there to greet her.  There were still many others on base, but most only gave her a passing glance – some of them even hostile.  This time, she didn't really care.

After getting a warm hug from Leia, and being engulfed in a furry Wookie embrace from Chewie, Leia led them to her office.  Rey then explained what she'd like to do with the kyber crystals for her and Ben – but that she needed Leia's help to keep it secret.  Showing her exactly what she had in mind, Leia immediately agreed, and promised to have it ready by the time they arrived on Naboo.

Afterwards, she went in search of Finn.  She found him in the main hangar with Rose, tinkering with some parts from a speeder.  When he saw her, he immediately stiffened up, looking angry and awkward.  "Finn."  Rey asked quietly.   "Can we talk?"  He glanced over at Rose who looked between them before she nodded and quietly excused herself.

"What do you want Rey?"  He asked resignedly.

"I.....I wanted to explain."

"You don't need to explain anything Rey.  You chose your path – your future – willingly.  Why is it so important for you to tell me anything?"   His voice was quiet, but laced with frustration.

She sighed.   "Why are you so angry?  Did you not hear what really happened on Vandor-1?  Ben was not responsible for that.  He did not blow it up!"

"Do you think I believe that bullshit story for one minute Rey?"  He scoffed loudly and threw a wrench across the room, letting out a frustrated breath.  "And even if I did – that monster still created a weapon that is capable of destroying planets.  So even if it is true – he's still responsible."

Rey looked away for a minute before turning back to him.  "Finn.  If I tell you something – I need you to swear absolute secrecy.  You cannot tell anyone.  Not even Rose."

He narrowed his eyes as he gazed back at her.   "I'm not sure I can agree to that Rey."

"Finn. Please....."  She pleaded quietly, her eyes boring into him intently.

Letting out a deep sigh, he finally agreed.  "Fine."

Swallowing thickly, she began carefully.  "It was all Hux."  Finn's eye's widened.   "He commissioned a ventral cannon array that could destroy planets.  Ben didn't know.  I know this Finn – its completely true."   She paused to think for a moment.   "Hux had also been working with the Vandorians to string them along, so they wouldn't cooperate with the First Order – had even convinced them to make the assassination attempt on Ben.  In the end, he secretly left to take delivery of the Ascendancy, and then blew up Vandor-1 to cover up his treachery."

Finn was in shock – still trying to absorb what Rey had just told him.  All of those people.  He thought.   Hux really was an evil bastard.  Glancing back at Rey, he shook his head in confusion.   "So – what happened to Hux?"

"The First Order tried and found him guilty of treason, among other things.  He was executed immediately afterwards."

He pondered this for a minute and gave a quick nod.   "Good. Rey...."  He paused.   "I'm sorry." Lifting his gaze to look directly into his eyes, he told her.  "I'm....glad....you were able to figure things out.   But...."   He took a deep breath.   "are you sure you want to marry him?"

She smiled indulgently at him.  "Yes, Finn.  I love him – and he loves me.   But its more than that.   We're connected – through the Force – and on so many different levels.  Our families have been connected for generations.  And.... well..."

Rey was once again wearing her cloak so that her baby bump wasn't immediately obvious, and decided that this was a good time to remove it.  Once she pulled it off, she cradled her small belly, while looking down at her hands.  ".....well.....we're going to have a baby, and we want to be a family...."

Finn's face was a mask of complete shock, his eyes wide in disbelief.  He was silent for a full minute before stuttering out.  "What.... when....?"

Rey just cocked a brow at him.   "Really, Finn?"  Shaking her head, she smiled mischievously.   "I don't think you need me to go into specifics..."   She swore she saw him blush, as she was pretty sure that his face darkened several shades.

He cleared his throat.   "That's not what I meant..."

"I know."  She smiled.  "I was only teasing."

Rubbing his hand over his hair, he focused his gaze on the ground before looking back up at her.   "Are you truly happy Rey?"

"Yes!"  She said emphatically.   "My life is with him – and his is with me.  As I told you that night at the campfire, he wants to reform the First Order.  And I want to help him do that."  She smiled again.   "And make a family together."

He nodded in acceptance.  "Okay. I'll....try to be happy for you."

"Thank you Finn."   She smiled again.  "Finn....would you and Rose please come to our wedding?"

His face showed uncertainty at her soft request.  "I don't know Rey..."

"Please, Finn?"  She took a step closer to him.   "Ben wants you to be there too."

Finn scoffed.  "Oh I seriously doubt that."

She nodded at him.  "Its true!  He knows how important you guys are to me.  Leia and Chewie will be there.  Would you please consider it?  Its in 2 days – on Naboo.  I'm sure you could go on the Falcon with Leia and Chewie."

He took a deep breath, and gave her a curt nod.  "I'll think about it – and discuss it with Rose."

"That's all I ask."  She told him, smiling.  Stepping closer, she gave him a tight hug.  "Thank you Finn.  I hope we'll see you both there."

Hugging her back, he said.  "We'll see."

****

Rey walked back from the hangar with Chewie at her side, after hanging out with Finn for a couple of hours following their chat.  She was on her way to Leia's office to say goodbye before heading back to the Ascendancy.  They were talking about the baby – which Chewie was very excited about.  "I practically raised that boy until he was 7."  He told her, speaking of Ben.   "I'm a lot better than a nanny droid.  Kids love me."

She just laughed, imagining a little Ben climbing all over him, and could envision a precocious, dark haired little girl doing the same, while terrorizing her Great Uncle Chewie.

The pair also spoke about the upcoming trip to Naboo for her marriage, and the small celebration that would follow the ceremony.  When she got to the clearing where the shuttle had been waiting for her, she stopped dead in her tracks.  The ship that had brought her was gone, and in its place was the Supreme Leader's command shuttle.  She smiled to herself.  Ben had come to get her.

As they continued on towards Leia's office, Rey turned to Chewie.  "Chewie, Ben is here."

"I know.  I saw his ship."  He told her on a quiet trill.

"He's almost certainly with Leia."  Stopping, she put her hand on his furry arm, looking up at him.   "I know you haven't spoken to him since – well - since Lothal."  He nodded back at her.   "You still can't kill him."  She smiled teasingly.

"I wouldn't do that to you.  Or your child."  He let out a sarcastic chuff.   "I might hurt him though.   Just a little bit."  He started walking again, striding ahead of her, and Rey had to pick up her pace to keep up.

"You're entitled."  She smirked.  "But you can't leave any marks on his face.  I do not want my marriage holos to show anything less than his perfect face."   He let out a sorrowful wail.  "I mean it Chewie!  If you mark him up you'll have to deal with me!"

"Fine."  His answering series of chuffs made her roll her eyes in exasperation.  "I'll make sure the bruises aren't on his face."

"Chewie!"  She chastised.   "He has to be able to walk too.  Without a limp."

"You're ruining my fun."  He whined.  "I promise he'll be fine.  Just – stay out of it when we get there.   This is between him and me."

"Fair enough."

When they arrived outside the door to Leia's office, Rey took a deep breath before knocking.  She heard Leia's response to 'come in', and looked up at Chewie again.  "Remember your promise."

Walking in first, she could see Ben sitting in one of the chairs in front of Leia's desk.  He quickly stood, his expression brightening into a smile until he noticed who was entering the room behind Rey.  His face went white as Rey walked up to him and kissed him on the cheek.  He barely noticed, his attention fully on the angry looking Wookiee behind her.  "Into the hall!"  He ordered Ben.

"We can talk here."  Ben replied calmly.  "They can hear it all."

"I'm not worried about them hearing it – I don't want to break anything in here!"

Ben sighed as he looked down at Rey with a curt nod.  He deserved this – he knew he did – had always known that his reckoning with his furry Uncle would come one day.

His Mother quickly stood up from her chair, her face a mask of worry.  "Chewie –."

The normally gentle, furry creature barked back at her.  "Stay out of this, Princess."

Leia looked over at Rey, who shook her head  quickly to say not to interfere.

Rey quickly grabbed his hand and gave it a quick squeeze as Ben followed Chewie out of the office, closing the door behind him.  Rey took a deep breath and sat down in one of the chairs across from Leia, propping her chin onto her hands while they waited.  They could hear a series of thumps from the corridor outside, along with Chewie's angry growls and trills, all verbal shots aimed with deadly accuracy at Ben's heart.

Out in the hall, Ben was in the process of being thrown around by his Uncle.  He didn't think he'd kill him – for Rey's sake – but he just hoped that Chewie didn't beat him too badly.  He figured that he'd be lucky if he was able to walk for his marriage though.  He knew he deserved it, and because of that didn't even try to fight back – he just let the Wookiee do whatever he intended.

"How could you do that?"  Chewie roared, slamming Ben's body up against the wall.  "Your father loved you – you know he did!  I know that better than anyone else – maybe even better than your mother!  After all of the times we took you on trips with us on the Falcon!  You'd follow him around like a baby womprat – telling him that you were going to be the best pilot in the galaxy one day – just like him!  And he doted on you!  You can't deny it!"

"I know Chewie!  I know!  I'm sorry!"  Ben's voice broke.   "I can't fix it!  I'm sorry!   I'm so godsdamned sorry!"   Ben's sobs overcame him as he tried to speak.   "I'm a murderer!  A monster!   I know that!  I killed my own fucking father!   I loved him and I killed him.  For no reason!  Just to please my fucking twisted Master!"

From inside of Leia's office, Rey's heart twisted, as both her and Leia could hear it all.  His words were followed by another loud thump that sounded amidst Ben's uneven breaths and sobs.

Ben was on the floor, slumped against the wall, where he'd fallen when his Uncle had dropped him.   "It was the single most heinous thing I've ever done in my life – and probably ever will." Ben confessed dejectedly.  "Snoke told me it would make me stronger – and I stupidly believed him.   But it only made me weaker.   If it wasn't for Rey – it would have broken me."

Chewie let out a mournful wail, and bent down to wrap his arms around Ben in a furry embrace.    "Oh, Little Ben."  He trilled softly.  "You screwed up really big.   Your father wanted to bring you home so badly.  He loved you.  He blamed himself for what happened to you.  For not being around enough when you were older, when you really needed him.  When it mattered."  He was quiet for a minute.   "He never thought you were a monster.  He knew who you really are.  That it was Snoke that told you lies, and made you believe things that weren't true.  Its what he was trying to tell you.....that day."

"No, Chewie – it was me!"  Ben replied forcefully, tears unashamedly streaming down his face.

"Little Ben, you need to find a way to forgive yourself.  You'll always have to live with, and remember, what you've done – not just to Han – but to everyone.  But you're going to be a father now – so you have to live with it and be the best you can be – for him or her."

"Its a her."  Ben said quietly, looking up from Chewie's shoulder.  "We're having a little girl."

Looking down at him, Chewie tilted his head slightly.   "I think I'd like a little grand-niece.  I hope she looks like Rey."  The Wookiee was silent again for a minute.   "Han would be proud of you – for finding your way back.   He loved Rey too – and would be happy for you – happy to call her his daughter."

The pair heard the door click open and could see Rey's face peeking out through the crack in the opening.  She gave a small smile when she saw the two of them on the floor, Ben leaning against Chewie who had a furry paw wrapped around his shoulders.  "I thought I should check on you two. It got so quiet – I wanted to make sure you weren't bleeding out or something."

"A little girl, huh?"  Chewie gazed up at her.

She nodded and looked at Ben softly as she stepped out of the office and bent down to him.   "Did you ruin our surprise?"

He looked a bit shocked.   "I'm.....I didn't know-"

"Its fine.  I think its good that our family knows it's a girl."  She lightly ran her fingers over his face, checking for any injuries.  "Can you walk?"

She could hear Chewie scoff.  "He's fine.   I barely touched him – just shook him up a bit."

Ben's eyes beamed up at her in relief, and he gave her an almost imperceptible nod.   Standing, she held out her hand to help him up.  In turn, Ben held his hand out to Chewie, who batted it away and stood on his own.  "You couldn't pull me up if you tried, Little Ben."

Rey's brows shot up at Chewie's nickname.   "Stop calling me that."  Ben spat, sheepishly.   "I'm nowhere near little anymore."

"You're still little to me."  Chewie barked out on a laugh, before engulfing Ben in a hug.  Reaching out a furry arm, he dragged Rey into his embrace too and they all laughed.

Leia stood silently at the doorway, watching the events unfold, happy that they seemed to have made peace at last.  She knew that Chewie was still hurting over the loss of Han, but she also knew how much he had loved Ben, so it was good to see them like this again.   Although the three of them weren't looking at her, Ben suddenly extended his arm and held out his hand to her.  Taking it, she was pulled into the family hug.

My family.  Ben thought.  And realized at that moment that there was nothing more important in the galaxy than this.

****

The next evening the couple were lying in bed together, relaxing, before settling down to sleep.   Rey's back was to Ben's chest, with his arms wrapped around her, his hands gently stroking her small belly.  She sighed in sleepy contentment.

This was always her favourite time with him, since she knew she'd generally have him to herself with no interruptions for the rest of the night.  They would be leaving for Naboo the following afternoon, and the ceremony would take place the day after that.  Both of them were anxiously looking forward to it.

She shifted her legs a bit to stretch them out a little.   The doctor had cleared her to start training again this morning, and she'd wasted no time hitting their shiny new training room for a little exercise.  Ben had insisted in coming with her to make sure she didn't overdo it her first time, and couldn't resist also joining in – wanting to break-in the new room too.   After she had gently warmed up and went through her forms, she convinced Ben to lightly spar with her for a few minutes, using practice sabers.  However, her muscles were a bit sore after going such a long period without training.

Rey yawned and once again thought about everything that had happened during her visit to the Resistance Base the day before.   She was so happy that she'd been able to talk to Finn – who had contacted her today to let her know that both he and Rose would attend their wedding.  She was also ecstatic and relieved that Ben had been able to reconcile with Chewbacca.  That had still been a sore point for both of them, and the fact that they'd not only worked it out, but that Chewie would also definitely be attending their event just seemed to be the icing on the cake, so to speak.

"What are you thinking about?"  Ben's voice whispered quietly in her ear.

She smiled.   "I'm thinking about how glad I am that Finn, Rose and Chewie will be at our wedding."

She could feel Ben take a deep breath behind her, and a quiet chuckle escaped on a huff.   "I thought it might be something like that."  He placed a soft kiss below her ear.  "I'm glad it worked out with your friends.  And...with my Uncle."  He was quiet for awhile.   "I still can't believe that he forgave me."  She could feel him choke up.  "He was my father's best friend.  He was there.  He saw the entire thing Rey.  He saw it."  His voice broke.

She knew that this would be an open wound for him for the rest of his life.  All they could do was to try to remember Han – to honor and remember who he was, and what he stood for.  Avoiding it, or not talking about it would only make it worse – would make it fester.  Rey turned to face him.   "I know that Love.  But we were both there, and both saw how tormented – how conflicted - you were at that point.  And....I saw how devastated you were afterward when we were in the forest..... That, and your injury from Chewie's bowcaster are the only reasons that I was able to...."  She couldn't finish. Instead, she ran her fingers over his scar.

He placed his hand over hers.  "Don't be sorry Sweetheart.  That moment changed me forever."  He paused, thinking of how to explain it to her.  "You could've killed me – but you didn't. I know its crazy – but I'm pretty sure I fell a little in love with you that night.  I couldn't forget about you – nor push you out of my mind like I wanted to – because every time I saw my own face I was reminded of you.  Of everything you are.  The more I thought about you, the more deeply you burrowed your way into my heart and soul."  He kissed her tenderly.  "Thank you, Sweetheart, for forgiving me."

Her eyes softened as she continued stroking scar she gave him.   "I love you."

He smiled back, a softly sarcastic smirk on his face.  "I know."  Rey rolled her eyes, causing his smirk to get even bigger.   "I need to ask you something."

"Anything."  She replied.

"Would you be okay if my Uncle Lando performed the ceremony?  As the Baron Administrator of a city, he's authorized to do so."  Her eyes flicked up to him.  "My Mother suggested it yesterday, and she let me know today that Lando will attend the ceremony."  He was quiet again for a few seconds.   "I thought....that it might be nice, if he was willing to do it.  But, I won't ask him if you're not okay with it."

Her smile was blinding.  "Ben, why would you think I'd have a problem with that?  I think it would be lovely.  He's family.  There's no one more fitting to perform it.   So, yes, please go ahead and ask him."

Nodding, he kissed her again.  "Okay then, I'll do that first thing tomorrow morning, before we leave."

She yawned, and gave him a sleepy smile.  He gave her another soft kiss, and commanded the lights to lower.  "Looks like its time to go to sleep, huh?"

"Mmm hmm."  She sighed.   "Goodnight, Love."

"Goodnight Sweetheart."  He whispered back.