Chapter 55 - Families

A/N - Hi there all Reylo Lovelies!  This chapter took me awhile to post - and I'm so sorry.  It actually got too long, so I've split it into two (which unfortunately means you'll have to wait a bit longer for the main event).  But I wanted to add in a few more details (hopefully to lead into a sequel story one day), and I hope you bear with me - and like it!  THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has kept reading!!  Please keep the comments coming, and don't forget to hit that little star in the corner to vote!  Enjoy!!

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Ben felt Rey's excitement spike as he guided the shuttle into Naboo's atmosphere.   He glanced over at her with a smile, watching her take in the planet once again, seeing it for the second time.

"I really do love this planet."  He heard her say on a sigh.   "Its just so beautiful.  And even though I've only been here once, it just feels like coming home."

"I'm sorry we couldn't build the Center here."  He mentioned regretfully.  "Naboo maintains their autonomy and I don't think they would've even considered it."

She looked over at him in horror.   "I'm actually glad you didn't.  It just wouldn't seem right to have the First Order touch this beautiful place."

His eyes narrowed, giving her a sideways glance.  "What does that mean?"

Raising a brow at him, she just smirked, before drolly asking.  "Really, Ben?"  He continued to look at her askance, and she rolled her eyes.  "How many planets are the First Order involved with that actually maintain their autonomy and integrity?"

He thought about it for a minute before mumbling.  "Fair enough."  His gaze flicked back to her briefly.   "But – I'm trying to change that."

"I know."  She told him softly, and reached out to grab his arm, giving it a light squeeze before turning her attention back to the front window.

Rey was once again marveling at the beauty that she could see below her as they descended towards Theed.  To her, the splendor was simply spectacular without being over the top or ostentatious.

She was so excited to be returning to Naboo, and was absolutely thrilled that their wedding day was finally almost here.  She'd be marrying Ben tomorrow, and would finally be part of a family – their own family.  However, she felt oddly nervous too, but had no idea why.   As far as she knew, everything was ready.  She hadn't really done much to prepare for the event - everyone else had insisted that they could take care of it all.  She hadn't even had Ben's gift made – Leia had taken care of that for her.

In truth, she felt a little bad about it, but when she'd mentioned it to Ben a few days ago, he'd told her not to worry.  He'd just wrapped his arms around her and kissed her forehead, telling her gently.  "Sweetheart.   It's your – our – ceremony.  You can do anything you want.  Change anything you want."

Shaking her head, she admitted.   "I...I've never been to a marriage ceremony, so, I really don't know....I just feel like everyone is going though so much trouble."  She bit her lip, uncertainty written on her face.

"Its fine – trust me.   Its supposed to be a party to celebrate our special day, and my Mother has everything under control.  If you're worried about anything, just talk to her, okay?"

When she'd met with Leia on the base that day, she'd set Rey's mind at ease by going though all of the details with her, and let her know that it really wasn't that much work.  She'd even told Rey about another Alderaanian marriage custom - the exchange of wedding rings - and had asked if Rey would want a simple band made for Ben.  Looking at the ring that he'd given her as an engagement gift, she figured that he'd likely follow the custom and probably give her another ring for the marriage, and decided that she wanted to do the same.

The marriage ceremony would take place at the Naberrie country house – on the rear terrace, overlooking the lake, and they'd be staying there tonight, along with Leia, Finn and Rose.   Chewie preferred to sleep on the Falcon and so would return there instead.  However, before travelling to the country house they'd be visiting her aunt and uncle in Theed, where she'd also get to meet some more of her family.

Ben landed the shuttle in the same docking bay as their previous visit, and made their way to the entrance officer to provide their names.  "Good afternoon.   Benjamin Organa Solo and Rey Solo of the Villerie family."  Rey's head snapped to his at the names he gave for her, but he just smirked back at the expression on her face, and shrugged.   "The ceremony is really just a formality in terms of your name, Sweetheart."

After being allowed to enter, they made their way to her Aunt Sismé's residence in a hired carriage.   Her aunt and uncle welcomed them with hugs, and ushered them into the house, where her cousins, Sonnet and Rheen were both waiting to meet the couple, along with their husbands.  The cousins were a few years older than Rey, and looking between them, Ben could definitely see the family resemblance between the three young women.  Glancing at Rey, he could see her eyes grow wide when she noticed the young baby in Sonnet's arms.

When Rey removed her cloak, everyone saw her baby bump, and Sonnet's face lit up.  "Oh!  You're expecting!   How wonderful."  Out of the corner of Ben's eye, he could see Rheen playfully roll her eyes, as she came forward to introduce herself to Rey with a hug.

"Don't mind her.  She still has baby on the brain.   I'm Rheen."  She said with a happy smile as she embraced Rey.

Rey laughed.  "Hi.  That's okay.  I suspect it may happen to me too – eventually."  She turned to Ben, who was a step behind her.  "This is Ben."

Rheen's eyes travelled up to meet Ben's with a grin.   "Whoa.  You're big."

Rey laughed as Ben's face coloured.

"Rheen!"  Sismé scolded from across the room.   "Don't be rude."

"I'm sorry."  Rheen quickly replied, looked chastised.   "I didn't mean to be rude.  I was just making an observation.  He's got to be about a third of a meter taller than the rest of us in the room!"

Rheen's husband stepped forward and shook Ben's hand.  "I'm Jon.   And you'll get used to her.   She can be annoyingly blunt."  He said with a smirk, glancing back at his wife who stuck her tongue out at him, causing Ben to laugh.  Family, he thought.

Sonnet handed the baby to her husband and stepped over to greet them.  "Hi Rey.  We've heard so much about you from Mother, we couldn't wait to meet you in person!"  She gave Rey a tight hug.   "We're going to be the best of friends!  I just know it!."  She motioned for her husband to step forward.   "This is Denak, and the currently happy little one he's holding is our son, Jerad.   He just turned one year last week."

Denak stepped forward with the baby in one arm, and gave her a kiss on the cheek in greeting. "Call me Den."  He told her with a smile.

Rey was clearly captivated with the baby.  "Would you like to hold him?"  He asked.

"I...I... yes."  Rey smiled at him, flustered.   "I think I'd better sit down though – I've never held a baby and I'm afraid I might drop him."

Sonnet's eyes widened.   "You've never held a baby?   And you're pregnant?  Oh my, we have to fix that!"   She lifted the baby out of her husband's arms and turned towards the sofa.  "Come, sit over here.  Don't worry, you won't drop him.  He can be a bit squirmy, but they're easier to hold at this age.  Newborns are different – they're all floppy."

Denak rolled his eyes, and held his hand out to Ben.  "Welcome to the family."  He chuckled.  "It can sometimes be a bit overwhelming when those two are together.  " He inclined his head towards the two sisters.  "But Jerad will keep them busy for awhile."

Ben laughed.   "This is nothing.  If you think this is overwhelming, wait till you meet mine."   Ben watched as Sonnet placed Jerad in Rey's lap, and she gingerly held him.   Something deeply profound bloomed in his chest and his throat tightened as he watched her with the baby.  Soon, Rey would be holding his child in her arms – their child.  He exhaled deeply, trying to shake himself out of his reverie.  He glanced at Denak once again who had a knowing look on his face.

"Just wait my friend."  Denak chuckled, and gave him a pat on the shoulder.   "If that's choking you up, wait till she's in labour."  Ben's face paled by a shade and he visibly shuddered.  "But don't worry, as scary as it seems at the time, it'll all be okay in the end."

They turned their attention back to the women, who were all clustered around Rey, with the baby in her lap.  Jerad was cooing happily, and reached up to grab a clump of Rey's hair, trying to shove it into his mouth.  From across the room, Ben chuckled.

"Ow."  She said, trying to untangle the baby's fist from her hair.

"Sorry!"  Sonnet jumped in to help.   "He does that now.  Its why I wear my hair back – otherwise he'd rip half of it from my head."

The women continued playing with the baby for awhile, as the men stood off to the side and observed.  After a bit of an awkward silence, Brak brought out some Corellian whiskey and handed a glass to each of the men.  Brak looked at Ben mischievously.  "Have you ever held a baby, Ben?"

Knowing where this was going, he immediately panicked.   He could see all of the women look up at Brak's question, and Rey had a soft smile on her face as she looked over at him.   "Well.. uh....not really."

Jon decided to join in the fun.  "Not really, or never?"

Ben shot him an uncomfortable look and all the men started to laugh.  "Hey, Sonn, I think its Ben's turn to hold Jerad."  Jon called across the room.

"It's really okay."  Ben quickly shot back.   "He's happy with the ladies right now.  Maybe later."

Rheen came over and took Ben's drink, handing it to Brak before she started dragging him towards the sofa.  "Nah, he's happy now.  He may not be later.  So there's no time like the present."

He could hear the men snickering behind him as she pulled him away.  Approaching Rey, he gave her a look that said 'save me', but she just grinned back at him cheekily.

Sonnet, who had been sitting beside her, got up to make room for Ben.   "Here Ben, sit down."

"Uh.   Really, its okay."  He stuttered.

Sonnet smiled and literally pushed him down onto the sofa.  "There's nothing to be afraid of.   C'mon."  She held out her hands and plucked Jerad from Rey's arms and plopped him onto Ben's lap.

Ben held out his hands to hold and steady the baby, noting how small he was in comparison to each of his hands.   Little Jerad was quiet and still as he gazed up at Ben in wide eyed wonder.   Ben was staring back at him, equally in awe.  He was such a beautiful little creature, with chubby cheeks and smooth skin.  Ben gave him a small smile and leaned closer.   He even smelled good, he thought.

Suddenly, Jerad smiled back at Ben and raised his tiny hand towards Ben's face.  Ben leaned even closer so that the child could reach.  When his little hand touched Ben's cheek, he felt as if a little jolt went through him, and then immediately felt calmer.   What the hell?  He thought.  The baby continued to gaze up at him, still oddly quiet, until he lowered his hand and leaned towards Ben – trying to get closer.  Ben re-positioned him on his lap, wrapping his arms around him.  The next thing he knew, Jerad fully leaned himself into Ben's chest, closed his eyes and dropped off into sleep.

A number of quiet gasps were audible in the room.  Ben's eye's flicked up to Rey's, who was smiling at him with an expression of shock and awe.   "Apparently, he likes you."  She teased.

Sonnet was at a loss for words.   "He's.... never done that with anyone before.   I.. wow!"  She grinned at Ben, before saying on a shocked laugh.  "You can watch him any time you want!"

Even Den was amazed.  "Normally, he's not too fond of men.  He usually throws a bit of a fit around them."  Ben's gaze snapped to him with an unappreciative look, causing Den to laugh.   "Sorry.  We thought it would be a fun 'initiation' into the family.  But damn – he really does like you!"

Ben?  He could hear Rey ask through the bond.

It's okay, Rey.  I'm not angry.  He replied back.  The baby is somehow....calming.

She chuckled back at him.  Try to remember that when our own is.....not.

Ben looked across at the men.  "Sorry to ruin your fun gentlemen.  But it appears that I have a new friend."   Ben smirked at them triumphantly, as the three of them shuffled uncomfortably where they stood.

Sonnet swept in to save the moment.   "My little guy is obviously tired.  Here, let's see if you can give him to me without waking him up."  Ben slowly released his grip on the baby as Sonnet gently scooped him up in her arms and whisked him away.

Beside him, Rey leaned over to take his hand and gave him a soft kiss on the cheek, whispering.   "Look at you.  You're a natural."

He shrugged and kissed her hand with a smile.   "You looked pretty natural too."

"Okay, okay lovebirds."   Sismé chimed, holding out a glass of juice to Rey.   "You've enough time for that later."  Turning her attention to Ben, she smiled and tilted her head towards the men.   "Go get your whiskey.  I'd like to talk to Rey for a minute."

Raising a brow, Ben kissed her hand once again, and got up to head back over to where the men were still clustered.

Her aunt motioned for Rey to follow her out of the room.  Leading her into a bedroom, she went over to a small box sitting on top of a dresser and opened it, revealing various pieces of jewellery.   After rifling through it for a minute she smiled to herself and pulled out what appeared to be a bracelet of some sort.  It was made of a silver metal, and was set with a shimmering blue stone.  Smiling brightly, she handed it to Rey.

Rey looked down at the bracelet, and thought it felt unusually warm in her hand.   "It's beautiful."  She whispered.

"It was your Grandmother's."  Sismé told her, causing Rey's eyes to snap up to her aunt's.   "I want you to have it."

Rey's mouth fell open in shock.   "No...I....I couldn't. Its too much!"

Sismé reached out and closed Rey's hand around it, once again causing her to feel an unnatural, calming warmth that seemed to be emanating from it.  "She would want you to have it.  I insist." Giving her a soft smile, the woman gently told Rey.   "Besides, we have a custom here on Naboo.   On her wedding day, the bride must wear something blue."

Rey just continued to stare at the beautiful jewel in her palm before clutching it to her chest with tears in her eyes.  "Thank you."  She whispered, reaching out to give her aunt a hug.   "I'll wear it proudly tomorrow."

"Hopefully you'll feel like a part of her, and Nihla, are with you on your special day."

Taking a calming breath, Rey wiped the tears from her eyes.  "I'd like to think so.  A lingering part of her is imprinted onto this bracelet.   I can feel it."

Sismé's eyes softened and began to glisten as she hugged Rey again.  "Then I'm glad I thought to give it to you."  Wiping her own eyes she laughed and linked her arm through Rey's.   "Let's go rejoin everyone before they come looking for us and find us crying like babies in here."

****

Ben watched Rey hug her family goodbye as they were leaving a few hours later.   Leia had planned a casual dinner for them, and had cautioned them about not arriving late, so he didn't want to give her any reason to worry.

Ben could feel the happiness radiating off of Rey.  Her uncle Brak shook his hand and gave him a pat on the arm.  "Are you nervous for tomorrow?"  He asked.

"No."  Ben shook his head, and gave him a slight grin.  "I'm looking forward to it."  He said eagerly, looking over at Rey with a soft look in his eye.

"Good.  Always remember that.  Even during the bad times – and you'll be set for life."  Brak told him with another friendly slap on the back, before Rey and Sismé came over to them.

Sismé leaned over and gave Ben a hug.  "Goodbye Ben.  I hope you enjoy your day tomorrow.  I'll tell you the same thing I told Rey.  It will fly by – so savour every minute of it."  She gave him a knowing smile and a tight squeeze before stepping closer to her husband, who looped his arm around her.

Rey watched her aunt say goodbye to Ben and whisper something to him.   She saw him nod briefly before turning and taking her hand.  As they walked towards their waiting carriage, she looked up at him with a contented smile, still amazed that this beautiful, renewed man would become her husband tomorrow.

Looking back at her aunt, she was so grateful for the family she had found.  While she still didn't really know them all that well, she couldn't deny that she felt connected to them in a way that she hadn't ever felt with anyone else – except for Ben.  She loved her Resistance family, but this – this was different.  This was home.

****

Rey rested her head on Ben's shoulder, his arm around her, as they rode in the carriage on the way to the Naberrie house.   She let out a deeply contented sigh, causing Ben to lean over and kiss the top of her head.   "Happy Sweetheart?"  He quietly drawled.

"Yes."  She looked up at him.  "Really, really happy."   Leaning closer, she brushed her nose along his jawline.   "We just had a lovely afternoon with my family – my family – I'll never get used to saying that, and now we're going to see your Mother and your family, as well as my friends.  And tomorrow, I'm going to become your wife."  Her eyes crinkled at the corners due to the size of the grin she was wearing.  "I feel like this is the best night of my life so far."

"I'm glad."  He told her quietly, but then gazed at her mischievously, as he leaned closer to kiss her.   "But wait till tomorrow night."

Her breath caught at the look in his eyes, and her heart began to pound in her chest.   Would this man always be able to seduce her with a simple look and his mesmerizing, deeply sexy voice?   She fervently hoped so.  Did he know the effect that his voice alone had on her?  She hoped not – otherwise he'd be able to reduce her to a puddle of desire whenever he wanted.

When his lips gently touched hers, softly, briefly, she thought she'd melt.   When he pulled away, she leaned towards him to chase his lips with her own.  He gave a soft laugh and leaned his forehead against hers, just as she felt the carriage come to a stop.   "We're here."  He told her on a quiet chuckle.  "I'd prefer not to give everyone a show before we go inside."

She brought her hand to his cheek and softly caressed it, her mind still a bit muddled.   "Okay."

He gave her a quick peck on the forehead before exiting the carriage, and extending his hand to help her down.  Raising it to his lips, he brushed her knuckles with a soft kiss before entwining their fingers and walking towards the house.  Rey glanced back at their driver and called out a thank you with a bright smile.

The door opened before they reached it, revealing a broadly smiling Leia.  "There you are!   Welcome!   I was starting to think that you two stole away for some clandestine alone time."  She gave Rey a sly wink.

Ben rolled his eyes and gave his mother a quick kiss on the cheek.  "Hello Mother.   I told you we might be a bit late, and not to worry."

"Its my fault.   I'm sorry."  Rey chimed in.   "We took a little too long at my aunt's house."

"Nonsense."  Leia replied, embracing Rey in a warm hug.  "I was just teasing."  She whispered conspiratorially.   "Ben's always been notoriously easy to tease."

Rey giggled and turned to see Finn and Rose come up beside her.  "Guys!  Hi!"  She exclaimed excitedly.   "I'm so glad you came!"  She embraced them both at the same time.  "It just wouldn't be the same without you here!"

Ben stood off to the side, watching her happily hug her friends, feeling a bit awkward.   Rey must have felt it, because she suddenly let them go and came over to him, wrapping her arm around his waist.  She gave Finn a pointed look, motioning to Ben with her eyes.

Rose caught on immediately, and dragged Finn over to the couple.  "Congratulations to you both."   Rose said sweetly.   "Thank you so much for inviting us."  She elbowed Finn in the side.

"Oh.   Um.  Yeah.  We're... um...happy for you."   Finn stammered.  Rose elbowed him again, and jerked her head towards the couple a few times.  Finn was clearly confused, not catching onto Rose's not so subtle message.   Rolling her eyes, she stuck out her hand to shake Ben's.

Ben and Rey glanced at each other in thinly veiled amusement, before Ben reached out and took Rose's proffered hand.   "Thank you."  He replied.  "Its nice to finally meet you."  He said deeply, which caused her to blush profusely.  Her gaze flicked over to Rey's, who looked back at her with a knowing grin.

Finally catching on, Finn's eyes widened before he extended his hand towards Ben too.  "Yeah.   Um.   Congratulations."  Rey smiled broadly as Ben awkwardly shook Finn's hand.

They all turned as Chewbacca strode into the foyer.  Finn and Rose backed away as the Wookiee purposefully walked up to Ben and Rey and engulfed them in his furry arms.  "Hello Little Ben and Princess Rey.   Everyone's glad you're finally here!  We're all hungry!"

Everyone laughed, as both of them glared up at the Wookiee, annoyed at the nicknames he gave them.  Wanting to distract everyone, Leia chimed in.  "Shall we eat then?"

****

After dinner, they were all gathered in the sitting room, casually relaxing and talking.  Ben however, was quiet, instead preferring to sit back and listen, still not quite comfortable with all of them.   Rey was sitting beside him, close enough that their thighs were touching, with her hand on his knee and his arm thrown around her shoulders.  Rose was beside her on the other side, excitedly asking questions about the baby.  One of them caught Ben off guard.

"So... won't it feel weird to have a baby on a star destroyer?"  Rose asked bluntly.

"Well, actually."  Rey began.   "We won't really be living on the Ascendancy for very much longer."

Rose's face showed surprise, and Rey turned her head towards Ben with a hopeful look, to try to get him to engage in the conversation.  She could hear him sigh quietly before he began.

"We're building a ground base on Yavin 4."  He told her.

When that's all he gave as an explanation, Rey nudged him with her elbow, and he could hear her through the bond.   Ben.  Please?  She could feel him sigh once again.

"Actually, its more like a small city.  So, we'll have our own house, and will be living there by the time the baby is born."

"Really?"   Rose squealed.  "A house?  You're building her a house?"  She looked at him gleefully, a hint of adoration in her eyes, before looking back at Rey who nodded happily.

"That means you guys can come visit."  Rey exclaimed, smiling.

Rey.  She could hear Ben's voice.   Its not that simple.  Its still a First Order Base.

Yes, Love.  She responded.  But by then we should be able to finalize the treaty with the Resistance so there shouldn't be any reason my friends can't come visit us.  He sighed again, and looked into her eyes before shifting his gaze to Rose.

"Of course, Rose."  He replied.  "You and Finn will always be welcome."

Wow.   Rey chuckled.  I don't think I've ever heard you be that polite!

His lips thinned.  Only for you Sweetheart.

Across the room Leia stood.   "While I hate to bring this evening to a close, I think Rey needs a good night's sleep tonight, so its time for the gentlemen to depart."

Ben shifted forward and sat up straighter, his face showing shock.  "What?  Depart to where?"

"Ben, have you forgotten?"  Leia chided.  "Alderaanian tradition says that its bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the ceremony.  So you, Finn and Chewie will be staying on the Falcon tonight."

His eyes widened, as he turned to look at Rey.  "Did you know about this?"  He asked.

She shook her head, looking equally stunned.  "Not a clue."

Leia rolled her eyes.  "Ben.  One night apart from her won't kill you.  Rey has lots of preparations tomorrow morning, and you men will only be in the way.  Lando is arriving tomorrow, and the three of you can travel here from Theed together."

"But –"  He started, but Leia cut him off, holding up her hand and using her General's voice, before he could get any further.

"No buts.  Its all arranged.  Your belongings and outfits for tomorrow have already been sent to the Falcon."

He took a deep breath, unexpectedly feeling very much not in control of the situation.  The thought of letting Rey out of his sight for the night suddenly made him extremely nervous.   Rey's hand softly touched his cheek, and he turned to face her.

"It'll be fine Ben."   She remarked with a regretful smile.  "It is just one night."  She leaned closer, whispering.  "And after tonight, we don't need to be apart ever again."

His trepidation showed in his eyes, but he gave her a small nod.  Earlier that day, when her Uncle Brak had asked him if he was nervous, he'd been honest when he said he wasn't.  Now however, the thought of being separated from her caused his nerves and anxiety to spike.  What if she changed her mind?  What if she was gone when he got here tomorrow?  He swallowed nervously. 

Rey could feel his worry and fear through the bond, and immediately moved to comfort him.  "I'll be right here waiting for you.  I promise.  For real."  She smiled at him lovingly, and leaned forward to give him a soft kiss.

He pulled her close, embracing her tightly, and she could feel him shudder slightly before whispering.  "Okay.  You'd better be."

She leaned her forehead against his, and whispered low enough so that only he could hear.    "I will.   I'll see you tomorrow.  I'll dream of you...."

He huffed out a breath and took her face in his hands to give her a deeply loving kiss, uncaring of their audience.   "I love you."  He told her as he broke the kiss, and she smiled against his mouth.

"I love you back."

Leia watched the two lovers – watched Rey settle Ben after the unexpected news that they'd be apart tonight.  She hadn't meant to shock or upset him, so maybe she should have mentioned it earlier.   But knowing her son, he may have tried to balk, which is why she'd left it till the last minute to spring it on him.   But Rey seemed to be doing a fine job at calming his nerves.   Also, he'd seemed a bit too relaxed and content for the night before his marriage.   It would probably do him a little good to suffer a few pre-wedding jitters, like most normal grooms did.

"Okay, okay guys.  Break it up.  It's time to go."  Leia said sardonically.

Ben sighed and got up off of the sofa.   Finn and Chewie were waiting for him by the door.  He turned to look back at Rey, giving her a small wave with his fingers, and she smiled in return.

Leia shooed them out the door.  After they had left, she came back into the room.  "Okay ladies!"  She announced.   "Now we can have some real fun!"

****

The ride back to the Falcon was somewhat less glamourous than his trip to the house.  Having the three of them crammed into a speeder was less than comfortable, especially since Chewie demanded to drive, which left Ben and Finn to take the back seats.  There simply wasn't enough room in the front for both a Wookiee and Ben's large frame.

Everyone was silent for the first few minutes of the trip, until Ben heard Chewie ask.  "So, Little Ben, are you nervous for tomorrow?"

Ben let out an exasperated huff.  "I wasn't before, but I am now."

"What did he say?"  Finn asked.   "I still can't understand him very well.  I heard something about tomorrow, but that's it."

Ben was silent for a bit before responding quietly.   "He wanted to know if I'm nervous."

"Ohhhh...."  Finn replied, looking over at him.  The expression on his face was curious.

"Ask."  Ben growled.

Finn nodded.   "So, you said you weren't nervous before, but you are now.  Why?"

Ben let out his breath on a long exhale.   "I don't know."   He paused.  "But, its like, not being with her tonight... if.. maybe...."

Comprehension dawned on Finn's face.   "Ohhhhhh."  He smiled tauntingly.  "You're worried she's going to change her mind and run if you're not there."

His annoyed gaze snapped to Finn's, angry that his fear was put into words.  Pursing his lips, he gave Finn a curt nod, and turned back to face the front.

Finn regarded Ben for a minute, wondering if he should take the opportunity to torture him a little.   It would certainly be fun, and if it were anyone else, he would totally do it.   However, he didn't think they were on good enough terms just yet to be messing around with Solo's mind, and what was clearly an insecurity.  He sighed loudly.  "She's not going anywhere, man."  Ben's gaze flicked back to him, now less annoyed, a hint of vulnerability clearly displayed there.  "She's crazy for you.  Chose you over the Resistance.  Even when she thought it might cost her her friends.  So, nah.  She loves you – its clear for everyone to see.  She's made up her mind.   And you know her – once she makes up her mind......"  He said in a patronizing voice.

The barest smile teased at the corners of Ben's mouth at Finn's words.  Surprisingly, it made him feel better.   A lot better.

"She'll be there tomorrow Ben.  Don't worry."  Finn turned to Ben and gave him a serious look.   "But dude.  Don't ever hurt her, you hear me?"

Ben looked back at Finn, a silent communication passing between them, as he nodded back.   "Thank you, Finn.  I couldn't hurt her if I tried.  I never could, and never will."

Chewie's voice could be heard from the front.   "He already knows not to hurt her – because he's smart enough to realize that if he does, I'll rip his arms off!"

Ben rolled his eyes and shook his head.   Finn began laughing uncontrollably, and gleefully announced.  "Hey - I actually understood that!"

Ben glared.  "Fuck off, Finn."

Finn just laughed even harder.  Solo might actually be growing on me, he thought.