At first, living together is a… well, it's a change for both of us. A good change, but change is change, and it all takes some getting used to, despite the fact that we're both pretty stupidly excited to be living together. Mostly, it's really different going from living with a friend to living with a friend and partner.

Ben is not Rose, and I'd gotten used to Rose's weird, as she'd gotten used to mine, so getting used to Ben's habits was a thing for me. His home is definitely an upgrade from what I'm used to and, at first, I kind of resent its niceness.

Like, how dare it be so nice when I had to scrape by for so long, you know? It's a strange feeling that I can't really describe other than to say it's something that comes with growing up with not having enough, only to finally have enough, and for there to be a kind of resentment that blossoms because of that. How dare life be so good when, for so long, it wasn't!

It's silly. I try to talk to Ben about it and he doesn't really understand, but he listens and holds me as I cry through the change. But as things settle into a new normal, I feel better about it all. Ben is working for a great firm downtown—apparently, his uncle was able to help him out with one of his west coast connections and I'm still waiting on some call backs from interviews.

And, I have to say, after I get used to the change, I really enjoy being able to see Ben every day. I know some people bitch about seeing their significant others so often, but I love it, even when he's driving me crazy because sometimes, he does, and sometimes I drive him crazy, I'm sure. But what I appreciate is how well our crazy fits together and how we're always, always there at the end of the day for each other, no matter what.

Even when he leaves wet towels all over the place.

And even when I leave half-drunk coffee mugs all over the place.

But, all in all, I love living with Ben, even if I do miss Rose. But, if I end up getting the new job, I might actually end up seeing her and my friends more often because I'd have weekends off, and she already does. So, I have my fingers and toes crossed for that one.

I'm feeling strangely adult lately and I have my little coffee shop job to thank for it all. Shitty customers, coffee burns, crying in the back room, and cleaning toilets to get myself through school had all been worth it.

If only I'd known to expect Ben at the end of it all, I might have even enjoyed it. I keep commuting to the coffee shop until I get a call back from one of my job applications—not just a callback, a second interview! Only shitty thing is that it's right in the middle of one of my shifts, but Finn covers it for me because he's the sweetest and because he knows how much I want this job—in my field, huge pay raise, nearby our place.

It's basically the dream job, so I'm understandably anxious as Ben and I practice interview questions while I try not to panic. Eventually, I end up in his lap while he details the many, many horrible job interviews he's been responsible for, which kind of makes me feel better.

"One time, it was a group interview, and one candidate threw up in the middle of his answer. On the lady next to him," he drawls.

My face scrunches with disgust. "Oh, god. That sounds terrible. What did you do?"

"Mitaka got him a towel, and we finished the interview without him in a different boardroom. He never came back or answered any calls. Wasn't a bad candidate, actually."

"Aside from the puke."

"Aside from the puke," Ben agrees, which makes me laugh.

"Okay, so as long as I don't throw up, things will be fine?"

Ben pulls me close, lips pressing gently against the shell of my ear as he murmurs, "You will be fine because you are strong, capable, and wondrous. They would be lucky to have you."

Part of me wants to tell him that he's only saying that because he's sleeping with me, but he's so genuine and sweet that I just sit and revel in his love. I'd always assumed that relationships were something that people tolerated instead of enjoyed. Aside from Finn and Rose, I haven't met many couples that seem to genuinely enjoy being together, so I resigned myself to the fact that I'd probably be disappointed—and I always was, but then I met Ben. And everything changed.

My life's not perfect, but I have to think it's pretty close. Milly hops up on the couch and squeezes between us, evidently tired of being ignored. Ben and I accommodate her as she spreads out on both of us. Ben chuckles and shakes his head at his cat's antics and I dip my head in for a quick kiss.

I have my wonderful friends, and now I have my own little family. Sometimes, I wonder what might have happened had I not had that flat tire. Would Ben and I had ended up together? I like to think so. But I also send up thanks, now and again, to whatever God or entity in the universe was listening when they brought Ben into my life. And, as happy as I am now, I have to think that they're still listening.

One moment, a chance encounter, a shitty situation, and everything can change. And, for me, things changed for the better.

So, God, miraculous entity, if you're listening, thank you.

For the first time in my life, I have so much more than I need, and I couldn't be more grateful for it all.

The interview goes well, but it will be a few weeks before I hear back from them so, in the meantime, I keep myself busy with work and applications and Ben adjusts to his new job. Out of the blue, Ben gets a call while we're sitting and eating dinner—it's his dad, who invites us both out to his place. Judging from Ben's reaction, this is unexpected and, after he hangs up the phone, I make sure he's doing okay.

"I didn't even know he had my phone number," Ben admits.

"Maybe your mom gave it to him?"

Ben shrugs. "Or Uncle Luke. I was going to call him, but I haven't been able to work up the nerve. I didn't end things well… the last time we saw each other."

"Do you want to talk about it?" I ask.

Ben shrugs. "No? Yes? I'm not sure. Dad sided with mom about Snoke, so you can imagine how receptive I was to his advice."

I reach over and give his hand a tight squeeze. "Well, if your mom is anything to go by, he only wants to make amends and have you back in his life. But you don't have to do anything you aren't comfortable with."

Ben takes a deep breath, his broad chest expanding and contracting as he nibbles on his lip. "I think I want to. I mean, I agreed to. Are you free next Saturday night? He wants to meet you too."

"Yeah, I actually have Sunday off too, so I'll be there with you."

"I said some pretty… horrible things," Ben admits. "Some things that I definitely need to apologize for."

"Then do it and move on. People change over time, you've changed. There's no reason to let the past drag you down anymore. As long as you can learn from it, then it served a purpose."

His lips curl into a wry smile. "You're only saying that because you didn't hear what I said to him."

I shrug. "I don't need to. If he's calling, that means he wants you in his life. Things might be a little strained, but if you want to try to make things right, I'm there."

Ben lifts my hand up to his lips and presses a kiss on the back of my hand. "What did I do to deserve you?"

"Fated love. Met in a past life. I'm inevitable, babe."

Ben snorts. "You know, sometimes it does feel inevitable. Us, I mean."

I give him a look like, Yeah, I know, that's what I just said.

He shakes his head before clarifying, "No, no, I mean it. I think my life was always leading me to you, somehow. I can't imagine things going any other way than how they did. The good and the bad, all of it. It was all leading me to you."

"I feel the same way," I say as I pull his hand close and, this time, I place my own kiss on his.

Sometimes, all you need is the right person in your corner, and you feel like you can take on the entire galaxy. Ben is my person, and I'm his. Can't ask for much more than that.

We head out to Issaquah and spend time with Ben's dad. His home is not exactly the middle of nowhere, but it's far enough away from the main town that it feels like it. Ben's car bounces on the gravel road as we make our way to Han's somewhat rustic cabin. I can only imagine what it must look like to Leia, whenever she comes here—if she comes here. I'm not sure, so I ask Ben, who shrugs.

"She used to. Not sure if she does anymore…" Ben's voice stalls as we pull up to the house. Han's waiting for us.

Well, I see where Ben gets… pretty much everything from.

Han's tall, handsome, with ruddy skin that's a little wrinkled from time and what I expect is a lot of time outdoors. His silver hair is parted to the side in a style that makes him look younger than I suspect he is and he's dressed in jeans and flannel—lots of flannel.

If this is what I get to look forward to as Ben gets older, then I'm lucky as hell, I think to myself. I'm never, ever going to tell Ben that, but I can't help but think it. I look over at Ben, who looks a little nervous, so I give his hand a squeeze as he parks.

"It's good, he looks happy to see you," I assure him. Ben gives a little nod and gets out without saying anything and Han's pretty much at his door and has his arms around him before Ben can even properly get out of the car.

Okay, so I guess he missed him, I think. It's sweet to see. I feel a bit bad for being a voyeur, but it also makes me happy that Ben has people like this in his life now. Self-isolating is an easy trap to fall into and often one that's hard to get out of.

One mistake, one shitty situation, and it feels like no one will ever want to be around you again. I'm lucky that I have such great friends to help me out of those spirals, but my heart breaks when I think of how much Ben has had to suffer alone.

Not anymore, I think with a smile as Han notices me.

"This must be Rey!" he says with a charming smile. "And you survived Leia. That's a good sign!"

What a scoundrel, I think, but I'm wrapped up in his arms just as quick as Ben was. And just like that, it's easy. Han shows us around his place, which is small and neater than I expected. I hear a dog bark from the back and Han assures me that 'He's huge and friendly,' so I have a fluffy friend to look forward to.

Han gets us a drink and we chat a little while as I get to know him. It's all pretty surface level stuff. Han talks about his days as a pilot—he's retired now—and the size of the trout he pulled out of Pine Lake—gigantic, at least 16 inches. I mention my favorite diner in Issaquah, XXX-Root Beer, and Han talks incessantly about their shakes and promises to take me the next time we visit.

Eventually, Ben and Han head into the kitchen and I leave them alone, choosing instead to play with Han's giant Newfoundland dog, Chewie, who is as drooly as he is adorable.

After their private chat, I tell Ben that his dad's about the most charming man I've ever met, and he rolls his eyes at my admission.

"Don't let dad hear you say that, his ego is big enough," he deadpans.

"How are things between the two of you?" I ask.

"The same and different. Dad doesn't dwell on the past and he seems happy to just have me back in his life. I appreciate it—that he even wants me in his life."

"Well, it's not like you murdered anyone. Lots of kids go through rough patches with their parents, at least, that's what I've gleaned from working at the coffee shop."

"I said some horrible things," Ben goes on.

"And he's forgiven you. End of story."

"Yeah, end of story."

Ben wraps his arms around me and ducks his head into my neck. "Thanks, Sunshine."

"For what?"

"For being you."

"That's a perfectly ridiculous thing to say, Ben," I tease.

"And, yet, it's perfectly true."

A cough from behind distracts us both as Ben pops his head up and I wiggle around.

"If you two kids are finished canoodling," Han says while a grin works its way onto his handsome face. "Chow's ready."

"Are we eating dog food?" Ben jokes.

"If you're lucky, kid," Han shoots back. Knowing what I know about Leia, the difference between the two of them is vast and, yet, I can see the appeal. Han's handsome, irreverent, and doesn't give a shit what anyone thinks of him, good or otherwise. And I respect that and hope that he and Leia will be able to sort through their differences sooner rather than later.

And as for Leia… I think as Han can't seem to resist bringing her up.

"Your mother, she's… we talked a little recently but, it didn't end so well," he trails off.

"She's doing great, Dad. Asked if I'd seen you yet, but I hadn't. I'll tell her you say hi. Might be worth it to make a trip out to New York, you know," Ben hints.

Han cocks his head as he considers. "You know, I hate that city."

"Yeah, Dad, I know."

"But your mother…."

"Definitely worth the trip," Ben finishes.

"You're right there, kid. Anyway, we can talk about this all later. It's time to eat!"

And we did. Ate and ate and ate until I was about stuffed and groaning from Han's overstuffed and beaten up, but remarkably comfy, couch. We end up watching Jeopardy on Han's T.V. which is about the most Boomer thing to do that I can imagine. Han is great at Jeopardy, Ben and I, not so much.

Once it's dark, Han suggests making a fire out in his pit, which sounds like a brilliant idea to me. So, we cover up in Han's flannel coats, spray ourselves in DEET, and head out into the clear night. Ben helps Han gather up some logs and twig-like things while I arrange some plastic furniture near the fire pit.

"There are some roasting skewers in the kitchen, and some marshmallows on the counter, can you grab those for me, Rey? Oh, and the fire accelerant," Han adds with a grin.

"Are you going to light your house on fire?" I ask.

"Probably not. Maybe tomorrow. Figure you kids don't want to spend all night watching me muck around with these logs—they're a little damp."

"I'm convinced, Ben?"

Ben shrugs. "This doesn't even rank top ten for scariest shit my dad has gotten into," he says, somewhat cryptically.

"You're going to have to continue that conversation one day," I shoot over my shoulder as I bound back into the house. Everything is exactly where he said, so I don't have any trouble, aside from Chewie getting tangled up in my legs, before I head back outside.

The logs are all arranged by the time I get back and Han has stuffed newspaper in the cracks. I hand the accelerant over and he gives me a nod before directing, "You both should probably stand back for this."

Ben and I take one look at each other before stepping right back, and I'm certainly glad we did. Han squirts some accelerant onto the logs, lights a match, steps back a bit and cautiously tosses the match as he trots away. The fire starts with a great poof and I swear the tips of my hair get singed from the flames.

"Well, that's one way to get it going," I comment.

"That's actually better than I thought it would be," Ben adds. "Once, Dad spent an entire summer without eyebrows because of a campfire."

"I'm sure Leia loved that."

"She was tickled pink," Han adds with a laugh. "C'mon, Chewie."

Han settles into his chair and Chewie curls up at his feet and soon they're both snoring while Ben and I roast some marshmallows and look at the stars. Han lives far enough out that all I hear are the bugs singing and the crackle of the fire as Ben and I slowly turn our sticks.

Ben's pretty terrible at roasting marshmallows and his keep catching on fire. "I like them crispy," he assures me.

"Burnt, Ben. They're burnt."

"It adds flavor."

"Burnt flavor," I say while squishing my perfectly roasted marshmallow off the end of my stick. I reach over and hold it on the end of my finger for Ben, who slips his mouth over my finger and pulls the marshmallow off, sucking sweetly on the tip of my finger as I try to keep my thoughts PG while Han snores nearby.

"You're a terrible flirt," I accuse.

"That's why you love me," he says with a wink.

I sigh. "Guess you got me there, Ben."

The fire crackles cheerily as I stare on. Ben chats quietly about his childhood. Apparently, his dad has always had this place and used it as a sort of retreat when he and Leia were at odds… as they currently were.

"Did you come out here often?" I ask while sticking another marshmallow on my stick. I 'm going to make myself sick, but I don't care—they're so delicious.

"Not really. Uncle Luke has a place in Oregon, spent more time out there."

"With the chickens?" I ask, remembering how Ben had to collect eggs during the summers at his uncles.

"With the chickens and the pigs and the goats."

"Oh, I love goats. They're so weird and they eat anything," I prattle while slowly twirling my stick to ensure optimum marshmallow toastiness.

"And everything. I lost a pair of pants to a goat."

"Tragic, but have you considered that maybe it was a sign from the universe?" I tease. "Might be trying to tell you that you should wear your trousers less often, at least when I'm around."

Ben laughs. "Maybe. A prophecy coming to fruition?"

"Hmm, just waiting for me and my flat tire to make our way into your life, eh?"

"Evidently."

I munch on my marshmallow before offering to make one for Ben. He's dreadful at it and keeps dropping them in the fire, or making them into flaming balls of mush.

"Did you like spending your summers out in Oregon?" I wonder.

Ben shrugs. "Yes and no. I felt resentful towards my parents for sending me away, but I look back on the memories fondly now—mostly."

"Except for the trouser eating goat?"

"Except for him."

Some grumbling from Han distracts Ben and I. Chewie gives a disinterested look up at his human before snuggling back down into the ground.

"Welcome back to the land of the living, Dad," Ben jokes while Han yawns.

"Hard to sleep with you kids jabbering," Han says as his lips curl into that same charming smile that often makes its way onto his son's face. Their physical similarities are uncanny, even if their personalities are pretty different.

"Marshmallow?" I ask while offering up a perfectly toasted marshmallow.

"Don't mind if I do. Thank you, Rey," Han says while plucking the gooey mess from the end of my stick. "Perfect."

We chat for a bit more until Han stands and stretches, which is pretty much old man for: "Time to go, kids."

Ben and Han snuff out the fire while I collect the marshmallows, sticks, and accelerant and bring them back to the kitchen. Ben's getting ready to go by the time I get back outside.

"Don't be a stranger, either of you," Han says while giving me a sleepy hug before he and Ben do some sort of awkward hug-handshake thing before settling on a very hearty hug.

"Call mom," Ben suggests. "She misses you."

Han chuckles. "Then my plan is working."

"Yeah, it's working. Whatever you did to drive her nuts has worn off, and she misses you."

Han grumbles a bit more, but I think Ben got through to him.

"Thanks for everything," I say as we make our way to Ben's car.

"Any time. Drive safe, kids," Han says around a yawn. "Hot dogs, next time," he promises me and I'm thrilled he remembers that I really want to go to XXX-Root Beer.

The drive back to Seattle is pretty quick considering there's hardly any traffic. We take the floating bridge to get back into the city which is my favorite thing to do because it's an architectural marvel and I love being able to stare at Lake Washington as we drive across. The stars glitter down on us as Ben zooms across the bridge.

I reach over and take his hand before asking, "How are you feeling?"

"Better than I thought I would."

"I'm glad. You think you'll see your dad more often now?"

"Maybe, probably."

I smile before leaning against the window, watching as houselights glitter from the shore. I'm sure there's still plenty for Ben and his parents to work through but, for the time being, it feels like they're on the path to healing, which makes me pretty damn happy. Everything changes with time and the edges of old wounds smooth out until the hurt isn't so sharp.

I hope things continue to look up for Ben and his family and I know, no matter what, I'll be there to hold his hand through it all, just as he's there for me. As we head into the tunnel at the end of the floating bridge, it almost feels like we're traveling into another world, or embarking on a new adventure together.

Sometimes, the journey can seem scary and the outcome uncertain, but then you break through to the other side and everything seems worth it as the world spreads out before your eyes and everything becomes clear again. Even if it took some time for Ben and me to get on the right path, I know we'll come out on the other side stronger than before—and this time, we'll do it together.

We wake up late the next day, which is perfect for a lazy Sunday. I still smell faintly of campfire because I'd been too lazy to shower last night and Ben teases me as he leans in for a kiss while we pass each other in the kitchen.

"There are worse things to smell like," I counter.

"And are you planning on cycling through each and every one of those things, starting with campfires?"

"Ha ha, very funny," I deadpan while my stomach rumbles.

"Sounds like someone's hungry," Ben says. His lip quirks as he turns to start making breakfast—pancakes, a Sunday tradition for us now.

"Like you're not starving." I know for a fact he is. Ben is always hungry, except for when he's stressed. Then I have to remind him to eat, but that's happening less and less frequently lately, which makes me so happy.

I cut up the strawberries and use our stand mixer to whip up some cream. Ben sticks the bacon on a baking sheet and then in the stove which is a much better way of cooking it than I used—who knew you didn't have to suffer thorough oil splashes in order to enjoy bacon?

It takes a while for Ben to get the pancakes done, which is just the nature of pancakes, but they're worth the wait, like most good things in life. In the meantime, I boil some water and get some pour-overs ready for coffee.

Pancakes and bacon are done, table's set, I'm just about to take a sip of my coffee when Ben grumbles from across the table, "I don't know how you drink that dark roast, it tastes like mud to me."

"It takes like dark chocolate, but your unrefined coffee palate is only picking up on the roasty notes."

"Roasty notes, are you telling me drinking coffee is like tasting wine?"

"You need a very refined palate to be able to pick up on the nuance in coffee."

"So, the individual dirt flavors? I'm almost out of my favorite coffee, too," he lets me know. I give him a dismissive wave because I'd already noticed. Finn still lets me have his discount, so I'll grab some the next time I stop at the shop.

"I'll get you some if you're good and nice about my coffee."

"Fine, your coffee only slightly tastes like dirt," he assures me, magnanimously.

"Much better," I laugh while rolling my eyes. "Now, quit your grumbling, we're starting to sound like an old married couple. You know I prefer the dark roast, but I love you and you were almost nice, so I'll get you some of that putrid light roasted blend that you seem to adore," I assure him with a wink from across the table.

Ben's face softens and his expression turns thoughtful before he asks, "But why aren't we—an old married couple, I mean?"

"Is that a proposal?" I joke, not at all taking him seriously until he replies.

"Yeah… I guess it is." Realization at what he just said dawns on me as his face runs through the full range of human emotions while I sit and thoughtfully take a sip of my way too hot coffee. My tongue burns as I quietly lose my mind.

It's not like the movies. Ben doesn't take me to the first place we went on a date, or somewhere special, in fact, the whole proposal seems to take him by surprise as much as it does me—and he's the one giving it!

"I'm sorry, can you repeat what you just said?" I manage. I pick up my fork and cut into my pancake like nothing strange just happened. Strawberries and whipped cream ooze off the sides as I press just a little too hard. Maybe I misheard him. I must have misheard him.

Ben blinks as his cheeks flush a little. I cock my head as his words settle in my mind. No, he definitely said we should get married, except I don't know if that was what he'd meant to say when he said it.

I'm about to awkwardly change the subject when he reaches out and repeats, clearly, and with purpose over a plate of pancakes and bacon, "Rey, will you marry me?"

I stare down at my pancake like it's going to give me some sort of answer or ground me at this moment. I mean, it's not like I didn't think that we'd get married one day. Hell, I'd thought that when we first started dating, but now that it's here and I'm experiencing a metric fuckton of emotions.

Married. To Ben. Get married to Ben. Husband and wife and cat.

I want to marry Ben, but I didn't expect to be confronted about it so early in the day. My brain just can't seem to keep up as Ben sits there, hand outstretched between us, palm up as he waits. I love that hand. I love the arm it's attached to, and the body that follows after that. I love his face. His nerdy laugh. The quirky shape of his smile. The way he runs his hand through his hair when he gets nervous, or how he chews his lips when he's overwhelmed.

I love that he listens to me and offers insight, but how he sometimes challenges me. I love that he brings home takeout when I've had a long day and neither of us feels like cooking. I love that he's sweet to animals and children and my friends and me.

I love Ben. I love him in so many ways that I can't even put into words. I love him. The answer is yes. I want to marry Ben. Now I just have to tell him without crying. I look up at him, eyes filling with tears as he stares back. He looks a little chagrined and like he's preparing himself for the worst, which is so Ben I could die. This man waited for months to even make half of a move towards dating me, but he's here now, taking a huge step and I'm staring at him like an idiot.

"Yes. I mean, you want to marry me too?" I manage.

Ben chokes out a laugh. "Yeah, Rey. I want to marry you too."

"So, let's get married then."

"Sounds like a great idea, Sunshine," Ben says as a grin works its way onto his face.

I'm very emotional, so I need to blink through the tears as I reach out and take his hand—his fingers curl around mine as I hold tight. For a moment, I feel like I'm outside of time and experiencing flashes of our relationship as they were and will yet be. I don't exactly know what the future holds, that kind of thing is always in motion, but I know that if I have Ben at my side, I'll never have to go it alone again.

And I can't ask for much more than that.

Author's Notes: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAnd there we go. I made myself cry hahahaha I'm such a fucking sap. Thank you so much for reading this. I know coffee shop AUs are a thing LOL and first person also a thing, but I appreciate it so much that you've spent time with me in this story. I treasure each and every one of your comments and they absolutely fueled my resolve to finish this, even when life got shitty and in the way. Love you all and hope the best for you and yours in the days to come!

Might do some sort of an epilogue, but I have to finish some other work first, so this is complete for now. HOWEVER, if you have any wedding head canons, feel free to share (I'm not the right person for writing baby/pregnancy-Reylos, but feel free to dream away if that's your thing). A wedding would definitely be in the PNW, indoors, because they're not insane and they don't want to get stuck in the rain. But other than that, I've not thought much about it (other than who will walk her down the isle). Maybe a honeymoon somewhere warm, like the Amalfi Coast or something. Mitaka definitely leaves Snoke's and comes to work with Ben while making time to visit Milly on the weekends or whenever Ben and Rey go away on vacation. Milly gets nice and fluffy and is pretty spoiled with too many toys and treats, but she pays in snuggles, so Rey thinks it's totally worth it, but Ben is less convinced (or pretends to be, anyway). Finn and Rose have a HEA and end up settling on the PNW too (Ballard, they love it, even if it's hipster af). Poe's still batcheloring around, but having a good time with it. His pool continues to be "the best" part of summer. XXX Rootbeer is a real place (SHOUT OUT) and their shakes and hotdoogs and burgers and rootbeer are all delicious (huge portions, I have a thing for diners lol).