November 2006
Denver, Colorado
Solo Residence
"I'm so sorry, Rey—" Leia explained, despite having her nose buried in a pile of paperwork, "Han won't be back for another three weeks. He wants to expand outside of Colorado so he's touring facilities in New Mexico, Arizona, California, Utah, Nevada—"
Rey frowned, on the verge of tears. "Then could you teach me?" She asked, her voice shaky as the waterworks threatened to fall, "Please?"
Leia frowned and finally looked up from her papers. "I would, Rey. But the truth is, I don't know how to drive stick shift."
At the woman's words, she broke into tears. Deep down, Rey knew she was overreacting. She really, truly did. But, her sixteenth birthday had been almost a week ago, and Chewie surprised her with a beautiful old truck that he and Han had restored. Unfortunately, it had a manual transmission, which Rey didn't know how to drive, despite frequently helping Han out at one of his servicing facilities.
Chewie, of course, knew Rey lacked the knowledge, and had anticipated teaching Rey the minute she had the new keys in her hands. But lady luck didn't seem to be on her side. The following day, Chewie threw his back out, and was told by the doctor to be off his feet for at least another few weeks.
Which meant Rey, who had received the nicest present in the history of the world, had to stare at her car parked in the driveway, unable to drive it for god knows how long. It was a cruel twist of fate, and as a teenager, that car was meant to represent her freedom.
But with Chewie hurt, Han out of town, and Leia lacking the skillset, there was no one else she could ask.
That was, until, Ben strolled in, wearing only a pair of basketball shorts, his bare torso shining with sweat. If Rey wasn't so upset given the turn of events, she might have been intrigued by his appearance. Instead, she continued her sniffling, desperately trying to stop her tears.
Ben took one look at her and froze. "Uh. Why are you crying?" He asked, as he reached into the refrigerator to grab himself a bottle of water.
Leia sighed and rubbed at her tired eyes. "Benjamin, put a shirt on for god's sake," She muttered, watching her son critically as he slipped into a Tatooine High School sweatshirt. Then, she continued, "You saw the truck Chewie bought Rey for her birthday. Well, it's a stick shift, and she doesn't know how to drive it. Since Chewie's now on bedrest and your father is out of town, I don't know who else can teach her."
Ben ran a hand through his sweaty hair and glanced at Rey. She managed to stop the tears, but her cheeks and nose were still stained red. He sighed. "Mom, I can teach her."
Leia laughed. "Ben, you don't know how to drive stick shift."
"Yes, I do," He retorted, rolling his eyes, "Dad taught me."
That perked Leia's interest. "And when would your father have taught you?"
"Uh… When the Starkiller was still running."
Leia scoffed and crossed her arms. "That old thing hasn't run since you were what, thirteen years old?"
The mother and son shared a look, one that had Leia cursing. "Your father took you out to drive at thirteen? And where was your brother?"
Ben snorted. "Poe was too nervous. He sat in the backseat."
"Of all the things Han could do—putting my sons in danger—I've got the right mind to call him right now and give him a piece of my mind—"
But Rey interrupted Leia's rant, her teary eyes staring at Ben. "You mean it? You'll teach me?"
Ben shrugged. "Yeah. I can try, I mean. I'm not an expert or anything, but I know the basics."
Rey rushed forward and grabbed his hand. "Please! I'll take anything! I just want to be able to drive my own car!"
He opened his mouth to respond but dropped his gaze to her grip. Her tiny tan hand, with pink nails and all, was quite a contrast to his very sweaty, very pale forearm. She gulped and immediately jerked her hand away.
"Right, so, can we start now?"
Ben grumbled and finished his water. "Let me take a quick shower and then I'm all yours."
Rey let out such a high-pitched squeal that both Ben and Leia cringed. As Ben wandered up the stairs, Rey began to bounce up and down, her excitement practically oozing from her bones. Leia simply smiled and shook her head.
"Now, behave with him. I know how you two like to argue," Leia chuckled and began to collect her papers, "That's probably an understatement. Regardless, Ben has a temper when he drives. Just keep the road rage down to a minimum, okay?"
With an excited nod, Rey assured Leia everything would be absolutely fine, and booked it to the front porch, clutching her keys to her chest.
-x-x-x-
When Ben finished his shower, they began the fifteen-minute walk back to Rey's house, a calm silence over the pair of them. Despite the cool breeze picking up, Ben wore only a t-shirt and a pair of jeans, his shaggy hair still wet. It was quite the contrast to Rey's outfit. She was notorious for getting cold easily, and came prepared, dressed in a winter jacket.
Once they reached Chewie's tiny bungalow, they stopped in the driveway, staring at her baby blue truck.
"Wow," Ben began, before glancing at Rey, "It's—"
She immediately huffed and held up her hand. "I know. It's not your brand new X5, but it's perfect," She ran her hands along the fresh paint job, tears welling in her eyes, "I helped them repair it. I had no idea that Chewie was going to buy it for me."
Ben sighed and slid into the passenger seat. "First of all, I didn't ask for a BMW. I just got one," He buckled up and ran a hand through his damp hair, "Second, I was going to compliment it. You don't have to assume everything coming out of my mouth is an insult, Rey."
Now seemingly embarrassed by his words, she slid into the driver's seat and buckled up. Once settled in the seat, she gripped the steering wheel, her knuckles turning white. She glanced over at Ben.
"Right! I'm ready!"
He rolled his eyes. "Jesus, Rey, do you even have your license? You look like you're about to vomit."
"Of course, I have my license!" She hissed back, dropping her hands from the wheel, "I'm just…" She looked down and whimpered, "I'm scared. I never want anything to happen to this car."
Ben sighed and nodded. "I get it. I do." He offered her a reassuring smile, "I'll help how I can. Now start the engine."
Rey grinned and did exactly what he asked.
-x-x-x-
Three hours later, the truck zipped down Ben's street, stopping precariously in front of the Solo home. As soon as the car stopped, Ben threw himself out the door and groaned. Rey leaned over the empty passenger seat and waved.
"Thanks for all the help, Ben!" She cried delightedly, her smile massive, "I'm so excited to get this baby on the road!"
Ben shook his head frantically. "I am never driving with you again, Rey! You're a fucking lunatic on the road!"
She merely laughed and shifted out of park. "If you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen!" With a wink, she drove off, leaving Ben to watch the baby blue truck practically fly away.
But from the comfort of his front lawn, he finally got a clear view of the license plate.
SCAVNGR
He couldn't help but smile as he wandered back inside.
-x-x-x-
November 2018
Landstuhl, Germany
Landstuhl Regional Medical Center
Everyone told her not to go. As soon as Leia and Han were assured his injuries weren't fatal, they were content with waiting for him to be flown back to DC for further treatment, just as they were advised to.
But not Rey.
Not when she got the call from Poe.
That his team was surrounded. There had been a bomb. Some gunfire. That four of his fellow servicemen were dead. That Ben was hurt, being airlifted to Germany for treatment.
She really didn't think twice. In mere minutes, she had her passport in her hand and was in an uber heading to the airport. She could not have cared less that her flight to Frankfurt cost more than her monthly rent.
Rey had to see him.
-x-x-x-
January 2019
Denver, Colorado
Coruscant Condos
"You need to start your stretches," Rey reminded him, joining him on the sofa. She set a tray down, filled with Leia's homemade lasagna and some lemonade, and quickly set a plate in front of him.
Ever since Ben returned home injured, almost three months ago, his mother was constantly over to drop off food and check in on her son.
Because to everyone's surprise (and delight), Ben had decided to stay in Denver while he recovered, not his own place in San Diego.
In fact, he was basically living with Rey at this point.
And the arrangement worked. Her job had some flexibility, so she frequently accompanied him to his appointments at the VA, although Poe or his parents would step in if Rey was unavailable.
She watched as Ben began to eat, shifting uncomfortably. Despite desperately trying not to think back to finding him on a hospital bed in Germany, she simply couldn't. Not when she recalled the list of injuries explained to her by the hospital personnel.
A broken sternum, a broken leg, two bullets in his ribs, second degree burns on his back, the potential for permanent nerve damage…
She watched him, hypnotized as he calmly dug into the lasagna, and swallowed.
He was here. He was okay.
Hurt, starting physical therapy, but he was okay.
"You okay?" He asked, surprised by her intimate attention.
She sniffled and grabbed his hand. "Are you?"
Ben merely smiled. "Why wouldn't I be?"
No words were needed. She simply kissed him.
-x-x-x-
September 2015
Denver, Colorado
Coruscant Condos
She could kill Finn. Her best friend must harbor some serious feelings of resentment towards her. Hardcore hatred, in fact, if she had to guess.
What other reasoning could he have for forcing her to make the call?
It was a simple task, really. Poe's birthday was at the end of the month and Rey had graciously stepped in to help Finn plan his boyfriend a surprise party. In fact, given Leia's connections, most of the details were already set in stone.
The rooftop of the Dagobah Hotel had been booked, forcing Rey to relive her memories from Senior Prom for the evening. The food was being catered by local celebrity chef Jabba Hutt, the cake was being artfully crafted by Bobba Bakeries, and the big present of the evening was a romantic getaway for Finn and Poe—the two were being gifted a wonderful week in Europe right before the holidays, meaning romantic strolls in the chilly air, exploring Christmas markets, and drinking mulled wine to their hearts' content.
So, it seemed to Rey that most of everything was set and ready to go. Until Finn got another brilliant idea to have his videographer friend create a video featuring Poe's closest friends talking about well, Poe.
It was simple enough. Finn, Rey, or Han and Leia had access to almost every single person they wanted to talk to.
In fact, the only person not readily available was arguably the person Poe would most want to see on the big screen.
That was precisely why a phone call was necessary.
Rey simply did not understand why it was her placing the call and not Finn.
But there was no use in complaining forever. All she could do was double-check the time difference and place the call with the number given to her.
"Solo," his deep voice answered after a few rings, "Is this mom or Poe?"
Rey gulped and sat on the edge of her bed, her belly suddenly filled with butterflies.
"Erm, neither," She explained gently, suddenly wishing she could see his face, "It's your favorite person."
Silence followed her words, before his soft chuckle filled her ears.
"Rey," He began, the way he said he name practically lighting her stomach on fire, "Is everything okay?"
She bit her lip and laid back on her bed, clutching the phone tightly to herself. "Everything is fine. I hope I didn't disappoint you, you know. Not being your mother or Poe."
He laughed again, sending shivers down her spine. "It's always Poe or mom so this is a refreshing change. I'm just…" she could hear the phone moving, causing her to momentarily panic about his signal, "Surprised to hear from you, that's all."
"Well, someone has to torment you even when you're away. That's always been my job, hasn't it?" She inquired, bringing her knees to her chest, "It's a job I take quite seriously."
Ben snorted. "Please. It's the reverse, Rey. I thought I was the one that drove you crazy. I'm sure you miss that desperately."
She couldn't help but blush. "Me miss you? Nuts! You're crazy, Ben Solo!"
"Well, fair. But my crazy is limited. Your crazy extends to behind the wheel. In the kitchen. In swimming pools."
Rey laughed, practically hypnotized by the sound of his voice. "Did you just insult my driving, cooking, and swimming ability in a single sentence?"
"Mhm, I think so. I even tried to help you with all three."
She rolled her eyes. "Oh, of course! I will never forget Ben Solo in a pair of pink floaties."
"And I'll never forget you almost killing me when I taught you stick shift."
With a gasp, she lurched forward. "You take that back! I learned so quickly—Han and Chewie were so impressed!"
Ben snorted again. "Probably because they're such awful drivers, too. But I promise you, they'd agree on your lack of skills in the kitchen."
Rey couldn't help but pout. "Unfair. Dinners with Chewie were of the canned or frozen variety. You can't fault me for being unable to cook!"
"Well, I survived off Taco Bell for most of my 16th year and even I can cook."
She groaned and bit her lip. "You're so annoying, Ben Solo. Just absolutely the worst."
He laughed again, the deep rumbling tickling her ear. "You know what's the worst? Your singing. Remember the Talent Show in seventh grade?"
"BEN!" She shrieked, herself trying to forget the memory, "We agreed to never bring that up again!"
With a laugh, he retorted, "No, you agreed to that. I never agreed to anything."
"Fine! Shall we discuss the Staff vs Students basketball game our sophomore year when you let Vice Principal Snoke get around your defense twice?"
She could practically hear him roll his eyes. "Well, I had to stay on that asshole's good side so, that was a calculated decision. Your terrible singing though…"
Rey gasped again. "Alright, well, how about when Finn and I went into your internet history freshmen year and—"
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, let's not get ahead of ourselves here—"
"I think it would be a fun topic to discuss, don't you think?"
"I think not! What about when you had your first period and—"
"Stop right there, Ben Solo!"
"Will you make me?"
"You'd be surprised what I'm capable of!"
-x-x-x-
After a two-hour conversation that only ended when Ben was forced off the phone, a thought occurred to Rey.
She never even asked him about the recording.
-x-x-x-
April 2019
Denver, Colorado
Denver International Airport
Rey stood by Ben's side, their hands interlocked. He was finally walking normally after months of physical therapy, but Rey still saw his occasional wince. The bones had healed, but some of the nerve damage was forever.
As were the memories.
She used to dream about having him all to herself, no longer worrying about him being in danger.
She just wished he didn't have to be hurt for that to happen.
Ben would never voice his struggle, but she knew the mental adjustment had been even harder for him than the physical pain. After more than a decade of service, he was permanently back to the civilian world.
It was a huge adjustment.
All Rey could do was hold his hand and stand by his side.
So that's what she did, squeezing his hand with a smile. He glanced to his side and offered her an equally as charming one.
From beside her, Leia squealed. "There they are!" She exclaimed, gripping her husband's hand in delight, "Oh my god, it's finally happening!"
Rey glanced at the walkway, looking through the arriving travelers and endless rolling suitcases.
But she too saw them.
Poe, grinning, holding far too many bags.
And to his side, Finn, holding a little girl, no older than two years old.
The pair were returning from Guatemala, where they had adopted a little girl. It was the same place the Solos had adopted Poe so many years ago, making it an obvious choice for where to adopt their child and honoring Poe's heritage.
Within minutes, the couple appeared in front of them, Finn cradling the little girl to his chest. With olive skin and a headful of dark curls, she looked like an angel.
"This is Beatriz," Poe explained, gently brushing a curl away from the sleeping girl's face, "We're going to call her Bebe."
Rey grinned as the child was passed around, tears filling her eyes as Leia gushed over the little girl.
And then the little angel ended up in Ben's arms. When his eyes met Rey's, she found she couldn't breathe.
Not watching his large form hold the tiny child so close, so delicately, so perfectly.
New feelings welled in her chest.
She knew they wouldn't go away anytime soon.
-x-x-x-
June 2019
Denver, Colorado
Mos Eisley Cantina
"Wait, I'm still so lost. Who exactly did you sue?" Rose asked, sitting comfortably in the corner booth, taking a sip of her margarita.
Rey bit her lip, her body still buzzing with the news. Only mere hours ago, Finn had called her, explaining that the case was settled out of court.
Then, he proceeded to give her a monetary figure that caused her to scream. Ben even charged into the room, afraid she was hurt.
She was most certainly not hurt.
"Um, well, the boat manufacturer and the port and rental company in Miami for negligence," Rey explained, still iffy on the legal jargon herself, "Finn and his firm actually did all the work. I just… You know, signed my name and stuff."
Rose nodded, fascinated by the situation. "Would you… be comfortable giving me a figure?"
Rey bit her lip, considering if she should. But, ultimately, she couldn't hold it in.
"Guess."
"Half a million?"
"Higher."
Rose quirked an eyebrow and ate a tortilla chip. "A million."
"Higher."
"Two?"
"Higher."
Rose groaned and waved her hand. "Alright, never mind. But holy shit girl, you're loaded now. What are you going to do?"
In the hours since Finn gave her the news, she had asked herself the same question. But, ultimately, two answers immediately came to mind.
"Well, first, I'm going to buy Chewie a new place. Somewhere he can retire in style. And with a hot tub," She explained, smiling at the thought, "He's always wanted one of those."
Rose awed and nudged her friend. "That's so sweet! Anything else?"
Rey swallowed and bit her lip. "Yes, actually. We're expanding Learnable."
-x-x-x-
August 2019
Denver, Colorado
1983 Endor Terrace
She groaned and took him deeper, loving the way his cock hit the base of her throat. It almost made her gag, but the feeling was otherworldly. Besides, Ben's moans always destroyed her, as did the way he pulled at her hair.
"Fuck, Rey, you gotta stop—" He gasped out, his eyes nearly rolling back, "I want to—fuck—"
But she didn't care what he wanted. So, she hummed along his cock, nearly squealing when she felt him erupt in her mouth. As he settled his breathing, she smirked and sat up, glancing down at him.
He groaned and rubbed at his eyes. "Fuck, you kill me Rey."
With a laugh, she ran her hands delicately across his chest, never growing tired of his post-orgasm face. And while she certainly could use some attention, she was more interested in sharing some exciting news.
"I want to tell you something," She began, nibbling on her lip.
Her words perked his interest. "Yeah? What's up?"
Rey smiled and grabbed his hands. "Well, I used some of my portion of the settlement to expand Learnable. I'm starting a new team to work specifically with children of servicemen and women."
But Ben didn't immediately respond. He simply stared at her, his face giving nothing away. In fact, his lack of response had her heart in her stomach.
"Ben?" She whispered, frowning, "Aren't you going to say something?"
He didn't. He merely picked her up and set her on the bed, before disappearing out of their shared bedroom.
In the house they were now renting together.
Tears burned in her eyes. Sure, she knew she idealized things, and it would have been totally understandable if Ben wasn't as excited about the expansion of her non-profit as she was.
But for him to say nothing?
To just walk out on her?
As the tears began to stream down her cheeks, she noticed Ben stroll back in. She hiccupped and looked at him.
"I didn't want to do this now," He explained gently, staring at her with a sort of reverence that made her heart soar, "But then you do things and I just… I can't not act."
She had no words as he dropped to his knee, a small velvet box in his hands. When he flipped it open, exposing a gorgeous diamond band, she was forever gone.
"Will you marry me?" He whispered, his loving gaze just destroying her, "You'd make me the happiest man in the world. And I know this isn't ideal. I had this entire romantic evening planned but then you just—you did this amazing thing—and I can't wait any longer—"
And Rey couldn't wait any longer either. She launched herself into his arms, kissing him with a sort of intensity that curled her toes and set her on fire.
He laughed and gently pulled her away, smiling down at her with tears in his eyes.
"Is that a yes?" He whispered, removing the ring from its box.
Rey sniffled and shoved him gently. "Of course, it's a yes, you big moron!"
And as soon as it was on her finger, she launched another aggressive kissing attack, only relenting when he nuzzled into her ear, whispering naughty things.
Suddenly, there were plenty of other places she much preferred his kisses.
-x-x-x-
December 2019
Denver, Colorado
Tatooine High School
Ben looked delectable in his black slacks and baby blue button down, his hair finally back to the length that Rey had once loved in their high school years.
In fact, despite how difficult the adjustment to civilian life had been for Ben, both mentally and emotionally, she knew he was beyond delighted to finally have his hair fully covering his ears again.
But, currently, he looked upset, and Rey knew why. Despite the game having ended almost forty-five minutes ago, and most of the parking lot having emptied, Ben continued to pace around their car.
"Hey," She began, stopping his movements with a firm hand on his shoulder, "Don't beat yourself up over this."
Ben cursed and shook his head, his cheeks red with frustration. "I just… We got our asses kicked out there!" He exclaimed, rubbing at his jaw, "Now I know how Coach Maul used to feel."
But Rey didn't want him to get upset over something as trivial as the varsity squad losing their first game of the season. She knew he had a competitive streak, and losing was disappointing, but it wasn't worth the stress.
"Hey," She whispered, stepping close enough to rest her hands on his chest, "You did a great job, Coach Solo."
Clearly the title did something to him, if the way his eyes darkened was any indication. "Did I now?" He whispered, his voice dangerously low.
Rey smirked and began to toy with the buttons straining against his chest. "You did. You've been working so hard. Helping me at Learnable, taking classes at the University, and now coaching at your alma mater?"
He growled and leaned closer. "Yeah. I have been working hard."
"You know what I always wanted to do?" She practically purred, now working open his top button.
He gulped and leaned closer, absolutely paralyzed by her words. "What?"
"Get fucked on the backseat of the Prom King's car," She explained, batting her eyelashes in the process.
Ben gulped and nodded slowly. "Right. Prom King?"
"Mhm. I heard he coaches basketball now."
Her smirk only intensified when his hungry mouth met hers.
-x-x-x-
February 2020
Denver, Colorado
Bliss Books
Rey followed Ben into the small bookstore, her wedding band sitting comfortably on her ring finger. She still wasn't used to the piece of jewelry, but whenever she saw it, her heart exploded.
Leia had been a bit upset that they too had taken the same route Poe and Finn had, electing to get married in a courthouse. But they quickly decided that after so many near death experiences and so many hurdles preventing them from getting together, all that mattered was the title.
Finn now joked that they were both Solos.
Nothing made her happier.
Ben grinned and nudged her, pointing at a display sign sitting by a stack of books.
A rather serious headshot of Poe stared back at them, followed by a title that still made Rey giggle.
The Triangle: A True Story of Love, Family, and Being Stranded on an Island
Written by Poe D. Solo
It came out right around Christmas time and immediately topped the New York Time's Best Sellers' List. And now, on a Saturday afternoon, Poe had a line of people out the door ready for the first signing on his book tour.
"I can't believe he really did it," Ben explained, glancing at his wife with a grin, "He kept saying he'd write a book but I kind of thought he was bullshitting."
"Poe is always kind of bullshitting," Another voice added, forcing both Ben and Rey to spin around.
Finn appeared, Bebe holding his hand. The little girl was tightly wrapped in a stylish pea-coat, holding what appeared to be a child-sized hot chocolate from Starbucks.
Apparently, they were starting her young.
Rey hugged her brother-in-law and kissed his cheek, before pressing a kiss to her niece's head.
She knew those titles would never get old.
Ben bit his lip and grabbed Rey's hand. "I gotta be honest, Finn." He started, looking rather embarrassed, "I haven't read it. Neither has Rey. We just uh… Can't get ourselves to read it."
Finn looked a bit disheartened by the news, but quickly shook his head. "I get it. It's hard to relive but…" He considered his words, before continuing, "You need to. There's an entire section written about you two."
"About us?" Rey managed to squeak out, glancing at Ben and back at Finn, "What do you mean?"
The man merely shrugged, a grin across his lips.
"Read it and you'll find out."
Their conversation was broken apart by rapturous cheers. They watched with proud smiles as Poe was led in, seated behind a stack of books with his face on it.
-x-x-x-
February 2020
Denver, Colorado
1983 Endor Terrace
It's hard watching someone you love so much, someone you trust so much, someone you'd give anything for struggle to admit their feelings.
But it's even harder when it's two people.
Ben and Rey have such an interesting history, one that even to this day, they desperately try to downplay. The truth is, the minute Rey appeared from across the pond, I swear my mother was placing bets on her and Ben ending up together.
I used to wonder, before it became quite apparent that I was not into women, why my mother didn't think Rey and I would end up happily ever after. Because she and I had so much in common—we were both orphaned and adopted, both avid readers and lovers of her best friend and my husband Finn, and overall, just goofballs.
But now, it's easy to see what pulled the two of them together. The fire that burns between them is remarkable. It singes and it stings, and it has the ability to light the world ablaze.
Sometimes, when I hold Finn close at night, I like to tell myself that true love is something that only I have. That it's something that only he and I were lucky enough to find.
But whenever I see my brother, and now my sister-in-law, I know that isn't true. The chemistry and the love they share is incredible.
It is real and it is desperate.
The connection they share is unlike anything I've ever encountered, and I truly can't wait to share some of their story.
Rey shut the book, unable to read any more. Not with the flood of tears streaming down her cheeks. She hiccupped and looked at her husband.
He simply stared at her, his eyes filled with wonder.
"I love you so much," He whispered, his voice disappearing in his throat, "So fucking much."
Rey let out a sob and nodded. "I love you too."
Ben pressed a frantic kiss to her lips, his body shaking. "I can't believe he wrote this."
"We owe him a lot."
"Can we ever repay him?" Ben asked, a desperate laugh on his lips.
Rey merely swallowed. "We could make him our baby's godfather."
Ben just stared at her, mouth agape. "What?"
"I'm pregnant."
-x-x-x-
June 2020
Denver, Colorado
1983 Endor Terrace
She was ravenous. It started with her stuffing bits of cheeseburger in her mouth, continuing with hurried slurps of a sugary, creamy strawberry milkshake, and only ending when every last French fry disappeared from the bottom of the greasy, paper bag.
Well, it didn't end. Not exactly.
Her hunger shifted.
Specifically, to the bespectacled man beside her.
Ben had taken up wearing reading glasses, usually putting them on when he studied his business text books.
They did something to Rey.
Apparently, her husband sensed the attention and shut his text book, glancing back at her. His smile made her toes curl.
"How was your meal?" He asked, glancing at the empty wrappers surrounding her, "I should probably stop answering your every food whim. My mother would kill me if she knew I let you have cheeseburgers two nights in a row."
Rey snorted and rose to her feet, sauntering over to Ben, "First of all, I'm an independent woman and can eat whatever I want." She stopped only when she stood over him, finally at his height while he remained seated, "And second, my meal isn't over."
Ben hummed and set his book down. "Did you want my chicken sandwich?"
"No. Take your pants off."
She watched his lips twitch into a smirk. "What was that?"
Rey let out a groan. "Dammit, Ben! Get naked! I'm dying."
And to really get across her point, she practically ripped the comfortable cotton maxi dress off her body, delighted to stand in front of Ben in only a pair of blue cotton underwear.
Ben grunted and stood up. "Alright, you've got my attention."
She practically mewled the entire walk over to the bedroom, only stopping her whining when he lifted her onto the bed and ridded himself of his clothes. And then he was kissing down her body, taking ample time to lick and nip at her enlarged breasts, making lewd comments the entire way down her body.
"Fuck, your tits are just perfect," He moaned out, before gently nipping at the right one, "All fucking plump and beautiful right now."
His mouth dragged down her chest and stomach, where he pressed gentle kisses along the bump. "And look at how my baby is growing in your belly," He whispered, bringing both of his hands to rub against her skin, "You look so good with my baby inside you."
Rey whimpered and waved her arms, desperately trying to get him closer to her. He quickly appeared her, dropping his mouth to the crux between her legs, humming eagerly at the sight that met him.
"So wet for me," He purred, before disposing of her panties, "So fucking hot and wet and tight."
She nearly jerked off the bed when his hot tongue met her core, enthusiastically licking and sucking at her flesh with a sort of reverence that would never get old. His thick fingers soon joined his mouth, and within moments, he had her falling apart on his tongue.
When she finally finished shaking and crying out, he kissed back up her belly and grinned.
"Well, I don't know about you, but I sure as hell liked my meal."
Rey growled and sat up. "Boxers off."
Ben smirked. "Yes, ma'am."
-x-x-x-
October 2020
Denver, Colorado
Denver Memorial Hospital
He was speechless, unable to do much but stare at the tiny form in his arms, a stirring in his chest that he knew would now never disappear.
Because the tiny form smelled like happiness and despite his wiggling and cries of discomfort, he was absolutely perfect.
A thick head of dark hair, a button nose, and the cutest bottom Ben had ever seen.
He was perfect.
Rey shifted from her bed, watching them with a soft smile.
"He doesn't cry much," Rey whispered, clearly tired from the activities of earlier in the day.
Ben chuckled and held the child closer. "Maybe he takes after me. You know I don't talk much."
Before Ben could revel in the silence, of just sharing soft smiles with his wife and new child, the rest of the family barreled in. Finn held Bebe, who in turn held a giant 'It's a Boy!' balloon. Poe held what appeared to be coffee—something Ben was immensely happy to see.
And his mother was being restrained by both his father and Chewie, looking ready to practically pounce.
"Oh my god," Leia sobbed out, trudging forward to stand in front of Ben and the baby, "He's perfect. You two did so well!"
Rey smiled and accepted a kiss from Han and Chewie, before turning her attention back to Leia. "He is perfect. We're so lucky."
Ben carefully handed the child over, truthfully excited to see his mother hold his son for the first time.
As she held the baby close, his father moved over, staring at the child as well. He glanced at his son, looking more emotional than Ben was used to.
"What did you name him?" He asked, attempting to keep his composure.
Rey and Ben shared a look and a smile.
"His name is Dylan," Rey responded, her cheeks pink with pride.
Ben grinned and glanced down at the baby in his mother's arms.
"It means son of the sea," He added, a new wave of emotion hitting him.
-x-x-x-
December 2020
Denver, Colorado
Solo Residences
Ben was comfortable sitting on the ground, Rey between his legs. Dylan was content in her arms, clad in a tiny elf costume, better behaved than any two-month-old he had ever encountered.
These massive Christmases felt new, despite being something they did every year. Perhaps it was because every year seemed to bring a new guest.
Now, with his parents, Finn, Poe, and Bebe, as well as Rey, Dylan, himself, and Chewie, it was really turning into a full house. Then, out of nowhere, his Uncle Luke showed up at his mother's house the previous evening, offering no notice of his arrival but at least bringing along some fruit cake.
Rey looked over her shoulder, offering him a mischievous grin. "Did you like the sweater your mom knitted for you? She's been going on about it for months."
Ben nodded and glanced at their abandoned pile of open presents, before looking back to his wife and child. Truthfully, he could care less about the sweater he got, or the calligraphy set Finn and Poe got him, or the sweet drawing his niece made for him.
In fact, he quickly realized that no gift would ever compare to the ones sitting in his arms.
Nothing would compare to Rey.
Or to Dylan.
With that thought, he smiled and handed Rey a small box. "This is for you."
She grinned and opened it slowly, impeded by the small child in her arms. But, finally, the tiny green plant was revealed. With a quirk of her eyebrow, she looked back over her shoulder at her husband.
"What exactly is this?" She asked.
Ben smiled and plucked the plant from her hands, now hovering it over her head.
"Mistletoe."
And before she could inquire further, he pressed a chaste kiss to her lips, only shortened by the gurgle of the baby in her arms.
"What was that?" She whispered, a grin growing on her lips, "Because it was a bit short."
Ben merely smiled. "To make up for our last mistletoe kiss. Since you don't remember."
Rey grinned and kissed him again.
"We'll have plenty more to make up for it."
THE END