Inevitable, A modern day Reylo AU

Chapter 6 - Closer

A/N - Hi All!  Another chapter for you!  Its a bit heavy at times but there's a bit of sweetness too.  Hopefully this isn't too boring - but I feel like its necessary to develop their relationship.  I hope you're enjoying so far!  Drop me some comments - and please vote if you like it!  Enjoy!

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Ben glanced over at Rey's still form in the seat beside him.  Her head was leaning against the passenger side window as she gazed unseeingly at the scenery as it flew by.  He was worried about her.  He knew she'd had a series of shocks today – all of which were his fault.  If he'd only kept quiet, or thought it through better, maybe she wouldn't be hurting as much as she was right now.  It was uncharacteristic of her to be so quiet and withdrawn, but he figured she still needed time to process everything.  However, he was also aware that the wheels were likely turning in her mind, and he didn't want her to do anything that could potentially put her in danger.

Her phone suddenly dinged and she reached into her jacket to grab it, responding to the text.  "Finn has to work late tonight."  She told him, her voice still flat.  "He told me not to hold dinner."

"I'm not leaving you alone when you're like this."  Ben replied.

She turned to look at him.  "Its fine.  I'm fine Ben."

He shook his head.  "Nope.  I'll take you back to my place for a while.  Kay won't be around – she's helping a friend move-in tonight – so you can just...be... for awhile.  Until you feel a bit better."

Studying him briefly, she finally nodded.  "Okay.  Thanks Ben."  She leaned her head back against the window before quietly adding.  "I don't want to tell Finn about this."

Ben's head snapped to hers momentarily, before turning back to the road.  "Why not?"  He asked, clearly baffled.

"You know him Ben.  He freaks out at the littlest thing.  And he'll keep thinking about it – coming up with different angles and ideas.  I'm sure I'll do enough of that on my own.  I don't want to have to deal with his ruminations on all of it too."

He sighed deeply.  He knew she was right, but as her significant other, Finn had a right to know.

Seeing where Ben's thoughts were going, she stressed.  "I mean it Ben.  I don't want him to know, and you will not tell him!"

"Fine."  He replied tight lipped.  "But he has a right to know Rey.  If it was me, I'd want to know – and I'd be livid if I found out it was something you'd kept from me."

She leaned over and squeezed his knee, telling him softly.  "I know that Ben.  It does feel wrong to keep it from him.  But he's not you – and I just can't handle it right now.  I promise that I will eventually tell him.  But honestly, it probably won't be anytime soon.  Not until I at least come to terms with all of it myself."

He nodded, satisfied that she would at least tell Finn at some point.

Arriving at his building, he pulled into the underground parking garage and maneuvered the car into his spot.  She was still silent as they rode in the elevator, and stayed relatively quiet when they entered his apartment.  Taking off her jacket and shoes, she gingerly sat down on the couch, still lost in thought.

Ben came up beside her.  "Um, I'm going to change out of this suit.  Help yourself to anything in the fridge – or the bar - if you're thirsty.  I'll be right back."

She gave him a sad smile and nodded, watching as he disappeared into the bedroom.  When he came back into the room a few minutes later, she was standing at the window, staring out across the city.  "I've never been here when its just been you and me."  She said, turning to face him.