Inevitable, A modern day Reylo AU

Chapter 20 - Ticket to Paradise

A/N - Okay Lovelies - time to turn up the heat a little bit!!  The temperature is definitely rising!  I hope you like it!  Please send me your thoughts, and vote, vote, vote if you like it!  Enjoy!!

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Two days later, Rey was seated on a plane next to Ben, listening to the cacophony of clicking sounds that erupted when the chime of the Fasten Seat Belts sign rang and everyone began buckling up.  Rey grinned over at Ben with an excited smile; he smiled back indulgently, happy to see her so eager for their trip.

Earlier that morning, the airport car had picked them up at each of their apartments and delivered them to Logan Airport; now they were finally on the plane and ready to start their shared adventure to the Bahamas.  The resort Rey had booked, originally for her and Finn, was located on Paradise Island, and it was supposed to be beautiful and luxurious, with tons of amenities.  She couldn't wait to get there, change, and just relax on the beach for a couple of hours – simply to decompress.  Then she wanted to do everything there was to do – with Ben.  Snorkeling, sea kayaking, swimming, touring around Nassau, and of course eating.  Her mouth watered at the thought of all of the fresh tropical fruits and juices she'd be able to have.

The plane pushed back and began taxiing towards the runway as Ben studied her with amusement.  She certainly knew how to fly.  Once they'd been seated, she'd unpacked herself for the flight, with her phone, ear pods, a book, a water bottle, snacks, and travel wipes.  She'd noticed his bemused expression and frowned.  "What?"

"Nothing."  He shook his head slightly.  "Its just clear that you fly often.  You're a veritable pro."

Shrugging, she replied.  "Flying is boring.  I just know how to pass the time."

It wasn't long before they were in position on the runway and she could suddenly feel the thrust as the plane lurched forward, continuing to pick up speed as it began to take off.  Glancing over at Ben, she noticed that his posture was rigid and his hands were gripping the seat handles tightly.  She frowned at him, noting the slight pallor in his face.  "You don't like to fly?"

Gritting his teeth, he bit out. " I don't mind flying – it's the take-off and landing parts I don't particularly like."

She pried his hand off of the arm rest and laced her fingers through his.  "Hey – look at me."  She coaxed softly, with a smile.  "We're going to have so much fun together.  Think of all of the cool stuff we're going to do.  Eating great food, relaxing on the beach under the sun and palm trees, swimming, snorkeling, sea kayaking...."  Her voice continued to soothe him, her thumb running gentle circles over the side of his hand.  "Just imagine it.  It's going to be so awesome Ben!"

Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath, imagining the beach, sun and palm trees she'd mentioned, and immediately calmed.  He opened his eyes to gaze back at her with a sheepish smile.  Before he knew it, the plane had levelled out and the Fasten Seat Belts sign pinged off.  Sighing, he stretched his legs out in front of him and gave her hand a thankful squeeze.  "Thanks.  That went much better than usual.  I'm usually covered in sweat by the time its over."

"You're welcome."  She smiled back.  "You should've told me you don't like to fly – or well, don't like parts of it."  She watched Ben stretch himself out to alleviate the tension he'd been feeling, glad that she'd made sure they were in one of the premium rows so that Ben had a bit more leg room to accommodate his tall frame and wouldn't be too stiff when they got off the plane.