Be With Me

Chapter Twenty-Five

The group of friends were on their way back down the mountain when Rose and Finn found a spot to take selfies. They found themselves on the edge of the trail, a small bare spot with only a few fern plants surrounding it, portruded above a twenty-foot-drop. Beyond that was the view of the vast, supple forest blanketing the mountainous terrain, making for a breathtaking picture. No matter how many selfies they would take, a photo would never do it justice, Ben thought. Rey and her friends took multiple photos and especially took their sweet time filming TikTok videos which Ben didn't necessarily mind as long as he didn't have to feature in them. When Rose pulled Tali in for some shots, he couldn't hide an amused smile at his best friend's tortured expression. Of all the things he'd witnessed her do when out on jobs with the Knights, this was torment to her.

Finn was behind the camera, giving them directions on how to pose, where to look and which expressions to put on. Rey looked flawless as always, Ben thought, but Tali wasn't into it at all, and everyone could tell. He knew she was trying for their sake but she wasn't truly enjoying this little photo session. Finn - bless him - gave very helpful and productive advice and suggestions for her to follow but to no avail.

"OK, Tali, look at the camera as if you were making love to it. That usually does the trick," Finn said getting onto one knee in order to get the right angle for the shot.

Ben laughed, "Maybe give her a reference she's familiar with, dude."

Laughter echoed through the mountains. Everyone except for Tali thought it was amusing which drew a strained "fuck you, Solo" out from her.

"You asking me to volunteer?" He smirked; his arms crossed.

She raised her arm and gave him a vulgar gesture before turning her attention back to Finn. He chuckled and blew her a kiss as she threw him a quick, annoyed glance.

Ben felt Sacheen grow more and more nervous as she scanned the clear blue sky.

"Relax," Poe said who must've realized the same as Ben. "It's so sunny and beautiful out."

"You don't know the mountains as we do," Sacheen gave him a warm smile to cover her concern.

Rey, always considering everyone's feelings and always trying to truly hear and see everyone, said, "C'mon, guys, let's head back." Ben loved that about her. She always made sure everyone was being listened to and she was always aware of everyone's situational emotional state. And tending to them in the most subtle way to avoid attention turning to the person affected or onto herself. He studied her face while she spoke to Sacheen as they all began wrapping things up to continue their hike back. His whole core softened at the sight of her.

He almost didn't hear Jay coming up behind him, "Hey, come walk with me." Jay patted his shoulder and he felt a cold wave of apprehension pass through him.

The pair walked silently side by side for a few yards before Jay sighed and looked at him sideways. "So, you gunna address it, or should I?"

Although his gut clenched, Ben genuinely didn't know which of his many screw-ups Jay was getting at, so he stayed silent and peered over at his friend.

Jay tightened his lips and nodded before asking, "what's bothering you, dude?"

"What do you mean?"

"Ben, I've known you for a long time." The way he said his name told Ben there was honest concern lingering within him. And by the looks of it – for a while. "I know that look, brother. Something's up."

Ben knew it was time to deal with the confrontation he had been avoiding for so long. Ben glanced at his friend and knew he couldn't get out of this one. Not without potentially insulting Jay or hurting his feelings. Plus, Jay was very skilled at reading expressions, especially when it came to him. Sometimes he wondered if Jay had other worldly senses or gifts to let him pick up on imperceptible, intangible matters. He loved Jay dearly and used to share everything with him. The last few years, Ben had changed but the love and admiration for Jay hadn't. He knew things were different now. Their lives progressed in ways neither of them would have anticipated. Whether it was good or bad was yet to be determined. Many things had changed, but their bond, their friendship, their love, remained.