Permanent Mark

Chapter Four

"Can I stay up and see if Ben comes home tonight?" Rey asks, her eyes twinkling at the mention of his name. 

Leia sighs again. She doesn't know where Ben is. He's been gone for a few days. They had a disagreement and he'd left. This was becoming more of a regular thing, they fight and he runs off. It's been especially hard for Rey, being as attached as she's become to him, rather quickly too. Rey has only been here six weeks. Leia is so angry at him! Ben has let this child grow so fond of him, then he leaves and she's left asking questions. His rage is getting out of control. When and if, Leia can't think about the if, he does return home, she will have to make him understand that his actions are affecting everyone. Especially this young girl. 

"No, sweetie. But I promise if he does, I'll wake you up right away, okay?"

Rey pouts and walks away. 

"Leia?"

"Yes?" Leia says, turning at her desk.

"Is Ben mad at me?"

"No, Rey. He's mad at me. I promise. I don't think Ben could ever be mad at you. Now go get your bath."

Han walks into the room. 

"You okay, kid?"

Rey throws herself at him, hugging him tightly. 

Han hugs her back with one arm. He's not an affectionate man but he's trying. Rey obviously needs a father figure and he doesn't know how to process that. Ben's never really, reached out to him. They are more, hands off. Han sees that girls are a whole new ballgame and he's out of her league. 

"Yeah, just needed a hug. Ben hugs me but he's not here. So you'll have to do."

Han laughs. Rey runs down the hallway.

"I don't know if I should feel insulted or privileged." Han says to Leia.

"Oh definitely privileged. You've almost been elevated to Ben status." Leia tells him. 

Han flops down on the couch. 

"Ugh, that boy. I'm going to kick his ass when he comes home. Being pissed at us is one thing but now he's hurting an innocent kid who hero-worships him."

Leia nods then adds. "But when he does come home, I have a feeling it will be to see her. He'll come back only to check on Rey."

"She does bring out a whole new side to him." Han nods towards Rey's room. 

"Yes, she does." Leia agrees. 

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Rey lays on her stomach and writes:

Dear Ben,

I'm so mad at you. Why did you leave me? I don't even know where to send this letter, dammit! I know, I know, I'm not supposed to curse. Blech, I can hear you fussing at me in my head!

I hear you in my head a lot. Telling me to chew with my mouth closed and pick up my dirty clothes. I can't even eat a banana now, I'm so mad. 

Please come home. I had a bad dream last night. 

Love, Rey.

She scribbles that last part out. 

Miss you, Rey.

She folds it up and puts it under her pillow, floats her bear over and tries to go to sleep.