Knock Knock

Chapter 11

It seemed like they were sat waiting in the cold, sterile waiting room forever. Ben hugged Rey close to his side, sharing his warmth. Leia watched them with gentle eyes. She hadn't brought up the topic of what she knew about their relationship again. Maybe they would discuss it another time. Maybe Leia was just hoping that the lie would become true before any more explanations were necessary. Rey couldn't blame her. She was hoping the same thing.

When the doctor finally came to talk to them, the alcohol had fully worn off and Rey was almost dead on her feet. She immediately felt bad for thinking that when she saw the serious expression on the doctor's face. She hoped he wouldn't have bad news for them. They all listened intently as the doctor explained it was a mild attack and with dietary and lifestyle changes as well as a hefty dose of daily medications, it would be very manageable and Han would make a full recovery so long as he heeded the warnings.

Leia smiled at him gratefully. Ben nodded stiffly, squeezing Rey's hand within his as if his life depended upon it. She loved it. She loved how much he needed her in that moment. She immediately felt guilty again. She shouldn't be enjoying his pain, but she couldn't help it. It felt good to be wanted.

'You can see him now, he's awake,' the doctor told them before walking away.

They all piled into Han's small private room. He looked so small in the hospital bed surrounded by wires and beeping machines. Leia threw her arms around him and Han rolled his eyes and patted her back.

'Come on now, Princess. I'm fine. You think a little heart attack can take me down?' he chuckled. His voice sounded weaker somehow.

Leia took his face in her hands and looked into his eyes. 'You gave me a real scare this time, Han,' she told him, her words marred with emotion. She leaned down to place her forehead against his.

Rey's heart contracted as she looked at them. She wanted that. She wanted a love that would only grow stronger as time moved on and she wanted it with Ben. She looked up at him. He was staring at his father and chewing his cheek to shreds. Rey nudged his arm.

'Stop doing that, you'll get an ulcer.'

He rolled his eyes at her with amusement. Rey dragged him reluctantly closer to the bed.

'Hey pretty girl,' Han said. Leia leaned back and sat on the edge of the bed so Rey could embrace him.

'Hey you,' Rey said gently. 'Was all this necessary just so you could get some free jello?'

Han smirked up at her. 'Hey, you know the allure of free food better than anyone.'

'I do indeed,' Rey said with a grin.

Han looked up at his son. His smirk disappeared. 'Ben,' he said rather stiffly.

'Dad,' Ben replied stiffer still.

Rey sighed. 'Well this room just got decidedly chilly. Let me interpret.'

She put on a gruff sounding voice as she attempted to fill in the gaps for the father, son combo.

'Dad, I was really worried about you, I'm so glad you're okay. Thank you, Son. I love you. I love you too, Dad. End scene.'

Leia burst out laughing and soon Han joined in even Ben allowed the ends of his mouth to turn upwards a little.

Ben came forwards and placed his hand on top of his father's.

'Dad...' his voice shook and he trailed off.

Han smiled up at him, he patted his son's hand.

'It's okay, kid. I know.'

Rey saw the tears forming in Leia's eyes as she looked at her and mouthed 'thank you.'