Saving the Monster

Chapter 68

When they touched down on Ajan Kloss the first face they saw was C3PO, his arms raised, waving, R2 and BB8 at his side. 

"Oh Mistress Rey, how wonderful to see you again!  And Master Solo too, my my the General will be pleased"

Rey patted C3PO's arm and smiled at Ben, taking his hand and leading him through the crowds to the main control room.  Leia was there, just in the process of heading out of the room, leant heavily on her stick.

When she saw them she smiled, "I knew it, I knew you'd keep each other safe".  Leias hug engulfed both of them, Ben with his head resting on hers, Rey's head resting on Leias shoulder.

When they broke apart all three of them wiped at their cheeks and Leia squeezed their hands, "Welcome home, both of you".

                               ****************************************

The mess hall was not really somewhere that Ben wanted to go, Rey knew that, but she also knew that if he was going to fit in here then he couldn't stay hidden away.

They walked slowly, hand in hand, Rey reassuring him through the force.

The mess hall was full and noisy, despite some losses, they had triumphed against the First Order, a feat accomplished mainly through determination, and spirits were high.

Rey felt Bens surprise when spirts remained high, despite his arrival, and even more surprise when Finn and Rose signalled for them to join their table.

Rey kept hold of Bens hand as they drank and ate and, although Ben didn't join in the any of the conversations at the table, he listened and smiled and Rey's heart soared at the sight.

She caught his eye and the smile faded slightly, clearly self conscious.

"Don't stop" Rey said silently through the force, "Never stop smiling"

Bens smile became broader, light danced in his eyes.  Rey looked around the hall.  Chewbacca grunted happily from where he sat with his family, Leia laughed with Lando, her head thrown back as he reacounted stories of Han and Luke.  Rose giggled from across the table as Finn told one of his hopelessly over exaggerated tales, Poe and Zorri sat, arms around each other's shoulders, smiles on their faces as BB8 whirled around their feet.

Rey closed her eyes and squeezed Bens hand.  This was it, her vision.  She had saved the monster and found the one thing that made her truly complete.

"Are you alright?", Bens voice, low and soft. 

Rey opened her eyes and kissed him softly, "I've never been better"

Ben smiled then, that magical smile that lit up his whole face, "Neither have I".

                                                 The End.