Permanent Mark

Chapter 52

Note: Introducing, angst. Sorry.

After sunrise, Ben emerges from the forest alone. Rey stayed behind, hoping no one will realize they had spent the night in their cave.

Leia is standing on the landing pad, looking anxious.

His mother's face immediately causes alarm. She approaches him quickly.

"Ben……"

Her eyes are red from crying. Her hair is a bit disheveled and she's shaking. Ben grips her shoulders.

"Mom! What's wrong? Mom??"

She places her hand on his chest, her head down. Ben knows.

"How did he find out?"

Leia's voice shakes. It's scaring him.

"He went to her room last night to ask her for help with a ship. She wasn't there, Ben. He went to your room next and it was empty. He went into the forest….."

"Shit mom!!"

"He didn't see you but he heard you. I told you Ben! I told you to be careful! You two are having sex in the forest???"

"There's a cave, Mom. Damn it!"

She holds her hands up.

"Spare me the details. You two are grown and I respect your relationship but that's because I'm rational! Your father is NOT."

"FUCK!!! Where is he??"

"He left the base right after he told me, I tried to talk to him, Ben, I swear! He took the Falcon somewhere. He just got back. He was looking for you two….he asked me if you were still together out there…..I tried to lie….he saw through me….I stopped him from going out there...I don't know where he is now!"

Ben hugs his mother as she sobs. It's not her fault. Ben knows he should've already spoken to his father.

"Mom...it's okay...it'll be okay…."

She cries and he doesn't know what to say. Leia never cries.

"I wish you had spoken to him….he wants you to leave…."

Ben figures that's what Han would say. It's his own fault.

Leia collects herself, straightening her clothes and smoothing her hair. She quickly wipes her tears.

"Where is she, Ben?"

Ben reaches out for Rey's signature. She's nearby, approaching.

"She's coming."

As soon as Rey emerges from the forest, Ben turns to look at her. Rey's eyes lock with his and she senses his alarm.

He walks to her, pulling her to him. No sense in hiding now. He needs to feel her.

"Rey, listen. Han knows."

Rey looks up at him, her hands grasping his tunic, her eyes going wide. She gasps.

"No Ben….no….oh no Ben…."

He kisses her forehead, attempting to calm her. He can feel her heart rate accelerate.

"Go with Mom. I'll deal with it. Just go."

Her eyes tear up and spill over. She won't let go of him.

"I won't let him send you away. I won't!"

Ben shushes her, kissing her lips gently. If anyone sees, he doesn't care. He only wants to assure her.