The Redemption of Fate ~ A Reylo Story

29

Ben and Rey ate dinner together inside the rocky quarters Rey had once lived in on Ajan Kloss, before Commander D'Acy and Poe made the decision to pitch tents in one designated campground. Half of Rey's quarters were partly hidden in a small, stony cave. The other half was exposed to the open air, overlooking the campgrounds in the distance where orange pillars of fire flickered, standing out in the night like blazing beacons. Bellowing clouds of smoke arose from the pillars, swirling in the wind. Bodies gathered around the fires. Incoherent voices echoed from afar. A pungent aroma of burning wood and palms suffused throughout miles of the barren jungle.

Rey explained to Ben, with occasional mouthfuls of pork, that those massive bonfires burned every night as part of an ancient ritual on Ajan Kloss. Everyone socialized and ate late into the night. Those who were old enough drank the fermented berry juice known to be terribly strong, and terribly intoxicating, even for heavyweights. Rey had never tasted it herself, but the idea of becoming drunk sounded more humiliating than fun. Besides, she and Finn had their fair share of escorting an overly inebriated Poe to his tent far too many times. And vomiting was never fun; either to watch or experience.

A vaporous breeze came blowing at Rey's face, whipping her hair around. The dewy air was full of cool, nighttime humidity. She loved the nights more than anything else on that planet. Rey sighed, her stomach full and gratified. She had practically inhaled her seasoned pork and warm legume stew. A devoid plate stared back at her, almost sad that she had emptied it so quickly.
"I can't believe you never ate food as a ghost." Rey said, baffled, as she watched Ben finishing the last of his portions. He was tentative, careful not to overstuff his newly adjusting stomach.
Ben could hardly understand it either. Delicious flavors and spices overwhelmed his taste buds--it was almost insanity to recall his dull life as a Force ghost--if it was even considered a life at all.

"Living as a ghost was just. . . horrible." Ben suddenly fell silent. Something inside his eyes glinted with stupefaction, as if his new life was still so unthinkable, still so far-fetched. But yet, there he was--breathing with real lungs, chewing with real teeth, loving with a real heart--a real body. "You really did this for me."
"You would've done the same."
Ben resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Rey had a knack for disregarding her unbelievable strengths like they were insignificant nothingness, like anyone else in the galaxy could do what she had done. As if she hadn't just resurrected a man from pure Force energy--as if she hadn't defeated the snares of the devouring dark side.

"You know I won't be able to thank you enough, Rey. . . For everything you've done. It's outstanding--you're outstanding."
Rey bowed her head, shutting herself up before she brushed off another well-deserved compliment. "You are my love, Ben. I'd do anything for you, no matter the cost."
"Rey," Ben murmured, "you already have done everything for me."
Rey met his eyes, peering into them. They twinkled, even in the darkness. Ben truly had been reborn. He was a new, beautiful soul--untarnished, honest; uncorrupted by evil. And he was right; Rey really had done that for him. It was her most treasured accomplishment; more than becoming a Jedi, and far more than lifting rocks.
"Thank you, Ben." And she meant that with all the life in her still-recuperating body. He was her life. She was no longer lonely, and no longer would be.

The next moment Rey was tucked away in Ben's arms, her lips pressing against his. The wildlife encircling them chirped and croaked, as if celebrating their love. Ben's fingers delicately trailed down Rey's back as she kissed him. His soft hair tickled her hands that clung around his face like her lifeline. She sensed Ben's mind alive with passion; his thoughts, untamed and sensual. He desired her so fiercely. He always had. And so did Rey.
"We should sleep here, under the stars." Ben said. It came out as a soft whisper, a murmur of titillation. Rey planted a lingering kiss on the side of Ben's neck. Her heart rate accelerated as she nodded, agreeing with his suggestion. Agreeing with his desires. Giving into them, and giving into her own. "I would love that. . . to sleep with you."

***

Rey awoke from her slumber, wedged against the stony cavern wall, Ben's semi-clothed body enveloping her smaller form. Her eyes flickered open and she sensed the weight of his arm resting limply on the side of her waist, fitting perfectly along the curve of her hips, like a completed puzzle; everything was placed where it needed to be. Rey brushed her fingers along the skin of his strong, warm hand. Those hands, among other parts, had become pleasantly intimate with her body. Rey smiled, her brain suddenly alight with the recollection of last night. It had been so blissful, overflowing with intimacy and passion.

Rey had wholeheartedly given herself to Ben in a ravishing burst of exhilaration. The sensation of making love in the purest and most vulnerable ways was enticing. The Force had blossomed between them, pulsating wildly. The intensity of it unhindered; its energy oozing from their souls.
Rey heard a deep inhalation sound from behind her, and a croaky voice whispered: "Morning, beautiful."
She felt Ben's lips press against the back of her hair. She kissed his hand softly. "Good morning, my love."