Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

IN THE PRESENT...

REY'S P.O.V.

Rey Andor wringed her hands nervously as she paced back and forward in her kitchen. It was just after 8:24p.m. and her boyfriend was finally coming home to have dinner with her tonight. After spending three weeks away from her, he was finally giving her a chance to talk. She had something really important news to tell him, though to be honest... she was way too anxious to even have an appetite right now. Breaking the news to him was gonna change their lives for the better. Or for the worst. 

It was hard to believe that 2 years had gone by just like that. There was just something about him. Something that Rey couldn't leave alone. She's known this guy for over 10 years. She was always so fond of him despite their rocky start. But, in the old days, she never saw him as anything more than her best friend. Brother. Just a confidante that she could always go to for advice, comfort, or just to kick back with. Once they got over their initial hurdle, everything was great between them! There was never any crazy drama. No backbiting or misplaced trust. Just two young people who meant the world to each other. That's just the way they were.

That is until one night, four years ago, where Rey heard from a mutual friend that Finn had been attacked by her obsessive, possessive boyfriend. Ben was always jealous of just how close they were and decided for himself to end their friendship through attempted murder. Rey was angry with Ben. But, upon him giving her a sob story about the things he had to deal with over in Jakku during the war, she pitied him and decided to handle this situation as best as she could. While others turned their back on Ben, Rey wanted to help him. Seeing as how her own Father was also a soldier, still battling with PTSD, Rey wanted to be there for him. Which, unintentionally, caused a falling out between herself and Finn. For the next year and a half, Rey felt the chill of isolation from Finn. She eagerly sought to reconnect with Finn, while at the same time, was drifting away from Ben.

When Rey came home one evening, she found one of her best friends in bed with Ben. That night changed everything for the two of them. When she demanded an explanation, Ben just scoffed at her. He claimed that Finn was all she ever talked about. He was so fucking tired of hearing about him. Plus, he couldn't remember the last time she kissed him let alone fucked him. So, he came up with a solution. He was teaching her a lesson. She needed to figure out who she was loyal to. Not even acknowledging that he just reduced Rose to a piece of meat and didn't care that he just dismissed that her just hurt her feelings. All he cared about was keeping Rey. He even thought that if he threaten to beat her, that Rey would learn not to get in his face and just go with the flow. BIG MISTAKE!

Rey beat both him and Rose, chasing them both half naked out of Ben's own house before heading over to Finn's place to finally reconcile with him. She needed a friend to lean on. Going over to Finn's for comfort as usual, Rey found herself in a desperate need to be wanted. To be yearned for. Being so close to Finn, Rey decided to act on her impulses and planted a kiss on his lips. That kiss then lead to two other ones, one right after the other. Happy to have made amends with Finn but confused by this new found intimacy with him, Rey decided to stay away from him until she could figure out how to proceed with him going forward.

Not yet ready to talk to Finn but thinking about him all the time, she goes to another very reliable source, Finn's own twin sister, Jannah, for advice on how to go about things. And it's there when she learned that he was engaged to his longtime girlfriend. This was about 3 years ago. For reasons she could never figure out, it hurt her to know that he was getting so close with another woman, despite herself being in a relationship of her own. But, now he's marrying her?! Shantell Mortimer was not the kind of woman who knew what love was. She could be infatuated with someone. Love struck, even. But, never really committed to the one who loved her.

As it turn out, Rey was right to be concerned for Finn. When he found himself in a vulnerable place, Rey invited him to come over. Getting together and consoling one another... It was what they did. This was what they always did and get together. Only as she tried to comfort her peanut, things went a bit too far. She never meant for any of this to happen. The very first time she and her peanut had sex, it was something that wasn't planned. It just kinda... happened... gradually. Finn was just talking about how to deal with his abusive Fiancée, and Rey just wanted him to focus on her. And before either of them knew it, they had made sweet love to each other. And in her very own living room, too. She never would've guessed that things would've played out that way. But, they had. Although, after the fact, she was more than sure that their friendship would've been ruined as a result.

But, it wasn't. Matter of fact, she's never felt closer to Finn! And she wasn't ashamed to admit that it felt so right. Being with Finn that night, making love to him... Something... Something just... awoke inside of her. She had never felt so adored before that night. Something exciting, pleasurable, beautiful, breathtaking, and wonderful came out of their first time together that blossomed into a loving relationship that's been going strong for the last two years. Until about three weeks ago...

Rey had her hair up in a single bun, wore black eye shadow, emerald teardrop earrings, and was wearing a green halter dress. She wore Essence du cœur perfume and light pink lipstick.

For dinner, she was preparing a garden salad, fresh Hawaiian rolls, carrots, broccoli, steak and potatoes. But, in the place of wine, she went with sweet tea.

<Ping!>

Rey, hearing her phone pinging, realizes that she's just gotten a text message.

[Text from: Peanut 8:46p.m.] Just pulled up. I'm right outside.

Rey smiles. She grabs her phone and texts back, saying:

[Text to: Peanut 8:47p.m.] Door's open. Please come on up. Can't wait to see you.

Finn was on his way up and Rey was both so excited and really nervous. She really wants this dinner to go well because she doesn't want Finn to leave again. The last three weeks have been miserable. That, on top of the surprise she had for him, she was sweating profusely. She was starting to worry that it was ruining her makeup. She quickly dashes for the mirror in their bathroom to check it. It was almost showtime and she needed to look her best for her man.

Speaking of which...

FINN'S P.O.V. 

Seeing the text that Rey had just sent him, Finn's nerves were starting to settle a little bit. He was glad to know that she was eager to see him. But, at the same time, he really still pretty apprehensive to hear what she needed to say. They didn't exactly end things on the best note.

Finn had been living happily together with Rey for the last 2 years. He loved his life with Rey. And he thought that she did, too.

And then, suddenly, three weeks ago, Finn found out that Ben had been texting Rey. Just outta the blue!  When Rey decided to go and see him, Finn's heart had sunken into the pit of his stomach. He was really worried that Rey was allowing Ben to draw her back into his web for the umpteenth time. He argued with her, not wanting her to go. But, when she left, Finn just packed a couple of bags and took off himself.

Finn never understood Rey's need to be there for Ben. Time after time, Ben had shown his true colors to her, treating her like garbage and calling her every thing but what her parents named her. And time after time, he always managed to find his way right back into her good graces. It's been this way for 4 years! He understands that they've known each other since they were kids. Their parents were close friends, after all. But, why? With all of the physical and emotional abuse he's put her through, why couldn't Rey let Solo go? 

Once, back when Rey and Ben weren't talking at the moment, Ben swore that all that time Rey was over at Finn's, she was fucking him. In a fit of sheer jealously, Ben attacked Finn which resulted in a deep scar across his back that almost left him paralyzed.

Rey was angry at Ben for what he did to Finn, but she stayed with him. She stayed with him! That caused a strain in her friendship with Finn. Strain? It was more like a great divide. Finn didn't speak to her for over a year and a half. It hurt him to think that Rey could think so little of him. Why, with everything Ben had put his parents, his friends, her and him though, would she still think that deep down, he was still a good man? Finn had almost lost the use of his legs because of Ben. Finn thought that Rey was done with Ben. But, next thing Finn knew, they were together again. All the times he was there for Rey, she was how she paid him back?! By taking that bastard's side?! What was she thinking?! Did she just not give a damn about Finn anymore?

So, he just cut all ties with her. During his recovery, Finn ask the doctor and nurses not to let Rey come around. Jannah and several good friends were there for him. But, he would never allow Rey a chance to see him. He avoided her like the plague wherever he was. He stopped answering her phone calls. He didn't respond to her texts. It was pretty bad for him. He felt so betrayed by Rey. He couldn't even bear to hear her name. Well... as much as he hates to say this. But, to no one's surprise, it wouldn't be too much longer before Rey's eyes were forcefully opened.

The last straw for Rey was when she came home one night to catch both him and Rose in bed together. Neither Finn nor Rey was sure what happened there. There weren't any signs. No indication that Rose was even interested in Ben. No warning that was there to prepare her for what she saw that night. When confronted, Ben just blamed her his own actions. Just like that.

When Rey came over to Finn's place, she pleaded with him to open the door. After about a minute, Finn allowed her in and she told Finn everything that had happened to her earlier than evening. She swore that she was done with him. That this was the last time she'd ever deal with his bullshit. She then frantically tried to apologize. She never meant to hurt Finn. It was just the fact that Ben reminded her a lot of her own Father. Her Father served during the cold war. In fact, all of their parents were soldiers in the old days. And many of them, like Cassian, were still struggling with PTSD. Rey just wanted to help him. But, during that period, Rey swears that she couldn't look past the fact that Ben had hurt Finn. Their relationship was all but dead. (Which does explain why Ben used Rose to get back at Rey.) And as she went on, Rey just broke down crying. She felt to her knees and wailed, the pain evident in her voice. It was breaking Finn's heart to see her so low.

It was then that Finn embraced her while she wept. The first time in a long time, Finn wanted to keep her close. It was then that their friendship had been renewed. It was also on this night that Finn and Rey had their first kiss. Well, first of three that night. It was unexpected but pleasant. The first was but a peck on Finn's lips. He was shocked, not expecting Rey to act this way. But, once his brain caught up with the sensation on his lips, Finn wouldn't let her go without reciprocating the gesture.

Finn felt like he was just drunk. He was kissing his best friend... easily the girl of his dreams and she was kissing him back! It was like the last year and a half of them being disconnected never even happened! This was a dream. It had to be! Never once in his 4 year relationship with Shantell Mortimer did Finn ever feel this! Feel this... happy! Yeah, that's it! Happy! Finn was happy! He was happy, living in this moment with Rey! He was just crazy about her. And it was as if she was as crazy about him, too! Finn was living in bliss! He even entertain the thought of them maybe possibly becoming more than just close friends.

But, seeing her reaction to it, acting like it was this big mistake really crushed him. That and seeing her constantly checking her phone and flashbacks of Ben attacking Finn, Finn decided that he had had enough. 'Yeah, she's over him?' Finn's heard that before. So, he decided that they should maintain a distance from each other. He needed to get over Rey. He didn't need her bringing him down any lower. So, he then decided to make things more official with his then girlfriend, Shantell Mortimer, and asked her to marry him. It was something that Rey wasn't very happy about. But, Finn needed to move on.

Back in the present, here's Finn, with roses, her favorite candy, cards, a giant stuffed brown bear and a little black box. He gets out of the car with the gifts, closing it back, and heads to the elevators in the complex's lobby.

[Text from: Peanut 8:53p.m.] Be up in 5.

Hearing her phone pinging from the living room, Rey hurries as she puts the finishing touches on her reapplied makeup. She then returns to the living room to wait for her beau. Still fidgeting about, Rey double checks everything. Everything had to be perfect. She beats the dents out of the sofa pillows and set them just right in their position. She notices a speck of dust on the glass coffee table, goes and gets an already damp washcloth and wipes it down quickly. Her heart was beating so loud, it was all she had. And it was pounding so hard, it hurt. She checks to see if the plug-in scents were still plugged in and if the scents were circulating in the room. Once all of that was done, she goes to have a sit on the sofa before quickly getting back up and heads over to the dining table. She wonders how she should present herself to Finn. 'Sexy? Excited? Lustful? Quiet? Patient? Nothing at all?'

<KNOCK!> <KNOCK!> <KNOCK!>

Someone was knocking on the door.

Rey goes stiff. This was it. This was the moment she was excited for and dreaded the most. She was excited because she got to see Finn again and at their place, no less. But, she dreaded this because she doesn't know if he'll listen to her. She's scared he won't. But, she was hopeful that he will.

"Door's open, Finn!" Rey calls out. "Come on in!"

The doorknob turns and the door slowly swings open.

So happy to see her peanut at home at last, Rey slowly rises to her feet and smiles. She looks him over. He's wearing a dark brown blazer, dark brown slacks, a black button down shirt behind a black waistcoat. He was looking good. She was so focused on his appearance that she completely overlooked the red roses, candy, cards, and the brown bear. And, to be honest, Finn forget that he had all of that stuff, too.

"Wow!" Finn says, though it really didn't express what he really thought about how beautiful he thought she was.

Rey's gaze then glanced up, looking him in the eye. She sways nervously from side to side while giving him a shy/happy smile. "Really?"

"Yeah. I mean..." Finn says as he walks in, letting the door closed behind him. "What else can I say but 'wow'? You look... really good."

Rey's face glows as she smiles at Finn with that really cute smile she's embarrassed by overjoyed. But, it's a goofy expression. "I would've taken the 'wow'. But, I'm happy you think I look good. You look really good, too, Finn." Rey says nervously. 

Finn then hands Rey her gifts. It was the first time she noticed them and was pleased that Finn took the time to get them for her. She accepts them, her gaze returning to Finn's eyes. He didn't look very mad. He wasn't giving her his usual pearly white grin. But, at least he wasn't scowling at her. That's something... right?

Rey then drops the bear, cards, and candy on the sofa. She looks the bear over, giggling as she rubs it head and squeezes it's cheek as if it were a baby. She then goes over to the living room cabinet, takes out of one of her teal vases, and takes it over to the kitchen corner. Filling the bottom with water, she takes the roses out of the plastic and places them in.

"I've never seen you in this dress." Finn mentions. "Is it a new one?"

"What, this?" Rey asks, looking down at herself as she walks over to the dining table. "No. I've actually had it for a while." She sets the vase in the middle of the table. "I've never worn it before. But, I thought I'd try and slip it on this evening." She then turns to face Finn. "I remembered that you've never seen this dress. So, I thought I'd get all dolled up for you."

Finn nods in understanding. "Well, you look very fine."

Rey's smile breaks into a grin. "Thank you. So are you." She repeats. her grin then slowly shrinks back into a smile. "I'm so happy you came over tonight. I missed you so much."

"Missed you, too." Finn says honestly. "I'm happy I decided to come."

She then shyly reaches up to take Finn's hand, hesitant to take it. She's not sure if he even wants to touch her right now. 

Finn looks down to notice that Rey's hand is shaking as she's unsure if she should take it. Finn's own hand reaches up to take it. But, then, suddenly he remembers the last time he was in here, he and Rey had gotten into an argument about her going to see her ex, Ben. Finn himself then is pretty sure that he doesn't want to hold her hand right now. So, he lets it drop and turns away. Hearing Rey signing in disappointment, Finn tires not to let that bother him. He then takes a look around the living room. "Huh. Everything's... exactly the way it is when I left. Nothing's been taken down or changed in the last 3 weeks."

"Well, of course." Rey says. "I mean, I wanted everything to look and remain the same when you..." Rey stops herself immediately. Given just as tonight already starting off on the wrong foot, she doesn't want to presume that Finn was coming back home tonight. Finn looks over at her, seemingly changing that. "...If you decided to come home." She looks up at him with a hopeful gaze. 

Finn's not back for all of 5 minutes, and the awkwardness is already mounting. Rey knew that there was gonna be some level of discomfort tonight. But, this was quickly becoming unwelcomed. Both then quickly try to think of something else to say, hoping to end the awkward silence in the room.

Noticing the only difference in the apartment so far, Finn then slowly walks over to the picture hanging on the wall. "Hey, is that...?" Finn's eyes widen in realization. "That's Leia's painting!"

Rey finds Finn's glance over to the picture and gives an emotionless smirk. "Yeah. She finished it."

"OH-HO!" Finn says as he walks over to inspect it. "This is amazing!"

"It was one of her 'pet projects'." Rey says. "She wanted to make sure it was finished

"Yeah, I see." Finn comments.

In the painting, several people are standing in a dark canyon, all of them standing atop large footholds in the canyon walls. Han, Leia, Luke, Mara Jade, Lando, Sana, Kes Dameron, Shara Bey, Jyn, and Cassian are all looking up at all of the young people above them: Ben, Poe, Maz, Jacen Skywalker, Cade, Jannah, Finn, and Rey holding up stars that shines a light into the night's sky above, like search lights. Finn smiles at all of the details that Leia's been known to obsess over. She's been working on this painting for some time now, and has only finished it recently.

Rey goes over to the kitchen and grabs a couple of glasses from the cupboard. "So, what do you think?"

Finn nods. "It's beautiful. Leia really knows to look out for all of the little details,  which makes all of her art even better than any camera. Because the image is taken from memory as oppose to the moment, y'know?"

Rey nods in agreement. "Yeah. That's a pretty good way to look at it."

Finn presses his lips together in a tight lipped smile. But, something begs to question. "So, why... with everyone in the picture, why did she give this to you?"

"Well, it was originally given to Ben." Rey says, squirming at the mere moment of his name. "He didn't really want it. But, held on it as a favor to his mom."

Finn scoffs. "Ben did someone else a favor? That doesn't sound anything like him. I bet he only did that so that he could get a favor in return. I'm sure he's never let Leia go on for too long without her hearing about his 'kind deed'.  So, why is it here? Don't tell me he threw it away?"

"When he decided to move away, he just left it on the wall of his old house. Jacen actually take it and held on it before he came over here this past Sunday and left it with me. He said seeing Ben in the painting was really upsetting his Aunt everytime she came over. So, he thought that I should hang on it."

Finn hums in acknowledgement before he thought about something Rey just said. "Ben moved away?"

"Hmm-mmm!" Rey hums, her voice elevated, hoping that the news would at least ease some of the tension in the apartment.

"When?" Finn questions.

"About three weeks ago." Rey answers.

Finn's eyebrows shoot up. "Three weeks?" Finn asks. That means that he's been gone practically this entire time. He then thinks about all of the times he ran into Rey over that period, seeing just how eager she was for him to come home or at least talk with her. 'So, Ben's been away for all this time?' Maybe it was time for Finn to finally interact with Rey now and actually have a conversation here. He then walks over to the kitchen just as Rey is putting ice in their glasses and gets ready to pour the iced tea.

"We're having Iced tea tonight?" Finn asks. "Usually, we'd have a glass of wine with our dinner."

Rey's gaze looks away from Finn as she gathers her thoughts. "I thought about pouring wine for us. But, somehow I didn't think that it would've been very appropriate tonight." She lies. "Usually, a glass of wine would mean a romantic dinner or celebration. I wasn't sure how this would go. I didn't want to assume that everything would just get resolved tonight." She says in a partial lie. The real reason she's not serving them wine is because of the thing she needs to tell Finn.

"Oh." Finn says. Suddenly, he just feels so bad about not resolving things sooner with Rey. He was so upset when she left to go see Ben, all he could think about was just getting out of this apartment as fast as he could. He just refused to let Ben come between he and Rey again. "Well, maybe... we could have some later. It's still pretty early yet."

Rey tilts her head in thought. "Maybe. Anyway, I was right in the middle of getting dinner made. So, if you don't mind waiting..."

"I can make it with you." Finn says.

Rey suddenly being cut off while talking causes her to complete miss what Finn just said. "Sorry, what?"

"I can make dinner with you." Finn repeats.

Rey then looks him up and down, noticing just how nice his suit looks. "Oh, no! No! Finn! You look so nice right now. I wouldn't want you to ruin your suit!"

"Aww! Come on now, Rey!" Finn says as he's taking off his jacket. "We cooked together all the time."

"But, Finn..." Rey start before Finn stops her again.

"Rey, listen." Finn says. "I'm here. Okay? I'm here. I... I know that I've been cold to you for while there. But, I'm... I'm willing to make this work between us. You said just now that you weren't sure how tonight was gonna play out. Well, for it to play out at all, it'll take the both of us, right?"

Rey shrugs her right shoulder with a raised eyebrow. "Right."

Finn then throws his coat over his extended arm. "So... how about we try this thing one more time? The right way, this time."

"Okay..." Rey says, sounding intrigued. "And how do we do that?"

Finn thinks on it for a moment. He then gets an idea. "Hey." He holds his left hand out for Rey to take.

Looking down for a moment, Rey looks him in the eye with a smile. She slides her hand, palm down, over Finn's, interlocking their fingers. 

Finn then takes Rey by the hand walks her back to the front door. Stopping just in front of it, Finn turns to face her. "How are you, Peanut?"

Hearing Finn call her that for the first time in so long, Rey can't keep the smile off of her lips. "I'm doing wonderfully. How about you?"

Finn nods with a smile. "Better, now that I'm back home."

Rey's eyes widen. This time, in a pleasant surprise. "So... does that mean that you'll be staying for a while tonight?"

"Maybe... all night." Finn says. "That is..." Finn tilts his head, looking into Rey's eyes. He gives her his soulful puppy dog eyes. "...If you want me to."

Rey was suddenly so happy, she could cry. "Please? That'd make me so happy."

Finn then step back, holding his arms out for Rey to walk into. Which she doesn't without a moment's hesitation. She wraps her arms around Finn's shoulders as he holds her close by hugging her waist. Rey inhales Finn's scent. He's wearing her favorite cologne: Bleu de Chanel. It always smells so nice on him. She then places her nose right up against his neck, rubbing it against his skin as she moans. Finn couldn't help but laugh. He really missed this. And judging by Rey's actions, she did, too.

"I hate to interrupt a moment..." Rey comments. "But, just how far are we going with this?"

That question does bring Finn out of the moment. But, it's a good question to ask. "Well, I think that this is actually good enough. Anymore would just be a tad too much for me right now."

"Hmm." Rey hums, sounding so defeated right now.

"Hey." Finn says, leaning out of the hug. "Don't sound so defeated. Remember, we've got all night. I'm not in a rush to do anything and neither should you be. Being this close to you again is a good start. So, let's keep it going. Now, we've got dinner to make, don't we? Let's get to it." 

Rey allows a smile to light up her face. She then walks back towards the kitchen. She tucks some hair on the side of her face behind her ear, looking over her left shoulder at Finn. She then walks into the kitchen as Finn shakes the wrinkles out of his blazer before putting it behind his chair. As he does, the little black box falls out of his pocket. Looking over at Rey, who was now working on the salad, he hoped that she didn't notice. She hasn't. So, Finn quickly leans over, picking it back up and sliding it into his blazer's lapel pocket.

"Hey." Rey calls out from the kitchen. "Did you want to take care of the steak or do you want me to do it?"

"If it's any kind of meat, I'm taking care of it." Finn says. "And don't worry about the Potatoes. I can make sauté them along with whatever else that's being served with the steaks."

"How come you never let me handle the meat?" Rey asks. "You think you can do it better than I can?" She asks sternly but good naturedly. "Or what? You don't think I can handle it? I can certainly handle your meat, can't I?" 

Finn shakes his head. "You had to take it there, didn't you?" Finn asks as he then takes off his cufflinks. "You had to make it weird." He says as he rolls the sleeves of his shirt up to his elbows. 

"Well, hey." Rey shrugs. "I'm just sayin'... you trust me to take care your meat. Why can't I take care of our meat?"

Finn becomes flustered by her boldness. He definitely missed that. "Let's just... let's just get dinner started, okay?" He asks, sounding very embarrassed there. 

TWO YEARS AGO...

REY'S P.O.V.

The memory played like a broken record. The images kept flashing in my head over and over. The warmth of Finn's embrace. The softness of his lips. The fact that he moaned into her mouth. Rey was in a tailspin. 

That night she had gone over his apartment, Rey was on the verge of begging Finn to let her in. He was right. About Ben. About trying to help him. About being angry at her. she understood. She accepted it. But, she didn't want him to hate her. She knocked on his door, asking him over and over to open it. To please let her in. Finally, when she was ready to give up, she started to leave. That's when Finn allowed her in.

She's never felt so defeated. So worthless. She explained the entire situation to Finn. The reason why she stayed with Ben and everything he's made her go through. She tells him everything, feeling her strength just leaving her as she went on. At some point, her legs felt like jelly. Whatever will she still had to keep from crying weakened. And the next thing she knew, she was on the floor, bawling her eyes out.

Feeling a warmness enrapture, Rey was both surprised and very happy to see Finn so close to her again. She just melted into his embrace. She holds him close, like she's afraid he would just leave her again. Which only causes for Finn to hold her tighter. As Finn held her tight and kept her close, she could've sworn that what she saw when she looked into his eyes was nothing but longing. For her. For her. She's known Finn for over 7 years at this period.

But, this was the first time she's ever really opening admitted to herself that maybe... just maybe... Finn saw her more than just a close friend and more as a possible girlfriend. That vulnerability coupled with a need to be loved caused Rey to do the unthinkable. She kissed Finn. Not once. Not twice. But, three times that night. The first was just a peck on the lips. She found herself staring at Finn's plump lips, wondering what they would feel like on her own. They looked so good that she had to found out. Warm, tender, thick, soft, amazing... all of the above. Finn pulled back from Rey. Rey thought for a moment that he didn't feel the same way and decided to leave to prevent herself from being embarrassed further. But, then, something else unthinkable happened. Finn gently takes her by the hand and leads her back into his space for another kiss. This one was so gentle yet loving... so tender and yet passionate that Rey felt herself about to cry. The third kiss was much more heated and almost lead to them to make love right there in his living room.

But, this wasn't what Rey wanted. She didn't want this to resolve in sex. She needed Finn, yes. But, not like that. As humbly as she could be, she asks if she could stay tonight. Finn says 'yes' without any hesitation. He offered her the bed, even went so far as to change the sheets. But, Rey didn't want him to go through the trouble. Finn bunked on the couch as Rey carried herself in his sheets. The scent of Finn was all around her. In the covers, in the pillows, even in the room itself. She held the pillow closely to his face, inhaling the smell of his cologne and natural aroma. She missed it so much. Letting the safety and security of being in a safe place set in, Rey slowly drifted off into a peaceful sleep.

When she woke up, she saw that there were dozens of texts from Ben and Rose, most of them were bullshit apologizes. Looked like they were being sent every few minutes. Starting from 7 that morning 'til now at 9:04a.m. The scent of breakfast being cooked soon drew her attention and she went to go see what Finn was cooking.

Leaving Finn's room, Rey saw that Finn was cooking scrambled eggs, turkey bacon, hashbrowns, pancakes, and toast. When he looked up, he looked so happy to see her. In stark contrast to the way he used to look at her. It was the way she had wanted him to look at her. But, now after their heated kiss, Rey felt so... conflicted. So bewildered. She wasn't so sure how she should feel about him. Was he still her friend or something more?

As they ate, Rey's phone kept pinging, indicating she was getting multiple texts every few minutes. It was kind of a nice distraction, since Rey couldn't bring herself to engage in anything Finn was saying. Between their kiss and Rey's exhaustion after dealing with Ben, all she wanted to do was just get away. Away from everyone. From Ben. From Finn. Just from everyone. After she finished eating, Rey thanked Finn and went to leave. Finn, not wanting her to go, stepped out in front of her, asking what was wrong. All she could say was that what they did last night was a mistake. She never should've kissed Finn. She then take off before Finn could stop her. She just couldn't talk right then.

A couple of weeks later, Finn's handsome face, his lips, his smile, and his strong arms were all Rey could think about. She wanted to see him again. She wasn't ready before. But, she was now. She just didn't know how to proceed with talking to him. So, went she got off work, she went to go see Jannah, hoping for some advice on how to open up to her brother. And that's when she founds out that Finn was engaged to Shantell Mortimer.

Did Finn not feel anything for her that night? Was it all in her head? Why was he marrying that... that wench?! 

BACK IN THE PRESENT...

With dinner prepared, Finn and Rey start bringing different dishes to the dinner table. Just the salad, then the rolls, their plates, the vegetables, and their drinks plus the gallon of tea. As Finn spreads everything out, Rey lights the candles sitting in the center of the rectangular table.

Ever the gentleman, Finn pulls out Rey's chair for her (A gesture that Rey had to learn with one of respect and chivalry), allowing her to sit in it. He then pushes her up to the table and goes to have a seat himself.

As they ate, they just talked about 'regular stuff'. From the craziness in the world, to the ups and downs on social media, to the day-to-days at work. They were having pleasant conversations. It was something they both missed. However, there was still this level of tension in the room that has yet to be brought up. Both are aware of it, but neither is the first to address it. 

After finishing their dinner, they then go to enjoy their dessert, which happens to be slices of chocolate cake and vanilla ice cream.

Tired of the awkwardness, Rey takes it upon herself to speak up. "Finn... listen. I uh..." She fidgets around as she gathers her thoughts. Finn looks up from his plate at her, listening intently to whatever she needed to say next. She sighs. "A... About the night I went to go meet Ben..."

Finn sighs himself, not ready to talk about this yet. "Rey... come on. Not right now. Please..."

"Finn! Wait. Let me just... let me say this." Rey interrupts. "We're never gotten get over this by ignoring it. This need to said out loud. It's the only way either of us can move on."

Finn looks back at Rey and nods his head, encouraging her to go on.

Rey pushes back her chair and stands to her feet. "I know..." She walks over to the side of the table, wanting to be closer to Finn while she tells him what's been on her mind. "...I know that you're still angry with me and I don't blame you. I just want you to know that nothing happened between Ben and me. Our relationship... or the lack thereof, is over. It has been since the day he put you in that hospital. Back then, I thought that by helping him, I was keeping him away from you. I never meant for you to think that I was picking him over you. I should've been more clear on that. And I'm so sorry that I didn't do a better job of explaining to you." Rey sniffles. "But, please... please listen to me when I say that there's no love between myself and Ben. He and I are nothing to each other. I didn't go to him, looking for closure or an explanation. No reconciliation or anything like that. There was never any confusion on my part." 

"So, then..." Finn says as he sits up in his chair. "...Why did you go and see him?"

"I wanted it all to stop." Rey says desperately. "Ben has always found ways to ruin all the good in my life. Anything that had nothing to do with him had to good. I was so tired of him rearing his fucking head everytime I find something good... something precious for me to enjoy. Like this." Rey gestures the two of them. Finn looks her in the eyes and notices that tears were starting to well up. As if she was begging him to listen to her like she did that night she and Ben broke up for the last time. "The last two years, baby... It's just been you and me. There's no place for Ben or for Shantell or anyone else here. Thanks to you, I know now what 'unconditional love' means. It's been so much more than anything that I've ever expected. You are such a good man. And I... I just love you so much. You've made me so happy that I could never describe the number of ways in a single night. Being with you has made me realize that not only do I deserve all of the best things in life. I already had the best thing... the one that mattered the most. And that is you, Finn Calrissian. You are everything I want. You're all I need. And losing you is about the worst thing that could ever happen to me aside from letting Ben stick around any longer. I needed him to fuck off and that clearly wasn't getting through to him in text messages. So, when I agreed to a face-to-face, it was with the intent of giving him the message the only way I knew how. By showing him exactly where he fits in my life, which is nowhere. That's the whole truth! Nothing went beyond a stern talking to and a threat to rip his balls off." Rey said quickly, much to Finn's amusement. "I'm sorry for not telling you any of this before I left. Or better yet, I should've taken you with me to better illustrate my point. I didn't mean to leave things the way I did. I just... I just wanted this whole thing to stop. He has no right to act the way he does. He can't keep coming in and out of my life like this. He needed to know that I do not appreciate him doing that. And that this was the last time he would ever do so. Or it'll be the last time he could prove he was still a man. I just want him out of our lives. That's all. And to tell you this."

Finn looks up again at Rey, who was now standing at his right side.

"No one has ever loved me the way you do, Finn." Rey declares honestly. "And I don't want anyone else to even try in the future. Again, I know that all of our problems won't be resolved tonight. But, Peanut, I'm willing. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to keep what you and I have. Everyday, I am so thankful that I have you, Honey. Everyday I'm so grateful that I know now what it means to have someone love you and do things for you only because they want to. There's never any demand for favors. Of all the things you do for me, you never expect anything in return. It's the little things that mean so much. It's something that I've had to learn. But, I have. And I am. And that's because of you. So, I hope..." Rey begins to cry. "I hope that you're still willing to keep what we have and to build on it. Because I'd fall apart without you. I can't lose you. Finn, please. Please forgive me. Don't leave me alone again. I won't make it." Rey doesn't bother to even fight her tears here. 

Finn quickly gets up on his feet and envelops her in his strong arms. Rey melts into his embrace, burying her nose into the space where his neck met his left shoulder. She sniffles as she holds him close, kissing his neck when she notices that it's bare to him.

Finn rubs her back with his right hand while holding the back of her neck to his chest with his left. "I love you." He says tenderly.

"I love you." Rey tells him back. She leans away from his chest to look him in the eye. A slow smile spreads across her face. A smile instantly appears on Finn's face, causing Rey to beam. She then closes her eyes, nuzzling her nose against Finn's. "Kiss me?" She pleads in a low whisper.

Finn then cups the right side of her face, bringing her all the way in for their first kiss in weeks. There's a loud smack from the initial smooch. Soon, there's another smooch. And another. And another. Soon, one peck on the lips levels up into a passionate kiss. Both moan as they make like two seals fighting over a grape. This was one of their best kisses. One very similar to one they shared by to the night. Their very first kiss. It was just like that. Only if it turns anymore heated, (again) then it's alright. As far as either are concerned, they're together again. And that's all that matters.

Just then, a thought crosses Finn's mind. "Rey, wait." he says, breaking the kiss.

Rey doesn't give him a chance to speak. "No." She says, shaking her head. She then goes back in for another kiss. She missed her man's lips. She was just making up for lost time.

Finn moans into Rey's mouth, loving this so much. But, he really needs to know something. "Wait, wait." Finn says, once again breaking the kiss, even though he wants it to keep going. "Rey, I gotta..."

"No." Rey says again. And once again, kissing her Finn.

As much as Finn hates himself right now, he knows he needs to do this. He really needs to know exactly how Rey got Ben to leave her alone. So, he backs away from Rey, holding his arm out like a shield. "Wait, wait. hold up."

Rey wants it to keep going, but Finn won't let her. 

"Answer me this first." Finn says. Rey sighs in frustration. She wanted her boyfriend. "Look, just... just tell me this. Alright? How did you do it? How did you get Ben to leave you alone? I mean, I know you're strong. And you can handle yourself in a fight when you need to. But, how? How did you get Ben to not only leave you alone, but got him to leave Coruscant? You didn't really say anything earlier."

Rey's brilliant smile softens into an unconfident one. She's not sure how he's gonna react to this news. But, she figures that now was better than later. She steps away from Finn, goes into their bedroom, pulls out her favorite handbag, and retrieves something wrapped up in a small paper bag. When she returns, she's holding up the paper bag in both hands close to her chest like it meant everything to her. "Ben wasn't getting the message about how he no longer had a place in my life or in ours." She then hands the bag over to Finn.

Finn looks down at it before looking back up at her. He then takes the bag and immediately feels something small and straight.

"Something wonderful happened." Rey says to Finn with a smile.

Finn looks back up at Rey before he opens the bag and allows the content to slide out into his right hand. He puts the bag down and holds up the object. It was a do-it-yourself pregnancy test. He looks up at one of the ends on it and notices that it was blue. Finn frowns. But, then just as quickly, he's eyes widen. "Are you..." He whispers. he then looks back up at Rey. "Are you...?"

"Finn..." Rey says in a hush whisper. She rests her hands on Finn's right arm. With a beaming smile, Rey nods her head as she says. "...I'm pregnant."

Finn feels like he was suddenly just hit in the stomach. He exhaled sharply, struggling to regain his breath. He's just received yet another shock of his life. Rey was carrying their child? He was gonna be a father?

"That's right." Rey says, nodding her head again. "I'm having our baby. Yours and mine. Like I told you, peanut. It's just you and me. When Ben saw that blue stick, he was disgusted. He called me trash and took off down the street like a get-away driver. I found out from Jacen later that he was planning to move to Bespin for business and wanted me to tag along. Guess I ruined those plans the moment I should he that stick. I almost wish that I had an ultrasound.

"How..." Finn swallows. He's mouth suddenly feeling very dry. "How long have you known?"

"Four weeks." Rey answers. "Right before Ben starting calling and texting me again."

'OH!' Finn thought to himself. 'So, is that why she was so desperate to talk to me? She was so eager to tell me something. But, she wouldn't until I had agreed to come back home for dinner. Well, now I know why.'

Rey interlocked her fingers and held her hands to her chest, like she was protecting her heart. She was really anxious to know what Finn thought. Was this going get them back together or drive them further apart? "Finn?" Rey called out after a few seconds of silence.

Finn looks at her briefly before he looks back down at the stick. He then places the stick on top of the paper bag and rests his hands on the table. His back is to Rey so she can't see reaction. Finn's heart begins to pound. His breathing gets heavier. He feels a little light-headed and he was pretty sure he's about to pass out. So many thoughts are running through his head now. So many changes are going to happen. So many things needing to be rearranged. But, one thing that has settled in the center of all of it is him, Rey, and their child. He lets out a deep sigh.

Rey comes up behind him, worried suddenly that she may have done something wrong. "Finn?" 

Finn couldn't answer her. 'Oh, my God!' Finn thinks to himself. Rey's having his baby! He's going to be a dad! And the woman he loves like no other is having his child. 'I'm gonna be a dad.' He chants in his mind. 'I'm gonna be a dad. I'm gonna be a dad!' As the reality sets in, a giant smile spreads across his face. Now that he knows the whole story, he suddenly regrets leaving things the way he did when he left. All he could think about was when Rey stuck with Ben when Ben attacked him. He was more than sure the he meant nothing to Rey. But, now? Now he knew better.

Rey places a hand on Finn's shoulder, trying to get his attention. That's when he realized that he hasn't said a single thing to Rey aside from asking how long she knew about the baby.  He then turns back around to face Rey. Still smiling that brilliant smile. "I'm gonna be a dad. Babe, We have to tell everyone!"

Rey's eyes widen with a hopeful. "So, you... you're not mad?"

"Mad about what?!" Finn asks, bursting into a fit of laughter. "Mad that my girlfriend is having my baby or mad that she did the impossible and get Ben 'fuck-up' Solo to stop chasing her? Either way, babe, you've made me so happy!"

Seeing him smile and hearing him say that made her so happy! She then threw her arms back around his shoulders, planting kisses all over his lips, cheeks, face, and neck. She was so happy, she didn't know what to do with herself.  Even as Finn was laughing uncontrollably and asking Rey to relax, she couldn't. She loved this man too much to stop now. 

TWO YEARS AGO...

FINN'S P.O.V.

Weeks after Finn's engagement to Shantell, Finn noticed a shift in behavior in Shantell. She was angry, selfish, manipulating, vindictive, and cared only about what she wanted. Finn's own thoughts and feelings were no concern of hers. She could have whatever and/or whoever she wanted. But, Finn belonged to her and no one else. In some cruel twist of fate, the tables had turned. Finn and Rey had switched roles. Now he was in an abusive relationship and Rey was trying to persuade him to leave her. (The irony wasn't lost on him.) And wouldn't you know it? The next time Finn and Rey were alone together, they would've done something that made them both realize that they were with the wrong people.

Finn arrived at Rey's apartment one night after an argument with Shantell escalated into a physical fight. It was on that night that Finn and Rey made love for the first time. Afterwards, Finn was teeming with self-disgust and regret for cheating on Shantell. (Despite the way she talks down to him and treats him.)

Rey, on the other hand, was convicted that their actions demonstrated that they were in love with each other. He didn't see it that way at the time. She wasn't wrong, but Finn needed to do some soul searching. He honestly wasn't sure what was worse: the fact that he could cheat on someone he cared about. Or the fact that he didn't feel bad about having sex with Rey. It was liberating. Freeing. He loved her. He wouldn't deny it now. But, he never thought that Rey would've admitted that she felt the same way. But, if what she told him that night was true, than he needed to own up to his part in this crazy situation.

Considering his growing feelings for Rey, Finn contemplated about ending things with Shantell. He felt like he was using her to get over Rey. Which wasn't right, even if it was Shantell Mortimer. When he confronted her, he confessed his infidelities. He made it known that he was crazy about Rey and wanted to try to have a relationship with her.

When Shantell faced the very real possibly that Finn was leaving her for Rey did Finn suddenly have her full attention again. She refused to let him leave her. Even threated to kill him if he ever tried. Thankfully, it never got to that extreme. Between Finn's sisters... his twin, Jannah and their older sister, Maz Kanata, they had a 'sit down' with Shantell. To this day, Finn had no idea what their 'conversation' was about, but Shantell got herself on the fastest Goddamned thing smoking out of town and never contacted Finn again. 

So, Finn and Rey began their relationship. And everything was vastly different from anything they experienced with their exes.

All the things Finn did, he did because he was raised to be a gentleman. Holding the door open for Rey, pulling her chair out and pushing it in for her, helping move things around. See, she wasn't used to that. Anytime she's ask Ben for help, she's always have to hear him complain about it. But, here Finn was. Doing all the things that Rey was more than capable of doing and it drove her insane. She later had a talk with Finn's mother, Sana, and she learned from her to not take things out on Finn. He was doing all of these things for Rey because he loved her. She raised her boy to be a gentleman and asked her not to hold that against him. (Because knowing Sana, she wouldn't be afraid to settle any dispute the old fashion way. No one talks about her baby boy like that. So, Rey was on the edge of being pulled into a fight, despite the fact that their mothers were friends.) After learning this, Rey had to learn to allow Finn those little gestures. It meant a lot for Finn and before too long, they meant a lot to Rey, too.

And pretty soon, Rey found herself doing things for Finn that she never did for Ben. Like allowing herself to be vulnerable around Finn. Wanting to spend every waking moment with him, looking like an absolutely knockout whenever they go out, wanting to dance with him, wanting to learn more about things that interested Finn, wanting him to come inside of her when they have sex, (Obvious, hence why she's pregnant.) making him breakfast, kissing him for no reason, and helping him out with any yard work his parents needed his help with. And the whole time, neither of them expected anything in return.

• (By the way, the only time Ben did anything for Rey was because he could hold it over her head or he did it to show off. Buy her an expensive car? 'Yeah. I did that.' Bought her a house? 'Yeah. I did that.' Took her on an expensive vacation? 'Yeah. I did that.' Make her come so hard, she almost lost consciousness? (He's never done that), but he'll swear he has.)
• (And Shantell? Forget about it. She was looking for something in return. Blow you for a couple of grant. Fuck you to get you to buy me jewelry. Have your kids if you marry me. (Marriage would grant her access to a lot of Finn's finances.) 

They were already so close as friends. But, now, as lovers, they couldn't be any closer and they couldn't be happier.

And now, 2 YEARS LATER, she suddenly starts getting phone calls and texts from Solo and suddenly gets the urge to see him again.

Finn pleaded with Rey not to go and see him, but Rey argued, saying that she needed to set the record straight with Ben, face to face.

Thinking back to the last time she said that, Finn came to a heart breaking conclusion: that somehow the last 2 years really meant nothing to Rey since she was so determined to go and see Benny boy. Thinking that he lost her again, he packed a couple of bags and moved out. This was three weeks ago.

But, after phone calls, texts, Finn admitted that they needed to set the record straight. So, he agreed to meet with Rey in their apartment tonight.

IN THE PRESENT...

After Rey gave Finn her account of what happened weeks ago, things had seemingly gone back to normal. After she broke the news, Fin wanted to tell everyone. But, Rey really wanted to keep this between the two of them. It was their first night back together, after all.

Well, since Rey wouldn't allow Finn to tell anyone just yet, he decided that they should definitely celebrate tonight. Going over to his CD player (Yes! Finn still has a CD player), he goes through all of the sings in his collection and finds one that was just the right one for the occasion.

Musiq Soulchld's 'Onmyradio' was taken out of it's case and placed into the CD slot. He picks ' So beautiful' and plays.

He turns around, facing Rey. He beckons her to come forward with a gesture of his index finger.

Rey giggles at her boyfriend before obliging him. She comes over, swaying her hips more seductively as she takes his hand. As the song begins, they hold each other close and slow dance to the words and Melody. Finn holds up Rey's right hand and resting his right on his hip. Rey has her left hand on his shoulder and rests her chin on his right shoulder.

'Your my baby
My lover, my lady
All night you make me
Want you it drives me crazy...'

Neither of the young lovers say anything. They just listen to the words Musiq sang, as kind of a silent promise to each other. As they waltz together, all sense of time and creation outside that room didn't exist. It was just the two of them. Back together in a world that only mattered to them. 

'I don't wanna waste no time
If I had to choose I know
I'm going always choose to be with you
Cause girl don't you know

Girl don't You know your so beautiful
I wanna give all my love to you girl
Not just tonight but the rest of your life
I wanna be always here by your side...'

Rey leans away from Finn's right shoulder and rests it on his left. Finn kisses her left cheek and the side of her neck. She then leans away and kisses Finn on the lips.

'Cause it just feels so right
I don't wanna waste no time
If I had to choose I know
I'm going always choose to be with you
Cause girl don't you know'

'Girl don't You know your so beautiful
I wanna give all my love to you girl
Not just tonight but the rest of your life...'