Chapter Text
Almost eight years now. Eight long years that she had been hiding, years that led to this moment. Rey was perched on the edge of her bed, tracing a scar that wrapped partially around her wrist as Ben sat down beside her. He ran a hand through his hair to tame it down a bit before looking at Rey’s. She knew it was wild. Ben laughed. “You know, your bad hair days almost rival Chewbacca’s.” He said with a smirk, earning himself a smack on the arm.
“They do not!” Rey protested indignantly, trying to run her fingers through the tangles. It didn’t work well.
“I disagree.” He replied in a playful tone, scooting closer to aid in detangling. It didn’t take long for him to switch topics in hopes of avoiding another slap. “Pango, Neil and I are going to be down at the river for a couple days. And Neil and Isra are hosting a dinner for the village at their house after we all return.” Rey hummed in acknowledgement. “Isra also said she’ll break out the jawa juice once all the kids are put to bed.” Ben added as he started to braid Rey’s hair. It hung almost to her waist now. She was about to respond when a dark haired boy burst through the door, his giggling sister not far behind.
“Momma wook! I caught a fwog!” He exclaimed, running towards her with his horrified captive’s legs flopping with every step.
“Wow, you must have been fast to catch the little guy!” She said, holding out her hands. Ben tied off her braid, wrapping and arm around her waist and watching the frog with an expression of interest and concern. Adrian dropped the frightened creature into Rey’s hands with a delighted giggle, jumping up and down. Hannah leaned on the table, watching the frog with a look of wonder.
“I was! I was super fast!” Adrian said, reaching for the frog again. Rey made sure all its legs were tucked securely in the child’s grasp before releasing her grip.
“Good job, but why don’t you let him go now to be with the other frogs so he doesn’t get lonely?” Ben offered. Adrian frowned for a second before bounding away.
“Okay!” He replied, disappearing out the door. Rey looked to Hannah, who nodded and ran after her younger brother. Rey smiled and leaned into Ben’s side.
“Can you believe this?” She murmured once their children were no longer in view.
“No. I still might just be living in a dream.” He answered, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. He paused for a moment before adding, “But in a dream I wouldn’t have to go to work.” He smiled as he stood, Rey standing with him.
“Well then it must not be a dream. It has to be real.” Ben nodded, humming as he pulled on his jacket and ushered her out the door.
“After you milady,” he said with a light bow. Rey laughed, wondering how she got so lucky. They stepped out and headed towards the village’s edge together, Rey spotting Adrian and Hannah running around with the other children in a game of chase. She held Ben’s hand until they reached the path to the river, where Neil and Isra were already waiting.
“Heyo!” Neil called, waving at them as they approached. When they stopped walking Rey made sure Ben had all his supplies and rations for the trip, straightening his jacket after she was satisfied with what had been packed.
“Be careful.” She said. “Don’t make me have to come out and rescue you.” She added with a smirk. Neil stood up straighter.
“Don’t you worry Mrs. Solo, I can protect him!” He said in a playful tone, puffing out his chest. He burst out laughing as Ben shoved him.
“Oh yeah, because we all know you’ll do all the protecting. No way you would ever run from danger.” Ben replied sarcastically, laughing as well.
“I would never!” Neil said in mock hurt, Isra stifling a giggle. By this time Pango has arrived as well, and once the trio was all set Isra and Rey said their goodbyes, watching the men leave.
“Ready to head to work?” Isra asked once the group was out of sight. Rey nodded, looking in the direction they had left once more before walking away. They chatted about their children on the way to the ponds, watching the village youngsters run about in a pack. Apparently another frog had the audacity to escape the children’s clutches and needed to be caught again. Rey laughed as more frogs leapt from the grasses, the kids squealing in delight. Isra’s eyebrows pulled together, creases forming on her forehead. “Could that be dangerous?” She asked, watching her own son snatch up one of the blue amphibians. Rey shook her head.
“The frogs are harmless, and the kids know not to wander too far.” She answered as they reached the ponds. Isra kept an eye on the children anyways as she started scooping krill from the pond, Rey working alongside her.
When the sun started to set everyone krill farming headed to their homes, the group of children dispersing as each went to find their parents. Rey and Isra walked together, Isra’s son Roon clinging to her side. Adrian and Hannah both ran to Rey, each taking one of her hands. The three youngsters seemed an endless source of words as they detailed their adventures of the day. Isra and Roon turned to go to their home after a quick goodnight, and after they left Adrian yawned.
Rey picked him up, and he rested his head on her shoulder. He strongly resembled his father in regards to his facial features, his hair and eyes were almost the same colors as well. Hannah’s hair was lighter, but she shared the same dark brown eyes.
After tucking the children in for bed, Rey started to organize a few stray clothes, pausing as she looked into the small wardrobe. It had started with black and white, but now it was filled with browns and teals. Only one black shirt remained. Rey took a moment to try and think of just when the color scheme had shifted, but couldn’t come up with anything definitive, so she dismissed the thought and crawled into bed. The answer could wait for tomorrow.