"People think that intimacy is about sex. But intimacy is about truth. When you realize you can tell someone your truth, when you can show yourself to them, when you stand in front of them bare and their response is 'you're safe with me'- that's intimacy."

— Evelyn Hugo, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

There was a terrible storm raging across Coruscant, rain and lightning for days meant that the military drills and ship exercises were postponed. And all of the various military representatives needed entertaining.

Why did I bring them here?

Because you saw what I did - they need to be ready.

Yes, but WHY. I'm being punished for my sins.

I guess that explains why I'm suffering as well, then , she thinks with a slight edge to her words.

I need to see you. It's been three days.

The constant presence of the politicians had made it impossible for him to slip away to the apartment. Their apartment. They only had a few brief days there in uncomplicated bliss before their realities came crashing down around them again.

The weather had even affected Rey's training and classes with the younglings, with so much of the temple being open to the sky and surroundings. She had spent the hours reading whatever small references she could find on the bond - Finn by her side, unaware and so trusting.

Where? Was all she asked, knowing he could feel her desperation. Their bond grew stronger every day, just as Ben had feared.

Her faraway smile did not go unnoticed by Finn as she sat on the floor of the Archives, a thick datapad in her hands.

"What has you so happy all of a sudden?" Rey was pulled out of their mingled thoughts and settled her eyes on her friend.

"Nothing, just happy for a break from the classes I suppose."

She watched as Finn mulled over his next words, her hands lowering the device into her lap as he took a breath, "You feel different."

"I - what?" Her legs slid down, pressing against the floor, heart beating faster under his scrutiny.

"In the Force - you've been different. Since you came back, but I wasn't sure if it was just having to travel with him or-."

"Force signatures don't work like that, Finn," she really couldn't say that was true for sure, but the defensiveness was immediate and absolute. He didn't like Ben, had made that clear - hated that she had been assigned to go with him after everything. "How do I feel?"

Ben sensed her unease and the air stilled as he appeared next to her with hardly any effort, hand brushing against her cheek. She leaned into it, heedless of Finn's eyes on her awkward movements.

"It's darker, now - like I can't see you as clearly as I could before," long seconds passed as her eyes focused on her friend's. "You're like him more. He was always murky to me. Luke's noticed."

Rey ripped away from the caressing hand, "You spoke to Luke about this? Finn, what if he thinks I've betrayed the Jedi - the Light? I haven't !"

Ben heard her and growled as he realized the nature of her distress, but she cut off the connection before he could do anything else.

Rey's heart raced at the implications for her future - and Finn hurried to explain, moving to sit beside her, taking Ben's place.

"He doesn't think anything like that. We're just worried. I think your trip with Ben was a mistake - your emotions lately are all over the place, your control-"

He shook his head and took her hand, "I know he was your Master, and it's natural to feel a connection with him - but everyone knows what he's like. What he was accused of - Rey, he's not safe for you."

She should find the words comforting, a reminder that she had people in her life who worried for her - wanted to look out for her, after everything. But Rey realized tears had begun forming as a small cry escaped her. No one would ever understand what they had, not even Finn - she realized that now. They would all assume some dark side manipulation - seduction.

"Someone's Force signature can't just...rub off on you, Finn." Desperate to push back against the claim, but she knew inside that it rang true - the bond they shared grew each day. Just as Ben had warned - but if she had some of his, then Ben's -

"I think I'm going to lay down," she whispered as she pulled away from her friend and stood up, refusing to meet his eyes as she brushed her cream colored Jedi robes.

"I'm just looking out for you, Rey. You've always wanted to be a Jedi Master, don't forget that."

At that, she spun away and stalked down the hallway. As if she had forgotten what she wanted, the audacity to suggest she had drifted from her path.

I need to see you, please - where?

The name of a bar far away from the normal haunts of those he knew floated into her mind, but that was it. Ben said nothing about the emotions rolling inside as she changed into clothes less conspicuous for the area.

Black, loose pants and a thin white blouse with a black belt and clip for her lightsaber. Not hiding who she was, but - blending.

It was one of the few times she had ever met him in public and the thought of seeing and smiling at him openly around strangers made her heart a bit lighter.

He had been there since he sensed her distress, scoping out any dangers before he claimed it was safe for them; a bar filled with people who'd rather not be seen was perfect for them. It was no dirtier than any other, but dark - lighting reserved for the stage. Ben had heard whispers from the politicians and military personnel he now called his peers - Rey might enjoy it, but the privacy above all.

The fallen Jedi leaned back into his corner booth, stretching legs covered by skin-tight brown cloth and tall black boots. His lightsaber was clipped to his belt as always, but hidden by the loose fabric wrapped around his shoulders.

A warmth suffused him slowly, as if gradually stepping into the sun's light, and he turned to watch the doorway for her. Rey, his Jedi - his.

She stepped inside, surprising him with her lack of Jedi colors - but she knew better, he supposed.

People still knew how to spot them, and she had more to lose if she were caught with him.

Especially here.

A quiet song began to play, thrumming beat that seemed to pulse through each lifeform; to those especially attuned to the Force, it filled the air with anticipation.

He made no move to call her, watching as she moved quietly through the small standing crowd. Her eyes never connected with his, but she knew - and her body slid into the booth beside his in one graceful movement. Rey stared at him then, an intense look; she felt sad - worried.

Ben's hand brushed against her face like he had in the library - warm, real - before he leaned over to press a firm kiss against her lips. It was over in seconds, her body melting against his, forehead pressed against his throat as she exhaled in relief.

"I hate rain," she mumbled without any fervor and Ben huffed a laugh. Rey had always loved rainstorms - at least, after the first one that sent her running into him in sheer terror.

"I think perhaps it was the Force telling us to cool it," he murmured into her hair as he held her loosely in his arms. "We spent all that time together-"

"The Force isn't that meddling, Ben. Besides, if it was truly that concerned, I doubt our signatures would be rubbing off on each other because of this bond," she inhaled sharply, remembering Finn's veiled accusation.

"They're worried about you," his voice held a hard edge, pulling her head back by her hair, refusing to let her look away from him. "I warned you this would happen. They'll be watching you even more, now."

Rey glared at his chiding words, attempting to force him to loosen his grip, but his fingers pulled her hair taut against her head in warning.

"I'm not a child, Ben," she huffed as his eyes narrowed. He released her with more force than necessary, worry that warped into anger slithering under the surface of his skin.

She fell against the back of the booth beside him. He refused to look at her, "I missed you."

The words were so quiet she could hardly hear them over the music that was slowly building in rhythm as the dancers came onto the stage one by one, pulling the audience's attention away from the Jedi in the corner. Rey watched as he ground his teeth, the outline of his jaw, his eyes as they attempted to show interest in anything but her. The fear, desperation she was beginning to recognize in him.

Rey sat up, twisting towards him as she swung her leg to the other side. Ben's face was blank, but his hooded eyes watched her as she leaned in to kiss his clenched jaw. Open-mouthed kisses followed the line of his throat, the warmth of her tongue reaching out to lick the vulnerable skin snapped him to her once more.

Strong arms gripped her waist, the fabric of her top sliding cool against her back as his fingers pulled her closer.

"Is this supposed to lessen suspicions, Jedi?" His lips slid against her ear as he spoke, nerves bubbling up as her lips moved against his skin. She didn't answer as her teeth grazed his neck, nipping gently and reveling as he pulled her flush against him, the cock she had missed so much resting just below her.

"As if you didn't thoroughly vet this place before you sent me here," she pulled away to level him with a look.

But he was in no mood to be teased, landing an open-palmed blow against her ass, "Get back to work, I want to feel your marks on me for weeks."

I want them to see.

The silent words made her shiver as she settled her lower body onto his, teeth sinking into his skin as she sucked hard kisses along his throat and shoulder. With each suck, her hips rolled into his, delighting in the soft hiss and gentle smacks against her backside that accompanied them. Rey pulled away to survey a particularly deep mark, the angry red and blue already blooming around the small indentations of teeth. She hummed satisfactorily as she ran the flat of her tongue around it, tasting the salt of his skin and sweat.

Ben held her to him as he thrust up, as if she had forgotten what he felt like between her legs.

She peppered light kisses along his collarbone as he asked for more. She moved lower, along the edge of his shirt, thoughts of the crowd sliding away as she left marks ringing his throat. His fingers gripped her ass so tight he was beginning to lose feeling in them, forcing himself to relax and massage the muscled skin he loved so much.

It had been so long - days - since she had touched him, and all the eyes of the military attaches around him had driven him mad. They watched him with barely disguised fear - and lust - a stark difference in how the Jedi saw him when he walked their halls. It should have made him feel powerful, but he was only angry - they could never know who, but they had to know he was taken.

He wanted her bruises and marks all over his skin, the sharp pain a reminder of who he belonged to - but also a warning. He would never be able to hide them. No one would ask, but they would know.

"Ben," she whispered as she rolled her hips against him. "Touch me."

She leaned away from him and he pushed her to the side, gesturing for her to turn around. He pulled her into his lap with ease, pushing her legs to either side of his own as she rested her back against his chest.

"This place is whispered about," he spoke low in her ear as she watched the scantily-clad women and aliens dance to the slow music for the crowd. A huge hand slid under her blouse, skimming across the soft muscles of her stomach as he spoke. "People say that after the show, you can take one of the dancers to a special floor."

Rey held her breath as his fingers danced across her skin, "You can fuck them - or watch."

Breathing hitched and Ben smiled, pulling loose strands of hair away from her neck as he kissed it, "What excites you about that, little Jedi?"

Her thoughts fluttered back to a conversation she had with Finn long ago, when he first suspected her of sleeping with Ben - he is dark, will corrupt you. But the thoughts that came to her, made her squirm in his lap, were of her own making as she whispered, "Watching."

"Watching?" His hand tugged down her breast band, the softness of her shirt brushing against her nipples as his hand palmed it. "Or being watched?"

Her head fell back as he twisted and pulled her exposed breast, trying to come up with an answer as he continued speaking in that low tone that made her quiver, "I think my little padawan enjoys putting on a show for people. Look at everyone around us, feel their arousal - someone is watching you as you spread your legs for me right now."

A whine escaped her as she squeezed her legs around his, feeling her lower lips sliding against each other with arousal. She raised her arm behind her, sliding fingers through his dark hair as his other hand moved to the waist of her pants.

"Ben," she whispered hazily as her eyes roamed the audience, unsure if she wanted to watch the show - or look for someone who watched them.

"They won't remember our faces," he assured her. "Just a tasty young woman getting fucked in front of them. For them."

"No," she rebelled. "For you - always for you."

He hummed, pushing his hand under her pants, seeking the heat between her thighs, teeth grazing her ear as he felt the wetness that had coated them.

"Don't forget it," he warned as he pinched the inside of her thigh and groaned as she pushed back into him, his cock pulsing with need under her.

They stayed like that for long minutes, eyes taking in the stage that captivated everyone else around them. Wordlessly, Ben pulled them back, leaning further against the booth, spreading his legs between hers as they watched.

Their breathing synchronized as his hand slid between her thighs in a slow pattern. Ben said nothing, just listened to the quiet puffs of air as he teased her entrance.

"I love you," he murmured unexpectedly against her hair as a long finger pushed inside. Rey gasped, muscles fluttering already at the intrusion - or his words. She could never tell.

He didn't wait for any other response, fingers circling her nipple in a frustratingly slow rhythm that matched the fingers moving between her legs.

"Ben," she whined softly, hips squirming as he kept his maddeningly slow pace. His fingers were causing lewd sounds already, heard only by them thanks to the music in the bar.

A third finger pushed inside and Rey choked back a breath as she clenched fighter around him.

"Ah ah, sweetheart. Not yet," he pressed his hand and arm down, holding her hips and pussy against his lap. The cock she loved so much still trapped inside his pants.

Her hand pulled at his hair, tugging hard in frustration, "More."

He smirked against her neck, sucking lightly, not enough to leave a traitorous mark. Her marks could only be under clothes. Hidden from all but him.

His arms caged her, restraining everything except the slight roll of her hips and hand as a thumb began to circle her clit.

Rey's breathing increased with each stroke, the vice grip around her - inside of her - made her flush with need.

His head hung beside hers, tilted down, watching his hand's movements under her pants. The build rolled with each thrust inside her, pushing against a sweet spot that made tears prick her eyes.

Her pussy began to pulse around him and as she began to unwind he pulled his fingers away, bringing them to his mouth.

"What," she was panting, anger rippling around them. "The HELL-"

"Shh," was all he said as he lifted her hips just enough to pull the back of her pants down. The fury was melting into slow moving lava that filled her veins as he shifted his own body and her bare ass finally brushed against his own skin.

"Gonna fuck you now," he said right before he lifted her with one arm, pushing his cock inside in a rush that made her moan, loud enough to pull a few distracted glances. Their eyes fell away quickly as promised, but it reminded Rey of how exposed she was, neither of them wearing loose enough clothes to hide their activities.

He pushed their legs together and laid back once more, slowly raising her up, letting her feel the ridges of his cock. Rey shuddered, one hand moving to push against her clit, the pressure increasing as she sank down onto him again.

"That's it, show them how you like to come - you'll never let them touch you, but they don't know - don't know who you really are."

Ben was the only one who understood her desires - dark and light - and the feeling of loneliness that arose from her conversation with Finn rushed away.

"Faster," the edge in her voice spurred him on, sliding down on the seat to fuck into her with more vigor. Whatever she wanted, she would get - he could be soft or hard for her. " Harder."

He laughed, knowing she was reading his mind, their emotions and sensations blending together in a frenzy as he pushed her higher, pulling her down harder onto him.

She accepted every inch of him, stretching and burning and sliding as he gave her exactly what she needed. Three days of frustration, fucked away in front of an anonymous crowd of strangers - the memory of eyes on her made her body freeze and back bow, shuddering as her orgasm hit unexpectedly - finally.

"Good girl, your body always feels so good against mine, lithe and sweet," his words were breathy as he kept pushing and pulling her against him, seeking his own release as she bounced listlessly on his cock. Her hips would be bruised tomorrow, thighs as well, but she would welcome them as much as he would the marks her teeth and lips that littered his neck.

He pushed her forward, upper body laying flush along the table as he pulled her into him once, twice, a final time as he groaned and the warm come shot into her body, meeting the heavy feeling in her stomach with pleasure. It was where he was meant to be, she thought as her fingers flexed on the table, clenching his cock with her pussy a few more times before he pulled her up and off of him.

Their pants once again protecting their privacy, he leaned over her, caging her with his arms and chest, kissing her with fervor.

She met him with enthusiasm, pulling his shirt towards her as she sucked on his tongue.

Pulling away, pupils blown wide, he spoke, "You will be the greatest Jedi Master in millennia, Rey. Your will is strong, so much stronger than mine - you know what you want, and you'll get it."

The words were accompanied by him pulling her against him in a hug, an innocent parallel of just before. She needed to hear the confidence he had in her, though she wasn't sure how any Jedi Master could carry the darkness she felt rolling around in him at the same time.

He squeezed her reassuringly, "The council operates on lore handed down by failures and fools - research the Prime Jedi, the old old ways. You will see what balance truly is. It is why I left."

"Kind of," she lifted her head to smirk at him.

"I will be at the temple in a few days, I have a proposition for them - will I see you?"

"Of course, I'm never let out of their sight though - Finn and Luke. But now I know why, at least."

He nodded, "Something to be wary of, but it won't stop us. You were my padawan, after all. They can't deny us an opportunity for cordialities."

"Is that what we're calling this?" Her mind opened to his, replaying the look on his face when she fucked him.

Turnabout is fair play, sweetheart.

A/N: surprise! hope you enjoyed it, next chapter is going to take on some fighting kink I think. I'm READY!

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