AN: AU Post SW:TLJ. With influences from the Blue Spirit (A:tLA) and Ocean's Eleven. This is Part 1 of…? IDK yet.

Rey feels ridiculous. She's dressed in clothing far too revealing – made up to be some sort of minor Naboo royalty. The elaborate hairstyle and makeup are uncomfortable, but at least she looks nothing like her former self. The idea, Poe's, of course, is careless as the pilot and the scavenger expects to be arrested or kicked out of the establishment at any moment. However, the critical information and increased expectations riding on the evening are not one the Resistance, desperate for assistance, can pass up. Furthermore, the entire plan gives her something to focus on…besides him. In the months since the events of Ach-to and Snoke's death, she's felt him through the bond. Across the many miles, there is pain, anguish, and above all, loneliness. Nights she's not been able to sleep – desperate to reach out. Unsure what will happen if she does, worried if she does nothing, and altogether desperate to show him the error of his ways.

Her cover barely holds as their credentials are checked at the door, but with a bit of cleavage and a wink, she and Finn are allowed in. Poe will act as their getaway driver, should they need one, so it's a formally attired Finn at her side as they enter the opulent casino, the type of place she's never seen in her entire life. Clutching his arm, she realizes they've not had time alone since the retreat from Crait. Partially from her side, well, almost entirely by her doing. She's not ready to admit to what she's done…what she's gone through… It's not Finn's opinion she cares about, it's what admitting what happened will do to her and she is not prepared.

"You'll cover the high stakes tables?" She asks, trying not to gawk at the sheer amount of wealth present. Rare gems, stunning jewels and amounts of currency she's only dreamed of. Finn's natural charm makes him friends with just about anyone. He's also spent the past few weeks absorbing all matters of tricks and sleight of hand from the crew.

"Just keep an eye out for him."

"I will. He has to be here tonight."

Her job was to flirt at the tables. A skill she has basically zero ability with, but which Leia has tried to prepare her for. Their task is simple. A contact. An unknown mercenary who has, against all odds, been reliably stealing supplies, maps, and other covert information from the First Order and delivering them to Resistance friendly cities and ports. This man has not sought them out, rather, they are hoping to find him. Weeks of intercepting messages and they finally found a lead. One that brings them to a dangerous and expensive location, but there is not much choice.

Ordering a drink which she hopes isn't too toxic, she affects a bored expression on her face, when a frisson of unmistakable energy shoots through her system.

It's not possible.

Her eyes dart around the room. Ben…here? How is it possible?

The Force bond crackles in her system, filling her with unspent energy. Her hand moves to her side, but the lightsaber is not present – despite her best attempts, the weapon is not yet fixed.

A similar sense of surprise and awareness flows through her.

Try as he might, the broad shoulders and immense height are an immediate giveaway, but no one else seems to recognize the Supreme Leader of the First Order walking through the casino floor. There is a black eye patch which covers much of the right side of his face. I gave him those scars. He has chosen to dress much as Finn has… A snug formal jacket, complete in crisp white (so different from his usual black) is complete with a black tie. He looks almost regal. A unique desert flower – native to Jakku, rests in his buttonhole. She would recognize the shade of purple anywhere, but also knew the blossom was incredibly rare. In her years on the planet, she had only seen it bloom twice. Did its presence carry any specific meaning?

To calm herself, she sips her incredibly potent drink, realizing, of course the gesture means nothing.

Yes, it does. The voice is strong and male and entirely recognizable inside her head.

You choose now to reactivate the bond?

She takes another drink, but glances across the room in his direction.

You're not fighting it.

We're in a crowded room and I see none of your lackeys. Plus, we're not here for you.

'We?'

Knowing he will sniff Finn out soon enough, she raises her head to the high rollers table. Do not bother him.

I wasn't planning on it.

Then why are you here?

In the middle of the crowded room, it feels as if they are the only two people present. As he makes his way towards her, she can sense a change in not only her powers, but also physical reactions in her body she'd rather not spend too much time considering. He sits down in the empty seat to her right, causing her to immediately tense. With body heat emanating from his right arm, she finds she cannot speak, and has difficulty making eye contact with his as usual intense stare.

"I did not follow you here." His voice is low, but commanding.

"I have a difficult time believing you." He turns to face her. Easily balanced on a stool at the luxurious bar, his legs part and she spins slowly between them. She raises her eyes to find, for the first time in what is probably a very long time, a small smile on Ben's face. "Fine, why are you here?"

"I'm not sorry I ran into you, Rey."

And what is she supposed to say to that? What they need to discuss, the things left unsaid, the fact he's moved his hand to her thigh, covered in a sheer garment, makes it very difficult to breathe, let alone think properly.

Moving his gloved hand – some habits must die hard – away, she repeats herself, "What are you doing on Canto?"

"We haven't established why you two are present."

"And we won't." What is this new attitude of his? What has happened during their time apart?

A local comes towards them and Rey uses the distraction to turn herself away from Ben's body, just as she feels him tense up.

"Are you the Garibaldo?"

Rey snaps to attention, her hazel eyes going wide. It's not possible.

Ben further changes his voice, a drawl as opposed to the clipped monosyllabic tones he usually speaks with. "That would be me."

"And we're to do business this evening?"

Ben's hands gesture to her and he says, "Yes sir, I hope you don't mind my 'business associate' joining us."

His implication is clear. "I am not your–"

Leaning over to whisper in her ear, he says, "If you want to keep your cover, then you'll need to act the part."

With goosebumps trailing down her arms, Rey returns the favor, her painted lips nearly touching his earlobe as she says, "You'll tell me what this all about when we're finished."

Drink in hand, they follow the local to a private room.

AN: Hoping to continue this soon.