Hi all! This is my first Star Wars story. It is an AU so even if you haven't seen the movies/aren't a huge fan, consider giving it a read because knowing the backgrounds isn't as necessary. That being said, please enjoy : )

P.S. Hoping to see some of my Sherlock stories updated very soon!

-x-x-x-

Rey Johnson worked hard for everything in her life. In fact, when college recruiters asked for a term to best describe her, the word "determined" escaped her lips before she could even fathom just how cheesy of an answer it was. Still, the tacky response didn't make the answer any less true.

She was determined. Always had been and always would be.

That determination started back in the slums of London, her first home. She had spent the first seven years of her very shitty life across the pond, living below the poverty line in a dingy flat with her mum. Her mother had been sixteen when she had Rey and the birth certificate never named a father. With no family of her own or support from the father's side, her mum struggled to make ends meet, taking on odd jobs like home cleaning and some unsavory ones that Rey still struggled to come to terms with. Said unsavory side jobs led to bad habits and Rey's shitty life got much shittier.

It was a gloomy day when the little girl discovered her mother with a needle in her arm, cold to the touch.

She had been two days shy of her eighth birthday when she became an orphan.

Rey entered the system immediately and was shuffled around the London foster program until her ninth birthday, when a distant relative of hers was located. The man, Chester Bacca, who Rey now affectionately called Uncle Chewie, lived in the suburbs of Denver. Before the little girl could even fathom the change, she was on a plane, flying across the Atlantic Ocean and wondering if she was living in a dream. Little Rey was now in foreign terrain—a new country, a new city, a new home, and a new adult to call the shots.

Thankfully, she adjusted relatively well, and was soon enrolled in a swanky private school thanks to a local grant. Chewie was unmarried, and although he lived comfortably, he was by no means wealthy. The same could not be said for their community—oh how their rich neighbors were delighted to help the impoverished English orphan, excited for the positive buzz her charity case would bring the community. That's how she ended up in a private school uniform that reminded her of the entitled children back in London, instead of ripped jeans and riding on a big yellow school bus to the public school.

Rey had been a bit upset by that. She saw the big yellow school bus in American movies and always dreamed of riding on one.

But Chewie's old truck did just fine.

Suddenly, a girl who grew up eating expired tins of beans picked from the dumpster behind the local Tesco was now attending school with children who had live in nannies, were dropped off in imported, luxury cars, and spent their summer holidays in Bora Bora.

Rey, of course, did not mind being the poor girl. She had clothes on her back, a roof over her head, and a man who treated her like she was his daughter. However, her circumstances certainly put a chip on her shoulder.

She couldn't compete with the rich kids. She didn't receive a brand-new car on her 16th birthday. She didn't spend her summer holidays at fancy sleepaway camps or on a sandy beach in Cabo. She couldn't afford to go on the fancy school-sponsored eighth grade trip to Quebec.

Instead, with no money to her name, she had to find another way to prove herself.

And she did just that.

Rey Johnson became the quintessential try-hard.

Valedictorian? Check.

Most Likely to Succeed? Check.

A resume filled with more clubs than she could count on two hands? Check.

And her busy schedule aside, she still managed to take photographs for the school newspaper and work at the auto shop down the road, run by Han Solo, a local businessman. The Solo family owned and operated about twelve different car dealerships in all of Colorado and were one of the wealthiest families in the area because of it. Han's wife, Leia, was a State Senator, and the couple had two sons—Ben, who was their biological son, and Poe, who they adopted when the boy was six years old.

Oh, Ben. Yes. That's where this story begins.

Rey did not like Ben Solo.

She loved Han. In addition to being one of Uncle Chewie's closest friends, he was also her first boss and went out of his way to accommodate the busy high schooler, never hesitating to give her time off for college interviews or to study for a big test.

She loved Leia. The woman was one of the only positive female role models that Rey had in her life and was always available for a cup of tea or to lend an ear.

She loved Poe. He had become one of her best mates and had been dating her closest friend in the world, Finn, on and off for ten years now.

But then there was Ben Solo, the bane of her existence since the moment she stepped foot across the pond.

If she was now living the American Dream, content with her career that she started from the ground up, then surely Ben Solo was her American Nightmare.

-x-x-x-

December 2007

Denver, Colorado

Tatooine High School

Rey sat on the bleachers facing the football field, enjoying the crisp breeze of the late autumn air. One hand was buried in the pocket covering her stomach, while the other held a new cell phone to her ear. She was wearing a ripped sweatshirt that she had nicked from Finn sometime last year—while it was huge on her, it was incredibly cozy, and the football graphics on the front made her feel important. Finn simply had to understand that since she didn't have a boyfriend, she would have to steal his clothes.

And considering his family was loaded, he was too nice to complain.

Besides, he had four seasons of football spirit wear at his disposal. As if he needed that many sweatshirts.

She bit her lip and focused on the words of the speaker on the other line of her phone call. Her phone, the shittiest and cheapest model available at the store, was a birthday gift from Chewie.

Rey would be lying if she said she hadn't sobbed at receiving it.

She had been the only student at the school without one.

"—we're just so impressed by your work in the community, especially with the fostering program in the Denver region, and cannot believe you've raised almost one-hundred thousand dollars in just two years—"

Rey held in a grin and listened to the words of praise, unbelieving of her luck. She gazed back to the field and couldn't help but laugh at Finn. With the football season over, her best friend refused to sit still and had taken to running after school.

He claimed it had nothing to do with Poe, who was on the track team, utilizing the same space. That was simply a coincidence.

"—so we really appreciate your interview, and unless there's a crazy news story, you're going to be our front page story for Sunday's edition. Can we call back if we have any further questions?"

Rey swallowed a squeal. "Of course!" She gasped out, her lips turning in a ginormous smile, "Thank you so so so much!"

When the line went dead, Rey flipped her phone closed and let out a scream of delight.

During her sophomore year of high school, with the help of her favorite English teacher Mr. Abrams, Rey had launched a club called Friends for Fostering, which focused on raising money for children in foster care. Given her own experiences, it was important to her to give back to the community. About six times a year, they held fundraisers, including bake sales, car washes, and toy drives, with all proceeds going to the children. They also spent time with the kids, offering tutoring sessions, sports days, and mentoring programs.

The club was everything to Rey. It was everything she wished she had as a girl, even with only a year in the system.

As Rey shoved her phone back into her pocket, beaming wildly, Finn jogged over, satisfied with his two-mile run. He raised an eyebrow.

"What's got you all excited?" He asked, pulling his t-shirt up to wipe some sweat off his face.

Rey ignored the way his eyes continued to glance back to the field, paying particularly close attention to the practicing track team. Especially one of the middle-distance runners. She let out another squeal.

"Well, Mr. Abrams was so impressed with our Christmas fundraiser that he mentioned it to his friend at the Denver Post, who just so happens to be the co-Editor in Chief. Our fundraiser and the club are going to be the front-page story on Sunday!"

She had spit out the words so quickly that Finn couldn't help but laugh. He grabbed his sweatshirt and slid back into it, smiling at his best friend.

"That's insane, Peanut! Congrats!" He pulled her into a hug and grinned, "We'll go celebrate, yeah?"

She nodded excitedly. "And, now I can mention this in my college apps! He said he's going to contact the local news station. Could you imagine me on the telly? Think of all the additional donations we'll receive!"

Finn rolled his eyes, albeit still smiling. "You know I can." He kissed her head and pulled away, although his focus was locked on an approaching form, "Incoming," He mumbled.

Rey raised an eyebrow and turned around, meeting the cool gaze of one Ben Solo. She immediately crossed her arms and scowled.

Force of habit.

"Can I help you, Solo?" She spat out, her nose twitching as her face scrunched up.

Ben looked from her nose, to Finn, to back to Rey, his face set in an angry scowl. "No. You can't help me."

"Then why are you down here?" Rey countered, hauling her backpack onto her back as she spoke, "Don't you have basketball practice?"

He rolled his eyes. "Not that it's any of your business, but I needed to speak to my brother." He glanced at the track, watching as Poe took off the second his coach blew the whistle, "The better question is why are you two…" He narrowed his eyes at Finn, "Hanging out alone down here?"

Finn protectively threw an arm around Rey and glared. "We were just heading out, actually. We're going to grab a bite."

Ben looked at Finn's arm and shoved his hands into the pockets of his sweatpants. Rey desperately tried to ignore the way they hung low on his muscular hips, showing off his basketball shorts colored in their school's royal blue. He cleared his throat. "Cool. Bye."

Finn gave him an obnoxious wave and led Rey away. And as much as they both tried to hold their wandering eyes, both couldn't help but glance back towards the disappearing field. One of them had their sights set on a tanned form, excellently navigating every curve of the track. The other couldn't tear their eyes away from the dark form, scowling and kicking loose rocks away from the pavement.

-x-x-x-

And even a decade later, some things didn't change.

Including her hatred of Ben Solo.

Because that was the only feeling running through her veins on that Sunday morning, when she rushed downstairs, ignoring Chewie's offer of breakfast, and finally held the Denver Post in her hands.

Her eyes had furiously scanned every inch of the front page. And then the next page. And then the next page.

All the way to the obituaries.

There was no article on Friends for Fostering. Not a single photograph. Not one mention.

Yet on the front page, perfectly aligned with the crease of the paper, was Ben Solo's stupid face. His plump lips, his big ears, and his toned physique captured the prime real estate. With a basketball in his hands, his face focused and his body contorted, he maneuvered around an opposing player.

"Stellar Solo Helps Tatooine Maintain Undefeated Streak, Power Forward Named Nominee for Gatorade Player of the Year"

Rey screamed and threw the paper.

She didn't hate Ben Solo.

She despised him.

-x-x-x-

April 2018

Denver, Colorado

Learnable Offices

Rey sat in her desk chair, staring at the framed document on the wall, admiring the gold flecks and beautiful calligraphy of the words. She had graduated from Harvard, a full scholarship and all. It still made her heart flutter.

But mainly she was staring at the document to ignore Finn's begging.

"Oh, come on! You need a vacation! What's the big deal?" He cried, interrupting his words with a slurp from his Starbucks iced coffee, "What's there not to like about beautiful beaches and clubbing?"

Rey rolled her eyes and began to play with a pen sitting on her desk. "It's not the holiday itself, Finn. I just don't want to be your third wheel," She explained, focusing her attention on her perfectly manicured nails, "Why can't you two just enjoy a romantic getaway?"

Finn groaned. "Oh, Peanut, you know you wouldn't be a third wheel with us. We're practically in a polyamorous relationship with you, minus the sex!"

She let out a soft cry. "Christ, must you remind me of how long it's been since I've gotten laid?"

He made a face. "Rey. I volunteered to set you up with my co-worker. You said no."

"I'm too busy!" She immediately shot back.

And she was, really. Rey had graduated Magna Cum Laude from Harvard and started her own company, Learnable, which specialized in learning programs for at-risk and under-served youth. She had received a staggering amount of investments in the angel phase and was already brokering deals with more companies and foundations than she ever thought possible.

As CEO, she was in control. The small firm only had about ten employees. In fact, she hadn't taken more than a week off since she began the company, now almost seven years ago.

Suffice to say, she had a lot on her plate. Shagging and taking a holiday were not at the top of her list.

Especially after her last relationship.

But she wasn't ready to delve back into that disaster quite yet.

"Rey…"

She sighed and began to rub her temples. "What's this really about?"

He bit his lip. "Truth?"

"Truth."

Finn let out a breath and couldn't help but grin. "I think Poe is going to propose." He fidgeted in his seat and coughed, "And given your incredible photography skills—"

Rey groaned and dropped her head to her hands. "You want me to join you on vacation, so I can be your personal photographer when he proposes?!"

He made a face. "It sounds bad when you put it like that!"

"It's—you're—Finn, are you serious?"

He sighed. "Look, Rey, yes, I want you to take photos, but I also want you there because you're my best friend and when the love of my life proposes, I want to celebrate with you." He rose to his feet and stretched, "Besides, you are in desperate need of a vacation. I can feel your stress radiating from over here and it's bumming me out. I got a massage yesterday and it's bringing the knots back."

Rey mumbled to herself and studied her best friend. "Details?"

Finn smirked. "We're aiming for July. We'll fly to Miami, hit up the city for maybe like three days, and then we're renting a yacht and sailing to the Bahamas and Turks & Caicos."

Rey blinked and rubbed at her eyes. "Poe is comfortable sailing that much? Isn't that… a lot?"

"He's been sailing since he was like, nine. You know that's all they did over the summer. He claims he's up for the challenge. Besides, he's taught me a lot, so I can always take over if it gets too intense," Finn explained, his eyes sparkling with pride as he spoke about his boyfriend, "We want a nice yacht too."

And the couple could certainly afford it. Finn had gone to law school and was now working at one of the biggest practices in Denver. Poe, on the other hand, was working closely with Han to expand dealerships out of Colorado and into New Mexico, Arizona, and California. With business booming, he was certainly enjoying the benefits.

Suffice to say the couple had no shortage of cash.

The same couldn't be said for her. Rey was running a start-up.

Which she loved. Dearly.

Her bank account felt differently.

But, she was doing well. Just not in Finn and Poe's league.

She hummed in agreement. "Cost?"

He smiled softly. "We'll cover it."

That had Rey jumping out of her chair. "Absolutely not! You are not paying for me to fly to Miami and gallivant across the Atlantic with you!"

He waved his hand. "Rey, you have spent your life trying to create things to help other people. Let us treat you, just this once. You wouldn't let us cover your graduation trip to Hawaii or our spring break to Cabo and they sucked without you there. Let us do this for you."

She frowned. "Finn, please, I have money now! Let me pay."

"We can make a deal. You pay for your flights and be our personal photographer, but we'll cover the hotel and the yacht."

She bit her lip. "Finn, you can't be serious…"

"Consider it an early birthday and Christmas present."

Rey whimpered. "Alright, fine! But you need to agree that when you and Poe finally get married, I need Ben kept as far away from me at the wedding as possible."

Finn laughed and smiled. "Deal, Peanut. Easy."

-x-x-x-

May 2018

Denver, Colorado

Yavin Gated Residences

A beautiful plate, part of a collection gifted from Finn's mother, dropped to the ground. The ceramic pieces flew around the kitchen, thankfully not scratching the wooden floors. The remains of chicken piccata coated Finn's fuzzy socks.

He looked at his boyfriend, his eyes wide.

"Poe, what did you just say?"

Poe raised an eyebrow and glanced at the mess. He shrugged and ate another forkful before responding. "I said I bought Ben plane tickets. His return date is a few days before we leave, so I thought it would be a nice welcome home gift. You know, give him a chance to relax and for the three of us to bond."

Finn glanced between the ceramic shards, the spilled food, and his oblivious boyfriend.

"Poe," He practically hissed out, "You invited Ben?"

The brunette shrugged. "Why are you acting like that? You two have gotten along fine for years."

Finn groaned and threw his head back, feigning agony. "Poe, I invited Rey! Don't you remember that conversation?"

Poe blinked. "No…"

"In the hot tub in Napa Valley?"

That had Poe smirking. "I don't remember talking."

Finn groaned and grabbed his wine glass, taking an anxious sip. "We decided to invite Rey, remember? We agreed she needed a vacation and that we'd foot the bill?"

Poe chewed his food thoughtfully. After a few moments, his face froze, the man seeming to remember the interaction. "Oh…"

"Please tell me you haven't told Ben yet."

"Uh…" Poe scratched at his neck and looked away, "I may or may not have Skyped him a few days ago…"

Finn took a shaky breath. "Poe, baby, did you or did you not tell Ben about the trip?"

Poe met his boyfriend's gaze and attempted a boyish smile. "Well, on a positive note, it's going to be a fun trip, right?"

The couple sighed simultaneously and downed their glasses.

"Right, so, no telling Rey or Ben ahead of time. Shouldn't be too hard, right?" Finn practically begged, before refilling their glasses.

Poe nodded. "He's on a different flight than us. He wanted to spend an extra day or so with Mom and Dad."

Finn swallowed. "Perfect. So… They don't need to spend time with each other in Miami. It's just when we sail out. And at that point, they'll have to jump ship to escape."

They both laughed and considered the prospect. After a moment, their laughter faded, and they met each other's gazes, eyes wide.

"You don't think—"

"I mean she couldn't—"

"But he could! He's a Navy SEAL for Christ sakes!"

They abandoned the conversation and instead focused on decimating their bottle of wine, brought back from that trip to Napa Valley.

It was Finn's fault for trying to have a reasonable conversation with his boyfriend while naked.

That never worked out well.

-x-x-x-