Christmas had been lovely, Rey reflects on as she gets to packing up her few belongings. She has several presents, more than she's ever gotten on Christmas. A beautiful scarf from Finn. He knows she gets cold all the time. A new purse from Poe. Apparently the ratty thing she carries around and had taped together with duct tape isn't doing it for him. A lovely cross pendant from Poe's parents. It's not her style, really, she's not even much for jewelry, but she'll treasure it always.

And then there's Ben. He admits that he's terrible at shopping for people in general, but then he produces a gift certificate. For an auto parts store that is close to her. When he reminds her that she's told him her car needs a lot of repair work, she almost bursts out into tears. It's the best gift she could ever imagine getting.

Poe's parents don't get it and she has to explain to them her major. His mother looks a little taken back, but his father sits down with her and starts to talk cars. It's all so surprising, she's not even sure what to think.

She spends most of the day chatting with Ben and she finally gets to go for that hike in the woods that she wanted to do instead of sitting at a coffee shop. Or staying at home. If that walk is punctuated with make-out sessions and maybe a little heavy petting, who has to know? It's not under Shara's roof, after all.

That night, she bids Ben goodnight at his room with a few too many kisses. He's become quite adept at the kissing thing and even better, he likes it. Likes it a lot. Now that he's gotten a taste of it, he can't seem to get enough. Not that Rey is complaining. She quite likes it too.

She sees him only briefly that morning after Christmas as they all grab breakfast and set to packing. They haven't discussed anything yet and that worries her. Ben had been close at her side the day before, but they were too busy with exploring the physical side of things to think about what they are or what they want to be.

So Rey is in a slight panic as she gets ready and realizes she hasn't seen Ben for the last half hour or so. He's leaving too. And if she doesn't see him before she leaves…

Oh God, you haven't even asked for his phone number, Rey.

She's sure Poe has it, but she needs to ask herself. She's done enough through Poe for a lifetime, thank you very much.

"We have everything packed but your stuff," Poe says as he wanders into the guestroom she's been staying in.

She sighs, taking one last look around the room. It really was a lovely place to stay. "Right. I think I'm all set to go."

Poe grabs her suitcase and she tosses her backpack over her shoulder before following him down the stairs and out of the house. They're almost to the car when she hears her name called out.

And there's Ben, looking slightly out of sorts, as he comes flying out of the house toward her. "You weren't leaving, were you?"

Rey glances over at Poe and Finn, who duck into the car and leave her at least a little space. "No. Well, I mean…we were getting ready to."

"Right."

"Yeah."

Ben says nothing for a moment, just runs his hands through his hair. "Look, maybe this is crazy. But I only live something like an hour from where you guys do…"

Rey just stares at him. And then finally blinks. "You…you do? You never mentioned this before." An hour. That's it. They could meet halfway through, spend weekends together. God, Rey, aren't you going a little overboard? What if he doesn't even want to…

"Yeah, I just…I don't know." He steps closer to her and wraps his arms around her waist. "My mind's kind of been occupied elsewhere, you know?"

She can't help the little giggle that escapes her. "Yeah."

"So anyway, look, I thought maybe you might want to hitch a ride back with me. Instead of Poe and…" He waves his hand at the car that the man in question is currently occupying.

"Are you serious?"

"I'll even let you drive part of the way," he offers up.

With a squeal, she grabs her suitcase out of Poe's car and races off toward Ben's. She'll leave him to make their excuses to Poe and Finn. She places her suitcase gently in small trunk of Ben's TIE, closing it carefully and then running her hand along the glossy exterior. She's excited to drive it again, but she's even more excited to spend time with Ben. Alone. They'll have hours to talk and get to know each other.

"Ready?" Ben says as they both hop in the car.

"I still get to drive sometime?" Rey asks with a small quirk of her eyebrow.

He's grinning at her as he starts the car and it hums to life. "I'll let you take the highway driving." Before she can even respond, he adds, "God help us all."

She's laughing as he backs out, waving to Poe's parents and Poe and Finn as they head out. She is too. And it's a lovely way to begin the end of the year and start the new one.

A/N: So that's it everyone! I hope you all enjoyed the story. Thank you all for your reviews and lovely comments on this fic!