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^^^^^“Please Rey,” Young Temiri fervently begged, “The old man is out most of these days at his poker games, please stop by.”Rey could never say no to the youngest of her beloved foster brothers, “Ok Tem, I’ll do my best.”She terribly missed them ever since she moved out.
“More like kicked out, ugh Unkar Plutt.”
Plutt pretty much shoved her meager belongings to the curb the minute she turned 18.Rey Johnson had nowhere to go. Barely surviving on her own, she still promised to always be there for her 3 foster brothers the best she could. Fortitude, self-reliance, and patience.That’s what Rey took away from her brutal lifetime in the state’s foster care system. Despite her disadvantages of an unstable home, Rey worked extremely hard for her good grades and earned enough scholarship money to attend college. The work study program offered by the college included housing and a job at Hanna City Hospital.Her fortuitous employment at the hospital presented two fateful situations.First, she was assigned the same shift as her best friend, Rose Tico. Rey never had a close friend until she had met Rose and boy were they really more like sisters.The pair shared a lot of common interests, specifically, both were avid fans of men in uniform. They were currently lusting after the gorgeous firefighters gracing the pages of Rose’s day planner.And, the job at the cafeteria enabled Rey to at least make sure that her foster siblings were well fed.During the school year, Rey’s teenage brothers, Ezra and Tai, would often stop by with little Temiri in toe. Rey’s supervisor Maz always made the boys feel welcome. The elderly woman was sure to have extra servings of rice pudding or a hot cup of soup available whenever they appeared.So, with just a couple of weeks until Christmas, Rey found herself, once again, at Plutt’s dingy kitchen table making homemade decorations with the boys. They cut out felt cloth wreaths and mistletoe to adorn the shabby hallway leading into the small kitchen. Glittering fairy lights were strung up along the banister, woven in and out of a fake pine swags that had seen better days. There was, of course, a plastic Christmas tree and a small nativity set in the living room but the stench of Plutt’s stale cigar heavily lingered so Ezra, Temiri, and Tai just avoided the room entirely.Their foster father wasn’t going to be leaving any gifts under the tree anyway. The measly stipend Plutt received from the state for his “foster care” was squirreled away for cheap booze and the cigars.“Come on guys,” Rey put on her bravest face, “this is going to be the best Christmas ever.”^^^^^The soft vibration of her phone trilled in Rey’s coat pocket. Fishing it out, she smiled at the text from Rose, “Fireman alert 🔥!”Leaving the message unread, Rey continued to work her way through the supermarket, furtively keeping an eye out on the other late afternoon shoppers. You never know who you run into and the fiery emoji heads up from Rose had her skin tingling with anticipation.This was not the first time Rey had the opportunity to bump into Hanna City’s Bravest.On the contrary, once she and Rose discovered that the guys in her day planner were locals, they made it their mission to pin down the firehouse’s weekly shopping routine. How convenient for both, the supermarket was just across the boulevard from the hospital where they worked. Going over her list again, Rey retraced her steps back to the cereal aisle. Reaching on tip toe to grab the last box of rolled oats, because of course it would be on the top shelf, Rey only succeeded in pushing the lone package further back from the ledge.“Excuse me,” a low voice rumbled behind her, “do you need a hand?”Drawing in a deep breath, Rey turned to her would be hero, their eyes interlocking instantly, she murmured, “Oh Ben, yes please.” Rey felt the heat of a burning blush skate across her cheeks.Ben Solo shyly smirked, effortlessly reaching to retrieve the breakfast cereal, his long muscled arm resting on the shelf at Rey’s eye level, “Here you go, ma’am.”“Rey!” She breathlessly corrected, snatching the box from his large palm and dropping it into her basket, “Thanks.”“Of course, Rey.” Ben softly chuckled, his eyes darting between Rey’s upturned gaze and her lightly parted lips.“That’s um, cute.” Ben stuttered, pointing at Rey’s fuzzy red and white reindeer scarf, “Looks all warm and cuddly.”Feeling her throat tighten, Rey barely whispered “It is.” This was their longest interaction yet. The tall fireman, that’s got to be a requirement right, towered in her space, just close enough to be flirtatious. Rey kind of hoped Ben was sweet on her, certainly the red tinge to his adorable ears might be an indication of that but, both seemed to get tongue tied whenever Fate intervened.Like now.“See you soon,” Rey bit her lip, ducking under his muscled bicep, quickly advancing down the aisle, Ben’s scorching gaze at her back. “Hopefully!” Ben quietly called, knocking his forehead into the cereal display.Throwing a bashful wink over her shoulder, Rey watched Ben bite his knuckle, a devilish grin adorning his handsome face.Breezing over to the butcher counter, Rey followed Ben’s progress as he traipsed across the store. Stopping by the registers, he flagged down one of his buddies, Rose’s heartthrob, Armitage Hux. Her petite friend had been thirsting after the rugged redhead for even longer than Rey’s crush on Ben. Both men impressively filled out their black tee shirts, the fire company’s logo, HCFD, emblazoned across their broad chests. Both sported flashy suspenders, dutifully holding their muscles in place.Rey sighed dreamily, visions of Ben’s biceps dancing in her head.Pulling out her phone, Rey responded to Rose’s text, “The orange and red suspenders get me every time.”“I think I’m going to ask Armie out, next time I see him.” Rose instantly replied, “I think I just need a little bit of liquid encouragement. We should definitely take up Poe and Finn’s invite for Happy Hour, next week.”Shooting Rose a thumbs up emoji, Rey considered making her own move on Ben.Every time they’ve interacted, she was pretty sure that the attraction was mutual. Like a moth to a flame, Rey felt a strong pull, a force, magnetically tugging them together. She was just so insecure, though. Rey never felt especially pretty and even if she could pamper herself, she never had the time to be anything but be practical. Practical job, practical hair, practical clothes.Shaking off her malaise, Rey hurriedly finished her shopping. She had more pressing matters to worry about. Spying the clock on the wall she knew she had just enough time to grab the bus, head across town and spread a little Christmas cheer with her brothers. ^^^^^Rey quickly scurried along the broken sidewalk to drop off the few presents she was able to scrounge up. With three days to go before the big holiday, she was excitedly anxious to see the looks on the boys’ faces.It would be the first time ever, that they received proper Christmas presents. It was the first time the Plutt house was warmly decorated. They really did a good job on all of their homemade ornaments. Even the little mistletoes looked festive.“Ah, mistletoe,” Rey’s thoughts wandered back to her trip to the grocery store earlier and her unexpected run in with a certain hunky fireman.Grabbing her phone Rey dialed Rose.“Hey Rosie,” Rey greeted her friend, “I’m going to be late tonight.”“Got a hot date?” Rose’s laughter bounced from the speaker, “Get it?”Rolling her eyes, Rey smirked, “Yeah, yeah. You’re such a comedienne.”“Did you at least get his number this time?” Rose chirped.“I didn’t.” Rey mumbled, “I get so flustered whenever I’m around him. He’s way out of my league, Rose.”“Hey, cut that out,” Rose sternly scolded, “Ben Solo would be lucky to take you out, don’t get so down on yourself.”“He did come to my rescue today,” Rey laughed, readjusting her gifts from one hip to the other, “there was an offending cereal box on a high shelf.”“Aw, what a sweetie,” Rose giggled.“He really is,” Rey agreed, “Ben’s just so understanding, gentle and tall.”“Yeah Rey, I know,” Rose cackled, “For the local firemen, I think it’s in their job description.”^^^^^
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🍍🍕🍍“Did you finally get her number, lover boy?” Hux incessantly teased Ben. The pair bumped shoulders, hauling in the grocery run. The firehouse was a buzz with the change of shift.
“What’s up, Malfoy?” Ben nodded to his colleague just finishing his twelve hour tour.
Pulling on his jacket, Draco grinned, “Four day mutual, I’m proposing to Hermione, up at the lake house.”
Both Ben and Hux froze in their tracks.
“Looks like your idea for the calendar is paying off,” Hux smiled offering his hand out in congratulations.
Malfoy laughed, flipping his coat collar right side out, “Um, Hermione definitely upped her PDA game once the calendar hit the shelves.”
High five-ing Ben on his way out, Draco smirked at them both, “good luck with Rey and Rose.”
Hux snorted, a ruddy blush rose high along his sculpted cheekbones.
Heaving his wide shoulders, Ben mumbled towards his soon to be engaged colleague, “Thanks, we need all the luck we can get.”
Hustling passed the shiny red fire trucks idling in the garage bay, the pair could hear a spirited conversation coming from the firehouse kitchen. Ben pushed through the kitchen door as Hux headed for the storage pantry.
“What’s up guys?” Ben eyed Poe Dameron leaning over the kitchen counter, heatedly discussing…. pizza?….with Finn Snow. Rolling his eyes, Ben thought, “Must be a day ending in y.”
“I don’t agree with that Finn,” Poe pointed his finger towards the oven, ignoring Ben completely.
“Come on, Poe,” Finn grumbled, “you’ll never know if you like it, until you try it.”
Glancing at the newcomer, Poe exasperatedly gestured, “Ben, please tell Snow here, that pineapple does not go on pizza.”
Ben grimaced, “Ew, who would do that?”
Poe jutted his chin, “Finn.”
“You put pineapple on the pizza,” Ben’s squinted his eyes shut, “Ugh!”
“Don’t get your firehose all twisted,” Finn snarked, leaning over to open the oven door, “I only put it on half.”
Rounding on Ben, Finn mused, “You know who would eat pineapple on pizza, Rey Johnson. Rey would totally do that.”
Sauntering out from the pantry, Hux questioned, “What would Rey Johnson do? Did I miss something?”
“Rey would eat pineapple pizza,” Finn laughed, nodding towards the open oven, gooey mozzarella cheese melting said pineapple.
“Oh,” Hux nodded in agreement, “Who wouldn’t eat that?”
Finn pointed triumphantly at Ben and Poe, “Them.”
“Did you see Johnson at the supermarket?” Poe wagged his eyebrows, “a little birdie told me she would be there today.”
The color on Ben’s cheeks went from alabaster to crimson in a flash, “I did.”
Turning his back on his buddies, Ben set to put the groceries away, “I just can’t think straight when I’m around her. She’s so beautiful and I’m so ….me.”
Finn moved to help Ben with the dry goods. Slapping his back, “You’ve got to just shoot your shot.”
A muffled bang from the front of the firehouse interrupted Finn.
A dapper looking Dopheld Mitaka beelined into the kitchen, his dark grey opera cape trailing over his shoulder.
The conversation about Rey Johnson and pineapple pizza abruptly halted.
”Sorry guys,” Mitaka sheepishly grinned opening the large restaurant sized refrigerator, “just picking up the Christmas Cookies I made for Phasma’s family.”
The younger firefighter explained, “We’re driving down to her mother’s for the holiday.”
Grabbing foil out of the drawer next to the stovetop, Mitaka hastily wrapped up the colorfully decorated cookies and booked out the door, throwing holiday greetings over his shoulder, “See you next year!”
“Happy Hanukkah,” Poe called after Mitaka, “love the cape!”
Turning towards Hux and Ben, Poe shook his head, “Even Dophled’s got game.”
“Hey Ben, your mom runs that hospital across the street,” Poe jerked his thumb over his shoulder, “can’t she throw a big gala or something where we can all get dressed up and make magic happen?”
“You’re funny Poe,” Ben rolled his eyes, “you mean like next week’s New Year’s Eve party.”
“Precisely, man!” Poe’s eyes glittered, clapping his hands together, “it’s the perfect set up.”
“I don’t know,” Ben groaned, putting the last of the recently purchased cereal in the cupboard, “I have a bad feeling about this.”
“I’ve got this handled,” Poe pulled Ben in for a side hug, “just leave it to me.”
“Just reiterating,” Ben flatly stated, shoving his hands in his pockets, “I’ve got a really bad feeling about this.”
Pulling the pizza out of the oven, Finn and Poe grabbed their slices and headed into the main living space of the firehouse to continue their disagreement over other pizza toppings.
“Maybe you can finally ask Rose out, Hux” Ben suggested, the color on his cheeks softening to a light pink.
“Perhaps,” Hux tentatively nodded, grabbing the kettle off of the stove.
“Uh Armie,” Ben lowered his voice so only Hux could hear his question, “What’s PDA?”
Nervously looking over his shoulder, Hux gave his friend a tight smile, “Damned if I know.”
^^^^^^
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^^^^^“Seriously Rose,” Rey laughed at her friends comedic timing, “I’m stopping by Plutt’s to drop off presents for the boys.”“You’re so good to them,” Rose gushed, “little Tem is going to go crazy when he opens that Switch game thingy. Now we just have to get Santa to wrap Ben Solo up in a shiny red bow and hide him under the tree for you.”Rey’s thoughts immediately jumped back to their brief interlude in the cereal aisle, “Rose, that man is just so damn tall. And his biceps…”“Honey,” Rose now caught up in her own fever dream sighed, “Ben and Hux could probably bench press a Wookiee.”“Never mind a Wookiee,” Rey hushed, “I’d volunteer as tribute.”Reaching the intersection of Plutt’s house, Rey patiently waited for the traffic to pass. Crossing the street diagonally, she looked down the block towards her former home.Rey froze in horror for but a moment. Black smoke billowed from the front windows, the eerie glow of red and orange licked up pass the shutters. Breaking into a run, Rey dropped the packages she was carrying and yelled into the phone.“Rose, send help,” Rey breathlessly pleaded, “There’s a fire.”^^^^^^”Rey, are you there?” Rose frantically begged but the connection went dead. Pulling Poe’s contact up, Rose impatiently waited for the call to go through. “Rose,” Poe answered after the first ring, his tone surprised but pleased, “we were just talking about you.”“There’s a fire,” Rose hiccuped, trying to remain calm, “over on Niima Street.”The instant the words were out of her mouth, Rose could hear the firehouse alarm blaring in the background.“Got to go,” Poe’s voice growing serious, “a call just came in.”“Poe,” Rose screamed into the receiver, “it’s Plutt’s and Rey is there! Do you hear me Rey, please save Rey.”^^^^^^Crashing through the front door Rey frantically yelled, “Tem, Tai!”“Rey!” A muffled shout came from the living room, “Help!”Charging down the hall, Rey almost knocked Ezra over, the thick acrid smoke blinding.“I don’t know if he’s alive,” Ezra hoarsely whispered.Looking past Ezra, Rey saw Tai trying to pull Plutt out of his chair, the obese man’s head lolled to one side, the color of his skin greying.Ezra, hopelessly swatting at the advancing flames with a blanket, tripped over the small table next to the couch. The crash of a drinking glass hitting the floor was met with a simultaneous flare of white hot flame.Vodka! Rey thought, pulling her brother up, the alcohol fueling the fire.The flames roared across the shabby shag rug and ignited the plastic Christmas tree in seconds. Thick, deadly smoke spread across the ceiling densely enveloping the room.“Do this,“ Rey pulled Ezra to her side, “Grab under his arms.” Together the three of them heaved Plutt out of the chair, his prone body landing on the floor in a heap.Quickly looking around, Rey pointed to the hallway, “Roll him over to the runner, maybe we can drag him out that way.”The two teens moved their foster father as quickly as possible.“Rey,” Tai uttered, struggling to breathe, “Tem’s upstairs!”“Tem!” Rey screamed, tears streaming down her face.Shoving Plutt’s shoulders as the two frantic teens heaved, Rey grunted, “Pull him out!” Falling forward from the momentum, Rey smacked her head on the wood floor.“Damn,” Rey grabbed the bannister rung, hauling herself up, “I can do this. I can do this.” Slipping past Ezra and Tai, Rey bound for the stairs. Coughing, Rey called, “Temiri, where are you.”As she reached the second floor, Rey caught a glimpse of her brothers dragging Unkar Plutt’s limp body out of the front door. A quick burst of popping greeted Rey’s ears. Is that gun fire? Rey spun wildly around, dropping to the floor.
The liquor cabinet in the room below, more fuel for the fire!
Rey swore under her breath. Shuddering beneath her, the second story floor dangerously groaned. Feeling her way down the hallway, Rey pushed herself into the bathroom. Struggling with the faucet in the tub, Rey managed to get the water running.Soaking her scarf, she tied the garment around her nose to partially filter out the dangerous smoke. Listening closely for any sound, Rey crawled out of the bathroom, blindly thrusting her hands in front of her. “Temiri, I’m coming,” Rey dug her elbows into the floor, “Tem, please answer me!” Inching towards his bedroom, another burst of heat erupted down the hall. To Rey’s horror, the landing at the staircase crumbled into ash, the staircase consumed by the fiery blaze.Determinedly, Rey braced herself up, kicking the bedroom door inward, “Tem?”A soft whimper drew Rey’s attention to the bed beneath the only window in the room. Scrambling fast, Rey scooted under the furniture. Huddled in the corner was Temiri.Placing her ear over Tem’s heart, Rey was relieved to hear it beating. With renewed purpose, Rey clawed her hands between the wall and the bed frame.Leveraging her upper body, she managed to wedge the heavy piece of furniture off the wall. Squeezing her shoulders up, Rey pulled the flimsy bedspread into her hands and tied it about her knuckles. The sirens of the approaching fire trucks filled Rey’s foggy mind with hope. With as much strength as she could muster, she punched her fist against the window pane.Glass shattered everywhere. The fresh air surging through Rey’s lungs made her gag. Her victory was short lived though, the oxygen flooding into the room fed the persistent flames.Twisting to look through the window Rey waved her arm, hoping to draw the firefighters attention to her location.“Ben,” Rey hopelessly whispered, her throat aching from the smoke, “we’re here.”Rey could feel her senses slowly slipping away. Exhausted, she hauled Tem’s tiny body into her arms, hugging him close, the swirling blackness finally claimed her.^^^^^^Careening through the Hanna City traffic, Poe quickly explained to the fire crew, “There’s probably going to be three minors and two adults at the scene.” Grimly glancing over to Ben, Poe murmured, “Rey Johnson is one of the adults.”“Rey?” Ben anxiously looked out of the truck, “Can we get this truck to go any faster?”“Doing my best, Solo,” Hux huffed, concentrating on getting them there in one piece. Rounding Niima Street, Hux grabbed the radio, “Dispatch, we’re going to need backup. We’ll need a couple of ambulances. Notify the trauma center, stat.”Expertly maneuvering the firetruck, Hux pulled along the hydrant across from the blazing inferno.Leaping from the firetruck, Ben grabbed an oxygen tank. Swiftly securing the equipment over his shoulders, he secured the tube connecting the life saving air to the mask in his hands. “I’m going in, Poe.” Ben’s distorted voice filtered through the mask, “Back me up with some water.” The older man was already threading the cap off the fire hydrant hooking up the hose.As Ben hit the porch steps, Hux and Poe already had a heavy stream of water trained on the flames shooting out of the front windows.Finn, also suited up, quickly followed Ben into the engulfed house.Hux commed the duo entering the fiery blaze, “The boys said the front staircase collapsed but there is a way up to the second floor through the kitchen. The kitchen is to the back of the house on your left.” “10-4,” Ben‘s voice crackled over the radio, “we are headed up the back stairs, now.”“Finn,” Ben pointed to the splintered door, “In there.”Finn quickly surveyed the room, “Looks empty.”“Wait,” Ben grabbed his partner’s shoulder, “The window is broken.”Rushing across the room, Finn looked out through the broken frame. The pair could hear the other engines arriving, they knew the blaze would be under control soon. It was the thick, acrid smoke that could do the most damage now.Finn, stepping from the window sill motioned towards the door, “We’ve got to check the other rooms.” Hux’s voice echoed against their helmets, “Engine company 2187 is putting up a ladder on the Eastern side of the house. There’s debris in the drive way.”“Copy that,” Ben quickly responded.Sweeping one last gaze across the room, Ben spied a familiar red and white scarf peeking out from under the bed.“Rey!” Ben yelled, lifting the bed frame off of the floor, “Finn, they’re here.”Running back into the room, Finn gingerly picked up Tem’s lifeless form.“Ben,” Finn’s face was grim, “The stairs are impassable.”Nodding towards the window, Ben leaned down and gathered Rey against his chest.Poe popped his head through the pane, “Give me the boy first.”After carefully handing Temiri off to Poe, Finn grasped Rey beneath her shoulders while Ben gathered her lifeless legs in his arms.Carefully sliding out the window backwards, Rey’s legs, bent at the knee, now securely in his grip, Ben leaned against the building, bracing himself as Finn gently passed off Rey’s upper body.Efficiently placing her into a fireman’s hold, Ben secured Rey’s torso over his strong shoulder, her lifeless arms dangling down his back.Swiftly, he descended the ladder with Finn close behind.Back on solid ground, Ben transferred Rey into a bridal carry. Rushing down the driveway he was met by the paramedics.Placing her on the gurney, Ben stepped back to allow the emergency responders do their job.Ben watched helplessly as the EMTs raced Rey over to a waiting ambulance and sped off into the night.Collapsing to the ground, Ben whipped his helmet and mask off, his own adrenaline crashing. He could still feel the weight of Rey’s body in his arms. Dragging his sweaty palm across his face Ben looked up to the heavens, a silent prayer on his lip.Hux jogged over, offering out his hand, “This crew will finish up here, let’s head over to the hospital. It’s going to be a long night.”^^^^^^
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
“How are the kids?” Ben slid across the hospital corridor to catch up with his mother, the worried firefighter needed to know, “How’s Rey?”
Leia Organa tightly smiled, “You know I can’t disclose that information, to you, Ben.”
Raising her brows, Ben’s mom’s eyes darted to the left, “Doctor patient privileges, especially for the minors. Only next of kin.”
Slowly turning around, Ben spied the Chief of Staff, Aubrey Snoke, peering down at a clipboard. Snoke, Leia’s boss and nemesis was deliberately idling by the nurses station.
The curmudgeon of a surgeon had been head of Hanna City General for quite sometime, and now, after several questionable surgeries, he had recently come under review by the medical board. And Leia was galvanizing the rest of the staff to help her oust him.
Charged with surgical malfeasance, Dr. Snoke was looking for any ammunition to shoot down Leia’s case.
Understanding Leia’s situation, Ben slightly nodded, “Where can I go to clean up.”
“Come with, me dear,” Leia patted Ben’s arm, “you look like you could use a cup of coffee.”
Leading her harried son down the hallway, Leia motioned to her office.
The day’s events were slowly sapping Ben’s energy, “Yeah coffee sounds good.”
Snapping open her office door, Leia ushered her son in, “Let us fill you in.”
Ben stepped back, surprised to find Rose and Maz Kanata already occupying the space.
“Yes, I understand, Mayor Calrissian,” Maz smugly grinned into the phone, tightly squeezing Rose’s hand, “It’s a Christmas Eve Miracle.”
Placing the ear piece on the receiver Maz’s eyes sparkled, tears springing at the corners of her deeply lined crows feet, “Ben, dear come here.”
Ben stepped over to Maz, hesitantly eyeing his mother’s oldest friend.
Gently tugging him down for a hug, “They are alright.”
Jerking back Ben looked between Maz and Leia, “I need to sit down.”
Rushing over to Ben, Rose stopped short before throwing both arms around the exhausted fireman, “You saved Rey, you really are her hero!”
“Mom?” Ben looked helplessly at Leia, drawing Rose in for an awkward hug, “What’s going on?”
“I’ve got this,” Maz sat down across from Ben.
“When Rey first started here, at the hospital,” Maz fondly gazed into Ben’s eyes, “she needed an emergency contact for her paperwork.”
Ben suddenly looked relieved, “You?”
“Yes, me.” Maz brightly smiled, “She’s not out of the woods yet, but you’ve given her a fighting chance. And the boys are going to be okay. Little Tem is on oxygen right now.”
“There’s more,” Rose interrupted, nervously bouncing in her seat, “Rey had told me and Maz all about her awful former, foster father and the terrible conditions her foster siblings have been living in.”
“Foster siblings?” Ben shook his head, “I don’t understand.”
Getting up, Maz patted his shoulders, “That’s Rey’s story, you’ll have to hear it from her. I have to go, Leia and Rose will fill you in on the rest.”
Stepping over quickly to Leia’s fax machine, the device suddenly whirred to life.
Pulling the paper out of the feed, Maz waved it triumphantly in her hand, “Lando comes thru again!”
“Ben, come find me in room 304, in a little while.” Maz conspiratorially winked and she was out the door.
“I can at least tell you this,” Rose began, “right after Rey started the work study program here, she told me and Maz all about Unkar Plutt.”
Pacing across the office, Rose gestured for the door, “that saintly woman filed paperwork with the state to become Rey’s little brothers’ foster mom.”
“Your Uncle Lando pushed the process along,” Leia softly grinned, “with everything that happened tonight.”
“So I can go see Rey?” Ben jumped from the chair.
“Well,” Leia glanced over to Rose, “we are still working on that. Only immediate family members can visit right now.”
Taking her son’s larger hands into her own, Leia explained “Ben, sweetheart, Rey’s on a ventilator right now. She’s unconscious, your Uncle Luke…”
“Uncle Luke,” Ben abruptly stood, “what does he have to do with this?”
“Ben,” Leia impatiently grabbed her son’s chin, “whatever gripe you are holding against your uncle, let it go. It’s time we were a proper family again.”
“Besides,” Leia pointed her finger into Ben’s shoulder, “your uncle is the best pulmonary surgeon on the planet. If anyone can help Rey recover, it’s him.”
Ducking his head, Ben’s cheeks burned, fully chastised by his petite mother’s admonishment. Pain etched across Ben’s eyes, “I’m sorry.”
“You must really care for this girl a lot.” Leia stating the obvious answer.
“I’m in love with her, mom.” Ben sighed. With the words spoken out loud into the universe, his heart felt light as a snowflake.
Rose loudly squealed, “I knew it! I knew it, you two have one brain cell between you.”
Ben looked over at Rose and slyly smirked in return, “Hmm, maybe you and Armie share one brain cell, too.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
“Um, ha ha,” Rose furiously blushed, “we aren’t talking about me, right now, we are talking about you.”Leia’s interest was piqued, “how do you two know each other?”“Um,” Ben stuttered, dragging his large hand through his shaggy hair, “good question. We’ve run into each other at the supermarket.”“You’ve run into Rose, at the supermarket,” Leia’s eyes danced, “I see.”“And Rey, I’ve run into Rey, a few times there, too.” Ben croaked, his hand wandering to his collar, worrying it about his neck.“Does this have anything to do with this year’s HCFD calendar, Ms. Tico?” Leia nodded, clearly enjoying the reactions of both Rose and her son.Winking at Rose, Leia snorted, “Mr. May, I gather.”Dragging Ben by the hand, Rose comically pulled the giant firefighter out of his mother’s office. Calling over shoulder, Rose giggled, “I’m partial to redheads.”“Speaking of redheads,” Ben pointed down the corridor, “we’re about to be accosted by one right now.”Rushing over to the unlikely duo, Hux eyed Ben, then Rose, “How’s everyone doing?”Ben seriously intoned, “Rey’s on a vent.”Rose, bravely keeping her tears at bay, grabbed Hux’s arm, “but the boys are okay, even Plutt’s going to make it.”“Okay, okay,” Armitage breathed out, tentatively pulling Rose in for a brief hug.Rose bashfully glanced up into Armie’s concerned eyes, snuggling further into his side.Emboldened by Rose’s maneuvering, Hux lightly kissed the top of her head, “Rey’s going to be okay.”Awkwardly clearing his throat, Ben whispered, “Rose, what is your plan? I’ve just got to see Rey with my own two eyes.”Looking about the busy hallway, Rose’s gaze landed on the Community bulletin board.Dashing for the decorated display, Rose pulled off a festive looking flyer. Triumphantly waving the paper in Hux and Ben’s faces, she snickered, “This is what we need to do.” 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄 Dressed in green, nylon pants and a fur trimmed, green, felt coat, Ben Solo stepped into the Pediatric Recovery Unit, trailing Armitage Hux, dressed as the big guy. Ben slowly lumbered, a large sack full of toys slung over his impressively broad shoulders.“It’s Santa, I know him!” Tai grasped Tem’s hand softly. The older brothers, camped out in the tiny hospital room, we’re unwilling to leave their younger sibling alone.Tem, still groggy from anesthesia, flashed a timid grin towards the doorway, “Buddy the Elf, we know him, too!”Looking up, Ezra recognized the fireman who rescued his little brother and Rey a couple of nights ago. Moving to greet the volunteers, Ezra offered out his hand, “Thank you for saving Rey!”Grasping the teens proffered hand, Ben smiled, “We were just doing our job. Quick thinking on your part to drag your guardian out of the house, he’s going to make.”“Plutt’s not our guardian anymore,” Ezra interrupted, tapping at his phone, “Maz Kanata arranged everything, she was just awarded custody yesterday.”Hoisting the full sack onto Tem’s bed, Ben nodded, “I heard.”“Hey, are you Temiri?” Ben reached into the toy bag pulling out a brand‐new Nintendo Switch, “Your sister Rey wanted you to have this.”“Is she going to be, okay?” Tem whispered, pulling the console into his hands, hugging it to his chest.“I sure do hope so.” Ben reached over, ruffling Tem’s hair, “Maybe while she is recovering, you can show me how to play this, deal?”Tem’s infections smile lit up the dreary room, “Deal!” 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄 Disgruntled, Snoke stood just beyond the Emergency Bay, following the progress of the twofirefighters spreading Christmas cheer throughout the Pediatric Ward. His face pinched in obvious distaste. The curmudgeon looked like he just swallowed a bag full of lemons.“Pryde,” the ornery grinch called out to the fifth‐year resident unsuccessfully hiding behind a food cart, “I want you in my office in ten, we need to review this month’s mortality stats, again.”With that, the surgeon turned on his heel and headed out of the Pediatric Wing, nurses and interns scattering in his wake.Leia and Maz, anxiously waiting on an update from Luke on Rey’s condition, eyed the retreating CEO.“Merry Christmas, Chief!” Leia called after Snoke. Lowering her voice, so only Maz could hear, “What a miserable prick.”Maz loudly snorted, “You’ve got that right.”Leia motioned towards her son in his green Elf outfit and Hux in Santa’s red, “Who came up with that brilliant idea?”Spotting the boys, Maz guffawed, slapping her knee, “The Tico girl, she’s a shrewd customer.”“She’s work study here, right? What’s her major?” Leia leaned up against the wall, crossing her arms.“Orthopedic Engineering,” Maz smugly grinned, “It’s Rey’s major, too. The two of them are working together on their graduate thesis ‐ they’ve constructed a titanium exoskeleton that can be utilized by wheelchair bound patients.”Leia sighed, “Impressive, most impressive. They are both going to make me retire soon, aren’t they?”“Would that be so bad, old friend?” Maz patted Leia’s hand, “Who knows, there might even be future grand babies on the horizon.” 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄 Ben stepped up to room 304, a bead of sweat sliding down the back of his neck into the itchy costume. Twisting his large frame, he tried to ignore his mother’s smirking face.“You look good, Ben,” Leia brought her hand to her mouth, stifling a snicker.Grimacing, Ben hummed, “I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”“That’s your father’s line,” Maz chuckled, “go on in, Luke should be just finishing up.”The door suddenly opened.Stepping into the hallway, Dr. Luke Skywalker skeptically eyed his costumed nephew, “You know, I always thought you choose the wrong career path.”Ben ignored his uncle, looking down at his feet.Reaching over to squeeze his nephew’s shoulder, Luke added, “From what I understand, Ben, you are the real hero of this story, and I couldn’t be prouder. Miss Johnson should make a full recovery. She’s off the vent and should be out of the hospital the day after tomorrow.”“Thanks, Uncle Luke,” Ben’s eyes brightened, the relief rushing through his body.“Come on Buddy,” Hux shoved his friend into the room, “It’s show time.” 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄 Stumbling through the doorway, Ben spied Rey fidgeting with the IV port connected to her wrist. The tube, leading up to the plastic saline bag hanging from the rack, hopelessly tangled.He stood stock-still, his gaze transfixed on her delicate profile bathed in the golden sunlight filtering through the blinds.“Excuse me,” Ben softly chuckled, stepping up to her bed, “do you need a hand?”“Oh Ben,” Rey quietly replied, the ghost of a smile fluttered across her lips, “yes, please.”Unable to tear her gaze away from Ben’s Christmas costume, Rey watched the capable fireman untangle the line wrapped about the pole and reposition the IV pouch, surprised at how nimbly his large fingers worked.“There you go, ma’am,” Ben smooth the line out until his fingers traced across Rey’s wrist, “all better.”“My hero,” Rey beamed, her eyes crinkling delightedly, “and it’s Rey, thank you very much.”“Rey.” Ben leaned in, lightly bumping his forehead with hers, “I’m so happy to see you.”Pulling Ben in for a brief hug, Rey stifled a rough cough, “Really Ben, you are my hero.”Glancing over Ben’s shoulder at Hux, Rey quietly declared, “I am totally indebted to the whole Hanna City Fire Department. Without you two, and the rest of the crew, I wouldn’t have been able to celebrate Christmas with my family.”“Hey!” Poe poked his face through the door, Finn’s head tucked on his boyfriend’s shoulder, “You’re awake!”“Come in, come in!” Rey wildly gestured.“Hang on,” Hux laughed, wrapping his arm’s around Poe’s shoulder, “only Santa’s Helpers are aloud to visit, today.”Ben grunted, “What are you two supposed to be?”Whipping out Reindeer Antlers, Finn and Poe hastily pushed their headbands into place.Finn brightly smiled, “Blitzen and Dasher, reporting for duty.”Ben warily eyed his coworkers as he settled on the bed. If he had to do this in front of his buddies, so be it.“I have something to ask you,” Ben shyly grinned, pulling Rey’s palm into his enormous hand.“No fair,” Poe interrupted, “I had the whole Cinderella thing planned for the New Years Eve party.”“Okay Dameron,” Hux herded Pow and Finn towards the door, “Let’s give them some privacy.”Poe struggled around Hux’s arms, “Dibs on being Best Man at the wedding.”“If anyone is going to be Best Man, it’s me,” Hux laughed, dragging Poe out behind him.“Nobody’s getting married,” Rey blurted as the door closed on the costumed firemen, the apples of her cheeks flushing a rosy red, “we haven’t even been on a proper date yet!”Ben cleared his throat, adjusting himself on Rey’s hospital bed.“Alone, at last,” Ben bit the inside of his cheeks, laughter threatening to bubble up out of his chest. Smirking, he leaned further into Rey’s space, “Did you just ask me out.”“Maybe,” Rey playfully scrunched her nose, gathering her knees up to her chest.“Well,” Ben murmured, the crease of his dimples framing his soft mouth, “I guess I get to use this cheesy pickup line again.”Pulling the toy sack off the floor, Ben fished out Rey’s fuzzy red and white reindeer scarf.Gently placing the battered scarf over Rey’s head, Ben softly tugged Rey’s face towards his own, “This is, um, cute.”Searching Rey’s face, Ben mapped the constellation of freckles dancing across her upturned nose. Honing in on her rosy lips, he whispered, “Looks all warm and cuddly.”Reaching her hands up around Ben’s neck, Rey pulled him forward to close the distance. Whispering into Ben’s lush mouth, she grinned, “It is.”🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄