A Lesson to Learn

Chapter 11

As Kylo followed this new train of thought, his phone vibrated against his thigh. Knowing it could only be from Rey, Kylo quickly fished it out of his pocket and opened the message: Hey! Had a great time last night. Sorry for totally falling asleep on you. I somehow ended up fully dressed in my bed at some point, I don't even know how lol. Anyway... I'm going shopping today for the Halloween party next week. If you want more lessons on the holiday fun, I'd love some company :).

Ignoring the twinge of sadness in his chest at the thought that Rey didn't remember sleepily confessing wanting to be exclusively with him, Kylo quickly typed back: I'd love nothing more.

***

A couple of hours later, Kylo and Rey were bundled up and walking out of her apartment, ready to take the train and go shopping. Rey, after putting two and two together, had thanked Kylo for putting all of the food away and cleaning up, offering him tupperware to take home after the day was over, which Kylo politely refused. He did, however, eat some for lunch before they set off on their adventure. Rey had made it clear this was a whole day ordeal and that he would "need his strength".

Kylo took Rey's hand as they walked to the train, stuffing both of their hands together in his pocket to keep them warm from the biting wind. It wasn't too cold out, but the wind had an edge to it today and it wouldn't do for Rey to have cold hands if he could help it. Rey looked over at him, her nose and cheeks turning pink, and gave him a big smile as she walked closer to him. Kylo felt as if he was glowing from her proximity, smiling down at her and squeezing her hand.

As they rode on the train, Kylo kept Rey's hand in his, unwilling to let go of her for any amount of time. Luckily, Rey didn't seem to mind. She even used him as support during the bumpy ride, grabbing on to his arm and leaning against his shoulder as they rode in comfortable silence to their destination.

They arrived at a large, decked out Halloween emporium almost an hour after they had originally set off. Kylo must have been unable to hide his shock at the overwhelming and overstimulating nature of the store as they walked in because Rey giggled as she looked over at him, laughing as she said, "I told you that you needed your strength."

"Man, you were not kidding. This is insane. I hope you made a list." Kylo murmured before adding in a more hushed tone, "I hope you have a map."

"Don't be silly. Of course I have a list. Though, honestly, we will probably stray very far from it. I can never contain myself. Ready?" Rey called out, grabbing a cart and already pushing off to go down one of the aisles. Kylo sped up to catch up with her, almost afraid that he would lose her in this mess of lights, colors, and sounds.

***

The two entertained themselves pressing buttons and seeing different animatronic, holographic, and noise-producing displays in action. Rey grabbed a large ghostly woman that followed your movements with her eyes as she spoke to you, a little girl whose face split open to reveal a bloody monster, and some noise-producers and party lights in the shape of ghosts, pumpkins, and bats for the "ambiance". Kylo stepped back and admired Rey in her element as she pondered similar looking objects to choose the best one, thought about her decorating scheme, and generally played around with all of the different decorations. He could tell she was having the time of her life and he wished he could bottle up her happiness and keep it forever. He still wasn't sure why she had been upset this morning, but the thought was definitely far from her mind now.

Rey grabbed him when they got to an aisle full of small figurines, objects, and trinkets. She held onto his arm as she looked up at him and explained, "This is the Halloween village aisle. Every year I pick three new items to go into my little village. You should pick them out."