A Lesson to Learn

Chapter 4

Rose was enjoying her new job as an engineer at Skywalker Industries, feeling affirmed that her ideas were finally being listened to and implemented after leaving the last place she worked for, the Exegol Engineering Company, which had not seemed to appreciate her nearly as much. She was also beginning to see some people she met on "Bumble and other dating apps" and was "playing the field". Kylo had a vague idea as to what that meant, but felt sure he would find out more later when Rose not so subtly hinted that the night would end in her and Rey making Rey a "profile".

As they approached their journey's end and walked into a dimly lit trendy bar (Lando's Cantina), Kylo felt some of his possessiveness over Rey swell as he chewed on the idea of her using some sort of dating application. He wasn't totally sure as to what "Bumble and other dating apps" even entailed but he wasn't an idiot and Kylo knew that the end goal would be for Rey to find a partner. Problem was, she had already found a partner: him. She just didn't know it yet. Perhaps he would have to join Rey on this online dating journey, and - what was it Rose had called it? - match with her. If things got out of hand and Rey started talking to other men online, Kylo would have no choice. He would have to embrace this odd millennial dating world to pursue and win over his Rey.

***

Rose and Rey walked into their favorite bar full of friendly cheer and walked out several hours later delightfully warm (inside and out) and just a little more tipsy than originally planned. It was a good thing they had opted to take the public transportation system instead of driving, thankful for their foresight to know themselves enough to know they always got carried away with each other.

While the weather outside was chilly, Rey felt herself starting to sweat underneath her several layers. Despite her raised body heat, Rey grabbed onto Rose's arm as they made their way to her house. She felt giddy from the night out, but now that they were on their way home she felt just the slightest bit panicked and nervous. Rose had insisted that they end the night with her making the perfect online dating profile so that the "men would come a'knockin' down the door for yo fine ass".

Rey was apprehensive because she wasn't all that great at handling rejection - I mean, who is? - and online dating was all about split second decisions and face value judgements. Not exactly the most romantic and definitely not what Rey was used to (not that she was used to much). But hadn't Rose said it was all about having fun? Maybe I need to chill and just have a good time - see what comes of it. After all, Rose and I have both agreed that this new ring could be my good luck charm. There's just something about it. Hopefully it'll deliver.

***

A few glasses of wine in and Rose and Rey were huddled together on the couch with Rey's laptop, cackling like mad witches as they configured Rey's dating profile.

"It needs to be playful - loose. Subtly inappropriate with a touch of naughty. Maybe hint that bananas are your favorite fruit or that you take your daily yoga and stretching very seriously. Everyone loves a limber woman." Rose teased with a wink.

Rey looked over at her best friend with a mock horrified look on her face and responded, "Rose Tico, I will do no such thing. This is going to be a simple profile. I'm not trying to attract pscyhos!"

They went on in this way for a while, each throwing out suggestions as they compromised on what the profile would say. It then took them a bag of popcorn and half a bottle of wine later to settle on what photos they would add to the profile, seemingly going through both of their phones' endless gallery of photos to find the right ones.

Kylo had never been so confused in his life. He didn't understand the amount of effort going into this project. Anyone who doesn't want to date you is a fool. Why go through all this trouble? Why is there so much thought going into such a silly thing? You shouldn't even have to worry. If you had just waited a few more days then I'd have popped up and saved you from having to do this ridiculous thing anyway.

Nonetheless, Kylo made sure to take plenty of mental notes for when he would undoubtedly create his own profile later (with much less effort on his part). He was hoping one good "selfie" (as Rose had called it) and a short blurb about himself would be enough to at least garner a match from Rey. He didn't even know what else he would put on his profile. Kylo shook off his worries, seeking comfort in the idea that all of his research so far had pointed towards a simple and direct man, and what was more simple or direct than a short and to the point profile? He could worry about being fancy and creative when he actually started talking to Rey. But that was a concern for a later time.

***

Before Rose left she made sure to go over some online dating basics with Rey - you could never be too safe after all - and excitedly watched as Rey swiped through her first couple of people. Satisfied that Rey was well on her way to rounding up matches and that she had hyped up her best friend enough to ensure she'd be more confident in messaging anyone back if she got any hits, Rose made her way out the door with a tight hug for Rey and a loving pat for Chewie.

After an eventful night, Rey was more than ready to collapse on to her bed. She felt fulfilled from a successful girls night and a little more reassured about having an online dating profile now. Rose had helped her feel more at ease with dipping her toe into that pool, and she almost felt a little thrilled at the idea of meeting somebody after so long. She was tired of gross guys hitting on her at the First Order and it would be nice to be treated out to a nice night for once. It had been a long time since she'd been on a date, longer than she cared to admit (probably since she finished college if she was being honest with herself). When her dad had died and she and Poe had decided to try out their business venture, Rey had found herself consumed with work (not that that was a bad thing). She was happy, decently successful, and could finally afford a lot of the things she wanted in life. Now it was time to share that with somebody else.