The silence of the waiting made his blood as cold as the autumnal air. Bereft of any wind, there was no whispering noise or rustling. He could feel the uneasiness in the air as he finally stood outside Falcon Diner. He stepped forward and opened the entrance door. He caught everyone's attention as he stormed inside and walked towards Poe, who was sitting in his usual corner on the red leather couch.
"Ben!?" he puzzled as he leaned forward.
"We need to talk!" Ben uttered under his breath staring at him.
"About?" Poe asked, narrowing his eyes. If one of the Ren Brothers was there to talk, it meant that something serious was going on.
Ben pulled the metallic chair and took a seat. He looked around only Finn, Rose, BB-8, and Chewie. "I summoned your sister, and we had a long talk. I am here to clarify a few things before you find out."
" You were with Rey?" Poe questioned, "She was supposed to be on Vacation. How is that possible?"
"Her car broke down as she was reaching Mustafar. I guess she didn't want to worry you and called me to pick her up. Anyway, there was a storm, and the nearest location was the room she had booked, and we stayed there. But I am not here about that. There is something else! More important!" said Ben. His voice was soft and low; he was not pushing through things. It was clear Ben wanted to have a serious talk with him.
Poe's deadly gaze dropped against Finn. "You have repaired the Car?" Stupid Finn... he told him that he only could fix bikes and not cars. Then his burning gaze returned to face Ben. "Fair enough then. Let me hear what's more important than you sharing a room with my sister?" Poe wanted to know.
"Let me hope that Rey will not pay too dearly for mine boldness. It burns my heart. Yet, I can only be clear and honest with you." Ben uttered clearly, "Leader of the Ajan Kloss You may already know that your sister and I are friends. These four months, we have shared many memories and moments. Slowly, I found out how important she was to me. Not only as a friend but something more. It took me a while to realize that she won more than my respect and trust."
Poe glared at Ben, ready to attack. He already waited for him to reveal something important. But not that fast and clear. On the other hand, the others were baffled. They always have seen Poe and Rey fight and argue. "You are bold enough, Solo, to announce inside my homeland such a truth. When it comes to that, you are daring and full of pride like your brother. Finish your fearless words nevertheless." Corba yelped.
Ben remained calm; he never allowed Poe's insult to mess with his mind. He was there to ask for permission to date with Rey. "I should be honored that you can see part of the power of the Ren Brothers in me..." Ben responded, not losing his calm and strength, "Before our talk overtakes another path, I have to admit two things. First, I cannot keep my promise! I'm sorry, but I am going to date your sister. I would ask for your permission. There is not another girl suitable for me. And I can be, sure enough, there could not be another for her!"
Silence filled the room. Ben's words were short and on point. Poe did not predict such a fallout. His jaw dropped as he stood up, irritated. In all his years, he never remembered being so angry at a male before. He was not angry at Rey, but with Ben. "A Ren is pushing his luck today. How do you want me to respond to this madness? Why would I let my sister date you? Your lives are darker than they used to be. Even if everything settles, there is always a battle you have to fight. I would never wish to see my sister live such a life. She was already through enough darkness, Ben!" Poe stated as he stood up and grasped against his leather jacket, "I told you to keep away!"
"I would never tug your sister towards any danger. At least nothing she wouldn't be able to deal with. Our lives might be hard and filled with fights, but they aren't as dark as you named them." Ben pushed back and freed himself from Poe's grip. "We went through many hardships as you and Ajan Kloss did. Yet, I'll not let the fear of the past destroy our future. I cannot promise how things will end. But I would never harm your sister. And my words are final; I am going to date her, as long as she agrees."
Poe's fist struck against the coffee table, and he shouted, "I'll never allow my sister to date you! I had already warned you!" He stepped forward, punching Ben directly against the face and winning everyone's attention.
Finn jumped, trying to reach Poe and pull him back. Starting a fight with the Ren was the last thing this place needed as Triads was still on their track. "Poe! Stop it!"
Ben didn't dodge the hit and allowed Poe's punch to hit him. "Finn, don't you dare interfere in this!" the youngest of the Ren Brothers voiced up. "This is our fight! I'll date your sister!" he uttered again and struck Poe against the face.
"Enough!" Rose suddenly cried out behind the counter, "Both of you out! This place doesn't need more fights! Out!"
Rose's words were law inside Falcon Diner. Both dropped their act and glared at each other. It was clear the fight was not over. They would have to step outside. Ben was the first who strolled outside, and Poe followed.
Poe and Ben fought that day, but then the duel was over. Poe stood up and offered his hand, helping Ben to stand up. "Treat her, right!" Poe finally said, and both walked inside the Falcon diner.
It was a fall day in the late afternoon. The area faced the breathtaking sunset. Falcon Diner was filled with Ajan Kloss Members and the Ren Brothers. In the middle of the wooden table were placed a few first aid kits, and everyone was taking care of their cuts and bruises. Rey was trying to clean Poe's wounds as Ben seemed to avoid her.
It was an ordinary day; the Resistance had fought another gang like they always did. It was, after all, part of the daily lives.
"Poe, don't move, let me finish!" Rey complained as she cleaned and bandaged his right hand, "Going into a fight. You guys?"
"Rey is worried?" Hux noted, "Not like Benny! You never listen to your brother!" he complained, like always lighting up the mood.
"Shut up!" Ben shouted at Hux and threw him the rag that he was using to clean his own injuries.
"I was not worried!" Rey lied, smiling, and pushed Poe as she crossed her arms, faking an annoyed gaze.
"You were not worried?" Poe questioned in confusion, "Then why are you mad?"
"Because you didn't include me in the fight! I thought you wanted me to be part of Ajan Kloss!" she answered, still gazing annoyed at Poe and then Ben.
"You are already part of Ajan Kloss, and you know it!" Poe defended.
"Idiot! This fight was not for your level!" Ben uttered, casting her a fast glance.
"Annoying!" Rey yelled and walked over, "No one asked you! Pervert!"
It didn't take long for Ben and Rey to start arguing and the rest to enjoy their silly fight.
"I don't believe I lost the bet!" Chewie said louder. It seemed that BB-8 and Chewie were now finalizing their bets since they had found earlier that Ben was dating Rey.
"I told you girls don't choose the strongest. Dating has nothing to do with fights!" BB-8 said, tapping his shoulder. "Now pay us!"
"But still, Hux was such a better option!" Chewie spoke loudly and looked at Rey. "I can't believe you choose to date, Ben!"
The room fell in silence suddenly. Chewie's words were loud enough to win everyone's attention.
"You placed a bet against me?" Rey narrowed her gaze against Chewie. "Are you serious?"
"Huh!?" Hux cried out and looked at Ben. "Wait! You two are dating!"
"Idiots!" Ben uttered under his breath. It seemed it was not only his brother who had that silly side, but Ajan Kloss was also filled with it. He nodded his head, causing Hux to start laughing at him.
"Sorry! We just were curious who you would date!" Chewie tried to explain to her.
"Well, Next time, remember to include me! What's wrong with you! You are going to fight and forget me! You are placing bets, and you forget me! Then you say I'm part of Ajan Kloss?" she placed her hands against her hips complaining.
"Benny, trapped! Dating ... really!?" Hux kept mocking Ben. Ben was furious at his brother as he ended up being teased again. Rey couldn't run to his rescue as she was busy complaining of not being part of the bet. The rest kept enjoying the free show for a few minutes until the silliness slowly ended.
"Idiot! Would you really bet against yourself!" Ben shouted at Rey.
"Against me!?" she puzzled. "I would bet against you! Hux has better qualities of a boyfriend!"
"Of course, I do!" Hux announced proudly.
Ben grinned. "Yet here she is going out with me!"
"Don't game with your luck; you know that can change easily!" Rey teased him as she stepped closer.
Ben placed his arms around her, and she leaned closer to him. The softness and gentle touch of his arm against her made her back tingle. They sat on the seat without speaking because, in their own way, they were already communicating.
A year later, the Resistance had won.
The casino plan was officially over. The part of the Ajan Kloss was also slowly starting to work again. The owners received their leases back. The shops that were destroyed were slowly trying to rebuild, and the rest were working again. Ajan Kloss made it through.
The Resistance had finally found its balance. The foe was defeated once more. Everyone could go back to their lives while having on their side friends that they could trust. Now the Resistance could not be brought down easily. As they supported each other, trust was established. The new era seemed more promising.
Poe and Rey slowly regained the sister and brother's relationship. Ben and her dated now officially with Hux and Poe agreeing.
THE END