In another life, under different circumstances, the two of them could have almost been friends. But Ben knew better than to lament about the past and what-ifs. There was no sense in beating himself up about something that could have been when the present was right in front of him.
Shirtless still, by the way. A few more looks might have been had. For safety.
Ben felt a bit smug while Finn stammered. He wasn’t letting just anyone take a chop at his ....trunk but- “Food for thought,” he added very casually. Who said you couldn’t flirt harmlessly with the enemy? Finn didn’t fit into that category anymore anyway. No First Order. No Resistance. He wondered if his parents had gone through the same after the first war. Did the line blur between friend and foe? A sharp pain shot through his chest as he thought of them. What would they think of them now? Of him....
He tensed only a little as Finn walked up next to him like he still expected retaliation. The limp had gone unnoticed until now but he made no mention of it. “I think she just worries about losing you. We’ve had a few close calls here. And people can come and go here. Rey just ... we all get protective over people we care about.” But he understood not wanting to be coddled. Still, a little bit was okay and something told him that Finn wouldn’t mind too much of that from Rey.
“I’m the last person to talk to about it but if you need a drink and a chat, I’m always around somewhere.” Ben made the offer, shrugging a little awkwardly.