"4AM Friend"
A #Reylo textfic
-Ben texts his best friend Rey every night around 4am to talk about things on his mind.
A #Reylo textfic
-Ben texts his best friend Rey every night around 4am to talk about things on his mind.
Hi all, this is my first textfic. Hope I did it right 😅
This is a random story full of fluff & minor angst
CW: Mentions of Rey as foster kid, Ben has nightmares, not a good relationship with his dad, and if you've ever been stressed with college then you can relate to Ben lol
This is a random story full of fluff & minor angst
CW: Mentions of Rey as foster kid, Ben has nightmares, not a good relationship with his dad, and if you've ever been stressed with college then you can relate to Ben lol
I want to give a HUGE shoutout to my moral support: @hereforbensolo, @_beybex, @MelodyHartmann7 & especially @mustephar who not only made the beautiful moodboard for this fic (thx girl!) but she was the first one to encourage me to write a textfic🥺Go follow these amazing ladies!
Inspiration for this fic came from a tumblr post I remember seeing when it was first circulating the web over 5 yrs ago... (Gawd I feel old). Here is the original post:
Alright, let's do this...
"4 AM Friend"
A peak at Rey's private tumblr page:
"4 AM Friend"
A peak at Rey's private tumblr page:
1) Day 1: Start of a new Semester
Best friends Ben & Rey have known each other since Rey’s freshman year. Both are currently studying for their masters. The term just started & Ben’s already stressed. They spend the whole day talking while they unpack Rey’s things in her dorm.
Best friends Ben & Rey have known each other since Rey’s freshman year. Both are currently studying for their masters. The term just started & Ben’s already stressed. They spend the whole day talking while they unpack Rey’s things in her dorm.
2) Day 2:
The first day already has everyone in the masters program up to their eyeballs with busy work. This is Ben’s last year meaning he must decide what to do when he graduates: work for his father or try things on his own. He can’t sleep, so he reaches out to a friend.
The first day already has everyone in the masters program up to their eyeballs with busy work. This is Ben’s last year meaning he must decide what to do when he graduates: work for his father or try things on his own. He can’t sleep, so he reaches out to a friend.
3) Day 3:
Rey loves talking to Ben. He’s her favorite person. They were naturally drawn to each other, both being the introverts of their group. Ben’s in a low place right not & she wants to be there for him. Like a good friend should. Even if it means losing sleep for him.
Rey loves talking to Ben. He’s her favorite person. They were naturally drawn to each other, both being the introverts of their group. Ben’s in a low place right not & she wants to be there for him. Like a good friend should. Even if it means losing sleep for him.
4) Day 4:
Sure, she could use another hour or two of sleep, but he was there for her when she first started school & tried to fit in with their friend circle. Rey confided to him about her fostered youth & Ben promised to be there for her always. It was time to return the favor.
Sure, she could use another hour or two of sleep, but he was there for her when she first started school & tried to fit in with their friend circle. Rey confided to him about her fostered youth & Ben promised to be there for her always. It was time to return the favor.
5) Day 5:
Ben doesn’t realize he’s been texting Rey so late at night/early in the morning. He thinks it’s a coincidence probably that they both are awake at around 4am. He doesn’t assume she’ll answer, but he’s always relieved when she does.
Ben doesn’t realize he’s been texting Rey so late at night/early in the morning. He thinks it’s a coincidence probably that they both are awake at around 4am. He doesn’t assume she’ll answer, but he’s always relieved when she does.
6) Day 9:
Ben decides to add a star emoji next to Rey’s name. Because she’s usually up with him when the stars are shining at night and he always things of her when he looks up at the twinkling lights.
Ben decides to add a star emoji next to Rey’s name. Because she’s usually up with him when the stars are shining at night and he always things of her when he looks up at the twinkling lights.
7) Day 12:
Little does Ben know that Rey has adjusted her sleep schedule for him. She sets her phone on loud when she goes to bed at night just to make sure she wakes up when he texts her. Because that’s what best friends do for each other.
Little does Ben know that Rey has adjusted her sleep schedule for him. She sets her phone on loud when she goes to bed at night just to make sure she wakes up when he texts her. Because that’s what best friends do for each other.
8) Day 15:
The mixer, to say the least, was memorable...
The mixer, to say the least, was memorable...
9) Day 20:
Rey's the only who understands Ben’s relationship with his parents. He struggles to meet their expectations. Rey grew up in foster care, yet she can understand why Ben feels like his parents will never love him. Maybe that’s why she thinks her parents abandoned her...
Rey's the only who understands Ben’s relationship with his parents. He struggles to meet their expectations. Rey grew up in foster care, yet she can understand why Ben feels like his parents will never love him. Maybe that’s why she thinks her parents abandoned her...
10) Day 22:
It’s become a routine now for Rey to wake up around 4am. Sure, she still keeps her phone on loud just in case, but her body has adjusted to the minimal amount of sleep at night. She makes up for it with daytime power naps between classes.
It’s become a routine now for Rey to wake up around 4am. Sure, she still keeps her phone on loud just in case, but her body has adjusted to the minimal amount of sleep at night. She makes up for it with daytime power naps between classes.
11) Day 24:
They are both in the engineering program, Ben in computer and Rey in mechanical. Ben held off taking his Calculus Based Physics class until his last year but he doesn’t mind it because now he gets to see Rey at least twice a week in class together.
They are both in the engineering program, Ben in computer and Rey in mechanical. Ben held off taking his Calculus Based Physics class until his last year but he doesn’t mind it because now he gets to see Rey at least twice a week in class together.
12) Day 30:
Calculus based Physics is not Rey’s cup of tea, but she works extra hard for some reason in that class. Maybe it’s because she has an actual study buddy this time with Ben. She takes it upon herself to learn the subject for them so they can both pass the class.
Calculus based Physics is not Rey’s cup of tea, but she works extra hard for some reason in that class. Maybe it’s because she has an actual study buddy this time with Ben. She takes it upon herself to learn the subject for them so they can both pass the class.
13) Day 34:
Their friends suspect something going on between the two. Ben & Rey instantly connected when Rey was a freshman & are now best friends. Everyone knows that. But Kaydel points out when they're at the bar that night how much closer Ben & Rey have been lately.
Their friends suspect something going on between the two. Ben & Rey instantly connected when Rey was a freshman & are now best friends. Everyone knows that. But Kaydel points out when they're at the bar that night how much closer Ben & Rey have been lately.
14) Day 42:
Rey has been alone most of her life. She was left at a fire station when she was barely a year old and grew up in the foster system. She has always felt out of place. Always felt alone. Until she met Ben.
Rey has been alone most of her life. She was left at a fire station when she was barely a year old and grew up in the foster system. She has always felt out of place. Always felt alone. Until she met Ben.
15) Day 48:
Kaydel’s first performance of the year is flawless. Everyone goes to support their actress friend & celebrate at a bar afterwards. Rey & Ben leave a bit before everyone else. They hangout just outside her dorm’s parking lot until 4am talking about anything & nothing.
Kaydel’s first performance of the year is flawless. Everyone goes to support their actress friend & celebrate at a bar afterwards. Rey & Ben leave a bit before everyone else. They hangout just outside her dorm’s parking lot until 4am talking about anything & nothing.
16) Day 51:
Rose & Rey have been best friends since they met at freshman orientation five years ago. She also knows that Ben is her other best friend. They’ve been awfully closer than ever this semester & Rose wonders if there is something going on between them.
Rose & Rey have been best friends since they met at freshman orientation five years ago. She also knows that Ben is her other best friend. They’ve been awfully closer than ever this semester & Rose wonders if there is something going on between them.
17) Day 52:
Rey wonders why Ben is always up at around 4am. She knows he has a lot on his mind but when does he sleep? Does he ever sleep? (For the record he does. He goes to bed at around 10pm usually.)
Rey wonders why Ben is always up at around 4am. She knows he has a lot on his mind but when does he sleep? Does he ever sleep? (For the record he does. He goes to bed at around 10pm usually.)
18) Day 63:
The semester is halfway over and the stress of the holidays and finals will come before they know it. Poe suggests to the group to have a little break for the weekend.
The semester is halfway over and the stress of the holidays and finals will come before they know it. Poe suggests to the group to have a little break for the weekend.
19) Day 68:
It’s Halloween, Rey’s favorite holiday. She’s excited to go to a party tonight with everyone. She can't wait to text Ben. She doesn’t know why she waits until 4am since she stays up all night. It's their special time. She always looks forward to his late night texts.
It’s Halloween, Rey’s favorite holiday. She’s excited to go to a party tonight with everyone. She can't wait to text Ben. She doesn’t know why she waits until 4am since she stays up all night. It's their special time. She always looks forward to his late night texts.
20) Day 69:
Ben parties very hard with Poe, Armie & Finn while the ladies nursed their drinks for the evening, having more fun dancing & playing the mini games at the mixer. Ben feels his hangover once he gets home & is complaining to none other than his favorite person, Rey.
Ben parties very hard with Poe, Armie & Finn while the ladies nursed their drinks for the evening, having more fun dancing & playing the mini games at the mixer. Ben feels his hangover once he gets home & is complaining to none other than his favorite person, Rey.
21) Day 70:
It is so obvious to everyone that Ben and Rey have some kind of attraction towards one another; if the matching costumes on Halloween wasn't already an indicator. The problem is, they are both stubborn idiots. At least Ben admits he’s a dummy...
It is so obvious to everyone that Ben and Rey have some kind of attraction towards one another; if the matching costumes on Halloween wasn't already an indicator. The problem is, they are both stubborn idiots. At least Ben admits he’s a dummy...
22) Day 76:
Ben goes to a bar with the guys while Rey has a sleepover with the girls. They spend the whole day apart with their respective groups. Rey doesn’t drink much, wanting to be sober to take care of Kaydel & Rose. She also wants to be awake when he texts. She misses him.
Ben goes to a bar with the guys while Rey has a sleepover with the girls. They spend the whole day apart with their respective groups. Rey doesn’t drink much, wanting to be sober to take care of Kaydel & Rose. She also wants to be awake when he texts. She misses him.
23) Day 80:
Ben apologizes for his drunk texts the next day. Terrified, he doesn’t bring up what he said & neither does Rey. It’s better that way, they think. But Rey cant stop thinking about it. Suddenly she starts seeing Ben in a new light. Or has she always seen him this way?
Ben apologizes for his drunk texts the next day. Terrified, he doesn’t bring up what he said & neither does Rey. It’s better that way, they think. But Rey cant stop thinking about it. Suddenly she starts seeing Ben in a new light. Or has she always seen him this way?
24) Day 87: Ben's Birthday
She was with Ben & Armie at midnight celebrating their best friend’s 25th birthday at the bar near campus. Even though she already greeted him, she still wakes up at 4am to greet him again with a sweet message she couldn’t say in front of Armie.
She was with Ben & Armie at midnight celebrating their best friend’s 25th birthday at the bar near campus. Even though she already greeted him, she still wakes up at 4am to greet him again with a sweet message she couldn’t say in front of Armie.
25) Day 88:
Ben spends his day among friends at a fancy waterfront restaurant. Armie pops the best champagne, Kaydel shares embarrassing photos from their childhood & Rey in a gorgeous red dress is by his side the entire night. Needless to say, this was the best birthday ever.
Ben spends his day among friends at a fancy waterfront restaurant. Armie pops the best champagne, Kaydel shares embarrassing photos from their childhood & Rey in a gorgeous red dress is by his side the entire night. Needless to say, this was the best birthday ever.
26) Day 90:
Hanging out with their friends at Poe’s apartment, Rey is feeling less chatty than usual. Ben notices something is wrong but doesn’t want to bring it up in front of everyone. She always talks to him about his problems, it was his turn to lend a shoulder.
Hanging out with their friends at Poe’s apartment, Rey is feeling less chatty than usual. Ben notices something is wrong but doesn’t want to bring it up in front of everyone. She always talks to him about his problems, it was his turn to lend a shoulder.
27) Day 95:
It’s the day before Thanksgiving and Rey is having second thoughts of attending Ben’s family dinner. She is grateful for his invitation and would love to spend the weekend with him, but she is nervous about meeting his parents.
It’s the day before Thanksgiving and Rey is having second thoughts of attending Ben’s family dinner. She is grateful for his invitation and would love to spend the weekend with him, but she is nervous about meeting his parents.
28) Day 97:
Thanksgiving dinner goes well at the Solo household. For the first time in years there is no yelling or fighting. Ben is happy that Rey is there, his parents & uncle see it too. The winter storm picks up later that evening, so his mother suggests they stay the night.
Thanksgiving dinner goes well at the Solo household. For the first time in years there is no yelling or fighting. Ben is happy that Rey is there, his parents & uncle see it too. The winter storm picks up later that evening, so his mother suggests they stay the night.
29) Day 100:
Ever since Thanksgiving, Rey has been acting weird around Ben. Maybe it's because his uncle found them snuggled up & sleeping together on his bed the following morning. But really it's because she's trying to figure out her feelings for him. Ben seeks some advice...
Ever since Thanksgiving, Rey has been acting weird around Ben. Maybe it's because his uncle found them snuggled up & sleeping together on his bed the following morning. But really it's because she's trying to figure out her feelings for him. Ben seeks some advice...
30) Day 111:
Ben misses Rey's company. Mostly, he misses her. He wonders if he’s done anything wrong. He asks her why she’s been distant lately. She tries to keep it casual that she’s busy with schoolwork. He wants to tell her something, but doesn’t have the heart to hit send...
Ben misses Rey's company. Mostly, he misses her. He wonders if he’s done anything wrong. He asks her why she’s been distant lately. She tries to keep it casual that she’s busy with schoolwork. He wants to tell her something, but doesn’t have the heart to hit send...
31) Day 115:
Armie studies with Poe & Finn for their accounting final. Poe takes a bathroom break while Armie is using his laptop to navigate the practice problems from Prof. Kanata’s class. He accidentally opens a tab to a private tumblr post that Poe is writing a comment on...
Armie studies with Poe & Finn for their accounting final. Poe takes a bathroom break while Armie is using his laptop to navigate the practice problems from Prof. Kanata’s class. He accidentally opens a tab to a private tumblr post that Poe is writing a comment on...
32) Day 117: Part 1
The semester is finally over & they all survive. Ben couldn’t have done it without Rey’s help and support. Rey passes her classes, which is a win for her. But most importantly, she realizes something she’s been ignoring for five years...
The semester is finally over & they all survive. Ben couldn’t have done it without Rey’s help and support. Rey passes her classes, which is a win for her. But most importantly, she realizes something she’s been ignoring for five years...
33) Day 117: Part 2
Rey spends the entire morning crying. She now knows the truth. Ben only sees her as a friend. She really thought he liked her more than that…
Rey spends the entire morning crying. She now knows the truth. Ben only sees her as a friend. She really thought he liked her more than that…
34) Day 117: Part 3
Ben doesn’t understand what he did wrong. His plans to tell Rey how he felt crumbled when she suddenly stopped replying. He spends the whole day trying to reach out to her, but she’s leaving him on read. He doesn’t know what to do…
Ben doesn’t understand what he did wrong. His plans to tell Rey how he felt crumbled when she suddenly stopped replying. He spends the whole day trying to reach out to her, but she’s leaving him on read. He doesn’t know what to do…
35) Day 118:
Ben tries reaching out to Rey again at 4am, their usual time. Their special time. He feels in his gut that Rey does feel the same way. This is his last chance. He hopes she answer him. His heart starts beating faster when she does.
Ben tries reaching out to Rey again at 4am, their usual time. Their special time. He feels in his gut that Rey does feel the same way. This is his last chance. He hopes she answer him. His heart starts beating faster when she does.
36) The truth comes out...
One Year Later 💕
