I do not own Star Wars.
This will be a multi-shot similar to my other works, Ghosts in the Tower and The Human Element, written to add a little more depth to the character with the most wasted potential of all time.
The medical droid had just discharged him from the infirmary.
He'd been ready to leave three hours ago.
Kylo Ren would never admit to anyone the morbid curiosity he currently felt: a strange desire to see what had become of Ben Solo's face. Hawkish features with pale skin finally healed of their injuries. Or so the droid had claimed. He wanted and needed to know and see for himself.
Passing an officer, Kylo sensed the man shudder as he brushed past. Of course, the mask he currently wears has no real expression. It was designed to evoke emotion in others, not display his own. It elicits fear from these sycophants, and their fear brings him satisfaction. Their terror when staring at the unknown, wondering what kind of monster could be behind the helmet, gave him strength.
The joy it fills him with is almost paradoxical. Kylo knew how frightening he appeared with the mask on, but it would always be different for him because he would never be the one seeing the black face staring down at him. It would always be his face behind the mask.
His pace quickened, increasingly eager to return to his room.