Together - Part II

You're inside my mind. Got me so confused. Don't know wrong from right. The thrill of this pain still drives me insane, but I can't escape. I know it's too late. - Rebekah White


Snoke was torturing her. He conducted it in front of him, purposefully. Her cries of pain are what broke him. He could feel her shattering through their bond. It was what finally sent him over the edge. He had been resolute in his attempt to deny any lingering feelings, any remnants of the Light within in. Kylo had promised his grandfather he would finish what he started. Upon seeing Rey's contorted features, a new thought occurred. What would his grandmother think?

Padme Amidala would not stand for this.

Neither would he.

Igniting his lightsaber, he swung it in a high arch, attempting to decapitate his master. Snoke had sensed his intentions, easily deflecting the blow. However, the energy required to defend against Kylo's attack had weakened his hold on Rey, who fell to the floor. Her body crumbled into a heap, as she lie gasping for breath. Not to be deterred, Kylo rose to strike again. Once again, Snoke avoided the blow. Kylo worked to center himself. He needed to calm his raging emotions, find control.

He thought of Rey.

They had been training for nearly a month together. He knew her strokes, her stances, and her fighting personality. When he had given her instruction, she had followed, hardly ever requiring a second reminder or reprimand for any flaws. She was beyond gifted, having natural skill and learned behaviors from a lifetime of self-defense living on that barren planet Jakku. He had had to remind himself multiple times to stop starring.

The time spent together had earned him more of her trust. Though her table manners were far from decent, he didn't fault her. She had not been granted the privileged upbringing he had. He could not blame her for her ignorance. At least she knew how to use the utensils he had had set out for them at each meal. Rey had opened up over dinner some evenings. She had told him about how she had managed to survive, the trinkets she had collected and kept for herself, and why she dreamed so often of the ocean and the island.

Topics centering around what had transpired on the Starkiller base were never brought up. It was an unspoken truce between them. Neither wanted to be the first to bring it up. Kylo appreciated her ability to disregard the past. Once before he had found her hope naive, believing it made her weak. Having it used on him, permitting him to know her better, made him rethink his earlier assessment — at least as it pertained to him.

His favorite topic was when she spoke of flying. The way her face lit up as she described the high she felt. Her eyes would go wide, her smile would grow to the point where he thought it would take over her face. Her cheeks must have been sore with all her talking and smiling. He found himself grinning at times. Her joy was contagious.

He focused on one particular memory of an evening when she had told him about how she had flown the Millennium Falcon. It had been the first time she had gone off planet and it had been disastrous. As she regaled him with how she managed the controls, nervous, but determined, he had seen her. She had let her guard down, completely opened to him. And in that instant he decided he'd wait. He wouldn't use his powers to sneak into her mind, to open her up. He'd have patience and faith she would do so on her own and let him in.

It was that thought he clung to.

Kylo struck again, this time making contact with Snoke's arm, effectively cutting off one of his hands. The Supreme Leader reached over with his other hand, sending Kylo flying backwards into the nearest wall. The moment he hit, his eyes flew open to see Rey on her feet. She looked slightly unsteady, however her grip was firm. She held her lightsaber with intent, charging at Snoke. She brought it down quickly, slashing into his side. He sent her flying as well. Kylo watched as she hit the opposite wall, the lightsaber falling away from her grasp.

The guards entered then, swarming to protect their master. It was a flood of red. Kylo straightened up, hand wrapping around the hilt of his lightsaber. Across the room, Rey summoned her weapon back to her. She locked eyes with him.

This is what we've been training for, he sent her the message across their bond. Ready?

Yes.

Simultaneously they sprung into action, both attacking from opposite ends. The guards were not anticipating a coordinated attack. He used their lack of preparation to his advantage, easily cutting down those who stood in his way. Brute strength and brunt force were his methods. Rey moved lightly, as if dancing through the First Order cronies who advanced on her. He caught a glimpse of her flipping over one, as she struck another down. She was the most gorgeous thing he had ever beheld. A true fighter.

It didn't take long for him to get to Snoke. The old creature, hunched over his dismembered limb. Kylo glared with pure hatred down at the master who had used him. His father had been right. Lashing out desperately, the Supreme Leader, managed to sink a piece of metal into his upper thigh. Kylo hissed at the rush of pain, before drawing out the shared roughly. He tossed it aside, noticing how the droplets of blood scattered across the black floor. His rage burned like an inferno. Snoke saw what he meant to do. He tried to reason with him.

"I made you. You can't end me. I-."

With one stroke, he succeeded in his original intent — slicing Snoke's head clean off. His former master fell. More guards entered the room. Their leader was dead. Their mission was not. He turned his attention to the oncoming attacks, knowing Rey could handle herself and trusting she would be safe. Even still, he kept tabs on her via their bond.

"Kylo!" In his haste to finish Snoke and the battle, he hadn't seen the hidden guard advancing. He knew he would take the hit. As he accepted it, Rey injected herself between them, taking the full blow to her side.

"No!"

His wrath crashed out of him, causing the guard to stumble back. He sliced the man in half, before kneeling next to her. Crimson seeped out of her. No, he thought again, but his words came out differently.

"Can you stand?"

"Yes," she huffed, one hand keeping pressure on the wound, while the other clung to her weapon.

He kept his hands on her, righting her as she rose. "We need to leave," he told her, his eyes fixated on the blood soaking through her robes. "Can you walk?" He began to reach for her. She slapped his hand away.

"I'm fine."

She didn't look it. Her face was already becoming pale. He shook his head, not wanting to waste time. He could see to it she was attended to once they were safe, far away from here and the First Order. He led her out of the chamber, towards the fleet hangar. With all the commotion they had caused, it would be relatively simple to steal a vessel and make the jump to lightspeed. None would be the wiser.

They rounded a corner. As they neared the hangar, a different kind of commotion caught his attention. There was a battle raging on above them. The Resistance. He willed himself not to roll his eyes. This would complicate matters.

"Rey!"

Of course, he groaned inwardly. Of course the Resistance would send FN-2187. He watched as the ex-Stormtrooper ran up the length of the corridor, a short woman in tow. He was so consumed by his jealousy at the sight of the other man, he didn't notice how the blood loss had affected Rey. When her legs gave out, he felt the bond weaken. Instinctively, he wrapped an arm around her torso, drawing her against his chest, so he could support her full weight and still maintain hold on his lightsaber. He knew she wouldn't appreciate him attacking her friend, but he was prepared to do what was necessary to keep her from further harm.

"Rey!" FN-2817 looked livid as he stopped in front of Kylo. "What did you do?"

"I saved her," he snarled.

"Give her to me."

"I've got her." She's mine, he thought, possessively. He would not be handing her over to anyone — Resistance, First Order, his uncle or otherwise.

The other man seemed to consider something for a moment, before his companion spoke up. "We've got to get out of here before this places blows." She tugged on his arm.

"Come on," he said to Kylo, grudgingly. His gaze flickered to Rey's motionless form, noting the blood pooling from the wound on her side. "We have med packs on the ship."

Kylo disarmed his saber, before scooping Rey up in his arms. Stay with me, he thought, as he looked down upon her face, so pale now. Every thing had changed since their first meeting. She had no choice this time, not because he had knocked her out, but because she had chosen to take a hit meant for him. She had knowingly put herself between him and the strike. She had chosen to come here, to train with him. She had chosen to be by his side. He was meant to protect her. Hadn't he told her as much? He had failed again. Failed to keep her safe. Failed to show her they were equals. Failed to tell her his feelings ran deeper than an admiration of her powers and her brilliant mind. Failed. Failed. Failed.

Stay with me.

He repeated it again and again and again, his silent plea to let her live. His only wish was for them to stay together.


The room came into focus slowly. Rey found herself lying in a medical bay bed, surrounded by numerous beeping machines. There were no droids currently in the room, but her wound had been dressed with a bacta patch. She heard heavy breathing to her left. Finn. She felt relief at the sight of him, sleeping in a chair next to her bed. He had his head propped up on one hand, as if he had been trying to stay awake before exhaustion won out. She smiled, looking him over. He was healed. He had come for her. Again.

"Oh good, you're awake," a woman's voice had her turning towards the doorway. She was shorter than Rey, dressed in Resistance garbs, like Finn. She came in with a ration bar in her hand, extending it to Rey. "I'm Rose. Rose Tico."

"Rey."

"I know," she laughed. "Finn hasn't shut up about you since I met him."

It was Rey's turn to laugh. "He is talkative."

"Yeah," Rose agreed, her eyes settling on the man of their discussion. Rey watched how the other woman starred at him. There was definitely an attraction there. She wondered if her friend knew. From what she had gathered from him in passing, he could sometimes miss what others found evident.

"They dressed your wound about an hour ago," Rose informed her. "The patch should hold until we reach the base. Then the real medics will get to work."

"It's fine," Rey assured her.

"Didn't look fine when you collapsed."

Rey couldn't recall much from earlier. The details were still hazy.

"We found you in the hallway, bleeding out. The First Order base was about to cave in on itself, so we brought you on board. Our pilot, Poe Dameron, is the best in the Resistance. He'll have us on base in no time. I'm sure everyone will be glad to see you safely returned," Rose brought her up to speed. "I've never met a Jedi before."

"I'm not a Jedi," Rey corrected her. "I was training when I-." How did she explain leaving the famous Luke Skywalker to train with the First Order enforcer, Kylo Ren? She didn't know this woman. If if wasn't for Finn's presence in the room, she wouldn't have been sure she was even on a Resistance ship. This could all be a falsehood propagated by the First Order to make her talk. And talking about her decision to leave Ahch-To was not something she wanted to do in her current state, least of all to this unknown woman, no matter how kind she seemed to be on the surface.

"He obviously cares about you a great deal," Rose changed the subject.

Rey nodded. "Yes, he was my first real friend," she replied, her eyes falling on Finn's face.

"Wait, you're talking about Finn?" The way Rose's question hung in the air, caused Rey to rotate towards her. The small woman's eyes weren't on their mutual friend. They were focused behind Rey, a detail she hadn't caught on to until then.

She glanced over to her opposite side, her breath hitching in her throat at the sight of him. Kylo Ren, First Order member and brooding ex-Sith Lord, hunched over into the edge of her bed, sound asleep. Rey could hardly believe the sight. His position looked terribly uncomfortable. He had been at one point sitting in a chair, the same kind Finn was in, but had since slumped forward, falling onto the mattress. His one arm hung off the side, dangling to the floor, while the other served as a makeshift pillow for his head. His raven locks obscured most of his face, but from the heavy heaves of his breathing, she knew he was asleep.

Rey carefully reached over, to tuck his hair back, away from his pale face.

"He hasn't left your side once," Rose confided. "He blames himself for what happened."

Rey nodded, once again. It was the only response she could give the other woman. Her throat had constricted so tight, she couldn't put words to her emotions, even if she knew how. There was a rollercoaster of feelings rushing through her both from Rose's observations and the one she currently was taking of the man aside of her.

She ran her fingers through his hair, enjoying how smooth and soft the tresses were against her skin. It was such a contrast t his normal mood — his sharp tone, pointed features. He had an air of peacefulness about him in that moment. His face wasn't pulled into a grimace or scowl, like usual. In this light, without his normal demeanor, he looked so much younger, so much lighter.

The darkness that had consumed him, was Snoke, masquerading as Anakin Skywalker and manipulating the young, lost Ben Solo for his own personal gain. Rey had seen first hand the cruelty that wicked creature could unleash. When he had begun torturing her to force Kylo's hand, she had not only felt her pain, but his. It was difficult to breath, having felt their conjoined suffering through the bond. But his fear had been paralyzing. In that moment, Kylo had feared more than ever before. He had feared for her life. It had given him the strength to over power his master and shatter the hold he had held over Rey.

She found herself gingerly touching the bandage around her mid-section at the memory. Though the bacta patches were helping, she was fairly certain there would be a scar.

"What will you do when we get back to the base?" Rose asked.

Rey had not considered her next steps. Frankly, she was lucky to be alive and headed back to a place where people wouldn't be actively trying to kill her. As soon as she realized that, she understood the irony in it. She was safe, but the same could not be said for Kylo Ren. He was an enemy of the Resistance and now, thanks to her, the First Order as well. There was no where safe for him.

So why had he come with them? Surely once Finn had found her, he could have passed her off to her friend, knowing she would be taken care of. It would be in his best interest to vanish completely.

"Can't get rid of me that easily."

He must have heard her thoughts through the bond, because in the next moment he was sliding off the bed to sit up on his chair.

"I'll leave you two to talk," Rose excused herself, but not before shaking Finn awake and dragging him out with her.

The med bay door shifting close was the only sound for an entire minute. Rey heard every second tick by as she lingered in baited breath to hear his explanation.

Rey thought of how their time had been spent before her audience with Snoke. The three weeks they had spent training one on one had been instructional and even fun. Kylo had set them up in an abandoned hangar. The space was large, providing them enough room to effectively practice any and all techniques he chose to approach. He was insanely detailed and strategic in all of his attacks. She had had to work double time to keep up with him. At the close of each session, her muscles burned from the constant movement, but she felt renewed. The dismay she had felt as Luke's rejection had faded, replaced by newfound admiration for Kylo's expertise and his willingness to share it with her.

When they completed training for the day, they would meditate, a process Rey continued to struggle with. Her life as a Scavenger had taught her to constantly be aware and on the move. It was not wise to linger longer than needed in one particular place. Predators of all life-forms could be lurking nearby, waiting for her defenses to lower so they could attack. Meditation felt like that, like she was leaving an opening for a waiting advance, especially after a round of rigorous physical activity.

"Your body is prepared. Your mind needs to be as well," Kylo had informed her. "Not all attacks are physical." He didn't talk down to her or chose her the way Master Luke had. He had understood her struggle with the concept. And he had been right.

During their next session, when she had foolishly thought she had gotten the upper hand on him, he had shifted his focus to her mind. She had been ready to strike from above, when he pushed in so sharply she had lost her balance. She would have gone careening off the stack of the crates into the floor, if he hadn't been there to catch her.

When his arms had been around her, she felt a strange sense of deja vu, as if he had held her before. A feeling of longing had swept through her, causing her to freeze in his grasp. His eyes had locked onto hers. The intensity she saw in his eyes had altered from purposeful to a carnal need. Time fell away as they stared at one another. She could hear her pulse fluttering about wildly. The bond hummed along with it, creating a type of music she found she enjoyed listening to.

"That's why you need meditation." He told her, a second later, as he set her upright. "Again."

Their stalled moment went undiscussed. Training continued on in the usual manner for the remainder of their time. Each evening, when they were both worn down, they would retire to his quarters, taking turns in the refresher before all but falling into their own beds. Rey had never been as drained as she felt on those nights. Sleep came blissfully easy.

They took their meals in the hangar, never detouring from either his chamber or their sparing place. Rey had considered asking about it once, but decided against it. Kylo's promise of protection repeated in her mind.

No one will raise a hand to you. If they try, they'll answer to me.

At the time, she thought he was telling her so she'd remain calm and confident in her decision. As they spent more time together, she began to contemplate if he had also said the words as a vow to himself. In the beginning, she had been too occupied with learning and soaking up any and all new knowledge he shared with her to take notice. As the days turned into weeks, she picked up on how his eyes shifted ever so slightly away from her and to the doors.

The flicker of attention occurred often. It was as if he was waiting for something. It didn't appear to be something he wanted. Still, the moment General Hux stormed in, interrupting their training, Rey had been unprepared for what was about to occur.

She could feel the bond bristle. Kylo was more aware of what was to come than she had been. She clung to his promise, nearly reaching out for his hand when she was confronted by the face of the demon whose name she had heard whispered in the corridors.

"How are you feeling?" Kylo's voice propelled her back to the present.

"Like I took a plasma bolt to my side," she replied, lifting up the bacta patch slightly to see the slash on her side. Her lips drew up into a small grin. "You were right. We are equal. Guess I had to get the matching scar to prove it," she teased.

His face looked anything but amused. As his eyes trailed her scorched skin, he clenched his jaw. She noted his hands were balled up into fists at his side, shaking slightly. "I failed to keep my promise."

"Kylo-."

"He was never going to let you live," he snapped, silencing her. "I should have been able to see it. I should have known he'd use you to get to me. It was obvious."

"Why would he use me to persuade you?" His body stiffened at her question. He didn't respond.

Rey leaned forward, wincing at the rush of pain from her still healing wound. She reached out for his fist, wrapping her hand over his. "Kylo?"

He couldn't meet her gaze.

There was a hiss as the medbay doors opened. "We are coming into orbit at Hoth," Finn announced, strolling in, unaware.

Kylo slunk back, out from under her touch instantly. Rey scooted to lean back against the bed headboard. Finn's eyes danced between them briefly, but he didn't ask.

"The General wants a word when we arrive," he continued. "I should warn you both, word got out that-."

"The First Order puppet is on board," Kylo finished for him. "And what time should I be expecting my execution?" Rey's head snapped to the side to stare at him. They couldn't possibly kill him after he had saved her life. Could they? "That is their intention," he answered her thoughts, finally looking at her.

"What?" Finn had a confused expression on his face.

Before Rey could explain, Poe entered the room. She held back an eye roll. Was everyone going to visit while she tried to pry the reasoning out of Kylo? "You're awake," he let out relieved half sigh, half laugh. "Glad to have you onboard, Madame Jedi." Now she did roll her eyes.

"Poe Dameron, nice to see you."

"And you," he mock bowed at her, before his signature smile fell away at the sight of Kylo. "Ren."

"Dameron."

"You two know each other?" She was surprised.

"Torture."

"Childhood."

"Ah, is that what they call it?" Kylo questioned, darkly.

Rey raised an eyebrow. "Wait, you grew up together?"

"The Organa's and Dameron's have been friends for generations," Poe explained, crossing his arms over his chest as he scrutinized Kylo. "I'm anxious to see what Leia does to you."

"Only what I deserve."

Poe's eyes filled with fire. His arms dropped, as one hand shot out to point an angry finger at Kylo. "What you deserve is a kriffing-."

"Enough!" Rey shouted, throwing her hands up to stop them both. Poe froze, but the grimace on his face returned, as did his crossed-arm position. "You two are acting like children."

"He started it," mumbled Kylo, in his signature whiny way. Must be a Skywalker trait, Rey found herself thinking. Both Luke and Leia had let slip a few less than mature grousing moments. She had a feeling it was a family trait. Kylo tended to be rather sensitive at times.

"Out," she snapped at Finn and Poe.

"But we're about to land," Finn protested.

"When we land, you can come back. Until then, I need to speak to Kylo." Neither man moved. "Alone."

Roughly a minute ticked by before her overprotective friends headed her request. It wasn't lost on her the way their gazes traveled from her to Kylo and back again. If they hadn't been suspicious before, they were now. She let them go. They could think what they wanted. All she cared for was answers.

"Kylo, about Snoke-."

Her words caught in her throat. There was blood running down Kylo's leg onto the sterile white floor. She hadn't noticed the wound when he had been sleeping because of his slumped position. Now, the crimson color was an uncanny reminder that they had both been dealt blows during the battle. However, she had been the only one who had been treated.

"Why didn't you say anything you laser brain?" He stared at her, astonished upon hearing her insult. He started to retort, but she cut him off. "You are going to have the med bay patch you up when we get to the base, do you hear me?"
"They won't patch up a dead man."

Rey disregarded her body's discomfort. "I won't let them. You aren't alone," she told him, taking his hand. "We're in this together."

He gave her hand a slight squeeze, but didn't speak. He didn't have to.

They sat in comfortable silence, her hand lost within his larger one. They didn't break apart again when the doors opened for Finn and Poe. "We're approaching the landing strip," Finn explained, while Poe glared at his childhood companion. "We should cuff him."

"No," Rey shook her head. "He isn't a prisoner. He came willingly."

"Rey, he's from the First Order."

"So were you. Or have you forgotten you only defected last year?" She could see how her words got under his skin, but she didn't care. "I trusted you, Finn. I gave you a chance. Can you please do the same for me?"

"It's not the same," he stressed.

Rey shook her head, dropping the argument. She would not waste time fighting with her best friend. She needed to get Kylo medical attention, since he was reluctant to get it for himself. A droid entered, behind her friends, coming to release her from the various machines and hook-ups that had been monitoring her vitals. With a quick thank you, she proceeded to slip off the bed, on Kylo's side.

"Can you walk?"

"I recall asking you the same thing earlier today," he teased.

"And I lied."

"Not very Lightsider of you."

"So I've been told. You also told me you've never lied to me."

"True. And I never will."

"So, can you walk?"

"No."

He murmured it so softly, she barely heard. As she moved to help him, Poe appeared behind him, blaster drawn. "That isn't necessary," Rey snapped, annoyed at everyone in her vicinity. Kylo for being stubborn, Finn for being a walking contradiction, and now Poe for not trusting her judgement regarding the man who saved her life. Each of them stilled at the sharp tone of her voice, affected by it in their own right.

"It's a precaution," Poe stated, his voice level. "If he doesn't give me a reason to use it, I won't."

Rey grumbled a few curses under her breath, giving Kylo a rough shrug to get a better grip around his upper torso with her arms. If her shoving her small frame under him to help support him while they debarked bothered him, he didn't mention it. In fact, he was keeping his side of the bond tightly closed. She couldn't even gauge his comfort level.

The ramp lowered. As expected, there was a growing crowd of Resistance members waiting for them. The crowd was split down two sides, causing Rey's eyes to instantly fall upon General Organa and her twin. Rey felt relief wash over her. Despite the terms under which she had left Ahch-To, she was pleased to see her ex-Master. Glancing up and over at Kylo, she came to the conclusion that she was the only one.

Her Force-bonded partner stared hard at only living relatives, as if he could scare them away purely by scowling. Rey tried to reach out to him, but the connection was still closed. Stubborn ass, she thought, as she continued to help drag his weight forward into the base. Finn and Rose took the lead, followed by the rest of the crew who had been aboard their ship. Poe brought up the rear, keeping the blaster positioned just out of sight to not draw any additional attention or alarm to the black-clad man she had next to her.

He might as well have. The clapping and cheering which had erupted upon their descent began to fade, as one by one the crowd became aware of Kylo Ren's presence. Rey felt the mood shift through the Force. Even without her powers she knew what was coming.

A plasma bolt came flying towards them. Reflexively, her hand shot out, freezing the fire before it could make contact. Kylos eyebrows raised slightly, but he gave no other indication that he had even seen the attack. Rey guided him past the frozen bolt. Once they had safely evaded it, she removed herself from under his arms and after gaining a slight nod from him to let go, she stepped away. Poe, Finn, and Rose has crowded around. She didn't focus on them as she walked back to the bolt. She stood directly in front of the plasma, eyes focused and after a moment, it burst into a Mina tire explosion.

"If anyone tries anything like that, you will answer to me." The words came out calmly but the underlying threat had been made clear.

"I believe you all have work to do," the General's imposing voice rang out. "The time for celebration will come when the war is won."

The crowd dispersed, as Rey returned to Kylo's side.

"I'm sure my uncle will have some words for you for that," he gestured behind them, as she resumed her earlier position.

"Probably."

"Why did you do it?"

She stalled. "It would have hit you."

"I'd survive."

He really was the most infuriating man in the galaxy! "That's not the point."

"What is?"

Rey wanted to scream. She didn't. They were too close to the General and Luke now. She needed to maintain her control.

"Commander Dameron, you've outdone yourself once again," the General welcomed them.

"Thank you, General, but Rose and Finn are the ones responsible for the rescue," Poe explained. "It was their daring that brought us home safe, along with the others."

Rose blushed furiously under Poe's praise. Finn was standing slightly rigid, keeping his eyes anywhere but on Rey or Kylo.

"A thousand thanks to you both," Leia smiles at them. "We will make preparations for a celebration in your honor once you have all been debriefed."

"Thank you, m'am," Finn bowed his head. Rose followed his guide, mumbling something that sounded like 'thank you' before straightening up.

"As for you two," the General turned her attention to Rey and Kylo. "Welcome home." Above her, Kylo twitched uncomfortably. "Let's get inside."

Grateful to be inside, out of the blistering cold weather, Rey followed. She hasn't had time to notice the chill earlier. Her focus had been on keeping Kylo alive. They hadn't made it this far for him to simply be taken down by a blaster.

The General led them all down through a labyrinth of tunnels. Both her and Luke exchanged several glances, but neither spoke a word. Rey regarded their actions curiously, especially when Leia shot her brother a rather defiant look.

They are using the Force, Kylo's deep timber came across the bond.

Twins, he reminded her. Their type of bond is common among Force-sensitives.

Makes sense. They are the children of Anakin Skywalker.

Indeed.

Finn, Rose, Poe and the rest of the group went to be debriefed, leaving Rey and Kylo to follow Leia Organa and her brother to her quarters. They entered through the sitting room. It looked rather formal. Rey guessed it was where she hosted a great number of conversations regarding the Resistance. She helped Kylo down into the nearest chair, immediately sitting by him. Her intention was to life his tunic to survey the damage, but his mother spoke first.

"Rey," the General spoke her name warmly, before her eyes shifted to the man who had once been her son. "Ben."

"That's not my name."

"It's the name you were given when you were born."

"That boy is dead," he all but growled.

"That boy," she growled back. "Is you. And you are my son." The way she flashed her teeth as she said it made Rey wonder which parent Kylo had gotten his temper from.

Both.

That explains a lot.

I'm sure it does. Even in their thoughts, he managed to sigh. Once again, Rey was reminded of the need to check his wound and have it taken care of.

But Leia Organa was not one to back down.

"Ben."

"Don't call me that," he hissed. Rey knew it wasn't wise to back an injured animal into a corner and that seemed to be how this reunion was playing out. Thankfully, Luke intervened.

"Leia, they just arrived. Why don't you let Rey and I take him down to the med bay. He is obviously in pain."

"He'll survive."

Kylo chuckled at Rey's surprised expression, as if to say 'told-you-so.'

"General, we were both injured in taking down Supreme Leader Snoke. Could we have this discussion at a later time, please?"

Leia stares at her, eyes softened slightly. Taking a deep breath, she turned to Luke, then back to Rey. "It appears I am vetoed," she sighed. She waved her hand at them, "Go."

"Thank you, General."

The medbay droids patched her up first. The steps the team on the shuttle had done most of the work, though she would always wear a scar as a reminder of the blast. Once she was done, a droid instructed Kylo to sit in a batch tank for a few hours. The droid continued telling him that after treatment bacta patches would be applied so he would be able to shower and sleep normally. However he was expected to report back in twelve standard hours for a follow-up treatment.

Rey had excused herself while he had undressed, heading out into the hallway where Luke was waiting for her. She pressed her back against the wall, sliding down until she was sitting on the floor across from her once mentor.

"You look as though you expect to be reprimanded."

"That is what is about to happen, isn't it?"

Luke's face broke into a genuine smile. "No."

Rey gave him a wary glance. "Then What is about to happen?"

"You tell me."

He crouched down, mimicking her position in the floor, which cause a small smile to form on her face. Watching the legendary Jedi slump to the floor was one of the things she had never imagined she'd witness in this galaxy or the next. It took him a moment, his aged limbs stiff, but eventually he was down at her height.

"What do you think will happen while Ben is here?" Luke pressed. She let her head fall back, turning over the question in her mind. "Your feelings aside, Rey, he has hurt a lot of people."

"I know," she told him, gearing up for a fight. "I was one of them, in case you forgot."

"I haven't. Have you?"

"I thought you'd be pleased he was back," she retorted, ignoring the underlying question.

"I am."

"You don't sound it."

"Do not misunderstand, Rey. Ben being back here is for the best. I failed him before. I told you he failed me because I was too blind to see my own short-comings. I owe him a debt...a debt I intend to repay."

"Then why are you acting this way?"

"Your Force bond to him is dangerous."

"What? Why?"

"There has never been a bond like this before. Siblings, lovers, master and apprentice — those bonds are formed after years of training and time to build trust between both individuals," Luke explained. "The bond Ben shares with you has never been documented before. It may be a singular occurrence."

"That doesn't mean it's dangerous!"

"Do you know how to control it?"

"We managed to end Snoke," she pointed out, avoiding the question.

She didn't want to answer Luke. Of course she didn't. Kylo didn't either, not that they had had ample time to research it and work on a solution. They had been too busy training, fighting to survive. Once they were both healed, they could start looking. They would find the answers. She was sure of it.

Luke ran his good hand through his hair, sighing. "You both are naturally gifted, stronger than I ever was, possibly stronger than even my father, but what happened with Snoke was fortunate. It could have gone badly for both of you."

"But it didn't," she insisted.

"But it didn't," he agreed, grudgingly.

"You want me to leave the base?"

"No," Luke shook his head. "I want you to train Ben."

Rey had not been expecting that. How was she supposed to train him? He was far more advanced than she was. He had years of skilled practice and multiple masters under his belt. He didn't need to learn anything from a Scavenger.

"He does."

"What? What am I going to teach him?"

"How to come home."

She opened her mouth to protest. How could she teach him something she had never done? She hadn't gone home. Hadn't been back to Jakku since meeting B.B.-8 and Finn. Her own parents hadn't wanted her, leaving her on that desolate, barren world. Why would she go back? And what would that teach Kylo?

"Jakku is no longer your home."

Rey understood what he meant as his words came out. Here. The Resistance. Training with the Force. The Falcon. It had all become part of her, a home away from home. Her friends were here. Her training could continue here. It was all right in front of her —-everything she had ever wanted. This was her home now.

"You want me to train him, make him comfortable here." Luke nodded. "Then why are you warning me about our bond and about him?"

"He responds to you, Rey. He won't give Leia and I the same reaction. He needs it to come from you, but..." he trailed off.

"But?"

"But I don't want this to become a burden on you. Don't become lost in this mission. His redemption is his own path. As much as you can help, you can't make the choice for him."

"He already made the choice!" She found herself almost yelling in frustration. "He saved my life. Why is that so hard for everyone to believe?"

"Why is it so easy for you?"

"Because I-." Rey stopped herself. I what? I like him? I care about him? I lo-. No, no that isn't possible. She pushed the last thought down as far as she could and landed on a compromise. "Because I think he deserves a second chance."

"We do too," Leia appeared aside of her. Rey wasn't surprised the General hadn't stayed away for long. She was surprised how stealthy she was. "I will be reconvening with the council this evening to discuss the terms of Ben's residence on the base. They may ask for him to speak on his own behalf, but I believe their intention is to-."

"They can't execute him," Rey interrupted. Leia and Luke both gave her a strange look. "That's what he thinks is going to happen. After the attack on the flight deck, I happen to agree with him."

"It is a possibility they will ask for justice. Ben does need to answer for his crimes."

"Killing him isn't justice."

"No," Luke agreed, sadly. "It is not."

"Your beliefs as Jedi will not sway the council," Leia admitted. "Each member of the council has lost someone due to the First Order's rule. They will not be satisfied without some form of penance."

"What will you propose?" Luke asked his sister.

"Confinement to the base, providing all intel he can on the First Orders plans and safe holdings, coupled with a year-long period of probation."

"He will need to be monitored by a handler." Luke commented, offhandedly.

"Rey," the General turned towards her again. "I have already asked so much of you. I know it is not fair to ask mo-."

"I'll do it," she responded without hesitation.

General Organa's face broke into a relieved smile. "Thank you, Rey."

"You're welcome, General."

"I'll see to it you are assigned quarters close to one another, near the old storage bay. It should work as an adequate training room for you both."

"Thank you," Rey nodded in approval.

Leia and Luke took their leave, giving her some space to think over her decision. She understood how challenging it would be, tying herself to Kylo when practically everyone else on the base, her new home, wanted him as dead as Snoke. Rey could deal with their harsh glares and inability to understand, as long as her friends were still with her.

She needed to talk to Finn.

Rey found him in the mess hall with Poe and Rose. There was another girl she had seen around the base too.

"Rey!" Finn jumped up from his seat, upon seeing her. His earlier indifference gone now that she had come to face him alone. He pulled her into s tight hug. "Did they check you out? Are you ok?"

"I'm fine," she reassured him, as she hugged him back.

"Good," he breathed, stepping back slightly as he released her. "I was so worried. When I found you with him I was sure he had been the one to-."

"No," Rey held up a hand. "No, Finn. He saved me. If he hadn't done what he did, I wouldn't be here right now. I owe him my life."

Finn didn't seem to know how to process those words. He stood stone still in front of her, as if she had just told him she was considering becoming a tauntaun farmer.

"Rey," he began slowly, "I know you think he has changed, but-."

"He has," she snapped. "He has changed, Finn. I thought you of all people would understand. He went through horrible things, terrible things that led him down the wrong path. If you understood, you'd know. You'd know he didn't have a choice. Knowing what i know now, I can't say I blame him."

"What?" Poe nearly choked on his dinner. He had been listening quietly the entire time, keeping out of their squabble. Now he stood up, coming up on Finn's side.

"He's brainwashed you, Rey," Finn continued trying to coax her. "You can't see how twisted he is. He's using you."

Rey shook her head, tears pricking at the corners of her eyes. She had been foolish for thinking they would be on her side — their side — of things.

"Rey," Finn was basically pleading now. "Come sit with us and have something to eat. I know you can pack it down better than anyone."

He tried to make her laugh, tried to lighten the mood. Rey couldn't bring herself to smile, not when she felt as if the ground was being ripped out from underneath her feet. Hadn't Luke just made her realize this was her home? She was losing her safety net all over again.

"You can sit next to Jessika," Poe offered, joining in the effort. "Pava is one of my best pilots."

"One?" The girl arched an eyebrow at Poe.

Rey barely heard the rest. Food didn't seem appealing at the moment. She was feeling sick, uneasy. Her friends had turned on her, the way everyone on base had turned on Kylo the moment he walked off the shuttle. After what she had accomplished for the Resistance, she had anticipated more people would believe her. Foolish, she thought, foolish little girl. Your own friends don't even believe you.

"I have to go," she mumbled, turning to leave.

"Without dinner?" Finn cried, incredulously.

"I have somewhere I need to be."

"With him?"

"Yes, I volunteered to be his handler while he serves out his probation on the base."

"What?!"

"Just thought I'd let me friends know." She let the final words come out with all the venom she had, before walking out.

Guess it's just you and me, she thought when she arrived back at the med bay to pick up Kylo. Why are we always stuck together?


A/N: I FINALLY saw TLJ and...wow! There were a few things I didn't like but overall I was really impressed and my shipper heart is still recovering. Thanks for all of the support for this story so far. I have loved Reylo from the beginning but I'm new to writing for this fandom, so I appreciate all the kind thoughts.