Kylo was getting ready for an Imperial Ball that evening. Unfortunately, being the Supreme Leader of an Entire Goddamn Galaxy required a whole host of PR events- Imperial Balls included.
Given his outer image of barely-suppressed anger and perfectly coiffed hair, Kylo Ren wasn't the kind of person one would expect at a Ball, much less the kind of person who actually enjoyed balls. Funny thing is, he actually loved the gossip and the regal men standing shoulder to shoulder with their glittering female counterparts.
It reminded him of simpler times, times when his family was still together and not fractured by Leia's and Han's political duties. At times, Kylo felt as if his parents loved their work more than they loved him- but public appearances were where they felt as if they were a true family.
Leia would sit in front of her dresser, insisting on doing her own hair and makeup, with Han lounging on their bed behind her. He'd always pick out her outfit and she, his.
Flashback:
Leia would kill Han if he chose the garish magenta frock Holdo had gotten for her as a practical joke. She could see him eye the frock, a slight smirk lighting up his weary face. The fall of the Empire had left them all worse for the wear, with the years of struggle and war taking their toll on them. Turning back to her dresser, Leia smiled to herself, "Let him have his fun," she thought. If he valued his manhood Han would make the right decision.
Han saw Leia turn back to her dresser, a smile on her face. She'd seen him eyeing the ugly dress Holdo had gotten for Leia, and he had half a mind to make her wear it today. But something about that mischievous smile knew that it would be a bad decision. Shuffling through the voluminous racks of clothing, Han finally found the dress he was looking for. Special-ordered by him (in secret), he had planned on impressing Leia for their anniversary. It was a deep burgundy, fading into a vibrant gold. He knew it would fit her like a glove and make her look like the Queen she was. His wife was a fighter, a lioness. The dress would suit her well.
Kylo had never forgotten that evening. His mother looked like a Goddess, and his father, a regal God. He remembered all of the gentle smiles that day, how relaxed and happy his parents were and. Han had played games with him all day, and his mother had made all of his favorite foods. It was one of his most precious memories, one of the few times when it felt as if he was in a truly loving and functional family, something he missed sorely.
He sometimes wished he had an Empress, one as strong and intelligent as his mother, but also loving and caring and warm. Unconsciously, his mind flitted to Rey. She would make an amazing Empress.
Kylo was shocked. No, she's Rebel Scum, he told himself. She would ruin everything, she doesn't even like me. Shaking off his thoughts of a beautiful Jedi-Empress, he decided to focus his attentions on getting ready. He had the Imperial Ball this evening, and then had to meet Rey for a "sleepover" or whatever the fuck that rebel shit was. He didn't like her. He didn't. Or at least that's what he kept on telling himself.
Somewhere across the galaxies…
Rey stood in front of her closet, contemplating her outfits. She was tasked to be a peacebroker between the Resistance and the First Order, though they didn't know it yet. She was going to crash the Imperial Ball- but she was going to do it in style.
What would impress Kylo Ren?