Disclaimer: I still do not own Star Wars, Lucasfilm, or Disney.

A/N: Thank you to the reviewers and followers of this story!

Guests - Thank you! I'm trying to consistently update every 7 - 10 days. If I can finish this story before grad school starts up again, I'll be happy. If not, I'll try to make it work through the year. In my mind, it just needs to be done before episode IX.

Emilie9263 - You are too funny! Thank you! I personally can't wait until Rey gets her own porg. He's going to be adorable!

grlvct - Thank you! Besides my fascination with the Reylo relationship, that's actually one of the main reasons why I started writing this story. I didn't see many stories where she accepted his vision. In The Last Jedi, I'm sure I'm one of the few people who wanted Rey to say "yes" when he asked her to join him. I actually smacked my forehead in the theater when she didn't. I'm sure I got some strange looks when I did that. Lol... There is actually a real Star Wars book called the Book of Sith that I purchased when I was at Disney's Hollywood Studios. It actually mentions that the Sith people existed, but it didn't have as much detail as I was hoping for.

Only You

Chapter 4

Rey tried to sleep, but images of Ben's eyes, mouth, and skin consumed her dreams. She already woke up twice during the night, panting heavily. The heat in between her thighs was overwhelming. Every part of her body felt sensitive and receptive to-

Rey shuddered at her thoughts. With the crisp bedding, she wiped the perspiration from her face and chest. She didn't know what to think. Her mind was hazy. The longing within her was intense. The most terrifying thought in Rey's mind was that...she wasn't afraid of it. She...she welcomed the thought of being with Ben in...that way.

Her cheeks burned at the thought of what she wanted from him. She felt so free in her dreams when they were together...but tonight was a little different. Her tender feelings for Ben were still there...but something else was too...something raw. Rey felt an uncontrollable desire for Ben...something she had never entirely experienced before. But I allowed it, Rey thought. I enjoyed it...and I wanted it to continue.

But something was different about this time.

Kylo laid in bed and opened his eyes, staring at the ceiling...frustrated. His body was covered with perspiration. He didn't want to look down and assess his condition.

Something was happening...and Rey was causing it. He felt the pull through the Force. She was tugging him...hard...through the bond. He let out an aggravated breath. She has no IDEA what she's doing, he thought to himself. She didn't understand what was happening. He realized that. But didn't she realize that she's-

Kylo stopped his thoughts. He felt it. Through the bond. His heart slammed against his chest. Realization came over him. He felt elated. His breathing was erratic. Rey had no idea...that she accepted the bond… She...she didn't resist the pull...but what changed?

Kylo laid his arm over his forehead as he thought, trying to calm his breathing. It felt as if two electrical wires...that were on fire...were trying to connect… The bond was speaking to him too… Of course, he thought. Their proximity had changed. The bond was aware…

He shivered a little at the thought of the mating bond. Powerful, he thought. His body ached. He was sticky. Rey...accepted the bond to such an extent...that she was pulling at him. He still didn't know every aspect of how the mating bond worked. Did it affect females different than how it affected males? It was fascinating… Kylo thought back to his first moments with Rey. Her desire to kill him was overwhelming. Even he was shocked and astounded by her animosity toward someone she barely knew. Is it possible? Kylo thought. Was it always speaking to her?

Kylo looked at the digital clock projected next to his bed. He had a few hours to still get some sleep...and that's when he noticed the walls… His eyes widened in shock as he saw the large gashes. The holo-screens were shattered. The two chandeliers in the room were reduced to wires…

Kylo sat up, closed his eyes, and rubbed his temples. Without realizing it, she brought his desire for her to a dangerous level. She was calling to him without realizing it. He...He must have realized that she wasn't physically with him in those moments...and reacted…badly.

He leaned his head back against the soft headboard and closed his eyes. Rey's desire was persistent through the bond. It kept tugging him...and she was still sending him images of them in the steamy refresher...The hot water running down his back… He held her gently against the wooden wall… Her legs wrapped around him… His right hand gripped her hip… His left hand on the wall next to her head… Her hands tightened on his shoulders as he slowly thrusted into her…rhythmically...again...and again... She threw her head back and panted pleasingly into his ear with each buck of his hips… She was so hot as he slid in and out of her-

He needed to stop this.

He felt gratified...so completely gratified...that she wanted to be with him...but was she ready to take that step with him? At that moment, he was so sure that he could have her...but-

The ache in his chest was intense at the thought of her possibly...regretting...their first time together. He growled in frustration at what he was about to do.

It took him a while to calm himself down. Rey, he spoke soothingly through the bond. Are you alright? He waited for a moment, but there was no response. She still couldn't communicate through the bond… I'm coming to check on you, he said.

He got up from the bed and purposely put on his tunic. Unfortunately, this was not the time to tease Rey. He wanted her to be with him on her terms...not just because of the bond.

Rey was startled to hear Ben through the bond. He sounded concerned...and aggravated. Rey closed her eyes. I hope I didn't wake him, she thought. Rey sat up in bed and covered her face in her hands as a horrified thought came to her. What if he saw it...all of it? She shook her head. What would he think of her? Would he think she's that type of woman who-

Her thoughts were interrupted by her door opening. Ben stood there, a look of concern on his face. "Are you alright?"

Rey was quiet as she looked him, and then at her hands. "I'm okay now." She didn't know what he knew, but she still felt embarrassed. She felt that he knew. Ben crossed the room and sat on the side of her bed, facing her. She didn't know what to say to him. She certainly didn't want to look at him.

Rey felt his gaze on her. She didn't expect him to suddenly pick her up and carry her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and tried to hide her face.

"There's no reason to be shy around me," he said softly, nuzzling his nose against her neck. His breath tickled her ear, and she shivered. They stopped in front of the room where he slept.

Rey's cheeks were burning. "Ben…" She still didn't know what to say. He opened the door, and Rey gasped as her eyes looked at the destroyed room. He walked across the room and sat at the end of the large bed, pulling Rey with him to sit on his lap.

He leaned his head against her shoulder, his arms tightly holding her. He sighed heavily.

Rey scanned the room again, and then looked back at Ben, worried. "What happened?" Rey bent her head down to his ear. "Ben?" she whispered.

He was still frustrated. She could feel it. "Don't you get it, Rey?" Ben said quietly, his head still resting against her shoulder. "This is the effect you have on me." He closed his eyes and placed a kiss on her shoulder, and then another.

Rey flushed. "I-I didn't mean-"

"I don't want your apology," he said in a low, rough voice. He opened his eyes and looked at her thoughtfully. "Never apologize about that." She felt her cheeks burn, and tried to turn her face away, but Ben gently tugged her chin to face him. She still kept her eyes down as he spoke to her. "I just want you to understand," he said quietly, taking her hand and placing it on his chest. She felt his heartbeat quicken. She looked up into his expressive eyes. He looked around the tattered room and then back at her. "Can you...accept the effect you have on me?" He asked her slowly.

Her heart fluttered softly. "Yes," she breathed.

"Then I can accept the effect I have on you," he said firmly, but soothingly.

As a man of few words, Ben seemed to know exactly what would make her feel better. She felt relieved that he didn't want her feeling shame. He didn't want her apologizing for her desire for him...and that was freeing to her.

Her small smile reached her eyes. She tilted her head forward to kiss Ben. It was a soft, slow kiss that made her melt and feel completely uninhibited before him. She spent a moment gently caressing and sucking on his lower lip.

She broke their kiss and looked around the disheveled room. "We're both tired and...I think you better sleep in my room to tonight...until this is cleaned up," she said confidently. For the first time, she was forward with him...and she wasn't embarrassed to admit it.

A corner of his mouth raised, and he considered her request. "All right," he said.

Rey got up from his lap and took his hand. She led him back to her room. She yawned as she climbed into the right side of the bed. She went under the sheets and laid on her side. Ben casually walked to the left side of the bed and spoke into his transmitter. He was telling Rhoda that their quarters needed reconstruction. She looked at his wrist. Does he always wear that?

"Yes," Ben responded. "Unfortunately." He rubbed his eyes a little and got into bed next to Rey.

She looked at his wrist. "You're not wearing that to bed," she said with a slight smirk.

He gave her an amused glance, but obligingly took it off and put it on the dresser. Rey smiled at him. "Goodnight," said Rey. She yawned, and then turned her back to him. Ben slid back into the bed and pulled Rey close to him, his chest against her back. She audibly sighed. She didn't mean for him to hear it, but she supposed it didn't matter. It seemed like Ben liked knowing her feelings toward him.

Rey felt naive about her observations. She wished that she could read Ben easier, but maybe in time she would learn how to… She felt him slide his right hand down to her hip. He was so close...so warm.

Kylo heard Rey's sigh when he pulled her in his arms. He indulged himself by running a free hand down her side to rest on her hip. So soft, he thought. She trembled under his touch...and he reveled in it. With his thumb, he traced her hip and kissed her shoulder slowly...but then stopped himself. "Goodnight, Rey," he whispered. She murmured to him in return. He was tempted to turn her around and kiss her lips again, but being in bed together made the idea a little too tempting. He was just invited to sleep with her. That was it...for now.

Kylo closed his eyes and let himself sleep peacefully. He had the premonition that tomorrow was going to be an agonizing day…

Rey slowly woke up a few hours later. She was in the habit of always waking up earlier than she should, but at least she felt rested and warm. She looked over to Ben next to her, sleeping on his back peacefully. Her eyes traveled over his form. She watched his chest rise up and down. Rey inched herself over to him to share his pillow. She couldn't resist giving him a kiss on the cheek. He stirred a little, but didn't get up. She moved a little closer to him and rested her head against his shoulder and sighed contently to herself.

Yes...she could wake up like this often.

Ben didn't seem to be pushing her into physical intimacy, which she appreciated. It's not that she didn't want to. She just wanted it to come naturally over time. She inwardly smacked her head. Rey felt frustrated with herself. She wished she knew when the right time would be. How does anyone know? Do people just...react? She thought to herself. Maybe she was overthinking it. What was she waiting for?

She closed her eyes, moving her head from Ben's shoulder to his chest. Rey felt relaxed and warm by the gentle thudding of his heart. Yes...that's what she wanted. Maybe she just needed him to say it...an assurance of a deeper connection...a dedication.

Rey didn't understand love...or at least she didn't feel like she did. Being alone for most of her life didn't give her much experience in that area. She was waiting for her parents to come back to Jakku to love her...until she realized that they were never coming back. She did consider Finn a close friend, and she did love him, but it certainly wasn't romantic love.

No...when it came to romantic love, she felt inexperienced...and she hated it.

Only once did she witness a wedding. It was a year after Crait. Two of the technical support staff in the Resistance were in love and asked Leia to marry them since they considered her the governing authority over them. Rey forgot the name of the planet Leia decided to marry them on, but it was very green. She remembered a pretty arch way that was set up. It was covered in yellow flowers. Chairs were set up for guests to watch the ceremony. The bride walked down the center aisle with her best friend, arm in arm. She was in a long, light peach lace dress. Her hair was up in a pretty bun. She was glowing as she stared at the man she was going to marry...and he smiled at her in return.

Rey meditated on that image for a moment. Would it annoy Ben if she wanted that? Well, she wouldn't want all of those people watching them...but it would be nice to have a meaningful ceremony to commemorate their bond.

Rey felt that a ceremony would seal their union. It would be official...without fear of abandonment. She groaned to herself. Of course...That is what she had been afraid of. But if she really thought about their history together, she was the one who consistently abandoned him. Maybe...she knew that once she gave herself to him physically...that she would feel even more attached to him than she already was...and that thought was terrifying.

Well, that's what the act did, right? It-It definitely wasn't love… She wasn't naive enough to think that it was...but it did promote a deeper attachment of some kind…? That the act itself was a wanting and accepting of another human being...and enjoying the pleasure of that bond? Rey felt her cheeks heat as she remembered her dream from a few hours ago and the pleasure she felt from Ben.

Yes...she wanted it all...and hopefully he did too.

Kylo woke up as soon as Rey laid her head on his chest. He could get used to this feeling of waking up next to someone who cared for him...and who he cared for in return…

It was a habit of his to read the thoughts of those around him. Rey was no different. Ever since he carried her off Takodana, she was the only one whose thoughts he enjoyed listening to. So he pretended to still be asleep as he listened to Rey's inner conflict. Well, he couldn't characterize it as a conflict. It was clear that she wanted to be with him...but she wanted assurance of his intentions.

If he wasn't trying to feign sleep, he would have rolled his eyes and sighed in frustration. After everything he had done for this woman...after everything he had suffered through...wasn't his intentions toward her obvious? If he just wanted her body, he could have taken it without going through all of this trouble.

But he was glad that Rey desired an official ceremony… He wasn't sure how much longer he could withstand her desire pulling at him before he finally gave in. He felt like banging his head against the wall. Why didn't he just take her last night? He could have insisted on a sealing their bond today to assure her… It would have been so much easier… Idiot, he thought to himself.

He had to calm down his self-directed anger before Rey caught on. He had to believe that his well-thought out decision would pay off… Otherwise, he was just suffering for no reason.

Kylo lazily wrapped his arms around Rey and kissed the top of her head. "Hey," he whispered to her. He felt Rey jump a little and then relax. She propped herself up to look at him, smiling. Her hair was disheveled and her tunic collar was barely covering her breasts. It would be so easy, he thought, and then shook those urges away. "How did you sleep?" He asked her, a corner of his mouth rising.

Her smile widened. "I slept well," she said quietly. "We need to leave, don't we?"

"Yes, we do," he said, leaning his head forward and resting it against her own. He breathed heavily. He would have to get some time away with her after cleaning up the mess on D'Qar. Maybe he could set up a suitable residence there in the meantime…

He kissed her softly and then reluctantly got up from the bed first. He put on his transmitter. This was going to be a long day...

After kissing her, Ben left to go get dressed in what she assumed would be his normal attire. She thought it was interesting. Even after becoming Supreme Leader, he didn't change his look that much. He had a more regal silver trim on his outer layer, but that was all. Then again, it wasn't like his everyday attire was cheap, Maker forbid.

Rhoda knocked on the door a few minutes later. Rey ushered her inside.

Rhoda bowed. "Good Morning, my lady. I hope you slept well." Rey couldn't help but blush a little as Rhoda's eyes lazily glanced at the bed, where two people obviously slept the night before. "Today is an important day. Let's see… What should you wear?" Rhoda muttered to herself as she opened various drawers. She shook her head, and then headed to the armoire. "You need a practical dress."

Rey looked uneasy. "If we're going to a poor mining village, I don't want to look-"

Rhoda nodded. "I understand, but they will expect the Supreme Leader's consort to look better than they do," she said firmly, but politely. She gave Rey a small smile. "I think I have something that will suit you well for today." Rhoda pulled out a long aquamarine dress with silver and white beads that lined the sleeves and bodice. The sleeves were off the shoulders, but Rey decided that the neckline wasn't too low where it would be inappropriate. She wasn't used to exposing her neckline. Rhoda lifted the dress so Rey could see underneath it. Rey grinned. There were thin white pants stitched inside the dress. "Do you need help changing into the dress?" Rhoda asked politely. "I wouldn't normally ask, but you seem to be more independent than the ladies I've served in the past," she said, trying to find the right words.

Rey smiled. "No, but thank you, Rhoda, for all of your help," she said.

Rhoda laid out silver and white beaded flats to accompany the dress. "It is my pleasure. However, when you need to attend a more formal occasion, I will insist on fixing your hair."

Rey almost laughed. "It's a deal."

When Rhoda left, Rey dressed herself and put a small amount of makeup enhancement that Rhoda gave her. She left her hair down. On her dresser, Rey found the hair ties she asked for...and Luke's broken lightsaber. She almost forgot. It was in her old clothes. Rhoda must have washed them-or trashed them-and found the two broken halves. She never repaired it. I'll have to bring it up another time, she thought, and then rolled her eyes. I'm sure he's going to want it back.

"Want what back?" She heard Ben's amused voice behind her. He was already dressed and leaning against the opening of her space. His eyes immediately darted to the dresser. "You left it broken?" He asked, and then walked toward the dresser to inspect the two pieces. Ben picked them up.

"I couldn't bring myself to fix it before," she said, staring at the broken lightsaber contemplatively. "...but I would like to fix it now. I have an idea-"

Ben turned the pieces in his hands as he spoke. "But you can use some guidance. You could injure yourself fixing it."

Rey became indignant. "I will not injure myself. I'm very careful," she said, a tinge of annoyance in her voice.

One corner of Ben's mouth raised slightly as he glanced from the lightsaber to her, and then down her form, admiring her dress. "I know you're careful," he said simply, shrugging off her combative tone.

Rey flushed a little as Ben studied her. Somehow her irritation temporarily subsided. She tried to ignore how handsome he looked today. He looked rested...and more at ease. "We should probably get going," Rey said, unsure of what to say. It's not that she didn't want him admiring her, but it was a new feeling. She liked it...a little too much at times...but sometimes Ben's gaze overwhelmed her. Others have looked at her before, but it was the fact that Ben was staring at her. He made the experience to be something to look forward to...something to anticipate and enjoy.

He put the lightsaber back on the dresser and stepped forward until his head hovered over hers. Ben leaned down and kissed her. His lips were so soft...so warm. Amongst their heated moments, Ben had an underlining tenderness in the way he kissed her. His arms wrapped around her and tugged her close as his lips caressed and nipped at her bottom lip. She kissed him back and felt completely lost in him. Her hands clutched his firm back. Everything about him made her feel. She trembled as his hands slid down her waist and rested at her hips.

He broke their kiss and felt the beading on her sleeve with his thumb and forefinger. "You look very pretty, Rey," he said quietly.

Rey hoped that he didn't notice the light blush that spread over her cheeks. She hoped that the makeup concealed it. "Thank you," she whispered.

He took her chin and gave her one last kiss before they left for the Ileenium system.

It was a long journey to D'Qar, but Rey helped him pass the time. Rhoda was mercilessly typing on her datapad behind them.

It pleased him that Rey immediately took the co-pilot seat. Truth be told, he had this new ship crafted specifically for her. She seemed to like it… Kylo glanced at her every once in a while. He wouldn't admit it to her yet, but her piloting skills were fascinating. How did someone with no formal training become proficient? He marveled at the thought.

The landing was smooth. He felt relief pulse through the bond. This trip was long for Rey too, he thought.

Kylo took her hand as he led her off their ship. Rey gave him a small smile and took his arm. She looked so beautiful… He shook his head.

Back to work.

Rhoda finished typing on her datapad, and then addressed him. "I will return when preparations are ready, my lord," Rhoda said as she bowed, and then turned to Rey. "My lady, is there anything specific you would like in your new accommodations?"

Rey shook her head. "I can't think of anything, but thank you."

Rhoda smiled and bowed. "Please contact me if you need anything." A large speeder with a glass-covered roof was waiting for her. Kylo glanced at Rey, who stared at the vehicle in admiration.

"That's ours, you know," he said. "Do you like it?"

Rey nodded enthusiastically. "I've never seen one like it." She squeezed his arm. "I'd like to see the construction of it up close."

Kylo tilted his head to the side as he looked at her. Yes...she was fascinating.

As they walked toward the facility, Kylo decided that D'Qar was not his favorite planet. He scrunched his nose at his surroundings and sighed. Another jungle, he thought. They appeared to be at an old Empire base that was corroding. Stormtroopers and various officers scattered around the massive, seemingly abandoned base. The technicians were hard at work in the background.

They all turned their heads to look at him and Rey. One officer in particular appeared to be startled. He approached them, nonetheless. "Supreme Leader," he said in reverence, bowing. He quickly looked at Rey and bowed again. "And my lady, so good to see you." The officer was about to introduce himself. "I am-"

"We're taking a tour of the facility," Kylo said impatiently, guiding Rey forward.

"O-Of course. Let me be your guide," the officer said. He walked them out to the back of the base and opened a large set of doors. They stepped outside to see rows and rows of workers. They all seemed to be working on various parts of machinery.

Kylo felt an onslaught of misery through the bond. He looked at Rey. His eyes traveled to where she was looking. In the far right corner of the expansive space was a section of young children cutting and cleaning various types of materials, mostly metals. They were covered with dirt and rashes covered their arms. It's probably from the cleaners they're using, he thought. Kylo's eyebrows scrunched together. As he scanned the crowd, he noticed a metallic blinking transmitter on each worker's right ankle, the children included.

"As you can see," said the officer proudly. "This facility is an impressive example of First Order efficiency."

"Are they all criminals?" Kylo asked. He glanced over at Rey, who was visibly upset, with wide, unblinking eyes. Don't be alarmed. We'll take care of this, he said to her through the bond, trying to reassure her. She was specifically looking at one little girl who was scrubbing a gear.

The officer titled his head to the side. "These are debtors, Supreme Leader." The officer thought about it. "I suppose we do consider them to be criminals. That is a better term to classify them under."

"How do we calculate when their debts are paid off?" Kylo asked.

The officer looked at Kylo again, confused by the question. "They won't be released. Many of them have enormous debts they couldn't possibly pay off."

Rey spoke up this time, unable to contain her disgust. "Are you telling me that these people can never leave? There are children here."

The officer turned a little red from frustration, especially since some of the workers turned to look at Rey. "My lady, many of the workers here were children when they arrived," he said calmly, trying to reason with the very angry woman in front of him.

Rey's mouth gaped open in shock. She shut it tight quickly, and then looked at Kylo, who also had a sullen, but contemplative look on his face.

Kylo was processing the information. "How could children owe so much debt to the First Order?"

The officer took a step back. "I-"

Kylo shook his head. "Nevermind," he said lowly. "I don't need your explanation." At that point, all of the workers were watching the Supreme Leader. With a wave of his hand, every transmitter broke apart from each worker's ankle, one by one. He addressed the crowd. "This facility has been hidden from my attention. We…" He indicated to Rey next to him. "...will personally look over your files and re-assign you to another region of the First Order where you can make choices of your own." The workers looked down at their ankles, looked at each other, and then looked at the couple in front of them. Some were in awe. Some were afraid. All were silent.

He glanced at Rey, who gave him a small smile. As strong sense of pride pushed its way through the bond to Kylo. He wasn't sure if Rey was aware of it. See, he said through the bond. I waved...and only some are terrified. Still grinning, Rey glanced at him in return, acknowledging the joke.

The officer looked at Kylo, completely shocked. "Supreme Leader-"

Kylo turned his attention from Rey to the officer. "I assume most of them will want to leave this…" He looked around disgustedly. "...terrible planet. We will re-assign them to another facility. The First Order will automatically deduct a percentage of their pay every month. They may continue working here, if they choose."

The officer looked at Kylo pointedly. "My lord, what if we have no workers here?"

Kylo shook his head, still looking around. "We will pay workers a higher wage if they decide to work here. We can recruit others," he said more to himself than the officer. He didn't need to explain himself to this imbecile. He looked at Rey. "It's time to leave." She nodded at him, and she took his arm. He turned to the officer. "I will send instructions of what I want done," Kylo said sternly, and then left the base with Rey.

As they walked, Rey looked at him, slightly confused. "Why didn't you just free them of their debts? Their debts are probably from their parents. Why do they have to pay them off?" She let out a breath of frustration.

Kylo sighed. "It's the law," he said. "Once we change the laws, we can clear them from their parents' debts, but for now, my main objective was to end their captivity."

"Since they still have to work for the First Order, they will still be in captivity," she said, shooting him an aggravated glance.

He stopped walking, shook his head, and looked at her seriously. "They will be able to choose where they live and where they work. They will have normal hours. They will have their own credits. They will be able to have a family, if they wish. That is enough for now." He understood Rey's point, but she needed to be patient. "Like I told you before, we can't have everything we want. We need to choose."

Rey sighed and squeezed his arm. "You could have just declared the law to be changed," she said. "It's that simple."

He pinched the bridge of his nose. What a day… He didn't want to be angry with her. "You know it's not that simple," he said quietly. "This needs to happen over time."

She nodded, and then continued walking. "This conversation isn't over," she said stubbornly.

"No, I don't imagine it is..." A corner of his mouth raised, and he sent her an affectionate pulse through the bond. "...especially since I'm giving you their files."

A/N: Thank you for reading!