AN:

Being back under Jakku's harsh sun was not something Rey had anticipated for herself since leaving the harsh planet. Yet, here she was. She made sure to land her small freighter beyond where even the most desperate of scavengers dared to tread. Beyond where even she had feared to go even with her speeder. Carefully she covered the ship as best she could with tarps and a healthy amount of sand.

Taking only the essentials in her small pack and wrapped in linen with goggles to protect her eyes she began the long trek to the outpost. Using her staff to help her during her walk. With only her thoughts Rey tried to stay positive. She clung to the hope that had been a part of her for so long. Being back under Jakku's unrelenting sun again was more disturbing than the young woman would care to admit. She needed a distraction, but the seemingly never-ending dessert landscape offered nothing to pull her from those thoughts.

Instead, she thought back to her last discussion with the ever-mercurial Kylo Ren. It had been odd, to say the least, as she raged and he remained so silent. From Finn, she had heard stories of his rage and random acts of destruction. She knew how ferocious he could be, first hand. Yes, anger seemed to be a constant companion for him. And yet, he tried to understand her. He was the one to bridge the gap that had grown between them since Crait. She wondered if even now they would still be ignoring one another if he had not spoken first. "Probably" she scoffed acknowledging that both of them were outrageously stubborn.

The more they spoke the more she noted how much they just worked, and it terrified her some days. When she saw him she should feel dread, anger, or even fear instead she would feel excited, happy and strangely calm. Of course, there was conflict, between what she did feel and what she should feel. How could she ever hope to explain to any of her friends? How could she ever explain that it was alright for her to speak with him let alone anything else? She wasn't even sure how to explain to herself how she felt in his arms. All at once her heart would race and calm like she wanted to be nowhere else but had no clue what to do there. A part of her knew that she affected him, as his breathing would change - subtly but it would change. To distract herself as she walked she tried to label this feeling she had in his arms 'Home' the thought sparked in her mind stoking the flames that had started to burn inside her. He shouldn't be, but he was Home to her. A tenuous home, easily capable of collapsing in on itself but a home.

Stopping to rehydrate herself Rey looked around at the miles and miles of sand surrounding her. At one time this place could have been called her home, but that wasn't true. Jakku was a place she had lived for many years. Amid the sand, the carcasses of a battle that ended long ago, and of course the other scavengers. That had been her life for so long. A nervous energy ran through her as she thought about being on this planet. Could she leave? Would someone take her ship and leave her stranded here again? At this first signs of her panic, Rey shut her eyes tensing each muscle in her body only to slowly release and repeat the process until the panic began to subside. 'All I have to do is ask and someone will come for me.' She assured herself that Rose, Finn or Poe would come along with most of the Resistance.

And Ben, he would find her. He wouldn't hesitate and would use everything he could to get her off this forsaken planet. As a child, she had told herself that someone would come, back then it all had been a lie but now she knew it was true. Even if she was back on this planet she could never be alone. Not anymore.

Rey put away her canteen and continued her journey. Finally, she climbed up a dune and could see the outpost waiting for her. Still as destitute and treacherous as ever. As a young girl, it was only her hunger that pushed her to brave the outpost, now as a woman it was her mission which drove her forward. Rey would change it all, with her own skills, the Resistance, and even the Supreme Leader to help her she would change everything.


"That'll be all Ambassador you are dismissed." The Supreme Leader's cold voice announced before disconnecting as the holo faded into a quick blue line before disappearing altogether. He stood as he had been throughout the meeting pondering its results. Rey had been right his ambassadors had seen flaws in his plans, and after discussing it with them and making some minor changes they had a better plan and they were moving forward. Although he knew she had been right, if they failed him again they wouldn't live to see the next day cycle.

Turning he looked around his office, it was militaristic in its simplicity with only what was strictly needed to do his work. There had been talks of creating another throne room, but he had decided against it. He wasn't going to be Snoke, it would have been easy to become the type of Leader his old master was. Consciously he had decided that he wouldn't, he was going to be a Supreme Leader that actually got things done. With Rey's advice that was proving to be true - of course, he wouldn't tell her that.

Kylo had intended to return back to his screens and reports but he paused as he spotted Rey, she seemed to be talking to someone. Wisely he decided to remain silent and observe her from afar. The sounds around him muddled as he focused only on her and her voice.

"I have no delusions that any of this will be easy. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't try." She had spoken in a voice that held steel in it, a resolve that kept her back straight as she spoke "Tell the others, we can do this but we'll need the numbers. I'll meet with you to finish the plans. Get things ready." Kylo watched as she seemed to pat someone unseen on the back and seemed to be shaking hands imparting motivational statements as she bid these unseen people goodbye.

Of course, he couldn't see the others in her meeting but it was clear that she was leading. While pride swelled in him as he watched her show off that steel she had in herself. Meanwhile memories of another brave woman providing motivation as she bid her allies goodbye. The past tugged at his mind, Kylo resisted and forced his focus to count the freckles on Rey's face or the mended tears in her clothing.

Only when she saw that the last of the scavengers had left did she close and seal her dwelling for the night. She was glad that it had remained where it was. Sure some things were gone, taken after she left but here it was. When she was content that her shelter was secure she finally turned to look at her quiet companion. "You're quiet." She said as she took in his appearance, all stiff back exuding control and power.

Kylo nodded at her observation, taking measured steps to stand in front of her only an arm's length away. "You like that I'm quiet," he responded with his own observation.

Flustered Rey gave a non-committal shrug. "I guess" she muttered as she began "It's just weird." turning from him to settle her small cot for the night "Not many want to listen to the opinions of a scavenger or a Jedi." Her voice small as she prepared her area.

"You're no Jedi" He scoffed "A powerful Force user but no Jedi." Shaking his head slightly he pondered where she would fit between the two, that position seemed to change daily. 'Somewhere in between' he resolved for himself.

She let a glare at his scoffing. Of course, she knew that she was no Jedi - but she still didn't like it when he pointed it out. Taking a breath she focused on her bedding instead. Thinking of their connections with the Force pulled on the curiosity that was ever present in her life. Sitting down on her bedding and pulling her dark blanket from its place to surround her "When was the first time you used the Force?" she asked.

Her blunt question jarred him slightly from his trance, it was still a shock to see that she not only kept his cloak but continued to use it. Her question brought up memories he'd rather forget. With a sneer, he narrowed his eyes "Speak to your General if you want to ask about her family."

Unfazed from his hostility Rey only shrugged "But I don't want to." she began "I'm asking you." Her voice soft as she was open with her curiosity watching him soften and that sneer to fade from his handsome face. "If you don't want me to know...I can understand that." She shrugged before curling in on herself just a fraction, preparing herself for his rejection.

He had expected her to demand an answer to her curiosity, and yet again she surprised him. She was only curious and she wanted to hear it from him. While he wouldn't tell her he was rather familiar with others not caring to listen to his opinions just because of some title on his head. He let loose a sigh and moved closer to her, pulling a chair to sit with her. Staring across from her he spoke in a quiet voice "I think it's been my whole life." he began "but the first time I can remember is as a child." he shook his head slightly "I can't remember how old, but He was leaving." Pulling his hands together he gripped them strongly and dropped his gaze to those clenched fists trying to find the strength to keep talking.

Silently she moved a hand out from her cocoon and gently placed it atop his fists, "Keep going." she urged marveling that he would open up to her, urging him to continue.

His eyes stayed on their hands and at her urging, he continued "I demanded he stay. And when that didn't work I lost myself in a rage." Slowly his hands unfurled and his glove covered thumb brushed across the top of her hand. "According to the droids I destroyed the room. My caretaker had fled, fearing for her own safety." For a moment he swore he could hear her screams and the crumbling of the very structure of the building. For the second time, he felt the past tugging at his mind demanding his focus. Instead of losing himself in the memory he decided to focus on the back of her hand, committing the small hand to memory.

"That sounds awful for you," she whispered and when he finally met her gaze she had to hold herself back from reaching out to hold him, wanting to shield him from the memory.

It was easy to hear the compassion she had for him in her voice, but still, he had to check if it was true. Looking into her expressive eyes he could see it was there, she had compassion for him. Just as he did for her. As many times before, he found himself wanting to pull her closer to surround himself in her presence as if that would make everything okay. He needed to think about something else, and his own curiosity was a good distraction. "What about you?" His voice a whisper leaning forward slightly.

A stray black lock of hair caressed the side of his face, and for a moment she fantasized that she would casually reach out and push it back behind his ear. She found herself wondering if his hair was as soft as it looked, and how it would feel gliding between her fingers. He held such pain in his eyes and there was a primal need to take it away from him, to comfort him. His question pulled her attention back to their conversation, although she was happy that he leaned closer to her. "I didn't use to think it was the Force, I thought I just got lucky." A half smile accompanied her whispered words. "But I guess it was the Force. I don't know how old I was either." She shrugged and her eyes dropped to their joined hands.

"Go on" Kylo whispered gently holding onto her hand as his thumb absently swept back and forth across her knuckles as he watched her face intently.

A sigh escaped her as she thought about the incident. "I found this downed ship a lot of the parts were still pretty good." his gentle swiping helped to keep her grounded as she focused on the gentle pull of his glove covered hands. "They wanted to steal my haul. I couldn't let them." She whispered "There was five of them and all older. But I hadn't eaten for days. I needed that haul." For a moment she could smell the rusted metal and the desert wind that had surrounded her that day. "I guess the Force helped me win that day."

He could almost see the fight she must have found herself in, fighting for her very life. His anger reared its head but he held it in check, not wanting to frighten her. "Tell me who they are, I'll make sure they don't do that to anyone else." His whisper hoarse, hoping she would let him exact vengeance.

She shook her head, soft wisps of brown hair floating as she kept her gaze on their hands. "No." She said with conviction before continuing in their hushed tones. "Two of them were here tonight, they are going to help me change this place." Her other hand joined its twin to hold onto his fingers gently. "They were desperate, hungry too. That's what this place does to people." her voice cracked under the pain this planet held for so many. "Desperate people do awful things to each other, and even worse things to survive." Wincing as she remembered other girls, just like her that weren't so lucky. Her hands clenched onto his for a moment as a memory of a man holding her down by her throat forced its way into her mind.

He wanted to demand she distance herself from her old attackers and let him kill them all. But he remained silent listening and watching. Seeing her wince and clench his hands he bent his head trying to catch her eye. A tremor of terror could be felt in their bond, but from what? "Rey...what-"

"Let's just say it's not good to be pretty on Jakku." She interrupted "I was luckier than most. I never-" she paused trying to calm her racing heart. That man wasn't here, she had gotten away. But that night she made sure to hide any idea that she could ever be considered pretty or even a girl again. "They never got me." Her voice was hushed as she asserted this before snapping her eyes to his dark eyes.

While his eyes had stayed locked on her he could almost see the beast who held her down. He could feel his rage rise up in him like hot flames. His hands tightened on her own for a moment, while of course, he wanted to tear apart the vile creature he found himself wishing he could hold her close and shield her from the pains of the universe. Be it in the past present or future. That rage, having nowhere to go, turned in on himself as he could not protect her. He had failed again. 'Weak Ben...too weak' that sinister whisper came and touched his mind once more. Trying to push the thought from his mind he focused on the soft brown of her eyes, and how they seemed to be unsure. Trying to school his features to smooth any lines his rage caused he spoke in an attempt at a soft tone - trying to hide his anger from her. "It must be hard for you to talk about it." He offered to try to push everything aside and focus on her.

Rey had watched as he waged with his anger. It was surprising that he was trying to hold it back, while he hadn't been very angry with her in their talks she knew he was a person that ran into his anger head first and impulsive. It was strange to see him try to rein it all in. The deep baritone of his voice and his hands on her own helped to focus on where she actually was. A soft shake of her head "No, I mean it is hard to remember sometimes." She admitted before looking back to their hands. "I'm sorry." She whispered as her shoulders slumped hunching in on herself. "I've learned it's not easy for people to hear. Finn was all out of sorts when he learned about it." While she knew Finn had reacted out of affection for her, it was still a bit shocking to have him fly off the handle. And stifling to have him treat her like a damaged thing, babying her every step for at least a week. She valued her talks with Ben and dreaded that the same would happen.

Kylo was shocked as she apologized. That shock turned into a mild panic as she curled into herself and for a moment he irrationally thought he was losing her. That if he didn't pull her back he'd lose her forever. That was something he could never abide "Rey." He said demanding her attention, and while she kept her focus on their hands he waited till it seemed that she was listening. "You have nothing to be sorry about." He started even as he felt shame creep down his back at his reaction. Focusing on the different types of brown in her hair he continued "It was a part of your life. You did nothing wrong then or in telling me now. I wish...I could have been there to stop it. Only because you should have never had to deal with that." As her shoulders drew back he took that as a good sign and kept going "But you did...you survived. Just as you've survived so many other things." His voice stayed in a soft tone, quiet but clear "You're remarkable."

The young woman raised her head at his compliment, that was not the reaction she had expected. "Ben..." She trailed off as she looked at him, gently she squeezed his hands while taking in a steadying breath. "Thank you." She whispered, while her eyes danced around his face trying to imprint it in her mind. Thankful that he saw in her what she saw in herself - a survivor, a victor. Not a victim that was some damaged thing he had to care for.

The dark man shook his head "No Rey, thank you." He whispered, matching her tone. "I'm..." He thought, searching for the right words as he pinched his lips for a moment "I'm honored that you trust me." He sat still, not entirely comfortable being so vulnerable, so weak with her.

A quick flash of a half smile came to her face as she shook her head, eyes going back to their joined hands. "Oh, Ben...I trust you much more than I should." She whispered her admission, noticing the small white scars on her hands and just how soft his own hands were.

The silence hung over them like a warm woolen blanket, comfortable and yet itchy at the same time. Both unsure how to handle their vulnerability with the other. Slowly Kylo's head bowed to look at their hands as well, marveling how small and dainty her hands were compared to his larger ones. Casually her turned one of her hands over the run his thumb across her palm and the soft callouses she had. "Beautiful." he all but breathed, not entirely aware he had spoken.

Rey watched his hand move her own and noticed that same heat behind her ears, she hoped it would stay there and no travel as it had before. It was when her heart began to race, wishing he would pull her into his arms, that she gently pulled her hands back to herself. She busied her hands by getting more comfortable in her cot even as they itched to touch his soft large hands again. As she laid down she turned to look at him, fascinated by his dark hair. She sighed and looked back to the cot. "Being back here, it's harder than I expected." Her eyes looked to him wondering if she should make her request, or if the embarrassment would be too much for the desert girl.

He found himself wanting to grab her hands again as she retreated, but he let her slip out of his hands like water. Although now he didn't feel like she would be lost to him, thankfully. Clasping his hands he sat up straight while he watched her appear to get ready for bed. Kylo noticed an unasked question hanging in her eyes he sighed "What do you want me to do?" He asked hoping he wouldn't have to wait long for her request.

"Just talk" she rushed out in a breathy voice, not wanting to lose her courage in making her request.

A curious frown came over his features, showing his bewilderment at her request. "Talk about what?"

Rey looked at her dark blanket that was once his cape, worrying the edge as she spoke. "Anything I don't care" That heat came back behind her ears and she was sure that it was traveling across her face. "I like it."

His breathing halted for a moment at her soft words, she liked his voice. Why did that affect him so much? He saw the touches of red on her face and wondered if the heat he felt on his neck showed the same red. Clearing his throat he nodded deciding to tell her a tale "There was once a planet that valued culture and education above all else. Together the people there created many beautiful things. The people on this planet valued helping others, and during the Clone Wars they wanted to help refugees." He began "A senator came to the conference to help them achieve that goal. But a Bounty hunter tried to assassinate the beautiful senator. What the bounty hunter didn't know was that a padawan was present as well, and she thwarted the attempt and beat him. And the planet was able to complete their conference and help war refugees." He finished in a soft voice, trying not to focus on the woman who told him the story or how she had told it better.

Rey smiled "That planet sounds wonderful...a wonderful fantasy." She said watching him, trying to keep this story and his voice present in her mind as she calmed into sleep's grasp.

Kylo watched as her eyes began to drift close and her breathing slowed to a more comfortable pace. "Goodnight Rey."

"Night Ben." was her breathy barely conscious response.