Rey was left behind, staring at the door of her cell.
Her mind was reeling with the events that had just taken place.
Thank the Maker Ben had shown up when he had!
She didn't even want to contemplate what would have happened if he hadn't…
She had been in that place before. On Jakku. Too much scum gathered in that Hellhole.
But that had been different.
That had been pure survival. She had always been armed with her staff.
She had been able to build quite the reputation among the other scavengers.
No one was stupid enough to attack her after a while.
But this…
She had been in restraints, in a cell that was built to contain screams. No one would have come to her rescue, and nobody cared anyway.
Chills ran up and down her spine as the image of Hux licking his lips reentered her mind. As the memory of his finger trailing her arm ghosted across her skin.
She squeezed her eyes shut.
The moment she did, Ben's words slammed into her again.
"Did it ever occur to you, Rey, that I never asked you to turn to the Dark? Just to join me." To choose me. Just me. "You could have changed things from the inside out, you know…"
How could she have been so stupid? To not have considered that?
That all he had wanted was for her to choose him over all else, as he had just done for her?
But when he had asked her to join him in that Throne Room, she had not been able to see beyond the moment.
She had been too engrossed in the idea of saving him. Of turning him. Thinking it was the only way they could win.
Of thinking that because he had chosen her over Snoke, all would be well.
He would come back to the Light and that would be the end of it.
Never once did she think of him. Not even until now, had she given it any thought. Of how he must have felt, having killed his master, of relinquishing everything that had been familiar up to that point.
Of what he must have gone through at the hands of that awful creature. Of how he had been manipulated and abused for years, never having a way or reason for escaping the chains he was bound by. Never thinking of his possible fears or insecurities. Of his pain.
She had been overzealous. She had been trying to push him forward way too fast, because he had gone to that length for her. Crossed that line.
She had been wrong.
Wrong to want to push him. Wrong to push him away when he reached out. Wrong to run from him, accusing him of things that she was to blame for.
She had known it instinctively at the time. Had been so incredibly tempted. Knew his sincerity. Felt it.
Things might have turned out so differently if she had just taken his hand.
Leia might still be alive…
It was a mistake she hadn't realized before now. One she would forever regret.
But she had been blinded by the idea of the Light and Dark Sides, of wrong and right. All she had been able to see was the glove on his hand. The symbol for his alter ego. And all she had wanted, was Ben's hand reaching out.
It had taken Leia's death and their defeat and basically her losing everything that mattered to her to understand. By turning away, she had failed. Both him and herself.
Silent, bitter tears ran down her cheeks.
It was too late now.
It was over.

Ben returned to his quarters.
By the time he actually reached his room, he was furious.
For a whole list of reasons.
He should have killed Hux on the spot for raising his hand to Rey. Or even attempting to.
He wanted to.
Kriff! How I want to kill him. He thought.
But he wasn't a fool.
He needed Hux. Needed his tactical mind. Needed his devotion to the cause.
For now…
But as soon as the changes he wanted to make were implemented, he would get rid of the lousy little chit.
Good riddance…
Once more his mind trailed to the scene he had stumbled upon.
He shoved a hand through his hair, disheveling it even more.
"I need a haircut." He mumbled to himself.
Rey…
The memory of her panic overflowing their Bond still sent ice down his nerve endings.
He got angry all over again, with both Hux and himself.
How did that bloody girl get under his skin so badly? Why were they bound by the Force? Why did she move him, make him say and feel things he didn't want to?
He shouldn't have admitted that last bit to her.
Should have kept his mouth shut and his thoughts to himself.
But the words had just poured out.
What had he thought to achieve with that?
Why did it matter so much? Why did she matter so much?
He was starting to come to grips with the reason, even if he didn't want to actually say the words.
He didn't even want to think them, but he knew what it was.
Compelled by something so strong he couldn't fight it if he wanted to, he stalked out of his room again, only to walk up to the room next to his.
He dismissed the guards who stood outside the door, keeping watch.
He took a deep breath and was glad for his gloves. His hands were sweating and he had trouble keeping himself from shaking.
After a moment's hesitation, he opened the door and walked inside.
He closed the door, locking it with a movement of his fingers and turned to face her.
His mother.
Mom.
Her lifeless form was laid down on a bed in the center of the room, as he had requested earlier that day, when he had quickly communicated some of his basic wishes to one of the officers working on the funeral plan.
More wishes, and more elaborate expectations would soon follow. But he had already demanded this much.
That she be put on a comfortable and colorful bed, instead of a metal slab.
That her body be cleaned and prepared with the utmost care.
That her facial expression be schooled in a small soft smile.
That she be dressed in a beautiful and colorful gown, preferably a deep royal blue.
That her hair be done according to ancient Alderanian custom, and keeping the mourning braid a focal point.
He quickly motioned his hand, disturbing the security cameras for the duration of his visit.
He took a few steps further inside the room, drawing closer.
And felt his turmoil still. Much like he had in the Command Shuttle.
My eye in the storm. My peace.
They had complied with all of his wishes so far.
She looked absolutely beautiful.
Peaceful.
Lovely.
She looked as sweet and gentle as the woman he remembered in his dreams. In his memories.
His hand moved to touch her without thinking.
He caressed her hair and her cheek briefly, only to rest his hand on top of hers. It was cold.
He took another deep breath and pulled up a chair.
As he sat down, a huge sigh escaped him.
What a mess I've gotten myself in huh…
He smiled sadly at his own thoughts.
Oh Mom… What in the Galaxy happened? He sighed again.
How did things get so screwed up? I used to be so focused! So sure of everything.
He shook his head as he continued this discussion with her in his mind.
I can blame Snoke for manipulating me. I can blame you and Han for sending me off to Luke.
I can blame Luke.
A snorty chuckle escaped him.
Actually, I do blame Luke… He did try to kill me in my sleep, after all…
He smiled grimly, realizing that it lacked the fervor the thought had held before. He frowned at the implication.
I can even blame Rey, I guess, if I wanted to… he continued, the voice in his head went on softer.
For walking away, for leaving me when I needed her most. For pushing me away.
But I can't.
His brow furrowed even more.
The thing is… You were right, Mom. The pull to the Light is only getting stronger. I feel like I'm being torn apart. Everything I had started to accept as my path got turned upside down. Now…
He turned away, glancing down at his boots and closing his eyes as a wave of pain and sorrow crashed into him.
Now, I don't know anything anymore. What seemed right before, now feels wrong somehow.
When I realized she was the girl from my visions, I thought things would work out for the best.
That's why I turned on my Master for her. I was sure she would stand with me. Choose me, as I chose her…
To his dismay, a choked sob escaped his lips as tears ran down his cheeks.
What is happening? He thought angrily.
I want to be free of this doubt, of this pain!
Instantly his thoughts were pulled back towards those last moments with Han. He blocked them with every ounce of determination he possessed.
Mom… if a part of you is still out there… Help me. Tell me what to do. His thoughts were whispered fervently.
Please…
Suddenly he realized how desperate he seemed. How mellow. How soft…
You have too much of your father's heart in you, young Solo…
His master's words rung in his ears, shrill like a banshee's shriek.
He inhaled deeply and steeled himself against his own emotions.
Dead men tell no tales.
The old proverb coming to mind. His lip curled in distaste.
He looked at her again. And he could feel the wall he tried to build around his heart crack again.
He scowled, realizing that his weakness could be found in stubborn, headstrong and defiant women.
Guess Snoke was right after all. He took after Han more than he thought…
He turned on his heel and unlocked the door with a twitch of his fingers. Another hand gesture and the security cams would function normal again.
He left the room, motioning for the Troopers nearby to stand guard again.
He walked into his own private quarters, moving towards the large windows and staring into blank space.
Frustrated beyond words, he felt the need to lash out.
Gritting his teeth, he tried to swallow that feeling.
He needed to think.
He needed to refocus.
He needed to come up with a plan.
He needed to…
I need Rey…
If only he could make her see that she didn't need to change! That he didn't want her to change!
They just needed to find some sort of consensus… A middle ground, so to speak…
An idea hit him out of the blue. So sudden, that he could barely wrap his head around it.
So brilliant, he wondered why he hadn't thought of it before.
Rey wouldn't like it. But she'd go along with it. Eventually. He was absolutely certain of that.
A trade!
He would bargain her time, for time with her friends!
A great big smile spread across his face.
Somewhere, in a very small, deep and dark little part of himself, he liked the idea that Leia had come up with that crazy plan and put it in his head…
He let out a small bark of laughter.
He walked up to the communication unit near his door and contacted the VIP ward.
"Yes, Supreme Leader?" a distorted voice sounded over the intercom.
"Bring the girl Rey up to my quarters."
"Yes, Supreme Leader. Right away."
He walked away from the intercom to stand near the windows again.
Staring out at the inky darkness, dotted with a million stars shimmering bright, he realized he was still smiling.
After what seemed like only a few moments, but must have taken at least ten standard minutes, a knock resounded on his door.
He turned and opened the door with the movement of his hand, using the Force.
The first thing he saw was Rey.
AS his eyes locked with hers, her surprise was evident.
"The girl Rey, as you requested Supreme Leader." One of six Storm Troopers said.
Her chin lifted in defiance, and her eyes finally had a little of her usual sparkle to them.
He felt a familiar stirring in his belly. Excitement coursed through him, despite his best attempts to ignore it. Heat slowly spread through his veins. His eyes never left hers.
"Let her come in. Then take your leave. I will call you when she is ready to return to her cell."
"Yes, Supreme Leader." The Trooper said and did as instructed.
She stood halfway across his room, restrained and quiet. Watching him with suspicion.
He motioned his hand with a nonchalant gesture and her restraints fell away.
"You won't be needing those." He said quietly.
He turned to the windows again, once more staring out at the universe before him.
He felt her wariness creep into his soul, through their Bond.
She wasn't afraid.
But her hesitation was very much apparent.
After a few moments of silence, she finally decided to break it.
"Why am I here?" she asked curtly.
Her voice rung strangely hollow in his room, bouncing off the dark walls.
She looked around, satisfying her own curiosity.
Everything is dark here…
He could hear her thoughts as if she had spoken them out loud.
He chuckled.
"Like my soul, some would say." He said without a trace of humor in his voice.
It earned him a sharp look from her.
She said nothing however.
He narrowed his eyes and studied her.
She had lost weight.
Her eyes were bloodshot and puffy, evidence of her tears clearly portrayed. Dark smudges beneath them, indicating her obvious lack of sleep.
The bright orange uniform with its black stripes down the sides made her sunkissed skin look pale and ashen.
She looked dreadful.
And still…
"You haven't been eating." He started.
"That's beside the point." She countered.
"And you are obviously not sleeping well." He continued in the same brisk tone.
Her lips tightened in annoyance. He watched her work her jaw, the muscles in those pretty cheeks working as she fought for restraint.
"Why am I here?" she asked again, sounding more persistent than before.
He regarded her carefully for a moment, shielding his thoughts and intentions as closely as he could manage.
Rey on the other hand, didn't even bother to try. Which made him smile mentally.
"I have a proposition for you." He stated coolly.
Her eyebrow raised slightly.
Again? She thought.
He narrowed his eyes as that thought seeped its way into his mind.
"A bargain, if you will." He spoke as he started towards her.
His steps were slow and measured.
With every step he took, he felt their Bond tremble harder, felt his excitement grow. The possibilities of this bargain made his mouth as dry as the Jakku desert.
He stopped not three feet away from her, forcing her to tilt her head up if she wanted to meet his gaze.
"And what would that be?" She asked, her voice dripping with sass.
The smallest of smiles played with the corners of his luscious mouth without even being aware of it.
"Time." He said softly.
She frowned at the word.
"I beg your pardon?" she said, scrunching her face into a semblance of confusion.
"Time." He repeated a little firmer. "I wish to bargain time with you." He said with a great deal of authority.
"I don't understand." Rey answered.
"It's quite simple." He started.
"I will trade time with me for time with your so-called friends." He continued dryly.
"For every standard hour you spend with me, your friends will be allowed to spend twenty standard minutes in relative freedom in an area that is specifically designed for leisure the very next day."
Rey looked at him as if he was speaking a foreign language.
"I'm sorry, I still don't understand…" She murmured.
"You will grant my friends twenty minutes of freedom for every hour I spend with you?"
His eyes twinkled with amusement.
"And here I was, thinking you didn't understand…" he muttered sarcastically.
His tone reminded her of Luke, but she was bright enough to hide that thought from him.
She lifted her chin in defiance, her eyes sparking with anger.
"You would use my sense of guilt to your benefit?" she bit out.
He sobered somewhat at the look in her eyes.
That look…
It would be his undoing someday. She'd looked at him like that twice before. Whenever she called him a monster. She didn't say it, but she must be thinking it… Cut right into his soul every time. He was careful not to give her that insight though.
"What did you expect?" he countered casually and turned away from her.
He walked up to a small table near the far wall. He poured himself a glass of water and took a small sip.
"I guess I figured you wouldn't want to miss out on the opportunity of helping your friends."
He spoke softly, almost intimately.
His voice, with that deep and gentle tone, reminded her of their time on Varykino. Memories flooded her, and caused him to whip his head around. His eyes found hers and she knew he knew what she was thinking. Her body responded to him. Her blood started to thrum, transformed into liquid heat. She started to tremble ever so slightly. Heat pooled between her thighs, and she felt his own excitement grow. She swallowed the lump in her throat and forced herself to hold his gaze.
Finally! She thought as a sliver of his emotions flowed through their Bond.
Trepidation… Excitement. Quickly followed by determination.
"It's fairly simple, Rey."
Her name on his lips, uttered so softly, caused her body to tremble harder.
"One hour with me will buy your friends twenty minutes of relative freedom. You may even join them, if you wish. The choice is yours. Yes or no?"
He tried to remain aloof and indifferent, to keep his thoughts and feelings hidden from her, to keep them shielded from the intimacy of their Bond. But he knew some of it slipped past the barriers nonetheless.
She swallowed again as her thoughts raced.
"What would I have to do?" she spoke softly, barely above a whisper.
"Keep me company."
He hated how desperate he sounded.
Her eyes searched his.
"Is that all?"
He was starting to have difficulty breathing. To keep his walls in place.
"For now." He said. He was quick to add: "I won't force you into doing anything you don't want to."
His eyes locked onto her lips involuntarily.
Kriff, how I want to kiss her…
Her lips parted on their own volition. Her tongue darted out, wetting them, making them look shiny and luscious and delicious.
"Do I get to think about this?" she asked.
This time, her eyes drifted to his mouth. And he felt she wanted to kiss him too.
"No." He sounded colder than he intended.
"You decide now."
She averted her eyes, her ambiguity flowing through their Bond.
He hated her indecision.
It should have been easy…
Suddenly, her gaze clashed with his again, and he felt that contact down to his toes.
"Allright." She said.
She sounded breathless.
"I agree. Twenty minutes for them for every hour with you."
He couldn't believe this.
She had agreed to his crazy little plan. He'd expected as much, however he had also expected her to fight him more.
The ghost of a smile played with the corners of his mouth.
"Very well. Shall we start now?" he whispered to a stunned Rey…