Small hands clutched the tiny figures of a Wookie and a clone. They danced across the floor with quiet taps, but the boy holding them made full sound effects to bring their battle to life. The Wookie climbed the leg of the table and shot down at the white figure with pew pews.

"Ben, honey, please quiet down," his mother asked from a nearby chair.

He let out a short huff and imagined the Stormtrooper asking to team up with the Wookie to bring down the Empire together. They ran a mission together through the treacherous fuzz of the carpet. The sounds in his mind of an ambush soon reached his lips as he forgot about his mother's meeting with a visiting dignitary.

"Why don't you go clean up your room, Ben." Exasperation laced Leia's voice, and, knowing the tone from her fights with Han, Ben shuffled to his room with the Wookie and Stormtrooper flying beside him in pretend speeders.

Looking over the toys and clothes scattered across the room, he lifted his hand as he had once seen his uncle do. The toys elevated from the floor and hovered in the air. His broad grin reflected in the mirror on the wall next to him. The toys flew in the air and landed in a pile next to the small dresser built into the wall. Next, the clothes jumped into the air.

"Ben?"

The clothes dropped into a heap. He turned to find his mother smiling at him. She looked older, as if nearly thirty years had passed in the few moments he had experimented with his strange powers.

"Oh, how've you grown." Leia's arms wrapped around him, and he suddenly realized the top of her head only made it to the middle of his chest. He glanced in the mirror again to see he, too, had aged thirty years. He stood tall, clad in grey and black, and a strangely familiar scar marred his tired face. His mother's thumb gently ran over the damaged skin. "My son. My Ben."

"Mother…?" Kylo's hand wrapped around Leia's. He could not understand why he had not already woken up, but for once he was glad he was still in his dream.

"I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry for sending you away." Tears filled Leia's earnest eyes. "You wouldn't've fallen to Snoke if you hadn't felt abandoned."

Despite the sorrow in her voice, Kylo felt a small smile pull at his lips. "Force knows I would've fallen eventually. I was meant to, if only to cross paths with Rey."

Leia smiled past the tears that fell down her face. "I wanted to let you know that I'm proud of you and the life you've built."

"But this is – "

"A dream, yes. But I am still very much real." Leia stepped back to survey his frame, her hands resting on Kylo's upper arms. "You know the Force clings to its users. I've been watching you surround yourself with family."

A strange emotion bubbled up in Kylo's chest, and a lump formed in his throat. His mother knew. She knew he had gotten out of the Dark Side, that he had helped defeat Snoke. She knew he had fallen in love with Rey. "Mom…" He wrapped his arms around her before he could stop himself and felt something wet on his face. "I'm sorry for the things I did."

"I know." Leia's voice muffled against his chest, and her hands ran comfortingly over his back like they had when he was small. "I know. You've done so much to rectify those mistakes." Her next words came as a whisper. "You're going to be a great father."

The tension in Kylo's shoulder released. She did not hate him; she still loved him. They remained silent in the embrace for several minutes. Leia's hands continued to rub his back gently, and Kylo cupped the back of her head, his fingers pressing into her simple hairstyle. Kylo swallowed past the lump and finally murmured, "I love you."

Leia's sides shook with a small laugh. "I know." She pressed a kiss to the side of his face, a wide smile lighting up her expression. "I love you, too, my son."


Kylo's eyes flickered open. The pillow felt wet under his eye, and he brought his hand up to the side of his face. The ghost of Leia's kiss still felt warm under the streak of tears. Sitting up in the bed, he watched Rey pulling on traditional Jedi robes.

"You all right?" Rey sat on the edge of the bed to yank on her shoes, her hair loose and damp around her face. She glanced at him and paused. Her alarm drifted through their bond, and her hand moved to brush away a tear. "Another nightmare? I didn't sense anything."

He shook his head and felt a small laugh escape his lips. He felt… relieved. Joyful, even. Rey grinned and joined his laughter. "What? Do I have something on my face?"

Kylo wrapped an arm around her. "Of course not. You're beautiful." He kissed his wife briefly. "My mother visited my dream."

Rey's eyebrows shot up, and her grin grew wider. "You talked with Leia?" At his nod, she wrapped her arms around his shoulders. "You got to reconcile things with her. No wonder you're so happy."

Kylo laughed softly and kissed Rey again. He ran a hand through her loose hair and pressed his palm to her stomach, unable to keep the smile from his face. "How're you feeling?"

Rey shrugged and rested her hand over Kylo's. "Better than yesterday. It just feels so strange." Her voice dropped with the last sentence, as if she were confiding a secret to him.

Kylo laughed softly and nodded, pressing a kiss to Rey's forehead. "You're starting to show."

"We could start telling people now," Rey said with a laugh. "This has been so hard to keep from Finn and Poe."

"We've made it this far. I think we've waited long enough." The first few months had been challenging. With Rey's history of malnutrition, especially during her adolescence, the med droids had been concerned she would be unable to carry a child. They rarely saw Finn and Poe since moving back to the Jedi school, and they both missed the support the two provided. Kylo stood to begin changing out of his sleeping attire. "Jessika suspects. She doesn't even try to hide her suspicions whenever she's around us."

"Of course she does. She reads everything her datapad can access. No doubt she read what signs identify a pregnant woman after we got back from Naboo." Rey stood and tugged lightly at her clothes in an attempt to hide the gentle swell in her belly.

Kylo watched her pull her hair back into her customary buns as he slipped on an undershirt. "You could wear a cloak. It's getting colder these days anyway."

"It's not like the younglings will notice or know much. I told one yesterday that I was eating too many of those pastries Poe always buys, which is true anyway." Rey smiled at Kylo and slung her lightsaber across her back. "You've got that Senate gathering today, right?"

Kylo rolled his eyes and rested his hands on Rey's sides. "Yes. You sure you can't come with me?"

Rey ran her hands lightly over Kylo's arms. "I'm taking the younglings to the Old Temple in honor of the Jedi Purge anniversary. I would have Luke take them, but he's off on that visit to Kiros with Jessika."

Kylo internally cursed Luke for his spectacular timing. "I'll take Teela with me. She seems to have a knack for getting the Senators to listen. Plus, I think some Mirialans will be there." He grabbed his lightsaber from where it rested next to the bed and gave an obviously fake smile. "Got to show the public that the Jedi support the new policies to better support Republic planets. I'll duck out as soon as possible to meet you for dinner."

"Remember that Poe invited us to eat at his place tonight." Rey led Kylo through their small sitting room and opened the door, revealing the warmly lit hall of the new Jedi school. He curled his hand around his wife's small hand, unable to keep a ludicrous smile off his face.

They descended a flight of stairs together, and Kylo expected to hear the usual chaotic sounds of the younglings waiting for Rey to start their lesson. Instead, the hall was strangely silent. Peering into the room where the older younglings usually gathered, he and Rey both paused in surprise to see the six younglings sitting quietly on the floor, their legs crossed and eyes closed as they breathed steadily. Sonzy sat in front of them in a similar pose. Without opening his eyes, the Togruta said clearly, "Did you sense the Masters approaching?"

Several of the younglings opened their eyes and jumped as they saw Rey and Kylo in the doorway. Sonzy gave a soft chuckle and stood, clasping his hands in front of him. "It's important to focus on the Force while meditating, and you must always stay aware of your surroundings and who is around you." He nodded to Rey and Kylo and pulled his brown robe close around him. "I was afraid they'd wake you upstairs with their noise, so I thought a bit of mediation would do them some good."

"I remember when it was you making all that noise with Jessika and Kaydel," Rey laughed and beamed at Sonzy. "Maybe you can come help me with them today."

Sonzy's eyes flicked to his left. "I'd love to, but I've got to, ah, visit Eeth today. The droids say he's doing better." He cleared his throat nervously. "Yeah. Well, bye."

The Togruta excused himself quickly, and Kylo exchanged a look with Rey. His wife arched an eyebrow, and he could sense her suspicion. "What's he hiding?"

Kylo shook his head and kept part of his attention on Sonzy's signature in the Force in case he gave something away as he walked. "No idea." He pressed a quick kiss on Rey's cheek. "I'll see you this evening."


Kylo took a sip from the tiny mug and grimaced as the lukewarm caf washed over his mouth. Of course the Senate could not supply good caf for painful gatherings he was obliged to attend.

He surveyed the crowd carefully, feeling out with the Force for any changes or the presence of someone who should not be there. A lifetime of being wary kept him in the habit of checking for unusual disturbances, but the past five months had been the most peaceful he had ever experienced. The Force felt right without Snoke in the galaxy to mess it up.

Teela stood nearby, her hands moving animatedly as she spoke with a group of Mirialans. One pointed to her lightsaber, and she met Kylo's gaze for a moment, flashing a broad smile. She had added to the tattoos on her face since earning the rank of Jedi Knight; small diamonds swept over the deep green skin of her nose to connect the clusters of diamonds under each eye.

Kylo took another drink of the caf and decided he did not need to endure any more of the stuff. He set the cup down discretely on the back corner of a nearby table.

"Rule number one of Senate gatherings: unless the caf is unbearably hot so as to scald off your tastebuds, avoid it at all costs." A smooth, deep voice belonging to a blue-skinned Twil'lek sounded next to him.

"I just found that out." Kylo reached out a hand to shake the Twi'lek's. "It's been a while, Tomsega."

Tomsega grasped his hand, and Kylo took a moment to analyze the Senator's Force sensitivity through the skin contact. Most of the Senators had low levels, but he checked whenever he could since Kilnetel had hidden for so long. The blue Twi'lek nodded in Teela's direction as he let go of Kylo's hand. "She seems to have a knack of political small talk."

A Neimoidian Senator stood in front of Teela, and Kylo caught a few of her words about the recent missions the Jedi had taken part in to quell the disruptions the First Order had caused. None had been as violent as they once were. Kylo was glad that they had not resulted in creating more orphans like Arian.

As Teela laughed, Tomsega spoke again, his voice quieter than before. "You know, I was thinking of putting forth a petition to get the Jedi Order representation in the Senate. I was going to ask you due to your experience, but I know how you must feel toward us after all of those hearings. I think your talents are far better suited to teaching anyway rather than stuck in stuffy Senate meetings." His eyes followed Teela as she made her way over to another Senator. "I'd like to see if she would be up for the task."

Kylo studied Teela for a moment. His former Padawan had grown into herself since the timid young girl that had once allowed Eeth to initially overshadow her in training. She was level-headed but knew when to raise her voice, not to mention determined, especially with her fellow Knights by her side. He nodded slowly. "I'll ask her if she's interested."

"Excellent. I do hope this will dispel any remaining mistrust, although your actions in saving several Senators' lives, especially those at Agamar, have helped." Tomsega gave a soft snort and shook his head. "Kilnetel's fearmongering didn't help, but there's been a tangible improvement in mood these last few months since she's been gone."

Kylo gave a low hum in agreement. "The galaxy seems… happier than I've ever felt it since Snoke is finally gone."

Tomsega nodded and cast his eyes over the crowd. "I see Senator Truski. He'll probably support my petition. Excuse me." He took a few steps away and then looked back at Kylo, an unsure expression crossing the deep blue skin of his face. "Ah, may the Force be with you."


Kylo adjusted his grip on Arian's small body and twitched his fingers to the side as to open the glass door. He stepped into Poe's familiar sitting room and closed the door behind him.

"Hi, Master Ren." Jessika smiled up at him from the doorway, blocking Kylo from the hall leading to the kitchen.

Kylo sensed the same nervousness from her as he had in Sonzy. Arian grinned and grabbed at the ends of his hair. He lightly pushed the child's hand's down, distractedly glancing at Jessika. "I didn't know you and Luke had returned."

Jessika shifted her weight and shrugged. "We got back a few hours ago." She smiled nervously. "Uh, why don't you sit down? Arian looks fidgety."

Kylo felt out with the Force, feeling the presence of Sonzy and Kaydel in the kitchen along with Poe. He eyed Jessika suspiciously. "What're you hiding?"

Jessika's emotions vanished from the Force, and her expression told him she was concentrating on keeping him from sensing her. "Nothing. Why would you think that?" Kylo raised an eyebrow and fixed her with a dry look. Jessika chewed her lower lip. "Will Master Solo be here soon?"

"Soon, and I've told you that you don't need to formally refer to us by our titles anymore." Kylo ran his hand over Arian's back as he sensed the boy's agitation. "What are you and Sonzy hiding, Jessika?"

Jessika seemed to deflate with a long sigh, and her fingers tapped on her lightsaber hilt nervously. "We've, uh, planned a surprise for you and Mast - Rey."

Arian let out a sputtering laugh as Kylo's bewilderment radiated through the Force. He barely noticed the child begin to play with the ends of his hair again. "A surprise for what?"

Jessika's eyes flicked to Kylo's side, and her nervous expression lit up in a wide grin. Kylo vaguely sensed his wife enter the room behind him, but he continued to stare at Jessika. Rey wrapped an arm around his waist and raised an eyebrow up at him before beaming at Jessika. "Luke said the trip to Kiros went well. Did you break my husband?"

Jessika shook her head and gave a small laugh. "I just confused him." She paused for a moment, and Kylo felt Teela and Finn's presence join the others. "Let's, ah, go to the kitchen."

Kylo gave Rey a look and sensed her shared confusion as they followed Jessika into the kitchen. Kylo ducked to avoid the low arch and stopped. The kitchen was covered in colorful decorations that Kylo had not seen since C-3PO had somewhat successfully decorated the Millennium Falcon when he turned five.

"Surprise!" Poe clapped Kylo's shoulder and held out a finger for Arian to grab onto. "Happy birthday, little man." He met Kylo's confused expression but unsurprised expression and shot a glare at Jessika. "I see someone ruined the surprise."

Jessika raised her hands in mock surrender and stared to argue, but Teela cut her off. "We know Arian's first birthday is next week, but we're not all going to be around. Plus, we haven't all had dinner together in months, and we wanted to surprise you."

Rey leaned her lightsaber against the wall and sat down next to Sonzy. A puff cake took up the middle of the table, and she eyed it for a moment before grinning up at Kylo. "We have a surprise for you all, too."

Kylo raised an eyebrow and rested a hand on Rey's shoulder. "Now?"

Rey nodded and held onto his hand, giving the assembled Jedi, Finn, and Poe her biggest smile. "We're pregnant."

"I knew it!" Jessika looked as if she had just won a galactic competition before she cleared her throat. "Uh, I mean, congratulations."

Poe moved forward and embraced Rey, clapping her on the back. "We had a feeling you two were keeping something from us. And I didn't even need the Force for that."

Kylo sat next to Rey, and Arian's small hands reached toward the cake. Kaydel giggled and smiled at the child. "Arian will have a friend to grow up with."

Finn and Poe set down plates of a festive meal that Rey immediately took a bite from without asking what it was called. Sonzy handed something that looked like a credit transfer module to Jessika under the table. Kylo caught the Togruta's eye and could not keep the chastising look on his face for long the orange of Sonzy's face deepened.

Poe handed Rey a cup of what smelled like chav and sat down in the last open chair. "So Finn and I were thinking about expanding the place a bit. Add a better place to store my ships, a bigger and nicer guest room," he paused for a moment to chew his food, and Kylo sensed a spark of nervousness from the pilot, "a nursery, you know. Just some extra things."

Rey looked up sharply. "A nursery? Are you two adopting?"

Poe chewed on his lower lip, telling Kylo where Jessika had picked up the same nervous tick. "Well, no. We were all talking earlier, and well, we all kind of… got used to having everyone here while the school was being rebuilt. We became a family, you know?" He met Kylo and Rey's gaze. "I know your rooms at the school are pretty comfortable, but you'd have a nice room here, and you could raise Arian and little unknown here away from the eyes of Coruscant and the rest of the galaxy, and we could see each other more, and it's not too far – "

"Poe's trying to ask if you'd like to move back in," Finn cut off Poe's ramble with a grin and nudged Jessika good naturedly. "We can't get rid of these hooligans anyway, so we want to bring the family back together."

Kylo and Rey did not need to look at each other as they both answered, "Yes."

AN: And there you have it, folks. Our merry band is together again, and a little munchkin is on the way. A shout out to guest Clara for suggesting the Leia scene! If you liked my work, please check out my other Reylo fanfics and stay tuned for something new coming soon! Also come hang out with me on Tumblr. Thank you so, so much for reading and all the words of support.