Chapter 2: No One Would Listen

"You did what?" Rey nearly shouted, furious.

"I told him that I was his father." Kylo said, setting the doll in her lap as he stood up from the bed. "I couldn't let you continue to lie to him. He needs to know his heritage."

"You had no right to tell him that."

"You keep saying that I don't have the right to my child. But I do."

"You didn't raise him."

"Who didn't give me that chance?"

"You know why I didn't. You shouldn't have told him that. He's too young!"

"How old is he?"

"I think you're smart enough to figure it out."

"A little less than five. I'd imagine his birthday would be in two-three months?"

"Good, you still have some brains in that thick skull of yours."

"Little below the belt, don't you think?"

"You have no ri...You don't get to tell me what to do or decide what I can say. I'm his mother."

"And I'm his father."

"You love saying that, don't you?"

"Of course." Kylo said proudly. "My first instinct was to boast to the entire galaxy that the Jedi Killer had sired a son with the Last Jedi."

"Please tell me you didn't."

"Don't worry, no one knows." Kylo assured her. "I'm not that idiotic. I had the trooper's memories be wiped of the past day. No one knows that there is a child aboard this ship other than the three of us. They don't even know you're here. I have too many enemies. Too many people who want to stab me in the back while I sleep. No one will know of our son unless you wish them to, though I highly recommend you don't go telling people."

"I don't want anyone to know that he exists." Rey made this clear. "And I especially don't want anyone to know that you're his father."

"I understand, and I agree." Kylo said, nodding his head. "I swear on my life and my Order that I will never reveal that I share blood with your child."

"What about the galaxy knowing the Last Jedi has a child."

"I have some catching up to do in my role, don't I?" Kylo said, getting on his knees and looking up at her. "I think the first very basic thing a father can do is keep his child safe. Know one will know you have a child unless you wish them to know. I won't say a word. I owe you at least that much."

Rey was silent. She was still furious with the man on his knees in front of her. She was curious if he was going to keep those promises. She could read his mind-his pride of being a father was incredible. He wanted nothing but to be the father his own father had failed to be. He wanted to protect his son. He wanted to protect her.

But behind that affection was a darkness Rey didn't dare to go near. He would become obsessive and violent. Rey feared that if her son ever broke Kylo's perfect view of him, if her son didn't live up to his expectations, Kylo would hurt him.

No. She refused to let Kylo hurt her son. She didn't care if he killed her in the process-he would not touch her son.

Kylo tried to grab her hand and plant a kiss on it but she snatched it away.

"You don't have to act so cold." Kylo said, standing up once more. "It was part of our agreement that you would come with me willingly in exchange for the resistance's freedom."

"I was not under the impression that our agreement expanded to my body and the life of my son. He was not part of the bargain."

"What was I supposed to do? Leave him behind? Abandon him like your parents did you?"

"Your mother would have taken care of him."

Kylo was silent at the mention of his mother. He had had long conversations with Rey regarding his mother. She knew his views on her. Complicated barely began to describe it.

"I know you're scared." Kylo said, unable to look her in the eye, "But I promise, I'm not going to harm him. But I want to be there for him, if you'd let me."

"I don't know." Rey said, her voice trembling. "I'd like to believe that you could keep those promises. I'd like to think that you would do anything for him. But I don't know. The person you were with me and the person you are to the rest of the galaxy seem like two completely different people and I don't know which one is truly who you are. You-you scare me when you're angry...which seems to be always."

"Please-let me prove it to you."

"It's not like I can stop you."

Rey sounded so broken. He looked into her hazel eyes. They were still beautiful, but they held such sadness in them. She looked so tired. Like someone who had given up hope.

He gently stroked her face. She didn't pull away from his touch, letting him comfort her.

"Sweetheart." Ben spoke to her softly but he was unsure of what to say.

Her eyes met his and it pierced his heart. His little spark of hope and light looked so worn. He began to mourn the woman she once was, but he wasn't sure how to return her. He couldn't let her go free. He had spent over half a decade tracking her down-he wasn't going to let her escape him now.

"Can I kiss you?" Ben pleaded.

Rey gave a sorrowful sigh and looked at the floor.

"Yes, but you have to bring me my son afterwards."

"You're going to see him regardless. Do you want me to kiss you?"

"Yes, just not my lips. Not today...not after everything."

Kylo understood. He had to give her space, give her time to adjust. He brushed her hair out of her face and planted a soft kiss on her forehead.

"I'm going to go get him." His hand left her face, but he longed to return to touching her soft skin. "Stay here, my darling."

She gave a slight nod and he left the room.

Rey sat in silence for a brief moment. She wasn't sure what to do. She could try to escape with her son, but the hunt would begin again. Her only hope was that he would let her go, but he would never do that especially not when his son was involved.

She was going to die his prisoner.

He returned with their unconscious son in his arms. He heart leapt seeing him. She held out her arms and Kylo gently placed Reb into her arms. She held him tight, kissing every inch of his face. The boy's eyes shot wide open.

"Mommy!" The boy cried and wrapped his arms around her neck.

"Yes, sweetheart, it's me." Rey was crying, continuing to kiss his face, cupping his cheeks with her hands. "You're safe, sweety. I've got you."

Reb caught a glance at the large ebony cloaked man standing behind him and instantly broke down crying in fear.

"Mommy!" He cried into her shoulder, Rey clutching him tighter. "He's here! The monster!"

"I know darling," Rey said, her eyes following Kylo, hoping he got the hint not to come closer, "Don't worry. Nothing's going to harm you."

"He's a liar!" Reb cried into her white robe. "Don't let him get closer…"

Kylo still came closer, his hand inches away from Reb's black hair.

"Don't." Rey commanded, her voice serious and threatening, pulling her son away from him. "Don't touch him."

Kylo didn't listen and softly stroked Reb's soft ebony locks. Reb cried hard and Rey bolted up, trying to get away from him, but Kylo caught her by the arm and pulled her back to him.

"Let go!" Rey shouted, tugging away from him with all her might.

On her third tug, he let go, letting her fall to the ground.

Kylo bent down to the two of them.

"Sweetheart," Kylo put his hand to her back, forcing her to come closer to him. "Tell our son that there's nothing to be afraid of."

"Tell me he's lying…" Reb whispered into his mom's ear. "Tell me he's lying...please mommy..."

"Darling." Rey pulled her child from his hiding spot in her shoulder, looking him in the eyes- she hated seeing him cry. "I-I I'm sorry."

"So-so he's...he really is?"

"He's your father, sweetheart."

Kylo took his opportunity to touch his son's hair once more but Rey pulled him away.

"Don't worry, sweetheart." Rey glared at Kylo but spoke softly to her child. "I won't let him hurt you."

Kylo glared back at the woman. Why was she making this so difficult? She was filling their child's head with lies about him being a monster who would just hurt him. She should be encouraging her child to get to know his father, not feeding his fear.

"Reb." Kylo spoke the child's name.

"Please, Kylo." Rey said through gritted teeth. "Don't-don't touch him. Can't you see? He's terrified."

"He has no reason to be terrified." Kylo snapped back, placing his hand on his son's back.

Reb trembled beneath his touch, clinging to his mother even tighter.

"Look at me, son."

Reb shook his head.

"Look at me."

If Reb heard him the second time, he made no indication that he did.

"Look at me!" Kylo shouted.

Rey jumped at Kylo's sudden violent burst of rage and Reb finally looked up at his father.

"Son," Kylo cupped his small son's cheeks with one hand, "You don't have to be afraid of me."

Kylo looked to Rey for support but she said nothing.

"I know you're scared," Kylo whispered. "But there's nothing to be afraid of. I will tear the galaxy apart before I let anyone hurt you."

This clearly was not the thing to say because the child cried harder.

"Kylo, please." Rey pleaded. "Please...just-just leave. Please."

Kylo let out a low growl and stormed out of the room.

…

His own son despised him. The galaxy seemed to be playing a cruel joke. His idol, his grandfather, had been despised by his son. His uncle, a murderer with more blood on his hands than his own, had refused to join his father's side ultimately leading to Vader's death. Because when it came down to it, Vader had loved Luke enough to change sides, but Luke did not.

Kylo would not fail. One way or another, his son would be by his side. His lover would be by his side as well. He couldn't fail.

She calmed him. When their hands touched, even in the slightest, the whole galaxy stilled. His soul felt at peace. Whether she accepted it or not, the two were joined. They were bonded. The easiest explanation was that they were soul mates. But it was deeper than that. They shared a soul. They were two that were one.

But even if they weren't bonded, he was certain he would have loved her regardless. His entire life, people never saw him for what he truly was. He was the son of rebel heroes. And then he was the First Order's attack dog- a monster. Rey, while hesitant (well maybe hesitant wasn't the right word), had taken the time to get to know him as he actually was. He was certain she knew him more than he knew himself. No one would listen but her.

Not only that, but she was stunning. She took his breath away. She was such a fighter. Her hope and light made it hard for him to look at her, but he could never tear his eyes away from her. She both hurt and healed him.

And now...they had a son.

He hadn't brought it up with Rey, but one day that boy would rule the galaxy. Reb (he would convince him to change his name eventually-preferably Anakin) would one day take his place as Supreme Leader. He would put the galaxy in order before his son got the reins.

Reb-the child of the most powerful force users in existence. No doubt the child would excel in the force. He could tell the boy was untrained. But he would be powerful.

He wanted to be close with his son. He was going to do everything in his power to make sure his son stayed by his side.

"Supreme Leader?"

Once more, Kylo was thankful for his mask. All of the generals sitting around the table were looking at him, waiting for his response.

"I'm contemplating." Kylo stuck with the response that was vague and hoping they didn't catch on that he hadn't heard a word of what General Hux had said.

"We have to make a decision soon, Supreme Leader." A general whose name escaped him said. "The riots on Coruscant are getting out of hand. The blackouts caused by the Resistance have gone on for over 30 rotations. They're getting restless."

"You feel the need to alert me about a power outage." Kylo said, his mask was not able to hide his sarcasm. "Send in some mechanics and tighten security throughout the city."

It was one of the things Kylo liked about being the Supreme Leader. He could say something, and it's fixed instantly. Though the next problem was a bit more problematic.

"The draft bill still needs to be overlooked." General Hux, his right hand man, spoke up. "Have you made a decision about it, Supreme Leader?"

Kylo used the force to strangle Hux's throat ever so slightly, letting him know that he was crossing the line but not to a point where the other generals could notice. Hux coughed.

"The meeting is over."

Kylo slammed his chair back and stormed out of the room.

…

Rey was still holding her child. The two had already eaten some of the rations they had hid within their clothing. Kylo seemed to have forgotten that the two of them needed food and had left them alone for over half a day with no access to food. They were trapped in his room, not even able to explore the rest of his quarters.

She decided to continue one of her sewing projects. She was working on a doll to resemble the General: Leia. But a younger version of her, wearing all white and her two elegant buns. Reb had held onto her scraps of fabric, thank goodness. She'd probably make a doll of Han next. Her goal was to eventually have a doll of all the people in her child's history. He deserved to know where his family was from.

Though, she wished she knew more about her end.

It wasn't fair. Kylo's family...they were epic heros with even epicer stories and legends. She came from nothing. She knew it was wrong to have her child only focus on his father's side, but she didn't have much of a choice. While there were monsters, there were also heroes. Her child had to know about his family- the good and the bad.

She decided to finish the Leia doll when she noticed that Reb no longer wanted to go anywhere near the doll of his father, only playing with the one that resembled herself.

"Mom?" Her son finally walked over to her and put his head on her lap.

"Yes darling?"

"Why...why is my dad a monster?"

Rey was silent.

"He's-he's not a monster." Rey tried to explain, continuing with her sewing. "At least...he wasn't always a monster."

"So did you lie to me?"

"No, I never lied to you...I just...I left some things out. I'm so sorry, sweetheart. I-I never meant to lie to you. I just wanted to protect you."

"So did he save you from Snoke?"

"Yes." Rey nodded and smiled. "But...but the story is a bit more than just him coming to my rescue."

Rey put down her needlework and scooped up her boy. Using the force, she called the little Ben doll to her hand.

"See, your father," Rey started telling the complete story. "He was once a good man. He went by the name of Ben Solo and he was the son of General Leia and the Smuggler Han Solo. He was always alone. No one really understood him. One day he heard a cruel voice in the back of his head."

Rey held up the Ben doll to her face and whispered in a humorously raspy voice.

"Ben, no one loves you even though you're young and handsome and one day you'll have the greatest kid in the world," Rey said and then booped her son's nose, who then laughed at his mom.

"One day, someone did something really mean to Ben." Rey decided to censor the story: one day he'll learn that his father had almost been murdered in his sleep by his uncle- that day was not today. "Ben thought he was alone and that no one loved him. So he went and found the person who had been talking to him through his mind, an evil man named Snoke."

"Sounds like Snake." Reb always brought this up.

"That's because he was." Rey said, picking up the doll of herself. "He was less than human. He wanted your father to become evil as well and he almost succeeded. But he didn't count on one little thing."

Rey held up the doll of herself.

"You mommy!" Reb said excitedly.

"Yep!" Rey said, putting the two of the dolls close together. "See what Snoke didn't understand was the power of a pretty girl who knew how to use a lightsaber."

"You gave him that scar didn't you?"

"Well yes," Rey said sheepishly, regretting telling her son that. "I thought he was a monster so we fought. I won and gave him that scar so he wouldn't mess with me again. I was wrong. See, you're father and I have a bond. See we can be on completely different sides of the galaxy, but the force connects the two of us. We could talk to each other and see each other. I saw that he wasn't completely a monster, not quite a hero, but not a monster."

"You feel in love with him."

"I did." Rey said sadly but there was a smile on her face. "I remember the first time I touched his hand during our bonded moments. It was like touching a live wire. It was like a little spark."

Rey made the dolls hold hands.

"I thought I could save him from himself." Rey said, snuggling her baby close. "So I went to him. He nervously brought me before his master, not sure what to do. But when Snoke ordered him to kill me, your father instead killed him. And then we fought together side by side to defeat Snoke's red guards. When the smoke cleared, I thought he was back. I thought Ben had returned. But then he asked me to join him. On the darkside."

Reb was quiet as he looked at the dolls in front of him.

"I refused." Rey said quietly. "I couldn't join him on the darkside and he couldn't join me on the light, no matter how much we loved each other. I was heartbroken. But a few weeks later, I found out that he had given me the best gift in the galaxy: you!"

Rey smothered his cheeks in her kisses, causing the boy to go back to laughing at her mother's story. She tickled his stomach and he sequeled.

"Stop stop stop stop!" The boy shouted while laughing.

She blew one last wet kiss into his cheek which he wiped off.

"Soooo." Her inquisitive son said. "He's going to join the light right?"

"I-I don't know." Rey said honestly. "It's his choice. We can't make it for him."

"Do you still love him?"

"You ask a lot of questions, don't you?"

The boy shrugged.

"I think I could love him again. I do love Ben Solo, I do not love Kylo Ren. And who your father wants to be, that's his decision."

"Why can't he just be Ben." Reb pouted. "We could be together again and I could have a little brother."

"It's complicated."

"You always say that."

"Well it's always true."

"Why can't you just beat him again and take him back to base?"

"Reb, I can't do that."

"Why not? You've beaten him before. You can do it again. I believe in you."

"I'm sure I could, mainly because he wouldn't be trying. Not really a fair fight now would it?"

"I guess not…mom?"

"Yes sweetheart?"

"He-he won't hurt me, right?"

Rey was silent. She wasn't sure how to answer. He had vowed to never hurt his son...but he had also vowed to never hurt her. But he had-mentally, emotionally and at times physically. She wanted to assure her son that he was safe, but she wasn't sure. Kylo's temper was a terrifying thing. She needed to do what was best for her child, but she wasn't sure what was the best thing to say in this moment.

"I-I don't know." She finally settled on, knowing this wasn't a good response but not knowing what else to say. "Ben would never hurt you. Your real father would never hurt you. He would protect you with all his might. But you have to understand, people on the darkside, your father especially, have short tempers. He gets mad really easily. So...so I don't want you to ever be alone with him, ok? You're going to stay by my side."

"Oh-ok." Reb said, still nervous and unsure what to feel.

"Sweetheart, you don't have to be afraid." She assured him. "I'm going to protect you, alright? From anyone and everyone. No matter how much I cared for your father, I love you a thousand times more."

She kissed his nose and he gave a small smile.

She felt a dark presence overcome her. It took her breath away. She instinctively held her child close to her chest and tried to mask her fear.

"Kylo, how long have you been standing there." Rey said, not turning towards him.

"A while." Was his response.

She could sense his anger and she could sense Reb's fear, though both were trying to control their emotions. Kylo approached the two of them slowly, something tucked under his arm.

"I-I thought we could eat dinner together." Ben said, sitting down with the two of them and taking out the box like trays under his arm. "Is that alright? Rey? Reb?"

Rey glanced at her child. He had loosened his grip and he was staring intently at his father, still unsure but not quite as afraid as before.

"It's alright with me so long as Reb agrees." Rey turned to her son. "What do you think sweetheart?"

"I am hungry…" Was the boy's response.

Rey put down her son while Kylo gave them both trays. He opened the box he was carrying. Inside was the most delicious food Rey had ever seen in her life. There was some sort of poultry glazed in a sticky orange sauce, some strange looking rolls, clear noodles with strange looking vegetables in it and a bunch of other things she couldn't name. They helped themselves. Ben watched in slight confusion as Reb and Rey ate with their fingers, completely ignoring the utensils sitting before them. Ben tried his hardest to not call attention to their...unique way of eating. They had agreed to eat with him, he was not going to start a fight over how they ate.

After a few moments, Reb noticed how his father was eating with the strange object in his hand that grabbed the food for him so he didn't have to dirty his hands. He was curious. Reb bent over and grabbed the utensil. He stared at it in confusion for a few seconds, glancing between it and his father to try to grasp how to do it. He held it awkwardly and stabbed the piece of meat before bringing it to his mouth.

Ben's mouth twitched and he continued eating.

All three of them ate heartily. Kylo because of his intense daily training and Rey and Reb because they probably weren't used to having food available to them on the regular. She looked so thin compared to the last night he saw her, whereas her son looked healthy. It didn't take a genius to realize she probably gave up her rations to her son on a regular basis. It hurt his heart to know there were days where they went to bed starving. Rey...she was such a good mother.

Kylo used the force to retrieve the half-way made doll next to Rey's thigh.

"You're making Leia?" Kylo asked.

"Yeah." Rey swallowed her food so she could talk easier. "I started it a long time ago, just ran out of time."

"I'm assuming this was the first one you made." Kylo called the one in his likeness to him.

"Is it that obvious?"

"That's-that's not what I meant. I just assumed…"

"Yes I made that one first."

"They're really good."

"Don't flatter me."

"I'm not. They're really good."

Rey raised an eyebrow.

"Thanks. I-I just wanted him to have something to play with."

"Mhmm." Ben responded, unsure of how to continue this conversation.

Ben tapped his fingers on the floor and bit his lip

"Reb," Ben finally said, pulling out something from his pocket. "I have something for you. An-an apology for scaring you earlier."

He handed him a small pile of grey clothing.

"You-you're getting too big for those clothes." Ben said, wishing he had something better to give his son. "They might be a bit big, but you'll grow into them."

"Clothes...thanks." Reb said, clearly not happy with the gift but knowing it would be impolite to say otherwise.

Rey wanted to comment that they were young cadet clothing which she refused to let her son wear, but she held her tongue. He was trying to be nice, she'd give him that, but she would be altering it later. Under so circumstance would her son be confused for a First Order recruit.

"So-what did you two do today?" Ben asked, running out of options-it's not like he could talk about the weather..

"Really." Rey gave him a look.

"What?"

"We were trapped in this room all day-what do you think we did?"

Kylo was silent.

"Well?" Rey asked.

"What?"

"Is this how it's going to be? You're just going to lock us in this room all day?"

"Well I'm working on expanding my quarters so you two will have your own rooms."

"And then?"

"And then what?"

"You're impossible."

"What do you want me to say." Kylo snapped. "Do you want me to say out loud that you're not allowed to leave? You know that Rey. If you step outside this room, the entire First Order will discover your presence. There are people who want to kill you Rey. And you said it yourself, you don't want anyone to know about Reb."

"So you thought dinner and some imp clothes were going to change everything."

"Well I hoped that within five years you would have come to your senses and joined me."

"You're delusional."

"And you're stubborn and naive!" Kylo's tempered flared. "I want to treat you like a queen and our son a prince but you're making it incredibly difficult!"

"I don't want that and you know that. You stole my freedom, Kylo!"

"You offered it!"

"And so that justifies everything? I agreed to be your prisoner of war and that makes this ok?"

"You hid my son from me!"

"Oh so we're back to that. You know why I did it. Stop pretending you're the victim."

"Stop acting like a foolish little girl, scavenger!"

"I'd rather be a scavenger than your empress!"

He grabbed her arms, no doubt leaving bruises in the process.

"You don't have a choice! You are mine!"

Rey tore herself from his grip, his nail's scraping some of her skin. She slapped him hard against his face, her nail scraping off part of his skin in the process.

"Do not touch me!" She glared daggers into him. "I will never be yours, Supreme Leader!"

"Mom…" Reb whimpered.

Rey's anger subsided. She had completely forgotten that her son had been in the room. He should have never been subjected to that. She scooped him up and headed to the refresher, locking the door behind her.

Kylo heaved, furious. He stood there for a while. He wanted to ignite his saber and cut down the door of the refresher and tear her out of her hiding place. But he knew that would not be productive. But he needed to do something.

He donned his helmet, ignited his saber and went out into the hallway of the Star Destroyer.

…

Rey couldn't sit still. She refused to leave the bathroom in fear of Kylo being there. She had no desire to talk to him. She wasn't sure if she ever wanted to talk to him again. She took the time to give her son a bath.

The tub was huge and deep. She was afraid her boy would drown if she filled it up more than half way. She kept the water shallow and began to scrub his hair.

"Ow it's in my eyes." Reb complain.

"Here." Rey rubbed his eyes off with her shawl. "Better?"

"A bit."

"It'll go away, don't worry."

She watched Reb play around with the bubbles as she continued to give him a bath.

"Is Kylo still out there?" Reb asked.

"I don't know."

Reb was silent as he continued to splash in the water.

"Hey, sweetheart." Rey said, kissing his nose. "Don't worry."

'We're leaving,' She wanted to say but knew better than to say, 'As soon as I can sense that he's far, we're escaping. You won't have to be here any longer.'