Kylo marched through the hallways, his mind on the scavenger that followed sulkily behind. He didn't slow down to allow her to catch up, nor did he turn to ask her how she was. His anger left a large lump in his throat and fueled his pace as he led them back to his living quarters.

What had she been thinking?!

Taking on Vicrul, a trained Knight, without any preparation or forethought in how he'd use the Force and play dirty.

He still believed what he said to Trudgen; Rey's power would be limitless. But not just yet. She still had to dive into that reservoir of ability that she held in her mind. Only then would she realise her true potential.

Seeing her there, lying defenseless, with Vicrul so gleeful at her demise… It tortured him. The overwhelming need to protect the scavenger was starting to drive him to distraction.

But he just couldn't stop himself.

Reaching their doorway, he slammed his hand down on the opening panel, his frustration with Rey only growing as he heard her sigh of exasperation from behind him. Inside their quarters, it was cool and dark, and thankfully silent. Tee-Cee must be off running errands or rebooting. Kylo was glad of the privacy. He could sense that this was going to get ugly fast.

Ripping off his helmet, he turned to face the scavenger, his annoyance finally bubbling over as he watched her casually lean against the wall, examining her lightsaber and not meeting his gaze.

'Why did you have to be so STUPID?' he shouted, throwing his helmet across the room and towards the settee. 'I ask you to remain in your rooms, because it's not safe! And what do you do? First chance you get, you take on Vicrul without any training, or thought! Your defiance could've gotten you killed!'

'You're overreacting,' Rey muttered, her fingertips grazing over the lightsaber as she continued to avoid his gaze.

'NO, I'M DOING THE EXACT OPPOSITE! I'm reacting in a perfectly sensible way!' Kylo yelled. 'You took on an experienced killer, who clearly hates you, armed only with a lightsaber that you finished earlier that day! STUPID GIRL!'

Deep down, Kylo knew his fury wasn't really directed at Rey, but at the overwhelming amount of care he felt towards her. Sometimes his emotions scared him as he looked at her face. How he felt for Rey was primal and possessive, and here she was, casually approaching Vicrul like a willing sacrificial lamb. Didn't she have any care for herself, or what her death would do to him?

'What were you thinking?!' he asked.

Rey sighed again, pushing away from the wall and purposefully walking away from him. Her silence and refusal to acknowledge his anger was starting to get irritating.

'Rey! Talk to me!' he ordered.

She paused. 'Why? What else is there to say?' she asked, her voice blank, but he could sense that curiosity was getting the best of her as she finally looked up and met his gaze.

'Tell me why you did it? I could sense the anger in the room when I entered! You went in furious. But what about? Did Vicrul say something?!'

His mind flew to his lieutenant, his fury growing as he thought of the blonde Knight holding Rey down, his weapon close to her face. He was going to kill Vicrul one of these days, he just knew it.

'It's nothing!' Her furious tone brought him back to reality. 'Like I said, you're overreacting!' she repeated, the annoyance growing in her voice as she passed him.

'No I'm not! You don't get how defenseless you are, Rey!' he shouted. He watched her as she made her way to the sunken sofas, his fury reaching a peak as he turned to face her.

He didn't want her to ignore him any further. He could feel the red mist descending, and fought back against the fury as it threatened to consume him. But why couldn't she just listen? He was trying to help! Couldn't she hear the panic in his voice as he addressed her? She was going to die if she wasn't careful.

'Defenseless?!' Rey snapped back, finally turning her eyes on him and pausing on the steps. 'I'm not defenseless!'

'Yes you are! You're weak! Compared to Vicrul, or any of my Knights, you are!' Kylo shouted back.

Deep down, he knew what he was saying was wrong. He knew that with a little bit of mentoring, Rey's true devastation could easily destroy the whole of the First Order, the Knights of Ren, and the Resistance, if she wanted to.

But he just couldn't help the words that fired out of his mouth. Rey had been with the First Order for just under two weeks now, and although it was not the case, Kylo felt like they had been walking on eggshells around each other. He knew that they were driven by passion, and anger, and fury. He missed the girl who had called him a murderous snake, and had fought so desperately to save her friends.

He felt like they needed this. This made him feel alive. And by the glint in Rey's eyes, he sensed she felt the same way too.

'I'm not weak! You'll regret saying that to me!' Rey snarled.

Now was the time for action.

In one quick movement, Kylo reached out to Rey, grasping her wrists with his hands. Sweeping her legs from under her, he twisted their bodies, and flipped them over the sofas. For a moment they were airbourne, their eyes locked on each other as she tried to wriggle free. Then they came crashing down onto the sofa.

Kylo had Rey pinned, her body trapped between his thighs as he held her wrists above her head. She had the decency to look shocked as she stared at him, the realisation of his quick movement making her gasp in annoyance.

'See?! Weak! If I can do that, anyone can. You've got to be five steps ahead of any opponent,' Kylo said, feeling the girl desperately try and free herself.

But Kylo was much heavier than her, and had years of training behind him. He knew that with a slight twist of his wrists, he could break Rey's forearms. Or if he shifted his weight, and brought his knees down on her legs, he could fracture her shins.

But... as soon as those thoughts entered his mind, they disappeared. And all he was left with was the image of Rey beneath him, her cheeks flushed in annoyance and the pale column of her throat peeking out from her uniform.

All notions of fury and anger evaporated from him as he stared down at her.

Exquisite.

That was the only word that he could think of as he stared. Breathless, red-cheeked and with mussed hair, she stared back as her desperate attempts of trying to free herself slowed.

His grip on her wrists slackened, but she didn't try and push him away. She just stared up at him, the flush spreading down from her cheeks and to her neck.

It was such a beautiful colour that Ben couldn't help himself but remove one hand and very hesitantly brush his finger down the soft peach of her cheek.

'You don't get how… delicate you are, Rey,' he whispered, his words coming over softer than he would ever have thought possible.

His honesty almost frightened him as he stared down at the girl who evoked so many feelings in him. Before Rey, he couldn't have even imagined being so candid with someone. But here, with Rey's brown eyes staring so impeechingly up at him, he didn't feel foolish. He just felt raw.

No. Better than that. This… This right here was what made him feel alive. Not arguing with Rey. But being gentle, and open. Beforehand, it all felt like a farce. Like it was Kylo Ren fighting against a Jedi.

Here, right now, he was just Ben. Ben and Rey. In their own little solar system. Everything else was pointless, and nothing else mattered.

'You're so... precious to me. I don't think you realise that. And everytime you deliberately put yourself in harm's way... It tortures me,' Kylo admitted, his fingertips burning as he slowly stroked the warm skin of her cheek.

He watched as Rey inhaled, her eyes closing as her body relaxed beneath him. With a reverent touch, he dragged his fingers down her cheek, his hand curling around the sharp line of her jaw. Beneath his palm, he could feel her heartbeat pounding erratically.

Not for the first time, he looked back at her mouth. What would her lips feel like?

Kylo Ren wasn't a religious man. He had dismissed any thought of a Maker, or a higher being years ago. He truly believed that creatures all over the galaxies were just mistakes, or accidents from a cosmic explosion millenia ago. But looking at this beautiful woman that lay beneath him, he felt a tiny seed of doubt implant itself into his head. Because how could Rey be an accident? How could someone so unique, infuriating and calming at the same time be a mistake?

Looking up from her lips, it was Kylo's turn to blush as he caught sight of Rey's eyes watching him. He had been caught out. But he felt his stomach coil with fire as he caught sight of her expression. She stared at him challengingly, as if she was daring him to do the impossible and lean forward to brush his mouth against hers.

He was almost going to take her bluff when he heard the doorway fly open, and the familiar stomp of Tee-Cee as the droid marched in.

'Master Ren, Mistress Rey! Did you fall? Are you in need of assistance? Oh dear, oh dear,' the droid called shrilly.

Kylo sighed, regret making him frown as he looked back down at the girl he held captive. To his surprise, she mirrored his frustration as she smiled shyly back. Slowly he withdrew his hand from her face, feeling a trail of fire follow his ministrations as he clambered back to his feet.

'No, we're fine Tee-Cee. I was just showing Rey how delicate she is,' Kylo said. Clambouring off Rey, he turned his body away from the girl as she slid off the sofa, collapsing in a heap on the floor. She snorted at his words, making Kylo smirk at the sight of her outraged expression.

'In my opinion, delicate is not a word many would associate with Mistress Rey,' Tee-Cee quipped, making Kylo roll his eyes.

'Did you have something to report, Tee-Cee?' Kylo asked, turning his full attention to the droid, and trying to ignore how his hand was still tingling, the phantom feeling of Rey's soft cheek playing on his mind as he tried to move his focus away from the girl beside him.

It was starting to worry him, how easily his mind could be distracted and transported away the minute he felt her skin underneath his fingertips. It was like she was a drug, and he kept returning for larger doses, more and more.

'Only that General Hux instructed me to tell you that he's put an order in for thirty more TIE fighters and sixteen more siege cannons. He says he hopes that'll be enough? May I add, Master, that he asked in more of a sarcastic manner than my programming will allow. And I was just also wondering if you and Mistress Rey would like me to prepare dinner?' Tee-Cee added.

Along their bond, Kylo felt a wave of trepidation and fury suddenly radiate from the scavenger at the mention of Hux's name.

Has Hux annoyed you? He asked through their connection, and his words were met with wave upon wave of frustration.

Not exactly. He just told me some interesting home truths that I think you and I should talk about… privately.

Rey's thoughts made him sigh as he looked back at the droid. Of course Hux had gone behind his back and spoken to Rey. The red-haired general seemed to enjoy scheming against Kylo, and even though he had set Vicrul on his case, he didn't seem to lessen up.

'Tee-Cee. Tell General Hux that his orders will be satisfactory for the first round, but I expect triple that by next week. As for dinner, we'll sort ourselves out. You are no longer needed for this evening, and we do not wish to be disurbed,' Kylo ordered.

The droid nodded at the request before making his way out of the room. The Supreme Leader exhaled loudly as he heard the lock click shut. Suddenly the silence in the room felt weighty.

'Why did you order Tee-Cee away? He could've brought us some stew or something?' Rey asked, his curiosity cutting through the tension.

'Because I was under the impression you wanted to talk? So…' Kylo clenched his jaw and turned to face the scavenger. 'Talk.'

'I'm guessing this concerns you and I, and probably something that Hux alluded to?' Kylo asked, trying to keep his tone neutral as he studied the girl who sat across from him.

Rey met his eye with a cool gaze, setting down the half-finished plate in front of her. After a quick meal of rations, they had eaten in silence, Kylo barely tasting his food as he felt anticipation radiate across their bond at the forthcoming discussion.

'How did you know?' Rey asked.

'You're very easy to read. So... tell me?' Kylo asked, not wanting this to stretch out any longer than necessary. As much as he enjoyed Rey's company, this tension was unbearable. He was dreading this. But he knew that there were too many unsaid things between them that were holding back their relationship. So despite it being awkward in the short-term, Kylo knew it would be worth being uncomfortable for a few minutes.

He watched as Rey struggled with her words, her eyes flicking back and forth from his face to her hands, which she twisted in front of her. To his surprise, he said a deep red stain on her cheeks, the colour so unexpected that he frowned. What had Hux said to make her shy away from this discussion?

'Rey?' Kylo prompted. He wasn't used to the scavenger being so quiet, her brusqueness and forthrightness being one of her many prominent qualities. It must've been bad.

'Do you intend to marry me and make me your consort?' Rey asked, her words spilling out quickly, her blush deepening as she refused to meet his eyes

Kylo leant back, relieved by her shyness as he felt her words wash over him. Not for the first time, he was glad of his uncle's Jedi training as he kept his body and face completely still and composed, whilst dealing with the rage of emotions that battled through his mind.

Hux had told her that?! Of course he did. He knew her reaction would be bad. Damn!

Feelings of worry, relief, desire, panic, and fear flooded through him as he considered the best way to answer her. He knew he couldn't lie, but he wasn't strong enough to reveal his real feelings yet. He hadn't even accepted them himself properly.

Kylo took a deep breath in as he concentrated on Rey's face.

Be brave.

'That is my plan. And I realise I should've told you first, so I'm sorry for that,' Kylo started. It was taking everything he had to keep his voice steady as he willed the girl to look at him.

'So he wasn't lying? You do want to marry me?' she asked, her voice quiet as she stared down at the floor.

What was she thinking? Kylo had promised himself to never look inside Rey's head, but he was close to breaking point as he considered the way she asked the question. Did she want him to marry her? Was she fearful, angry, tearful, or shocked?

Kylo felt like he was approaching a wild animal. He could sense her flightiness as he tuned into her emotions along the bond. To keep this discussion going, he had to keep his cool.

'It makes logistical sense to have you as my wife rather than just a co-ruler. You see, our allegiance will be shown to be stronger, our power more… united. We'll be equal. Plus, I think the Knights would understand being under your rule as my wife, rather than someone I elected to rule alongside me. It's a decision I made, rather than an election you've won,' Kylo answered carefully.

He didn't know what Rey wanted to hear, but he figured that going down the leadership route would be safer than anything else.

'I see,' Rey said, finally meeting his gaze as he searched her face. To his surprise, he saw a flicker of disappointment in her eyes. 'So our… relationship is just political to you?' she questioned.

Kylo was stunned. Had this backfired on him? Did Rey want to hear more than what he had said? He knew that his attraction to Rey was stronger than anything else he had ever felt, but did she feel the same? Or something similar? He hadn't ever considered that possibility.

'No,' he said firmly. How was he going to word this? How could he tell Rey that she was the focus of his thoughts, the centre of his galaxy, without scaring her off? 'Our relationship is much more than that Rey, and you know that. But… you've only been by my side for a few weeks. It's still very early days, and building up your trust in me is the most important thing. I don't want anything to disrupt that. Our... friendship is one of the most vital points in my life. So making our marriage political first and foremost will be the best option, trust me.'

Kylo winced at the word friendship, but he knew that it was foolish to wish for anything more at the moment. He had to move slowly in order to gain her trust. His own parents had taken three years from first meeting to kissing, so he knew he had plenty of time. In his soul, he knew that Rey was pulled in two different directions, and he couldn't allow his heart to get destroyed if she chose the light side. It was the most terrifying act of self-preservation, but one that he needed to do.

'I sort of get it,' Rey muttered, breaking eye contact as she looked back down at her hands. 'But what if I said no? That I don't want to marry you. Because I'm not just a pawn that everyone can play with.'

'Then I won't force you into doing anything. I'm not a tyrant Rey. When I asked you to join me aboard The Supremacy, it was a question, not an order. And everything I do, or ask you to do, the decision will be down to you. I am entirely at your mercy,' Kylo laughed without humour. He knew that although he was making it into a joke, everything he said was completely true. 'But I'm curious, is that why you were angry? Earlier with Vicrul in the training hall?' Kylo asked.

'Yes. You made a big decision without telling or asking me, and I just felt… betrayed,' Rey admitted. 'I wish I didn't find out about your plans through Hux, or anyone else really. Especially if I'm going to be your wife.'

'That makes sense,' Kylo nodded. 'I promise that when it comes to matters involving you, you'll be the first to know. No more rash decisions.'

'That's wise,' Rey nodded looking back up at him again. 'But when it comes to marriage,' she said the word like it was a curse. 'Can I have longer to think about it?' she asked. 'You're right what you said about how our friendship is important, so I worry that this decision could change it.'

Kylo smiled. 'Of course. Like I said, completely at your mercy.'

Her relief was palpable in the air, and Kylo found himself relaxing again. He leant back against the sofa, smiling at the scavenger as he watched her rearrange herself to nestle deeper into the soft cushions.

Why hadn't they talked like this before? Or even interacted like this? It was bliss. Rey had sequestered herself in her rooms, and he had gathered up the courage to just knock on the door and talk to her. Just being in her company was dreamy.

'And tomorrow it's the opening of the Trials. Do you think you're ready? Or do you have any idea where you're wanting to go?' Kylo questioned.

Rey nodded slowly, biting her lip as she started to draw patterns on the settee cushions with her finger.

'I want to go to Theed. I've done some research, and I think that's where my parents would've come from, if they fled Naboo years ago. I want to find out where they're from, and why they left.'

'So… what are you coveting? Remember, that's what Trudgen is going to ask you to show in order to pass the trials,' Kylo reminded her.

'Isn't it obvious? Them. Their history… My history, I suppose. It's the only thing I've ever truly yearned for.' Rey said. 'Why, don't you think that'll be enough?'

Kylo shrugged. 'Family connections aren't my forte. But we shall just have to find out. But we've got to get through the opening ceremony tomorrow,' he said, letting out a theatrical groan as he thought back to past ceremonies.

'Are they bad?' Rey asked, her voice nervous as he looked at him.

'Depends if you like pomp and pageantry I suppose,' Kylo muttered.

Tomorrow is going to be a long day, he thought, his mind already exhausted.

Author's note: Another lengthy one. I hope you're enjoying it. Of course, another huge thank you to my editor 'Across The Stars' as my constant cheerleader for this story.

Little note. Firstly, reading people's feedback from the last chapter gave me plenty of time to think. From what people are saying, they wish the story to move faster, more Reylo moments and probably more M-rated stuff. Well, I'm sorry to disappoint but that's not what DHOP is all about. This is a very plot-driven story, and I've been really enjoying letting their relationship progress normally and naturally (albeit with some FF-type drama, because that's what fics are all about) but I've been disheartened when people are saying that they want things to 'hurry up.' If you really want that, then this story might not be the one for you. If you want pretty simplistic yet enjoyable Reylo fluff/lemon stuff, there's plenty of stories that'll give that in the first few chapters. But if you want the trials, an exploration into the Knights, and a more well-rounded development (in my mind) then please carry on.

It's also worth noting that only a few weeks have passed since Kylo had asked Rey to join him. It's just been a busy few weeks.

If you have any thoughts on the matter, let me know.