Rey's POV:

I can hear the gears turn as I pull the lever, sending the ship into light speed. I checked the navigation course and all the ship's statistics, making sure nothing would interrupt my trip home. Well, in a way, it's also Ben's trip home.

Ben. I turn to him. He's looking out the window, watching the galaxy melt into a field of stars as the ship zooms by.

"Ben," I say carefully, not wanting to startle him. He suddenly speaks up in a strained voice "What are they going to think of me? I killed their family and friends. I issued the command that gave them those scars." he looks so scared, his eyes full of pain and sorrow, but mostly, guilt.

I sigh. I know he's right. I should have known he would think of this sooner or later. I gently guided his face over to me, looking him in the eye. "We both know what you're thinking is probably true. That is, true of Kylo Ren. These people have only seen Kylo Ren. You haven't let them see who you really are - Ben Solo."

Ben still looks unconvinced and I sigh again, this time out of exasperation, "Ben, listen to me. Palpatine made those horrible decisions. He only chose to make them through you. You are still Ben Solo. You always were. You need to show everyone Ben Solo." Ben gives me a weak smile and I smile back whispering "You can do this" as D'Qar comes into view.


Poe's POV:

I was just heading out of the control room when the Millennium Falcon landed in a clearing just south of the base itself. We had received Rey's message and the proper precautions were taken, but I still wasn't sure they were exactly necessary at all. We had informed everyone of the situation as well, repeating several times that it was Ben Solo who would be walking off that ship, not Kylo Ren.

As soon as I saw a familiar face walking off that ship I ran over, Finn sprinting ahead. Finn got there first, embracing Rey in a hug full of friendship, laughter, and tears of joy. I smiled, faltering a little as a dark shape made its way down to us. The face of what we know as Kylo Ren, now truly Ben Solo.

I hugged Rey, keeping an eye on Finn who was holding a glowering stare on Ben. Good thing he wasn't carrying a weapon. That might have taken some explaining. Ben speaks up at last, breaking the silence, "Nice to see you again FN- err . . . Finn . . ."

Finn doesn't respond, keeping the stare on Ben. "Finn-," Rey and I say at the same time, as if instructing a stubborn kid. "Yep-nicetoseeyoutoo," Finn replies in a strained voice. I roll my eyes at him and hold my hand out to Ben "I know it's going to be tough here among . . . everyone . . . but I hope we can become friends," I say trying to keep my tone light. "Same here" he replies, "And thank you" he continues. "No problem" I smile.

We all head to the mess hall, already filled with celebrating members of the Resistance. We had quite a few stares as some people recognized Ben, but thankfully no one caused a scene. C3-PO and BB-8 joined us as well, both having rather unique reactions to Ben's presence. For C3-PO though, it was pretty much just blunt, as usual, but fortunately Ben took it well.

We talked and caught up for a while, Finn now glowering at the Rey and Ben's intertwined hands. The minute I noticed that, I knew something was up. "Finn," I said, snapping him out of his trance, "Can you and the droids go get us drinks?" Sure he says, seemingly relieved to get away from whatever was going on between Rey and Ben.

"So," I say smirking "What's going on between you too? I'm not blind, I've seen the way you guys look at each other." Rey and Ben both flush a deep red "Well that just proves it," I say laughing at them. Rey sighs and puts her head on Ben's shoulder "Just tell him" she says.

Ben seems to deflate, "We kissed." "Twice," Rey adds and the two flush an impossibly even darker red. "I KNEW it!" I yell, causing several people to turn around and look at me. I don't care. "Ben, dude, what are you waiting for? Ask her out!"

"Well-," Ben starts, stopping when Finn and the droids approach and Rey quickly sits up straight again. "Champagne," Finn says, setting four wine glasses on the table, "I thought we all deserved it."

We talk well into the night, not noticing how late it was getting because of the mess hall's bright lights until Rey had completely fallen asleep on Ben's shoulder. "Woah" I say checking the clock, "It's already 1AM." Ben picks up Rey bridal style "Do you guys know where her room is? She shouldn't be woken up," he asks.

I instinctively turn to Finn, "You know the way better than I do, and also show Ben where the temporary housing is." "Sure," he says, too tired to argue. I stifle a yawn "I'm gonna turn in for the night, see you guys tomorrow."


Ben's POV:

Rey looks so peaceful when she's sleeping. Her brown waves framed her beautiful face, her breathing soft on my chest. "Right down here," Finn whispers, trying to keep as quiet as possible, "I'll wait outside for you." I nod and continue down the worn path. It revealed a small picturesque cottage, set in a sheltered meadow surrounded by woodland.

I quietly opened the door, walking to the bedroom on the right. I laid Rey down on the fluffy mattress and carefully removed her shoes and lightsaber, setting them down on a small dresser. I pulled the blankets over her shoulder and after laying a kiss on her head, tip-toed out, closing the door behind me.

Finn showed me the temporary housing I could use, close to the mess hall and then stumbled off, half asleep. I got ready for bed, changing into some soft pajama pants before collapsing into bed, falling asleep before I even reached for the blankets.


Author's Notes:

So I've been thinking about keeping to a schedule, like every two or three days I'll post. Not promising anything though, I can't predict how much homework I'll have lol :). But thank you guys so much for all the views! I thought I would be lucky to get five or ten! I'm currently working on the handwritten copy of the next chapter and I'm hoping to post on Monday. Tell me what you guys think!