A/N – So, many are noticing that many little moments are being left out due to the nature of this story and so I am compiling a list of scenes that readers would have liked to have seen. So I encourage anyone to submit a moment that you really wanted to see included so I can add to the list and at the end of this story (if I'm still up for writing) I will either add a "bonus" chapter with as many as requested scenarios possible or add a one-shots series to go along with this story. Some moments that have already been brought up are: Ben's birthday gift to Rey, Little Rey meeting Han and Leia, and more development to the Snoke plotline.
Feel free to submit your own missing moment that you would like to see written! It's very possible that these little sections will be posted.
Chapter 5 - Daring to Hope
(Five Years Later)
Ben traced the numbers on the paper; staring in awe as the day had come at last. He had made it. At last the final dates had come in which he had lived once before, only now there was no overwhelming darkness staining his soul.
Were his sins truly washed away? It was a fear that never ceased to linger, that no matter the outcome of this new world he had altered, he could never truly atone for the blood on his hands. And yet, the world was at a greater peace without Kylo Ren terrorizing the galaxy. With Snoke dethroned, mother's band of rebels stood as strong as ever. Their ranks had grown without the menacing puppet chasing them into oblivion. And yet, there was the constant reminder that the greatest threat was still living in the dark caverns of Exegol.
Ben breathed deeply, forcing a peaceful start to yet another peaceful day. Palpatine could wait. At least this is what he tried so deeply to convince himself each-and-every morning; praying that without his puppet, the Emperor would crumble just the same.
His attention turned to the small mirror hanging in his quarters. It was a habit that became routine as his fingers rose to scratch the stubble growing at his chin. In another life, he had despised such an appearance, having desired nothing other than a clean shave. That was the way of Kylo Ren. Ben looked over the beard again and at the hair cropped short just above his ears. Two features that seemed so simple to others, yet to him made all the difference in the world. As he gazed upon himself in the mirror, there was a clear distinction. This was a different man. Even Luke used to chastise his obsession over his frequent haircuts, but the man could never understand. He had no desire to glance in the mirror only to find Kylo Ren staring back.
A knock on the door broke him from his thoughts and he quickly pulled a shirt over his shoulders. Ben nearly groaned as his morning routine had been interrupted and forced himself calm as he opened the door to greet the visitor.
"Finn," Ben nodded. The former Stormtrooper replied with a polite smile; a gesture that would have never been offered back then.
"Master Luke asked me to come get you. He said there was something important that he needed to talk to you about."
"So important that he couldn't make the short trip himself?" Ben withheld a groan at the early beckon, without even the chance to complete his morning regime.
"Sorry, Ben… Master Solo, but he seemed quite distressed. I don't think he wanted others to see him," Finn swallowed anxiously. Ben nodded through a sigh before retrieving his lightsaber, clipping the weapon to his belt before following Finn out the door.
There were already eager students ready to start their training as they walked along the path. It always seemed to amaze him how large the academy had grown, with almost too many younglings to remember properly.
"Master Solo," Finn cleared his throat beside him. As always, Ben flinched at the title. Even after years of adjusting to a new life, genuine respect was not a trait that he handled easily. "I've been thinking lately, I think I want to join the resistance."
"The academy is treating you that badly?" Ben scoffed.
"No, no!" Finn began to panic. "I just, I want to do something to help the cause. There were others like me, other's that are just following orders. I want to help them."
"Why are you telling me?" Ben gazed to him in both irritation and confusion. "You are not my apprentice; you don't need to inform me of your choices."
"I was hoping that you might be willing to put in a good word for me," Finn ducked his head nervously. "You know, since your mother is the General. Rey said that Leia was making rounds throughout the entire system, calling for recruitment."
"I told her to keep that a secret," he ranted aloud before sighing. His mother was no doubt brave, but her deliberate actions to put herself in potential danger put his heart on edge. The more that knew of her plans, the greater target she carried along.
"Oh, I-I'm sorry, I didn't know." As Finn only grew more nervous, Ben urged himself to calm. His difficult temper had gained a reputation throughout the years, despite his great efforts to bottle his impatience. More than once Luke had pulled Ben aside to inform him of his strict behavior towards his students. However, Ben simply expected the best out of his pupils, treating them more fairly than any master had been to him. And yet, with Finn practically shivering before him, he began to fear that his uncle had been right.
"I'll talk to her," he finally agreed.
"Really?" The man's eyes widened in surprise, but Ben merely shrugged.
"It sounds like they can use all the help they can get."
"Oh, thank you!" In a moment of confusion, Finn began to reach out to clasp Ben's shoulder before remembering who he was speaking to. It was almost comical to watch him cower backwards, casually bringing his arm to scratch his ear as if he had meant to do so all along. "Uh, thank you. Can you do me a favor? Don't tell Rey, I want to tell her myself."
"Unlike Rey, I keep my secrets," Ben smirked to mask his desire to frown. It was no surprise that the pair had grown close since his arrival five years earlier. They had always been close. An unhealthy pain pranced around in his stomach, testing his temper every time he thought of the Stormtrooper and how the two always seemed to find themselves in each other's company.
Finn was a good man, even Ben could not ignore such a truth. The man's humility had been a grand contributor to his acceptance as an older student. He was old in terms of Jedi. Accepting a Padawan at such an age was more than unusual, but Luke hardly hesitated to welcome Finn. However, to Ben's dismay it meant that he would be joining the other students; he would be joining Rey.
It was a selfish thought to wish to separate the pair. Ben supposed he knew this at heart however, their growing relationship had become a source of torment that was far too much to bear. It was only a matter of time until he found the pair locked in an embrace that would drive him mad.
"You're very close to her," Ben blurted without thought. Finn stopped in his attempt to retreat, spinning around to meet him once again.
"Rey? I mean, sure," Finn answered nervously.
"You're going to ask her to join you," he surprised even himself by admitting the accusation aloud. Ben told himself not to glare, but his furrowed brow betrayed his wisdom. He expected the man to race away to avoid giving him an answer. Instead, Finn stood, watching him in confusion.
"No," Finn almost chuckled. "She would never go with me."
Ben's glare softened in surprise. "What makes you say that?"
"Well, she," he began. Pausing in speech as his hands seemed to struggle in a gesture that Ben could not translate. "You really don't know?"
Ben was certain that his scowl would have the man racing away in terror, instead Finn shrugged as if amused.
"There is too much that she would leave behind," Finn answered. He waited another moment before hesitantly dismissing himself. "I really should get going, I wanted to run the training course before breakfast."
Ben nodded, watching the man jog towards the forest before continuing his own journey to the temple; musing on his words. What could Rey possibly have that would keep her from joining the one she cared for most?
The rest of the walk was far too short to sort his thoughts and by the time he reached Luke there was a tension clouding the force. Ben flinched at the feeling, having only once felt such a strong energy surrounding his uncle. A moment, that he tried so desperately to forget. He walked cautiously through the door, closing it behind him.
"Uncle Luke?"
"Something happened last night," Luke didn't even bother to turn at his nephew's greeting; staring out the window in comfort of nature's sights. Ben's fingers twitched towards his lightsaber before he scolded his senses. This Luke would not harm him. "There was a voice broadcasting threats. A voice that I have not heard in a great many years. A voice that should be dead."
Luke turned slowly to meet his nephew's eyes. Ben swallowed anxiously knowing exactly what he spoke of. An indescribable agony seized his body as his peace was torn to shreds. Knowing that his days of hiding from the inevitable had reached its end. His throat swelled uncomfortably, and he furiously fought to keep his breathing steady.
"There is not an ounce of surprise in your eyes. Fear, perhaps, but no surprise. You already know who I speak of, don't you?" Luke narrowed his gaze. Ben opened his mouth to speak but was stopped in an instant. "Don't. Don't you dare give me one of your pathetic excuses. Do you really think I've been blind all these years?"
"Uncle…"
"No matter the moment, you are always one step ahead. Fifteen years ago, I feared what was becoming of your heart and in an instant you abandoned the dark."
"And that disappoints you?" Ben finally managed to glare; softening his uncle's tone only in the slightest.
"Of course not."
"Then what are you raving on about?" Ben asked grimly. For once, his brilliant mind refused to offer an escape from his uncle's interrogations.
"It's as if…" Luke scowled in conflict. "You are a different person entirely."
Ben sealed his lips in a firm line, knowing that his voice would betray his secrets.
"How long have you known?" Uncle glared accusingly. Ben swallowed again, refusing to back away from Luke's dark glare. The sight would've sent him into a panic years ago, but their relationship had gone far differently than in his past life. He wasn't sure exactly when he had begun to trust his uncle, but no longer did he fear that Luke would take a weapon against him. However, there were things he was not ready for, and it continued to surprise him that facing the emperor was one of them.
"A while," Ben answered honestly.
"Why have you kept this from me?" Luke's temper grew. "Do you have any idea what you've done? You've given him time! Time to grow stronger!"
"So have we," Ben bit his tongue from shouting. "Mom said that she gets new recruits everyday."
"Pilots, Fighters. No Jedi, no one with the power to stand against the Emperor!"
"They are needed to fight his fleet," Ben growled. "Palpatine cannot regain his strength unless we send a Jedi to feed him. If we go to him, we will lose!"
"How?" Luke shook his head in disbelief and anger. "How do you know all of this?"
Ben's mind urged himself to answer, while his heart pounded painfully against his ribs. It couldn't hurt to tell him. He tried convincing himself as much, but nothing could stir his will to speak. He didn't even realize a tear had slipped to his cheek. Luke observed him with gentler eyes, but nothing could hide his disappointment.
"Have I given you reason to distrust me?" Luke asked calmly. Ben thought on his words. No. Not in this lifetime. With his lips on the verge of trembling, he didn't dare to speak his answer aloud and instead shook his head gently. Luke sighed at the response, "Then why won't you trust me with the truth?"
"It's complicated," Ben took a deep breath to banish the remaining tears. Luke watched him for a minute longer before finally sighing in defeat. He expected him to pry further, to test him until his nephew was on his knees divulging everything, but nothing prepared Ben for his uncle's response.
"I am closing the Academy." Luke spoke grimly. Ben stiffened in shock, gazing at his uncle in a mess of emotion.
"What?!"
"I have no choice. I will join Leia in the fight, along with your fellow masters." Luke sighed. "They have all agreed."
"What about the younglings? The Padawans?" Ben began to growl. What about Rey? "How can you abandon them?!"
"Master Voe has agreed to stay with the younglings without a home to return to. When the war is over, those who survive can return." Luke spoke in defeat. "I need you to consider…"
"No," Ben shook his head instantly; pushing against the dark memories of Exegol.
Ben's mastery over pain had been tested to the end of his sanity when he was thrown into the abyss, left to crawl through the rubble without hardly any bone left unscathed. And yet, nothing compared to her fall. Rey's death had sliced through their bond. Filling him with an agony that could not be described using words. All he knew was that he never wished to feel such torture again. He would make sure of it. "I will not fight him."
"It is unlike you to avoid a fight," Luke watched him carefully.
"How long before you leave?" He ignored the comment.
"An announcement will be made this afternoon. They have a week to gather their plans, then I will be off." Luke sighed, reaching to place a hand at his shoulder. "Please, Ben. Go home. Talk to your mother. When you're ready, I'll be waiting to have you at my side."
And with that, Luke left him alone.
Ben's legs felt heavy as he walked along the grassy path. The breathing exercises that had been drilled into his head since the beginning of his training, failed to offer any sense of relief. In and out. Find your peace, Luke would say. However, no matter how far he ventured into the quiet woods, nothing could soothe him.
For years he had known this day would come. Palpatine's return was inevitable, but Ben had managed to concoct countless excuses to avoid confronting the Emperor. Their chances of victory would be far greater with his knowledge, but there was always another chance. A chance that once again, he would not survive. What if his death was inescapable? What if the confrontation was finite and no matter how prepared he was it would always end the same?
Ben had never been one to fear death. For so long he practically chased the sweet end to the torture his life had been. After all, he never had anything to lose. Yet how different it all was now.
Not a week went by where both of his parents spared a moment for a call and neither went a month without stopping in for a visit. Even Luke's company had become a beacon of comfort, though he would never admit it aloud. And then of course, there was Rey.
He had friends before his descent into the dark. There was Tai, a gentle and patient man. Even when confronted after the temple burned, Tai had been the one to try and reason with the remaining Jedi to hear Ben's perspective. The others, however, wanted nothing more than to kill him. Then there was Hennix, a perceptive Quarren who lived and breathed the ways of the force. However, their friendships were limited. No matter how fondly Ben looked upon his very few friends, Ben kept his heart closed; refusing to offer them any secrets. There was only one who had managed to pull them from him, and only one whom he would give them to willingly.
"Master Solo." A voice broke his thoughts. Ben turned and hardly withheld a growl as he met his former student. He had enough of dealing with Rey's suitors for one day.
"What is it Sival?"
"Well I, erm, actually Rey told me that I have to talk to you." The boy chattered nervously. Ben observed the newly appointed Jedi Knight. With his trembling voice and constant fidgeting, it was hard to see how he even managed to pass his trials.
"And?" He asked impatiently.
"She, um, told me that I would have to ask you for permission to…" Sival paused anxiously. It was almost comical how terrified the boy was. No, not a boy, he supposed. Not anymore. The young man cleared his throat and straightened his posture as if it was his final act of bravery. "W-well, I would like permission to court Rey."
Ben wasn't sure what he expected. Or perhaps he had and his heart refused to catch up to his mind. Regardless, he found himself biting his tongue to refrain from a swift and immediate answer. No! He wanted to shout. Absolutely not.
"Master Solo?"
"Why are you asking me?" Ben grumbled. "She doesn't need my blessing."
"Y-Yes sir, of course. It's just what she wants, I suppose."
His chest twisted in regret. He should have acted had been so preoccupied in the simplicity of living a life of peace, of training his students like a good master should, he had missed the realization that little Rey was no longer a child. And yet, would she have even wanted him?
Ben observed the young man once more. He didn't dislike Sival. He was, in fact, one of his more attentive students. And yet, the boy had always been so determined to shatter his future. The future that Ben himself had lost.
"If it's what Rey wants, I will not stand in your way." Ben hardly broke a whisper.
"So, is that a yes?"
Ben's fist clenched. Do not make me say it, boy. Tilting his head, he merely nodded when words failed him.
"Oh, thank you, Master," Sival tried and failed to mask his excitement. Something that Ben was willing to help with. He reached out to grasp his shoulder, a bit too tightly to be considered friendly.
"If she ever sheds a single tear on your behalf…" He began to threaten, but Sival chuckled nervously.
"You'll rip off my limbs? Kill me?" He attempted to joke, but Ben merely narrowed his glare.
"Take your pick," Ben growled.
"Ah, yes, of course." Sival cowered from his grasp, sliding away casually until his shirt was freed. "Well, I really should be going. I'm sure Rey will want to hear the good news. T-thank you again, master."
And with that, the boy turned and ran. Ben stared after him, drowning in a pain that would have driven him to destruction in another life. He watched the boy race away, unable to fully dwell in his sorrows before a stone smacked into the back of his head. He flinched before hearing her voice.
"You stinken' nerf herder," Rey scolded from behind.
Ben turned to find her arms crossed and her brow furrowed. After growing up with the constant pouts of a little scavenger, flustered by the suddenness of simple things like rules, it was hard to be anything other than amused when faced with Rey's fury. But, for the first time since his return, he allowed his eyes to linger.
Rey stood with a posture that was a clear representation of the discipline she had mastered. With muscles that were properly toned from years of training and clothed in Jedi attire, one would never know that she had once scavenged the deserts. It was no wonder that more than one heart had fallen for the girl. No, not just a girl. Not anymore.
"What?" He asked in offense.
"You were supposed to tell him no!" She complained. "Why else would I have him talk to you?"
"You… What did you think I would say?" He only hoped his relief did not reach his expression, as the weight of a thousand suns lifted from his shoulder.
"No! You were supposed to say, no!" She scowled as if it were the most obvious answer in the world. "Now I have to do it."
"Are you admitting to trying to pass your responsibilities onto someone else?" He smirked with a raised brow. "Not very Jedi-like."
"You're one to talk," she countered. "You test Master Luke every chance you get."
"That doesn't count. He's my uncle."
"And I'm your best friend, you're supposed to do stuff for me. Like protect me from awkward courting proposals!" She crossed her arms playfully. "And you failed."
"You are the strongest student here and you're afraid of telling some boy that you're not interested?" He raised his brow in amusement. Rey merely smiled playfully.
"At least you finally admit I'm the strongest."
"Of course," Ben shrugged with a smirk. "And when you become a Knight, you'll be the second strongest Jedi."
Only after the words sprung from his lips did he realize it would never come to be. Her trials had been fast approaching and now they never would.
"You are so full of yourself," she narrowed her gaze. "And dodging the issue at hand."
"I would do just about anything for you, sweetheart." Before he could comprehend his actions, Ben raised a hand to grasp a loose strand of hair tracing her cheek. All humor fled the pair as he carefully tucked it behind her ear. "But breaking some poor boy's heart is not one of them."
Rey stood very still, watching intently as his hand retreated. For a moment, he wondered if she would hit him for overstepping. It was what she normally did when such a tension fell between them. This time, however, she took his hand.
"Come on," she began dragging him. "I can't go back there yet."
Ben staggered at the ferocity of her pull. His heart betrayed his senses as it lurched at the feeling of her fingers against his skin. Rey was one to touch freely. There were countless times that he had watched the girl take her friends in an embrace; including the boy she now feared to reject. Ben on the other hand, was never offered even the simplest of touch. For years there was nothing more than a simple brush of limbs during training, she had even stopped slapping his shoulder playfully when he grew too critical. The clear rejection had almost made it easy to accept the truth. Whatever feelings she held for him in their previous life, had been of pity for the wreck that was Ben Solo. Now, with no Kylo Ren needing to be extinguished, Rey appeared content with the limits of friendship.
It had hurt. Oh how it had hurt.
When Finn was welcomed to the academy, he had tried everything to forget her kiss. From meditating peacefully to training into the night until his limbs went limp from exhaustion. For so long he regretted suggesting that the man be admitted into the academy. Watching Rey's relationship with the former Stormtrooper flourish had been torture.
The first night he saw the pair laughing in each other's arms, playfully shoving each other like two lovesick fools refusing to admit the emotions they shared, he had nearly fled the academy. His heart twisted at the memory, at the pain of so many nights sitting alone in his room so that no one could see him break. He had focused so much energy in keeping their bond closed, to avoid revealing his agony through the power of their connection. More than once he wished to bridge their minds. Oh how he wanted to. It was like a buzz in his ear every time she neared, begging to be active. But, he never could. It had taken three long agonizing years for him to accept as much, to let her live as she wanted without his interference. And now, with the simple warmth of her hand against his wrist, his heart betrayed his logic with foolish fantasies of hope.
"Where are we going?" He cleared his throat.
"Anywhere that Sival can't find me," she released him when he faithfully followed.
"Rey, you're only delaying what needs to be done," Ben reminded.
"If you would have told him no like you were supposed to, we could be eating breakfast right now. But no!"
"It's unlike you to be so dramatic," Ben chuckled. He was surprised, however, when Rey went quiet. Her arms crossed like they normally did when she felt discomfort; hiding her gaze to the ground.
"I don't like hurting people," she admitted. Ben had to refrain from snorting as memories of hiding his own tears strangled his heart. If only you knew, sweetheart.
"Rey," he reached for her arm; forcing her to meet him. "His feelings are not your responsibility."
"That doesn't make it easier," she shook her head.
"No," Ben agreed; despising the hypocrisy of such a lesson coming from him. "But you cannot run from your fears forever."
"I know not forever, just a bit longer."
Ben shook his head with a smirk, before taking a seat on a boulder overlooking a small lake.
"Alright, then I'll wait with you."
Rey offered a wordless thanks as she sat next to him; right next to him. What was she doing? Her shoulder grazed the very edge of his own, emitting waves of emotions that he had long since buried.
"Why don't you just tell him the truth?" Ben mused aloud and Rey turned to watch him with a puzzled gaze. "Tell him you're courting the Stormtrooper."
"The… he… what?" Rey flinched. It looked as if a thousand thoughts flashed through her mind before finally scowling. "First of all, you have to stop calling him that."
"Old habits," he merely shrugged.
"And second, what in the name of the force made you think that he and I were together?"
"You don't have to lie," he assured. Rey, however, only grew more flustered. Her face turned red as her brow furrowed.
"I'm not… I am not courting Finn. I'm not courting anyone."
"Then why are getting so defensive?" He challenged.
"Why are you suddenly so interested in this?" She countered.
"I asked you first."
"Really Ben? What are we, children?" Rey groaned. Ben opened his mouth once more with a half smirk, but was stopped in an instant by a glare that could rival his mother's fury. "Say anything and I'll throw you into the lake."
He merely scoffed, "as if you could even carry me to the water."
"I'll use the force," she threatened playfully. Ben held his hands up in fake defeat as the pair fell silent; gazing over the still water. He didn't even have time to decipher whether-or-not she spoke the truth before she asked, "so, what about you?"
"What about me?" Ben raised his brow in question.
"You know," she shrugged nervously. "Are you courting anyone?"
Her question surprised him. In the fifteen years they had spent together at the academy, not once had they spoke of such things. It wasn't like he had anyone drooling in his presence as she had.
"Don't you think I would have told you if I was?" Ben asked.
"You've been," Rey paused. "Distant lately. I never used to have to pry for an answer."
"You've never asked something so personal," he countered with a smirk. He was surprised when she stiffened.
"Fine, don't answer." Her knees curled up to her chest as she stared across the water. Ben watched her carefully; taken aback by her behavior. Allowing another moment to pass, he turned to watch over the lake.
"No," he answered simply; obviously. "To answer your question."
"Really?" Ben could see Rey glance at him from the corner of his eye. He merely scoffed in return.
"How does that surprise you?"
Rey began playing with small pebbles, tossing them into the water. "You're always spending time with Voe."
"She's my sparring partner," he answered plainly; dreading the direction of their conversation.
"I thought I was your sparring partner?" Rey mumbled.
"A Jedi Master can't have multiple sparring partners?" He could not help but smile. Rey, however, did not seem so amused. Burying his will to chuckle, he cleared his throat. "I think she likes the opportunity to hit me."
"Or she just likes spending time with you," she countered before tossing a pebble his way. He swiftly caught it before snorting at the notion.
"She tried to kill me. Twice." He reminded before skipping the stone.
"You are so dramatic," Rey finally smiled.
"If we hadn't been using practice sabers, my neck would no longer be intact."
"Maybe you should've blocked her with your giant head," she smirked. Ben couldn't help but chuckle before silence fell between the pair once more. Rey continued her game of tossing debris into the water until there was nothing left to throw. A knot formed in his throat as his own advice from earlier buzzed in the back of his mind. You cannot run forever.
With a sigh, Ben finally turned to gaze at her properly.
"Rey, the academy is closing," he finally admitted. He watched her carefully as she received his words, but to his amazement there was no surprise in her stare.
"I know," she bowed her head from him. "I was strolling outside Master Luke's office early this morning. He was talking to a group of masters."
"You were eavesdropping?" Ben raised his brow in the slightest act of playfulness however, it did not lift her frown. She finally met his eyes with tears lingering at the edges of her own.
"Are you going to leave?" The words escaped in a whisper. Ben pondered the question and the glossy sheen in her eyes; his heart fluttering at the sickening ounce of hope that the thought pained her.
"I've been practically ordered to visit my parents. I think Luke is hoping that my mom will convince me to join him," he shrugged.
"You don't want to join the rebellion?"
"You sound surprised," he noted aloud.
"What else is our training for?" Rey countered. "You're the strongest person here, Ben. Everyone knows that you'll be the next Grand Master. How could you not want to fight?"
"I never wanted to be a Jedi," he reminded. Rey nodded, waiting a moment before asking.
"What did you want?"
Ben sighed deeply, tossing another stone into the lake. He had wanted his father to take him on trips when he got older; to fly at his side until the old man turned grey. He had wanted to stand by his mother's side when the Senators drove her mad; to hold her arm when her body began to fail her. It was so simple and yet they had been blinded by fear. Even after years of mending the relationships with his parents, the resentment seemed to linger.
"Family," he finally answered. It was all he ever wanted.
"Why have you stayed then?" Rey shook her head in disbelief. "If you hate it here so much, why did you stay?"
"I don't hate it. I just wish many things could have been different. I only stayed because," he swallowed anxiously; terrified that his face was as flushed as it felt. What would she think of the pathetic truth? "It doesn't matter. I chose to stay."
Rey appeared to smile, but there was something in her eyes. Disappointment? He thought back to her earlier accusation. Had he truly become so distant?
"I'm leaving for home tonight," he cleared his throat before meeting her gaze. "You want to come?"
"Really?" She perked up in an instant. "You haven't brought me for years."
"Yeah, well," he shrugged. "My mother would probably kill me if I didn't bring you along. But, first you have to have a chat with a certain someone."
Ben slipped off the rock onto his feet, hardly refraining from laughing at her pathetic groan.
"Come on," he offered his hand. "One five-minute conversation and it's over."
"Five minutes? Make it one," she tried to smile before accepting his help to her feet.
"He's going to need at least a few minutes to finish crying," he attempted a joke.
"Ben!" She groaned again.
Rey's hand tightened when he tried to release her and Ben tried to ignore it; to ignore the warmth spreading from the source of their connection. Every time he thought his heart would settle, a finger would graze along his skin. They walked in silence through the woods and he didn't dare tear his hand from her grasp; not until the voices of students rang ahead. He pulled from her casually as his eyes spotted the boy in question.
"Good luck, sweetheart," he smiled. "I'll prepare my ship."
A/N – Next chapter is shaping up to be a big one, so it might be split up into two to avoid a super long wait, but I haven't decided quite yet. So just a heads up on that.
Review Replies:
Yoooooo – That is so great to hear! I'm extremely glad that you feel the characters are well written. I hope you continue to enjoy the story and thank you so much for reading!
ElClemons – I quite like your comments! Thank you so much for reading!
Brainy-brownie123 – I am glad that you enjoyed the longer chapter! I might tackle Rey's birthday present in a one-off fic, as I think two other people have asked about it. I didn't intend for that to be a "big" thing, but I can certainly see why readers would be interested in seeing a birthday moment! I've also added your idea of seeing Rey meeting the parents for the first time. I hope to get to both of those little one off moments :) Thanks for reading!
Witchfingers – I will absolutely update! I have never left a fic unfinished and I don't plan to now! Thanks for reading!
Styer lauren921 – You're amazing! Thank you so much for reading!
Blade's Lover – I'm glad that you enjoyed the chapter, especially Ben and Luke's interactions! I've been curious to know how those two are being read. Your question regarding Han/Leia and Ben are sort of answered here, but we'll also see them in the next chapter. But, for the most part, there is very little tension remaining in this new timeline. Thanks so much for reading and leaving your thoughts!
Rainne 2000 16 – I am glad that you enjoyed the chapter! Rey might just have a crush on her Master ;) haha Thanks for reading!
Magali – Tricky situation indeed! That would be an interesting take to have him leave for a while! I think the end result would have been the same for the most part, but I like your ideas! Thanks for reading!
Tpnka Hanuov – Thank you very much! I'm so glad to hear that! I hope you enjoy the rest of the story.
UniKatFox – I am glad to hear that! He is still struggling with those feelings but we will really get down to confronting them in the next chapter. Thanks so much for reading!
Relent1ess – Thank you so much! I'm glad that you are enjoying the story so much! We will really see a whole lot more relationship building in the next chapter. Thanks for reading!
GALAXYTHUNDER000 – I'm glad that you thought it was good regardless of the speed. The entire Snoke encounter is one of the scenes I was referencing at the beginning, where I would be drastically cutting down to focus on relationship building. I am so glad that you are still enjoying the story and thank you so much for reading!
Thank you to all the anonymous guests who left reviews! Reminder to leave some sort of username to differentiate yourself so I can reply to you.
