Kylo woke before Athena. His eyes adjusted to the sun shining through the window of Athena's quarters. Athena was curled into a ball, snuggled into the blanket. The Knight of Ren walked around her room, another golden space with high walls and arched windows.

It was full of books, books stacked in the corners, next to the bed, on the shelves, on the large wooden desk. Plants filled the rest of the space, while sculptures and art were splattered around. Athena loved pretty things, he mused. The books he found were a wild mix.

Kylo wished he had ever known such a beautiful space. His parents lived a more moderate lifestyles, even with the power and influence they both held as decorated war heroes. Han Solo had travelled around, missing his smuggler life, while Leia stayed on military bases. It seemed like his parents never really adjusted to peace.

For a moment, he imagined his life differently. What if he married someone like Athena? Would he read books or collect art? Would he raise their kids and play in the vast gardens with them? Would he get used to all those vibrant colors, to the light and the luxury?

"You can borrow one if you like," Athena muttered sleepily, her eyes half closed. Her hair was in a mess, her skin bare as she dressed herself in the blanket. She looked unreal to him. Everything looked unreal.

"I'll take 'the Mandalorian and I' and 'Love across stars'" he laughed. A sound that didn't fit him at all.

"You definitely should," she groaned, stretching herself. Athena stood up and placed a soft kiss on his shoulder. "What if we stayed here? Let the First Order and the Resistance do their thing without us. With the treaty, we can be safe here on Serenno. We could have the finest food, a ball every night and all the fun we want," she purred, her hair tickling the skin of his back. Her thoughts travelled to the dream of Count Dooku. Athena hesitated about telling Kylo about it. The words of her grandfather were meant for her alone in her opinion. Especially since Athena didn't know what exactly Dooku expected of her. Kylo had waited for guidance from his grandfather his whole life, while Athena had dreams and visions she didn't even ask for.

"I have a duty and so do you. I'm a monster. I do not belong here," he answered solemnly.

"I won't lie to you, Kylo, you have done truly horrible and wrong things. But you have the potential for good as well. It's hard to change and to face what we've done, but it's worth it. Just let the past die..." she muttered, but she knew she was indulging a fantasy. Their stay on Serenno was coming to an end, and she dreaded to go back to the Finalizer and to the cold, metallic walls all around her.

"I've been hearing the Supreme Leader's voice in my head since I was a young man. He is guiding me. Without him, I'd be nothing. But I admit I haven't heard him since we're here. It has been… different."

Athena turned towards him, facing him as she placed her hands on his chest, as if to calm him. This sounded awful, she thought. "Why has it stopped?" she asked softly, a line of worry showing on her forehead.

"I don't know. Maybe it's this planet. The Sith owned this planet long before your family did. It has a special presence." His hair fell down his face as he looked down to her, his lips pressed together. Athena wished she could relieve him of this influence over him. Maybe it was the planet that shut Snoke's voice down. Count Dooku was capable of manifesting in her dreams, so maybe Kylo's theory was right. Or Kylo had been somewhat at peace for once. Athena felt there was more he wanted to say, so she waited patiently for him to continue.

"Supreme Leader wants me to kill my parents. He believes I'm weak, and he is right. Only if I truly cut all my ties to the past, I can be who I need to be," he said quietly, his eyes observing her reaction. Athena didn't show any sign of shock, instead, she stayed steady, locking him in her arms. He placed his head on her shoulder.

"We could go somewhere else. With my fortune we can build an entire new existence," she offered pleadingly.

"He'll always know where we are. I know I must do it, Athena. Even you can't change me," Kylo voice sounded raspy. He was truly struggling.

But Athena didn't know how to help him.

"I am not trying to change you. Quite the opposite, I think you need to be more yourself," Athena pushed him softly away, then placed a soft kiss on his mouth. "I'll help you. I'm your apprentice, master. I will do whatever you need of me," she promised.

"I'll protect you, Athena," he said, his warm eyes finding her amethyst colored ones.

Athena kissed him all over his face, as if she could erase the reality facing them. This time, Kylo's touches were soft, caressing her still naked skin, as if he discovered it for the first time. He took in every inch of her, his eyes filled with silent need. They moved towards the bed, not letting go of each other. He trailed kisses along her neck, along her breasts, on her belly and back on her collar bones, making her sigh in expectation of more. His hands moved slowly on her body, gently, as if he was scared to break her. When he entered her, his hips rolled smoothly and slowly, as she wrapped her legs around him, her hands on his back, making him fill her deeper. Athena savored every second, every breath.

A premonition told her that both of their promises would not be kept.

OoOoO

General Hux knew something had changed.

Commander Ren and Athena walked in as if they owned the Finalizer. Ren's arrogant behavior was not new to Hux. But the apprentice didn't walk behind him, she stayed right at this side, unusually close to him.

The girl displayed her unreadable mask of confidence, her chin raised and her steps full of determination. But Armitage Hux could sense something different about her. She seemed so comfortable and at ease with Ren, even he was walking so closely besides her the fabric of their capes touched. He didn't even wear his helmet, and when he looked down at her, there was a new look on his face, one Hux had never seen before.

They almost looked like… Hux's eyes widened. Like lovers. The general would bet on it. At the end of the day, Ren was just as human as anyone else. It wouldn't even surprise him if the countess was the one wrapping Ren around her little finger. Those looks they gave each other alluded to more than just a physical bonding. It was more than just a game or a power play.

"General," she beamed at him. Kylo stared at him with disdain as usual, not even showing an ounce of respect.

"I'm pleased to have you back with us," he answered gracefully, ignoring Kylo's palpable aggression. "The Supreme Leader wants to see your apprentice, commander."

Both Ren and Athena looked at each other. Hux was almost taken aback about how openly they displayed their… bond. Or whatever it was.

"He wants to see her alone," he added.

Thank you so much for your kind reviews!

One thing OCs always do in Kylo fanfictions is to tell him that he's not a monster and to justify all of his actions without hesitation, even after he murders their friends or relatives. Or he turns to Ben, like in the movies, and is instantly redeemed. Of course, it's supposed to be fantasy, but I like my OC to be morally ambiguous herself and not wanting to change him to Ben. :D

Enjoy the fluff in this chapter, because it's about to get dark! Also, please leave a review! It always gives me a lot of motivation! :)