I know I know, I'm late with this one. But I have a good excuse… I wrote the last line last night! So, this story is done! Woohoo! I plan on updating twice a week? I won't drag it out and make you wait lol!
Thank you for coming back to read and all your likes, kudos, and comments! They really do mean the world to me.
"You know, if we didn't have to prepare for one last battle, we'd pack this wagon and leave," he murmurs against her forehead. They are back in the Skywalker wagon celebrating their second wedding night; very naked and in each other's arms.
"I love the sound of that. Where would we go?"
"Everywhere. Did you know that there is a market on Takodana that's huge? Anything you want to find there you can."
"That sounds like fun. Where else?"
His chuckle warms her. She can spend the rest of her days making this man laugh. "There's another place where there's snow on the ground all of the time."
"Hoth? I've always heard about that place but haven't traveled there yet." Rey pauses and props herself up on her elbow. "As long as I'm with you, I'll go anywhere you go."
"How did I get so lucky?"
"What do you mean?"
"When I had the idea to escape Snoke, I just wanted to get away, then I met your uncle."
"That way, you could get away, and have extra men there to help fight off Snoke?" She asks.
"And it worked. Well until he came after you."
"That's alright, it just means that I'm going to kill him now," she promises.
"But what about this little one?" His hand settles on her barely there baby bump.
"Oh but they are going to help me." He starts to say something, but she continues anyway, "I know it sounds odd, but this little one is a combination of the both of us, right?" He nods. "And while you come from magic, plus being one of the powerful families of the north, and I'm from the other powerful family of the north, we're going to be hard to defeat."
"How do you know so much?" he murmurs, growing tired of talking. They had time for that later, now, it's their second wedding night afterall.
"Because we belong to you- and you never lose-" his lips interrupt in the most amazing way as he kisses her from her ear to her nipple, shoving the summer blanket to the side. "Ben- I miss your touch when you're not with me."
"And I still can't believe that you're mine," he murmurs with a nipple in his mouth.
She runs her fingers through his waves and tugs, earning her a groan. "Ben-" she mewls.
"What is it Princess?" He asks on his way to lave attention to her other one.
She squirms against him, and she flushes pink. "How is it that feels so good?"
"Its so husbands will love their wives more." He rolls her over so he can hover above her. His lips travel the valley between her breasts down to her belly button. He loves the way her fingers have never left his waves.
But then he reaches her new bump that wasn't there on their first wedding night.
It still humbles him that there's a babe in there. And then when he thinks about what that little soul survived to still be here- he's truly in awe. Reverently, as if he's whispering prayers over his child, he kisses his wife's stomach.
"This child is going to be amazing."
She leans up and cups his cheeks. "I think so too. When I was there in that dungeon, it was you who kept me going. And now that I know I had this little one with me during all that, it was worth it."
"Rey-" he whispers. "Don't say that. It was me not listening to my instincts that you were even put in a position to be taken-"
"Ben! I've told you-"
"I know. But I just love you so much and it kills me to think of something happening to you."
"Oh, husband. I love you too. And nothing is going to happen to me."
"Of course, not-" he murmurs against her skin as his fingers part her folds and finds that piece of her that makes her scream his name.
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"Since we can't take our wedding trip, I'm going to teach you about the force, or magic as some of the others have been calling it." Ben smiles. They are standing out in the field beside the horse pen.
"Really?" Rey answers. "But I thought I couldn't do it?"
"The simple reason that you survived the ordeal you went through, and that the babe is still alive, you have magic."
"I never really thought about it that way," Rey replies. "What's first?"
"First? We meditate."
"You're teaching her how to meditate? That's almost funny," Uncle Luke quips as he approaches them.
Rey looks at the weathered older man to his nephew. She might have only known Ben for a short while, but she would recognize his look of annoyance anywhere. Naturally, she gravitates to her husband to soothe him.
He meets her eyes, and she can see the storm gathering there. She seeks out his hand and he squeezes when they are palm to palm. "How do I get started?" She whispers the question to her husband. He lifts her hand to his mouth where he plants a gentle kiss to the inside of her wrist.
His smile is bright and she meets his stare with a question of her own. "He left when he saw you take my hand. I have a good idea what my uncle was about, but let's go somewhere peaceful for your first try."
"The creek? There's a place beyond where we swim that only we know about."
He whistles, and his huge stallion answers from the other side of the field. When he comes close, Ben reaches out and grabs the bridle that the beast still wears. "He good for your Princess," he says to the horse. He listens of course, everything obeys Ben. He offers her a hand up, and she's grateful she had the foreknowledge to wear her leggings as she sits astride.
"What is his name?" She asks as she scratches his neck under that black mane that matches his owners.
"Silence."
"That's an odd name. Why did you name him that?"
"He was an odd colt. Sneaky. I would be out in the field working with his mother, and I'd turn and he'd be right beside me. I never heard him approach."
She loves the way he jumps up behind her, taking his place. His arms are around her, and she's in his lap. His legs flex under her as he silently commands the beast where to go. "You can hold on to his mane."
"This is amazing. He's such a beautiful horse."
"Not as beautiful as you," Ben whispers in her ear.
Her giggle echoes across the forest. "Turn here," she suggests. The creek welcomes her like the old friend she is. "See that little group of trees? Go there. I even have some rope there if you want to tie him."
"That might be good, he doesn't know these woods like he did when we-"
"When you were at Exegol?"
"Yeah when we still lived there."
"What is it like there?" They come to a stop in the little cove. Rey slides off and reaches for a branch. A rope appears in her hand. Ben takes a moment, and quickly spies other things she has hidden- another length of rope. Bow and arrows. A cabinet that blends in so well, he almost doesn't see it.
"How often do you come here?"
"When it's hot like this, everyday."
"This would be a good spot to hide."
"It is- not that I ever hide," she defends.
"Come, Princess-" he looks around the creek bank. "Let's sit here."
She smiles up at him as he sinks onto the piece of Earth he picks out. He claims his spot opposite, and crosses his legs like her and Rose does when they perch on her bed and talk about important things.
"Are you comfortable?" He asks.
"This is peaceful. But this has always been a favorite spot of mine."
"Alright, close your eyes." Her eyes drift shut even though she'd rather stare at her husband.
"Breathe," he murmurs. On her inhale, the forest air fills her lungs, reminding her of everything this place means to her. Home. Family. Love.
When she exhales, she hears him mutter, "Reach out with your emotions. Another breath, search your feelings. What do you see?"
"The forest-the castle-life-death-new life-warmth-cold-peace-violence-" She breathes.
"There's something else-"
"Yes, between it all there's a balance a energy. But there's more."
"There is?" He asks.
"Inside me there's something else."
His heart feels like it's stopping. Didn't he have this same conversation with Luke when he was a child? He closes his eyes and reaches out until he physically touches her knees. Her hands are warm when they grab his.
He can feel her in his mind as he goes into hers and it's like a million stars burst behind his eyelids. Her hands squeeze his and he knows that she must see them too. They both inhale, and on their exhale, he can feel their spirits join together.
He can feel hers and his, but there's something new on the edge of his consciousness. A tiny heartbeat that is faster than Rey's.
"Is that the baby?" He asks in their force bond.
"Papa?" The tiny one asks. "Mama?"
"Hello sweet one," he hears Rey coo.
"Mama?" Another heartbeat chirps. "Papa? I'm here too!"
"Twins?" He can hear Rey surprised but still with a smile in her voice. "I have a ka'ra and a ka'rta? I am the luckiest mama in the world."
"Papa?" One of the lights sings.
"I love you too. Both of you."
"You were right, Papa. The water did save us. Now we have to defeat Snoke," one of them says.
"If we don't, he won't ever leave us alone until we're dead." The other says.
"Unfortunately, I know you two are right," he says.
"We'll win, by fighting for what we love," Rey adds.
"Mama is so smart."
"That's why we picked her to be our mama."
"Goodnight my ka'rtas. Mama loves you."
"Papa loves you too," he adds.
"Love you-"
"Sing to us. We can hear you-"
Is the last thing they hear when their eyes fly open. Her green ones meet his amber colored ones. "That's our children. Oh Ben, we're having twins!"
"Twins," he murmurs as his heart soars.
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"Are we telling the Queens?" He asks as Silence walks back to the castle. She's in his lap again and he'll be the first one to admit that currently, he loves being married.
"We can wait a little bit. It's still so new, I'd like to keep it to ourselves, if that's alright."
His lips are on her neck and she can't stop the moan that escapes her throat. "That's fine with me. How are you feeling?"
"Amazing but for the sickness. Maz tells me that it should be over soon."
"I hope it's soon, then," he pauses, then he tightens his embrace. "Are you happy?"
She turns to look up at him and he stops Silence. "I am very happy. Are you?"
He kisses her nose and his hand rests on her little bump. "Ridiculously happy."
"Can you be that happy?" she giggles.
"I'm not sure, but I know I am." he answers.
"That's good."
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"The other part of magic, or the force, is training," Luke says.
"Training? With swords?" Rey asks. "But I already know-"
"When a force sensitive person does it, at first it's like meditating. Then when we need it, we use it to defend the innocent.'' Ben swings his silver sword. "This is form one." He sheaths his sword and moves behind her. His touch is hot as he arranges her limbs. "How does that feel?"
"I was taught this, just we didn't call it form one. It was just simply where we started."
"Can you show me the rest of what you know?" Luke asks.
She looks at Ben and he gives her an encouraging smile. A quick inhale, and she goes through the movements her and her knights have practiced for years.
"Very nice," Luke praises. "You do know some of the basics. How about tomorrow, we start from here?"
Ben looks confused and Rey hides her smile as Mara comes walking through the courtyard. "That's why he's finished," Rey whispers.
They watch Luke kiss Mara's hand and lead her into the castle. "Is it time for supper?" Ben asks as he reaches for his wife.
"It would seem so." She takes his hand as they walk into the hall together. "I know this is not everyone, where are they?"
"Some have gotten so accustomed to eating over a campfire, while others are glad to be near a castle again." Ben guides her towards her aunt and uncle who are already eating.
As soon as they sit, Talle brings them their dinner. Rey jumps up to embrace her friend. "How are you?"
"I'm good, just glad that you're home." Talle steps back and Rey has to smile. "I can't believe everything that happened to you while you were gone."
"Let me eat, and I'll come find you. We need to catch up."
"Yes, please. Do you or your husband need anything else?" Talle asks.
"He might want some more bread?" Rey replies.
"Just admit that you and the babies want the bread. Don't blame this on me," Ben chuckles.
"Babies?" Aunt Jyn whispers from across the table. "How-"
Rey squeezes Talle's hand. "I'll come find you later."
"Let me go find my parents-" Ben begins.
"Are you looking for us?" Han asks as he and Leia approach their table.
Rey lowers herself back into her chair and seeks out Ben's hand under the table. A squeeze, but her heart is still thumping out of her chest. "Just go ahead-" she whispers.
"Alright," he clears his throat. Something tells her to look up. That brings her aunt and uncle into view. Uncle Cassian looks concerned and Aunt Jyn looks worried with both of their brows furrowed. "I was teaching Rey how to meditate by the creek today. When we connected- well someone, or should I say two someones let their presence be known."
"The babies?" Leia squeals. "You were able to feel the force signature of the babies- babies!"
"Babies as in twins?" Jyn asks. "You're having twins?"
"It would appear so-" Rey utters. Aunt Jyn starts to cry. Cassian is beaming. Leia is giggling and Han- is he crying too?
"You need to tell Nana and Papa!" Leia gushes. "I'll be-"
Rey sees Talle bringing Leia and Han their food. "Talle, would you go out and tell Anakin and Padme that they are needed in here?"
"Of course," Talle says.
"I'll come with you-" Leia volunteers.
"This way, your majesty." Talle leads them out to the courtyard.
"She's excited," Han admits.
"I think we all are," Cassian adds.
"How are you feeling?" Jyn asks.
"Better. Being home helps a lot."
Leia comes rushing- well as fast as Anakin can walk- back to their table. Rey and Ben both jump up and his grandparents accept the empty chairs with a kiss. But then Poe and Finn are behind Rey and Ben, offering them two more chairs. The families sit in an odd circle with the table between them.
"Nana, Papa," Leia begins, calling her parents their grandparent names. "Rey and Ben have some news."
"We already know the girl is pregnant," Anakin almost shouts because of his hearing loss. Rey feels her face heating up when silence falls over the dining hall and everyone turns their attention to them. "That's why you insisted they spend their wedding night in our wagon for Skywalker luck." He smirks and Rey has to chuckle because she knows that's what Ben will look like when he's that age.
"We know that Anakin. Let's listen to what Leia has to say. It's probably important," Nana Padme hushes him.
"Papa," Ben touches his arm, getting the old man's attention focused on him. "I was teaching Rey how to meditate."
"Oh yes, she'll need to know how to do that so she can do magic. She has to help you defeat Snoke after all. And to protect those babies. That's the most important thing." Anakin pats his grandson's arm.
"Wait- how do you know?" Ben whispers.
Somehow almost deaf Papa hears him. "I know more about all this than you realize. Now, you tell me, what did your vision show you two?"
"Just that we're having twins," Rey answers.
"They also told you to fight for what you love. That means that everything is going to be alright." Anakin smiles and reaches for Padme's hand. "They are going to be special children, full of the force and love. A true joy to all who know them."
"Is this what the force is?" Aunt Jyn asks.
"It is. It's big and a little scary, but then it's everything you could ever need," Leia answers.
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"How is it harvest time already?" Rose grunts.
"I'm not sure but it's hot." Rey pauses. She straightens her spine, wincing as she does. They are helping the other women harvest the barley. Just no one told Rey that two babies inside her makes the work four times as difficult.
Plus add to that the time that Ben insists on teaching her all that he can about the force-
"You can go rest, you know." Rose says beside her.
"I know, I'd feel odd if I wasn't helping though. At least it will be cold when these two are born." According to Maz, the babes will be born when they see the first signs of spring. A sudden wave of dizziness makes Rey stumble. "Princess, are you alright?"
"Perhaps some-" Ben is by her side in a moment with some water for her.
"It's too hot for you-" he grumbles.
"I'm fine," she protests. "I always help with the harvest."
"That's fine. Next year you can help. This year you're pregnant with our twins." she can feel his eyes roving over her. "Please, go rest."
They stare at each other for a long moment. She doesn't miss how pink his shoulders are from working out in the sun without his tunic on. "How much more needs to be picked up?"
"We're almost done. Am I red?"
"Yeah, we'll have to fix a vinegar bath for you."
"I'll go put a shirt on if you'll get out of the sun."
"Fine," she huffs but with a smile.
"I think we should go to the creek after this," she whispers.
"I think you should take Rose and go ahead. I'll be there soon."
"Bring Hux with you? I think he really likes Rose."
His brow rises and disappears under his waves. "I think Rose has a thing for Hux."
"You're right." She smiles.
"Go to the creek, we'll be there soon."
"Yes, husband," she says as she motions to Rose.
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"How is it the hottest part of the summer already?" Rey grunts as she lowers herself in the swimming hole. "This has to be the best part of the day-" she exhales as the water covers her shoulders.
"When it's this hot, it is." Rose agrees. The friends are quiet for a moment as they enjoy the way the water washes away the day's heat. "Can I confess something?"
"Sure?" Rey answers.
"I'm glad that you married the Black Knight. He's more than we thought he was going to be, isn't he?"
She has to smile as she remembers how he smiles at her when he doesn't think anyone is looking. How he has to touch her when they are going to sleep even though it's as hot as it is.
How he always makes sure she's comfortable and taken care of before he looks after himself.
"He's a lot more than we thought he was going to be." Rey smirks at her oldest friend. "How is Sir Hux?"
"Oh Armie?" rose coos. "He's so much more than he seems. So insightful. Did you know that writes poetry?"
Hux? Writes poetry? "Really? Is that a hobby of his?"
"That and he likes to spar with the other knights. But they all like to do that. Did Ben tell you how he saved Hux's life?"
Rey feels her face heating up. When her and Ben are alone, they don't talk about many things, because they are usually-
"He hasn't, I'll have to ask. Is it a good story?"
"Oh yes! See, Hux's father is a lord over in Arkanis."
"That's right, that's where he's from. Isn't Hux a Duke?" Rey asks.
"He would be if he accepted the title. But Armie's father kicked him out-"
"Wait, his father kicked him out? But how?"
"Because he's an ass. But Armie met Bodhi Rock and together they set out on the road to Exegol."
"And that's where they met Ben?"
"No, that's when we met Snoke," Hux says from the creek bank. A smile on her husband's face who is standing beside the ginger greets her.
"Did you finish?" Rey asks her husband who is standing beside hux.
"Yes, with lots left over for the people who need to come glean." Ben tugs his tunic off while toeing off his boots. The men strip down to their leggings and almost run into the creek. The deep place is deep enough for both to dunk their heads. When they surface, both of them have a huge grin on their faces. "This is amazing."
"We've always enjoyed it," Rey admits.
"Can we live out here for the rest of the summer?" Hux asks.
"We'll turn into fish or something." Rose giggles as Hux sits next to her in the water.
"We can go back on land once it cools off," he answers her, just making her chuckle even more.
"I've never heard her laugh like that," Rey whispers to her husband.
"Perhaps there will be another wedding soon?" He murmurs in her ear as he pulls her in his lap. His hands rove over their children as he kisses her neck. Both of them smile as the twins kick into their touches. "The children are awake."
"I think they are trying to dance a reel in there," Rey adds. After a vigorous kick from both of them, she says, "I wonder if they are trying to tell us something?"
"Do you think they might?"
"Let's try something." Ben moves around in the water until he's facing her. Then instead of crossing their legs, he just takes her hands. The connection is instant, as if the children were waiting for their parents.
"Papa! Mama!" One of them says.
"Grandpa Galen wanted to tell you that Bodhi is trying to get back. He has news but don't let it discourage you. The battle is yours, Grandpa says, you just have to fight and be strong. The force is with you both."
"Who told you this?" Rey thinks.
"The force. Grandpa Galen. Oh Grandma Mary is here too. She says that she misses you and is so proud of everything you've accomplished and going to too. What does that mean Mama?"
"I'll explain it when you're older."
"Alright!" the chirp together. "We love you Papa!"
"We love you too, our little stardusts." Ben answers as the children settle down. In a matter of minutes, they are asleep-
And their parent's eyes fly open. She meets his eyes, and tears swim in both. "That's not normal, is it?" she mutters.
"No, I'm fairly certain that it's not."
"What happened?" Hux asks, concern making his brow furrow.
"Oddly enough, because of the force or magic, we're able to communicate with the twins." Ben explains.
"Well, if you believe what Snoke always said, he said that he could do that with you."
"I'd forgotten all about that," Ben utters.
"That's scary," Rose says. "Is Snoke communicating with the twins?"
The new parents still.
"Luke?" Rey asks.
"And Amilyn," Ben adds as they both stand.