Disclaimer: I do not own Star Wars or any of the amazing characters

Chapter 16:

Rey had stayed on with her friends late into the night talking about the group calling themselves the Last Hope. Leia and the others still seemed suspicious of the group but allowed them to stay because they all had reasons to hate the First Order. Also, they had blown up five First Order Scout ships while exploring the Amara system that were probably looking for the Resistance.

Rey was so angry she wanted to punch the sleeping Kylo into consciousness but then she remembered that she was still able to keep the knowledge of where the Resistance actually was located in the Amara system a secret. In the end Rey couldn't stay mad, she knew he was looking for them and the First Order was pretty dedicated to making sure their Supreme Leader was happy and not killing them.

After Rey got over it she tried to chat with her friends like she wasn't aboard an enemy ship, locked in a room with the Supreme Leader of the First Order. Though Rey definitely didn't tell them that Kylo was right behind her. She told them about her training and made fun of Finn and Rose's budding relationship.

Poe was being standoffish ever since she told them that they should in no way attempt to rescue her. He kept grumbling that Kylo had to be making her say that. Finally, Leia had sent the others away and made sure that Rey was safe where she was and then ask if there was anything they could do for her. Rey made sure that they were all safe and promised to try and call more often before ending the transmission.

Rey wondered if there was anyway she would be going back to her room and after trying to wake Kylo several times before she ended up just crawling on to the opposite side of the giant bed from him. She was in a deep sleep before she could even contemplate the implications that would come from them waking up together. Even when they slept on the shuttle on Florn they were always on two different sides. This was the first time they'd ever shared a bed.

When she woke in the morning she was back in her room, alone. She didn't know when Kylo had brought her to her room and was slightly peeved that she didn't get to see his reaction to waking up with Rey next to him. Rey looked around and found that her lunch was sitting on her desk.

She had slept way longer than she had first suspected. Usually she and Kylo ate lunch together, so it was odd to find the food here but not her usual companion. She reached out for his mind and when she found it, she slipped easily inside.

Suddenly Kylo was sitting at the end of her bed. He seemed to be meditating, which was rare. Kylo seemed to hate having to sit still for any real period of time. Rey gently set her hand on his shoulder. His eyes opened slowly.

You are finally awake, he said into her mind. Yeah, I didn't mean to sleep so long. Why is lunch here and you aren't, she asked pushing the covers back.

Kylo avoided looking directly at her.

So you're not going to tell me, just like you didn't tell me that you had scouts in the Amara system, Rey accused coolly. I take it my mother and your friends are responsible for the disappearance of several of my scout ships, Kylo said and for once there was no anger in his voice, just curiosity. Actually, no. No one I ever met had anything to do with it.

Rey moved off of the bed to sit at the desk. She pushed the food around on the plate as she waited for him to ask what she meant.

Ever since your little up rising on Jasmenerth, I've been waiting for the number of people flocking to the Resistance to increase, Kylo said, wistfully. So you aren't surprised, Rey asked. No and eat your food. We used a lot of energy training on Florn and now that we aren't together we are both feeling it, he said.

Rey hadn't thought about it like that but it was true. They'd been able to sleep and eat less when combining their strength and now that they were separated they were both feeling what they hadn't needed before. No wonder Rey had slept almost 18 hours.

Where are you, Rey asked. I had to leave the Vengeance for a little while. It's First Order business so if I am keeping you out it's for good reason, Kylo said. You left me alone on this ship with Hux and a bunch of other people who want to hurt or kill me? What about my food? What about training, Rey asked.

Panic was beginning to set in right away. She was going to go into full meltdown mode in a second. Kylo moved her chair so that she was facing him. He touched her hand to get her to actually look at him.

Hux is with me. Phasma is in charge of the Vengeance while I am gone, and she follows my orders much better than Hux ever would. A droid is in charge of your meals, it will test the ingredients for poisons and such, prepare the meal and deliver it to you. As well as coming back for your empty plates and cups. I would suggest you rest today and go back to your normal routine tomorrow. In the evening Phasma will be helping you with the next step of you training, Kylo said. Why is Phasma going to be helping me with my training. How long will you be gone, Rey asked, fear creeping into her words. I trust her not to hurt you and she is the only one who has access to my room. From there she can open your door to enter or exit, he said, and Rey noticed that he was avoiding her question which just made her panic even more.

Kylo Ren wasn't the only one with abandonment issues. Though Rey hadn't really been too attached to anyone for long enough to feel abandoned by them since her parents. And it was weird that Kylo was the one to make her feel this way.

Kylo brushed a stray piece of hair away from her face as her mind raced against the panic that was trying to destroy the hard earned peace of mind that she had gained upon knowing that her parents were never coming back for her. She stared up into the deep brown eyes that she had grown accustom to seeing every day and wanted to throw her arms around his legs and beg him not to leave her behind.

You're thinking very hard, scavenger girl, Kylo said softly. I know you mentioned maybe having to leave, I just didn't expect it so soon, Rey said, looking down. I will keep my mind open enough that you can feel that I am alright and maybe if I have a chance I will open the bond fully, Kylo said. When are you coming back, Rey asked.

Kylo sighed.

Soon, I couldn't leave you alone for long, Rey, Kylo said. What if you don't come back, Rey asked, hating how small and weak she sounded. The only thing left in the Universe that can kill me is you, Kylo said with a slight smile. You just almost died yesterday, Rey pointed out.

Kylo gave her a look she hadn't seen in a very long time. It sent a chill down her spine and not in a good way. She tried to move back from him.

It's true that you saved my life, but I could have let that creature hit you instead. Then I would have had to rescue you. You are my weakness Rey. If you haven't noticed that by now you haven't been paying attention, Kylo said and was gone, leaving Rey to contemplate his words.

She shook her head.

"Stupid man," she said out loud hoping he would hear her where ever he physically was.

Rey ate her food and then tried to go about her training as usual, but she found herself tired just as Kylo had said. Instead she spent time in bed re-reading over the Jedi texts on the tablet that Kylo had provided her with. It seemed to make more sense now that she was getting into the practical application of it all.

It wasn't long before she had drifted off to into a deep dreamless sleep. When she awoke again, her dinner had been delivered, though it was still warm so Rey knew she hadn't missed the droid by much. She went and showered before reheating her food. It was lonely eating dinner by herself when she was used to Kylo being there with her.

She reached out to brush against his mind. He opened himself up enough for her to feel that he was busy so Rey retreated back into her own mind. The thought of doing any more reading on the Jedi texts threatened to put her back to sleep. So when she finished her meal, she searched for games or ancient history on her datapad. She needed some sort of mental stimulation even if she couldn't do what she wanted.

After some searching Rey found a detailed history of the Old Republic and threw herself into the reading. She was hoping to find everything she could on all the great Jedi masters of the time, and the Sith. She was curious if Kylo would have qualified as a Sith lord back in those days and a few minutes into reading about the Original Sith, she knew there was too much conflict in him for him to ever fall completely to the dark side.

Rey spent hours reading and by the time she was too tired to keep her eyes open she had gotten through a third of the text. She made sure to save her place and put the data pad on her desk so that she wouldn't knock it off of the bed and break it.

She laid in the dark for a minute before whispering, Goodnight, Kylo.

…

Kylo's head was still spinning from waking up to find Rey curled into a ball at his side. He'd taken a moment to memorize her sleeping face before carefully lifting her in his arms to return her back to her room. He'd hated to leave her but he had put off this little trip for way too long already.

Hux was now with him when he'd originally planned to bring Phasma and leave the sniveling little ginger back on the Vengeance. He'd had to bring Hux and leave Phasma for the same reason; to protect Rey. But now that meant that the weasel was here with Kylo and his soon to be general was left guarding something precious.

Hopefully he could send Hux off to do some mindless task while he went speak with King Tiberius Maven of the banking world known as Niro. Snoke himself put Tiberius on the throne and many thought it was done so that the First Order would have an endless supply of credits. As soon as Snoke died, King Tiberius cut the First Order off almost completely. Kylo had been scrambling trying to come up with more credits when he was first introduced to Thalia who promised to help Kylo make the First Order independently wealthy. Because of this Hux thought it would be a good idea to bring the Jasmenerthian Queen with them to Niro.

Kylo was sitting in the pilot's chair when he heard Rey's whisper of goodnight and immediately wished that he was back on the Vengeance with her.

"Supreme Leader, we will be in Hyperspace for another 14 hours. Why don't you try and get some sleep," Thalia suggested tentatively. "If you two wanted to be alone there are rooms in the back of the shuttle," Kylo said blandly and both Thalia and Hux blushed furiously. "All Queen Thalia meant was that this would go easier if you were well rested. That is all," Hux said. "So quick to defend her now that she is in your bed," Kylo grumbled.

Hux and Thalia had been joined at the hip ever since Kylo suggested Hux rescue her from the cells on the Vengeance. He knew putting them together would eventually create a problem but he doubted it would be before Kylo dug the First Order out of the hole Hux and Snoke had dug themselves into. That didn't mean that he shouldn't watch himself around the two. Though he did fully believe that Rey was the only one who could actually kill him.

"Oh, but Kylo you should know I'm enough woman for both of you," Thalia purred while draping herself around Hux's shoulders.

Kylo thought he was going to be sick. Hux chuckled. A sound that Kylo had never heard come from the weasel before.

"I don't share," Kylo hissed.

Kylo glanced over his shoulder as Thalia came to stand just behind his chair. Her height would intimidate most men but Kylo knew he could bring her to her knees before pulling her long blade from her back and without a weapon she was just another life that could easily be extinguished if Kylo wished it so. He threw her an icy look and she stopped a few feet from him.

"And it is unbefitting a woman of your stature to jump from one man's bed to the next like a common whore. Ren doesn't need you for that when he's got his filthy scavenger girl," Hux said snidely.

He moved to Thalia's side and took her hand. She smiled sweetly at Hux but Kylo could practically hear her thoughts comparing the two men. If this were a competition Hux wouldn't even be in the running. Knowing that Thalia still wanted him even though he had sent her to Hux's bed was punishment enough for now.

"That filthy scavenger girl is my apprentice and the second most powerful force user in the galaxy. When I am done with her she won't hesitate to use the force to take your life. I would suggest you keep comments like that to yourself in the future. Besides, Rey is no one's whore," Kylo said.

He should have killed Hux for what he implied and two months ago he probably would have done it but something about sharing Rey's consciousness for so long had lessened his tendency toward loosing his temper. That didn't mean he wasn't plotting how to get rid of Hux as painfully as possible, just that he didn't want to jeopardize the mission at hand.

"Come on, Armie. Your Supreme Leader doesn't want to play with us," Thalia said, shooting Kylo an annoyed look. "I don't know what you saw in such a brooding, moody individual anyway," Hux whispered as they headed down the short hall.

Kylo shuddered at the mention of Thalia's pet name for Hux but noticed the ginger had chosen his words a little more carefully than usual. Maybe Thalia still caring for Kylo was keeping Hux in check, at least in front of Thalia. They had been on this shuttle ship for less than 12 hours and he was already regretting this trip. He just couldn't shake the feeling that something was bound to go terribly wrong. He just didn't know what.

Kylo would have liked to ask Phasma's advice but there's no way of telling if Hux was listening in or not. Kylo wouldn't put it passed him. He didn't need to give Hux another reason to call him weak. Kylo should have killed Hux right after he awoke after the explosion from Luke's lightsaber being ripped apart with the man standing over him. Then there would be no delusions of grandeur in which Hux successfully eliminates Kylo to become Supreme Leader.

"This is going to be a very long visit," Kylo muttered as he closed his eyes and fell easily into a meditative trance.

It used to be harder to find his center and he knew Rey and her light had helped with that too. Kylo knew he should have feared the changes that Rey was causing in him but he couldn't bring himself to blame her for being herself. He did blame the Old Fool as this was all his doing. He suggested Kylo and Rey share their consciousness and every time he visited them on Florn he just smirked at Kylo like he knew something he didn't. And of course the old man knew what the effect of Kylo taking in Rey's light would be but Kylo wondered if even Luke knew what would come of Rey taking in Kylo's dark.

Her almost fall to darkness is what led Kylo to bringing her back to the Vengeance. What if she didn't find balance but instead totally fell to the darkness? Kylo banished the thought from his mind. Only he could drive her to complete darkness and he didn't want that. So she should be fine, right?

…

Rey awoke the next morning to a bowl of cereal and a bagel. She ate her food, showered and did some light reading before getting back to her training. She was able to keep everything floating with no effort. She was even able to read from her datapad that she kept floating right in front of her face.

A droid brought in her lunch and took away her breakfast dishes. She ate quickly before falling into a one handed handstand for the afternoon part of her training. Again she had no trouble and Rey knew Kylo's knowledge and consciousness had really helped as much as Luke thought it would. She wondered what Kylo had gotten out of the two months of training.

It was around the time Kylo usually brought her dinner when the door to her room hissed open. For a moment Rey was excited, she thought maybe Kylo's mission hadn't taken as long as he'd thought but her face quickly fell as a woman came in carrying a tray of food. Rey backed into the far wall as Phasma came toward the desk.

Kylo had warned Rey that Phasma would be helping with her training but that didn't make the giant woman in the chrome armor less intimidating. Rey stayed stock still as Phasma set the two trays of food down and removed her helmet with a low hiss. Rey was surprised to see a shock of white blonde hair, ocean blue eyes, pale skin and full red lips. The woman called Phasma wasn't exactly beautiful in a traditional way; she was more of a handsome woman than anything. She set her helmet down on the end of the desk and sat, all while looking at Rey.

"Ren told me to make sure you ate before going forward with your training," Phasma said in a smooth cultured tone. "Okay," Rey said and cautiously moved toward the desk. "If I hurt you, Ren will kill me. You have nothing to fear from me," Phasma tried to reassure Rey. "Excuse me if I am a little skeptical. You tried to kill two of my best friends," Rey said. "And you tried to kill Ren, yet you don't see me approaching you like a gazelle to water," Phasma said and Rey gave her a confused look.

Rey had no idea what a gazelle was or how it applied to the situation. Phasma just shook her head and laughed. She pushed Rey's chair out from under the desk and nodded for her to take a seat.

"A gazelle is a type animal. They have to be cautious when approaching water as there are predators in the water just waiting for the moment that they are defenseless," Phasma explained as Rey came to sit across from her.

Rey nodded in understanding and then her face lit up as she saw what was on the plate. Out of all of the new foods that Kylo introduced Rey to, the one on her plate was one of her favorites. Kylo had called it a double bacon cheeseburger. Her favorite parts were the crispy pieces of animal fat and the yellow glob of cheese. Oh, and let's not forget the fried potatoes and the red 'catch-up' sauce.

Phasma sat there amused as she watched Rey tear through her food. Kylo often spoke about how much the scavenger from Jakku loved food and Phasma could see that none of it had been falsehood. Rey wanted to savor her food but she was also excited to be doing some new training.

"So are you Kylo's right hand or something," Rey asked. "You could say that. I will soon take the position of General of the First Order. He trusts me to keep you safe because I am loyal to him," Phasma said. Rey finished her food and then asked, "So you want Hux's position?" "I will have Hux's position as soon as he and Ren get back from the banking planet and Hux has outlived his usefulness," Phasma said with certainty. "Good. Hux is a monster and he shouldn't be allowed to choose whether he gets to keep breathing let alone the fate of hundreds of millions of soldiers," Rey said and she could see that Phasma was shocked.

Even as the words left her mouth, Rey knew it was Kylo's thoughts that made her say it. Phasma busted out laughing. Rey was startled to hear such a joyous sound leave the woman's mouth.

"I'm pretty sure Ren said the exact same thing. Fortunately I agree. Now if you are finished with your food we can begin this training. Ren wants this mastered before he gets back," Phasma said with a bright smile. "Okay, what do I do," Rey asked excitedly jumping up from her seat.

Phasma pulled out a smallish round droid and a piece of paper.

She began to read from the paper, "First you should mediate and focus on feeling the Force energy of the people and living organisms around us. Once you can feel everyone on board this ship reach farther."

Rey could feel Kylo in those words.

Meditation was easy for Rey but she didn't expect to be able to feel the Living Force so easily or right away. Phasma's life energy blazed brightly and beyond that she could feel the Stormtroopers in the hall and beyond. Rey wished that Kylo was here, he would understand her amazement. Phasma just looked bored with the whole thing.

"I can feel everything. It's a little overwhelming," Rey said in almost a whisper. "Ren said it would feel like that. Now tell me can you hear the buzzing," Phasma asked.

Rey strained for a second before she could hear a slight buzzing like electricity in a lightbulb that was getting ready to burn out.

"Yes," Rey said with her eyes still closed. "And now," Phasma asked and Rey heard the door to her room open. "Yes," Rey said. "And now," Phasma asked again.

This went on for hours into the night until finally Rey said that she could no longer hear the buzzing. Phasma told her to open her eyes. The round droid that had been on the table before they started was now gone.

"The reason you no longer hear the buzzing is because the droid was sent out of an air lock and sound doesn't travel well in the vacuum of space," Phasma said with a slight smile. "Wait, what," Rey asked. "The point of the exercise was to see how far the droid could go before you stopped hearing it. The good news is that the droid had to leave the ship before you could no longer hear it. The bad news is now we will focus on your other senses until they are as strong as your hearing," Phasma said with a smile. "I'm ready for anything," Rey said confidently.

…

Kylo, Hux and Thalia had landed on Niro days ago and King Tiberius was still celebrating some back-world holiday or another even though Kylo had been sick of the parties by the end of the first night. Kylo spent most of his time brooding and silent. Thankfully he'd worn his mask and people were a lot more reluctant to talk to the dark man. Thalia and Hux were certainly enjoying themselves and Kylo couldn't remember if he'd actually seen Hux smile unless he was causing someone pain before getting to Niro. The little ginger weasel was actually nice to the people he spoke to, even the servants. It was all so very unnerving.

Once the official parties were over Kylo and company spent another few days participating in smaller dinner parties held just for the King's close friends and family. Which turned out to be more people than Kylo could ever find himself being close too. The worst part of the dinner parties was the fact that King Tiberius kept offering Kylo his daughters. The way the king saw it was if Kylo married one of his daughters his position as king of Niro would be secured.

The man couldn't seem to understand why Kylo kept refusing. Maven's daughters were beautiful but not as beautiful as Rey. He found himself missing her as the days dragged by. He'd invaded her dreams for the last nights. Nothing out of the normal, just her doing everyday things. She didn't seem to see him which led Kylo to believe that maybe he was just dreaming of her…

It was the tenth day into the mission when King Tiberius finally wanted to talk business. Kylo was ready to hurt the man for making him waste so much time with his bullshit parties when Tiberius' second came for Kylo, Hux and Thalia.

Kylo's anger built with each step toward the so-called king's throne room. He could feel his darkness truly rise to the surface for the first time in weeks. If the man on the throne didn't agree to the terms Kylo was about to put fourth he could certainly break the man, either mentally or physically. King Tiberius was a weak fool that Snoke found easy to manipulate but strong enough to lead the people. Kylo found the man only weak.

Tiberius' second was a tall man with dark brown skin and was completely bald except for a very long braid that began at the base of his skull and hung all the way down to his knees. He was dressed in long gold robes and there was a steel blade on his hip. Kylo supposed he was a formidable warrior when compared to normal men. Kylo had been analyzing every warrior the King had around him including this man. None of them could best him, especially with the force guiding him.

"I present Supreme Leader Kylo Ren," the man said in a deep rich voice. Tiberius clapped his hands in delight and said, "Now that you are here we can discuss this business you were so eager to get to." "You have been putting this off for 10 days Tiberius and I am growing impatient," Kylo said.

King Tiberius was king because Snoke made him a king. He worked for IGBC and was just an underling to the Chairman of IGBC who handled the First Order's accounts. Kylo assumed that there was another identical worm out there somewhere who would handle the Resistance's accounts if they were foolish enough to lend money to a dying dream. Kylo could kill Tiberius and the Chairman of IGBC would just place someone else on Niro. There weren't many people willing to stand to the might of the First Order now. The Chairman certainly wasn't one of them.

"You interrupted our festivities with your visit. I could not very well disappoint my people. But now that is all done, and I am ready to hear what you have to say," Tiberius said in his kingly voice. "My predecessor barrowed 500 billion credits back when the First Order was nothing but the last dying embers of the Empire and since that time Snoke barrowed more and more from you to build world killers and weapons beyond reason," Kylo said, his voice coming out mechanical.

Tiberius nodded.

Kylo Ren continued, "Because of that the First Order has been subjugated to you will and your goals."

Kylo produced a datapad. He pressed one button and one trillion galactic credits were transferred to the IGBC. Then he held it out to one of Tiberius' underlings. The man took it and handed it to Tiberius. The stout man looked impressed.

"With this I free the Order from your hold. My troops will no longer die for those who sit safely on their thrones while the rest of us fight and die. We will not need any further assistance from you in the future. Your men will be removed from my ships as soon as you sign the agreement for the credits that I just transferred to you thanks to the Queen of Jasmenerth," Kylo professed and Thalia came forward in her regale armor looking proud.

The doors to the throne room opened and a man in pitch black armor walked in. Another of Tiberius' underlings was scurrying after the man looking flustered. The man radiated darkness and Hux and Thalia tensed as he approached.

"Sir, Lord Ozoroth is here ahead schedule," the woman called. "I can see that Nomia," Tiberius said.

Kylo looked the man over and found that his armor reminded him of Snoke's praetorian guards' armor. It was the weapon on his hip that intrigued Kylo the most. It was a lightsaber. There was no mistaking that hilt for anything else. Kylo wondered who this Lord Ozoroth actually was. Kylo could sense the darkness in the man as easily as he could sense his own.

Ozoroth walked directly up to Tiberius' throne and none of the King's warriors even batted an eye. In fact they all seemed to freeze in fear. Kylo glanced at Hux and Thalia who watched the man with a strange curiosity.

"King Tiberius, Master Zroyais would like me to advise you against agreeing to this deal," Ozoroth said in a mechanical voice that sounded very like Kylo's.

Hux looked to Kylo with a questioning look. Kylo gave a slight shake of his head. He didn't know who this Master Zroyais was. He wasn't the Chairman of IGBC unless within the few months there had been major changes to IGBC's hierarchy.

"Who is this man, Tiberius," Kylo hissed.

Tiberius and Ozoroth kept talking in low voices. Kylo didn't like being ignored, especially for someone unknown man. With barely a thought Kylo lifted the King from his throne with one gloved hand raised in the air.

Tiberius' eyes grew wide as the force tendril choked the man as well as moved him closer to Kylo. Ozoroth and the members of Tiberius' court watched as Kylo held the man aloft.

"You and I were having a conversation before this man showed up and I plan on finishing it without any more interruptions," Kylo said menacingly. "Yes, Supreme Leader," Tiberius choked out.

Kylo dropped the man to the floor and he gulped down big breaths. Kylo stalked over to Ozoroth and with a thought ripped the black metal helmet from the man's head. Ozoroth reached for his lightsaber but Kylo caught his with the Force.

"Who are you and who do you serve?"

Ozoroth looked up at Kylo. The Supreme Leader was almost 8 inches taller than the dark skinned man with the coal black eyes and graying black hair. There was defiance in that stare.

"I accept the terms of the deal," Tiberius croaked out. "You didn't have a choice in that. Sign the datapad so that I can leave this worthless planet," Kylo said in a commanding tone.

Tiberius scrambled over to where Torval, his second was standing with the datapad. Kylo was still staring down at Ozoroth who had yet to answer Kylo's questions. Hux and Thalia were trying to fade in the background as the two men's stares became more intense.

"Ben Solo, you will soon learn who I serve," Ozoroth said and his voice was much high than his helmet had made it seem. "And you Tiberius will regret agreeing this deal," Ozoroth said and threw something to the ground.

There was a burst of pitch black smoke that sent everyone other than Kylo coughing and sputtering away from the center of the room. Kylo watched the spot where the man had been even through the dark smoke so he knew when the smoke cleared that Lord Ozoroth was going to be gone. He didn't run out through a side entrance or jump through the floor or roof. He simply vanished into thin air.

Hux and Thalia ran over to Kylo making sure he was alright. He waved them away and proceeded to question Tiberius about the mysterious man calling himself Ozoroth but strangely Kylo, Thalia and Hux seemed to be the only ones who remembered the last 25 minutes. Kylo decided to stay on Niro a few more days during which he spent his time digging through King Tiberius' mind for any clue as to who Master Zroyais and Lord Ozoroth were.

To his amazement there were whole week to month gaps in every member of Tiberius' court member's memories. He knew he'd just had a run in with this new evil that Luke and Rey kept going on about. There were so many questions he needed answered. Kylo didn't feel better until he, Hux and Thalia were safely back on his shuttle on their way back to the Vengeance.

There was only one good thing to come out of all of this. Now that they were free of the IGBC there were infinite possibilities for the future of the Frist Order. Kylo's plan was falling into place.

Please review!

I want Rey and Kylo to become a real team before really exploring the feelings they have for each other. The big bad is getting closer by the chapter... so stay tuned.