Author's Something or other: So, I had gotten a really nasty private message on one of the platforms that this story exists on. Obviously, I'm not going to name where or who or whatever or talk about what was in the message. But, I guess I do want to clear up a few things?

Friendly reminder... that this is a fanfic. It's a story I'm writing a story from my own brain using characters we all know, say for a few randoms I throw in. I get it, it's frustrating when a character does something you wouldn't expect them to do. But, I promise, I do things for a reason. As that is said, if I wanted to blow up the entire planet and end the story, it is my right to. Will I? Heck no, that's really poor writing and I'd like to think I'm not that awful of a writer.

But I digress because... all of you are awesome and I love hearing your opinions and accept them graciously whether you love the story or hate it. Just... don't send me mean shit in a private message haha.

On another fun note... I wrote 3 endings to this damn story. I really don't know what I want to do. One ending is great but I know it's going to leave you guys divided over it. Another ending you may kill me. And one ending makes a sequel that I don't think I want to write. Okay no, that's a lie. I'd love to write more for Ash and Kylo Ren but, that doesn't mean I should. Ya know? Hopefully I'll have this resolved before we get there...

To his amusement (and somewhat jealousy), Kylo Ren had found Ash and Rey sleeping in Rey's hut. He had gone looking for her after finding out she wasn't in their hut no longer. He had found her cuddled up next to Rey in her hut, the two sleeping soundly. He couldn't be there for his red head when she needed him most, not in the way she needed him. She needed a companion, someone who understood. Rey was that person; and while he hated it, he also appreciated it to some degree.

What Kylo Ren didn't appreciate, however, was the unexpected visit from his Uncle the next morning. Luke entered the hut without so much as an introduction, knowing his nephew wasn't going to come to him. He had to make the first move. "Han was a man of change, but he had his consistencies, particularly in keeping that ship exactly how it was for over thirty years now." He said absentmindedly. "Did you enjoy your trip down memory lane last night?"

Ren frowned. "Is this the part where we bond over my late father and rekindle our family ties?" Luke said nothing as Kylo Ren scoffed. "Sorry, but you tried to kill me. It's a bit late for forgiveness."

"Yet you expect forgiveness for what you had done to your father. A bit of a double standard, no?" Kylo Ren's fist clenched tightly as he tried not to show any extra hidden emotions. "Snoke reached out to the girls, taking their thoughts for his own; he tried to kill Ashlyn by sending her off a cliff. What do you plan to do about it?"

"I plan on running him through with my lightsaber, however I need those stones." He stated flatly, as though that plan was so obvious.

"How?" He was adamant about getting an answer from his very flippant nephew.

Ren shrugged. "You suggested Naboo. I guess I'll start there." They said nothing for a moment before Kylo Ren asked the other burning question. "And what will you do while we fight for your survival?"

Luke was taken back by that sentiment. "You're fighting for more than just my survival, Ben."

"You didn't answer my question." The two were staring each other down as the red haired grey user stumbled into the hut, stopping dead in her tracks as she saw the two of them in her hut.

"Oh, this is awkward." She mumbled. "I'll see myself out-"

"Don't bother." Kylo said, his eyes still on Luke. "He was just leaving."

Luke smirked, knowingly as he looked at Ashlyn. "You look rested, feel any better?"

Ash offered him a small smile. "I do, thanks."

"Friendship goes a long way." He said cryptically, knowing it was going to boil is nephew up from the inside as he saw himself out of the hut.

Ash felt Kylo Ren tense for a moment before she sighed. "Are you angry that I slept in Rey's hut last night?" She asked. "We were talking and eventually just-"

Kylo interrupted her. "I'm not, actually. I'm happy you were able to find some rest." His tone didn't agree with that.

"But you're still annoyed."

He sighed. "More at myself for not being the one to comfort you."

Ash smiled at him as she walked over and hugged his side. His arm wrapped around her almost unwillingly, but out of a habit he was so eagerly easy to accept. "Where did you go last night?"

"I had a few things to sort out." His reply was truthful as it was cryptic. "Is Rey awake?"

Ash looked at him skeptically. "Yeah, she woke up when I did."

"We have to talk about our next step; we can't stay here." Kylo Ren said. "I have a bad feeling about-" He stopped himself, his lips pursing over the words that were not his own. "We just need to start moving."

Ash beamed now as she looked up at him. "Are you saying you're ready to work as a team?"

He scoffed. "Don't let this go to your head, Ash."

Ash pulled away from him, still smiling her goofy smile. "We are finally going to be a team!"

"Ashlyn." He said warningly.

"What should we call ourselves? Team Force-" Ash yelped then as Kylo Ren scooped her up in his arms. She began laughing loudly as she kicked her legs, trying to break free.

He was grinning as he cradled her tightly against his chest. "You're going to be the death of me, you know that?"

She beamed as she leaned up just enough to kiss him. "So, you've said, yet it hasn't happened."

"You two are disgusting." The two Force Users looked to the doorway, seeing Rey standing there with a mixed expression of being grossed out and yet, ultimately (and also reluctantly), accepting of what was happening in front of her.

"Oh, Rey! Perfect timing!" Ash exclaimed, looking to Kylo Ren and nodding at Rey. Reluctantly, he put down Ash. "We have something to discuss with you."

"And I have something I need to talk to you about." She changed the subject, looking at Kylo Ren now. "Both of you. Chewie received a message on the Falcon early this morning from the Resistance." Rey informed them. "There was an attack on D'Qar. They had to evacuate."

Ash's heart sank at the news; she left them at the worst time. They needed her… but, so did Kylo Ren. This constant back and forth between action and reaction was really beginning to weigh down on her. "Where are they now?" Kylo Ren asked.

Rey looked at him questioningly; unsure if she should say. However, she trusted Ash, which meant she unfortunately had to trust him too. "They're heading for a planet called Crait."

"We should meet them there." Ash was quick to offer her assistance. "Make sure everyone is okay; help them repair any ships."

Kylo frowned. "We need to start finding the stones, we can't waste any more time."

Ash looked at him; her eyes pleading. "We need to make sure they're alright."

Now, he was getting angry. "You mean, make sure your pilot is alright?"

Rey stared at the two before it suddenly clicked. "Someone seems jealous."

If there was a wrong thing to say, it was probably that. Kylo Ren clenched his fists. "Stay out of this, scavenger."

Ash groaned loudly, throwing her arms in the air. "Stars, you two are impossible!" She shouted, interrupting the potential fight. "We need to make sure the Resistance is okay, but he's right. We have to find the stones." She looked at Rey. "Go to Crait, help them in any way you can. We'll head to Naboo and get whatever information we can find." Rey looked as though she was about to protest. "Please…"

Reluctantly, she agreed. "Alright, Chewie and I will head to Crait. Don't stay away too long and keep in touch as much as possible."

Ash nodded. "I will."

"While I hate being the bearer of bad news." That wasn't exactly true. Kylo Ren loved bringing up bad news when it was convenient. "We have two ships, one is a wanted piece of crap and the other is the Silencer. We can't show up to Naboo in either for multiple reasons. We currently have no ship."

Ash suddenly had this look in her eyes, a look that concerned both Rey and Kylo Ren as she realized she had an answer. "I know a guy..."

The group had begun their preparations to leave Ahch-To, something Kylo Ren was more than eager to do as he impatiently waited by the Silencer; rolling his eyes as Ash hugged Rey tightly. "We'll see each other soon." Rey promised. "I'll help the Resistance as best I can."

"Once we find reliable info, we'll travel to Crait and discuss the next step for us." Ash said as the two girls pulled away. "You might need to...um… warn them about-" She nodded back at the grumpy Kylo Ren, who stood with his arms crossed.

Rey grimaced. "They're not going to be happy."

"They'll feel better when they see me." Luke called to the group as he came down the mountain with a satchel around his body.

Kylo Ren nearly lost his mind as he tensed. There was no way he was going to allow Skywalker to get off this island and rejoin his Mother on Crait. "You're not coming too." He looked at Ash, whom was shrugging as Rey smirked. "He is not going to Crait too. He's going to stay on this stupid island and-"

Luke rolled his eyes before interrupting the tantrum. "Yeah, yeah. Stay and rot on this stupid island. I get it." Luke inhaled deeply. "Someone has to keep an eye on all of you, and it might as well be me." He said with a wink as he boarded the Millennium Falcon.

"May the Force be with you." Rey said quickly to Ash, hugging her one last time before following Luke.

Ash smiled as she walked over to the very angry Dark user, planting a kiss on his cheek. "Come on, you. Into the tiny death trap."

"The two of them are going to be just awful."

"Rey and Luke?"

Kylo made a face. "No, Luke and my mother."

Ash snickered as the two got into the Silencer, making their way to a planet Ash thought she'd never see again; Lothal.

Traitors of the First Order that had been captured during the battle for the Finalizer were executed immediately. Well, almost all of the traitors; say for one. Snoke personally wanted to deal with his execution. That was where the former General was headed as he sat in the prison cell of a First Order transport. His wrists cuffed, his cheek bruised as dry blood crusted on his split lip.

Damar made sure he was tortured before his departure from the Finalizer. Armitage Hux would never give up information, Damar knew that. He didn't bother trying to obtain anything from him. Instead, he took sick pleasure in connecting his fist with the former General's face over and over again.

Now, he sat in the quiet ship, awaiting his fate. He wasn't sad, or even scared. In fact, he was pretty content all things considered. Kylo Ren was completing his mission regarding the stones to take down Snoke, and Phasma? A small smile curled on his lips as he thought fondly of the blonde Captain. She was safe.

'As the battle began to see its end, it was Phasma and Hux (like it typically was), until the very end. Time was running out as they assisted in the escape of the remaining loyal Troopers to their cause. But, there wasn't enough time. Hux knew that; hell, they both did. She was ready to stay behind, it was her belief to be the one to stay behind and help the escape.

Phasma removed her helmet, clutching it under her arm tightly as the sound of First Order Troopers on the other side of the escape pod room door echoed loudly. The remaining Troopers loyal to Phasma were escaping in the last pod. One of them would have to go with the Troopers, they needed a leader. Phasma believed Hux to be that leader. "You need to get on the last pod out. I'll keep them off you." Phasma directed, looking at the tired and worn out ginger. He looked exhausted; beaten. He had been through so much, they both had.

Hux, however, saw it differently. He looked at the woman who had been by his side for so many years. She was the only thing keeping him going now. He knew if he left, Damar would hunt him down mercilessly. However, if Phasma left and he stayed? They'd have a small victory, giving some time to escape for Phasma and the others. "Oh, Phasma." Hux said airly; grinning even. A grin of satisfaction, a grin she hadn't seen in so long. "You know that's not how this is going to go." Without warning, he kissed her cheek, saluted her, and shoved her onto the escape pod.

He slammed his fist into the release hatch button, the door sealing shut with Phasma and the last remaining Troopers inside. When Phasma stood, it was already too late. Her fist connected with the escape pod window; she was screaming at Hux for what he had done. The last thing she saw was his tired and cocky smirk as Troopers loyal to Snoke stormed into the room to capture him. The escape pod blasting away to safety; the only chance for the New Order was now in her hands.'

A noble end, in his mind. An end that would never come, however, as the ship came to a sudden and abrupt halt. An alarm sounded in the distance as Hux looked up from his seat; grinning as the sound of blasters echoed throughout the halls of the transport.

Hux stood then, stretching as much as he could as the door blasted open, revealing the chromed armor and two Troopers following in her wake. "General." She was clearly smirking under her mask.

"Well, it's about damn time, Captain." Hux mused as the Troopers rushed over to him and removed the cuffs. "What have I missed?"

"Sorry this took longer than we anticipated." Phasma explained. "Damar initiated the attack on D'Qar, we had to interfere."

Hux nodded. "Understandable. Any word from Ren?"

"None." She confirmed. "We will need to reach out soon."

"Get me a blaster and let's get off this bloody ship." Hux's tone dry. "I'm tired of being here."

"As you wish, General." It was time to reunite with Kylo Ren.

The Silencer exited hyperspace and was now positioned directly in front of Lothal. Ash, although crammed behind Kylo Ren, shifted just enough to see it. She stared for what felt like an eternity, feeling almost nothing for what was once her home. The place she had left to work freelance for the First Order; it left nothing inside her. "Interesting." Kylo Ren mused as Ash hummed curiously at what he was referring to. "Every planet you have seen in person, you gush over it as though it's the most beautiful thing you've ever seen. Lothal? I've never felt you so reluctant over seeing a planet before."

"I should be feeling something, right?" Ash noted. "Like seeing home for the first time in so long, it should fill me with something. Maybe even something bittersweet? But I feel nothing."

"Because it wasn't home." Kylo Ren stated. "You lived there, but it never had that attachment." That was something he knew and understood very well. Nowhere felt like home, he just simply existed in some capacity somewhere in the Galaxy. That was it; he held no attachments to such things. He never needed to.

Ash's lips twisted upwards to a small smile as she stared at the back of his head. "You're right, it wasn't home." She agreed. "Home isn't a place to me; it's where I feel safe, connected… loved."

He grinned cockily. "So, are you saying being with me is 'home' for you?"

Ash rolled her eyes, hitting his seat playfully. "Sure, Ren." She admitted, chuckling. "I could go anywhere with you and I'd probably be happy. That has to count for something, right?"

It did. It counted for everything as far as he was concerned. He didn't have to say as much, they could feel it. They could feel exactly what the other was feeling at any given moment; it was in their bond. And although, Ash secretly wished he'd say so out loud, she also respected that this was Kylo Ren. He answered things with mostly silence and in that silence, came the understanding of what he meant. It was safe to say, Ash was beginning to figure him out and know him better than he even knew himself. Yet, there was always that grey area. That small part that neither one knew about each other. Deep and hidden things that could very well come to the surface, things that should be said. But, maybe then wasn't the time.

Kylo Ren noticed a drastic shift on the planet's surface. One area was filled with plains and hills; small farm houses and lakes. Then, almost suddenly, that all faded into a more industrial section. The influence of traders, scavengers and 'no goods' had grown heavier over the years. Something he planned on changing once everything was said and done. There was chaos; a lack of order. Kylo Ren wanted order among the galaxy and he knew he'd be the one to bring it.

They docked the TIE Silencer on the outskirts of the industrial section, per Ash's instructions. She simply asked Kylo Ren to trust her on this one, and he did. However, he didn't truly care for the walk that would be awaiting them as they began to walk closer and closer to the industrial side of Lothal.

The smell of grease and oil filled the air almost immediately, a stench that was impossible to ignore as the two walked down the dirty streets and towards a very large hangar building. They were still on the outskirts of the full industrial side of Lothal, yet, they wouldn't have to walk far to get deeper. Something Ash seemed very hesitant to do.

"Once we get inside, let me do all the talking." Ash muttered, the two standing off to the side of the entrance. "These guys are good people, but they don't look it. They also hate outsiders, so, just follow my lead." Kylo Ren quirked his brow, curious as to what she meant as the two walked into the hangar.

Kylo Ren had never seen such an array of ships in his life; from speeders to X-wings, TIE Fighters and shuttles. This place was like a museum. It was also dead. No one was around as the two walked deeper into the shop. That began to worry Kylo Ren as his hand grazed his lightsaber. Something was wrong, he could feel it. His suspicions only confirmed with a dozen men jumped out, blasters raised as they surrounded the duo. Suddenly, Kylo Ren realized what Ash meant. These mechanics were all pirates, traders, scavengers, the lowest of the low. Scum. This is where Ash came from.

His lightsaber was out the moment their blasters aimed for them, ready to fight his way out with Ash. Ash quickly held her hands up. "Hey! We're not here to cause problems!" She called out to the group. 'Put down your lightsaber or we're not getting out of here alive…'

He was glaring, not moving for a few moments before finally retracting his lightsaber. He was going to trust her and that she knew what she was doing. "Ashlyn Novafall." A deep and booming voice called out to her as a rather tall and muscular Lasat walked forward. He had a black patch over his left eye, his hair shaved on both sides and untamable in the middle. A dark beard to match what remaining hair he did have. His black boots echoing as he walked forward. "You shouldn't have come back." That was Tryphus; the creature who kept the boys in line. Laynor's second in command in the shop. He got things done when things needed a push.

Ash wasn't about to be tripped up by him; she typically didn't fear him when she worked here. "I need Laynor."

"You broke the man's heart when you joined the First Order." Tryphus grinned wickedly. "He disowned you the moment you said you weren't coming home."

Ash frowned. "He sent me there in the first place."

"As freelance."

"Still am." She argued.

Tryphus chuckled at her snappy reply. "We'll see." His attention turned to the very, very annoyed looking man behind the short red-haired girl. "You brought muscle, can't fight your own battles anymore, Ash?"

"Don't talk to him." Ash snapped. "I came here for Laynor, now take me to him."

Tryphus grinned then, looking back to Ash as he winked. "You know, it's funny-." He began. "The First Order sent a message to all systems; a wanted post if you will. They're looking for a TIE vn; you know, a superiority fighter. Kind-of like the one you showed up in." Ash felt her resolve begin to shake as Kylo Ren stepped forward, getting closer to the Lasat. Tryphus grinned again, looking back at Kylo Ren. "They were looking for someone that fits your description. That wouldn't be you, right?"

Ash forced her arms forward in a swift and smooth motion; Tryphus was thrown back. The blasters readied again; aiming once more. They'd fire to kill once given the word. Tryphus laughed, sitting up as he looked at Ash again. "The old man said you got weirder. I didn't think he meant weirder like that." He stood up, brushing off his pants as he began to walk back over.

"Enough!" Another voice called out, the room immediately standing still as an older man walked out from behind a nearby fighter. He walked by Tryphus, pushing passed him before walking over to the very angry Kylo Ren and the now uncertain Ashlyn Novafall. He looked around at his men with their blasters raised. "Lower your weapons." He barked; they obeyed almost immediately as he looked at Ash, his voice low. "You have some nerve coming back here." There was history and turmoil here between Ash and Laynor Gal-Far. That was obvious as the two stared at each other. She was a ghost; she died on StarKiller as far as everyone was concerned. He locked eyes with Kylo Ren before sighing and looking back at Ash, like a daughter who was in trouble. "Follow me."

Ash didn't hesitate as she followed Laynor, Kylo Ren took a little more of a pause as he glared at the scum around him. If he had his way, he'd kill them all, take a ship and be done with it. Nope, they had to do with Ash's way. Her way almost got them killed, which he was gladly going to hold over her head if they lived through this.

The door to his office peeled open quickly as the elderly man stormed in, followed by Ash and Kylo Ren. "Ashlyn Novafall." He spat, plopping down in his office chair. "You have some nerve coming here after what you did to me."

Ash scoffed as the office door sealed shut. "What I did to you? Laynor, you sent me against my will to work for the First Order, which I might add nearly got me killed!"

"You were dead! That's the last we heard from you. You were never coming back and then StarKiller exploded!" Laynor shouted, his expression hard. "Ash, I promised your father I would keep you safe and I did. I kept you safe for years, you were like my own child."

Ash rolled her eyes; they truly did argue like Father and Daughter. "Your own child?! You put me to work early on and used me for my mechanical skills. You told me to hide whatever it was that I was dealing with! I was scared and you told me to hide everything!"

The room was dead silent then. "It kept you alive for this long, didn't it? I did my best with you, for you. Keeping one of your kind hidden and out of sight from those who mean to hurt you wasn't easy."

"And I appreciate that; I really do." Ash admitted, letting her anger go as she plopped down into one of the chairs in the office. Kylo Ren still stood there awkwardly, unmoving as he watched the scene play out before him. "And I know it's wrong to come here asking for help, but…"

"No." Laynor said quickly. "No, no, no, no. You don't come here after all that has happened and expect a handout."

Ash smirked, now she would play her cards right. "You know I never expect a handout, I always have something to trade." Laynor was suddenly interested. "It's a TIE Silencer, the only one of its kind. The parts would fetch a huge price on the market."

Laynor sighed. "Kid, you always knew how to get to my heart." Kylo Ren nearly fell over at the exchange. First, they were nearly killed by these scum, then Ash was being screamed at by the old man, and now they were making a deal? He was impressed and also completely annoyed that she also simply sold his ship without warning. "Let me see this Silencer."

"It's on the outskirts; have the boys bring it in and we can talk about a trade." Ash said.

"So, what do you need a ship for? On the run?" Laynor asked, reclining in his chair. He looked to Kylo Ren then back to Ash. "You're not uh…" He nodded at her stomach.

Ash grinned at how uncomfortable Kylo Ren became at the accusation. "No, but we need to blend in and we need to be able to run if we have to."

"Where to?" He asked, rubbing his chin in thought as he began to process what ships were in his yard.

"Naboo; Theed specifically." Kylo Ren finally chimed in.

"So, he does speak." Laynor mused as he thought for a moment. "You need something elegant; something that blends in with the rich folk of Naboo." He thought for a beat more before laughing. "Take the Star Yacht."

Ash's eyes went wide. "The Libertine?"

"Since you kids seem desperate; doing your little elope thing or whatever-" Kylo Ren and Ash exchanged glances, Ash silently warning him not to challenge Laynor's beliefs right then. "Consider it a gift."

Ash smiled sweetly. "You're too kind."

"Once they finish checking out the Silencer, it's yours." Laynor offered; the two now being proud owners of a Star Yacht. "I know the First Order is after that Silencer of yours." He added. "They sent a message out to all loyalists; bounty hunters and all that. You two have a lot of trouble following you. I can make sure you get safely out of Lothal, but not until dark. Then you can be on your way."

"Thank you, Laynor." Ash said as sincerely as she could. "I really do appreciate it."

He snorted. "Well, you were always like the daughter I never had. When Reed passed, I made sure money was still coming to your mother. Shame what happened to them. All of them." Ash felt her stomach tighten; like someone punched her right in the gut. She hadn't heard her father's name in so long, she hadn't said it either. Same for her mother and brother, their names were like a curse. If she brought them up… she didn't know what could happen. Hell, she didn't even know if she could say their names anymore. Laynor looked at Kylo Ren then. "You take care of this one; she's special to me."

Ren nodded, looking at Ash then. "You have my word she'll be safe."

Laynor nodded in approval. "Well, we should celebrate. You're not dead-" He nodded to Ash. "And apparently eloping. Also, I got me a new ship." He gave a toothy grin that Kylo Ren wasn't sure he liked, but that was something he'd keep to himself as the three left Laynor's office and returned to the hangar.

Rey practically ran down the Millennium Falcon ramp and jumped into Finn's arms as he met her at the entrance of the newly relocated Resistance base on Crait. She hugged him tightly, never wanting to let go again. The last she saw him, he was unconscious after fighting Kylo Ren. She was so happy to see him up and moving around again. "It's good to have you back." She said quietly.

"Glad to be back." Finn confirmed as he hugged her just a little tighter.

The remaining Resistance members were all waiting in anticipation as the legend, Luke Skywalker, walked down the ramp. Immediately, he hated being back into the waking world. How easily people took his existence to be of more value than it was. However, none of that mattered as the older woman walked forward. A woman he hadn't seen in so long, yet it felt like only yesterday they parted. The two walking closer, like magnets unable to control their movement, as they stood in front of one another. "Leia…" He tried.

"I know what you're going to say." She smiled. "I changed my hair."

He smiled back. "I like it." The two hugging then, holding onto each other for a lingering moment. The twins were reunited once more, and after all that has happened within the last twenty-nine years, it was a moment of relief, a moment of hope. A moment they both desperately needed without truly realizing it.

It seemed everyone had someone waiting for them, someone to hug within the new recruits. Well, everyone except Poe Dameron. He stared at the empty exit ramp for a few moments longer than he would have liked, realizing Ash was not with them. "She had something to attend to." Rey said after finally letting go of Finn. The trio reunited again.

"Where did she go?" Poe asked. Rey looked at Poe, then to Finn, then back at Poe before grimacing slightly. Poe frowned. "Rey… where is Ash?" Rey, now in an awkward position, said nothing as all eyes seemed to focus on her. This proved to be quite the sticky situation, one that Rey couldn't figure out how to get out of.

Thankfully, she didn't have to. Leia was the one who interrupted the moment. "I think we have things to discuss. Shall we?" Things were about to get seriously and indubitably complicated.

Ash and Kylo Ren sat around a fire that was lit inside an old oil drum; the hangar was always freezing at night. Something Ash was quickly reminded of as they sat around it. The maintenance crew had retrieved the Silencer and were finishing their examination of it; making sure there was no tracker unit that would royally screw them over.

The two Force Users sat in silence, their eyes peering over at the crew as they rummaged through the ship every so often. "So-" Kylo began, looking at Ash with amusement and also a slight hint of annoyance. "Reputable mechanic shop full of scumbags?"

Ash grimaced. "They're not all scumbags." She tried to argue, only coming up short. "Laynor takes in all kinds of creatures, he rehabilitates them from their crummy lives and turns them into something useful. Well-" She scoffed. "Useful to him. We all came from different backgrounds, different experiences that typically were bad to us and were given a second chance. Sure, they're all hard on the exterior. Inside? They're not bad. Just because we came from something bad, doesn't mean we're scum."

As if on cue, the Lasat wandered over, holding two oddly shaped bottles. Ash immediately recognized what it was. "Laynor tells me you two are on the run." Tryphus said with little emotion. "He also said you two were secretly eloping, not sure where he got that from."

Ash smirked. "Me either."

"Either way, both are cause for a celebration-" He paused. "And an olive branch." He handed the two Force Users a bottle of their own. "Drink up, kids. You have some time before dark."

Ash nodded, looking at the bottle before backup at Tryphus. "Thanks."

He groaned. "Don't thank me yet. That stuff is strong."

"So I've learned." Ash quipped as Tryphus snickered, walking back over to the rest of the crew by the Silencer.

Kylo Ren examined the bottle, making sure it hadn't been opened before being handed to him. After accepting that it wasn't poisoned (although, being Gamorrean beer, that was hard to argue that the stuff wasn't just pure gasoline to begin with), he opened his bottle.

"Do you hate me now knowing I was part of the scum of the galaxy?" Ash asked, cracking open the top of her bottle.

He smirked. "Well, you are very pretty for scum."

Ash laughed, taking a swig of the beer. Kylo Ren mimicking her movement. "You know-" She began. "I don't think I've ever seen you drink before."

He snorted; amused at her observation. "I typically don't, but since we're celebrating I might as well."

She frowned. "Celebrating?"

Kylo Ren's grin widened. "We're eloping, remember?"

He chuckled as Ash hit his arm playfully, looking around nervously to make sure no one heard him. "You're not funny. It got us a ship, okay?"

"Lying to get what you want." He clicked his tongue to the roof of his mouth. "You become more and more like me each and every day."

She rolled her eyes. "This is different; we need the ship for something really important. Besides, it's not like we're hurting anyone with the lie. We're not actually eloping or anything." He took a swig from the bottle in his hand, the strong bitter taste from the beer burning down his throat. Stars, Gamorrean's were never subtle, even in their drinks. Ash noticed his avoidance in her reply. "What is it?"

He shrugged. "I'm curious."

"Oh no-"

He snorted at her immediate reluctance to his question. "Have you ever thought about it?"

Ash frowned. "About what?"

"Getting married." Ren scoffed at her obliviousness in the conversation. "You wanted to be simply Ashlyn Novafall; did that ever include marriage; a family? What did living a simple life mean to you?"

A question she never expected; especially from him. "I'm not sure." She answered truthfully; laughing nervously as her finger traced the lip of the bottle. "I guess I never actually thought about what went into living a simple life. I talked so much about it, but I don't think I even know what that entails." She looked back at the fire, watching the red, orange and amber colors mix together. Pieces of burnt ashes flying upward; Ash felt her cheeks burning even though the rest of her was actually cold. She wasn't really sure if it was from the heat or her next thought. She prayed the night would hide the redness in her cheeks as she brushed her hair behind her ear. "I honestly didn't really think about a family until my vision." She noticed immediately that his face remained unmoved. "What about you?"

He clenched the bottle tighter, Ash was afraid it would snap in his hand. "I watched my parent's marriage fall apart." He explained, holding all emotion in like he typically would. "Han Solo left my mother when I was discovering my true potential. Not that he was ever really present before that either. He was gone on different adventures for most of my childhood. He was never meant for a domestic life and my mom knew that. It still wasn't easy for her to watch him leave."

"Is that why you hated him?"

Kylo Ren exhaled sharply, his lips curling upward into a sarcastic smile. "It's funny how people are quick to assume that I hated my father. It makes sense why they believe that. He left me feeling abandoned; like I wasn't good enough for him to want to stay." He explained. "That my mother and I weren't good enough for him." He took another swig of the disgusting beer, slowly growing a taste for it, probably due to the lack of anything else to drink. "No, I didn't hate him. I just never wanted to the opportunity to ever be like him." His answered seemed final to Ash, like that was the ultimate end of that conversation and the idea of marriage and family. Then, he smiled ever so slightly. "But a lot of my beliefs have drastically changed in the past year."

Ash looked at him curiously. "How so?"

"You came along." Ash's cheeks burned even more. "Now the fear of ending up just like him is an even bigger reality."

"You won't be." Ash said thoughtfully with a smile. "I won't let you leave me out on all your misadventures. They're mine too now."

"I wouldn't have it any other way, Starshine." He admitted.

Ash's small smile twisted into her own mischievous smirk then. "So, is this your way of asking me to marry you?"

Kylo Ren laughed. "No, this is me asking if the opportunity ever came, would you take it?"

Ash's smirk faded into a small, sad smile as she answered honestly. "Unfortunately, we're kind-of in the middle of a galactic war with no end in sight. I doubt the opportunity would ever present itself; not for a while."

He agreed with a quick nod. "If we live through this, we'll get married."

Ash's smile grew again as she extended her hand to the other Force User. Ren rolled his eyes playfully, taking her hand in his and shaking it. "Deal, Commander."

"Hey lovebird!" The duo heard from across the hangar. Their heads turning to the direction of the Lasat as he pointed towards another part of the hangar. "Laynor has your new ship ready. It's time to go."

Kylo Ren stood up then, Ash's hand still in his as he helped her up. "Ready for our next misadventure?"

"Always." She smiled.

Final Thought: We need some bad stuff happening soon... I'll get on that. I mean... hey. Thanks for reading, remember to review and see y'all in the next chapter!