Chapter 8: of gamblings and concessions
Kylo had been a fool for testing Rey's limits and expect her to just take it submissively. She had always had a mind of her own, and was becoming increasingly dangerous under his own tutelage. He had been stupid enough to let his confidence blind him from that truth, and even more of an idiot for actively infuriating her while thinking he could manage. He underestimated her once again. She was an odd individual, but in a good way. Strong in both sides of the Force. She had dark power in her veins and yet she hadn't fallen completely into darkness, resisting the temptation most of the time. He had initially thought her reluctance was due to lack of knowledge of the Dark side, but nowadays he guessed it was because she didn't fully belong there…
It had been a week since that last fateful sparring session and Kylo often wondered if he was even the right master to teach her now. Too bad there weren't many options to go around… had they been born a decade or two before, history might have been different. Perhaps he should look outside of the known regions of the galaxy… there had to be other Force-sensitive beings besides them.
That very same question reminded him of the time he tried to find an alternative way to live, outside of the currently stablished binary pathway. The first months after he left the Jedi temple he wandered to some of the most recondite places in the galaxy he could thinks of. Where no one would find him. Some of the students who also decided to deflect accompanied him, unasked of course. Most of them died or went separate ways after some time. Voe had stood beside him almost until the end. They had a complicated relationship, a childhood rivalry that at some point turned into attraction—most likely a whim—, and then into nothing once again. He hadn't thought of her in a long while. She vanished from public eye after Kylo officially joined the Knights of Ren. But to be fair, he hadn't looked very hard to find her either. There was the possibility that she and the other former students were still alive. Nevertheless, none of them would be a good match for Rey or him whatsoever. But it wouldn't hurt to make an effort to actually find them. Having Force-sensitive allies would strengthen their position of power.
His own Knights had been wandering on their own all this time. Kylo didn't have to investigate to know for whom they switched their loyalties nowadays. They always looked for the strongest master to guide them, and that, regrettably, might no longer include him. Not with Palpatine entering the picture.
Kylo earned the right to be their master after killing their former leader and claiming the title. The Knights had encountered Luke Skywalker and him years ago, when Ben was still a Jedi Padawan. He was 14 years old when the first time they encountered the Knights. He was on a mission with his uncle to retrieve invaluable lost artifacts from an abandoned Jedi outpost in Elphrona. Turns out they weren't the only ones interested in that collection. The Knights cornered them, with the former leader Ren claiming the contents of the outpost as their loot. Ren had sensed the darkness within Ben Solo, that was the reason why even after being defeated by Skywalker, he still invited Ben to join them when the time came.
Months after the fateful night Skywalker tried to murder him, Ben traveled back to Elphrona to seek out the Knights. He was finally ready to join them. Snoke's voice inside his head had helped him make the final decision to take the Knights of Ren as his. Some of the former Jedi students caught up with him, even though Ben had already dismissed them. Forcefully in some cases, like Voe and Tai, who had the audacity to confront him every time they could. Of all of them, Voe was the most obstinate one. Ben almost killed her during their last confrontations. Hennix tried to avenge her, believing her death. He joining Ben in the battlefield, while Tai helped rescuing Voe. Ben ended up killing Hennix by striking his lightsaber into his chest. In order to scape, Ben threw the lat two students into the outpost, destroyed the entrance and disappeared before they could recover.
After diverting from the students, Ben left Elphrona and went to Varnak. The Knights were hanging out in a cantina. Ren himself greeted Ben, acknowledging his achievements but still not convinced to let him join them. The leader knew Snoke had sent young Solo, however, he doubted that he had actually killed Skywalker, as the rumor had it. Ben was interrogated about every confrontation with his uncle and the students, and about his past with them in order to prove that he was strong enough to to dispose of them despite the role they had played on his life. The Knights were rather skeptical about their deaths by the hands of Ben Solo. They reluctantly allowed him to join them in their next travels, time they would use to test him.
Eventually Tai and Voe caught up with them again. During their fight Ren snapped Tai's neck after his last attempt to bring him back to the Light side, and injured Voe as well. Ren taunted Ben, believing he wasn't who Snoke claimed he was, and engaged in single combat with Ben. The young man had no other option but to kill the master of the Knights. Ben relied heavily on the Dark side during that battle, finally surrendering to its full influence. He completed his turning process that day, and was rewarded with power he had never imagined could exist. Ben took control of the Knights after the death of their leader. That day Ben Solo took the name Kylo Ren and rose into the Dark side, later becoming an apprentice of the Supreme Leader Snoke.
Kylo had come a long way from then. He was the most powerful leader left in the galaxy. In spite of the sense of victory and pride the title gave him, he had to be careful. It wouldn't be long till his position was defied by those who seek power. After all, every grand master fell after reaching their maximum potential. At whose hands? That was the next great question. Masters of the Dark side usually fell by the hands of their enemies or their own apprentices. The possibility of Rey being the end of him had always been present. It still worried him on a subconscious level. He had to be very careful with her. He knew the thought of killing him had crossed her mind no too long ago. But then again, she regretted her actions immediately. His best hope was to expect that their bond was strong enough to stop her.
Rey was the logical successor to him, being the granddaughter of the Emperor. The only one fitting to replace him. Maybe the only one strong enough to overpower him one day. A terrifying thought, since he willingly took her as his apprentice, even begged her to accept. He had feelings for her, confusing and unwelcome, but real. Her betrayal would hurt him in an unprecedented way.
Everyday when dressing up in the morning, Kylo's mind would wander to the immaculate skin that had been wounded. The spot where Rey had pierced him. It had been a foul reminder of the delicate state of their agreement. Of her dangerous nature too. But even though she was threatening, she was also forgiving. Rey had healed him, a fact that both impressed and moved him. A display of mercy he didn't deserve at all. And after examining his face on a mirror, he could almost swear the scar on his face was paler and less noticeable, barely a thin white line. Was it really that unhinged to think that it might have healed as well?
After finishing his personal grooming, Kylo headed to Rey's chambers. Today they wouldn't be training in combat. As fun as it was cultivating physical strength, the mind had to be nurtured as well. Besides, he wasn't too excited to handle her a lightsaber anytime soon.
They hadn't talked that much since that day. Kylo honestly preferred it that way. Giving instructions on their meditations was easier than acknowledging the fact that they had almost kissed, had they not been interrupted by one of his informants. He regretted not taking the opportunity when it had presented, but it was an urgent matter. His Knights had been spotted on their way out of Exegol, confirming his suspicions about their whereabouts. He had them under vigilance, and was to be informed about their every move. A tracker had been implanted on their ship, so he knows where they are every time they launch it.
At night, however, it was becoming increasingly hard to ignore the infatuation between him and his apprentice. Kylo made his best effort to hide his treacherous thoughts from Rey. Of the way he longed to touch her, to make her his. If anything, the danger she exuded just made her more appealing. The idea of battling for dominance with her was extremely tempting. Maybe even more so when they both were alone in the same bed...
Kylo quickly dismissed those ideas in her presence. He would save them for some late gratification. He restrained from pleasing himself in that way at night, to avoid being caught like that when the Force-bond connected them. That would certainly make things even more awkward between them. It could wait. Besides, he had his mind set on a better reward: her. The thought of finally having her was reason enough to justify the long wait. The main problem was figuring out how to seduce her. The idea of seduction was completely foreign to him. He had an awful lot to learn. An embarrassing fact for a 30 year old man. All thanks to young Ben/Kylo, who decided that he wasn't interested in that type of entertainment, outside of a few experimental encounters… but he was willing to learn.
Those were the kind of thoughts that plagued his mind lately. Kylo was careful enough not to let them slip from the thick mental walls he had created to encase them. His last sliver of ethical sense stoped him from taking whatever he wanted from her, contraire to what he once told her on that interrogation room. His latest meditations had focused on strengthening his defenses, perfecting the mind boxes he already had. He excelled at the task while being awake and alert. However, his stern shields shattered the moment his vigil state turned into light sleep, and specially when deeply unconscious. By now he knew the Force had the tendency to connect their minds more often during REM sleep, giving both of them access to the other's most significant memories. Kylo wondered if there could be a way to stop it, but figured out that he no longer cared about hiding his nightmares.
That's why he chose to take a risk and use himself as subject for the next part of her training. Kylo wanted to teach her how to extract information from someone, in the same way he interrogated his prisoners. Rey would never accept torturing someone else like that, and it wasn't like there were many volunteers to pick anyways. Therefore, Kylo decided to submit himself. Of course, it would be way more challenging, since he knew how to block somebody and even hide his own memories. He was that strong in the Force. He selected a few less controversial memories to put into the most superficial layers of his defenses. The deepest layers concealed some parts of his past that hurt him the most. The ones his nightmares hadn't shared yet, obviating the day he murdered his own father.
Kylo wasn't only training her, but himself as well. Oh, he wished he had that kind of practice when he was younger and more gullible. Snoke had always overpowered him. Kylo only managed to hide very few things from his master. And whenever the master found out that his apprentice had lied, the consequences would always be ominous. The man had endured years of both physical and psychological torture.
But Kylo wasn't willing to let anyone else invade his whole mind ever again. Not Palpatine, not even Rey. He would try his hardest to resist her. If she had an ounce of the power of her family and he managed to deflect her, then maybe they could actually stand a chance against the Emperor. One day. Kylo often wondered if it would work at all, if all of his efforts to protect them were actually useful against a being as powerful as the creature that once was Darth Sidious.
The Emperor was weaker nowadays, but that didn't mean they could just ignore the ever present menace he represented. Delaying the confrontation hoping it would accelerate his deterioration was a risky strategy. By now Kylo had figured out he desperately needed something from them. More specifically, from his granddaughter. Kylo had a terrible feeling about it. There wasn't a single Dark side user in history who would willingly step aside and let another one rise higher than themself. No one who has had a taste of true power would selflessly give it up. Surely Palpatine hadn't done it in the past with Vader. Kylo's grandfather had been one of the strongest Dark Lords, but he had been just the visible face that Palpatine used, disguised as his most trusted counselor. Therefore it didn't make any sense thinking that the Emperor would ever give up his influence in order to let Rey rise as Empress without getting something in exchange. There was always an ulterior motivation.
Kylo wanted to investigate further, but he couldn't handle such a delicate task to his Generals or spies from The Order. If he had his Knights with him, he would have sent them. And he couldn't just abandon his duties. Nor his apprentice. She would undoubtedly try something in the meanwhile. He wanted to take Rey with him, but he didn't trust her enough to let her roam free outside of the ship. Maybe one day… he kept lying to himself. Truth was Kylo was afraid they would run out of time sooner than later. The idea of getting caught made him paranoid, always suspicious of everyone and everything in his surroundings. Specially given the strange relationship they had developed beyond their unity as a dyad. Kylo would never take her before Palpatine and present her as a gift, no matter how juicy the compensation was.
Kylo thought of that while taking Rey to the room they use for their meditation sessions. If she noticed his mental rumblings, she didn't say it. Once inside he gave her the instructions for the day. He had already prepared his defenses, a complex memory circuit that would be inaccessible for most Force-users. It was basically a mental labyrinth with several dead ends and layers of the fortress in between. If it worked, it would be an excellent precedent for more complex features they could develop. Like protection from compulsion from another Force-user. The possibilities were infinite.
The master and the apprentice assumed their positions and initiated a mental battle. For an outsider it might not be an exciting view to watch, unlike sparring duels. However, when looking closer it was noticeable the exercise was exhausting. Twitching eyelids, beads of sweat and the occasional spasm of their muscles revealed the latent process happening on a psychic level. Rey was completely lost to the task that she had been handled. Intuitively proving different passages and trying a new strategic approach every time she encountered a dead end. This was by far the most difficult test he had given her. She met one closed door after another.
At some point, it occurred to Rey that their bond could be used to her advantage. But Kylo had already anticipated that idea, hence he temporarily severed the connection. It felt like a void, a lifeless place where the other had been inhabiting— incorporeally speaking—. Oddly, none of them could remember how it felt before their minds merged on that interrogation room a long time ago. Instinctively they knew it wasn't supposed to feel like this. Having the constant sensation of the brush of the other's mind, a quiet space was a foreign feeling. It was just… wrong. While each of them remained a different entity, they still missed terribly their other part of the dyad. Like a phantom limb.
Kylo was tempted to open the connection, but desisted for the sake of the experiment. He waited patiently, resisting each of her attempts to break in. He pictured himself in the center of the fortress, surrounded by a vast pale horizon. It helped clearing his mind from any distractions.
Rey, on the other side, was trying her best to find a way to get in. She focused on the outer shield, trying to find a crack, a defect she could use to get inside. Carefully scratching the surface until eventually she felt a sharp edge that evoked something similar to nostalgia. Following that path, she finally got a glimpse of one of his memories. One of Ben's memories.
The first thing Rey saw was a blur of light earthy colors. Something shimmering, maybe a metallic object? It was hard to concentrate with the foggy feeling that hindered her perception. She pressed harder, trying to focus on the memory that was being displayed. It felt like a dream, but under a narcotic effect that clouded her senses. Ever so slowly the shimmer became the reflection of the light irradiated by a midday sun, and the colors started morphing into shapes. She saw what must have been the front of a hut on master Luke's fallen Jedi academy. There was solid ground and grass, and a clear blue sky above.
In the middle of the picture was a young Ben, maybe 11 or 12 years old, fidgeting with lightsaber pieces and a kyber crystal. Rey observed him carefully ensemble the segments into a handle. He worked on the internal circuits and electric compounds, fusing parts together with a soldering iron, then placing tiny capacitors inside with the help of a precision tweezer. Rey wanted to take a closer look, but the moment she moved, the whole image started to blur again and spin around. It gave her a headache. She tried to regain her focus, but the moment had already passed. The next thing she saw was the moment the saber was complete. It was really late, the sky had gone dark and there was a fire in the middle of the camp. What disappointed Rey the most was that she missed the most crucial part of the whole process. The crystal was already attuned to Ben's Force signature. But at the very least she got to see the moment he ignited it. It was a beautiful shade of blue, bright enough to stun her for a few seconds. She saw the excitement and wonder in Ben's eyes. It wasn't a sight she got to see often.
Rey watched him tentatively swing the lightsaber, until the image grew dark and she was brought back to reality. She opened her eyes to find Kylo's approving expression. Like a proud teacher.
Kylo had gently expelled her from that memory box. They both took a few minutes to recover from the effort. He stands up from the ground and walks toward the wall to unlock the visibility of the windows. He usually kept them dark during their sessions, in order to eliminate as many distractions as possible.
After a while, he noticed that Rey had that look she has when she's about to make a complex question, like pondering whether she should ask or not. She usually does.
—Don't you ever miss your old life as Ben?
—Not at all. Being away it's actually liberating.
—How come?
—I no longer have to live up to everyone else's expectations—Kylo didn't really expected her to understand yet, but decided to go on anyways—. My grandfather was the Chose One, my parents and uncle war legends… I was meant to be one of the greatest, a Jedi master to restore the peace… it was actually a relief once I failed them all. Once nobody wanted anything to do with me, I didn't have the pressure to live up to those expectations…
—Well, as the granddaughter of the Emperor, I guess that makes me part of the disappointment club as well.
—Trust me, if people knew about your heritage, you would instantly fall into the 'bad guy' category, whether you actually belong or not.
—And there I was, asking to be a Jedi and hoping to help the Resistance…
Rey looked more depressed than he had ever seen her before. What could he possible say to comfort her? Sadness wasn't an emotion he could deal with. Unlike rage or passion, which were powerful but died fast, this kind of melancholic state was latent but robust and steady. A dormant torment. Not being that good of a communicator, Kylo often opted to remain silent and waited for Rey to lead the conversation. A lesson he had learned by trial and error during their time together.
—Have you told anyone yet? About my lineage—she asked softly.
—No.
—Good, I want to keep it a secret.
—Though it's only a matter of time until the truth comes out.
—But who would actually believe it? There's no proof besides what you told me.
—You seem to forget you power, you have already developed some abilities that can only be the result of the Dark side. Besides, if you actually desire to find out for real, I could ask for some samples of the clones we found and run a DNA test-
—No, thank you… I would rather entertain the idea that there's still a chance none of this is true.
—What is it that worries you so much about your lineage?
—Is that a real question? What could NOT worry me about it? I don't even know what to do with the information.
—Whatever you wish. You even have a good shot at claiming the title of Empress.
—I never asked for it. I would have been happier as a no one.
—Well, we don't always get what we wish for, do we?
Rey denied with her head and looked through the window. There wasn't anything particularly interesting to spot from this coordinates. Just the infinite expanse of the universe. They were far away from the busiest centers of the galaxy. And yet… there was something captivating about just staring at the distant celestial bodies. Some might call it boring, but there was a special beauty to it. About the simplicity of that isolaetd region.
—How did you deal with it? Your legacy I mean…—Rey suddenly asked, breaking the silent spell of the moment.
—Well, I found my purpose after I learned the truth about my grandfather and accepted my fate. I wasn't meant for the life of a hero. But I can bring order to the galaxy, finish what he started all those years ago.
—And how is that going? You are every bit as torn and miserable as I am.
—It doesn't matter what I feel. What's important here is how we move forward.
—Are you actually satisfied with what you have accomplished?
—No… but I'm still willing to do my best to fulfill my duties.
—Sounds quite ironic for someone who said he wanted to scape from responsibility.
—I said expectations, not necessarily responsibility. I chose to do this.
—Did you really? I mean with Snoke's voice on your head… it must have been difficult to tell what you truly wanted…
—I chose to stay after I killed him. The chance to scape was right there, and I chose to stay.
—I remember… you knew that wasn't the only option.
—Rey…
—You could have come with me —she takes a deep breath before continuing—. I did want to take your hand that day…
—Then why didn't you?
—We wanted way too different things…
There was that look again. Those sad eyes, that defeated demeanor. But there was still something burning inside of her. No matter how unkind life had been to her, she was resilient. Kylo admired her for it, even envied her on some level.
The silence, however, felt thicker. Heavier. It always shifted like that when one of them brought up that delicate topic of conversation. Truth was he hadn't completely forgiven her for leaving after he offered her everything… and she hadn't forgiven him either. For not being the person she wanted him to be…
—I could help, if you let me—Rey said after mentally pondering her words.
—If you wish to turn me, I guarantee you it's not gonna happen.
—I didn't say anything about turning you.
—But you have been entertaining that thought since that day in the hut.
—Yes. But I can't make that decision for you.
—Then what do you mean?
—I want to guarantee the safety of the galaxy.
—And…?
—That's all. I want this war to end. It's tiring and pointless, you know it.
—For someone who has fought so hard against the First Order, it's hard to believe you actually mean it.
—I don't want power but if I am to have it anyways, I want to use it for something good. And no, I don't agree with First Order, but there aren't many options left.
—And what do you expect? A truce?
—I want you to spare the lives of the rebels.
—Have you lost your mind?!
—There's no need to shout, I can hear you just fine—she sneered—. Would you listen to me? For once.
—I don't trust your loyalties, what makes you think I would ever accept something so stupid?
—I'm still with you and I have let you teach me, isn't that proof enough that my intentions are true? If I wanted to betray you I would already have… and just for the record, you don't get to call me like that.
—Are you really willing to give up that easily?
—I'm not giving up anything. My conditions are set. You and the Order will pardon the rebels and leave them alone.
—They will rise again, they always do.
—We weren't that numerous, most of our allies were cowering. When we asked for help, nobody came to us. I don't think they will be that much of a menace.
—You underestimate the risk of allowing them to scape with no consequences.
—That's part of the plan too. It is a display of mercy… I know you are not used to it, but it is actually a good way to show that this… New Order… is actually inclusive, that there's place for everyone within it.
—I don't think it's a good idea.
—It's risky, I know. But if you truly aim to create a new regime, radical changes are necessary.
—Why are you so eager to collaborate with me now?—he asked, full of suspicion.
—Because I'm done sitting in a room unable to do anything else. I have been thinking about our agreement… a lot.
—And?
—I have told you that I don't want a great destiny, but it seems I can't scape it…
Kylo guessed there was something else to it, but he didn't press it any further. For now. It was dangerously close to his fantasy of reigning with her by his side. It was what he had wanted for a long time, and now that the opportunity was finally there, he wasn't convinced it was the best deal... but he could allow some flexibility. As long as it was under his own terms.
—If… if I decided to listen,—he said— my condition is that rules are to remain strict. I could spare some rebels, but I don't want a single uprising, no matter what. The punishment for such behavior will remain a death sentence, understood?
—I wouldn't dare to expect anything different—her voice was still bitter, but she looked a slightly bit more relaxed.
—Can I ask for something else?—Rey suddenly whispered.
—It depends on what you want to ask, but sure.
—Can I ever leave my room? I swear it's making me loose my mind after all these months in isolation.
—I thought as a scavenger you were used to it—she glared back at him. So no more comments about her past life yet—. Too soon to joke about that?
—What do you think? I don't use your traumas for amusement purposes.
—Fair enough.
—I can allow you some more liberties, as long as you prove your loyalty.
—How exactly do you want me to prove it?
—Behave. I don't want to hear a single report of suspicious activity from you.
—Report?
—You didn't think I would let you roam freely without escorts, did you?
—Fine.
—And you are to remain within stablished limits, no further than that.
—Any other condition I should be aware of?
—No weapons of any kind outside of the training room. And yes, blunt objects and projectiles are considered as weapons.
Rey grimaced but nodded anyways. Somehow after all the time they had been spending together, she still managed to surprise him. Maybe, just maybe, he could take her petitions in consideration. Granting her more liberties could end up in either a great disappointment or a guarantee of her true intentions... but the rebels, that was a whole different matter. He wanted to test her before allowing her to propose any serious change of status quo.
—I'll think about your proposition. Don't feed your hopes yet —Kylo warned her.
—Okay.
Tired enough of the complicated questions and negotiations, he turns around to leave the room until she reaches for his arm.
—And Kylo… thank you.
—What for?
—Listening.
—There's not... —he stutters as she closes the space between them, standing right in front of him— I... uhm, you're welcome.
Rey smiles softly. The gesture is barely there, but it's genuine. And then she pulls him into an embrace. He freezes at first, but then awkwardly closes his arms around her back.
—You don't have to do this—Kylo says.
—But I want to.
—You don't need to thank me like this.
—I'm not thanking you, moron—she tugs his ear playfully.
—Did you just call me a moron?
—Yes, you are being too difficult. It's annoying.
Rey caressed his face. Her fingers carefully traced his cheek, his mandible, his chin. Then all the way up to his brow. From there she gently explores the place where was the thin scar that marred his face. Her scar.
—I'm sorry—she whispered—. For marking you, I mean.
—Oh. It doesn't really matter anymore.
—You don't resent me for it?
—I did, for a while. It reminded me of my failure.
—And now?
—It reminds me of the strength of my apprentice—he smiled at her—. That I really shouldn't underestimate you.
Feeling encouraged enough, his hands start traveling from her back to her hips. She tensed at first, looking rather uneasy. He hears her take a deep breath in anticipation. In an attempt to calm her, he traces circles with his thumbs over a particularly prominent part of her hipbones.
—Are you scared?—he asks her softly.
—No… not of you anyways. Not like I used to be.
Rey placed one of her hands on his shoulder and the other one on his chest. The position making their height difference even more notorious. His neck was bended down in an awkward angle, but he didn't really care at the moment. And she was standing on her tiptoes, an adjustment that amused him to no end.
—I'm… uhm… what really scares me is this… us—Rey confesses.
—How so?
—I'm not used to having such strong feelings for someone—a deep blush spreads across her face after those words.
Her unexpected confession leaves him speechless. He has never been good at communicating, so instead he distracts her by kissing a spot below her ear and breathes her in. She smells faintly like some sort of flower hair product, and a warm scent that he guesses it's simply the natural smell of her skin. He covers her jawline in soft kisses, until she grabs his hair to stop him. When he looks at her, she's staring back with her eyes dark with desire.
Tentatively she closes the space between them, brushing her nose to his. Unbearably sweet, yet Kylo doesn't have it in him to stop her. He tries to get even closer, closing his eyes in anticipation. It is Rey who finally seals their lips in a soft kiss. It's a bit awkward at first, due to both nervousness and inexperience. But he tries not to focus in that fact and actually allows himself to relax in her embrace, enjoying the way her warm lips brush over his. He presses her body flush against his. She gasps and he uses that slight aperture of her mouth to deepen the kiss.
It is the lack of air what obliges them to take a small break. One of Rey's hands is still entangled on his hair, reluctant to let him go.
—Still scared?—he asks, gasping for air.
—No.
This time he initiates the kiss, more secure and demanding than before. His hands move from her hips up to her chest and then all the way back down, making her squirm. He breaks the kiss to look at her, finding her eager eyes staring back at him. Then she grabs his shirt to drag him into another kiss, softly nibbling his lower lip. He is completely undone with that, pushing her against a wall, making her gasp in surprise but quickly resuming her ministrations. At some point his hands slide from her waist to her bottom, squeezing her.
—Maybe we can take things slightly slower?—Rey asks a bit frightened, dragging his lower lip with hers when pronouncing the words.
—Sure.
—I mean… I want to, but I've never…—she shakes her head in denial— I don't want to rush things between us.
—I understand—he was a bit disappointed, but could never pressure her into doing something she didn't really want.
The aftermath of the moment was calmer than what he expected. It was a comfortable kind of silence. Kylo accompanied Rey back to her room right after. He politely said goodbye from the door. Before he left, she surprised him again by pulling him down to plant a soft kiss on his cheek. Sickeningly sweet, but he could indulge into that kind of treatment. At least for now.
A/N: hope you like the story so far :) this chapter took forever to polish.
I'm thinking of updating the rating to M for future chapters, with a proper warning for those who don't want to read that kind of content. It won't be the main focus of the story, but I think it would be a fun complement to it.