Someone miles away from the D'Quarian forest and deep into the Resistance base could've heard the brawl broken out under its canopy.

I hoped it wasn't him and I knew it was.

Kylo was rushed to the medical unit less than an hour after the clashing sabers were heard throughout the base, and he's been recovering ever since. It was mostly shock he was recovering from, apparently. And a wound to the chest.

I even heard he apologized to Leia.

But I haven't gone to visit him.

It's been a week since he's shown up here, and I force Phet to give me updates on his condition every day.

Today, he's gotten much better. He's even been able to walk, with Leia's help. I'm happy for him.

I expect quiet for the rest of the day. I can't really leave my makeshift home until I have the baby. I'm too big.

Of course, because it's what I want, quiet is what I don't get.

"Mali! Mal! Open up!" Phet raps on the door, speaking very loudly.

I groan and push myself up, stepping slowly to the door.

"What?" I ask, taking a heavy breath. Phet already talked to me today, like he does every day. He's frowning, like he doesn't want to say what he has to say.

"He wants to see you." He mutters quickly. I furrow my eyebrows.

"What? Who?"

"You know who." He meets my eyes, crossing his arms.

"If I wanted to see him, I would've seen him already." I shut down, going to close the door. Phet stops me, sighing.

"You can't just avoid him, you know. He's different now." He reasons, shrugging. I downcast my eyes.

"I don't really want to see him, don't you get it?" I mumble. Phet touches my arm comfortingly, then pulls me into a hug, the best he can.

"Just for a few minutes, okay?" He asks as he pulls away. I sniffle slightly and nod.

I step forward and Phet shuts the door behind me, keeping his hand on my forearm so I don't try to get away from him.

The pair of us walk solemnly through the base, making the small journey to the inevitable Medical Unit.

We're there too soon, and Phet says something to me about going in alone. I protest at first, but, after realizing his seriousness, I agree.

I wrap my fingers over the old-fashioned door knob and pause. Am I really going to do this? I glance back at Phet one more time, take a deep breath, then I let myself in.

"That's great, thank you." His voice has a new softness to it that I don't recognize. The nurse at his side, her name is Luna, I think, notices my appearance and dismisses herself. I don't say a word as I suddenly feel his gaze on me.

"Mali." He breathes. Nothing more. Nothing less. He pushes himself up into a seated-position, temporarily wincing in pain.

"Hi, Kylo." I answer, shuffling my feet.

"It's Ben, actually." He corrects, his eyes never wavering. I raise my eyebrows in surprise. I thought I'd never hear him go by his real name ever again.

"Ben." I repeat. The corners of his mouth up-turn.

"When I pushed you away, I was lying. Well, partly. I was originally supposed to gain intel on the Resistance from you, from gaining your affection. Then I realized I was falling in love with you." He admits, twiddling his thumbs awkwardly. I know it's hard for him to express his emotions, so I remain silent for him to let it out. I'd come to stand by his bedside without even knowing I was moving.

"I meant it when I said I loved you. I still do, I mean. And I want to be with you. We can finally be together now. We can raise our family." He says, a small smile lightening up the gorgeous features that still make my heart beat harder every time I see him.

"I-I don't know." My voice cracks. The pleasant look on his face vanishes.

"What do you mean?"

"It's just.." I'm at a loss for words, my mouth stuck open as I try to find the right thing to say.

"You hurt me, Ben." I lift my eyes so they bore directly into his. "I can't just let it go so easily. I need to think about what's best for me. I don't know if I'm ready to forgive you." I purse my lips.

He stares at me for a long time.

"I thought you loved me." He murmurs, reaching up to cup my face in his large hand. I take his wrist lightly and set his hand down on his chest, but I allow him the satisfaction of lacing his fingers between mine.

"I do love you, Ben. I do. But I need time to think about this. I need time to consider if this relationship is healthy. I don't want our baby to grow up around an unhealthy relationship. Even if it's the difference between having parents that are together or not." I frown, noticing the way his expression sinks with each word.

"You can take all the time you need. I'll wait for you, because I love you, and I know you'll make the best decision." Ben decides, surprising me for the second time today. His old self, the one I'd come to know while encased by the First Order, would've grown angry with me and forced me to forgive him.

It's obvious that he's trying to change, as uncommon as it is for any person to do so.

"Please don't avoid me anymore. I still need you."

"I won't." I promise.

I smile, and he mirrors it. I revel in the way his eyes crinkle in the corners and shine when he does so.

"I'll let you know, then." I say quietly. I bend down and kiss his cheek.

Then I leave, after doing one of the hardest things I've ever done. But, I know that because of it, I'm stronger.

-

hey guys!

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ily all

kait