A/N - Hello my Reylo Lovelies!  Another chapter for you!  I can't believe we're at 30 chapters already!!  This one is smut free, but get ready b/c the next one won't be 😘.  I hope you enjoy!  Please remember to vote and share any comments or reactions you have!

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On Kylo's third day in the MedBay, the doctors removed his leg cast.  Because of the extent of the pins in his left arm though, the arm cast would have to stay on for another day or two.   The bacta patches on his head and face were changed daily, and there were now fewer bandages on his head, so you could see a lot more of him.  Today the nurses let Rey watch while they did it, and she was pleased to tell him that the scars from the burns on his face weren't really that obvious.  "They've healed well, and are a little pink, but I'm sure they'll fade to the point where you'll barely notice them."

His eyes flicked up to her, while giving a small nod, and she could feel a sense of relief wash over her through the bond.  The corner of her mouth tilted up as she teased him.   "I never would have guessed that you would be overly concerned about your looks."

Pressing his lips together, he hissed.  "I'm not! I just don't want to look like a...."  He didn't finish, turning his head away.

She wrinkled her brows, trying to figure out what he was going to say.  When it dawned on her, she gasped.  "No!  Ben..."  She reached over and stroked the right side of his face, before whispering furiously.  "You do not look like a monster!"  Those words uttered so long ago would probably haunt her forever.  "I already told you – it wouldn't matter if they were hideous – I'd still love you and want you more than you could ever possibly imagine."

At her last declaration, something flickered in his eyes, before they darkened.  "So, you want me, do you?"

Her gaze turned warm as she brought herself closer to kiss him, whispering seductively.  "Every minute of every day."  She could hear his sharp inhale, and grinned warmly as he tried to wrap his good arm around her to pull her closer.  "Now, now, none of that."  She told him, swatting his arm away lightly.  "This is not the time or the place."  But she leaned closer to whisper in his ear.  "Once you're well enough though...."  He growled as she danced just out of his reach.

Huffing out a breath, he held out a hand to her, and she entwined her fingers with his.  "I'm tired of being in this bed.  There is a massive amount of work waiting for me, and everyone keeps telling me to rest.  I'm going to go crazy if I have to stay like this for another couple of days!"

Rey shook her head at him.  "First of all, you do need rest.  You almost died!  And so help me if you roll your eyes at me I'll hurt you enough to keep you in this bed for yet another 2 days!"  His eyes widened with shock.  "Secondly, you are going for physio today so you will get to leave this bed.  And lastly – if there is anything you are truly needed for, I'm sure Pride will come to you.  So, please Ben, rest while you can!"

Duly chastised, she could see the corner of his lip twitch, before turning up ever so slightly. "What?"  She asked.

His lips broke into a hint of grin.  "You do realize that you are the only person who would dare speak to me like that, right?"

"Maybe that's the problem.  Everyone's so scared of the Supreme Leader they wouldn't dare!"  She mocked.

"Rey, do I need to remind you that there's a good reason that they're scared?   I like it that way!  A little healthy fear helps them to respect the chain of command."

"Bah!  I don't believe that at all.   Respect for you as their leader fosters respect of the chain of command.  I've seen the way your people treat you.  You're building respect amongst them. Keep doing that, and you won't need fear to get them to do what you need them to."

He looked at her with wonder.  "You honestly think they respect me, rather than fear me?"

"The ones I've come across, yes."  She smiled.  "Well, there may be a little bit of fear in there....And I have to admit, I'm surprised that they treat me so well too."

"They wouldn't dare disrespect you!"  He told her darkly.

"Ben, of course they would!  I'm Resistance scum, remember?"  She shook her head.  "But I saved three Generals, and I saved their Supreme Leader, so that makes me worthy of their respect."  She could tell he was thinking about it, trying to figure it out.  "And Ben, most of them seem truly pleased – shocked, but pleased - that you have someone – that you have me."  She wrinkled her nose.  "Well, maybe not Hux."  She laughed.  "It probably makes you seem more human to them."

His gaze was warm, filled with something she couldn't quite figure out.  "So, would you say that thus far, your experience with the First Order has been generally pleasant?"

Realization dawning, she reached out and took his hand.  "Other than the fact that you almost died, and I've never seen you hurt as badly as you were, and I've been worried sick?"  She gently kissed the knuckles of his hand.  "I'd say, so far so good."

***
Rey was on her way back to the MedBay after making use of the guest quarters once again when she heard a sneering voice from behind her.   "Well if it isn't the Lady Scavenger."

She stopped in her tracks, which also caused the contingent of Stormtroopers following along to stop suddenly.  Turning to face the red haired General, she gave him a complacent smile.  "Why General Hux, what can I do for you today?"

He gazed back at her as if she were a piece of filth on the floor and sneered.  "I know you're up to something on behalf of the Resistance.  And when I find out what it is, I won't hesitate to torture you for information before I have you executed!"

"General,"  She began patiently,  "I am here for the Supreme Leader, nothing more."

His eyes narrowed even further.  "Oh please!  Everyone is talking about the two of you – how you've been acting all lovey to him in the MedBay.  Do you honestly expect me or anyone else to believe that you care for that crazed monster?"

Rey's eyes glazed over in anger, and she took a step toward him.  "Do not call him that!"

Hux took several steps toward her in return, forcing her to back up against the wall of the corridor.  His face was inches from hers.  "Or what?"  He smiled at her mischievously, clearly trying to bait her.  When she just looked at him nervously he replied.  "That's what I thought.  You may have most everyone else here fooled, but you are Resistance Scum and you will eventually show your true colours.  You will never be accepted here!"

One of the Stormtroopers stepped forward.  "General Hux, Sir.  On the orders of General Pride, I am going to have to ask you to step away from Lady Rey."

Hux's head snapped around to give the Stormtrooper a scathing look, before he turned around to Rey once again and took a step back.

Rey shrugged.  "Believe whatever you want.  Have a nice day General."  She told him as she turned and walked towards the MedBay, her Stormtrooper companions following closely.  When they got to the MedBay doors, she turned to the Stormtrooper that had engaged Hux.  "Thank you, Trooper."

He nodded at her.  "My pleasure ma'am.  And its FN6210.  But people call me Delta."

She smiled, recalling that Finn had never had a name, and was happy to know that this Trooper did.  "Thank you, again, Delta."  Before she turned to enter, he stopped her.

"Ma'am?"   He hesitated for a beat before continuing in a bit of a stutter.  "We....don't think he's a monster, ma'am.  Well... not really.  Not anymore.  Ma'am."  She felt all of them tense at the last part of his statement, and thought he sounded uncomfortable, but couldn't tell through his helmet.  Trying to break the tension, she turned to look at the four of them with a beaming smile, before whispering conspiratorially with a wink.  "Your secret is safe with me."

She could almost hear them all sigh with relief as she walked through the MedBay doors, still smiling.

***

The next day the doctors deemed him well enough to leave the MedBay.  Both the arm and leg cast had been removed, as well as the bacta patches, but he still wouldn't be returning to full duties for another day or two.  The doctors gave him strict orders to continue recuperating in his quarters.   Nodding to Rey, the doctor told her.  "I expect that you will help ensure he stays there?"

She glanced at Ben, noting the frustrated expression on his face, and shrugged with a smile.  "I'll do my very best, Doctor."

"Somehow, I think he'll listen to you more than me."  He said with a smile, before turning to walk away.

Smiling broadly at Ben, she held out her hand.  "Ready?"

"You have no idea."  He hoisted himself off of the bed, wobbling only slightly when he stood to his full height.

Fresh clothes had been brought to him that morning, and he looked almost as good as new. There was still a slight limp to his gait – which he was desperately trying to conceal, and the new scars on the left side his face were still slightly visible.  His hair looked oddly frizzy where it had gotten singed, but other than that, he appeared to be pretty normal.

The nurses in the MedBay smiled and waved goodbye to Rey as they left.   "How far are your quarters?"

"Not too far.  A couple of decks up –"  He stopped in his tracks as the contingent of four Stromtroopers fell into step behind them.   Turning around he barked.  "What the hell are you doing?"

One of the troopers stepped forward.  "Sir.  Escorting Lady Rey, Sir."

His brow shot up and his head snapped to Rey, who just shrugged.  "It was Pride's idea."  Smiling, she told him.  "I guess he didn't want any Resistance scum wandering around the ship uncontrolled."

Growling, he turned back to the Trooper.   "Lady Rey no longer requires your escort.  You are dismissed!"  He turned back around, and strode away, hissing quietly in pain when he realized that he couldn't quite walk at his normal brisk pace just yet.

Rey gave them a brief smile of thanks and a farewell wave before running to catch up with him. "Take it easy!"  She whispered furiously.  "It'll still be a few more days – and more physio - before you're completely back to normal."

Even though he slowed down considerably, Rey still had to walk quickly to keep up.  "Slow down!  You're going to re-injure yourself!"

"No!"  He glanced at her with a glare.  "They can't see me as weak!"

"Ben, they do not see you as weak!  They all know you just survived an assassination attempt – and were gravely injured!  If you slow down, look and listen, you'll see and hear what they doing, saying and thinking.  I think it'll surprise you."

He stopped in his tracks, and turned to face her in confusion.  "What are you talking about?"

She smiled softly, whispering.  "Just listen Ben."  She inclined her head for them to continue walking, and they resumed their trek to his quarters, albeit this time at a more reasonable pace.

It was a new experience for Kylo, as he walked through the corridors of the Finalizer, to actually pay attention to his surroundings.  Normally, his mind was focused on his next task, and most times he barely noticed where he was going.  This time, however, he actually looked around as he walked, and opened his senses to what others were thinking and feeling.

Usually, everyone just got out of his way as he stalked through these corridors, and generally never met his gaze.  Today however, he noticed that while many still continued avoiding him, several officers and squadron leaders openly acknowledged him – mostly with a curt nod, followed by a deferentially uttered "Sir" as he passed.   Others just glanced briefly, but also nodded.  What was most overwhelming though, were the feelings he could sense coming from them.  While there was still fear and trepidation from a few, most often, it seemed to be relief or admiration.   His Generals had not hid the fact that he had protected them from the blast, and by now many in the First Order had heard a version of the tale.  From others, he felt respect, pure and simple.  There were also more than a few whispers about the woman who walked beside him – speculation that she must be the one from the Resistance – the Jedi - that everyone was talking about – the one who saved his life.  The one who everyone said was the Supreme Leader's Lady.

Rey walked beside him, a small smile on her face.  Occasionally she would meet the eyes of the people they passed, and while a few appeared to be unfriendly, none were openly hostile.  Some even gave her a timid smile.  They stopped in front of a lift at the end of the corridor, and when they entered Rey could clearly see he was mystified by what he had experienced.  "Told you."  She said with a smug smirk.

"I... I'm shocked.  When did this happen?"  He stuttered.

Rey smiled at him.   "How am I supposed to know?  But I suspect it was already starting to happen, and you just never noticed.  After the assassination attempt, well, your people are probably more appreciative that you're still here."

"But.....why?"  He looked truly confused.

"This may be a wild guess here, but given the changes you're making, maybe more of your people like the direction you're taking.  I would also suspect that they prefer you to Snoke.   Or say, Hux?"  The lift doors opened and they continued down a corridor that appeared to be deserted.  "Where is everyone?"

"My quarters are in a private area of the ship.  Only certain troopers are allowed up here, in addition to me."  He said it so matter of factly, that it was clear he thought this was a totally normal situation.

Rolling her eyes, she replied.  "Of course they are."

"What?"  He asked.  "This deck and these quarters are actually quite modest – as they're meant for high ranking officers, not the Supreme Leader.   My quarters on our new flagship – the Ascendancy – will be a lot more private and a bit more luxurious.  They're specifically meant for the Supreme Leader."

There were two troopers at a doorway up ahead, which Rey assumed that was the entrance to his quarters.  The Troopers snapped to attention when they arrived, and both chorused, "Sir"  as they entered.

***

Poe briskly strode into Leia's office, with Finn not far behind.  Leia looked up at him questioningly.  "Well?"  He asked.

Leia sighed.  "Well what Poe?"

"What do you mean 'Well what?'?  You know exactly what I'm asking.  Have you heard from her?" His hands were on his hips, frustration clearly evident in his tone.

"Poe,"  She began,  "I've told you the same thing every day for the past 4 days – I will let you know the moment I hear from her.  Since you have not heard anything from me, I think its safe for you to assume that she hasn't contacted me."

He growled, and ran his hand through his hair.  "And this doesn't concern you in any way?  I'm telling you – no we're telling you – that he's done something to her!  She wasn't herself for weeks before the meetings!  And it is not like her at all to have gone with the First Order willingly, and to stay away so long with absolutely no contact!"

Leia sat back in her chair and continued to study the pair.  They were clearly concerned about Rey, but she was pretty confident that their worry was unnecessary.  However, she could not – would not – break Rey's confidence about the connection with her son.  "So, let's go through this again.  You're convinced that Kylo Ren did something to Rey, because she's been happier?"  Leia shook her head, and it took everything she had to keep from laughing.

Poe and Finn exchanged an uncomfortable glance.  "There's more."  Finn looked down at the ground.

Leia sat up straighter.  "Okay, what else haven't you told me?"

"You're not going believe us."  Poe began slowly.  "But...."  He looked away.  "I'm pretty sure I caught her kissing Kylo Ren."

Trying to keep her face completely neutral, Leia leaned back in her chair, contemplating what Poe told her.  This news didn't surprise her, since she was pretty sure that Rey was in love with her son.  Although she had no idea how Kylo felt about Rey, she had to assume that the feelings were mutual.  "And you saw this where?"

"On Coruscant.  In a corridor near the meeting room, just before dinner – right before the attack."

She looked over at Finn, who's hands were clenched, looking down at the ground.  Her tone was skeptical when she asked.  "And you think that Kylo Ren used some mind trick on her to get her to kiss him?  And to make her happy?"

It was Finn's turn to speak, and he sounded desperate.  "Come on General!  It's the only thing that makes sense!  The real Rey would never do anything like that without being tricked or coerced in some way!"  He began pacing.  "Just think!  She went to the Supremacy for some weird reason, and when she came back she was clearly terrified of him!  Any time his name was mentioned, she tensed up.  It took months for her to get back to normal, then suddenly she's stranded on Lothal with the First Order, and she comes back happy and energized!   I'm almost 100% sure he was there and he did something to her!"

Leia smirked.   "You're saying he mind tricked her into falling in love with him?"

"Yes!"  He shouted.  "Well, no...I mean....haven't you heard of that syndrome where someone who is captured and tortured falls in love with their captor?   Its apparently pretty common in those situations."

She let out a controlled breath.  "You're saying he tortured her?  That he tortured her and she never said anything to us?!"  Leia put her hand over her eyes and then pinched the bridge of her nose.  "Did either one of you nerfherders even think to ask Rey about what you saw that day?"

"Of course not!"  They exclaimed in unison.

"And why the hell not?"

Poe's mouth fell open at her quick retort.  "You think we should have asked Rey if she thought she was mind tricked into kissing Kylo Ren?  Well that makes a lot of sense."

At this, Leia lost her temper.  "Oh really?!"  She yelled back.  "Listen to yourselves!  You make up some stupid story to try to explain something that you should have just trusted Rey enough to ask her about, and you act like I'm not taking you seriously?!"

"With all due respect General,"  Poe started,  "how is someone who has been brainwashed supposed to know they've been brainwashed?"

She slammed her fist down on the desk.  "You trust that they haven't been!"

Poe rocked back on his heels and just looked at her for a minute.  "Once again, with all due respect General, I don't believe you're thinking about this clearly."

Her eyes narrowed at him.  "What exactly are you saying, Poe?"

He looked her dead in the eye as he told her.  "What I'm saying is that your perspective on this may be skewed."

"Really?"  Her gaze never wavered from him as she said.  "You're really going to go there?"

"Yes, General, I am.  Ever since he contacted us for negotiations, you've given him the benefit of the doubt.  Haven't treated him like the enemy he is.  Well its time to stop this bullshit!  Look what he did to Rey!  And we almost made peace with them! If –"

Leia held up her hand and cut him off.  "Poe, why do you think we're not going to finish negotiating that treaty?"

Both Finn and Poe looked shocked.  "Whaaat..?...Leia, you can't be serious!"

"I'm perfectly serious.   Why would we stop?   We likely would've signed that treaty already – except that someone tried to assassinate him!"  She looked at both of them pointedly.  "Once he's well enough, I'm sure the negotiations will continue."

"How do you even know that he's alive?  That he survived?"  Finn asked.

She steepled her fingers.  "First of all, if were dead, Rey would already be back here.  Secondly, although you may not realize it, I can sense his Force signature.  Rest assured gentlemen – he's alive."

Realizing that they wouldn't be able to convince Leia of what they were already certain of, Poe tried one last time.  "We want Rey back from that monster."  Leia's eyes narrowed at them. "Permission to launch a rescue?"

"Permission denied."  She shook her head at them.  "Boys, go.  Go fix something, go fly something.  But under no circumstance are you to try to plan some boneheaded rescue that is not needed.  I will let you know the minute Rey contacts me.  And will let you speak to her yourself.  Okay?"

Once again, Poe put his hands on his hips and cocked his head.  "I think you're making a mistake.  A big one.  One that could cost us Rey!"

Leia steepled her fingers once again.  "Noted.  Dismissed."

Once they left, Leia put her head in her hands and let out a frustrated breath.  Rey, where the hell are you?

***

Ben let out a loud sigh as the door to his quarters closed behind them.  Rey came up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist.  "You should lie down."

He turned around to face her, wrapping her more tightly in his embrace.  "I have been lying down for almost FIVE days!  I'll go crazy if I have to lie down any more!"  Gazing down at her he pulled her head to his chest.   "I'd rather just stay like this for awhile if you don't mind."  He rested his chin on the top of her head.  "It feels like forever since I've been able to hold you."

Rey smiled and let out a contented sigh on a smile.   "I'd like nothing better.  However, you can't deny that your walk from the MedBay to here didn't tire you out.  I can feel your pain – in both the leg and the arm – so Supreme Leader, if you're not going to lie down then sit your stubborn ass down on the sofa!"  She pulled away from his arms and pointed to the couch.   "Go!"

Grumbling over her bossiness, he limped over to the sofa and sat down.  "Happy now?"

"Yes, thank you."  She smiled back at him brightly.

"Can I at least have my holopad?"  He asked.

She smiled back at him.  "That depends.  Are you going to start working?"

"Probably."

Continuing to smile sweetly, she quipped back.  "Then no."

His eyes narrowed at her and his lips thinned into a line.  "Rey, I have been out of commission for too many days.  There are a million things I need to do, not to mention just making sure that everything is running smoothly, and that Hux isn't planning to blow up a planet somewhere!"

Plopping herself down on the sofa beside him, she wrapped her arms around him and put her head on his shoulder.  "Ben, please take it easy."  She felt him stiffen and pulled away.  "How about a compromise?"

He sat back on the sofa and crossed his arms.  "I'm listening."

"If you swear to take it easy today – and relax – I won't hound you about it tomorrow."

Looking at her, he simply couldn't believe how she was treating him.  It was frustrating, for sure, but a part of him couldn't help feeling cared for – even pampered – just a little bit.  "So, you're saying you'll let me work tomorrow?"  He asked, one eyebrow raised.

Leaning toward him, she placed her hand on his cheek and kissed him softly.  "I won't stop you."

She pulled back to get up, but he pulled her close and kissed her again, more deeply this time. "Deal."  He said, then pulled her back yet again, running his hands through her hair, kissing her hungrily.

Her breath caught in her throat, as she quietly asked.  "What do you think you're doing?"

Smiling against her lips, he told her.  "Relaxing."  Wrapping his arms around her tightly he pulled her even closer, running his arm down her back, snaking his hands under her shirt, and continued trying to seduce her with his kisses.

Sighing again, she let out a breathy sound.  "I don't think you're quite up to it."

He raised an eyebrow.  Taking her hand, he placed it on his erection.   "Trust me Sweetheart, I'm completely up for it."  He smiled naughtily.

Shaking her head and rolling her eyes, she replied huskily.  "Ok, I don't think your leg is up for it.  Or your arm."

Kissing down her neck and collarbone, he found her sweet spot and sucked lightly, followed by a gentle nip.  "Last time we did this, I don't think my leg or arm were involved."

She moaned softly.  "Ben, I missed you too, but I don't want you to hurt yourself more."

"Trust me Sweetheart,"  He looked at her with an amused smirk.  "I'm sure if you promise to be gentle it'll be fine."

Growling at him, she raked her hands through his hair and kissed him deeply.

"I need a shower though – I smell like the MedBay.  Join me in the fresher?"  He looked at her meaningfully.

The idea of showering with him sent a jolt of desire through her.  The thought of his body all wet, glistening and soapy made her breathless.  She kissed him again and nipped his bottom lip. "That's probably a good idea."  She told him sexily.   "You'll probably need me to wash your back anyways."  She raked her teeth over his neck, causing him to shiver.  "Because of your arm."  She kissed him hungrily for another minute before pulling away and headed for the fresher.

He smiled as she got up and led the way, turning back to him with a coy smile.  "Are you coming or not?"  Peeling off her shirt and tossing it on the floor, she headed into the fresher with him close on her heels.