A/N - Helloooo all you Reylo Lovelies!  Rey and Ben's story continues... there are a few more interesting things to come in the next few chapters - so please stay with me!  And I've tried to stay true to lots of yummy Reylo goodness!  Please, please, please give some comments and reactions - and vote too!  You know - that little star in the corner!!  Thanks so very much for reading!!  Enjoy!!  💋

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The stars streaked by in a blur of bluish-white, as Ben stared out the front windows of the ship, lost in thought.

"I saw my Uncle."

Rey looked over at Ben's softly uttered comment.   He was beside her in the captain's seat, piloting them back to the Finalizer in his shuttle.   They had left the Chandrila house earlier that day, with Ben contacting Leia once again to let her know that they were leaving, and to arrange for the caretakers to come back again.

Puzzled, she wrinkled her brow.  "Yes, you told me that you went to go see Lando."

"No."  He hesitated.   "My Uncle Luke."

Her brows shot upwards.  "He appeared to you?  When?"

He glanced sideways at her, discomfort evident on his face.   "About a month ago."  He huffed.   "Trust me – I was not happy to see him."  Sighing, he admitted.  "It was when I was at my worst.   I was losing hope of ever finding you... and I was becoming despondent.  I.... could feel myself slipping...."

"Oh Ben..."  Her eyes became glassy.

"Don't cry Sweetheart – please.  Its over and done now."  He swallowed thickly, looking away.   "Luke came to me because they could see what was happening, and they were concerned."

"They?"  She asked, her tone puzzled.

He nodded.  "I'm assuming that he meant my Grandfather and the others who are one with the Force."

Her eyes went wide as saucers.   "Wait – you saw Darth Vader too?"

"No.  Anakin.  But that was a long time ago...."  He turned and looked at her again.

Rey just regarded him silently, waiting for him continue.

Sighing, told her.   "Luke wanted to give me hope.   And warned me that if I slipped, there'd be no going back – even when I found you."  He took a deep breath.  "That was sobering.  I had been searching everywhere for you – but you'd vanished without a trace."

She leaned over and took his hand, entwining her fingers with his.  "I'm sorry...."

"I know you are."  He squeezed her hand, understanding written on his face.  "Believe me, I can feel how sorry you are.  You don't need to keep saying it."  He brought her hand to his lips and kissed her fingers.   "But, when we were talking, Uncle Luke said something."  Exhaling, he paused for a minute to gather his thoughts.  " He told me that in the days leading up to... that night – at the temple – that he'd started seeing visions and hearing voices...."

He looked into her eyes, his own now glassy.   "It was Snoke."  Turning away from her, he clenched his fist.   "It was all him.  He did everything.  Manipulated everything so that I would have no choice but to turn...."  She could see a lone tear track down his cheek.   "I feel like such a fool......"  He turned back to her.   "My entire life Rey, until now, has been wasted – because of him."

Getting up, she took two steps and sat in his lap, wrapping her arms around him.  "It wasn't your fault Ben.  I know that you chose your actions – your path.   But what type of choices did you really have, given the circumstances – and Snoke's deceit and lies?  The people around you – the ones who loved you and were supposed to protect you - they failed you.  They should've known that something was going on.  Your parents, your Uncle Luke – they are to blame too."

He scoffed.  "My Mother said almost the exact same thing."  Running his hands through his hair, he looked at her in frustration.   "I never told anyone about the voices Rey.  I should have – but I didn't trust them enough..."

"But that's over now."  She stroked his hair, trying to soothe him.  "You have the rest of your life ahead of you – we both do – to live as you always should have.   And it will be happy.  It may not be easy, but we'll be together – and we're going to make a family.  And we'll figure out what the Force intends for us.  You're changing the First Order, but I have a feeling there's more to all of this..... we just don't know what it is yet..."

He pulled her to him and rested his forehead against hers.  "You know that none of this would have happened if I hadn't met you?  Hadn't stolen you from your friends – and my Father – on Takodana – when I got into your head, and you got into mine.   I would've still been locked in that hell...a twisted monster."

She could feel him shudder against her and shook her head.  "No Ben.   It's like you said – we're meant to be together – the Force has willed it.  Even if you hadn't captured me on Takodana, at some point, we would have met.... And all of this would have started."   Running her fingers over his scar, she kissed him gently.  "The Force gave us to each other, and for that I will be eternally grateful."

Placing his hand over hers on his face, he whispered.  "Me too Sweetheart."

****

After docking in one of the Finalizer's shuttle bays, Ben and Rey descended the shuttle's ramp to a hangar filled with Stormtroopers standing in formation, all at full attention.  An open path was clear for the Supreme Leader to make his way to the exit, where General Pride stood waiting.

Rey looked around her nervously as they made their way towards Pride.  Did they know how foolish she'd been?   Sighing to herself, she thought...Probably.

Relax.  Ben said to her mind.  They're going to be happy you're back.  Trust me - they've been searching for you too.  They wanted to.  To them, you're already their Lady Rey.

Flicking her gaze to his, she gave him a subtle nod.  She had donned a cloak before they exited the shuttle so that her condition would not be immediately apparent.  They would make an announcement to the First Order about their upcoming nuptials and the baby in due time, but didn't want gossip to run rampant before that.

"Supreme Leader, Welcome back."  Pride said formally, tipping his head at Ben in deference.   Turning to Rey, a bright smile appeared on his face.   "Lady Rey, I'm so very glad to see you again – we were all quite worried about you."  He gave her a curt bow.

"I...I'm sorry to have been any trouble..."  She stuttered, apologetically.

"Nonsense, my Lady.  You are not to blame."  Pride's eyes flicked to the Supreme Leader's.  "The source of the problem has been taken care of."

Rey's eye's shot to Ben's.  Later.   He told her.  And you don't have to apologize to anyone.   You are essentially going to be their Queen, so remember that.

Ben!  I don't want to be their Queen!

Sorry Sweetheart, but that's how they'll see you - how most already do.  When she started to protest again, he sighed and rolled his eyes, reiterating,  Later....

Just then, Tiga entered the hangar and strode up to them.  Rey smiled brightly when she saw him.  "Lieutenant – I mean, Ensign Tiga – how are you?"

He smiled back and gave her a small bow.   "I'm doing great Lady Rey, thank you.  Welcome back!  It's really good to see you again!"

"Thank you Tiga, it's nice to see you again too."

Ben could see her try to stifle a yawn, and realized that she probably needed to eat again, and have an afternoon nap.   Then he was going to drag her to the MedBay as she'd promised.  The Supreme Leader kept his tone light when he told them.   "While I'm sure we'd all like to continue this, Lady Rey and I have a few things to do today.  Tiga, I believe I have two meetings this afternoon – and I expect you to be there as well."

"Yes Sir.  Of course Sir."

Taking Rey's arm, he gave them a brief nod before escorting her from the hangar.

"What was that all about?"  She asked curiously.

"You're tired.  And hungry.  So I wanted to get you back to our quarters before I had to carry you there.  As I recall, you seem to have an issue with that."   He smirked.

She narrowed her eyes and glared at him, but then shrugged, realizing he was right.  She was hungry, and could feel herself starting to grow weak.   "Fine."  She said quietly.

Glancing down at her, he realized that her fatigue was starting to catch up with her again, could literally feel her exhaustion growing by the minute.  He grabbed his com-link and requested lunch to be brought to their quarters in 10 minutes.

"Are you okay?"  He asked quietly.

"Yes, I think can make it."  She responded.  Seeing the look on his face, she added.  "Don't even think about it."

"If you pass out I'm going to be very annoyed with you."  He growled.

"We're almost to the lift Ben."   She whispered, smiling and nodding to acknowledge several staff who had welcomed them back as they passed.   "Its not much further from there."

He watched her silently, on alert in case he had to suddenly support her, fully aware that she was rapidly nearing her limit.  They were alone when they got into the lift, and she leaned up, wrapping her arms around his neck.   "See?  All good."

"Really?"  He asked sarcastically.   "And the fact that you're holding onto me so tightly has nothing to do with the fact that your knees are about to give out?"

"Maybe just a little."  She said quietly.

Growling, he scooped her up in his arms.  "Why are you so godsdamned stubborn?"  He kissed her forehead.  "You can't push yourself to keep going till you almost faint.  That cannot be good for the baby."

"I know."  She sighed, looking contrite.  "I'll try to make sure I eat sooner from now on..."

"I'm taking you to MedBay this afternoon."  He saw a flash of annoyance on her face.  "You promised."  He told her.

"Okay."  She replied in resignation, as the lift opened and he carried her down the corridor to their quarters, her head tucked contentedly on his shoulder.

****

The Doctor came back into the Supreme Leader's private examination room with a professional smile on his face and nodded at both of them.  "Sir, Lady Rey – sorry to have kept you waiting."  He glanced down at the report he was holding.   "Well, I can tell you that everything checks out, and both mother and baby are fine."

Rey could feel Ben's relief through the bond, and she gave him an 'I told you so' smirk.  But the doctor still had more to say.  "However, your blood sugar seems to be a bit erratic Lady Rey, which is why you keep feeling lightheaded when it gets too long in-between meals.  So, we'll have to make sure you eat very regularly and keep an eye on it.   We can't have you fainting in the corridors every day."  It was Ben's turn to smirk back at her with a similar look, and she wrinkled her nose at him in return.  "You also need to make sure you get enough rest.  Other than that, it appears to be a normal pregnancy – and you're about 4 and a half months along."

"How often should she eat Doctor?"  Ben asked, his tone concerned.

He thought about the question for a moment.  "I'd say that she should have something small every two hours or so.  Preferably healthy foods."   He told her sternly, before giving her a fatherly smile.  "But its okay to indulge in some not so healthy things at least once per day."

Ben determinedly told him.  "I'll make sure the kitchen in our quarters is stocked with healthy snacks for her."  He took her hand and kissed it, but she just rolled her eyes in response.

"Thank you Doctor.   I assume we'll have your complete discretion – and that of your staff – regarding Lady Rey's 'condition'?"   Although it came it out as a question, it was clearly a command.

"Of course Sir.  Nothing will be disclosed by myself nor my staff.  But, Sir, her condition will...make itself known on its own..."

Ben smiled.   "I am aware of that Doctor, thank you.  We will be making an announcement shortly.   We just don't want any gossip to... preclude it."

"Understood, Sir."  He looked between the two of them, his gaze questioning.  "I have to admit that I'm a bit surprised I didn't see you in here earlier.  Our records show that the Lady Rey was given her test results several months ago."

Rey looked down at her hands before flicking her gaze up to Ben's.   "It's a bit of a long story."  She told him sheepishly.

The doctor looked between them again, and then simply nodded.   "Well, then, do either of you have any other questions for me?"  They looked at each other, and then back at the doctor, shaking their heads.  "Okay.  Lady Rey, Supreme Leader, I'm always available for you.  If you think of anything, all you need to do is ask."

Rey gave him a wan smile.  "Thank you Doctor.  Both of us really appreciate it."

"You're welcome."   The Doctor held out his hand to Ben, who shook it in return.   "Congratulations to the both of you."  He praised, and gave Ben an encouraging pat on the arm.   "Good day to you both."  Turning, he quickly left the room.

Slanting her gaze up to Ben she gave him a satisfied smirk.   "See!  He said I'm fine...."  She replied in exasperation.

His eyes flicked to hers.   "Yes, and I'd like to keep it that way.  I suspect that you're more accustomed to hunger than most people, and can tolerate – and ignore it – for longer."   He sighed.   "Promise me that you'll eat every couple of hours, Sweetheart?"

She could see that he was not trying to be domineering.  He was just worried about her – and the baby.   The least she could do was ease his mind – especially after everything she'd put him though.   Leaning up, she kissed him softly.  "I promise.  For real."  She smiled, and kissed him again, before taunting.   "Besides, if people are going to throw good food at me every two hours, who am I to say no?"

Ben rolled his eyes.  "Thank you Sweetheart.  I think."

****

Ben had just finished his first meeting that afternoon and was at his usual position at the viewing window overlooking the marshalling bay, his hands clasped behind his back.  He could hear the quiet din of the staff talking as they exited the room, and remembered a time not so long ago when there was complete silence after meetings, everyone too frightened and uneasy to say a word until they were gone.  Smiling, he thought to himself, One positive change at a time.

He was also happy with how much smoother almost all of his meetings now progressed without Hux around.  That power-hungry, deceitful bastard had really been trying to stoke unrest among the staff and lower officers.  Likely so that when he decided to start a coup he'd have more supporters.  With Hux gone however, he felt that most of the disapproval had vanished, and that the staff and lower officers were more engaged in his plans and more amenable to sharing their own ideas and opinions.

Even though he'd been in personal hell for the past two months, life for everyone else aboard the Finalizer had gone on, and so had his plans to change and expand the First Order.   Their biggest project at the present time was the construction of the First Order Galactic Center on Yavin IV.  The plans had been drawn up, and they'd broken ground near the existing base to begin the expansion.   He intended to show Rey the schematics either later today or tomorrow, and he couldn't wait to see her reaction.

They had also come up with a plausible reason for "inadvertently" blowing up Vandor-1, and were making it known across the galaxy.   It would be said that their new flagship, The Ascendency, had been orbiting the planet to assist in Vandor-1's final transition away from slave-based commerce to mining, as the mineral Iberite had recently been discovered.  The Ascendancy was to have targeted a mineral deposit in a remote area to quickly fast track their first mine by blasting away the surface rock.   However, the canons malfunctioned and hit an unknown deposit of highly explosive and charged minerals which caused a chain reaction, destabilizing the planet's core, and destroying it.   It was a grave error, which the First Order deeply regretted, and would make restitution to all surviving Vandorians by repatriating them to a new, habitable but relatively unoccupied planet, and developing the settlements while providing the resources and funds to set up an economy for them.

Ben sighed.   It was a reasonable, if not somewhat believable explanation to provide in order to regain the trust of the galaxy.   It was also costing the First Order a small fortune, which would require new financial opportunities to fund it.  The First Order "machine" took a lot of credits to keep it running smoothly, and he was still learning about all of their sources of income.  He had a large team working on that alone, as he didn't want to be responsible for bankrupting the First Order as a result of Hux's lunacy.

He let out a frustrated sigh.  It was stressful and exhausting being the Supreme Leader – more than he ever imagined.  At this point, he just wanted a peaceful life with Rey and their children – somewhere that the galaxy wouldn't place demands on them.  But he knew – deep down – that the Force had more in store for them.  Some days he almost wished he could just say Fuck it, but he knew that this was his burden to bear.  There were still a lot of changes necessary to get the First Order to a point where he might be able to walk away – and that would take years.  But he guessed that that was his new goal.  His attempt to atone in some small way for all he'd done to the galaxy.  Make it better.  Fix and stabilize it as best as he could, then leave it to someone else - or maybe even sever someones - who hopefully shared his vision.  

Lost in his thoughts, he didn't realize that General Avanti had approached him from behind until he heard her clear her throat.  Turning to face her, he acknowledged her with a nod.  "General."

"Sir."  She noted.   "I just wanted to welcome you back.  I hear that your trip was successful, and that the Lady Rey accompanied you."  She said with a smile.

"Yes, I found her and she returned with me."  He tried to keep his face impassive, but the smallest smirk appeared in the corner of his mouth.  "Thank you, General."  He paused.  "For...everything."

She gazed at his relaxed countenance, relieved that Rey was back and that the angry and volatile Kylo Ren hadn't returned.  With Rey's departure, it had been a very real possibility, and prior to her and Tiga's 'intervention', she could see shades of the old Kylo Ren reemerging.   "You're very welcome Sir.   I'm glad it all worked out."  Taking a breath, she asked him.  "If its allright with you, Sir, may I come by your quarters later this evening – after I'm off duty - to say hello to her?"

He knew that Rey would probably want to see Avanti sooner, rather than later, and so instead suggested.  "That would be fine General, but I'm guessing you'd prefer to speak to her without my presence.  Why don't you go see her now – if you're free, that is.  I'm sure she'll be excited to see you."

"I am free Sir, but I'm still on duty for another 3 hours."

He gave her a small smirk, and leaned over conspiratorially to whisper.  "I won't tell if you don't."

She looked a bit shocked, but then chuckled.  "Well....okay...I guess?"

"If anyone asks, just tell them I sent you to discuss options for the possibility of reconciling with the Resistance and finalizing the treaty."

She smiled.   "I'll do that.  Thank you, Sir."

"Dismissed."  He said, watching her turn and leave before reaching out to Rey.

Sweetheart?

Yes Ben?

Just checking if you were awake. He told her softly.

I am.  I can't sleep all day!

He chuckled.   I know.   I just wanted to make sure.  You're about to have a visitor...

****

Upon entering his quarters a few hours later Ben heard soft laughter from the sitting area, and could see Rey and Avanti seated together on the couch.   They immediately stopped laughing and looked guiltily contrite when they noticed him.  He smirked, wondering what they had been talking about.   "Ladies."  He said, as he approached them.

Avanti stood at his presence.  "Sir."

He shook his head and motioned for her to sit once again.  "When you're here like this, or in an informal setting, you don't need to do that."

Avanti sat back down.   "Thank you, Sir.  Um... ooops."

Ben rolled his eyes and smirked at her.   "Also, in these situations, I think it would be all right if you called me Ben."

Avanti's eyes widened in shock as she glanced from him, to Rey – whose eyes twinkled with happiness - and back to him again, before smiling.  She knew – from Rey – that his given name was Ben – that he was actually Ben Solo, the Resistance leader's son – but she never thought she'd be given leave to call him that.     "Of course - Ben.  But only if you agree to call me Amala."

He nodded to her.   "Amala.  Don't let me interrupt your visit."   He said, heading toward his closet.

"Nonsense.  I've taken up more than enough of Rey's time."  She stood to leave.  "I'll see you tomorrow at lunch?"  Rey nodded, and Amala gave her a quick goodbye hug.

Walking over to Ben, she extended her hand, smiling warmly.  "Rey tells me that congratulations are in order – on several fronts."  He glanced over at Rey with a narrowed gaze, but she just grinned back at him cheekily with a shrug.

Amala had briefly considered giving him a hug, but decided against it.  Best to stay a little formal, lest anyone get the wrong idea.  "Oh, don't be angry with her.  Her condition is plain to see."  Chuckling, she continued.  "Don't worry, your secrets are completely safe with me, until you make your announcements."

"Thank you Amala."  He replied, taking her hand and shaking it, before she gave a final wave to Rey and left.

Rey immediately came over and wrapped her arms around him, burying her face in his chest and releasing a deep sigh.

"Happy Sweetheart?"

"Mmm hmmm."  She replied, tilting her face up for a kiss.  "Did you have a good afternoon?"

"Busy, but yes.   You?"   He asked, giving her a tight squeeze and resting his chin on the top of her head.

"I did. It was very nice."  Pausing, Rey took a deep breath.   "Amala told me about Hux."  She felt him immediately stiffen.   Pulling back, she looked up into his face, which was devoid of emotion.  Reaching up, she tugged on his cheeks gently.  "Hey, this is me, remember?   Why didn't you tell me?  You've had plenty of opportunities over the past few days...."

Sighing, he tried to drop his arms but she wouldn't let him go.   Instead, she kept looking up at him intently.   "I.....I was afraid.  Of what you would think of me."

Taking a deep breath, she stroked his cheek.  "I think it would have bothered me more if you had acted as judge, jury and executioner, but Amala said that there was a trial and that he was found guilty.  The fact that, in the end, it ended up being you who.... well...carried out the sentence..."  She took another deep before continuing.   "Honestly Ben, I would have preferred if it wasn't you, but I understand.   Amala told me that he crossed the line one too many times, and his parting shot was just too much.  In many ways, it really was your justice to carry out, so.... I'm not really upset or even that disappointed."

Ben let out a breath that he didn't realize he'd been holding, and sighed in relief.  Raising both hands to her cheeks he looked deeply into her eyes.   "Thank you Sweetheart – for understanding.   I can honestly say that his is one death that I absolutely do not hold on my conscience.   Hux was an evil, power hungry, troublemaking bastard and I'm glad he's gone."

She smiled back at him apologetically.  "As bad as it sounds – I am too."

Leaning down he nuzzled her nose with his own.  "I was thinking..."

"Yessss?"  She asked softly, starting to place little kisses along his jaw.

His eyes were closed, enjoying her tender attentions.   "If you're okay with it, I think we should make our announcements to the staff tomorrow."  He said quietly.

She stopped, and pulled back to look up at him.  "So soon?"

Sighing at the loss of her lips on his skin, he nodded.   "The sooner the better, don't you think?   That way you don't have to hide anything.  Not that you have anything to hide, but it might cause gossip unnecessarily..."   His face coloured, feeling like he'd said something he shouldn't.   "Its fine if you want to wait a bit longer."

Pondering that for a moment, she shook her head.   "No, its okay.   You're right – the sooner the better."  He caught a subtle shift in her gaze and could feel her hesitation.

"What is it?"  He asked with mild concern.

Taking a deep breath she asked him.   "Ben, are you going to continue going by Kylo Ren, publicly and to the First Order?"

He could see the concern on her face, and tried to smooth it away with his fingertips.  "Does it bother you that much?"

"Not really.  To me, he was a completely different person....and you're just not him anymore...."  She responded.   "But, doesn't it bother you?   You said it yourself – in your mind, he's gone, and you're Ben now...."

Dropping his arms, he pulled away from her, and this time she let him go.  Turning, he walked across the room, keeping his back to her.  "I'm not sure."  He let out a deep sigh.  "I don't know if it would be a good idea – for the First Order. It might cause....confusion. Unrest."  He swung back to face her.  "Even if the staff could get used to it, I wouldn't know how to bring it about.   What would I say?  Oh, by the way, you can call me Ben Solo now?"

Walking over to him, she took his hands in hers, giving them a gentle tug.   "No.  They would still call you Supreme Leader.  But if they refer to you by name in any way, your name is Ben Solo – your birth name - instead of Kylo Ren.  What's wrong with that?"  She watched him, looking deeply into his eyes, and saw fear there.  He was still gazing at her silently when comprehension dawned.  "You're afraid they won't see you the same way.  Won't respect you as much being Ben Solo as they do Kylo Ren – because they won't fear you in the same way."

He averted his gaze uncomfortably.  "Not the staff.    Not anymore.  Just the rest of the galaxy."

Reaching up, she tilted his face back to hers.   "Is it that important for them to be afraid of you?   You're still the most powerful force user in the galaxy!  Even if you continue going as Kylo Ren, eventually they'll figure out that you've stopped terrorizing and murdering innocents."   His gaze narrowed into a harsh frown.   "What?  It is what Kylo Ren did!   But that was under Snoke – well, mostly... there were those 3 or 4 months after..."  His expression became even darker, and she could feel herself unintentionally sinking into a hole she would have to dig herself out of.   "Anyways...."

They were both silent for several minutes, caught up in their own thoughts.  Suddenly her face lit up.   "Wait.  You disbanded your knights, right?"

"Yes.  What does that have to do with anything?"

"Ben, it has everything to do with it!  Don't you see?  You became Kylo Ren when you became a Knight of Ren, yes?"  She could see his mind working.

"Technically I'm not a Knight of Ren anymore either, so...."

"Exactly!"  She said excitedly.   She could see him still mulling it all over.  "Will you at least think about it?"  Reaching out, she laid her hands on his chest.   "I'll support whatever you decide.  But, please, give it some thought?   I think it might be one more way to continue moving the First Order forward..."

Looking deeply into her eyes, he wrapped his arms around her.   "I will."  He grinned.   "How'd you get so smart?"

Pulling herself close again, she continued her not-so-subtle onslaught that she'd tried to start earlier.  Her fingers were softly playing with his hair, stroking behind his ears, which was unbelievably distracting to him.  He hummed a soft sound in his throat as he felt her nails gently score down his neck.  "I learned from you."  She whispered, just before she captured his lips in hers, slowly captivating his senses.

Desire continued to build in him, making it almost impossible for him to think.   "Sweetheart, what are you doing?"

"What does it feel like I'm doing?"  She asked innocently, smiling against his lips.

He chuckled, remembering a similar conversation where the tables were turned.  "Seducing me...."  He whispered huskily, pulling her closer and deepening the kiss, before pulling back from her once again.   "Aren't you hungry?  We can have dinner brought in – first."  He smirked.

"A little.  But I know I'll be really tired after dinner and will probably fall asleep so....."  Leaning up on her tip toes she attacked his neck with her lips again.   "Besides, I already had another snack about an hour ago, so I should be good...."  She whispered.  "....for a little while at least."

He growled at her and began backing her towards the bed.   "I'm not sure I can guarantee that we'll only be a little while."  He teased.  "We've still got some catching up to do...."

Turns out, it was more than a little while before they ate dinner after all.