Chapter Text
They had successfully retrieved the Diatium cell, yet Rey couldn't sleep. The four of them went to a restaurant near Solleu River to celebrate, although she didn't have much of an appetite, the food lied heavy in her stomach. Rey still forced herself to eat, smiling at Chewie, Finn, and R2 who talked excitedly about exploring the city before leaving for Varykino.
She sighed, tossing the covers off. She could hear Finn and Chewie, especially Chewie sleeping deeply next door. She reached the rooftop of the motel, the city laid before her, humming in tranquil activity as lights twinkled over every corner. Naboo's nights were so different from Jakku's. On Jakku it was freezing and Rey would huddle in her walker, bundled in any scrap of cloth she could find. But here on Naboo, the night was warm was welcoming, she was free to enjoy the sights and sounds before her.
"You look peaceful."
Rey felt him before he spoke, turning around she found him dressed in nightwear, a large robe draped over his massive frame. It was a peculiar sight, without his regal clothes or every present saber at his hip, he looked almost ordinary.
Rey's hair was tousled, her neck and shoulders bare to his gaze and her shift flowed around her, caressing her body like silk. He wanted to pull it away from her, he wanted reach out and hold her but there was a sharpness to her gaze that put him on edge.
"What's wrong?"
"I heard about Kerev Doi." He turned away from her.
"Have you come to call me a monster?" Rey came to him in an instant, she cupped his face, pulling him back towards her.
"No, I want you to tell me why you did it."
His eyes widened, her hand dropped from his face but he clasped it, holding her to him. It was irrational, idiotic. To share his plans with the enemy, a member of the Resistance was nothing but reckless. But it was Rey. He kissed her palm gently before releasing her.
"Kerev Doi was run by slave traders." Her breathe stilled.
"They were buying slaves from all across the galaxy. They used them to mine spice, flooding the galaxy with drugs. We freed them all and we're working to restore order their planet."
Rey breathed, nestling her head on his chest as he wrapped his arms around her. This was right, her in his arms. He clasped her form close, running his hand through her hair, stroking her locks.
"Will you relinquish control?" His hand stilled.
"They're in no position to lead themselves." She leaned back so she could look straight into their eyes.
"But they could be if they were given the chance if you gave them the chance."
"Rey, democracy doesn't work if the people are unwilling to act rationally. We are maintaining order throughout the galaxy, we are creating peace."
"Peace doesn't work if people fear you Kylo. The moment you withdraw from Kerev Doi chaos would erupt, that isn't Order. What's the point of liberating them if they'll just be under the rule of someone else."He turned away from her, growling lowly. She could sense the frustration within him, every step had a bite of anger to it.
"What about Auto Blank?" His body arrested turning back to her.
"We're trying to find a suitable replacement before we attempt anything. The last thing I want to do is create a power vacuum."
Rey regarded him intently, "and this suitable replacement would be submissive to you?"
"What do you expect Rey? Things aren't so simple, I'm trying my best." There was so much torment in his gaze, it made her want to reach out and console him. "I am trying to be kind."
"Ben," her voice was soft, "a military occupation can only do so much. You can conquer as many planets as you want. But so long as people can think and feel you won't control them. And, if you force them to obey, they'll only suffer."
His gaze narrowed, "And what would the Resistance do? What have they done to help anyone?" She clasped his hand and Kylo couldn't help but curl his fingers around hers, gripping her gently.
"You're right, we aren't in the position to take down warlords or free entire planets. But you are, you are capable of truly freeing them. You could give them homes, schools, opportunity, don't they deserve that? Or do you intend on keeping them under your thumb forever?"
Kylo looked down at their clasped hands, hers so strong and so precious.
"If you joined me, then maybe we do it together, we could bring order to the galaxy together." Rey closed her eyes, breathing deeply before speaking.
"It won't work Kylo, your beliefs and mine are too different. When you envision me by your side you see me acting in ways that I never would. And when I envision you beside me, you act in ways that I don't even know you can."
He shut his eyes tightly and drew her into his embrace, at that moment it felt like a chasm had opened between them and a part of him wanted to leap over. He pressed his lips to her head, stroking her back as she wrapped her arms around his waist.
"Do we have to be so different?" She didn't know what to say. All she could do was hold him tighter.
Rey rubbed her eyes. She had slept little, her mind restless. Glancing towards Finn, she noticed him huddled over a display. Tonight they would be leaving the city, it would be their last chance to explore. They had gone to Virdugo Plunge, Broadberry Meadow, the Theed Music Hall and now the Street of Glory to enjoy marketplace there. It was a lot different from Jakku, fine clothing, artisan crafts, flavorsome food and all manner of peculiar objects were displayed. She was so used to seeing machine parts and mysterious meats that the sites made her giddy despite being tired.
"What's that?"
Finn yelped, hand held to his chest. He was holding a bracelet, a crystal rose resting in the center.
"Oh this, I just thought it was pretty." Rey smiled, she knew exactly what or who he was thinking about. Chewie growled beside them as he peered over Finn's shoulder which for him wasn't too difficult to do.
"He says he'll by it." Finn's eyes widened.
"What!? No, it's fine. I didn't come here planning on buying anything." Rey chuckled endearingly as Chewie growled again. R2 beeped excitedly, nudging Finn excitedly.
"It's fine Finn, you've been working so hard, both for this mission and back at the base. You deserve to indulge yourself."
Finn had been teaching the Resistance forces extensively about the First Order, in addition to accompanying Poe on various missions. Before he could say another word Chewie handed the vendor a credit chip who smiled gleefully. Finn grumbled, accepting the gift.
"You didn't have to do that." Chewie patted him on the head, Rey laughed as R2 beeped loudly.
"Language R2," she swatted him playfully on the head.
"What did he say?" She held a hand to her mouth composing herself.
"You don't want to know."
The company of four eventually made their way through the market and towards the Plaza of the Catalan. They stood in front of the Silver Fountain, watching the jets soar into the air as the sun set, casting the sky in orange and pink hues. Chewie and R2 had gone off to grab some food, the Wookie appetite could not be underestimated.
"Are you going to tell her?" Finn spun around, startled.
"Who?" She raised an eyebrow.
His jaw clenched, "Please don't Rey."
"Come on Finn, it's been months, everyone in the Resistance already considers you two couple."
"It's not that easy Rey. I was raised by the First Order, we were taught not to love, not to form relationships, that the only thing we should care about was obeying and serving. But Rose, she cares about so many things, she sees so many things and gives everyone a chance. Sometimes I don't think I'm good enough for her."
"That's ridiculous Finn, you're one of the greatest guys I know." Finn gave a dry laugh.
"Thanks, but sometimes I catch her looking me with pain in her eyes. I don't know, maybe I remind her of the First Order, they took a lot from her." Rey frowned. She knew Rose cared about Finn, that much was obvious.
"I doubt she hates you, Finn, she lights up whenever she sees you. Maybe you should talk to her about it." Finn clutched the bracelet resting in his pocket.
"Yeah, I should. I just really like her Rey. I thought…" His voice trailed off, there was a mix of emotions in his gaze. "It was different before, but now it hurts, being with her but not actually together."
Her throat tightened, she couldn't help but think of him. Reaching down into herself she felt for that connection, clutching it tightly, Rey could have sworn she felt it vibrate in response.
"It will be okay Finn, It will be okay," but she wasn't looking at him, her face was turned to the stars.