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Chapter Text

London, 2016

It was a crowded pub and the cider was too sweet,  Kylo much preferred it with a sour kick.  But right now he needed courage and he hoped the alcohol would give it to him.  He’d come this far and couldn’t go back now. 

Two blonds smiled at him from a booth and Kylo was sure at least one had to be Snoke’s.  The old man always had Bond girl knockouts on his side and preferred to use them to do his dirty work too.  

A redhead in the corner had to be Palpatine’s agent.  The Oxford accent and tailored clothes were a dead give away of Palpatine’s upper class preferences.

Both men were foolish though,  Kylo Ren born Benjamin Organa Solo had never been one to be fooled by a pretty face.  He’d learned early on that women could and would manipulate from the master herself Leia Organa Solo.  He’d also learned that marriage and family could not survive the pressures of government and corporate life.  His mother and uncle owned Organa Securities, a top security firm that frequently was contracted by the government.  The business was their life and Kylo had always come second best to it, as had Han, Kylo’s father.  Han Solo was long gone and so was Ben Solo.   

For the past seven years Kylo Ren had followed Andrew Snoke after his Uncle accused him of unethical business practices when it was Luke himself being unethical.

Fresh out of Harvard,  Kylo had revealed in Andrew’s mentorship, until he realized the kind of things Exegol Industry was really up to.  Kylo might hate his uncle and be estranged from his father but he still had a moral compass and things like murder, exhortation and arson were not what he signed up for.  He served Snoke and Palpatine but kept his eyes and ears open, collecting evidence.   Finally when he had enough, Kylo planned to run and show the world he was a hero not a failure.

Yet somehow Snoke and Palpatine knew, Kylo had left his apartment this morning with the intent of heading towards the embassy and their agents were everywhere. 

Kylo was cornered in this pub and needed a way out, a distraction.   He needed to get this to the embassy tonight before he was caught and killed.   

Kylo glanced around at the crowd full of working class Londoners when he saw a girl of perhaps nineteen or twenty. 

She was a pretty brunette with glasses, cheap drugstore makeup and clothes that had seen better days, she would do.  There was no way with her appearance that she worked for anyone.  

Kylo waltzed over to the girl, “Wanna dance?” 

She turned to him and her hazel eyes scanned his large frame, a smile broke out on her face, “Sure.” 

It was a genuine smile and for a moment, Kylo felt guilty.

Kylo pulled her into a dance, knowing all eyes were on him.   

The girl was lithe and a good dancer and Kylo’s dick growled even though he was a man on a mission, it had been awhile.

Kylo pressed up close to her and whispered, “You’re a sweet thing.”  

Kylo could feel her slightly tremble and smiled.  Her interest was flattering and for just a moment he wished this could be real and wasn’t just part of a job. 

But everything he was doing tonight for a greater good and a girl like this wasn’t his type. She was too sweet and smiley, which meant she had feelings and a heart. 

“You can kiss me if you want,” the girl’s hazel eyes were soft.  

Kylo swallowed the lump in his throat and pressed his lips against hers.  He soon had the girl pressed up against a wall near an exit, kissing her while keeping an eye out for the blonds and the redhead.

The girl tasted like strawberry chapstick and Kylo felt her eagerness in his lips and tongue.  Her skin was smooth under his and he wondered how much he’d get to sample before he was interrupted.  

The owners were unbothered by the kiss and Kylo continued it.  He moved his lips to the girls neck and whispered, “this okay sweetheart?”

“Yes,” she sighed happily, clinging to him.  “You can do whatever you want.”

What an invitation.

Kylo placed his knee against her cunt and started to rub along the crease of her jeans, aiming for her folds.  The girl began to gyrate against his knee, clearly getting off on him. 

“That feels so good,” she murmured.

Kylo’s cock was hard as a rock and he longed for release.  His hands trailed along the girls hips, one resting on her back while his other began to fondle her little breasts.  

His knee continued to rub her cunt and her legs spread out for more.

 Kylo’s fingers played with her nipples. 

“Oh God,” She moaned in the most lovely of ways. 

Kylo decided there was nothing for it.  He pulled his cock out and made quick work of the girl's pants.

He thrust into her sopping folds and felt her melt around him.  Damn it had been a while since he’d felt this release.  He allowed himself to really get into it, enjoying every single moment of her walls clenched around his cock.  

Kylo pushed into her, over and over again.   He could tell they were getting closer and he forgot everything but the need to release.  His mission, his burden, all of it gone as he was enfolded by the sweetness of this girl and her body. 

“Can I come in you?” He murmured, hoping she would say yes.

“Yes please,” she purred. 

The purr stoked his fire even more.

Kylo gave one final thrust and felt the release of his spend.

Suddenly he felt two hands grab him, rough and strong.  He was pushed out of the pub and onto the ground outside. 

It took him only a minute to bounce up and run. 

Kylo ran as fast as he could towards a long line of cabs, aware he was probably being chased even now.  

He dipped into a car, yelled, “American Embassy now!”   The cab driver took one look at him and took off. 

Kylo watched with satisfaction as he peered back at the blond and redhead searching for him in the crowd. 

The car zoomed through the streets and pulled into front of the Embassy. Kylo prepared to step out of the car, ready to turn in his credentials when the explosions happened. 

It was as if someone had simply thrown bombs at the traffic in front of the embassy.   The car was on fire and Kylo scrambled to get out.  His sleeve was stuck on the car and he couldn’t get out without taking his jacket off.  This was madness, it was his life or the thumb disk.

Kylo tried to pull the jacket off but he couldn’t and he knew death was imminent if he didn’t do something.

“Damn it,” he swore and ripped himself from the jacket.  He then reached back for the pieces of the jacket when another explosion hit the car and he was thrown several feet away.  

Kylo felt dizzy and sick as the car burst into flames.

The city street was a mess with vehicles slammed against each other and several civilians injured.

Kylo knew the thumb drive was destroyed.  Nothing could have survived the flames.  He cursed himself for such stupidity.  Now he had nothing and he was a wanted man. 

There were police and medics everywhere and Kylo knew Snoke and Palpatine had to be looking for him.

There was only one thing to do and Kylo dreaded doing it.  He left the scene and booked it out of there before he was spotted.  He headed toward the nearest underground station.  

He headed out of London, making sure he wasn’t followed and rode the overnight train to Edinburgh.  He wouldn’t need a passport to go North. 

Kylo was exhausted and sore, but he couldn’t sleep, for he didn’t trust his fellow passengers.  He headed towards the American Consulate, weary and furious with himself.   He flashed his passport and was let in.  

Anthony, the consulate butler, greeted him at the door, “Master Ben, how delightful to see you.”  

Kylo nodded, it had been years since he’d been called Ben but he wasn’t going to correct the man.  

He asked.  “Is my mother here?”

“She’s busy at the press conference after the arrests this morning,” Anthony said cheerfully, “It’s about time, that’s all I can say.”

Kylo stilled, “the arrests for what?”

“Haven’t you heard Master Ben,  Andrew Snoke and Sheev Palpatine were arrested,” Anthony beamed.

Kylo Ren practically fell over, “But how?”

“Hello stranger,” Poe Dameron, Kylo’s adopted brother came down the stairway.  “Seems someone on the inside has been collecting evidence against Snoke and Palpatine for years and it was turned in last night.”  Poe smirked, “We have strong reason to believe that person was you.”

“What,” Kylo choked. He didn’t understand.  “But my drive was ruined, all the evidence I collected burned in front of me.”

 “Thank the Scavenger,'' Poe snorted, “She was raised on the London streets by one of Snoke’s low level thugs and is a regular tech genius and has been hacking into Exegol Industries Server since she was about fourteen. Apparently she realized someone was collecting information about Snoke and Palpapatine and made a backup of all the information. When the explosion outside the embassy happened last night, she took it to MI6.  She’s the one who told us Kylo Ren did it as she could trace your technology signature, she also seemed to think you might be dead.”

“Have I met her?” Kylo was so confused.  How in the world had a teenager had the smarts to know what he was doing?

Poe laughed, “She just mentioned running into you in a pub, said she put a tail on the information you collected on your thumb drive and followed you around London to see what you were doing with the info.  When she realized you were fleeing Snoke and Palps she said she helped you escape a pub by causing a distraction?” Poe shrugged.

Kylo’s mouth hit the floor as he realized he had indeed met the scavenger. “Well where is she?’

Poe shrugged, “No idea, she’s only eighteen so she was thrown into witness protection faster than you can blink.  I only know what I told you.  She does have an American passport as her mom was originally from there so they will probably hide her in the middle of Kansas.”  

“She’s eighteen!” Kylo snapped.  He’d fucked an eighteen year kid, great. 

“Relax man,” Poe snorted. “We all get shown up by a kid once in awhile.”

Kylo wasn’t about to correct his brother and tell him he’d slept with the kid.  That was a secret he would take to his grave. 

Poe clapped him on the back, “Now as for you, let’s have the world think Kylo Ren is dead. Ben Solo is back and Mom has a plan.”

Ben sighed, apparently doing the right thing meant ending up right where he started.  

**************************

Present Day, Washington DC

The high end restaurant was one of DC’s finest.  Ben had called in more than one favor to get a reservation here.   But this was a big evening and Ben wanted the best.  He even ordered the most expensive champagne and appetizer. 

Bazine was in the best of moods and dressed in a red number that showed off her curves and Ben could tell she’d taken extra time to look good.

“Bazine,” Ben began.

“Yes!” Bazine shrieked, “A thousand times yes, I will marry you!”

Ben Solo stared at Bazine in complete and utter shock, “What?? I’m not proposing to you - just because I like having sex with you doesn’t mean I want to marry you.  This is about my Mother finally letting me leave DC and take over the New York office.”  

Poe was taking a year long sabbatical with his new husband and Leia had shocked Ben by handing him the reins of the office in New York.  Finally Ben would be in charge of something.  

Bazine stared at him and Ben could see the anger slowly but surely mounting on her face.

Ben wondered if perhaps he’d been a bit too brash.  They had been dating for almost a year now which was a record for Benjamin Solo. But it’s not as if their relationship meant anything, surely Bazine knew that. 

“You bastard,” Bazine hissed, “The girls in the office warned me that you were emotionally unavailable but I had no idea that you were such a pig too. Is this all this is to you, sex?”  Pure fury radiated out of her eyes. 

“I was pretty honest with you from the start that the only commitment I make is towards my job,” Ben tried to keep his cool, “I’m a career man first and refuse to drag a partner or wife or husband into this life, much less children.”

“Fuck you,” Bazine shouted and threw her thousand dollar glass of champagne on him. “Fuck you Ben Solo.  I hope you die a miserable old man in some nursing home. Thanks for nothing!” 

She marched out of the restaurant with her head held high.

Oh well, Ben was moving to New York anyway and Bazine had started getting clingy.  She’d even dropped the hint a few weeks ago that she wanted to meet his family.  Hell no, Ben’s mother wanted Ben to get married about as much as Ben didn’t want to get married.

“Would you like the check sir?” A waiter appeared.  

“Nah I’ll still eat dinner,” Ben said cooly.  There was no reason to waist a perfectly good dinner reservation.

New York

Ben arrived at his large corner office at 6:00 am and sighed with pleasure as he could see the city below.   

He knew most of his employees wouldn’t be in for a few hours and Rose, his PA, wouldn't be in until seven thirty.  So he made himself a cup of coffee and turned his computer on, this was the life he had dreamed of for years.  

He knew Luke hated that his mom had given him this position but the old man had no say in the New York office.

It was seven thirty when Ben Solo’s world came to a halt.

Two girls and a boy ran into his office.  

Ben blinked.   

“Hi new boss man,” a little girl with hazel eyes and black braids said cheerfully.  The three children then placed backpacks on the flood next to a table.   They turned to a cupboard behind the table and began placing objects on the table.  

‘Is that sand?” Ben sputtered.  There was a child playing with sand in his corner office.  He did not understand this.

“Yep,” the cheerful girl said, “Want to play sand monsters with me? Uncle Poe always liked to.”

“I don’t think he’s nice like Uncle Poe,” the other girl looked at him critically.  She had black hair too but her eyes were brown not hazel and she very strangely reminded Ben of his mother. 

“Of course he’s nice,” the hazel-eyed girl said, “he’s the new boss man.  Bosses have to be nice.” 

“Where are the pop tarts?” The boy suddenly demanded.  He had black hair and green eyes with tan skin, “I’m hungry.”

“Pop tarts?” Ben stared at him.  Who on earth were these children with their sand and pop tarts?

“Where are your parents?” Ben asked, hoping for a solution to this. 

“My mom is telling Aunt Kaydel about how Dad got his fingers stuck in the dishwasher last night,” the boy said bluntly.  “He swore a lot and used words you’re not supposed to.” 

“I bet it was funny,” the brown eyed girl snickered. “Uncle Armie gets all red when he’s mad.

The hazel eyed girl was eyeing Ben in a frankly terrifying way.   She marched over to him with two plastic figures in her hand  and crawled on his lap, “Would you please play with me boss man, please!” 

Ben Solo really had no words for such a situation. 

“Mira it’s rude to sit on strangers laps,” the other girl said, “You can’t do that.”

“But the boss man likes me and wants to play with me, right?” Mira smiled a toothy smile at Ben. 

How the hell was Ben supposed to answer that?  There were now sandy dinosaurs on his desk.

“Mira, Brandon, Mara, I told you Uncle Poe wasn’t here anymore,”  Rose Hux, Ben’s PA appeared.  

“I’m so sorry Mr. Solo,” Rose was red in the face, “the kids used to come here before their school bus picks them up and I should have thought to stop them this morning. Come on kids.”

“But I want to stay,” Mira protested, tears welling up in her eyes.  “Mr. Boss man, can I please stay and will you play with me, pretty, pretty please.”

“That’s enough,” Rose said sharply.

Ben Solo looked at the crying child on his lap and sighed.  He remembered the countless mornings that he sat alone in his mother’s office before school.

“You can stay till you get on the bus,” he told the little girl.

“Really?’ Rose stared at him in shock. “You mean today?’

“He means everyday, right?’ Mira batted her eyelashes at him.

Ben Solo, a confirmed bachelor with a heart of steel groaned, “Yes.”

“Are you sure?” Rose looked at him as if he’d lost his head. 

“Just make sure they get something better to eat than pop tarts,” Ben shook his head.

The little girl threw her arms around him and kissed his cheek, “You’re the best boss man ever.”

The kids stayed for another twenty minutes before packing up.  Ben learned enough to realize Brandon was Rose’s child.  Mara and Mira were the twin daughters of his IT security consultant Rey who was currently in a zoom meeting.

Brandon and Mara happily packed up for school but Mira had one more request from Ben before she left.

  “Can I tell you a secret?  I didn’t even tell Uncle Poe about this cause Mommy made me promise not to but Mommy hasn’t made me promise you so I can!”

Ben sighed wondering if he was going to have to buy this child a dog or a goldfish or perhaps even a fairy garden, “Yes.”

“Could you help me find my daddy please? Mommy thinks he’s dead, but I know in my heart he’s not,” Mira pleaded.

Ben was floored, there was no way he could give this child back their father. 

“I can try,” Ben said awkwardly. What else was he supposed to say?  Pity for this kid filled his heart.  He knew what it meant to be fatherless.  

Mira’s eyes lit up and she lowered her voice, “He was a secret agent and his name was Kylo Ren.”

Chapter Text

“Kylo Ren?” Ben repeated dumbly.  “Your dad’s name is Kylo Ren?”

Mira looked at him with her big hazel eyes and said, “Shhh - it’s a secret, Mommy doesn’t know I know.  I heard her talking to Ms. Maz one night.  Ms, Maz lives across the street but she’s really a secret agent who watches over Mommy, Mara and I.” 

Ben’s mind was running a million miles a minute.  This was impossible, absolutely impossible, he hadn’t been called Kylo Ren for almost eight years and he certainly hadn’t been a Casanova when he had.  He’d spurned Snoke’s girls and typically had hookups where no contact info had been exchanged.  The only hookup he’d had eight years ago was with “The Scavenger” and surely this kid wasn’t her daughter….was she? 

A lump formed in Ben’s throat as he took in the kid in front of him. Except for her raven braids that matched his own mane, Mira was the spitting image of the girl he’d fucked in a pub so long ago. An eighteen year old girl at that.

Ben felt  punched in the gut. 

“Mira, we’re gonna be late, no time for talking to the boss man,” Mara put her hands on her hips and yelled at her sister with ferocity. “

Ben could not deny that if Mira reminded him of Rey, Mara reminded him of Leia. Her current stance was almost uncanny in it’s resemblance. The fact that twins ran in his family was an ever greater confirmation. 

“It’s time for school,” Mara ordered.

“I’ll be there,” Mira sighed and met Ben’s eyes, “I just want my daddy more than anything and I know he’s out there, somewhere, please help me find him.”  The plea in her voice was heartbreaking.

Never ever had Ben expected those words to come out of a child’s mouth regarding him.  It was everything he’d guarded his heart against. 

Alexandria VA, 1995

Ben hopped out of the bus and eagerly ran into the house.  He’d just started a new club and made a new friend.  It had been hard for him in general to connect to other students at the snobby Lower School he attended with the sons and daughters of important government officials.  He just felt things so much, and those feelings often came out in sarcastic statements and with his fists.  His Lower School Counselor had recommended the fencing club to develop discipline and Ben had been nervous that he would mess that up too.

“I’ll be terrible,” Ben had told his dad that morning.  “It’s a really bad idea.” 

Han had bent down and met Ben’s gaze, “You are an incredible kid, you really are, you can do this Ben and don’t let anyone tell you can’t.  Just do your best and have fun.”

Ben was still nervous but his Dad’s words helped him make it on the bus and through the school day.  To Ben’s surprise, he loved the fencing club and there was another kid in his grade there, Tai, the new kid.  Tai amazingly wanted to be Ben’s friend.  Ben couldn’t wait to tell his Dad. 

But Dad wasn’t in the living room watching tv like he usually was when Ben got home.  He wasn’t in the kitchen making a snack, nor in the garage fooling around with the cars.  Ben was starting to get worried and when the side door opened Ben hurried to greet his dad.

But it was just Nanny Natalie and little Poe.

“Where’s Dad?” Ben demanded.

Natalie rolled her eyes, “No idea kid, we’ve been to the park and to the Music for Toddlers group.  Then your mom sent me a shopping list so we went to the store, she keeps forgetting that I’m not a housekeeper.” 

“But Dad isn’t here!” Ben protested, worried.  “I need to find him.”  

“Call your mother then, cause I get paid to watch him,” Natalie pointed at Poe who was currently throwing fruit snacks on the floor, “Not you.”

Ben ran to the phone and called Organa Industries, demanding to speak to his mother.  The receptionist sighed, “Mrs. Organa only takes calls for emergencies.”

“This is an emergency!” Ben yelled. “My Dad is missing!”  Why didn’t anyone care?

“Fine, he’s probably on a walk or something but I’ll let your mother know he’s not there,” the receptionist promised. “I’m sure she will call you.”

But Leia never called Ben back and he felt sick.  His Dad had always been the one to greet him when he got off the bus and had been the one to take care of Ben when he wasn’t feeling well. They were the best of friends in their kingdom.  Mom was always busy but it was okay because Dad was there.

Natalie took pity on Ben and made him mac and cheese.  

Poe suddenly said, “Where’s Han? I want Han!” He burst into tears.  “I want my new Daddy.” 

Ben felt like crying but fought it.  He couldn’t cry because then his Dad missing would be real. 

Natalie glanced at the clock tersely.   She pinched her lips and made a phone call to Ben’s mother’s office.

“What do you mean you won’t be home until eleven?” Natalie snapped over the phone. “I have a date tonight, I can’t just ruin my life for yours.  Your husband is not here so you better be or I quit! ……. No amount of money is worth this!” 

Ben frowned, this was getting worse and worse.   He just wanted his Dad and the reassurance that everything was going to be okay.

But all Ben received were tacky birthday cards and cheap Christmas presents and the occasional phone call with false promises, “I’ll stop in soon kid.” 

That was when Ben learned that adults could be liars of the worst kind.  

Ben’s mother simply said to her boys, “Your father has left us, I don’t want to talk about it, we’ll be fine. Then she hired a full time housekeeper and Ben and Poe spent many nights eating dinner in front of the tv. 

 “We’re doing fine,” Leia would tell reporters and nosy friends.  Her arms would go around Poe and Ben and for a second Ben would know what a mother’s touch would feel like. It was a strange sensation, almost unnatural.  

Poe’s barrel hugs were the only affection Ben ever really got.  Ben should have hated Poe, really - he was much more likable than Ben, always popular with peers and his mother and uncle’s darling.  Even when the outgoing and spirited Poe did everything wrong it was still alright.   But for some inexplicable reason Poe liked Ben, unconditionally and without judgment, so somehow Ben, who really didn’t like anyone, tolerated his brother.   They spent many nights eating dinner together as Leia was often gone.  Poe went to Ben’s fencing competitions and Ben to Poe’s soccer games.  

Poe took the morsels Ben gave him as acceptance.  When Ben ran to Snoke, Poe still insisted on being in Ben’s life and the two stayed in contact. 

Like Ben, Poe held a grudge against Han, “My own parents died, Han chose to leave us and I can’t move past that.”   Perhaps that was the thread that tethered Poe and Ben, a sense of abandonment.   Poe embraced the whole world to compensate for it, Ben tried to control it. 

Han showed up at Ben’s high school graduation full of apologies and excuses.  “Everything with your mom was too much, I felt like I was alone in a marriage and holding the family together, I just broke.”  

“I don’t care,” Ben replied with anger in his eyes, “No excuse is good enough for what you did. You left us and I want nothing to do with you ever. Just go.”

“I suppose I deserve this,” Han said sadly, looking like a dog that had been kicked.

But Ben had no room for pity in his heart with the anger he carried.

Ben vowed as he watched his father drive away from the ceremony to never have kids so that he couldn’t break their hearts the way his father and mother broke his. 

*****************

Ben felt the tears fighting to get out as he met his daughter’s eyes but willed them not to break free,  after all, he'd spent a lifetime not crying.

“Mira, it’s okay, I will help you,” Ben vowed. 

Ben was rewarded by a tight hug and then a wave, “By Mr. Boss!”  Mira’s smile was huge and tugged at Ben’s heart.

He watched the three kids leave his office and put his head in his hands.

Rose returned with an apology, “I’m so, so very sorry Mr. Solo.  You really never ever need to have them in your office again.” 

“They can come in the morning,” Ben said firmly. “It’s okay.”

Rose looked at him as if he was a puzzle that didn’t quite fit together.

“Do you need coffee? Any office supplies? I kept your schedule clear today and tomorrow to let you get settled in,” Rose said smoothly.

Normally Ben would have hated that, he loved to get stuck into his job immediately and not waste time.  But his entire world was tipping and he needed it to just stop.  So he grabbed onto the first thing he could think of, “How old is the twin’s mother?”

Rose narrowed her eyes, “I’m not sure that’s an appropriate question. Miss Niima is a professional, her age and her parental responsibilities have nothing to do with her capacity to work.  She has a Bachelor’s from NYU and has a dual Masters from MIT.  Last year she was named employee of the year and one of the most influential names in Tech in New York City. You have nothing to worry about.”

Ben realized that Rose grossly understood his motivation for the question.  But he couldn’t exactly ask his PA for Rey’s backstory.

“I would just like to see her personnel file, is that a problem?” Ben demanded.

“The personnel file room is a little difficult to get to,” Rose snapped, her voice shaking. “But if you fire her, you should know half of this office will quit.  She’s the kindest and sweetest soul and very smart and brave.” 

Ben could see real fear behind Rose’s anger.  

“I’m not going to fire your friend,” Ben said gently.  “I promise.”

Rose looked at him skeptically. 

“I swear, I won’t,” Ben sighed.   He just needed to look at Rey’s file and know, really know that she was the girl he’d met in the pub so long ago and not some other hookup from his past.

“Just a second,” Rose conceded and disappeared. 

Ben took a deep break and typed Rey Niima into his computer.  There were absolutely no social media accounts with her name which was odd.  He did find an article about her in a New York magazine and the picture made his heart freeze.   It was her but a different her, she was well dressed with her hair and make up done and looked very pretty .   

There was no mention of her being from London or England at all, just that she went to NYU and MIT. 

It just seemed so surreal, Ben couldn’t quite believe it.

“Here’s her file,” Rose interrupted Ben’s stupor and set the file on his desk.  

Rose glanced at the article on Ben’s computer and frowned.  Ben could feel the concern rolling off of her but wasn’t about to clue her in.

“Thank you Rose,” Ben dismissed her. 

Rose opened her mouth and then shut it.  She nodded and disappeared.

Ben opened the file and looked through it.  Noticeably there was nothing in it before college.  Nothing about high school at all.  The girl’s birth certificates were in there, for health insurance reasons Ben supposed.  They were born in a hospital in PA exactly nine months after the day Kylo Ren disappeared.   

Ben swallowed hard when he read the word deceased in place of the Father’s name. 

He knew in his heart of hearts that these two children Mira and Mara were his.  And he’d done everything he’d sworn he’d never do, been an absent father and broken his children’s hearts. 

Ben stood up and walked over to the windows where he could see the city.  This was it,  the dream he’d longed for.  He knew he could have anything he wanted, women, cars, a brownstone or a bachelor pad.  But Ben’s heart felt heavy about Rey and her two children and he just didn’t know what to do.

If he didn’t do something he would be no better than his own dad. 

Ben needed fresh air, or at least movement.   He decided to explore the building a bit and stepped out of his office.  If he heard whispers wherever he went, he wasn’t surprised.  

Snippets of conversation floated everywhere, “I heard he’s all business and no fun.”, “He’s really hot but a real heartbreaker,” “He was in the First Order before it collapsed,”, “Don’t expect any favors from him, total heart of stone.”

These were the things Ben had heard his whole life, his inadequacies thrown about.  Ben hadn’t cared, it didn’t matter.  But somehow suddenly it did. 

Because Ben wondered, “If my children get to know me, will they feel the same. Will Rey?” 

Not that it mattered what Rey thought.  Ben felt the guilt of impregnating an eighteen year old girl but there was no chance of romance - especially with children in the mix.   

Then as Ben turned the corner of the hallway he saw her.

Ben had dated a few beauties before but nothing could have prepared him for the sight of Rey and how truly gorgeous she was.  She was sitting propped against her desk with her long legs in a short skirt that showcased her perfect ass.  Rey was talking to a tall man and laughing.  Her whole smile shone brightly and it was the purest thing Ben had ever seen.  

Rey’s hazel eyes glowed and a sudden jealously entered Ben’s soul at the sight of this man making her laugh like that.  Ben pushed the feelings aside, he never got jealous because he never truly wanted anyone as his. 

But this man touched Rey’s elbow and pure fury filled his soul.  It had never occurred to Ben in all of his thoughts this morning that Rey might already have someone.  That even if Ben didn’t want her romantically that he couldn’t have her romantically.  

The tall man noticed Ben and stuck his hand out, “Ah you must be the new boss Mr. Solo,” he shook his hand far more heartily than Ben was comfortable with. “I’m Din, your director of operations and I’m looking forward to working with you.”

The man’s confidence irked Ben to no end.

“This is Rey, your head of Internet Security,” Din placed his hand on Rey’s shoulder with familiarity and Ben felt shook.

Rey turned to meet Ben and as her eyes met his Ben saw the moment of recognition.  Her gaze was startled and her grasp on the desk slipped a little. 

“Hello Rey,” Ben swallowed hard.  

She looked frightened, confused, and unsure.  

Ben needed to talk to her, as soon as possible. 

“You okay?” There was a note of worry in Din’s tone and he placed his hand on Rey’s back.

“It’s just, well, you see…” Rey began when the sharp clap of heels vibrated on the office floor.  

Ben would recognize the walk anywhere.

“There you are Benjamin,” Leia Organa Solo’s voice was cheerful but controlled.

Of all the times for his mother to make an entrance, this was the absolute worst. 

Ben reluctantly turned to face his mother and groaned when he spotted Kaydel Ko Connix beside her, a Harvard grad with money, family and all the right connections.

When Kaydel flirtatiously smiled at Ben, he knew exactly what this was, a classic setup.

“I was hoping you could join Kaydel and I for lunch since Rose informed me that your schedule is light,” Leia’s smile was pleasant enough.

“Wait, are you Kylo’s mother?” Rey blinked.

Leia looked at Rey as if she lost her head. “My dear, my son's name is Ben.” 

“Wait, this is Kylo?,” Din looked incensed.  “As in the Kylo who fucked you and left you a pregnant teenager with two small kids to raise.”

Oh God.  

Ben could deny this and walk away.  It would be far easier and he could claim he wasn’t Kylo Ren but just a look alike.  He could keep living the life he always wanted, the women, the money, a bachelor child free existence.  Or he could become tied to three human beings in the most inconvenient of ways. 

The choice seemed rather easy. 

Yet the memory of Mira’s eyes and the look in Rey’s now was heartbreaking.  The echoes of Ben’s own lonely childhood were felt in the deep recesses of a heart Ben didn’t know he possessed.

“I’m sure I’m mistaken,” Rey said and Ben could tell she was about to cry.  “He just looks like someone I used to know.”

“I would certainly hope so,” Leia was seething.  “My son would never ever abandon children, especially after his childhood.”

Ben took a deep breath, “Actually, I’m Mira and Mara’s father. I was Kylo Ren.” 

Chapter Text

Long Island, 2006

Ben was still smarting from seeing his father at the graduation ceremony, it had been as if all the pain and abandonment from his past was laid before him.  He tried to push it out of his mind, he was finally done with his horrid school and there was a sense of celebration in the air.   

Ben was looking forward to a quiet day celebrating with Poe, Tai, who’d taken the train up from DC,  Mom, Uncle Luke, his grandparents and his “Uncle” Chewie who had flown in for the occasion.  Chewie had been a longtime friend of his Dad’s and had felt the need to check on Ben and Poe every once in a while.  Ben suspected that Chewie was the one who’d talked Han into attending Ben’s graduation.

Ben wouldn’t hold it against Chewie, he knew it was meant in good faith.

The family piled into two cars and Ben assumed they were going to his favorite Italian restaurant.  He loved the seafood and hoped that maybe on this auspicious occasion he could have a glass of wine.

But as Ben watched the scenery outside the car, he realized they were heading to the city.

“Where are we going?” Ben demanded.

“To your graduation party of course,” Leia replied.

Ben looked at Poe and Tai who both wore very uncomfortable expressions on their faces.  

“Sorry,” Poe mouthed.

“What graduation party?” Ben snapped. “I thought we were going out to dinner and that was that.”

Leia looked at her phone and not at him while saying,“I might have planned something at The Waldorf .”

Ben’s mouth fell open, “But I don’t have any friends here. Who did you invite?”

Leia shrugged casually, “Most of your classmates said no so I invited my employees and their families.”

“Wait, you invited my classmates without telling me?” Ben demanded in mortification. “They don’t like me and I don’t like them.”   

How could his mother have done this?  His classmates were probably laughing at him.  

“Well honestly I thought you would be happy that my employees wanted to come to your party,” Leia replied. “It shows loyalty to us as a family.” 

This was so humiliating it wasn’t funny.  

“But I don’t want a party, I want dinner with my brother and the only actual real friend I have!” Ben snapped. “Why are you doing this Mom? I don’t want it.” This was so wrong. 

Leia finally lost her composure, “It doesn’t matter what you want Benjamin, it matters that it looks good.  I am an influential part of the Intelligence and Business communities and my son will have a graduation party that reflects our standing.  Besides, it will be a great opportunity for you to network as the future of this company.”

Of course it was about the company, it always was; Ben and his desires clearly didn’t matter.

“Yeah, that's really great mom, “Hi, this is your future leader, he’s so unpopular that I need you to pretend to be his friend,” Ben was furious. “You are using my graduation which is about me for you, that’s what it boils down to; how typical.”

Leia frowned and glared at him, “You are so immature Ben, you can’t see the future - that much is clear.  I have planned and prepared this party for you and you will attend or you won’t be traveling with your grandparents this summer, is that understood?”

Ben wanted to rage at this news.  His grandparents Bail and Breha Organa were retired UN Workers and while Ben hadn’t seen much of them in his early years, they had been more present since their retirement.  They had invited Ben and Poe to spend a Summer with them in Australia, his grandmother’s country of origin.  Ben was looking forward to it immensely, especially since it was an escape from his Mother and Uncle’s future plans. 

“Fine,” Ben said through gritted teeth. “I’ll attend this stupid party.”

“Lovely,” Leia smiled with the confidence of someone who always wins.  

She was a spider who knew how to weave a web.

Ben suddenly envied his father’s ability to flee.   But he discovered several years later that fleeing was just another form of losing; Leia Organa always won in the end.

Present

“Mr. Djarin, it’s lovely to see you,” Leia smiled, “Would you be so kind as to take my lunch reservation with Ms. Connix, it would be a great favor to me as I am trying to help Kaydel here acclimate to the business world of New York and she needs a new friend.  I know you wanted next Thursday and Friday off to go with your son to Myrtle Beach for a softball tournament so it seems a fair trade.”

Din opened his mouth and then shut it in surrender.   

 Ben knew that feeling all too well.

“Ms. Ko Connix,” Din offered his arm.

“Please,” Kaydel took it, clearly eager for a route of escape.  

“Both of you possess the discretion expected of all employees, we highly value the ability to stay silent when necessary around here,” the warning was clear in Leia’s tone. 

Rey’s eyes widened and Ben felt sorry for her; she had no idea of the manipulation ahead. 

“Crysta clearl,” Din snapped. “See you later Rey, call me if you need anything.”  He looked concerned.  

Ben didn’t blame him. 

“Bye,” Rey mustered.

Din and Kaydel left and Leia turned to Ben and Rey.  

“Let’s retire to Ben’s office,” Leia’s voice was deceptively sweet.

Ben nodded and Rey looked like she might faint.

“Don’t worry my dear, I don’t bite,” Leia placed a hand on Rey’s shoulder in an effort to convey kindness.

Ben knew otherwise, he followed his mother to his office like a man awaiting an execution. It was a long walk. 

“You can sit here dear,” Leia gestured to two seats in front of his desk. “Let me prepare some tea.” 

Ben watched as his mother went over to the cupboards and pulled out a tea set and then somehow found a kettle.

Rey was biting her lip and twiddling her thumbs.  She pulled up her phone and Ben noticed she was staring at a picture of the girls with a worried expression.

Ben was waiting for the axe to fall.

Finally Leia came over with the tea, the milk and sugar in it already.

“It’s very sweet,” Rey grimaced.

Ben agreed, he hated tea with sugar and knew his mother was well aware of that fact.

“Tea with milk and sugar is the best way, I only ever serve it like that,” Leia smiled and sat down in Ben’s desk chair like a queen on her throne.

“Now I am aware of several facts about Miss Niima,” Leia said smoothly and turned to Rey, “I know that you are under the protection of Maz Kanata as part of the witness protection program.   I know that you are the granddaughter of Sheev Palpatine and that after he killed your parents he placed you in the custody of the street trash known as Unkar Plutt.”

Ben practically choked on his tea at this information, none of this was known to him.

Leia continued rolling out Rey’s life story, “I also know that you won an academic scholarship as an eleven year old to one of the most exclusive high schools in London that rarely accepts anyone not born with a silver spoon in their mouth. I know you obtained computer coding skills there that allowed you to hack into both Exegol Industries and MI6 and that you were instrumental in bringing your grandfather and Andrew Snoke to justice.” 

“I thought all of that information was protected,” Rey’s voice was shaking.

Leia dropped even more detail, “After that you were given a full ride to NYU, discovered you were pregnant in October of 2016 and had the twins. You were able to defer your studies for a semester and then placed them in a childcare program.  Four years later you graduated NYU with honors and started working at our firm while pursuing your Master’s degree.  You were promoted after you got your MS.  Your daughters attend an acceptable but not exclusive private school in Brooklyn, Mara is in martial arts and Mira in dance.  You have loosely dated fellow employee and single dad Din Djarin but are currently just friends.” 

The last morsel of information gave Ben a sense of unexpected relief. 

“How do you know all of this?” Rey demanded. “Not even Rose knows all of that.” 

Leia stirred her tea, “You are in charge of one of the most important departments of this company and only twenty six, of course I know everything there is to know about you.  I make it my business to know. Information as you know is power.”

“So what do you want from me?” Rey frowned, playing right into his mother’s hands.

Ben glanced at his mother, who smiled serenely.  It was coming, he could feel it in his very bones.

“How you and my son copulated is of no interest to me,” Leia sat back.  “ I know that he would never admit he fathered children unless he was absolutely certain of the truth of the claim.  While we will pursue a paternity test, I don’t doubt Mira and Mara are my grandchildren.  Upon reflection I can see it in their appearance. What I want from you and my son is very simple.  I want you to be engaged.” 

Ben spat his tea out,  feeling as if a rug had been pulled out beneath him.  He had never wanted marriage, not after the disaster he’d seen.  “What?”

Rey simultaneously protested.  “Excuse me, but I don’t even really know your son and you want me to marry him?” 

“An engagement of a year or two will suffice and then you are free to get married or have the engagement dissolved depending on your preference,” Leia held her cup with precision. “Obviously I can’t make you get married but I would strongly suggest it.”

“You would suggest it?” Rey stuttered. “Married to someone who dates models and socialites. I’m a nerd.” 

Ben grimaced, Rey clearly didn’t have the best opinion of him or herself for that matter. 

“We can announce your engagement at the Charity event next weekend, it will be perfect.  The girls can even attend the event and we’ll have the press there of course,” Leia’s smile was bright.

“Mother - you cannot just decide Rey and I are getting married,” Ben finally recovered the use of his mouth.  “As Rey says we barely know each other and we both have personal lives.”  This was ridiculous. 

“Oh I know all about your personal life Benjamin,” Leia sneered, “how you flit from one woman to the next and refuse to make any commitments.  The company board has grave regrets about your maturity especially after you left us high and dry for seven years.  You need to show them you are capable of being an adult and being a family man is just the thing.”

“Poe’s married!” Ben spat, utterly uncomfortable with this assessment.  Rey clearly had a low opinion of him and his mother’s words were no help.  “He and Finn are going to adopt.”

“Poe’s not the oldest and besides it may be years before the two of them adopt,” Leia narrowed her eyes, “I have two grandchildren already here, surely one of them is capable of taking over the company someday.” 

“I’m leaving,” Rey stood up and Ben didn’t blame her.  “I will not have my girls be pawns in this game.”

“Rey,” Leia held up her hand, “Can you picture what will happen to your darling girls if you don’t have a job.  How difficult it would be if you have on your record that you were fired. Witness protection can keep you safe but that can’t make being fired from the most reputable security firm in the World go away.” 

Rey sat down in defeat, “You are unbelievable.” 

Ben’s stomach curled as he watched Rey wither before him.  Pity for her flooded him and then it hit him. His mother was messing with his children.  A strange twisted feeling in his stomach started to emerge.

Leia took another sip of tea and said cheerfully.  “We’ll go shopping for a Brownstone this week so the four of you can live together and I’ll look into transferring their school membership to Alderaan Prep.  Ben went there for high school when we opened the New York office.”

“And hated every minute of it,” Ben 

Rey raised her eyebrows at this. 

“My grandchildren deserve the best and it’s the best,” Leia was still smiling Ben clenched his fists.

“Do you really think it's best to transfer them in the middle of the year?” Rey protested in a small voice. “They are happy at their school.”  

“They will adapt,” Leia shrugged. “I’m sure they will love having their Daddy around.”

“But they like that school, please,” Rey pleaded. “Please don’t do this to us or to them.”

“They are children, their likes are not important,” Leia had never been so cruel. 

Rey looked like she had been slapped. 

Ben stared at the desk in front of him, unsure of what to say or do. The web was being spun so tight once again with no hopes of escape.  He spotted the little dinosaur on the floor by his feet, one that Mira had left, still sandy.   

Ben picked it off the floor and took it in his hand.  He had a choice here that he needed to make.  Maybe he couldn’t fight everything that his mother was suggesting, but maybe fighting just something would be a good start.  “I think the girls should stay at their school where they are happy.”

Rey shot him a glance of approval.  

“Excuse me,” Leia’s brown eyes were blazing. “They won’t; they will start Aldernaan prep immediately.”

“No,” Ben lifted his chin up emboldened. “I won’t enroll them, I refuse.” 

“Nor will I,” Rey folded her arm over her chest.

Leia looked at both of them in disgust. “This is the right thing to do for your children, you will listen to me.”

“Or what, you’ll fire me and have no one to play your game,” Rey seemed to gain confidence from Ben’s support. “Our children will stay where they are.” 

“Benjamin,” Leia began, wrangling for the win.  “Surely you see the importance of an education at one of New York’s finest.”

Ben had never stood up to his mother, ever.  But Ben couldn’t let his kids endure what he had at that awful school.

“We appreciate the suggestion,  but the decision is up to Rey and I as we have full education rights and you don’t,” Ben reminded his mother. “Perhaps you should stick to planning the Gala if you wish and leave the children’s education to us.  Now why don’t you let me have my office back.” 

Leia’s face was a mixture of shock and anger as well as something else. 

Ben could tell that for the second time that day his mother was speechless.

“Would you like more tea before you go?” Rey smiled sweetly. 

“I’m quite fine, thank you.” Leia snapped.  She marched out with her head held high, but her steps were not so steady.  

Ben finally faced Rey alone, “I suppose we have a lot to talk about.”  He felt unexpectedly nervous. 

Rey sized him up with her hazel eyes, “ How do you feel like going on a field trip to the Zoo tomorrow?”  

Ben blinked, “What-?”

Rey smiled but had a serious look in her eyes, “I want you to spend a whole day with the girls before you make promises or say things.  While it impressed me with how you stood up to your mother about the girl’s education, this arrangement your mother is forcing on us hinges on whether you can impress them.  If you can’t impress them, I’ll find a different way to take care of my family even if your mother fires me.”

Ben swallowed hard,  “Why would you even agree to this engagement if you think you could still make it with my mother’s crap?”

“Because I think if given the chance you might be a decent father to our girls and both you and they deserve that chance,” Rey replied, surprising Ben.  

Ben felt a strange sensation in his heart, almost as if Rey’s words touched something dead in his weary soul.

“I’ll go on the field trip, Organa Industries can do without me,” Ben responded lightly, pretending that his heart wasn’t beating.

“We leave at eight- thirty,” Rey grinned and her smile made Ben’s heart beat even faster.    

Chapter Text

New York, Present  

'Cause the players gonna play, play, play, play, play

And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate

Baby, I'm just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake

I shake it off, I shake it off (hoo-hoo-hoo)

Until yesterday Ben had been vaguely aware that there was someone out there named Taylor Swift who made a lot of money making music.  Bazine and some of the other women Ben had briefly dated had been fans.

However at this moment, Ben was entirely too aware of Taylor Swift’s existence as thirty-seven second grade girls screamed several of her songs at the top of their lungs during the hour bus ride from their school to the Bronx Zoo.

Ben winced as another stanza of “Shake It Off” began.   

Rey, who was sitting beside him, pressed something in his hand.

Ben was relieved to see it was a pair of earplugs. “Thanks!”

Rey smiled, “This is my tenth field trip since Pre K, I’ve learned a thing or two.”

Ben couldn’t imagine surviving ten of these bus trips.  His long legs were cramped as it was and he really wished he had thought to wear tennis shoes like every other parent on this trip.  Not to mention that the bus driver had confiscated his coffee as no drinks were allowed.

Ben took the plugs and nodded at Rey who gave him a thumbs up and a smile.

It struck him not for the first time, how happy Rey was.  The parents and school staff liked her and easily chatted with her.   The other students gave her a big smile and several hugs.   She wasn’t waiting for some knight in shining armor to rescue her from single parenthood,  she was her own knight and capable of fighting her own battles.

Ben envied her as he had always envied Poe. 

Mira possessed the same energy.  She didn’t question why Ben was there but gave him a huge hug and said, “It’s Mr. Boss Man! I’m so glad you came,” her joy was infectious and it tugged on Ben’s heart.  She easily found a seat as the girls in her class all wanted to sit with her.

Mara, well, Mara was completely different and was currently giving him and Rey a look.

Earlier Mara had  glared at Ben as soon as she saw him, “Why is he here?” She had demanded suspiciously.

“He’s my friend,” Rey had replied carefully.   

 Rey had suggested Ben get to know the girls before declaring he was their father and Ben readily agreed.  He wasn’t feeling ready to dive into this at all. 

“I don’t like it when you have boyfriends,” Mara folded her arms over her chest.

A helpless feeling seemed to overcome Ben and he really wasn’t sure how to proceed.  How would Mara deal with the truth? 

“Mara, be kind,” there was a sternness in Rey’s tone. 

Mara had stared at Ben, “Nope,” she marched off to the back of the bus, pulled out a book and put earplugs in.  

Rey noticed Ben looking at Mara and her current expression. 

“I’m so sorry,” Rey turned to Ben with a frown, “I’ll talk to her later.  “She’s so sensitive and so protective of me.”

Ben nodded but wondered if this whole endeavor was fruitless.  Mira might be ready to embrace him but Mara seemed to have a thick wall built up between her and the rest of the universe.

“You and Mira are her world I take it?” Ben asked.

Rey smiled wryly, “Pretty much, although she includes Brandon, Armie, Rose and little Paige in that world too. They are practically family and have been in the girls' lives since Rose and I met when Rose was at a NYU recruitment fair my freshman year.  Poe tried to connect to Mara while he worked here but he never really could break through and Din well,” Rey sighed, “that was a disaster,  Mara pushed him away in any and every way she could and it just wasn’t worth it.  My little girl was born with the burden of feeling much but not knowing how to express herself.”  There was a sadness in her tone and Ben could feel Rey’s concern.  Her love for her girls ran deep.

Ben didn’t want to admit that he was all too familiar with Mara’s raging emotions.  There was something in her defiance that reminded him of his own anger.  He never expected to see himself in a smaller version but somehow Mara was him.  It was disconcerting to say the least, a reminder of his loneliness and the road he’d walked to get here. 

Ben changed the subject, hoping to stop the feelings from seeping into his soul. “So the girls are close even though they are opposites?”

Rey laughed, “Surprisingly yes, the two even share a room.  I think Mira loves Mara so much that she just has to surrender to it.”

“That’s Poe and I,” Ben said ruefully. “He never let me feel alone.”

“I can’t imagine someone like you feeling alone,” Rey sounded skeptical, “I mean you always seem to have a woman on the side.  I really doubt anyone is going to believe this charade that you chose me.”  Rey gestured to her casual outfit of jeans and a hoodie that somehow suited her. 

Ben’s mouth fell open, “Why is it that you are so confident as a mother but you don’t believe you’re beautiful?”   The words stumbled out before he could catch them and he turned red. He was not here to hit on Rey, that was not the objective.  He had no intention of letting their agreement become romantic. 

Rey looked flustered, “I’m not beautiful, not at all. You’re the rich, handsome bachelor with model girlfriends.”

Ben snorted, “All of those women that you keep mentioning are interested in my money, you take that away, none of them want to be with me.”  He gestured to Mara, “That’s how I spent my childhood, except for Poe, my dad left us and my mom worked all the time.  I wasn’t popular until people wanted something from me.”  

Rey gestured to Mira, “And that’s me, I always made the best of things, but don’t mistake Mira’s cheerfulness meaning she doesn’t feel things.  She’s like me, she ignores the negative just for the sake of surviving.  She can be broken too.”

This was an awful deep conversation for a field trip.  Ben squirmed in his seat, he never opened up this easily to people but Rey was so easy to talk to.  Ben didn’t want to tell the gorgeous woman beside him that he was already very much broken.  She’d figure that out soon enough he supposed.  

“I promise that you'll never find another like me,”  

Another Taylor song started and Ben popped the earplugs in.  Rey smiled but looked almost disappointed that the conversation was over.    

Ben was sure he would disappoint her more before the day was over.   This was not where he belonged, that was for sure.  Rey was too real, Mara too much like him and Mira too free with her love. There had to be another way to make his mom happy.   These girls didn’t need him.  Ben could just help financially with school and be supportive that way.   

***********

Ben exited the bus in relief, free from the music and emotions of the trip.   The Zoo was teaming with kids and the sounds of wildlife.   Maybe Ben could make an excuse about work and get an Uber. 

Ben was just about to dash off when he felt a small hand slip into his, “Would you take me to the African Plains. Please?” Mira begged him. 

Ben winced internally  “Don’t you want to go with your friends kiddo?”

“But you are my friend, remember,” Mira whispered conspiritally, “You’re gonna help me find my dad.”

Damn it, Ben had forgotten about that, “Look kid,” Ben couldn’t meet Mira’s eyes, “You have a mom who loves you more than anything, she’s a really good mom.” 

“She is the best mom,” Mira said, “But I also want to find my Dad cause I think my mom is lonely.  She pretends she’s not but I think she is. Her parents died and it’s fair that everyone has left her.  She has to do everything by herself and needs someone to help her and love her.”

Ouch, Ben felt his daughter’s words sting.  He was already planning his exit and his daughter was calling him out.

“Your mom has lots of friends who help her,” Ben gently reminded Mira, trying to ease his own guilt. 

“It’s not the same, I mean you probably had both a mom and a dad right, but imagine if one of them had left?” Mira said.

Ben felt kicked in the stomach.  

“Mira, leave Mom’s boyfriend alone, I want to see the exhibit on endangered species,” Mara appeared, still frowning at him. 

“I want him to help us find Dad,” Mira told her sister.

Mara rolled her eyes, “He’s not going to help you, Dad is dead and if he’s not dead then I hate him.”  The bitterness rolled off her tongue.

“You hate him?” Ben stared at his mini me. 

“Of course I hate him,” Mara seethed, “He left mom all alone and Me and Mira.  Wouldn’t you hate your dad if he left you?”

Ben swallowed hard, his pulse racing.   “I did, I did hate him.”

“I’m so sorry,” Mira threw her arms around Ben, “I didn’t know you lost your Daddy too.”

“He didn’t die but his Dad left him, just like I think our Dad did,” Mara spat. 

Ben felt like he was going to throw up. 

“Did your Dad never come back ever?” Mira looked anxious, “Like never?” 

Oh God, where was Rey?  Ben couldn’t take this.   

Ben glowered as he realized one of the other parents had grabbed her.

“I saw him once,” Ben admitted hastily. “Listen, I really don’t think we should talk about this without your mom.”

“Did you forgive your dad?” Mara demanded. 

Fuck. 

“You know, maybe we should go see the African plains,” Ben offered as a distraction.

“Did you forgive your Daddy?” Mira timidly asked.

“He didn’t, so he knows how we feel,” Mara said knowingly. 

“You know you girls shouldn’t talk about personal stuff like this,” Ben felt so hot under the collar.  He was dizzy and completely, utterly overwhelmed.  How the hell was he supposed to deal with this interrogation?

“Why if you are dating our mom, then we should know about you!” Mara put her hands on your hip.

“But I’m not dating your mom, I’m your father - and obviously a bad one at that!” Ben snapped.

“I hate you,” Mara spat and ran. 

Shit, shit, shit. 

Ben did the only thing he could think off,  “Mira go with your mom now,” he ordered and started chasing Mara.

“Nope, I’m not!” Mira protested.  

 Ben bolted across the Zoo after Mara, dodging groups of children.  He spotted her running into a building and went after her.

Mara had seemingly disappeared in the massive crowd and Ben felt awful.  His emotions had completely gotten the best of him.   He logically knew that it wasn’t his fault that he hadn’t been there the past seven and a half years but his soul shook with guilt and self hatred. What mattered was that his daughter and maybe even daughters saw it as his fault.   In their eyes he was just like Han. 

Ben couldn’t let that be his legacy.  He had admitted that he was the girl's father to Rey and now he needed to actually be their father.

“Mara, Mara!” He called out frantically looking around.

Mira ran into the room beside him and clutched his hand, “Daddy I know where she went.”  

Ben whipped towards his daughter, his voice husky, “Where sweetheart?”

“The tram, she likes to sit on the tram and watch the animals,” Mira said.  

Ben dragged Mira with him and looked around til he spotted a sign pointing to the tram station.

“Come on,” Ben ordered and they headed towards the tram.   Much to the displeasure of others, Ben pushed through the line until he spotted Mara’s dark head. 

She folded her arms over her chest when she spotted Ben and Mira. 

“Mara please, come with me,” Ben pleaded.

“I want to ride the tram,” Mara retorted. “Not talk to you.”

“Fine we’ll ride the tram,” Ben really didn’t know what else to do.

“I said I was riding the tram, I didn’t say you were,” Mara snapped. 

“Well I say young lady that you won’t ride the tram without an adult,” a conductor standing nearby said. 

“Seriously??” Mara stomped her foot.  

“Seriously!” The conductor nodded.   Then he gave Ben a wink. 

“Fine but don’t talk to me,” Mara snarled. 

Ben was torn between a desire to strangle his daughter and to apologize profusely for already failing her. 

Mira looked at her sister and let go of Ben’s hand.  She then went over to Mara and whispered something in her ear.  

The two talked in whispers for a long time  Even as the three of them boarded the tram, the twins kept talking and Ben was positive that they weren’t interested in the wildlife.  

This was absolutely nerve racking.  Ben didn’t know what to do with himself during the forty-five minute ride.  He did text Rey and tell her the girls were with him.

Finally the tram ride was over. 

Ben felt that a verdict was coming. 

The girls motioned for Ben to sit down. 

“We have a plan,” Mira explained.

“You have a plan,” Mara rolled her eyes.

“You know it’s a good one!” Mira straightened her shoulders. 

“Okay fine,” Mara assented.  “I don’t have a better one.”

Ben had flashbacks to the Parent Trap movie and hoped this wasn’t something to do with making him go on a romantic date with Rey.   He was pretty sure she would want nothing to do with him after this whole debacle. 

“We've decided that you can be our dad if you let us help you find your dad and promise to make up with him,” Mira informed Ben with glee.  “Then you get your dad and we get ours.” 

Ben was sure his mouth was going to hit the pavement, did these girls have any idea of what they were asking? They were asking him to forgive the person who had hurt him the most.  

“Because if you can forgive your dad we know you really are a nice person,” Mara added. “And we’d kind of like a Grandpa.” 

Ben couldn’t, he just couldn't do this. 

“So what do you say?” Mira looked at him with expectation.

“Because this is your only chance,” Mara narrowed her eyes.  “And you owe us seven and a half years worth of Christmas and Birthdays.” 

Mira stepped right in front of Ben and took his hands, “Please say yes cause I really want you to be our Daddy.” 

Ben Solo took the deepest breath of his life and said, “Fine.” 

There was no way he could shake any of this day off. 

Chapter Text

Ben prided himself on his physical stamina, he worked out every morning and ran a 5k three times a week.   He had earned his six pack and felt that he was in top form. 

Currently, Ben was exhausted and felt anything but in top form.  He had been dragged around the Zoo by his daughters and felt as tired as if he’d run two back to back 10k races.  And it was only 11:30.

Ben saw mammals, reptiles, endangered species, exhibits of extinct animals, a discovery station, penguins, animated films, held a snake in his hands, stood close to a cheetah, and was in more selfies than he probably had been in his entire life. 

Ben also spent several hundred dollars at the gift shop.

Ben knew that throwing money at his daughters was not the best choice but he just couldn’t meet Mara’s dark eyes or Mira’s hazel ones when they uttered the phrase, “Please Daddy,” and say no. 

He was an absolute sucker and they knew it.  Still the smile on their faces was everything.  Ben had never just felt so happy as he did with them.  These girls were his.  

Reality hit shortly. 

Rey had a worried and puzzled look on her face when Ben and the girls finally reconnected with her before lunch.   She glanced at the large bags with merchandise and raised her eyebrows. 

“Look at everything that Daddy got us!” Mira squealed. 

Ben cringed as Rey winced as Mira called him Daddy.  

“That's wonderful,” Rey’s voice was overly cheerful.  

“He even bought us a whole DVD series,” Mara pulled the expensive National Geographic Series out of the bag.  

It had seemed like a good idea at the time but it suddenly occurred to Ben that he probably should have talked to Rey before buying anything that pricey for the girls. 

“For three hundred dollars!?” Rey spat in disbelief.  “You must have spent at least five hundred dollars!”

Ben had a sinking feeling that he just really ticked Rey off. 

“It was only four hundred and sixty two dollars mommy, and the ice cream was only ten dollars,” Mira said. “Don’t be mad, we asked Daddy to buy it.”

Rey shot Ben with a look of pure fury.  “You and I will talk about this, all of this later.” 

Ben could see both tears and anger about to burst. 

“Mom, Dad is ok, it’s ok,” Mara said calmly.  “We have a plan.” 

Rey took a deep breath and said in a voice that meant business “Great, well I have another plan, you and Mira will leave your stuff with us and join Mrs. Meyer’s group for lunch while your Daddy and I have a conversation.” 

“But we want to eat lunch with Daddy!” Mira protested.

Rey fisted and then unfisted her hands, her voice was very tight when she said “Please go eat lunch with Mrs. Meyers group now!” 

“I think we better go,” Mara pulled her sister with her.

“Bye,” Mira waved at Ben.

He turned to face Rey who looked fit to be tied. 

To be honest it didn’t seem entirely fair, “I didn’t do this on purpose you know,” Ben snapped, “I’m not good at children or parenting and I’m just trying here so don’t crucify me.”  He wasn’t about to have Rey all over him after dealing with the girls in their demands. This was hard. “I don’t have any clue what I’m doing!” 

Rey’s stance softened at this admission and she sat down on a bench, “This, this is just a lot Ben.”  She finally met his eyes.   “For seven and half years it’s just been the three of us, through every dirty diaper, load of laundry, potty training moment, illness, ballet and karate practice. It has not been easy.” Rey admitted, “But we made it.”  

There was pride in Rey’s voice and Ben knew she’d earned it. Ben couldn’t even imagine how hard she’d worked to take care of these kids.

“Suddenly you, this hot rich guy who I had sex with eight years ago appears on the scene and is in our lives.  Not only that,” Rey continued, “But your mother blackmails me and now the four of us have to be this high society perfect family.”  Her hazel eyes were full of frustration.  “The girls are naive and don’t realize the situation we are in.  I don’t know what’s best for them and I don’t like that.”  Rey bit her lip.  “I don’t know whether I want to do this and I just want to be a good mom.  You are such an unknown in this.” 

Ben felt that strange tug on his heart again.  A strange sense of protectiveness filled his heart for this woman and his girls.  

“I shouldn’t have told them the truth without you there,” Ben admitted humbly. “I just wanted them to like me or Mara to like me.” 

Rey peered at him, “I’m frankly surprised she’s taken to you at all.  I just hope you know these girls have handed their hearts on a silver platter.  Don’t crush them, please.”  

Ben felt offended.  “I’m not going to hurt the girls, I promise,” He had experienced enough of that in his own life.  He would never hurt his own kids.

“Ben, I’ve made mistakes and hurt them at times, it’s easily done,” Rey pleaded.  “Don’t make promises you can’t keep or buy their hearts with gifts.”

Ben was really getting agitated.  It was like Rey knew what he’d told the girls.  Like she could see through his hollow promise to pursue Han.  It was a promise he’d hoped he could get out of with enough time.   He loved his daughters but forgiving his father was too much. 

“I’m not a monster, Rey,” Ben snapped.  Who did she think he was?

Rey sighed, “No, but you aren’t used to thinking about the feelings of two children. I want to believe that you care for these girls, truly,” her voice was soft. “But I know you are used to being on your own and just thinking of yourself.  Parenting requires a lot of self sacrifice if done right.”

Ben wanted to laugh, when his own parents ever been self-sacrificing.   He knew though Rey was right, he wasn’t used to thinking about someone besides himself.  But his pride and ego were wounded that she didn’t have faith in him.

“I can handle this,” Ben said coolly.

Rey raised her eyebrows, “I really hope so, I want to hope so.”  She glanced at the bags of gifts, “Not to be totally cheesy but the best gifts you can give our kids, aren’t bought with money.”

Rey was getting a little ridiculous now.     

But Ben kept his mouth shut, Rey would see, he could totally be a great dad.

****************

The next morning before school Mira handed Ben an invitation to a dance recital the next evening.

“Will you come Daddy, please, please, please,” Mira begged. “I will look beautiful and you will love it.” 

“Of course, I can’t wait,” Ben responded enthusiastically.  He would love to see his daughter dance and was touched she invited him.

“Yea,” Mira hugged him, “ I’m a fairy!” 

“And I bet you are the best fairy there,” Ben smiled at her.  

“Come on kids it's time to leave,” Rey called from the door.   She glanced at the invitation in Ben’s hand.

“She was so excited when I told her she could invite you,” Rey said kindly.  Ben appreciated the kindness.  He knew she was trying and he appreciated it.

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Ben vowed.

Rey grinned, “Good!” 

Ben was happy to have such a response from her and felt at ease.  This would all work out, he was sure of it. 

*******

The next day Ben planned to leave the office at five so he could make Mira’s dance recital.  

He was just packing up when his mother appeared in the doorway.

“Where are you headed to?” Leia frowned, “Surely you haven’t forgotten dinner with the Lintras.”

Ben groaned, he knew that Senator Lintra was an important investor in the company.  “I promised Mira I would go to her dance recital.”

Leia scoffed, “Surely that’s not as important as this dinner.”

Ben didn’t like his mother’s tone, “She’s my daughter, of course it’s important.”

“Benjamin, if you are to run this company, then you must attend this dinner,” Leia seethed. “This is why making promises to children is foolish.  Mira and Mara must learn that the company is the priority.” 

Ben was sure that Rey would disagree with that philosophy.   Ben didn’t care for it, he’d always been second in his mother’s life and hated it!.

“I’m just getting to know the girls, mom, I don’t want to screw things up,” Ben replied.  He really didn’t. 

Leia glared at him, “Come to dinner and at least meet the Senator.  Luke will be there and if you don’t show up you will only confirm his fears that you aren’t fit for this role.”

Well, that couldn’t be,  Ben had to show up at the dinner.  Maybe he could go for a little while and then go to the recital.  Luke could see he was there and fulfilling his duties.  His Uncle had always doubted Ben in the role of CEO, Ben could not give him any room to wonder.  He felt torn between his girls and his pride.  His pride won out. 

“I’ll come for a little while,” Ben promised, “But I still need to attend the recital.” 

Leia nodded tightly, “Fine.”  

Ben could sense his wants mattered little, but what else was new?

Rey really had no idea what parenting Skywalker style looked like. 

Ben wasn’t about to let Luke win any rounds.

************

Ben and his mother arrived at the posh restaurant first along with his mother’s assistant Korrie and two of the board members George Ackbar and Dr. Kalonia.   The Senator was late and Ben was growing impatient.

“Calm down,” Leia reprimanded him at one point.

“You know the investor is always right.”

But even Ackbar was growing impatient and muttered something about, “Tardiness is not a good sign.” 

Dr. Kalonia complained, “I don’t even agree with politics, he’s a chauvinist.  Andor had a more sound investment.”

“My brother has made a deal with Lintra and we will go with it,” Leia announced, overly cheerful.

Finally an hour later after a round of appetizers and wine, the Senator came in with Luke by his side.

They weren’t alone.

A beautiful blonde accompanied them with a black dress that was tight in all the right places.

“What’s she doing here?” Leia muttered under her breath. “I told Luke the plan.”

“Leia, how lovely to see you,” The Senator greeted his mother.

“As always,” Leia smiled graciously but she gave the blonde a look of consternation.

“You remember my daughter Tallie,” the Senator smiled and gestured to the blonde.

“Hi Benjamin,” Tallie purred.    Ben vaguely remembered her from family functions.  

A month ago Ben would have taken Tallie to bed with no thought to the consequences.  They might even have fallen into a sensual affair until he grew bored. 

But tonight Ben had no interest in Tallie, his evening plans involved three girls who were far more meaningful to him.

“I am just very surprised to see you, Tallie,” Leia glanced at Luke, her tone sharp. 

“I thought Tallie would make an excellent addition to our party and that Benjamin might find something to be interested in for once,” Luke exclaimed and winked at Tallie.

The blonde tittered and Ben felt sick.

So this was the angle Luke was taking tonight.   Ben Solo, was too young and irresponsible to show interest in anything that wasn’t sex on a stick. 

“Well I am sure I can make tonight as interesting as you want it to be,”  Tallie smiled and placed her arm on Ben’s bicep.  

“It’s quite alright Ben,” the Senator laughed, “I remember being young and enjoying the fruits of being rich.  Save the hardships of the business for someone with experience. You and Tallie are both so young and in your prime pleasure days.” 

Dr. Kalonia shot Leia a look. 

“That’s Ben alright,” Luke said smugly, “He always has more interest in what’s before him than anything serious.”

Ben was seething, absolutely seething and his mother looked fit to be tied.   Luke was clearly expecting Ben to fall in his family fuck boy habits.   

Ben had never realized how shallow and piggish he’d been.  

Taliie threw her arm around Ben’s waist and smiled broadly, “Come now Ben, don’t be so dour, I like my boys a little wild.” 

Ben saw a flash and realized someone had taken a picture, great. 

Ackbar glared at all of them, “I thought this was a business meeting, not a waste of my time.”

Ben shook Tallie’s touch off of him in a way that startled the blonde.  “It is supposed to be a business meeting sir but my Uncle has apparently decided to use it as a punching bag of my character.”

“Now really Ben, don’t be so childish,” Luke rolled his eyes. “Should I have procured a brunette instead since that’s your latest type?”

“I do have another daughter,” the Senator laughed. 

Ben had the lowest opinion of the man, he clearly was willing to pimp out his daughters.  What a business partner.

“Pig,” Kalonia muttered.

“Come now, Dr. Kalonia, this is real life, don’t be so prudish,” the Senator rolled his eyes.

Ben was furious, “I did not take the job here to flirt and bed women as if they were objects.  I am here to lead the company and this charade has gone on long enough.  This is obviously a waste of our time tonight.  Mr. Ackbar, would you like me to call you a cab.”

George Ackbar looked at Ben with approval and said, “Yes please.”

Ben expected his mother to object but instead she was glaring at her brother with pure fury.

“Seriously, you’re leaving?” Tallie pouted, “I could give you a reason to stay.” 

“I am in a relationship and my Uncle knows it,” Ben spat. “I have kids, I suggest you find another rich man to toy with but you aren’t messing with me and my family.” 

Tallie paled. 

“Oh have fun playing dad Ben, I’m sure you will be great at it,” Luke laughed snidely.  

It took everything in Ben not to punch his uncle. 

“What is wrong with you?’” Leia snapped at her brother.

Luke just sat there with a smug expression on his face. 

“Can we please leave?” Ackbar looked at Ben.

“Yes, please Korrie call me cab,” Leia sighed.  “I have a headache.”

Dr. Kalonia agreed, “I don’t have time for theatrics, I’ll need one as well.” 

Ben escorted Ackbar outside to wait for a cab.  The man refused to ride an uber. 

Ben glanced at his watch and groaned.  He’d missed it, he’d missed Mira’s performance for this debacle.  

The old man looked at him, “You had somewhere else to be tonight didn’t you?”

Ben nodded sadly, “My kid’s ballet.”

“Why the hell were you here?” Ackbar snapped. “Those are the moments that we can’t get back.  I don’t care what your mother or Uncle tell you, this company can go to hell if it takes away from your family.  Look what they did to your father and Mara Jade.”

Ackbar’s cab finally pulled up. 

Ben demanded, “What do you mean what they did to my dad? Who the hell is Mara Jade?”

Ackbar gave him a look as he got into the cab, “You don’t really think your dad just decided to leave do you? Thin boy, think. Han was a thorn in their flesh, especially Luke’s. And Mara Jade, that’s a whole other story.” 

Ben’s heart beat wildly.  “I need to go, I need to see my daughter.”

Ackbar nodded, “An apology with flowers is always the best place to start.  But don’t forget, flowers may not be enough for a kid, they need to know you mean you’re sorry with your heart.” 

“Thanks,” Ben said and took off, heading to the nearest subway station.  He had never ridden the subway in New York but at this time of night it had to be faster than a cab.

Ben rode the subway until he made it to the ballet school. He felt utter defeat when he saw the building completely dark.  He picked up his phone and called Rey.

She didn’t answer.

Ben plugged in her address; it was only a few blocks away.  

He jogged to her place and pushed the buzzer to her building.

Rey buzzed him in but when he got to her door she was standing outside with her arms folded over her chest.  She looked like she’d been crying.

“I’m so sorry Rey, I got caught up at work,” Ben sputtered. 

Rey pulled out her phone and showed a picture of him with Tallie’s arm around his waist, “Yeah it looks like you were really working hard Ben.  I don’t know why I thought this could work but obviously it won’t.”  Rey wiped a stray tear away.

The tear landed in Ben’s heart, melting the last vestiges of ice. He’d hurt Rey and felt badly.

“I was set up by my Uncle,” Ben protested sadly. “I really didn’t mean to miss Mira’s performance. I have no interest in Tallie Lintra and I told her so.”  His uncle must have snapped the picture and posted it knowing the damage it would wreck.  Ben really was going to kill him.  

Rey looked skeptical and her voice was firm, “Well you have two very mad little girls, one whose heart is very broken. You better fix this Ben or we won’t be there on Saturday.” 

The door opened and Mara came out in the hall, wearing pajamas and a frown, “You hurt Mira’s feelings and she never wants to see you again. She says the only way she will see you is if you bring Grandpa with you.  But you will probably break that promise too, won’t you?” Mara narrowed her eyes.  There was a trace of tears in her eyes as well.

Ben had never felt so guilty, he had no intention of fulfilling that promise when he made it.  But now he knew he had to keep it or he’d forever lose his daughters.  What was it that Ackbar had said, “apologies had to be from the heart.”

“I will Mara, I will find your grandpa, I promise,” Ben’s voice was husky, “Because I’m your dad and maybe I messed up tonight big time by going to a work thing instead of being with you all. But I’m going to be a good dad to you and your sister, I promise,” Ben met her eyes. “I will find your grandfather and bring him to you before Saturday.”

“This is your last chance Dad,” Mara was unmoved.  “You mess this up, it’s over.” 

Rey looked at him grimly, “I told you, it’s all about the girls.”  

Ben nodded, “I know.”

There was nothing else to say.

He left the apartment complex and was greeted by the chilly air.   

Ben dialed Chewie’s number and prayed for an answer.  There was only an answering machine.  “Listen Uncle Chewie it’s been awhile, I know it has, but I need to find my dad, please,” the desperation was strong in his voice.  “I need to see him, it’s complicated but I need to see him as soon as possible.  My kids,” Ben’s voice cracked, “My kids need him.”

Ben turned the phone off and sat down on the New York sidewalk and cried.  He had never felt so alone in his life.  He’d had just a taste of parenthood and knew it mattered to him. It mattered even more than being CEO or winning against his Uncle.    He couldn’t lose his daughters and he couldn’t lose Rey simply because of his pride.

The phone remained silent and Ben finally made his way to his empty apartment that wasn’t a home. 

Ben knew if he didn’t fix this he would lose the only chance he had of having a home.  

Ben sat in the darkness and wished for any grasp of hope or light. 

Chapter Text

Ben was not in the best of moods the next morning when he awoke on the couch.  It was Friday which meant he had one day to find his dad before the gala.  It seemed impossible and a fool’s errand but his daughters were true Organa - Solos and did not easily negotiate.  

Because he forgot to set his alarm, Ben entered the office at the late hour of 8:05.   His office was empty with no sign that the girls had stopped by, it broke Ben a little bit more to see the pristine perfection of it all.   Sand and pop tarts would have been a sign that all was well. 

“Morning Mr. Solo,” Rose was cooler than she’d ever been and there was no coffee in hand for Ben.

“Your mother wanted to let you know that Dr. Kalonia is considering resigning from the board after last night and hopes you can find a way to keep her as having a well known scientist on the board brings a certain amount of academic credibility,” Rose continued.

“And I’m supposed to fix my Uncle’s fuck up, just like that,” Ben sighed.  Of course he was. 

“She also wants to let you know that HR is working hard to remove the picture of you and Ms. Lintra as it is bad press before Saturday’s announcement,” Rose was pure ice.  Ben felt the daggers in his PA’s eyes. 

Ben hissed, “I was not flirting with Tallie Lintra, it was a set up by my Uncle.”

Rose snorted, “Right, I’m sure. I’ll be at my desk.” 

Ben decided he better learn to use the k cup machine because Rose was definitely not going to get coffee.  He finally figured it out after several minutes and attempted to call his Uncle Chewie again. 

There was no answer.

Ben googled his Uncle and received a weird message from the system.  He tried again and it was almost as if his Uncle’s name was blocked.  Then he tried his dad’s name and received the same message,  finally on a whim Ben tried the name Harter Kalonia and Harter’s socials popped up along with research articles.

Ben needed help and there was only one person he trusted to help him, Rey.  If he could get her to speak to him it would be a miracle. 

Ben’s phone rang and he chose to ignore it when he saw it was his mother.  He didn’t have the time to deal with her.

He heard Rose’s phone ring and then her answer. “Your mother is on line 1 Mr. Solo,” Rose announced. 

“Tell her to drop dead,” Ben snapped.  

“Excuse me, I don’t think I can say that,” Rose replied.

“Then tell her if this is about Rey or the girls she’s done enough damage and I don’t want to talk to her,” Ben snarled. 

“I don’t think I can say that either,” his PA said with a slight thaw in her tone.

“Just say I’m busy,” Ben gave up.

Ben heard Rose repeat the message to his mother.

“She’ll be here in fifteen,” Rose warned him.

Ben snatched his laptop and coffee and told Rose, “I won’t be.”

“Where are you going?’ Rose sputtered, “You can’t leave me alone here with your mother!” 

“I’m going to run an errand, and I need you to run one too,” Ben ordered, “I want you to go to the ballet house and purchase box office seats for an evening for their next performance of the Nutcracker.  I don’t care how much it is, just do it.”   He hoped the tickets might serve as a peace offering if he failed.

Rose opened her mouth and then shut it,  she nodded.   She gathered up her purse and the two headed for the elevator.

“Why don’t you pick me and yourself some lunch as well after you buy the tickets,” Ben continued. “It might be better to be out of the office for a few hours knowing my mother.” 

Rose studied him and seemed to hesitate before she said, “Poe used to talk about you to us you know, especially when he was drunk.” 

“What did he say?” Ben asked, not sure he wanted to know the answer.

“He told us you were like Linus Larabee and you needed a Sabrina,” Rose said through narrowed eyes.  “You were only a heartbreaker because your heart was broken and you needed it mended.”

Ben practically choked on his coffee, his brother was always dramatic. 

Rose continued, “Poe always thought Rey would be a good match for you because she’s so kind.   He hesitated in suggesting it as she and Din were so on again, off again that it didn’t seem like throwing you in the mix would be a good idea."

Ben didn’t want to admit it to Rose but it would be very easy for him to fall for Rey.  She was unlike the girls he usually dated, real, refreshing, kind, strong and naturally beautiful.   He also figured it was a terrible idea to go there, he’d already hurt her with last night’s debacle.

“I’m not good enough for Rey,” Ben admitted to his PA.  “Or for them.” 

“You’ve royally fucked up and have a pretty bad reputation to start with,” Rose was blunt. “But I don’t think you’re as much of a disaster as everyone thinks,” her voice softened.

“Thanks,” Ben gulped.

“If you hurt her I will kill you though,” Rose warned him.

Ben had no doubt Rose could take him out, she was fierce, “I understand.” 

“Good,” Rose smiled brightly.  “This is Rey’s floor,” She pointed to the door.

“How did you know?” Ben asked, surprised.

“I’m your PA, it’s my job,” Rose grinned, “And thanks for lunch.” 

Well at least Ben had made one woman happy today.

He exited the elevator and went to find Rey’s office.  

The door was ajar and he could hear Din’s voice.

“Are you sure you’re ok, because I saw that photo and if you need me to rearrange Solo’s face, I can,” Din offered.

Ben was really beginning to hate the man.  

“I’m okay, really, thanks for the coffee and the muffin,” Rey replied too kindly for Ben’s liking.  “I do love chocolate chip ones.” 

Perhaps Ben could get Din transferred. 

Ben pushed open the door and demanded, “Could I speak to Rey please, alone,” 

Din glared at him.

“It’s fine,” Rey replied but she didn’t look fine.

Din didn’t move and Ben growled, “I need to talk to Rey, please leave.”

Din frowned and folded his arms over his chest,” I don’t feel like it.” 

“Just go Din,” Rey hissed. “He’s your boss.” 

“Fine,” Din snapped and told Ben, “I’m watching you Solo.” 

Ben really hated that man.  He closed the door and turned to Rey.”

“Yes,” Rey replied tersely

“I need your help,” Ben said lamely.  “I need you to help me find someone.”

Rey blinked in surprise, “Who exactly are we finding?” 

“My father,” Ben sighed, hoping that Rey wouldn’t kick him out of her office.

“Why are we finding your father?” Rey looked puzzled.

“I might have sort of promised the girls I would find him,” Ben mumbled.

“That’s the promise you made,” Rey’s voice was incredulous.  “Poe didn’t share much,” she revealed, “but he said that your dad leaving really hurt you both and that forgiveness was impossible.”

“My dad leaving was the worst moment of my childhood,” Ben admitted. “But having my daughters hate me for letting them down is the worst moment of my adulthood. The girls felt that if I could forgive my dad and find him, they could forgive me,” Ben choked. “They want a grandpa so I’ll get them one.” 

Rey’s hazel eyes connected with Ben’s and she laid her slender hand over his, “You don’t have to do this. It’s a heavy ask. Even if I leave here, I’m never going to keep the girls away from you,” compassion filled her tone.  “Mira will eventually get over last night.”

“Maybe,” Ben grimaced, “But I lived in a family where too many promises were given and were never kept.  That’s not who I want to be for the girls or for you.” Ben was determined not to repeat the mistakes of the past. “I want to be better than my own parents and give them my best.  Just like you Rey, you’ve given your heart and soul to take care of them so I will too.”  He meant every word.

“You never fail to surprise me Ben Solo,” Rey’s smile was soft on his fragile heart. 

Rey’s phone suddenly rang and she answered it, “Yeah, Jess…..thanks for the heads up.”

Rey hastily put the phone down, grabbed her laptop and stood up, “We gotta go, your mom is looking for both of us. We’ll use the back elevator.”  She gestured to the back of the building.

“Wait,” Ben demanded, “You’re going to help me then?”  

His heart leapt at the thought.   

Rey grinned, “Yeah, I am.”   Then she looked more somber, “I appreciate what you're willing to do for the girls and no matter what happens Ben, you’re not alone.”

Ben knew Rey was sincere and vowed, “Neither are you.”  He wouldn’t disappoint his girls again.

“Let’s go,” Rey opened her office door and the two headed to the back of the building at a breakneck speed.  Ben certainly didn’t need to deal with his mother.  

While they were on the elevator Rey turned to Ben, “Can I see your phone please?”

“What?” Ben stared at her.

“I need to disable it from being tracked,” Rey explained. 

Ben pulled his phone out and handed it to Rey with reluctance.  Surely his mother wouldn’t got that far, would she?

Rey took it and after glancing through his apps grimaced,  “Just what I thought.”  

“How bad is it?’ Ben was horrified. 

“Your mother has been able to track you for the past eight years,” Rey dropped the bomb, “as well as see everyone you’ve texted or talked to and the content. “

Ben groaned thinking of a few of his past girlfriends and the messages exchanged, “You have to be kidding me.” 

Rey chuckled, “Nope, now open up your computer and let me do the same.”

Ben sighed and swapped devices with her.  

Rey logged onto it and worked her magic.  

“Wow,” Rey muttered.  “Your uncle piggybacked onto this device too.  I mean he’s really kept an eye on everything by the looks of things.

“What the hell?” Ben snapped. Why on earth had Luke been trailing his electronic signature? He couldn’t believe it.  After all this time clearly he still wasn’t trusted. 

“I’m fixing it, calm down,” Rey tried to appease him.

“How do you even know how to do this?” Ben demanded.

“They did call me “The Scavenger” because I could find anything,” Rey smirked. 

Ben glanced at the woman beside him and realized that there was still much he had to learn about her. 

The elevator door opened and Ben walked towards the line of company cars. 

Rey coughed, “You know we might be better off walking to the library to get some work done.” 

Ben groaned, “Let me guess, company cars are tracked.” 

Rey snorted, “The only reason that they don’t know where we are at the moment is that I temporarily caused a glitch in the security cameras. Just don’t fire me.”

“No worries there, you’re pretty indispensable,”  Ben ran his fingers through his hair.  “What on earth are we going to do then? I’ve been stuck behind a desk,” he grimaced. “I’ve forgotten how to play the game.” 

“I’ve never stopped playing it,” Rey said wryly, “There’s a branch of the NYU library not far from here, it’s a good place to get free wifi and it’s network has a terrible firewall so it’s easy to poke holes in security.” 

“And we are walking there?” Ben sighed.   He really didn’t want to walk through the streets of New York. 

Rey laughed, “Cheer up old man, I know the best way to get there including how to avoid cameras, it doesn’t require much exercise.”  She looped her arm in his and guided him out of the garage.  

The simple gesture spoke of camaraderie.  Ben really liked working with Rey.  

“Surely my mother doesn’t have access to New York City surveillance,” Ben wondered as he spotted a camera on a building. 

“Ben, your mother owns one of the largest security firms in the world, do you really think anywhere is safe?” Rey questioned.  “Look at everything she knew about me.”

“True,” Ben sighed as they crossed a street.  “I just always thought Snoke was the only one with that much reach.

Rey frowned, “I think you’ve underestimated your family.”  

“Apparently so,” Ben griped. “Lucky Poe.” 

“Maybe,” Rey said cryptically.  “Let’s take this street, “ she gestured and Ben followed her blindly.  

He really hoped Rey was trustworthy or he was up a creek without a paddle.  He thought of Mira and Mara with their wholesome smiles and knew Rey had to be good.

“We’ll take this entrance,” Rey pulled Ben into the library and they found a secluded corner.  Very few people were at the library on a Friday morning and Ben was grateful for it. 

Rey cracked her knuckles as she opened up her laptop. 

“You’re enjoying this,” Ben would have been amused if he didn’t feel so overwhelmed.  The fact that his phone and computer were both tracked was still bothering him.

Rey looked guilty, “I just like to solve puzzles and find the pattern in everything.  I know it’s going to be a challenge and I like that.”  She bit her lip.  “I do really want to help you find your dad, both for you and for the girls.  They really don’t have much family except for yours.”  There was something sad and wistful in Rey’s tone. 

“I don’t really think you can count my mother and Uncle as family at this point,” Ben said darkly. “The drama with them is unreal.” 

“My grandfather was Sheev Palpatine Ben, I know all about family drama,” Rey reminded him.

“Yeah, you would,” Ben felt for her. “We really are in this together.”

“We are,” Rey’s gentle voice was such a balm to Ben’s soul.  “Let’s find your dad.” 

Rey entered Han’s info into the web and kept hitting brick walls,  “It’s like someone completely erased his online presence.” 

“And Charles Bacca?” Ben demanded.

“The same thing,” Rey studied her screen. “Don’t worry, I’ve dealt with this before. But you should know something Ben,” she looked at him and dropped her voice, “This isn’t technology from Organa Industries or even Exegol.  There’s a group called Shadow in the tech world that can do things like this.” Rey looked around as if she might be heard even though they were alone.  “If Shadow has something to do with your father’s online erasure, then it’s possible someone you know is connected to them.” 

Ben had a weird feeling in his stomach.  He’d heard whispers of Shadow but thought it was a security “urban legend.”   

“Can you find my Dad regardless?” Ben pleaded.  

Rey scrunched her nose up as she worked, “Just let me see what this does, but I have a feeling that someone somewhere knows we are looking for him.  Too much work has been put into this.” 

Ben wondered if he had any idea of what was really going on in his company.  He’d been so interested in getting to the top that he hadn’t forgotten to keep his feet on the ground and his eyes ahead instead of up top. 

“Ben,” Rey exclaimed, “He’s in New York.”

“What?” Ben couldn’t believe it.  “Seriously?”

“Seriously, in Brooklyn,” Rey smiled.  “Feel like taking a scooter?”

“A scooter?” Ben stared at her.  He’d seen the thing around but driving one was not even in his mind.  

“Trust me Ben, if your mom or uncle wants to find us, they will check the subway or a cab,” Rey pointed out.

“And if anybody else wants to find us?” Ben was feeling particularly suspicious.

“Again, I know where every surveillance camera in this city is, trust me,” Rey held out her hand. 

Ben took it gingerly. It had been a long time since Ben had held hands with a girl and Rey’s hand seemed to fit perfectly in his.  

They left the library and headed to a scooter rental station where Rey swiped a point card.

It took about half an hour to reach Brooklyn.   

Ben and Rey parked the scooters and then Ben took Rey’s hand as they walked towards his dad’s place.  It was hard to believe that after all this time Han Solo was living in New York.  

Rey rang the buzzer and frowned when no voice responded.  She looked around and pulled Ben’s wallet out of his pocket.

“Seriously?” Ben watched her swipe a credit card and unlock the door.

Rey beamed and handed the card back to Ben.  “I worked for Unkar Plutt from the age of six.”

Ben couldn’t even imagine.

They entered the home; it was simple with a modern flare.    Ben looked around eagerly for signs of Han Solo and wasn’t shocked to see race car pictures and Scottish whisky.

A giant poster of Rocky was on display and Ben wondered if his dad had ever been himself at home. 

“Ben,” Rey called to him:  she was standing before a shelf with an album in her hand.   “Is this you and your brother?”

Ben grabbed the album out of her hands and flipped through it.  It was a whole photo book full of pictures of him and Poe. 

“I don’t understand,” Ben stared at pictures from Elementary, Middle and High School.  There were many photos and articles about him and Poe. Fencing competition news, Prom pictures, even report cards. 

Rey put her hand on his shoulder, “Somehow, I don’t think your dad forgot about you.” 

Ben looked at a web article from his college days highlighting entrance into a business fraternity.  Even after Ben had rejected his father, Han had still collected scraps from his life.  

A deep pool of emotion filled Ben’s stomach. 

A sudden bang startled Ben and Rey and heavy footsteps were heard. 

“You can get the hell out of my apartment and tell Luke that I’m being a good boy, now!” A voice thundered from behind. “Don’t think I don’t know when someone’s here!” 

Ben whipped his head around and met the eyes of his father. 

Chapter Text

Long Island New York, December 2001

It was a party like any other Organa function, extremely elegant and exceedingly boring.   The silver was polished and a variety of delicacies and wines were served.

Ben and Poe were on their first day of Winter Break and the party was torture.  Especially when adults would ask questions about school and even worse, share about their own experiences.

“I went to Alderaan Prep, same as you boy and it was the best of experiences,” Lor San Tekka clapped Ben on the back.

“You must do a summer at the UN as a page. I did that while I was in High School and it was transformative to my global understanding,” Senator Mon Monthma advised. 

“You know what they say about prep school girls, eh,” Perrin, Mon’s husband winked at Ben over his sixth glass of wine, “All those short skirts and tight asses. You only get that once.” 

“That’s quite enough dear,” Mon took Perrin’s wine away and rolled her eyes. 

Ben had heard his mother complain about Perrin’s behavior more than once and agreed that he was, “a lecherous fifty something who thought he was eighteen.”

“I wish we could just go and play video games instead of this,” Poe muttered to Ben.  “Everyone keeps squeezing my cheeks and now my face is sore.”

“I hate this party too, “ Ben admitted to his brother, “I hate all of mom’s parties.”  He gestured to all of the guests, “Everyone is pretending to be happy but I bet nobody is.”

“Not even Mom?” Poe asked.

“Nope, cause it’s a game,” Ben sighed, “A game that I’m not very good at playing.”

“I think you are better than you think,” the voice of Breha Organa came from behind them. 

Ben’s grandparents had surprised them by stopping by for the holidays and while Ben’s mom had been very flustered, Ben and Poe were thrilled.

“The very fact that you know it’s a game, Ben, shows you are intelligent,” Breha smiled with a sincerity that Ben rarely found in his family. “The key is to know what everyone really wants,” Breha continued.  “When you know what people want then you can anticipate their next steps.

“What do you think my mother wants?” Ben asked.  

Breha frowned, “To forget her past and where she came from.  She can’t see both the good and the bad.”

“But I can’t imagine having you as parents was bad,” Ben protested.  He loved his grandparents and was envious of his mother’s childhood. 

Breha peered at Ben almost as if she wanted to ask him something else.  Finally the question came, “Does your mother ever talk about her upbringing?” 

Ben laughed, “She and Uncle Luke tell us nothing, I guess they just traveled with you from embassy to embassy.”

“Leia really does want to bury the past doesn’t she?” Breha shook her head.  “Ben, you have been told one side of the story, but remember, there is always more than one side.  Sometimes even more than two.  The story people tell you is always the narrative that helps them sleep at night.”  His grandmother met his eyes, “Don’t think that all you’ve told is the only story.”  

Ben had a funny feeling in his gut at these words, as if there were things being held back from him.

“How do I know what is the true story then?” Ben asked, puzzled by the vagueness of it all.

“Trust yourself,” Breha advised. “You have a good sense of natural instinct.”

“I’m bored, can we stop talking about this and go ice skating, please!!!” Poe pleaded. 

Grandma Breha laughed, “I think that can be arranged.”

The discussion ended but Ben wondered that night, what side of the story was he missing and more importantly, whose?

New York, Present

“Dad?”  Ben swallowed thickly.

Han stared at him as if a ghost had entered the room.

“What are you doing here?” Han looked stricken.  “You can’t be here Ben, you just can’t!” 

“Why??” Ben demanded, “Why can’t I be here, what are you doing here and why does Luke,” there was vehemence in his tone, “know that you are here and I your son had no fuckin idea.”

“Just go Ben, now, please,” Han pleaded. “It’s better as if you were never here.”

“I know you,” Rey said suddenly, “I know who you are.”

Ben was shocked.  

“Your Mara Jade’s brother, the one who came to her funeral,” Rey pointed at him sharply. “You said she never should have died and that it wasn’t Exegol’s fault but Organa’s fault. “They pulled you off the stage and took you away. I was there, I saw it all. Maz wasn’t supposed to take me but she took me anyway.”   Tears were streaming down Rey’s cheeks,  “you know who killed her, don’t you? I’ve tried to find out but despite four years at Organa, I’ve found nothing.” 

Han looked defeated, “That was me kid, and I do think I know who killed her. I know who you are too, she talked about you all the time, loved you like a daughter and was so proud of you.”

“I loved her, so very much,” Rey wiped her eyes, “Named one of my daughters after her.”

“That would have meant a lot to her,” Han choked, “means a lot to me.”

“Who the hell is Mara Jade, and why the hell did you never tell me you had a sister and how does Rey know her?” Ben roared, feeling extremely out of the loop.

“Well since you are here and we are probably all on Luke’s hit list anyway, I might as well get some whisky,” Han sighed.

Ben impatiently waited as Han took at his finest from a cupboard and poured three glasses.

Han sighed, “For starters, Mara Jade wasn’t my actual sister, but she was the closest thing I had to one.  We grew up in Chicago together, in the streets working for the gang Black Sun. She was younger than me and I felt sorry for her.  I looked out for her then and in her way she looked out for me.  Mara Jade, and two others, Lando and Em were my family.  I even got Mara Jade a job with Organa Industries.”  Han sighed, “That was the worst thing I could have done.   She and Luke dated for a while and well, she turned down his marriage proposal and he never forgave her.  But Mara wasn’t interested in ambition like Luke, just love and she couldn’t see a future with him.”

Ben had never known his Uncle to have dated anyone and was genuinely shocked. 

“I met Mara Jade when I was working for Plutt,” Rey explained.  “She was working in London for both Exegol and Organa at the time to spy on Exegol.   Mara was almost compromised and left Exegol but before she did, she discovered my aptitude for computer skills.  Plutt was using me for a job and Mara noticed what I could do.” 

Rey wiped a tear away,” She really saw me and encouraged me.  I know she paid for me to get into that fancy private school in London, she’s also the one who helped me to turn in the hard drive disk to MI6.” Rey laughed bitterly, “They never would have believed a street kid, but they did believe an employee of Organa Industries. My memories of my parents are so faint,” Rey’s voice faltered, “Mara was the first person to care about after their death.” 

“She really did care about you,” Han squeezed Rey’s shoulder. “ Your upbringing reminded her of her own and she wanted to help you.” 

“I take it you didn’t meet mom at college then?” Ben couldn’t believe this.  True he’d been seven when his dad left but surely his mother could have been honest about all of this.

“Never went to anything but the school of hard knocks,” Han laughed bitterly.  “I met your mom and your uncle because I was working as a bounty hunter your Uncle hired to find his father.”

“Grandpa was missing?” Ben was so confused.  

“Oh Ben, oh Ben,” Han sighed.  “This shouldn’t be coming from me but your mother. Bail and Breha adopted your mother.   Your Uncle didn’t even grow up with her.”

Ben spat out his whiskey.  “What the hell? Why on earth would mom never mention that?”

“Because your biological grandfather was Anakin Skywalker,” Han dropped the name as if he knew the explosion it would cause. 

“No,” Ben protested, “That’s impossible.  

Anakin Skywalker was known for being a double agent and leaking thousands of names and locations of agents.  Hundreds were killed due to his betrayal.  The rumors were that Anakin was tied to Palpatine but there was never any proof.  

“This can’t be real,” Ben was furious.  His dad had to be lying, maybe this was some elaborate plan to elicit sympathy.  “Mom would have told me something!”  He had to believe that.  There was no way she could have lied to this extent.  

“So what you left because it was all too much? You couldn’t stand to be associated with us?” Ben shouted through gritted teeth. 

Rey’s hand rested on Ben’s knee, it was all that was keeping him from leaving. 

“I left because I had no say in the matter, your Uncle pushed me out!” Han snapped. “He hated that I knew the truth.  When Luke came to me he wanted to find his family.   Leia had lived a life of privilege and Luke was eager to bask in that.  He was confident that his father had to be someone important. The day Luke found out the truth about your grandfather was the day your Uncle started to hate me.” 

“Even if that were true, it doesn’t explain why you left,” Ben said, the feelings of abandonment raw.

“Do you think I wanted to leave you and Poe, that it was my choice?” Han started to cry.  “Your mother and I had a huge fight the night before I left.  I told her I was tired of her being so absent that we needed to just be a family.  That Luke and her father’s sins held a greater hold on her heart than even her own children.”

“Your mother agreed,” Han’s voice waivred, “She agreed, we were going to leave it all behind and start anew.  Leia would give the company over to Luke and we could just finally be a family.”  Han was sobbing.

Ben was not unaffected.  He had never seen his father so broken.

“What happened?” Ben felt like he was on the edge of a precipice.  

“Luke got wind of Leia leaving and came to me,” Han looked so small.  “He blackmailed me with all of my past criminal activity and threatened to send me as well as Mara, Em and Lando to jail.  Luke told me my arrest would destroy Leia, you and Poe and I knew he was right. He needed Leia’s prestige and connections to run Organa Industries and sacrificed our family in the process. Your mother to this day believes I left her with no word of contact, she has no idea what her brother did.” 

“Are you confident of that?” Rey interjected with skepticism.  

Han nodded grimly, “Luke needs your mother to think that I left her, to hate me.  Hate fuels her energy for the company.” 

Ben swallowed trying to navigate the warring emotions in his heart, “Then why did you come to my graduation? Why risk it?” 

Han gulped, “Because I’m a selfish old man and I just wanted to share that moment.  I had so many others stolen. I thought foolishly that Luke might allow me to have that but he didn’t because you had learned to hate me. Really I can’t blame you.”

Ben wished that Poe was here, he wished they could talk about this and figure it out together.  He needed his brother more than anything.  

To think if Uncle Luke hadn’t interfered Ben could have had the family he always wanted. That there was a time when Leia Organa would have given up everything for love and family.

Ben knew he would be haunted by this conversation for a long while.  

As if Rey felt his mood, she took his hand again. Her fingers intertwined with his. 

Ben was grateful and smiled at her.

“Wait, you have a kid named Mara?” Han demanded suddenly looking at Rey and then Ben.  “Are you two together?” He looked so pleased that Ben didn’t feel like telling him otherwise.

“We have two kids, Mira and Mara,” Ben replied, “Twins.”

“So I’m a grandpa?” Han swallowed thickly.  

Rey pulled her phone out of her pocket and showed Han a picture of the girls at the Zoo.

“They’re beautiful,” Han grinned, “But full of mischief, I’d reckon.”

“One hundred percent,” Rey smirked. 

Ben still felt like he was missing quite a lot.  “Dad I need to know, who else knows you are here in New York? And what’s Luke going to do once he finds out I know.  And can’t we do something about his blackmailing you.”

Han ran his fingers through his hair, “I highly suspect your Grandfather Bail knows where I am.  Randomly I’d get pictures of you and Poe in the mail. Luke would never be that thoughtful.  How he tracked me down, I couldn’t say but he knows a lot of people and has a lot of connections.”

“Anyone else?” Ben pushed.

Han closed his eyes and opened them, “Don’t kill him, but your brother Poe. He’s smarter than most people give him credit for and put two and two together when he was going through some records.” 

“What? And he didn’t tell me?” Ben roared.  Poe told him everything, how could he not tell him this?”

“I asked him not to tell you because Luke is already out for your blood, why put a bigger target on your back?” Han sighed. “That’s why Poe’s really gone, this sabbatical that he’s on with Finn isn’t only for Finn to complete his Phd, it’s also for Poe to do some digging.”

“What exactly is he looking for?” Rey’s voice was sharp.  Ben could sense the hunt for a mystery in her tone. 

“I think I know who killed Mara Jade and if I can prove it, then I’ll finally be a free man,” Han grimaced. 

“Who?” Ben and Rey asked in unison. 

“Luke,” Han replied with a scowl on his face. “Mara allegedly was killed by an angry Exegol employee who would rather die than be arrested but I don’t buy it.  Luke was furious was her, and she was furious because I told her how Luke was holding me hostage.  She wanted to tell you, Leia and Poe everything after Exegol burned but was conveniently killed. Leia liked her, she would have believed her.” The sadness in Han’s voice tugged at Ben’s heart.

Just a few days ago Ben had hated his father but now listening to him, he knew his hate was misplaced.  Grandma Breha had told him to trust his instinct and Ben’s instinct told him that as impossible as it sounded, every word that came out of his father’s mouth was true.  

Ben wished with all his heart that he’d welcomed his dad with open arms at his graduation.  He knew he’d been cruel.  

“I’ll help you Dad,” Ben met his father’s eyes, ready to atone for his past hatred.  “I’ll do whatever I need to, Luke has had control of everything for long enough.”   

“I’ll help you too,” Rey vowed.  “You meant a lot to Mara Jade and she meant a lot to me, plus you’re family.”  

Han stared at both of them and Ben could see that he was holding back tears, “Are you sure? You have two little ones to think about. You need to take care of them first.” 

“We are taking care of them by ensuring that this family has no more secrets,” Rey squeezed Han’s hand. “We won’t live in fear of Luke or anyone.” 

Ben had to admire her courage but part of him wondered if Luke would be so cruel as to harm the kids.  He couldn’t be that deranged, could he?

“There’s one more thing you should know,  Poe thinks there’s a mole at Organa Industries,” Han warned. “Someone high up.”

“Working for Luke behind the scenes?” Ben was puzzled.  

“No, working for Shadow,” Han said.  

“How could I have missed that ?” Rey was aghast.  There’s a few employees I know are loyal to Luke but not to Shadow.  I work so hard to protect the company.”  

“I’m sure you do, but kiddo,” Han squeezed her arm.  

“You don’t understand,” Rey looked terrified, “Nobody has ever outsmarted me in the tech world.  Not Palpatine, not Snoke and not even Leia.”

Ben placed his hands on Rey’s shoulders, “It’s gonna be okay.”  He didn’t feel that way but he had to try.  “It will all work out.”  

Rey, to Ben’s surprise, leaned up and kissed him on the cheek, “I know you are scared shitless but you have no idea how much it means to me that you are trying.” 

Ben blushed a deep shade of red, he really wasn’t expecting the softness of her lips against his skin.   

Ben noticed a shade of pink tinting Rey’s face.  The words ”I’m sorry” were on the cusp of her lips and her eyes were downcast. 

Well that wouldn’t do.  Ben couldn’t let Rey be embarrassed so he did the only logical thing to do, he kissed her. 

Chapter Text

Ben’s lips slid over Rey's and he could feel her sweet response. 

Revelation overtook him as their lips and tongues explored each other, forgetting for a moment that there was indeed an audience.

When women has kissed Ben before, they always took, eager on claiming his money, his power, a place in his empire with their selfish and clawing lips.   Ben’s own lips just wanted sweet relief from the aching loneliness of his soul.

Rey gave, freely, with no demands, her heart full of goodness not selfishness.  Never had a kiss been so generous and it made Ben feel as if this was his first real kiss.  Even his kiss in London with Rey had an agenda, this kiss was birthed out of something more. 

It shook Ben to his very core. 

Feelings, vibrant and real, had taken hold of his soul.   

And judging by the way Rey was kissing him back, Ben knew she was feeling things too. 

Rey’s lips just didn’t stop tasting him, and Ben wanted to savor it.  His hands cradled her face so that he could just keep kissing her. 

“Don’t mind me kids,” Han chuckled, bringing Ben back to reality.

Rey’s eyes met Ben’s with a question.   

He knew she wanted to know, “Did this mean something?”

It meant everything. 

Ben lightly wrapped his arm around Rey’s waist and kept the palm of his hand against it.  He could feel her trembling.

“The girls have an early dismissal today and I need to pick them up soon,” Rey announced. 

“I wish I could see them,” Han said wistfully. “But I know it wouldn’t be wise.”

Rey squeezed Han’s shoulder and said with real warmness, “We can’t live in fear of that happening.  Perhaps we can make it work somehow.” Rey bit her lips and suggested, “There’s a little Italian place not far from where we live that make’s good pizza, perhaps we could run into you there.  We go there every Friday night.”

Han grinned, “I would love that.”

“Well I should get going,” Rey smiled again. “It was lovely to meet you Han and I can’t wait for the girls to meet you.”

“I’ll walk you out,” Ben turned to Rey. “I need to go back to work before my mother reports me to missing persons.”

“Ben,” Han stated, “Thank you.”

Ben turned to his father and embraced him.  There was much given in that hug, repentance, forgiveness, and acceptance.  Someday he and his dad would talk about things but Ben needed to get back to work before his mother did something drastic.  

Ben and Han pulled apart and then Han turned to Rey, “Thank you.”

Rey threw her arms around Han and hugged him.

Ben knew his father was delighted. 

Rey pulled back and then nodded to Ben, “Let’s go.” 

Ben followed her lead, he knew she wanted to talk about the kiss and so did he. 

“I just want you to know that I kissed you because I wanted to,” Ben admitted as they headed towards the scooters. “I won’t apologize for it and I hope you let me kiss you again.”

Rey turned to Ben, a gentle breeze blowing across her worried face.  “I wanted to kiss you too, but I can’t afford to just be a fling to you or your latest conquest.”

Ben sighed and placed his hands on Rey’s shoulders and met her gaze.  “This isn’t a conquest or a fling, I have real, genuine feelings for you.”

“I want to believe you,” Rey still looked guarded, “I really do, but can we go slow, I’m not like you Ben, I don’t date around a lot, especially with the girls in the picture.”

Ben was frustrated, every woman he’d met had wanted something more from him and he’d had no interest.  Finally he was interested in someone and they were hesitant.

“What do I need to do to prove to you this is genuine?” Ben rubbed Rey’s shoulders.

“Time,” Rey answered sincerely.  “I just need time to get to know you even more and time for you to get to know the girls."  There was that firmness about her voice again.  “I’m not just going to jump into bed with you because you’re sexy.”

“Oh I’m sexy?” Ben smirked, delighted at this confession.

Rey rolled her eyes, “You know you’re sexy all too well.”

Ben lowered his voice, “And you need to believe better about yourself,” his voice was smooth. “You’re so sexy, so beautiful and so strong and an incredible mother.”  He meant every word he said and could feel his cock hardening.  He’d never wanted anyone so much. 

Rey’s eyes widened and he could feel her trembling beneath his touch.

Ben leaned over and whispered, his hot breath on her ear, “I won’t jump into bed with you right away but when you’re ready I’m going to enjoy it, and so will you.  I know how to please a woman and I will please you.  But it won’t just be once or be a thing, I know we belong together Rey.”

Ben had never been more certain of anything.  It was as if he was finally on the right path and Rey was meant to be there with him.

Rey looked flustered but said with finality, “Just give me time Ben, I'll do this fake engagement thing and with it we can go on some real dates but I’m not making any big declarations yet.”

“But you will,” Ben smiled knowingly. 

Rey raised her eyebrows and shook her head, “You are something else.”

Ben spoke from his heart and for a moment was vulnerable, “I can just feel something between us, can’t you?”

“Maybe?” Rey replied, “But you’re not the first guy to tell me that Ben. If this is really different and real,” her voice softened, “time will prove it.” 

Ben knew Rey felt something, she had to.  But he would play the game by her rules if that’s what it took.  His feelings would not go away. 

“Go pick up the kids and I’ll see you all tonight,” Ben ordered, changing the subject.

“And what are you going to tell your mom about our crazy exit?” Rey questioned. “And will you confront her about tracking you or for that matter anything Luke has done?”

Ben frowned, “One thing at a time. But first I think I’m getting a new laptop and phone. I’ll text you with the new number.”

“That is a very good idea,” Rey smiled. “I’ll see you for Pizza.  And Ben please remind your mom that the Gala can’t include the press.  I’m still trying to keep a low profile for my safety and the girls.”

“Oh don’t worry, if my mom puts you in any danger tomorrow night by exposing anything, I’ll kill her,” Ben vowed.  “No one will know who you really are.”

“Good because even if let's say Shadow currently knows my whereabouts which is a real possibility ,” Rey shivered, “My grandfather had a lot of other enemies.”

“Nobody and I mean nobody is going to touch you or the girls, ever,” Ben felt a fierce sense of protection over his family.

“Thanks Ben,” Rey’s voice was sincere.  

“See you later,” Ben bent over and lightly kissed the corner of Rey’s mouth.

“Bye,” there was a softness in Rey’s tone that gave him hope.  Ben knew he would make Rey trust him.

He would be the best dad to his girls and partner to Rey.  Maybe just maybe this engagement could be real.

*********

Three hours later after a visit to a tech store Ben Solo strolled into his mother’s “office” in her  Long Island residence.

“How are you this afternoon Mother dear?” Ben casually sat across from her.  

“How am I?” Leia snapped. “You’ve ignored me all day and completely and utterly disappeared for hours when I needed you greatly.  Where have you been?”

“With my fiance, apologizing for last night and convincing her to continue this engagement,” Ben threw out a bit of truth.

Leia paled, “I must admit Luke inviting Miss Lintra was completely out of order and that photo was a complete disaster.  I don’t know what came over him.”

“He doesn’t want me to have a leadership role,” Ben was blunt, “He hates me and doesn’t trust me.”

“That’s ridiculous, that’s a terrible thing to say about your uncle,” Leia protested.

“If he trusts me so much, why has he been tracking all of my movements on my computer as well as my phone calls and texts?” Ben glared at his mom. “And why have you been doing the same.” 

Leia looked floored and then angry, “It was a necessary step when you returned from working with Exegol.”

“That was eight years ago mother,” Ben spat, “Do you still need to keep such a tight reign on me? I could sue both of you for an invasion of privacy.”

“Your Uncle wouldn’t take you back unless I agree to it,” Leia protested. “We had to know what you were up to.” 

“So you are happy to have me take control, but at the end of the day, you don’t trust me,” Ben snapped. “After everything I did to turn Exegol in and helped you capture Snoke and Palpatine,” he stood up and walked over to his mother, “You still don’t trust me. What the hell is it going to take for you to trust me?” 

“I just need to know you are going to stay,” Leia was cold but firm. “That you won’t leave again for your own ambition just like your father.  You’re so much like him.”  Anger and hurt radiated in her tone.

Ben took a deep breath, he wasn’t sure how much to disclose, “Well maybe you should talk to a therapist instead of your brother.  Because it seems to me, you need to work on yourself a little.” 

“How dare you,” Leia was furious, “I was the one who worked hard to hold the company together, I fed you and your brother and provided everything you needed and you still left.”

“I didn’t leave the first time because of you,” Ben snapped. “I left because your brother lied and you know it.  You know Uncle Like pushed me out the first time and if you can’t see that, then you’re a fool.  Last night was him doing it all over again.   If he drags Rey and the girls into his schemes to push me out, I will kill him.”

“Your Uncle would never do that, never,” Leia snapped. “Just be at the Gala tomorrow, you’re giving me a headache.”

“Just one more thing, when were you going to tell me you were adopted?” Ben asked. “That you and Luke didn’t grow up together but that your real father was Anakin Skywalker.”

Leia’s mouth hit the floor, “My father told you didn’t he? “Always had to butt into our family.  He even suggested that Luke had something over Han and that’s why he left.”  Leia's eyes were blazing. 

“Well mom, maybe you should listen to your father more often,” Ben replied. “And no, Gramps didn’t tell me.  Truth always has a way of getting out, remember that.” 

Leia’s mouth was firm and she was trembling, “I’ll send a car for you tomorrow night.”

“Nah, I think we can make our own way there,” Ben’s voice was cool.

Leia looked like she wanted to protest but for once held her tongue.

**************

Pizza that night was a far more enjoyable experience.

Ben arrived early and spotted Rey with the girls.   He strolled over to their table. 

Rey smiled cheerfully but both Mira and Mara ignored him.   

Ben was truly grateful that his father chose that moment to walk up behind him.  Ben felt a hand on his shoulder and his father’s voice.

“These two pretty young ladies wouldn’t happen to be my grandchildren would they?”

Mira and Mara both looked up and stared at Han.

“Are you my grandpa?” Mira looked amazed.

“Sure am,” Han smiled. “Is that ok?” 

“You kept your promise Dad,” Mara looked at Ben in astonishment., “You actually found our grandpa?”  Her brown eyes were huge in disbelief.

“Well I want to give you a hug,” Mira jumped out of her seat and ran to Han. “I got a Daddy and a Grandad in one week.  She hugged Han hard and Ben could see tears running down his father’s cheeks.

Mira looked up, “Why are you crying? Aren’t you happy?”

“I’m very, very happy,” Han choked and Ben felt tears in his own eyes.

Mara got out of her chair and stared at Han warily.

Han bent down and met her gaze, “You don’t want to call you pretty do you?” Somehow he knew how to read his granddaughter. 

“Never,” Mara nodded enthusiastically, “And you better never call me cute, ever.”

“You can call me pretty and cute,” Mira smiled.

“We know,” Mara rolled her eyes.

“Would you like me to teach you about flying?” Han smiled.

“No!” Ben and Rey replied in unison.

“Yes,” Mara nodded, “I want to learn how to fly.” 

“Okay then, I’ll teach you about planes,” Han promised.

“You’re okay then,” Mara offered Han a rare smile. 

The old man beamed.

Mara turned to Ben, “You can come along to the lessons too if you want Dad.” 

Ben knew in his daughter’s mind that he’d been forgiven. 

“Thanks Mara,” he replied gravely. 

He felt two little arms around his waist, and Ben crouched down to give Mira a hug.

“I love you Daddy and you really hurt my feelings, but everything is good now,” Mira beamed.  

“I love you Mira,” Ben smiled.

He caught a glimpse of Mara’s face.

Ben ruffled Mara’s hair and said, “Love you too.”

“You don’t have to be mushy,” Mara replied but Ben saw a smile cross her face. 

“Come sit,” Rey gestured to the table.   

Ben smiled as Han placed himself in between his granddaughters.

Ben was surprised as he felt Rey’s hand slide into his. 

He looked around at his Dad chatting to the girls and felt that all was finally right in the world. 

***************

The next evening Ben, Rey and the girls were dressed to the hilt.

Rey entered Ben’s limo wearing a green dress that brought out the green flecks in her eyes.  Her hair was styled and her natural make up accented her perfect features. The dress was just revealing enough to show off Rey’s long legs and pert ass.

It took Ben much restraint not to feel her up.  

Rey must have seen the hunger in Ben’s eyes for she whispered. “Rose is taking the girls home with Brandon at nine so they aren’t up too late,”

“That is not very good news for your dress,” Ben's voice was low and he winked.  

“Why will mommy’s dress turn to rags like Cinderella’s did when it gets late?” Mira asked. 

Ben groaned when he realized his comment was not as quietly said as he thought.

“No stupid, Dad will take Mom’s dress off after we leave so they can kiss,” Mara explained.

Ben couldn’t believe this conversation. 

“Do you have to take your clothes off when you kiss?” Mira wrinkled her nose. “I didn’t do that when Brandon kissed me.” 

“That’s so gross that Brandon kissed you,” Mara made a face.

“You absolutely do not take your clothes off when you kiss a boy,” Rey snapped. 

“But Daddy said - “ Mira started. 

“Mira, listen to your mother and you shouldn’t be kissing boys anyway,” Ben advised, hoping this conversation could be done. 

“But I liked it when Brandon kissed me, it was nice,” Mira protested. 

“If a boy tries to kiss me, I’ll punch them,” Mara threatened.

Ben put his head in his hands, “Nobody is kissing anyone, okay?”

“Except for you and Mom right?” Mara pretended to gag.

“Hey, do you think you and Mommy will have another baby since you are kissing?” Mira asked.

“If you do, I want a brother,” Mara told them.

Ben and Rey exchanged a look. 

After another twenty minutes of conversations about kissing, boys and babies, Ben was more than relieved to arrive at the venue.

The limo pulled up and Ben was shocked to find a crowd.  

“What’s all this?” Rey demanded. 

A blonde stepped up to Rey and said, “We just all want to know about the romance between Anakin Skywalker and Sheev Palpatine’s grandchildren, what a story!”  

Cameras and mics appeared out of nowhere and Ben spotted his Uncle Luke looking extremely satisfied.  

Chapter Text

“Is your family concerned about your romance with a Palpatine?”  

“Is it true that Mara and Mira Palpatine are yours?”  

“Were your previous relationships just a front to keep your relationship with Rachel Palpatine a secret?”

“Why does Miss Bazine Netal know nothing about your past?” 

“Is there any concern about your ability to lead Organa Industries forward with your obvious connection to Palpatine?”

“Are you loyal to your lover and children or your mother and brother?” 

Each question was an arrow, crafted in such a way to target Ben, destroying everything he had worked for.  

Fury took over Ben, he knew this was the work of Luke. 

Nothing could ever salvage the mess this had created.   Ben knew if he lost his temper it would be ever worse.  

He must keep it together if he has any chance of holding onto this company.  

“Miss Palpatine, how do you feel about your grandfather’s path of destruction?”

Ben whipped his head around to where Rey stood like a deer caught in headlights holding the hands of two obviously frightened children.   

The company could go hang.  

Ben’s arm went round Rey, and he turned to the reporter and said smoothly, “We will not be answering your questions, thank you.” 

“Just come with me,” he whispered to Rey, “Smile, nod and don’t answer their questions. We’ve done nothing wrong.” 

Rey nodded but Ben could feel her trembling. 

He kept his arm around her as they all walked towards the hotel entrance.  Rey and his daughters had to be protected from this.

The flash of cameras and flurry of phones tailed them and Ben was acutely aware that the whole world was watching them

“Close the door,” Ben commanded the doorman once they were inside.  

Mira demanded, “What’s wrong?” 

“Nothing darling,” Rey reassured her. “It was just crowded and we didn’t need to talk to reporters.”   There was a tremor in Rey’s voice that told Ben exactly how she felt.  

Ben’s palms were sweating; he felt sick.   

Leia was across the room chatting to a couple and frowned at Ben.  She said something to the couple and then to Ben’s chagrin headed their way. 

“Great,” Rey muttered, “I need to talk to Maz, not to your mother.”   Worry laced her tone.  “Maz has to help us, she just has to.” 

Ben wasn’t confident that an FBI agent could fix this.  

“Something is wrong,” Mara glanced between Rey and Ben.  “You guys are afraid.” 

Ben met Rey’s eyes and then answered his daughter, “It’s going to be okay, we just need to leave early girls.” 

“Why on earth would you leave?” Leia’s voice hissed announcing her untimely arrival.

“Because we’ve been compromised,” Ben snapped.  

Leia rolled her eyes, “Just because a few reporters asked some uncomfortable questions doesn’t mean you need to leave, believe me when I say no one cares that you are a Palpatine Rey. It’s ridiculous to think otherwise.”

“So it’s true?” A man standing nearby demanded, gesturing to Rey and the girls, “These are Palpatine’s spawn?”  A woman clung to his arm and she looked equally disgusted. 

Ben felt his stomach tighten.

Leia glared at the man, “Really, these are my grandchildren, how dare you be so rude?” 

The man looked at Leia and spat straight in her face, “How dare you insult me by thinking I want to be anywhere near a Palpatine, you know what Sheev did to my family! He destroyed everything I had, everything.”   He turned to Rey, “You and your family are going to pay me back for everything you’ve taken!” 

Ben had remained cool through everything but this, this was too much.. “Get the hell out of here,” Ben yelled and towered over the man.  “Get out now!!”  He would gladly toss this man in the streets for threatening Rey. 

“Gladly, this is the last time I come to any of your events,” the man sneered at Leia, “You can take your caviar and shove it up your ass.” 

Leia looked affronted. 

Ben opened his mouth to say a few choice  words when he felt a tug on his sleave , “Daddy please I want to leave,” Mira had tears in her eyes.

Ben fisted his hands and the man and his trophy piece departed.  

“Well really, I can’t believe Emmet would behave in such a way,” Leia looked indignant.  

Ben noticed that other guests were glancing their way and were whispering.

“The whole world hates my family,” Rey said quietly.  “And now thanks to your brother, everyone knows about me and the girls.”

“My brother?” Leia’s eyes flashed. “Luke has nothing to do with this.  This is all Ben’s fault for having an affair with you in the first place.  He never should have had a thing with a Palpatine.”

Ben had choice words for his mother and it was only the presence of his girls that kept him from uttering them. 

Mara had no such filter, “Well you know I wish you weren’t my grandmother, because you are selfish and terrible.  You don’t want us cause we make you look bad.” 

The entire room was watching the scene unfold.

“That’s not what I said!” Leia stared at Mara in horror. 

“No it is,” Mira folded her arms over her chest, “You are like an evil queen in a fairy tale who only cares about one person, herself.” 

“That’s not true, I care about you - about all of you, “ Leia protested feebly. “I don’t really dislike your mother, just her grandfather.” 

But Ben knew his girls had his mom’s number.  “That’s enough, we’re leaving,” he announced. “Luke can have the damn company if he wants it so badly.” 

“Well thanks,” Luke made his presence known.  “I’m glad this worked out so well.”

“Luke please tell me Ben is wrong and you didn’t call the reporters,” Leia interjected.

“Of course I did,” Luke smirked.

Leia’s mouth dropped open. 

“But why? You’ve ruined Ben’s chances at ever being respected,” Leia looked gobsmacked.

Ben couldn’t believe his mother’s nativity.

“Oh Leia, Ben never had a chance in the first place,” Luke sneered. “I’ll die before I relinquish my shares in the company to him.  He’s a mess and always has been.  Neither one of your boys will ever control it.”

Leia’s eyes narrowed, “Then who exactly will the company go to - you can’t live forever.”

“No, but I plan on living quite a while,” Luke looked menacing, “And I will call the shots as long as I can.  Does that upset you princess that not everyone is doing what you want?”

“Princess?” Leia stared at her brother, “Luke what is wrong with you?”

“What’s wrong with me? I’ll tell you what’s wrong,” Luke’s eyes flashed. “As the daughter of diplomats you’ve had everything handed to you on a silver platter and so has your brat kid.  Hell, these kids have it easy too, ” Luke gestured to Mira and Mara.  “I, on the other hand, suffered in poverty and worked hard to build Organa Industries and deserve it.” 

“Well I still own half of it,” Leia snarled. 

“I wouldn’t be so sure about that,” Luke laughed. “ You’ve signed a lot of papers when you were tired and busy and had a drink or two.”  

“You bastard,” Leia hissed and stomped her foot. “You absolute bastard.” 

“Now, now Leia, you wouldn’t want the investors to think you’re too emotional to do your job,” Luke purred.

Ben had had enough, “We are leaving now.”

“Please,” Rey pleaded.  “Let’s go see Maz now.” 

“Good, I’m coming with you,” Leia said.

“Like hell,” Ben wasn’t about to deal with his mother.  Rey and the girls were all that mattered.

“Then what am I supposed to do?” Leia mourned.

To Ben’s shock Han pushed his way through the crowd of people staring and extended his hand to Leia, “Come on, just get out of here.” 

“Han, I don’t understand?” Leia stared at her ex husband. 

“Grandpa!” The girls shouted.

“Got a car for you Ben, saw the news and figured you might need some help,” Han said. “Maz is in the alley waiting for the four of you.  Now Leia, come on, get out of here!”

Leia looked at her brother, “This won’t be the last you hear from me.” 

Luke snorted, “I am far more powerful and respected than you think.”

Ben didn’t really give a damn about watching anymore family drama.  “Thanks Dad, let’s go.”

He grabbed Mara and Rey grabbed Mira and they headed towards the back where a car sat.  

A small woman with thick glasses ushered them in.

“Maz, I’m so sorry,” Rey sputtered as she put her seatbelt on.  She was crammed between the girls in the back while Ben sat up front.  

“This isn’t your fault Rey, it’s mine, I never should have let you take a job with Organa Industries,” Maz sighed.  

“Can we just get out of here?” Ben demanded nervously. 

“We are, immediately,” Maz said and began to drive.

“Can we get out toys?” Mira asked.

“Actually Mira, you are going to ride a plane!” Maz announced to Ben’s surprise. “Won’t that be fun?”

Ben glanced at Rey who placed her arms around the girls protectively.   Fun was not exactly the word he wanted to use to describe today. 

Chapter Text

The next few days were a blur as Ben, Rey and the girls were loaded on a private jet and then were placed in a hotel suite for a few days until a more permanent place could be located. Ben was used to attention but having agents with them twenty four seven was getting old.  He was relieved when more permanent accommodations were given.

Ben just didn’t think it would be somewhere like this.

“This is the place?” he sighed.   The cozy midwestern suburban neighborhood was full of cookie cutter homes, outdoor swimming pools, swing sets and far too many kids for his liking. 

“Theed is small enough that it’s not an obvious location to hide but big enough that you won’t stick out for being new,” Maz assured him.  “Chicago is just an hour and a half away. “

Ben had always preferred New York and DC to Chicago and hardly found that comforting.  

Ben glanced at Rey who looked at the house with something akin to wishfulness.

“Don’t tell me you like this,” Ben scoffed.  

“Listen City Boy,” Rey gestured to the house, “I grew up in London and then moved to New York, I watched movies and TV shows where families lived in homes like this and well,” Rey’s voice was thin, “I just wanted this.  A home with two parents who loved me.”  

“Well that’s what we’re finally getting!” Mira beamed.  “We get to live with both our Mommy and Daddy!” 

Ben’s gaze happened to land on Rey’s face and she winced.   

He knew Rey doubted his commitment to the girls and herself. 

Ben couldn’t blame her, his life until now had been devoted to money and ambition.   He couldn’t erase the past but he could change the future and he would do whatever it took to convince Rey that he could be stable and secure.  

“I can learn to like it I guess,” Ben kept his voice light.  

Rey raised her eyebrows in skepticism.  

“You’d better, cause you are going to be here awhile,” Maz was stern. “There is no outside contact with anyone, do I make myself clear?  No family, friends, no one, don’t tell anyone where you are.  We’ve even fully stocked the kitchen so you don’t have to leave the house for a few weeks.”

“When’s our stuff getting here?” Mara looked around, “I want my binoculars.”

“And I want my ballet slippers so I can dance!” Mira clapped her hands.

Ben knew the girls would likely never see their things again.  Maz had told him and Rey privately that both his apartment and hers had been ransacked with multiple items destroyed.  Whatever hadn’t been taken or destroyed was in FBI custody.

“In a week or two, I’ll take you shopping and we can buy new things,” Maz was overly cheerful.

“But my binoculars are special,” Mara protested. “Uncle Poe bought them for me from Europe.” 

“And Mommy bought my shoes! Why can’t Aunt Rose send them to us?” Mira begged, tears forming in her eyes. 

“It’s complicated,” Maz said. 

“But why?” the girls demanded simultaneously.   Ben felt bad for them.  He had hated it as a child when his mother hadn’t cared about things being lost in the move.  

Rey placed her hands on the girls’ shoulders and said gently, “Let’s talk about this later.”

“But when will we see our friends or our stuff?” Mira wiped a tear from her eye. 

“Did you know,?  Ben intervened, “When I was a kid I had to move a lot.” 

“You did?” Mira sounded surprised.

“I bet you hated it too,” Mara frowned.

“Sometimes,” Ben admitted.  “But I had my brother Poe and we’d stuck together, just like you have each other.  We tried hard to be happy wherever we went even when it was tough.”

The girls exchanged a look, “We’ll try Daddy.” 

Ben smiled at them, “Why don’t we check out the rooms?”

Maz smiled, “That’s a great idea, there’s three of them so one for your parents and one for each of you! I will be right next door.” 

“We each get our own room!” Mira and Mara were thrilled.

“So wait, we’re sharing a room?” Rey was bright red as she glanced at Ben.

“You do want to maintain the appearance of a married couple,” Maz’s voice was stern.  “That’s why I am living next door, not with you.”

Ben felt a lump in his throat at the thought that he would be sharing a bedroom and a bed with Rey.

“You always say that sharing is good Mommy, don’t you want to share your bedroom with Daddy?” Mira asked innocently. 

“Y-es,” Rey stammered, “Sharing is good.” 

Ben had to admit, he was definitely looking forward to bedtime.    The idea of Rey in bed alongside him was doing things to his cock.  He could imagine her body being pressed up against his. 

The image of Rey’s tight little ass rubbing against his cock was simply delicious.

Reality was a different matter.  

Maz ordered Chinese for dinner so they didn’t have to cook just yet and could settle in. 

Then Maz went over the alarm system and explained that four agents had eyes on them twenty four hours a day, at least for the next few months until the storm died down. There were cameras at every entrance and panic buttons in every room.  Cell phones were prohibited but there was a shared ipad they could use with firewalls etc.  

Rey gave the girls their bath while Ben did some online snooping.  He was beyond frustrated that the media was still wondering where the “Palpatine heiress” had gone off.   Maz was right, they would be here for awhile. 

Ben gave the girls a goodnight kiss and helped tuck them in.  Then he changed into boxers and a shirt, feeling restless.

He was all jitters, knowing Rey would soon be in bed with him.  She entered the room and her long legs were on display.

Ben was more than ready for her to join him.  They could touch and touching would lead to kissing and kissing would hopefully lead someone else.  Ben hadn’t slept with anyone since Bazine and even then it had been awhile with how busy work had been.  He really was ready to see where the night went. 

“So um you might not be comfortable with this but the girls want to know if they can bring their blankets into the room and camp out,” Rey looked at Ben hesitantly.  “They are very upset about their toys - “

“Say yes Daddy please!” Mira interrupted, entering the room. “Please, it can be a real slumber party!” 

Ben looked at his daughter’s brown eyes and resigned himself to another sexless night.  “Fine, it’s fine.” 

“Mara he says we can have a sleepover!” Mira called out with so much joy. 

Rey mouthed “Thank you,” and crawled into bed.  “Sorry, they are used to cuddling with me all the time.  Are you sure you are okay with this?”  Her eyes searched his face worriedly. “I mean I know this is a far cry from what you are used to.”

Ben dropped his voice, “Truthfully I was looking forward to being alone with you and seeing where things went.  I want you Rey and I want us.” 

Rey glanced at the door frame; Mira had disappeared.  She turned to Ben and her hazel eyes met his brown ones with weariness, “I know Ben but I’m not in the right frame of mind, I’m just too afraid for the girls to be thinking of anything else.” 

Guilt flooded Ben, he had been so interested in getting into Rey’s pants he’d forgotten about her emotions and how she must be dealing with all of this.

“I’m sorry,” Ben blurted out.  “I didn’t think about how hard this is on you.  In the past few weeks we’ve reconnected, dealt with my overbearing mother and crazy Uncle and now we’re in danger and have been relocated halfway across the country. Whatever you need me to do it’s fine, I promise.” 

Rey leaned in and her lips brushed Ben’s cheek causing his heart to palpitate. “Thank you for saying that.” 

Ben then leaned over to Rey’s cheek and kissed her cheek so his lips brushed against the corner of her mouth. 

Rey’s eyes met his again and Ben could feel it, they were on the verge of another kiss.  He cradled Rey’s face in his hand and bent his lips towards her.  Rey closed her eyes, granting Ben permission.   He leaned in and was just about to kiss her when he heard a voice. 

“Ew no more kissing please,” Mara glared at her parents. “I don’t ever want to see that.”

To Ben’s surprise Rey jumped off the bed and hugged Mara, “How about a kiss from me?”

“I guess that’s okay,” Mara allowed Rey to hug her and Ben saw her arms creep around her Mom.  

For just a moment Ben saw that Mara was more vulnerable than she looked and he knew that this whole thing really had shaken his kids. 

Mira came into the room with her blankets and exclaimed, “Hey I want a hug too.” She dropped the bedding on the floor and leaned into her sister and Mom, then to Ben’s surprise she demanded, “Come on Daddy, we all need a hug.”  

Ben glanced at Mara who peered at him, “I guess you can get a hug too, but no kissing.” 

“Understood,” Ben grinned. 

Suddenly he was being hugged by both his daughters and Rey had a huge grin on her face.  

“Okay, okay,” Ben ruffled both of their heads, “My Grandmother used to make hot cocoa for me when I stayed with her,  maybe we can stay up late and make some.” 

“Really? Mommy can we?” Mira pleaded.

“Just this once,” Rey nodded. 

“Can we eat popcorn and watch a movie too?” Mara asked, “You did say we aren’t going to school for a few weeks.”

“Alright allright,” Rey laughed, exchanging a smile with Ben.

It turned out Ben didn’t share a bed with anyone that night but instead fell asleep on the couch with Rey’s head on one shoulder and Mira against his other side.  Mara had fallen asleep on Rey. 

It wasn’t what he had dreamed but maybe it was better.

*********************

“Hey Mira,”  Mara whispered, “Come with me.”

Mira looked at her parents who were fast asleep, “What are we doing?”

“I have an idea to get our stuff back,” Mara said softly.

“You do! You’re the best,” Mira whispered.

“Well come on,” Mara motioned for her sister to follow her.   

The two went upstairs to the laptop.  

“Mommy and Daddy had to turn their phones in but I think I can use the computer to send Aunt Rose a message about our stuff,” Mara said. 

“Really, you can do that?” Mira was ecstatic.

“Yep, just give me a second,” Mara had watched her Dad enter the password to the ipad and knew it.  “I’ll just login to Mommy’s facebook and send a message.” 

“And we’ll have our stuff!” Mira clapped her hands. “Do you know our address?” 

“Of course I know our address,” Mara shook her head, “The numbers on the outside of the house and the street is called Varykino, nobody can forget that.”

“Can you do it, can you get on Facebook?” Miri was impatient. 

“I did it,” Mara smiled, “Got on it - now we need my binoculars, your ballet slippers, my bug book and archery set -"

“And all of our stuffed animals, plus my paints,” Mira instructed.

“That’s a lot of stuff,” Mara wrinkled her nose.

“Aunt Rose loves us,  she’ll help us out,” Mira was confident.

******************

Rose handed her Father In Law her ipad with the message from the twins on it. 

Brendol smiled, “Now that wasn’t so hard was it?”

“I want my kid and husband back,” Rose demanded, slamming her fists on Brendol’s desk.  “Let them go, now.” 

“All in good time my dear, for you see Shadow isn’t quite done with you yet.” 

“I could go to the police,” Rose hissed.

“And spend the rest of your life in jail,” Brendol taunted her, “I hardly think so, for Armitage will be arrested too and I know you’d do anything to protect him.  It appears that for the time being, you will just have to keep talking to the twins.” 

“You have their address, what more do you want?” Rose spat.  

“You’ll see,” Brendol smirked.

Chapter Text

Ben had always lived a busy life with every minute belonging to someone else, first his mother, then Snoke, and for the past few years the company. 

Yet in a matter of days Ben had realized the girls and Rey were all that mattered and here he was living a life where despite being in protective custody, felt like his own.  

Like most mornings, today Ben woke up to the sun in his eyes and Rey's body pressed against his frame.  At first there had been plenty of distance in bed between the two but slowly but surely Rey was relaxing around Ben and would touch him with affection and had even taken to cuddling in bed with him. It had become routine to kiss each other good night and Ben enjoyed the sweet taste of Rey's lips. They hadn't moved to sex; Ben wanted Rey to initiate it so he knew she really truly wanted it and not just a moment of lust. He'd never been so careful with anyone's heart before but he knew this was his last shot with Rey.

Despite his self restraint Ben would never stop letting Rey know his feelings. As he left the bed, he gently pressed a kiss along Rey's hairline.

"Morning Ben," Rey mumbled with a smile as she uncurled between the sheets.

"Pancakes?" Ben suggested knowing they were her favorite.

"Chocolate chip and blueberry would be good," Rey sat up and stretched. "I'll make coffee."

Ben snorted, he'd lived with Rey and the girls for two months but it had taken just one day to learn that she couldn't make coffee properly. 

"I'll make coffee, you get the girls up," Ben laughed.

"I'd bet you anything that Mara is already down there ready to cook with her Dad," Rey said knowingly. 

"Well I'd bet you anything that Mira is dead to the world because you let her talk you into watching Frozen for the billionth time," Ben never ceased to be amazed at Mira or Rey's ability to watch the same movie over and over again and still shed tears.   Especially Rey as she wasn't someone who cried often, but kids' movies always seemed to affect her.

Rey grinned, "It's Saturday so you know, a no school night.  Staying up is allowed."

Ben rolled his eyes, "Our kids are in virtual school so that's a poor excuse."  Maz had insisted the girls stay at home until they knew for sure they were really safe.

Today would be a true test. 

"I like it when you say that," Rey glanced at Ben in a way that made his heart pound.

"Say what?" Ben kept his tone light but stepped closer to the bed.

"Say "our" kids," Rey's voice was warm and her eyes shone.

"They are "our" kids," Ben said firmly.

Rey slid her arms around Ben's neck and very gently pressed her lips against his, "I know." 

The kiss made Ben's cock hard and filled him with the undeniable urge to jump back in bed with Rey and take her.  He wanted her so badly.   His whole body ached for her beauty and he could imagine the pleasure found in exploring every inch of her beneath the sheets. 

Yet Ben broke apart from Rey and said gently, "I'll go get breakfast started."

A flash of disappointment crossed Rey's face. "Ben," Rey glanced at him, "I think...." her voice trailed off.

Ben's heart beat steadily. "You think what?' He asked softly keeping his eyes on hers.

Rey bit her lip and then said slowly, "I think maybe the girls could stay the night with Maz if you well, I mean, well if you want to ...."

"I'll ask her, if you're sure," Ben could barely breath. 

"I'm sure," Rey vowed.

A smile crept on Ben's face, he would make this evening perfect, "I'll talk to her today when we are in town."

Finally Rey was letting him in.

************

Mara was downstairs in the kitchen frowning, "What took you so long Dad?"

Ben smirked, "Nothing sunshine, ready to cook?"

"Always, but no more fruit and chocolate pancake combos, it's just gross."

Ben had to laugh, Mara was his harshest critic in the kitchen.

"How did you know I was making pancakes?" Ben ruffled Mara's hair.

"Because it's Saturday and you always make pancakes on a Saturday for Mom," Mara stated as if this was obvious.

"You know Maz is taking us out into town today right?" Ben changed the subject.

Mara smiled, "I'm so excited, we have been in this house for ten weeks exactly! I can't wait. Is it safe for real?"

"Maz and the agency haven't spotted anyone," Ben assured Mara, "If today goes well you might even be able to start school."

"And start my karate lessons?" Mara bounced on her feet,  excitement shining in her dark eyes.

"Hopefully kiddo," Ben squeezed her shoulder.  

While the past ten weeks had helped Ben connect with his kids and Rey, he was also pretty desperate for a taste of the outside world.  Maz visited them daily but besides a few chats with neighbors, Ben hadn't spoken to anyone. 

"So ee are going shopping in Theed and out to a yummy lunch at the Cantina?" Mara demanded.

Ben shook his head, "Of course you would focus on lunch."

"Food is one of my favorite things," Mara opened up the fridge and pulled out the eggs, milk and butter to emphasize her point.

"Nah really," Ben joked.

"Hey you're a foodie too," Mara jabbed him in his stomach.

Ben looked down at where his former six pack was growing into a dad pack and sighed, "Yes I do."

*******

Later that morning, Maz pulled Ben and Rey to the side before they left for town and handed them each a gun.

"I couldn't," Rey protested and looked at Ben for support. "I mean those days are long past."

"I thought you said this was all safe," Ben frowned. "I mean we aren't walking into a trap or anything."

Maz sighed, "I'm not saying either or you will need to use these but I just feel better, okay.  Everything is clear, you should be totally safe."

"Are you sure?" Rey glanced at Maz.

"I would never send you and your girls in the line of danger," Maz assured Rey.

Still Ben hoped that Maz knew what she was talking about.   The threat of danger was real despite all the best risk assessments.

"Then I don't need this," Rey handed the pistol back to Maz.  "I want to enjoy this time with my family, and I won't if I'm carrying a gun."

Maz turned to Ben, "Please don't tell me you don't need one either?"

Ben hesitated but knew ultimatley he'd rather to be in a position to protect his family, "I'll take one."

"Seriously?" Rey sighed.

"Just let me feel like I'm doing something," Ben told her.

"Fine," Rey threw her hands up. She turned to the girls, "Off the ipad, let's go!"

"Just one second Mom!" Mira promised as she appeared to be typing something.

Ben was a little curious at this but figured she must be playing ABC mouse or something.

The family headed into town in the Surburban that had been purchased for them, Ben had never imagined driving a car like this.  Still it felt great to be behind the wheel.  Theed had a little town square with shops and restaurants and an area that must be idyllic at Christmas.  

"There's a bookstore here," Mira clapped her hands delighted, "Can we go in Mom, please!" 

"Absolutely," Rey laughed looking more content than she had in a long time.

As the girls piled into the bookstore Maz meandered around and the two guards who watched their house sat outside on a bench.  

Rey started looking through books and Ben was pleased to see she had a rather spicy novel in her hands.

"Something to get you in the mood?" Ben nabbed the novel right out of her hands.

Rey glared at him and it was adorable, "Give that to me now, all we have in our house is National Geographic and Amish Romance Novels, I need something more."

"What about Amazon?" Ben teased holding the novel above her head.

"Benjamin, give me the novel now - " Rey protested and tried to grab it by standing on tip toe.

"Or what?" Ben smirked.  He stepped into her space, towering over her. "What will you do?" He couldn't keep the huskiness out of his tone.

"What are you doing?" Mara and Mira's voices chimed together, breaking the spell.

Ben backed away from Rey and handed her the book, "Um you guys ready?"

"We need to go clothes shopping next, Daddy," Mira informed him. 

"Sure," Ben said grateful for the change of subject, "We can get you new stuff."

"Oh I don't need new clothes Daddy, you do, " Mira said and took his hand. 

Ben turned to Rey who just laughed and shrugged.

"What exactly do I need to buy?" Ben demanded.

"A baseball cap for your hair, jeans and plaid shirts, that way you look like a Dad!" Mira explained.

"Get tennis shoes too!" Mara glared at Ben's shoes.

"Agreed, you kinda look like Mr. Rodgers," Maz chimed in.

Ben put his hand over his heart, "Ouch."

Rey snorted and placed her arm around Ben's sweater clad waist, "Yes but he's our Mr. Rodgers and we love him.  Let your Dad pick out his own clothes."

Ben had been happy before but never like this, he loved his little family so much.

********

Maybe Ben should have noticed how excited Mara and Mira were to go to lunch, but he thought it was just excitement for being out for the first time, not anything else.  But the moment he stepped into Theed Diner he knew something was wrong.

For starters, it was empty, well almost empty.

Rose and Armie were sitting at a table and before Ben could even blink the twins ran to them.

Ben felt his heart still.   This was not supposed to happen, not at all.

"Did you bring our toys Aunt Rose?" Mira asked.

"Sure did sweetheart," Rose said. 

"What is this?" Rey demanded. 

Rose had her arms around Mira and Armie's hands rested on Mara's shoulders.  

"We just need you and Ben to step outside for a bit," Rose's voice was overly cheerful. "Just for a second."

"My Dad just wants to have a word with you," Armitage's voice was strained, "Just something he wants to take care of, the girls can stay with us and look at their toys."

"I think we should go with them," Mara protested and then Armitage tightened his grip on her.

"Let her go Armitage," Ben spat, "Just let them both go."  He could see the girl's faces of joy turn to fear.

"We can't do that," Rose said, "You see my father in law has our son and we don't know where he is," her voice cracked, "We love your girls and will see that no harm comes to them, but Rey, Ben, you need to go outside now.  Because if you don't, this place will be filled with Palpatine's men and I can't promise you that no one will get hurt."

"Maz!" Rey yelled.

The doorbell chimed and a man Ben recognized as Henry Pryde walked in.  Ben had worked with the man in London and knew Henry was a cold killer.  A knot formed in his chest.

 "I'm afraid your friend Maz is a little indisposed."  Henry chuckled, "She tried to call for backup but thankfully I stopped her.

Rey grew white as a sheet and Ben calculated his options.  He had to save the girls but he also had to save Rey. 

"I'd say it was nice to see you Kylo Ren, but you always were too good to be useful," Henry sneered. "Too much of a moral compass."

Henry walked up to Rey and looked her up and down in a way that made Ben want to break every bone in his body. "If it isn't the little girl from Plutt's all grown up, I've heard you are quite talented, why don't you come and work for us again darling?" Henry winked.

"Over my dead body," Rey spat.

"Oh that could be arranged," Henry pulled out a gun that Ben was sure was illegal in all fifty states.

Where the hell was everyone, surely Palpatine hadn't killed all of the backup.

"Leave my mommy alone," Mara twisted Hux's hand and gave him a kick that landed him on his ass. 

Henry pointed the pistol straight at Mara, "You little brat."

"Don't you dare," Rose screamed, "She's a kid!"

With the fury of a madman Ben shot straight at Henry,  gripping the pistol with all his might, no one was gonna touch his kid, no one. 

But not before Rey stepped in the way of Mara.

The bullet hit Rey's side and she crumpled to the floor

Chapter Text

It all happened so fast, Ben saw Rey crumple in front of him and felt his heart turn cold.

"Nooooooo!" His voice screamed and he ran to her, kneeling down on the floor.   Rey was bleeding and unconscious, her head having hit the floor as she fell.   Ben tore off his sweater and then his undershirt, not caring that he was stripped down.   He tore his undershirt into shreds and bound up Rey's wound.  Then he cradled her body in his arms, feeling as if his world was shattered.

"Mommy," Mira sobbed, reminding Ben that he wasn't alone in his grief.

"Mom, wake up, please wake up, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry!" Mara cried sitting next to Rey and taking her hand. "Please get better."

There were sirens blazing in the background, someone must have alerted the police.  Ben hoped they were fast enough, Rey needed attention now.

"Are they outside the door?" Ben turned to Armitage furious, "Will they shoot at Rey and I if go outside the door?"

"Ben I can't - I think - " Armitage stuttered. "This wasn't supposed to happen."

"There are six of them," Rose glanced at Rey, "and six more at the back entrance.  This was a full scale mission, I don't think... I don't think he expected any of us to come out alive."

"Rey needs help now," Ben glared at Rose, "She could died, not that you care. But every second matters."

"Poe is on his way with back up," Rose said, "And an ambulance."

Armitage turned around to his wife, "What?"

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry but in what universe was your father ever going to let us go?" Rose had tears streaming down her cheeks. "He's ruled us our whole lives Armie, when Poe figured out I was a double agent - I made a deal, for both of us, I couldn't tell you cause I knew you'd crack."

Ben couldn't really care less about the Huxes' marital problems, "How soon Rose?"

Rose glanced at her phone, "They've take out three in the back, any minute now.  As soon as they take out the other three you are good to go.  The ambulance is there."

That was all Ben needed, "I'm taking her outside." 

"Damn it Ben," Hux said.  "They other three will shoot and kill you."

"Well then you better make sure they don't," Ben growled.  "Cover me and the girls and I might just testify on your behalf." 

"Come on," Rose motioned to Ben.

Ben didn't entirely trust Rose at all but with Rey's pulse slowing and her face a deathly pale, what choice did he have.

They all darted out towards the back where sure enough there was some fire exchange but there was also an ambulance.

"You know maybe I should keep the girls with - " Rose started to suggest.

"No, they stay with me," Ben glared at her, "I'm sorry Rose but no."

"This is suicide," Armitage shook his head.

Ben held up his own gun, "Fine, let's get another one and then we'll make a break for it. But let's hurry a little.  I'm guessing those two guys are yours." He gestured to the two men aiming at the ambulance.

"Yeah," Armitage groaned.

Still holding Rey in his arms, Ben cocked his gun and shot at one of Pryde's men.  Rose fired a backup shot and the man hit the ground.   Suddenly the remaining two men had their eyes on the kitchen door.

"Stay right here," Ben barked to the twins. "And close your eyes, now.  This is exactly what I didn't want happening."

"I'm scared Dad," Mara admitted. 

"Mommy would want us to be brave," Mira said crying, "We have to be brave."

"Listen," Ben told the girls, "Just stay right here until I tell you to run, okay."  

Rose took a few more shots as Ben was talking.

"Okay,'" the girls said.

"Fuck, I'm out," Rose cried.

"Well that's a problem," a man with a beard came into the kitchen, "Didn't name you for a traitor Hux."

Shit, there was an agent in the kitchen and two outside, Ben was never going to get to the hosptital.  He felt his blood pressure heighten, he was terrified.  Rey needed help now.

Hux lifted up his pistol to shoot at the man but before he could the man hit the floor.

Maz stood behind the man with a frying pan in her hand.  She looked a little worse for wear with her arm in a sling but was fine besides that.  "Come on, we've got a medivacin the front.  It's all clear."

Ben sighed in relief and followed her.

He carried Rey to the back of the helicopter.

"We're taking her to Chicago,"  the pilot explained.

"Can we come with Mommy too?" Mira asked.

"Sorry, no kids," an dark haired rather large EMT said.

"Please," Mara pleaded.

"Let them, on my orders, Poe Dameron - Solo, FBI,"  Poe appeared seemingly out of nowhere.

"It's not standard procedure sir," the EMT protested.

"Oh just let them, the kids can sit on his lap," the other EMT said, she was blonde and had a huge smile. "Just chill Snap."

"Fine Tallie, but this is on you," Snap rolled his eyes.

"Poe -" Ben had never been so glad to see his brother and had so many questions.

"I'll see you later at the hospital after we clean up here, " Poe nodded at Ben.

Ben did indeed hold Mara and Mira on his lap the whole time as the EMTS worked on Rey. 

Finally they got to the hospital and Rey was rushed to the ICU.

Kids were not allowed in the ICU and the twins were not having it.

"But we have to see Mom," Mara screamed, "I want to see Mom."

Ben had no idea what to do,  even when Poe came and offered to watch the kids Mara and Mira were inconsolable.  Ben really wanted to be by Rey's side but the twins would not let him go.

"You can't leave us Daddy, please," Mira cried.

"Please don't go," Mara demanded.

This was beyond frustrating.  

So Ben camped out in the waiting room with the girls and they waited for any updates. 

He finally got news that a bullet had pierced Rey's lung and they had performed surgery to remove it.  The surgery was successful but Rey was still unconscious, she'd hit her head pretty hard.

The hospital let Ben and the girls shower and stay the family waiting area in the ICU.   They got food in the canteen and Poe joined them for breakfast the next day.

The girls still wouldn't let Ben go anywhere without them.

"I get it," Poe said to Ben, "Think of the trauma they've been through. Seeing their mom shot and everything afterwards. They will need to talk to someone Ben."

"This is exactly why I never wanted a family," Ben admitted quietly to Poe. "I never wanted to drag kids and a wife through the family business. But I did and now my daughters are suffering." He glanced at Mira and Mara who were silent as they slowly ate the hospital breakfast and pretended to watch the cartoons showing.  Ben felt the tears fighting to get out.

Poe clapped Ben's back, "You're a good man Ben, and a good father.  True it's horrible what they've been through but they've got someone whose been through it to comfort them. You can do this."

"What if I lose her," Ben choked, "What if she doesn't wake up? I love her Poe, these girls love her, I just can't do this if she's not here."

Poe didn't say a word but embraced Ben, brother to brother.

Suddenly the girls were hugging them too, "We want to be hugged too."

Ben hugged both his girls.  He didn't know how he would make it, but for their sakes he had too.

***********

A day later Rey still hadn't woken up and Ben hadn't managed to see her. 

It was driving him insane but he knew Rey would want him to be there for the girls.

It was Leia of all people who made it easier.

Leia Organa showed up to the hospital as if she were a regent.   Han was with her and both of the girls ran to him, "Grandpa!"

"I'm sorry son," Han said awkwardly, "So sorry."

"Well how is she?" Leia demanded. "Has she managed to get herself better yet?"

Ben was tired and emotionally drained and snapped, "She's as good as she was two days ago, not that I've seen her.  She's in the ICU still."

Leia peered at him, "And why haven't you seen her?"

"Cause he has to stay with us to protect us!" Mira folded her arms over her chest.

"We want him here," Mara glared at Leia.

Ben waited for the brilliant cutting comment his mom was sure to give.

"Well that's too bad, I guess he can't give any messages to your mom then," Leia shrugged. "I mean if he went to see your mother he could tell her how much you missed her and loved her and it might just make her feel better but if you don't want him to go I guess he can't tell her that."

"Do you think that would help?" Mira pondered.

"Who will protect us when Dad is gone?" Mara frowned.

"We will, and let me tell you, we can do a very good job of it," Han said. 

Ben held his breath.

"Well okay, if you think it would really help mommy," Mira sighed.

"Do you really think you can protect us?" Mara eyed her grandparents. "You are old."

"Young lady, we may be old, but we a force to be reckoned with and you don't forget it," Leia scolded her.

"Fine," Mara conceded.

"Would you tell Mommy this is our fault and we're sorry," Mira wiped tears from her eyes, "If we hadn't talked to Aunt Rose, Mommy would be okay."

Well that was something Ben was going to have to unravel.  But he would worry about that later.

"This is not your fault," Leia snapped. "This is my fault for not - well - for not being more diligent about a lot of things."

Ben stared at his mother in shock.  Han winked.

"Now go see her," Leia barked at Ben.

Ben hugged the girls and went into the ICU.

Rey was laying on the bed, an IV hooked up to her, bandages wrapped around her frame, looking so fragile.  There was a bruise on her face and she wore a breathing apparatus.  It hurt Ben's heart to see her like this.  What if this was her reality, for always? 

Poe belived he could do this on his own, but Ben really didn't want to go there.  He needed Rey more than anything. 

Ben gently took her hand, "I love you Rey sweetheart, so very much. You mean the world to me and I miss you and the girls miss you, everyone misses you."

To Ben's great shock, Rey stirred and sat up, "even your mother?"

"You're awake?" Ben stared at the love of his life in disbelief. What? How? Why? "You're okay?" 

Rey smiled at him and squeezed his hand.

"She's been awake for an hour, but we wanted to monitor for a bit before we let you know," a nurse entered the room.  "Her vitals look good, we'll keep her overnight here for one more night and then move her to another wing tomorrow if all is well."

"They said all of you can come visit me there," Rey laced her fingers through his, "I want to see the girls so much."

"They want to see you," Ben choked, He felt as if the universe finally gave a damn. "I'm so happy you are okay, unbelievably happy," he wiped a few tears from his eyes.

"For the record, I love you too," Rey said softly.

Chapter Text

Less than twenty - four hours later Rey was moved to a regular room and the girls and Ben were able to join her for dinner.  Not that Mara or Mira could eat, they were way too excited.

"We missed you Mommy - so very much!" Mira said.

"I'm so sorry we told Aunt Rose what we were doing, I really am," Mara looked shamefaced. "I didn't know she was bad."

Rey of course, handled this beautifully.

"You trusted Aunt Rose and I understand that it made sense to trust her again.  You also really missed your toys and New York and I understand that too, just know that when Dad and I tell you to follow the rules, it really is the best," Rey's voice was very gentle, "you should also be very careful when an adult asks you to keep a secret."

"Are you mad at us?" Mira's voice was anxious and her lip trembled.

"You can punish us if you need to," Mara's voice was resigned.

"Well, I think you learned your lesson but we learned a lesson too," Rey glanced at Ben.

"What's that?" Mira wrinkled her nose.

"No ipad unless Mom or I are beside you," Ben said sternly, "And I think a break from the ipad for two weeks is fair enough."   He and Rey had discussed this at length and realized they needed some new guidelines. 

"We understand," the girls said in unison.

"How long do you have to be here?" Mara wanted to know.

"The rest of the week, they want to monitor my head and my lungs just to be sure I'm okay, but I'll be out soon," Rey assured them.

"Daddy is doing a good job of taking care of us," Mira smiled at Ben.

"I'm sure he is," Rey glanced at Ben with fondness, "I think we'll keep him around."

"Does that mean you guys are going to get married?" Mara looked at both of her parents.

Rey prettily blushed but kept silent.

Ben cleared his throat, "When we decide that, you'll be the first to know, I promise." 

Truth was, Ben wanted nothing more but right now Rey just needed to get better.

"Great and then we can have a baby sister," Mira grinned.

Mara frowned, "No we need a baby brother, not a sister."

"Well than we can have both, Daddy can just give Mommy another set of twins," Mira suggested.

Ben practically choked on his coffee.

"How's everyone?" Poe's voice was a welcome interruption. 

**************

Leia and Han took the girls back to the Hotel they were staying at so Ben and Rey could catch up with Poe.  The girls were feeling a little more secure now that Rey was up and Ben really didn't want them around for the conversation.  He'd been to distraught to properly talk to him earlier but Ben needed to know the truth.

"So how long have you worked for the FBI?" Ben demanded. 

"Three years," Poe admitted, "I suspected something was up with Rose awhile ago as well as Uncle Luke and Mom was in no mood to listen so I went to them."

"Why didn't you tell me?" Ben ran his fingers through his hair.  He was glad to see his brother but he felt a little hurt at being so left out.  "I mean you knew about Dad, knew Luke was up to something and even knew Rey, why all the secrecy?"

Poe put his hands in the air, "To be fair I didn't know about Rey and you or the girls being yours,  I suspected more than once but never really knew."

"Why didn't you say anything if you suspected it?" Rey demanded.  

"Exactly," Ben frowned, he would have been able to reconcile with Rey and be in the girls' lives much sooner.

Poe grimaced, "To be honest I didn't think you were ready Ben.  You were so sold on being in charge of the company and that was all that mattered to you.  Maybe it wasn't fair to you, but four months ago you were commitment phobic and it just seemed improbable.  Why stir the pot?"

"But you told me just yesterday that I'm a good dad," Ben shook his head, "Was all that made up to make me feel better?"  There was a lot of truth in what Poe said but it made Ben insecure about his current parenting.

"I meant what I said, you are a good dad," Poe explained, "You've stepped up to the plate in really tough circumstances.  But I knew you had to meet Rey and her kids to even have a chance, I couldn't just tell you about them or your job would be first.  But in order to meet them you had to be in New York and to do that I had to leave.  I couldn't leave until I had what I wanted."

"What did you want?" Rey looked at Poe warily, "what was more important that us being a family?"

"Rose's trust for starters, I knew she worked for Shadow and I had to convince her to betray her father in law if need be," Poe grimaced, "She reluctantly agreed to keep my card finally - although she didn't use it until after Brendol kidnapped her son.  She splilled her guts after that and agreed to go through with setting up a meeting with  the girls -"

"Wait, excuse me," Ben turned on his brother, "YOU KNEW MY KIDS WERE TALKING WITH AN AGENT FROM SHADOW AND YOU DID NOTHING TO STOP IT?"  He'd never been so tempted to beat his brother up.

Rey looked gobsmacked, "You knew?"

"Of course I knew, we know everything you do on that Ipad," Poe sighed, "But before you murder me, remember that it wasn't my decision to let the kids be used as bait but my bosses and it was the only way we could think of to draw Shadow out.  Between Rose's and Armitage's willingness to talk and arresting four Shadow agents on the scene alive we were able to locate arrest Brendol and Enric Pyrde.  Shadow is no more, you guys are safe now. " Poe assured them, "We've been trying to nail Pryde and Brendol for years."

"Rey and my daughters almost died in the process though," Ben glared at Poe and practically spat.  "I mean come on Poe couldn't there have been a better way?"

Rey put her hand on Ben's arm, "It's okay, I'm okay, the girls are okay."

"You're really okay with this?" Ben wasn't, "I almost lost you," he tenderly placed his hands on Rey's face, "You could have died."

"But I didn't," Rey met his eyes with pure love, "I am okay and so our the girls."

"So we are all okay?" Poe asked hesitantly.

Rey glared at him, "We are okay but if you ever put my girls in danger again, I don't care what your boss says, you're a dead man Dameron.  This is your one mess up."

"Got it," Poe gulped. "Finn wants me to resign from the FBI now anyway so we can start a family."

"Good idea," Ben hissed. He wasn't as quick to forgive as as Rey.

"So what's going to happen to Rose and Hux?" Rey asked.

"Because Rose talked first, she's being placed in a High Security white collar prison," Poe explained, "Her sentence was five years but I suspect it will be lessened with good behavior, she did a lot of internet stalking and money transfers but never killed anyone. Armie has killed a few so he's got fifteen years, his lawyer is hoping to reduce it to ten but being Brendol's firstborn isn't doing him any favors."

"What about Brandon?" Rey sounded truly concerned about the Hux's son.

"He was found safe but pretty shaken," Poe admitted. "His Aunt Paige and Uncle Nodin have custody of him."

"Rose and I were such good friends and I never suspected any of this, I feel so stupid," Rey admitted.

"Rose had no idea who Armitage's father was when they married Rey," Poe told her.  "Armitage had tried to distance himself from his dad but once they had Brandon, Brendol used him to control Rose and Armitage over and over again. You know you would do anything for the girls, put yourself in their shoes."

Ben could understand that. 

"So what about Luke, what's his part in all of this?" he demanded.

"He's seized total control of the company," Poe sighed. "It's what he's always wanted.  I don't know, it's not like he has anyone to leave it to or anything but I think he never really forgave Mom for being raised in wealth when he was raised in poverty."

"I can't believe I'm saying this but maybe we should just let the company go," Ben sighed. "I mean you have Finn, I have Rey and the girls, surely we can get other jobs doing other things."

"Maybe you are right," Poe agreed.

"So we're just gonna let Luke Skywalker win then?" Rey glanced between them, "This company belongs to both of you, and to our kids and to Poe's future kids, Bloody hell no. We're gonna get that wanker right where it hurts. There is no way he's taking this away from you. "

Poe and Ben looked at her.

"What exactly are you suggesting we do?" Ben sputtered.

"Call you're mother, if there's anything she's good at, it's scheming."

Chapter Text

The next few weeks were busy for Ben as he had to take on a lot of responsibility regarding the girls that had previously been shared with Rey.  Rey was finally released from the hospital after another week but she needed eight weeks of physical and occupational therapy so the easiest thing was to stay in Chicago until therapy was over.  

The day Rey was finally cleared Ben was relieved.  The rest of the family minus the girls was back east and he felt the need to be part of the action.   Despite his mother's best efforts, little progress had been made.   Ben, Rey and the girls were to fly out the next morning to join everyone.

Ben had said good night to the girls and was checking the suitcases to make sure he had everything except for the few items he would need for the flight.

Rey came into the bedroom, and sat on the edge of the bed.

"Are you all packed or do you need anything?" Ben asked, "I left your toiletries on the counter as well as a changed of clothes."

"Ben, why don't you sit down," Rey patted the mattress beside her.

But Ben was still mentally checking things off his list, "I packed both of the girl's cases and Maz said they are sending a car for us at eight just as a precaution and -"

"Benjamin, while I am extremely impressed with your packing skills, sit down," Rey insisted with a glint in her eye.

Ben paused and licked his lips, "Are you wanting what I think you are wanting?" His whole body thrummed in anticipation and he sat down beside her.  He was very aware of their nearness.

Rey nodded, "I was cleared for everything today, I know the girls are next door and that Maz is down the hall and you have a billion - "

But Ben shut Rey up with his lips before she could say another world as he pulled her down on the bed.   The kiss was full of passion as he kissed Rey like a man starved.  Her lips were sweet and the way they parted and let him in.  Soon he was peeling off his shirt and Rey's joined his on the the floor. 

Rey helped Ben out of his boxers and Ben eagerly slid off her shorts.  He towered over Rey who was wearing a very cute and sexy lace set.

"You planned this?" Ben's eyes darkened as he drank Rey's toned body in. 

"I did," Rey admitted, blushing, "Is that alright?"

Ben's thumbs brushed the line of lace that ran around Rey's hips and waste, caressing her skin, "It's more than okay, you're beautiful. So beautiful," Ben was so pleased that Rey had dressed like this for him.

"I'm not nineteen anymore," Rey looked at Ben nervously, "I mean I have a few stretch marks."

Ben gently kissed Rey's stomach,  smoothing it with hand, his eyes met hers,"It's perfect the way it is."

Rey drew a sharp breath when Ben's mount met the top of her breasts. 

With deliberate care, Ben unhooked Rey's bra, continuing his trail of kisses.  His mouth found a nipple and Rey's fingers dug into his shoulders,

"Ben," Rey moaned.

Ben's cock hardened and he used his tongue and lips to bring Rey's nipple into peak perfection.  His other hand found the other breast and he flicked his fingers against that nipple so that both were treated well.  He could feel Rey shift her hips and knew that dampness was setting in.

"You like this baby?" Ben growled.

"So much," Rey squirmed.

"You'll like this even more," Ben's eyes were dark as he slid her underwear off and over her thighs.   His fingers dipped into her clit, "You're so wet," he murmured, "So ready for me."

Rey pulled him in for a kiss, her eyes full of promise as her hands wrapped around his neck, "I want you to keep touching me there Ben, I want you to touch me with you fingers and then your lips and then," her fingers drifted to his boxers.  Rey's finger danced over his still clothed stem and head, "I want to feel all of you."

Who was Ben to deny his lover?

Still meeting Rey's eyes, he increased his finger count, watching her face as three fingers slid in," Hold on," Ben started to pump, feeling his boxers tighten as his cock swelled even more.

He moved his fingers steadily against Rey's clit, knowing with certainty that he was hitting that sweet spot by the moans escaping her lips. Her naked skin under his was divine, the intimacy between then finally complete after all the distance they endured.

Ben could feel Rey clench around his fingers and he withdrew them.

"Ben...." a whine escaped Rey's lips.

"Sweet girl, I need to taste you," Ben winked and pressed his mouth against her lower lips.  

He suckled her entrance, running his tongue along the spot that would make her melt completely.  His hands caressed her upper things as he dipped his nose and pressed it against the apex of her pleasure.

Ben could feel Rey's hands on his curls, "Please!"

Ben was more than ready.

His hands moved to Rey's hips and he met her eyes, "Are you ready love?"

Rey nodded, her gaze full of heat.

Ben positioned himself so his cock lined up with Rey's clit and he felt the sweetness of her folds as his cock was enveloped.  "Hang in their," he said as he watched Rey's eyes widen.

Then he started to pump, making sure he was hitting Rey's spot, he felt that she was so close to orgasm, the way to she clung to him and gasp with every entrance.  It felt so good to be this close to her, to know he was making her desperate, to feel his cock in someone who mattered,

"You almost there?," Ben asked.

Rey nodded, the sweat glistening on her face, "Almost."

"I want you there," Ben promised and began to pump with a vengance, it felt so good, so very good. They were both kissing each other and panting, needy for each other, and needy for this.  Finally it came, Ben could feel Rey unravel beneath him as her body writhed.  His cock cooperated as he released into her, finally finding release.

They collapsed beside each other, "I love you," Ben stroked her cheek.

"I love you too," Rey's eyes shone."You know I'm not on anything."

"I know," Ben smiled and his hand drifted towards her stomach, "Are you okay with that, because we can do something now?" He wanted a baby but he wanted to make sure Rey did too.

"I'm okay with that," Rey grinned and Ben knew she meant it.

Ben kissed her and decided that maybe just maybe it was time to go ring shopping. 

He better consult the experts though,  Mara and Mira would never forgive him if he left them out.

The phone rang, breaking up the couple's bliss, it was Poe, "My badge along Mom's doesn't work anymore, we have no more access to the company building, please tell me you are flying out in the morning."

Ben groaned, "Yeah we are."

"Good, cause we have a lot of work to do, Luke's smear campaign against Rey's heritage and Dad's criminal history has made cooperation from the board hell, Luke's really painted himself as the patron saint of the family, Mr. Perfect," Poe's tone was bitter.

"But we know he blackmailed your father," Rey protested.

"All electronic evidence of that has disappeared," Poe groaned, "It's just my dad's word against his, and nobody will hear Dad out, Mom is furious."

Ben was too, and he spouted, fuming,  "How the hell did the evidence disappear? Rey is with me and Rose is in jail, who the fuck is left to do it?"

Damn it Luke was too good, there had to be something somewhere that proved otherwise.

Six months later, Alderson Federal Prison

"I've told your brother everything," Rose sighed as she sat across the table. She looked tired and bored, 

Ben tilted his head, "About Brendol and Pryde, yes you have. But I don't think you've really told us everything."

"I testified in front of a federal judge Ben," Rose hissed clearly annoyed,  "Of course I was honest."

Ben watched Rose carefully, Poe and Rey had prepped him for this conversation, "And Luke? You told us everything about Luke?"

Rose snorted, "What is there to tell? I know nothing and I said that."

"Funnily enough though," Ben said slowly, "All of Luke's bank records were clean, there was no trace of him blackmailing my father at all, it was utterly washed, as if someone had gone in and made any damning evidence disappear."

Rose shifted in her seat, "Well I've been in here, so I couldn't tell you."

"Yeah, you see though," Ben eyed Rose, "I think you know more,"

"I really don't Solo," Rose's eyes met his in a challenge, "You need to leave now."

"How's Paige doing?" Ben asked,

"What?" Rose was baffled. "She and Brandon and Nodin are fine. Leave them out of this."

"Well, I wish I could Rose, I really wish I could," Ben sighed, "But you see I was was talking to my mother and my mother has a pretty sold memory, one of the things my mother remembered was that your sister had cancer a few years back."

Rose went white as a sheet.

"Luke insisted on giving a generous donation to help Paige with treatment I believe as it was really expensive.  Good ole Luke wanted it to be anonymous and so it's not on any tax records." Ben shrugged, "Interesting enough after the treatment Paige married Nodin and they bought a house, a really nice house, Paige stays at home i think but she um like you got a degree in IT. Funny she's not employed anywhere, she and Nodin live really well for one salary.  Brandon is lucky to have them."  Ben rattled on, aware that Rose was on the edge.

"Did you know Nodin's mom and my mom go way back, your sister's mil was very forward about how much Luke had done for Nodin and Paige which is very odd considering neither is officially employed by him."

"Just like you Rose, I'd do anything for my family," Ben met her eyes, "And my Uncle has hurt my mother, my father, my kids and the love of my life, so tell me Rose, do I need to keep looking at why my Uncle is so generous to your sister and her family? Do I need to get the fed's eyes on your sister?"

Ben could tell Rose was at war with herself.  As if she wanted to kill him but knew that one wrong step would make everything worse.

"Lumiya Brie," Rose relented.

Ben raised his eyebrows. "Who exactly is Lumiya Brie?"

"I don't know," Rose replied and Ben sensed her honesty.  "But Pay - I mean I  realized that Luke's wealth was channeled somewhere and it took a while to figure out exactly where but she owns a bank account.  She's been receiving money from him since the day your father disappeared."

Ben stared at Rose, "What? What does my father have to do with this? He's pretty clueless in all of this."  He was genuinely puzzled.

"Maybe there was a reason Han was pushed out of the picture, maybe he knew Lumiya in another life.  I don't know," Rose shrugged. "But whoever she is, she's one hell of a wealthy woman. That's all I know truly."

Ben got up from the table, "This conversation never happened. I know nothing about your sister and you never told me anything regarding my Uncle." His voice was stern, "Are we clear?"

"We're clear," Rose was stone faced again.

Ben exited the prison with haste.  He sure as hell hoped his Dad could help.

*******

Six hours later Ben, Rey, Poe, Finn and Leia sat in the living room of the Solo Summer home in Virginia.  The beach sanctuary had become a residence while the family tried to figure things out.   It was a sprawling mansion with plenty of room for every family unit to have their own space.

"Lumiya Brie?" Han frowned  "Hell if I know who that is."

"The only girl Luke ever introduced us to was Mara," Leia said, "I know he dated various women but he always kept it under wraps."

"Do you have a picture?" Han demanded.

"I can't find one," Ben admitted.

"But I will, " Rey said, "Let's locate that bank account shall we and then we'll piece this together."

Rey got lost in the world on the dark net while Ben got the girls ready for bed.   It was about one o'clock in the morning when Rey shrieked, "I found her!"

Leia had gone to bed, Poe was fast asleep in an armchair and Finn was playing chess with Han.

Ben, Han, and Finn ran to screen.

A picture of a rather attractive older woman was on the screen.

"Well shit," Han stared at the photo, "Yeah I know that is. Oh boy. Damn."

"Well who is it?" Rey, Finn, and Ben demanded.

"I knew her back in the day, she worked in well Sales for Empire, did a bit of business with her," Han coughed, "I didn't know Luke knew her but guess he did."

"But who is she?" Finn echoed Ben's frustration.

"Well for starters," Han glanced at Rey, "She's your Aunt."

"Excuse me, what?" Rey stared at Han.  "How am I just now hearing about this?"

"Palpatine had a mistress before he met your mother, Sly Moore, and well Shira as I knew her, was the result. I kinda forgot about her honestly," Han shrugged.

"Why did nobody tell me this before?" Rey looked bewildered.

"Because Palpatine never claimed her and denied paternity, and back in those days, nobody tested for that stuff," Han protested. "Sly was wealthy and powerful in the criminal world on her own and she raised Shira to be just like her."

"But why the hell would Luke give millions of dollars to this woman?" Ben couldn't just believe his uncle would willingly hand over money to a criminal unless he had a reason, "Why?"

"It's pretty obvious why!" Finn frowned.

"Huh?" Rey, Ben and Han stared at Finn.

"I mean I'm not a secret agent or smart or really anything but I'm pretty sure you only give money to someone like that if they had your child," Finn shrugged. "Luke obviously got Lumiya pregnant. He doesn't want anyone to know because of who Lumiya is but he wants his kid is to inherit everything so he's getting you all out of the way. I mean it makes sense to me."

Chapter Text

Six Weeks Later, Ocean City, Maryland

Ben shifted his sunglasses, the sun was glaring even though it was mid October.    It was a warm day and a few crazy college kids were swimming in the cold Atlantic.   Rey sat beside him with a book and they pretended to be enjoying the boardwalk like any other couple. 

"Mind if I sit here," a perky brunette chirped, setting a beach bag on the space of bench between herself and where Rey's bag sat.  

Rey nodded, not giving Jess a second glance. 

"Hi darling," Din Djarin's voice still made Ben wince.  

Din paid no attention to Ben and Rey but sat next to Jess and handed her a drink from Dumpsters.   He drank out of his own cup and dropped his voice so that it was soft enough to get lost in the crowd of tourists walking the boardwalk.  

"We found something, I don't know if it's what you're looking for but it's the best we could do without raising suspicion, the old man has already mentioned he might cut my job, he knows I was loyal to your mom," Din kept his eyes on the ocean. 

"I start a new job after Thanksgiving," Jess confessed. "I don't want to chance being unemployed, there's been talk that Luke's doing a total overhaul."

"Are you two dating?" Ben demanded.

"Ben stop it," Rey growled.

"As a matter of fact we are," Din chuckled.  "Jess and I decided to give it a go. So you can stop worrying, I'm not dumb, I know you two are it."

Ben felt far more satisfied than he should to here this admission.

Jess sighed "I don't think that's what we came here for though.  Din and took your advice and looked through the paperwork for interns and new employees over the past five years.  No red flags with new employees or interns until we came upon our summer program."

"The summer program?" Ben frowned, "Never heard of it."

"Neither have I," Rey sounded surprised, "I usually vet all applicants for programs and run a background check on them."

"We decided to check the files in the basement when we hit a wall." Din explained, "The program is small with just a few high school students spending the summer in the office sorting mail, getting coffee, etc.  It looks very innocent and all that but...." Din paused, "There is absolutely no electronic record of the program at all.  It's all old school, even the application process, and your mom had nothing to do with it, the interns all worked directly under Luke.  There's a few familiar names in program, Alfred Ackbar, Leaida Mothma, a senators son's, the mayor's daughter, etc, all high profile kids that would benefit from the prestige of a high school internship on their college app.  Most of them were a blip in our history, didn't stay long enough for anyone to get to know them. "

"Except for one," Jess continued, "Nat Rawk, a high school junior from Rhode Island who relocated to NYC to attend High School. While Nat's paperwork looks pristine, a dive into the dark web proves that his birth certificate is a fake. His real name is Nathaniel Brie."

"That son of a bitch," Ben cursed, "Finn was right, Luke is raising his own son up in the company."

"And the file is in my bag," Jess said, "Everything we could find is here.  Nat is also the only one to repeat an internship, this past summer was his second."

"But there's no mention anywhere of Luke being the kid's father?" Rey pressed, "Even on the real birth certificate."

"A copy of the certificate is in here and it's been left blank, just like Shira Brie has no father listed on hers," Din shrugged.

Ben was worried, how the hell were they going to prove what Luke was doing?  He could easily see that Luke was raising his son up in the company without actually claiming him.  The man was intent on avoiding scandal.  Luke would simply employ Nat and then groom him to be his successor.

"But how can we prove it?' Ben voiced to the group later as he and Rey sat in the living room.

"I could talk to Luke," Leia offered. "Convince him that Nat can have his share as long as my grandaughters and grandson can have theirs. "

Ben knew that wouldn't work.

"Mom he resents you and your upbringing, he won't listen to you anymore than he'll listen to me," Ben sighed.

"Maybe Luke isn't the one we talk to," Poe suggested, "Han could talk to Shira."

Han snorted, "Shira's not gonna listen to me, I stole an airplane from her."

"YOU WHAT?" Everyone turned to Han.

"It was business," Han shrugged.

Ben wondered if there was even any point anymore of trying to outwit his Uncle.

"Well we can't give up," Leia looked determined. 

Rey just looked thoughtful.

"You okay?" Ben asked her quietly.  She was sitting next to him on the couch.

"It's just crazy that I have an Aunt and a cousin out there, you know. I always thought I was alone and this whole time I had family, way before I met you and the girls were born, " Rey admitted.

Ben knew that Rey's upbringing in London had been terrible and that it would have made all the difference to have an Aunt to take care of her. 

"Do they even want to know me though? I mean my grandfather didn't even acknowledge me until the end and never acknowledged her, he truly was awful," Rey's voice sounded so sad.  Ben just pulled her in a hug despite the room full of people, "But you have me and the girls and everyone here," Ben whispered against the shell of her ear. "We are your family."

Rey snuggled into him and for just a moment the world felt right.

************

The next morning everything was wrong. 

"Ben!" Rey's voice was frantic as she ran into the bedroom.

"The girls, they left a note, they went to New York."

"What????" Ben roared.  He snatched the note from Rey's hand.  Sure enough printed in Mira's handwriting plain is day were the words, "We are going to go talk to Aunt Shira and Cousin Nat. Please don't be mad at us and please don't take away Thanksgiving cause we love the pies.  PS. Don't worry we stole the credit card so we have money."

"Pull up the online credit card statement now," Ben ordered.

Rey speedily did so, "Omg they ordered an Uber and bought train tickets last night after we went to bed. I'm going to kill them, oh and they bought breakfast from the train car, this is just great, why is nobody stopping to check two eight year olds on a train?" She shouted.

Ben shared these sentiments, "We need to fly to NYC and meet them at the station before they get kidnapped or something."  His stomach had never ached like this.

Rey looked horrified, "You think your uncle would kidnap them?"

"I think at this point our Uncle would do anything," Poe's voice interrupted them, "Come on, there's a private airport here, let's go."

Rey grabbed her purse and headed out of the room.

Ben found himself frozen in place.  He needed his girls back now.  Why oh why did they do this?  Why did they always think they could help? What if Luke did kidnap them, what if one of Shadow's goons hadn't been captured. He felt his breathing accelerate and his chest tightened.  Ben was going to pass out. This was horrible, he couldn't take it.  They were going to die, he just knew it, his kids were in serious danger.

He felt a large crack against his face and looked up and saw his mother, "Get it together, we are going to get them, I promise." 

Ben nodded. 

"Now come on and be strong for Rey," Leia ordered. "The last thing she needs in you acting like this."

For the first time in awhile Ben knew his mother was right.  "I can do this," he agreed.

Within half an hour everyone was on a private jet to NYC and Rey had called Din and asked him to check the train station. They were afraid that the police or FBI would just make things worse.

Unfortunately Din was too late to catch the girls.

"I missed them Rey, I'm so sorry," Din apologized.  "The camera's show they got off the train but the girls got lost in the crowd after that."

"I'll text you Shira's address," Rey sighed, "Just watch the place but don't do anything, I just hope to god she doesn't tell Luke."

"Me too," Din replied. "We'll do what we can."

Ben hoped that Shira Brie was a decent person, because if not, they were all screwed.

*************

The luxury townhouse that Shira Brie lived in screamed of wealth. Ben knocked on the door to the house with passion, ready to break it if the woman didn't answer.  

"Son calm down," Han advised.

The door quickly opened and a woman who had to be Shira Brie eyed them all.  She was rather good looking and perhaps around fifty.  "Relax, I haven't kidnapped your kids."

"Can we see them," Rey pleaded.

The woman opened the door and let all six of them pile into her home.

"Would you maybe take off your shoes though? I like my carpets white," Shira asked in such a normal tone that it was unreal.

Ben removed his shoes and took to the stairs.

The girls were sitting playing legos with a teen who Ben vaguely recognized as Nat.

"What were you thinking?" Ben blasted them, "You could have been kidnapped, or killed or anything, why on eath did you run away?"

Mira looked guilty, Mara did not.

"Because you were all wasting time talking about what to do instead of fixing things, besides it was grandma's idea," Mara pointed at Leia.

"WHAT??????" Ben turned to his mother in horror.

"Oh relax," Leia shrugged. "I had my old butler Anthony follow them the whole time. I just figured the only way Shira would talk to any of us would be if the girls ran away and came here."

"So you are telling me that you shipped my eight year old kids to New York!" Rey sputtered.

"We're here in Shira's home," Leia brushed off Rey and Ben's anger. "You wanted me to help you."

"Dear God, never help me," Poe muttered.

"Would anyone like a cup of tea maybe," Shira suggested. "We could all calm down."

"Maybe some whiskey too," Han glanced at his wife.

Soon they all had a cup in hand and Ben was more than ready to learn the truth.

"So I just want to know, is Nat, I mean are you..." Ben couldn't find the words.

Shira glanced at Nat and nodded, "Nat is Luke's Skywalkers son and the son of the bitch knows it even if he won't admit to anyone.  He's been paying my peanuts to keep me quiet for the past several years and promised that he would train Nat in the business as long as I don't tell anyone the truth.  Wouldn't want the world to know he'd slept with a Palpatine would he."

There was a lot of bitterness in the woman's tone and for the first time in a while Ben felt hope.  Maybe this wasn't another dead in.

"So we just need to somehow get a paternity test..." Leia began.

"Oh don't be daft, I've taken several, Luke just doesn't know it," Shira smirked.

"So what are you waiting for," Ben was confused. "Surely you want your son acknowledged."

"The thing is Luke knows way too much about my criminal history for me to blackmail him, I know what he did to your father," Shira glanced at Han. "On my own, Luke would crush me."

"So what do you want?" Ben had a feeling Shira had her own agenda.

"I've spent my life pretending to be something I wasn't," Shira sneered, "First I was the unacknowledged daughter of Sheev Palpatine and then I was the hidden mistress of Luke Skywalker. I just want what I deserve on both levels." 

"I'll give you half," Rey looked at her Aunt, "Half of the assets I have left from my grandfather, "I've never touched it, it's just blood money to me. But if it means that much to you, you can have your share."

Rey had shared with Ben one evening that she'd been approached by a solicitor years ago that her grandfather had left her an inheritance but even when things were tight she didn't want to use it.  

Shira nodded and turned to Leia, "And will you acknowledge me as the mother of your nephew to the board and in company paperwork, I want Nat to have his share just like these girls, not as an employee but as an heir."

"There's going to be two others heirs though," Rey interjected, "So it will be split  five ways."

"We're not having twins though," Poe looked puzzled. "I mean we are adopting just one kid so unless..." Poe glanced at Rey and suddenly all eyes were on her.

Rey nodded.

Ben gazed at Rey in pure delight, he really needed to propose asap.

"We're having a baby," Mira screamed and ran to Rey.

Mara grinned.

Rey smiled softly at Ben, "I wanted to wait to tell you but I figured Shira needs to know that Nat has to share that money with four other kids."

Ben took Rey's hand and squeezed it, he was thrilled. "I am so happy."

"It's not about how much money it is, " Shira waved her hand, "I don't care about the amount, I just want Nat to be acknowledged as a Skywalker and a Palpatine."

Rey looked at Shira and met her eyes, "I understand, I really do.  Grandfather threw me away for years and then I was a single mom.  You are my family and you are Ben's family.  You and Nat belong to us."

Shira looked taken aback by Rey's words. She turned to Han and said, "I think it's about time you make up for stealing my plane."

Chapter Text

“Are you ready to go?” Ben asked Rey, not looking up as he fastened his cufflinks. 

“How do I look?,” Rey’s voice held a hint of nervousness.

Ben’s gaze slid upwards to where Rey stood before the mirror in a red gown that hugged her form.  The curve of her ass and her toned legs were show stopping as well as her hazel eyes and ruby red lips.  How did he get so damn lucky? 

“Gorgeous,” Ben answered truthfully and he walked over to where Rey stood in front of the mirror.  His right hand cradled the sweet swell of her belly and his left hand caressed her face, holding her chin up.  “If I wasn’t already engaged to you, I’d propose to you right now.” His tone was low and the blush on Rey’s cheeks 

Ben’s lips found hers and her right hand slid up to his cheek, for a few minutes the night and it’s purpose was forgotten and he enjoyed the taste of her lips and her body pressed against his.

It was heaven and Ben fought the urge to carry her to bed and undress her.  His cock was protesting this denial and soon both his hands were on Rey’s face and his lips were devoured her’s.  He wanted this woman so much.  Rey’s lips parted more and her hands roamed his body, tugging on his tux.  

“Ben,” Rey moaned.

“Later I promise,” Ben nuzzled her neck, grateful that her updo left so much skin exposed. His mouth trailed her collarbone and the tops of her breasts.

The plan be damned. Ben picked Rey up in his arms, “Let’s be quick,” He kissed her soundly again, one hand palm against her ass and the other on her calf; this was going to be delicious.

Well it was until the door swung open.

“They are kissing again, ew,” Mara complained.

“You know they are going to kiss on their wedding day,” Mira helpfully commented.

“Well I’m not looking at them,” Mara frowned.

Ben reluctantly let go of Rey, “You two ready?”

Mara pointed to the red dress she was wearing, “Do you think I would wear this if it wasn’t absolutely necessary, I’m not Mira.”

“I love my dress,” Mira spun around in her green outfit and touched her bow, “Do you like my curls?”

“Yes, they are darling,” Rey smiled. “Both of you look great.”

Mara made a gagging face.

“Aunt Shira did my hair,” Mira beamed. 

Mara ushered them all out of the room, “Come on, let's go!”

Ben took Rey’s hand and the four left the hotel suite where they’d been staying in New York for the past few days.  

It had been a perfect Holiday Weekend.  On Thursday Ben and Rey took the girls for Tea at the Plaza and then to see a Musical. On Friday they all went out to dinner with the whole family to a restaurant in Little Italy. Ben got down on one knee, finally asking Rey to be his wife.  He knew better than to propose without the girls around.   They’d give him strict orders when they helped him pick out the ring a month earlier. 

After the proposal, Ben took Rey on a Carriage Ride in Central Park and she fell asleep against him.  He put a blanket over his pregnant wife and took her home.

Now everyone was headed out to the annual Holiday Organa Industries Ball.

“What if they don’t let us in?” Finn asked.

Leia glared at her son in law,  Luke may have taken a lot away from me, but the Community Center where the Gala is held is in my name, and was my project, they wouldn’t dare.”

The annual Holiday Organa Industries Ball was held not in a hotel or Art Museum but in a depressed New York Neighborhood that Leia herself had helped revitalize with a community center.  Every year the Ball was held there and all proceeds went to the Center.   Leia had hypothesized correctly that Luke would never dare cancel the Ball, especially as Mon Mothma, the president of the board, was one of it’s biggest champions.  

Din was still working at Organa Industries, although he’d been given his month’s notice and wouldn’t be back after the holidays.   He’d happily shared all details of the event and Ben was starting to feel like he might not totally hate Rey’s ex after all. 

“Are we going to be there soon?” Nat asked rather nervously. 

“I’m sure she’ll be there and you won’t miss her,” Shira let out a chuckle.

“Exactly who are excited about seeing?” Poe teased, “Don’t tell me you have a crush?”

“I do not have a crush on anyone,” Nat protested.

“That’s not true, you talk to Lieda M on your phone all the time,” Mira giggled.

Nat’s answer was a glare.

“Lieda Mothma, that may be useful,” Leia hummed.

“NO!” came a resounding chorus from everyone except for poor Nat. 

“You are not using his crush for your grandma, it’s not allowed,” Mara said sternly. 

Leia sighed and Ben suppressed a grin.

Mara seemed to be able to hold his mother in check like no one else and it was continually a sight to be seen.

Finally they arrived at the Center.  

“Well, it’s showtime,” Leia grinned. 

They poured out of the limo and onto the sidewalk.

As they entered the building two ushers protested, “I need to see some identification. This is a closed guest list.”

“Leia?” A puzzled Mon Mothma stood behind them with her husband, son, and Lieda.

“Hi Nat,” Lieda beamed. 

“Why is Nat with you?” Mon looked extremely confused. “Leia, Luke said you weren’t well, that Ben’s decision to be with Palpatine’s granddaughter had been very upsetting and weakened your health, but yet,” Mon Mothma gestured to everyone, “you are all here.” 

“Mom, Nat is Luke’s son,” Lieda said gently. 

“What?” Mon Mothma blinked.

“If these imbeciles would let us in, we would be very happy to tell you the whole story,” Leia replied.

Another member of the board, Gial Ackbar happened to be coming in as well, and his son nodded to Nat.

Ben glanced at his cousin with suspicion.  

“I think I’d like to hear this story as well,” Gial frowned.

“Just come in then,” One of the ushers sighed and the other shrugged.

The crowd poured into the lobby and Ben put his hand on Nat’s shoulder, “You didn’t prearrange what time the Ackbar’s and Mothma’s would arrive here did you?”

Nat turned red but met him the eye, “I am a Skywalker after all, and Lieda is my girlfriend but don’t ever tell that to Aunt Leia.”

Ben laughed, “Somehow I don’t think I need to tell her, she already knows, let’s crash this party kid.”

Leia explained the whole story to Mon Mothma and Gial Ackbar who listened with skepticism at first.  But when Shira produced not only a paternity test but also bank statements that lead back to Luke their skepticism faded away.

Ackbar sighed, “Well it looks like there is going to be a scandal here one way or another but I suppose the truth needs to come out.  We were wrong to cast your family aside so quickly for fear of Palpatine’s influence.”

“We all have difficult family members, trust me,” Mothma glanced at her husband whose eyes were on his phone and had been disengaged the whole time. “I think I know how to handle this, Luke is supposed to give a speech in a few minutes but has asked me to introduce him, just lay low, if that’s possible and let me guide the way.”

Laying low was impossible once they entered the room.   

Ben noted that Luke saw them all and frowned but clearly didn’t want to draw attention to their presence.   There were just too many of them to kick out without making a scene. 

A few people approached Leia, including Board Member Senator D’Acy and her wife Wrobie Tyce.   Their reception was warm and Ben began to feel a sliver of hope. 

Ben noticed that Ackbar had pulled Board Member Hera Syndulla and her son Jacen to the side and was involved in a very deep and animated conversation with them.  

“We’re going to have trust that your mom’s former colleagues are more loyal to her than Luke thinks,” Rey put a hand on Ben’s shoulder.

Ben received a mixture of responses from the crowd, some glanced at him in curiosity, some in disdain and a few such as Jacen waved.   But it was clear that everyone knew whom he and Rey were.

The girls stuffed themselves with cookies and chased after Nat and his friends.  Luke looked very unsettled at his great nieces playing with his son. 

“Looks like he’s gonna shit himself,” Han said as he stuffed a cookie into his mouth and then muttered, “thank good there’s food for kids at this place, can’t stand caviar and all that crap.” 

“I’ll get you a beer dad,” Poe offered.

“Thank god,” Han clapped Poe on the back, the two headed towards the bar and Luke eyed them nervously when they stuck up a conversation with two longtime employees Nora Wexley and Wedge Antilles.

Ben spied Luke walk over to the ushers and at the door and clearly have a harsh word but the ushers just shrugged.

“Leia told them she’d pay them double if they kept their mouths shut,” Finn whispered to Ben and Rey.

“Of course she did,” Rey laughed. “She never lets up.”  

Luke glanced at Rey, Ben and Finn and marched over to them, “Exactly why are you here?” 

“Mom owns this building, so what’s the problem?” Ben folded his arms over his chest. “She’s always been in charge.”

“If you all try anything, I’ll make you pay for this forever,” Luke gritted his teeth.

Ben stepped closer to his Uncle, “Or what, you’ll blackmail us, lie about us, try to kill us, you’ve done all of those things and we’re still here. Believe me Uncle Luke you can’t make all of us go away.” 

“You’ll never have this company Ben, never,” Luke threatened. 

“Somehow I don’t think that’s the case,” Ben replied nonchalantly, “Looks like Mayor Mothma is about to speak.   

Luke whirled around to where Mon had the mic. 

Mon began “As President of the board and the Mayor of New York I’d like to take a moment to praise Organa Industries and of course Luke himself for this occasion, we’d all like to give thanks to him for his leadership this year, I’m sure.” 

A round of applause was let out and Luke plastered a smile on. 

“But before I hand over the mic,  I'll like to say how delightful it has been to get to know Nat Skywalker, Luke’s son. It's really a pleasure to have such a strong connection with my daughter now dating your son,”  Mon was all smiles.

“You little shits,” Luke muttered under his breath. 

Ben and Rey exchanged a glance of triumph. 

Mon gestured to where Lieda and Nat stood, “We all know Nat of course as he spent three summers as an intern with Organa industries, I have great faith that Nat, Mara, and Mira as well any siblings or cousins to come will work together to serve our company well.”

“Over my death body,” Luke grumbled but smiled at the crowd.   

Luke pushed his way to Mon, “Thank you so much, but you see -” 

Hera lifted her glass up and loudly interrupted , “A toast to the merging of the Skywalking and Palpatine lines through not only the girls but Nat as well.  The board is  so delighted that Shira and Rey want to redeem their father and grandfather’s legacy by making a One million dollar donation to the center tonight and a pledge run in full time.  To the next generation of Organas and Skywalkers.” 

Gial Ackbar raised his glass, “Can we have a round of applause for Shira, Nat’s mother and Rey, Ben’s fiance. It’s time to let bygones be bygones.”

The crowd roared in applause.

“When did you do this?” Leia came over and demanded.

Rey’s expression was smug, “Shira and I met with Hera a few weeks ago, we figured having as many people in our camp as possible was a good thing and Ben agreed.”

“Well done,” Leia offered and Ben knew Rey had finally impressed his mother.  

Luke started to back up when Poe and Han snuck up beside him, blocking his departure. Poe whispered something in his Uncle’s ear and Ben smiled as Luke’s fists curled. 

“We are also so glad to welcome Leia back after her absence,” Mon’s smile was huge.

Leia took the mic, “I think I will be retiring, it clearly is time for the next generation to take over, Luke and I have come up with the most marvelous idea, we are both going to retire, “ Leia casually dropped, “And Poe, Ben,  and Rey will hold the reigns while Nat shadows them as able.  When Nat comes of age he’ll get his share and so will the girls. We do realize that we’ve simply been in charge for too long.”

The final nail in the coffin was of course Nat coming up to Luke, the resemblance was crystal clear, “I’m so grateful for my Dad making sure I knew how to help run the company.  Thank you for everything so much.”  Nat pounded his father on the back, perhaps a little harder than he needed. 

“Of course,” Luke smiled tightly, “I suppose all that has needed to be said, has been said.  Happy Holidays.”

A round of Happy Holidays echoed, and while some people still appeared confused, Ben was quite sure that Mon, Gial and Hera had helped their case greatly.

Poe whispered something else to Luke who looked like he was about to bolt till Finn linked arms with him.   Poe and Finn escorted Luke out of the building. 

“How do we know he won’t do anything to Poe?” Shira asked worriedly.

“Oh Poe can take care of himself, plus Finn is with him,” Ben thought of the many wrestling matches his brother had won.

“I remember those,” Leia sighed, “Many of my vases were lost that way.”

“But what’s more important, the vases or your boys having fun?” Han chided her.

“You always do try to make me sentimental,” Leia rolled her eyes but Ben could see a smile there.  Leia needed Han more than she would ever admit and Ben was so glad he was back.

“Well then should we dance?” Han held out his hand to his wife.  “That really should make you sentimental as we used to do this all the time.”

Leia looked close to crying, but held it together, “I think if you can manage to dance well then so can I.”

Ben’s phone buzzed and he shared the text, “Luke is in FBI custody.  He knew he was screwed.”

“How did you manage that?” Shira looked puzzled, “He paid me child support and your dad to stay away but neither of those would get you in trouble with the feds.”

Ben had held this information from everyone but Poe and Rey.  He knew that to really truly get rid of Luke they needed to push as hard as possible and they found what they needed finally. 

“Armitage Hux made one final deal in order to get Rose reunited with Brandon for Christmas, he told us to check out his dad’s offshore bank accounts as well a disorder server that Shadow used,” Ben disclosed. “Pretty good Christmas present for us all. "

“And?” Shira raised her eyebrows.

“Turns out the biggest double agent all this time was Luke, Palpatine had recruited him years ago, telling him he was continuing his father’s legacy.   Luke was responsible for Mara’s death and ratted me out all those years ago,” Ben sighed. “He also funded the rebuilding of Shadow which led to the death of six FBI agents, that’s enough to get him locked away for the rest of his life.  Rey was able to break into the discord with the information Armitage gave.  It was a flood of information."

"Why didn't Hux share it before?" Shira asked.

"Luke's contact with Paige made him scared but after Hux found out Rose told us about Paige he figured he'd better talk," Rey shared."People will do anything to protect their family so I get where Rose and Armitage are coming from, I think Rose wanted to be friends but between Luke and her Father in law there really never was a chance."   

Ben agreed, his malice with the Hux - Tico family had disappeared.  Yes Rose had made some pretty horrible choices but Ben would kill to keep his own family safe.

"I did some things to protect Nat," Shira admitted, "I think the only reason Luke never eliminated us was that he wanted to stick it to Leia that his son got the company and not hers. He had some sick deathbed reveal in mind probably."

"But that's over with," Ben waived his hand, "It's going to be different for these kids

“We’ll teach them to care about each other,” Rey promised and squeezed her Aunt’s hand. 

As Nat hoisted Mara on his back, Ben smiled, “It reminds me of Poe and me.”

“Thanks for, thanks for including me .. well us in the family,” Shira said and Ben felt the weariness in her tone.  “I think I should enjoy the party though,” she glanced at Gial Ackbar, a recent widower.  Gial to Ben’s amusement smiled back at Shira.

“See you kids later,” Shira waltzed her way over to an obviously flattered Ackbar.

Ben slipped his hand around Rey’s waist, “May I dance with my fiance?” 

“You like calling me your fiance, don’t you,” Rey grinned.

“You like hearing it don’t you,” Ben said darkly and pulled her close.  His voice was low, “Maybe we can let the girls stay with Poe and Finn tonight.”  He wanted Rey all to himself.

“There’s just one thing you should know,” Rey teased.

“What’s that?” Ben gazed at the love of his life and twirled her around. 

“The girls got their Christmas wish, when I went to the doctor on Tuesday, I found out we are having twins, again.”