Chapter Text
Rey woke up in a haze at the sound of medical alarms going off. Her disorientation worsened by her whole body aching and the awareness that her thigh was completely numb. She sat up groggily as she watched a medical droid whirl into the dark gray hospital room.
She didn’t recognize the droid type as it began taking her vitals and asking her various questions about her state of being. Where was she? She remembered passing out after her fight with Ren and she had essentially given him permission to take her with him, what a terrible decision. Now she was essentially captured again- this time of her own free will.
“What vaccinations have you been administered in the past two years?” inquired the droid. Rey hesitated to respond as her anxiety spiraled. What if this was all a trick? A trick to reveal The Resistance’s secrets, such as what illness they are vulnerable to so that The First Order can wipe them all out at once.
She took note that the droid was far more advanced beyond anything The Resistance had, which deeply discomforted her. “Heart rate is rising-” noted the droid taking a quick look at her stats and then glancing at Rey’s face “likely due to stress.” The droid jotted down on his digital notepad. Wonderful she was completely transparent.
The droid continued to blankly stare at her waiting for a response. She crossed her arms “I don’t know” she said in defiant honesty. “This is fine, we will do blood work to find out.” Damn there went her brilliant plan to protect The Resistance. “Have you been administered a form of birth control?” asked the droid, she thought for a moment and decided that wouldn’t put anyone in harm, answering honestly “yes.” Not that she had ever needed it on base.
The droid continued on with its questions for a minute more and then announced “The Supreme Leader will be with you shortly.” Leaving Rey to sit in silence and anticipation of the situation she now found herself in.
Time moved slow, as Rey’s mind raced. This had to be the most irresponsible thing she’s ever done in her life- besides the first time she shipped herself to him. She remembered in the cave feeling clarity that this was the correct thing to do, she now acknowledges she may have not been in her right mind when making the decision.
Suddenly a knock at the door; she sat a bit straighter in bed. Kylo walked in hesitantly, his outfit surprised Rey realizing she’d never seen him outside of his armor or official uniform. The outfit was still in a predictable shade of black, yet there was something so casual about his appearance that bothered Rey for reasons she didn’t understand.
Black boots, loose fitting pants that synched at the waist, with a square-shouldered v-neck tank top. She couldn’t look away from him, forgetting her anxieties for a moment. She hyper-fixated on how strangely relaxed the man in front of her was dressed, doing her very best to ignore the parts of his chest that were exposed along with his muscular arms. Rey pushed down the insecurity that she was in a musty gray hospital gown.
His back stayed pressed against the door and he fiddled with his own fingers slightly. Kylo had been worried as soon as Rey awoke that she’d demand to leave. He decided if that happened he would let her go, he understood that meant risking the exposure of this base, deeming it worthless. He knew deep down though, he’d built this place with her in mind, and if she wasn’t here to fill its halls with her radiance then it was already worthless.
These were all thought’s Kylo would have chastised himself for merely a year ago. But now, with no one to tell him what to do but himself, it became nearly impossible to block them out. Now with her staring back at him in the flesh, he knew the truth, he was obsessed with her- her potential- he corrected himself.
“How are you feeling?” he muttered.
Vulnerable, she thought. “Fine, my leg is numb.”
“That should wear off now that you’ve woken up, and you should not have any lasting pain” he assured. They continued to stare. There was so much to say he didn’t know what should be said.
“Where is the Falcon?” she asked pointedly.
“I had my Knights collect it through a tractor beam, no worries no one boarded it. It sits in a field outside the base. You’re free to visit it whenever you like-” he paused holding his breath “you’re free to leave whenever you like.”
This was the moment of truth he’d been waiting for, he knew this plan would only work with Rey being a free participant. Now all he could do was hope.
Rey couldn’t believe her ears, why was he being so gentle? He hadn’t been lost to the darkness like she believed, the assurance she’d felt back in the cave returned to her. “Thank You.” Is all she said.
Ren mentally let out a sigh of relief, she was going to stay- he could feel it. “I will have you moved to your room soon, I hope you will be more comfortable there. It is located near the training facility for convenience. Anything you need while you are here Rey, don’t hesitate to ask for it, truly anything. If we do not have what you need I will have it shipped in, my goal is your maximum comfort during your time here, anything in service of your training as a force user.”
“As a force user?” she clarified.
“Yes, just as a force user, involving light and darkness when it matters. With the Medi-Flowers I want to study the effects we have on each other's abilities. I find when we are in proximity to each other our abilities are heightened.” Ren explained.
Rey wondered what life would be like if she had just heard him out during one of their many force bond arguments. This was a plan she could participate in. However she understood it can’t last forever, this would have to end once she’d learned everything she needed to win this war. She was using his weakness for her to win this war she decided, it’s the way it had to be. She remembered her friends back home. They couldn’t be disappointed in her now if her presence here was in service to them. She pushed down how disingenuous it all felt.
“After you’ve settled into your room I will give you a tour of the facility should you feel well enough to attend.” Kylo mentally cursed himself for how robotic he sounded, however he wasn’t going to risk upsetting her. He didn’t know how long he could keep this up for.
“I have business to attend to, I hope to see you soon.” Kylo said swiftly exiting the room. He stood on the other side of the door, heart pounding, he’d felt so foolish in there. Not to mention he was mid-training when he got the call she had woken up so he didn’t have time to change into anything suitable and he was a sweaty mess. He’d probably insulted her with his appearance and started this whole thing off on the worst foot possible. Ren took a breath calming himself, he’d go to his room, change, and hope she’d be well enough to give her a tour of the facility.
Rey questioned what had just happened. He was acting strange, though she couldn’t put her finger on what it was. She did look forward to no longer being in this hospital room and changing. The droid came not too long after to collect her.
Her room was a plain cream color with wooden accents. It had a large window that looked into a deep green forest of trees with red wood. It was beautiful. It was a nicer room than her own quarters at The Resistances base. The outfit laid out for her was in a similar fashion to outfits she’d worn in front of Ren before. When she looked into a full closet of perfectly tailored clothing all in her image it was obvious. This room was made for her in mind.
The outfit on the bed was a light gray. She hung it back up, instead choosing a green tunic to wear instead, she’d never worn the color before and was overcome with excitement. It fit her perfectly. As she looked into the mirror admiring herself she reflected on her childhood. All those days wearing what rags she could afford that didn’t always fit, day in and day out the same unwashed outfit that smelled of sand and sweat. She was overwhelming herself and needed to stop.
She collected herself choosing to enjoy this moment. Kylo’s attentiveness was startling already, she gulped wondering what else would be in store for her and worried what would happen if she began growing used to it.
A knock at the door, it was him, she could feel his signature in the force. As soon as she walked at the door it would truly begin. She was excited and scared not knowing what to expect, this all felt so very important. She knew once she walked out that door she’d be a different person when she walked back through it.
Rey stood in front of the door feeling the deep anticipation in her gut. She took a deep breath and turned the handle.