#i think it's more likely a Snoke “when the darkness rises the light will rise to meet it” thing

[ihassheepquake]

So Tatooine has gotta be some weird Vergence right? If we're going with Mae & Osha were able to be born/conceived with magic because Brendock is a Vergence (it wasn't strictly said but it seems pretty obvious), then the same is likely true about Anakin but it wasn't magical intervention but rather the will of the Force itself. Or at least wherever he was born has gotta be a Vergence (if I remember correctly, he wasn't actually born on Tatooine in Legends but I don't think that's been explored in canon).

[daftmooncretin]

rip to rian johnson but star wars sequels would be way better if ben solo was just kinda cowardly and han solo coded so he defected from the jedi and went to be a fun swashbuckling anarchist space cowboy instead

and finn and poe have to find him and try to convince him to come back to the rebellion but hes afraid who he is and what he could become

also instead of luke trying to kill his nephew for NO REASON (so insanely out of character it boils my blood) he just realises after ben dips thats hes not cut out for teaching. and is living on a mandalorian colony as rebellion liason/ambassador with chewie and sometimes lando i guess (din djarin is there) he aids the rebellion (because of course he would fuck that plotline) but he wont stay on the rebel base because he doesnt like all the chosen one clout and mandalorians are very chill and mind their own business

han and leia are still together and play active parts in the rebellion because fuck that plotline too although they do disagree about the ben situation (leia is annoyed and han is understanding) poe and ben childhood friends and for what.

in this au, rey is raised in the empire and is a sith lord but she has doubts and isnt as abjectly disgusting as kylo ren because of course not. (appears slightly too interested in the rebellion when poe is captured and maybe??? possibly lets finn and poe escape but thats up for debate.) rey gets more evil over course of movies before turning to light for plot drama and a satisfying zuko arc.

force awakens timeline

prophecy that a new jedi will rise and take down the dark side. rey and sith lord (dk who but fuck snoke im writing him out) assume it is the missing ben solo (its finn and rey tho fr) and are intent on finding him. movie opens on rey being evil probably and capturing poe. also finn as a character actully needs no real changes hes great. and then next scene space pirate ben solo doing his thing (but without identity revealed so we dont know who he is yet he may go by kylo because funny)

instead of luke poe has a lead on missing almost-jedi before he dipped ben solo and is searching for him on leias orders.(rebellion also believe the prophecy is about him. but nuh uh) torture scene and escape scene doesnt need to change but show reys nuances and how lost she is.

in the interest of narrative poe and finn still crash on tatooine but finn manages to pull poe out of the crash. (finn still gets the jacket at some point because i say so) poe is too injured to fly so they seek out help and and meet ben solo who saves them from pirates or something idk. (but neither know who the other is)

finn and poe convince ben solo to be their pilot still thinking hes a random smuggler named kylo. they get along very well, especially finn and ben. rey by this point is tracking their whereabouts

they end up on that lightsaber planet and ben gets the weird darth vader nightmare and freaks out, (hes afraid of being evil or something idk) poe is getting suspicious now also finn feels the force and takes up the lightsaber. rey comes and finn trys to hold her off. finn get hurt and drops lightsaber. ben is forced to take it up and his identity is revealed as rebel reeforcements led by han and leia arrive and they see him fighting. rey and ben have a weird charged moment (yes i guess i am still making reylo a thing but its reyben now and its woke so shh) and in a dramatic desperate effort he manages to knock her lightsaber away with the force. poe crawls into a plane at somepoint and blows up reys ship. the rebels destroy the stormtroopers but rey captures finn and escapes in a stolen ship.

ben has a oh-shit-i-said-id-never-use-the-force-again related existential crisis which makes him freak out and leaves. a distraught finn-less poe calls him a coward. poe picks up the discarded lightsaber and the jackettm and sadly packs them up. leia tells him about the starkiller and poe volunteers to go on the starkiller and save finn. han and leia have a sweet moment and han decides to go with poe on the suicide mission, chewie goes too.(chewie arrived at somepoint i guess)

mid hostage situation finn blocks reys force attempt and shes shook up. he sees something in her (finn is a beautiful sweetheart) and he trys to appeal to her. she force chokes him and books it out of there. but it is clear she fears him a little. he escapes with mind tricks and runs into han poe and chewie on the deck. finnpoe moment fr. poe gives him his jacket back in order to get the keep it it looks good on you line.

meanwhile ben is back on his ship(i guess its the falcon?) and he thinks about finn and his mom and luke or something.. a dream maybe?? idk something emotional and motivational for his arc. and he goes to a box under the floor in his ship and pulls out a green lightsaber. he turns the ship around.

on the ship poe finn han and chewie are planting the bombs and escaping when they get stopped by stormtroopers ordered by rey. poe is about to be shot by a big droid thing when it is cut in half by ben wow big reveal hes here oooo ah. rey is shot in the shoulder by chewie and angrily orders more stormtroopers. they cant take them all. han sacrifices himself by blowing up the bridge. he tells finn and poe to find luke in the mandolorian colony ben is distraught him and han have an emotional goodbye he tells him to tell leia he’s sorry and that he loves him and he proud of him then he makes chewy get ben out of there and he blows himself up. leia senses it v sad rip man but he had to die to intensify plot drama

rey chases them onto the ice planet and another weird charged moment. mind link established??? this time ben is too angry and grieving though so its not a good match and she wounds him real bad all over hes v scarred now. poe shoots at rey and throws lightsaber at finn. he gets ben onto the ship and finn and rey have the big force awakens show down. finn uses the force v powerful all that jazz the good guys get away. on the ship finn mentions how he felt a connection with rey to poe and claims he sees good in her

movie ends with meeting luke on mandolore. ben is very traumatised wont really speak to finn or poe and avoiding luke. finn returns lukes lightsaber and rey has doubts movie over. movies ends with ominous rey ben mind link

final notes (on first movie and overarching rewrite plans)

finn

finn is the protagonist of this movie so it would be much more character heavy on him them the original. more in depth on his stormtrooper trauma, how he always chooses the people he loves over the cause and his reluctance to join the rebellion. his friendship with poe and the han/leia parallel’s especially. relationships with han and ben important for his character exposition and he plays a key role in supporting both rey and bens character progression. possesses the strong sense of mercy and kindness at the heart of the star wars franchise.

rey

rey is raised in the first empire and does not know anything different. when she meets finn who was able to rebel and escape from the same system she is trapped in she becomes plagued by doubts and projects all of her hatred and resentment onto finn to compensate, but it is clear she fears him. to escape from her doubts she fixates on finding and capturing ben solo imagining him to be a frightening and terrible adversary. however when she meets him they see eachothers minds, and she sees how plagued by doubt and fear he is, how he runs from everything and he sees her too. they connect and develop a strange mutual fascination/understanding. this is put askew by finns appearance at the end of the movie in defence of ben. reys fear of finn increases when she sees the true extent of his power. she fears and hates equally finns strength of character and easy goodness and by extension hates ben for his alliance with finn. she blames finn for “taking” ben from her.

ben solo

kylo ren is a disgusting blight on the star wars names so ben solo is being completely reclaimed by me into a different character because i fucking hate that stupid pretentious eboy. instead ben solo is an incredibly han solo coded character with a heart of gold and deep love and loyalty to his friends and family. his main weakness as a character in this rewrite is his fear and lack of self belief. ben is terrified of being a jedi and of his own power. he fears his own nature and was so afraid he would become his grandfather that he ran from the jedi altogether. ben solo is a runner that wont face his problems, he runs from the jedi and from his parents to avoid failing or becoming something terrible. finn and ben recognise the need to run in eachother (although important distinction finn runs because he doesn’t want to fight for a cause. and ben runs because hes afraid he will be the reason the cause fails) and ultimately encourage eachother to break the cycle and stand their ground (well finn motivated ben in this movie, finns not fixed yet.) Bens arc in these movies is about learning to live with his own nature and fighting for what he believes in despite his fear. also dealing with mommy issues (ben is kind of jealous of poe and leias relationship the son she wanted or something blah blah blah etc) and being a malewife to his murder girlfriend. his job is kind of to support and fight with finn and later rey and help them save the world

finnpoe (will be a gay couple)

their friendship will be front and centre in these movies because they represent duty vs personal loyalty. poe puts the cause above all else and values his own life and personal relationships little. finn on the other hand is disillusioned with establishment cause of stormtrooper trauma and wants to protect himself and others from it. poe is the first person that finn truly bonds with and loves. he puts poe above everything, including being a jedi and the rebellion. this leads to a lot of fighting and discord between finn and poe as finn doesn’t understand how important the rebellion is to poe and poe doesnt get why finn is trying to protect him from it. ultimately though poe teaches finn faith and belief and finn teaches poe to accept love and value himself. (also many hanleia parallels) the two of them are the harbingers of a new age. poe as future leader of the new republic and finn as the jedi messiah or whatever. in terms of romance, im thinking slowburn. baity first movie, kiss at the end of the second and established relationship by the halfway mark of the third.

also when rey eventually joins the light in the beginning she refuses to talk to ben (cause of romantic drama i havent thought of yet but centres around some sort or betrayal in the second movie) or finn (because hes her narrative foil and slow burn best friend forever) so her first friend is poe and she kind of follows him around in her first few months before she eventually bonds with finn 4eva. her poe shadowing has lots of cute friend moments where they fly together and he tries to talk her down about finn and the ben drama but also more importantly it foreshadows her leadership ability and tactical mind as she gives him advice and aids him with the rebellion behind the scenes (also leads to leia taking rey under her wing probably because poe is her surrogate son and mirror) which will eventually lead to her and poe leading the republic together because in my mind rey is a jedi but actively a member of republic government because ben can’t do politics and finn won’t but shes great at it so she’d be a perfect jedi liason and vice president to poe. meanwhile finn and ben lead the jedi. finn as a knight travelling across the galaxy and ben as a teacher. (luke is happy in retirement rn on mandalore but leia is still probably an advisor in the republic because retirement is definitely not for her) and everyone is happy the end. force ghost han solo is clapping.

[darkonekrisrewrite]

Bnha's Final Twist Villain

I believe that UA and the hero side's real traitor has yet to be revealed, by the process of writing consistency (inconsistency) and references/parallels.

The real traitor that will (hopefully) be emerging soon as we're reaching the conclusion of this "final" conflict between the heroes and villains.

Horikoshi loves star wars

He constantly puts references in his work.

The master and the apprentice narrative:

Deku and All-might - Shigaraki and all for one.

Naming places and techniques in bnha after Star wars locations:

Nabu Island from My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising = the Star Wars planet Naboo

Hosu City from the Hero Killer arc = The frozen planet Hoth.

The Jaku General Hospital = Jakku is Rey's home planet in The Force Awakens.

Musutafu city = mustafar the unstable volcanic world

Phantom Menace (ファントムメナス, Fantomu Menasu?) is an Ultimate Move performed by Mirio Togata using the Permeation Quirk.

And...

All for one is a very direct Darth Vader reference.

Likes to hold up people via the choke lift, uses weapons made of light, the dark helmet is spot on.

While true All for one does use (dark) lightning as a weapon that trait is not unique when drawing parallels to sith characters or other forces users of the darker side, as many in star wars are able to use that ability such as count dooku, Darth nihilus, Darth revan or starkiller, Nightsister Clan Mother Talzin, Snoke (sequel series) or even Rey.

And then there's: Chancellor Palpatine

The mastermind that succeeded in talking over the galaxy, but why and how exactly did he win?

Palpatine won because he was playing both sides of board, manipulating both parties against each other for his own ends.

The "heroic" Jedi/Republic and the "villainous" Sith/separatists.

Cliff notes rundown of pre/during-clone wars:

The separatists were in many ways, the scapegoats of the clone wars.

While they generally did lean towards the corrupt political category in it's leaders, that doesn't mean that the movement itself was wrong in their grievances towards the Republic.

The Senate and it's governance really were corrupt and uncaring, many peoples and outer planets abandoned and left with far less than more prosperous/useful planets.

Those left to rot by the system would inevitably rise up against it, though due to deception and bad leadership, the separatist movement and it's end was made to help Palpatine rise to power.

The Jedi (and by extension the Republic) didn't fair any better.

Palpatine was able to so effectively pull the wool over the Jedi's eyes because they were so set in their ways, so much that they couldn't imagine any elements or consequences beyond what they believed, they refused to adapt to evolving circumstances and threats (their enemies using different tactics) and address their own flaws (their rigid beliefs being one example), that it all resulted in their downfall.

Which leads me to: Principal Nezu

Nothing about Nezu makes any sense when you really think about it.

For an important detail to start, he won't even specify what he is: "That's right. It's me, Nezu, the one who could be a dog or a mouse or a bear, but more importantly... I'm the principal!"

And supposedly he's an animal that manifested a quirk, something that hasn't been shown anywhere else in bnha.

Then it's later revealed that he has a Dark past as an experiment by humans, this only came up once and was never mentioned again, though it definitely stated to be his backstory.

But that's the thing, if Nezu is an animal that was in a quirk based experiment (the only reason the situation would make sense is if it was quirk based) there's only one person in who could have had a hand in his being the way he is.

Afo's doctor (or doctor Ujiko), is literally the only person in this series who could create a being like Nezu.

There is no one else who even seems to know any quirk based science.

This doctor is the only one.

Nezu is supposedly a genius, his quirk is: High Specs: Nezu's Quirk grants him a high level of intelligence that surpasses that of humans.

A level of: Intelligence - 6/5 - S

This is backed up by his performance in the students vs teachers match, but there's never been any kind of showing of Nezu's genius or strategy skills otherwise.

It's not even confirmed that Nezu came up with much of the current war strategy.

He (if you believe he's truly genuine) failed to sus out the student traitor, being aoyama, and couldn't prevent the attack of the league of villains in the forest training event that lead to the kidnapping of bakugo.

He didn't play any significant part in the first war against the paranormal liberation front.

And he didn't do much else in the future arcs except encouraging class 1A to go get deku.

Nezu doesn't really seem to do much of anything or have any real impact.

So either Nezu isn't nearly as competent or intelligent as he and his allies say that he is.

Or his stated intellectual level is true, but how could that be if he isn't shown to be proving it and when he does participate (finding the traitor, protecting the hero students) it ends badly?

Unless that was the plan.

And his absence or failures benefiting how he wanted these circumstances to play out, with all the conflicts/events going against or for the heroes being what Nezu wanted.

A counter point to this theory would be this scene:

Nezu saying this does imply that he believes ochako can be a hero that could surpass All-might.

(She definitely could if she sticks the landing with toga.)

But if there's anything that's definitely been explicitly shown to be true in bnha, it's that those who are heroes can still be in the wrong.

Endeavor, Hawks, the pros in general and even All-might himself.

All had a hand in creating the current situation (and the destruction that came from that) in their world.

Insane ambition, serving an obviously corrupt government, allowing/endorsing brand deals/popularity contests and ensuring the status quo "Normal " to be an unshakable cornerstone of hero society.

And finally the over reliance on heroes (making apathetic civilians) had a giant hand in creating "History's Worst Villain".

Just because someone believes in heroes, that doesn't mean that they are actually making things better or that they have good intentions, not in bnha.

And again, it's really hard to believe that someone with a genius level intelligence wouldn't realize all of these hypocrisies and flaws in hero society.

While in this theory, Nezu's real overall goal for why he's doing this would be debatable, the inconsistency with his character and the parallels to star wars' greatest villain is too spot on to be a coincidence.

(source: star wars the clone wars 2003 TV series)

Also something else interesting to note, if deku and shigaraki's battle at mount Fuji is meant to parallel the mustafar lava battle in star wars: revenge of the sith-

-what else happened in that movie?

[diningwiththeasquiths]

This Renben ficlet has been in my drafts for ages, and what better time to post it than on @kylosbreedingkink's birthday

Happy birthday bb! 🥳❤️ I know we don't talk a lot anymore, but I look back fondly at our time together on the Crane Lane server 😊

“How many times was that?” Ren asks from where he lies next to Ben, light panting making his scarred chest rise and fall.

“Three, I think,” Ben mumbles with some effort, feeling completely fucked out.

“You think? That’s it kid, next time I’m making you count your orgasms out loud.”

Ben makes a noncommittal noise. His limbs feel like lead, his body as if it's slowly sinking into the mattress. But when Ren sits up with a groan and throws his legs over the bed, Ben is suddenly spurred into action.

Pulling Ren backwards, he takes advantage of Ren’s surprise to press him against the bed once more. The way he's now nuzzled into Ren’s broad, burnt chest makes the rumble of Ren’s voice sound deeper than usual.

“Oh you want to cuddle, hmm?”

Even with his eyes currently closed, Ben can hear the amusement in Ren's voice, laced with a hint of mockery.

“We’re supposed to take what we want, right? Well, right now I want this,” he replies, too blissed-out to care about coming across as clingy or uncool.

To his surprise, Ren indulges him. Calloused fingers stroke up and down his back. Ben relaxes fully and drifts off, helped by the warmth radiating from the strong body beneath him.

Some time later he jerks awake from a nightmare—a regular occurrence for as long as he can remember—and finds himself alone in the bed.

These days Snoke’s voice doesn’t ring out through the darkness anymore, speaking its words of comfort. Ben is forced to seek solace in himself, until his limbs stop shaking, his breathing calms down and the cold sweat on his back is the only evidence left of his inner turmoil.

[just-dreaming-marvel]

The Bond Between Us ~ 87

THE BOND BETWEEN US MASTERLIST

< previous chapter

Word Count: 1,730ish

Summary: The truth about the darkness you've been feeling comes to light.

Notes: I am going to be honest, I liked The Rise of Skywalker as a movie. I know that others didn't though. I have changed some things in it (like I have with the other movies) to fit my story better. I hope that you all enjoy the changes. You'll be able to see one of the major changes by the end of the chapter.

The nightmares were terrorizing you. The nightmares started not long after Luke’s death and the Resistance’s escape almost a year ago. It was the Emperor: his laughs, the Force lightning, his voice. The Emperor was haunting you and you weren’t able to stop it. You would wake up with your heart beating out of your chest and sweat lining your skin. You weren’t ever able to fall back asleep after waking up. Due to that, you would often find yourself deep in the jungle of Ajan Kloss, where the Resistance had found a place to hide. You meditated and practiced working with your two sabers.

Rey would often find you out there and join you. Both you and Leia had teamed up to continue her training, each of you having something different to teach her. Recently, you were having her work on connecting with the Jedi of the past. You had felt the need for her to work on that, while also working on yourself. Besides your connection with Obi-Wan, neither of you was having much success.

Your goal tonight though was to sleep through the whole night. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. You fell asleep and found yourself in a dark and dreary place. There were glass cases of strange-looking bodies tangled up together. Curious, you slowly walked closer. You were surprised to see that there were multiple bodies of Snoke, who was now dead. 

You walked over to the next glass case to see multiple copies of a different body. A younger man, who looked more normal than Snoke. Before you could move to the next one, a familiar dark laugh echoed through the area. You turned around, searching for where the sound was coming from.

“You are too late,” Palpatine’s rough voice bounced off the walls. “I will rise and be more powerful than before. No one, not even you—the supposed Chosen One—can stop me.”

You gasped as you sat up quickly, waking up. You hid your face in your hands as you tried to catch your breath. Feeling a presence in the room, you summoned your saber to your hand, ignited it, and pointed it at the figure. Luke gave you an 'are you serious’, the yellow blade going through his Force ghost formed.

“Luke,” you breathed out, turning off your weapon. “What are you doing here?”

“You’re having dreams about Palpatine, aren’t you?” He said. You looked away from him. Luke sighed as he sat down on your bed. “Cloning.”

“What?” You looked at your nephew.

“That’s how he survived. For years, Palpatine studied cloning as a means of possible immortality. He had figured out how his consciousness could survive and transfer to another body, making him almost unstoppable. We obviously never knew this.”

“The Clones… That’s why he had the Clone army made. He was using it as a test…”

“He had multiple clones ready for him… When Vader—when my father threw the Emperor down the central core, his consciousness jumped into one of the clones.”

“The clones should have their own consciousness though.”

“When Palpatine jumped into clones, the clone’s own consciousness was shoved away… Rey is a Palpatine.”

“I know.”

“Yes, but not in the way you think… Over the years, Palpatine produced clones that he deemed as failures. Most of the time there wasn’t anything wrong with them. Which is how one of them went rogue and had a daughter.”

“Rey.”

“Exactly.”

“How do you know all of this?”

Luke smirked. “You learn a lot when you become one with the Force.”

You nodded, thinking everything over. “He needs Rey, doesn’t he? None of the clones had the full capability to wield the amount of Force that Palpatine was after… Rey does.”

“He will try to get to her… but he will also try to get to you.”

“My body is of no use to him. I’m too old.”

“Yes, but your potential terrifies him.”

“He’s going to reveal himself to try and lure Rey to him. Which will then lure me to him… I will not let him win.”

“I know.”

~~~

You and Leia were watching as Rey meditated in the air in the jungle clearing the three of you often found yourselves in. She was slowly spinning in the air with her eyes closed and rocks floating around her.

“Be with me…” Rey said softly. “Be with me… Be with me…” She opened her eyes. “They’re not with me. Ugh.” She dropped herself and the rocks to the ground.

“Rey, be patient,” Leia advised.

“I’m starting to think it’s impossible… to hear the voices of the Jedi who came before.”

“Nothing’s impossible,” you told her. “It takes time… I wasn’t able to communicate with Obi-Wan for a while. Just… trust in the Force and keep pushing.”

“Right,” Rey gave a nod. “Nothing’s impossible,” she repeated. “I’m going to run the training course.”

Leia gave Rey a small smile as she handed Rey the old blue-bladed lightsaber. You and Leia watched as Rey ran off to complete the training course. Leia looked at you once Rey had disappeared.

“What’s wrong?” Leia asked you.

“What?” You questioned, looking at her. “Nothing’s wrong.”

“Don’t try to lie to me, Auntie. Something has been bothering you for a while now.”

“Leia…”

“Y/N.”

You sighed, looking away toward where Rey had run off. “Palpatine is back.”

“What?”

“Well… I guess he really never left. But, he’s going to go after Rey. Because Rey is—“

“A Palpatine. I had my suspicions… If he’s going after Rey, that means he will be going after you as well. Are you prepared for that fight?”

“I hope so.”

~~~

Rey came back from the training course, clearly off. She stuffed items into her sack as she spoke to you and Leia.

“I didn’t finish the training course,” she told you both. “Got distracted. I’m just not feeling myself. I know it looks—It looks like I’m making excuses.”

“Don’t tell me what things look like,” Leia responded. “Tell me what they are.”

“I think I’m just tired. That’s all.” Rey handed the old lightsaber to you. “I will earn your brother’s saber… one day.” BB8 chirped. “No, you can’t do it for me.”

“Never underestimate a droid,” Leia warned.

“Yes, Master.”

~~~

The Falcon returned with Chewie, R2, Finn, and Poe from their mission not long later. They had retrieved intel from a First Order spy. The intel confirmed your feelings and your talk with Luke.

“We’ve decoded the intel from the First Order spy,” you told everyone, taking lead on this discussion. “It confirms something that I have been sensing for a while now… Palpatine is alive.”

Gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowds.

“Wait, do we believe this?” Rose questioned.

“It can’t be,” another Commander said. “The Emperor’s dead.”

“Cloning… Secrets only the Sith knew about the Force,” you explained. 

“He’s been planning his revenge,” Poe said. “His followers have been building something for years. The largest fleet the galaxy has ever known. It’s being called the Final Order. And in 16 hours, attacks on all free worlds begin. The Emperor and his fleet have been hiding in the Unknown Regions, on a world called Exegol.” 

There was a darkness surrounding just that word, Exegol. R2-D2 chirped frantically.

“Exegol does not appear on any star chart,” 3PO explained. “But legend describes it as a hidden world of the Sith.”

“There were always whispers of Palpatine’s hunger to cheat death,” you said. “He’s been out there the whole time, pulling the strings.”

“Always. In the shadows,” said Leia. “From the very beginning.”

“If we want to stop him, we must find him,” Maz said. “Must find Exegol.”

“Generals?” Rey called, turning to you and Leia. “Can I speak with you?” The two of you followed her to a more private place. “I know how to get to Exegol.”

“Tell us,” Leia said.

“Luke searched for it.” Rey pulled out a notebook from her sack. “For a long time. He nearly found it.” He opened the notebook and found the pages she needed. “There are ciphers here I can’t read. But he said to get there, you need on of these.” She pointed to a sketch on the page. “A Sith way-finder. They’re—“

“Compasses that lead the way to Exegol,” you interrupted. “I’ve never seen one but I’ve heard of them.”

“To stop what we know is coming, I need to finish what Luke started. Find Exegol. Find the Emperor.”

“No,” Leia responded.

“I don’t want to go without a blessing from both of you, but I will.” Leia and you stayed silent. “I will. It’s what either of you would do.”

“You have my blessing,” you told Rey.

“Are you going to come?”

“My age is a disadvantage. This is your mission, Rey. May the Force be with you.”

~~~

You were nervously meditating and practicing with your lightsabers as you waited to hear any news. You could feel that things weren’t going as planned but you needed to do your best to remain calm and keep the faith.

“General!” Rose rushed into the clearing you were in. “We’ve made contact and you’re needed.”

You followed after her to the command center where there were holograms of those who went on the mission waiting.

“What’s going on?” You asked.

“It’s a long story,” Rey began, “but we need your help figuring out what this means.” Rey turned to hologram C3PO. “Tell us what the dagger said.”

“The Emperor’s way finder is on Coruscant,” C3PO said. Though it wasn’t his normal voice. It was more robotic and dark. “It’s in a place where the light turned to dark and bonds were forged and severed.” You inhaled sharply. “Only this blade tells. Only this blade tells.”

“Do you have the blade?” Your voice was shaky as you asked. Rey lifted up the blade so that you could see it and the cut out along its edge. You swallowed as you stared at it.

“Y/N,” Leia said, stepping closer to you. “Do you know where that is?”

“I do… It’s… I… It’s…”

Leia gently took your hand. She could see that wherever the dagger led was a place from your past. “It’s alright. Take your time.”

You nodded, eyes not having left the dagger. “The Temple… The way finder is in the Jedi Temple on Coruscant.”

next chapter >

[anakin-pilled]

okay i finally finished the star wars sequel trilogy and here’s my opinion and thoughts on each of the movies that no one asked for but i want to share anyway 🤓🤓 spoilers below!

The Force Awakens:

Don’t have a strong opinion on this movie TBH, I think it’s the weakest of the three but it’s a good introduction movie.

Wasn’t expecting Han’s death…RIP TO A REAL ONE😭

Still don’t understand how Rey was able to beat a trained Kylo Ren in battle…she was too OP for the first movie.

Kylo’s back story isn’t convincing enough and I think he’s kind of lame, I don’t think they did him justice.

Transitioning between scenes is so reminiscent of the OG triology and I love it.

The Last Jedi:

THE BEST OUT OF THE THREE!! I really enjoyed this movie; especially all the different sub plots. I loved that we got to see more characters.

I AM A FINNPOE ENTHUSIAST

I AM NOT A REYLO ENTHUSIAST

I liked Rose’s character and her dynamic with Finn!! Kelly Marie Tran did not deserve all the hate she got ): Rose was awesome ):

The scene in Snoke’s throne, Kylo reminded me so much of Anakin in ROTS, from the hair to the expression on his face, I literally think he channeled Anakin’s energy into his performance (think of Anakin when he first pledged loyalty to Palpatine)

Kinda confused on the direction they went in with Luke. You mean to tell me Luke refused to kill Darth Vader because he believed there was light still in him, but couldn’t extend the same hope to Kylo? Idk, Luke’s main characteristic is that he’s the hopeful, optimistic hero and I feel like they completely scrapped that. ESPECIALLY BECAUSE THEY DONT EVEN DIRECTLY TELL YOU WHY KYLO HAD SO MUCH DARKNESS IN HIM, i blame the story tellers

Luke saying no one’s ever really gone…yeah I cried 😭

I knew Luke died from like years ago, but watching his force spirit in front of the two suns just reminded me of that iconic scene in ANH where he’s standing in front of the two Tatooine suns. Literally one of my favorite Star Wars scenes EVER 🥹

The Rise of Skywalker

I think my biggest gripe with this trilogy is that it completely ruins Anakin/Vader being the Chosen One. Like….George Lucas confirms he’s the Chose One and then we see in ROTJ that he helps brings balance to the force, thus completing the prophecy. BUT THEN PALPATINE DIDNT DIE AND HES BACK AND THAT MAKES THE PROPHECY COMPLETELY MOOT AND THATS AN INSULT TO MY POOKIE.

Didn’t expect Leia to die…I know Carrie died (RIP TO A REAL ONE) but I honestly didn’t know she was going to die in the movie and I kept on wondering how they were going to pull it off. And I’m just realizing they killed each of the OG trio 😭

We needed more Rose.

They built up Finn to be a love interest for Rey in the first movie then completely scrapped that idea for Reylo 😭

Not sure how I feel about Reylo. I was really hoping they wouldn’t kiss then BOOM they kissed. Idk I just don’t think the chemistry was there.

I still think they did Kylo’s character building dirty, but I did enjoy his redemption arc. RIP

The voices of all the Jedi guiding Rey, I CRIED OKAYYYYYY

FINNPOE SUPREMACY

I love FinnPoe, but also Finn and Poe separately. Oscar and John were amazing

Seeing all the Death Stars crash, the Ewoks looking up and cheering, the celebration scene 😭😭😭😭 I cried so much IDK it just reminded me so much of the the end of ROTJ and honestly I’m a huge sucker for a good winning final scene.

Overall, I enjoyed the trilogy more than I thought I would and while I do think it’s not PERFECT and I do think there’s a lot to fix, I do think a lot of SW fans are just salty and hated the idea of a more diverse, female led franchise. I would definitely watch again (:

Now I need to know what happens after lol

[inquisitor-apologist]

Star wars: 3, 5, 7, 10, 12 ♥️

3. which character are you actually most like?

Probably Sabine Wren—I’m a punk teenager who loves to die my hair, and I have a lot of combat experience. (7 years of karate) I love painting, and I’m trying to be more active in fighting against the empire I live in (usa). Perhaps one day I will be able to blow up fascists with homemade bombs…

5. what planet would you most like to visit? 

Considering I literally named myself after it, I kind of have to go with Korriban, don’t I? Cool, ancient planet full of giant statues, evil holocrons, and malevolent ghosts, what’s not to love? Honestly tlt it’d be worth it just to see the giant statues.

7. who do you hope you never meet?

Grogu. Little dude is exactly football-sized and I don’t think I could resist the urge to drop-kick him. I would feel terrible about it afterwards, but I don’t think I would be strong enough to stop myself.

10. do you think the jedi were right or wrong?

This one’s pretty obvious if you look at my blog, and, well, imo, if you look at the movies. The Jedi are, as presented by Lucas, unequivocally the good guys. The core dichotomy of Star Wars is the Dark side and the Light, (or, in the OT, the Dark side and the Force) compassion versus selfishness, and the Jedi were the compassionate guys, the ones who used the force to better themselves and help others. Their philosophy on non attachment is heavily based on Buddhism—George Lucas actually converted to Buddhism and described himself as a Methodist-Buddhist—so I think it’s fair to say that it was intended to be a positive, healthy way to live. (Please, Star Wars fandom, I am begging you to look up what attachment means in Star Wars, it’s different than what attachment means to USAmericans) Also, the ‘no romantic relationships’ thing makes a lot of sense when you realize the Jedi are monks first and foremost, and monks that have super dangerous government jobs. I know it’s annoying for shipping, but it does make sense with the worldbuilding.

The tragedy of the prequels was that Anakin, in his selfishness and greed, betrayed the Jedi and allowed the rise of the Empire. That doesn’t work if the Jedi are the bad guys, then it’s a completely different story. So, yeah, the Jedi were absolutely right.

12. do you care who rey’s parents are?

Ok, so since this ask game was posted when the sequels were still coming out and my opinion has changed a lot since 2019, I’ll answer this two different ways: how I felt then, and how I feel now.

When the sequels were coming out: No. I was pretty young back then, and not fully into Star Wars yet, and I basically took what the movies said at face value. Oh, they abandoned her? That’s sad, guess we won’t see them. Oh, they were junk traders that sold her? That sucks, I bet Rey feels really bad about that. Oh, she’s a Palpatine? That’s cool, I wasn’t expecting that. I watched a lot of those theory videos talking about how she could totally be a Skywalker or a Kenobi or a Solo, but I never really had a strong opinion on it. My reaction to her being Palpatine’s granddaughter was mostly ‘huh, how would that work? I don’t think he had a wife?’ I get now that it was a big question that everyone wanted the answer to, but I was too young to care.

Now: Yeah, actually, and I really like the idea of her being a Palpatine. I think it was a really good idea, and had they actually planned the story around it, it would’ve worked really well. Like, if she was established as a Palpatine in tfa, it would’ve added a lot to her character. Why is she so desperate to stay on Jakku? Because she’s hiding from the First Order. It would have also explained Snoke and Kylo Ren’s interest in her—as Palpatine’s heir, they would’ve really wanted to get her on their side. I really like the idea of her being a Palpatine, but the execution was so awful, just like most of the sequels.

Thanks for the ask! These were really fun to do

[benthelastskywalker]

Can you elaborate more on your last post on how Ben solo fell to the dark side? :0

Certainly! The sequels do a very poor job on the subject, unfortunately, as most of the information regarding his turn is only discussed in supplemental material, not the movies themselves and this is my biggest pet peeve with the ST.

In the TFA novelization it is revealed that Snoke (or really Palpatine through Snoke as in TROS we find out Snoke was created by Palps and was just his puppet) had been manipulating Ben to the Dark Side since before he was born. Just think about that for a moment. Imagine having some evil guy inside your head. Whispering things to you, trying to convince you to abandon your family and follow him? Imagine not even having your own thoughts to yourself, this evil guy knowing everything you think and feel. It would be hard enough to deal with as an adult, but like Ben wasn't even born yet when this started. He had no idea what was happening. No way to understand or explain, to get help.

Now keep in mind that Leia, Luke, and Han all believed that Palpatine was dead and had never heard of Snoke at that point. So they had no clue what was really going on. Leia sensed something was off, but didn't realize where the real problem lay. This means that they were unable to help Ben throughout his childhood. They thought his temper tantrums where just coming from him, not him reacting to what was going on. Han was ill equipped to deal with a Force sensitive child in the first place, but one being mentally assaulted everyday? I can't imagine. He was often gone as he was still a smuggler. And Leia was busy trying to help run the galaxy.

Yet, despite all of this Ben still managed to stay in the Light for twenty-three years. Twenty-three years of Palpatine inside his head with no support from his family and he didn't turn. Unbelievable. He really doesn't get enough credit for this. Which is why, I don't doubt, Palpatine ended up going as far as he did.

We know in TLJ that Luke almost killed Ben, but The Rise of Kylo Ren comics, reveal that there was much more going on. In TLJ, Luke tells Rey that he saw inside Ben's head and that was what, briefly, prompted him to consider killing Ben, but according to the comics, he wasn't actually seeing inside Ben's head. He was seeing inside Palpatine's. Palpatine purposefully let Luke get a glimpse of him, but manipulated him into thinking he was seeing Ben's mind. Then Palps nudged Ben awake just at the right moment to see Luke standing over him with a light saber and react.

When Ben gets out of the hut, a "freak lightning storm" (I think we can all agree it was summoned by Palps), hit the Jedi temple, catching it on fire. That's right. Palps burned down the temple, not Ben. In fact, Ben was horrified and tried to help rescue the students trapped inside, but failed. It was then that three of the students who had been away, returned and accused Ben of murdering Luke and the other students and wouldn't believe him when he told them what had happened. Ben ran and they pursued. All three were eventually killed, but it was pretty much self-defense. Ben went to join the Knights of Ren after that and then went to Snoke, believing that he could never turn to his parents, believing that they wouldn't believe him (I can hardly blame him for feeling that way). It was only then that he started calling himself Kylo Ren.

Ben didn't murdered Luke's students as Luke and Han and everyone else in the movies believed. He was framed. But the sad thing is, even Ben himself seemed to believe that he was responsible. He probably thought that he had unconsciously summoned the lighting that burned the temple down, much like Rey in TROS.

So, you see, Ben's "fall" to the Dark Side wasn't so simple as something as making the choice to jump into a swimming pool. That's why I described it as a game of Tug of War where Ben is the rope, though really, it was Palpatine pulling at Ben, slowly inch, by inch, though Ben resisted as long as he could. Ben didn't choose the Dark Side. The Dark Side choose him and sank its nasty claw into him and refused to let go. Yet, as we see in TROS, Ben was still able to come back to the Light. He really is when of the strongest characters in SW if not the strongest.

[artist-issues]

Okay, I’ve decided to organize my thoughts on the Star Wars Sequels. The way I see it, the movies had an acceptable start, peaked in excellence with The Last Jedi, and then utterly destroyed all of their potential in the finale as The Rise of Skywalker. This was unfortunate, because the explosion that was TROS crashing and burning cast a weird, hellish light of suckiness on the two films that came before it. Like, when you go back and watch TFA or TLJ, you can’t see characters who grow and change, anymore. You can only look at the potential they had which was wasted and had no payoff.

I have a friend who totally disagrees and says that the Star Wars Sequels sucked simply because Disney was in charge, and Disney sucks. He doesn’t think the Sequels were ever good or had any potential to be good at any point. He thinks TLJ was the worst of the three and helped set up the dumpster fire which was TROS by being so bad.

He’s wrong. TLJ was the best one. I would argue that because most fans were blinded by wanting TLJ to revive their idealization of classic Star Wars characters, they missed all the good that The Last Jedi was doing for the franchise. And I would not be surprised if it was the negative fan response to Rian Johnson’s excellent setup that contributed to JJ Abram’s horrible swing-and-a-miss with TROS.

I feel like the best way to explain this is by addressing the complaints everyone spewed after TLJ premiered. Is it way too late to make these points? Yes. Does anyone care? Nnno probably not. But if you do care and you disagree, guess what? Yes I am making this argument and yes, I take criticism. Let’s gooo

Complaint 1: Snoke’s Death

People hated that Snoke died in TLJ because they wanted him to be something. Anything. Anything important. Why did they want that? I really don’t know. I suspect it is because Emperor Palpatine, in the Sacred Original Trilogy, was so hardcore evil and endured to the finale as the “final boss.” Fans must’ve obviously expected that pattern to repeat. And while it repeated, they wanted it to uncover lore; Snoke is a clone, Snoke is Plagueis, Snoke is The Son, Snoke is a time traveler, Snoke is Palpatine. They just wanted him to be something they could point at and say “oh! That! I know what that is!” But whether you wanted Snoke to be a copy of the phenomenon that was The Emperor from the OT, or you wanted him to be a something obscurely interesting from the extended universe of Star Wars, guess what?

That was never the point of Snoke. Snoke is not the main bad guy. Snoke isn’t even interesting. He’s a copy of what we’ve seen before: a dark, shadowy puppet master who is vaguely overpowered and hideously ugly, as well as shrouded in mystery. He fulfills the same role the Emperor did, in Force Awakens. He’s just there to be the authority behind more interesting or relatable villains like Hux and Kylo Ren. You might say “well, why did they even need to have Snoke in the first place? They shouldn’t even have created a character that was a copy of the Emperor; but since they did, they DEFINITELY shouldn’t have killed him off!!”

But that is silly too. Obviously Star Wars narratives aren’t going to ever be super logical, but one thing makes sense: if you have a super powerful head of a movement which is challenging the government, like the First Order, why would that super-powerful head jeopardize himself by going into battle? Chasing down Resistance Pilots? Giving speeches personally? It makes more sense for such a super-powerful head to maximize the power that being mysterious gives him, for one, and keep his head out of sniper crosshairs for another. Meanwhile, he sends underlings like Hux and Ren to be extensions of his will.

So Snoke needs to be around for logic purposes. But what about story purposes? Did he need to be a copy of the Emperor?

No. And he’s not. Well, functionally, in some ways he is. Like I already said, in The Force Awakens, he’s just around for a brief cameo as a hologram telling his underling what to do, and ominous mentions by the First Order, very similar to Palpatine in A New Hope. But take a look at some differences.

Palpatine ran his Empire by planning several steps ahead so that he could destroy the Jedi and conquer the galaxy from the inside of a pre-established government system. That took patience and living a double life. Snoke, on the other hand—we’re not told (until TROS) how he came to power. But it is easily seen that his method of conquering is not patience and subtlety. First he targets and sways to his side the son of the existing government (the New Republic’s) heroes. That puts a big old “HEY I’M SNOKE AND I’M EVIL” sign on his back. And he openly waged war against the forces of good in the galaxy with an organization that’s not even trying to pretend it isn’t a holdover from the Empire. Like, his soldiers are called “Stormtroopers” and he uses Star Destroyers and everything. It would be like if Palpatine, in Phantom Menace, never ran for Senate or plotted with several apprentices to undermine the Jedi prophecies. Forget all that.  What if, instead, some time before the beginning of Phantom Menace, this Nabooian, Sheev Palpatine made a name for himself by being super strong in the Dark Side, gathered as many cultists as he could, dressed them in obviously evil uniforms, and declared open war on the Galactic Republic as a leftover faction of the Sith Empire? And everyone identified him and his cultists as "a holdover from the Sith Empire." Oh, but first, he found, like, the child of a hero from the Old Republic and turned him into his own personal evil puppet.

Palpatine wasn’t that bold (or stupid, take your pick.) The Emperor wasn’t standing on the ruins of another evil and openly reviving a war that had already been lost, with all the subtlety of a hammer blow. He played the long, gigantic, centuries-old game and by the Revenge of the Sith, he was the overlord of the entire galaxy with all the power strategically placed to tip over to his own side in one fell swoop. So he has a much more established, much further-reaching influence as the Big Bad Villain in the Original Trilogy. Honestly, when you compare Snoke in TLJ, Snoke starts to look like some fanboy upstart who just has great stage presence and uncommonly long reach with the Force.

The point being, Snoke isn’t fulfilling the same EXACT mold as Palpatine. His “rule” only really started after he destroyed the planets of the New Republic at the END of Rise of Skywalker. It’s brand new. He’s not an established ruler, even if everyone on his payroll is commanded to call him, and treat him as, the “Supreme Leader.” So cutting the tentative, brand new warlord of the Galaxy in half in your second movie instead of in the last is more feasible, because you don’t have to build as much into it. Snoke has only been a mover and shaker of significance, to our knowledge, since Ben’s adolescence.

And all comparing Snoke’s interesting-ness to Palpatine’s aside…that’s not even the argument here. Snoke never needed to be “somebody important” because all he ever needed to do was serve as the character propellor for Kylo Ren. Kylo Ren needed to have someone encouraging him to do horrible things, like kill his own father or capture the only person who’s ever understood the conflict in him. It was not only fascinating to have Snoke die one movie early, but to have him die as a nobody? Someone who was there, powerful, and then gone? Wow! What a move! Think about it.

Star Wars is built on tension between who you are, who you choose to be, and what legacy you leave. To have Snoke be set up as someone important, but cut down by the character that we’re all ACTUALLY interested in, is the best way those themes have been played with in years. When Kylo Ren cuts him down, it means that the stakes are high. It means that it doesn’t matter if a character’s history is a mystery, or meaningful—it yanks the audience’s attention into the present moment. Forget about who this Snoke guy WAS and where he WAS during the events of your sacred Original Trilogy—look at the character standing here NOW. He’s got a crazy crackling lightsaber and an unhinged mentality, and you no longer know what he is going to do next.

Conclusion: Snoke was never meant to be somebody. He was just meant to make the actual Somebodies of the film stand out more.

And what was SET UP by this was the idea that Kylo Ren was now the leader of the First Order. The character you thought was a Vader stand-in is now the Emperor stand-in. And yeah, he can’t possibly be good at it—right? All we’ve seen him do up until the moment he declares himself Supreme Leader is ignore careful planning and do whatever his tantrum-happy heart desires in the moment. He shows no signs, during his few minutes as acting Big Bad at the end of TLJ, of changing that pattern of “leadership.” In fact, he just seems more lost and confused by the last shot of Adam Driver in that film. What does a Big Bad who is lost and confused look like in a trilogy finale?

I guess everybody was thinking “waaah, I can’t take Kylo Ren seriously as a threat! He’s a tantrum-throwing kid! The Resistance doesn’t even have anybody worth fighting if he’s in charge.” But guess what? Rian Johnson took care of that…because by the end of the film, the Resistance is like ten alien misfits flying away on one beat-up freighter. Their most powerful defense against the new, unhinged Supreme Leader is an emotionally drained orphan with Jedi texts to maybe study and no lightsaber. And if you think that makes Kylo Ren too overpowered to have an interesting third movie fighting ten alien misfits, remember that Rian Johnson also had Kylo Ren’s fleet blown up by HyperSpace Kamikaze. So they're back down to more manageable odds, a much smaller war (in scale) and more potential screen time for the characters. Characters, like Kylo Ren, who are going in bold new directions, like “kill all old things” and “how do we build a rebellion from this?” It just freed up MORE time and space for them to focus on and develop the themes/characters we all care about. AND, that, as an added benefit, would have allowed the Sacred Original Trilogy to keep its laurels as the Big War of Star Wars.

But no. You guys were mad that Kylo Ren was going to be the Big Bad, and so we got Palpatine back. Boring, tired old Palpatine. And Kylo Ren took steps BACKWARD and became the conflicted power-hungry puppet of an old man, again.

Complaint 2: Luke’s “Character Assasination”

I’m going to try to keep my response to this short and sweet. Basically everyone wants to dump on Rian Johnson’s explanation of Luke Skywalker hiding on Ahch-To and almost killing his nephew once a long time ago. They think Luke Skywalker, strong and heroic at the end of A New Hope, would never do such things. “He’d never give up on Ben! He’d never leave Leia and Han and the galaxy to defend themselves!”

Okay but think for one second. Think OUTSIDE the Original Trilogy.

The best characters are believable. Luke is believable because he has multiple levels to who he is. Yes, when met in the OT, he is hopeful and adventurous, and he sees the good in others. Old recluse Ben Kenobi, irritating but lovable smuggler Han, treacherous father Vader, you name it. If it breathes, Luke seems willing to believe it has good in it. But Luke is more than just your standard Hopeful, Forgiving Hero. He is also prideful. LET ME FINISH. Luke is told by Yoda that he cannot be trained because he is too young, but Luke insists that he can. Luke is told not to go confront Vader until he is ready, but he goes anyway because he believes he is the only one who can save his friends. He is told not to go to his father, because it is too late for Vader to be saved, but he goes anyway. It turns out all right in the end; Luke goes, in his pride believing he can resist the Dark Side and the Emperor. He almost turns to the Dark Side, believing he can stop his sister’s endangerment and the death of the Rebellion. He is goaded into fighting Vader, and almost kills his own father. But then he chooses to have mercy and be a Jedi, instead. If not for Anakin’s return to the Light, even that decision would have gotten him killed. But like I said, it turned out okay and Luke was remembered as the hero who kept up belief in the Light.

So let’s say you’re Rian Johnson, and the character everyone believes is a super powerful god of hope and heroism has, for some reason, been sitting on an island while his nephew kills his best friend and almost kills his sister and destroys everything Luke worked for. You have to explain that.

You have to keep Luke in-character. So what part of Luke Skywalker,  in the OT source material, might have grown in the lifetime since we saw him last? What would the Sacred Original Trilogy Luke do if he had a family member who, leaning into the dark side, might be revealed to someday destroy everyone he loved?

Wasn’t there a moment where Young, Sacred Original Trilogy Luke Skywalker almost killed a family member under the same circumstances? Oh yeah. When he had Vader at his mercy at the end of Return of the Jedi. So it looks like, sometimes, it IS in-character for Luke Skywalker to have “a briefest moment of pure instinct,” and “I thought I could stop it,” and then “it passed.”

Okay, so maybe Luke threatening his nephew in a moment of fear and weakness can be said to be in-character. But what about after that? What about, in the consequences of that, Luke deciding not to make up for it but instead go into hiding? That’s super out-of-character, right? I mean, who would do that? Who would fail to save the Galaxy from a new darkness after driving his apprentice to that darkness, then choose to isolate himself and seek answers about where he went wrong by studying ancient Jedi artifacts?

Oh. Ben Kenobi. Who failed to prevent or defeat the darkness in his apprentice, and so decided to isolate himself and study the Force with his Master’s ghost. Ben Kenobi, who was one of Luke Skywalker’s only two role models in the Force did that same thing. Of course, Ben Kenobi was guarding Luke all the time, so he wasn’t totally abandoning the galaxy. But maybe, when Luke ran from his failure, he thought he was going to find some sort of answer to the problem. Some sort of insight to where he went wrong, so he could go back and save Ben. Only to find, on the island, that the only insight he could reach was the utter hubris of the Jedi Order he used to idolize. Then he starts internalizing that hubris, projecting it onto himself, coupled with the crippling added weight of having failed the only family he has…and he truly believes that the world is better off without him.

Okay, but who would, after failure, begin a young woman’s training and then leave her to go fight the danger you’ve been avoiding, all alone? When you know she might be killed?

Oh. Master Yoda. Who started an ill-advised apprentice’s training in Empire Strikes Back, and then when that apprentice stubbornly flew off to confront his nemesis, warned against it and ultimately stayed behind. Master Yoda, Luke Skywalker’s other only role model in the Force who did the same thing. Now, luckily, Yoda corrected this. Yoda finished Luke’s training, and gave him advice on his destiny, then passed into the Force. And when Luke was getting ready to leave Rey to her fate, it wasn’t until Yoda reappeared on Ahch-To that Luke returned to hoping. He realized that, yes, Rey was going to fail to turn Ben Solo the same way he failed to prevent Ben Solo from turning to the Dark Side. But thanks to Yoda, he also realized that that didn’t mean she needed to do what he did and isolate herself, or close herself off from the Force. She needed to learn from the failure and grow beyond it. That is what Luke is doing in the final Act of TLJ. He is proving to Rey, through a dying connection to the Force, that she can focus on and have peace in her purpose.

That IS in-character for Luke. Maybe, if Ben Solo hadn’t been Force sensitive and Snoke hadn’t turned him to the Dark Side from afar during training, Luke would have had a different in-character development between OT and ST. Maybe, if some galactic threat that had no direct, dark-side connection to his family had appeared, he would’ve kept fighting and become an even stronger beacon for hope in others and perseverance. But that’s not what happened. It’s a little tragic, but then, the story isn’t about him any longer. The story is about Rey. And Rey needed to learn that “her place in all this” wasn’t important. (Which is paralleled beautifully by Luke choosing to give himself up literally, and thematically, for her to go on. He was choosing to pass into the Force BECAUSE he didn't need to be the one in the spotlight, saving the galaxy, with everything rising on him, anymore.)

Rey didn’t need to be the answer to Kylo Ren’s problem, and she didn’t need to find out that her parents gave her meaning. It was just finding a purpose in helping others, passing on the Jedi growth to new generations, that mattered. That's what Luke's whole role is in this movie. He learns that in hiding away on an island, he was still acting out of hubris; like if he joined the galaxy again and came out of hiding, he'd cause more problems just by being a living legend. But in this movie he essentially learns from Yoda "it ain't that serious." Just pass on your strengths and your weaknesses because it ain't all about you.

Which is hard for people to understand, because Star Wars fans love Luke Skywalker. He's Luke Skywalker. But this isn't Part 4 of the Sacred Original Trilogy. It's a BRAND NEW trilogy, FOLLOWING Luke's story, but not HIS story any more. If this were the new "Luke Skywalker" tv show, and we opened on our main hero running from his problems, then yeah, we could have a legitimate offense. But that's not what this is. Context is the only way out of the plastic bags Luke fans seem to be suffocating under.

And also, it’s actually kind of great, the way Luke passed on. It echoes the OT, but in a better way. In the OT, Ben Kenobi dies by choosing to deactivate his light saber after deliberately engaging Vader, a “lost cause,” when he knew there was a young hero who could carry on the mission after he was gone. Luke deliberately engages Ben Solo, but NOT as a "lost cause." In fact, by being a Force projection, Luke NEVER gives Kylo Ren the option to "strike him down in anger." He won't be the instrument of Ben Solo choosing more darkness. And he even says to Leia, "nobody's ever really gone." Where Ben Kenobi sacrificed himself so that Luke could defeat his fallen apprentice in the future, Luke sacrifices himself so that Rey could live on and SAVE his fallen apprentice.

If that's not Luke Skywalker, tell me what is.

And it goes perfectly with the best theme in the film, "We won by not killing what we hate; saving what we love."

Complaint 3: Canto Bight/Finn/Rose

I put these all together because they GO together. Trying to separate Finn, Rose, and their adventure on Canto Bight would unravel the whole point of that B-Plot. And there is a point.

I have heard several different complaints about this. First, that the creators didn't know what to do with Finn, so they sidelined him. Or the creators didn't know what to do with Finn, so they brought in Rose, a "useless love interest." And at the center of all complaints is Canto Bight. "Pointless," "boring," "preachy" Canto Bight. Some people even say Canto Bight was only in there to push a political, anti-capitalism message.

What? Seriously, what?

That's SO not the point of Canto Bight. I feel like this is so obvious but evidently it needs to be said because some people have been watching the same Sacred Star Wars Original Trilogy for so long, they've forgotten how movies work, or something.

Canto Bight is a sci-fi object lesson on the only good which can come of war. Canto Bight juxtaposes BAD profit associated with war (literal rich people getting rich off of slavery and brutal conflict) with the GOOD outcome of war (a shakeup or overhaul of that very system, leading to freedom for those who couldn't free themselves without help.)

Rose and Finn arrive on Canto Bight looking for a master code breaker to try and stop the First Order. Instead, they find a foil for Finn. They escape by setting the alien deer-creatures free, and at first, Finn is just happy they "made those guys hurt." But Rose (who is a GREAT character, especially when interacting with Finn's character) teaches him that it's only worth it if they get caught because they freed the deer-aliens. Why? They're just dumb beasts. They didn't get to free the slave children, or blow up the corrupt, bloated gambling town. Why would setting a few creatures free make failure worth it?

For the same reason escaping with a handful of survivors was worth more than heroes sacrificing to blow up a big Dreadnaught.

The theme of the film is YOU AREN'T THAT IMPORTANT. The CAUSE is important. The GREATER GOOD, the BIG PICTURE, is important. And if your sacrifice for the greater good looks like FAILING the battle so you can WIN the WAR, GOOD.

You don't get to be the hero who hops in an X-Wing and blows up a dreadnought, or hops in an X-Wing and takes a shot at the dreaded Kylo Ren. Sometimes you don't get to be that hero. Sometimes, it's worth more to run and keep more people alive; and with them, hope.

You don't get to be the hero who learns her true heritage as an heiress to a glowing role in the great Story of the Galaxy, or the great hero who turns the most fearsome evil back to the Light. You don't even get to be the hero who brings Luke Skywalker back to the world. Sometimes, it's worth more to lift some rocks out of the way and do what you can, in the present, to save your friends.

You don't get to be the hero who liberated all of Canto Bight, AND sabotaged the First Order, AND kept your Jedi Chosen One friend. You don't get to be the hero who throws himself into the cannon and blows it up with your noble death. Sometimes, it's worth more to LEARN FROM YOUR FAILURE and do the HARDER thing and STAY with the tiny, near-hopeless underdogs fighting a losing battle.

They failed. Rose sacrificed everything from her sister to her sentiments to her own life and they still got caught. Finn finally decided to fight against the First Order instead of fleeing, but he still failed; he didn't get to sabotage them or sacrifice himself. And FROM that failure they LEARNED. Finn learned that it's not enough to pick a side. It's not even enough to die fighting. You have to LIVE fighting, out of love, not hate. And he was a former stormtrooper. He was RAISED on the rhetoric of establishing right using might. So when he tries to blow up the battering-ram cannon with himself, it's out of a furious, last-ditch effort to keep them from winning. He wants the First Order to lose. He wants to strongarm a solution, go out in a blaze of glory, show them!

But it's HARDER to live and fight on. (Cue George Washington line from Hamilton.) It's harder to control your hate and your desire for vengeance or victory, or your desire to show your former masters that they'll never own you again...and instead spend your effort strategically, carefully, because you're thinking more about the people you love and the galaxy you're leaving behind than you are the statement a brash sacrifice would make.

And ROSE? Oh my gosh, Rose is such a great character! Especially when you compare her to the only other person Finn seems to have such a strong bond with: Rey.

Finn's relationship with Rey is, that she was the first person who ever looked at him like he could be important. Or a hero. "I've never met a Resistance fighter before." He related to her instantly, because both of them have been living with no family. Nobody to latch on to. Nobody to care about. When he meets her, (obviously there's some attraction but whatever) they're kindred spirits, in a way. He's found someone to care about, and he throws himself into it. He doesn't want to lose her. She winds up being the only thing he's willing to sacrifice for.

Then he meets Rose. And if you think about it, she looks at him with even more admiration than Rey did, initially. Then she realizes he's leaving (yes, because he only really commits to Rey) and her reaction is that much more extreme than Rey's was upon learning Finn was the kind of guy to flee. She tazes him.

From that moment on, Rose is the one teaching Finn what living for a cause looks like. Something bigger than himself, and his attachment to one other person. She just lost the only person she had--her sister. For all they know, with Rey out on dangerous unknown missions, Finn could soon be in the same boat. Losing the only person he has. To Finn? That is unacceptable.

But here's Rose. This perfect character to parallel him. She doesn't have anybody else; her sister is gone. But she's still with the Resistance. Still fighting. How must that look, to Finn? And he sees her sacrifice over and over for this greater cause. She could have given up. Run away. Her sister is gone; what was preventing her from getting in the escape pods and running away?

She's the balance (another huge theme in this film) to DJ. DJ says don't join. Rose's whole character says "save what you love." She does hate Canto Bight. Much more than Finn. But when he's ready to get excited about causing Canto Bight pain, she's showing him it's better to be excited about setting animals free.

Rey could not, ultimately, teach Finn. She was having her own identity crisis. So introducing Rose, and having her, an ordinary, nobody mechanic just working for the Resistance, be his greatest teacher, was beautiful AND perfect.

I think what puts a sour taste in everyone's mouth about Rose is that kiss at the end of her appearances in the film. And I'm not going to argue about why the kids made sense--all I'll say is that FINN didn't seem to reciprocate. He was too busy reeling over the moral mic drop she said before she kissed him. Because the point is she's always surprising him, making him think differently about the world and his place in it and what sacrifice is really FOR. And she kissed him because she's got nobody else in the whole galaxy and clearly already held on to some admiration for him for defecting from the First Order, and John Boyega is attractive. So she's just saved his life and he cares enough about her to try and help her afterward, and she's clearly a little loopy, and she kissed him real quick. Get over it, guys. That wasn't the point of her. She was EXCELLENT.

Complaint 5: Hyperdrive Ramming 

This is maybe the dumbest one. But also maybe the most excusable one? At least this complaint is about something technical. Somehow that feels like a more forgivable prejudice than the kind that might prompt someone to have a complaint about why older Luke Skywalker didn’t behave exactly like 20 year-old Luke Skywalker, or other character-based complaints. 

Hello, welcome to the Star Wars fandom. A fandom where fans will accept scientific fallacies, like the sound of blaster fire and engines roaring in the vacuum of space. Or scientific fallacies like a laser which, instead of continuing as an infinite beam, somehow reroute itself into the shape of a blade, and is called a “‘lightsaber.” It’s a fandom where fans will accept that there is something called “‘The Force” —which can be measured by something called “midicholrians” and yet cannot be defined in…literally any other way; it’s even rumored to be able to resurrect the dead, and have a will of its own, and sometimes heroes randomly fade out of existence and “‘become one with the Force.” — In the Star Wars fandom, fans can accept that. Heap the Force on every plot. Do it. We love it. In the Star Wars fandom, you can have a galaxy full of droids on every planet and in every system, and yet those droids are rarely used to fly ships alone. And fans accept this. In the Star Wars fandom, cloning is shown in one set of movies, and then the technology is never seen, cinematically, again. And fans accept this. In the Star Wars fandom, galaxy-dominating empires aren’t bright enough to have soldiers who can aim, or stop building sensitive equipment like shield generators outside of their actual shields. And fans accept this. A Force-sensitive young woman, Leia, who was raised by a politician that used to be close to the Jedi Council spends most of the first film in the presence of her actual birth father, yet the two Force-sensitive beings never sense any kind of connection with one another—despite that being a thing that the Force is known to cause in almost every other relational case. But fans accept that.  But Heaven help you if you try to tell the fans that Admiral Holdo could have turned her ship around and destroyed her opponents by engaging it’s Hyperdrive too close to them.  “If a ship is traveling at the speed of hyperdrive, it jumps instantly, and could never have collided with anything around it! It literally leaves that plane of existence!! If anyone can do that, all of Star Wars is pointless. If anyone can do that, then they would’ve been doing it in every space battle before. They would’ve been able to destroy the Death Star that way. Hyperdrive Ramming breaks Star Wars!! It’s an assasination of the whole franchise!! It’s an abomination! It’s the stupidest thing—”

Oh my gosh, shush. If that is not the epitome of nitpicking, I don’t know what is. 

So what if you haven’t seen this type of warfare before? Guess what, it’s a science fiction movie; you never saw any of this before you SAW IT FOR THE FIRST TIME. That’s how the “fiction” part of “science fiction” works. 

So what if Hyperdrive wouldn’t work like that in real life? Guess what? Neither would a lightsaber. Neither would the Force. Neither would sound effects. Get over it. 

So what if they didn’t use that on the Death Star? You know what? The point of having the Death Star be destroyed by missiles was to show that Luke Skywalker, our protagonist, had decided to trust the Force. A kid from the desert with no formal training was able to out-fly the most deadly pilot in the galaxy and make an impossible shot without the use of his targeting system because it made narrative sense, and for no other reason. Welcome to Star Wars. Holdo’s Hyperdrive Ramming makes sense because it fits the narrative. It shows what the right kind of sacrifice looks like. 

Sometimes I think the Star Wars fandom doesn’t know how to watch a movie. 

[ariainstars]

The Failure With “Reylo”: (Romantic) Love Doesn’t Conquer All

Rereading these days about the many fans’ disappointment about the outcome of the last Star Wars trilogy, I would like to write about what I have been mulling about in my head since The Rise of Skywalker came out.

Considering that Star Wars is a highly symbolic story and that it’s about a dysfunctional family, I believe the story of Ben Solo and Rey from Nowhere is telling us of a failed marriage. And since the saga uses cyclical narrative, we had to expect that this “secret marriage” (dyad) would fail. Anakin’s and Padmé’s marriage did not fail: they were emotionally bonded since they first met, we never see them quarrel or stop loving one another, down to their very last breaths. They did not separate, they were torn apart.

Ben and Rey were not torn apart; they never actually found a common ground. Padmé was not aware of what was going on in Anakin’s mind for too long; Rey always knew Ben’s inner darkness, and rejected it together with her own darkness. Padmé always saw the good little boy Anakin had been in him; Rey never knew Ben when he was small and still untainted by Snoke’s corruption and Luke’s failure. Rey is judgmental and aggressive while Padmé was tolerant and harmony-seeking.

The hint at the “Romeo and Juliet” theme in TFA was fitting; this was never meant to go well. It is also telling that we never heard so much as the hint of a love theme during the sequels.

Rey

Reylo’s were right when they quickly deduced that Ben and Rey belong together: as we learn, they are a dyad. However, there is little love coming from Rey’s side until the end. She does not even mourn the man who saved her, to whom she is bonded by the Force.

Rey has repeatedly hurt and tried to kill a man who was trying to connect with her, not to hurt or kill her in any way. In the Throne Room scene, when he offers her to stay by his side she does not simply say no: she reaches out for his weapon.

Although at first she might have been mistaken for that, Rey is not some Cinderella of sorts, a girl without a family who finds a prince. She is not a new Belle making the Beast mature and become a prince again. She is not the new element the Skywalker family needed to shake them up. She is not the new and fresh point of view Kylo Ren and / or the Jedi needed to rethink their ways.

Rey is and always was meant to be the villain, the person who ends everything. It is not nostalgia or bad writing that she turns out to be a Palpatine: the outline for her character was there since The Force Awakens. Kylo (Ben) was not attacking her: he defended himself almost playfully at first, and during the fight offered her to be her teacher. Rey not only defeated but additionally scarred him.

Star Wars always was about grey zones when it comes to morals. Both main parts of the audience were wrong interpreting Rey because one side saw her as the heroine who defeats the Bad Guy, while the more romantically inclined saw her as Ben Solo’s savior. Rey is neither. She is thrown into the narrative and while she is important for the Bad Guy to redeem himself, she doesn’t do it on purpose. First and foremost, she thinks of herself.

Rey never cared for Ben as himself, at least not on the long run. They shared a few moments, like the hand-touching scene or the kiss, but Ben largely remains a projection of Rey’s own delusions.

Many antis who hate the sequels say that the saga was ruined by feminism, because it appears that wrong feminism created an unconvincing, flat female heroine.

That is not true. Rey is not a heroine. She does nothing heroic. Rey is an immature girl without a grasp of reality; she can’t be blamed for that due to the way she grew up. However, her actions are dictated by her desire for belonging and validation.

Ben loves Rey although she does not deserve his love at all, because he is alone and desperate and she literally was the first ray of light into years of a dark, lonely prison. She is his other half, and instinctively he always knew that; she is as strong as he is; by right, she would fit to him.

But does Rey listen to him? Try to learn from him? Never. It’s either “Be the way I expect you to be or I will kill you (or leave you behind for someone else to kill.)” Good intentions are not enough when your attitude is bad. Rey is not as bad as Palpatine, but she has a long way to go before she can be an actual heroine.

Ben Solo / Kylo Ren

My take is that the sequels are the story of a man trying to reconcile his psyche, integrating and making peace with his female self (personified by Rey). He did manage, and the result made him powerful, but his success was short-lived.

Anakin had been loved by his mother because he was all she had. Leia did not love her son with the same dedication because she had much more. Rey also had much more; while Ben couldn’t help but loving her because she was literally the only ray of light in his personal hell after years and years. Ben’s tragedy was the knowledge that he was not wanted; that if he died today, nobody would mourn him. And he was proven right.

Ben was not meant to be a romantic, Byronic lover who is saved and turned into a better man by love. Though The Last Jedi set hopes high, Ben was already a damned man by The Force Awakens. When he first takes off his helmet in front of Rey, he places it in a container that is macabrely filled with the ashes of his victims. What he does later we all know too well. And a patricide may still be redeemable, but you can’t have him survive and find a happy ending. Had he redeemed himself without Rey’s aid, the same would apply. Ben had to die after his redemption, not as a punishment of sorts but because you can’t insert such a man into a normal society any more. Remember how Luke offered his father to come with him: it was as well-meant as it was naïve. Whoever would have believed Darth f**ng Vader that he was a changed man?

It is a common cliché that a guy will change and want to become a better man for the sake of a woman: one of the many parallels fans (mostly female ones) saw was the one with Pride and Prejudice. But as I had already written in another entry, the trope that came closest was The Phantom of the Opera, and this is how the story ended.

What Reylo’s Got Right, and What They Didn’t

Reylo’s saw right away that Kylo Ren / Ben Solo was not truly evil and that he might be destined for redemption. Many of us even identify with him. From that point of view, it is not difficult to see where he’s headed and that Rey is important for his personal change. What was wrong was the over-idealization of Rey as his perfect partner.

The saga is universally loved and followed by many fans. And not everyone sees and / or appreciates its metaphysical aspects and character developments, unfortunately. Many viewers are only in for the action scenes; they want to see the good guy killing the bad guy, saving the world, getting the girl, the end. It might sound too simplistic but these fans can’t be forbidden from watching Star Wars. And by the time Episode VIII rolled by, there were still countless fans who were convinced, without the shadow of a doubt, that Luke would come out of his exile to save the galaxy again, that Kylo Ren is the bad guy and Rey the heroine. Some were completely taken aback by the kiss.

Episode IX sucked, but it was necessary to make things clearer among the audience who doesn’t understand nuance. Redemption had to be convincing, Rey had to turn out as someone who comes from bad blood, the dyad had to be addressed. Else, the action fans would never have realized where all of this was heading to. They may still not like it, but now that it’s canon at least they can’t expect their well-beloved clichés to come true any more. And if we want to be good judges of these stories, we also must try to listen to what the authors are telling us, instead of interpreting first and foremost according to our own wishes and our likes and dislikes for certain characters.

The studios seem to have learned their lesson by splitting up the story in many storylines which everyone can follow the way they like. More simplistic fans may like stories like The Book of Boba Fett, a TV show I don’t intend to waste my time on. That must not mean that the multifaceted approach will be dropped entirely; it was how the saga was started after all.

It is a moot point how much of the expectations for the last instalment of the trilogy were so misguided by Reylo’s between fangirling about Adam Driver, wishful thinking and finding parallels in all the wrong places. However: Kylo alias Ben remains the deepest and most compelling character of the entire trilogy, for some fans even of the whole saga. It is frustrating to see his life, and the bloodline of his family, end without even giving it a sense.

Conclusions

Am I disappointed? Yes and no. I do think Ben and Rey would have fitted well, that if had they found balance together they would have been what the galaxy needs. But there was no way these two could have saved the galaxy with their love, and the reason is, again, the cyclical narrative.

Anakin was not a bad husband. He was a terrible father, once he became Darth Vader, so his and his grandson’s rehabilitation can only be made possible by fatherhood.

If Ben Solo gets another chance, I still believe that his fate is meant to be the father Anakin Skywalker could not be. His attitude, character, even his looks so opposite from Vader’s but with the same stance, his experiences with his own family, all point to a potential strong and good father figure.

This doesn’t mean the father will not want or need a mother figure by his side. Ben and Rey could very well meet again and find balance for themselves and the galaxy e.g. by taking care of neglected and abandoned children. It would also fit the narrative much more than a romantic love story. As George Lucas says, you are redeemed by your children, and neither Ben nor Rey came to a level of maturity where they could have been good parents.

Star Wars is about family, not about romantic love. Within the saga people who belong together are always torn apart by a war which is not so much about ideology as it is about power. Only belonging can be the counterbalance. A couple alone will not suffice for balance.

Letting the last of the Skywalker blood literally disappear and leaving the legacy in the hands of the offspring of their worst enemy, the terror of the galaxy, seems like the bleakest route imaginable. But honestly: had romance won the day, I would have found it sappy.

For now, all we can do is leave it in the hands of the responsible team for the next movies and shows. And I still dearly hope that I didn’t get it all wrong.

Bring Ben Solo back: yes. But please, give him the chance to be a father.

@save-ben-swolo

@frumfrumfroo

@redrascal1

@benthelastskywalker

@the-reylo-void

@benthelastskywalker

@reylokisses

@allgirlsareprincesses

@unexpectedreylo

[mylifeisactuallyamess]

Here is my one shot for Writer Wednesday, set in the storyline of the current fic spawning from last Wednesdays prompt 😅 @autumnleaves1991-blog @clydesducktape

General Hux x Female Reader

Prompt: “I’m in love with you.”

Warnings: None except a shit ton of angst.

Word count: 4216

Read here on AO3.

Your hand brushed down the soft fabric of your dress as it cascaded down your body. The top was midnight black which blended into a deep red colour all the way to the floor. It was stunning, the emblem of the First Order sat proudly around your neck, the silver glinting in the light as the delicate chain rippled against your skin. Your hair was up exposing the column of your neck and the soft line of your shoulders, you had put on some makeup but not a lot, just preferring to accentuate your eyes and lips. Your hand paused over your stomach trying to settle the nerves that fluttered there but nothing could stop them.

You were in a hotel in Canto Bight, the First Order High Command were gathering here to celebrate the victory over the Resistance on Crait. Things had gone wrong, and some members had slipped away but to the rest of the Galaxy the First Order right now had no opposition and they were going to flaunt that as much as they could. This was a show of power and you were all for it. You hadn’t seen Hux the last couple of days and your hands trembled slightly at finally being able to see your husband looking like this. A soft knock sounded on your door.

“Come in!” It opened to reveal Lieutenant Mitaka, his eyes widened slightly at the sight of you and it made you smile. Just a fraction of a reaction like that from Hux would make your heart soar. Your smile dipped slightly in the absence of Phasma, you missed your silver shadow.

“I have been sent to escort you, My Lady.”

“Will I do Dopheld?” You asked, giving a quick spin, the material of your dress rustling slightly and he nodded vigorously while trying to hold his posture. “Will my husband approve?” You didn’t miss the quick flinch from his brow at the mention of Hux, the nervous flicker of his eyes as he swallowed.

“Y-Yes, I think so,” he managed to stutter out. You tried to ignore the heaviness that threatened to drag you down, you were still in the dark about what had happened on the Supremacy before the Raddus had blasted through it and destroyed half of the fleet. You had been on the Finalizer, all you knew was Hux had survived and Kylo Ren was now Supreme Leader.

“Is he here?” You breathed looking back at your reflection, frowning when Dopheld refused to give you an answer. “Lieutenant. Who sent for me?” He jumped as you snapped his title at him.

“T-the Supreme Leader.” Your eyes widened, so Ren was here but no one knew where Hux was. You straightened your back and pulled on the black lace gloves that covered your forearms, which were also dotted with the emblem of the First Order leaving no one in any doubt of your affiliation.

“Best not keep him waiting,” you murmured, turning and heading to the door. You slipped your arm into Dopheld’s and you both fell into an easy stride down the hallway, the ride in the lift was silent and you tried not fidget, watching the lights count down until the doors opened before you, revealing the area you were to spend your evening. The first thing you noticed was the sheer size of the room and the height of the ceilings. You were used to grand surroundings but nothing on Arkanis could even come close to the splendour that filled your vision. You stepped out of the lift and moved to look over the banister, you were on a type of landing that led to two branches of sweeping staircases, finally merging into one grand staircase. You looked up at the intricate marble work, feeling overwhelming awe at the carve of the stone, the detail and skill not to mention the time it must have taken almost blew your mind. Your lace gloved hand rested lightly on the marble banister as Mitaka waited patiently for you. Your eyes were drawn to the golden chandeliers that hung from the vast ceiling, the lights in them flickered trying to create a warm glow, the branches dripping in shiny clear gems all glinting and reflecting, throwing beams of fractured light around the enormous room. Your gaze was drawn down the crowd below, their echoey chatter punctuated by music from the band on the stage over the far side. You could see the Officers and Generals all in their finest uniforms, and you experienced a little tremor as you realised Hux would also be in all his splendour this evening. You felt someone staring and you leaned over the banister slightly to capture the eyes of the one and only Kylo Ren. His amber gaze was piercing and you couldn’t look away as he began to make his way through the crowd, people moving respectfully out of his way as he swept his way up the stairs, his black cape flowing behind him and he took the stairs two at a time in giant strides. His raven dark hair falling over his brow, the scar the Jedi girl had given him reached across his face marring the handsome features but not ruining them. He paused a few steps away from you, his gaze drinking you in, ignoring the nervous Lieutenant who stood between you.

“I shall escort her, Mitaka.” His voice was deeper than you remembered, but still just as devastating on your ears.

“Where is my husband?” You asked pointedly, hopefully getting across you were in no mood for games this evening.

“He is just finishing up some tasks for me. He will be along soon.” He took a step towards you and offered his arm. You eyed it distrustfully remembering the first time you had taken his arm on the Finalizer and the way he had tried to make you cower with his show of strength. But right now you had no choice, he had clearly detained Hux on purpose and this was the Supreme Leader. You couldn't refuse him without offering insult. Holding back an irritated sigh you pushed away from the banister, sliding your arm into the crook of Kylo’s and he rested it gently into his body. He guided you down the stairs, his eyes surveying the room and you noticed people were staring. You were coming down the stairs on the arm of the Supreme Leader, the most powerful man in the Galaxy and people were noticing you with looks of admiration and awe. It was intoxicating, and you basked in it. When you reached the bottom of the stairs you saw the Generals casting sideways glances as Kylo’s large form cut a clear path through the crowd.

“Would you like a drink?” He rumbled and you nodded in reply. Your nerves were accelerating at an alarming rate, each second ticked closer to you finally catching a glimpse of your husband and you couldn’t wait. Taking the delicate glass full of a pale bubbly liquid from Kylo with a murmured thanks as you looked at the doors studying the people coming in. But to your disappointment none of them had the bright red hair you were looking out for. You both sipped your drinks, your mind tripping over questions you had for Kylo but not knowing where to start. Your gaze darted up to look at him, finding his eyes were already settled on you. “What do you wish to know?” He asked, leaning down slightly to talk into your ear, his warm breath tickled your bare shoulders and you felt the little hairs rise all over your body.

“I don’t really know where to start. All I know is Armitage survived. Was he injured? Is he alright? What happened to Leader Snoke? I’ve been very much kept in the dark and I am not happy about it. Supreme Leader.” You attempted to finish on a respectable note, and tried not to think how this man could snap your neck with just a click of his fingers. He had certainly killed people for less.

“He is alright,” he replied, feeding your own words back to you. “He’s not happy as the Jedi, Rey killed Snoke before he could bestow the promotion that he wanted.”

“But you could?” You pointed out. “You could give him the promotion he deserves.” Kylo’s gaze scanned the room before meeting your questioning gaze and you swore you could see the hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

“His accomplishment with Starkiller was negated the moment the Resistance destroyed it.” Your hand tightened around your glass, annoyance flushed your body and you clamped your teeth together as you reminded yourself with who you were conversing. “He needs to find another way to prove himself worthy of such a title.” You could feel the flush creeping under your skin, the heat of it prickled and you tried to ignore the feel of it. “Would you care to dance?” You looked up sharply to catch the slight wistful look on the taller man’s face as he watched the couples moving gracefully on the dance floor.

“Do you know how?” You asked before realising how you sounded, but his reaction surprised you even more. A smile cracked his face, revealing dimples you’d never seen before giving him a much younger look.

“I am the son of some regality, of course I can dance,” he divulged. You’d never thought of who his parents were, he’d just entered your life as a creature of anger and hatred, you never once assumed he had parents, or regal breeding. He took the glass from your hand and put them down on the table next to you before stretching out his leather gloved hand ready for you to take. You hesitated, looking up at him seeing the earnest look in his eye as he patiently waited. Your hand shook slightly, your fingers flexing as his much larger one clasped around yours dwarfing it considerably. He led you to the middle, your eyes never leaving his face as he politely placed his hand on your body, settling it just above the curve of your waist on your back, his other hand open letting yours rest lightly in his palm. You placed your hand on his shoulder, letting him take the lead, your feet moving from memory alone as he proved he was just as graceful on the dance floor as he was on the battlefield. He twirled you away from him and you couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled up from your chest, it had been such a long time since you had any fun like this. And you finally began to enjoy yourself, you offered your dance partner a smile and he dipped his head down to your level.

“You don’t smile enough.”

“I shall try to smile more,” you breathed your eyes seeing over his shoulder only to lock with the intense gaze of your husband. Your smile faltered at the glare he gave you from under the visor of his hat, like a blaster shot it blazed through your body sending an icy sensation down your legs and you stumbled only for Kylo to tense his arm around you so you didn’t fall. You pulled away looking fearfully up at Kylo as his hands dropped away from you. “Forgive me, I should see my husband.” He stepped to the side and you brushed past him but Hux was gone.

“Drink,” Hux all but snarled at the serving droid behind the bar. He watched the amber liquid fall into the glass as he leaned heavily on the bar, his coat covering his body, the visor of his hat low over his brow as he attempted to shut the gathering out from around him. He tried not to think anything of it but seeing you smiling in the arms of a man he utterly despised made his insides twist and knot over and over again. He had been so looking forward to seeing you, hoping those smiles you gave out would be just for him. He had daydreamed of the delicate touch from your fingers and his mind travelled frequently to the moment in the corridor when all barriers had crumbled between you both and he gave more of himself to you than he’d ever done before. But the illusions he had of some sort of reunion were now in tatters, because you’d been in the arms of Kylo Ren. The man who Hux was pretty sure had killed the Supreme Leader himself and just shifted the blame to that girl.

His hand subconsciously rose to rub his neck as he remembered the way he had ceased breathing when he questioned Ren, the pressure of the force stopping his body from functioning. The loss of the Resistance on Crait had been Ren’s fault but no one would believe Hux anyway, not now he was cementing his position of Leader of the First Order, a position that Hux should be in. Not some turbulent man child with barely any real life experience.

“Armitage,” the sound of his name coming from your lips shot straight to his heart making it stutter in his chest but he didn’t turn. You came up beside him, your hands resting on the bar next to him as you tried to find some words but knowing there was nothing you could say. He looked at you in the mirror behind the bar and he couldn’t help but admire how beautiful you looked. The dress was stunning, the colours perfect and it made you stand out magnificently. He saw you were wearing the necklace he gave you with the emblem on and it matched the black lace pattern on your gloves. The effort that went into your outfit was impeccable but was it for him as a General or was it to grab the attention of someone more prominent? He downed the drink, his neck tensing at the burn as it pooled warmly in his belly and gestured for another.

“You look handsome,” you finally offered.

“Surprised you noticed.” He shot at you, perturbing himself at his venomous candor. He’d never looked at himself as handsome, he’d never needed to, never wanted to and always just assumed no one would ever look at him like that. So when you said it, you who was so beautiful it stole the breath from his lungs he just couldn’t process it and it felt much better to just palm the compliment off.

“Of course I noticed, I—I have missed you.” The glass paused on it’s way to his mouth at the soft sound in your voice. It tugged on parts of him that he didn’t know even existed but all he could see in his mind was that man’s hands on your body and you smiling for him. “I had no idea what happened, I’ve literally been in limbo for days with just the news that you were alive and Phasma…” your voice broke and he felt the echo of it in his very soul. Yes, Phasma. The one person who he trusted with his life, the person he relied on the most was gone. He downed the liquid in his glass, draining the very dregs and asking silently for another. “Don’t you think you should slow down?” You whispered, your hand creeping across the bar to his arm.

“No.” He stated firmly, your hand stopped and curled into a fist at his abrupt tone. “Haven’t you got socialising to do?” He dared to look at you, seeing the hint of tears in your eyes, or was that just a trick of the light? Right now he didn’t care. His anger was shimmering at the back of his mind like a caged animal and he didn’t want to unleash it on you so it was best if you left him alone. You turned your back to him before striding off and he expelled a silent sigh as another glass was placed before him. He already missed you beside him, but it was for the best. He downed this glass in one go, checking his hat was straight in the mirror before falling behind that blank barrier that carried him through these situations and he strode off to make himself known.

He stood in the group of High Command Generals, Admiral Griss was recounting some story of a prisoner pulling raucous laughter from the others, General Engell chiming in with comments and more laughter burst from them all. General Parnadee sidled up next to Hux and he eyed her out of the corner of eye.

“You’re very stoic this evening General Hux, surely you should be celebrating?” She turned slightly. “Maybe with that gorgeous wife of yours?” She stated pointing over his shoulder. That grabbed the attention of the group and his whole body tensed, he knew he had to tread carefully here.

“I’m sure she’s having a lovely time,” he commented looking down into his glass.

“Hux, are you serious? The woman is gorgeous and you’re just going to let her socialise, alone?” Asked General Domaric Quinn incredulously. He did not want to talk about you. He was well aware of how attractive you were, he didn’t need reminding.

“It was an arranged marriage, was it not?” Asked Parnadee, a sly look glinting from her gaze.

“It was,” Hux confirmed stiffly. She smirked and spoke a little louder.

“So it would be safe to say you have no feelings towards the woman at all?” He sighed.

“No, none. I married her to stop her family falling into ruin, if I had my way she’d be back on Arkanis where she belongs.” A hush fell over the group and Hux noticed them all looking over his shoulder, he turned only to lock eyes with you and his body froze. Your head was held high, a heated steely look emitted from your gaze, he could see the slight flex of your jaw as you processed his words. His brain ceased to function, he hadn’t meant the words that fell from him, he didn’t want them to know how he really felt about you because if they did, you could be used as leverage. Your life could be threatened, he wouldn’t put it past any of these people standing with him not to kill you or hold you hostage. His position was right next to the Supreme Leader, if they knew you were his everything it wouldn’t take much to topple him from that position. It’s better this way… but was it? The look on your face told him it wasn’t but all he could do was turn back to face the group, listening as your shoes clicked smartly on the floor carrying you away from him. Yes, it’s better this way.

The conversation restarted, quickly picking up pace but it left Hux behind, floundering in his thoughts. It was happening again, the sensation of his chest tightening and he knew he couldn’t have an attack here, so excused himself. Ignoring the knowing looks and smirks that were tossed his way as he shoved his way through the crowd. He took the stairs two at a time, urgency making his movements jerky as he struggled to keep himself together, thankfully his hat hid most of his face but the nausea was swirling around inside him as he replayed the hurt look on your face again and again. It pierced him like a blade, slicing its way through his body ripping a wound so deep he wasn’t sure if he’d ever recover from such damage. He finally found himself alone and he closed his eyes, falling into the familiar pit of panic, his heart fluttering erratically, his lungs refused to expand and his head felt feather light on his neck, like someone had detached it from his body entirely. He turned away at the sound of footsteps and he tried to lean against the wall and look like he wasn’t dying of an intense pain that catapulted him into the stratosphere. He didn’t want to be here, he had tried to do something that benefited you, that helped you stay safe and all he could see was the beginnings of hatred in your eyes. It was then, in this moment, when he was faced with the threat of not having you anymore he realised.

He loved you.

The footsteps stopped just behind him and he knew it was you, your scent curled comfortingly around him and he felt himself begin to relax.

“Did you mean it?” The emotion clogging your voice made his eyes fly open. “You feel nothing for me?” He wanted to reply, he wanted to tell you but his body refused to respond. The realisation of how he actually felt had made all cognitive function abandon him completely. You stepped in front of him, streaks of makeup marked your face and still the only thought he could muster was how amazing you looked. “You’ve been holding a return to Arkanis over me for so long, I guess you should just execute it now. Why do you keep me around Armitage? Am I really just something for you to dip into when you feel like? I’m not a toy. I’m not a prize. I am a person with feelings!” Your hands rose and splayed across your chest as if you were trying to contain the emotion inside you and failing. Fresh tears leaked with every blink, soaking your lashes and he still found he was frozen, unable to move or react in any way. “I thought I loved you, Armitage. But I guess I was wrong.” Finally he moved, your eyes refusing to look at him as he straightened to his full height before you. He could feel it, the subtle crumble of all his internal barriers, the words you had said spun round and round in his mind repetitive and devastating to him. You had never hurt him, you had never laid a rough hand on him, you had stood by him, praised him, admired him, congratulated him, accepted him. Why had it taken him so long to realise just how perfect you were? And here he was breaking your heart, he didn’t know if he could fix this. He had no idea if you were forever done with him, but he’d never forgive himself if he didn’t try.

He inhaled, his throat was dry and at first he didn’t think he’d be able to utter anything at all. Your face screwed up and you nodded in resignation as you mistook his hesitancy for dismissal. You turned, your shoulders pulling inwards at the hurt that exploded from your chest. You were leaving. Hux internally screamed, he knew if you left now this was it, he’d never get another chance like this and finally his body moved. One big stride took him close to you, close enough to grab your hand and forcefully whip you round to face him. He held onto your upper arms, sure his grip would bruise you but he needed to feel you. He needed to experience a physical connection with you. You winced as his fingers dug into your flesh, a slight gasp escaping you as your chest heaved with a sob. You looked up at him, hope shining in your eyes and he fought with himself to ultimately let go.

“I…” his voice choked. Panic suddenly rendered him speechless but he refused to give up. His lips moved but no sound came out and you inhaled slightly. “I—I love you!” He finally spat. His brain stuttered to a complete halt but his entire body relaxed. He’d said it. A breath expelled from him and his chest stopped aching, the beat of his heart began to rocket in his chest and his eyes frantically searched yours. “I’m in love with you.” It was easier this time, flowing from him like he’d been able to say it this whole time. You swallowed, the feather of your throat caught his attention and he felt the overwhelming urge to pull you in for a kiss but he wasn’t sure you wanted him to.

“Armitage…” You whispered. “This—this is where you kiss me, like you mean it.” He didn’t hesitate, his lips crashed into yours almost painfully as he dragged you towards him, his hands moved round to your back pressing you into him as hard as possible. He got lost in the feel of you, the scent of your skin, the softness of your lips, the heat of your tongue as it slid into his mouth. You were everything to him, and now he had admitted it to himself, he had no barriers left. You were inside him, encroaching on his damaged soul, repairing him from the inside out. You were a breath of fresh air, an ocean under the moon, the light of the stars all collided into one place. You breathed new life into him, showed him things no other person had ever done before and that made you precious to him. You were the most valuable thing Armitage Hux had in his life and he would obliterate anyone who threatened to take you from him.

[dreamscapestars]

The Ultimate Reylo Fanfic List

* = highly recommend (aka if you’re going to read anything off this list read this)

Canonverse AUs

***All Our Days - E - 221k - "I can listen no longer in silence."The hologram projection of his strangely handsome face is cobalt blue, flickering, and full of static. "I must speak to you, Rey. You… you pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope. Tell me that I am not too late.” He groans, runs his hands through his dark, silver-streaked hair, then refocuses his gaze on the holorecorder. “I offer myself to you again with a heart even more your own than when you almost broke it, eight and a half years ago. Do not say that man forgets sooner than woman, that his love has an earlier death."Here the recording of Ben takes a deep breath, and looks down at something outside the holorecorder’s field of view. Perhaps at his hands, Rey manages to think, through the veil of shock and timid, fluttering hope. She wishes she were there with him, so she could take them in her own, and offer him the confidence to carry on.But this is only a hologram, so she must wait. Eventually, when he looks up again, his features have settled. He looks… Fierce. Determined. Self-assured."I have loved none but you," he says. - canonverse jane austen au 

trillions of molecules - T - 11k - Fake papers forged, contract signed and a navy blue jumpsuit with his name printed on the chest supplied to him, the man who called himself Solo was hired by the Felucian Transit Corporation as shuttle operator number B414. - tros fix it au 

There Shall I Be - N/A - 50k -She remembers the first and only time she saw him smile like this before and how it didn’t touch his eyes at the time and how it broke her heart.Now it fills her heart and gives her life.She shoves him back onto their blanket and climbs on top of him. She pulls off her sweater and takes him inside her again and rides him into the night. - canonverse far from the madding crowd au

*landscape with a blur of conquerors - E - 362k - "While I share your contempt for this situation in which we find ourselves, do not mistake it as apathy," he hissed through gritted teeth, dark eyes burning. "I hardly expect your disposition to sweeten, but I will be damned if I allow my future Empress to behave in a manner that reflects poorly on me and on the First Order!""If you allow?" She wrenched her arm out of his viselike grasp, batting his hand away for good measure. "I don't belong to you. I don't belong to anyone.""That might have been the case back when you were a scavenger on that pitiful scrap heap of a planet, but now?" His sardonic gaze flickered over her silk robes and the jewels woven through her elaborate braids. "Now you are the Chume'da, and the Chume'da belongs to her people. Their fate is entirely in your hands. Should you cross the line, it is they who will suffer for it. Am I making myself clear?""I hate you," she said bitterly. He sneered at her. "See? Already you are acclimatizing so well to married life." - arranged marriage au

Modern AUs

*the man, the stallion, and the wind - E - 17k - Weary and alone, Rey barrels west on the Trans-Canada Hwy in her old pickup truck. Weary and in need of a lift, Ben Solo stands by the side of the road with his thumb out, in the hopes of hitching a ride.One hell of a winter storm’s about to roll in, leaving them stranded. What ever shall they do? - hitchhiker au 

The Mechanic - E - 122k - It's a magical midsummer night, just made for following a persuasive, dangerous-looking lawyer to a hotel across the road from the party. But then reality catches up to Rey. - mafia baby au

*Soul Searching - E - 205k - Sixteen-year-old Rey finds out she’s soulmates with her English teacher -- in front of her entire class. Now the school gossips won’t leave her alone, prying for tidbits that Rey wouldn’t give them even if she had any. And she doesn’t. Because Mr. Solo is too horrified at being soulmates with an underage girl to even talk to her. - soulmate au

Mitan, Midi - E - 83k - After a French notary contacts Rey to inform her she's inherited a house in the Drôme (France), she decides from one day to the next to quit her job and move there. The house is pretty secluded, there's no service, no internet, no way to reach other people aside from the landline in the living-room.Ideal conditions, by her standards, as those theoretically should allow her to be perfectly alone. Theoretically. - french country side au

*A Treehouse Covered in Salt - E - 34k -High school senior Rey Johnson has lived next door to Ben Solo her whole life. The two could not be more different and at school, Rey wouldn't be caught dead in his presence. That doesn't stop her from sneaking out to their treehouse every night. Despite her unwillingness to be friends with Ben in the light of day, he has always been there with her in the darkness. - high school au

Initial - M - 45k - A Soulmate AU in which you are born with the initials of your soulmate marked on the nape of your neck. Easy enough, right? Except for two people who don't use their real names. - soulmate au 

Killing Me Softly - M - 32k - Rey clings to the hope that her husband will regain his memories after he survived a car crash that left him with amnesia. During her monthly visits at a medical facility with Ben, who now calls himself Kylo, she struggles to cope as he tries to make her let go of the past, and in turn, him with it. - amnesia au 

only child of the universe - E - 98k - The first time Rey meets Ben, they're carefree strangers getting high at the fair, alight and in love for a night. The second time is different. The second time is in therapy— where the asshole won't even acknowledge her. - high school au 

a place to go - E - 52k - All Rey Johnson wanted was solitude. A place to go where she could escape from the daily stressors and mayhem of her job. A place where she could enjoy some peace and some quiet. Her mentor Luke Skywalker's small cabin up north seemed like the ideal place to do just that. A week of seclusion was just what she needed.And then Ben Solo arrived. - snowed in au 

into the great laughter of mankind - E - 30k - There is something about watching Rey put her mind to task. Ben can't put a name to this something, exactly— all he knows is that it fascinates him like nothing else has in a long, long time."Dr. Solo?" She glances over at him. "What do you think?"I think I'm doomed, he wants to say but doesn't. I think the curse of the pharaohs has nothing on you. I think you are my Egypt. - archaeologist au

(now it’s) Time to Learn - M - 86k - “You’re a teacher?” Ben doesn’t look like a teacher. At least not like any teacher Rey has ever had. - teacher au

For Now - E - 8k - There are plenty of things he could say, but he doesn’t. Buying you muffins makes me excited to get out of bed in the morning. I wish I could go back in time and be the kind of person you could like. I don’t remember my life before you. ---------- When Kylo finds his soulmate, she doesn’t know, and he doesn’t tell her. - soulmate au 

Cupcake Wars - E - 36k - Entirely by accident, Rey ends up fucking someone who works for Snoke's Cupcakery. She's just blowing off steam. It doesn't mean anything at all. It certainly won't come back to bite her in the ass. - bakery au

The Food of Love - E - 60k - Rey picked up her first violin at eleven, finding a mentor in conductor and former-violinist Luke Skywalker. With the First Chair up for grabs, Rey is thrust into the spotlight as the youngest violinist to take First Chair in the NY Pops. But Kylo Ren - former violinist, former NY Pops cellist, formerly Ben Solo child prodigy - may take issue with Rey Nobody sitting in his grandfather's chair. - orchestra au 

Orion - E - 14k - Rey Niima finds herself in the Saharan desert trying to heal wounds from her life, and Ben Solo is there too, fixing himself along the way. - roadtrip au

Embers - E - 34k - All the myriad things he’d been—someone who made her laugh; the warmth on the other side of the bed; her best friend—those things, Rey had buried. Rey left Ben two years, three months, and sixteen days ago. But who's counting? - getting back together au 

Gilded - M - 11k - Everyone had two marks, one for class and another to identify a soulmate. She only had one: green rings on her finger, proof she was part of the laboring class. It made matters lonely, but never unbearable.Until she met him. He had two sets of marks—had a soulmate—and she did not. - soulmate au

flutz - E - 27k - Rey was determined to have no distractions during her first season in Senior Ladies figure skating.She swore that Olympic medalist and figure skating legend Ben Solo was not going to change that, no matter how intent he seemed on proving her wrong. - ice skater au 

oh autumn, oh teakettle, oh grace - E - 30k - "So let me get this straight," he says. "You're a dryad.""Quite so," she cheerfully replies."Like an actual—" His hand rises to make a feeble gesture at the towering elms that surround them— "tree-dwelling, speaks-with-animals, has-magical-powers, frolics-through-the-woods-in-orgiastic-pagan-frenzy dryad?"She wrinkles her delicately freckled nose. "Well, I don't know about orgiastic frenzy, that's really more of a maenad type of deal."He looks her up and down, taking in her pretty face and her slender figure in the skimpy white dress."Too bad," he mumbles. - dryad roadtrip au

A Proposal by Any Other Name - E - 188k - Rey and Finn have been A Thing for a long time now. Since she was eighteen, to be exact. When Finn leaves on a trip to Europe for six months for work, Rey finally chases after him to Dublin to do what he seems to be putting off: propose.She wants a family, after all.The universe has different ideas. Her flights are delayed, storms hit, she loses her tickets and everything seems to be going horribly. To top it off, she ends up stranded around a rather irritating man by the name of Kylo Ren. It goes about as well as you'd expect. - leap year au

endless summer afternoon - E - 63k - “My son's room is always made up,” Han had said, hitting a light switch as Rey clung to a dirty backpack in the dark hallway, “he never comes home. Warm bed might as well get some use.”Rey spared Han some of the dignity of his own longing assessment of the space that clearly hadn’t been looked at in a long time. An empty room in a quiet house. As gruff as he was, handing it off to some runaway nobody just because she was helping him rebuild a car was one of the kindest gestures she’d ever experienced, and had a hidden weight that she knew needed a respectful amount of privacy. Mysteries were often about unresolved sadness, and were usually only solved by the people who didn’t feel it.Rey is offered a place to stay: a spare bedroom once belonging to the mysterious Ben Solo. What does she do when she wakes up with him wanting his bed back? - roommates au 

Dandelion - E - 45k - Rey's an ex con and orphan, just released from jail after killing Plutt. She follows advice from her former guardian, Maz, and finds a job at Luke's coffee shop. Ben's a lawyer who lost his job and moved back to his hometown. He falls for Rey, unaware of her dark past. - coffee shop au

A Few Small Repairs - E - 69k - Ben Solo is a ruthless property developer, and Rey Johnson is the lone holdout on the block. She does not intend to give up what's hers, not for anything. (Not even for a pair of pretty eyes.) - property developer au

Unbroken - E - 7k - He found her sleeping in the stables, curled up in the stall of his newest, unbroken colt...

Lockjaw - M - 106k - Kylo finds Rey unconscious and near death on the side of a road, surrounded by twitching, wretched things looking to her for their next meal. Ever the altruist, he picks them off and takes her with him, saving her life in the process. It's no wonder that when she wakes she feels she owes him, and agrees to become his travel companion as he crosses the United States in search of safety and a new home. - zombie apoclypse au 

Everything to Prove - M - 13k - “The show,” he says. “It’s probably best if they don’t—if we don’t—”And Rey follows his line of thought at once. For all the program is one that doesn’t seem melodramatic—the height of drama in previous seasons came from someone’s cake falling over and that was about it—she does not doubt that the producers and cameramen would leap at the opportunity to make there be something out of nothing in their relationship—especially if there was something out of something.“Yeah,” she agrees. “Yeah, probably. We can pick baking stations that are…” but she doesn’t want to complete the thought. She likes baking next to Ben.“Or we can just be careful?” he suggests, sounding quite as pained by the prospect as Rey feels.“Yeah, careful. I can do careful,” Rey says at once and her lips are on his again and he’s laughing now, and she’s laughing, and she didn’t think laughter would be part of all this. She didn’t think it could be. But here she is, laughing and kissing and holding a man who, at some point, she’s going to want to beat.She does her best not to think of that now.It’s a friendly competition, after all. It’s not life and death. It’s baking. - great british bake off au 

*In Bloom - E - 13k - The flowers that bedeck her skin don’t lie—ballet dancer Rey is in love with her partner, Ben. But the years go by and his skin stays resolutely, devastatingly blank.He doesn’t love her. But when his hands are on her body, she can pretend. - ballet soulmates au

By Blood and Flame - E - 10k - Rey can’t go to her professors with this spell. She needs help, though, needs someone to do the spell with her, and she needs the best because it’s tricky. Dangerous.There’s a boy on campus. Powerful. Mysterious. He’s admired and envied, feared and loathed, depending on who’s talking, but for all everyone knows his story, no one seems to really know him. And Rey… Rey has been curious about him for… well, for longer than she wants to admit.She’s not sure if it’s good or bad luck that he’s the perfect person to help cast her spell. - magic college au

count the rings - E - 63k - “Because you’re sitting there all comfy, not looking at all bridal-” “I’ll just fetch the veil out of my backpack, shall I?” “-when you could be, you know, making a move on that fine-ass tree.” In which camping comes with unexpected consequences. - accidental marriage au

(won’t you let me) walk you home from school - E - 129k - Ben, a counselor in the upper school at the legendary Alliance Academy, keeps finding himself interacting with the lower school art teacher, Rey. He definitely doesn’t like it. - teacher au

follow in your form - E - 23k - Ben Solo wakes up paralyzed and angry about it.A story about dealing with change, holding onto hope, and finding love. - quadriplegic ben au 

*screwdriver - M -101k - Rey is a bright-eyed intern on her first campaign trail, Ben is an irritated data analyst, and how difficult can it be to get a legacy senator elected president? Apparently fucking impossible. - political au

9 pints - E - 83k - She knew next to nothing, and Google was largely unhelpful. All of her searches (“vampire sex rules” and “vampire dos and don’ts” and one very self-indulgent “average vampire cock size big?”) linked her to dated top ten lists written by anyone other than an actual vampire.Twenty minutes of frustrated scrolling eventually led her to a supernatural dating forum. The website was horribly aged, but still active. Questions were tagged, which meant that it was easy to narrow down her search. Vampire, she clicked, and Sex.--In which Rey gets suckered into shooting porn with one of Poe's pickiest vampire actors. - magical porn stars au

fine young cannibals - E - 27k - Kylo raised his head to the sky as he inhaled, his broad chest expanding even wider. His eyes fluttered shut, savoring the scent like a sumptuous meal. He grinned.“Oh,” he murmured, so softly Rey wasn’t even sure it was meant for her ears. His eyes slid to meet hers, scarlet and violent and hungry. “You brought a snack.”And then all hell broke loose.About three things, Rey is absolutely positive:First, she is totally, completely, and madly in love with her vampire boyfriend, Poe.Second, there is another vampire—an older, evil, definitely-not-hot vampire—that thirsts for her blood and wants nothing more than to kill her.And third, she is maybe not absolutely positive about either of these things. - twilight au

Epithumia - E - 46k- ἐπιθυμία, ας, ἡ: epithumia : desire, passionate longing, lust *** “No extra credit.” He made a noise that might have been a laugh. “You ask that every time.” “Well, I have to try.” Rey said, weakly. “Can you make an exception?” A lone eyebrow ascended his lofty forehead into his hairline. “Try harder, Miss Kenobi.” - college teacher/student au

Historical AUs (ranging from medieval to the early 2000s)

light carries on endlessly - M - 6k - “Traitor,” he told Cerberus gruffly not too much later, using both hands to scratch behind the hound’s many ears. What appeared to be a rat tail lay nearby on a blood-stained bit of stone. “What did I tell you about women with pretty eyes?”One wet tongue lapped at his wrist, and he sighed. “Right. Nothing.” - Hades and Persephone au 

The Witch in the Wood - E - 138k - As a knight errant of the kingdom of Alderaan, Kylo Ren has traveled the country, completing quest after perilous quest in search of redemption for the dark deeds of his past. When an evil witch captures the princess of a neighboring kingdom, Kylo reluctantly accepts the burden of rescue with the assumption that it will be a simple task.It is not. For the creature that lives in the woods is not a monster at all.Since her mentor died, Rey has lived in the witch’s tree and uses magic to maintain the balance of the forest. Her life is practical, repetitive, and simple—at least, until a wrathful knight thunders through her door and levels a sword at her throat. Yet something within the knight calls to her, a buzz beneath his skin that she recognizes.Without a doubt, he is not who he appears to be. - medieval witch au

Black Knight, White Queen - E - 53k - Luke Skywalker wrote his sister a letter on his deathbed, revealing that his ward is the orphaned heir of a family long thought extinct - and politically powerful. That letter fell into the wrong hands, and the secret of Rey's heritage is secret no more. The Emperor has managed to unite the Kingdoms, but he is old, and his son is weak. Seeking to ensure his son's claim to his throne, he sends his most trusted captain to bring the girl - willing or not - to be his son's bride. Rey is taken from her far-flung home, and plunged into a world of court intrigue, arranged marriage, political rivals, and would-be assassins - the black knight her constant companion and bodyguard. But even he, her dark shadow and protector, she cannot know whether to trust... - medieval bodyguard au 

Days to Remember - E - 42k - A man heads home after years of estrangement. What do you need from me? A woman leaves her world behind, a bird in a gilded cage. When we get to New York, I need help running away. -- I'll bring you to Boston with me. - titanic au 

*what if the storm ends - E - 61k - As a child, Rey is evacuated from London to the Yorkshire Dales during the Blitz. She spends the war in the care of the Solos on their farm, wandering the moors with their son looking for a legendary family artifact long lost. When the war is over, she returns to a city she no longer recognizes, and she writes a popular series of children's fantasy books based on her childhood in the Dales. After amassing fame and fortune with her stories, tragedy brings her back to the farm to see Ben Solo, once her greatest inspiration and now a widower. - post WWII au 

Take Me - E - 39k - Every night, at 8:30 pm, Rey and Ben get on stage and pretend to be in love with each other. At 9:15, they walk off stage and the actual fireworks begin. - 60s country singers au

I could have been wild, I could have been free (but nature played a trick on me) - M - 61k - “Did you know that I did not even learn your name until yesterday, when I married you?”His face flushed a darker red than it had at breakfast, and he attempted to defend himself with incompetent stammering, “I—I regret that. The situation, of course, would have been,” he wrung his hands together and stared at her feet, “It would have been preferable if we had known one another more. On several occasions, I did attempt to make myself known to you, but you seemed to have other preoccupations.”Rey could feel her face contorting into a sneer to spit out her barbed words, “Perhaps that was your cue not to marry me!” - regency arranged marriage au 

Patch - M - 20k - He is nineteen when he first sees her.She comes to the rink alone, laces her skates alone, strokes warm-up circles alone...He looks at her, really looks her in the eye, and he decides he likes what he sees.She may be young, but she is hungry and angry, and for now? That’s enough for him.It’s not like he has a lot of options. - 80 russian ice skaters au 

*The Great Big No - E - 165k - Kylo Ren is third generation rock royalty, a reigning brat prince starting to feel the burn of the fame he reached for with both hands. Rey is an aspiring singer on the verge of a big break, provided her A&R guy still has a job by the time she reaches LA. Their paths have crossed briefly, disappointingly, before. What happens when they collide? - 90s rock au

***go I know not whither and fetch I know not what - E - 119k - The year is 1994. The Iron Curtain has come down, the oligarchs have begun their rise to power, and Kyril Ren, a powerful member of the infamous crime syndicate Solntsevskaya Bratva, has been given a job: hunt down an estranged uncle who has been snitching to the FBI.Irena, nicknamed Rey by her adoptive father Luke, is a Krav Maga instructor in New York who has finally been able to obtain her original birth certificate from Russia. Turns out she was born in a little village named Vershinino, but if she wants to know more than that… she’s going to have to go there herself. - 90s russian mafia au 

we could plant a house, we could build a tree - E -124k - Ben takes a deep breath. “It’s—it’s a project. Conceptual art. You wouldn’t get it.”Rey presses her lips together to keep from laughing. She plans her next words quickly and carefully, determining what will get her the best reaction. “Really? Looks like you ruined a bedsheet to me.”His reaction does not disappoint. “Get out.” ** Seven-year-old Rey decides it's her duty to annoy the crap out of Ben Solo every single day she's alive. - 90s growing up together artist au

[reylofanfictionanthology]

TO FIND YOUR KISS IS NOW LIVE!  

Authors will be revealed next week!  For now all fics are anonymous.  Treats can be posted through author reveals on 2/21.  We will post an updated masterpost at that time.

To Find Your Kiss collection on AO3 | Treats Masterpost

GIFT FIC MASTERPOST

- Reap the Stars for abbytheatre08

The prompt: After Ben's death, Rey goes mad and turns to the dark side. Only Ben's not dead anymore. ----------------------- She is consuming fire, magnificent in her rage. She will burn the galaxy to its foundations, until the ashes rain down and pile high as mountains. She will gather them into bouquets and scatter them like petals upon his grave.

He will be remembered, and they will not.

Call him The Light Bearer and Joy Giver. Call him He Who Loved and Laid Down His Life. Call him Ben.

- we are question marks that hang above the endless unexplained for AlwaysEverlark

The first time she walked into his club, she was looking for a job. Kylo took one look at her—the stubborn pout of her lip, the determined glint in her eyes, the ruddy glow of her face where the sun had kissed it—and swallowed a lump in his throat that was shaped like the words you’re too good for this place.

They needed a singer. Kira Johnson could hold a tune, knew the old standards, and had a knockout pair of tits to boot. A few slinky ballgowns and a touch of lipstick, and she’d more than do the trick of distracting suckers long enough to part them from their money.

The club solely needed to break even; anything they made on top of the Syndicate’s cut was gravy, and Kylo Ren had been lining his pockets with his own take for long enough that he could see Kira for the lump of clay that she was: rough-hewn, misshapen, but soft and supple and sure to curve under his touch.

- Eighty Bucks Says Sweetheart for Amoreusou

Ben likes puzzles. Rey needs help with a bunch of them. Good thing it's a slow day at the office.

- Seldom Visions for Andrina_Nightshade

After visiting an old Sith temple, Supreme Leader Kylo Ren has fallen into a deep sleep when he pricks his finger on the point of a red crystal. Rey become is the first to find him, but his rescuer isn't just any general or pilot, it's the woman he shares a soul with, who haunts his waking hours, who still sees him even in his sleep.

- The Dyad for aneighthdomain

Based of the Prompt: Groundhog Day scenario. Ben and Rey keep getting sent back to the first time they met and no matter what they do, Ben always dies so they stop trying to change events and just live a life time in the year between and couple of weeks and run away together.

- Saudade: The Love That Remains for AnneAnna

- The Delegation for aNerdObsessed

A humanitarian delegation from Naboo arrives at Niima Outpost. Rey is skeptical, to say the least.

- i don't want you like a best friend for anopendoor

It’s not like she hadn’t seen this coming—Rose told her weeks ago that he was invited. It was an inevitability Rey was always going to have to face, she just didn’t think that Rose would be so merciful as to also give every guest a plus one.

But Rey can’t really be upset—and she is totally, unequivocally not upset—that Ben's bringing someone because, well.

She is, too.

- Love is Weakness for bittersnake

“He’s someone I found on my recent trip to Corellia,” Rey replies placidly, her face practiced in its boredom. “It doesn’t mean anything.”

“Love is weakness,” her grandfather reminds her, the way he has for years. It’s why he doesn’t love her. He will not be weak. It’s why she doesn’t love him, either.

- in sickness and in health (with health being less likely) for BlueButterflyKisses

Deciding to spend the rest of their lives together is the easy part for both Rey and Ben; the trouble is in how to propose.

- Snowed In for Blueyedgurl

Never in her wildest dreams did Rey Johnson think she would ever get to meet her favorite other Kylo Ren. She also would have never entertained the idea of the scenario she found herself in. How did a hike in the woods lead to a snowstorm and taking shelter in a remote cabin in the woods? The idea was so ridiculous but had become reality. Stuck inside with a handsome stranger surrounded by a winter storm, Rey wonders what will happen with no power and only one bed. Will they be polite co-habitants stuck in a strange set of circumstances or is there room for something more?

- Curses, Comforts and Capybaras for Bombastique

Arrogant CEO bites off more than he can chew when he angers a witch... And suddenly finds himself transformed into a capybara. Can kindhearted wildlife rehabber Rey Niima help him break the curse?

- To Heal a Broken Soul for Cat2000

Ben survives the fallout of Exegol, but his connection to the physical world is in danger. Rey tends to him as she searched for a way to heal him.

- holding me like water in your hands for Ceallaigh

After Hux finds out Ben killed Snoke, Hux encases Ben in Carbonite. Rey refuses to let Ben stay frozen forever so she mounts a rescue.

- Like a Thief in the Night for chagrins

Their bond won't let them be alone. At least this time it's the middle of the night and they can't get into a shouting match.

- The Chance for Crysania

When Rey and Ben, long time co-workers who have never been able to admit their feelings to each other, go on a weekend retreat to work on a movie adaptation script together, a Nor’easter leaves them snowed in. On Valentine’s Day.

- Awake for cuddlesome

Something inside him is awake, and something inside her is about to wake up.

An alternate interrogation scene.

- darkness rises, and light to meet it for czechia

After the throne room, Jedi Ben Solo and Kira Ren meet again a year later.

- Not Quite a Fairytale for DarkMage13

Rey lets a stranger use the phone of the café she works at late one night. It changes the whole course of her life.

- You Won't Escape Me ('Cause I Set You Free) for DoorKeeper9

- The Canvas of Your Skin for darlingreadsalot

She was incapable of touching him without drawing blood, it seemed. Lines like vermillion paint streaked where her fingers sketched down the contours of his face, his back, and now his chest.

In which a Force bond is splintered, a resurrection goes wrong, a kiss is forgotten, and two almost-lovers avoid speaking for the better half of a year.

- Fleeing the Storm for driverfever

As the granddaughter of an merciless aristocrat, Rey’s life hangs on a thread at the hands of the French Revolutionaries. When her childhood friend, Ben, offers to platonically marry her in order to take her to his home in England to safety, she has no choice but to accept.

But her suitor and revolutionary Hux won’t give her up so easily. Hounded by revolutionaries and falling in love, Rey and Ben must use all their wits to flee Paris and make it to England.

- Equal Measure for dustoftheancients

When Princess Rey of Coruscant calls upon the cursed Sir Kylo Ren to help her escape her grandfather the emperor’s political machinations, she discovers freedom in the ancient familial magic that binds them together.

- Benimina Solo's Late On-Set Force Ability for Evangel10n

Benimina Solo has never, not even once, had an ounce of Force Sensitivity. She's done a great deal to move on with her life after failing out of her uncle's Jedi training school. So when Rey Palpatine comes into her life and suddenly everything changes, she's not a happy camper.

- Splatter for expendable

“You’re Palpatine’s girl,” he says coldly.

“His chief of staff, yes.” Rey’s eyes narrow. “And you have your hand on my ass, Kylo. Kindly take it off.”

“Or what?”

AKA powerful corporate rivals Kylo and Rey put the hate in love/hate.

- The Haunted Mirror for FangirlintheForest

When Rey travels to UK to attend the reading of his grandfather will, a grandfather she didn't know existed until that very moment, she finds a house, and a old story that will haunt her...

- i'm your secretary for firelord65

Kaydel pressed her lips together in a thin line, passing a pile of datapads over the desk. “I don’t know what that pretentious nerf herder has put into your brain, but these are tales of the key roles women have played in past rebellions.” She stood, tapping the pile. “They’re great reads,” she added, with a pointed raise of her eyebrow.

- and they danced across the sky for flipflop_diva

When he was still a child, he constantly watched the blue butterflies as they danced in the sky.

They seemed to be calling him, aiding him each instance that icy-cold darkness flowed through his very veins. The magnificent creatures saved him from the voices. They drowned out the incessant chatter in his head. Temporarily cleared away all the anger. During those brief respites, watching those blue wings flutter in the sky, Ben felt free.

But that’s another life. Another world. Another time. Another, another, another.

And Kylo's no longer a child.

No. He welcomes the darkness now. Embraces it.

- Finding The Answer for FrenchMartiniPlease

Rey pines for Ben Solo…so why does her soulmate mark always drain of colour whenever she gets close to him?

- Almost Unforgettable for HopeRebel

The woman in the mirror has blood on her clothes, cash in her bag, and a letter from her husband telling her it's better to forget. Well, he got his wish. She forgot everything-- including her name. And she wasn't the only one afflicted.

It'll take the combined efforts of gumshoes, a flatfoot, a washed-up Hollywood starlet, and more to get to the bottom of this bad business. In the end, these things always come back to the beginning.

- The Curl of a Sigh for irridesca

During the last song in Maxine’s set, a song she announces is called “Soul Companion,” Ben heads back out to the lobby to look for Rey. He finds her not with his eyes but with one broad shoulder, when he bumps into her and knocks her gig bag out of her hands and onto the plush carpet.

- and they were roommates for Lady_of_Haven

When Ben loses a bet to his roommate, Rey, he has to eat her out for 30 days.

- torn away from you (my heart is broken) for lakerose

The Force binds more than minds.

- If You Take Me for literallynoonecares

She sighed wistfully as she watched her two friends lean in toward each other as they danced, their lips meeting and melding together as they seemed to become one person instead of two separate beings. She had seen them kiss so many times, but this kiss … it was special.“I just want someone to kiss me like that,” she mused softly to herself, her eyes not leaving her friends.“I could make that happen if you wanted.”

- 3 Days in Vienna for Like_A_Dove

Kylo Ren, trained mercenary Alpha assassin, is on a mission—assassinate Chancellor Palpatine and bring his underground authoritarian regime to an end. It’s what the First Order demands, for the better of society.

It should be an easy task. He’s been getting close to the Chancellor and his cronies for years. So how is it that the unexpected appearance of an Omega, with a seemingly similar mission—and a wholly inconveniencing scent—become a distraction he hadn’t accounted for?

- Confidence and Desire for LittleLostStar

“Stay afraid, but do it anyway. What’s important is the action. You don’t have to wait to be confident. Just do it and eventually, the confidence will follow.” - Carrie Fisher

- Love brightens even the most monstrous parts of ourselves for LRRH17

No one knows since when the giant, black bear has lived in the forest near Theed. Many stories about the origin of Kylo Ren circulate in the small village. After Rey has run away from Jakku, and arrived in Theed she has heard them all of, but has never actually meet the creature. This changes when her and her friends get attacked by bandits on their way back from Otoh Gunga.

- Your Sweetness Comes With Sugar on the Side for Lutrosis

Rey's daughter loses her mother as she wanders around the Supermarket. Ben finds her and the two connect over both being Type 1 diabetics. They find Rey, and Ben and Rey are instantly smitten. As they date and fall in love they discover that Jade and Ben are connected more than they thought and healing is brought to the Solo/Skywalker clan.

- Allegories, or Allusions to Real Life for maq_moon

“Boys, please stop arguing.” Rose rubbed her temples. “Poe, we get it, you’re childhood best buddies, you’ve got a better grasp on his character than some rando of a rando you met at a party. Finn, for fuck’s sake, we’ve been working with Ben for months. I’m pretty sure if he’s a serial killer or whatever, it would have come out by now.” Finn sat back in his seat, grumbling. “Not how serial killers work.” Rey was going to have a headache if this continued any longer, so she lied through her teeth at the reality of a new player joining their D&D party. "He seems nice." She didn’t trust a single inch of skin on that man. "I'm sure it'll be fine."

- A Mad Man, with a Box for MBlair

Rey and Ben meet, move in together, get engaged, and marry.

- Invite the Wild In for midwinterspring

Kylo Ren, the mysterious senator who appeared from out of the deserts of Jakku and somehow brought them back to life, has spent a long and unproductive session on Hosnian Prime. Now, it's time to go home. After all, there's someone waiting for him and so much for them to do together.

(The ancient Sith had some interesting rituals.)

- Purim Party for MissCoppelia

Rey goes back to visit her foster mother for a Purim celebration. She meets Ben Solo who's visiting his parents, who are friends with her foster mother. They have an attraction to each other right away, but try to play it cool.

- The Banished Heart for misszeldasayre

On Rey of Niima’s nineteenth name day, Jakku gains a new wizard.

Jakku is a withering outpost of the kingdom, and its people hope the new wizard - the mysterious Kylo Ren - will bring them the rains the land needs to heal. Rey is a lonely, clanless girl living in Niima, and she has a secret. One she hopes the wizard will be able to help her with too.

- The Smuggler's Bride for MyJediLife

Miss Rey Nemo is the new mistress of Manor Takodana, left to her by the late Lord Skywalker. When a strange man named Kylo Ren appears on her doorstep, she decides to hire him as her new groundskeeper. As Rey faces sinister threats and secrets are revealed, Kylo Ren may be the only person who can save her.

- Annabel Lee for myownlittleinfinity

Rey keeps finding these ... notes in her locker. She doesn't quite get them. They seem like love notes, but she doesn't know who they could be from. Meanwhile she's paired up with Ben Solo (who hates her despite her gigantic crush on him) for this English assignment. Who knows how THIS will go.

- with my body i thee worship for niennathegrey

Miss Rey Nemo is the new mistress of Manor Takodana, left to her by the late Lord Skywalker. When a strange man named Kylo Ren appears on her doorstep, she decides to hire him as her new groundskeeper. As Rey faces sinister threats and secrets are revealed, Kylo Ren may be the only person who can save her.

- the losing game for no_big_deal

Sith Princess Rey Palpatine is given a peculiar gift for her Life Day: a Jedi. Not only that, one who is boorish, spirited, and stubborn. But, he presents an opportunity: one that could liberate her from a life under the thumb of her grandfather. She has seven weeks to change his heart before all her freedom is taken from her - forever.

- standing right in front of you for notkellymarie

When Senator Solo's engagement is pushed forward, he and his Jedi bodyguard, Rey, travel to Naboo alone for the announcement ball. The pair despise each other, constantly bickering and disagreeing with each other, which makes spending extensive amounts of time alone together all that more difficult. Until of course, one of them breaks...

- the good, the bad, and the smuggling for OccasionallyCreative

Ben Solo is a seasoned smuggler. And he’s not bad at it, either. But when bounty hunter Rey offers him a temporary partnership he can’t refuse, Ben will find himself pushed to the limits of his skill, patience, and resourcefulness on a job that’s dangerous enough to be his last.

It’s like his dad used to say: bounty hunters are nothing but trouble, kid.

- Whatever our souls are made of...his and mine are the same for Padawan_Writer

Ben and Rey meet only after Kylo has defected from the First Order and returned to the Resistance and his mother. Will the dyad still find a way to be?

- They say that only the dead have seen the end of war for politicalpadmé

“He traded his life for mine,” Rey choked, stomping back and forth in front of him so fast he could barely keep track of her. “He died. He died so I didn’t have to—and it’s not—it’s—after everything he’s gone through—it’s not fair.” Tears were running down her cheeks now, and Poe wanted to do nothing more than hug her, but there was nothing he could say—nothing she would want to hear. Poe remembered all the people he’d lost, all the times he had raged and screamed and cried about the unfairness of it all. “Leia sacrificed herself to bring him back,” Rey declared suddenly, ceasing her constant pacing around the fire as she looked straight at him. “And he sacrificed himself for me—and now no one’s going to know. All he’ll be remembered as is Kylo Ren, but he was—he was so much more.” She exhaled with a shudder and whispered, “He was a part of me, and I—I don’t feel whole without him.” ~

A Force Ghost Ben/Rey love story, with a side of rebuilding the galaxy.

- Cicatrix for Priestly

Getting cut up by Rey on Starkiller awakens something in Kylo.

- I Will Always Be With You for Prix

But she wouldn’t be able to hide her pregnancy for much longer. She was starting to show, and her friends would start asking questions. She would have to give them answers, some of them would not understand, and none of them would accept.

She carried his child. The tiny spark of light woven with darkness, just like her. Just like his father.

—————

The world has gone dark More times than you Or your mother Or your grandmother Can remember. And every hurricane That was meant to be The end of it all Had instead ended In sunshine again.

So believe me When I say; You will survive this And the next one too.

World’s End—Nikita Gill

- all my daydreams are disasters for QueenOfCarrotFlowers

During her search for the infamous Luke Skywalker — the man who predicted a devastating earthquake in New Madrid, Missouri — Rey finds herself entangled in Luke’s family history and with his brooding nephew, Ben Solo.

- on what ground I was founded (when I first saw you) for redbelles

Kylo dreams of Rey after the Battle of Crait. And the yearning is mutual...

Some Force Bond dream smut inspired by "Shrike" and "NFWMB" by Hozier.

- Last Summer for Reykenobi68

Rey had started to get used to Ben not living next door anymore by the time the holidays came around. Then he's back for the holidays. Rey is really expecting things to go wrong after the way he left at the end of the summer. ut is it really going to be that bad.

- The Long Way Home for reylotrash711

In the aftermath of Exegol, Ben and Rey are divided by misunderstandings.  It will take time and danger for them to work things out.

- Under the moonlight for shariling

I don't know why I followed you here. She wanted to reply. Maybe because you're so tall I couldn't help but notice you. Maybe it's because of your hair or the way you move, or maybe it's because of that kind of melancholic look in your eyes. There is something about you that I find terribly attractive and I don’t know what it is: maybe the moon or the alcohol or the wolf I have met before infected me with some strange parasite and now I am hopelessly attracted to dogs, I do not know. She could have said one of these things, any of them, instead she said: “I've never bitten anyone before, and I want you to be my first.”

- Fallen for shipperofdarkness

Prompt: Devil!Ben and Angel!Rey or Angel!Ben and Devil!Rey. How do these two on completely opposite sides fall in love and defy worlds to be together?

- come away with me for silentfleur

Rey owns a tinker shop, but her life changes when she meets Ben Solo and is cursed by a witch. Not necessarily in that order.

- A Picture of Me Without You for SpaceWaffleHouseTM

"I suppose I'd somehow struggle through / But I'd hate to picture myself without you."

It's impossible not to have a soulmark. It's not a big deal, not in the lax and gin-soaked speakeasies of 1920s Manhattan, but it's still a heavy weight to bear, as Ben Solo and Rey find out side by side.

- Lips Raw With Love for stellardarlings

Their kiss on Exegol wasn't their first kiss...

Nor would it be their last.

- Everyone Makes Divine Mistakes for Takekurabehime

Jedi Knight Ben Solo is sent to Naboo on an errand of mercy (and to visit his grandparents). He arrives in springtime; but will he be able to complete his mission without finding himself distracted and bewildered when love and intrigue waft through the fragrant air?

- Glitter & Gold for TearoomSaloon

Rey is lead singer in an up-and-coming glam metal band. They've finally got steady performances, but that means playing at the same club as the Knights of Ren, whose lead singer definitely isn't interested in any competition.

- To kiss like lovers do for the-reylo-void (Anysia)

Ben and Rey spend their formative years growing up together in Medieval Scotland and it looks like they will end up together. Circumstances intervene and Rey loses her chance to be with him. Devastated, she carries on until the day clan Ren attacks Castle Jakku lead by the notorious killer Kylo Ren.

- Snow Turns To Rain for thehobbem

For a moment, he wanted to ask what she meant, but if he was being completely honest, he already knew.  He asked himself that same question over the years, and none more often than tonight, since seeing her again.  Was leaving worth it?  Was going their separate ways worth leaving each other?

 “I’m not sure,” he said finally, shaking his head.  “I’m happy...” he said, and she tensed a little, so he continued, “with my work.  I’m glad I’m doing what I love, but....”

 “But?”

 “But it wasn’t the only thing I loved.”

- Change the Dance for theresonatinglight

- Meet Me in the Woods for thewayofthetrashcompactor (BriarLily)

“What do you mean no one goes in there?” A chuckle. “It’s haunted. People see all sorts of weird things in there and some don’t ever come out. You’re better off living with your curiosity.” Rey wakes in a shadowy forest with no memory of where she came from, only her name. With the help of the resident guardian she takes a journey to figure out her past, and maybe even discover her future.

- permanent calligraphy (your name on me forever) for Thursdaygirl

As they continue to work together, two things become clear. One: Ben Solo is an enigma. He’s preppy yet humble, privileged yet introspective. He’s the opposite of lazy; she kicks herself every day for assuming otherwise. And two: Ben Solo will never love her.

- show me the stars. for tmwillson3

“I don’t hate Christmas, I just don’t love it the way you do.” Lifting his head, he pulls a face, loosening up a tangled ornament of a poodle with pink, curly fluff. Rey snatches it from him possessively, tossing it back to the cart. “No one loves it the way you do, to be fair.”

“Now that’s the truth,” says Poe, who Finn invited about half an hour ago to keep him company.

“People have bad taste, I don’t know what to say.” Huffing, Rey scrolls through her phone with more intent. “Neither of you are helping me, anyway.”

“What’s the problem?” says Poe.

“Rey thinks her hot neighbor hates her —”

“He does hate me.”

“ — When really he’s been flirting with her for the past, oh I don’t know, how long have you lived there?”

- I realized that I need you, I wondered if I could come home for VR_Trakowski

Rey is doing exploration work for the Resistance, searching for force sensitive planets so any force sensitives that they find have a place to train.

One day, midflight she finds a slip of paper with the elegant scrawling words of the ones that came before. The ones that she found when Ben still roamed the galaxy.

When she lands on a dark and barren planet she is forced to face the feelings she thought she buried.

- Shadows of the Moon for walkingsaladshooter

The hallways got darker, the corridors grew longer. Shadows stretched across the walls. The ghosts of Breha Manor grew each night.

Rey clutched her necklace. Ben met her gaze.

And every night, there was weeping.

- show the way (the world could be) for writergenie

In the aftermath of the Battle of Crait, Rey struggles to find her place among the Resistance. However, her lingering Force bond with Kylo— Ben— whatever name he calls himself— complicates things, blurring the line between friend and foe.

When the tension threatens to boil over and a desperate plan goes awry, Rey begins to wonder whether there really is a line between light and dark after all.

(Stars do burn brightest in the blackness of space.)

- why don't we go (somewhere only we know) for XarisEirene

The bond snaps back into place, even stronger than before. He is here. With Rey, yes, but with Luke - Luke, who is looking at them now with that same dangerous glint in his eye that haunts Ben’s dreams.

- renewed, transfigured, in another pattern for yodalorian

Rey mourns on Tatooine while Ben is stuck in the World Between Worlds. But neither of them are alone, and blue butterflies light a path back to each other.

[caiminnent]

my demise, my downfall [kylux, rated M]

Summary: Hux had no idea that Ren, his bedmate and partner in crime, was actually Ben Organa-Solo, the sole heir of First Order's biggest rival in the industry.

He didn't know Ben had a girlfriend, either.

Fandom: Star Wars Sequel Trilogy

Tags: Jealousy, Mutual Pining, Misunderstandings, Use Your Words, Friends With Benefits To Lovers, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Armitage Hux is Not Nice, Kylo Ren isn't Much Better, Canon-Typical Behavior, Unhealthy Relationships

Notes: Photo by Mitchell Griest on Unsplash, cropped.

2.9K || Also on AO3

Hux wakes up to gentle caresses, a feather-light finger drawing unrecognisable shapes over his shoulders, down his back.

His eyes ache behind his eyelids, that didn’t-sleep-enough taste in his mouth. Torn between giving in to his body’s demands for rest and enjoying the soft touch while it lasts, he drifts on the edge of sleep and wakefulness, basking in the pleasant warmth.

Something rattles far behind him, jerking him fully awake. The touch withdraws.

Pushing his disappointment down, Hux takes a deep breath and rolls onto his back. Ren is sitting up in the middle of the bed with his legs stretched out, tapping away at his phone.

“Go back to sleep,” Ren says without looking, his tone sleep-gruff. “’s not morning yet.”

“Why are you awake, then?” Hux mumbles, though he doesn’t particularly care about the answer. A short night wasn’t enough to make up for six weeks of absence; Hux won’t be settled without at least a few more hours of sleep, another round and brunch.

Thank fuck it’s Sunday.

Ren doesn’t respond, focused on whatever he’s doing on his phone. Stretching languidly on the bed, “Come back here, Ren,” Hux purrs, kicking the covers away in the process. Ren’s eyes latch onto the bared skin.

“Can’t,” Ren says, shaking his head. The phone buzzes again, as if reminding them of itself—as if it gave Ren a chance to forget it. “Got plans.”

Hux’s mood sours. Plans. Ren has barely returned to the Core Worlds and he’s already making plans with others.

“What plans?” Hux asks, keeping his tone mild. It can’t be work; they don’t hide Snoke’s various demands from each other, if only so Snoke won’t be able to blindside them later. Ren doesn’t have any friends in this sector, either—none that Hux knows of, at least. Is it that girl? Is Ren running out of Hux’s bed straight into her arms?

Hux has never woken up in Ren’s bed, but he now knows how it would feel to be kicked out of it.

Ren is still typing, not even acknowledging the question. What the hell is he writing, a novel?

“Let me guess, then,” Hux says, poison-sweet. “Early breakfast with your sunshine?”

Ren freezes.

A vicious delight fills Hux. “Unless you two had urgent business to take care of at the Resistance HQ,” he continues evenly, ignoring the tension that thickens in the air between them. “First Order’s latest requisitions have put them in quite the bind; your mother is right to want you on-site, now that you’re—”

—pinned on the bed with Ren’s overly warm body covering his, Ren’s forearm across his throat and knees on Hux’s shins. Ren’s other hand presses Hux’s wrists into the mattress; so close to the knife Hux keeps between the mattress and the headboard, but at the entirely wrong angle to grab it.

“Bastard,” Hux hisses in Ren’s face, the bed groaning as he feebly tries to shake Ren off. Ren presses his knobbly knees harder into Hux’s legs in answer, as if trying to dig grooves into Hux’s bones. The pressure on his neck remains steady, only hard enough to make it uncomfortable to swallow. A half-hearted threat at best.

What a bloody embarrassment.

“You’re not supposed to know any of that,” Ren snarls, his nostrils flaring as he glares down at Hux. Hux stares back, keeping his gaze steady and his breathing even. He’s never been afraid of Snoke’s hound; that won’t change now. “I know Snoke forbid you from investigating me. Have you been fucking—fucking digging anyway?”

Hux scoffs. As if he’s got the time to dig into Ren’s life. “I was having a business dinner at the Starkiller last month, when you walked in with your lovely girlfriend.” It’s quite telling that Ren didn’t even notice Hux there, so captivated by her. “Have you ever noticed how her voice carries, Ben?”

Ren growls low in his throat like the beast he is, his shoulders and neck tensing. Inhaling deeply, Hux waits for the moment Ren will put his crushing weight on Hux’s windpipe, visualising his hands clenching and unclenching as his body struggles to draw air into his burning lungs, unable to even scrabble at Ren’s forearm. The spots in his darkening vision until he can’t see Ren’s face anymore. Waking up with bruises on his tender neck—or not waking up at all.

Ren can’t kill him, though. He isn’t allowed to, not until Hux outlives his usefulness for Snoke. Killing Hux now would mean Ren signing his own death warrant.

“That name,” Ren says lowly, his breath warm on Hux’s face, “isn’t for you to use. Nobody—nobody—can find out that you know it, or there will be consequences.” He gives Hux a long look, anxiety shining through the ebbing fury in his eyes. What happens if word of Ren’s real name gets out? What’s so important about it? “Hux. Do you understand?”

Hux scoffs. “Yes, damn you. I won’t tell anyone.” He wasn’t planning to anyway; this sort of personal information is more valuable as a bargaining chip. When the time comes, he’ll benefit from having leverage over Snoke’s protégé. It just might turn the tide in Hux’s favour.

Satisfied, Ren rolls off and away from Hux. For a moment, Hux can only breathe as his blood rushes back into his feet and hands with that pins-and-needles sensation. Something dark and ugly gathers in the pit of his stomach, a need to sink his teeth into Ren’s throat until he tastes blood rising in him.

Later. His chance will come later.

Ren’s found his trousers on the floor, putting them on. Hux feels oddly naked, vulnerable in only soft trousers while Ren dons his armour again.

Well, Hux is clearly not going back to sleep. Might as well start his day.

“I hope you realise that this cannot continue,” he says conversationally, stepping into his slippers. No point of pulling the sheets up; he’s going to throw them all in the wash as soon as Ren leaves anyway. “This double life of yours, I mean—it’s too much of a risk to allow.”

“It’s not a double life,” Ren grumbles, trying to shake the wrinkles out of his shirt. The spiteful part of Hux hopes that Ren won’t have time to change out of the mussed state Hux put him in before his plans.

“Well, what would you call it?” Hux asks, raising a brow. “Polished, charming Organa-Solo heir on one side, Snoke’s brooding enforcer on the other? Unless I’m wrong and you’re mixing business and pleasure, in which case Ben’s dry cleaner had better be very discreet.”

“I’m not—” Ren cuts himself off with a huff, his unbuttoned shirt hanging off his shoulders. His glare isn’t quite effective with the entire bed between them. “Look, Snoke knows. Okay? He encourages me to keep Ben Organa-Solo alive—to have past connections we can use. I’m doing his bidding.”

“Sunshine—or whatever her name is—she’s one of your honeypot assignments, then?”

Ren runs his teeth over his bottom lip. “I didn’t say that.”

The space behind Hux’s eyes is throbbing, the beginnings of a headache making itself known. Kriffing Ren and his kriffing inability to say one thing straight.

His robe hangs off the hook behind the door—a strategic mistake. “What, then?” Hux asks as he strides over to it, the luxurious fabric his lifeline to feeling a little more put-together. A little more like himself. “Care to explain how she fits into the picture?”

“None of your fucking business,” Ren mutters—suspiciously like around something. Hux is unsurprised to turn and find one of those death-sticks between Ren’s lips and a lighter in his hand, though annoyance is another matter entirely. “I’m doing my damn job; what more do you care?”

Hux fishes out an ashtray from his vanity with a pointed sigh, throwing it vaguely Ren’s way on the bed. Ren picks it up before dropping himself on the edge of the mattress, balancing the ashtray on a thick thigh.

“You wouldn’t be so cagey if you were only following orders,” Hux points out, ignoring the light tickle at the back of his throat. If Ren drops a smatter of ash on his carpets, there will be hell to pay. “What is it? Does she know something she shouldn’t?” Hux can make it go away, if she does.

“No, of course not. She knows nothing.”

Right. Very convincing.

Crossing his arms over his chest, “Is that so?” Hux asks, leaning a hip against the vanity. Ren barely glances at him before turning to the closed window, blowing the smoke out of a corner of his mouth. “Say, Ren, what does she think that you’re doing for a living? Snoke’s bodyguard works only so well when the man is bedbound. How do you explain your long trips abroad? Or the nights you return smelling of sex?”

Ren releases a long breath, loud in the otherwise quiet room. He ashes his cigarra and takes another drag, cool as you please, while irritation crawls underneath Hux’s skin.

It’s like Hux isn’t even kriffing there.

An odd desperation tugging at his chest, “Or maybe she already knows that you’re fucking someone on the side,” Hux throws, spitefully hoping for it to land.

Ren’s jaw works, his lips pressing into a line.

There.

It’s all of ten steps from his spot to Ren’s. “You’re loyal as a dog; I don’t imagine I’m your dirty secret,” Hux adds as he takes them slowly, satisfaction buzzing through him. Ren’s shoulders grow more rigid with each word, the ashtray moving as his legs tense. “Maybe it’s a thingbetween you two. Is that why you never shower here—because she likes smelling another man on you, feeling how open you still are from—”

“Rey’s my cousin, you jackass,” Ren snarls, a vein pulsing on his forehead. A knot unravels in Hux’s stomach. “What the fuck is it to you anyway? I know you don’t get lonely without me.”

The anger Hux was aiming for—the unmissable undercurrent of hurtin Ren’s tone gives him a pause. Hux hasn’t taken a lover since he and Ren started their… arrangement. He could have—and perhaps should have, instead of relying on his hand alone to get him through Ren’s weeks-long disappearances—but he didn’t even want to.

It worries him, sometimes.

“It’s a matter of security,” Hux says, waving it off. “Secrets have a way of leaking during pillow talk, you know that better than anyone.”

Ren laughs, bitter and hollow. Something in Hux twists at the sound. “Security,” Ren spits out, putting out the cigarra like it offended him personally. “Do you wanna do background checks on everybody I slept with while I was gone, then?”

Sharp hurt jolts through Hux.

Ren is staring at him with an intensity that borders on uncomfortable, waiting. Hux unclenches his jaw, breathing through his nose. “You’re an old hand at this; I’ll trust your judgment,” he responds, turning away. What is he doing, reacting to Ren? What the hell is wrong with him?

Ren grabs him by the wrist, jerking him to a stop.

Irritation rises in Hux again. “Ren,” he bites out in warning.

“No really, I think you should,” Ren says, a dark look shining in his eyes. “I don’t remember every name, but I can give you some other details. I’m sure your network of stalkers—sorry, slicers can find out enough.”

“My slicers have more important intel to chase after,” Hux bites out, looking pointedly at Ren’s hand around his wrist. The grip is loose enough that he might break himself free, but suffering the indignity of struggling doesn’t quite appeal to him. Once was enough. “Will you let me go?”

“Only if you admit it.”

Hux scoffs. “Admit what, exactly?”

“Admit that you’re jealous.” Hux goes ice-cold all over. “You hated thinking about me with Rey, didn’t you?”

Of course not. What a ridiculous claim. Hux holds a certain dislike for missing out on critical intel—understandable given his line of work—and finding out that he’s been left entirely in the dark about Ren, Snoke’s other right-hand man and the only person Hux remotely trusts in the First Order, was a bit of a hit. That’s all there is to it. He’s got no reason to be jealous of some girl who calls Ren by his given name, who can laugh and joke with Ren, be seen in public with Ren, who can loop an arm around Ren as they leave—

The dismissal gets stuck in his throat.

“Because I hated it,” Ren murmurs, looking into his eyes. Hux wants with his whole being to escape the depth of feeling in Ren’s earnest gaze—can’t look away. “Thinking about others warming your bed while I was fucked off on some bullshit mission that barely needed me—it killed me, Hux. Tell me you hated it, too. Tell me you want me to be only yours.”

Only Hux’s. As if Ren, with his constant need for attention and validation, wouldn’t chafe under Hux’s negligence.

Hux shakes his head, wishing he could shake off this spell just as easily. Ren must be similarly addled if he’s talking of fancies of flight like exclusivity. “You don’t know what you’re saying. This isn’t what we agreed on, Ren.”

The light in Ren’s eyes dims. Hux hates himself.

“You’re right,” Ren says, his tone just above a whisper. A glance downwards—he starts buttoning up his shirt like he’s being timed on it, only barely getting the order right. “Sorry I ruined it, I thought—never mind what I thought, I’ll just see myself out. You won’t see me again unless Snoke summons both of us, promise.”

Ren rushes past Hux and out of the bedroom, pulling the door closed behind himself. It hits Hux in the next moment that perhaps he should’ve stopped Ren.

Stars, what a kriffing mess. Hux intended only to stop Ren from jumping off a cliff in the hopes that Hux would follow, not to end what they had. Leave it to Ren to take it as an absolute rejection.

He takes a deep breath, running his hands through his hair. All right. All right. First step: He can’t let Ren storm off. Ren will be damn near impossible to get a hold of if he leaves like this; Hux’s network truly has more important matters to take care of. Hux needs to make him stay long enough to listen.

As for what Hux will say to fix this, well. He supposes he can tell Ren what Ren wants to hear. He can set his pride aside for a moment. It should be good, shouldn’t it? It should be enough.

It had better be enough.

Inside, Ren is nowhere to be found, his jacket and trainers gone. Hux hasn’t heard the Silencer’s roar, though. Hoping he’s not too late, he grabs his keys off the hook and dashes down the front stairs, catching up with Ren just as Ren reaches his bike.

“Ren,” he says, embarrassingly breathless.

Ren turns to him with wariness etched on his guarded face. He’s waiting for beratement, Hux suspects, or the tongue-lashing that Hux is famous for.

“I was lonely without you,” Hux confesses in a rush, words tumbling out of his mouth in his haste to get them out before they clog up his throat. “When you were away, I—I missed you. I did.” Do whatever you want with it.

A series of emotions cross Ren’s face, too fast to parse. A part of Hux—a part that will always remain Armitage no matter how hard Hux tries to purge it—wants to curl into a ball and hide from the moment Ren will laugh in his face for falling for such a blatant prank.

“Hux,” Ren breathes, breaking into a wide grin. It’s the goofiest, stupidest expression Hux has ever seen on his face—and entirely devoid of any mockery. “You missed me?”

“I won’t repeat it,” Hux says, ignoring the growing heat of his cheeks. Least of all in the middle of the street, where all his neighbours would overhear them if it weren’t shit-early on a Sunday—wearing nothing but his robe and slippers.

Stars. What a disgrace.

Ren’s phone buzzes loudly in his pocket. He fishes it out only far enough to silence it, letting it go to voicemail. “I really have to go,” he says with a touch of regret in his tone, running the backs of his fingers down Hux’s cheek. “But I’ll come back right after, okay? I’ll come back to you.”

Such coddling. Hux wants to roll his eyes, but the look on Ren’s face, the same one as when he said tell me you want me to be only yours, stops him.

“You had better,” he mutters instead. It’s a new sort of thrill, getting a genuine grin out of Ren.

Cupping Hux’s face, Ren presses a hard kiss on his lips before getting on his bike. Hux watches him leave with an inexplicably heavy heart.

He misses Ren already.

[ilovefandoms102]

Forever

Pairing: Kylo Ren x Reader

Summary: How it all began, and where it went wrong...

Note: I wrote this once a while ago at the very beginning of my blog and got no likes on it so I’m reposting since now I have a larger fanbase so I hope you guys enjoy!

Click here if you want to be apart of my taglist!

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I come from the planet Tattooine, the place where Ben's uncle, and his grandfather grew up. My parents abandoned me when I was 15 when I started showing my powers, they feared I was a danger to them. Luke found me and raised me as his own, the Jedi ways engraved into my brain. 

Then I met Ben, we clicked instantly becoming inseparable from that moment on. I knew it was wrong, that the Jedi weren't meant to fall in love. Luke had warned me that my infatuation needed to end because Ben wasn't the man I thought he was, that he would go dark. I had felt the disturbance in the Force from him as well, but I couldn't leave him.

Ben Solo is the love of my life, I say is because I know he is still here. He is not dead inside of Kylo Ren like so many people believe. I was there the night the temple was destroyed......what is so sinister about it is that the temple was destroyed the night of our wedding. It was a secret wedding, we had to sneak away to have the ceremony. We were promised to each other for better or for worse, but I don't think your husband killing your Jedi classmates is what they meant by worse...

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6 Years earlier:

"Ben...wha-what did you do?" I asked, looking at my husband. He had a murderous expression on his face that scared me.

"He tried to kill me..." he said, gripping his saber tighter.

"Who? Honey, what's going on?" I asked again, putting my hands to his cheeks.

"Luke," was all he said, tears welling in his eyes.

"Ben..." I whispered.

"Ben is gone." he said, pushing my hands away.

"What?" I asked, taking a step back from him. My heart crushing as I knew what this meant, he was turning to the dark side.

"My name is Kylo Ren now. The Supreme Leader has called to me because he knows how to train me to my full potential." he explained, as if we weren't surrounded by our dead classmates and a burning temple.

"This is not the Jedi way Ben, what are you thinking?!" I shouted at him.

"It wasn't the Jedi way for us to fall in love, yet here we are." he said, shrugging his shoulders.

"People of the dark side cannot show love Ben. How can you sit there and claim to love me, but are choosing this path?" I asked, keeping a grip on my light saber in case things went south.

"The Supreme Leader is willing to work with our...circumstances." he revealed, turning to walk towards a ship that wasn't there before.

"Ben stop!" I yelled, running after him.

"Do you love me?" he asked, catching my arm in a tight grip.

"What kind of question is that I married your dumb ass!" I said, shoving him off me.

"Y/n/n," he whispered.

"Ben...I can't." I whimpered.

"Come with me and we can rule the galaxy!" he said, smiling but it was not the smile of my Ben.

"I-" I started, Ben interrupting me.

"Y/n/n, you are my life. I love you more than anything in this galaxy, I need you by my side baby...please." he said, leaning his forehead on mine.

"Forever?" I asked. We used that as a way to reassure the other that we would always love one another, forever.

"Forever my love." he said, leaning down to kiss me.

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Present:

I was in the private gym Kylo had made sure all the officers on the First Order knew was only for me. I somehow got away with not being trained by Snoke and continued my Jedi training, using books I stole from the Temple. I was meditating when I felt my husbands presence. I continued with my training as he watched me from the other side of the room.

"You're so beautiful my darling" he said, that stupid mask of his altering his real voice. I'd love to pitch that thing into space, he knows I hate it too.

"You know I don't respond when you have that thing on Ben." I said coldly.

I heard the click and hiss of the mask being taken off as I lowered myself, turning to face him. I was only allowed to use Ben when we were alone, in the eye of the First Order we were Mr. and Mrs. Kylo Ren. I hated it so much, I was currently in the works of becoming a double agent for the Resistance, using the ways of the force to reach out to Leia.

 It hurt me more than anything to go against my husband, the one I'm supposed to stand with above all, but with the construction of the second Death Star coming to an end and knowing what they are using it for....I can't stay on this ship any longer.

Ben came closer to me, I had to tip my head further back the closer he got. My head barely reached his chest, he took his glove off so he could run his fingers through my hair. I lifted my eyes to meet his dark brown ones. I got on my tip toes and kissed him, this is what I would miss the most, the intimate moments we got to have with each other...when he acted like Ben and not Kylo. 

He moaned into my mouth, gripping the hair at my scalp to pull me closer. His other arm wrapped around my waist as he lifted me the few feet between our heights so he wouldn't have to bend his neck as far. I sifted my fingers in his black hair, using my other to grab his cheek. I pulled away first, my chest rising erratically from the lack of oxygen.

"I have a mission I'm leading, I'll be leaving in a few days. I'm not sure how long I'll be gone...I don't want to leave you." he spoke softly, leaning his cheek on mine. I hugged him tight, heartbroken that he would be leaving so soon.

"What will you be doing?" I asked, but I really didn't want to know. He sensed that as he narrowed his eyes at me, our Force bond tingling my mind as he was trying to read it. 

"Ben, quit trying to read my mind!" I yelled, slapping his arm.

"I'm sorry baby, but I was curious to know if you actually wanted to know...or if you were just trying to entertain me." he smiled, kissing my nose as he put me back on the ground.

We made our way to our quarters, Kylo now replacing my Ben. I hardly ever acknowledged anyone around us unless I was spoken to directly. I didn't ever go out of my way to speak to anyone either. If I had a question, I'd use my Jedi powers to read their mind or force them to tell me.

"Commander Ren, Lady Ren, How lovely to see you all on this fine afternoon." General Hux greeted as he came around a corner. 

I continued to walk until I felt a pull from the force, Ben stopping me in my place to talk to Hux. I gave him a death stare, he knows I don't like socializing with his people.

"What can I do for you General?" I asked, annoyed with Ben-Kylo’s insistance that I speak with Hux.

"I was hoping I could trouble you both for a meeting-" he started, but I was quick to interupt.

"No, I'm quite tired and wish to rest. You can have my husband though General." I said as I fought Ben's force, breaking free of it and walking into our room.

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Kylo's POV:

I stared as my wife walked into our quarters, rage of her disobedience burning inside me. I let her know through our Force bond that I was not happy with her, thankful the mask hid my feelings from General Hux. I turned back to look at the General, his presence annoying what I was hoping to be a enjoyable evening.

"What do you need General?" I asked again.

"I think we should take this to my office, away from prying ears." he said ,quietly. We arrived at his office, him sitting at his chair while I stood by the open window.

"We have received word that there might be a double agent roaming the ship..." Hux said, his eyes drifting down.

"This is what you had to disturb my evening with the Lady for?" I seethed, keeping my fists clenched at my sides.

"Commander, the rumors are claiming that the Lady is the double agent. That's why I thought we would speak here." the General looked at me with a terrified look on his face, as he should.

"How dare you!" I shouted, using the Force the choke this son of a bitch.

"Sir, please! I just wanted you to know before you heard from someone else!" Hux choked out.

I stormed out of the office, pushing past officers and troopers. I walked into my quarters, spotting Y/n in the kitchen. My anger started dissipating, her presence not only in the room, but through our bond calmed me. I forgot about being angry with her, I walked into our room and changed into comfier clothes.

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Y/n’s POV:

I felt Ben's presence behind me, but I ignored him to finish dinner. He was angry, but I couldn't tell why. He walked off as I could feel his anger disappearing. I turned off the stove and cleaned the dishes as dinner cooled down, I could hear Ben in our bedroom. I walked in to him taking his amour off, I couldn't help but stare. He was so beautiful and I felt so lucky to call this man mine despite his faults.

"See something you like baby?" He asked, his deep voice igniting a feeling in my lower regions.

"I think I'd like it better if you weren't facing away from me love," I teased, smiling at him.

He finished taking his clothes off, leaving him in just his black silk pants. He ran a hand through his hair as he turned to face me, I could feel him trying to rack my brain for what I was thinking. I let him in to see what I was thinking at that moment....How beautiful he was, how I loved him with my entire soul, and that I would be lost without him.

"Your thoughts are deep tonight my love, what's wrong?" he asked, putting his arms around my waist.

"I just...I don't like you going on solo missions...I don't like us being apart from each other." I confessed, putting my hands on his bare chest.

"Snoke wouldn't put me out there if he didn't think I could handle myself sweetheart. You above anyone should know I am very capable in battle." he said, squeezing me. I didn't like when he talked about Snoke, I rolled my eyes at the thought of that creature.

"Can't I come with you? We're better together than apart Benny." I whispered, hugging him. He laid his head on top of mine, sighing loudly.

"You really need to start calling me Kylo, you're going to slip in front of someone one day and The Supreme Leader will see me as still being drawn to the light." he muttered.

"You don't fool me Solo, I know there is still light in you." I said, not liking where the conversation was going.

Ben pulled away from me, stalking to the kitchen. He was slamming stuff around by the time I got in there, preparing himself a plate very angrily. I wish I had kept my mouth shut, the good mood we had going was ruined by my big mouth.

"Honey," I whispered, slowly walking closer to him.

"Don't y/n" he growled, I knew I was in deep shit when he used my full name.

I sighed, grabbing myself a plate. I sat beside him at our very large dining room table that we didn't need since we never had guests over, neither one of us the most social beings. We ate in very awkward silence, I was the first to finish. 

I cleaned up the kitchen, putting away leftovers then heading for the bathroom. I started up the huge shower we had installed, getting the water to the perfect temperature before stripping and stepping in.

I was in the middle of rinsing my conditioner out when I heard the door open, the door was glass so I could see that it was Ben. He stripped him self before joining me in the shower, we had another shower head installed for when we both were in the shower on opposite ends. 

He turned his on, wetting his hair. I couldn't help but stare at him, the way his arm muscles flexed when he ran his hands through his wet hair sometimes the veins popping out. I had to check to see if my mouth was hanging open. He walked over to me, I grew tense the closer he got.

"I'm sorry my love." he whispered, my heart melted.

"I'm sorry too." I said, looking down at my feet.

He grabbed the back of my head, forcing it to come up as he smashed his mouth to mine. I responded immediately, throwing my arms around his neck. Our tongues were in a battle for dominance, him winning of course. I let my hands roam over his body, feeling his muscles. I had to pull back to breathe, both of us panting hard.

"Forever?" he asked, staring into my eyes.

"Forever my love." I whispered.

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[thatnerdyfangirlcat]

Yes, I'm still mad about The Rise of Skywalker.

And I'm actually just now able to put it into real words.

I was talking (more like ranting) to my mom about how the sequels were incredibly disappointing, especially TRoS, for multiple reasons. The thing I was most angry about was what they did to Ben, and us Reylo shippers. I felt betrayed that they gave us Reylo and then ripped it away from us right after, but I realized today what else made me feel that way.

From the beginning, Kylo Ren was not the "bad" guy. He may have been an antagonist at some point, but we could tell from the beginning that he was conflicted and in a lot of pain, and even Rey didn't completely hate him like pretty much everyone else. The Force Awakens set up this dual protagonist situation, and The Last Jedi carried it even further. And I'm sure that when Kylo Ren offered his hand to Rey to join him in the Dark side, many of us were rooting for him even more to turn back to the Light, or at least find a gray area. In fact, that was my expectation. There were some really interesting parallels made to Darth Vader that couldn't be ignored, and with the whole deal with Snoke, I thought that surely they would change the narrative and actually redeem Kylo Ren.

And you know what? They did. He chose to be good again, he chose to be Ben, and he chose to go after Rey and help her save the world, and it made me so unimaginatively happy that they actually did it.

And then they killed him.

They finally let Ben be happy, and then ripped him from the world. And no one even said another word about it.

That's what really got me; we never see Rey explain what happened, we never see the reactions as people find out that Kylo Ren is gone, the reactions as those who knew Ben as a child hear that he turned to the Light only to die. Not a single word.

That's the difference between Vader and Ben. Vader's sacrifice was his redemption; death was essentially his only option. Ben turned back before he even really knew that Rey was in danger (if I remember correctly). He didn't have to die. But he did.

And I'm never going to forgive Disney or the writers or directors or whoever made that decision.

Because, in the end, Star Wars ends happily. Good prevails. But, unlike Vader, Ben didn't even have a chance. And I think that hurts most of all.

The decision makes no sense to me from any perspective, especially a narrative one. There were so many options and they went with the one that would hurt us most. If Ben had stayed with the Dark side and died as a result, it would've been tragic, but realistic. As realistic as Star Wars can be. And where does that leave Rey? Does she explain what really happened, does she let people beleive what they will? There are too many unanswered questions, too many inconsistencies, too many questionable decisions. I still remember watching it happen, I felt so utterly betrayed, and not in the good writing way.

Ben Solo Deserves Better.

-

If you got this far, thanks for reading all this. I know it's been actual years since TRoS came out, but I don't think I'm ever going to get over this, so I'll probably keep making posts about it. Anyway, if you disagree with my opinions, I'm always up for a healthy debate!

~Dusky Out~