Who Ben is Now

Tea

When Kylo had told me that I could take as long as I liked, I doubt that he expected me to actually take him up on the offer. I stayed in the shower for what must have seemed like forever, letting the steam envelope me as I reflected on the day's events. It wasn't until my fingers were well-past pruned and the entire bathroom was filled with steam that I thought to get out.

To my surprise, I discovered upon exiting the shower that my old, dirty clothes were gone. Instead, a fresh pile had taken their place on the sink, folded neatly. The pile consisted of a much-larger-than-my-size black shirt, a pair of black women's underwear, and some oversized men's shorts. Too exhausted to question how the clothing had been put in the bathroom during my shower, I simply slipped it all on and once again combed through my hair, doing my best to dry it a bit with a towel.

As I exited the bathroom, I was surprised to find Kylo sitting on the side of the bed. I jumped for a second, scared by his sudden presence.

When he heard me enter the bedroom, he looked up. "I didn't mean to surprise you."

"Why are you still here?" I questioned.

Then, Kylo laughed. He legitimately let a small grin form on his face and let a laugh out of his mouth. "Where do you think you are, Allevra? Some sort of guest room?"

I stared at him, confused. After realizing that I didn't get the point, he let me in on the secret.

"This is where I live. You are staying in my room. That is why I am still here."

I felt sheepishly embarrassed and a little bit unsure. I wasn't convinced that I'd be comfortable staying in a room with Kylo. Not unless I planned on constantly staying huddled in the corner of the bedroom. This man made me so wary of everything.

"Would you rather go stay in a cold, metal cell?"

I stayed quiet for a moment before shaking my head, looking down at my feet.

Kylo turned away from me, giving his attention to a small, collapsible table that had been placed at his bedside. I heard the sound of pouring liquid and smelled something sweet.

"Come here."

I looked up, watching as Kylo extended a cup of some sort of tea and offered it to me. "I bet there's some sort of drug in there."

"I don't want any, thank you," I explained, my feet still planted firmly in the doorway.

"I would never drug you, Allevra."

More silence ensued before I quickly made my way over to the other side of the foldable table, taking a seat. I crossed my arms, staring Kylo straight in his dark brown eyes.

"No, but you would read my mind, wouldn't you? I bet you're so used to just taking the information you want that its second nature to you. My thoughts are a private matter." I was miffed.

Kylo placed the cup of tea in front of me and began to pour himself a cup. "I don't read you like that on purpose. We are connected through the force. I hear your thoughts without even trying. It's blocking you out that takes effort."

Hesitating, I gave in to the ever-growing sensation of dehydration in my body and picked up the cup of tea. The steam that rose and tickled at my face was comforting.

"If we are connected through the force, then why can I not hear your thoughts?"

Kylo took a long sip of his tea. "You are not strong enough to do so yet. When you've had more training in the ways of the force, you will be able to hear me as I hear you."

I rolled my eyes. "Well, that will never happen."

With a bit of a sigh, he extended a long, now ungloved hand and removed the top of a silver platter placed on the table. My eyes grew wide at the large array of fruits, vegetables, and breads that now sat directly in front of me. It wasn't until I saw said food that I came to a sudden realization: I had not actually eaten anything for the entirety of  the day. 

But still, I hesitated.

"You are weak and hungry. Eat."

Suddenly, I became very self-conscious. I couldn't remember the last time I had eaten in front of somebody, let alone eaten in front of the man I'd once known as Ben Solo.

As if sensing my embarrassment and hesitation, he plucked a strawberry from the plate. I watched slowly as his long, pale fingers brought the fruit to his mouth. Perhaps it was to show that the food was not poisoned. Perhaps it was to show me that eating was no big deal. Either way, it was enough to send my hungry stomach over the edge.

I began with a grape, plucking the small fruit from its wiry vine and quickly popping it in my mouth. Instantly, its nourishment made me feel so much better. Feeling brave, I grasped the teacup that I'd been so fearful of earlier. Slowly and carefully, I took a sip of the steaming liquid. It was sweet and warm and perfect.

I wasn't sure if Kylo was reading my mind or not. Either way, he looked pleased when I no longer felt afraid of the food and drink he'd placed in front of me. After I had eaten in silence for a few minutes, he broke it with a surprising apology.

"I am sorry for any anguish that I caused you earlier. My actions were out of frustration, but not aimed towards you. I hope you will forgive me."

I took a long sip of the now addicting tea before replying. "Do you want me to view you as a stranger? Is that what you mean when you claim Ben Solo is gone?"

I thought for a moment that he would go on another spree of destruction. Instead, he simply poured more tea in my cup.

"We both know that you and I are not strangers. I don't expect you to forget our time spent together. However, you must be aware that I am not the boy you grew up with." He paused for a moment, as if collecting his thoughts.

I didn't like the silence. "Are you sure there's nothing weird in this?" I asked, pointing a finger at the cup in my hand.

He grinned ever so slightly at my question. "Nothing to drug you. You'll find it addictive because you are so dehydrated. It helps to calm the nerves and replenish what the day has taken from your body."

I nodded, popping another grape into my mouth. Slowly, I felt my eyelids begin to grow heavy. I was getting tired. Kylo opened his mouth to speak, but I beat him to it.

"I'm sleepy, I need to rest, blablabla. I know."

He tilted his head, as if to hide another grin. "You may sleep whenever you wish."

Awkwardly, I glanced at the bed behind him. Was he expecting me to share it with him? As if sensing my discomfort, Kylo rose to his feet, extending a hand so he could help me up.

"I need to go do some things. I'll assume you won't try anything funny while I'm gone."

This time, it was me who grinned. Nodding, I let out a small yawn and watched as Kylo put on his helmet and strode out the room. Too tired to do any kind of snooping, I sank down onto the left side of the bed and immediately fell asleep.

A/N: Why helloooooooo! I received so many amazing comments on this story. I just want to thank everyone for their support thus far, and hope you continue to read! Let me know what you thought of the chapter! <3 Love you people.