Ordered

Chapter 25: In Which Kylo Ren Finds Rey's NN-14 blaster

(Author note: Thanks for the support and sorry about the hiatus. I've been holding on to more of this story for quite some time. I'm going to post what I have and work on finishing it the same way I imagined pre-TLJ. My focus shifted to other works on A03. Sometimes I get block and just have to step away from a story for a while. Since posting this I've learned people like very long chapters, and in the future I'll try to make the chapters longer, and not just a cut-off when the point-of-view or scene changes. May the Force Be With You, Always.)

(Rated: G?)

The next day, his anticipation mounting, Ren followed Rey outside.

Once they reached level ground, he decided this was as good a spot as any. Ren cleared his throat, "I noticed you did a good job fixing the sink. You are quite the mechanic."

Rey froze. She knew if he'd looked very far under the sink, he'd probably found Han's gift. And if he found the pistol, she was in trouble.

At the same moment, he pulled the NN-14 blaster pistol from behind his back. He smirked, knowing she was staring in shock. So, she didn't think he was clever enough to uncover all her secrets? Lifting the pistol, he eyed the shiny metal carefully. It was a cute, fine thing. Perfect for a first blaster. He pretended to aim it at a nearby rock with his good eye.

"You had this in the forest on Takodana. Where did you get it?"

"Your father gave it to me," her voice broke. It was better to be honest, wasn't it? With a real weapon, would he turn on her now?

"Typical. People are always giving my things away," he frowned. He played with aiming the gun at invisible enemies over his shoulder. "If I didn't know better, I'd say father was a little soft on you. No matter, legally, you are Rey Solo now." Amusement echoed in his throat. Then he turned thoughtful, "I thought you dropped the pistol in the forest?"

"Thanks to you," she agreed.

He ignored her. "How did you retrieve it? Surely you and Skywalker haven't returned to Takodana?"

She shrugged, "Maz found it somehow. She gave it back to me...afterwards. She knew it'd enjoy keeping it. Since he gave it to me."

Feeling strange, Ren's folded his arms, but he spoke gently to her, "Yes, quite the collector. And, yet, he meant that much to you? In a short period of time?" Suddenly, he became bored and envious of the memories, and held the gun out to Rey, "Here, take it."

She held her head in disbelief and considered the offer. Finally, she decided it wasn't a trap and retrieved it before he could change his mind. When she had it in hand, she remained careful and took several large steps away from him.

He scowled slightly, "You still think I'd hurt you?" He paused to bite his lip in frustration. Perhaps he had frightened her. Maybe she was within her right. "Let's agree to be friends, once and for all."

Rey's brow knit together tightly. Great skepticism darted across all of her features. Quietly, she dared to mutter, "Since when?"

Ren swallowed the urge to come back bitterly. "You are my padawan," he nodded respectfully, "It's in our best interests." Then saying it again, he lifted his lips, "We're friends."

"You can't just say we're friends. People become friends, they don't declare it," she rolled her eyes and tucked the pistol in her clothing.

"Don't put it away. It's part of our lesson today."'

She turned back to him, seeking an answer, but didn't move the gun.

In a quick attempt to impress her, Ren changed his stance and threw out his arm. The small pistol shook against her hip and then flew into his hand. Almost as quickly, he knocked the safety off and fired a bolt straight into the air, which he froze with ease.

His smile was even, "I'm going to teach you my favorite trick."