Ordered

Chapter 30: In Which Ren Cares For Rey and Recollects

(Rated: M? Mild cursing, undressing, use of alcohol for pain (emotional and physical))

Ren could be patient and kind. He could be nice. He was nice. To his wife, anyways.

Marriage was a challenge. One not without difficulty.

They'd had their spats. Worked on their friendship.

Now they were reunited.

Or, at least, so he thought.

Rey hadn't denied his kiss, which brought him tremendous ease. She also lacked her usual dismay at his possessive devotion. Ren hoped it was the start of a better understanding between them. Glorious reunion.

But then again, she had taken a great fall. Her back had landed on the stone steps, sliding down the mud-soaked hill. Her body would be sore for days.

So much for training.

Or intimacy, he genuinely tried to hold back the desire.

Inside the house, he eased her down on the bed and immediately sought to remove her soiled clothing. Like a gentleman showing concern for his injured wife.

Only then did she show reluctance.

When he placed his fingers on her collarbone, she winced, frowned, but didn't slide away.

"Rey," he quietly breathed, fearful of breaking the silent harmony between them, "You cared for me. Let me do the same for you. These are ruined." He pulled at the material, resolved he would tend to anything she needed.

"I'm terribly sore," she grimaced.

"Probably bruised..." He made a fist, angry with himself. He'd scolded her over dragging the scrap metal but injured her with his own foolish urging. Now the bulk of the medical supplies were gone, and she needed pain relief. For once, his wish for Skywalker to return lacked genuine malice.

"You're angry?" Her frown deepened. Ren could felt her fight the ache of her injuries.

"At my ignorance," he muttered. He bit his lip, suppressing the urge to break something, knowing his personal outrage would only add to Rey's discomfort. "I could tear this house apart. Here," he continued removing her shirt. She allowed him to discard the ruined top to the floor but stopped his hands when he tried to remove her bralette. A hot blush spread across her face.

Ren paused, wondering if honesty should be applied. His honesty had rarely met well with her. Still, he would try again.

"It's not like I haven't seen you before, wife." He regretted he could not keep the want and bitterness out of his tone.

"That's entirely the problem," she admitted hastily, still blushing, unable to keep his gaze. She slid his hands away.

Ren might have pressed her to explain her meaning if he hadn't been so conscious of her pain.

He sighed and purposely lowered his eyes to the floor. "You can't stay in those clothes," he added sternly. Then trying to soften his voice, to remind her that he cared for her well-being first and foremost, "What would you like me to help you with?"

She allowed him to slide off her shoes, socks, and pants with the utmost care. Still feeling shy in her underthings, she fought the stiff pain and tucked the blanket under her armpits, shielding herself from his view.

Although Ren was displeased by her hot and cold modesty, he needed to see the damage.

"Lean back, let me check your injuries," he pleaded, wanting to face what his menacing pride had caused.