Ordered

Chapter 40: In Which Ren Has A Reluctant Family Reunion

(Rated: PG - Trigger warning towards the chapter's end for people sensitive to Ben and Leia having a heated argument about his father's death. The rough draft and dialogue for this was written prior to TLJ, so I had decided to explore: what-if Leia was hurt and angry, and their family already had a history of miscommunication and dysfunction? Glad canon's not this grim.)

Ren knew very well Rey was right, of course.

He wasn't running. Running was for cowards.

He was merely assessing the situation and being courteous.

It wasn't like they needed or wanted to see him right away.

Especially when he had no shirt, and his pants were soaked to the knees.

He gave them plenty of time to become settled. Watching and waiting from afar like a silent shadow as they unpacked the Falcon. Chewbacca carried crates three at a time. Their supplies were plentiful, much to the chagrin of his stomach. In comparison to the meals Ren had eaten in the past week, his family would feast tonight.

Presently, he lingered purposely outside the hovel's door, eavesdropping on their conversation. Rey's misery from before had vanished. She had longed for this day ever since Skywalker's departure.

Ren had expected to hear more news concerning the First Order and Snoke. He had only gathered that the Resistance had successfully destroyed the cloning facility in a major battle, which was no surprise. He was sure one of Skywalker's one-in-million shots had come into play. Even with his health failing, the old man was still an exceptional pilot.

Ren had also selfishly hoped to overhear Rey's explanation of their time together. Or some inkling of her decision. His mind held onto a fantasy that she'd seek Skywalker's opinion straightway, open and honest, to resolve the matter. However, he wasn't the least bit stunned when she'd mentioned nothing about him.

"Where's Ben?" His uncle, of all of them, finally missed his presence.

After an awkward pause, Rey murmured, "He's...cross with me."

"When isn't he cross?" His mother chimed in.

Ren clenched his fists, steadying himself. His mother never held back her opinions. Or the opportunity to share her opinions, especially ones concerning his personality. In the years since he'd seen her, clearly, nothing had changed.

"It's my fault, actually," Rey said rather quietly.

Astonished, Ren leaned his head against the hovel's cool stones. Remorse was not what he expected. Still, he couldn't cling to false hope.

As he pondered, specifically, why she was remorseful, Rey muttered something else inaudible, and the hovel door suddenly opened. The small party, led by his uncle, filed through the door.

A search party, Ren knew.

Seconds away from being caught against the hovel's wall, Ren held his breath. The reunion was unavoidable.

While his uncle and his mother turned towards the sea, Rey, who closed the door, noticed him first. Not expecting to find him skulking silently, her eyes widened with confusion. She quickly regained her composure, suddenly understanding he hadn't been ready to face them, but in his own way cared. She smiled at him, a sad sort of smile, which Ren took as a small acknowledgement of affection, if not, regret.

Ren was besotted. Her wordless understanding was an unanticipated kindness in a moment of apprehension. He couldn't help but love her. If he had their time together to do all over again, despite the inevitable heartache, he would a million times over. She would always have his heart, even from the far reaches of the galaxy.