Forever Indebted

you are not your family

"So what does the future have in store for us, Ben Solo?" Rey asked to her other half.

—

"Naboo. That's what the future holds for us Rey. Well I mean if that's what you want." Ben was so conscious of her feelings, not pushing her to do something or go somewhere she doesn't want to.

"I have no idea what or where Naboo is. Is it a ceremony? A planet? Or just a saying I don't understand." Rey let out a little chuckle, she knows so little about the galaxy she lives in.

"It's a planet." Ben let out a little laugh, "In the mid-rim. It's so beautiful." He stopped talking, Rey could tell there was something he wanted to say but was unsure of. "It was where my Grandmother was from. She was their Queen for a period of time before she became the Senator." Ben had a fond smile on his face, having not thought of that for a very long time.

"Did... Did you know her? Your grandmother." Rey was hesitant, she didn't want to pry any further than he was willing to talk.

"No, I never knew my grandmother. Though it's said she was the most beautiful person in this galaxy, both physically and emotionally. " Ben was quick to halt the conversation after that, careful not to hurt Rey's feelings at his abrupt halt he reached out for her hand. She understood that he was not ready disclose that information. She rubbed his hand, reassuring him that it was okay and that she would listen when he was ready.

"So Naboo huh? When shall we leave Ben Solo?." Rey always said his name with a smile, never getting enough of it. Ben liked the reminder of how happy it made her to say those 2 words that clearly mean more to them than they know.

"Well, My Lady. If you don't have any plans or cute boys to see than we can leave whenever you're ready." Ben Solo, being sarcastic? He's just like his father.

Rey put a hand over her heart, faking shock. "I am offended Mr Solo. The only cute boy I'll be seeing happens to be standing directly in front of me."

"Where is he? I might need to have a word to this supposed 'cute boy'." Ben looked around dramatically as if trying to find this mystery person.

"Oh stop it you dork." Rey couldn't help the giggles that over come her, "I'm ready to leave when you are." Ben wrapped her in his arms, planting a kiss on the top of her head.

They climbed down from the top of the falcon. Ben waited for her by ramp into the falcon as she retrieved the limited items she had with her. In no time he could see her silhouette forming as she walked towards him. Carrying a couple bags over her shoulders, Ben took them from her and followed her into the ship for the second time tonight.

He zipped through the ship so fast earlier tonight, not having time to absorb his surroundings. Now he had all the time in the world. He ran his hands along the walls, feeling every crack and crevice. Remembering as a child how he would hide things in hidden cracks and would see how long it would take his dad to find them, Ben laughed at this. He had to satisfy his mind and check all the hiding spaces, to his disappointment they were all empty.

Ben hadn't even noticed that they were already travelling through lightspeed. He walked into the cockpit, looking all around at the glowing lights then down to the beautiful woman sitting in the captains seat. He looked at her in quiet adoration, this woman already knew him so well.

"Hey kid," Ben said as he took the seat next to her, "thanks for knowing."

Though he was vague, Rey knew what he meant. "It's not a problem. I figured you might need some time." She placed her hand over his, "All good?"

Ben nodded, holding her hand a little tighter. The calm, cool and quiet atmosphere alerted the two of their growing tiredness. Rey pressed a few buttons, setting the falcon to auto-pilot so they could rest in a more comfortable place. Rey took Bens hand in hers, "Come on, we need rest. It's been a crazy day."

The pair gathered what blankets they could find and snuggled up around the table, eating the flavourless portions that are stashed on the falcon. They were both used to eating for purpose rather than pleasure so the bland, texture less food didn't bother them greatly.

Ben let out a heavy sigh next to Rey. Just as he went to speak he pondered if he was ready to talk about this. Drawing in a deep breath, he began. "She died giving birth to my mother and Luke, she lost the will to live and couldn't survive the physical and emotional turmoil of her husband turning to the dark side. Darth Vader." Ben paused for a moment, "Anakin, Anakin Skywalker was his name. It was said that he was the chosen one, that he would destroy the sith, bring balance to the force, not leave it in darkness. But he craved power too much, joining the sith. All out of love and fear."

Rey gazed up at him with a confused look. "My grandmother, Padmé Amidala, was pregnant with twins, Luke and Leia. Anakin saw a vision of her dying in childbirth, he turned to Master Yoda for help, he was told the Jedi could not change the inevitable. Anakin wouldn't accept this as an answer, he turned to Emperor Palpatine who was posing as a New Republic Chancellor. Palpatine told him that he could show Anakin how to save Padmé's life. He was desperate and quickly succumbed to the dark side."

Ben paused for a moment taking in a shaky breath, "He was unable to save Padmé's life, breaking her heart and destroying her will to live when he pledged his allegiance to the dark side. Vaders children were split up and hidden from him. Leia was adopted by a senator, Bail Organa, and his wife who had always wanted a child. Leia grew up on Alderran as a Princess. Luke on the other hand was given to his aunt and uncle on Tatooine and was raised to be a farmer. They both grew up unaware they had a sibling, a twin to be specific. The events of the great war between the empire and the rebellion saw the two of them united, along with a smuggler, Han Solo." Ben had a few stray tears trickle down his face at the memory of his family.

"I didn't ever want to be like my Grandfather, I grew up wanting to be the opposite of him. But life changes, people change and influences can be very powerful. I became the one thing I didn't want to be Rey. I became Darth Vader. I am my family." Ben put his head in his hands, sitting forward to lean his elbows on the table.

Rey put her hand on the nape of his neck, motioning his face to the right so their eyes could meet. "Ben Solo. You were not Vader. You will never be Vader. You are not your family. You are Ben Solo, your own person with your own path. I love you Ben Solo, you." The smile on his face was one of pure admiration, "Neither are you Rey. I-I love you too."