1,268.

That was the number of rivets Finn counted that secured the ceiling tiles in place above him in his holding cell.

177 was the number of times the florescent lights had flickered throughout the hours he sat staring absentmindedly at a not-so-interesting speck of dirt on the chamber floor, marring its otherwise pristine condition.

93 was the number of times Finn heard his stomach growling, demanding for his attention to acknowledge that it needed to be fed.

Even though a First Order protocol droid had been bringing him small rations of bread and what appeared to be some form of mystery meat he didn't want to risk the chance of it being tainted. Although he'd been surprised to see the Order had provided such hospitality to a prisoner, Finn considered the reason to be that Hux still needed him alive for whatever grand scheme he had up his sleeve. Knowing the General's reputation of conducting ruthless tactics to get what he wanted, Finn wasn't about to put it past the general to pull a shady move as such.

And finally the last number that crossed his mind was the number 2. Two marked the number of days – according to the analogue clock on the wall – that he was confined to the diminutive size of this kriffing chamber. Hux's words from the previous days' confrontation replayed continuously in his head: the First Order officially knew of Rey's whereabouts. He had to get out of here, but no matter how hard he tried he couldn't manage to free his hands of the cuffs. Even if he were able to, there was nothing within the cell's vicinity to free himself of its secured confinement.

He was exhausted. He hadn't slept since the evening prior to his and Jessika's arrival on Starkiller Base. His head was still pounding from being conked with a blaster, and he felt weak and lightheaded from the stubborn lack of nourishment.

For the current foreseen future all Finn could do was sit, and hope, that Leia had been right. He knew the palace was securely hidden which would make it relatively harder for the Order to find: even with the guidance of the binary beacons. While patience had always been a strong virtue of his – a quality earned from his years of assisting Rey with scavenging on Jakku – time was officially running out. And by the looks of it what he needed right now was a miracle.

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Back at the palace's West wing Kylo was doubting his earlier decision to ask Rey to dance. At first it had seemed like a good plan, which it was – in theory. He'd lost track of the countless number of times he had been forced to dance throughout the years. Being born of noble class it was merely a necessity to learn due to the numerous celebrations and gatherings his parents held, and attended, throughout the years.

He had meant everything he'd told Rey the previous morning when he convinced her to dance with him. He wouldn't allow her to make a fool of herself. That, for the most part, he was confident in, but it was what he planned to do afterwards that was currently sending his stomach into a series of knots and rendering his nerves skyward. It had been years since anyone outside his staff had seen his face. Even during those times, he had been significantly self-conscious of his looks and how others perceived him to be.

Yes, he had been a late bloomer when it came to his facial features catching up to the size of his ears and prominent nose. After his body had filled out to fully compliment his height it became apparent when the girls started gravitating towards him in those lame attempts at hiding his loftiness in the shadowy corners at gatherings. Even then he considered the only logic of their interest being merely due to his high position held in court. But those girls had been nothing, holding no ounce of sentimental significance to him.

Rey, on the other hand...

He loved her. That was definitely certain. But based on their time spent together most recently, he sensed there was some sort of mutual feeling from her as well. What he feared was that she had only grown to know him as the 'monster in the mask.' What if she felt differently after she saw his true self? What if he wasn't what she imagined he would be? And what if it was all simply him overanalyzing everything that they had gone through recently?

His head was spinning with numerous relevant questions as such and the turmoil in his mind was rendering him into a state of incompetence; such as completing simple tasks like fastening these damn buttons on the vest he had been trying to accomplish for the past twenty minutes while incessantly pacing across his chambers. To make it fair on himself the ruffles lining the cream-colored undershirt and gloves weren't necessarily making the task at hand any easier.

Gods damnit – get a grip on yourself, Ren!

"For fucks sakes, Ben," Poe's voice chimed in, breaking Kylo from the detrimental thoughts in his mind. He had been leaning with his forearm propped against the bedpost, watching with amusement as Kylo struggled at completing such a simple task. "You're making me nervous for you – and it's not my ball this evening. Don't tell me you've forgotten after all these years?"

Stopping short in his stride, a low growl of irritation resonated through Kylo's modulator. At this point he wasn't exactly sure where to pinpoint the culprit of the current pent up frustration: the buttons on said vest, the spectator now mocking him, or at himself for allowing these unwarranted moments of doubt to consume him.

"It's not that," he retorted curtly, finally focusing his attention downward in hopes of getting past his current wardrobe crisis.

"You're not going to renege, are you?" Poe inquired quirking a brow as the stagnant moment of silence on Kylo's end confirmed his suspicion. Poe ran his hands down his face, sighing exasperatedly. "Come on, Ben. Do I really have to spell out every indication that Rey does have feelings for you?"

"It isn't your future that's being held at stake here, Dameron."

For once Ren's retort didn't come across out of anger. While he was nervous to say the least, he couldn't hide the solemn timbre behind his admission. The past few days what they'd shared together had been beyond what he initially believed could happen between them. Lying amidst that happiness was the sheer fact that his curse was still intact and it wasn't planning on alleviating itself anytime soon. A ticking clock was hanging over him, he thought, acknowledging that the crystal was nearing its end. Every day its shards appeared to shred more rapidly and crumble to dust. Time was running out. Everything this evening had to be perfect and it was the events in question that would forever determine the course of his future.

"I know..." Poe acknowledged, crossing his arms over his chest to further the comfort of his position as he leaned his shoulder against the post. He considered Kylo's concern, sifting through the words in his mind that could provide some sort of comfort to his friend's distress. "It is going to be perfect though. There will be music, romantic lighting, and Rey loves that room more anything. And when it's all said and done you confess your love for her."

"Says the hot-shot pilot who never held a steady courtship in his life," Kylo quipped sharply. "How could she possibly feel the same way without knowing what I look like?"

"Because all this time she's been able to discover the real you without actually seeing the real you, which further makes me believe that Rey is the one, Ben. I've been around a lot of women in my life to know when attraction is mutual. It's obvious she cares significantly about you."

Kylo snorted at that. Poe certainly had his ways with women over the years; there was no denying that and it furthermore made Ren put a little more trust in his friend's attempt to uplift his spirits. But, in the end, it was something far more complicated than just a simple evening out with her.

Finally managing to get his vest clasped shut, Kylo reached for the jacket that would fully complement his attire that had been hanging casually over the knob of the wardrobe. Aside from the light color of his undershirt, the vest in prior questioning had been fabricated in one of the finest satins that Chandrila had to offer: dominant with a charcoal gray in color it was embellished with an intricate, black velvet design. Ren proceeded to pull the jacket's black sleeves over his arms, clasping it shut in the front as the hints of cream and gray peered through where the coat had been open at his chest. To top off the evening's attire he fastened a flattering cape to hang freely over one shoulder: black with its interior lining accented in red.

Tugging at the front of his attire to smooth out any creases, Kylo dared himself to look in the full-length mirror positioned next to the wardrobe. It had been years since he'd worn anything other than the favored black robes. Poe joined him shortly at the mirror, clapping his hand to Kylo's shoulder with a poised grin on his face.

"Hell, you've got this," he assured confidently with a strong grip. "Rey will definitely be pleased."

Kylo cocked his head, considering the masked figure staring back in the mirror while attempting to view himself the same way as Poe initially had. He shifted slightly on his feet, adjusting his jacket's sleeves to ease out the fabric's stiffness in order to better acquaint his broad figure with the newly acquired contemporary clothing. Standing tall and straight it had been the first time since the enactment of the curse where he felt slightly more confident in his appearance. "Yeah," he admitted assertively. "I think so, too."

Meanwhile Rey was in her own chambers in the East wing, enduring an onslaught of butterflies in her stomach. Never in her life could she imagine herself getting the chance to wear make-up, or have her hair professionally styled, or wear shoes that would more than likely leave her with a broken ankle at some point in the evening. She hadn't seen the dress she planned to wear; other than the fact of being told that she'd look stunning in it and that Ren was for certainly going to marvel over her which was enough to bring on a new wave of emotions of its own.

It wasn't that she didn't believe Kylo when he'd promised he wouldn't allow her to make a fool of herself. It was the sheer fact that there was a high chance of her actually doing it regardless. Even though he'd already taught her how to hone her abilities in the Force and refine the more physical aspects such as sparing. She had more than her fair share of exploiting her own humiliation. But this – this was something else. Something far more personal that was beyond comparable to the likes of training. Tonight, it would be just them. Another first that she would share with him.

"Say ah," Rose prompted; breaking the whirlwind of thoughts in Rey's mind as she made a "oh" gesture with her mouth.

Rose had been positively exultant when Rey told her during breakfast the prior morning that Kylo had asked her to dance with him. In fact, her excitement was so acute that she didn't hesitate to offer to help Rey do her hair and make-up. To say that she was excited had been more of an understatement. Rose squealed louder than a puffer-pig when the topic had been brought up between them – a conversation that initially started over the profound quantity of time that Kylo and Rey had been spending together as of late.

Obeying Rose's command, Rey opened her mouth in the same gesture she had been prompted with. Softly, Rose began to apply a sort of rosy-colored paste to her lips, prompting Rey to press her lips together afterwards. Rey complied, unaware of what she looked like as Rose had been adamant to forbid her from seeing her masterpiece until everything was said and done.

Rose stood back from her, cocking her head left to right in admiration of her work before grinning contentedly. "Girl, if I may so myself I think Master Ben will have a terrible time keeping his eyes off of you this evening."

Rey felt her cheeks redden at what Rose had been implying, possibly even more so than the blush that had already been applied to her cheeks earlier on in the primping session. Rey sighed heavily, trying to suppress the over-abundance of nerves in her system. "How can you be so sure?"

Rose quirked her brows knowingly, "We're so past obvious at this point. He may be wearing a mask, but he's always been an open book. Trust me, he adores you." Reaching for the hairbrush atop the vanity, she proceeded further in task of Rey's hairdo.

Rey considered Rose's certainty, but not without shedding a smile at the notion of his unremittant attraction to her; something that she was more than happy to hear. She winced slightly as the brush's bristles swept through a hair knot. "So, you knew him before the mask?" Her inquiry further confirmed after hearing Rose's suggestive 'mmhmm' in acknowledgment. "What was he like?"

Rose pursed her lips in thought, pulling the sides of Rey's hair up to her head's crest. Holding it in place with one hand she reached to the vanity for a hair pin before she replied. "Ben was – was one of those boys who always wore his heart on his sleeve, so to speak. It was always so blatant in his expression no matter how hard he tried to cover it up," she stated pensively, smiling in remembrance of the inhibited school boy as she twisted Rey's hair into the predetermined do. "He was charming: always polite with his manners. But he was also very reserved, quiet. He kept to himself for the most part. And he always said I smiled too much," she added comically.

Rey chuckled lightheartedly, "So not much different than he is now." She stated, grimacing as she felt another hair pin dig too far into her scalp whilst issuing an inaudible 'ow' in retort.

Rose proceeded to twist the last bit of hair into place before reaching for another hair pin to secure it. "Truthfully, he's a lot different since you've been here Rey. He always looked sad in the eyes before, troubled - never smiled much. Actually, he hardly ever smiled now that I mention it. But now, just by how he acts, I'd say he is actually dare I say it, happy."

While it pained Rey to hear about Kylo's deficiency with happiness in his earlier life she couldn't help but harbor a sense of fulfillment at bringing some sort of contentment to him – and he for her. But one thing she had come to realize with Kylo was that he always distanced himself when the unexpected happened – primarily to those who held dear to him, including herself. Their relationship had changed dramatically. Every moment spent together there were baby steps for him as he began to accept new and profound gestures of tenderness. And now she had a new emotion rising amidst the already proclaimed complexity of their unraveling rapport; a feeling where she had initially been doubtful of its true meaning.

But, now it couldn't have been any more apparent that she loved him. It was irrevocably undeniable, but the feeling of it and vocalizing were two distinct things entirely. And it was something she was internally at war with upon her initial realization. It wasn't that she was afraid to love. What scared her more than anything was that he would push her away like he did with any other good thing that came into his life, like his family and his friends. Hearing now that she had brought him that sort of happiness only made her all the more selfish to keep him for herself, unwilling to let him push her away. Rey scowled at how incredibly selfish it sounded, but after spending years of wallowing in her own loneliness she wordlessly admitted that she couldn't – and wouldn't – lose him.

"There." Rose confirmed suddenly, breaking the muddled mess of thoughts in her mind. "All done."

Shifting her position around in her seat, Rey attempted to take a glimpse in the mirror before Rose lightheartedly diverted her gaze to the former direction. "Uh-uh!" she informed with a playful warning, issuing a slight nudge to Rey's head with her hands. "I told you - not until we're done."

Rolling her eyes, Rey huffed in impatience at Rose's persistence. Attempting to change the subject Rey opened her mouth to prod further in regards to Kylo's appearance before Maz came through the door of her chambers with the gown folded carefully as it draped over her arms. Swallowing down the lump of anxiety and excitement in her throat Rey arose from her seat at the vanity, leisurely approaching the bed where Maz began splaying the dress out for better view.

Rey cupped her hands to her mouth, unaware she had momentarily held her breath in awe as she stared wide-eyed at the magnificent gown that was displayed before them. She wondered if this dress could've been held in comparison to what Kylo had described of the gowns he'd seen in his earlier days. The entire bottom half of the gown had been fabricated out of a rich, yellow golden hue of Sullustan silk; its top, and arms, woven in that of a sheer fabric that continued to drape over the silky under layer.

Its wide neckline was entirely embellished with glittery jewels, which continued heavily down through its torso and just past the lower midriff.

Ignorant of its previous owner and bearer, Rey guessed it could've only been worthy of a princess. At first, she was afraid to touch it, fearing she may snag its delicacy with the coarse skin of her finger tips from all those years of scavenging. And for a moment she wondered if she was merely living a dream; as if blinking would wake her up and she'd unwillingly find herself back in the belly of the AT-AT back on Jakku.

"It's – it's beautiful," she affirmed near inaudibly in admiration; unaware of the right words to describe such a stunning garment she had been trusted with to wear for the evening.

"It belonged to Ben's grandmother, Queen Padme Amidala-Skywalker," Maz stated as a matter of fact, "former democratically elected ruler of Naboo and Senator during the days of the Old Galactic Republic. Indeed, she was a lovely woman in every way and so very kind to everyone that met her."

Rey furrowed her brows subtly as she acknowledged the hint of sorrow behind Maz's words. Before she had the chance to question any further Maz continued.

"But anyways, Rey, that story can be for another time, tonight is about you," Maz assured with a gentle smile. "Let's get you dressed so we don't keep Ben waiting."

At Maz's prompt Rey stripped herself down to her breast wrap and panties; before it was brought to her attention that her wrap had to go as well. While Rose held the dress, Maz offered Rey her hand for balance as she stepped into the garment.

"The wrap too, Rey," Maz prompted, making Rey blush.

Apprehensively, she removed her wrap, leaving her breasts awkwardly bare before the rest of the dress had fully covered her exposed torso.

As Rose tended to the tiny, delicate buttons in the back it wasn't until Rey marveled down at her front attire before realizing why the removal of her wrap had been necessary. The glittery embellishment along the torso shimmered down from the neckline, covering only the peak of her nipples and leaving the inner curvature of her breasts exposed beneath sheer gossamer as the design trailed outward to the sides of her torso. The neckline settled comfortably below her shoulders as the sleeves flared down the remainder of the gown's floor length.

It was – as Rose had put it earlier – unquestionably breathtaking, but she couldn't help wanting to self-consciously cover her chest.

"Okay," Rose prompted as she finished fastening the last button, "now you can look."

Rey slowly turned to view herself in the mirror. Blinking, she had been rendered speechless; unable to make the words flow from her brain to her mouth as she gaped in awe at the stranger staring back at her. Carefully, her hands palmed over the delicate fabric covering her torso; so soft and lightweight to the point where she felt there was no fabric covering her at all. In her mind's eye all Rey could picture was Kylo's hands on her. She felt beautiful for the first time in her life.

"On second thought," Rose started with a suggestive giggle, "Ben may not be able to keep his hands off you either."

A blush crept over Rey's cheeks, hoping that her thoughts weren't intentionally said allowed. "I love it," she further admitted with a smile. "I honestly can't thank you both enough for this. I really don't know what to say!"

"It is our pleasure, my dear." Maz smiled gently. "Now we just need your shoes and you can be on your way," she stated as she held up the strappy, golden heels that Rey had been expected to wear; their straps each exhibiting tiny, intricately-cut diamonds in a row.

"And I have one more thing as well," Rose admitted secretively.

Rey took her prior position at the vanity's stool to ease Maz's assistance with the shoes; her curiosity piqued with a raised brow as to what else there could possibly be in store for her. Rose pulled a delicate, golden circulate crown from the small wood-stained box that had been perched atop the vanity. The crown was intricately woven to resemble a vine: leaves elegantly fanning outward with diamonds and pearls lining the expanding vines. "I found this among Leia's belongings here earlier. I presumed it was her mother's as well," she added with a smile. "Perfect for a princess," she further stated as she placed the delicate garment at the crest of Rey's head.

Rey snorted lightheartedly at the thought. The notion was nice to think about in her mind, but beneath the glamour she was still just a scavenger. No amount of glitter, make-up or extravagant gown would ever change that. "I wouldn't go so far as to call me a princess, but it is beautiful," she admitted softly, turning her head side-to-side to better admire its elegance in the mirror.

Maz huffed in defiance. "Rey, tonight you are a princess," she added with assurance, placing a hand gently to Rey's shoulder. "And I know someone would also beg to differ. Let's not keep the prince waiting."

The moment Rey had been anticipating had finally come. As Rose and Maz took their leave from her chambers Rey remained behind momentarily to regain her composure. Taking a deep breath, she acknowledged herself in the mirror one more time before leisurely making her way down the corridor. Clamping her clammy hands together, she focused her attention at her feet, holding the lower hem of the dress off the floor to avoid tripping as she focused on putting one foot in front of the other.

Breathe. Just breathe.

No words could have been any more comforting during the seemingly long walk to the stairwell. It wasn't until Rey reached the top stair of the magnificent stairway before she looked up towards the direction of the West wing. Kylo was waiting for her, but it was his chosen attire that caught her attention and managed to take her breath away. Amongst the darkness of his cowl and suit Rey caught a glimpse of light penetrating through his layers. Just like his force signature contained a blinding light that could never be suppressed. Staring at the mask, she held his shielded gaze as one thought raced through her mind: he's perfect.

She's perfect, Kylo thought to himself.

Both unaware of the other's equivalent thoughts of one another, they simultaneously descended their given stairwells. Both representations of light and dark meeting together in the middle platform. As she drew closer the initial sight of her slightly revealing apparel was enough to send his emotions into hyperdrive. Gods – she's beautiful. Was she even aware of what she did to him? His cock twitched at the inability to remove his eyes from the perfect curvature of her breasts through the sheer fabric of the gown. Momentarily, his brain had been wholly incapable of processing the initial reasoning as to why they were here, wanting nothing more but to whisk her off to the hyperbaric and have his way with her the way he wanted.

NO! He scowled at himself in disgust for the momentary ennoble thought. She deserves better than that. Their first time – if there would ever be a first time – would be in the comfort of a warm, soft bed. Not out of a selfish desire of fulfillment in the cold, confinement of a chamber he considered to be a prison. Just about as fast as the initial thoughts had come, he pushed them far away from his mind. Besides, this moment wasn't about him - or his wants. This night was about her.

A warm smile played across her lips as she watched Kylo graciously place a hand behind his back and bow before her. Uncertain of the proper protocol, Rey humbly managed to attempt a curtsy in response.

"You look beautiful," he admitted cordially.

"You look pretty good yourself, your highness." She admitted playfully, reaching her hand up to finger the cream-colored fabric of his shirt as she added further with a smile, "And the ruffles suit you."

Ren chuckled, but his smirk remained hidden as he confidently extended the crook of his arm to her in offer of his escort. "Ready?"

Apprehensively, Rey sighed heavily in acknowledgment to the final onslaught of butterflies before they were replaced with excitement. She nodded her acceptance, further adding a warm smile as she looped her arm through his. "Yes, I am."

Together they descended the last bit of stairs on the staircase as Kylo led them towards the ballroom. The chandelier lighting had been dimmed, casting off a subtle golden glow throughout the vastness of the room's entirety. Their reflections off the massive window panes resembled that of the stars against the evening sky. Kylo hadn't been exaggerating when he said it was amazing when lit up; although 'amazing' was a bit of an understatement.

She saw Maz already positioned at the harpsichord at the far end of the ballroom, playing an all too familiar melody the moment they entered. Realization struck Rey as the melodious notes flowed through her ears; the same notes she used to hear every night when she had her old refurbished music box.

"Ben – is that?" She paused, struggling to vocalize the words that stuck at the tip of her tongue in shock of what he had done. Releasing her grip on his arm, Rey brought her hand to her chest before abruptly turning her gaze up to his mask; her eyes glazed over with tears as she stared inquisitively for an explanation.

Kylo nodded in confession. "It's the one from your music box," he added softly. "It took a little longer than I anticipated for the music to be recreated."

At first, she had no idea how to respond, other than she was absolutely astonished that he managed to go this far above and beyond to make the evening absolutely perfect. However, she couldn't shake the one question that begged for answering, "But how – how did you know the music entirely to make it happen?"

Apprehensively, Kylo remained silent as he considered her expression. For years it had been merely a mystery as to who the soothing voice in his head belonged to; a voice that had been welcomed for those sleep-filled evenings after having endured so many nights of excruciating loneliness and pain. In truth, they were of rare happenings when Snoke had not been persistently present in his mind. "I use to hear it, too - in my dreams. At first, I thought I was going crazy hearing it, but then you –," He paused, cupping his hands to her cheeks as he softly continued his declaration. "-you came here. When I heard you humming it that morning in my chambers I knew that you were always that voice in my head. I don't know how – or why we've been connected."

For a moment Rey was completely speechless as a single tear streamed down her cheek. Somehow, for reasons unknown, she and Kylo had been linked across the stars unknowingly for years. As if destiny had intentionally brought them together precisely for this moment. Her heart swelled, knowing after all this time of believing she'd been alone her whole life when fate clearly had other plans in store.

Wordlessly, Kylo extended his hand for hers. Rey graciously accepted as he purposely placed her hand on his shoulder. Sliding his hand to her waist, he pulled her closer towards him to close the short gap between them. Maintaining his grip on her other hand, Ren slowly guided them into a steady waltz to the music's tempo. At first, unease and uncertainty crossed her mind as she found herself occasionally glancing down at their feet, worrying over the possibilities of her tripping or stepping on his boots in the process.

"Rey, look at me." He commanded gently.

Worrying her lip, Rey returned her gaze up to meet his.

"Don't think so hard about it," he added reassuringly. "It's like the Force: feel the music and let it move you. And I'll be here to guide you."

At that, it was as if a wave of peace washed over her to cleanse any ounce of doubt from her mind. Allowing the music, and him, to take over she naturally fell into the moment as Kylo lead them in unison to the music. A familiar, harmonious energy passed between them as he guided her through each spin and twirl; as if they were moving as one person – two souls intertwined like they'd been dancing for years together rather than sheer minutes. No matter where he led them, Rey never took her eyes off him.

As the music reached a crescendo in tune, Kylo single-handedly hefted her up to his side for a dramatic spin before promptly bringing her into a dip. For a brief moment he held her there, both staring intensely in tunnel-vision and entirely focused on the other as if nothing else in the room existed. Her heart was beating furiously in her ears all the while remaining unaware that the music had gradually come to an end. With his hand at her back Kylo carefully brought her back into an upright position. Sadness and disappointment fell over her as realization sunk in that their dance had come to an end.

With one hand remaining behind his neck and her other gripping his bicep, it was the first time Kylo saw longing project through her eyes as he stared back at her. A mutual feeling that neither one of them wanted this moment to end. With purpose, he offered her his arm again. Offering him a warm smile, Rey happily accepted by looping her arm through his. With a casual wave of Ren's hand, two sizeable glass doors that had easily blended in with the massive window panes opened at his command as he led them onto the terrace, circling the ballroom's exterior.

Rey felt the cool, evening breeze gently sweep over her cheeks. Unlike the usual nighttime skies in spring, the evening was perfectly clear. The stars twinkled and glimmered against nature's dark canvas, ranking them in contrast to the tiny diamonds she had adorned on her attire. Leaning her arms against the terrace's balcony, she gazed into the vast darkness that had descended over the landscape, furrowing her brows in thought as she pondered over words that could potentially break the looming silence between them. It was the perfect opportunity to finally tell him how she felt. Yet she couldn't shake the impossible feeling that if she did he would flee - as usual - from her reach.

From his position as he leaned against the balcony, Kylo watched intently as the breeze gently swept the free-flowing strands of hair across her face. He noted how the stars blanketing the evening sky reflected onto the irises of her eyes. Desire coursed through him; paired along with an uncontrollable ache in his chest from the words that pleaded for release - words that should have been expressed to her long ago.  Rey's attention drew back to him as he placed his hand at the small of her back. A warm smile crept across her face in acknowledgment of his gesture. Clearing his throat, Ren readied himself to profess the thoughts that had consumed his mind since the day she arrived, but as he went to speak it was Rey who finally broke the silence.

"This evening was so wonderful, Ben." She genuinely admitted. "I could never thank you enough for all you've done for me."

"You're welcome. Though I should be more upset at the fact that not even your friend Finn had ever taught you to dance," he delicately countered in reply.

Rey cocked her head as a knowing smirk crossed her lips. Considering the person who he had just mentioned it was the first time Kylo had ever willingly said Finn's name without a hint of jealousy or malice in his tone, or not referring to him as the thief. This time there was only genuine concern held within his timbre; a sheer sign that Ben Solo was genuinely showing through the dark façade of Kylo Ren.

"Wow, I'm impressed you actually called him by his name," she retorted in amusement with a lighthearted snort. "But no – there was never a real reason to learn. We were both just trying to survive after we fled Plutt's orphanage."

It didn't take knowledge of rocket science for Kylo to notice the sudden fallen expression on her face. Within a sheer matter of seconds Ren was forced back to that initial, unfortunate evening where he had forced her to make a choice: a choice that inevitably led them to this very moment. Hidden behind all their shared moments of tenderness was the fact that Rey was still being held as his prisoner, who only agreed to stay accordingly for the exchange of Finn's life. Where he had once seen happiness in her eyes now only expressed pain and sorrow at the realization that she was still unable to see her friend again.

His chest swelled with regret in remembrance for what he had forced her to do. Had he ever known the change that would've occurred between them he never would've put her into this position in the first place. "You miss him." He stated knowingly, intentionally coming across as a confirmed statement rather than a question.

Nodding in confirmation, Rey's gaze remained fixated at the vast darkness of Chandrila's countryside. "He's the only real family I've ever had," she admitted wistfully.

For a moment, Kylo could only remain silent as he inaudibly considered the possibilities of how he could begin to make things right. "Use the Force."

Rey quickly shifted her attention back to him, eying him quizzically. "Search with your feelings, Rey," he added gently. "It's the same concept you did with me. If you look hard enough you can find him."

Rey furrowed her brows, allowing self-doubt to momentarily consume the confidence in her ability to do as Kylo suggested. The only person she had been able to discover in the Force was him; a presence that had become so natural for her to seek out it was as simple as leisure stroll to his chambers in comparison. Now that she was tasked to finding someone else made the effort seem more complicated than it should've been.

Closing her eyes, her brows creased in concentration as she attempted to seek Finn's presence in The Force. Initially she felt uncertain as to what she was looking for, but the doubt ended up fleeing as fast as it had come. A warm, welcoming glow off in the distance caught her attention, beckoning her to seek out its originating source.

Finn!

The distant glow she saw was Finn, but the moment she touched senses with his mind sent a red flag of warning in response. Something was wrong. He was hurt and in a considerable amount of pain and - with the First Order?

"Finn –," she stated in affirmation, her growing worry over his being showing through her tone. "I found him. Something's wrong, Ben." Her eyes opened to meet Kylo's concealed gaze of his mask. "He's hurt," she urged assertively. "He needs help!"

Kylo refrained from meeting her gaze. For too long he had purposely avoided thoughts of the probability that this moment would come. He knew what he had to do. But coming to terms with the right thing was something he had not been initially prepared for. Begrudgingly, his hand massaged the back of his neck as he pondered over the hundreds other excuses he could've used in place of what was now being asked of him. If he continued to force her to stay, it would've only been of his own interests and selfishly pertaining to his personal desires. In return, there laid the possibility of Rey going back to hating him. But for a brief moment having her hate him appeared more bearable than letting her go.

Turning from his stance to avoid her expression, Kylo found himself speaking the words he had desperately attempted to avoid, but the words were out of his mouth before he made the effort to silence them. "Then, you must go to him – help him."

His words had come out as being near inaudible and for a moment Rey was for certain she hadn't heard him right.  "Are you releasing me? But I made a promise..."

Kylo swallowed the thick lump that had formed in his throat, but before he regretted anything more he turned back to face her. "And I had hoped that, in time, you would want to stay here of your own volition; not just because of a deal you made for his life."

Rey couldn't miss the unmistakable pain behind his words. When this place had initially been considered a prison and yet the palace had unintentionally – and irrevocably - become her home. And her captor had grown into someone she loved. "Ben –," apprehensively she placed a hand to his arm, attempting to say those three simple words that should've been said to him long ago but had momentarily been lost to his interruption.

"I realize now that if you were ever to stay here by choice, that you must be allowed the choice to freely do so and not by that of obligation. Your friend needs you."

Rey considered him, knowing how much Kylo was trying to be strong she couldn't deny the unmistakable break in his voice. He was right. Finn did need her help, but it still wasn't enough to ease the ache in her chest of having to temporarily say goodbye. Nodding her head in acknowledgment to his reassurance, Rey raised further on her toes to envelope her arms around his neck. She sensed his momentary hesitation before he finally brought his arms around her, pressing her further against him in a fruitless attempt that she would change her mind.

Rey turned to press her nose into his neck, breathing him in of hopes to imprint the memory of his scent into her mind. She wasn't sure how long she'd be gone, or how long it would take to find Finn. But coming back to him wasn't a notion up for debate. "We'll see each other again," she assured with promise before pulling back from him slightly, "I believe that."

Kylo cupped his hands to her face. Whether she had meant it or not, it didn't change the fact that if she returned there was the likely possibility that it would be after the curse's deadline. He would always be Kylo Ren – permanently stuck in the mask and damned to his life of darkness. Wordlessly, he pressed the forehead of his helmet to hers with his thumbs softly grazing her cheeks. "I hope so, Rey of Jakku."

Rey squeezed her eyes shut, biting her lip hard in attempt to ease back the tears that currently threatened to spill down her cheeks. She had to be strong – for him. With her forehead still pressed to his she made a silent promise to herself, but also hoped that he would be alert enough to hear it.

I'll come back for you, sweetheart. I promise.

Gripping his shoulders, Rey hoisted herself up further to press a kiss to the cheek of his helmet; further sealing her promise to him before begrudgingly pulling herself away to leave. Hesitating at the terrace's doors, she paused to steal one last look at him before disappearing, her heart breaking into a million little pieces with each step.

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Had anyone told Kylo Ren years ago that he would've become cursed, held a woman prisoner, and fallen in love with her all within the same decade he would have bisected them with his saber without a moment's hesitation to consider the plausibility of their words.

Within the initial time of the curse's enactment, Ren had been more than certain that love would never find him. He'd purposely thrown up every shield and mental barrier to ensure that it would never happen. Yet, all of those futile attempts were shot to hell the moment a particular scavenger girl had managed to break through every wall he built to protect himself. And the price he paid for it now was essentially more than he could bear.

After changing back into his chosen black robes, he fell into a heavy state of meditation on his balcony, hoping to initially seek a moment's peace in hopes of easing the excruciating ache in his battered heart. After he'd returned to his West wing chambers he immediately considered destroying the kyber crystal to get the wait over with, knowing that it was only a matter of time before the last shard crumbled to dust.

Clenching his hands into fists, he mentally cursed himself for reconsidering his initial thought as fast as it had arrived. The closest thing in attempt to easing said pain was destroying a few untouched objects within his chambers, which he did - once his lightsaber was securely back in hand. But nothing could help ease the pain after watching Rey leave onboard his father's ship, the Millennium Falcon.

She was gone.

It was then when he remembered the words of Snoke after the first night of her arrival. This girl – this scavenger – will only abandon you in the end.

Rey did say that they would see each other again, but that was only one possible future. The future was always in flux, ever changing. After spending countless days waiting for his father to return from smuggling runs – days where he had promised that he would be home within a certain time – Kylo knew better than to hold anyone to their word, regardless of their intent or promises.

But now – now leaving the Force shield that concealed the palace was insignificant to him as he found himself lowering it, leaving himself wholly and completely exposed to the likes of Snoke and the First Order. Exhaustion from resisting – from the long years of trying to prolong the inevitable of Snoke finding him when now it was essentially a given that he was destined to remain locked into his grandfather's curse.

Bringing himself from the depths of his meditative state, Kylo felt the presence of his captain of the guard at his chamber doors. "I just saw Rey leaving on the Falcon!" Poe announced as he approached the terrace. "What happened?" he pressed, gesturing with his hands out that an explanation was in order.

Clenching his jaw, Kylo forced himself to say the words he had been purposely trying to avoid from speaking out loud. "I let her go..."

Poe blinked, allowing a minute or two to process the information he just acquired. "What the hell, Ben? Why would you do that?"

"Because – I had to," the words came harder to accept the more Kylo had been forced to speak. Without meeting Poe's questioning gaze, Ren added further words in enhancement as he stalked towards the hyperbaric chamber, "But it's not yours to be concerned with, Captain; report to me if any First Order ships should arrive."

Kylo's words now struck Poe's complete, undivided attention. "The First Order – wait, what are you talking about? The only way that would be possible would be if..." the words trailed off as realization dawned over him. Poe's eyes widened upon the frightening discovery. "Ben, did you lower the Force shield?"

"As I said before, it is not your concern," Kylo sneered in retort as he promptly turned to face Poe since he arrived.

Poe swallowed thickly, trying to absorb Ren's words entirely. "Ben, think about what you've done here. Lowering that shield will allow the First Order to find us." Poe's words began to rise in volume. At this point he was desperate for any measures to ensure Kylo would see his reasoning. "Snoke will force you to join him, you know he will!"

Kylo remained silent, clenching his fists tighter at his sides before wordlessly seeking the needed solitude of his chamber. "None of that matters now, Dameron. Rey's gone and it's possible to believe that she's not coming back." Before the chamber seals hissed shut Poe managed to hear Kylo further add with dejection, "Let them come."