Ruby

Ruby paced the length of her quarters, her steps slow and deliberate, as if each one marked a moment in time she wished to savor. The echo of her boots against the cold, metallic floor seemed to mirror the steady rhythm of her thoughts. Her mind, still buzzing from the afternoon's encounter, lingered on the faces of Luke and Leia. Anakin's children. They had both been a revelation—so much like him, yet so distinctly their own.

The light from the narrow viewport bathed the room in a soft glow, casting long shadows that danced across the walls. Ruby felt a warmth in her chest, a sense of deep contentment that was hard to put into words. She had spent so much time in the shadows of the galaxy, walking paths defined by duty, sacrifice, and uncertainty. But here, in this moment, something had shifted.

Luke, with his quiet strength and the weight of destiny in his eyes, had approached her with a cautious curiosity, as if unsure what to make of the woman who shared a history with their father—yet, there was no hesitation when they spoke. It was as though the bond of blood was enough to bridge the gaps between them, to create an unspoken understanding.

Leia, fiery and fierce, had been equally captivating—her wit sharp, her heart even sharper. Ruby could sense the resolve in her, the same fierce determination she had seen in Anakin before everything had unraveled. But there was something else there too: a spark of kindness, of compassion that softened the edges of her spirit.

Ruby smiled softly to herself as she turned, the memory of their laughter still echoing in her mind. For the first time in ages, the weight of the galaxy didn't feel so crushing. For a brief moment, she allowed herself to bask in the simplicity of it all—of being in the presence of the children of a man whose legacy would forever shape the future of the stars.

She had thought she'd lost the ability to feel this kind of joy—this unguarded, simple happiness. But here, in the company of Luke and Leia, it had returned, like a long-lost friend. The galaxy was vast, and its struggles endless, but as Ruby stood there, in the quiet solitude of her quarters, she realized that perhaps, just perhaps, there was still room for hope.

Captain Bloom entered the hangar, his presence unmistakable even before he spoke. His voice rang out, cutting through the quiet as he approached Ruby.

"Your presence is requested," he said, his tone carrying the weight of urgency. "Leia's waiting for you in the garden, and General Hux is there too."

Ruby's gaze shifted to him, momentarily startled from her reverie. The mention of Leia and Hux stirred something within her. She was still processing the connection she had felt with the children of Anakin, but duty was a constant companion.

"Understood," Ruby replied, her voice calm, though a flicker of concern passed across her expression. The garden, with its delicate tranquility, felt like a world apart from the tension that Hux often carried with him. But she had no choice—she would face whatever awaited her there. With a deep breath, she turned, ready to navigate the next chapter of the galaxy's complex web.

-

Ruby arrived at the garden, the scent of blooming flowers lingering in the air, soft and fragrant. As she stepped onto the stone path, she found Leia and General Hux deep in conversation. Leia was speaking with her usual conviction, her words flowing like a stream of fire, while Hux stood slightly apart, his arms folded, only nodding occasionally. The air between them was charged, but it was Leia who commanded the flow of the exchange.

But what caught Ruby's eye, and warmed her heart, was the figure standing just behind them—Kylo Ren. His presence, as always, was both imposing and enigmatic, but Ruby couldn't help the smile that tugged at her lips when she saw him. It had been a long time since they had crossed paths, and despite the distance that had grown between them, there was a familiarity in the way he stood there, watching the interaction unfold.

There was a rawness to him—something she had come to understand during their previous encounters. His appearance hadn't changed, still as striking and intense as ever, but there was something else now. A subtle shift, an awareness that was unmistakable.

She approached them, her footsteps light, but purposeful. Leia, noticing her arrival, flashed a quick smile and nodded in greeting, her fiery demeanor softening just slightly. Hux, ever composed, merely acknowledged Ruby with a curt nod, his gaze sharp, though not unfriendly.

Ruby's gaze lingered on Kylo for a brief moment longer, her smile turning into something more wistful. It was good to see him again. No words were needed between them—not yet. They had both changed, perhaps in ways they hadn't yet fully grasped, but Ruby could sense a subtle shift in him, a flicker of something more than the cold mask he had often worn.

For a moment, the galaxy outside seemed to fade, and Ruby allowed herself to appreciate the quiet unity that filled the garden. Despite the complexities and the unspoken tension, there was a strange peace in this moment—a peace that, for just a while, felt like enough.