Prompt:
(Y/N) has suspicions that Ben, once known as Kylo Ren, might've gone back to the Dark Side. Ben senses she is onto him, and tries to show her the true reason he has been suspicious lately.
Requested by AllisonTart
Part 2! That Side of You
She/Her❥
1st POV
♡︎♡︎♡︎♡︎♡
It had been exactly 6 rotations since Ben Solo had disbanded the First Order in order to pursue a relationship with me that could only exist if he promised to never fall to the Dark Side again. It had been pretty successful... but here I was, doubting him.
Ben has been very different lately. He has been distracted with things he doesn't dare to tell me. I'm a woman that respects privacy for sure, but when it comes to Ben and his past habits, I can't help but worry.
His mother was depending on me to keep Ben safe and healthy. I can't fail Leia, especially after her own son murdered her husband all those rotations ago. If Ben went back to the Dark Side, I fully believe that would emotionally destroy the Princess... not to mention how deeply that would wound me as well.
I will not let that happen.
Ben had gone through numerous trials with the Rebels, and he was charged with multiple crimes. However, Leia and I bailed him out of prison, as we truly believed we could make a noble and humble man out of him.
Now, he and I work at a rehabilitation centre, specifically with members of the Resistance that had been injured during any battles involving the First Order. Ben had gotten really good at emotional support, as a lot of the patients in the centre had PTSD or other trauma-based mental issues. He himself has gone through stuff too, which makes him the perfect guy to help and support the veterans.
Under normal circumstances, that would be amazing. But lately, he has been skipping out on work, and his patients are beginning to miss him. To make matters worst, Ben hasn't told me a damn thing about what he's doing, or where he's going during the day.
I can't help but wonder what he's doing... or if he is going down his old path with the Dark Side.
Today, he wasn't present in his shift either... that's 3 days in a row! I couldn't help but feel annoyed that this was going on— Ben promised me that he would help the veterans recover and grow trust in the galaxy again. Yet here he was: shirking work!
I promised myself I wouldn't follow him, as that was a clear invasion of privacy, but Ben has gone too far! One thing I want in my relationship with anyone is trust and truth. Ben is exhibiting neither of those,
"I'll be back as soon as possible," I said to Rey while I grabbed my lightsaber off my nightstand. I haven't needed to carry my weapon with me in ages thanks to the First Order being disbanded by my boyfriend... but I figured this was an unusual case, and I would be smart to bring it with me.
"Are you going after Ben?" she asked while closing the book she was reading.
I nodded in confirmation, "I won't be gone long. I'm just worried he's gotten tied up in something he shouldn't have."
Rey shook her head, "It really bothers me that he isn't honest to you. Do you want me to come with you?"
"Thanks, Rey, but I think I'll be okay," I said while slinging my backpack onto my back, "It's just Ben. He won't do anything to hurt me."
Rey nodded in confirmation and cracked back open her book, "Just call me if you need anything. I'm just a few miles away."
Hopefully.
I could sense Ben was still on the planet for sure, but it was hard to pinpoint where he was exactly. I would have to start actively searching the planet to be able to better track his location. I just hope he isn't in any danger that he can't get himself out of.
I quickly left the safety of the rehabilitation centre and mounted one of the captive Nexu the Resistance managed to domesticate during the war. He wasn't overly happy with being ridden, but I didn't give the feline much of a choice.
The Nexu leapt into the wilderness surrounding the rehabilitation centre and started sprinting in the direction I wanted it to go. A few minutes into our run, the force began leading me to my boyfriend; the Nexu beginning to calm down and actually run in the direction I wanted it to.
I was a bit confused on why Ben was this far out. There was no logical reason for him to have left the rehabilitation centre to begin with, but with him this far out into the wilderness, it created more anxiety than I would have liked to have.
"Ben!" I shouted as the Nexu slowed to a walk. It's as if he could sense I knew we were close, and took the initiative to stop himself, "Ben! It's (Y/N)! Please come out and talk to me! I know you're close by!"
No response. But, I could feel Ben's force signature real close by. It's likely he heard me cry out, but chose to ignore me. Real classy, Ben...
"I know you know I'm here!" I grumbled, beginning to grow angry at Ben's antics, "Why don't you come out and explain yourself! I'm sure there's a rational reason you're ditching work and ignoring your girlfriend!"
"I'm not ignoring you," a familiar voice shouted back out at me, "And I have a very explanation for not making it to work! But it's not the right time to tell you about that now."
That wasn't the answer I was looking for at all,
"Ben, when do I get to know why you've been avoiding me? Avoiding your duties? Your mother and I are very worried that you're going down a dangerous path again."
"Please don't say that," he answered back as the Nexu I was riding turned a corner, "I would never re-join the Dark Side and forge another government. You're too important to me to do that, because I know you'd leave me."
"That's the only reason you're staying on this path? For me?" I asked. I wanted Ben to be choosing this path because he wants to, not just because his mother and I want him to go down that path. Although I disagree with the Dark Side, if he wants to go down that path, I shouldn't be the one to stop him.
I could hear Ben sigh irritably as the Nexu brought me into a clearing. I had never been in this part of the wilderness before... and it was beautiful.
There were pink and white cherry blossom trees encasing the clearing where Ben was staying, and there was a cute little river splitting through the middle. I dismounted the Nexu to allow it to drink from the river, and approached my boyfriend.
He was very handsome today; his fluffy hair sitting perfectly on his shoulders. He was wearing a spiffy outfit as well; one that shouted 'special occasion.'
"What is all of this?" I asked, admiring my boyfriend lovingly, "You rarely dress up."
"I wish you wouldn't have come looking for me. I had something I wanted to surprise you with. That's why I have been missing work and avoiding you— I wanted it to be a surprise,"
He must know me better than myself. He was dressed in an expensive suit, and I don't believe he would've dressed in it for no reason. The force must've given him a vision that I would be coming out to find him today, otherwise he would've worn his regular robes and clothes. What was he planning?
"The anticipation is killing me, Ben," I whispered, walking up to him and pulling him into a tight hug, "Are you pregnant?"
He laughed out loud at my joke and shook his head; his raven-black hair bouncing with his head shakes, "I promise I'm not pregnant. I do however have something very important to ask you."
Was this it? Was the dream I always had, even in childhood, about to come true? Was my boyfriend about to propose to me?
I swear to the force, if he doesn't propose with all of this anticipation build-up, I might have to break up with him... or kill him.
"It must be very important if you've put all of this together. What's going on, honey?" I asked, pressing my lips to his lips. He looked anxious by this point.
Ben backed away from my grip and swallowed anxiously,
"(Y/N), I have to admit, when I disbanded and left the First Order, I was scared. Terrified. Any word you can think up for frightened would fit how I was feeling. I knew all of the pain and fear would be worth it, because I would be able to create and maintain a relationship with you.
"You helped me to not be afraid anymore. I am strong, and I am a Jedi once more. You have shown me the good parts of the galaxy... so, I hope to show you I am serious about being with you forever. And that I will never go down the path of the Dark Side again."
This was happening!
This was actually happening!
Ben proceeded to then get down on one knee, and I felt the tears beginning to pool in my eyes,
"(Y/N) (L/N), will you do me the honour of becoming (Y/N) Solo, and marry me?"
(Y/N) Solo. That has a good ring to it.
Speaking of rings:
The ring that Ben pulled out of his pocket was absolutely gorgeous! I don't even know where he got the credits to buy such a magnificent ring! It was absolutely gorgeous, and it encompassed Ben and yours' love perfectly!
"Of course I'll marry you, Ben!" I said while extending my left hand so my boyfriend- now fiancé, could place the ring upon my hand.
"You make that ring look gorgeous," he smiled while standing up to wrap me in a hug, "I'm kinda upset you found out what I was doing as early as you did. I had planned to have a whole group of people we love come out here, and I would propose to you then. Whatever; everything works out for a reason."
"I'm sorry, honey," I smiled while pressing my lips up against his, "But I'm happy it worked out like this. I find private proposals to be so much more romantic. And I also got the relief that you're not actually going back to the Dark Side and leaving those veterans who love you so much."
Ben whistled for the Nexu, and it trotted over; purring. Ben stroked its head lovingly, and helped me atop the beast,
"I would never leave you, mom, or the veterans. All of you have grown into such important parts of my life, and I am so grateful I met you before it was too late. Who knows what I would've done if you weren't around to stop me?"
"Let's not talk about that now," I suggested while helping Ben get on the beast's back as well, "Let's just get back to the rehabilitation centre. I'm sure your mom will be happy you're okay."
"Your mom now too," Ben smiled; more than happy to be able to say that, "Mom is going to be so pleased. She loves you so much."
I kicked the Nexu to life, and it began to sprint back towards the rehabilitation centre without a care in the world. It's crazy how the beast's whole personality changed once it got to know Ben and I,
"I love her too. Almost as much as I love you."
Ben smiled at that and leaned into my back as the Nexu led us home.
Home.
March 27th, 2023