Chapter Text
Breathe. Just breathe.
Ben slowly woke up, taking a deep, quiet breath. Something he couldn't quite place the disturbance, but something was happening or about to happen. He slowly looked over the sleeping form next to him. Rey, still sound asleep, was curled on her side facing him. Ben carefully slid out of bed so he didn't disturb her. She was in her final weeks of pregnancy and needed all the rest she could get.
That was if she would stop being stubborn and rest when given a chance. He smirked and thought about how erratic her behavior became when it came to organizing their closets (his all-black wardrobe of all things to manage) or dismantling droids just to reassemble them. He could only assume it was her nesting, as his mother called it, but he dared not bring that up; she would surely call him crazy.
Rey also had trouble concentrating on her projects for the First Order. Her favorite thing to do was to set up help for the orphanages throughout the galaxy. It was difficult to organize at first, but as they began to work out a system with her charities and bring real peace to the galaxy, not one based on fear, but true peace, it slowly came together and was something Rey could feel proud of.
The fact she had trouble concentrating recently on continued improvements would exhaust her to tears or place her in a bad mood. No matter her spirit, he was so proud of her: his empress, wife, and soon-to-be mother of their first child.
Ben was convinced she was carrying a girl; Rey was convinced it was a boy. They decided to keep the gender a secret from them. Why? At this point, they no longer knew. At every checkup, they reminded the doctors to not tell them. Ultimately, they had to decide if one of the doctors from the ship would come to them to deliver the baby, or if they would try to do a home delivery on their own.
Glancing once more at her round belly and feeling the life form growing within her, ready to arrive any day, he freshened up, dressed, and left the room. Ben wanted to get to Naboo as soon as possible to play it safe. He can work from their home while the Finalizer remains close by.
Ben could fly the Silencer back to the ship should they need him on board. He ultimately gained custody of the lake house from his mother as a wedding gift. Eventually, it would have belonged to Ben and Rey when Leia passed away, but she insisted they needed the beautiful retreat more than she did, though Leia was extremely passive-aggressive on her “gift.” Leia owns another house near their property that she and her "Resistance friends" can visit.
The ship was still quiet, and the smell of fresh caf was in the air as Ben walked the halls. Thoughts of what needed to be done before the baby arrived still occupied his mind were interrupted by the site of Armitage Hux. For once, Ben doesn't immediately feel the need to throw him into a wall.
“General Hux, inform Captain Peavey to set course for Naboo," Ben quietly informed the general.
“Is it time already, sir?” The man slowly tilted his head with his question.
“Not quite, but I would rather be closer to our destination… just in case,” Ben replied.
“Of course my lord… will you begin your absence -"
Ben Solo immediately grew annoyed and interrupted the general.
“No, I will not begin my absence until the very last minute, and I still have not decided if I have enough confidence in you to leave you in charge. Send Mitaka to my quarters when you see him.” He walked away with long strides as quickly as possible. Mainly to get back to Rey before she woke up and get away from the ginger-haired man.
Over the last three years, the two men could talk somewhat civilized now that Snoke wasn't pinning them against one another. Hux remains faithful to the First Order and isn't stupid enough to stage a coup against Ren.
The men and women of The Finalizer, the fleet, and the galaxy still knew Ben as Kylo Ren. Rey was naturally among the few who could call him by his birth name. She was able to accept him fully for who he was. His dark, his light. Kylo, Ben, they were all the same man.
With Rey by his side and Snoke out of his mind, he finally found balance within himself. Rey had an easier time finding balance. She always channeled her anger during her fights growing up. The Jedi texts read that anger eventually leads to the dark side. It won't be possible if she doesn’t let the anger consume her. The Jedi also forbid love and attachments. Another rule she decided was stupid. As Ben said on the Supremacy three years ago, it was time to let old things die; the Jedi and the Sith. He agreed not to hunt down Skywalker, although deep down he still wanted his revenge. They continued their studies to find a new balance in the force and within themselves.
Ben quickly entered their quarters and typed an order for breakfast into the computer so it would arrive after Rey woke up. He heard a rustling sound in the sheets and peered at her smirking. He couldn't tire of seeing her. She sat up, touched her belly, and smiled at him.
“Good morning,” Rey said as she slowly scooted out of bed. Ben came over and offered a hand.
“Good morning, Rey." He kissed her hand and helped her stand up.
“Ben, you don't have to help me stand. I am pregnant, not completely helpless.” She grinned and paused. “Ugh. Hold that thought!” as she ran to the fresher.
Ben suppressed a laugh knowing her run was either from morning sickness or their baby stretched, and therefore, Rey had to pee. Not hearing her vomit, he felt relief as the service droid brought their breakfast. Ben lost track of how often Rey had trouble eating due to morning sickness and cried because she would waste the food. As the service droid left, Rey came out of the fresher and hugged him from behind as best she could until he turned around to return the hug before kneeling and resting his ear on her belly.
“And did my wife and daughter sleep well?” He asked while turning to kiss her stomach and place his hands on either side. Feeling the slightest movement from the baby, then a large movement of either a foot or elbow rolling across her stomach. Ben looked up and smiled at her.
“Your SON is restless, however, I think we slept well.” She replied while lovingly running her fingers through his thick, silky hair. “Thank you for breakfast. It smells delicious.”
They felt the slight shift of the ship turning and heard the faint changes in the air as the ship prepared to go into hyperdrive for their destination.
“Where are we going?” She asked as she sat at their table, pouring herself a cup of red raspberry leaf tea.
Ben sat down, poured coffee into his cup, and softly answered, “Naboo.”
She sighed. “Ben, we have a few more weeks. I know you have been busy with some deals in the outer regions. Please don't let me distract you.”
He couldn’t help but laugh in return.
“Don't let the upcoming birth of my child distract me. Sweetheart, it’s over three years too late for that. I'd say you distracted me the moment I laid eyes on you, possibly even before.”
They were both convinced they had felt each other, unknowingly, through their bond when they were younger. They each dreamt of one another, without really seeing who they were. At times of heightened emotion, they could feel one another. They discovered Rey felt the moment he fell to the dark and once more when Ben bled his Kyber crystal. Everything felt cold, though she stood in the desert. At the time, she chalked it up to a possible oncoming heat stroke and drank water from her canteen. As they began to explore and learn more about their bond, they realized the Force had probably connected them the day she was born.
She twisted her wedding rings around her finger, thinking of a retort knowing he was right, and pursed her lips. She knew they needed to prepare their home and ensure she was as ready as possible for the upcoming birth, but she still had her duties as Empress.
Ben grinned as he popped a muja fruit in his mouth. “Go ahead and say it: I'm right.”
“Oh, Great Renperor , whatever would I do without your wisdom?" she replied sarcastically in between giggles as he raised his eyebrows at her, waiting for the ‘you're right’ that would never come from her. There was a buzz at the door that interrupted their banter.
“Enter,” Ben said as he stood up. Mitaka immediately walked in and gave a slight bow. Rey smiled at him as she spread a sweet jam over a small biscuit.
“Emperor, Empress, good morning.” Mitaka carefully looked at Ben. “You asked to see me, sir?”
“Yes, Mitaka. I need you to call our lake house on Naboo and have the staff prepare it for our stay. Call my mother. She will kill me if she misses this.”
“Ben, you should call her yourself" Rey took a sip of tea.
“Yes, but she likes Mitaka.” Ben turned from Mitaka to wink at Rey.
If there were anyone else who made Mitaka nervous, it would be Leia. No one knew why Leia made the lieutenant nervous, but Ben and Rey found it amusing. He turned back and started walking towards Mitaka, gesturing they finish their conversation in the hall.
“Contact Leia, then FN-2187; he goes by Finn, shit, you already knew that. Of course.” He ran a hand through his hair. “I know she will want to see them, but I honestly hope to avoid the group until after the baby is born because they are just a lot.”
A nervous chuckle emerged from Mitaka. “That they are, sir. I assume we check them for weapons, trackers?”
Ben stood still for a moment, remembering he was the Emperor, and while he knew they wouldn't endanger Rey or their child now. They couldn't trust Dameron's past actions and impulsive mindset. Ben also knew the Resistance pilot would want to escort Leia back to Naboo from their headquarters.
“Yes. Thank you, Mitaka. That will be all for now.”
“Yes, sir.” Mitaka bows and swiftly leaves.
Ben walked back to their table to finish breakfast with Rey.
“You look pale, my love.” Rey put her muja fruit down.
“Do I? No need to worry. I am just trying to keep the excitement down. We should arrive at Naboo in less than a day. I have a couple of meetings to attend this morning, but I can join you in the training room to help you with your prenatal yoga?”
She sighed and rubbed her swollen belly.
“I'd rather train with my lightsaber.” She quickly put a hand on the right side of her stomach with a slight grimace. “No. That doesn't mean you can kick my ribs.” Rey smiled at her husband again. “He is a little fighter. He comes by this naturally."
Her smile can light the darkest of nights.
“She is telling you to settle down.” He finished his caf and bent down to kiss her. “I'll see you in a bit. Contact me if anything happens.”
Rey returned his kiss. “I will. You know, if you want this baby to arrive sooner, I know of another activity we could do besides yoga." She raised an eyebrow with a flirty smile.
“We can do both." He chuckled and softly kissed her before he left.
Rey smiled and looked down at her stomach, watching the small but a few large movements of the baby moving around. She loved every movement she could see and feel.
When she lived on Jakku, she never thought she would be a wife or mother. It felt like a lifetime ago or an old nightmare she still runs from. She walked over to her desk and grabbed her datapad, determined to review her last documents and sign off on them. She couldn't believe how hard she had to fight a few systems to ensure they gave the orphanages fresh food and water supplies, along with stricter background checks. Other systems quickly adopted her more stringent guidelines, partly thanks to Ben.
Shortly after Kylo became Supreme Leader, one of his first acts was outlawing slavery. A promise he had made to Leia years before she sent him to train with his uncle. Leia was convinced it would never happen in their lifetimes. Ben, being Ben, knew one day he would fulfill this promise.
The criminalization of slavery helped slow the trafficking of homeless adults and orphaned children. This humane yet strict law helped make sure positive opinions of the First Order and their new Supreme Leader, now Emperor. It was one of the most complicated laws to enforce due to heavy opposition from the Hutts and multiple crime syndicates throughout the galaxy. However, the First Order followed through and each planet upheld the strict punishments for offenders.
Rey knew she had made a risky decision when Ben asked for her hand aboard the Supremacy. After he killed Snoke and they killed the Praetorian guards together, she convinced herself he was coming back to the light. It quickly became clear Ben wasn't coming back with her to the Resistance. She almost refused his offer to have her rule alongside him, but she made a final plea for him to call off the attack on the Resistance, and he complied. Rey knew if she stayed, more light would shine through. If she refused, the man she was getting to know would go further down the dark side. Now she was in a position to help others, not just a symbol or a weapon to bring down the First Order.
After signing off on her documents, Rey smiled, knowing her teams at each system would follow through with her new orders. She stood and stretched, feeling a dull ache from her back to the middle of her abdomen. Perhaps some yoga would be helpful after all. She changed out of her nightclothes and pulled out a pair of Ben's pajama pants that she “borrowed” just a few months ago. She took her lightsaber to them and cut their bottoms off so they didn’t go past her ankles. Then she put on one of his shirts, slid on some shoes, brushed her teeth and hair, then made her way to their training room.
Meanwhile, in Ben's office, Mitaka was going through multiple lists of priorities and organizing them from the amount of urgency. Hux stood nearby reading over the newest reports of the new Stormtrooper program that was quick to phase out harvesting the galaxy’s young but slow in gaining momentum of volunteers.
Most of their newest recruits were former slaves. With promises of food, shelter, and payment, the now-free citizens quickly signed up. Those who were ineligible were given assistance to help them find actual employment. Ben anticipated the slow trust of recruits due to the First Order’s history of stealing babies and children. Hux was none too pleased his program was phased out and fought hard to keep his legacy, but he failed to realize Ben was quickly gaining support throughout the First Order from the officers and throughout stormtroopers. He also continued to gain popularity within the galaxy as he began to reverse many of the cruel laws Snoke had implemented, changing policies that didn't work under Snoke or the Republic.
Let old things die.
Ben didn't agree with most of Snoke's policies, but he could only challenge him once Rey came crashing into his life. Public approval skyrocketed when they officially announced their engagement, even more so after their wedding and coronation. Hux had secretly hoped the new Stormtrooper program would fail, but seeing he was the odd one out, he stopped resisting the change, especially after Ben confronted him about it one day. The military was all Hux knew; he didn't want to lose his position.
Ben leaned back in his chair with his thumb under his chin and fingers drumming the side of his face. He was waiting for a holo to go that he had avoided for ages to go through.
Hux smirked to himself.
“Benjamin Organa Skywalker Solo!"
There she was, one eyebrow raised and her hand in the same position on her face. Ben quickly moved his hand away from his chin.
“Hello to you too, mother. Did-"
“Tell me why I had to hear from Mitaka that Rey was in labor?” Leia demanded.
Ben sighed. He placed a foot on his desk and turned the chair, looking over his shoulder at anything but her. “She's not in labor yet.”
“Mitaka made it sound urgent." Leia tried not to smile. He resembled his father when she questioned him. Both men would avoid her gaze and fidget; Ben would never admit how similar he and his father were.
“It's not urgent. Wait, it’s not that it’s not urgent. Ugh.” Ben finally looked at his mother. “It's just a heads up. I feel something. Rey won't admit she can feel it, but I feel the baby will arrive soon, and I wanted everyone prepared.”
Ben looked away again. They tried to repair their relationship, but it was still awkward, especially for Ben. He hated that she hadn't disbanded the Resistance yet.
Leia’s mouth curved up into a smile.
“You are making sure your dear mother is present. Say it. Admit it.” A side glance from her son met her. Leia softly sighed through her nose. She knew her boy was too stubborn to admit he wanted her there for the birth of his child. “Ok, Ben, I love you too. Besides, I'm already on Naboo.”
“What? How did you know?”
“A mother always knows. I'll see you soon. Safe travels. Give Rey my love.” She went to end the call.
“Now, Mother, you wouldn't happen to know about any of your men intercepting some of our supply cargos, would you?”
The older woman sighed and sat back down. “I have heard about that and promise to get to the bottom of it as it is a direct violation of the treaty between the First Order and the Resistance.”
“Please see that you do. We have worked hard on our negotiations with you and your friends. At this point, it can easily be viewed as an attempted uprising when we have done nothing to provoke such an act.”
“I understand, son. Again, this wasn't something I ordered. I know how hard you and Rey worked to make a real change for the better. I'll find the moron who thought this was a good idea and handle it. Tell Hux to wipe that smirk off his face.”
Hux immediately paled and shook his head as if he hadn't enjoyed this conversation. Though Leia had no actual position of power, she was still a force to be reckoned with.
“We will see you soon.” Ben quickly ended the call and ran his hands down his face and let out a long sigh. “Anything else, General Hux? I know you read the report at least three times, waiting for this call to go through.”
“No sir.” Hux had so much trouble saying it out loud; he practically mumbled it. “I'm happy to report we are starting to get more recruits for our Stormtrooper program. Perhaps it won't be long before we let the original Stormtroopers begin retiring in small numbers to prevent further unrest and defections.”
“The amount of defectors has decreased within the last year and a half, but yes, I would like to allow them to retire since they were never given a chance to be anything else,” Ben replied.
“Morality across the fleet has risen, my lord. I'm sure you do not have to worry about that. In fact, since the announcement of the upcoming heir, excitement has been noticed throughout the fleet.” Mitaka chimed in.
Ben simply nodded. He needed to get out of this room. He was getting anxious and needed to get to Rey. He could feel she was fine, but the need to be near her was strong; she always calmed him.
“I think that is all for now. I'll be in the training room should you need me.”
With that, he took his leave. He had to get his nerves under control. He was Kylo Ren, Emperor of the galaxy, the Jedi killer who fell in love with the last Jedi. A fool in love. He quickly composed himself and entered the training room.
There she was, sitting on a giant exercise ball, taking steady breaths, it almost looked as though she was meditating, but she wasn't. Her hands gripped her loose pants. She took another deep breath, relaxed her hands, and shifted on the ball.
“Are you ok?”
She nodded and looked up at him. “I'm just uncomfortable. False contractions started during my yoga. My body is getting ready. You were right to head us to Naboo.”
“I'm sorry. I couldn't hear you. What was that again?” Ben jested and smirked at his wife.
She tossed a small hand towel she used to wipe her sweaty forehead at him. “Don't get used to it.”
“You know, we can easily order clothes that fit you.” He said while tugging on the frayed bottoms of the pants.
“It just seems silly to have workout clothes specially made for me. Dresses and pants and shirts so I look presentable I get. But, if it’s something I'm going to sweat in, I'll just take your things. It’s a right of passage!”
“Said who? Never mind, I know it was my mother. Do you want to stay here, or shall I draw you a bath, or would you prefer a shower? It might help relax your muscles.”
“I think I want to take a walk first. Join me?”
“Always."
Rey placed her hand in the crook of his arm as they left the training room and began their walk around their ship. She forgot how busy it was during this time of day. Everyone would quickly stop to give a quick bow and glance at her stomach. Mitaka was correct; there was excitement in the air. As they paced the halls, she would pause momentarily to take a breath and silently count how long the pain would last.
Ben casually walked her to the infirmary, where she pouted at him while insisting she was fine. He simply pointed to the examination table. She laid down and lifted her shirt so the medical droid could place the tocodynamometer and bands on her stomach to monitor the child's movements and her contractions.
“I will be back in a bit, my lord.” The droid stated as it left the room. Rey sighed and laid her head back down after looking at the monitor. Ben walked to the left of the table, bent down, resting his arm on the table, chin on his arm looking down at her.
She glanced up at him. “This feels familiar."
“Ah, yes, when this monster won you over by taking off my mask."
“Ha! Not quite, but it made it easier to look at you. Although, deep down in my dark, twisted soul, I was immediately attracted to my kidnapper.”
“You could have just given me the map, and I would have set you free… until Snoke found out about your Force abilities.” He smirked. “So no matter what, I would have had to find you again. So twisted. What’s wrong with you falling for me?”
Rey smiled and tried not to laugh as she felt another dull ache.
“You were always a good man, even under Snoke’s rule. We all have made mistakes. I knew you hadn't fallen completely into the dark. I had to accept it was part of you. Just as you have accepted my light, we have a fucked up story to tell our children and grandchildren.”
He kissed her forehead and looked over at the monitor. “I had a vision of him. Our son.”
“So, you have accepted we are having a boy?”
“One of our kids will be a boy.” Ben smiled and lightly shook his head. “I am in trouble… in my vision, I'm trying to get him to call me dad. Instead, he called me mother fucker, and I couldn't be angry.”
“You would be so proud!”
Rey tried to stop laughing as the medical droid returned and assessed the readings.
“The contractions are not regular, just false labor. I highly recommend rest and plenty of fluids. According to your exam two days ago, you have already started dilating. You may go into true labor any day now.” The droid unhooked the elastic belts off her stomach. “You are free to go.”
“Come, my Empress. I will draw the bath I promised you, and then you need to rest. It won't be long before we reach Naboo.” They held hands back to their quarters. Upon entering, they noticed their personal droids had already cleaned their rooms and packed most of their belongings.
As Ben ran the hot water for a bath Rey pinned her hair up, glancing at Ben as he began to undress. She was eyeing the tight muscles on his large frame. He was all hers. She remembered the first night they made love, deep down she was afraid he wouldn't fit.
She paused while pinning her hair, and her face went into a complete panic. Ben immediately strode over to her.
“What’s wrong? Is it time?” His hands hovered over her stomach.
“Oh, Kriff… how is he coming out?”
Ben looked confused by her question and almost bent down to see if the baby was coming out.
“Ben! How is this," Rey gestured to her belly, “coming out of me?”
Laughing, Ben stood and delicately lifted her chin.
“Women have been delivering babies for centuries. You will be fine.” He slowly began to lift her shirt. “Now, you are supposed to relax, not panicking.” After he helped her out of her shirt and bra, he untied the pants. “You have good taste in pants. These were amongst my most comfortable pair.” He slid her pants and underwear down her legs.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and stepped out of her clothes. “I guess I still owe you for destroying them.” She kissed his jaw and down his neck, then tugged on his pants.
He leaned forward and groaned against her neck.
“How about we enjoy the hot water first?” Ben lightly nipped at her neck; he loved the little noise that escaped her mouth.
“No.” Rey looked into his whiskey-colored eyes and lifted an eyebrow.
“No?” He picked her up and carried her to their bed. “How do you want it?”
Excitement was evident in his voice. In the last few weeks, Rey hadn’t shown any interest in sex, but today she was, and he needed her just as she needed him.
They had to get creative with positions and pillow placements to help accommodate her growing belly.
She nibbled his neck. “Take me from behind. That’s usually the fastest way for us. That way, the water should still be warm when we finish." she kissed his lips and bit his lower lip. “And Kylo , I want it hard and fast.”
He took a deep breath as her whirlwind of emotions surprised him. Calling him Kylo was a sign of how needy she felt and that she wanted it rough. He would have thrown her onto the bed if she weren't pregnant. He placed her on the bed and handed her a few pillows to get comfortable.
“Get on all fours." Ben's tone was deep and severe.
He watched her as she slowly and teasingly got into position, and she peeked over her shoulder at him. His eyes roamed over her before he settled down behind her. He took his length in his hand, spread his precum over the tip, and rubbed it against her folds. She made the tiniest whimper as he placed his right arm down over her shoulder.
“Tell me to stop Rey." His voice was barely above a whisper.
She shook her head and pushed back against him. Feeling how hard he was made her more excited, and she rubbed against him, making them both shudder. He sat back up and grabbed her left hip and then, with his other hand, guided his cock just inside before slamming into her.
"You're so wet for me. You've been waiting patiently, haven't you?” He tried to start slow but remembered how she wanted it hard and fast. He quickened his pace panting breaths following.
Her moans were getting louder. “You feel so good. Oh, Maker, I'm going to miss this."
Rey tightened her grip on the sheets. He pushed down between her shoulder blades as he began to go harder.
“Fuck, I can't believe how tight you still are. You feel fucking amazing.” He groaned into the air. The wet sounds of him slamming into her grew louder with each thrust.
“What if it changes…after?” Rey popped her head up.
This wouldn't do. Not after Rey told Kylo how hard she needed it.
“Ok, we are playing the quiet game now. How long can you keep from moaning?”
Rey loved it when he challenged her. It made her quiver all over as she quickly forgot her worries. She pushed herself up and leaned against his chest, grabbing his jaw to kiss him. He slowed his pace to accommodate the change in position and kissed her deeply, mimicking his thrusts with his tongue. She guided his hand to her clit and had him tease her there. She was nearing climax, and he was happy to get her there as fast as possible.
Ben broke off the kiss. “I'm turning you on your back now. I want to see your face when I make you come.” He quickly pulled out of her making her yelp and immediately longed for him to get back inside her. He carefully guided her onto her back and spread her legs. “Do you still want it fast?”
“And hard." Rey firmly replied.
“I love how impatient and demanding you get."
“You said it is time for the quiet game."
He cupped her face and dragged his thumb across her lower lip.
“I did," Ben muttered.
Ben thrust into her making her walls clench around him. He bent down and kissed her lips, then left a trail of kisses down her neck and collarbone. Her hands were buried in his hair, and she felt him move within her, each thrust of his hips making her breasts bounce. She raised her hips to meet his as he grabbed one breast and took the other in his mouth. She groaned when he pulled away from her breasts, and he focused on hitting that sweet spot within her core. She hooked a leg around his waist to keep him at that spot until her whole body shook with relief as she screamed his name. Ben kissed her again, slowly riding her through her orgasm before he once again picked up the pace for his release spilling into her, sweat dripping down his face, chest, and arms. Both caught their breath and gave one another sweet, tender kisses.
“Are you ready for that bath now?” He reached out through the force and summoned a towel to clean up the seed already spilling out of her. “I'm sorry I got carried away. You were upset.”
“No! No, just last-minute panic at an inconvenient time. Ben, I needed this. Maker, you have no idea how much I needed this.”
“Oh, I have a feeling how much you needed it.” They stood up; Ben tossed the used towel down the laundry chute. “I'll be more than happy to fulfill your needs again.”
2/25/2023
Thank you AnneAnna for this lovely manip of Just Breathe's Ben and Rey!
This was the first fic I wrote and I am always surprised by everyone's sweet responses to it. This means the world to me, thank you so much my friend! 💗
