Chapter 41.

He couldn't focus.

He tried taking a second shower through the night, restless and annoyed that any time he closed his eyes, the vision crept right back into his mind. By the third time, he had no choice but to find his own release, taking the opportunity in the shower as Rey slept in the other room.

His fist slammed into the tree in front of him, hissing at the pain and frustration. Now, he was deep in the forest as he trained alone, having left before the sun had a chance to rise, getting away from Rey and her presence that seemed to follow throughout every room in the hut.

Kylo felt weak, weak because he was forced to work out his own pleasure in the night, having not answered the need in a very long time. He was trained to avoid it, trained to believe that it was a weakling's game, the pursuit of lust.

His palm quickly extended out as he lifted shredded pieces of tree bark and with a clench of his fist, it turned to dust in front of his eyes as his breathing hardened the more he thought.

'And the scavenger...Of all people...' His mind whispered.

Yes, indeed, the scavenger.

Kylo gulped, his jaw drawing firm as he readjusted his black glove. Annoyance grew throughout him as his mind played out their kiss and memories of his vision.

No...

She was no scavenger...

She was Rey, his equal... This powerful being in the force...In this galaxy...

'His.'

His vision showed him exactly what he already knew.

Their power was in synch...Together, balance was alive. One another's equal in every way possible.

The thought made his stomach clench with a wave of pride, and with it, a hint of worry.

His submission...Her submission...Together.

Kylo let out an unsteady breath.

He was succumbing to her...

And he felt no defiance in his being whatsoever.

( X )

Rey quick dried her face with the small, soft cloth on the counter.

She had just gotten done eating a meal prepped by MOX, and went to the washer to clean herself up before she went to join Kylo in training.

She had noticed he left extra early today, nearly slamming the door as he exited before the sun was out.

Questions and dreams plagued her mind through the night, a haunting without evil.

Rey thought of the previous night's dream, her closeness with Kylo, the simple thought alone made her cheeks warm. Desperate to give her mind rest, she thought of everything and anything else. She wondered if she would be strong enough to battle as she previously did, and then her mind wandered to the First Order, thinking about the moment when Hux makes his first move.

She vowed to be ready.

With a deep breath, Rey made her way out to meet Kylo, hoping her vow stayed true.

Rey knew it was going to take time, there was no doubt about it. Even with time, she wasn't sure she could get over her fear of using the force completely. It was true, she was getting better now that she was training again. But the voice in the back of her mind still whispered memories of her with yellow eyes, and electricity emitting from her palms...

With complete power, just a thought away.

The fact made her worried...worried that it was true, and worried that she could feel the excitement hit her nerves.

It felt like...

It felt as though...

Before she could pinpoint the feeling, Rey stumbled into the training field where Kylo was at. His bare back was turned to her, and the sight of him made her breathing hitch.

Sensing her, Rey watched him stiffen, turning his head to look at her from the corner of his eye.

Rey watched as he skimmed her from toe to head, his jaw tightening as he met her eyes, turning away from her out of frustration.

Rey stood there, feeling awkward and annoyed herself, unsure what she did to him this time. She honestly felt that they were growing closer, though she still didn't know what their plan was, what he was going to do once she had to return to the Resistance.

Sighing, she decided she did not want to think about it right now. Instead, she straightened her back, the black fabric of her outfit clinging to her body as she walked towards him.

He was breathing hard, his shoulders and chest rising with every deep breath as he slowly turned to her, his hooded gaze shadowing over her as Rey peered up at him, confused by his expression.

He stayed silent for a moment, before his dark, low tone spoke out.

"Don't hold back." he demanded.

Rey's brows knitted together innocently, her lips parting slightly.

His hungry, dark eyes watched the movement, and as if triggered by it, he charged at her.

Rey had no choice but to let her satchel fall to the muddy ground, pulling out her lightsaber just as he ignited his own, striking downwards, Rey catching it just in time before it was able to slice her shoulder.

Rey hissed at the sudden attack, stepping backwards to create some distance between, though he quickly closed in, doing a full turn to put all of his weight into the next strike, making Rey grasp her own lightsaber with both hands to block it.

"Ben!" she cursed at him, his red light and her purple light reflecting off of her face.

Rey shoved her foot into his chest as hard as she could, knocking him back. The hit knocked all of the air out of him, making him groan as he regained his composure. Now, as he stalked towards her, Rey's eyes narrowed, matching his own aggressive stance.

Timidly, Rey raised her lightsaber, ready for his next strike.

They moved together, his strikes met by her own.

She shoved, he pulled.

He shoved, she pulled.

Together they pushed one another, egging the other on to top the other's attack, dodging and blocking every other one when they got enough energy to do so. Their strikes were so heavy, their movements so fast, that eventually they ended up a mile away from the training field they had created, striking down a few trees along the way.

Some time later, their muscles aching, their breathing rough, Kylo and Rey were beginning to slow down as they grew tired.

Rey's arm was giving out, she was trying so hard to keep awake, but she knew it. Hell, she could feel it.

Kylo swung towards her, his free hand gripping his rib that was throbbing from her hits.

When his saber struck down, Rey was too slow to block it with her full force.