"Poe! The Falcon! It's the Falcon!"

Poe stumbled out of bed and pulled on his jacket inside out. He wasn't sure at what point during the process he actually woke up, but he stopped and wondered if Aurelia's cry had just been a dream. The familiar whir of the Millennium Falcon reassured him it was very real. They were here! His feet carried him to the middle of camp, where commotion was sparking.

It was the middle of the night but the guards' elated calls stirred most of the rebels. They filed out, calling to each other excitedly. "The general!" "Ben's back!" "Solo found Rey!" Someone was passing around a bottle of liquor. Another was passing around a pipe of something. Any excuse to celebrate was always heartily embraced in the rebel camp.

Aurelia was standing in the middle of camp, watching with glee as the Falcon landed. "Told you it'd be all right," she said softly as Poe stood beside her. He kept his lips pursed and nodded. She tugged at his sleeve to politely point out the wardrobe error, but he batted her hand away and looked back to the ship.

Finn, also fresh from sleep, blinked at the lights of the ship and hooked his arm around Poe's shoulders. "Who you think's in there?" His voice was gruff but filled with wonder. He stood with his arms crossed, ready to be irritated at the general's presence.

"All of them," Poe replied without missing a beat. He didn't feel like sparring with Finn over Ben. They were both his friends and Finn's constant attacks were exhausting, especially now with everything that was going on with Ben, Rey, and the Force. Poe nodded firmly. "It has to be all of them. They wouldn't come back without everyone." Still, his heart thudded and he couldn't get it to slow down with a few deep breaths. He wasn't sure who he wanted to see walk out of the ship first.

The Falcon landed in its usual spot and the lights blinked off. A moment later, the ramp lowered. Poe wanted to look away. A woman in a dark gown stepped off, a diamond tiara glittering in her dark hair. Ben was behind her, his hand at the small of her back.

Poe's stomach churned even as he breathed a sigh of relief. "Who is that? Who's he escorting off the ship?"

"It's Rey," Aurelia whispered in disbelief. "She really is an empress?"

Chaos unfolded immediately. The rebels ran up to Ben and Rey, cheering and calling out, hugging them and each other. Ben tried to keep people back, but the crush soon enveloped them both.

But Poe's attention was still on the ship. The ramp was down. No one was walking down it. "Where's Hux?" he blurted.

Finn cringed at the ship and then at Poe. "Probably wrapping things up. You know how use First Order guys are. Meticulous. C'mon. Let's go see Rey!" He trotted off, whooping and cheering the prodigal daughter's return.

This was good. Poe knew it was. He was thrilled Ben was home with Rey in tow. He was relieved Rey looked no worse for wear, besides her makeover. Loss muted the joy. Hux. Hux, with those freckles and those gray eyes and that little snort. The night began to spin.

Aurelia put her arm around Poe's waist and held him fast to the spot. "Hang on," she cooed. "Hang on. He still might be coming."

"Where's Commander Dameron?" Ben called over the noise, his arm still protectively around Rey. "Take me to Poe!"

"The general's looking for you," Aurelia said gently as Ben broke through the rebels and made his way over. Rey remained in the crush of pilots and fighters.

Poe didn't have time to respond before Ben was there, grinning in his face. "We did it," the general said. "We got her. How are things here?"

"Fine," Poe replied, unable to shake his daze. "What happened?"

Aware that other rebels had followed him and were awaiting the story, Ben cleared his throat. "She's fine. Perfectly fine. A reckless reconnaissance mission," he answered. He cast a look of obvious disapproval at Rey as she joined him.

"Oh," Poe nodded, focusing his attention on them. "Sure. What'd she learn?"

"Much." Rey looked to Ben, thankful. Ben was holding her against his side now, more intimate than before. Several rebels raised eyebrows to one another or giggled behind their hands.

Poe hoped their terrible acting wasn't as obvious to everyone else as it was to him.

Rey cleared her throat. "I infiltrated the Knights of Ren and then the First Order. I'm sorry I kept you all in the dark. I couldn't risk the mission, or your lives." She beamed fondly at Finn and then Poe, but immediately cocked her head at his expression of gloom.

Finn crossed his arms. "After all that, you ended up the Empress? That's not how we dealt with spies when I was in the First Order. You sure you don't have a mole in there? We got another First Order double agent?"

Rey pursed her lips sheepishly. "Just me. I was good. Really good." She held up her hand and used the Force to conjure a few purple sparks. "The Force, you know."

Ben grabbed Aurelia by the elbow and leaned in. "We need a medic. Now. Get a droid. Get Dr. Greenberg to the Falcon."

Poe froze. Medic? Doctor? He gave Finn a light shove and moved closer to Ben, straining to listen. Did that mean -? "Hux?"

Aurelia scanned the general and Rey both, unable to find any glaring injuries besides a blaster burn on Rey's shoulder."What's wrong?"

Ben dropped his voice further. "Hux is on board. He has a lot of injuries."

"Hux!" Poe exclaimed. "Why didn't you say?" He tore off for the ship at full speed, knocking Rey and a communications officer out of the way and not bothering to apologize.

Ben Solo didn't lead a normal life. Not with famous parents. Not with a Jedi Master for an uncle. Not with the Force. Not growing up during a war and in the middle of an open rebellion. Come to think of it, he had no idea what a normal life was like.

Maybe that's why Rey's momentary flip to the dark side and rule of the First Order didn't tousle him as badly as it did his parents.

"She was your padawan," Leia all but growled upon her return to camp a few days later. "How did you let this happen?"

Han, on the other hand, pulled Ben into a rough hug. "You did good, kid. Don't do that again! You can't just fly to the First Order. And you can't do it twice!"

Ben grinned and shrugged. "Dad. I'm fine. Better me than you out there."

Han stepped back, glaring in outrage. "What's that supposed to mean? You have no idea what we did when we were your age. I've been through some serious shit, pal." He jabbed a finger toward Ben and turned expectantly to his wife. "Tell him!"

Not in the mood for humor, Leia stoically shook her head. "They'll be after both of you now. Snoke's not just going to let her go so easy. Do you trust that she's loyal to the rebellion?"

Ben blinked in disbelief. "Snoke? Didn't – didn't I tell you the story?"

"Yes," Leia sighed. "Several times. It's more depression with each retelling. I can't believe Rey of all people was tempted." She pursed her lips and turned her head, but a dozen lines etched through her forehead, broadcasting her disgust and concern.

"No, no, no," Ben cut her off. "Snoke is dead."

Han's head whipped between Ben and Leia. "What?" he exclaimed. "You casually forgot to mention that part?"

"I was worried about Rey," Ben snapped, waving his father off. "Snoke is dead. I killed him." A grin came to his face. "The new general's got a few tricks up his sleeve, huh?"

"He's dead? Are you certain?" Leia breathed. "It could be a trick."

Ben chuckled. "No, I'm pretty certain. His body is no longer attached to itself." He slouched at the waist, miming the brutal death. While his parents gaped and let the news sink in, Ben smiled. "The First Order's going to be in upheaval trying to replace him with Hux here. We've got some time to regroup. Things are going according to plan. I've got it under control."

Han stroked his chin thoughtfully. "I guess you do." Then he scowled. "That doesn't mean that stupid ponytail's a good idea. Get a haircut, kid. You look like a slob." He smacked him upside the back of the head and Ben bared his teeth in irritation. "Act like an adult," Han continued. "You're the leader of this thing, and a prince too, whether you like it or not. I don't care if you killed Snoke. You've gotta play the part better."

"Like you did?" Leia scoffed. She turned to Ben. "A hair cut wouldn't hurt, dear."

Oh, Ben thought with delight, it's going to be fun to tell him about the baby.

Hux awoke in the rebel base medical tent several days after Rey's rescue. The wounds should have been painful. Panic stirred in his gut. There was no burning or stinging of any sort. Was he paralyzed? His toes and fingers wiggled at his request and he sighed in relief. His head hit the pillow once again and Hux took a moment to recall what had happened. Snoke. The Empress. Ben.

He opened his eyes again and sat up slowly. His wounds were tended to and bandaged accordingly. He'd clearly had a stay in a bacta tank. For a moment Hux marveled at the skill of the resistance medical staff.

A snort drew his attention. Hux jumped, groaned at the soreness in his muscles, then felt his heart speed up at the sight immediately to his left. Poe was asleep in a chair next to his cot. Drool dripped from his open mouth to his shirt. He had the makings of a handsome beard now. Had he really been gone that long? How long have I slept?

"Poe," he whispered. The pilot didn't stir. "Poe?" he attempted. His voice was raw and his throat dry. "Poe!"

Poe startled to attention, nearly launching out of the chair. He perched on the edge and leaned toward the bed. "Hey. Hey. You okay? Are you all right? Doctor Greenberg!"he called over his shoulder. "He's up!"

"I'm all right," Hux soothed him. "I'm quite all right." He ran a hand over his face. The remnants of a gash on his cheek felt fairly healed. Whiskers were patchy across his jaw. He was surely a mess and wondered if Poe minded. "How many days?"

"Since you guys got back? Eight."

Hux stared. "That can't be right." He studied Poe's face, looking for a lie. Dark purple circles decorated Poe's eyes and his hair looked as though it hadn't been washed for a few days. That's about what a man who hadn't slept much for a week looked like. Still, he had a hard time believe he was unconscious for that long. "Is that right?" Hux asked, shocked.

"It's right. You were pretty banged up. Ben said there was some Force stuff going on in your head. Do you feel good? Like yourself?" He hesitated, then leaned back toward the front of the room. "Dr. Greenberg and General Solo! Please!"

"I'm quite fine," Hux argued again, sitting up. His head throbbed, but not as bad as he expected. "Did everyone make it back? Rey?"

Poe nodded. "Yeah. Snoke's dead."

Hux's heart thudded out of time. "What?" Memories swirled, and he did seem to recall Ben's dangerous heroics.

"Oh. And Rey's pregnant. It's all fine. Everything's fine. We're fine. Ben's fine." The words flowed from Poe's lips quickly. He leaned forward and hesitantly touched Hux's hand. "When you didn't get off the ship I was really worried."

"Snoke's dead?"

"Yep," Poe nodded. "Your old buddies are losing their minds right now. I hope you're not considering taking up the open position. I guess you could be Emperor, too." Poe started to laugh, then hesitated. "You're not, right?"

"No," Hux muttered, not completely listening to what Poe was asking. "I'm pleased to hear it." And he was. He was sure in a few weeks, maybe months when he really believed that his former master was dead, perhaps his stomach would unclench. He could stop looking over his shoulder, carefully guarding his thoughts. Snoke was dead. Finally.

"Is he awake?" a deep voice came. Ben strode into the room and burst into a smile. "Welcome back." He sat at the edge of the bed and reached out his hand toward Hux's forehead. "May I?"

Hux nodded. "General," he greeted him. "Thank you." He closed his eyes, waiting for the familiar discomfort that accompanied a Force probe. It didn't come and he winked open an eye. "Well? You have my consent. Go ahead."

"Everything seems okay," Ben said in surprise, drawing his hand back and letting it drop into his lap. "How do you feel?" He looked between Hux and Poe. "I could have sworn you'd be scrambled up pretty bad."

A medical officer hurried in and began an exam on Hux. "Excuse me, General, Commander," she muttered. "My apologies. I was across camp attending to a sever blaster burn. Those new kids need a lot of help."

As she flicked a light across Hux's pupils, he tried to continue the conversation. "Snoke must have had some hold on me. I feel fine now. I didn't even feel that."

"You're still heavily sedated, buddy," Poe suggested. "I'm glad it doesn't hurt, though."

Hux nodded. "Congratulations are in order, I hear, General."

Ben's face lit up. "Yes, yes. We haven't told everyone, but a few people know. Han and Leia will find out later this evening, I think."

"Isn't that something they'd already know? Through the Force?" Poe asked.

"Leia might," Ben agreed. "But she's so worked up with Rey and Snoke that she hasn't said anything about it. He sighed. "Glad to have you on board, Hux. How do you feel about a title?"

Hux eyed him as Dr. Greenberg continued to check his vitals and scars. "A title, General?"

"Commander Hux." He sheepishly grinned. "General's taken, I'm afraid."

"Commander Hux," he repeated.

Poe was smiling ear to ear.

"All right," Hux concluded. "Commander Hux of the Resistance. Yes, I quite like that. Thank you." He touched Ben's shoulder, something he'd seen Solo do to many of the rebels during a meaningful interaction. It was time to learn to shake off the First Order ways. "Thank you," he repeated, squeezing Ben's shoulder briefly. "And thank you," he repeated to Poe.

"Commander," Poe purred at him, gently taking his chin between his thumb and index finger and turning his head to kiss him. "Don't make me think you're dead again."

"That's an order," Ben added. "See you at dinner."

A hammock hung between two trees away from the hustle and bustle of camp. One of Rey's boots flopped over the side.

She looked much better in her usual garb than the glittering gowns and tiara, Ben thought as he approached her. As a matter of fact, she looked perfect lounging in the sun. Relaxation wasn't one of her hobbies. She'd done enough of that on Jakku, for better or worse. If it wasn't scavenging, it was sitting. Waiting. Hoping. Now the silence was a welcome reprieve from the chaos of the past month.

"Hey."

"Hey," Rey replied breezily. "What's next? The Order won't be in shambles forever." She didn't necessarily wait for Ben's reply, but shifted her weight, sending the hammock swinging again. "I'm ready for the next thing."

"The next thing?" Ben chuckled. "You deserve a break. Rebel. Empress. Mother."

"Right." Rey stretched and settled back in, unbothered by the trajectory of her life. She felt like an entirely different person, but a better version of herself. Stronger. Wiser. It didn't scare her. Not anymore.

"Han and Leia are leaving tonight. I convinced them I've got things under control. Which I do," he quickly added. "I've already got a recon team infiltrating the Order now. The updates are promising."

"Hmm." Rey shifted her hips and sent the hammock swinging again. A smile crept to her lips. "How do you want to tell them? I bet Leia already knows." She idly felt her stomach. The miniscule clump of cells already emitted a Force signature. Something dark. Something light. Something in between. "Or maybe she hasn't realized what exactly it is."

"It?" Ben grumbled. "She," he said firmly. "She's a baby, not a creature."

Rey cocked an eyebrow. "She?"

Ben leaned against the tree and smirked. "You don't think so?" He closed his eyes and reached out with the Force. There was much still to be learned about the new light signature, but several things were certain to him, as clear as day. "It's absolutely a girl. If you can't tell that, we have more Force training to do."

"Hmm." She touched her stomach again and closed her eyes. The sun warmed her cheeks. "We'll see. Besides, I could show you a thing or two. I'm the one who tapped into the dark side. Maybe you'll become my student, General."

Ben settled onto the hammock, careful not to upset it. "You're not the only one who knows the dark side. That's why I left Luke's training."

She shifted as his body settled against hers, long and lean. "That doesn't scare me," she shrugged. "I think I always knew you weren't all Jedi." Her fingers found his.

"I'm not any Jedi," Ben chuckled. "Han Solo would never have allowed it." He turned his head to face her and let his free hand settle on her stomach. "What do you think she'll be?"

"Ben!" Rey scoffed. "I really think it's a he."

He jabbed a finger at her. "She's a she!"

"Watch it," Rey warned playfully. "I'm not afraid to spar. You know I can beat you now."

"I'd let you," Ben answered quickly. "I'll never hurt you. Or our daughter." He nudged her nose with his and grinned when she flew into a fit of delighted irritation.

"Our son!"

A thousand weights lifted from his shoulders with Snoke dead, Ben playfully growled and kissed her neck.

But they were both right. Some months later as General Solo made crushing move after crushing move against the First Order, Rey delivered healthy twins. A dark haired boy and girl further fueled the flame that would burn the First Order down.

The work continued, but there was no lack of help with the babies. Commander Hux and Commander Dameron often strode through camp with an infant or two in their arms, loath to pass them off to the rebels who cooed and begged to hold them.

The voice boomed across command headquarters when Poe strolled in, ready for the urgent meeting. "Come to Uncle Finn! Give me that boy."

Poe sighed and surrendered the boy to him, carefully watching to ensure Finn was holding the baby properly. "Careful. I said I'd watch him," he warned. "If you drop him-"

Finn rolled his eyes. "I've done this a million times. We're bros." He bounced the baby about, and the boy gurgled happily up at him. "You sorry son of a gun. You're going to look just like your dad."

"I'm just saying," Poe continued. "I know how Storm Troopers are with their targets." He winked as Finn rolled his eyes.

Ben strode in and easily scooped his son into the crook of his arm, earning a frown from Finn. "Where is everyone? Intel's in. We leave tonight."

Poe drew a long breath and held it. "Tonight? This could be the end of it all."

The room was filling quickly. Commander Hux strode in, a baby girl with an orange bow in her hair. She chewed on his collar as he took note of who was in the room. "Commander Dameron," he said with a hint of humor, "rally the pilots. We strike tonight."

"I heard," Poe chuckled, nodding to Ben. "General Solo already gave the order, Commander Hux." Fondness softened his voice and the men exchanged a smile.

"Sorry," Hux corrected himself, bowing slightly to Ben. "I'm not the general. I'm well aware. Old habits and all that." He shifted the baby and freed one of his arms to gesture to the battle plans. "So with air support from your men, Poe, my men will be able to get on the ground for the assault. The plan remains the same. It will be just as we've drilled." The baby on his shoulder cried out gleefully and he beamed. "That's right, Princess! We'll take out those dirty bastards once and for all."

"Language, man!" Finn scolded.

Hux frowned. "It's better you don't keep the truth from them." He held the baby so that they were eye to eye. "Listen here. The First Order is full of murderous, rabid assholes who-"

"All right, all right," Poe settled him. "She's got it. First Order bad. Uncle Hux good."

Used to his children being amid rebels of every walk of life and colorful words in a dozen languages, Ben didn't bat an eye. Instead, he watched as the battle simulation played out in the middle of the room. His son patted his face and Ben touched the small hand, never taking his eyes from the battle plan.

"Even with this plan, people are gonna die. Our people," Finn said. He looked to the others. "Where's Rey? She'll know what to do."

"I only just left her," Hux replied, bouncing the princess as she began to fuss. "She'll be along shortly."

Ben shook his head. "There will never be a better chance than this."

An old gold droid began to spout out the mathematical odds, but Ben threw out his hand. "No. No. I don't want to know."

Enchanted by his voice, Ben's daughter cooed in Hux's arms, her tiny face craned to watch her father.

"Just a few casualties on our end, perhaps, but only if the first wave of the assault is sloppy," Hux nodded. "Should we put the best men on the front line, we'll eliminate that issue." He locked eyes with Ben. "I fully intend to lead my men into battle, General. I have every confidence in our cause and rebellion."

Poe bit his lip and considered the map, then nodded. "And I'll be in the cockpit. It's gonna work." As if spurred on by his own words, he beamed. "We've got this. By this time next week we'll be in transition mode. All the power will be ours and we'll just have to decide what to do with the First Order officers leftover. We can do it!"

"I'll celebrate when we've won," Ben said solemnly. The baby in his arms continued to gurgle happily. He pursed his lips and touched his son's small fingers again. The decision made his chest ache. "I'll join your ground forces, Commander Hux."

Finn shifted in surprise. "General? Wouldn't you rather stay back in command?" He gestured to the twins. "I mean -"

"No," Ben said definitively. "I won't abandon my men to fight for me. I'm not the only one with a family here."

Poe wasn't having the stoicism. "Come on, guys. We've run the battle dozens of times. We can't lose. Right, 3PO?"

Ben called out loudly enough to block whatever the droid was saying about their chances of winning.

Rolling his eyes, Poe reached out and took the baby from Ben. He booped the young prince's nose and then Ben's, laughing when Ben unintentionally mirrored the baby and swatted at Poe's hand. "Cheer up. You said it yourself. There will never be a better chance," Poe explained. "We've done more impossible things and come out okay." He spun the baby around. "Ben! You can finally use your princliness for something! They'll love that. Prince Ben, ruler of the united galactic nations. With a tiny prince and princess in the line of succession!"

"I'd rather let the Empress be the figurehead," Ben replied with a smirk. "They'll accept her more readily. Her kill count is significantly lower than mine."

"I heard that!" Rey called, dashing into the command center. "It's only because no one would let me pilot," she panted, letting down an armful of improved pilot helmets. "I was pregnant, not unfit for service."

"I'm well within my rights to ground a soldier and I'll not hear any more about it," Hux shrugged. "Commander Solo here agrees." He nodded to the baby, who was chewing on his collar again. Drool sopped through onto Hux's neck.

"She doesn't outrank me." Rey stroked her daughter's head and patted Hux's arm. "If you weren't holding her I'd sock you." She turned and reviewed the simulation, which was still playing in the center of the room. "Ben? You're leading the ground assault?" The question held no surprise or curiosity. It was merely a confirmation.

He nodded. "I'd prefer you in the Falcon."

"You're the better pilot. Are you sure? I'm just as happy on the ground with Hux." She hesitated, but understood exactly what he was saying.

Finn shook his head. "You can't both fight," he argued. "What if something happens? What about the twins?"

Ben had his mind made up and it was clear no one would change it now. "That's why she's flying. It'll be safer for her. She's not the general. It's not her duty to lead anyone into battle."

Finally allowing the weight of the moment to sink in, Poe exchanged a glance with Ben. "There's no one else I'd rather follow into a fight, Ben."

Hux nodded. "Nor I, General."

Sighing, Finn stood and clapped Ben on the back. "Yeah."

"Thank you." Ben looked from face to face and nodded. His children, cradled in the arms of rebels turned family, would grow up. He was certain of it. They would be delivered to Han and Leia at a secret location until the battle was won. They'd grow up heirs to a long dead planets and uprisings, dreams valiant and wicked. They were made of sinew and determination, hope and curious eyes. Before long they would be ruling on their own, wielding the Force and growing in strength until they surpassed their parents. Whether he and Rey were there to see it was another matter.

Ben turned off the simulation and nodded. "This war ends tonight. Muster your men."

The twins, eleven and rambunctious as ever, made a priority of seeking out their favorite uncles the moment their lessons were over.

"Hux!" Anya called, trotting into his office. "Hux! You won't believe what I moved today!"

General Hux raised an eyebrow and laid down his datapad. "I'm certain you're right."

Nonplussed, the girl bounced up and down. "Guess! Aren't you going to guess?" She gave him half a second to answer and when he simply smiled and gestured for her to go on, she blurted, "A TIE fighter! All by myself!"

"I grow more and more unsettled by your unworldy powers." He winked as Anya rolled her eyes. "Your father would be proud," Hux added.

The girl immediately frowned and sank into a chair. "I miss him. I wish he could have seen it."

"A good many people miss him." Hux's eyes flitted to a hologram at his desk. It was taken a decade ago of the Solos, Poe, and himself. Ben had an arm full of babies and looked like the proudest father in the world. Beside him, Rey hung an arm over Hux's shoulders. Poe crouched in front of them, stealing the show as usual. Hux smiled sadly. How long had Ben been gone? Too long. He didn't dare let his mind wander to the dark places. No, the princess was exceedingly temperamental and needed his reassurance. He was certain she would brood more as she grew into a teenager. Soon she'd be unable to be consoled by anyone, even Rey.

Hux opened a desk drawer and withdrew two pieces of candy. "We knew the mission was going to be a long one. Once he returns, there won't be any more meetings or diplomatic conferences for quite some time." He tossed one of the candies over the desk. Anya didn't seem to be paying attention but used the Force to catch it. Hux blinked stupidly. "You're doing remarkably well in your lessons, Princess."

Anya didn't look convinced. "I wish Dad was here to see." She unwrapped the candy as unhappily as she possibly could, making sure Hux knew how displeased she was with the whole ordeal.

Hux tried to hide his smile. How very much like her father she was. "I remember a time when your father disappeared and your mother and I had to drag him out of a temple on Mustafar. And Poe. We'd just met. I was in handcuffs on the Falcon. None of them trusted me yet." He pulled out his own piece of candy and unwrapped it.

Anya looked up in interest. "Really?"

Hux nodded. "That was back during the war." He leaned forward and lowered his voice. "He'd hate if I told you the story."

Her dark eyes were blazing. "Tell me. You have to."

A blip on the datapad caught his attention. Hux glanced at it and threw a wild glance at the girl. "I could, or we could go for a walk."

"A walk?" Anya repeated. "Why?"

"Oh," Hux shrugged. "I thought you may want to greet your father in the hangar."

Across the ship, Poe and Pax chatted about a new model of speeders as they made their way to the mess hall. The prince easily kept up with the older man's long strides.

"You're growing like a weed, kid," Poe nudged him. "Promise you won't beat me up next year when you're taller than me."

The boy grinned and flipped his long dark hair out of his eyes. "It doesn't matter how tall you are. Everyone's afraid of Mom when she's mad. She's short."

"Too true." Poe turned a corner and nearly collided with Finn. "Hey!" he exclaimed. "You're back!"

"Uncle Finn!" Pax grinned, offering him the briefest of hugs before tearing off toward the hangar.

Finn watched the boy run off in search for his dad. "Did he get taller while we were gone?" he asked, head cocked as he squinted after the boy.

"Dad!" Pax called, his feet pounding into the hangar.

Ben strode off of the ship, his long form dressed in regal black. Rey was already there, meeting him on the ramp with a deep kiss.

A pang of jealousy lit up in Pax's chest. It wasn't fair that his parents shared their special Force bond. He wanted to know the moment the Falcon landed, too. "Dad! Dad!" He thudded up to them.

"Is that my son?" Ben joked. "It can't be. My son isn't this big." He ruffled Pax's hair, which was so similar to his own. "Who are you, young man? Reporting for duty? I could use a few more pilots."

"Dad," Pax scoffed. "Guess what! We moved a TIE fighter during training today!" Rey raised an eyebrow and Pax blushed. "Okay. Anya did," he clarified. "But I almost did. It jiggled around. But I'm better at mind reading than her."

Poe caught up to them. "Welcome back, Your Grace!" He gestured to the crown on Ben's head and winked. "Good look. You should rock that around here."

"I hate this ridiculous thing," Ben sighed, snatching the crown off and flinging it aside. He only wore it for state events. If he could get away without it, he would, but Finn's watchful eye didn't let anything slide. That's why he was the general's aide, after all. Ben ruffled his hair and made a face. "Imagine if Han saw me now! He'd never let me hear the end of it."

Rey giggled. "I'm sure he'd have a few things to say about it."

Ben pulled her close. "Don't forget which one of us wore a crown first." He kissed her again, eliciting a groan from Poe and Pax.

"Dad," Pax groaned. "Dad. Dad! What'd you bring us?"

Giggling, Rey pulled away and gestured to Pax. "They're your children now, by the way. They've been mine for the past few weeks. I'm off duty."

"Excuse you," Poe scoffed in fake indignation. "They have also been mine and Armitage's! Isn't that right, chief?" He reached over to cuff Pax on the shoulder, but he ducked out of the way.

"Fun time's over," Ben sighed dramatically. "Dad's home. Where's your sister?"

Pax squeezed an eye shut to concentrate. He reached out throught the Force. "She's coming. With Uncle Hux." Eyes wide open, he tugged at Ben's sleeve. "What'd you bring us?!"

"What did I bring you?" Ben repeated. "I brought you peace and the end of a war. You're welcome."

"Dad," Pax moaned, tired of hearing the same joke every other week. "C'mon."

"Really," Ben repeated. "I did. Ask your mother. She was there. You're spoiled. When I was your age, I was training at -"

"Master Skywalker's temple," Pax finished hastily. "C'mon! You always bring us presents!" He tugged at Ben's cloak. When his father didn't budge, Pax stared seriously into his face, his hand outstretched as he channeled the Force. His fingertips almost touched the tip of Ben's nose.

"Hey," Poe snapped. "I didn't hear you ask for consent. Be courteous," he warned him. "We've got rules around here. I don't care if the fun guy's home. Mind your manners, no matter who you're interrogating."

Ben met Pax's gaze with equal intensity. Pax's nose twitched and he bared his teeth in effort.

"Ben," Rey cautioned.

"He's fine," Ben replied lightly as his son pushed and struggled against Ben's Force defenses.

Poe pursed his lips. "I want to hear you ask for permission next time. I don't care if it's your dad."

Relenting, Pax leaned back and giggled. "He told me to get out, anyway."

"Listen to your uncle." Ben ruffled the boy's hair and threw him over his shoulder. "Let's go find your sister."

They didn't have to go far. Anya appeared in the hangar in a flash, launching herself at Ben and wrapping her arms around his waist. "Dad!"

Pax was still begging to know what presents awaited them, but Anya was just grateful to have her father home. "I thought you were lost in the desert somewhere and never coming home," Anya lamented as Ben threw her over his other shoulder and spun the kids around.

"Hey," Rey called sharply. "What's wrong with being in the desert? Remember your heritage, miss. I'm a proud desert rat and that makes you half desert rat."

Ben rejoined the group, the twins giggling in his grasp. "Sounds like you're suggesting a family vacation to Jakku. Wouldn't that be fun?" He jostled the kids and they squealed and groaned.

"Oh, kriff, no. I'm never going back there," Rey laughed. "But just think! If you hadn't showed up, I'd still be on Jakku, married to a nice scavenger, fighting over a quarter portion every night with two little desert twins covered in sand."

"Instead you're stuck with me," Ben teased, bending and kissing her cheek. "My condolences, Empress."

The twins groaned again and wriggled free. "Presents! Presents! Presents!" Pax cheered. Anya reached over and smacked him. "Dad being home should be enough of a present." Still, she shyly glanced up at Ben. "But I wouldn't turn it down if you did happen to bring presents."

"All right, all right," Ben groaned. "You're worn me down with your persistence and emotional manipulation. Go. There's something hidden on the ship for you."

They exchanged glanced and tore off into the Falcon. Rey watched and fought a smile. "You're spoiling them terribly."

Ben put a fist to his mouth and let out a soft giggle. "There's something for you, too."

Blushing, Rey smacked him on the forearm and sheepishly joined the kids on the ship.

Chuckling, Hux and Poe turned to leave.

"Wait. Thank you both." Ben pressed his hands together and bowed slightly. "It takes a village. It's easier leaving knowing there are so many people watching out for them. The kids. Rey. Thank you."

Hux clapped him on the back. "Anya will rest easy knowing you're not being torn to pieces on some meteor. As will I. She's especially restless when you shut yourself off from the Force. Her anxiety is contagious. Her dreams are getting worse."

Ben frowned. "I remember those dreams from when I was a kid. Brace yourselves. If it's anything like I remember, they're about to get a whole lot more powerful. Fortunately Pax seems to be taking Rey's blissfully unaware trajectory. One day he'll wake up stronger than me and have no idea."

Poe nodded. "Sounds about right. He's a good kid."

"He's so obviously your favorite," Hux sneered.

"And Anya's yours!"

"How dare you!" Hux replied as the commanders turned back for their room. "I would never. They're equally as endearing."

When only Ben remained, he ran a hand through his hair. It was getting shaggy and he could probably use a cut. That or a ponytail. He smirked at the thought. Some things never changed. Some changed in big ways.

But he couldn't imagine his life any other way.