Let's admit it – the ending of TROS was horrifying and Ben Solo never got justice. I try not to alter the story too much – see this story as an alternate and maybe it will help you get over the tears (which I am still shedding a month later).

Ben's lips met Rey's. Neither wanted to let go, but both knew what was going to happen. Rey's tears dropped down her face as her thumb caressed the ash-covered cheek of Ben Solo.

"I love you," Rey said, finally having the courage to let go. Ben was relying on Rey's arms to keep him upright.

"I know," Ben whispered. He took a final breath and sank into Rey's embrace. His eyes reflected the battle raging overhead as Rey gently pushed his eyelids closed.

"Stay with me," she whispered, rocking her body back and forth as she looked into the eyes of the man she had saved. Then, his face began to fade, becoming transparent as the ripped, black shirt and pants dropped to the ground with a gentle rustle of fabric. Rey couldn't hold back any longer. The tears ran down her face uncontrollably as she bundled up the clothes and held them to her face.

A warm hand gently touched her on the shoulder. Rey was still sobbing hard.

"Please don't cry on my clothes – I liked them."

Rey jerked around to see Ben, surrounded by a blue aura. His face had a gentle smile and his eyes were brighter than before. His clothes, Rey noticed, were no longer black – they resembled his father's.

"Ben," she choked, hugging him.

"No one told me this was going to be a cuddle session," a voice said behind them. Both of them turned to see the tousled hair and the boyish face of Anakin Skywalker. Ben looked in awe.

"Grandfather?" he whispered. Anakin smiled, pulling his grandson into a tight embrace.

Rey wiped her face and got to her feet. Ben turned around, breaking free from the hug.

"Rey."

She looked at Ben's kind eyes. Her face was dirty and mixed with tears. Ben placed his hand on her stomach. Rey nodded with a smile.

"Name him well, Rey," Anakin said.

"I know."

Rey walked towards the x-wing waiting for her outside with Ben and Anakin watching her, satisfied smiles on their faces. Rey still held Ben's clothes in her hands and the two lightsabers were clipped to her belt.

A few months later

Ben held her hand, his force aura enveloping her arm. Rey looked at the bright ceiling in pain as a med droid brought out a baby boy.

Ben and Rey smiled at the boy who was looking curiously at the ceiling.

"What's his name," Poe called out from the speaker connecting to the viewing room next to her. Finn and Poe were looking at the baby boy from behind the glass on Rey's right.

"His name is Ben," Rey said. The older Ben looked at her, and his eyes said it all.

"Ben Amidala Solo Skywalker," Ben finished.

5-year-old Ben ran towards his mother who was still sleeping in bed. He jumped onto Rey and giggled as she suddenly grabbed him and tickled his tummy. Soon, Ben was facing Rey on the bed, his face in a full grin.

"Mama, when can I be a Jedi like you," he said.

"Soon, Benni, soon."

16-year-old Ben grunted as Rey hit him with the wooden sword.

"Again – you're getting the hang of this."

Ben lunged as Rey's stick met his. The older Ben was watching them from the side of the room.

"Dad – this isn't fair," he grumbled as Rey pushed him back using the force, making him land hard on his back.

"Who said it was ever going to be fair," he shrugged, grinning as his son shot an evil glare at him.

The young Ben leapt high into the air and pushed Rey back using the force, making her dig her heels into the ground.

"Good one," Rey said, spinning the stick in her hands.

Ben lay in the bed across from his mother's

"Mother."

"Yes Ben?"

"Are there others out there. You know, like me."

Rey shuffled and turned around.

"Of course. There must be hundreds of children."

"Then why can't you train them?"

Rey raised her eyebrows.

"A long time ago, there was a jedi council. They would make decisions to help keep peace in the galaxy. They were warriors, yes, but they were negotiators. Your great-grandfather was a legend at the time. But soon, war was brought upon the galaxy and they had to fight. People began to fear their power and an evil Chancellor helped fuel this." Rey paused at the mention of the Chancellor.

"I don't want to risk that – let them be children. The galaxy needs peace. I myself am more than happy to just be here with you."

"Then may the force be with them," Ben whispered into the dark room.

"Always," Leia said, appearing in the dark room. Rey smiled at her as Leia winked and disappeared, leaving the room in a peaceful silence.