Chapter 17

"WHAT'S GOING ON HERE?!" demands Luke as soon as he opens the door to the studio.

Too late, Rey scrambles to hide behind Ben.

Ben moves forward to allow Rey to hide behind him. "Isn't it obvious? Now, can you leave so we can get dressed?"

"You can't seduce my own student in my own home, Ben!"

"This is what happens when you will my inheritance to your student."

"I willed it back to you! Since you said you wanted it!" admits Luke. "You don't have to go this far."

Rey hiding behind Ben's back, takes a peek at Luke. "Inheritance?"

But it is Ben who answers, "The cottage and everything in it. Luke wanted you to have it."

"Oh," Rey says, trying her best to stay hidden. "Oh." she says again when the meaning of Ben's words becomes clearer. She utters softly in a voice only Ben can hear, "You didn't come back to..."

Kylo swivels his head around to glower at Rey. "Don't you dare think like that or I'll burn this cottage down just to prove a point."

Rey grins, showing she believes the man who claims he came back for her. "Asks Ben to choose between the house or me,"says Rey as she glances back at Luke, her eyes dancing with mischief.

"Shhh. Don't give Luke ideas." Ben turns his head to glance again at Rey, his index finger on his lips. Rey's grin widens. Ben's gaze drops on Rey's lips, an answering smile forming on his own lips before he faces his uncle. "If it comes to that uncle, I choose the house. You can have your student back."

Rey punches Ben on his arm.

Luke glares at Ben.

"You better teach Rey a lot of things, uncle. You don't want a future Skywalker-Solo to be labeled riding the coattails of your Skywalker name."

"Oh but I'm going to go by Ren. Rey Ren. RR for short," utters Rey.

"Rey Ren? Oh god no, it sounds awful. Rey Solo is better," replies Ben.

Luke rolls his eyes. "I'll see you Rey outside in the yard when you're fully clothed. Bring your art supplies. Ben, you can stay until after dinner then you can leave."

"I don't have my car. Rey will have to drive me back to town."

Luke frowns. "I can't teach her anything if you don't let her go back here tonight, not tomorrow."

"Uncle Luke," argues Ben, "the streets are dangerous at night. You'll have her tomorrow."

Nurse Amilyn Holdo who is searching for Luke, finally notices the commotion in the studio. She takes a peek inside the room. Although Ben has a pillow on his lap and Rey is safely hidden behind his bigger frame, it's still obvious that the two are naked on the couch."Ben Skywalker Solo, I'm going to tell this to your mother!"

Rey groans. "This is turning to a nightmare."

Kylo puts out a hand on his back to tap Rey."Shh. This negotiation is important. The peace of the galaxy rests on this."

Rey snorts at Ben then she looks at their audience. "Luke, Amilyn, I'm sorry you have to find out about Ben and me this way." She draws a steadying breath before she continues, head held high, "Luke, I'll stay with him tonight. Tomorrow he leaves. He can then visit during weekends, and holidays."

"Or when I really, really miss her," adds Ben.

"Okay, I won't tell your mom. You tell your mom, Ben." Holdo grasps Luke's arm. "Come on, Luke. We shouldn't be interrupting them."

"Thanks Holdo, you're a hero," Kylo calls out.

—oOo—

Years Later

The art world is in a titter. Kylo Ren's latest collection is bursting with colors. It marks a change. A big, huge change. It makes his previous works apprised more.

The exhibition also marks Luke Skywalker's first re-appearance in more than a decade. And with Luke are his sister, Leia, his brother-in-law, Han, and Rey, his nephew's wife of three months.

The art crowd finally recognizes Rey, the new artist whose first exhibition a year ago was a rave. But the same crowd still doesn't know that Ben Skywalker-Solo, heir to the Skywalker-Solo empire is also Kylo Ren, the world famous painter.

Kylo Ren still wears his mask and remains aloof in his own exhibitions.

The media covering the event are still glad they have attended the event because of Luke Skywalker. Rumors are flying that Rey is his protege. Critics are saying she's the future Skywalker. And Rey just laughs. Her response is that already at present, she's a Skywalker...Solo.

For the past five years, Ben has remained to be Rey's meanest critic and the one who made sure she eats. So when the reviews came out a year ago Rey knows she deserves the accolade because she has worked hard and not solely because she trained under Luke.

Now, at present, Kylo Ren wears his mask and stands alone near one of his paintings, the one he calls 'After the Rain'. It was drawn with all the colors of the rainbow. The red, violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow and orange colors fought for dominance on the canvas that it should be chaotic but the balance is there. It's really a pretty. It's Rey's favorite. And Kylo Ren knows it.

Rey finally approaches Kylo Ren. "That painting better be back on that hook in our bedroom soon."

Kylo smirks unseen. "If someone bids for a million, I'm selling it."

Rey appears to consider. "Okay, I'll buy it for a million...kisses."

Kylo removes his mask. "Sold. You can start paying me now."

Rey smiles and stands on a tiptoe, her hands lifting up to rest on Kylo's shoulders. Her lips meets his for a bold kiss.

The people finally notice, they take out their phones and take picture. The man behind the mask is finally revealed. The art world is in a quite a state.

—oOo—

~4 27 18 AF P 5 21 18~

A/N: Done with the remaining color! Hope you guys notice the rainbow after the rain :D

Thanks to all the people who read this and made their presence known! You guys are the fuel!