Chapter 4 snippet.
AO3 | FFNET
"Two chemlights. Six ration bars. Make that four, now. I suppose. And we’ll need to refill that flask before long."
Rey bit her lip as she buckled her satchel and slung it back over her shoulder. Swallowed the anxiety that pressed upon her at the thought of having to share what little food she had. By this time tomorrow, she reminded herself, she’d be back onboard the Falcon. Eating something more palatable than a ration bar.
Knowing this still didn’t quell the fear of being forced to go hungry. Perhaps nothing ever would.
Kylo met her inventory with careful silence and neutral expression. Nothing to indicate he could sense her concerns. Perhaps, she thought, her face wasn’t as easy to read as his. She wasn’t sure - had never much studied her own reflection. Or perhaps - and this option was the more likely one she was sure - he just didn’t care.
Snapping a chemlight to activate the phosphorescent within its clear tube, Rey threw a ration bar in his direction - before she could change her mind. The other, she tore open with her teeth. Ate half of the gritty, moist bar without tasting it. Shoved the rest back in its thin biodegradable packaging and buried it in the bottom of the satchel. Took a swig from the flask.
Stalled. Stalled. Stalled the inevitable conversation she could sense readying for another round.
"We can go no further until sunrise."
There it was, Rey sighed inwardly.
"Speak for yourself," she ignored the pull of aching muscles as she pushed herself to stand. "I’ve rested enough."
"You’re practically dead on your feet." Kylo rose to intercept her. "And you have no idea what’s out there in the darkness."
"You mean to tell me there’s something worse than you?"
"We’ll rest here," he continued tightly, ignoring her retort with clenched jaw. "A few hours at least - "
"No. I’m leaving now." Rey moved to step past him. He moved to block.
"Why? Is it what I said before?" Kylo ducked his head slightly, catching Rey’s gaze with his own. "I didn’t mean it. I was just --"
“Behaving like an ass because you couldn’t get your own way?” Rey finished sweetly, “Yes. I noticed. And I must thank you for it, actually. I’d almost been at risk of finding you tolerable.”
"Come on. Rey." Her name slipped over his lips like a plea. "There’s no sense in stumbling off a cliff just for spite. I can take the first watch."
"No." Obstinate, despite the logic of his argument, she sidestepped to her left.
"Or you can, if you prefer." His hands rose to grip her by the shoulders. And fell away just as awkwardly.
Surprised, Rey studied Kylo’s face, searching for a clue of his motives. Beneath the chemlight’s steady glow, he was all shadows and sharp angles. Determination had set his soft eyes hard as flint. His full lips pressed into a thin, serious line.
It was easier, Rey decided, to see him reflected in torchlight. Easier to remember who he was - rather than who she may have wanted him to be.
"What I prefer," she began in a slow, tempered voice, "is for you to get out of my way."
The darksider regarded her for several moments longer. Nothing but an eye-twitch to give away the array of emotions waging war beneath the surface of his poker-faced stare.
"Suit yourself." He snapped at last, stepping to one side. "You won’t find it alone. You’ll need me."
Rey snorted. Wondered if Kylo was trying to reassure her or himself. "I think you’ll find I won’t."
Stepping past him, Rey swept the chemlight before her to gauge her surroundings. To the left, a sheer tumbled cliff face formed a natural blockade. To the right, the thread of their path continued. Unhampered by Kylo’s protests, she stepped towards the path and continued her ascension of the rocky mountainside. Alone.
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