Quick, Kiss Me! Ch. 12 (Ben Solo x OC College AU)
Bit of a short chapter but we needed Leiaâs thoughts out there. Enjoy.
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Leia walked slowly around her kitchen, picking up the mugs she had used and placing them in the sink, slowly going over her conversation with Ben. It had been so long, too long since she had last seen him. When he had called her the week prior her heart had nearly stopped. For a moment she thought he was going to tell her he was in trouble. That he needed her help because heâd finally gotten in over his head with the law.
Instead, she answered to a shaky voice, one she suspected was accompanied by tears. âMom? I want to come home.âÂ
Leia nearly dropped the phone.
They were words she never dreamed of truly hearing. That she had given up on even imagining years ago, but she quickly agreed, fighting back her own tears. They had agreed on the weekend, and Ben had hung up after only a few minutes. Leia suspected he was feeling rather overwhelmed. All she got out of him was that he and two friends had left that dreadful gang and enrolled in school. She was beyond relieved.
When she actually saw him, she feared she might be dreaming. He was older now, more grown into his features. When he left he had been a lanky teen. Now he was filled out. He looked like an adult.Â
She had been surprised to find he wasn't alone, but it was a welcomed feeling. She wanted Ben happy, but she was also wary. She didn't know who Kira was. How they had met. If she shared his past. She was willing to give the girl her benefit of a doubt. All the way up until she stepped into the light, and Leia could see her fully. Could see the faded marks on her skin. Ones that would go unnoticed to those who hadn't seen such things before.Â
None looked fresh, and Leia was grateful for that as she motioned the two inside. Still, she was curious and concerned. This was her son's partner. She needed to make sure he was safe.Â
So she did what she could to get Kira alone. She sent Ben to his room with their bags. She knew he would be hit with the nostalgia, and his wandering and reminiscence would keep him occupied for a time.Â
She gave Kira the tea. Let her get comfortable.Â
Then she began the questions.Â
Kira seemed unsurprised, likely knowing Leia would be curious about her. When she started questioning her past Leia noted her discomfort. She asked about her parents, assuming she would get a response like Ben may have given. That she was estranged. They didn't talk. She left. But insteadâŠ
The words took Leia off guard and she stumbled over her apology. That wasn't what she had expected. Not at all. Perhaps that's why she found herself explaining her reasoning to Kira, easing into her main inquiry. Kira's fidgeting told her she knew where this was going.Â
She didn't try to lie. To hide it. Just admitted what they were. And told her she was clean now. Had been for years.Â
Kira fell silent and twitchy. Leia sat there a minute as she considered. She thought the knowledge would have bothered her, but instead, it made sense and she smiled.Â
"I see why he chose you."
The young woman was surprised but relieved. She told her story when Leia asked. What had happened. How she was saved.
Leia was at a loss of words.
Her son, who had unknowingly returned, was not.
âHave you finished interrogating my girlfriend?â
The words bit her with their coldness, and Leia could feel her heart drop into her stomach. That was it, not even an hour and she was sure she would lose him again right here.
If Leia had any remaining doubts about the girl they vanished in the following moments as she all but told her son off before leaving him with her. Ben stood there, staring after his girlfriendâs retreating form and then slowly moving his attention to her. âMom IâŠâ He sighed. âIâm sorry.â Benâs large form slumped into the chair across from her, and Leia suspected his words were meant for more than just the exchange.
Silently she stood, moving about the kitchen until she returned with a mug of black coffee and pushed it across the table to him. âI forgive you, Ben.â He stared at the mug a moment in silence. âI assumed you still hate tea.â
Ben huffed a quiet laugh before his shoulders shook and it was replaced with a sob. âI wasted so many years.â The words poured from him and Leia was shocked silent at the emotional display. It was so unlike the way he used to bottle things inside. âI did terrible things and I regret every one of them. I left you alone after dad died. I spent years as Snokeâs dog. And after I left I couldnât even bring myself to give you the courtesy of a phone call. Iâm so sorry.â His forehead met the table as his sobs continued and Leia found herself reaching across to take the hand he set atop it.Â
âBen, you will always be my son.â She told him softly, tears shining in her own eyes. âWhatever you did, whoever you were, it doesnât matter anymore. Youâre here now.â
He took a shuttering inhale before sitting up to meet her gaze once more. âIt was Kira.â He told her, and Leiaâs brow furrowed with confusion. âShe gave me the courage to reach out. To come home. She makes me a better person, mom.â He shook his head. âI donât know what you must think of her now, knowing her past, but I love her.â
âBenjamin Solo, if you think Iâm going to judge that girl on her past you have another thing coming.â Leia told him sternly and he looked a bit taken aback. âAfter the childhood she had I think itâs lucky things didnât turn out far worse. Besides that, she seems to be a wonderful woman now, and when I look at you I see many similarities. I think youâre good for each other.â
Benâs hand tightened around her own. âThank you.â He whispered.
âIf she brought you home to me, Ben, then I already see her as family.â Leia smiled. âBesides, you know I always wanted a daughter.â
âYet you and dad always failed to give me the sister I asked for during Christmas.â He managed a shaky smile of his own.
âWell, it wasnât for a lack of trying.â
She laughed, but when Ben followed suit she paused. It had been so long since she heard his laugh, his real laugh, not a sarcastic huff or scoff. It made her sigh happily. âYou should head upstairs. Kira is probably waiting for you.â
Ben chuckled again. âSheâs probably asleep. I know her too well.â
Leia smiled again. âNonetheless, go. You had a long journey. Iâll see you in the morning.â
Ben smiled and nodded. âOkay. Goodnight, mom.â He stood from the table.
âGoodnight, Ben.â As he made his way to the door Leia stood to collect the mugs.
âMom,â He paused and Leia looked over at him. He seemed to hesitate a moment. âI...I love you.â
Her chest tightened and she fought to keep her emotions in check. âI love you too, Ben.â
They stared a moment longer before he nodded and left to head upstairs.
So Leia collected the dishes and placed them in the sink. She was happy, elated even. She just wished Han were still alive to be here. She felt he would have liked Kira.
When she had finished her tidying she headed upstairs for her own room. As she passed Benâs she took pause, a fleeting sound reaching her ears before she picked up her pace with a head shake. Perhaps society said she should have negative feelings at the situation, but truly? She and Han had been no different, and in a way, she simply found it ironic.
Besides, they were both adults who were clearly in love. Who was she to dictate what they do? It was the reason she sent them both to Benâs room after all, despite the three guest rooms the house held.Â
That brought Leiaâs thoughts to a different place. Kira had made no comment on the home or Leia herself, and it suddenly occurred to her that it was because the girl hadnât found a reason to. She laughed to herself but honestly found it refreshing. Endearing even.
Kira had no idea that Leia was Senator Organa.
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