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[letoldthingsdie]

[As Kylo Ren (if that name could even be considered separate from him at all) he had never used the network. He hadn't bothered really talking to people other than the occasional response. He kept to himself. Perhaps if he had made an effort someone besides Rey might have cared when he disappeared a few days ago.

When he had left it hadn't been during Sanguis. Now that he was back, he was sitting in Rey's apartment - her plants hanging up and sitting in pots in the background. He had questions that needed answers.]

I haven't introduced myself before, though some of you I've spoken to may know me as Kylo Ren. Those who I've met can continue to address me by that name, though I'd prefer to go by Ben Solo. For those who I've yet to meet I can't say I'm terribly sorry for being so antisocial.

[There's a hint of a smile, just the subtle curl of his lips at the edges.]

I'm sure I'm not the first, but has anyone here been able to experience being sent away because of a lack of Chroma being generated? I feel as if I've come back differently, in some ways.

[He won't go into detail, but he's remembered things he didn't know before. For him a year has passed and now his scar is gone. He has experienced death. Part of him is still trying to process it all, how he spent nearly a year here and just like that he had returned home - or what he thinks is home. He's not entirely sure he can trust it. The memories changed him, though.

While his clothes were still the same black as usual, he looked and felt more at ease. His posture had become less tense. For all intents and purposes he was different but still the same.]

Private Message: Finn

Rey isn't here. I can't feel her anymore. Did she speak with you at all before she disappeared?

[He's hoping it's the same as his situation. He needed her to be back so that they could sort out a few things. It was also good that Finn was here too. He could ]

Comments

[letoldthingsdie]

Mm. It was helpful having her here. The two of us needed the familiarity I think since we were both from the same world and without anyone else we knew. I'm not the most social person so I blame that on why I haven't introduced myself on the network sooner or tried to meet other people. She was definitely the more outgoing of the two of us but we still somehow managed to stay in our own bubble.

[He smiles too, just a bit.]

I appreciate the offer. If she doesn't come back I suppose I'll have to take you up on it.

[He's fine with holding hands. It made things less heartbreaking that way. Holding hands was safer than the alternative. The idea of being intimate with someone after he and Rey had spent nearly a year growing beyond their resentment into something akin to lovers made his stomach knot. This woman didn't need to know his troubles, though.]

[cadeuces]

You're far from being alone in that, Ben. Many people struggle with what's expected of us in this place and don't particularly wish to invite more by making a spectacle. I think we all benefit from having a bit of familiarity when we first arrive, here. Even if we sometimes end up in those bubbles. They always pop eventually, no matter how we wish otherwise.

( There's a touch of chagrin to that, gaze shifting just an inch off from the camera, looking away. 'Tis the season for loss, it seems. She's just lost someone who's been with her the whole year they've been here, as well, though it only dims her smile for a moment. It ticks back up to see his own on the screen, head tipping another few degrees with the fall of a curly ponytail. )

You won't have to; only if you're comfortable. And only if you want to. You're more than welcome to come visit and speak with me in person, first. I have excellent coffee, and I appreciate the company. Especially if you happen to like puppies.

( It is less heartbreaking, but how often do things ever remain at just holding hands, here? It's always a gamble. But she lays down her offer regardless because he sounds like he could use a friend, and maybe a good hot cup between his palms and a still-warm-from-the-baker croissant, and a little ball of fur bounding across the tile to make that smile stick around a little longer. She'll always be an ear to bend if he ever decides that speaking of those troubles might help him. It often did. )

And maybe then you can divulge the "piloting" secrets, if you decide I'm trustworthy.

( And he'll get a wink, with that. She'd asked and he hadn't answered, so she can only presume it's Top Secret. She was paramilitary herself for a while; she'd get it. )