"That moment was the only good decision I've made in a long time," Ben admitted, his hands curled to fists at his sides. "It was the only thing... I can't make up for any of it. I know that, but bringing you back. Giving you back to the galaxy, it... It felt final. For me."

He swallowed thickly, his chin trembling faintly.

"I can't justify it. I'm sorry, I can't. I know you believe that I deserve a second chance, but I don't see how that could possibly be true." He took a step forward, because he could feel her holding herself back. "I've used what we have, what we are, against you over and over again. Tried to manipulate you. To hurt you. I feared that your knowledge of that moment might change your opinion of me."

A smile, rare and genuine, flickered across his face.

"I wanted it to, believe me. But I don't know if I can be the man you saw on Exegol."