[She jerks away, and he makes a noise of curious interest. His head tilts just so, eyes narrowing in that studious way they often did when he found something new. His fingers curl, his tongue wetting his lips. His hand captures her chin to force her to look at him.]

I think Rey is too stubborn to die. Or did you forget...?

[His finger curves to stroke along her cheek. Whether or not she finds comfort or joy or misery in his affection does not really matter to him. He can see the effect -- and it balms his loneliness that has suffered through so many years.]

I see it. The way you cringe away from me. What you desire, the things you miss.

[He nods, knowing the blow he dealt by annihilating the Resistance. It had not been easy for him. He still refused to even think of his mother, whether or not she had escaped the canon fire. It had been years since the smoke cleared -- it is safe to assume she is gone, and he no longer has to dedicate thought to any of it.]

And I can do a lot of things with a body. Let alone your body, so connected that we are.