The Cruellest Thing

The Knife

She dreamt about Finn that night. They were on Jakku and were looking for something in the desert. It was hot. Just when they were about to unearth something near a destroyed walker she woke, her throat parched. She rubbed her eyes, trying to remember the details of the dream when she noticed that someone had snuggled up to her back. It took her a fraction of a moment to realise that it wasn't Finn. She scooted quickly away, right into a large puddle.

The water dispelled any drowsiness. Two large rain drops fell on her head and reminded her that the rain still hadn't stopped. She groaned.

Hux was still sleeping, he snored a little. A strand of hair had fallen into his face. They had turned around in the night, she felt his warmth on her back. Another raindrop trickled into the shelter and fell on her.

Should she go out and try to find food? She would be soaking wet in a matter of minutes ... The temperature on the planet was generally warm, but the wet parts of her clothes made her feel cold.

She sighed and scooted back over, carefully she laid down again. Just close enough to feel his heat. He mumbled something in his sleep and suddenly snuggled up to her.

Rose froze, ready to bang her elbow against his chest, but when she heard his silent snoring continue she exhaled. She could get up or wake him ... but on the other hand what was the point? They already had slept this way all night long as far as she knew. It was pointless to get squeamish now. If the rain continued they had to settle in a similar way for the next night anyway.

She closed her eyes and did her best to relax. Just when she was about to fall asleep again Hux's deep breaths stopped and he moved. Rose pretended to be asleep, she didn't want to talk right now; it was already awkward enough.

He shifted a little but he didn't move away. Soon they were both asleep again.

A loud clap of thunder startled Rose and she propped up on her elbow, looking up. Their make-shift roof was still there; she wiped her face and sat up. Behind her Hux pulled away. She looked over her shoulder – he glanced at her, then he averted his gaze.

She checked the larvae they had left and began to set up a fireplace near the entrance. The occasional rain drop wouldn't be enough to extinguish the fire once it was properly started.

They ate slowly, silence hanging heavy over them. Rose was soon bored. She wasn't used to sitting around. Much less being quiet.

"Guess you don't have a raincoat in there," she said and pointed to the backpack.

He scoffed. "Don't you think I would've procured it by now, specialist?"

She picked up a small stone and started to play with it. "You're a jerk, it's entirely possible that you didn't want to share it with rebel scum," she said lightly.

"Petty insults? I guess I shouldn't be surprised."

"But there is some jacket in it, isn't there?"

"It's my great coat – and before you ask: it's made of wool. So it will be soaked in a matter of minutes."

Rose threw the stone away. "Well, this sucks. But since we're running out of food ..." She started to crawl towards the entrance. "And I'll go alone, you need to get better so you can climb up that tree."

"You're in no position to-"

"I know!" she snapped and exited the shelter. The cool raindrops and the air were refreshing. She took a deep breath and walked in the direction of the clearing.

She found plenty of berries and larvae – but she was completely soaked when she finally returned to camp. She felt cold. Well, perhaps they could start a fire and she could try to get at least a little dry before the night.