The Flame [3]

Chapter 11

We leave Ryloth and start to Corelia. Charth is piloting, Poe, Finn, and I are getting ready, and Suralinda's floating between everyone.

I have my dress on which fit me perfectly, and I my shoes on. I'm doing my hair, when I hear Suralinda knock on the door.

"Come in," I tell her.

She slowly opens the door, then gasps.

"What, is something wrong?" I ask her.

"Yes! You look like you should be illegal," she comes behind me in the mirror and starts fixing my hair. "Absolutely beautiful."

I drop my hands to the counter as Suralinda takes over. "Thanks," I look at my reflection, and sigh. "Why do I look like a red stick, not even a stick. A twig."

"Everyone is their own person, we all look different, sound different, are different. It's not what's on the outside, but the inside that counts."

I stare at her in the mirror as she continues doing my hair. "When did you become the master on pep talks?"

"I learned from the best," she says doing the last piece.

"I know you don't mean me," I turn around looking at my hair in the mirror. "Thanks, Suralinda."

"I do mean you. We're almost to Coronet City, and don't forget the chip card. I've got to go check on Poe," she says heading towards the door. She peers over her shoulder. "He looks handsome. In case you wanted to know," and with that she left.

I turn and look back at my reflection. I smile at her words. I take a deep breath in and look down at my dress. "I'm too skinny. I look like a red twig." I turn around forcing myself to stop. I take my lightsaber and strap it to my thigh. Sure, they're going to check for weapons but I'll get past. I do have the Force after all. I put my hand in my pocket and make sure the chip's in it then head out the door.

I make my way to the bathroom Poe was getting ready in. I knock on the door, no answer. "Poe?" I ask opening the door. The room was black. "Great," I turn around shutting the door. Time to find Finn. I find Finn and Poe in the room Finn was using. The doors wide open. I peer in to find Poe standing in front of Finn, helping with his tie. I smile at the two men. Finn has a silver suit on, and Poe has his black suit. They are talking but I couldn't hear the conversation. I see Finn hand something to Poe then Poe clips it to his tie. Poe turns Finn around to face the mirror. I let them have a moment before knocking.

"Sorry to interrupt your moment," I say. Both the men's eyes fell on me. Both mouths fell open slightly. "Okay, okay. I get it, you don't have to stare."

They immediately straighten and stumble for words. "I-I. Um. You look amazing," Poe stammers.

I made my way into the room. "And you look handsome, Dameron. You too, Finn." I walk up and fix his suit lapel.

"Thanks, Bree. You look beautiful," Finn says.

"Thank you," I tell him. "I'm really sorry, but I need to speak with Poe."

"Yeah, yeah. Of course. I'll meet you at the bridge." Finn walks out the door then closes it. I look up at Poe.

"How much did you see?" He asks me.

"You mean the cutest moment I've seen?" I tell him.

"Okay, okay. What did you need?"

"Well, you know how were supposed to be married and all? Yeah well Mom," I slide the rings off, "gave me her ring. So you get Dad's I get Mom's." I hand him the ring.

He slides the ring on his finger. "It'll work. You can always use the Force to get it off."

"That's not how it works."

"I guess it's death do us part."

"As long as we both shall live," I slip my ring on my left hand.

"For a few hours we're married."

"A few more hours I have to put up with you, nothing I can't handle."

We stand in silence for a moment. Not awkward silence, but a comfortable silence. I stare at him.

"You didn't shave?" I ask running a hand over his face.

"Suralinda didn't pack a razor. And besides, it adds to the rugged look," he takes my hand off his face.

"You're supposed to look dapper not rugged. I'm sure they're waiting for us."

"Just, try not to get killed."

"It's okay," I pull the dress over a bit to show him my lightsaber, "I got this."

"They're going to check for weapons."

"They won't find it. Stormtroopers are weak minded, well some of them are."

"You're going to do one of your Jedi tricks, aren't you?"

"If I have to," I start to walk out if the room.

"Wait for me!"

"Since when have I ever waited for Poe Dameron?"

"Since now," he says and runs to where I was. "Not the easiest thing to run in."

"So don't run." I tell him.

We walk to the bridge, bickering the whole way. We meet Suralinda, Charth, and Finn at the doors of the ship. The three of them eye us.

"Who's flying?" I ask them.

"Tractor beam. They're bringing us to a secured location adjacent to the Shu's home," Charth announces.

The ship rumbles underneath my feet as the ship docks. I grab Finn's arm for support as we both sway. I smile at him before telling him thank you. I look at Poe and see Suralinda used him for support.

"Careful out there, Black Leaders," Suralinda tells us.

"I'm the co-leader. You know after I wanted to quit, but my kind and sweet mother made me Black Squadron's co-leader. Not allowing me to quit," I tell her.

"Same thing to me," she says as the door opens and we all step out.