Let the Light In

Chapter 7: Undertaking

Chapter 7: Undertaking

Rey almost wished she was back in the forests of Takodana running from Kylo Ren when the time to say goodbye came, for surely it was an easier thing to do.

Almost.

BB-8 was ramming into her already-struggling legs begging for attention while Poe was hugging her, causing her knees to shake by leaning his full weight into the embrace.

Leia watched the debacle with an impish grin on her face.

"Must you hang off me like an ornament, Poe?" Rey huffed past her constricted lungs.

"Hey, don't sell me short. I'm bloody fine jewellery, lady."

Rey giggled, patting his back as affectionately as she could with her arms pinned to her sides as they were. Mostly, she just ended up swatting at his ribs.

"C'mon Poe, I can barely breathe!" He loosened his arms slightly, and she finally managed to return his hug, resting her chin on his shoulder, "You look after yourself, Dameron. I want everyone still functional when I get back. No more life threatening injuries, okay?"

He held her out with his hands clutching her shoulders and smiled lopsidedly, "Can't promise anything, bud."

Chewie called an all-ready from the ramp of the Falcon, and R2-D2 beeped along with him.

Rey chuckled when BB-8 chirped back at them, no doubt telling them to back off. She would miss that little droid.

She turned back to Poe and smiled at him when he let his hands fall, a gloomy expression painting his face. Rey knew immediately what was bothering him.

"Hey, you take care of Finn too, you hear? You give him enough are for the both of us until I get back, or you'll have to deal with me."

He mock-saluted, the grin back in place, "Yes ma'am."

Rey had to steady herself when BB-8 launched himself at her legs again, catching her unawares this time.

"Alright, alright!" She knelt to his level, seeing Leia come a little closer in her peripherals, "You have no manners, and you know that right?" Rey asked teasingly as she lightly rubbed his head-dome. BB-8 twittered unapologetically, snuggling closer against her knees and touch.

Leia muttered something to Poe, and Rey saw his expression brighten.

BB-8's beeps turned ever so slightly miserable, and Rey laughed. "Yeah, I'm going to miss you to, you little imp. But don't worry, I'll be back as soon as I can."

He peeped in response and skidded back to Poe's feet when he called.

"Looks like I've got a sort little recon mission to keep my usual danger threshold nice and high-" At Rey's narrowed eyes he held his hands up in defence, "-Don't worry, don't worry. Doc sends her word that Finn won't be up till at least a day after I get back. This prime diamond's gotta fly, honey." Poe pulled her back for one last squeeze, and Rey smacked his chest good-naturedly when he let her go.

"Mmhmm, just so long as 'prime diamond' doesn't get himself pretzeled around a TIE fighter, I'm happy."

"Wouldn't dream of it, I'm your best necklace remember? And you'd probably kill me if I left Finny all alone." He winked at Rey before heading off, BB-8 hot on his heels.

Rey could only shake her head at him, marvelling at the mere existence of a friendship, never mind one this good. Rey had only ever dreamed of such things.