If he had a choice between the safe enclosure of the Millennium Falcon and the open desert where aliens could attack, BB-8 would definitely have chosen the former. But it was not his decision to make, so here he was, sitting out in the open acting as a lookout while Rey and Finn rested. Not that he minded watching over them, as his metaphorical metallic heart had grown fond of the two; it's just that he'd rather everyone be in the protective surroundings of a ship.
Under normal circumstances BB-8 would have been in such a state, but the last conflict he'd escaped had left him in need of internal repairs. So he watched, dejectedly, as General Organa directed Poe to embark on another daring mission, while BB-8 stayed behind so he could be patched up. Now that everything was once again in place, he'd been tasked to watch over Rey and Finn, who were all too eager to escape the confines of the ship and sleep out in the open.
BB-8's vision zoomed in on the two. They had their backs settled against a cluster of red rocks, heads back as they snoozed. Shifting the sensor to the left, BB-8 focused on Rey. Ever since she'd come back from her Jedi training, she seemed different. "More decisive" wasn't the correct phrase per se, but she certainly seemed to have a better grasp on what she wanted in life.
If BB-8 had shoulders he would have shrugged. Maybe she finally realized there was more to the universe than Jakku.
Rey also seemed to look at Finn with new eyes. There was no question if Finn had feelings for Rey- that much was certain. But ever since Rey returned and found Finn fully recovered, she seemed to tone her no-nonsense guard down a notch. Now here she was, sleeping with her head on Finn's shoulder.
HER HEAD ON FINN'S SHOULDER? BB-8's eyepiece zoomed in closer, wondering if the desert sand had somehow obscured his vision. But sure enough, Rey's head was snuggled in the crook of Finn's neck.
Curiosity made BB-8 want to roll closer, but moving over the gravel would certainly have awakened the two of them. If only he had a jet pack like R2D2…
Finn's eyes opened, but he was oblivious to the little droid; instead, he was focused on the girl next to him. BB-8 didn't need to be Force-sensitive to know Finn was equally surprised by Rey's sudden action.
For a moment, Finn seemed to contemplate something. Then, slowly, he reached out and took Rey's hand.
The memory of Rey shouting, "Stop holding my hand!" ran through BB-8's memory chip, but this was not how the current situation played out. Instead, Rey gave a small smile, interlacing her fingers between his and nuzzling her head into a more comfortable position on his shoulder. Finn pressed his cheek against Rey's hair and gave a matching smile, pleased at the sudden turn in events.
Imperial Stormtroopers falling in love with Jedis? BB-8 mused. What a universe this is.
Oh, to be human.