AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Hello everyone! Poe and Shayavi are back! After the wonderful feedback, private messages, and requests I received following "Mission to Lahsbane", I couldn't help myself. I had to keep writing. I wanted to continue for several reasons: 1) Not to let you guys down, 2) I was having way too much fun with these characters, and 3) Poe is TOO SEXY to not continue writing!
And yes, a disclaimer: this story will be much sexier than Mission to Lahsbane. Now that their relationship has been well established and solidified from "Mission to Lahsbane", I now have more freedom to...erm...play.
Won't you join me? :)
Have fun!
-Winter
"Okay, you see the target to the east?"
"I see it."
"Give it everything you got."
Shayavi leveled the X-wing and set her target. With her thumb on the trigger, she fired a shot that was dead center on the target. The tree exploded into splinters that showered the ship as they passed through.
In the seat beside her, Poe couldn't help but clap proudly. "That's right! That's my girl! Now the next one...9 o'clock."
"Got it" Shay said, biting her bottom lip in concentration.
"Watch your back, don't ever forget that."
"Never."
Poe couldn't stop smiling. Next to him in the cockpit, Shay was knocking it out of the park.
They made a hairpin turn and circled back as Shay brought the next tree within firing range. Engaging the target lock, she pressed the trigger and let fly another pair of laser fire right at the tree. It erupted into fragments, some of which burst into flames.
This time, Shay looked to her side to see Poe's elated cheers as she brought the X-wing back for one more pass. "Not bad, huh?"
Poe laughed into his mouthpiece. "Are you kidding? You're a natural!"
Even beneath his helmet, Shay saw his eyes crinkling at the corners happily. "Alright - last one" she said, though it was more to herself than it was to Poe.
"Right." Poe leaned forward, eyes focused beyond his helmet visor. "This one is split. Hit both without catching either of your wings on them. Bonus points for creativity." He looked at her with a smile. "Think you got this?"
She looked at him beneath her own helmet, her eyes on fire with the thrill of the challenge. She reached over and yanked on one of his safety restraints. "Strap yourself in, Commander."
Poe stared at Shay, half-laughing, half-shaking his head at her. She was turning him on and she didn't even know it - or maybe she did, he had no idea. He felt tightness rising in his groin in response to the bold way she handled the ship, the way she talked to him whenever she manned the helm, hell - even the way she looked with a Resistance helmet on.
Though Shay's pastel Pantoran features gave her a naturally soft look, it was the innate grit and determination she had, especially behind the helm of an X-wing, that Poe loved most. Her fuchsia hair spilled out over her shoulders, a stark contrast to the all-black flight attire she'd worn. It added a slightly hard edge to her feminine appearance, and the whole thing turned Poe on so fiercely that it hurt.
Shay maneuvered the X-wing around to the two trees in question and thought of a plan. She wanted to really impress Poe on this last challenge, so she decided to go for it.
Lining the easternmost tree into her sights, she increased her fuel intake and fired all engines. When she was only a few meters from the tree, she fired. When that tree exploded, she blew through - hit the breaks, pulled hard on the throttle and whipped the X-wing back on its tails. Now she was facing the exploded tree from behind. She hit the throttle hard, and in a final shot, she blasted the other tree and covered back the way they came.
Poe's mouth dropped open when he looked at her.
Shay was grinning proudly. "Whaddya think?"
Reaching across the electronic console between them, Poe grabbed Shay and brought her in for a kiss. Their helmets knocked together, but their mouths found each other's with ease.
And so it had been the past few weeks: Poe and Shay in a tandem X-wing; Poe instructing and fine-tuning her already considerable talent behind the cockpit, and Shay blowing him away with how quickly she caught on. When Shay first asked to practice with him, it was a dream come true. He always wanted to teach someone he loved what he knew about flying, and Shay was the perfect audience: she was willing, enthusiastic, and damn good.
She brought the X-wing down into a small clearing not far from where they began the day's exercise, engaging the landing gear and giving BB-8 word that they were done for the day. They were the only ones out this early in the day, which is why they always left right after sunrise. It was their guaranteed free time alone with one another and they relished it. Each day they chose a new part of D'Qar's endless forests in which to terrorize with their practice shots.
As Poe jumped down out of the cockpit, he lifted off his helmet and shook out his hair. As soon as Shay came around the ship, he dropped his helmet and walked up to her, his hands sliding around her waist. "Did I ever mention how hot you get me when we fly?" he uttered, pressing against her.
"You hardly have to tell me." She reached down to palm his growing erection through his pants. "I do love that I have this kind of power over you." And she did love it. She was really starting to love flying, but she loved what it did to Poe even more.
Their mouths connected, this time harder and longer than before. Poe backed Shay towards the ship as he deepened the kiss. When she felt the ship's metal frame against her back, she smiled against Poe's mouth. "Uh oh" she uttered.
"Pinned." Poe eyed her playfully as he drug his lips down to the hollow of her neck. "Now what are you gonna do?" His mouth knew exactly where each of her weak spots were and he wouldn't hesitate to use that knowledge against her. He drug his stubble along her skin for added measure; a move he knew drove her crazy.
In response, Shay reached down and undid the belt about his waist. "Not much I can do, is there?"
"Hmm, I can think of a few things..."
"So can I."
Poe's wandering hands slid down her hips, finding their way to the button of her pants. Neither had worn a flight suit, since they hadn't gone out of D'Qar's orbit, but they still had way too many layers on for their liking...especially now.
As Poe worked her pants over the curve of her bottom, Shay pushed his jacket off his shoulders. She took in the white shirt adorning his body beneath with satisfaction; white would always be her favorite color on him. The brightness complimented his tan skin, enhancing his ruggedly handsome appearance. She lifted the hem of the shirt to expose the rippled pane of his abs, her eyes following the trail of hair that led to exactly what she wanted. A subtle smile played over her mouth, which Poe noticed.
"See something you like?" he teased.
She caught his face in her hands, devouring his full lips with hers. "I have to have you here" she panted.
Poe wasted no time. He grabbed behind Shay's knees and lifted her legs up to his hips, pinning her hard against the body of the ship. "I thought you didn't want to fuck against the ship anymore?" he taunted. He knew damn well when she'd uttered those words the last time, it was all just idle threats.
Shay bit his bottom lip. "Shut up and take me, Commander."
Poe groaned deep in his throat and kissed her even harder. Calling him 'commander' always got him going, and this time was no exception. Shay smiled against his cheek as he bit at her neck, marking her possessively. She was all his, and would never be anyone else's. He loved her ferociously, and fucked her just as intensely.
Shay sunk her fingers into Poe's hair, closed her eyes, and gave in to his desire. She heard the harsh tear of a zipper, then felt the heat of his sex press against her eagerly as he nudged the rest of her flight suit to the ground. From here on out, it was only them, their ship, and the wilderness around them.
Shay sat on a workbench in the hangar listening to the other mechanics going on and on during their lunch break about the new recruits coming to join the Resistance. This came as a slight surprise, since she hadn't heard much about it until now. Apparently, General Organa had called up more who were willing to join the cause, considering they needed all the help they could get. As long the Resistance kept getting new people volunteering for the cause, Shay truly believed they stood a chance in this war. Although truth be told, she couldn't help but wonder if this very same conversation was brought up before she joined the Resistance.
She slowly licked her spoon as her thoughts drifted in and out of the conversation at hand while thinking back to her and Poe's morning together.
"So am I the best flight instructor you've ever had?"
"Hmm...the best? The sexiest, maybe..."
"Says the girl who had an orgasm earlier."
She smiled against her spoon. Even when he wasn't around, Poe still managed to make her smile. It was so comfortable between them now. They'd been 'official' for a little while, though they didn't make an outward point of flaunting it. There were plenty of relationships within the Resistance, but neither Shay nor Poe cared much for the billboard-like relationship. They were both busy, but they stole away moments whenever they could in between the craziness that was their life. It helped that neither were assigned to any missions lately, so they had more time at the base together.
Blinking out of her memories, Shay forced herself back to the present moment and did her best to stay there. It seemed the conversation nearby was still on the new recruits and where they'd be assigned, although something new being discussed gave Shay a reason to join in. She listened as they talked about some social event that was being planned among the various crews at the base; a sort of 'welcome party' for the recruits, so to speak, though much more low key.
"I didn't get a welcome party" Shay said, humor in her voice. "What gives?"
Her dear friend, Catlin, sat next to her and gave her shoulder a shove. "You came alone, silly. As much as I love you, I don't think the base is going to celebrate one recruit as opposed to nearly twenty new recruits."
Shay shrugged. "Their loss." She smirked at Cat and took a drink from her water bottle.
It was true: this upcoming group of newcomers was the largest they'd seen in months. Aside from one or two handpicked individuals, like herself, the Resistance hadn't had an influx of bodies in quite some time. It helped they had won a few battles and missions recently, reigniting the spark that was essential to getting new people to volunteer for the cause.
"A bunch of the pilots think something like this will help them want to stay" said Wyle to the group. "I think winning does more for that then a drunken night of bonding."
Shay thought about her night with Black Squadron on Lahsbane, sitting around the fire together doing just that: drinking and bonding. That night sure helped her in many, many ways, plus...she got to learn all about the people who ended up saving her ass later in the mission. Because of this, she thought about arguing Wyle's point, but decided against it in the end.
"So are you going to come?" Wyle asked.
Shay pointed at herself. "Who me?" She stared down at her water. "I don't know...when is it?"
Cat rolled her eyes. "Of course she's going Wyle. And guess who'll she'll be going with."
The others sitting there stared at Shay with subtle smiles on their faces. Shay knew exactly what they were thinking, and nothing she could say in argument would be close to the truth. Poe would be there, and she'd be with him. They knew it. She knew it. But her and Poe weren't exactly that public with their relationship. Though: what would be the harm?
Growing tired of the chatter, Shay passed a smirk around at the group and grabbed what was left of her lunch. "Sorry to eat and run, but duty calls" she told them as she stood. "I'm sure you all understand?"
They all laughed and waved her off, mumbling something about 'duty' meaning Dameron, and that was the last Shay heard as she walked away. As much as she didn't wanted to hide it, she was smiling.
Poe couldn't stop laughing. He lay across from Shay on the bed, her hand in his as she attempted to 'read his palm'. His cheeks already hurt from smiling so much, but he didn't care. He watched Shay with growing affection as she stared down at his palm, tracing the lines.
"And this one..." She said, trying to hold back a giggle. "This one signifies many, many blown-up ships."
Both of Poe's eyebrows shot up. "Ships, huh?"
She nodded.
"Am I in said ships?"
"Oh no. Of course not."
"Well that's a relief."
Shay smirked. "Wait wait...hold on...look at this." With the tip of her finger, she traced the lengthy line that ran down the center of his hand. "Know what this one is?"
"I don't have the slightest clue" he said while chuckling.
Shay loved when Poe was so happy that his entire face scrunched up. This was one of those moments and it caused her to have an urge to kiss him, so she did. "Now pay attention, because this is a big one."
Poe was clearly intrigued. "Do tell, Mistress of Pantora."
"This one signifies your love life." Shay's smirk grew, enticing him.
"Ooooo." He leaned in closer until his head was nearly touching Shay's. "What's your prediction?"
"This is no prediction. This is fact."
"Even better."
Shay's amber eyes centered on Poe. "I see a long and prosperous life full of happiness and bliss between you and your one true love…." She paused, creating even more anticipation. "…..your droid."
Poe exhaled hard and flopped back on the bed. Across the room, BB-8's head spun and looked at them with a curious whrrrmm?
Shay was laughing at the ridiculousness of it all the same time Poe started to shake his head at her. "C'mere, you" he said, pulling her on top of him. She squirmed under Poe's touch but his arms were too fast. He began to tickle her in her stomach — a weak spot he discovered and used whenever he could to his advantage — as they both continued to laugh.
Silly moments like this were what the pair craved and found in one another, a respite of playfulness in all the heaviness that surrounded them. Unfortunately, their carefree moment was interrupted by a knocking at Poe's door, which halted all their noise.
"Sit tight." Poe's lips found Shay's as he rose from the bed. When he turned to leave, he felt her hand slap his ass. He gave her a warning glance, full of sass and playfulness, then went to the door.
Upon opening, Poe's eyebrows rose. "General?"
"Good evening, Commander." Leia smiled, hands folding in front of her. Her eyes moved down his shirtless torso to his boxers. "I was hoping to discuss something with you..." She cleared her throat. "That is, if you're free to do so?"
"Well, uh..." He scratched at the back of his neck as he glanced over his shoulder. Since all the quarters on D'Qar's base were open studios by design, his bed - and Shay - were visible from the door. It wasn't like General Organa didn't know they were together, but he still wasn't used to having a superior see him half-dressed with his significant other. "I mean, I'm never too busy for you, General-"
Leia smirked. "-Out with it, Dameron."
Poe gave her a lop-sided smile. "Shayavi's here. So..." He wiggled his head and laughed. "I probably shouldn't-"
"-Is she presentable?"
Leia's deadpan statement shocked Poe to silence. "Wha-Yeah, yeah she is, but..."
"Well I don't see a problem then!" She pushed past Poe and entered his living area with a grin. "Good evening, Pewcha. Sorry to interrupt you two."
"Not a problem!" Shay called, scrambling across the room to cover herself. In place of a robe, she wrapped one of Poe's long sleeved shirts over herself to cover the cami and shorts she was wearing. It was the nearest item she could find, though Leia didn't seem to notice either way. Shay hugged the shirt against her, giving Poe a sympathetic smile as he came and stood next to her.
"I'm actually glad I could catch you both" Leia told them. If she was fazed by them standing there half-dressed, it didn't show in the slightest. "Dameron, I'm placing you in charge of the next set of recruits coming in tomorrow. Most of them are pilots, but they'll need all the help you can give them with how things work around here. At the very least, show them around the base."
"Absolutely, General" he told her, feeling flattered that she'd chosen him. It was a big deal, and a great chance to show leadership to both the General and the recruits. He glanced beside him to see Shayavi admiring him with great pride.
Now, Leia turned to Shay. "You may be happy to know there's another Pantoran coming up with the group."
Shay was certainly surprised to hear this. "Is that so?" She looked to Poe with some thrill at the news, and he gave her a nudge in the side.
"I was wondering if you'd do the honors of making sure they're well acquainted around the base?"
"Of course." Shay felt the excitement mounting inside her. Though she never felt isolated at all among the others in the Resistance, it would be nice to have another Pantoran along. If there was a way she could make them feel comfortable upon arrival, she would be sure to do it.
"Excellent." Leia lifted her hands. "See? Didn't take long at all. I'll be sure to leave you two alone now..."
Poe and Shay exchanged a smirk. "It's really okay, General" Poe mentioned. "If there's anyone we don't mind a random visit from, it's you." Beside him, Shay was nodding in agreement.
Standing before the couple, Leia could feel their energy through the Force. While she never used the Force much, it still ran through her veins and would forever be a part of her, no matter how much she tried to shut herself off from it. She couldn't hone it quite the way her brother could, but she still felt certain people's energy. Poe and Shayavi, for as much as they tried to appear totally normal in front of her, were failing miserably at it and it made Leia smile even more.
"I've already overstayed my welcome" she said, motioning a hand towards the door. "I have a few other people I need to speak to before it gets any later."
"You should get some sleep yourself" said Poe, his protective side coming to the surface. His hand found the low of Leia's back as he opened the door. "And I say that with all the love and respect in the galaxy."
Leia knew he did, and she adored him for it. "Thank you, Dameron, but I'll sleep when the war's over. You sleep for me, how about that?"
Shay heard her from behind and couldn't help but dip her head to disguise her smirk. If she didn't know better, she would swear they sounded like a stubborn mother and an equally stubborn son.
Poe pulled a face at Leia, but there was nothing but love in his eyes. "Goodnight General. Thanks for dropping by."
"Any time, Commander." She looked over Poe's shoulder and waved. "Goodnight to you too, Shay."
Shayavi waved, still partly hugging Poe's shirt over her body. As Poe closed the door and came back into the room, his expression matched hers when they looked upon each other: they both loved Leia more than words could do justice.
"So…Recruit officer now?" Shay's eyes were alive with adoration for Poe as he walked towards her. "So many titles for one man."
Poe was flattered by the way Shay spoke of him, but moreso by the way she was looking at him. His hands found her waist and drew her in. "Can I admit something?"
"Anything your heart desires." She looked up at him, though her gaze lingered lovingly on his mouth.
"I kind of love this look on you." A spark of something hungry appeared in Poe's dark stare. "I think you should wear more of my clothes, in fact."
Shay regarded him curiously. "And here I thought you always wanted me naked."
"Oh you'll eventually get there, don't worry." Poe tipped her chin and kissed her. It was a slow kiss; unhurried and deliberate. Truthfully, he did find Shay sexy in his shirt. The way the length was just right, falling to just below the curve of her ass and highlighting her long legs. He could get pretty used to this sort of thing.
Shay couldn't argue either, because his shirt smelled delightfully of all things that made Poe Poe. She drew the collar in and inhaled, then smiled at him. "I think I can make that happen. I like smelling like you...when you smell this good, that is."
He laughed, and without warning, scooped Shay into both his arms. "Back to bed with you, then" he said, and carried her back to their sanctuary once more.
