Author's note:

Hey everyone, so SO SOOOOO sorry it's been so long since I last uploaded. It's been a crazy couple of weeks, but in a good way :) Going to try and upload more regularly, but the one-a-day original plan was hugely unrealistic, especially when writer's block strikes as it did with this chapter! Not a massive amount of Poe/Nell fluff in this one. Hopefully more in the next chapter!

Thank you so so much for all of your follows and reviews - keep them coming, I love getting feedback and would love to hear what you'd like to see in future chapters. Really hope you enjoy this chapter, and thank you for sticking with it so far!

Deserah xx

Chapter 10

The harsh beeping of her chrono alarm woke Nell the next morning. Slowly blinking her eyes open, Nell was suddenly aware of the heavy arm wrapped around her waist and the warm body that was attached to it pressed up against her back. Her gaze followed the arm up to broad shoulders and Nell slowly smiled as she remembered the events of the night before.

"Good morning, beautiful" Poe mumbled, his eyes still closed. Nell grinned and kissed his cheek, turning to face him and settling in his embrace. Poe opened his eyes and propped himself up on his forearm, raising his other hand to brush a few stray curls out of Nell's face.

"Tell me we don't have to get up yet? You're so warm" Nell murmured, tucking her head in to his chest and burrowing further under the covers. Nell felt Poe's laugh rumble in his chest as he kissed the top of her head.

" Not yet, sweetheart, but there are a few things I wanna do today. I'd be more than happy for you to tag along though...if you want to that is. I need to go and see Finn."

Nell nodded, feeling her eyes close again as she revelled in the warmth of her pilot's arms.

Rey sat at Finn's bedside, watching his chest rise and fall in time with the steady beeping of the monitors surrounding his bed. She couldn't help but feel responsible for his state, even if it had been that monster Kylo Ren who had caused her friend's injuries. She'd been sitting at his bedside for hours, only leaving the room when the med droids needed to change Finn's dressings. Her guilt at Finn's injuries only strengthened her resolve. She would be leaving soon to find Luke Skywalker, now that the map was complete. She would convince the legendary Jedi to train her in the ways of the force, and together they would defeat Kylo Ren. Rey was wary of the anger she felt towards the fallen Jedi, knowing that it would be a weakness. She had seen what anger and hatred had done to Han Solo's son, how it tore him apart and had led him to commit unspeakable acts. Rey knew that she had to follow the path of the light if she was to bring justice for her friend and the fallen members of the Resistance and the New Republic.

Rey was startled out of her reverie by the beeps and whistles of a familiar BB-8 unit that entered the room, followed by the pilot, Poe Dameron and a girl she hadn't seen before. Rey smiled tentatively at the trio, unsure of what to say.

"How is he?" Poe asked quietly, his eyes not moving from his unconscious friend. Rey followed his gaze, looking back at Finn.

" The wound in his back is healing well, considering the med team's lack of previous experience with saber wounds. Dr Kalonia was in here earlier checking his wounds and said that there's no reason why he shouldn't wake up...he just...they don't know why he won't wake up." Rey's eyes filled with tears. Poe placed a comforting hand on her shoulder and BB-8 nudged against her leg, letting out a long, forlorn beep in sympathy.

"Y'know, Nell and I can watch him for a while if you want to go and get a bite to eat or sleep? How long have you been here, Rey? I promise we'll let you know right away if anything changes."

Rey looked at Poe and Nell uncertainly, chewing her lip and looking back at Finn. Nell studied the girl. She was slender, but strong, with clear tanned skin and arresting hazel eyes. She can't have been more than 19, but there was pain in her gaze that aged her. The dark circles under her eyes suggested that she hadn't slept in days.

"I don't know...I don't want to leave him..." Nell stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on Rey's shoulder.

"He won't be alone" She said softly, giving Rey a sympathetic smile "Get some rest, eat something – he wouldn't want you not to be looking after yourself. We'll be here." Rey nodded resignedly, turning to kiss Finn's forehead before leaving the room with a backward glance.

Nell watched the girl leave, before taking a seat next to Poe at Finn's bedside.

"He saved me, you know." Poe said after a while, breaking the silence. Nell turned to look at him and clasped his hand, waiting for him to explain further.

"He was a stormtrooper. I'd be scheduled for 'termination', they called it. He got me out of Kylo Ren's torture chamber. We stole a tie-fighter and flew out of that Star Destroyer, crashing on Jaaku. If it wasn't for him I'd probably be dead now. Or worse." Poe had the same haunted look on his face that Nell had seen the night before. She squeezed his hand, unsure of what to say to comfort Poe.

"He's a brave man. I owe him a debt of gratitude too, in that case. If he hadn't got you out I never would have met you." Nell admitted, quietly. Poe turned to look at her, smiling slightly and wrapping and arm around her shoulders. They both turned back to watch Finn, waiting to see a change.

A few hours passed, and Poe dozed off, his head resting on Nell's shoulder. When the General walked in to the room, Nell smiled at her apologetically, not standing for fear of waking Poe. Leia smiled back at the girl, going over to the other side of Finn's bed. Not looking up from the former stormtrooper's peaceful face, Leia spoke.

"This young man in a brave soul indeed. Not only did he save my best pilot, he helped destroy Starkiller base and dealt a significant blow to the First Order. We all owe him a great deal. But I see you already know that." At this, Leia looked up at Nell, a tiny smile playing on her lips.

"He helped avenge my family's deaths and for that I will be eternally thankful." Nell answered, unsure what else to say to the stoic woman who watched her.

"I'm glad you and Dameron have found each other. There are dark days ahead of us. Take comfort in each other."

Nell felt Poe stirring before she could respond. The pilot blinked groggily, jumping out of his seat when he saw the older woman in front of him.

"General! I'm sorry, if I'd known..."

"At ease, Dameron." Looking at Nell before turning back to the pilot, Leia continued "If you have other things to do I can watch Finn for now." Her tone implied a command, rather than a request.

Nodding, Poe stepped over to Finn's side.

"Take it easy buddy. I'll be back tomorrow. You're in good company here." Poe winked at Nell and took her hand, leading her out of the med bay as the General took the seat he'd vacated.

When they were out in the corridor Poe stopped and turned to Nell.

"So, what do you want to do for the rest of the day? Want to get some food? I'm starved." Nell grinned, nodding in agreement.

"Food sounds great. Lead the way, Commander." She winked at Poe, who wrapped and arm around her shoulders, leading her towards the mess hall. Nell positively glowed with happiness.