Author's Note: In this chapter, we can see the division between Rey and the Resistance. It shows us more of why she has chosen Kylo Ren. I feel like this is her dark survivor side coming out. Alcohol certainly doesn't help the matter either. Warning next chapter is about to get crazy…
Chapter 11
Rey had just finished the tray of food in front of her. She looked up to see Rose and Finn making their way over. They took the seats across from her. Here we go again.
"I bet you'll never guess what we found a crate of," Finn said.
They must have found the alcohol. "Weapons?" Rey innocently offered.
"Nope, try again." He placed his folded hands on the table.
She clasped the edge of her chin, appearing to mull it over. "Stormtrooper armour?"
He smiled. "You're guessing everything we didn't find."
She smirked. "Was is Kylo Ren's porn collection?"
Finn threw his head back and laughed. Rose began giggling beside him. Rey couldn't help but join in on their laughter. Rey shrugged and threw her hands up in defeat. "You said I'd never guess what it was."
"I don't know where you got that idea from missy, but no." He was still chuckling. "We didn't find anything like that."
Rose chimed in. "We found alcohol, dummy." She was beaming as she looked from Finn to her.
Rey was smiling back, but she was anything happy. She didn't particularly like Rose. She seemed like a nice enough girl to everyone, but her. Ever since her recovery she had stuck to Finn like glue. She was always finding ways to try and put a division between Rey and Finn. Rey knew it was out of jealousy. Not like she had anything to be concerned about. Rey didn't like Finn like that. Rose was always finding ways to question her and even undermine her. It started long before the incident in the mess hall and the exploding glass. Now she's upgrading to innocently disguised insults. Two can play at that game.
Rey leaned forward, faking as much gentleness as she could. "We all aren't as smart as you." Some of us are smarter. Rey tucked a hair behind her ear and looked back at Finn. "I haven't tried alcohol before."
Finn was watching Rey intently. "We can change that. Poe's sorting through it now."
Rey shyly looked away. Rose's energy was tense. Rey could sense it. "Is there anything you would recommend?" Rey sais. Looking through her lashes to meet his expression. If Rose wasn't going to be friendly, then neither would she. Shamelessly flirting with Finn would be a nice way to show Rose who has the real power here.
You couldn't wipe the smile off Finn's face. "I like whiskey, but we'll need to start you on something a little less strong."
Rey giggled and reached her hand out to him across the table. "With you there, it wouldn't matter what I try." She grasped his hands. "You'll look after me, won't you?"
He gently squeezed back. "Of course, I will."
Rey turned her attention back to Rose. "What about you?" She released Finn. "Do you have a favourite poison?"
Rose cleared her throat. She had been staring at their interlocked hands on the table. Glancing up to meet Rey's eyes. "I like wine. The sweeter, the better."
"I'm sure I'll like what you like." Rey leaned back in her seat. "I'll have to try both." She declared.
Rey reached out and brushed against Rose's mind. Her thoughts were practically screaming. Both alcohol or both men?
"It's good to know I have options," Rey replied.
Rose furrowed her brows. She can't read my thoughts, can she? "Maybe our tastes are different?"
"You can only hope." Rey retorted. She was getting a surprising thrill out of messing with Rose. The darkness was rising within her.
Finn was confused over the exchange that was going on but playfully questioned Rose. "You don't want to share the wine, do you Rose?"
"You see straight through me." She playfully swatted at his arm. I wish you could truly see me.
What am I doing? Rey pulled back from Rose's mind. She shouldn't be spying on her thoughts. She was lucky, the girl didn't realise how exposed her mind was. Finn likes Rose. It doesn't matter what I think of her. "Finn? Why don't you and Rose see if the crate has her favourite drink?" She peeked at Rose. "I may not like it, but I'm willing to give it a go." Just like you.
Rose sprung to her feet. "That sounds like a great idea." She grabbed Finn's arm and began dragging him away. Rey sighed and smiled. Giving a sarcastic wave to them both, as they left the room. She needed to be more careful. She couldn't have another mess hall incident. She closed her eyes and began to breathe. She placed her hands flat on the table. In and out. She focussed on her inner light and letting it spread.
By the time she opened her eyes. The table around her was full of people. Rey didn't realise how long had passed by. Rose and Finn had returned. They had been joined by Poe and Kaydel, or rather Connix, she was mostly referred to by her last name. She was still sporting her two signature blonde buns. Was it a salute to Leia? She did idolise her.
"Welcome back." Poe chuckled.
"How long was I…"
"Mediating?" He interrupted. "Not very long. We thought we'd let you finish."
Rose pipped up. "I got you my favourite wine." She pointed to a glass in front of Rey. "It's Moscato."
An olive branch? Rey nodded. She was still a little dazed by the loss of time. "Thank-you. I've heard of that before." She picked up the glass taking a little sip. Savouring the bubbles on her tongue before swallowing. Everyone around the table was watching her. "What?" She croaked out.
Finn was beaming. "So, what do you think?"
Rey looked down at her drink. "Oh, the drink? Yes, it's lovely." She took a bigger gulp.
Poe smiled. "After that glass. You're trying some of the good stuff." He pointed to the tumblers in front of himself, Connix and Finn. They contained a caramel coloured liquid. Whiskey, maybe? "You can't just drink lolly water all night."
Connix snorted into her glass. "You can't expect the poor girl to keep up with the rest of us."
Rey downed the rest of her drink. "That sounds like a challenge." She pointed to her glass. "Come on, Poe. I need some of the good stuff."
"Yes, ma'am." He eagerly said as he topped up her glass.
I much prefer my lady. She thought to herself. She picked up the contents and took a gulp. The liquor burned as she forced it down. She began coughing to clear her throat. "How is that the good stuff?" She spluttered.
Everyone broke out into fits of laughter. "You shall see." Finn chuckled.
As the night wore on, the group reached varying states of inebriation. They were the only people left in the mess hall now. Rey had switched back to the Moscato after the single glass of whiskey. Sam's advise was rolling around her head. She was slowly nursing her second glass of wine. She felt good. Like a warmth had spread throughout her and her mind was less heavy.
"Hey, Rey? Why don't you show us a trick? Poe leaned forward. "Use the force."
They all began to chant to her in unison. "Use the force. Use the force. Use the force."
Rey raised her hand to silence them. "I'll do it once, but I'm not some trained monkey. You're not getting a full-on show." She summoned a glass from the other side of the room and caught it in her hand. They all erupted in cheers. She lightly chuckled. They needed that. This celebration. This small victory. After all the chaos and loss. She was willing to give that to them. It wasn't long until she was back to observing her friends, they had begun to ignore her again. They were so wrapped up in each other. Only noticing her, when she was using the force. Rose and Finn were giggling over something. Connix and Poe seemed to be whispering something between each other. Connix batting her eyelids and watching Poe's every move. Would they notice if I left right now? She took a deep breath. Here I am, all alone.
"You're not alone." Kylo's familiar deep voice whispered behind her. "It's time to come to bed love."
Rey closed her eyes and smiled. Downing the remainder of her alcoholic beverage swiftly. "I think I've had enough for tonight." She pushed herself to stand and was manoeuvring around the table.
Poe banged his fist on the table. "Rey!" He bellowed. Which caused the group to jump. "You can't leave yet!"
Rey swallowed. "I have a big day tomorrow. A lot of ships to repair and I'd prefer to not be nursing a hangover."
"Don't go." He slurred grabbing hold of her wrist as she went to walk by, dragging her onto his lap.
Breathe. Just breathe. Rey patted him on the head. "Someone has had too much to drink." She undoes his hold on her wrist.
"There's enough of me to go around." Poe propositioned. Twisting an arm around her waist.
Rey glanced at Connix, who was frowning. Rose and Finn were still in a fit of laughter.
"If he doesn't let go soon. I will reveal myself to the group." Kylo warned.
"Let go of me, Poe." Rey sternly commanded. "I told you. I'm already seeing someone else."
Poe contritely released her. "He's not exactly here, is he? Does he even exist?"
Rey scrambled to her feet. "I'm not going to dignify that with an answer." She began marching away. "Good night."
"Somebody's uptight. Maybe he's not a decent lay." Poe stated.
Rey was seething. Grinding her teeth and clenching her fists at her side.
"Ignore them." Kylo barked. The anger was rolling off him in waves. He was struggling to take his own advice.
Connix snickered. "Maybe they haven't done the deed yet."
Rey exploded at this. "How dare you!" She spat. Waving a finger at Connix. "I'd prefer to be a virgin, then spreading my legs for anything and everything!" Rey was shaking. "What I do with my partner is none of your business!" She was so mad. Breathe. Just Breathe. She wasn't done. Not by a long shot. "That includes you." She stood over Poe. "Just stop! We will never happen! Stop with the touching and the flirty little advances. You're lucky my other half isn't here right now. He'd probably kill you." She laughed at that. I probably wouldn't stop him either. She signalled to Connix. "Why don't you screw this one. She's ready and waiting. If you'd just open your kriffing eyes."
She whips around to Rose and Finn. "Don't think you two are getting out of this." They both had stopped laughing at this point. Fear was evident on their faces. "Let me spell it out for you." Pointing between the two of them. "You like her, and she likes you. Figure it out and don't bring me into the equation." She threw her hands in the air. Yelling at nobody in particular. "Why the hell do I stay with you people?" She stormed out of the room. Kylo quickened his pace after her. They made it to her room. She slammed the door behind them. She let out a frustrated scream and dropped to her knees. Her face falling into her hands. Kylo sunk to the floor beside her, pulling her to his chest and holding her steady. He concentrated on towing her into his room.
Rey was focusing on the rise and fall of his shoulders. Syncing her breathing with his. After a few stable beats, he spoke. "I'm proud of you."
She snorted and dropped her hands from her face. "What for? For telling it like it is?"
"For that … and for not losing control." He specified. She leaned back from him and scrutinised his appearance in disbelief.
"Didn't you just watch that disaster?" She rebutted. "I definitely lost control." She crossed her arms across her chest.
He smirked. "I did." He stood up and strolled to his cupboard. "Did you notice that even though you exploded, nothing else did?"
She pondered his revelation. She hadn't realised how much control, she had practised in that room. Nobody got injured and nobody was dead. She narrowed her sight, finally noticing that he was fully dressed. He was even wearing his cape and gloves. "Aren't you meant to be dressed for bed? Why are you still wearing all that?" She indicated up and down his body.
He peeked over his shoulder at her. "I waited up for you." He tugged off his gloves and cape. Throwing them in the corner.
She uncrossed her arms and got up off the floor. "Why would you do that?" Making her way over to stand behind him.
"I thought you might've needed me." He declared. He yanked his tunic up over his head, shaking his hair free. "I couldn't exactly show up wearing just my pants, could I?"
She exhaled. "I think if they saw you fully clothed or half-naked, they still would've been terrified."
"True." He kicked off his boots.
"Thank-you. For being there for me." She weakly expressed.
He grinned. "Always." He unclipped his belt and allowed his trousers to drop to the ground. Her eyesight taking in his black trunks.
"You know how distracting it is, that you're getting changed in front of me right now." She sarcastically said.
He laughed. "Where have I heard that before?" He turned and passed her a fresh tunic of his. "You can look as much as you want sweetheart. I've seen just as much of you."
She began removing her own clothing. Kicking off her boots, followed by her pants. She yanked off her bra, top, vest and armbands, slipping on his tunic. Which swam on her, looking more like a dress. She looked down at herself and sighed. "I think I might have to leave some clothes here."
He glanced her over. "You look adorable." He gestured to the cupboard. "You do have some clothing here. This whole draw is yours."
She raised her eyebrows. "May I?" She stepped forward.
"Be my guest." He pulled open the drawer and clutched the side. Allowing her to inspect the contents. She discovered her tan tunic and pants were freshly washed and folded inside. As well as another set of dark training clothing. There was a separate set of ebony attire including a tunic, arm wraps, underwear and even socks. "You're welcome to change, but I happen to like what you're wearing."
"Has anyone besides you, ever warn your clothing before?" She inquired.
He smiled. "Just you."
"Well then. The honour is all mine." She glanced him over and put her hands behind her back. "Are you wearing your trucks or sleeping pants tonight?"
"Trunks. I'd actually prefer to sleep naked, but I wouldn't want you feeling uncomfortable."
"Quite the gentlemen. You wear whatever you want. I don't mind." She skipped over to the bed. "You might want to hurry up though because I can't climb in without you."
He snorted and walked over to the edge of the bed and touched it. She climbed into it, without pausing. He shook his head as she snuggled into the sheets and got comfortable. "What am I going to do with you?"
She leaned back onto his pillow. "Learn to live with me."
He climbed into bed with her, without removing his trunks. He knew they would be coming off soon enough, but tonight wasn't that night. He pulled her close and placed a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Yeah, I can do that."