Title: Grateful
author: Cindy Ryan
spoilers: all
notes and summary: See part one

As Poe held Rey enjoying the closeness. The feel of her warm skin; her breath on his neck he let himself remember. Poe had told her of that call from the Falcon. After the elation of the victory to have the bottom fall out had been nearly overwhelming. Poe had been so excited that when the call from the Falcon signaled on his dash Poe had answered and started to talk before the other person could.

'Lando, that was amazing! You guys...;Poe had exclaimed a wide smile on his face.

'Poe.'Finn interrupted his voice shaking.

'You okay? Did you get hurt?'Poe had asked worriedly.

'No, we're fine.'The former storm trooper responded sadly. 'Poe, it's Rey...she's...she's dead.'

'Not possible!'Poe had shouted

Shaking himself from the memory Poe now winced inwardly Of course he'd known it was possible Rey wasn't immortal, wasn't invincible. Death could come for her just like it could come for him. Poe could still feel the controls of his x-wing as he'd held on so tightly. He'd been almost light headed with the adrenaline rush leaving and the cold reality trying to crawl in. Poe closed his eyes and rested his head on top of Rey's. At this moment he was beyond grateful to Leia and Han's son. Memories of the rest of that call came flooding back.

'Poe, I'm sorry...'Finn had said brokenly.

'Don't tell me you're sorry!'Poe shouted in a strained angry voice. 'How...how do you know she's...'

'A feeling.'Finn had stated simply in words laced with grief.

The words rocked Poe now as much as they had then. As he'd sat in that cockpit Poe had fought against his own grief. He'd already lost Snap and Leia and so many others. Did the universe really expect him to add Rey to that list? A woman he was starting to picture a future with? A family with kids?

'Poe?'Finn's worried voice had come over the com. 'You still with me?'

'Yeah.'Poe had responded distantly as he cut the radio call and slumped as much as he could in the seat.

Rey shifted in Poe's embrace bringing him back to the present. His emotions and thoughts took a bit to orientate themselves. Still raw from the memory. So much sadness and grief in that moment. It was hard to pull himself from it. However, a crazy idea helped that. One that he was sure would crush him as much as that radio call had. Gently he pulled away from Rey. She opened her eyes and looked up at him. Not being able to help himself Poe kissed her. Then he disentangled himself from the former scavenger. He knelt on one knee and took Rey's right hand in both of his. She raised an eyebrow at took a deep breath knowing if he didn't do this now he would lose his nerve.

"Marry me."Poe proposed huskily. "Be my wife."