Chapter 20: Unforgiven

Rey let out a shaky breath as she raised her hand to the polished wood of the door leading into Poe Dameron's office. Three sharp knocks, and then she heard, "Come in."

Pushing the door to, Rey strode in with purpose. Her eyes flashed steely. Seeing her and her dark expression coming, Poe set down his papers with a sigh. The Jedi had insisted on an audience every day for the past standard week. "Rey -"

"I've come to petition on behalf of Ben Solo. Please, let him out. Can't you see he's sick?"

"He's an enemy combatant, and indicted on multiple charges! What would you have me do - let him go?"

"For time served and actions of bravery on behalf of the Resistance - yes!" Rey blasted.

Poe huffed out another breath. "Look, I know you care about him. I know Leia's been advocating for mercy. But I just can't -"

"What? Find it in your heart to show mercy?" Rey snorted. "Shocker."

Poe's eyes narrowed. "And what the kriff is that supposed to mean?" he demanded.

"Oh, let's see. Would you like a list?" Rey started counting off on her fingers. "You took me prisoner and physically abused me when you thought I was aiding and abetting the enemy..."

"Finn was the one who caught you -"

"Yeah. Caught me kissing my husband -"

"We didn't know what might be... I was just following procedure..."

"Oh, and then there's, of course, you kissing me without my consent - I'm married, thank you very much..."

"I thought we moved past that -"

"Oh, I did. Have you?"

Poe breathed in deep through his nose. "I'm with Zorri now. You know that."

"And in that regard, I am pleased for you," Rey clipped shortly. Her voice lowered. "But you still really hurt me, Poe. You held me captive, physically hurt me and tried to get me to endanger the man I love. I don't think we can come back from that."

Poe stared at her as if she had slapped him. "But... but you... you and Finn came back from that, and worse!"

Rey just regarded him sadly. "I've known Finny longer than I've known you. And he at least made an effort to ask for forgiveness. You... I can't say the same."

Poe appeared positively dazed. "What... what can I do?"

But the pity didn't leave Rey's face. "I don't think there's anything to be done," she murmured forlornly. She took a deep breath. "I will attend your wedding, for Zorri's sake; I will always be cordial, but beyond that... I don't want anything to do with you."

Poe's eyes filled with tears. "I understand..." His voice was quite small. As she turned away, his head snapped up to hers. "Rey: please..."

"Goodbye, Poe," Rey whispered. She closed the door behind her.


Back in the Resistance jailhouse, Rey kissed her husband through the bars of his cell, wetting his own face with her tears.

"Did I do the right thing? Or am I just being cruel?" she bemoaned.

Ben pursed his lips for a moment, deep in thought. "Only you can answer that for yourself, sweetheart." He eyed her hard.

"Has Poe earned forgiveness in your eyes?"

She slowly shook her head No.

"Would any animosity between you and Poe hurt Zorri or others around you?"

"I'd make sure it wouldn't, for her sake."

"Do you feel you are right? Are you in the right?"

Rey painfully nodded her head.

Ben smiled at her grimly, sadly. "Then, that's really all you need to know, my love."

Eyes brimming with tears, Rey kissed and kissed him until her lips were sore.