A war meeting with general Leia and her most trusted advisors, will Poe be able to keep his anger in check?
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Ben stands silently beside me, his arms crossed and his face stoic as he listens to the war plans. Poe glowers at him from across the table, his eyes shinning with rage, meanwhile Finn stands by the side of the table, halfway between Poe and I, a bubble of nervous energy surrounding him, as if he expects to have to jump between us, at a moment's notice. Ben subtlety moves closer to my side, his elbow brushing against my shoulder and I look up, surprised to see the dark gleam of power flashing in his eyes, his posture practically screaming try it. I follow his stare across the table, Ben and Poe in a glare off. I turn slightly, bumping him with my shoulder and he breaks eye contact, looking down at me with a slight frown. I narrow my eyes at him and he sighs, relaxing his stance. My shoulders slump and I let out a silent gasp of relief. I can try to take out all the darkness from Ben, but I can't change the utter alphaness of his personality that challenges anyone to mess with him or by extension, me. Finn coughs softly and Poe glances at him, his anger dissolving as he gazes at his lover.
"I think that's enough for today. We'll reconvene in three days time to regroup." Leia dismisses her advisors and they file out, casting not so subtle looks at Ben, their curiosity piqued by the return of the prodigal son. Poe goes to stomp out behind them, his anger once again flaring up, but Leia stops him with a withering look. He shifts from foot to foot, avoiding her eyes, but doesn't move to leave again.
"I think it's time we all have a very serious discussion." Her brown eyes settle on Finn and she smiles softly. "Be a dear and close the door, Finn." He nods and hurries to the door, the heavy metal groaning before settling with a deep plunk. Leia stands proud, her hands on her hips, looking fierce, despite her short stature and age. Finn fidgets nervously beside Poe, glancing over at me, his eyes seeming to ask for forgiveness for Poe's actions. I quickly look away, partly because I'm not quite ready to forgive Poe and partly because I still feel guilty about keeping my relationship with Ben a secret. Leia looks at each of us, pausing briefly on Ben before speaking, her voice strong and steady.
"We're in the middle of a war with the empire. Everyday they get stronger, while our own numbers dwindle. Can anyone tell me what we're doing about it." It's more of statement than a question and we're all silent, afraid to speak up and incur her wrath. Leia folds her arms, her face becoming stern.
"We're fighting among ourselves like children and shooting off blasters like they are toys." She looks sharply at Poe and he seems to shrink under her disapproving stare. Next she slides her eyes to Ben, staring at him for a quiet moment, before speaking.
"Ben is under strict supervision by myself and Rey. I sense no lies in his words, but rest assured Poe, that at the first hint of betrayal, he will be apprehended and locked away." I open my mouth to protest but I hear a soft voice whisper in my mind, urging me to let it go. I look over at Ben and he gives one tiny shake of his head, his eyes locked firmly on Leia. I press my lips together and push it aside-for now. Leia holds up her hand, pointing at each of us, her face a hard mask of don't fuck with me.
"I want this fighting and arguing to stop. Next time I hear about a fight breaking out, or blasters going off unjustly, I'll not only strip you of your titles, but I will exile you from the rebellion. Do I make myself clear?" She looks at all of us, her eyes daring any of us to talk back. Feeling like scolded children, we all nod our heads. Satisfied that she's thoroughly lectured us, she brushes her hands on her leggings, her face once more transforming into the serene face of the general we've all come to know and respect.
"Then, I think we're done here. Make sure you all go get some dinner." She smiles slightly at us, looking pointedly at the door. Finn hastens to open it for her, stammering his goodbyes. Once Leia is gone we all take a collective breath of relief. Poe stuffs his hands in his pockets and rocks back on his feet, not looking at us. Finn comes up beside him and pinches his cheek-hard. Poe yelps and glares at his lover. Finn glares fiercely at him and he looks taken aback. He inclines his head at us, his eyes wide with words only Poe is meant to understand. Ben grips my hip, pulling me into his side, pressing his face to my hair, inhaling my scent.
"I'm sorry for almost hurting you, Rey. I lost my head and it won't happen again." He turns to face us, his eyes showing his remorse for almost hitting me. "I won't apologize for trying to shoot, him." He pauses, seeming unable or unwilling to say Ben's name. Finn pinches Poe again and he narrows his eyes, rubbing his arm.
"But, I apologize for not giving you a chance to explain, before I started freaking out." I go to tell him his apology sucks, when a cool voice interrupts me.
"Apology accepted. I know it doesn't change all the pain I've caused, but I truly regret everything I've done and I will spend the rest of my life, trying to right those wrongs." Ben's eyes shine with conviction and I press closer to him, hugging him tight. Ben smiles down at me, before smoothing his face into an unreadable mask.
"I hope we can work together to save the galaxy, especially since we both have someone we want to protect." Poe glances at Finn, his brows close together as he thinks. Finally, he nods his head, his eyes losing their malice.
"This doesn't mean I like you, but if Rey trusts you, then I can try to as well." Finn beams at him, his face almost splitting in two from the force of his smile. Finn looks at me, his smile so bright, I have to resist the urge to shield my eyes. His smile falters when I don't return it, looking uncertainly at me. I want to throw my arms around him and hug my best friend but I still have the guilt swirling around inside me and so I look away. Ben squeezes my hip, whispering in my mind.
"What's wrong? Finn seems to want to hug you." Having been raised partly by an evil warlord, I don't expect him to understand what I'm feeling so I merely shrug, resting my head on his chest. Poe wraps his arm around Finn's shoulders and pulls him inside his side, pressing a kiss to his head. Poe and Finn say their goodbyes, Finn looking at me over his shoulder, his eyes shinning with hurt. I want to comfort him and tell him everything is going to be alright, but how can I do that when I'm still unsure myself? Once they are gone, Ben turns me to face him and leans down to kiss me, his lips warm and his breath smelling like mint. It's an intoxicating mix and my head spins. Ben pulls away and presses his forehead to mine, his eyes gazing lovingly down at me.
"I love you Rey, forever and a day." A smile tugs at my lips and I lean up to kiss him again, this time losing myself in him. The rest of the world fades away, until all there is, is Ben.