Author's note: As mentioned, we're getting into the sexytimes section of our story. If that's not for you, that's okay. Happy ending is secured. For the rest of us, enjoy!

Disclaimer: Nope.

Chapter 21

"And we're clear," the set manager called.

Poe kept his mouth shut, but just barely. He'd forgotten how annoying all this press could be. It had been years since the USA had won gold in pairs; all the American outlets wanted interviews of them with their medals. Of course, their clear affection on the ice drew its own attention. Video of them making out at center ice was all over the internet; Poe finally had to turn his phone off due to all the notifications. It was insane.

Especially when all he wanted was to get the hell out of there and celebrate with Rey.

She sensed his frustration; she moved her hand a few centimeters to let their fingers brush. Poe smiled, threading their fingers together. "Almost done," she whispered.

"It's already been two hours too long," he complained.

"I think you mean two years too long," she retorted, her hazel eyes sparkling.

Poe suppressed a groan. "Now is not the best time to remind me, Sunshine," he whispered back. "Or we might not make it back to the villa."

"You say that like it's a bad thing." She leaned over and pressed a chaste kiss to his lips. "Unless you want to be bad?"

Poe tried to glare at her for flirting so outrageously in the middle of a commercial break, but he failed miserably. "You're not playing fair."

"I've waited two years, who wants fair?" She grinned and squeezed his hand. She was still holding it when the interview resumed.

Because it was late in the States, they got one of the obscure NBC hosts. "We're here with figure skating gold medalists, Poe Dameron and Rey Kenobi," the reporter said into the camera over Poe's shoulder. "Rey, let's get back to you. You were injured in Sochi in the game against Canada. Did you imagine then that you'd be back at the Olympics?"

"I did. Despite my diagnosis, I never lost the desire to keep playing."

"What about now? If Team USA needed a forward, would you suit up?"

Rey blinked. She'd never really thought about it. Figure skating had consumed her life for two years. She still loved hockey, but did she want to go back? "I don't know," she said at last. "I'm kinda attached to this figure skating thing." She smiled at Poe.

"What about you, Poe? How would you feel about your partner switching sports?"

"If that's what she wanted to do, I'd be the first one cheering her on," he said honestly. "I know for a fact she can still play. Though, I think she's pretty incredible at everything she does."

Rey flushed. She was pink through the rest of the interview, which was blessedly short. Once it was over, they unclipped their microphones and headed back to the green room to get their things. Leia already took their bags and costumes back to the villa; Kes left a car to take them back after they finished all the press. All they had were their coats and their phones. Rey got hers out of her coat pocket; hundreds of notifications lit up the screen. She was still flipping through them when Poe wrapped his arms around her waist from behind. "I turned mine off," he murmured, pressing kisses to her neck. Rey sighed, leaning against him. "I highly recommend that."

"I've got to text Rose at least," she reminded him. "She's very invested."

"In what?" He felt her shiver as his lips found a sensitive spot behind her ear. He smiled into her skin; he loved unlocking new things about her.

"Us," she replied, slightly breathless. There was a mirror right in front of her; she bit her lip at their reflection. They were in matching Team USA sweaters. Poe wore jeans, but Rey wore a dark blue pleated skirt. She would freeze her ass off if they had to wait for the car. Though the skirt did have other advantages.

"You told your sister about me?"

"Mmhmm." She turned in his arms and kissed him hard; Poe lifted her onto the vanity like she weighed nothing and stood boldly between her legs. He loomed over her like that; she let out a needy moan as he deepened the kiss. Their medals clinked together; neither paid any attention.

"We need to get out of here," Poe muttered, almost to himself. Rey wrapped her long bare legs around his waist and pulled him closer. He didn't resist her, letting her feel how badly he needed her. "I didn't imagine…our first time…in NBC's green room."

"Where did you imagine it?" she asked, kissing along his jaw.

"Usually in a bed," he breathed, rocking into her.

"How uncreative," Rey pouted.

He looked at her in surprise, but he realized she was teasing him. "You didn't ask how many times I made you scream my name before I had you," he whispered in her ear.

"Oh fuck," she cursed, her core clenching.

"Don't think I can wait that long though," he continued. "Need you, Sunshine."

She hummed her agreement. "Let's find somewhere a bit more private then, flyboy."

"As you wish." He untangled himself from her and took several deep breaths. Once he could walk (mostly) normally, he got his coat and followed Rey to the elevator. He sent a text to summon the car; Rey sent one to her sister. Poe wasn't sure what time it was in Minnesota; it seemed that Rose was still awake. She sent them a video of the bar going berserk when they won. Poe smiled; he was so happy that Rey had a whole town supporting her like that.

"Come here," Rey said.

"Why?"

"Because I want to send Rose a selfie of us, so she leaves us alone for a minute."

"Oh." Unlike the last time they took a selfie together, Poe didn't feel the least bit guilty as he leaned over Rey's shoulder. She snapped a handful of pictures, some with them holding up their medals, some without. She sent the best one to her sister, then shut off her phone.

"Sorry about that," she said as they took the elevator down. "She's a little excitable."

"I'll keep that in mind when I meet her."

Rey blinked. "You want to meet her?"

Poe frowned. "Why wouldn't I? I thought…we are together now, right? Or did I just make all this up?"

She surged forward and kissed him. "We're together," she confirmed. "I was just surprised. I promise."

"Rey, I know this is all happening fast, if you need us to slow down…"

"No!" she cried. "God, no." She squeezed his hand. "I've never brought anyone home."

"Never?"

"I was never with anyone long enough for it to be serious."

"Oh." He smiled at her. "Just so there's no confusion, I'm very serious about us."

She smiled back. "Me too."

The car was waiting for them when they got to the lobby. Rey barely had time to feel the cold as she ducked into the back of the limo. Poe followed her after a whispered conversation with the driver. She opened her mouth to ask him about it when the privacy screen went up between them and the driver. "Poe?"

Instead of answering her, he kissed her. Rey made a little mewling sound as he stroked her tongue with his. The limo started moving, but she barely noticed it. She was a bit preoccupied with Poe trying to peel her winter coat off. "I asked him to take the long way," he whispered in her ear.

"How long is the long way?"

"As long as we need it to be."

Rey drew him back for another needy kiss. They got her coat off, then his, tossing them both to the floor. Rey smiled into his kiss, pouting in complaint when he broke it to lift her medal over her head. "We wouldn't want anything to happen to this," he said, dropping it onto the pile of coats.

"I suppose not," Rey replied, lifting his medal over his head. This, of course, gave her an idea for later.

Poe laid her down on the bench seat, settling on top of her. She welcomed him in the cradle of her thighs; she liked the way he pressed her into the seat. She ran her fingers through his curls, angling his head so she could explore his mouth. His hands were everywhere, her thighs, her ass, under her sweater. She wrapped her legs around his hips, arching as he nibbled and sucked at the delicate skin of her throat. Heat pooled in her belly; she ground against the swelling bulge in his pants. "Poe…god…"

"I've wanted you for so long, Rey," he murmured, pushing her sweater up and pressing kisses to her belly.

She bit her lip, just as hungry for him. "I'm right here."

"You're sure you want this?"

She sat up and promptly shimmied out of her underwear. She took her sweater off too, leaving only her camisole. Before Poe could even think, she climbed boldly into his lap. She covered his mouth with hers, kissing him thoroughly. Poe's hands slid under her skirt, exploring the soft skin of her thighs. "Need you," she breathed. His fingers skimmed the wet slick skin of her sex; Rey keened. "Fuck."

He distracted her with kisses while his fingers explored her. She was so wet for him already; he stroked her swollen nub slowly until she was squirming and mewling in his lap. Poe had never been so hard in his life; he wanted to bury himself inside her and never leave. "Jesus, Rey."

"Please," she panted, grinding into his touch. "Poe, please."

"Tell me what you want," he demanded. "Tell me."

She cupped his cheeks and kissed him deeply. "I want you inside me." She smiled at him as she reached for his belt and started to work it loose.

Poe groaned, breathing deeply to keep himself in check while she worked on his pants. He didn't want this to end too quickly. Then he remembered something important. "Shit."

"What's wrong?"

"I don't have a condom."

Rey bit her lip. Team USA issued each of them a whole box when they arrived in South Korea; they were under no illusions about what the athletes got up to in their downtime. But like Poe, hers were back at the villa. "I'm on birth control," she said quietly.

Poe blinked. Was she saying what he thought she was saying? "Rey, we can wait…"

She shook her head. "I don't want to wait. Not another minute. I've waited too long for you." She kissed him again. "I'm good if you are." They were both tested before coming to Korea; those tests came back clean. There was no reason they couldn't do this.

"I love you so much," he whispered in awe. He drew her in for a kiss; it quickly grew heated. She slid off his lap so she could tug his pants off, along with his shoes. Rey scrambled back into his lap, her lips finding his again. She distracted him with deep soulful kisses while she ground against him, coating him in her arousal. Poe pushed her camisole up, stroking her aching nipples. Rey moaned, her core clenching.

"Poe," she breathed, kissing him breathless. "I need…fuck…I need…" She yanked her skirt aside and took him into her hand. She pumped his cock a couple of times; Poe hissed. Before he could change his mind, she guided him to her. Rey whimpered as she took him in, inch by inch. Her eyes found his; he looked at her like she would disappear any second.

"Oh my god," she breathed as he filled her up. She'd imagined this so many times; those boxer briefs he wore gave her a lot of fantasy material. Even then, her imagination fell short. She was very wet, but he was larger than she was used to. And it had been a while for her. "Oh my god."

Poe bit his lip, struggling not to thrust up into her. She was so hot and tight and wet around him; he needed to recite the list of Shakespeare's plays in his head, so he didn't lose control. His hands cupped her ass; he couldn't resist squeezing. "Fuck, Rey."

She rolled her hips a little; they both moaned loudly. The driver probably heard them, but at this point, Poe didn't care. All that mattered was Rey. Her lips found his; they made out while she rode him slowly. "You feel…" she breathed.

"So good," he finished for her. He wanted to see all of her, worship her the way she deserved, but they had plenty of time for that now. He intended to start the moment they got back to the villa. He wasn't letting her go again.

Rey picked up the pace a little; she loved the sounds he made. She felt deliciously naughty fucking him in the back of the limo. They'd waited so long for this; it felt amazing. Better than any dream. "Love you," she whispered, holding his eyes. Poe was the first person she'd ever been with that she truly loved. That was everything.

He felt how important that was for her. He leaned in for another kiss, eager for the softness of her lips. He made a promise to himself, to be the man she deserved. He never wanted to take her love for granted.

"Poe…fuck…I need…" she breathed as pressure coiled tighter in her belly.

"Hold on to me," he said, wrapping his arms around her waist. He maneuvered them so Rey was flat on the seat once more. She mewled in complaint when he slipped out of her; Poe chuckled. He pushed her skirt up and slid home again, groaning as he bottomed out. "Fucking hell."

"More," Rey pleaded. "Fuck me, Poe."

He withdrew almost completely, then slammed home again, causing his lover to cry out. "Like that?"

"Yes, yes, please!"

"Don't be shy now," he whispered in her ear. "Let him hear exactly what I'm doing to you."

Rey wrapped her arms around him, holding him close while he rode her into the seat. The reserved and controlled Poe was gone; this was wild and passionate and so, so good. She couldn't wait for them to do this in an actual bed. She didn't hold back, gasping and moaning as the pressure built once more in her core. Poe reached between them to find her clit; Rey sobbed in pleasure as he circled it firmly. Her body tightened; her walls fluttered around him. "Let go for me," he growled. "Let me feel you."

Stars popped behind her eyes as she climaxed; Poe swallowed her cry with a kiss. He didn't try to resist the pull of her; he lasted a handful of thrusts, groaning her name as he let go. He collapsed on top of her, but she didn't seem to mind. Rey brushed a kiss against the crown of his head as they panted for air.

"Wow," he breathed.

"I'll say," Rey replied. He could hear the smile in her voice. He looked down at her; her smile was shy for some reason. Poe captured her lips in an almost chaste kiss.

"Why'd we wait so long for that?"

"I have no idea." She kissed him again, content and happy for the first time in years.

When Poe pulled away, he was blushing. "I can't believe we did that here."

"It was your idea, flyboy."

"I'm not usually…" He didn't know what he was trying to say; no one ever made him feel the way she did.

"No complaints here." She gave his earlobe a little nip. "I can't wait until we do it again."

Poe grinned. "Me too."

They managed to get their clothes straightened before the driver pulled up to the villa. Rey's face felt hot as she climbed out of the limo; she knew the driver heard them. Poe took her hand as they climbed the steps; she could see his breath in the cold air. She expected them to go right inside, but Poe paused at the door. "Will you stay with me tonight?"

"You're seriously asking me that?" It seemed perfectly obvious to her. Unless he was worried about Kes?

"I want to do this right, Rey. I messed up so many things with us." He cradled her cheek. "I don't want to make you cry. Ever again."

Rey couldn't help it; his earnestness touched her heart. This was the man she fell in love with. A tear slid down her cheek; to hide it, she leaned in and kissed him. "Yes, I'll stay with you. And you weren't the only one who made mistakes, Poe."

"Can't you just let me be contrite in peace?" he joked.

She giggled. "Does that sound like me?"

He grinned. "Nope, and I love you for it." He held out his hand; she took it. Poe opened the door and led them inside. The foyer was surprisingly empty. Poe took Rey's coat and hung up both. Where was everyone? Sure, it was late, but Poe expected the celebration to still be going on. They moved deeper into the house; Poe finally heard voices.

Leia, Sabine, and Kes were in the library, each with a drink in their hands. It looked like they'd been drinking for a while. "Where the hell have you been?" Kes demanded. "That interview ended over an hour ago!"

Leia ignored him. "Welcome home!" She put her drink down and pulled them into a hug. "I am so proud of you," she said softly. "So proud." When they pulled away, she gave them a knowing little smile. "And you two? Are you?"

Poe looked at Rey and grinned. "Yeah, we are."

"About time."

"Are you what?" Kes shouldered his way in, eyeing them. Poe hadn't forgotten that Kes still hadn't apologized to Rey for the way he'd spoken to her the night before. Kes also hadn't said anything about what happened on the ice or the obvious affection they demonstrated on the medal stand. Poe kissed Rey in front of the whole world; Kes couldn't be that clueless about how Poe felt. Right?

Poe stood his ground, but he felt heat creep up his neck. Rey had probably done a number on his hair; she had a mark on her neck. He saw exactly when Kes put all the pieces together. He rounded on Rey. "You seduced my son in a limousine? Haven't you done enough?"

Rey opened her mouth to defend herself, but Poe beat her to it. He wasn't going to apologize for being happy. "Don't you ever talk to her like that again," he said firmly. "Rey and I are together, Dad. End of story."

"But Poe…"

"No. If you can't accept that, then we'll find somewhere else to stay. You should also apologize for being an ass."

Rey had no idea where Kes' animosity was coming from, but she didn't want to come between Poe and his dad. "Poe…"

Poe squeezed her hand. "We're here because of you, Sunshine. He's finally got his precious medal because of you. In fact…" Poe lifted the gold medal over his head and handed it to his father. "Since this is what you care about, take it."

Kes stood there, looking aghast at his son. "I don't know who you are anymore." He downed the last of his drink and left.

"He'll come around," Leia said. "This is just a shock for him."

"Is it?" Poe wasn't so sure. Kes had been very upset when Poe broke up with Zorii. Zorii and Poe came from similar backgrounds; Kes thought they were perfect for each other. Rey was about as different from Zorii was it was possible to be.

"Where's my hug?" Sabine chimed in, breaking the tension. She offered them lavish praise; Rey was pleased to have made her proud. She knew she wouldn't be here without Sabine's guidance.

"Thank you so much for everything," Rey said.

"I had talented skaters," Sabine reminded her. "You simply had to believe in yourself."

Leia glanced at the clock. "Hmm, it's late. Do you two have plans for tomorrow?"

Rey looked at Poe, who shrugged. "We, uh, haven't really talked about it." They hadn't done much talking, period. They were preoccupied with other things. With their event finished, they could do whatever they wanted until the exhibition. Rey hoped to go to some Team USA hockey games to cheer on her old team. But that was before. Now, she just wanted to spend time with Poe and start to make up for all the time they wasted.

"We'll play it by ear," Poe replied. "I think we're gonna turn in. It's been a long day."

Rey flushed; Poe wasn't fooling anyone. They got more hugs from Sabine and Leia, then walked hand in hand upstairs. "I'm gonna go get a few things from my room if that's okay?" Rey asked.

"Don't take too long." He brushed a quick kiss to her lips, then headed to his own room.

Rey walked down the hall to her room. She laid her medal on the dresser. It still felt a little surreal. Less than twelve hours ago, she was hopeful but still afraid that she and Poe had missed their chance. Now everything was different. They were—finally—a couple. She no longer had to hide how she felt about him. As thrilled as she was about winning a gold medal, that was the real prize.

She grabbed her pajamas and went into the bathroom to change. Her panties were ruined from their tryst in the limo; she wondered if she should even bother with a fresh pair. She brushed out her hair and scrubbed the makeup off her face; she was surprised at the butterflies in her belly. They'd already had sex for crying out loud! And it was better than she could have imagined. But spending the night with him was different. It was intimate in a way she'd never really experienced before.

It was a little scary.

Rey gathered the things she thought she might need from her room and carried them to Poe's. She knocked gently before entering. "You don't have to knock," Poe said as she entered.

She came up short, not expecting him to be half-naked already. All he wore were some flannel sleep pants and his necklace. "You could have been doing anything in here," she teased, setting her little bag on the table.

"I know there's something I want to do in here," he replied, his dark eyes raking over her. She shivered under his scrutiny, but she stood her ground. He closed the space between them and kissed her gently. "Hi."

She giggled. "Hey."

"I love these," he said, tugging on her pajama top. "Very cute."

She smirked. "Maybe you should be more concerned with what's under them."

Poe groaned. "You're already killing me, Sunshine." Their moment in the car wasn't that long ago, but after two years of yearning for her, it would be a long time before he wouldn't want her.

"Where'd that come from?" she asked, moving closer. Her fingertips alighted on the waistband of his pants, lightly stroking the bronzed skin of his stomach.

Poe's brain nearly short-circuited from her touch. "Hmmm?"

"The nickname? Sunshine? Really?"

"Oh. That." He pulled her close and buried his nose in the crook of her neck. He pressed butterfly kisses to her skin; he needed her close. "Your smile," he murmured at last. "You light up like the sun when you smile."

"Oh." His lips on her throat were driving her crazy; she skimmed his bare chest with hers. Her hands wandered; she was giddy to finally get to explore him. She'd seen him without a shirt a lot, but she couldn't touch. Now she could. He was finally hers.

Poe peeled down the thin strap of her pajama top, exposing more skin. It was pale but dusted lightly with freckles. He kissed each one, making her whimper. "I know we should talk…" he said, his voice lower and rougher than normal. "But Rey…"

"We can talk later." She grabbed the back of his neck and drew his lips back to hers. This kiss built in intensity, as Poe pulled her flush against him. She clung to his neck as his talented tongue made her knees weak. Poe reached down and grabbed her thighs, picking her up effortlessly and winding her legs around his waist. They continued to kiss as he carried her to his bed. She let out a breathless giggle when he dropped her in the middle of it, but the hungry look in his eyes made her shudder.

Poe crawled up her body, dragging her shirt up with his teeth. Rey bit her lip, arching as her breasts were exposed. Poe kissed her sternum; he could hear her racing heart. Rey crossed her arms and dragged the thin shirt over her head and tossed it. "I was gonna do that," Poe complained.

"You were taking too long." Her smug retort was quickly forgotten as he traced the curve of her breast with the tip of his nose and kissed her bare flesh. Heat settled in her core as he slowly explored her, memorizing every inch of skin with his lips and tongue and hands. Rey buried her fingers in his silky curls, hanging on for dear life while he slowly drove her mad with want. "Poe…"

"Do you know how long I've wanted you in my bed?" he growled. "Dreamed about you? Do you know how many times I was jealous because you looked at someone else?"

She nodded. "You could be describing my life since that damn New Year's party."

Contrition clouded his eyes. "I know. I'm sorry."

"We're here now. I'm all yours."

He kissed her stomach. "I'm yours too, you know. For as long as you'll have me."

She grinned. "Maybe you should give me a reason to keep you around."

"I think that can be arranged." He leaned forward and kissed her deeply. His necklace settled on her chest; he knew it belonged to her. Offering her his mother's ring now was crazy, but he kept the knowledge safe. One day soon, he'd give it to her.

She already had his heart.

Rey broke the kiss with a gasp; she felt a little lightheaded. Poe kissed a path down her chest and curled his fingers into the waistband of her pants. "May I?" Rey swallowed heavily, but she nodded. Poe sat up and tugged the cotton material down with a little help from Rey. She fought the urge to cover herself; she wasn't usually shy. But this was Poe and she loved him, and it made her a little self-conscious.

Poe drank her in hungrily; she was so beautiful. He couldn't believe he finally got to have her like this. He noticed the flush that crept up her neck. "Don't be shy, sweetheart," he said softly. "You're stunning."

"Lines are pretty useless when I'm already in your bed," she joked.

"Not a line if it's true." He pulled her up and into his lap. She straddled his thighs, sighing as Poe traced every line and curve of his body with his hands. He kissed her, softly, slowly until her lingering nerves faded away. She clung to his neck as he worried another mark into her skin; heat pooled in her belly.

"Poe," she whined, grinding against him. She felt him hard and thick between her legs; she was probably ruining his pants, though he didn't seem to care.

"Impatient again?" he murmured.

"You want me," she replied, yanking on his pants. "I can feel it." Her lips caressed his ear. "Hmm, maybe we should get these off."

Poe nodded. Rey moved off him; he scooted to the edge of the bed so he could stand. Rey pulled the pants over his hips and down his legs. Poe didn't even have a chance to step out of them before she was stroking him. He groaned loudly, rocking slowly into her hand. "Fuck, Rey."

She smiled wickedly, watching the emotions play across his handsome face. This felt like one of her dreams, but Poe was very real. And he wanted her just as badly as she wanted him. Rey curled her fingers around his necklace and tugged gently. "Are you gonna just stand there?" she teased.

"Careful what you ask for," he growled. Poe circled her wrist and pulled her away. Then he climbed back into the bed and flipped Rey onto her back. She laughed happily until she realized his intention. She watched as he spread her legs and ducked his head. The first swipe of his tongue against her aching flesh made her moan loudly. She fisted his hair as he worked her slowly, licking and nibbling on her most sensitive flesh.

"Poe…oh fuck, oh fuck," she gasped, thrusting against him. He had to hold her down with one hand as his mouth played with her clit. Two thick digits pushed inside her; Rey cried out. Her high coiled tighter and tighter in her belly; her head thrashed as she struggled to breathe. His fingers twisted and curled, seeking that perfect spot. Rey gasped when he found it; her thighs started to tremble.

"That's it," Poe praised. "Come for me, sweetheart." A hoarse shout slipped out as she climaxed, her hips bucking against him. Poe helped her ride it out until she was shaky and spent. He kissed her inner thigh. "Love you."

Rey panted for air, euphoria still buzzing through her veins. "Oh my god."

"Should I take that as a compliment?" he asked, kissing her belly.

She laughed weakly. "Um, yeah." When she rolled onto her side, Poe was there with that soft tender look in his eyes again. She pulled him in for a kiss; she tasted herself on his tongue. He pulled her close; he needed more of her skin against his. Rey was warm and soft and perfect. He rolled slightly, pulling her on top of him. Rey straddled his hips, sighing as she rocked against his straining erection. "Poe…"

"Need you," he breathed. "Need you again, Sunshine."

Rey nodded. She braced her hands on his chest and lowered herself onto his aching cock. Twin moans of pleasure filled the room as she took him deep, all the way to the hilt. "God, that's so good," she gasped. She'd never been one to believe in all that romantic soulmate crap, but being with Poe was rapidly changing her mind. She'd never felt like this, not with anyone.

Poe held her hips, drinking her in as she rode him. It felt like a dream, finally getting to have her. He had her forgiveness and her love; he was so thankful. He loved her so much. He tugged on her hand; Rey grinned as she bent over him. Poe leaned up to kiss her, stroking her tongue with his. She was driving him crazy with delicious rolls of his hips; he wouldn't last as long as he wanted if she kept going. So, he rolled them again until Rey was pinned under him. "Hmm, this looks familiar," he breathed in her ear.

"Don't stop," Rey whined. He was still inside her, but still. She needed him to move. "Please don't stop."

"Fuck, you feel amazing." He thrust slow and deep; Rey keened. Her blunt nails scored down his back until she reached his ass. That ass had tormented her for months; she grabbed it and squeezed. Poe groaned.

"I said…don't stop," she reminded him.

Poe braced his arms on either side of her head and did as she asked. Skin slapped obscenely against skin as they chased their highs. Rey didn't recognize the needy sounds tumbling from her lips as her orgasm built at the apex of her thighs. He rode her hard into the mattress, his pubic bone grinding against her clit. She shattered with another hoarse cry, his name tumbling from her lips. Poe grunted as she spasmed around his cock; he was helpless to resist her. His hips jerked as he gave into it, spilling himself deep inside her.

This time Poe had the presence of mind to roll off before he collapsed. His heart thudded wildly in his chest; his breath came in short gasps. Still, he found her hand and brought it to his lips. "Still with me?"

"Mmhmm." Rey rolled on her side and laid her head on his chest. She knew she needed to get cleaned up, but she didn't want to move.

"I think we're pretty good at that," Poe murmured, stroking her hair.

"And we've only done it twice."

Poe chuckled. "Crazy, right?"

Rey pressed a kiss to where his heart was slowing down. "I gotta run to the bathroom."

Poe didn't want her to leave, but he knew she had to. "I'll be right here when you get back."

Rey's legs shook a little as she stood; she saw Poe looking smug out of the corner of her eye. She stuck her tongue out at him before heading for the bathroom. She used the toilet, cleaned herself up, and washed her hands. When she came back, Poe was tucked under the sheet on the far side of the bed. He patted the space next to him. Rey slid in as Poe dimmed the lights. "Is this okay?" he asked. "I didn't know which side of the bed you wanted."

Rey nodded. The king-size bed was certainly big enough for them. "I tend to sleep in the middle," she admitted. "It's usually just me."

"Oh, right." He'd only ever shared a bed with one other person; he never wanted to think about that again. "We can switch if you decide you want this side."

"Poe, it doesn't matter to me. I'm not going anywhere."

Poe scrubbed his hand over his face. "I'm sorry, Rey. I think part of me still thinks I'm going to wake up and you'll still hate me."

Her face softened. "I never hated you." Then she amended her statement. "Okay, there was one moment where I hated you."

He winced. "Chicago?"

She blinked. "How did you know?"

"Because I hated me," he confessed. "Zorii, she cornered me after you guys left for the car. She ambushed me. Deep down, I knew I was making a mistake, but I couldn't find a way out. When she announced it at the restaurant and I saw your face…I know I've said it, but I'm still sorry. If I could have figured out what I wanted sooner…"

Rey put a finger to his lips. "Poe, we can't keep reliving the what-ifs. If we can't put it behind us, how can we move forward?"

Poe pulled her close; she snuggled against his chest. "I don't deserve you, but I love you so much."

"I love you too." She kissed him gently. It finally felt like everything was in its proper place. She ran her finger over the chain around his neck. "Poe?"

"Hmmm?"

"Why does Kes seem to hate me all of a sudden?"

Poe sighed. "He's not angry at you." She arched a brow at him. "Yesterday, he was angry at you. And I will make him apologize." He kissed her forehead. "No, Sunshine, he's mad at me and taking it out on you."

"Why? I heard you arguing earlier…"

That talk he had with his dad felt like another lifetime. "How much did you hear?"

"Not a lot. I heard my name, then left before it got worse."

Poe ran his fingertips along her arm. "I've been doing a lot of thinking lately," he said. "Since San Jose, I've done nothing but think."

"About what?"

"The kind of man I want to be. There's no excuse for the way I treated you. Or Leia. Or Jannah. Or anyone else."

"Poe…"

"And it's more than just us. I haven't been happy for a long time, Rey. Maybe not ever. I didn't know how to be happy or choose things because I wanted them. It was always about what other people wanted."

Rey's heart broke for him. She carded her fingers through his curls. "What do you want?"

Poe smiled. "Us, for starters." He kissed her forehead. "That's not to say I won't make some mistakes. But I want to be better, Sunshine. Not just for you but for me. My head hasn't been a fun place to be." He tangled their legs together; Rey smiled at him. "I also want to move out of the compound."

"What?"

"See, this is where things get complicated. Because there are some decisions I don't want to make alone."

Rey's eyes flew wide. "Poe, are you asking me…"

"To move in with me? Um, sort of?" He winced. "That came out wrong. I want to get my own place. I would love for you to live with me, but that is completely up to you. I know you've missed your family…"

She surged forward and kissed him silent. "There are these things called planes, silly. I can visit my family whenever I want."

"Rey…"

"Poe, we've been friends for two years. You're not a stranger. And I love you. I've waited two years to be with you…I don't want to waste more time. Do you?"

"Of course, I don't. I just don't want to mess this up."

"We wouldn't be us if we didn't bicker sometimes," she reminded him. "But it can't be harder to stay together than it was to stay apart."

"You really think so?"

She nodded. "I do. Now how about we talk about the rest tomorrow?" She looked at the clock. "Alright, later today. Someone wore me out."

Poe laughed. "Okay." He pulled the blanket up and sighed as she snuggled against his chest. After two years of heartache, Poe knew exactly where he was supposed to be.