Author's note: Damerey Week derailed updating this for a bit, but we're back. Only three chapters to go now!

Disclaimer: Nope.

Chapter 23

"Ugh, I am soaked!" Rey complained. "Look what you did!"

Poe laughed. "What I did? I didn't start that!"

Rey shook melting snow out of her hair. "Yes, you did!"

Poe wrapped his arms around her fluffy parka. "Maybe I did," he murmured in her ear. "But I'm just getting you back for last time, Sunshine."

Rey bit her lip, leaning against him. "Anyone ever tell you you're insufferable?"

"You do. Often." He kissed the shell of her ear. The skin was pink from the cold. "I'm thinking we should go home and change before going to the game."

Rey turned in his arms and kissed him. "I like the way you think." Over the last few days, they'd spent their afternoons going to see some of the other sports. Today they watched snowboarding, which looked exhilarating and frightening all at the same time. On their way down to the transportation hub, Poe surprised her by dropping a snowball down the back of her coat. Things devolved from there until they were both wet and cold from the snow. This was much more fun than their last snowball fight because no one was hiding how they felt anymore.

Poe could have stayed there and kissed her all afternoon, but he didn't want to risk either of them getting sick. He took her gloved hand in his. "Come on."

Kes still wanted them to use a driver when they went out; Poe and Rey didn't want to argue with him anymore, so they didn't complain. Kes had been so much better since that day in his study, but he largely stayed out of their way. Often, he was working, but he too took in some of the other sports.

"Nervous?" Poe asked once they were in the warmth of the car.

"About what?"

"Maybe nervous isn't the right word. Wistful, maybe?"

Suddenly, his meaning was clear. "I thought I would be," she confessed. "But I'm not."

"It's okay if you are. I know it still means a lot to you."

Rey squeezed his hand. "I'm not just trying to make you feel better, flyboy."

"I never said you were."

She gave him a look. "Honestly, I've been so focused on getting us to the Olympics, that I hadn't even thought about it until we saw them at the Opening Ceremonies." Even then, the reunion with some of her old teammates hadn't been at all what she imagined it would be.

"Rey…"

"I'm serious. I'm always going to be a hockey player. But I don't regret any of my choices. Besides, I can always say I won my gold medal first."

Poe chuckled. Always so competitive, his Rey. "Think we can beat Canada this time?"

"I guess we'll see." It was the gold medal game; Team USA hadn't won a gold medal in women's hockey since the very first Games that women's hockey was played. It had once been Rey's dream, but in the last couple of years, her dream changed. She had everything she could ever want right here.

The car dropped them off; the short ride hadn't warmed them up very much. They hung their coats up to dry; the house was quiet. "I wonder where everyone is?"

"Don't jinx it," Poe replied. "We've got the place to ourselves for once." That was the thing he was most looking forward to when they got home. He wanted them to start looking for their own place as soon as possible. While it was great that Kes was fine with them being together, it was awkward as hell. Kes had walked in on them kissing more than once over the last few days, even in a place as large as the villa. When they got home, Poe didn't want Rey to stay in the loft. He wanted her with him, in his bed.

"Good point." She took his hand, coaxing him toward the staircase. "I wonder what we should do?"

Poe grinned. "I can think of a few things."

"Yeah?" She turned and dashed up the stairs; Poe laughed as he followed her. He caught her at the top of the landing and grabbed her by the waist. Rey giggled as he pressed her against the wall; her laugh cut off by his lips on hers. His sweater was rough under her palms, but his skin was warm. It had been almost a week and she still felt that giddy thrill in her belly every time he kissed her like this. His lips and tongue sparked desire deep in her belly; she moaned as he pinned her to the wall with his hips. "Poe."

He groaned. "Love when you say my name like that, sweetheart."

She grinned. "Like what?"

"Like you need me."

She kissed him, nibbling on his lower lip. "So, what are you gonna do about it, flyboy?"

Poe growled and scooped her into his arms. She shrieked, but she hung on while he carried her to their room. She'd moved her things into his room days ago; it just wasn't practical to keep separate rooms. Besides, it was good practice for when they got home. She was surprised when he passed the bed entirely and dropped her off by the vanity in the large bathroom. "Poe, what…?"

"We played in the snow, Rey. I think that calls for a hot bath, don't you?"

Rey smiled. "Oh yeah, definitely." They'd showered together a few times, but she wasn't opposed to sharing a bath. The tub was large enough for two. Poe started the water, then he came back to her. She pulled him in for a lazy kiss, exploring his mouth thoroughly as they tugged on each other's clothes. They broke apart long enough to yank their sweaters off. Poe lifted her onto the edge of the vanity easily. Rey arched into him as his lips slid down her neck and his fingers unclasped her bra. The lace quickly found its way to the floor; she shivered as he rolled her nipples between his fingers.

"You are so beautiful," he murmured.

Rey dragged his mouth back to hers, kissing him deeply. "Shouldn't you check the tub?"

"Probably." He stole a few more kisses from her before reluctantly going to check on the tub. He shut off the tap; steam rolled off the water. When he turned back to Rey, she was shimmying out of her jeans. "Trying to take away all my fun, Sunshine?"

"You're really gonna complain?" she teased, kicking the denim away. She hooked her fingers into the waistband of her underwear and slid those over her hips. The hungry look in Poe's dark eyes made her shiver. She closed the space between them and pressed her lips to his. His hands slid down her back; she groaned as he squeezed her ass. She skimmed her fingers down his bare chest until she reached his belt. She didn't hesitate in stripping him of his pants; the metal clanged as she shoved his tight jeans over his hips.

Poe groaned as she wrapped her fingers around his cock. "Forget I said anything," he breathed, rocking into her touch. Her lips trailed down his throat as she pumped him slowly; he gripped the edge of the tub to remain upright. Rey moved lower and lower, her mouth worshiping his skin until she dropped to her knees. She smiled up at him as she pressed her thumb along his length. His cock twitched in anticipation as she wet her lips. Poe swallowed heavily as she leaned in and kissed the swollen head.

Rey could feel the tension in him as she touched him. She'd imagined being with him for so long; the reality was better than anything she dreamed up. He looked wrecked; she loved it. Rey leaned in and pressed kisses to the underside of his cock; his soft moan made her core clench. His hand slid into her hair as she explored him with her mouth, not restricting or rough; he just needed an anchor.

"Oh fuck," Poe gasped as she took him into her mouth at last, her lips wrapped tightly around his shaft. She bobbed her head steadily, hollowing out her cheeks as she sucked. Poe bit his lip, the warm wet cavern of her mouth heavenly. He rocked into her mouth, craving more of her. She couldn't quite take all of him; she stroked what she couldn't reach with her fist. He felt his orgasm coil at the base of his spine; he needed her to stop soon. "Rey…fuck, that's so good."

She released him with a soft pop, one hand slipping between his legs while the other kept stroking him. "How about this?" She licked him from root to tip then suckled gently on the belled head. Poe jerked, his hand slipping on the porcelain.

Poe hissed. "Fucking hell, Sunshine."

Rey grinned. "Good?"

Poe tugged a little on her hair. "Get up here."

Rey did as he bid; she was barely on her feet when he drew her flush against him and kissed her breathless. They fumbled a little to get his pants the rest of the way off, but the moment he was free, he bent her over the edge of the tub. Rey spread her legs eagerly, moaning softly as he tested her readiness. She was very slick; she rocked back as Poe pushed two fingers inside her. "Hmmmm."

"Naughty girl." He pressed a kiss to her shoulder blade as he continued to tease her with his fingers. She was more than ready for him, but he wanted her to ask for it.

Rey rocked back on her heels, faster now, need coiling in her belly. "Poe…please."

"Please what?"

She growled in frustration. "Fuck me!"

He extracted his fingers and lined himself up. Twin needy moans echoed against the tile as he took her, sinking all the way to the hilt. Rey bit her lip; he felt so amazing like this. He paused for a few moments to let her adjust, but she wiggled her hips. She didn't need him to be careful, she needed him to make her scream. Poe took the hint, pulling out almost completely before slamming back in. Rey cried out, hanging on to the edge of the tub. "Fuck, just like that."

Poe wasn't sure he could have held back even if he wanted to. She felt so good, hot and wet and tight; it was like they were made for each other. He held her by the hips as he fucked her, skin smacking together, Rey's needy moans filling the room. The steam from the tub made their skin hot and slick; it seemed to feed their need. Rey reached down between her legs and deftly circled her clit; Poe groaned.

"That's my girl." He slowed as she started rocking back against him; he was mesmerized by the way she moved. He wanted to know all the little things that made her shiver and moan; every time they did this, he discovered something new. They were making up for lost time; he loved every moment of it.

Rey whined as she hovered on the edge. "Poe…need you."

He bent over and kissed her shoulder. "Hang on, love." He knew exactly what she needed; she was very close. He held her steady as he took her with hard deep strokes; almost immediately, her walls started to flutter around him. She needed both hands to grip the tub; Poe reached under her and rubbed her swollen nub. Rey shuddered as her orgasm washed over her; her mouth fell open in a strangled cry. Poe followed her almost immediately, his hips jerking into her once, then twice, before he stiffened and spilled himself inside her.

Still panting, Poe rested his cheek against her slick back. She trembled in his arms, euphoria pulsing through her veins. "Still with me?"

"Mmhmm."

Poe stood reluctantly. "Maybe we should try that bath now."

Rey laughed, still breathless. She didn't argue as Poe helped her into the tub; the hot water felt good. He slid in behind her so she could lean back against his chest. "Sleepy," she mumbled.

Poe chuckled. "If you fall asleep, we'll miss the game."

"So?" She curled up in his arms, her head resting on his slowing heart.

Poe kissed the top of her head. "You say that now, sweetheart, but you'll regret it if we miss it." It was the women's gold medal game. He couldn't let her miss it. She still had friends on the women's team; she would want to see them win.

She knew he was right, but she wanted to stay here as long as they could. After two years of longing, she wanted to savor every moment. "I hate when you're right."

"My apologies."

She kissed his chest. "It's okay."

The water started to get a little cool, but neither wanted to move. Rey sighed as Poe massaged the back of her neck; over the last week, she discovered he had very talented hands. Water slid down her skin as he worked down her back. "That feels good."

Poe kissed the back of her neck. "Happy to hear it." Rey may not think so, but Poe knew he had a lot to make up for. He was determined to treat her the way she deserved, especially after putting up with his bullshit for so long.

Rey wet her lips as his fingers trailed down her spine. His touch was relaxing, but she didn't try to stop her body's other reaction. She reached behind her and took his hands in hers, drawing them to her chest. "Rey?"

"Don't stop." She reached up and threaded her fingers through his curls as he cupped her breasts. Her nipples pebbled under his fingers; she moaned as he plucked them firmly. His lips latched onto her neck, sucking another mark into her skin. He tried to keep them to places that could be easily covered by her clothes, but he wasn't always successful. She wiggled against him as heat once more pooled in her belly.

"Feel good?" Poe growled in her ear.

"God yes." She drew his right hand down between her legs, encouraging him to keep touching her. She spread her knees as far as the tub would allow while Poe toyed with her clit. Pleasure flowed through her; she hummed as her head dropped against his chest. She rolled her hips into his touch; Poe finally eased two fingers into her.

"Love the way you need me," he whispered. "Fuck my fingers, Rey."

She moaned; water splashed as she struggled to get some leverage. She bucked into his hand, his fingers curling just right. A shudder rolled through her; another orgasm coiled in her belly. "Close."

"I know. Let go for me, sweetheart. I've got you."

This high was gentler than the others, but it still left her breathless and buzzing. Poe didn't stop stroking her until she went still in his arms. "Thank you," she murmured, sagging against him.

"If this is what the rest of our lives is like, I'm not going to complain." He kissed the tender spot he made on her neck. "Love you."

"Love you too."

The atmosphere at the arena was charged; Rey felt it the moment they stepped out of the car. There wasn't anything quite like a gold medal game at the Olympics. She was glad Poe insisted they come. "You remembered the flag, right?"

Poe tapped the inside pocket of his parka. "Right here, Sunshine. Don't worry."

She kissed his cheek. "You're the best."

Poe chuckled as he slipped his hand into hers. They got through security easily enough. They attended a couple of the preliminary games, but they'd missed the semifinals due to their press commitments. Turned out that winning a gold medal made them famous, at least for the moment. Their hometowns both requested interviews, as well as some of the morning shows back home. He didn't mind it when he had Rey with him.

They got some snacks from the concession stand and went to find their seats. Because it was the gold medal game, the arena was packed. Some of the people around them recognized them; they took pictures and waved and signed autographs for about a dozen people before they could properly sit down.

"Sorry," Rey murmured as she struggled to get her parka off.

"Here, let me." Poe helped slide it off her shoulders and tucked it behind her back. "Better?"

"Yeah, thanks."

"I don't know about you, but I'm excited to go somewhere no one knows us," he whispered.

"It's not that bad," she mock scolded. "And hey, you volunteered us to visit my sisters. Everyone's going to want pictures and stuff."

"It's been over a year since you've been home," he countered. "I want to see where you come from."

"It's not that impressive, trust me."

"We'll see." Poe got out his phone. "Come on, before we get crumbs all over our clothes."

"You wanna take a selfie?"

"Do you have a monopoly on selfies, Sunshine?"

"No, but…" Why was she arguing? She was still getting used to this Poe, the one who was open and happy. "Nevermind." She leaned over, pressing a kiss to his cheek as he lifted his phone. They both wore hockey sweaters; Rey had her Team USA one from Sochi while Poe wore the Gretzky sweater she'd given him for Christmas. She hadn't realized he'd even brought it to Korea until that day. She was touched that it meant that much to him.

Poe snapped a few photos of them together; Rey looked so happy. It was a far cry from the tension-filled sadness that loomed over them since San Jose. He hated that he'd hurt her, even though he had her forgiveness. All he could do was be better going forward.

They settled in to watch the game, but Poe could tell Rey was conflicted. He thought about their conversation earlier, about how she didn't have any regrets. That may be true, but he could tell that part of her wanted to be out there. From the moment the puck dropped, she was on the edge of her seat, calling out her former teammates and cursing the refs. It was even more intense than the Wild game they'd attended months ago. He held her hand, more focused on her than the game. He asked questions about things he didn't quite understand, just to give her the distraction. That seemed to help her relax.

"I think you can breathe now," Poe teased gently as the teams went inside for the first intermission.

Rey flushed. "Sorry."

"It's okay to still care," he replied. "You know most of them, right?"

"Yeah." She ran into them at the Opening Ceremonies; none of them really understood why she changed sports. Rey changed more due to her circumstances than a real desire. At least at first. She'd come to love figure skating in a completely different way. If she hadn't changed sports, she would have never had Poe in her life. That was a depressing thought.

Poe stroked the back of her hand with his thumb. "What?"

"It's nothing."

"You wanna be out there, don't you?"

Rey sighed. "I honestly don't know. Part of me does, but…I'm not the same person I was four years ago, you know?"

"You mean brash and knocking down poor figure skaters?"

Rey's eyes flew wide, the memory slamming into her. "That was you?"

Poe grinned. "I was wondering how long it would take you to remember."

"Oh my god, I am so sorry!"

Poe brought her hand to his lips. "I don't think either of us were having an especially good day."

Rey groaned. That was the day her life changed forever; she should have known Poe was involved somehow. "I can't believe that was you."

"Maybe it was fate."

She giggled. "Maybe it was."

Poe got out their American flag; the second period was getting ready to start. "Come on, let's just enjoy the game."

Rey cupped his cheeks and drew him in for a kiss. She was so glad he was there to help her decipher all her conflicting emotions. She'd felt so lost and defeated for so long after her injury. Everyone counted her out. They chided her for not giving up on her dreams. The reality may have turned out differently, but Rey truly had no regrets. She built a whole new life for herself and she had an amazing guy to share it with. "Love you."

"Love you too, Sunshine."

Thanks to Poe, Rey could finally relax and enjoy the game. Canada was always tough, and this was the gold medal game. At the end of regulation, it was tied. At the end of overtime, it was still tied. That meant the bane of every hockey fan's existence: the shootout. Rey hastily explained the rules to Poe.

"Why don't they just play until someone wins?" he asked.

"Because the hockey gods hate us," Rey replied, holding on to her end of the flag. Everyone was on their feet; the tension was palpable. The American fans were silent every time one of their players was shooting and screamed their heads off when it was a Canadian. Things were still tied after the initial round of five. "This is crazy."

Poe wanted to ask what happened now, but things were moving too fast. A sixth American took her shot, getting it past the Canadian goaltender. Rey's grip on his hand tightened as the Canadian player started to take her shot. She wove left then right, swinging out wide to fake out the goalie. The entire arena held their breath as she took her shot.

And was turned away.

"YES!" Rey jumped up and threw her arms around Poe. "We did it!"

Poe hugged her tight, lifting her off her feet. He wasn't all that invested in the game, but he loved seeing her so happy. They high-fived and cheered with the people around them; everyone was just giddy. Poe kept an eye on Rey, but she was all smiles. They waved their flag and cheered with the rest while the team got their medals. It was the first gold medal for the USA in women's hockey since 1998.

The celebration would go on for hours, but Poe and Rey headed home. They opted to walk back to the villa, just to soak in the atmosphere. "What are you thinking?" Poe asked quietly.

Rey shrugged. "Is it weird that I'm glad I don't have to feel guilty?"

"Guilty? Why would you feel guilty?"

"It's stupid."

"No, it's not." He squeezed her hand. "You can tell me."

"Everyone counted us out," she said quietly. "I talked to some of them at the Opening Ceremonies. They didn't get it. Then we got our medals…"

"You wanted your friends to get theirs."

"Yeah. Even though they wondered if I even belong here now."

Poe drew her to stop. "Of course, you belong. I wouldn't have skated with just anyone, you know."

"You were skeptical too, or did you forget?"

"I didn't." He touched his forehead to hers. "But you proved me wrong. You proved everyone wrong, Rey."

She hugged him. "I couldn't have done it without you, Poe. We're a team."

"And we always will be." They needed to talk about what path their future would take, but it could wait. They had one final performance to prepare for.