Chapter 8: Bridal Rose

Finn and Rose watched from the edge of the hangar bay three days later as a healing and on-the-mend Poe Dameron took questions from the galactic media.

"General Dameron, is it true you killed Kylo Ren?"

"How did you get him in close quarters?"

"Where is the body? Has it been buried?"

As per his role, Poe spoke diplomatically, but cryptically: he had shot Kylo Ren at close range after being alerted that he had invaded the Resistance base. Exactly how the invasion took place, the General left unexplained. The body had been unceremoniously buried at sea in the Cromia Ocean, Ajan Kloss's largest body of water on the far side of the planet.

Glancing away to shield her eyes from the flashing bulbs of the tabloid cameras, Rose winced, tutting. "If looks could kill..."

"Huh? What do you mean?" Finn glanced down to his lover as she snuggled into his side.

"Rey," Rose nodded off to their right. "If her eyes were blaster bolts, Dameron would be shot dead a thousand different ways by now."

Finn followed her gaze to behold the glare of his best friend, staring down her commanding officer as though he was the Emperor himself. Finn couldn't help but cringe.

"Do you think she'll charge him? For murder?" Rose postulated.

Finn squirmed a little against her. "Why would she do that?"

Rose frowned up at him. "Finny, Poe killed her husband. Wrongful death suits happen all the time."

"If she did, the Courts would try to bury it as fast as possible. They'll do anything to maintain the narrative that Poe acted like a hero."

Rose's eyes narrowed, gleaming. "So you admit that Poe is lying his perfectly toned ass up there."

"He's leaving things out, but he's telling the truth... from a certain point of view," Finn hedged. Then he started. "Wait a minute, perfectly toned... Mmmm..."

Rose's cute little mouth covered his in a deep kiss to shut him up. Drawing away, she threw back her head and laughed at his flabbergasted expression. "Relax. I'm joking. Besides, I like your arse much better." And she playfully goosed his bum. Finn nearly levitated off the ground, but smirked back. Slipping his right hand into hers, his left fiddled with something in his pocket.

"Let's go for a walk." When Rose appeared unconvinced, deep, dark eyes flitting over to Rey's, he chuckled. "Honey, if Rey really wanted to kill Poe, she would and could have done it by now." They both noted the salmon-pink scars ringing Poe's upper arms that now caught the early-morning sunlight.

Nodding, Rose gave Finn's fingers a squeeze. "OK."

The morning mist had just about dissipated as the couple strolled through the tropical, jungle trees, following a barely-carved out footpath despite not having any strong inclinations for a particular direction.

"I still think we need to reform the court system," Rose voiced. "We can't reward a murderer just because no one liked the murder victim."

Finn nodded absently. "You think Poe's a murderer?"

"I... I don't know if I would go that far just yet," Rose backed off a little bit, biting her lip. "But what happened the other night clearly wasn't in self-defense."

Finn played back that horrid night for a highly numbered time that he didn't want to contemplate. "No..." he finally managed heavily. The shattered expression on Rey's face as she watched her husband expire danced in his head. "Maybe... maybe charges should be brought against Poe... to make an example..."

"To what end, though? Beyond that," Rose wondered. "Even if Rey pressed charges and the case did manage to get to trial, the Courts as they stand now would work fast to get an acquittal. That might break Rey even more, because she'd get her hopes up..."

"For what? Revenge?" Finn frowned. "That's not the Jedi way, and it's certainly not her way. Rey's too forgiving."

"Don't be so sure," Rose murmured. "There are some things that just can't be forgiven." She sighed, scuffing at the ground. "I don't know what the right answer is."

Finn didn't either, and he found that he didn't want to talk about Poe and Rey anymore. Tugging at her hand, Rose swayed to a stop and turned back to look at him. "Rose."

Her round, pretty face blinked at him, her smile bemused and lovely. "Yes?"

"I..." With his free hand, Finn awkwardly scratched at the back of his neck. He was no good at this. Had never been great with words. But the silly little pendant that he had spent hours on felt like it was burning a hole in his pocket, compounding the mynock butterflies in his stomach. And so, still holding her hand, Finn dropped clumsily to one knee. Rose's beautiful dark-brown eyes went huge.

"Finny...?"

"I love you," Finn blasted out. Rose's mouth fell open into a pretty little 'O.' "I think I have ever since you kissed me on Crait. You're beautiful, but your kindness towards others, your spunky humor is what makes you all the more breath-taking. Rosie, you're so amazing in every way, that I can never take my eyes off of you... and I don't really want to try. The war's over and done with, and I say let's not waste any more time. Lives will need rebuilding, and I want to build mine with you. Will you marry me?" And at long last, he pulled the filed down, homemade golden band from his pocket.

By now, tears were streaming down Rose's cherubic cheeks, her whole body trembling and a hand to her mouth to hold in her gasp. She didn't, couldn't speak for a moment, until finally, she got out in a breathless whisper.

"Yes..." Her expression radiantly broke into a beaming grin. "Yes. Yes!" Squealing, she threw her arms around him as Finn stood, laughing, and he spun her around in his arms. Setting her down, Rose happily smushed his face in her hands and slammed her lips against his in a brief but passionate kiss. When they broke apart, Finn shyly slipped the ring onto her finger.

"Do you like it?"

"I love it," Rose sighed, holding out her hand to inspect it. "But where in the galaxy did you get the gold?"

Finn shrugged, squirming bashfully. "A friend's old X-Wing in Gold Squadron. Ship was about to be impounded and sent to the smelter's yard, so I took some of the gold plating that was still salvageable and melted it down."

Rose smiled wetly. "I can't believe it... We're getting married!"

Finn pecked her lips. "We're getting married... and," he flicked the half-moon pendant at her neck. "I want you to wear this with your dress on that day. Paige should be there to celebrate with us, in some form."

Rose beamed at him. "I love you."

He just chuckled. "I know."

Fanning herself a little, Rose turned away, taking his hand. "Come on! We have to tell Rey! Oh, there's so much to do..." she prattled on. "I have to choose my dress, order the flowers, and then of course, we have to reserve a place to hold the ceremony, and - Hmmmmm..."

She was cut off when Finn spun her back into him and kissed her deeply on the mouth. When they finally drew apart, Rose was blinking, speechless.

"What the kriff was that for?"

Finn smirked saucily. "Just looking to shut you up."

Rose laughed and swatted at him. "Cheeky!"

Rey brightened immediately upon hearing that her best friends were engaged.

"Oh my stars, I'm so happy for you both!" she squealed. Excitedly clutching Rose's hands in hers, the two women air-kissed on both cheeks. "It will be so nice to have a sister-in-law."

At this, Rose's breath hitched and her eyes filled with tears. Squeezing Rey's hand, she expressed, "I'm so glad you feel that way, honey... because I was hoping you'd be my Maid of Honor. Well, technically, Matron of Honor, you've... been married..."

"Was married," Rey agreed quietly. "I suppose it would be Maid of Honor, since I'm a widow now..." She shook her head to clear it. "I'd be happy to."

"Excellent!" Finn beamed. "Now I have to ask Poe to be Best Man..."

At this, Rey's face fell. "Oh no... let me be anything else in the wedding party, I don't care! Just please don't make me attend the ceremony with... with him."

"But, Rey, that's tradition," Finn pointed out weakly, realizing too late how problematic that arrangement would be.

"I will not attend on the arm of the murderer of my husband!" Rey hissed, teeth bared and eyes flashing. She turned to Rose. "Can't you ask someone else? Like Kaydel?"

"I don't know Kaydel that well," Rose admitted. "Rey, you are more than my first choice, you're my only choice." Seeing Rey bite her lip, the future bride pressed on. "You'll only need to walk down the aisle with Poe at the end of the ceremony and for pictures at the rehearsal dinner. Then you can ditch him for all I care!"

After a long moment, Rey took a deep breath. "I already said I would be Maid of Honor, and I keep my promises. So for your sake, and for Finny's, I will stand with Poe during the wedding. But after that..."

Rose hugged her tightly. "Thank you."

It was after the rehearsal dinner two months later, and the key players in the wedding party were out celebrating before the big day in the morning. The pictures of the bride and groom, the Best Man and Maid of Honor had all been taken. For each snap of the holocamera, Rey had put on the performance of her life, even as she was made to stand beside the man who had killed her husband in cold blood. No one could have said there was anything fake about her smile in each shot, even as she was internally screaming inside that she had to be in Poe's presence, often within arm's-reach.

At least now, she had the choice to stay as far away from her counterpart in the wedding as possible, seated at the far end of a row of allies that included Finn, Rose, Poe, Neek'o and Adem. On the opposite end of the copacabana counter, set against the backdrop of the sun setting along Ajan Kloss's finest beach, Neek'o had already imbibed to a significant degree, talking boisterously, if also too loudly. He was also being unusually clingy towards Poe, perched at his immediate right. The Best Man had his shirtsleeves rolled up, and was divested of his suitcoat, so that the treering-like, salmon pink scars rolling up his forearms were clearly visible in the fiery glow of late evening.

"I can appreciate a guy who has... scars," Neek'o hiccuped. If there was a double meaning behind these words, it appeared lost to him, as he blatantly drummed his fingers up Poe's muscles. "And there's always a story behind them. However did you get these, love?"

Thanks to the fiery orange of the horizon, no one could see how much Poe was blushing. Nor did anyone notice, four chairs down from him, how Rey had stiffened, her shoulders clenched nearly up to her ears while she gripped her fruity martini, staring into the contents of her glass like she wanted to drown in it.

There was a strained, slightly-too-long pause, as Finn and Rose surreptitiously glanced at each other. Poe squirmed in his chair before mumbling:

"X-Wing fire. Open gas channel got too close to a power converter and ignited. Nasty business."

"Really?" Neeko's eyes crossed, unfocused, as he tried to keep his vision squarely on the handsome pilot. "So that's why you were... flat on your back in the med ward the day Adem and I arrived?" Eyeing him sideways, Poe nodded dumbly. Again, if there was a double entendre in that interestingly-timed pause, Neek'o didn't acknowledge it. Nor did his tone indicate whether or not he believed the yarn. Perhaps he was too drunk - or turned on - to care either way. "You're such a badass, Dameron."

Yup. That was definitely flirting. Rey only paid marginal attention to it, trying to focus instead on slowing her heart rate and relaxing her body. Her shoulders were still stiff and hunched, though lowering, when she felt a light touch on her arm. Turning to her immediate left, she found herself staring at Adem's deep and icy blue eyes as he regarded her in concern. Rey smiled softly to indicate that she was fine, though she doubted Adem would believe her. Nodding once, gaze friendly and soft, Adem turned back to his drink, while Rey tried to calm her internal thoughts.

She'd be lying to herself if she didn't... appreciate Poe covering for her, fibbing for her. The more bothersome question was why would he? The best revenge he could get for her disfiguring him was to bullhorn out the truth to anyone who would listen. But he hadn't. If he had, she probably would be up on assault charges by now, and Poe had declined to press even those. Was it an indication that he felt... guilty somehow? For what he had done to Ben - to her? Though it seemed unlikely, she truly didn't know.

Tossing the rest of her drink back in one go, Rey only hoped she would either be strong or drunk enough to go through with tomorrow.

The easiest part of the wedding ceremony the following evening was that Rey was allowed to walk down the aisle alone instead of being escorted by one of the groomsmen, like Kaydel and the other bridesmaids had to. Poe was already waiting at Finn's side before the altar, and she made every effort to not even look at the pilot as she took her place opposite the men.

Moments later, the wedding march began to play, and even turned in their seats, some of them standing, to get a look as an exquisite swan appeared at the end of the aisle.

Though adorably stout, Rose was blushing profusely as she glided towards her future, given away by General Lando Calrissian himself. Passing her off to Finn, Dr. Kalonia began her sermon and blessing. When it came time for the vows and exchange of rings, Finn's face was impossibly warm as he lovingly flicked the pendant around his bride's neck.

"We've come a long way to get here. I feel so grateful that I can build and share a life with you, when I once thought I would never get to have that. I love you. I will always love you."

Taking his hands in hers, Rose gazed up at him through her lashes, her voice shy but resolved.

"I love you. I know it may seem rather simple, but I love you." Tears shimmering in her irises, she smiled weakly, radiantly. "I love my husband."

When Dr. Kalonia proclaimed them man and wife, Finn took Rose in his arms and bent towards her. Rose slowly, softly stretched towards him, eyes fluttering closed. Mouth falling open to greet his eager tongue, their lips met. Smirking around his kiss, Rose let her hands fall into Finn's long hair and she tugged him closer, to cheers. Finn responded with such enthusiasm that he lifted his wife clear off her feet.

"Presenting for the first time: Mr. and Mrs. Finn Tico!" Dr. Kalonia called as Finn and Rose raced back up the aisle into the crowd of well-wishers. Finn had felt bad that he hadn't had a surname to offer his beloved, but Rose had kindly asked that her name be the one he shared. It was a name that Finn had gratefully agreed to take, as her husband.

Watching the newlyweds, Rey beamed through her tears... at least until she felt Poe's presence as the Best Man sidled up to her. The recessional music started to play.

"Um... shall we?" He offered her his arm.

Rey didn't even award him with a glance. "Let's get this over with, Dameron." And looping her arm through his, she half-dragged, half-frog-marched him back up the aisle, smugly noting the strained grimace on her partner's face.

Rey ditched Poe the moment they entered the hall for the reception, and was only too happy that Poe elected to leave her alone for the rest of the evening. Embracing Rose happily, the two women whispered and squealed before leading off the dancing exuberantly. Leaving the floor at a slow dance so that Finn and Rose could share a waltz alone, Rey stopped by the refreshments table for some punch. Her first sip was nearly derailed when she felt someone tap her on the shoulder.

"Having fun?"

Turning through that first sip, her lips pursed, Rey blinked when she saw Adem, red hair slicked back and looking striking in his tuxedo. Rey shrugged, the punch missing her stomach and rushing straight to her head. Just her luck that it was probably spiked with something. She shrugged. "It's a wonderful party, for the first one I've ever been to. And Finn and Rose deserve it."

"First party, eh?" Adem's orbs gleamed with intrigue. "In that case, madame, may I have the pleasure of this dance?" He bowed to her gallantly.

Rey felt the heat bloom on her cheeks as she tried to beg off, stammering. "Oh, no, I couldn't possibly... it's just that I've- I've never ballroom danced before."

"In that case, I'd be happy to lead," Adem smiled at her reassuringly.

Rey studied him. Then, setting her drink down and peering at him with barely-concealed amusement, she curtsied. "All right. You may."

Adem gentlemanly took her waist, his free hand lacing its fingers through hers, and he pulled her flush against him. Rey felt her breath hitch a little in surprise, but before she could second-guess it, Adem was gliding them both through a two-step. Rey couldn't help but stare up at him shyly. Adem just grinned down at her.

"I hope I wasn't too forward..."

"You weren't," Rey assured him.

"Is your husband around? I was hoping to finally meet him," Adem scanned over the heads of the assembled guests. "Though, then again, perhaps he wouldn't appreciate me dancing with you..."

"My husband is dead," Rey cut off his rambling, her voice quiet. It was the first time she had dared to speak those cursed words aloud. "He... he passed away... I - I lost him... just at the end of the war."

To his credit, and the bolstering of her constricting heart, Adem appeared shattered for her. "Oh. I'm... I'm sorry."

She glanced down at their feet between them, blinking back tears. "It's not your fault."

Rey kept resolutely staring at her slippered toes going through the motions for some minutes after that, recalling painfully the last time she had danced like this. It had been with Ben, on their wedding night, witnessed by no one and in the privacy of her own rooms. Appreciatively, Adem let the silence linger, unwilling to pry. If she didn't want to talk, he wouldn't force her to.

As the band concluded what must have been the third consecutive song, Adem stepped away and kissed Rey's hand.

"Thank you for the dance, Mrs. Solo."

She smiled at him warmly, gratefully. "The pleasure was all mine, Adem. I'm... I'm sorry I wasn't the best conversationalist -"

"Nonsense," he smiled. "I myself am getting a might sleepy at that. I think I'll hail a speeder and head back to base for the night."

"I'll escort you out!" Rey offered quite impulsively. She softly looped her arm through his.

Adem looked delighted. "Much obliged, Master Jedi."

The pair exited the reception hall and passed through the main foyer, then outside, arm in arm. Adem gave the high-sign to a landspeeder shuttle, before turning back to Rey and kissing her hand again.

"A pleasant evening to you, Mrs. Solo. Goodnight."

"Good...goodnight," Rey smiled weakly as she watched him safely enter the speeder and zoom off into the jungle trees for base a couple of parmiles away.

Feet aching, Rey wandered back into the reception hall, feeling a little lightheaded. Taking her own time getting back to the parlor, she leaned against a wall in the hallway to get her bearings when she thought she heard voices coming from around the next corner.

Creeping forward and peering around, Rey spotted Poe and Neek'o standing unusually close together in a dimly-lit alcove about halfway down the next corridor. Poe was up against the wall and Neek'o was practically leaning against him.

"Come on. Why is it so bad?" Neek'o actually caressed the pilot's handsome face. Rey fought to keep her expression placid. Neek'o was drunk - very.

For his part, Poe turned his head away, though the motion seemed to pain him and his glinting eyes appeared darker than normal as he got out, strangled, "You know why." It was barely more than a whisper.

Neek'o blinked rapidly, frowning. "No, I don't."

Poe shook his head. "If I look at you, I'll do something I'll regret."

Neek'o brought his face quite close, his voice an aroused hiss. "So look at me. Who says you'll regret it? The best moments in life are without it." So saying, cupping Poe's cheek to turn his face back to him, Neek'o covered the General's lips with his.

It took only a parsec before Poe's arms were about Neeko's waist, furiously kissing the Stormtrooper ex-pat back.

Having seen enough of an intensely private moment, Rey stole back to the reception hall via a roundabout way, her mind spinning. She shouldn't have been spying, and only had to wonder about how she would have felt if Poe had ever intruded on her and Ben kissing during a moment of intimacy. However much she hated the General, she wouldn't wish that kind of trespassing on anyone, not even him.

Arriving back at the party, Rey took a table in one corner to be by herself and ponder over what she had just seen. At this very moment, Poe was kissing a man who, not too long ago, would have once been considered their sworn enemy. Considering her own forbidden love with and marriage to an agent of the enemy, Poe's romantic inclination and decision to act on it made him a fool in love at best, and a hypocrite at worst. After all, he had been appalled and declared Rey's own marriage to her husband treasonous. Her and Poe's stolen and illicit kiss that one drunken night many moons ago only made the whole situation sit and fester all the more.

Even if Neek'o and Poe did embark on a relationship together, it was probably too much to hope for that her commanding officer would be blessed with a new understanding on the decisions Rey had made in her own love life. That required a self-awareness and humility that Poe decidedly did not possess. Feeling a headache coming on, Rey rested her face in her palm, nodding absently at the waiter who passed by with a full wineglass. She sipped from it conservatively.

Even so, she was half-asleep by the time she felt Finn carry her back to her rooms and pour her into bed, only able to murmur a sleepy goodnight and goodbye as the Ticos then departed for the hangar, where they would soon be heading offworld for their honeymoon. The second the hydraulic door closed behind her newly-married friend, Rey had sunk into a deep slumber.