Chapter Eight
Finn wakes up alone, surprised to find Poe is not only awake, but has left the room completely. When he needs to, Poe can be up like a shot and function on a few hours of sleep, but there are also days when it's all Finn can do to get him out of bed in the morning. Poe is like a reluctant teenager on those days, complete with rolling over, moaning, and pulling the covers over his head. Given the excitement of the last forty-eight hours and the fact that he was in bed until late morning the day before, Finn would have expected the older man to stay in bed until at least a few more hours.
After using the refresher, Finn finds Poe in the kitchen, dressed and ready and sharing a cup of caf with his dad. He grins when Finn enters.
"Hey, look who's finally up!" he exclaims, standing quickly and getting a cup of caf for Finn, like they're already an old married couple. Sometimes it feels like they are, especially when Poe hands it to him with a sloppy kiss on the cheek, earning an eye roll from his father. "Sleep all right?"
Finn takes a sip of the caf. It is made from the dark, rich beans grown on Yavin, and it is delicious. "That's amazing, thanks. I slept great, but you're up awfully early—well, for you."
Kes laughs from the table. "He's still not a morning person?" he asks.
"When he needs to be," Finn tells him. "But if he didn't have a Resistance to run, I think he could sleep all day!"
"He almost did yesterday," Kes points out. "Didn't we have to drag him out of bed?"
"You did not, and I didn't sleep that long," Poe protests. "Besides, I'm still catching up from all those years of being sleep deprived and grabbing a few hours in the cockpit. I've earned my rest these days."
"Yes, you did," Kes murmurs. "And more."
Poe grins crookedly at him, and Finn has the immediate impression of a secret, something they're not telling him. He doesn't think it's bad, just something between father and son that he doesn't need to intrude on, so he doesn't.
He sits down at the table and spies a rucksack on a chair. "What's that for? We have plans for today?"
"Actually, yes," says Poe, and Kes stands to get himself some more caf, that smile still on his face. "I was thinking we could go see the old ruins, where the Rebel base used to be." Poe shrugs as if it's no big deal, but Finn can tell it is, that Poe is excited. "Since we're here for an extra day or two, we may as well take advantage."
"No, I think it's brilliant, let's do it!" Finn says. "What about Rey? Would she like it?"
"Probably," says Poe. "But I think she wants to commune with the tree a bit."
"Of course," Finn murmurs. "Is she there now?"
"Uh, no, she went for a training run," Poe says. "I told her we'd meet her later. So, if you're up for it, I packed some food and we can leave any time."
Finn finishes his cup and takes it to the sink. "I'm ready. Let's do this." He can tell it means a lot to Poe, and he's looking forward to spending some time alone after not getting married two days ago.
The trip to the Massassi ruins takes well over an hour. Fortunately, it's still early in the season and the temperature is not too warm, though the humidity reminds Finn of Ajan Kloss and he certainly didn't miss that on Chandrila. When they arrive at the large pyramid, Finn is hot and sweaty, with his jacket tied around his waist; Poe has stripped down to his undershirt, and his hair is a wreck. They take a break to admire the view, sipping some water as the jungle sings around them. Finn feels a sense of peace come over him, but there is a feeling of excitement practically vibrating in the air around Poe.
"I loved coming here as a kid," Poe tells him. "Knowing what happened here, feeling that sense of history. I haven't been here for years, but it's…" He shakes his head. "What do you think?"
"It's amazing," Finn says. "I've never seen anything like it." And he hasn't. The temple complex is not as large as some of the places he's seen on other worlds, but the sense of history that Poe mentioned is overwhelming. He feels like he's a part of something bigger than him, even if the Rebels left decades ago.
"Come on," Poe say, pulling on his shirt and jacket, running a hand through his hair, and taking Finn's hand. "Let's get closer, explore some. There's all kinds of interesting stuff inside."
"Then can we eat?" asks Finn, because he's starving.
"Then we can eat," says Poe. His smile is enigmatic, though, and Finn suspects he's done something sentimental, like packed a romantic picnic for them. He's looking forward to it, as long as it's sooner and not later.
Poe leads him into the temple. It is dark and he pulls out a torch, guiding them as if he knows exactly where he's going. And he does seem to know his way around, pointing out all sorts of things from the old Rebel days, and the Imperial occupation after. There is a tickle at the back of Finn's mind, and he notices as they walk deeper into the temple that there is a light ahead of them. He wonders if a part of the temple collapsed at some point.
They make their way through the various levels of the temple before they finally step into a large chamber, the ceiling high but intact aside from a single opening at the top, pouring light into the room. And surrounding the light are all their friends: Rey, and Chewbacca, and Rose; all the droids; Jess and C'ai and the other pilots; and Kes Dameron, standing in the center of them all at the top of several steps.
Finn stops in his tracks and stares, then turns to Poe, who looks ready to burst with excitement.
"This was your big idea, wasn't it," he says. "To get married here."
"I told you I have good ideas sometimes," Poe replied. "As long you're okay with it."
Finn looks around at everyone gathered. Even those they'd left behind on Chandrila are there, blue figures holo-commed on the sides. He gives Poe a dry look. "Everyone's already here," he points out, and Poe appears stricken for a single moment before Finn grins, his heart racing with excitement. "Of course I'm okay with it! How did you pull it off?"
Poe laughs and takes his hand. "I'll tell you later. Let's do this first."
"Before something goes wrong again?"
"Exactly."
They walk down a long aisle to the bottom of the stairs and stand before Kes. The others close in around them: Rey and Rose beside Finn, C'ai and Chewbacca beside Poe, with BB-8 at his feet. The others close a circle behind them; it is small and intimate, even in the middle of an ancient temple now run down with dirt and rubble, and it is absolutely perfect.
Kes leads the ceremony, a simple series of both traditional and personal vows, his voice strong and emotional as he gazes upon them both. There are smiles all around, and a few sniffles, even some chuckles as he reminds everyone of how Finn and Poe met. And then BB-8 rolls forward and offers two rings from one of his compartments.
"Thanks, buddy," Poe tells him. "I knew you could keep them safe." The droid beeps happily. "Yeah, you stay right here with us." BB-8 stands between them as Poe takes Finn's hand and places a simple silver ring on his finger. It is the ring Poe once wore around his neck, until offering it to Finn three months ago. His mother's ring.
For the first time since they left the house, Poe looks nervous. Finn can even feel his hand shaking, and hear it in Poe's voice as he gazes at Finn's hand and begins his vows. "Finn, I give you this ring as a reminder of my vow, and a symbol of our new life together. For today and tomorrow and all the days to come, I will walk by your side, and fly by your side, with all my loyalty and love, until the stars fade." Only when he finishes without fumbling does he glance up and meet Finn's gaze, blowing out a relieved breath before grinning.
Finn takes the other ring from BB-8, made from a part he'd asked the droid to swipe from Poe's ship months ago, and had asked Chewie to make into a ring. It seemed appropriate somehow, that Poe wear something that had flown amongst the stars on his hand as a mark of their relationship. His own vows are slightly shorter, and he holds Poe's gaze as he speaks clearly and confidently.
"Poe, this ring is a symbol of my promise, that I will love and support you with all that I am and will be. In all times, in all places, and in all ways, I will stand by your side until the stars fade."
Finn think he hears a few more sniffles around them, but he's grinning, and so is Poe, though his eyes are also bright. BB-8 is rolling back and forth with excitement as Kes steps forward and lays his hands over theirs.
"Congratulations, my sons," he says, and his voice cracks, which makes Poe's chest heave, though Finn honestly can't tell if it's a joyful laugh or a heartfelt sob. "Your lives are now joined as one." He steps back, the tears obvious in his warm eyes.
Poe looks at his father, then at Finn, then back at his father. "So, can I kiss him, now?" he asks, and Kes nods, clearly holding back a laugh.
"As if we could stop you," he says. "Just don't embarrass anyone."
Poe smirks, reaches out for Finn, and pulls him into a heated kiss that immediately has everyone clapping and cheering. Which Finn supposes is probably normal, since it happened at the only other wedding he attended, back on Ajan Kloss not long after the final battle. And he doesn't mind anyway, because they did it, they got married, and no one attacked them this time.
Still, they are generals and should probably maintain some sort of decorum, so Finn steps away with a smile, whispering, "Later," in Poe's ear.
"I'll hold you to that," Poe murmurs back.
"I hope you do," Finn replies. "So what next?"
Poe laughs and takes his hand, then turns around and raises them over their head, to more claps and cheers from their friends and loved ones. Kes comes to stand before them, placing a hand on each of their shoulders. "Now we celebrate."
Which is apparently the signal for everyone to rush forward, and they are enveloped in hugs and embraces, with handshakes and kisses to the cheek, more laughing and crying. Rey holds them both so tight and for so long, Finn is not sure they'll ever make it out. Poe is always by his side, and he is glowing with happiness like Finn has rarely seen before. It fills his heart to bursting, that something so simple and yet so profound could bring such joy.
When everyone has offered their good wishes, Finn turns his back and leans closer. "Seriously, what next?" he asks. Poe turns him back and puts his arm around Finn's shoulder.
"All right, time for the party!" he tells everyone. "You all know where it is, so we'll see you there!" He grins at Finn, who narrows his eyes.
"What else did you do?"
"There's a place in town. I talked to them yesterday, and they said they'd be happy to have us." He shrugs kind of sheepishly. "I might have pulled a few strings, dropped some names and more than a few credits, but it's a nice place, good people." Finn is still looking at him. "What? It's tradition. We had a big party planned on Chandrila."
"I know we did," Finn replies. "What I can't figure out is how you pulled all this off in one day!"
"What can I say, I'm good." Poe laughs, then shakes his head. "No, I'm not. I had a lot of help, mostly Rey and my dad. Thank them too." He pulls Finn in for a quick kiss. "We also have a room in town, so we don't have to spend the night at my dad's house."
"What's wrong with your dad's house?" asks Finn. Of course, Kes is right behind him.
"You're married now, Finn," he says, exchanging a familiar grin with Poe. "And while you are always welcome, you should probably take a night for yourself, if you know what I mean." And he winks, though it is not nearly as good as his son's.
"Right," says Finn. "Good point."
Kes walks away with Chewbacca, while Rose pulls Rey toward the exit as well. BB-8 beeps a question at them, and Poe nods, crouching down to pat the little droid on his dome. "You did great, buddy. Thank you for keeping it secret." BB-8 whistles proudly as Poe stands up to pull Finn into one more embrace. "You know, we could always stop by that room before we head to the party," he murmurs, nipping lightly at Finn's ear. "If you were interested."
"I don't know," says Finn. "I'm really hungry after being dragged all the way out here without food."
Poe steps back.
"I mean, I thought you had packed a romantic picnic or something," Finn continues, enjoying the look on Poe's face too much.
"I plan a secret wedding that actually gets us married instead of shot at, and all you want to do is eat?" Poe asks. He takes Finn's hand and starts walking toward the others. "I guess we eat, then!" But he's smiling, and Finn knows he's picked up on the teasing.
"I love you," he says, both fond and exasperated.
"I know," Poe returns. He gazes sideways at Finn and squeezes his hand. "You're not so bad yourself, husband-general."
Finn laughs. "Husband-general?"
"How about General-husband? Is that better?"
"Not really. You could just go with the name you gave me. I like that best."
"Finn," says Poe, as if trying it out, like he did once so long ago. "I love you, too, Finn."
"I know."
"Just making sure. You ready for this party?"
"I'm ready," says Finn. He's been ready for a long time, and can hardly believe it's happening. They can finally start their life together.
"Then let's do this."
And they do.
Author's Note:
The End!
Whew! Sorry that took so long, but I hope it was worth it and enjoyed. Thank you for reading – let a girl know what you thought?