Shay sat among the members of Black Squadron, listening to harrowing (and slightly exaggerated) tales from their time in space. A small fire crackled in the middle of the intimate circle they'd formed around it; the orange and red flames flickering over each of their faces as they recounted tales from past missions. Plenty of Corellian brandy had been passed around, which made their stories even more lofty. Shay partook in the brandy, but stayed mostly quiet during the tales the pilots told. Their camaraderie was admirable, if not slightly intimidating.

As the brandy was passed around once more and laughter over the latest tale lifted high into the night sky, Shay excused herself and went back to her tent, though not before refilling her glass rather heartily. She hoped no one would notice her leave, and she was sure they wouldn't - they seemed completely involved in reminiscing with one another. This allowed her the chance to finally steal away and try to relax her mind, which was as tired as her body was.

As she walked back to her tent, BB-8 made a soft hmm noise as she passed. Shay lifted a finger to her mouth, indicating to the droid stay quiet and not give her away. It nodded its head in response, and once more, Shay was amazed at the lifelike nature of this particular droid.

Once inside her tent, she was able to stretch out on her sleeping bag, which was much better than sitting on a fallen log like she had been for the past couple of hours. Initially, the squad had been concerned they would be pursued by Phasma and her group. In time, however, it appeared all was quiet. No engines were heard overhead, and the forest around them was thick enough that even the lightest footsteps would be heard traipsing through the brush. This afforded the crew the ability to raise the heavier, larger, and overall more protective tents they had stored on their ships, giving at least a little breathing room inside for each member within.

With her legs stretched out before her, Shay took another sip of the warm, comforting brandy and felt sleepy for the first time since their arrival. Her nerves had been on edge since the first blaster sound, but now - with the help of the liquor - she was quite relaxed.

Back at the fire, Poe was involved in the latest telling of the group's infamous Perlemmian trade route story. When Shay had stood to leave, her movement brought his attention away from the argument he was having with Wexley over the finer details of the story, but he couldn't break away to ask where she was going. Instead, he kept his eye on her as he and Wexley continued laughing and arguing. The first free moment he had, Poe took the chance and went to Shay's tent.

"Knock knockkkk…"

Shay had just closed her eyes when she heard Poe's voice. "Poe?"

"Yeah. Can I come in?"

She smirked. "What's the password?" There was a moment of silent hesitation, to which Shay could only laugh. "Yes, you can come in, Dameron."

Stumbling only minimally, Poe swung back the flap of Shay's tent and poked his head inside. "Is everything alright?"

Sitting upright, Shay crossed her legs in front of her and gestured for him to join. "Why do you ask?" He gladly took the invite, sitting a comfortable distance across from her. She noticed that he'd removed the jacket he had on earlier, and was now only wearing a plain black undershirt. His thicket of hair was only slightly mussed from his helmet, but Poe ran a hand through it anyway as he made himself comfortable in front of her.

"I saw you leave…" He said, then looked down at his drink. "Thought maybe something was wrong."

"Just tired, really." Their eyes met and Shay smiled. "And maybe a little tipsy."

Poe raised his glass in a salute. "I'll drink to that."

They clinked glasses, each taking a long sip with their eyes locked on each other. Shay lowered her glass first, wincing only slightly as the smooth burn filled her throat and then her stomach. "That's damn good stuff, I tell ya."

"I never leave home without it" Poe joked, although if Shay were to ask anyone in the crew, she'd discover it was actually no joke at all. He nodded towards her torso, noticing she still wore her flight suit. "No tank top tonight?"

It was as suggestive as it was innocent. Shay glanced down at the orange jumpsuit and laughed. "It's just so awesomely orange, I couldn't help but wear it to bed."

"I think I like blue better."

Their eyes met again, and Poe swallowed hard. "I mean….the tank top…..not your skin. But your skin is nice too, I just—"

"—Drink more, talk less, Dameron" she insisted, fighting the urge to laugh at him. She knew what he meant, and she took no harm in his stammering. In fact, it was oddly charming to see him stumble a little over his own words.

He took another drink and pointed the glass at her casually. "I want to know more about you."

"Such as?"

"I want to know about Pandora, and how you got here." He leaned back against one of her large duffels, feeling and looking rather comfortable. "In fact, I want to know everything. Did you always work as a mechanic? What was it like before you got here? What was your family like?"

She started to laugh. "So many questions…"

"And so little time." His smile turned cocky. "Better get to talking, then."

It was a request she couldn't deny, so she began by telling him how she got the call from General Organa to come up with the Resistance. She segued into explaining her prior work at an old Republic base on Orto Plutonia, helping to restock and tune up ships that needed a safe haven from the First Order.

"Orto Plutonia?" Poe's eyes widened. "That frozen orb? Wow. How'd you do it?"

"Heavy coats, and even heavier boots" Shay told him. "After a while, you get used to it. It's also why I didn't bring much with me when I got called up." She took a sip of her drink. "Didn't really have a lot time, so I just left with whatever I had at the base."

Poe noticed a change in Shay's demeanor as she said this. "Does your family at least know you're here?"

"I'm sure one of my brothers has informed my father" she replied, though there was doubt in her voice. "My brother worked alongside me, so when I left, he was the last family member I saw. It's just my brothers and I, and our father. My mother died unexpectedly, though it's been several years since her passing."

"Surely the General would have allowed you time to make it home once more?" Poe remarked. "To see your father, at least?"

Shay smiled. "She did. I just didn't take the offer. I figured if the Resistance was calling me up, of all people, then it was urgent. I shouldn't abuse that right and take my time, so I got my stuff and bolted."

She thinks she doesn't belong here, Poe realized silently. She doesn't see her own talent.

"But anyway" Shay said, hoping to change subjects. "Here I am! Orange jumpsuit and all." Her eyes met Poe's. "So how about you? What's your story?"

He facially shrugged and swirled the liquid in his glass. "Too long of a story to tell."

"Better start talking then" she said, teasing him with his own line. She noticed Poe sunk a little deeper against the duffel, his face turning more sullen.

"My mother was my hero" he began, eyes still locked on his drink. "She taught me how to fly when I was a kid. She was a Lieutenant who helped to end the Empire. My dad….as tough of a guy that he was….taught me everything I know about being a soldier. He was a Sergeant during those same years. That's how they met." He lifted his gaze to Shay. "I lost them both before I was even a teenager."

"I'm sorry to hear that."

Poe saw the sympathy in her golden eyes and gave a nod of respect. "They were good people, from what I hear. I don't remember much really. Didn't help that they were always gone."

"Well they sound like true heroes" Shay said. "Now I know where you get it from."

The compliment had more of an effect on Poe than Shay realized. His entire life, Poe fought to do what was right; to do what his parents would have done. His desire was to emulate every good quality his mother and father had, and to contribute to something larger and more important than he was. Often, he felt like he succeeded...but countless deaths, failures, and losses were stacking up quicker these days. To hear Shay utter such a compliment was both gratifying and humbling.

"Poe?"

His eyes lifted, and Shay noticed there was a deep longing within them. She wanted to ask him if he had been flirting with her in the hangar the other day, or if the smirk he gave her at the briefing for this mission was just that - a smirk and no more, or if the reason he came to her door last night was just the 'commander' side of him coming out. But even with the brandy flowing through her veins, she couldn't muster the words to come out of her mouth to ask him.

"Hey, what is it?" He sat up now, looking concerned. His gaze searched hers, questioning why she'd hesitated. "Was it the blue skin thing I said? Because I didn't mean—"

"—No, Poe, that's…." She shook her head and failed at not smiling. "That's not at all what I was going to say…"

"—Because I think you're beautiful" he blurted, not hearing her last statement. "I think you're absolutely stunning."

Shay's lips parted in shock. "…..you what?"

Poe slid closer towards her, their knees now barely touching. "Stunning. A knockout. The hair. The eyes. The smile. Everything. The way your aim is laser-tight, the way you hold a screwdriver in your mouth…"

Shay started to laugh and slapped him on the shoulder. "Stop that! A screwdriver in my mouth?"

"I mean it." His entire face was bright with elation, his smile as big and handsome as he was. He was so sure of himself, even in that moment. "From the first compliment you gave me, I haven't stopped thinking about you. Even BB-8 thinks highly of you - and trust me, my droid knows me better than anyone. He knows what's good for me and what isn't."

"This is just the liquor talking" Shay exclaimed. She could feel the heat of embarrassment flushing her cheeks.

"It isn't." His jaw immediately set, and his stare became unyielding. "Do you need proof?"

Shay didn't know how to answer, but she didn't need to. Poe had already leaned into her, his mouth connecting with hers as his hand cupped her face. There was confidence in the way his lips moved with hers, proving to her what she never thought possible. His lips were unfairly soft, his mouth a never-ending invitation. It wasn't until that moment, when Shay opened her mouth to him, that Poe's true strength could be felt in their kiss. His tongue swept over hers as he deepened their embrace, letting all caution slip away. Both his hands now held her face, his stubble brushing against Shay's skin as they tasted one another even deeper. Fire ignited through their bodies and was made known in those precious moments when their mouths were connected.

When they finally parted, Poe pulled back only far enough so he could read the expression in Shay's eyes. For the first time in what seemed like forever, he was scared. He was scared he made the wrong move, or moved to fast, or breached her trust…but there was no evidence of any of that in Shay's large eyes. Though they remained heavy with lust, it was clear to Poe that he had made the right decision. When Shay drew her gaze away from his lips and back to his eyes, the flap of the tent pushed open and Wexley's face popped inside.

"What the hell, man?!"

Both Poe and Shay jumped at the sound. "Wexley!?"

"We thought you went for a piss and got lost in the woods?!" Temmin told him. He glanced between Poe and Shay and then smiled. "Oh — hey Shay." He pulled his head back from the tent and directed it towards the fire. "I found him, guys! Search party over!"

As Wexley continued to yell back to the group, Poe was already on his feet in a low crouch, moving toward the exit. "Hey Wexley, there something wrong? Is everyone alright?" He exited the tent, and the conversation continued beyond while Shay scooted back to her spot on the sleeping bag. She hugged her knees to her chest and let the gravity of the last two minutes settle over her. She licked her lips, the taste of Poe still with her. It had happened. She couldn't believe it, but she had proof. It happened.

Beyond the tent, Shay heard the rise of drunken applause and soft cheers beyond, which meant Poe had returned to the fire.

With a heavy sigh, she rested her forehead against her knees and groaned.

Poe couldn't sleep. No matter how hard he tried, he tossed and turned and his mind raced with thoughts of his kiss with Shay. He lay on his side within his tent, frustrated and tired beyond measure. He was upset with himself because he never went back to Shay's tent, even after Wexley drug him away from her. He meant to say goodnight, or thank you, or something, but he never had a free moment after he returned to the fire. There was so much left unsaid, and he hated leaving situations loose-ended.

He shifted onto his back once more, his eyes staring upwards at the fabric of the tent. He replayed the event with Shay over and over, wondering once more if he'd overstepped his bounds but he swore she enjoyed it. She kissed him back. The look in her eyes spoke of the desire she felt for him. So why was he second-guessing himself?

Because it's been so damn long, he thought. When was the last time? A year or more, at least. I fucked that relationship up, just like all the others.

Poe shifted once more onto his side and sighed. He knew why none of his past relationships worked out, but he hated admitting it to himself. His history with women wasn't as stellar as he would have liked, and it was solely his fault. He craved closeness with someone who he could share his ups and downs with, someone he could hold and protect and make all of this fighting worthwhile - but he never allowed himself that chance. Every time he finally felt like he could let his guard down, buzzers went off in his head: how can you be devoted to the Resistance and still devote yourself to someone else?

He knew it stemmed from his parents never being around when he was young. He knew this. He feared it. The last thing he wanted was to love someone and never be around to show it. He couldn't give 100% of himself when he knew any given mission could end his life. He didn't fear death, but he feared leaving someone he loved and who loved him in return…like his parents had.

And so now, after admitting he had feelings for Shay and making those feelings known by kissing her, Poe was faced with the same dilemma he always faced and it pissed him off.

Poe exhaled his frustration in a loud groan as he sat up. He ran his hands through his hair, fingers tightening about his curls. He needed to do something if sleep wasn't going to happen, so he brought out his handheld holoprojector and called up General Organa. Luckily for him, it appeared she was also awake. In fact, she appeared exactly as she had hours earlier, which told Poe she hadn't gotten any sleep either. If he knew Leia, she'd been working this whole time.

"Is everything alright, Dameron?" she questioned immediately. "Please tell me you're not radioing to tell me something else had happened…."

He smirked. "Nah, everything's fine. Just checking in to see how things are coming. Find out anything yet about Phasma?"

Her blue projection reflected her unease. "We've only been able to collect bits and pieces of transmissions from Lahsbane to the First Order, and it's not good."

"I wouldn't expect anything else" Poe replied, feeling irritation flare within him. "Give me whatchya got."

Leia informed him that the colonists that were meant to greet Black Squadron had been kidnapped and taken to an unknown location. Leia and her team were still working on that part. They also learned that the First Order's tracking system was more advanced than they initially realized. Somewhere along the line, their transmissions were being intercepted, as the coded data showed when they went back through and reviewed communications.

"We need you to be extremely vigilant out there" she told Poe. "Until we figure out more, all communications must be between yourselves. Do not radio to us in your ships unless you are in dire need."

Poe nodded, but his mind was already coming up with an idea. He kept this idea secret - for now, anyway - and agreed to do as Leia said. "What about the colonists? We should do everything we can to rescue them, if they're still somewhere on Lahsbane."

"I agree, and that's what I'll radio you about next. It seems this mission's goals are about to change." With this, Leia cocked her head and the corner of her mouth quirked. "What time is it there, Dameron?"

"Late."

"How late?"

He smiled. "Far too late to admit."

"And why are you still awake?"

Diverting his gaze downward, he shook his head. "Can't sleep. Too much going on up here." He made a gesture to his head, watching as Leia chuckled.

"Some things never change, do they?"

"Afraid not, General." He smiled. "I look forward to hearing from you soon on the colonists."

Leia responded with a firm nod. "And I look forward to hearing that you got some sleep when we speak then."

Poe was still smiling even after her image disappeared. He felt better having talked to her, as he usually did. Although the information Leia told him was disconcerting, he could feel his desire to help the kidnapped colonists growing.

Feeling a little comforted, at least for the time being, Poe lay down once again and closed his eyes. He willed himself to sleep, forcing his thoughts to wait until morning to start bothering him again.

"Okay, BB-8, hand meeeee….." Shay thought for a moment, trying to decide which tool she wanted next. "Hand me the air compressor valve first, then we'll run diagnostics and wrap this one up. If we need to tackle the rotor fans, we'll do that afterward."

Behind her, the droid sifted through the bag of tools, finding what Shay requested and handed it to her with one of his mechanical arms.

"Thank you!" she said, then disappeared back into the exhaust intake of Pava's ship. She'd been working steadily all morning, going from ship to ship, ridding each one of the pollen that collected overnight. The longer they waited and the ships sat without moving, the more the pesky pollen accumulated. If they needed to take off in a hurry, they'd never make it off the ground with as much as there currently was on the ships.

BB-8 waited attentively nearby, listening as Shay banged and clanged and used compressed air guns to clean the valves. When she was finished, they ran diagnostics and confirmed everything was good to go.

"Thanks again for your help" she told BB-8 as they moved on to the next ship. "And maybe even more-so for you company."

The droid whirred and hummed happily, spinning his head excitedly in exchange for the compliment. Shay thoroughly enjoyed the little droid tagging along not just because he was helpful, but he always seemed so happy to help. If only all sentients were as willingly happy as this droid was, she thought.

As the duo began their work on the ship, BB-8 rotated in place and made a high-pitched wiiiiiiiirrrppp! noise. Shay lifted her head up from the intake valve to see none other than Poe walking towards them.

Shay felt her nerves prick across every inch of her skin. His broad smile donned his handsome face, but it didn't escape her how tired he looked. He still wore the black undershirt he had on the night before, with the same dark pants. Everything looked exactly the same. Same unruly hair. Same 5 o'clock shadow. Same confident swagger.

"So you're the one who stole my droid" he joked.

BB-8 rolled the rest of the way towards Poe, bumping him in the legs with a greeting of cheerful beeps. Poe and his droid exchanged their usual 'good mornings' with one another while Shay tried to shove her heartbeat from her throat back down into her chest.

He glanced up at her as he rubbed BB-8's head, his eyes moving from her to the ships. "How long have you been out here?"

"Since dawn." Shay covered the rest of the distance between them, finally coming within close enough proximity to Poe to confirm he definitely hadn't slept much. "I was worried about all the pollen. Have you noticed it doesn't collect on anything unless it's inorganic material? Maybe that's why the Lahsbee dislike technology so much. It would also explain the clay buildings they've constructed."

Poe barely heard anything she said. He was focused on her mouth, recalling almost instantly the way her lips moved with his. When Shay looked at him, his eyes moved unwillingly upward to meet her gaze. "Yeah, totally. I agree."

Shay stared at him. "You weren't listening."

"You're right. I wasn't." He shrugged, guilt in his eyes. "Can we talk about last night?"

Shay looked over Poe's shoulder, worried someone might come by and interrupt them again. Though the ships were parked nearly a klick's distance away from camp, she still worried someone would come and take him away from her again.

"Please?" Poe's eyes were now begging her. "I have to talk about this. I can't just let it go."

"You let it go last night pretty quickly."

"And I'm incredibly sorry for that" he said, sincerity in his voice. "Honestly, I am. I meant to come back, I wanted to come back…but the squadron; there just wasn't a good time."

Shay lifted a hand and nodded. "I know, Poe. I know. You're the Commander of this mission. You shouldn't even think twice about me. I'm the least important person here, and for you—"

"—No, don't do that" he interjected. "You are important. Not just to this mission, but to me."

His eyes took on that determined edge again, his entire demeanor ready to prove to Shay once more what she did not believe. After their kiss though, Shay did believe him. He didn't have to explain or apologize or prove anything anymore.

Nearby, BB-8 swiveled his head between the two, obviously realizing his missed something.

"You're important to me too, Poe" she told him. "I wanted to tell you that last night….you know, before Wexley…."

She trailed off, but Poe already understood. He felt a jolt of relief hearing Shay admit her feelings, especially after worrying all night about it. He watched Shay's expression soften as she looked at the ground.

"That kiss though." She stood, shaking her head. "That was incredible."

When she lifted her gaze, Poe's heart rate doubled. "Really?"

She nodded, a smile spreading across her face as she watched Poe exhale in relief. His hands went to his hips, and when he looked at her, he was trying to hold back a grin.

"You have no idea how much I wanted to hear you say that."

"I think I do." She stepped into him, her hands tugging at the collar of his shirt as she pressed her mouth against his.

BB-8 rolled backwards in surprise, a low whoooooh emitting from him as he watched the two become entangled in one other.

When Shay broke the kiss, her face was alive with happiness. Poe was beaming as well, all traces of worry and apprehension utterly vanished. BB-8 made another lively string of beeps and bloops in response to what he just saw, and both Poe and Shay looked over at him, still holding each other in their arms.

"See what I mean?" Poe's eyes drifted back to hers. "He likes you." His thumb caressed Shay's cheek tenderly. "He doesn't act that way to just any one." With this, he kissed the corner of Shay's mouth, then moved down her jaw.

Shay closed her eyes, the feeling of Poe's mouth warm and enticing. "Does that mean I'm a keeper?" She felt Poe smile against her neck as he moved his mouth even further downward.

"That's exactly what it means…." he uttered.

Glancing over, Shay gave BB-8 a wink to express her thanks. In return, BB-8 flicked open his tiny lighter, giving her a thumbs-up.