Chapter 7.

(Edited 04/08/2021)

If anyone was right about anything, it was Rey having predicted that the night would be quite the emotional one.

The ceremony went extremely well, the entire rebellion watching as Finn and Rose declared their love and devotion to each other, promising one another their own lives to their spouse for the rest of time.

Cheers broke out just as quickly as their tears and smiles did, happiness spreading throughout the base and shining bright. Rey grinned, her heart warm with excitement for her newlywed friends.

A moment later, the couple shared their first kiss as bride and groom, prompting everyone to toss their flowers to the alter, showering the pair with love and support.

Rey was absolutely thrilled, laughing with glee as she followed suit and tossed the small boquet of daisies one at a time.

She had never witnessed such enjoyment, never had the opportunity to be part of a beautiful moment like this one. Rey sighed, knowing she would keep this memory with her for the rest of her life

Shortly after the ceremony, the guests were told to being moving outside to the back of the base, where it was decorated with twice as many flowers and lanterns, lights strung up between tree branches.

Those tasked with clearing out all debris and junk from the yard did a wonderful job, not a spot left uncleansed or undecorated. There was a designated area where the bar sat, people lining up to get their favorite alcoholic drinks that they hadn't enjoyed in a very long time.

All thanks were due to Maz Kanata, who had made the journey to the new Resistance base to share in the celebration gifting crates beyond crates of wine and tonics.

Leaning up against the wall near the exit of the base, Rey was keeping to herself, eyeing everyone as they mingled and laughed.

She noted how people flocked to Finn and Rose, giving their well wishes, and soon moving onto to speak with General Organa, who sat at the main table with the new couple. She looked absolutely remarkable, dressed in a royal gown, the gold and maroon colors making the Princess glow.

"Quite the beautiful dress." Poe said to Rey, joining her at her side with a lopsided smile, drink in hand.

His hand was tucked into the back of his pocket, and he looked more relax than Rey had ever seen him. He was dressed in dark colors as well, black dress pants with a white dress shirt, his sleeves messily rolled up to his forearms.

Poe looked rather dashing, Rey thought. In another lifetime, she may have even commented such, but she was not entirely ignorant to his affections, and she was sure she would not be able to stop a blush at a time like this.

She returned his smile, and nodded. "Yes, she does. I guess she's used to this type of thing though, being a princess and all." Rey replied, figuring that he had been watching her gaze and had spoken about Leia.

Poe squinted his eyes for a second, glancing down and back up to meet her eyes as Rey turned. "Well, her does, too. But I was actually talking about you." His smile widened and showed his gleaming, white teeth.

This time, Rey did blush, not matter how hard she tried not to. She wanted to roll her eyes but knew it would be rude.

Her skin was agitated from the blushing tonight, and she wondered if she would get used to being complimented as she had tonight.

"Thank you, Poe. You look dashing yourself." She returned, meaning every word.

After a moment of silence, music began to play over the loud conversations. Motioning to the bar with a slight nod, Poe asked, "So, want a drink?"

Rey glanced over, following his gaze. The bar was absolutely surrounded by people cheering and laughing, spirits at an all-time high since this was a night that the base could fully relax.

She couldn't help the curiosity that pooled within her. Rey had never had such a drink, but she knew it made people loopy and out of tune with their senses if one drank too much of it. It looked fun, to give up the restraint and sobriety if for but a moment, but she couldn't deny that the idea made her a little uncomfortable.

Still, though, it looked somewhat enjoyable. If it was a way to ease the tension and anxiety she has had all day, having dealt with Kylo, the vision, and lack of response from the force... Then yes, Rey thought, she was willing to try it.

"Well, I've never..." she trailed off, feeling slightly embarrassed at having to admit such a thing. If she did say yes to drink, she wasn't even sure what to ask for.

From her time being with the Resistance and submerged into a world full of people that had teachers for everything, Rey had grown used to asking her friends for help.

Life on Jakku came with its ups and downs, but a part of the downside was there were so many little things she had never experienced. Rey was able to pick up a few stranded books here and there, even listened to old comm recordings that she found on ships, but still, the only thing she knew for certain there, was how to survive.

Yet, one thing was very different here; Yes, she knew how to survive, but her friends taught her how to live.

Rey was sure that was why she was so comfortable around them, Poe included. He always wanted to help her, and though she could feel some sort of longing for her, in a way that was more than friendship, she knew the help he offered was sincere.

Which was easy to take up on when she needed up help deciphering the words from the Jedi textbooks she had stolen from Master Luke. Poe wasn't able to make out the words, but still, he offered a non-judgmental ear when she needed to vent about the way the books called to her.

Since then, their friendship came easier every day that passed as Rey learned to trust him, well enough to experience having a drink with Poe for the first time.

At the admission, Poe's brows shot up, forgetting for a moment that she was new to things like this. "Oh! Well, it can be good. You may not like the ale, but they do have a spiked punch that is a good alternative, or wine... Why don't we-"

Before he could finish his offer, Poe was cut off with a small jump, having been hit in the knee by the one and only Maz Kanata.

Rey glanced down to the small woman and smiled widely, though Maz's attention was on Poe for the moment.

"Get away from the girl, you charming fool. Go fetch my boyfriend will you? I miss that wookie." She said, giving him a knowing smile. Poe chuckled and grinned down at her, knowing he was caught trying to swoon Rey.

"Chewie's at the bar with BB-8. Even you can see him from here." He teased. One thing he loved about Maz, was that he could always throw words around with her and she would never take it to heart.

Maz chuckled and pinched his shin hard enough to make him wince. "I said go fetch him. I'm sure all that flying about hasn't damaged your ears that much!" She laughed.

He chuckled again, and glanced at Rey, who was watching the exchange with amusement. He winked at her before leaving the pair, heading towards the bar as Maz had asked.

Maz watched Rey for a moment, wanting to see how the young lady felt towards the pilot, but was unable to pick up anything from her. From the distant look Rey had in her eye, Maz knew a much-needed discussion was to be held.