imagine...

Carsen, a sweet girl you had met within your first week in the Resistance, hooked you up with a cute long sleeved top in a color that paired wonderfully with your eyes. Warm enough that you don’t need to bring a jacket, she had said, but it leaves opportunity for Poe to lend you his. Her other reason for giving you the shirt was that it cut off an inch or two above the waistband of your jeans. According to Carsen, this was just enough skin to tease him, but not enough to “drive him up the fucking wall”. 

She also tried to give you some quick tips on how to cover up hickies, but you insisted nothing was probably going to happen. She laughed.

Back in your room, you did your best to hype yourself up. You had liked Poe for quite some time, and part of you was still processing that he had come to your door and asked you on a date. Steeling yourself one last time in the mirror, you gave yourself a nod. Before you could sit down again, there was a knock at your door. The sound unleashed butterflies in your stomach.

If only you knew Poe was experiencing the same butterflies, outside your door.

“It’s a one seater, but it’s a short ride.” Poe patted the side of his X-Wing.

He was wearing that famous jacket, the one that fit him perfectly, but somehow made him look rugged and handsome at the same time. You were pretty sure he always looked like that, though. Underneath he wore a white t-shirt.

“That’s no problem!” You piped, sirens blaring in your head.

Time to practically go sit between this attractive man’s legs, you thought.

Sure enough, within a matter of minutes, that was where you found yourself. His hand grazed your waist as he reached for the controls, and you tried to hold as still as possible. This was unfolding into quite the night.

“When was the last time you went up in one of these?” Poe questioned, noticing you give out a light gasp as you took off. He smiled to himself.

“Too long ago.” You joked, suddenly immersed in an ocean of stars.

They looked close enough to touch, from outside the cockpit window, existing millions of miles away. You felt as though if you reached out, you could pluck a star from the sky and hold it in your hands. Gleaming trophies trapped behind glass, separated from the world, so close yet so far. You only realized your mouth was hanging open when Poe laughed, sending vibrations through your back. You blushed.

“I suppose now would be a good time to tell you that I’m not actually taking you to the cantina.” Poe mused, punching coordinates into the console.

You tilted your head to look at him.

“Where are we going then?” You frowned, curious, the butterflies waking back up.

“I promise you’ll like it.”

With those words, Poe made the jump.

You emerged from warp speed, entering the dizzying spectacle spread out in front of you.

Swirling wisps of green and orange matter were frozen in a dance before the X-Wing, falling and rising and weaving between stars. You had seen pictures of this galaxy, but to be present inside of it was an incomparable experience. It felt as though it were alive, despite being unmoving, the way it burst outward from itself in a captivating spiral. This time you did not care that your mouth had fallen open.

“Holy shit.” You breathed, leaning forward, practically touching the glass. Your back was cold where it was no longer pressed against Poe’s chest.

‘What’d I tell you?” Poe remarked, amused your reaction. He found himself admiring your wonder instead of the wonder itself.

You stayed there for several more minutes, simply enjoying each other’s presence and beholding the sight in front of you. Leaning back into Poe’s chest, you exhaled.

“Thank you. That was beautiful.” You smiled up at him, and his entire face lit up. 

Poe reached around you to reprogram the coordinates fo home, and when he leaned back again he kept his hand resting on your thigh.

“I’m glad you liked it.” He replied, smitten.

The X-Wing gracefully touched back down in the hangar.

The gentleman that he was, Poe helped you down from the cockpit, and he only made fun of you a little bit when you unsteadily stood beside him.

“Haven’t gotten your space legs yet, hmm?” He teased.

“I guess not!” You giggled, holding onto the side of the ship.

“Don’t worry. That’ll change.” Poe stated, grinning at you.

That’ll change? Hold up.

“Why, are you planning on stealing me for more late night adventures, Dameron?” You had a flirtatious fire in your eyes, and this did not go unnoticed. Poe bit his lip.

“You call that an adventure? That, lovely Y/n, was mere stargazing.” He joked, taking a step closer to you. 

“You gotta start somewhere, then.” You remarked, meeting his gentle gaze. You had met flirtatious Poe before, but never to this extent.

Lovely Y/n. I wonder how many times a man can bite his lip in one night?

“Gotta start somewhere.” Poe breathed, drawing his hand up to brush your jaw. You tilted your head up at the sensation, parting your lips.

He’s biting his lip at... me.

Unzipping the top part of your jumpsuit, you let it hang down to your waist, feeling cool air brush the exposed skin around your sports bra. You washed the grime off your face, took your hair down from its tangled mess, and fell back onto the bed with a sigh. Tomorrow was your off day, so you didn’t have to make any late-night preparations to your X-Wing. Bliss.

Extending your arm to the side, you reached for your book, but before your fingers could even brush the old cover a knock sounded at your door. You groaned, your arm falling limply back onto the bed.

It was probably just Thea or Carsen, some of your buddies, they wouldn’t care if you answered the door in your sports bra. 

You stood up, walking over to place your hand on the doorknob. You opened it.

Poe Dameron, the gorgeous poster boy of the rebellion, was standing at your door.

That… That was very unexpected.

you mentally high-fived yourself for having washed your face already.

You watched as his eyes flicked down to your sports bra before his face turned pink, and he respectfully looked up at the ceiling. Oh.

You snapped out of your daze, darting out of the doorway.

“Sorry!” You squeaked, shouldering the top of your jumpsuit back on, and zipping it up. You took a deep breath, composing yourself.

Yes, you were attracted to Poe Dameron. And he was kind, and handsome, and charming. And he had just seen you without a shirt on.

“My fault! I… I should’ve said who it was…” He trailed off, still blushing, as you ducked back into view.

“Sorry. Wasn’t expecting anyone.” You smiled slightly, moving the hair out of your face. You glanced at him, he was biting his lip, and he looked as though he was about to say something.

You had Poe Dameron, blushing and biting his lip, in your doorway. What a night.

“So what’s up?” You asked, lightheartedly. Breaking the silence. Poe cleared his throat.

“So ah- I was thinking about stopping over to the cantina tonight- they’re broadcasting a couple old pod races.” Poe was fighting to get his cool, flirty, attitude back.

“And I was wondering… If you maybe wanted to come? With me?” He looked at you hopefully, scratching the back of his neck.

“As a date?” He finished, throwing a signature grin.

Your mind was dancing in circles, you wouldn’t be able to restrain yourself for much longer from bursting out in song.

“I’d love to, Poe.” You smiled, fist-pumping internally.

Poe looked relieved. His whole face lit up, and he began to speak again. He was getting his cool back.

“Awesome.” He grinned. “See you in an hour, then?”

As soon as the door closed, you took a victory leap across your small room, before twirling around and flopping back on the bed in excitement.

You strained your ears. Desperate for any break in the noise, any sort of sign, anything, that would place a fragment of hope in your heart. 

Hope that somehow, Poe wasn't in his X-Wing when the signal was violently cut off and that somehow, he hadn't been killed along with the steady blip of the tracking device that ensured his security. 

There had been silence from both his communicator and BB-8's signal as well, meaning all contact was stopped between the Rebel Alliance and their best pilot. 

That was the scariest part, not knowing. 

You had been repressing a panic attack all morning, barely remembering to take a deep breath every now and then to keep you level-minded.

Of course you had faith in him. your own Poe Dameron. But even then, you had a bad feeling in the back of your mind.

You startled as a weary hand rested on your shoulder, and you turned your face upwards, letting the transmitter fall into your lap. 

"Y/n," General Organa frowned, "you've been in that chair for nearly the whole night. I need you to get some real rest." Her features were laced with worry, she knew how much you cared about the man. 

You sighed, fiddling with the antenna on the device in your hand. Your eyes were pleading as you spoke next. 

"General, I understand your concern, but I need to be here if there's... anything." Your voice trembled. "Anything at all." 

"I know." She could see the panic deep in your eyes. "And you will be the first to hear if we pick anything up, which is why I insist you be well rested if the need comes for a retrieval mission." 

Leia' words were filled with purpose, and it lifted your spirits if only a tiny bit. She wanted to find Poe as much as you did. After a brief moment of silence, you realized that this was an order, not a suggestion. 

You hesitated for a moment, eyeing the device in your hand, before speaking.

"You're... right." You nodded, your voice breaking slightly. "I'm going to go, thank you, Leia." 

She nodded, squeezing your shoulder. You watched as she returned to the display behind her, conversing with someone in front of the transmissions panel. 

Reluctantly, you placed the communicator back into its holster. Slowly standing up, you wobbled a little, your aching legs reminding you how long you had been seated in that chair. 

In the absence of the pilot's arrival, you had done your best to stay alert and listen to the communicator, between nodding in and out of consciousness. Twice so far you had found yourself jerking back awake with a blanket around your shoulders, and a small smile from the General.

You had been excused from your training that morning after you simply couldn’t concentrate on anything.

You supposed this was for the best, in the occurrence that Poe was located, you wouldn't want to fall asleep at the controls of your X-Wing.

You took one last look at the activity of the communications division, they could live without you for an hour or two, right?

You made your way back to your quarters as your mind raced. 

They were your shared quarters, really, and your breathing hitched in your throat in seeing the blankets strewn across the bed, the same way they had been when Poe left early for his mission the day before. 

You shrugged out of your uniform, swapping it for one of your boyfriends lesser worn shirts that made up your nighttime wardrobe. 

You sat on the edge of the bed, lost in thought. 

You thought of the nights where you'd fall asleep on Poe's chest, your hands tangled in his curls. The way he'd trace patterns on your bare skin, making you shiver despite the warmth radiating from beside you. How he'd sometimes hum, quietly, when his mind was too busy to sleep, and how you'd stay awake to talk about anything and everything. 

You thought of the mornings, where he'd trap you in the sheets, and groan in your ear when you'd try to get up. How he'd place gentle kisses against your neck, his stubble making you giggle uncontrollably as you fought against his strong arms. How he'd only stop tickling you until you kissed him on his soft lips, and how you'd lie with his entire body wrapped around you until you were late for your shifts. 

Those cherished nights and blissful mornings were the ones you feared losing. You drifted in and out of troubled sleep. 

You were able to get three solid hours in before your intercom crackled to life, and you were blearily stumbling across the room before the voice even spoke.

It was some unknown guy from communications, but you listened as intently as if they were the highest member of the ancient Jedi Council.

“Y/n, gear up and report, as soon as possible, we found ‘em! Over!”

You were suddenly wide awake as you punched the red “talk” button with your thumb, your heart thundering in your chest.

“Got it, on my way, over!” 

Lifting your thumb, you immediately threw on your orange flight suit and thick boots.

Grabbing your helmet and vest, you swung out of the door, letting out a small cheer as your feet hit the hallway. 

It didn’t take long to reach the flight deck, you had circled back around halfway on your route to communications as you had received a message from the General that you’d be leaving right away.

She debriefed you as you strode towards your aircraft, already being prepped alongside the three other pilots who’d be accompanying you. 

“We don’t know what condition he’s in, the situation could be critical, so time is of the essence.” Leia slowed down when you reached the plane. Taking your shoulders in her hands, she gazed at you with the steely confident expression that struck fear into the hearts of new pilots. To you, it was reassuring. 

“May the force be with you, Y/n.” She nodded. 

“And you, commander.” You bowed your head, briefly, before turning to pull yourself up into your small X-Wing.

Leia waved at you as you revved up your systems, and you brought the door shut behind you. 

Sitting alone, surrounded by the gentle hum of your engines, it finally settled in your mind.

Poe’s alright. He’s okay.

You brought your hands to your face, straining to hold back a sob of relief. Your heart felt as though it might burst, but you knew you had to save it for later.

With a deep breath, you brought your hands down to your controls. Focusing on the coordinates, you prepared for liftoff.

You squinted your eyes against the sun-baked landscape of Jakku, scanning the environment for anything that stood out on the sands below, whizzing past.

“Rear up a little, here, we’re getting close.” Jessica Pava’s voice came clearly through your speakers, despite the buildup up of noise that came from strong winds and sand pellets blowing against the exterior of your plane.

“Copy.” You responded, slowing yourself down a little bit. You took your helmet off with a free hand, clearing your vision further.

You supposed Karé Kun could hear the worry in your voice, and she shot back her own response.

“Hey, Y/n, our boy is tough. He’ll be alright.” She reassured.

You glanced out the window to your left at Karé’s ship with a small smile, she was a good friend.

“Thanks, Karé.” You said with a small laugh.

“Anytim- Shit! Guys, I’ve got my sights on Poe!” She cried out, and you could hear the combined whooping from the three pilots, joined with your own cry of excitement.

“Bank left, everyone. Prepare to land!” Snap yelled, and everyone followed suit. 

Soon enough, you all began to see the Poe’s form in the sand, waving his arms wildly. You laughed, feeling tears prick your eyes.

Already? 

You chided yourself for being emotional before even seeing him up close, but this was indeed the most dangerous mission Poe had ever been on.

One by one, the X-Wings made their descent. You were the last to land, and as you stepped out of your door, you saw the other pilots smacking Poe on the back, yelling incoherently. Everyone was grinning ear to ear, including you.

Poe Caught your eye, and he advanced from the group, beginning to jog towards you.

“Damn you.” You choked out, laughing, tears now spilling from your eyes.

You found yourself barreling into his familiar chest, wrapped in his familiar arms, and you hung on to him for dear life.

“Poe.” You whispered, your face buried in the crook of his neck.

“Hey, I’m here, I’m alive. No tears, baby!” He said, soothingly, although when he pulled his face away to look at you there were tears forming in his own eyes.

“Don’t you dare ever scare me like that again, alright?” Your voice was weak, but you were smiling.

“I can’t promise anything, but I’ll do my best.” He laughed, helping you stand up with him.

The light reflecting off of the scorching Jakku ground gave you a clear view of the man’s face, covered in new bruises and cuts. The circles under his eyes were a deeper shade, and he grimaced slightly, from beneath his bloodied lip.

You inhaled, reaching up to gently touch his face. He let you tenderly turn his head from side to side, examining his injuries. Cupping a hand over his cheek, you drew his gaze back to you.

“What happened to you?” You said quietly, concern radiating from your words.

“First order took me in, had a professional job of beating me around.” he frowned, and your mouth opened slightly.

“Poe-” you began, horrified, but he had more.

“Then we- I crashed the getaway ship, landed here. Did a number on my ribs and back.” He stretched slightly, his expression shifting into one of pain.

That’s when you noticed the burnt, slightly torn, lower half of Poe’s shirt. through it, you could catch a glimpse of his battered torso, and you lifted the bottom of his shirt before he could protest. 

“Poe!” You gasped, placing a steady, gentle hand on the burns and scrapes painted all over his abdomen. His muscles relaxed under your cold hand, the temperature leaving a soothing imprint on his sore body.

You stood back up, carefully releasing his shirt, unsure of what to do. You didn't want to hug him again for fear of hurting him further, so you just stood there as the others regrouped by the ships.

“But- you’re alive.” You let out the shaky sigh of relief you hadn’t even realized you'd been holding, and you held your hand to his jaw again, as if to make sure he was really there.

“And you're safe now.” You breathed, Poe leaned his head into your hand. Kissing your palm, he closed his eyes, letting out his own sigh of relief, that had quite possibly been the worst mission of his life.

Everyone touched down in good spirits, as tomorrow was a day off. By the time you finished checking your controls, pilots were already filtering out of the expansive room, chatter filtering in and out of a light breeze. You hopped out of your cockpit, boots landing with a thud on the hangar floor. Propping your helmet gently next to one of the legs of your X-Wing, you wiped your forehead with the back of your palm. The cool air was a relief. You stretched your back again.

Out from the plane opposite yours jumped the Resistance’s Best Pilot, your very own Poe Dameron. He strode towards you with a spring in his step. 

It was hot, so you wore your orange flight suit half unzipped, revealing a soft gray t-shirt. That t-shirt, along with your face, were the only parts of you not covered in dirt and grime. So your t-shirt was where Poe placed his hands, and on your lips he placed his own. You responded eagerly. Letting your arms drape lazily around Poe’s neck, you felt Poe grin, and he moved a hand to caress the back of your head. Butterflies danced in your stomach. 

This received a wolf whistle from across the the hangar, followed by a shout of "ain’t the only ones left shutting things down, Dameron!”, earning chuckles from the few remaining crew members. Your first response was to blush, and try to break free from the kiss. Poe’s response, on the other hand, was one of no shame; he pulled your waist tight against his, practically dipping you into dizzying oblivion. All back pain was forgotten momentarily as your head swam with the feeling of Poe’s mouth on yours. You hummed in pleasure, heart singing.

“Catch me in the med wing later, I’ll be throwing up.” The voice chuckled, accompanied by several groans. As you heard footsteps retreating, you came up for air, holding onto the lapels of Poe’s flight suit for dear life.

“What was that for!” You giggled, gathering yourself, swaying slightly on your feet.

“I missed you.” He shrugged, with a cheeky smile.

“Jeez,” you breathed, “Leia should send me away more often, if it means I get kissed like that.”

You had missed him too, as you had returned from a five day mission only the day before. Per usual, he had worried about you, despite knowing you could take care of yourself. He trusted you on the missions where he wasn’t also present, and vice versa. Poe laughed, while you stretched out your back. Again.

“Or she could send you away less, and we could fit more of that in.” Poe uttered, his dark eyes bright.

Together you began to walk back to your shared quarters, talking over the tactical details of the brief mission. It didn’t take you long to reach the corridor where your room was, as it wasn’t too far from the hangar. This provided easy access when it came to urgent missions or early patrols. You’d only have to run for about two minutes, pulling your flight suit on as you went.

Coming upon the door, Poe quickly unlocked it. Smiling, he turned to face you. He noticed your position, your lips were pressed together as your shoulders squirmed to get rid of the discomfort in your back.

“How’s your back, by the way? Do you…well…I mean… I could give you a massage?” Poe suggested, resting a hand on the small of your back as you entered the room.

“You don’t have to, Poe, I’m probably overreacting.” you shrugged, taking off your boots.

It was a sweet gesture, but massages always came with trying to hide how ticklish you were, and gritting your teeth to not burst to laughing. In a million years, you’d never tell Poe your greatest weakness, for there were so many ways in which he would tease you about it for the rest of your life.

“That’s an order, from your commander.” He joked, slyly. “You’re obviously uncomfortable, and I’m damn good at giving massages.” Poe grinned, hanging up his orange jumper to reveal a white t-shirt and black joggers.

You took your own suit off, leaving yourself in leggings and the same grey t-shirt.

“Poe, I-”

Poe playfully shoved your shoulders back, and you tumbled backwards onto the bed, giggling. Before you could fight back, you found yourself face down on the mattress with your boyfriend straddling your hips.

“Relax,” He laughed, positioning his hands on your shoulders.

Your protests were muffled through the comforter, but you eased up, Poe’s warm hands already feeling nice on your back.

“Fi-ine.” You huffed, still unable to hide your grin.

“I thought so. Can’t resist the magic hands for long.” You couldn’t see his face, but you knew the curly-haired bastard was smirking up a storm.

“Be glad you’re sitting on top of me, Dameron, for I’d smack you.”

“Don’t worry, I’m thoroughly enjoying myself up here.” He rumbled, his voice low.

“Poe!” You squeaked, your face turning red. You were no longer trying to get loose, however, because the massage truly did feel wonderful.

He worked his hands through all of the knots in your shoulders, turning your upper back to mush. The pain slowly eased away, as his palms smoothed into your spine, you thought you could just melt into the mattress. Nearly asleep at this point, you let out a content sigh.

“I told you.” Poe’s words barely pierced your dream like state.

The trance didn’t last for long, as Poe’s hands started to move lower. As his fingers dug into your lower back, you were jolted awake, electricity shooting through your nerves as he sent tingles throughout all your limbs. You shivered, a sharp intake of breath escaping your lips. You tried as hard as you could not to squirm at the overwhelming feeling of his rough hands massaging your sides.

You had managed to stay still for a good 10 plus seconds before Poe wholeheartedly squeezed your sides to work on a particularly tough spot, and you gasped, unable to help yourself from jolting a little bit.

He stopped, rubbing your back softly with one hand.

“Did I hurt you?” He inquired, concerned.

“No, no- I’m fine, j-just-”

Poe brushed your hair away from your face, so that he could see half of your expression.

“Hold on, you’re blushing.” He said.

You shook your head into the covers, trying to keep your cool, but one can only fight off a laugh for so long.

“And smiling, what are you hiding?” He coaxed.

“What are you hiding?” You murmured into the pillow, alarms going off in your brain.

“Wait a minute. Are you ticklish?” Poe exclaimed, sounding quite pleased with himself.

You felt your heart beating out of your chest, and that stomach-dropping feeling started to stretch all the way down to your toes.

“No, I’m not!” You piped up, all too quickly and high pitched.

Poe propped himself up on his knees, and you tried to roll over and make a break for it, but he managed to trap you again, now on your back. He straddled your hips again. You covered your face, giggling nervously. The pilot curiously pried your hands away, amusement dancing in his warm features. You lay dismayed, Poe’s awed expression gazing down at you.

Uh-oh.

“And here I thought you couldn’t possibly get any more adorable.” He teased, his grin possibly reaching its widest yet.

“I have no idea what you’re talking abou-t!” You squirmed, your hands flying to push against Poe’s as he reached to place a single wagging finger on your stomach.

Poe’s face lit up with a mischievous glint, and he placed his large hands around your middle, giving one sharp squeeze.

Your laughter bubbled out of you like a waterfall, and Poe decided he’d do anything to hear it again. Luckily enough for him, he had every resource he needed literally at his fingertips, to your utter helplessness.

“How the hell have we been together for nearly two years,” Poe began, his fingertips fluttering over your ribs, “but I’m only finding this out now?” he pointed out.

You were out of breath, every nerve ending in your skin buzzing, as you pulled desperately at Poe’s hands. There was nothing you could do, he was too strong. You made a valiant effort anyway, as more helpless laughter spilled from your lips.

“P-lease, Po-e!” You cried out, giggling uncontrollably as he slowed down the merciless effort. You shrieked as he gave your ribcage one last good squeeze, before he propped one elbow up next to your head. His other hand remained under your shirt, devastatingly still, keeping you on edge.

Your soft laughter trailed off, but you didn’t fully stop giggling for a while. Poe lowered himself to kiss your forehead, as if you couldn’t possibly blush any deeper. Your hands, now free, lost themselves in his soft curls. You couldn’t deny that your heart felt as if it were glowing, a feeling of weightlessness taking over your body after having laughed so hard.

“I hate you.” You bit your lip, softly, as Poe bent down to kiss your neck repeatedly. His stubble scratched over the sensitive skin as he nuzzled into the crook of your neck, winning more giggles from you. You pushed his head away, laughing, admiring his smug face as he hovered above you again.

“I love you.” Poe beamed, taking his other hand off of your stomach with a playful sweep of his fingers. You squeaked, your hand flying to grab his arm. This time he complied, intertwining his fingers with yours. He rolled off of you and onto his side, holding out his arms. 

“C’mere. I would apologize, but I’m still in shock that you’ve kept such vital information from me for so long. Where has this been all my life?” Poe wondered, and you glared at him.

You sat up, slightly, trying to get rid of the small tug still playing at the corner of your lips.

“Well, at least you’re not lying to yourself.“ You paused, crawling over to Poe’s open arms. "And I didn’t tell you because of exactly what just happened, smartass.” You giggled. Poe wrapped his arms around you, enveloping you in warmth. He smelled of jet fuel and cinnamon.

You still didn’t trust his wandering hands, so you held them in your own small ones close to your chest.

“Fair point, gorgeous.” Poe’s voice was smooth and filled with happiness.Your heart swelled, feeling safe and loved, as you did whenever you found yourself in his arms.