Archive of Our Own

The adrenaline rushed through their bodies, keeping their eyes wide and their wounds numb. Their mission had failed. Their escape had been dangerous, but they quickly managed to regain control of the situation. Not without injuries, however. Finn's hand started to ache as soon as they were secured in the ship. He thinks it was harmed when he escaped the chains that held him prisoner. However, the pain was tolerable, and he was more worried about Poe's wounds.

“You okay?” He asked.

“Yeah, completely fine, just minor injuries.” Poe answered and BB-8 beeped angrily.

“I don't speak binary, but I'm pretty sure that means they're a little bit more than minor.” Dameron sighed at his words. “Let me take a look, just to be sure.” Finn requested and the other man gave in, already breathing harshly through the pain.

He laid down on some sort of table. It wasn't exactly comfortable, but it gave his friend good access to his damaged torso. Finn took a sight of Poe's wound covered by his shirt, the material already soaked in blood. “I'll have to tear the shirt apart.”

After receiving the pilot's permission, he tried to tear the cloth. His hand started soon to ache and he stopped the attempt, thinking about how to do it more efficiently. “Hm… I– Can I use my teeth?” He requested awkwardly.

“What?” Poe lifted his head in confusion.

“My hand is hurt, I, hm, can't start ripping it with it… I– I can use my teeth on the collar and then use my good hand to tear the rest of it.” He explained. “If– If you're cool with that, of course.” He said, uncertainty engraved in his expression.

“Oh, yeah. No worries. Hm… do whatever you think is best.” Poe consents.

The man then grabbed the collar of the pilot's shirt and drew his head towards it. His teeth gripped the cloth near his already positioned hand. Dameron almost flinched at the warmth of Finn's breath against his throat. His lips almost touching his neck. His hands gripping his shirt. Poe barely felt the injury anymore, too focused on his companion's actions.

After the second attempt, Finn succeeded and a small rip could be seen in the shirt. He pulled his head back up.

Poe hoped his face didn't expose clear signs of his inner crisis. It did.

“I'm sorry, did I hurt you?” Finn asked worryingly, seeing his friend bite his lips harshly.

“No! No, not at all.” The pilot reassured him. “Keep doing your thing.”

The former stormtrooper gets back to the task in hand, slowly tearing the shirt apart and removing it from the other man's body. With the bloody material finally in his hands, he turned around, looking for a place to properly discard it. Realizing that this was an unreal expectation, he threw it in a random corner and faced the pilot's wound again.

Finn examined the locale. Instead of calculating the depth of damage, like he was taught, he lost himself in Poe's figure. His eyes traveled intently through his abs and his chest. He lifted his area of study and carefully mapped Dameron's shoulders and neck, fixing his gaze at the man's collarbone for longer than he should have. He felt like an inspector, scanning every inch of skin, and Poe was passing whatever inspection he was doing with flying colors.

“Is– Is it that bad?” The pilot asked, misinterpreting his expression as worry.

“Well, kinda… It's better than it looks! I can bandage it up for you.” Finn's mind took its time creating a coherent response. With Dameron's agreement, he started to plan his course of action.

No longer solely focused on how frustratingly exposed Poe's torso was or on how unfairly attractive he was in every aspect, Finn began the simple treatment.

“Is it hurting?” He asked.

“Just a bit, yeah.” Poe answered.

“Well… it's going to start hurting a little more.” His statement was truthful. The movements of his hands were meticulous and delicate. As he rolled the gauze carefully around Poe's body, asking him to move when necessary, he could hear the quiet whimpers coming from his patient.

Patching the gauze up with a satisfactory amount of adhesive plaster, he concluded that this was all he could do for the time being. They'd soon be on the base and the doctors would take good care of his friend. BB-8 then beeped at him and Poe was still capable of translating. “They say thank you for taking care of me.”

“You're welcome.” Finn said, smiling at the droid. When his gaze turned back to the pilot, Dameron's eyes were fixed on him, soft and admiring. His lips curved into a beautiful smile and the crinkle of his eyes were present, confirming the authenticity of his facial expression, even when terribly hurt and poorly patched up.

***

In a matter of hours, they arrived at the Rebel Base. Poe insisted he was able to walk on his own, but BB-8 and Finn were adamant about helping him. Finn placed his friend's right arm around his shoulders and asked the man to use it to support himself. They got out of the ship and the droid had already called the doctors. No longer sustained by his companion, Poe was taken to the medbay.

His bandage was replaced with a newer, more professionally made one, but the nurses made a point of praising Finn's work, genuinely impressed by the boy's abilities. Dameron would have to rest in the sickbay for four days before Doctor Kalonia could even consider releasing him.

As soon as he was settled, Finn came around to visit him.

“You feeling okay?” He asked.

“Yeah, yeah, everything's alright.” Poe reassured him. “Oh! And one of the nurses told me how good of a job you did in the bandage. He was very persistent about me passing the message.” He added.

“Seriously?” The former stormtrooper was honestly surprised. “I didn't think I did that good of a job, I was kinda distracted by… hm, the mission.” He said, a little sheepish.

“He said it really helped with the bleeding, so thanks.” Dameron's smile was genuine. Bright. Finn felt as if he was looking directly at a blazing star, almost overwhelmed.

***

At lunchtime, Finn went to the mess hall and got his food, heading back to the medbay to eat with Poe. As usual, their conversations were as random as entertaining. “What's your favorite song?” Finn's curiosity was clear.

“This is a very difficult question, you know?” The pilot laughed a little. “I love so many of them! I'm terrible at picking favorites out of anything, to be honest.”

Finn kind of understood that feeling. “Okay, but like, if you had to choose one of the best. Not the absolute best, just one you like a lot. What would it be?”

“Hm, I think Crush… it's really good.” He decided. “Do you like Cigarettes After Sex?” He then asked.

Utter confusion was painted in his friend's expression. “I have asthma, but what does that have to do with songs?”

Poe started to laugh exaggeratedly, unable to give Finn a real response. His wounded body did not appreciate the laughing spree, but he couldn't stop it. When he was finally able to take deep breaths and stop the laughter, he was still smiling widely. "Cigarettes After Sex is a band, Finn." He said.

His friend's face turned from puzzlement to shame in a matter of seconds. "Oh… okay." He said.

To end the other man's suffering, Dameron continued to talk about music. "But, you know, it's not the only song I like. I'm also a big fan of Do I Wanna Know? by Arctic Monkeys, and Delicate by Taylor Swift, and Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy by Queen… I could go on all day, honestly.” He admitted. “What about you? Do you have a favorite song?”

“No, not really… Music's still kinda new to me, I don't know where to start.” He said.

“Well, I can totally walk you through some albuns and give you recommendations, but you're gonna have to tolerate my Taylor Swift obsession… and Queen obsession… and Ed Sheeran obsession.” The pilot warned.

“I'd be happy too.” Finn agreed, smiling.

“Good.” Poe seemed content. “So as soon as I'm out of here, we're having a music marathon.” He said.

“Deal.” Finn smiled in agreement and Poe's beam didn't falter for the rest of the day.

***

They were aware of their interest in each other. Everyone was, really. The only person that seemed to fail to realize their desire was the object of said desire. So no one was shocked by their couplely behavior, or the fact that they spent every lunch together, or their getaways to talk hours on end in the forest near the Rebel Base. And, honestly, Finn and Poe weren't very subtle about it.

After Poe was released from the medbay, in one of those long conversations in the woods, watching the sunset, they were talking about music again.

“But how do you decide if you like a song or not?” Finn asked.

“Well, it's as simple as deciding if you like a taste or not. I mean, you listen to it, if it makes you feel good, then you like it.” The pilot had a hard time describing the feeling.

“No, yeah, I got that. But you said that there are sad songs. How can a sad song make you feel good?” He was trying really hard to comprehend it.

“It's because you relate to it. Like, you feel heard, you know? You're sad, the songwriter's sad, it's like a bond has been forged.” Poe explained.

“This still doesn't make a lot of sense to me, but I guess I'll just get it eventually.” Finn shrugged.

“Listen to Folklore by Taylor Swift, then It's A Hard Life by Queen and if you still don't get it, I'll stop bugging you about it.” Dameron suggested.

“Okay, then.” He grinned. “I'll get back to you as soon as it is done.”

Their subject changed after that and Poe started to tell stories of his adventures. Mentioning his squadron, his family, his friends…

“The first time I flew something was when I was eight.” He said.

“Eight? That's a baby, Poe!” Finn was stunned.

His friend laughed at his reaction. “My mom was also a pilot, she had an A-Wing. So when I was eight I was dying to fly it.” He explained. “She didn't let me go without her, of course. As you said, I was only a child. But I got sick of waiting and took it for a spin without telling her.” He had the widest smile on his face.

“Dear Force, you've been a menace to society since before puberty.” The other man said.

“Hey!” He tried to seem offended.

“You stole your mom's A-Wing!” Finn talked loudly, grinning ear to ear. “Did you get caught?”

“Of course!” Poe laughed. “I flew for less than a mile and almost crashed it. She found me soon after.”

They both stayed quiet for a bit, smiling and enjoying each other's companies and the happy atmosphere they had created.

After some time, Finn looked at the pilot, eyes glowing with interest. “What's she like? Your mother.”

“She's amazing. One of the best people I know, honestly.” Dameron's smile widened, he loved thinking about her. “She's this being just so… full of life and easy to talk to and just so… bright. An incredible woman in every sense of the word with every person she knows.” He concluded.

Finn could imagine that. He definitely could imagine that. Because, well, that's how he saw Poe. And the person that created and raised him had to be just as special. Also beaming, he waited for his friend to interlock that answer with another wholesome story he'd lived with her. And that's exactly what he did.

“Once, on my sixteenth birthday, she decided that it was a good idea to ask a friend of hers, L'ulo L'ampar, to teach me how to shoot stuff.” He started. “The guy was like an uncle to me and was also an incredibly skilled pilot, so why not, right?”

“What the hell did you do?” Finn was already laughing in advance.

“It wasn't me! Well, not exactly.” Poe defended himself.

“See, Dameron, when you say that, it just makes me more sure it was, in fact, you.” The man said.

“Oh, shut up!” The pilot rolled his eyes at his surname being used by him. “Anyway, the problem was that I already knew how to shoot things, because L'ulo had taught me how to do it behind my mother's back about a year before…” He explained.

“Why am I surprised, honestly? I should've known.” Finn mocked him.

Poe laughed. “We ended up spending another two weeks flying and training together and my mom was stunned with my 'quick progress'.” He said, smirking.

“Did she find out?” His friend asked.

“No! She doesn't know it to this day!” Dameron was having so much fun watching his friend's expressions. “Back then, if we'd said anything she'd not only kill L'ampar, but she'd never let me have another birthday party. So we simply never told her.” He explained, joy contained in his grin.

Finn's expression went from shockley amazement to thoughtfulness, like he was piecing a puzzle together. “Wait, your birthday… It's the fourth zhellday of nelona. That's like… in less than two weeks, right?” He tried his best to keep track of the confusing calendar.

“Yeah!” Poe confirmed. “Did you finally understand the GSC?” He asked.

“It still feels like some kind of mystery for me, but I'm slowly getting the hang of it.” Finn answered. “But what are we doing for your birthday then?” The man was already excited.

“I don't really know. Like, normally I just have a long dinner with my pilot friends and they give me gifts they have clearly made in a rush the week before.” His expression showed how much he cared for the tradition. “Then my family calls me and we spend some time talking about our lives, in general.” Now he was beaming. “It's not much, but it makes me happy. It's enough every year, you know?” He directs his gaze to Finn.

"Well, I better start thinking of an idea for a hastily made present then." They looked at each other with wide soft smiles and bright eyes.

Finn then remembered something else. Something that Poe had told him some time before, but he wasn't actually sure if he remembered it correctly. “You have a cousin, right?”

“Yeah, they're name's Kes.” The other man said. “Like my father.” He added.

“Are they L'ulo's kid?” Finn asked.

“Yes, they're six now. They live in Yavin 4 with the rest of my family.” Dameron affirmed.

“You took 'em on a quick X-Wing trip without warning their father once, didn't you?” The man was starting to remember the whole situation.

“I did!” The pilot laughed and began to tell the story again.

At this point, Finn had already remembered it entirely. He didn't need Poe to retell it, but he wasn't going to interrupt him either. Poe liked to talk and he liked hearing his friend's voice, so why not hear the story again? He didn't care that he'd heard it before, so he sat back and enjoyed as Dameron's soothing voice invaded his ears.

***

Finn had been having a hard time thinking about what to give to Poe on his birthday, but he soon found out that so was everyone else. At least four people had asked him what he thought the pilot would appreciate for the date. Those questions were answered with a sincere “I don't know”, just so they could be followed by a whole interrogation about his friend's likes and dislikes.

Jess, one of Poe's friends, had also asked for his help. “Do you know if he'd enjoy something for his X-Wing?”

“I think he's very methodical and picky about everything that has to do with that ship.” Finn reflected. “But, you're from his squadron, so maybe you know better about his mannerisms than the other people that try to interfere with his way of taking care of it…” He continued. “I wouldn't go along that line, just to be safe.” He concluded.

“Yeah, you might be right.” Jessika said. “What're you thinking then?”

“I think he really likes when you guys cook for him.” Finn said, truthfully.

“Really?” The woman sounded shocked. “But we're terrible chefs.”

“It's more about the display of affection than the actual food.” He explained. “You could give him anything and if he knew it came from you, along with a hug, he'd absolutely love it. He loves his family and his friends more than anything.”

Pava took those words in with a smile. “I guess you're right. But I'd still like to do something I knew he would truly appreciate… What's his favorite color?”

Finn thought about it for a bit, trying to search for memories that contained that answer. “Red.” He said, surely, in the end, even though he wasn't quite sure where he got that from.

“Okay, good.” The smirk in Jess' lips confirmed that she was definitely up to something. “Where was he born? Does he have any siblings? What's his family like?” She fired off question after question.

“Wow, that's a lot, wait…” The man seemed thoughtful. “Yavin 4, no siblings, but an amazing mom and a guy named L'ulo L'ampar that he calls his uncle. L'ampar had a child six years ago, his cousin, extremely cute kid. Poe's dad passed away when he was young.” He said. “You must know Shara and L'ulo, right? They were pilots here too, until they retired and went back to Yavin.”

“Yeah, I know them! And I love how you know Poe so well! You're like a research droid, but only for his life.” Jessika joked with a bright smile on her face, indicating that she had all the information she needed. “Thank you so much, Finn. Seriously. You helped me a lot.”

“Anytime.” He said, also beaming.

***

The only person that caught him by surprise by asking for help was Snap.

They were in the hangar, the older man had been teaching him how to do basic X-Wing fixing. There wasn't much of a reason, it was a “just in case” scenario. He would've asked Poe, but Force knows how adapted and extremely modified his friend's ship was.

When everyone started to leave the place, they noticed the setting of D'Qar's star and understood why. As they moved around, putting everything in place and getting ready to leave, Snap started to talk. “It's the first time I have no idea what to give to Poe, you know?” He said.

“Tell me about it.” Responded Finn. “I wish it'd be easier to know what he'd enjoy.”

“Well, for you it's easy,” The other man said, playfully. “You can just go on a date with him, right? The rest of us are the ones that have to get creative.” The former stormtrooper showed confusion in his expression, but the pilot didn't look at him before concluding. “The perks of being his boyfriend, I guess.”

“His boyfriend– Date– What are you talking about?” Finn had officially lost track of the conversation.

Snap looked at him. This time, both their expressions showed utter and absolute confusion. It looked like the captain was finally piecing something together and his face started to express uncertainty. “Finn, you're Poe's boyfriend… right?”

“I am? No! I don't– I don't think I am. Am I? No… I'm not.” He finally decided.

He and Wexley were quiet for a moment and, when breaking the silence, Finn was loud. “Wait, you thought he was my boyfriend?!” He said.

“Finn… it's not that I thought you two were boyfriends. Everyone thought you two were boyfriends.” The man explained.

“But– But why? How would… Does Poe– I mean– What?” He could no longer form complete sentences.

Snap took a deep breath, taking in the situation at hand. “You're absolutely sure you two are not dating?”

“Yeah, pretty much! If I had scored that man as my boyfriend, I think I'd be aware of it!” He was just now facing the absurdity of the circumstances, laughing a little at the thought.

“But… you share a room.” The pilot said.

“Yeah, 'cause I don't like sleeping alone.” He explained.

“You spend every lunch together!” The pilot said.

“'Cause we like to be with each other!” He explained.

“You disappear for hours on end in the forest!” The pilot said.

“To talk!” He explained.

“You two share clothes, Finn!” The pilot said.

“He says they suit me!” He explained.

“Are you hearing yourself?” It sounded scandalized, but still genuine.

“I– Dear Force…” Finn started to really process what he had just been told. “ Everyone thinks we're dating?”

“Yeah. Everyone .” Snap confirmed.

Finn's week started to run through his mind like a movie. Every interaction he had that involved Poe was highlighted. His conversation with Jess, all of the questions about his friend's likes and dislikes, how General Organa had randomly asked him if he was alright right after sending Poe on a recon mission… “Everything makes so much more sense now!” He said.

“Yeah…” The other man watched as realization ran across his face.

“So all of those times you couldn't find Poe and you came to me…” He started.

“I thought you'd know, because, in my mind, you were a couple .” Wexley explained.

“When Kare asked me if I didn't think it was too soon to share quarters with Poe…” He trailed off again.

“She meant it as boyfriends. As in sharing just one bed. Not as in roommates.” Snap clarified one more time.

“Oh my dear Force! General Organa!” Finn realized.

“Finn, when I said everyone thought you were boyfriends, I meant everyone thought it.” The pilot said.

“That's why she calls me in to see Poe as soon as he's back from a mission?” He raised the possibility.

“Well, obviously! I've known Poe since he was twenty-five and she still doesn't call me in!” The man said. “The way you both act… you're his boyfriend and he's your boyfriend. It seemed crystal clear. That was the only logical conclusion. There was no reason for someone to question such an obvious relationship.” He explained.

Finn thought about it. Seeing how they behaved, how they talked, how they portrayed themselves in each other's presence… It didn't seem like a far fetched conclusion at all.

With that idea haunting all of his thoughts, he wished Snap a good night and went to the bedroom he shared with Poe, thinking about how to bring that subject up in the morning conversation they'd have the next day.

***

When he got out of bed in the morning, not that well rested from the almost sleepless night, Poe was still snoring. The man seemed peaceful in his sleep, with his body entirely relaxed and no worry in his face. Finn watched him for a bit, unable to contain himself.

Breaking out of his self indulgence, he called for Poe. “Hey, we gotta get going, it's almost breakfast time.” His friend was a very light sleeper, so it didn't take much to wake him up.

Once Dameron was half conscious, worry came hurrying back to his expression. He stared at Finn's eyes, noticing the dark circles under them. “You okay? Couldn't get much sleep?” His voice was still rough, really rough. And it was doing things to Finn.

“Hm… yeah! Yeah, I'm fine, just didn't sleep that well, nothing to be concerned about.” He quickly clarified.

"Okay then." The pilot got up and started rummaging through his wardrobe. He was still shirtless and wearing slightly baggy sweatpants. If Finn wasn't so nervous, he would have appreciated the scene a lot more.

“So…” He started. “I was talking to Snap yesterday and–”

That was enough to get Poe's concerned attention. “Oh dear Force, what did he say to you?”

The former stormtrooper decided not to answer the question, getting back to the previously interrupted subject. “I was talking to him yesterday and… If– If I say something he told me, you promise not to get mad at either of us?”

Worryness was clear in Finn's face and, seeing the truthful uncertainty in his friend's expression, Poe stopped, looking him in the eyes before talking. “Buddy, relax, there's probably nothing to be worried about. You need to do some real shit for me to get mad.” He explained. “You can talk to me.”

The other man took a deep breath, almost sighing at the use of the word “buddy” to refer to him again. Poe definitely didn't like him that way. It would be awkward and he would lose his best friend and– He stopped his thoughts by once again taking a deep breath. Poe's his friend. He would understand. He always does.

With that in mind, he started to talk rapidly. “Everyone thinks you and I are boyfriends.”

“I didn't get a single shit about what you just said, so sure! Let's do it!” Dameron mocked. “But seriously, say that again, but slower.” He requested.

Finn took another deep breath, courage gathering within him. “Everyone in the base thinks you and I are dating.” He said, now at a normal pace, only to see Poe's expression turn into panic. “I'm sorry, I'm sorry!” He said. “I didn't mean for that to happen! It just– Snap told me yesterday and I… I'm sorry.” He sighed.

The apologies took the pilot out of his own mind. “No! No, Finn, It's not your fault. It's not even a bad thing. Don't worry, I'm not mad! I'm not mad.” With his hands gently touching his friend's arms, he reassured him, a little desperate.

At that sentence, Finn's body relaxed. “Wait, you don't think it's bad?” He took those words in like cold water after a long run.

Poe's eyes widened, he didn't mean to say that. With possibilities racing through his head at lightspeed, he decided it was now or never. He was going to declare his affection to the guy he's been in love with since day one.

He licked his lips nervously and, even in that circumstances, Finn wasn't able to keep his gaze away from the motion. “Okay, so, Finn…” Dameron started, unable to look into the other man's eyes. “I am in love with you. I have always been, if I'm honest with myself. Since you took that horrible stormtrooper helmet off and helped me shoot TIE fighters. Since you saved my life.” Even though Finn wanted to say something, he didn't know if he'd be able to, so he just let Poe talk. “When I found out you were alive, I was ridiculously happy and, at the time, I didn't even know you as well as I do now.” A smile grew in his lips. “Then we started to get to know each other better and everytime I thought you couldn't possibly be more amazing, you came up with a way to prove me wrong. Every new thing I learned about you was one more reason to fall pathetically in love with you.” He was beaming, but looking down. He couldn't face Finn at that moment. “You're that one person I thought I would never find. The one person that can get me to stutter nervously. Something about you reduced me to an awkward mess that can't form coherent sentences and everyone noticed it.” He explained. “If it is anyone's fault that everyone thinks we're together, it's mine. My friends, BB-8, even the General can see all of my shyness and excitement rise whenever I'm with you.” His beam now faltered, his eyes still on the floor. “I caught myself wanting to literally protect you from every evil existent in the world. Every time you said something about what the First Order did to you, my urge to punch each and every one of them in the face and then hug you grew wider.” He said. “I… I'm talking too much, but the point is that I don't think it is a bad thing, because I kind of wish it were true.” He concluded, biting his lips once more, finally lifting his gaze to catch a sight of Finn's face.

“I– Oh Force… Poe, I'm– I mean, you… Why didn't you–” The man was wide eyed and looked completely desperate. He wished I'd be easier to express his emotions, but his brain was short circuiting and he couldn't even figure out what he should be saying, let alone what he wanted to say.

The pilot misinterpreted that as the confirmation that his feelings were unrequited and, as his expression dropped, Finn's urge to express his feelings grew.

In a moment of newfound bravery, he cupped Dameron's face, leaned forward and pressed a quick pack to the man's lips. After the kiss, he still kept their faces close. He then closed his eyes, took a deep breath and distanced himself.

 Poe looked him in the eyes, hopeful. “My turn.” As he calmed himself down, he started to talk. “I didn't even know that this feeling I had had a name.” He said. “For the longest time, I thought that all friendships meant as much to people as yours meant to me. But as I made more friends and examined more closely what I felt for you and for every other person I know, I noticed that it was… different, somehow.” He explained. “It isn't just the intensity of the feeling, it's the fact that I think about you all damn time. It's the fact that I found myself looking for you every kriffing time I entered the mess hall. It's the fact that every exciting thing that I did, I felt the urge to tell you about.” He looked at the pilot's eyes and then turned his gaze to his feet. “Besides all of the touchy feely things, I knew for a fact that I was incredibly attracted to you in every sense of the word. The way you take your wet hair off your face after you shower. The way you smile at me when you're about to make a sarcastic remark. The way you tie the sleeves of your flight suit around your waist and wonder about with just your undershirt like you don't become the sole point of attention of everyone in a room when you do that… everything. Everything about you became a reason for me to observe you more closely every chance I got.” He laughed a little, thinking about the infinite amount of things he could name on that list. “And you're so beautiful and empathetic and understanding and… happy, flashing everyone with that hypnotizing smile of yours. You're good, righteous… and you're stupidly brave and loyal and–” He took a deep breath. “I could argue that you're the most amazing person I'll ever know without having to lie about one single thing.” He summarized. “And I don't really know how healthy relationships work, but I want to kiss you so bad right now… so yeah, I guess I also wish it were true.” He concluded, shifting his gaze between Poe's eyes and lips.

Poe smiled widely and took a step forward, putting his hand on Finn's cheek and kissing him. The former stormtrooper instinctively moved his hands to the other man's waist. The pilot tilted his head a bit, deepening the kiss and placing his other hand in his lover's neck. His tongue dampened Finn's lips as he moved it slowly, setting the kiss' pace. The other man copied his motions, learning quickly what to do.

They kissed until they couldn't physically keep going without oxygen and, when they pulled apart, their smiles were wide and content. Finn looked at Dameron's reddened lips and licked his own before looking up to meet the man's eyes. They stared at each other for some time, catching their breaths, when, finally, Poe spoke up. “I don't think you have any kriffing idea about how long I've been wanting to do that.”

“I think I just might.” The other man answered, still out of breath.

The pilot made a snarky comment about how Finn was such a fast learner after their second kiss, so they beamed and kissed again.

***

They kept kissing each other for some time, but they both knew that they had some matters to attend to, being key members of the resistance and all. So they changed clothes, held hands and left their room, heading to the mess hall to get breakfast.

On their way there, Poe noticed something that might be a minor inconvenience. “How are we gonna break the news to everyone?” He said.

“What do you mean?” Finn asked.

“I mean that yes, we are dating, but no, we weren't before, but they thought we were… That's gonna be weird to clarify.” He explained.

“Oh, yeah… they're gonna have tons of questions.” The other man agreed.

As they held each other's hand a little bit tighter and stepped into the mess hall, no one was really surprised by their tied hands, because, well, they were boyfriends, right? But when they got to their usual table, sat side by side and announced their allegedly new relationship, people were confused.

“Yes, we know you two are together, you don't need to rub it in our faces.” Kare said, rolling her eyes affectionately.

“Oh, this is going to be fun.” Snap said, grinning widely.

“I'm so confused right now.” Jess said. “Why are you two announcing your relationship, you're practically an old married couple already, and what is going to be fun?”

Poe breathed deeply. “'Imma talk and I don't want anyone interrupting me 'til im done. Deal?”

His friends mumbled in agreement and Finn laughed a little at the “Whatever you say, hotshot.” he heard.

“Finn and I were not dating until like… twenty minutes ago.” He said, examining people's expressions as he did. “We were just friends and then we found out you all thought we were dating and one thing led to another and now we are, in fact, dating.” He summarized.

“You two weren't dating?!” Jess almost screamed.

“That's what I said!” Snap responded, in the same loud tone.

“Snap knew?! But seriously, you weren't?” Kare's face showed pure shock.

At that point, everyone in the not so full mess hall was staring at them, their attention grasped by Jessika's loud surprise. General Organa, who was eating at that time because of Force knows why, approached their table. “What do you mean Poe and Finn are not dating? They absolutely are.” She said.

“Yes, we are, but we just started dating this morning.” It was Finn's turn to clarify things. “Before today, we were just friends.” He concluded.

“I'm going to be honest with you, I'll need a moment to take that in… But you are boyfriends now, right?” Leia asked.

Boyfriends. They hadn't talked about that word yet. It hadn't come up. And yet, they both automatically answered “Yes.”  without a shadow of a doubt.

“Good.” The General said, leaving the mess hall. If they weren't so busy answering their friends' questions, they would have noticed that she was up to something.

“But… what about the shared bedroom?” Jess asked.

“We were honestly just roomies!” There was playfulness in Finn's sentence, but not irony.

“And what about the jacket?” Kare asked, curiously.

“That was me calling dibs on Finn and putting a 'Poe Dameron's property' sign on him without letting him know.” Poe explained, smiling.

“I wasn't that stupid, okay? I knew what it meant, I simply didn't have anything against being known as Poe Dameron's property.” The former stormtrooper defended himself, fun contained in his sincere words.

The pilot beamed at him and he matched the expression, just to hear Snap talk. “Oh Force, you're even more sickening now than you were before.”

All of the pilots laughed and the couple held hands under the table. Their legs were gently touching and they ate knowing that they wouldn't have to break the news to anyone else, because X-Wings travel fast, but gossip travels faster.

***

Throughout the whole day, people awkwardly congratulated Finn and Poe on their “new” relationship. Everyone said things along the lines of “Heard that you just started dating him today , so congrats, I guess.”, emphasizing how little time they've been together and acting as though they didn't think they were already dating before. The couple, also awkwardly, answered the best they could.

People stopped asking Finn about ideas for Dameron's birthday present, but he didn't know if it was because of the new revelation that they weren't, in fact, an old married couple or due to the approaching of the date.

The former stormtrooper, however, prefered it that way. He didn't know what he was going to gift the pilot with, so the constant reminder of how close his birthday actually was frustrated him a lot.

He was now Poe's boyfriend , which meant he should get him something nice, right? He didn't know exactly what the social rules were for lovers on birthdays, but he wanted to give a nice present regardless and he only had six days left to do it! It was stressing him out.

“I don't know what to give you on your birthday.” He admitted with a sigh.

The pilot chuckled. “Finn, you don't have to give me anything! Just being you is enough.”

“That's really comforting, thanks, but I still wanted to give you something.” He said.

“You're a difficult person sometimes, you know that?” His lover said, jokingly.

“And still here you are, with me.” Finn beamed.

“You got me.” Poe's smile was wide.

Their conversation was interrupted by Leia Organa entering the room. Her expression was unreadable and she quickly scanned everyone present, fixing her eyes at Poe and starting to talk. “Commander Dameron, may I speak with you?”

“Of course, General.” was his response.

He looked at Finn, gave him a quick pack on the lips and softly whispered something like “Be right back.” before following his superior into her office.

Leia sat at her table and Poe stood before it.

“So… what it is, General?” He was the one to break the silence.

“I have a mission for you. Sort of.” She said.

“Sort of?” Dameron was confused.

“You'll have a recon mission in Yavin 4. Your job is to spend a week there and report any inconsistent or suspicious activity. I chose you because of your familiarity with the place.” A grin was contained on her lips, just enough for Poe to notice it was there without the professionalism being broken.

The man understood exactly what was going on. “Next week, ma'am?”

“Yes. On the week of your birthday, unfortunately.” She said the last bit quite ironically and they both smiled.

“Thank you, General.” Dameron said, preparing to leave, but, before he could really move, he blurted something out. “Can Finn come?”

“Why do you need him?” Organa saw this as a chance to mess a little with her best pilot, so why not?

He smirked almost in disbelief at her provocation. “I think that his abilities as a former stormtrooper will help me identify any sort of First Order influence that the area might under.” He came up with a half convincing excuse, knowing that she'd let him take Finn with him anyway.

“Very well, then.” She said. “Take him with you.”

Poe was leaving the room and, before closing the door, he glanced at her and they exchanged knowing smiles. He was now unusually excited for his birthday.

***

Finn was waiting for him near the General's office and, seeing Poe's wide smile, he smiled too. “What did she want to talk about? Why're you happy?”

“I have a mission.” The pilot explained. “Well, we do.”

“Okay… but why are you so happy about a mission?” He was curious.

“Because it's not really a mission.” Dameron explained.

“What do you mean?” Finn was happy, albeit confused.

“She's sending us both to Yavin 4 so we can spend my birthday with my family, but she's pretending it is a recon mission and we're allegedly supposed to be looking for any kind of unusual activity in the area.” Poe said. He was extremely excited to have this opportunity not only to see his family, but to introduce them to his boyfriend! (And he wasn't against the idea of resting for a week either.)

“You're kriffing kidding me!” Finn screamed, unable to contain his enthusiasm.

“I'm kriffing not!” Dameron answered. Both of them grinned from ear to ear and then they hugged tightly, burying their faces in each other's necks.

“What's all this about?” Snap interrupted their public display of affection, accompanied by Jess.

“We're spending my birthday in Yavin 4 with my family!” The pilot summarized excitedly.

“That's awesome!” Jessika said. “Finn's finally meeting the in-laws he's heard so much about.” She smiled teasingly and Poe rolled his eyes.

The former stormtrooper seemed to realize that just then, so he directed his wide eyed gaze to his boyfriend. “Oh kriff.”

“Relax, Finn. They're gonna love you.” Dameron said.

“I don't know how to interact with people, Poe!” His lover exclaimed.

“We both know that's not true.” The pilot said.

“Do we? Do we, really?” The man said, still a little desperate.

“Yes, we do!” His partner reassured him. “You were once socially awkward, but you're not anymore. You have friends. You have a boyfriend!”

“Still panicking, but thanks, I guess.” Finn said and Poe wrapped his right arm around his waist, standing on his side and laying his head on the man's shoulders.

The group changed subjects and, eventually, laid on the topic of music.

“Oh, about that,” Finn remembered. “I listened to folklore.”

“And?” His lover was deeply interested in his opinion.

“And holy fuck.” was what he could come up with. “No, seriously, how could she, honestly? How dared she?” He said. “Mirrorball? That's a kriffing personal attack to me. It literally brought physical pain upon me. I cannot even–” He stopped, taking a deep breath.

“Yeah… I know how you feel.” Dameron said, laughing a little at the other man's totally understandable reaction.

“I can't believe I have to deal with another swiftie!” Snap complained. “First it was just Poe, then Poe and Jess, now Finn too? You guys are multiplying!” They all laughed at the comment.

“Did you listen to anything else?” Poe asked, smiling.

“Yes.” his boyfriend said. “Crush and Do I Wanna Know? are really good songs, but not my favorites, I think. I also listened to right where you left me and cried. Save myself also hits close to home… and oh Force, Queen. Just… all of it. I can't even pinpoint anything, just Queen .” He explained.

“Right?” Jessika said. “It's amazing how they have a song for every situation. Like, if you're happy and confident, just listen to Killer Queen, if you're sad and anxious, listen to the rest of their discography.” Everyone's laughs reflected the bit of truth behind the joke.

They talked about other things, but it was already getting a little late, so everyone decided that it was best to go back to their rooms. And as Finn and Poe walked to theirs, the pilot's arm was still around his boyfriend's waist and the former stormtrooper was clearly nervous.

“Is this nervousness about my family still?” Dameron spoke up.

“Yeah, pretty much.” His partner was honest.

“I'd tell you that they'll love you, but I already did that and it didn't change a thing, so now you tell me… Why are you so nervous?” He asked.

“Well… Well, I think it's because you love your family and they seem amazing and absolutely perfect and I like you a lot, so I want them to like me too, but I've never been in this situation before and I don't know what to do. I really want it to work out, but I'm pretty sure I'll fuck everything up.” Finn anxiously explained, sighing at the end.

“Hey, look at me.” Poe requested, stopping in his tracks and standing in front of his partner. “You're amazing. You don't need to worry about fucking everything up, because you probably won't. And even if you do, they'll easily forgive you, because they know how much you mean to me.” He said. “So calm down. Everything'll be fine and I'm pretty sure that my mom will end up liking you more than she likes me.” His laugh was contained. “You two are very similar in many ways, you know?”

“You're probably right, I guess…” Finn sighed again.

They started to walk once more, their hands intertwined, and, soon, he started to smile again. “Let's hurry! We still have to pack our bags for tomorrow night.”

Poe beamed right back at him and, still holding hands, they started to run through the corridors like excited toddlers.

***

They managed to organize their bags pretty well, so they didn't take much space and, when they woke up in the next morning, everything was already set up. They spent the day tying up loose ends and warning everyone about their “mission”, hoping their (somewhat unjustified) absence wouldn't be an inconvenience.

They stepped in the hangar and the star of D'Qar was still visible in the sky. They made sure everything they were going to need was on the designated ship and, as they went aboard, Jessika called for her commander. “Hey, Poe, wait up! I need to talk to you!”

They walked in her direction and met her halfway through the docking bay. “What do you need?” Dameron asked.

“You won't spend your birthday with us, so I thought I'd give you your present now.” She explained, handing him a brown poster transporter tube.

The pilot looked at it with obvious curiosity and so did his boyfriend. Even though Finn provided all of the information she needed, he didn't exactly know what she was going to do with it. “And thank you so much, Finn, for the help. It was undeniably useful.” She said, smiling as Poe took it out of her hands.

Before opening it, Dameron looked at his lover. “You helped?”

“Not really.” The man said. “She just asked a bunch of questions about you and I answered them the best I could. I admit that I am a bit curious about what she needed that info for, though.”

“Open it, then!” Jessika was excited.

Poe removed the lid and slid a piece of paper out of the container. He unrolled it and awe was immediately etched on his face. “It's… This is– This is beautiful. Just… beautiful, dear Force. Like, perfect, it's absolutely perfect…”

He examined the paper carefully and intently. He had a smile filled with admiration in his expression and he couldn't stop staring at the gift.

It was a drawing. Him and his family. They were in Yavin 4. Its bright star could be seen in the horizon, clearly setting. The light was reflecting off all of them and the entire drawing had red undertones.

Shara, his mother, was just beautifully standing next to him. Finn was at his other side, beaming at them. L'ulo L'ampar and his child were behind them and the pilot, at that moment, was really appreciative of the fact that his uncle and his cousin had been included. And there was his dad… the man he wished he had spent more time with. He was portrayed exactly as Poe remembered him: with a bright smile on his face and a respected warrior's posture.

Kes Dameron was his father and his hero and, beside him, were the next three people Poe most admired in the universe and the kid he loved to take care of the most. He couldn't physically keep himself from staring at the drawing. From looking fondly at it. It was amazing.

“I don't even… I don't even know how to thank you. This is incredible. I'm– I'm so happy and this is… wow, you know? I can't … I can't believe that–” Dameron couldn't put his extreme endearment into words, so he rushed to hug Jessika tight. His arms were wrapped around her and he tried to communicate through that how much he had appreciated the present. “This is the best gift you could've given me. Thank you so much, Jess.” He said.

“I'm glad you liked it.” She responded. “I love you.”

“I love you too. Very, very much.” Poe said, firmly, finally releasing his best friend from the hug. They smiled at each other and Finn watched the scene fondly, beaming at it.

“Where… Where did you get the reference picture for my father?” The pilot asked, turning his gaze back to the drawing.

“After I asked Finn about your whole damn life, I got your mother's contact from him too. I already knew her, so when I called, explained why I needed a picture of your dad and asked her to send it to me, she was more than happy to do so.” Pava explained.

Poe now looked at his partner. “And how do you have her contact? And how did you know my favorite color was red?” Curiosity poured from his words.

“The contact I actually stole from you.” Finn laughed, remembering the difficulty to do it with stealth. “But the red thing… I don't really know. She asked me and I knew it was red. I don't know where I got that from, I just noticed that you wore it a lot and that a lot of your belongings and decorations were red, so I just assumed, I think.” The man said, thoughtfully. “You look awesome in red, by the way.” He added.

Poe beamed stupidly at the two. He was unbelievably happy to have such incredible people at his side. Finn was all he could've ever asked for. And Jess was simply amazing. He didn't think he could have been more awed by a gift. He didn't think he could've found better people to surround himself with. He didn't think he could be happier.

He gave Pava another hug, took his boyfriend by the hand and entered the ship with him. The drawing was still secure in his hand. As soon as Jessika left the hangar, he closed the ship. He then left the docking bay, once again staring at the paper. He smiled and flew in his family's direction while holding his lover's hand.

***

The journey was rather uneventful, but Finn was still insecure about the impression he wanted to give to Poe's loved ones. During the trip, they talked about all kinds of stuff to distract themselves, and it worked. They had barely seen the hours pass when they reached their destination.

The pilot landed the ship smoothly and they were gathering their things. A little before opening the ship, he took his partner's hand in a tranquilizing manner and, as they walked out, Finn realized how much he appreciated it.

Poe beamed widely at his family, who were already waiting for them in front of the ship when they finally got out. As soon as he saw them, he dragged Finn closer to them and, just then, released the man's hand to hug the people that raised him.

His mom was the first one he threw himself at, giggling like a little child. Then he tightly hugged his uncle and the older man wrapped his arms around Poe just as lovingly. The pilot then kneeled and greeted a child, his cousin, who excitedly yelled “Uncle Poe!” when he did so.

“I'm your cousin, kid, but I'm gonna let that one slide.” Dameron said, smiling.

It was now Finn's turn to talk to everyone and officially meet them, so Poe started to introduce everyone. “So, this is–” He stopped himself. “Well, I already told you all about them, so everyone, this is–”

“We know who he is.” Shara said, interrupting him.

“No introductions needed, then.” The pilot said, only a bit embarrassed.

“You know who I am?” Finn asked, to make conversation more than to really know how.

“Of course she knows who you are, this dipshit won't shut up about you.” L'ulo said, signaling a slightly self conscious Poe.

Finn laughed a little at his partner's expression before coming back to the situation. “I'm honored.” The playfulness in his voice was clear. “I've heard a lot about you guys too, so nice to meet you, I guess.” He said, now more serious. Then he saw the curious look the kid was giving him and, smiling softly, he let out a “Hi, Kes.”

“Hi.” They said. “What's your name?”

“I'm Finn.” The man answered. “Your cousin's boyfriend.” He added.

“That's nice.” Kes smiled. “Uncle Poe likes you a lot.” They snitched.

“Does he know you're telling me that?” Finn pretended to whisper, getting closer to them.

“I don't think so!” The kid fake whispered back, with a grin.

“Well, then don't tell him I like him too, okay?” He requested.

“Okay.” The child smirked.

The former stormtrooper finished the “secret” conversation by distancing himself again and looking at his lover, who was beaming at the scene like he was watching the cutest thing in the whole universe. His eyes sparkled with tenderness at his little cousin and his boyfriend engaging so kindly in conversation about him.

The group talked about meaningless subjects as they walked to the Dameron home. Everyone was extremely happy, but nothing compared to the absolute euphoria Poe had going on in his mind. Seeing his family and his boyfriend interacting so affectionately was officially too much for him to deal with.

***

When the couple finally had a moment to themselves, they were in Poe's childhood bedroom settling in and unpacking their bags. Both their faces showed utter excitement and absolute happiness.

“Why does Kes call you uncle?” Finn asked, handing his partner an extra pillow to place on the bed.

“I don't really know.” The man answered. “They know I'm their cousin, but I'm much older than them, so I guess it feels more natural to call me uncle, maybe… I don't know.” He came up with the hypothesis. “I tease 'em about it, but it doesn't really bother me. I find it kinda cute.” He concluded, smiling.

“It is cute.” Finn said, also smiling. His face then slightly changed and he decided to speak up. “What've you told your family?” He asked. “About me, I mean.” He clarified, after seeing his boyfriend's confused expression.

“Just the basic stuff.” Poe said. “You know, you saved my life,  I fell in love with you, you disowned the order, joined the resistance, you gave us some insight on their plans and boom! Mom and L'ulo already liked you.” He said the last sentence in a playful tone, even when it was completely true.

That was enough to calm his lover's overthinking even more and, when they finished organizing everything, it was almost noon and they went to the living room again.

“Sorry for the bed, boys, I don't have a bigger one. You'll have to share Poe's old one.” Shara said as soon as she saw them.

“We've slept in worse, don't worry.” Finn reassured her and she laughed, remembering her rebellion days and realizing how truthful that statement probably was.

They noticed that she had prepared some food and, just then, understood that it was already lunch time. Everyone gathered around the table and sat down to eat. Poe and Finn sat on one side of the table, opposite Kes and L'ulo, who were also seated side by side. Shara was, as expected, at the head of the table.

Finn was eating one particularly good dish he couldn't identify when he felt a familiar taste in it and, without giving it much thought, he raised a question to his mother-in-law. “Does this have Catnip in it?”

“Yes! Yes, it does.” She excitedly answers. “How did you know?” She seemed curious.

“Hm…” Finn thought about deflecting the question, but ultimately decided against it. “I, hm… In the order, we made our own food, so I got good at making it taste good with limited resources. I know quite a lot of herbs and spices from different corners of the universe 'cause of it.” He explained. “Gotta use what you have right?” He smiled, hoping he didn't ruin the good mood of the meal.

“That's impressive.” L'ulo said. “You know, in my native planet we had a spice called cumin. It was really good, but I never saw it anywhere besides there, I kinda miss it.” He  contemplated.

“You're from Duro?” Finn said.

“Yes.” L'ampar confirmed, reluctantly. “You gathered that by one spice name alone?” He was shocked.

“Well… kinda, yeah. It's 'cause we went there for part of the first order training, so I took a lot of food from there to eat later.” He explained. “And you're actually right. I didn't see comin anywhere else.”

Shara, L'ulo and even Kes looked at Finn in awe, surprised by his amount of knowledge on the subject. Poe just laughed. “I forget that people aren't used to your freaky intelligence like I am.” He said.

“What do you mean?” His boyfriend asked.

“I mean that you know an enormous amount of things about an enormous amount of subjects and you talk about 'em like it's no big deal.” He said. “It took me weeks to get used to how freakishly smart you are, man. You'd just jump to conclusions about stuff mid conversation and it'd take me about twenty seconds to understand how the hell did you get that abundantly correct information so fast.” He smiled a little when he saw his lover's face filled with surprise. It seemed like he wasn't aware of his own intellect.

“Getting back to the other topic real fast,” Shara said. “I love cooking! We should trade spices and herbs knowledge sometime, Finn.” She excitedly told him.

Poe's beam got even bigger as he saw his partner's eyes sparkle. He loved cooking too. “Absolutely! I've never been here before, so I'd very much enjoy learning about Yavin's edible plants.”

The two of them then started to share recipes. L'ulo would eventually chime in to add some information he had learned in one of his missions and Kes'd give their opinion about the dishes they did know. Poe just ate, uncharacteristically quiet, as he happily observed the bonding moment between the four people he loved the most.

***

The couple slept soundly through the night and the small bed was not an issue at all. Poe laid on his back and Finn rested his body on top of his boyfriend's. Dameron's arm was around his lover's shoulders and his waist was gripped by both of the man's arms. When they woke up, their legs were as tangled up as when they had drifted into sleep.

They didn't have many free days in the base, so, normally, they'd wake up to an alarm. In “vacation” days, however, it was different, because it was already ten in the morning and neither of them had woken up. Tired of waiting for the couple, L'ampar decided to go call them.

“Don't do that, L'ulo. These boys fight for their lives everyday, they can get a bit of rest sometimes.” was Shara's argument.

“I don't care. Some of us actually want to do stuff today! I only get to see my nephew once or twice a year, I'm not wasting that time.” was his.

“You're insufferable with the people you love sometimes, you know that?” His best friend said, already following him to Poe's bedroom.

“But that's why you love me so much.” L'ulo smiled when he noticed he had convinced her.

The bedroom door was open and L'ampar was leaning in the door frame next to Shara. She watched as he gave her a sly smirk and turned to the couple. He said their names loudly a few times and they woke up, trying to sit up and untangle themselves. They two were still only half awake and he took it as the perfect opportunity to say something. “What were you two doing last night that got you so tired?” His smirk grew wider.

Their barely conscious brain had a bit of a “Loading…” thing going on for a few seconds, so they took their time interpreting his words. When they finally understood the comment, Poe bursted out laughing and Finn found himself completely embarrassed, burying his face in his lover's neck as he chuckled a little. Not even Shara could keep her serious expression, so she started her laughing spree, along with L'ulo, who was having way too much fun with this.

The woman quickly recomposed herself and told them that it was already ten in the morning, so they were thinking of doing something together. They agreed and said they'd be down in a minute.

Poe got up and closed the door when his mother and uncle exited the room, then he smiled at Finn and gave him a quick kiss. “Good morning.”

“Good morning.” His boyfriend replied happily.

They quickly started shuffling around for a change of clothes. They found something decent, got out of the old shirts and sweatpants they usually sleep in, and put 'em on. Finn brushed his teeth and Dameron followed soon after.

When they were finally ready to leave, Poe checked his pocket to see if he had everything he needed with him and reached for the doorknob, but he was interrupted. “Wait, did you remember to brush your teeth?” Finn asked.

“Yeah.” His partner said, turning a bit to face him.

“Good.” He smiled and approached the pilot, placing one of his hands on the man's cheek and kissing him slowly. Poe immediately put his hands on his lover's waist and pulled him close. He now had a smile pressed against his boyfriend's mouth. Finn's other hand was on his hair, but the kiss was still unhurried.

Dameron noticed the slight tilt of the other man's head and mirrored the movement, using his tongue to deepen the kiss. Finn showed his approval by lightly pulling his partner's hair and, when they pulled apart, they were beaming at each other with slightly swollen lips.

“Now we can go.” He declared.

“Okay, then.” Poe laughed a bit and opened the door, taking Finn's hand on his as they left the room.

***

The “something” the Damerons wanted to do was not a very well planned thing. It didn't seem like they had really thought it through, it felt more like an improvised family event.

They went to the house's backyard and laid a picnic towel on the grass. They had some homemade food with them and Kes played happily with some of their toys as the adults talked about random subjects.

“I almost miss my resistance days, sometimes, you know?” L'ulo said to his nephew. “Your mom, your dad and I fighting stuff we didn't even know existed until that point. It was… something. I wouldn't dare to say it was good, but it is definitely worth missing.” He explained.

“Yeah, I think I get it.” Poe said. “Completing missions with the black squadron and Finn, receiving orders from the General, getting our asses kicked and all that. I can't say I enjoy it, but I can't say I dislike it either. There are things… and– and people that make it worth doing, I guess.” He agreed.

To lighten the mood again, L'ampar teased him. “Oh, you're so into him it's embarrassing .”

“Shut up!” Poe said loudly, rolling his eyes.

That sentence interrupted Finn and Shara's conversation. They were planning the meals they'd cook together for the pilot's birthday.

“What did he say?” The man asked, seeing the annoyed but happy look on his boyfriend's face.

“Something about how he's so embarrassingly in–” L'ulo was interrupted.

“Nothing that matters!” was what Poe said. “What were you two talking about?”

“Nothing that matters either.” A smirk could be seen on Finn's face.

Shara observed them with a smile on her lips and, after some time of bickering between the two, she seemed to remember something. “Hey, darling, how long has it been since you flew an A-Wing?” She asked her son.

“Quite some time, we use mostly X-Wings in the resistance now.” He said.

“We still have ours.” She said then, looking at her best friend.

“Are they still in good shape? It's been so long since we last used 'em.” L'ulo said.

“Let's find out.” Poe said, getting up and holding a hand out for his lover. Finn took it without a second thought and used it to help him get up too. He then held his partner's hand on his own.

“Lead the way.” He said, as he didn't know where the A-Wings were supposed to be.

“C'mon.” The pilot said, more to his mother and uncle than to his boyfriend, before walking in the direction of the ships.

As soon as they found it, Poe started to inspect them closely, carefully looking for anything damaged or broken. “They seem fine.” was his conclusion. “Want me to teach you how to fly it, sweetheart?” He then teased his boyfriend with a smirk on his face.

“Fuck you, Dameron.” was Finn's response.

“Wanna race then?” The man asked.

“Let's go for it, hotshot.” He said.

They half smiled, half grinned at each other and entered the A-Wings, preparing themselves.

“Are you two really going to race?” L'ulo laughed unconvinced.

“Yep. One lap 'round the block.” Poe said as he flipped some things in the control panel.

“Is Finn even a pilot?” Shara asked.

“Nop.” The other man said, also exploring the ship's commands.

“But isn't Uncle Poe like, the best pilot in the universe?” Kes asked admiringly.

“And I'm gonna win anyway.” Finn teased.

“We'll see about that.” His boyfriend said.

“Do you know why I'm going to win?” He asked.

“Why?” His partner questioned curiously.

“Because you're going to let me.” He said.

“No, I'm not.” His lover was now confused. “Why would I?”

“Because you told me about your sixteenth birthday.” He gave the pilot and his uncle a sly smile.

“Is he talking about…” L'ampar trailed off.

“Yes.” Poe was amused, to say the least.

“You're letting him win, kid.” L'ulo said.

Dameron smiled. “C'mon, I'm almost 34, I'm not going to let him win because of that .”

“Yes, you are!” His uncle said. “She might not kill you , but she's definitely killing me when she finds out!”

Finn was having way too much fun with this and Shara seemed utterly confused.

“What are you three not telling me?” She asked in a warning tone and the three went quiet, stopping the discussion and the bickering.

Before she could question them again, L'ulo screamed “Ready, set, go!” and the boys took off with the ships, going as fast as possible.

They went around the block and Poe finished the race only a few seconds before his lover, having gained an advantage because of a really elaborate trick he performed perfectly in one of the turns.

They left the A-Wings and, without missing a beat, Finn started to talk to his mother-in-law. “You know when you told L'ulo he could teach Poe how to shoot?” He said, glancing at the wide eyed man next to her. “He already knew how to do it, because your dear friend here,” He patted the man's shoulder. “had taught him how to from behind your back more than a year before his sixteenth birthday.” He concluded, grinning.

At this point, Dameron was already besides his uncle. They looked at each other with fear in their eyes. “I should've let him win.” He said.

“You two did what now?” Shara looked at them.

“Look… the boy really wanted to learn how to do it!” L'ulo defended himself.

“Hey, don't pin this on me!” Poe said, slightly outraged. “I was a minor!” was his defense.

Finn was holding his laughter seeing two grown men trying to get out of trouble.

“That's why Finn's my favorite.” Shara said, in the end, putting her arm around her son-in-law's shoulders and asking him if he wanted some coffee.

“My own mother likes my boyfriend better than she likes me!” Poe said in mocked offense.

“Don't forget your boyfriend likes her better too.” His uncle said, smirking at him. They all laughed and went back to the house.

They had two days until Poe's birthday and, consequently, only three more days of “vacation”. It wasn't a lot of time, but they were all too happy to even care about it.

***

The following days flew by. They had lunch, went out to the community's shops, flew the A-Wings some more and talked about everything that had happened since they last saw each other. They finally had the time to really catch up on each other's lives. 

So, in the fourth taungsday of nelona, the day before the pilot's birthday and two days before the end of his so desired vacation, the family was already starting to mourn their time together. That was, until Finn volunteered to tell L'ulo all about how he and Poe got together.

“Spit it out, kid!” The man was excited.

He started laughing at L'ampar's enthusiasm. “Okay, okay, so Poe and I were…”

As he spoke, he made a point to mention the jokes their friends had made, the stories his boyfriend had shared about them, the songs and dishes people in the resistance had introduced him to, the more lighthearted missions and even Leia Organa's scheme to send them to Yavin 4 in a “recon mission”.

“I see she's still as amazing as she was back in our days.” His mother-in-law said, smiling.

“You bet.” Dameron agreed.

Shara then remembered she had promised to help a neighbor out and excused herself, but, before she could actually walk out the door, her child offered some help. And, well, she couldn't turn down some alone time with her beloved boy.

“Sure, c'mon, I'm going to need you anyway. She asked me to fix her ship.” The woman explained.

Poe smiled at his partner before following her out.

***

Unexpectedly, the problem in the ship was more complicated than they had previously thought. Luckily for the neighbor, Poe was there to help Shara. She might be good, but no one knows ship engines like that man. They worked in silence for some time, focused on the task.

Eventually, the pilot ran into a particularly difficult issue and murmured something to himself. “Kriff, Finn's the one that knows this shit by heart.”

“What?” His mother hadn't listened.

“No, nothing, it's just that mechanical problems are my thing. I problem solve. But this is a technical issue, more software than hardware. The boring part.” He jokes. “Finn's the one that knows this by heart, the rest of us just ask him.” He clarified.

“Let me take a look.” She requested and her son explained what was wrong with the machine. “And Finn knows how to solve this?”

“C'mon,” Poe laughed a bit. “Finn knows how to solve everything.”

Shara just grinned.

“What?” He asked, after analyzing her expression.

“L'ulo was right, you know?” He seemed confused. “You are so into him it's embarrassing.”

“Give me a rest!” Dameron said, pretending to be mad. The little smile on his lips made it difficult to take it seriously.

“When did you first notice it?” She asked.

“From day one, I guess.” The man laughed. “Did you know I gave him my jacket?”

“Your jacket as in the jacket? As in your father's jacket?” Her expression was pure amusement.

“That jacket.” Poe confirmed. “It was kind of an accident at first, he thought I died, I thought he died, it was a mess.” He started to talk while fixing the issue with difficulty. “Then we saw each other on the battlefield, realized we were both alive and he tried to give it back to me. I didn't let him.” He smiled.

Shara did too. “Does he know it was your father's?”

“No.” The pilot said. “He knows I love it and he loves it too. But he almost never wears it these days, he's afraid of ruining it.”

His mother laughed. “That does sound like him.”

“Got it!” Poe said loudly after that.

“Got what?” Shara stared at him in confusion.

“Fixed the problem.”

“But I thought only Finn could solve it?” The woman was confused.

“I said I didn't like solving technical issues, I never said I couldn't.” He smirked proudly.

She chuckled. “Let's go enjoy the rest of your vacation then, talk to the man you're embarrassingly in love with and all.” She teased.

Her son looked at her and only happiness and love were carved in his expression.

***

The rest of the day didn't hold any surprises apart from Finn and Shara plotting something behind the pilot's back. So, when the former stormtrooper woke up the next day, his first thoughts were “Poe's birthday, finally!”.

He got out of bed as carefully as possible, making an effort not to wake his boyfriend up. He got dressed, brushed his teeth and rushed to the kitchen, already counting on his mother-in-law to be there. 

“Good morning.” He said as soon as he found her.

“Good morning.” She answered. “Ready?”

“Yes.” He smiled brightly.

They started cooking and their actions were coordinated. If you didn't know better, you'd think they've been doing this for years. They moved in perfect harmony, almost as if they were one with the kitchen and with each other. The most synchronized movements and conjoined work could be compared to precise dance moves.

They were cooking all of Dameron's favorite foods, just as they had agreed the day before. For hours, they talked, cooked, played and planned the best day for their favorite pilot. They wanted Poe to love it and were working hard to make that a reality.

Meanwhile, in his childhood bedroom, the man woke up. It was almost noon, so this was not unexpected. What was unexpected was Finn's absence. Confused, he went about his morning routine and then went to the first floor of the house, looking for his partner.

When he walked into the kitchen, Shara and Finn said, at the same time, variables of "Oh, come on!" and “You've got to be kidding me!”. They looked exasperated.

Even more puzzled, he stood there, in silence.

“We were almost done!” Finn complained.

“I can't believe it! We were just ten minutes behind schedule!” His mother's indignation was clear.

“What?” was Poe's question.

Finn took a deep breath before answering. “We were making you a birthday lunch and spent days planning ahead to make sure we'd get it done before you woke up… as you can see, we failed.”

“By ten minutes!” Shara added.

Dameron laughed. Really laughed. He didn't chuckle. He didn't smirk. He bursted out laughing.

“It's not funny!” His boyfriend said, trying to contain the grin that was trying to escape.

“It is funny!” He continued to laugh. “You two are way too frustrated over something I wasn't even aware of.” He said. “And it is about me !” He was laughing. Again.

At this point, they all stopped pretending that it wasn't hilarious and joined each other in their hardly recognized failure. During their fits of laughter, L'ulo and Kes arrived, looking as confused as Poe had been. After understanding the situation, they participated in the comedy of it all.

The time they spent making fun of Shara and Finn's planning skills was enough for the food to be ready, and so they jointly set the table.

Over some delicious lunch, the woman and her son-in-law talked about their cooking adventures and told the rest of the group how they prepared each of the fabulous dishes. It was clear to everyone that this was an important bonding moment for the both of them.

Kes talked about their school life, revealing a bit of a crush on a classmate. Their cousin didn't let the chance to make fun of them slide. L'ulo just made horrible jokes about whatever topic they were currently discussing and everyone pretended to hate it. Poe held his lover's hand the whole time, with a smile plastered on both of their faces.

When they sang happy birthday to celebrate his existence, he realized there was nowhere else in the entire galaxy he'd rather be. The love he felt for each and every one of those people was honestly overwhelming. This made him think of the drawing he had received from Jess once again and, with that thought in mind, I think it is safe to end this enchanting love story.