Chapter Text
Rome, Italy
Rey stifled a yawn as she waited for the elevator. The train ride from Florence to Rome the night before had not been particularly smooth and Rey hadn’t gotten much sleep. Still, it was a nice hotel to arrive at. She glanced around at the rose marble floors and the gilded wood accents. Since her room was not prepared for her this early (although Rey would like to point out that eight in the morning is not early) she had left her luggage with the proprietor. A soft ding and the elevator attendant opened the gate fore her and Rey stepped inside.
“What floor, signorina?”
“Fifth floor, please.”
“Are you staying in Rome long?”
“Just a few days. I am meeting two friends here.” Rey smiled to herself. She did enjoy surprising her friends, especially Finn. She and Poe had discussed the subject at length one evening over a few bottles of merlot.
“Fifth floor, signorina.”
“Thank you very much,” Rey said, slipping the attendant a few liras on her way out of the elevator. The man at the front desk had informed her that the Dameron-Skywalkers were staying in room 503, which was a corner room at the end of the hall on her left. She pressed her ear to the door when she approached, but heard nothing from inside the room. Shrugging slightly, she raised her fist and proceeded to bang loudly on the door for about thirty seconds.
“Okay! Hold on!” Poe’s muffled and rather annoyed voice shouted. “What is it,” he growled, pulling the door open abruptly and then freezing, staring.
Rey stared back. Poe’s hair was a wild mess of curls; the stubble across his jawline showed he had yet to shave; and he clearly wasn’t dressed for breakfast in the burgundy robe hastily tied around his waist. Rey cleared her throat.
“Good morning, Poe,” she said cheerfully.
“What are you doing here,” Poe asked in quiet disbelief. Rey frowned.
“I was in the neighborhood, and I thought I would--,”
“‘In the neighborhood’?” Poe’s eyes shot up to the ceiling and the knuckles of his hand griping the doorframe turned white. “Rey. What the hell is going on?”
“Are you going to invite me in?” Rey watched as Poe clenched his jaw and wondered if he was about to tell her to leave. Then he offered a tight smile that did not diminish the continued glare in his eyes.
“How rude of me. Someone might think I didn’t want to see my friend on my honeymoon,” he said drily, standing away from the doorway and allowing Rey to slip past him into the room. There was a wall of windows at the far end and a balcony beyond. A small round table with two chairs served as the breakfast table Rey assumed, and the slightly worn but comfortable-looking yellow sofa and armchairs completed the lounge. There was a partially open door to the right by the windows; Rey moved towards it to continue her inspection. Poe rushed to block her path.
“Poe--,”
“Rey,” Poe said firmly. “Take a seat. I’ll go announce your arrival to Finn.”
Rey rolled her eyes but made her way over to the sofa and sank into the cushions. Once he was sure she was settled Poe rolled his shoulders, walked over to the bedroom door, and popped his head in.
“Who was it,” came Finn’s sleepy voice.
“Countess Kenobi was in the neighborhood and decided to pay us a morning call,” Poe answered with no enthusiasm.
“What?” There was a series of frantic sounds and rustling fabric before Poe drew back and Finn rushed out of the bedroom, still tying the belt of his dark blue robe into a sloppy knot. In his haste Finn had not managed to pull his robe entirely on and Rey smiled slightly at his exposed left shoulder. Finn didn’t seem to notice as he moved towards her with wide eyes and a bemused smile. “Rey! What on earth--?”
“Hello, Finn!” Rey stood up and drew Finn in for a tight hug. “How are you?” Rey drew back and held him at arm’s length, studying his face. “You look much more relaxed and happy. The Italian air must agree with you.”
Poe snorted behind him, but Finn just smiled. “Italy is amazing. Genoa and Florence were beautiful, and there’s so much to see in Rome. But you know all about that. What brings you here?”
Poe walked up behind Finn, wrapped an arm around his waist, and placed a soft kiss on Finn’s exposed shoulder before adjusting the robe’s collar to cover it. “That’s what I asked,” he said, looking over at Rey.
Rey glanced between the two men. “Am I interrupting?”
Finn coughed. “No, no, of course not--,”
“Whatever could have given you that impression,” Poe interrupted loudly. “Was it the robes?”
“Poe,” Finn huffed. “Really, Rey, it’s absolutely fine. How long are you in Rome for?”
“Two days,” Rey replied. “Then I’m traveling down to Naples.”
“What a coincidence,” Poe said with a flash of teeth. “Isn’t that when we’re going to Naples, love?”
“Yes, as a matter of--,”
“Tell me, Rey, are you planning on staying in our room as well,” Poe asked.
Rey glared. “Don’t be ridiculous. I’m staying in room 502.”
“Oh, next door? Look at the long leash we’re allowed, Finn,” Poe said cheerfully.
Finn glanced back at his husband. “What are you talking about?”
Poe and Rey stared at each other for a moment longer before Poe glanced over at Finn. “Nothing, love. You know I’m not at my best before I have some coffee.”
“Yeah,” Finn drew out.
“How about you get dressed and then you can order us some breakfast? They seem to understand your Italian better than my French,” Poe said with a smile. Finn looked between his husband and Rey curiously before shrugging.
“Alright. I’ll be back in a minute.”
Poe watched Finn make his way back to their bedroom and close the door before rounding on Rey. “There. He’s alive, he’s healthy, he’s happy. Satisfied? Can you go send your report back to whoever sent you here?”
“No one sent me,” Rey snapped, crossing her arms. “And why do you think I came to check on Finn?”
“Of course you came to see Finn,” Poe scowled. “Why else would you barge into our hotel room at 0800?” Rey stayed silent, raising an eyebrow as she stared at Poe, who swallowed. “It was Luke, wasn’t it?”
Rey sighed. “No, Luke is handling everything well. The daily letters from Finn help. Why haven’t you been sending Kes any?”
Poe blinked. “Because Dad knows I’m fine. Why wouldn’t I be? I’m with my husband.”
Rey resisted the urge to roll her eyes, but barely. “Of course.”
“Poe, shouldn’t you get dressed,” Finn asked, emerging in gray trousers, socks, and a crisp white shirt he was finishing buttoning. He sent a bright smile at Poe, who nodded. Poe paused to kiss Finn on the cheek before going into the bedroom and closing the door with a bit too much force. “Sorry about that,” Finn said to Rey. “He honestly needs coffee in the morning or else--,”
“No need to explain,” Rey waved it away. “I could use some myself.”
Finn crossed to the door, opened it, and gestured to the floor attendant, placing their breakfast order and slipping the man a few liras before closing the door and turning back to Rey. “How was your trip down?”
“Uneventful, sadly,” Rey groaned. Finn threw back his head and laughed.
“Most people would be happy about that,” he said, taking a seat in one of the armchairs.
“I suppose, but I’m bored out of my mind,” Rey replied, sitting back down on the sofa. “Not all of us have domestic bliss to entertain ourselves.”
“I think I’ve had enough excitement to last me for a bit,” Finn shrugged. “But anyway, you’re here about Poe, aren’t you?” Rey gave an apologetic smile and Finn nodded. “We’ve been taking it easy. His knee hasn’t been seizing up much at all, and I’ve been making sure he isn’t lifting any of the luggage. He wore himself out yesterday, trying to keep up with me at the ruins, so we’re going visit some cafes today. I told him it’s because I’m tired.”
“You two are perfect for each other,” Rey grinned.
Finn smiled shyly. “Thank you.”
“Well, now that you’re joining us, what are your plans,” Poe asked, coming back into the room, putting the finishing touch on his necktie with a flourish.
“I have business at the Vatican,” Rey announced haughtily as Poe perched himself on the arm of Finn’s chair.
“You do,” Finn asked, surprised.
“Yes, they’ve recently been donated a number of illuminated manuscripts from the de Medici vaults. And as I am the leading expert,” Rey continued, flashing her teeth at Poe, who blinked back, “they’ve asked me to give my opinion. It should take me a few weeks, at least.”
“Oh? What about Naples,” Poe asked.
“Naples? Oh, I couldn’t possibly accompany you there,” Rey answered carelessly, privately amused at the dumbfounded look Poe sent her way. Finn smiled and nodded in understanding. “In fact, I’m sure I would only be in the way if I went with you.”
“You said—you just said you were going to Naples,” Poe stuttered.
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Rey shook her head. “I’ll be much too busy here. Now, Finn, would you mind if I use your desk? I just want to send a quick note back to Luc. I’ve told him to keep a close eye on one of my suspects, but I just remembered--,”
“Be my guest,” Finn interrupted, gesturing towards the desk, where the stationary was laid out.
Rey rose gracefully, enjoying the confusion on Poe’s face as she quickly crossed to the desk, sat down, and unscrewed the top of the fountain pen.
“I’m not crazy, am I? She definitely said--,”
“Poe, do you want her to come with us,” Finn whispered.
“No, of course I don’t!”
“Well, don’t look a gift horse in the mouth then,” Finn smiled, pulling Poe down by the collar to press his lips against his husband’s.
Rey shook her head and quickly wrote:
Kes,
Poe is in good hands.
Finn tells me his knee is doing better, as is his shoulder.
They will be in Rome two more days before heading to Naples.
I’m certain you needn’t worry; Finn is very attentive.
Sincerely yours,
RK
“Rey? Breakfast is here,” Finn called over.
“Oh, excellent. I’ll have a cup of coffee before I call a taxi to the Vatican,” Rey answered, slipping the letter into an envelope, pasting the flap closed. Poe asked how she took it and she said, “A slash of milk and two sugars, thank you.” She addressed the letter, waved it so the ink would dry before sliding it into her pocketbook.
“Here you go,” Poe smiled at her as she slid into a seat at the table beside Finn. She took the cup and saucer with a nod of thanks. “And your hot chocolate, my love.”
“Thank you,” Finn answered. “Can you pass me a—oh, thanks,” he trailed off as he took the offered butter knife from Poe, and slathered some butter on a slice of toast.
“What are your plans for today,” Rey asked Poe.
“We’re planning on having an easy day. Maybe see if there are any bookstores Finn would like to check out,” Poe answered easily, taking the buttered toast Finn held out to him and taking a bite.
“Really,” Finn asked, blinking.
“Why not,” Poe shrugged and smiled. “Unless you don’t want to.”
“I do,” Finn beamed. Poe winked at him, reaching for his cup of coffee.
Rey looked between the two of them. Yes, they were in very good hands.