Who: Finn and Rey When: July 8th-15th Where: Roadtrip to What: A well needed vacation Rating/Warning: N/a Status: Complete
Finn had to admit, it felt damned good to get out of the OC. The open road was like much needed breathing space, even if most of the landscape was still that sparse, dry California look. As they drove north towards their destination, Klamath National Forest in Northern Cali, he knew that would change and they'd be camping in a far lusher environment.
He couldn't believe they had packed as much as they had into his car. Granted they still needed to rent a small trailer to haul the actual camping gear but all the same, the way his car was packed was masterful.
So long as you didn't need anything while they were traveling.
“How you doin’ back there bee-bee ate?” He called to the droid strapped into the backseat. After a few hours of him riding shotgun (he'd called it as soon as they were out the door) he'd made him switch places with Rey. He wanted to be able to talk to his girlfriend without using the rearview mirror. And his droid language skills, while much better thanks to Rey, still was lacking, which made conversation more like constant miscommunication half the time.
Turning to Rey he grinned that enigmatic grin of his at her. “I can't believe we're doing this.”
Rey just hoped no dreams came, and nothing bad happened. She wanted to enjoy herself, and enjoy Finn. She’d even read up on some non-camping things in an effort to be ‘more romantic’ and ‘act sexy’ and all of that. Some of it remained puzzling to her but she couldn’t deny that Finn made her feel things she’d never felt before.
She had a small lunch box with a sandwich to eat on the way up, and had been reclined as best she could in the passenger seat, with one bare foot sticking out the window. “I can’t either! I’m really looking forward to this.”
Finn chuckled. “It’s nice being able to ‘rough it’ with someone who isn’t going to freak at the first sign of wildlife. Or complain about the bugs. And knows what the hell they’re doing. If you can survive Jakku, you can survive anything.” He hadn’t gone camping with female company before, but he’d had extensive training with fellow Navy SEALS who had in turn, tried to do something similar camping wise with girlfriends or wives or their entire families as a bonding experience. Some attempts hadn’t gone over so well, or so the stories he’d been told had gone. Camping was one thing. Camping with a Navy SEAL, apparently, was an altogether different experience.
“I’m looking forward to trying out that new equipment. That tent is one of the best. And those Disc-O-Beds look amazing. Wish we’d had those on deployments.” He laughed. At the thought of the beds Finn’s mind momentarily touched on the possibility that such close quarters between them would not only be a first, but could lead to a place they hadn’t really gone before. While he’d been raised as much a gentleman as his grandmother could drill into his head, living the life of a hotshot Navy SEAL had provided temptations, though Finn hadn’t bothered with such things as he had been laser focused on his career. That of course, didn’t mean he didn’t occasionally play wingman for a friend or indulge in stories from a squadmate who’d hooked up with the hot chick at the bar the night prior.
Where that did leave him however, was trying to navigate Rey. He knew she was more inexperienced than he was in the dating scene - and all that went with it - so he had been playing things casual and slow. But he wondered if perhaps going at the pace of an AT-AT was a bit too slow. Guess they’d find out one way or another once they set up camp.
Hearing a squeal from behind him, he remembered. There was also BB-8. Hm.
“You’re right, buddy.” Finn said, understanding the droid for once. “We’re almost there. You know what that means, right?” He got a series of warbles back that translated to him understanding he had to be hidden for when they went through the park entrance.
Rey had a cover story anyway. A fancy Star Wars style portable generator. She could even demonstrate if asked, since they could hook BB-8 up like a power supply for a demonstration. She’d made sure of that. But it was probably better he stay hidden. “I hope they’re more comfortable than they look. I was expecting just a sleeping bag on the ground. Or maybe an inflatable mattress.”
The cots didn’t look like they’d enable easy cuddling, but she’d kept that disappointment to herself. Besides, she didn’t like to think of herself as clingy. Sometimes it was nice, though.
Finn laughed. “An air mattress? Babe, where’d you go camping?” he teased. “For your information I tried the one at the store. They're really comfy. But you don't have to use it since we've got the sleeping bags too. It's just been a long time since I've had to sleep on the hard ground and I figured you might not want to. I thought maybe this’d be a good compromise.” Thankfully the beds were easy to set up and take down in case they chose not to use them.
After another twenty minutes of driving they finally arrived at the gate to the park. He'd forgotten to cover BB-8, though thankfully the droid at least knew to stay still. The guard peered at the backseat.
“What's that sir? That looks like one of those Star Wars things.” Finn exchanged a look with Rey.
Rey shrugged her shoulder at Finn. They’d make do, however they had to make do and she’d enjoy herself. When the guard spotted BB-8, she sprung her plan into action. “It’s a cute portable battery. With enough to power an electric griddle in case we have problems with the campfire, or to give us a little music otherwise.”
The guard raised an eyebrow and gave the droid another once over. He made a face that clearly displayed the fact he wasn't a Star Wars fan and thought it ridiculous these people had brought something this geeky on a camping trip. He waved them on and for a brief moment Finn thought of the droid and stormtrooper scene in A New Hope. He was just grateful Rey didn't have to pull any Jedi mind tricks to get them in, even if he thought it was badass.
They continued in through the park and hunted for a more secluded spot. Finn knew they didn't need to be near other people, even if that was technically what one should do. Be within shouting distance in case help was needed. But they'd faced off a Wampa - a bear or cougar would be small potatoes by comparison. Rey had the Force, he had military training, and they both had BB-8. Though he wasn't sure what help a droid would be in the wilderness.
Finn parked at the last parking lot available and eyed the path that led up an incline.
“Well, we're here.” He smiled over at Rey, suddenly a bit nervous. He hadn't anticipated just how real this was about to get until now. “You wanna scout out a good spot for us? Then I'll start bringing the stuff.”
“I don’t think he likes Star Wars.” Rey could understand that, she didn’t like it either. She didn’t understand fandom and related things much either, but it made a good enough excuse.
She’d also prefer more seclusion, herself. “I’ll find us a clearing.” She kissed his cheek and disappeared up the path, lightsaber bouncing on her hip.
Finn watched her go, a smirk on his features. Then BB-8 was warbling in agitation and trying to move. The seatbelt and harness they’d jury-rigged to keep him in place while they were driving was working too well.
“Okay, okay. Keep your pants on.” Finn said, struggling to free the droid before he busted out his little butane torch and did it for him. BB-8 gave off a series of ‘boops’ and other sounds, asking him a question. “No, I know you don’t have any pants. It’s...an expression. That people use when someone’s being impatient.” Getting the final buckle, the droid was free. Before Finn could stop him, BB-8 practically fell out of the car, righted himself, and sped off with all due haste after Rey - calling after her loudly.
Finn sighed. “Droids.” He busied himself with hauling out the tent gear first which was in the small trailer. Carrying the heavy bag over one shoulder, he hiked up the incline searching for his girlfriend and their robotic companion.
“Come to help me?” Rey smiled at the droid as she reached the top of the hill and looked around. “Think you can scan for a nice clearing? Something with shelter from the weather and any nasty surprises.” Long years on Jakku had taught her to prepare for anything.
BB-8 chirpped, swiveling his head around before dashing off in one direction with a high whistle. Rey jogged after him. “Slow down, this is supposed to be relaxing!”
The droid skidded into a clearing, and Rey caught up to him. “This is very nice. Very good!” She knelt and gave him a hug. “Guard this spot with your life, I’ve got to go back and help Finn.”
BB-8 chirruped.
“Shush, you!” She got up, and jogged back the way she’d come.
Finn crested the hill and spotted Rey just as she was heading towards him. She looked excited and the absence of BB-8 probably meant they'd found a possible spot. “Found one already?” He was genuinely surprised.
Rey waved at him, then jogged up to him and hugged him. “You’ll love the spot we found. It’s got a good view and it’s sheltered from the wind. Hopefully it doesn’t rain. Do you need help with anything?” She reached behind him, and made the cooler float.
Rey gave the best hugs in Finn's opinion. Then again he wasn't exactly hugged much by anyone else but there was something about the way she did it that made him feel like he mattered most in the world to her and that meant more than anything to him. Finn raised an eyebrow as she used the Force to help. Jealous. So very jealous. “Uh yeah. There's more gear in the trailer. I got the tent but the sleeping bags and beds are in there.” He adjusted the bag on his shoulder. He didn't want her to Force lift everything, he needed to feel useful. “Where's the spot?”
With the possible exception of finding Luke Skywalker her family, Finn really was the most important person to her. “Up the hill, go left about two hundred meters, you can’t miss it!”
She surveyed the trailer, and waited for Finn to leave before unhooking it from the back of the car and starting to pull it up the hill. Sure, it was Force-assisted, but she’d been training.
Finn marched along happily, breathing in deep the forest air. It was so much cooler here than back home, so green and lush. There were no traffic sounds just the wind in the leaves and sunshine dappling the ground. Following Rey's instructions he found BB-8 sure enough, standing guard in the clearing.
“Hey soccer ball!” He called, teasing the droid. BB-8 made an electronic sound of a retort before giving him a sort of raspberry - which only sounded adorable coming from him. Finn chuckled as he approached, dropping the heavy bundle from his shoulders as he got into the clearing. He rubbed the droid’s head. “Good job, buddy. Couldn't have done this without you.” Of course the hard work hadn't even begun. He turned around and started back the way he came, reaching the crest of the hill just as Rey did.
With the... trailer?
“Rey….?” He said slowly, a look of disbelief on his face. “Did you just….”
“I thought it would be easier than unloading the rest and making multiple trips!” She parked the trailer and then swung her arms to loosen them. Sweat drenched her shirt and her hair clung to her neck and face. “Might have...underestimated how heavy that was?”
The look on Finn's face was probably comical by most standards. Just complete and absolute disbelief that this had just happened. “You dragged…” he pointed at the trailer that weighed probably close to a ton, words failing. “...that?” Yes he knew she had the Force but he didn't expect her to be capable of hauling something that heavy. Up a hill.
He heard BB-8 wheel up from behind him and elicit a digitized “Whoa” or the closest thing he had to the word, which sounded more like “Woeeeeere.”
“Should I not have?” Rey rubbed her bicep with one arm. While she’d mostly used the chain and even tied it around herself for part of the trip, that had taken the brunt of the weight. “I just thought it would be … simpler. I’m used to dragging lots of salvage across the desert on Jakku. At least this thing has wheels!”
“True.” He replied. She had a point. Being a Scavenger did mean that this sort of thing was normal for her. Even so, this was impressive. And he was realizing, kind of hot.
“Well, uh, let me help. Next time.” He said it so hesitantly and with such impotence he wasn't sure why he'd let the words bother coming out at all. How could he even be of use? She'd saved them at least an hour's worth of trips back and forth hauling gear. Really this was about Finn just wanting to be there for her, it was his natural impulse, but he guessed he was going to have to learn to let Rey be there for him too.
“Thanks, though. I mean, really. This saves us a ton of time. Do you want some water or something? You should take a break.”
“All right. I’d probably be less sore with help, I haven’t pulled that much in…” Years in her dreams, really. Actually, thinking about it, she’d always had regrets and so stopped hauling that much at once. But then, she wasn’t using the Force consciously, and the load had felt much lighter than it was as she’d used it deliberately. “A long time. I could really, really use a drink.”
Finn smiled and procured a cold water bottle from the cooler, tossing it to Rey.
“So I guess I’ll get started on the tent then. You take five. Or ten.” And Finn busied himself with setting up the different elements of the tent. He set out all the pieces neatly and started assembling it like he were re-assembling a rifle in boot camp, assembling the poles and sliding on the fabric with dexterity. Yes, he’d practiced to show off to Rey. Not that he’d ever admit to that.
BB-8 would occasionally help, helping him to pull things into place with his grappling hook. Before long, the tent was standing large and proud on their patch of clearing. Sweating, Finn sat back and wiped at his forehead. “You know, there’s lakes and stuff around here. We can go exploring after I set up the beds? See if there’s somewhere we can cool off.”
“Twenty sound good.” Rey leaned against a rock. She didn’ t mind resting, or supervising while Finn did this part. She did offer suggestions, but mostly watched and enjoyed the show. And reveled in the fact she was enjoying the show.
She got to her feet when he finished. “Are you sure you can make it? You look exhausted.”
Finn looked over longingly at the yet to be assembled beds. He just wanted to flop down in one right now. He gestured mutely for a water bottle. “Maybe BB-8 can give us a hand and set them up while we go check things out?” Finn offered. He wasn't sure how the droid would feel being left behind to assemble stuff instead of exploring with his friends.
Rey grabbed a bottle, handing it over the good old fashioned way. “I think we can trust BB-8.” She took Finn’s hand, pulling him over to her. “Lets find that lake. I love lakes.”
Probably a little too much, but even now, wide stretches of water touched her deep down in a way she couldn’t put to words.
Finn took the water gratefully and downed a quarter of it before talking again. After the dreams about Jakku, he never took water for granted. He let Rey pull him up, always surprised at her strength packed into such a small frame. Turning to BB-8 he gave him a thumbs up and said “Okay buddy, you got this. We'll be back in a while.” The droid chirped and gave him his lighter thumbs up as they headed out into the forest.