moonwalkingcrab:

Hux swore years ago that he would never again set sight on his home planet, unless it was through Starkiller’s targeting system.

Yet here he is.

Rain pours down in sheet after soaking sheet, the heavy roll of thunder drowning out any attempt at conversation.

Not that there is likely to be much, it is a small ground crew who sit huddled together in the relative shelter of the hangar, helmets removed, though not quite at ease.

“How long do you think we’ll be waiting, Sir?”

“A few hours at least, I’m afraid. Until the electrical interference is no danger to our equipment.” Far longer than Hux wants to stay.

Still, they got what they came for, and that means the Supreme Leader is content. He gives Hux a thin smile from where he sits on a pile of crates.

It has been an odd transition. In the past Hux would have found the prospect of hours in the company of Kylo Ren a form of slow torture. Yet now, despite the rocky beginning, they seem to be at an equilibrium. Part of this is due to Ren’s insistence of proximity, determined to keep Hux close and preempt any potential betrayal.

However, the more they have worked together, the easier things have become. It seems that Kylo actually listens to him, defers to him even, in matters which pertain to Hux’s more technological mind.

“At least there’s a caf station.” The voice of one of the troopers jolts Hux from his contemplation. “With your permission, Supreme Leader.”

Kylo nods wordlessly before rising to his feet. He stretches out before wandering over to stand by Hux, close enough for their shoulders to brush.

This is another new development, as their conversations have taken a turn for the civil, so too has the distance between them been closing. Hux swallows, feeling a flicker of heat in the pit of his stomach. There is a  tension in the air, pushing down on him with far more pressure than the surrounding storm. He wets his lips to speak, only to be cut off by Kylo meeting his gaze.

“Don’t you want any? We’ll be here a while.”

Hux almost smiles, “No, thank you. My tea is on the shuttle and I really don’t think it is worth getting drenched.”

“You’re cold though, I can see your lips starting to turn blue.”

Hux feels the colour drain from his face and immediately rush back, the idea of Kylo paying attention to his lips making his brain short circuit. “I assure you, I’m fine.”

Kylo nods and strides from the hangar, hand held above his head. There are a few noises of appreciation and Hux turns.

The rain surrounds Kylo in a bubble, running down the sides of an invisible dome. He slips into the shuttle and emerges a few minutes later with a package in hand. He tosses it to the nearest trooper as he gets back to the hangar.

“You, make the General and I some tea.”

Kylo hops back onto the stack of boxes by Hux. “There,” he gently nudges at Hux with his knee, “now you get to be warm, and I don’t have to drink caf.” A single raindrop runs down his scarred cheek and Hux reaches out to wipe it away.

“Looks like something got through your barrier.”

Kylo gives a soft smile before turning away, “So it did.”

Hux’s eyes widen, warmth already spreading through him along with a dawning horror. Oh no, oh no no no.

“Oh kriff,” he whispers to himself, “I love you.”

“What was that, Hux?” Kylo turns, the smallest of creases between his brows.

“I said ‘above you’.” Hux points towards the skylight, heart pounding in his chest, “You can see the lightning.”

“Hm, so you can.” Kylo leans back and Hux breathes a sigh of relief.

Outside, the rain still pours harsh and cold, but inside at least, he’s warm.