[Ren is puzzled by the comment, a slight furrow in his brow as he responds. Where in the world did that idea come from?]
The very last thing I would ever call you is weak willed, Armitage. Remembering sentimental things doesn't make you weak.
[... that's not what Snoke would say, probably, but honestly? Kylo doesn't give half a damn about what Supreme Leader might think about this. About them.]
...You know as much as I do that comment is incorrect. Sentiment is what makes us weak. It develops into attachment, an emotion that can easily be manipulated.
[But despite his somewhat harsh words, Hux still remembered Ren's birthday and did his best to prepare for it. He cannot deny any of that.]
[His jaw clenched, Kylo looks away for a few moments, a bit of the sunlight dimming in the room.]
Then let us be weak. I don't care.
[Perhaps it's a surprise to hear that from him, a man who's tried so hard several times to deny any weakness. But he's so far separated from all the conflict in their galaxy thanks to the happiness he's experienced here that he can't find it in himself to give a damn.]
[...Kylo doesn't care about being weak? To hear him say such a thing, even now, is completely surprising to Hux. If they were back in their galaxy, he would've pounced on this chance to see Ren's weakness and use it against him. Although, he never thought that he would be the one to cause this weakness in the first place... at least while they're here.
However, Hux isn't ready to admit that he can be weak. Fragile.]
I did remember, didn't I?
[Although admitting that probably says enough things as well.]
[After several seconds, Kylo finally works up the nerve to look at his partner again, and he reaches out his hand to place atop Hux's knee. His expression has a vulnerability to it, one that's almost uncertain, and his words are nothing but sincere.]
[While Hux doesn't vocally acknowledge his words, he covers Ren's hand with his own and lightly grips it. If anyone from the Order saw him like this, it would be something to take advantage of. Personal relationships and attachments have always been frowned upon... but no one is here to see him, no one can use this against him. It's fine now.
...He finds himself not wanting to lose this, even if someone from the Order showed up.]
[Nearly all of that uncertainty melts away as he smiles slightly, giving him an almost smug look just thanks to his natural expression. It's just a fact of being a Solo.
Kylo wouldn't give up what they have here for the galaxy. Not that he suspects he'd need to—Hux would gladly take it by his side, he knows.]
Of course. I'll leave it up to you to pick which comes first.
[Taking Hux's hand serves as Kylo's answer, and he gets to his feet to follow his partner wherever he'd like to direct him. At this point he has no worries about what the gifts might be; he's confident that he'll like them, whatever they are.]
[He leads Kylo to where his presents are stacked at, before beckoning him to take a seat. Once he's settled in, Hux grabs a present that he's somewhat confident that he'll like. Might as well start strong, right?
He hands him the box, which when opened, will reveal several cooking utensils and pans. All top quality, of course.]
[He hasn't really stopped trailing flowers since the redhead woke him up, and that continues until he sits on the couch; he'll have to take care of those later, but for now that's in the very back of his mind.
It's quite a hefty package that Armitage hands to him, and Kylo can't help but be interested in what's inside, so he wastes no time opening it to see what's inside. When he sees the new kitchen supplies, the result even before he takes them out to examine them is a few four-leafed clovers appearing midair behind him to float down like petals.]
[Are those four-leafed clovers? That's new... but it's a sign that Kylo truly likes the cookware. It truly is tempting to start a flower shop and make a small fortune on the side. Pleasing Kylo isn't difficult nowadays.]
...Yes, I thought we established that much. [It's like a present to himself giving Kylo all this.] You should be aware that the First Order never placed much focus on making food exceptionally tasty for everyone.
[Well, if Hux ever does decide to start up that flower shop, he'll certainly know what to do to get plenty of merchandise.]
I know. It's just nice to hear once in a while.
[And Kylo has no problem providing his partner with home cooking; in a way it's a sort of possessive thing, that he's the only one who's ever gotten to do it. It's almost a point of pride.]
[Kylo certainly does appreciate the fact that Armitage actually does bother to express his positive thoughts far more these days, but he knows it's still a struggle to get the redhead to express what he's feeling if it doesn't have anything to do with the First Order.
Sure, he can just sense it for the most part, but it's not nearly the same as hearing it said aloud.
Ren sets the box on the floor next to him to get it out of the way; he'll put those away whenever he's done with gifts and maybe some extra time with his partner.]
[He decides not to say anything about that and grabs another box before handing it over to Ren. Inside is a bunch of... leather belts along with a few articles of clothing, some which match Kylo's current style. The others, however, are more questionable. There's also a black apron in there that Ren can use while cooking.]
[Well, one can't have enough belts, he supposes, and a few of the other items are perfect to add to his wardrobe as well, even if the others are less so.
The... jacket gets the briefest squint that's almost a grimace, but it passes quickly thanks to the fact that the other things are something he likes. It's a bit too Han Solo for him to want to wear it, even if there are some... aspects of it he does like. He sets it aside and pulls out the apron, letting out a brief noise of amusement that's not quite a laugh.]
This to go along with the pots, hm.
[Continuing to say thank you after every gift not only feels like a waste of breath, but it's a little more gratitude than he's willing to express all at once. He'd rather just thank Armitage again after they're through with the presents...]
Yes, better to stain that apron than getting anything on your new clothes.
[Of course, Hux feels the need to explain every gift as Kylo opens them. Well, the clothes are self-explanatory, but everything else...
Although, perhaps he should explain the belts too. Apparently people like Kylo would wear multiple belts at once? Sounds completely unnecessary, so it fits.]
Those leather belts were recommended to wear all at once.
[... now that he thinks of it, he's never known Hux to be particularly... err... thoughtful or considerate. Or anything that would require paying attention to other people's wishes in a way that didn't benefit his own.
Not that Kylo doesn't think Hux can't pay attention enough if he puts effort into it, but it's not as if the general has ever had to buy gifts for someone. It's not exactly a First Order tradition for more than a few reasons. So that makes him wonder... did Hux ask around about all of these gifts? Is that why there are so many? And who exactly did he ask?]
[Ah well, guess he should've expected this question. For a moment, Hux shifts almost awkwardly, like he's having difficulty about what he's going to admit. Definitely strange for him, but his uncertainty is obvious even as he tries to look nonchalant.
Hux folds his hands behind his back as he answers Ren.]
I'm uncertain who told me.
[...It's true, because of the telepathic network, although he's probably said too much now.]
Yes, I did. Like any good officer that lacks a particular brand of knowledge, I gathered intel from other sources before completing the task. You have seemed satisfied so far, so I don't see the problem with this.
[Ren lets out a breath through his nose as the corners of his mouth briefly turn upward.]
You really wanted to make sure you got this right.
[Although his inquiry may have seemed like a judgment, it was really just curiosity at the fact that Armitage seemed as if he were trying to keep it from him. As if there weren't enough plants blooming from the floorboard already, a fresh smell starts to fill the room as a few more appear.]
[Why is this so surprising!! Of course Hux wants to ensure that Kylo's birthday is one of his best ones just because he put the effort in. Because anything he does with a focused intent is destined to be great.]
...I realize that this day holds importance to you. [Why he decided to say that instead of his other thoughts, Hux doesn't really know. Okay, maybe he does, but humph.]
[It shouldn't be surprising, Ren is starting to think, and he almost feels bad for the fact that he keeps not expecting this sort of thing from his partner. But ultimately, it's a defense mechanism he can't exactly turn off, and he's not sure that he wants to when he keeps being so pleasantly surprised.
It's just better this way. If Armitage takes offense, Kylo will find a way to make it up to him.
To that end, he motions for Hux to come closer and sit next to him, even though there are still a few more presents.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
lostapprentice) wrote2035-01-06 02:37 am
no subject
The very last thing I would ever call you is weak willed, Armitage. Remembering sentimental things doesn't make you weak.
[... that's not what Snoke would say, probably, but honestly? Kylo doesn't give half a damn about what Supreme Leader might think about this. About them.]
no subject
[But despite his somewhat harsh words, Hux still remembered Ren's birthday and did his best to prepare for it. He cannot deny any of that.]
no subject
Then let us be weak. I don't care.
[Perhaps it's a surprise to hear that from him, a man who's tried so hard several times to deny any weakness. But he's so far separated from all the conflict in their galaxy thanks to the happiness he's experienced here that he can't find it in himself to give a damn.]
All I care about is that you wanted to remember.
no subject
However, Hux isn't ready to admit that he can be weak. Fragile.]
I did remember, didn't I?
[Although admitting that probably says enough things as well.]
no subject
Thank you.
no subject
...He finds himself not wanting to lose this, even if someone from the Order showed up.]
Are you ready to open your presents now?
no subject
Kylo wouldn't give up what they have here for the galaxy. Not that he suspects he'd need to—Hux would gladly take it by his side, he knows.]
Of course. I'll leave it up to you to pick which comes first.
no subject
Why don't we go there to open them?
no subject
no subject
He hands him the box, which when opened, will reveal several cooking utensils and pans. All top quality, of course.]
no subject
It's quite a hefty package that Armitage hands to him, and Kylo can't help but be interested in what's inside, so he wastes no time opening it to see what's inside. When he sees the new kitchen supplies, the result even before he takes them out to examine them is a few four-leafed clovers appearing midair behind him to float down like petals.]
I take it you like my cooking.
no subject
...Yes, I thought we established that much. [It's like a present to himself giving Kylo all this.] You should be aware that the First Order never placed much focus on making food exceptionally tasty for everyone.
no subject
I know. It's just nice to hear once in a while.
[And Kylo has no problem providing his partner with home cooking; in a way it's a sort of possessive thing, that he's the only one who's ever gotten to do it. It's almost a point of pride.]
no subject
[Like... saying that Kylo is nice to look at. Or his Force powers actually do take control to use. And...
...
There's probably something else there, he just has to think about it later.]
Hm, next present then?
no subject
[Kylo certainly does appreciate the fact that Armitage actually does bother to express his positive thoughts far more these days, but he knows it's still a struggle to get the redhead to express what he's feeling if it doesn't have anything to do with the First Order.
Sure, he can just sense it for the most part, but it's not nearly the same as hearing it said aloud.
Ren sets the box on the floor next to him to get it out of the way; he'll put those away whenever he's done with gifts and maybe some extra time with his partner.]
Of course.
no subject
[He decides not to say anything about that and grabs another box before handing it over to Ren. Inside is a bunch of... leather belts along with a few articles of clothing, some which match Kylo's current style. The others, however, are more questionable. There's also a black apron in there that Ren can use while cooking.]
no subject
The... jacket gets the briefest squint that's almost a grimace, but it passes quickly thanks to the fact that the other things are something he likes. It's a bit too Han Solo for him to want to wear it, even if there are some... aspects of it he does like. He sets it aside and pulls out the apron, letting out a brief noise of amusement that's not quite a laugh.]
This to go along with the pots, hm.
[Continuing to say thank you after every gift not only feels like a waste of breath, but it's a little more gratitude than he's willing to express all at once. He'd rather just thank Armitage again after they're through with the presents...]
no subject
[Of course, Hux feels the need to explain every gift as Kylo opens them. Well, the clothes are self-explanatory, but everything else...
Although, perhaps he should explain the belts too. Apparently people like Kylo would wear multiple belts at once? Sounds completely unnecessary, so it fits.]
Those leather belts were recommended to wear all at once.
no subject
Not that Kylo doesn't think Hux can't pay attention enough if he puts effort into it, but it's not as if the general has ever had to buy gifts for someone. It's not exactly a First Order tradition for more than a few reasons. So that makes him wonder... did Hux ask around about all of these gifts? Is that why there are so many? And who exactly did he ask?]
By whom?
no subject
Hux folds his hands behind his back as he answers Ren.]
I'm uncertain who told me.
[...It's true, because of the telepathic network, although he's probably said too much now.]
no subject
Well, it only makes sense if the person telling him was somehow not identifiable, which leads to a particular conclusion.]
You asked about this over the crystals, didn't you.
no subject
[And here comes the explanation of his actions.]
no subject
You really wanted to make sure you got this right.
[Although his inquiry may have seemed like a judgment, it was really just curiosity at the fact that Armitage seemed as if he were trying to keep it from him. As if there weren't enough plants blooming from the floorboard already, a fresh smell starts to fill the room as a few more appear.]
no subject
[Why is this so surprising!! Of course Hux wants to ensure that Kylo's birthday is one of his best ones just because he put the effort in. Because anything he does with a focused intent is destined to be great.]
...I realize that this day holds importance to you. [Why he decided to say that instead of his other thoughts, Hux doesn't really know. Okay, maybe he does, but humph.]
no subject
It's just better this way. If Armitage takes offense, Kylo will find a way to make it up to him.
To that end, he motions for Hux to come closer and sit next to him, even though there are still a few more presents.]
(no subject)
(no subject)