Ren. [It's an acknowledgement of his presence and nothing more. He doesn't directly look at Ren as he punches in the code, allowing the other man the chance to observe the new code for himself.]
[Hux shows up exactly ten minutes later. His uniform is pressed and exactly to code despite it being the end of a long and harrowing day. His coat hangs off his shoulders, and he alerts Ren through the comm, standing as nonchalantly as Hux ever could in public view outside Ren's quarters.
When the door opens, he straightens back to his usual posture, back straight and stiff. There are bags under his eyes, but they are as sharp and alert as ever. Caf was a wonder that proved a necessary miracle after the destruction of Starkiller. He offers the man a curt and polite nod.]
Supreme Leader. [And after a moment's consideration of the best approach he continues.]
[ As dawning realizations went, this one didn't linger all that long. It was more about the intrigue than it was about the pride, though it was easier to push forward if he told himself it was to prove a point than because he wanted to see just how far Hux would take it.
Denying Hux now would be the sensible thing to do; his curiosity had been at least partly satisfied--he had barked and Hux had come running.
Still, he inclines his head at Hux's request and steps aside to allow him room to enter. Despite having assumed Snoke's position, little of immediate consequence had changed; he still kept the same rooms, followed the same unbending routines. Picking his wounds in the wake of a humiliating defeat and the knowledge that he was now entirely on his own. ]
Prompt, as ever. [ retreating further into his rooms as he says it, pausing as he looks back over his shoulder. ] I suppose I should offer you a drink.
[Hux steps into the room, letting the door shut behind him, and lets his eyes trail over Ren's private space.]
A drink would be a good start. [He leaves his gloves on and narrows his eyes slightly, trying to sense Ren's mood to anticipate his actions. It's difficult tp ever successfully predict Ren's reactions, but he's still not entirely convinced Ren actually invited him here for what Hux had suggested.
He could still decide to humiliate or murder Hux. Testing, he drops his arms and watches Ren, scrutinizing.]
You don't need to woe me with kind words and alcohol, Ren. I am already here. [He doesn't bother hiding the fact that his words are not serious, said in that same tone he uses when goading Ren to action or reaction before Snoke's death.]
Perhaps not. [ he agrees but goes to pour the drink, regardless; the drink has nothing to do with wooing Hux (he had been the one to initiate it, after all, even if Ren had been quick to take him up on the offer) and everything to do with finding something to do with his hands. ]
I confess, I'm unfamiliar with the proper etiquette. [ this was more of an abrupt, businesslike exchange--an experiment--than a tryst. ]
I'm not going to hurt you, Armitage. [ said as he extends a glass of brandy (Corellian, naturally), the sound of the other man's name turning over on his tongue. ] You want to know how it feels to hold my leash, and I just happen to be in a mood to indulge you.
Frankly, [ he lifts his glass, tipping it back until it clink against his teeth. ] it seems that we both are in need of the distraction.
[Hux takes the drink, and tilts the glass, watching the brandy slide across the surface before taking a sip. Ren might be playing his hand close to his chest, but Hux intends to make full use of the other man's moment of indulgence, not simper or tip toe around it just because Ren could kill him if the mood struck.
Without waiting for an invitation, Hux takes a sprawling seat in the closest chair and takes another drink, watching Ren talk his way through things.]
Direction isn't necessarily a leash, Ren. It can be freeing if you let it.
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For dissevering
[Hux will be there, not a minute earlier or later than agreed upon. The bags under his eyes have started to get looks from even his most devoted men, but Hux does not waiver or falter. He pushes as hard and as sure as he has from the get go, fighting with everything he has to keep the position he has earned through patience, sacrifice, careful planning, and decisive action.
He is fully dressed in his uniform, gloves and all, with his hair still slicked back. He slows on approach, the slightest hesitation when he catches sight of Ren in the hall. It only lasts for a moment and then he continues forward with his usual stride as if nothing happened.]
Ren. [It's an acknowledgement of his presence and nothing more. He doesn't directly look at Ren as he punches in the code, allowing the other man the chance to observe the new code for himself.]
After you.
For dissevering
When the door opens, he straightens back to his usual posture, back straight and stiff. There are bags under his eyes, but they are as sharp and alert as ever. Caf was a wonder that proved a necessary miracle after the destruction of Starkiller. He offers the man a curt and polite nod.]
Supreme Leader. [And after a moment's consideration of the best approach he continues.]
May I come in?
no subject
Denying Hux now would be the sensible thing to do; his curiosity had been at least partly satisfied--he had barked and Hux had come running.
Still, he inclines his head at Hux's request and steps aside to allow him room to enter. Despite having assumed Snoke's position, little of immediate consequence had changed; he still kept the same rooms, followed the same unbending routines. Picking his wounds in the wake of a humiliating defeat and the knowledge that he was now entirely on his own. ]
Prompt, as ever. [ retreating further into his rooms as he says it, pausing as he looks back over his shoulder. ] I suppose I should offer you a drink.
no subject
A drink would be a good start. [He leaves his gloves on and narrows his eyes slightly, trying to sense Ren's mood to anticipate his actions. It's difficult tp ever successfully predict Ren's reactions, but he's still not entirely convinced Ren actually invited him here for what Hux had suggested.
He could still decide to humiliate or murder Hux. Testing, he drops his arms and watches Ren, scrutinizing.]
You don't need to woe me with kind words and alcohol, Ren. I am already here. [He doesn't bother hiding the fact that his words are not serious, said in that same tone he uses when goading Ren to action or reaction before Snoke's death.]
no subject
I confess, I'm unfamiliar with the proper etiquette. [ this was more of an abrupt, businesslike exchange--an experiment--than a tryst. ]
I'm not going to hurt you, Armitage. [ said as he extends a glass of brandy (Corellian, naturally), the sound of the other man's name turning over on his tongue. ] You want to know how it feels to hold my leash, and I just happen to be in a mood to indulge you.
Frankly, [ he lifts his glass, tipping it back until it clink against his teeth. ] it seems that we both are in need of the distraction.
no subject
Without waiting for an invitation, Hux takes a sprawling seat in the closest chair and takes another drink, watching Ren talk his way through things.]
Direction isn't necessarily a leash, Ren. It can be freeing if you let it.