(no subject)

[therewillbeorder]

WHO: Armitage Hux and others [various closed/open prompts]
WHERE: around De Chima
WHEN: December 19-22
WHAT: Hux was unconscious for two weeks and now returns to the land of the living
WARNINGS: Hux being an evil asshole as always- most likely mentions of murder, planetary destruction, etc.



pour decisions: closed to eli

[With work being done at his office, working there had proved to be next to impossible at the end of the day. He hadn't wanted to stay at the house - after two weeks unconscious in bed he felt that if he stayed too long in the house he would feel too much like a shut-in.

He wasn't sure where Ren had gone off to, he only checked his phone for messages as he deliberated where he could go. He believed Eli Vanto was working that night so he bagged up his folders and laptop to have the car take him to the bar. It had been a long day and he could use a strong drink or two.

He made a beeline for the bar once he arrived though it wasn't crowded so he didn't have trouble finding a place.]

Vanto, I need something strong. I trust your judgment to select something suitable.


pour decisions: closed to bela

[Eli had gone back to work but it wasn't too late so he ordered one last drink. There was no need to return home just yet, he assumed Ren had other matters to attend to. He wasn't concerned in the least so he wasn't going to rush home just yet.

His attention was caught by someone familiar entering the bar, raising his eyebrows.]

Ah, Bela, if I recall correctly?

[He remembered her well, actually, despite the fact it had been awhile since last he had seen her.] It has been some time.


de chima 008: closed to anakin

[He was wary at a knock on the door As far as he knew no one was expected in the middle of the day and considering no one else but him was at home, it was strange.

He had been working but slowly picked up his blaster, holding it slightly behind his back as he made his way towards the door. He wasn't sure when Ren was going to be home but he wasn't going to sit around.

He switched the safety off just as he opened his door. And the safety was instantly switched back on as soon as he saw it was Anakin Skywalker standing on the doorstep, placing the blaster on the side table by the door out of sight.]

Skywalker. Your grandson isn't home at the moment but come in, please.

[He held the door open as he reached into his pocket for his phone so he could contact Ren. He was surprised that Ren wasn't here if Anakin was stopping by but he was sure that he would be on his way shortly.] I'll text him now to see where he is if he's not on his way already.

de chima 008: open

[The week after waking up was proving to be hectic. He had missed two weeks of work so he was behind in everything and he had a feeling he had missed a lot that had gone on around him. The house didn't seem to be damaged though, he was surprised not to see any lightsaber marks on any walls.

The week is spent with him doing laundry for himself and Ren, inspecting the house for damage, taking stock of inventory in the fridge. It was frustrating not to have the same stamina as he was used to, two weeks unconscious in bed had taken a lot of him. So this week would be spent around the house more than he wanted, catching up on work while downing cups of coffee or bitter tea in the kitchen most afternoons.]

de chima: open

[It was disorienting to wake up in the middle of a strange holiday and chilly weather. It didn't exactly put him in the best of moods. It didn't help that he was downing enough coffee to stop the heart of anyone else which didn't help things.

And then suddenly he had a list of gifts to buy for this ridiculous winter holiday that he also had to deal with. A local custom that was nothing be a headache for him. It included trips to a wine store where he was trying to figure out what would be suitable gifts.

The rest of the week is various errands around the town. What did one get Darth Vader for Christmas? There was no etiquette that he was familiar with which left him at a loss. He can be found around town, a large cup of strong coffee in one hand almost all the time.

There would be no rest for the wicked.]


wildcard

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Comments

[vanto]

[A stroke of good luck, today at work Eli isn't being visited by anyone who is designated as an enemy of the First Order/Empire.

Eli has been chatting to one of the regulars who had shown him an excellent taco place, a man called Bill before spotting Hux and sliding over to greet him.]

Hey, sir.

[He pulls out a few glasses, an idea already taking root in his mind.]

It's good that you showed up tonight. There is a New Years Eve party here and I need to select a few drinks, I would like your opinion on the few I've noted down.

[Eli taps the first glass, a colourful and sweet looking mimosa float.]

I haven't tried making any of these before so...

[therewillbeorder]

[That was...colorful. Hux peered at the drink before slowly picking it up. He trusted Eli enough to know that the drink wasn't poisoned but he wasn't sure what it was.

Either way, he hoped it was strong. He had heard that New Years was a common celebration on this planet but he didn't feel like celebrating after two weeks unconscious. It didn't feel like a new year anyway.]

What is in it?

[He took a tentative sip nonetheless, not sure what to expect.]

[vanto]

[Eli is in full bartender mode, he's grinning widely at Hux eager for his reactions.]

Champagne, white chocolate and sherbet. It's meant to be sweet.

[Probably more sweet that strong in terms of alcohol but the night was young and Eli had about ten to fifteen more cocktails he wanted to try out. It was going to be fine.

Also, he'd be lying if he didn't admit to being curious as to how much alcohol Hux could withstand before drunkness set in.]

It's good to see you out of the house.

[therewillbeorder]

It's good to be out of the house, finally. [Hux raised an eyebrow at Eli's eagerness. He had never heard of sherbet but it didn't taste bad at all.

In fact, it was rather delicious. He was quiet as he finished the drink, including the scoop of sherbet. It tasted similar to ice cream, very sweet. But Eli wanted his honest opinion, he took his time to think for just a moment.]

The sprinkles I'm not fond of. Perhaps instead of putting them on the rim you can put them on top of the sherbet.

de chima

[couldbebeautiful]

[Unlike Hux, Veronica's a Christmas expert, and is buying up gifts like a very determined and very hungry shark would gobble up prey. She's checking out books at the local bookstore—the more pretentious-seeming the better—when she spies red hair and strong coffee.

Shit. It's Hux.

Has he noticed her yet? She doesn't think so, but just to be sure, she ducks behind the shelves with Fiction, A-M nailed to the top shelf. Her shoes scrape along the linoleum floor, and she debates with herself whether to follow him or not. He just looks like he's Christmas shopping, same as she is, but she can't shake that paranoid feeling.

Again, she peeks out.]

[therewillbeorder]

[Did Vader like to read? He wasn't sure. Somehow a book on sand art seemed the entirely wrong choice for a gift.

He paused as he went to book the book back on the shelf as he heard footsteps nearby. The bookstore had been practically empty when he had arrived so the sounds of footsteps near him were just that much more amplified. He doubted anyone in the Resistance would want to stalk him doing Christmas shopping but they seemed particularly apt with making bad decisions.

He put the book back, looking up as he noticed someone peeking out at him.]

If you're stalking me you're doing a rather terrible job at it and might as well come out.

[couldbebeautiful]

[Oh, shit, busted. Veronica ducks behind the shelf once more, debating with herself over whether to call for help (and possibly cause another murder to happen right here in the bookstore) or to go through with this alone (and possibly get killed herself, if she doesn't play her cards right). She sighs—best not to risk it.

She emerges from behind the shelves, in a very ugly Christmas sweater, and gives Hux a forced smile. Hopefully he doesn't recognize the girl who lives with the rebels.]

Sorry, you just—looked a little like someone I knew. [Liar, liar. She'd stalked him because she was sure he was up to something.]

[cleptes]

[The name of the bar is what draws Bela in at first. Even she could appreciate the play on words, especially when they were clever. She hasn't been in this place before but she stepped inside anyway, taking a look around.

Hux is soon spotted by her and it seemed that he had noticed Bela first, given what he said.]

Indeed it has. [He's trouble. Bela knew that. But she doesn't want him to know that.] Is this your regular place?

[therewillbeorder]

In a way. It's near where I work so it's convenient.

[And with Eli working here that provided some degree of security. The lack of rebel presence made it even more ideal but those were details that didn't need to be shared. Instead, he gave her a polite smile, indicating the chair beside him.]

Is this your first time here?

[cleptes]

Yes it is. [She returns the smile out of courtesy, taking the seat beside Hux.] I've passed it a few times before though.

[Bela gestures to the bartender and orders a glass of red wine, not in the mood for harder liquor.]

All this time I've spent in this city and there are still places I've never been to.

de chima

[onlydoubts]

[ December had passed in a blur, mostly because Bodhi spent the first two weeks in a state - or in the hospital and then unconscious until he was released a day or two ago.

Thankfully he'd started shopping before he'd fallen ill, but still had some ways to go.

Okay, Veronica, Poe, Bela and Jyn were all taken care of. But Cassian, Lando -- Kay (what does he like?) as well as a few more people still needed gifts. Honestly, he wasn't sure the point of the holiday, but given everything that had transpired he just wanted his friends to have a nice time.

At a store that sold trinkets, glassware, Bodhi reaches for what looks like a nice set. Just as someone beside him reaches for the same one. ]

Sorry.

[ He says without looking over. ]

[therewillbeorder]

[Between work and suddenly realizing he had holiday obligations, Hux was stressed and distracted. He had organized a list of gifts that he was apparently expected to give and there were some more difficult than others.

Glassware was a good choice for Vader, right? Wineglasses were always a good gift that didn't involve sand. He hadn't noticed who else was in the shop as he looked over options. It wasn't until someone reached for the same glassware set that he did that he finally noticed who was near him.

Well.]

Isn't this a bit out of your price range?

[Did rebels get paid? If they did, he doubted it was very much.]

[onlydoubts]

[ Bodhi recognizes the voice almost instantly and it's not enough notice to stop the way he suddenly jerks his hand back quickly and away - as if burned. Calm down, it's the middle of a glass store in a public place...

He sighs, giving the glass another look. Shame, he could have gotten something like that for -- someone. ]

I'm just looking at it.

[ Hux isn't wrong, though. While he could, he actually can't afford that, and still get things for everyone else. ]

[photophobic]

[Ren was in the shower when Hux came home- he'd been training hard since he received a text from his mother- the first since she had tried to kill him during the two weeks the Porter had taken back her gifts. He'd seen the notification, of course, but had refused even to open it - cowardly, perhaps, but he hadn't trusted himself to be able to resist the pull.

He had chosen distraction.

His hair still wet, he padded into the living room in a pair of loose sweatpants and a vest, noting Hux typing furiously on his laptop with a tight expression quite at odds to the comfortable sprawl he'd adopted, half laying across the couch. The sight stirred a now familiar, amused fondness. Hux was so much more relaxed here than he had ever been back where they came from- even during the time before he had put an end to their arrangement. He liked to believe it was his influence- that the General was the one person in the universe Kylo Ren could soften, rather than sharpen.]

Still catching up?

[He'd been a little distant, he realised, since Hux had returned. Distracted. Withdrawn. He sank down onto the couch beside Hux's feet, idly running a hand up his shin.]

[therewillbeorder]

[Hux had been tempted to join Ren in the shower when he had gotten home but a message from a client had distracted him and then lead him to try to get some work done. He had settled down on the couch since no one else was home and it allowed him to spread files across the coffee table.

It took him a few moments to notice that Ren had come into the living room as he had been caught up in typing. He looked up, smiling slightly, distracted. He had noticed how Ren had been distant but had not pressed about it. Either Ren would tell him or he wouldn't.]

Yes but I've made progress.

[And he put his laptop aside when Ren rubbed his shin, stretching out a little. He could take a bit of a break.] How did your training go?

[photophobic]

Well. I am no longer welcome at "Exxtreme Fitness". It seems I might be too extreme for their tastes.

[Was that a joke? It seemed like it should have been one, but something about it fell even flatter than usual (Ren's humour was not particularly well-developed). Ren's heart just wasn't quite in it.]

That's four, now.

[prophesiedone]

I'm not here to see him. [No matter how subtle Hux might be, Anakin spies the blaster on the side table. He doesn't really fear being shot by something like that; reflecting or stopping the blasts would be child's play. But he's glad that the General is wary and careful. He needs to be after what happened to him.]

You... [He lifts his mechno-arm to tap the side of his head.] ...have a bullet in there, don't you?

[therewillbeorder]

You're not? [Hux raised his eyebrows with surprise as he lead the way into the living room.

He didn't like to talk about that night but he wasn't going to shy away from the topic. He nodded ]

Yes, Dameron shot me between the eyes. I'm not sure if the bullet itself is still in there but it felt like it before. I'm not sure what happened, I only remember the pain, Ren talking to me before I was unconscious.

[prophesiedone]

No. [He follows, expression bordering on unreadable - except there is something about his posture that suggests he is not happy.]

Why didn't you tell me? Do you think I would've ignored you? [It bothers him just as much now as it did when Kylo told him of it.] He put you to sleep...or helped you to it. It's...like suggestion. I did the same thing for him.

DC 008

[dun_moch]

[After the Count is settled back into this universe and has stopped fantasizing about decapitating Palpatine every waking moment, he re-orients himself to his network of allies. He needs to re-establish contact, ensure that his assets are still poised and connected. To that end, a visit to the General is on order. Dooku appears at Hux's door accordingly, all smiles and courtesies.]

Greetings, General. It is good to see you again... especially up and on your feet.

[therewillbeorder]

[Of all the visitors he had been expecting, Dooku was not one of them. But he doubted that the Count's visit was entirely selfless, there was no doubt another reason other than Hux's wellbeing.]

Count, please come in.

[He would still be gracious even if wary as he held the door open for him.]

Yes...that was a rather unfortunate time. Thankfully it seems the nanites are working once more.

[dun_moch]

Thank you.

[And Dooku bows his head with reciprocal grace as he steps inside, brushing a bit of snow off his cape as he does so.]

Working for the time being, at least. I cannot help but wonder whether they will once again turn on us, however.

[Always stoking that paranoia- with perfect justification, in the Count's opinion.]

de chima: shopping - backdated

[ashla]

[Since her powers went back together and proper again she had taken a bit of time to 'get better' and started to go out once more. Back to work, which she did enjoy, and back to exploring. Wandering.]

[And shopping. Because this Winter Holiday sounded like fun to her, and it couldn't hurt to get a couple of people a few small gifts, right? And she knew a few things she wanted to try and get Anakin. Obi-wan was the harder one to choose for. Padme wouldn't be a problem.]

[The problem was working around the crowds of the place, so when she found a section of shops that weren't so crowded, she found herself wandering that area more. A cup of coffee in her hand as well, she strolled along, window shopping, smiling at this or that as she wandered.]

[Only to bump into someone. Or, actually, NEARLY bump into someone. She had turned from a window and came to an abrupt stop before running into a red head with his own coffee.]

Yikes. Sorry! You'd think I'd keep a better eye out.

[She smiled faintly, a very human smile. Actually, she was very human right now. Dark skin with what looked like white tattoos. Her hair was dark, thinly braided with streaks of blue in them. She dressed like a local, for the most part (leggings under a short skirt, comfortable top and waist high jacket. A thick belt). On her belt however... hung two lightsabers on either hip. A fair giveaway to her universe origins]

I didn't get you, did I? [she asked, backing a step up and checking her coffee, so to make sure she didn't spill it on him.]

[therewillbeorder]

[He really needed a nap. The coffee was helping him keep awake for the most part but was still feeling himself lagging throughout the day. He would most likely try to nap at the office for a few minutes so he was more alert later. He could handle an army and fleet and a super weapon but apparently Christmas/holiday management was where he drew the line.

He was lost in his thoughts as he made his way towards his office, it was only when he nearly bumped into someone did he finally bring his thoughts back to the present, blinking. He was starting to get too soft here, less aware and he couldn't allow that to happen.]

I'm fine- there-

[He paused as he looked her over. There was something almost generally familiar about the facial markings on her face that made him wonder if he had seen some race with similar markings. But it was her lightsabers that really drew his attention and he raised his eyebrows. He was really getting too distracted if he hadn't noticed another Force user.

A Jedi? Surely Ren would have noticed that. She didn't seem to recognize him so he could use that to figure out who she was.]

Two lightsabers, interesting. I don't think I've ever seen someone who uses two.

[ashla]

[He might not have noticed another Force user because she doesn't put herself out there as loudly as the others did. She liked to stay in the shadows. To get as much information as she could. Also, her presence in the force was a bit off, thanks to the porters.]

[She too really was bothered that she didn't pick up others presences as easy as before. Still, her new powers did help to hide a bit. If she could get the marking to disappear too she could blend right in!]

[She glanced to her hips, then back to him, a brow raised. He was from home?]

Oh, yes! It's the style I am most comfortable with. You recognize lightsabers? From home or from someone here? [After all, there were a lot of them buzzing around, huh.]