maskormenacelogs | [open/closed]

Entry tags:

[open/closed]

WHO: Armitage Hux & YOU
WHERE: various places
WHEN: the rest of September
WHAT: open & closed prompts
WARNINGS: the usual mentions of mass murder, etc.

Closed to Anakin and Ahsoka.

[Working on Anakin's arm had given Hux a project that he could work on, something to distract him from recent events. He had gotten into the habit of coming over to Anakin's place a few evenings per week to work on his arm. The machinery was complicated and it took his entire attention to slowly replace the worn wiring.

Tonight he intended to at least spend a couple of hours working with Anakin and had brought the tools and supplies he needed. He juggled them in his arms as he knocked on the door and waited for Anakin to answer.]

Closed to Rogue.

I'm home. [He dumped his coat and laptop bag in a chair, not sure where she was as he came into the house. He placed a box on the counter as he went to rummage for his pain killers. His shoulder was still healing and sometimes he needed something to take the edge off when he moved it around too much.

He stopped when she came into the room, turning around with one of the bottles in hand.] I'm almost out of these, remind me to get more later.

Open: Pour Decisions (in honor of Eli)

[He had noticed when Eli Vanto's name had disappeared. He didn't try to ping Eli's device even as he sat at the bar. Eli had gone home once more and that was that. It was better that way, Eli didn't belong here. None of them did.

He remembered all the new drinks Eli had invented that he had tried out for him. All the magically refilled cups of coffee- he had taken for granted that Eli knew how strong he liked his coffee.

The bartender he waved over was a stranger to him even though he used to come here often enough. Tonight he f It took him a moment to remember one of the drinks Eli used to make for him. Something sour. He had a few drinks already but he didn't feel like heading home just yet.]

Gin, Chartreuse, with lime juice. Shake with crushed ice.

Open: Shopping in De Chima

[Now that his shoulder and side had mostly healed he could do errands by himself. There were a few projects that he was working on that required him to get various small parts, wires, and connectors that would be used. This required him to go to less reputable places since the last thing he wanted was to explain what he was doing. Junkyards during evening hours were a perfect time for that.

Other errands were far more benign. Coffee, figuring out the grocery list Rogue had given him. He could navigate literally across a galaxy but for the love of the Emperor, he couldn't find where sesame seed oil was. Or what it was, actually.]

Wildcard.

[Choose your own adventure or feel free to contact me at

illuminations for a prompt.]

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The knock at the door came with the sense of someone she found vaguely familiar. She might be a guest in her old master's home, and Obi-Wan's, but after a quick glance Anakin's way, she went to open the door herself.

Who could it be...?

When she opened it to find the red-head who'd introduced himself as Piet, she found herself grinning slightly.

"Hux, I presume." Gotcha~

"You know who I am."

He didn't ask how she knew. Either she had asked around or it was something related to the Force. He wasn't going to apologize for lying and using Admiral Piett's name, he had to be careful in his position. Resistance fighters were showing up every day it seemed.

"I was looking for Skywalker. He's expecting me."

She didn't expect an apology, and didn't plan to explain how she knew.

Ahsoka took a step back to let him enter. "I know. He's in, I'll take you to him."

The door closed behind him and she walked next to him. "I think you're smart enough to know better than to try and hurt him." Both a compliment and a warning all in one.

Hux came into the house, moving around her as he shifted the materials in his arms. He wasn't sure how she was related to Anakin but clearly the two were close.

"I appreciate the warning but I have known him a long time here," he said as he set things on the table. "He's done many things for me over the last year, I have no reason to do anything now," he pointed out, raising his eyebrows.

"You must be close to him." He assumed someone Anakin knew from his time as a Jedi, perhaps his Padawan.

Ahsoka watched to make sure he didn't drop anything, seeing the tools and having a good guess what they were for. She made no move to even touch her lightsabers, though she wore them openly at her belt.

Hux might theoretically be on the opposite side from her, but here? There was something about him that told her there was no need to attack. She'd learned to listen to that sense. Still, she debated while he set up just what to tell him, if anything.

...No. Anakin would probably tell him, if she didn't. "...Yes. He was my Master."

He wasn't surprised by her admission. He had seen the last of the Jedi vanish on Crait but here, he was loyal to Anakin. Anakin had helped him when no one else had and he wouldn't forget that. If that meant playing nice with a Jedi, then that was what he was going to do.

"I've known Skywalker for at least a year here," he said as he set things up. "He's helped me with various things." He took such things seriously, he had sided with Anakin even against Dooku.

Sides didn't matter as much here, as she was already learning. Anakin...

Anakin had Ahsoka's loyalty too. If Hux was a friend of her old master's, then she would defend him if needed too. Anakin needed all the friends he could get.

She leaned against the wall near him, arms folded while she thought. "And you've stood by his side in return?" She had to be sure though, and Hux had to know she was listening to the Force when he'd answer.

"Most of the time." Anakin answered for Hux, grinning as he walked towards the pair, "When he didn't, we had a...tense...conversation."

Which had included a Force-choke. He glanced at the other man apologetically before smiling again.

"I believe in him, Snips. Everyone should have a chance to change and that's almost impossible to do when everyone is screaming you're a villain."

He knew that personally and that was why he had wanted to get to know the General better.

Hux wasn't going to tell Ahsoka his history. She would find out from other people here soon enough. He was quiet as Anakin spoke, it never failed to make him feel something he couldn't explain when Anakin said he believed in him. It wasn't something he was used to hearing.

"Anyway, I brought some things so I can replace some of the wirings in your arm. I think I narrowed down where the worst of the wear is so it should solve your problem," he said after a moment.

Ahsoka gives Anakin a look that should be very familiar- exasperation, fond, and amused, all in one as she shook her head a little, nose scrunching up and a slight roll of eyes.

"Fine," she said, sounding rather put-upon. But the smile said otherwise. "I'll ask questions before shooting." The smirk was entirely for Hux's benefit.

No, she wouldn't ask Hux about his past. Anakin, however...

And her old master was right, about people deserving second chances. She was giving Anakin the benefit of the doubt. Why not Hux, who she had very little to go on?

"Thank you." Anakin wraps his right arm around Ahsoka - knowing it won't bother her that he isn't wearing his prosthetic - and he wraps his left arm around Hux, "That's the best plan."

He gently, but insistently, guides them to the work table, pressing a kiss to the side of Ahsoka's head.

"I would like to put it back on without it shocking me."

Hux was somewhat used to Anakin giving him hugs by now so he didn't pull away this time. He knew it was coming from a genuine place with Anakin.

"I was planning on fixing that tonight. You should be able to use it and the delayed reaction should improve but we can see how that goes," he said before glancing at Ahsoka for a moment.

"I'm not sure how long it will take me so I planned on being here for a few hours at least if that's alright."

She didn't care if he wore his prosthetic around her or not and simply leaned against him. He still trusted her, felt comfortable enough around her, to not wear it all the time.

Ahsoka let Anakin lead her to the table and listened. The fact Hux even bothered to hint asking her permission to stay long enough to get the job done earned him a smile.

"You're helping," she said with a shrug. "As far as I'm concerned, you can stay as long as you need." But she doesn't live here, so checked with Anakin. "I'd be happy to help, too."

It was about this time that someone else decided to come home. A weary Jedi from a long day at the fencing school preceded by several hours at Neo Jedha. These days he was often coming home later than this by spending time at a bar, but this was one of those days he decided to go straight home instead.

The little white kitten, Ashla, is already running to the door when she hears him. The cat mewling as the door opens.

Immediately he knows there’s visitors and puts on a pleasant front to hide how tired he is as he steps in. Bending down to pet the kitten before looking up.

“I see we have company, Ana... kin.”

He pauses as he catches sight of some familiar looking montrals.

“Ahsoka... I didn’t know you were here.”

"A few hours is fine with me." however it really should be up to his Master who...

Is home. Anakin abandons the pair at the table and hurries to Obi-Wan, peering at him inquisitively. The other man looks exhausted and though Ashla likely wants his attention first, he steps around the kitten to help Obi-Wan inside.

"She arrived recently. Isn't it wonderful? And Hux is here to help with my arm. He's pretty good with wiring." he lowers his voice, his brow furrowing slightly, "Master, have you eaten dinner yet?"

They are family, after all, and it feels natural to look after him.

Hux was about to respond to Ahsoka before the door opened. He knew Anakin lived with Obi-Wan but hadn't seen the Jedi until now. He didn't move from where he was, though. Anakin had invited him there and he trusted Anakin enough.

"I should get to work," he remarked sitting at the table in front of the arm. The three of them must be close and he realized that he was the outside here, especially not being Force-sensitive. He wasn't afraid, however, calmly taking out his tools to get started.

She was just about to answer Obi-Wan when Anakin answered for her and rushed over to check on him. Instead, she smiled, if it was a bit uncertain. "It's good to see you again, Obi-Wan." Because it was, even if she wasn't completely sure of her welcome with him, considering the whole Order thing.

Ahsoka didn't approach, deciding to let her old master fuss over his old master, and the amused little smile should give them the idea of what she thought of that. She leaned a hip against the table near Hux, arms folding as she watched. Not exactly suspicious of him still, but kind of curious about what he would do to Anakin's arm.

“Of course it’s wonderful,” Obi-Wan said while proceeding to wave Anakin off. As much as he appreciated the intention, he really didn’t need to fuss over him like that.

“No, I haven’t had dinner yet. What about our guests?”

Slipping off his cloak, the Jedi hung it in the closet before walking over to where their two visitors were. His expression softening as he cane to the Togruta first. Reaching out to embrace her should she allow it.

“And it’s good to see you, young one. Though yes, I know, you’re as old as I am now.”

She would always be that little Padawan in his eyes, despite being so much older now.

Their other guest wouldn’t go ignored though. Seeing his attention was on Anakin’s arm, and having heard the man mention getting to work, he’s able to deduce what was going on.

“Can I get you some tea, General?”

While Hux might not want the Jedi in his home, Obi-Wan would be nothing but cordial while the General was in his.

Edited 2019-09-18 04:04 (UTC)

He lives to be over-dramatic, no one is surprised. Anakin smirks when he is shooed, watching the interactions between the three curiously. And cautiously. There is an Imperial General at Obi-Wan's table. And a rebellious student.

This should be...fine. Right?

Bending down, he lifts Ashla and nuzzles her fuzzy ears. She mews and paws at his cheek with her tiny feet. Obi-Wan is obviously her favorite, but he keeps trying to win her over.

"I love you too, fuzzball." he sets her down on a chair and takes a seat at the table by Hux. He doesn't want the man to feel threatened by all the Jedi and almost-Jedi in the room.

"Do I need to get a fire extinguisher just in case?"

Hux finished setting out his tools neatly before looking back at the Jedi. He wasn't surprised that Ahsoka stayed near him, he doubted anyone but Anakin trusted him in this room.

"No, but thank you," Hux said just as politely to Obi-Wan's offer. He would be nothing but polite to the Jedi here while he was in his house.

He still appreciated Anakin sitting by him and he gave him a small smile as he picked up one of the tools. "No, that won't be necessary but I do need someone to hold a light so I can see what I'm doing."

Obi-Wan's welcome was enough to get her to relax and step into the hug to return it. And to grin. "As long as you know it," she quipped.

Don't think she didn't notice that protective gaze, Anakin. He also earned a smile of reassurance. Surely it would be fine...? Right? Obi-Wan was supposed to have the most level of heads between them.

Hearing Hux's request, she looked to her old master again, though included Obi-Wan in her questioning glance. "I can get the light if you tell me where to find it." Somehow she doubted Hux would want a lightsaber right where he was working just to give him a light to see by.

Ahsoka might have been a rebellious student, but she never did hold a candle to Anakin. Despite her leaving the Order, of which Obi-Wan still felt bad about, she would never not be considered a part of their Jedi family. His warm hug was evidence of that.

When he pulled back, the Jedi nodded at the General's polite decline and looked back to his padawan's padawan.

"How about you?"

Hux's request for a light though didn't go unnoticed.

"There's a reading lamp in my room if that will suffice."

"I'll get it." Anakin rose from the table and hurried to Obi-Wan's room, fetching the lamp with care. He returned with it a few moments later and set it up, plugging it in near the table and setting it down on the hard surface.

"I think we can all manage to avoid the plug." he sat down again and ran his fingers through his hair. It was beginning to grow back and he had yet to decide whether he liked that or not.

"The electrical surges felt like they were happening near the wrist. I dropped a few things because of it."

"That would be perfect, thank you."

He leaned forward to inspect the arm as he waited for Anakin to get the light. It was hard to forget that he was surrounded by three Jedi when he saw the last of them vanish in his time. That was something he wasn't going to go into tonight.

"It could be a bad connection in the wiring then," he remarked as he took off some paneling, carefully removing parts and leaning in to inspect things. "Wiring should be easy enough to fix, I'll see what I can do tonight and you can try it to see if it's improved."

[ Setting a worn paperback book on the counter, one of the Christie mysteries she's already read a few times now, Rogue gives him a small smile in greeting. Opening one of the cupboards, she removes a glass to fill with water and hand to him. ]

I already put in for a refill, you can pick it up tomorrow.

Thank you. I'll pick it up on my way to the office tomorrow.

[He downed the pill with a drink of water before sliding the box across the counter towards her.]

I picked up something on the way home for dessert since I wasn't sure we had anything.

[He wasn't the sentimental type but he had remembered her mentioning her birthday and given everything that she had done for him, he thought it was at least suitable that a gift was given, in accordance to the customs of this planet.]

[ There's no thanks needed. She enjoys helping him and knows that he appreciates it. Appreciates her. She isn't sure of much these days, but she knows that to be true if nothing else.

It's a fact that is made even more clear as she moves closer to open the box, smile widening at the thoughtfulness of him— before freezing at the sight of what was inside. ]

Hux, what...

[Inside was a piece of chocolate cake, something he had thought looked suitable. He glanced at her, raising his eyebrows before heading to the fridge to see what there was to eat. He glanced at her from the corner of his eye as he took out a container to investigate.]

I got chocolate. It was recommended.

It was a good recommendation, I love chocolate cake. But I don't think I understand...

[ It just didn't compute for her. She watched him with an openly confused expression, not at all grasping the significance but realizing that there was significance. But after so many years of no one caring enough, of having it hammered in that she wasn't good enough, the idea just refused to click into place on its own. ]

You mentioned it was your birthday. This is apparently the custom.

[He turned back to her once he selected a container and closed the fridge before rummaging around for a fork.]

Did I get that wrong?

[ Oh. ]

No, you didn't get it wrong.

[ Her voice was quiet as she said it, her gaze moving back to the completely innocent piece of cake that quickly became impossible to see through the tears that filled her eyes. She knew Hux appreciated her, but it was something entirely different to know that someone wanted to celebrate her life. ]

Thank you.

Oh good.

[He grabbed a fork for her, handing it over. He noticed the tears but he wouldn't comment on them. Emotions were not something he was an expert on but she seemed to appreciate the gesture. He was glad that he got it right.]

You're welcome.

[He held the fork out for her to take.]

[ She reached out to take the offered fork but didn't dig in just yet. Looking at the cake for a moment, trying to blink away those tears enough so she could see the rich brown frosting and smoothly cut lines of the slice, and sniffles before turning her gaze back to Hux. ]

We could have pizza. [ There was hope in her voice, and a deeper fondness than she can ever fully express. Nodding to the container he'd taken from the fridge, she elaborated. ] Instead of that. I made some dough earlier, so it won't take long to cook.

[He looked down at the container of food he held before pulling it down.] Pizza seems better, I agree.

[At least, more appetizing than leftovers that had been in the fridge for the last couple of days. He sat down at the counter, out of the way so she could move around the kitchen.]

I was thinking about a few things during my recovery, while you were handling things in my absence.

[ Doesn't pizza always seem better? Sometimes she's fairly certain he'd survive on it alone if given the chance.

She opened the oven to remove a cloth-covered bowl before closing the door again and turning it on to preheat. The dough had risen nicely, as evidenced by the plump mound of white that was revealed when she took off the towel, setting it aside before taking out the container of flour to lightly dust the counter. ]

What things? [ It's an absent question, her mind half on the conversation and half on the work in front of her. ]

I was thinking of having you take over some of my clients on a permanent basis. It would mean more hours but you would have your own portfolio to handle as you want, as you've been doing while I recovered.

[He watched her working in the kitchen, resting his elbow on the counter. Homemade pizza was something that was still new to him but he had found it was better than the stuff that came in greasy boxes, somehow.]

[ Her hands were covered in flour and she'd just cut the dough into two portions when he said something that she couldn't have possibly heard right. Knife in hand, she turned toward him, bits of flour fluttering down to the floor as she stared at him in confusion, replaying his words in her head before speaking. ]

You're... giving me a promotion?

You wouldn't be a personal assistant, that's true.

[He looked back at her, trying to gauge her reaction.]

But if it's something that you felt that was too demanding you don't have to do it. It would be more hours at the office, meetings, and the such.

[ She looked down at her hands, at the knife she was holding (which was quickly set on the counter) and the white powder clinging to them. At the socks she wore and the floor of the kitchen, every inch of the pattern etched in her memory. When she finally looked back up at him, it was with cautious hope in her expression... and something akin to fear. ]

You trust me that much? Your work's so important to you.

You handled things well in my absence. You've also proven that I can trust you with personal matters. Some of the clients spoke highly of you as well, so I know you're capable. I wouldn't have offered if I had any doubts.

[He didn't trust easily but she had proven to be one of the only people he could trust here. She had seen him at his lowest and had never used that against him.]

I also want to work on some personal projects outside of work.

[Which was a strange thing for him to say. His entire world used to be work but he had discovered that free time was something pleasant. He liked free time.]

[ What he's saying slowly began to sink in as she turned to wipe her hands on that discarded towel, removing as much of the flour and bits of dough as she could manage while she processed the information. Every inch of trust that Hux had given her over the past nine months meant the absolute world to her, and each and every time they passed a new milestone like this, she had trouble believing it was true. That was no less the case in this moment, and that cautious hope was still in her eyes as she moved over to him. ]

Thank you so much.

[ And then she went to wrap her arms around him in a hug, just wanting to hold on to him for a moment if he would let her. She needed to hold someone, to show him how grateful she was to him for being one of the only people in a very long time to believe in her the way he seemed to. ]

[He didn't pull away when she came over to hug him. Learning to accept hugs was something he was working on but he accepted hers. This time he awkwardly reached up to tap her shoulder, doing his best to return the sentiment.]

There is no need to thank me. You earned this.

[ She gave him an extra tight squeeze as thanks for the tap on her shoulder, knowing full well the effort it took for him to do such a thing. He'd made so much progress in their months together; seeing the man he was becoming made everything worth it for her. Releasing her hold on him, she stayed beside him as she shook her head slightly and tried to explain. ]

It means everything to have someone I care about recognize that I'm worth something. I haven't had that in a long time.

I know the feeling.

[Even as a First Order general he had been constantly underestimated, it was a constant struggle to prove himself capable. And alive.]

But you have proven yourself capable. I always recognize loyalty and dedication.

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The post in which I pick a tense.

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