002; video

[vanto]

[The room behind Eli is decorated with a few Christmas lights and ornaments: a candy cane or two, some crystal stars, mistletoe. It's minimalistic but adequately festive for the Imperial household; at the edge of the room is a box and wrappings — this room has clearly just been decorated.

Eli runs a hand through his hair, nervous but content. There is a smear of red lipstick on his cheek that he has been trying to wipe off for forty minutes. This is his life now.]

I can't remember the last —week and a half? Two weeks?— very well. But I know that I caused some trouble as a, uh, glowing horse. With eight legs.

[Eli looks away from the camera, mouth pressed into a thin line.]

I'm sorry, and if you want me to pay or help fix anything please contact me. I don't know how else to make up for all the garden destruction.

[...]

And how do you fix cravings from being a horse? I walked by a flower shop and the roses looked really appetising.

Comments

[therewillbeorder]

Mm a quiet day may be nice. I need to catch up on work anyway so it will give me a chance to do that.

[Hux didn't see the point of a large celebration and he had no particular connection to the holiday.]

Ren may like them as well, I'll make sure there are some for him to try.

[He decided to snap off a small piece off from the end of his own candy cane. It seemed a better idea than just sticking it in his mouth.]

[vanto]

That is not having a quiet day, that's having a working day, sir.

[Eli wants to celebrate the holiday but he wants to do it elsewhere so as not to disturb anyone in the house.

Holding it by the end still wrapped in plastic, Eli pauses his current candy tasting experiment. He does not have a sweet tooth anywhere near Hux's level.]

Of course, I hope you both do.

[therewillbeorder]

I didn't know there was a difference.

[He had never really had a day off before he had come here and even then, he preferred to be able to accomplish something. It felt strange having a day to just do nothing.]

DId you make plans for the day?

[vanto]

[Eli grins. He's maybe teasing a little but not judging — of a handful of people, Eli understood why Hux worked as hard as he did.]

There is a very big one.

[Uh... awkward question.]

Yes, I was planning on visiting the Admiral, and then attending this party I was invited to.

[In a rebel house. With rebels.]

[therewillbeorder]

I did not realize that.

[Quiet work days at least seemed like a vacation. He didn't return the grin as he picked up his coffee mug but he recognized it for teasing nonetheless.]

I will see what Ren has planned. But you know that you may contact either of us if you need to.

[He wasn't going to press about the party, it wasn't his concern. He assumed Eli could pick suitable company without needing to be told.]

[vanto]

You could try and see how it goes.

[Somewhat. He can pick somewhat. Eli is happy to change the topic.

Besides, he is very sociable a person and isn't hiding much of anything. Eli is easy to keep tabs on (mostly because he tends to gravitate between Thrawn, his housemates and the job.]

Thank you, sir, and likewise, if you need me I'm always at your disposal.

[A serious, genuine offer that was offset by Eli sticking the candy cane back in his mouth and looking ridiculous.]

[therewillbeorder]

Perhaps. I still need to catch up on several things.

[Starting a new business was difficult and losing two weeks didn't help.]

Of course.

[He knew Eli meant it but the candy cane in Eli's mouth definitely made the statement less serious. He had spaced out on what he was doing, idly stirring his coffee with the rest of his candy cane as he picked up his datapad.]

How is the Grand Admiral? I trust he's settling in.

[vanto]

[Eli bites back the urge to make a comment about telling Ren about Hux needing a day off. It isn't his business and Hux is not someone to be teased that much.

He looks at Hux stirring his coffee with the candy cane and decides that is genius but way too sugary for himself.]

He is.

[Thrawn is still Eli's favourite topic of conversation.]

Currently, Admiral Thrawn is working at an art gallery, so I imagine this helps. And they're lucky to have him working there.

[...]

I hope it isn't too much of an imposition that he comes by now and again, stays for dinner and such.

[therewillbeorder]

That is good to hear.

[Ever since the memory share, Hux was more curious to learn what he could about the Grand Admiral. He could be a valuable ally but Hux would be careful. He wasn't going to blindly trust even Thrawn.]

Of course not. He is welcome anytime, I will tell Ren to expect to see him here.

[Kylo Ren was not someone who tended to take surprises well.]

[vanto]

[Eli is genuinely grateful and happy:]

Thank you, General. That means a lot to me that you don't mind.

It won't be a constant thing or anything that would affect your privacy. He lives next door after all.

[Meaning: if I'm not here, I'm probably there.]

[therewillbeorder]

I'm sure he will be a considerate houseguest.

[At least, he assumed as much. And if Eli was willing to vouch for the Grand Admiral, Hux saw no reason not to allow it.]

Ah yes. You are welcome to have house guests, Vanto. I trust you can use your judgment about whom you bring over.

[Meaning: No rebels or anyone who is loud/disruptive.]

[vanto]

Of course, General. In all honesty, I prefer to keep my friendships outside of this home. For your safety and the comfort of Kylo Ren.

[He shifted, his associations weren't secret.

Eli has his orders from Thrawn so he doesn't comment further.]

[therewillbeorder]

It's appreciated.

[Hux liked his privacy and he knew Ren did as well. Strangers coming into the house was not ideal. He downed the rest of his candy cane flavored coffee in a couple of drinks, glad to feel more awake.]