(no subject)

[photophobic]

[ Kylo's expression is tight, his eyes intensely sharp- and those who have seen him before will note something else, too. His face is scarred- a long, neatly healed line running right over it, from his brow down to his neck. ]

Thankfully, he hasn't taken his clothing off for the occasion. ]

I'm back.

[ That's it. ]

Comments

[photophobic]

[ He breathes out, nodding slightly. He seems almost embarrassed, verging on apologetic- but he nods again, and when he looks up he has a far better hold on his expression. ]

You said I seemed changed. [ And his immediate reaction had been a sharp need for her to know that his intention to seek something beyond the conflict that plagued him remained unchanged. He's not certain how to say that, now. ]

I am. Perhaps. There is a chance something can be salvaged. I have freed myself of my master.

[functusofficio]

[ She considers that, something almost like a smile on the edges of her mouth. ]

I hope that goes well, for you. I'm happy for you to have escaped his grasp.

[ Gentle. ]

There has always been something to be salvaged, Kylo, and there always will be. I'm glad to have you back.

[photophobic]

[ Yes. He's back. He's going to focus on that, not on the mess he has left behind.
He lives here. He exists here.
He can be anything he wants. ]

I understand you had a house guest for a few days, while I was gone.
I hope he didn't make things difficult for you.

[ that's a thank you, in Kylo-speak. ]

[functusofficio]

[ That is her hope for him, certainly, even if what she is seeing is worrying her. She needs more information, but he is also clearly still grappling with something. She is perhaps not the best outlet. ]

A house guest? [ She pauses for a moment in confusion, because she would not have considered Hux a guest, and then her face clears. ]

Ah. Yes, I believe we did. I was occupied at the office frequently, but I've heard no complaints.

[ Not that she's particularly asked, either. ]

If you need to speak further about what has happened, I hope you know I am always here to listen. Though I am sure you are already speaking to Anakin.

[photophobic]

He's on his way to see me, yes.

But I- [ He pauses, offering her a slightly awkward attempt at a smile. He doesn't get much practice, and it shows. ] I appreciate your offer. More than you know.

[functusofficio]

It will always be there, Kylo, no matter the hour or the reason.

[ She pauses, and then softly. ]

It is good for Anakin, and I hope for you too, that you have grown so close. I am happy for you both to have found that. It brings me great joy, so see him like this. And your happiness is also very important to me, already.