A Lesson to Learn

Chapter 22

Kylo could feel the tugging of his family members as well as the faint slivers of the force that came from mortals, mixed with some distant force signatures of demons that were visiting the mortal realm for business. He located the faint light in his mind's eye that he recognized as Hux's and began mentally pulling at it, sending messages that he wanted to meet.

Kylo saw the light grow stronger for a second, signs that Hux was tuning into the connection and listening, then watched it fade. Alright, so at least the message was relayed and received. Now time to see if Hux would be interested enough to follow through on the visit anytime soon. After all, demons had a warped sense of time thanks to their immortality, and therefore were known to be more than just fashionably late on occasion. Nothing left to do but wait.

***

Hux didn't show up until it was almost dinner time. By now Rey was pacing around the apartment, already having experienced a cooking frenzy to get her mind off of things, hair wrapped in a post bath and shower towel that was supposed to calm her down.

Kylo had told her there was no need to cook for Hux, reminding her that food was a mortal necessity and only sometimes an immortal comfort, but Rey felt best when she was creating complicated meals and feeding her insatiable appetite, so he had just watched with slight concern. Everything would be fine.

Hux appeared in his usual dramatic fashion, appearing in a cloud of dark purple smoke and some sparks reminiscent of mini fireworks. Kylo was already rolling his eyes the second he felt Hux's connection coming closer, knowing he would put on a big show. Rey watched in wonder as the ginger walked through his smoke screen, bearing a wide grin and shooting her a wink. Ugh.

"Welcome back to the land of the living, Hux," Kylo drawled, leaning back on the couch and sinking into the soft cushions, grabbing a pillow and hugging it.

"Hello, dear brother mine. What wonderful occasion has marked your request for my presence?" Hux asked, curiosity coloring his tone.

"I see you're back in your lady's good graces somehow, too. I believe a thank you is in order. I'll save you the trouble, Your Highness, and just say that you're very welcome in advance. Goodness knows your pride won't allow you to give me the thanks I deserve," Hux continued, feigning offense with a dramatic pout."Now that you have her back, though, what could you want with little old me?"

"Cut the crap, Hux. You know why you're here. You're not an idiot, even though you sure play dumb well enough," Kylo bit back, glaring at his in-law, scowling as he hugged his pillow tighter. "We need to talk to Leia."

"Oh! Is that all?" Hux sarcastically responded, giving Kylo a scowl of his own. He looked over at Rey who was still rooted in the kitchen, watching the interaction safely from her spot behind the counter. "I see he's as impatient as ever... but are you ready to meet God?"

Rey flushed, busying herself by popping a mini quiche into her mouth and taking her time to chew, thinking carefully about her answer. "I'm not ready to meet her - I don't think I ever will be - but I am ready to date without the complication of some supernatural bond."

Hux nodded, seemingly pleased with her answer as he sauntered over to where she was perched on the counter, grabbing some snacks for himself and humming in satisfaction. "I can see why he's gotten a bit round around the edges," Hux teased in a whisper, looking back at Kylo on the couch whose scoff and grumbles were easily audible from across the room.

"Well, I can't promise you a meeting, but I can promise that I will at least plead your case," he continued, looking between the two.

"That's all we're asking for," Kylo called out from his spot on the couch, pulling at a thread on the pillow. "I think she'd have a hard time denying me audience if she knew she was also getting Rey."