It was meant to be a quick meeting with their medic, a formal status report on the development of their future child.
Not that Hux had thought such a meeting really necessary, given that he kept excellent track of the baby's vitals, with updates sent directly to his datapad approximately every 15 minutes. Kylo meanwhile boasted often of some strange force connection strengthening already between him and their child, assuring Hux and Snoke of the unborn force users potential. Hux had been keen however to obtain a better quality hologram of their unborn child, one that he could display at his work desk and show off to his colleagues.
It was safe to say that they were not expecting a surprise at this meeting, as they were almost halfway into the pregnancy. But surprise there is. Hux remembers being told that the pods are implanted with three to four embryos to increase the change of success. It seems that this also increases the change of multiple children.
Twins to be specific. A girl and a boy.
It is a wonderful surprise. Kylo says it is the will of the force and wears a ridiculous grin the rest of the day. Not that Hux minds even if he does tune out half the mumbo jumbo that Kylo sprouts about one twin hiding the presence of the other. Hux lets Kylo talk as he fusses about their quarters making sure that they have supplies enough for two babies and orders a duplicate set of everything.
Hux has found a happy Kylo makes for a happy home. Aware that like the weather on Arkanis, Kylo's mood can suddenly change for the worse. And although Hux would rather die than tell him, Kylo's smiles are like the Arkanis sunshine although thankfully more frequent.
His husband has been sweet of late, something Hux savours given their previous separation due to work. Hux did not mind a little time apart, for it allowed him to concentrate on his important work projects, but secretly hated coming back to empty cold quarters. All those months apart had been achingly lonely. Not that he dared complain to supreme leader Snoke who saw fit to keep them apart.
Reheating food from the canteen could never compare to Kylo's homemade dinners. Being apart had reminded Hux of before when he had lived by himself. At the time he had appreciated his freedom, free from annoying co-workers and his oppressive father. He had enjoyed curling up alone with tea and a Holojournal. But that seemed so long ago, now their bed seemed overly large without Kylo beside him stealing the covers. That Kylo had been too far away and too busy for holocalls had made that ache inside him that much worse.
Of course he wouldn't have to worry about that anymore. With supreme leader Snoke deeming it best for Kylo to make his permanent home on the same ship as Hux in order to raise their children together. Hux didn't really understand how much more special attention a force baby required compared to a normal child. But he understood Kylo's dislike of nanny droids almost as much as he liked the idea of Kylo staying home and raising their children. Hux had even contemplated buying Kylo a set of pearls.
Others might think Kylo a violent aggressive brute and worry about him looking after children. General Corlan in particular had called Hux into her office and asked him if he thought their plan wise, her concern clear on her face. Clearly she expects his husband to be abusive like Hux's father. Hux resists the urge to clench his fists or stab her with one of his blades. Any action would be misinterpreted anyway. He hates that she thinks badly of Kylo, hates that she thinks him that weak and pitiful. Her objections come too late anyway. Their children are already on their way.
But only Hux gets to see Kylo's big heart, his lonely soul. Only Hux gets to see behind the mask. Only Hux knows his desperate need to be loved. Kylo may be a little unstable, and has a higher kill count than most people's spouses. But he didn't do those things for fun but because it was required. He's a warrior. A protector of the First Order. Not some insane murder.
The rest of the ship may murmur about Kylo's infrequent violent outbursts and damages. But in private Kylo is more likely to withdraw into himself and cry under the covers. Even when Kylo is his most upset he keeps true to his word and keeps his hands off Hux, storming off to the gym to let of steam with the training droids.
Kylo feels things deeply thanks to his connection with the force. He is so powerful, he could destroy the ship and kill them all if he were not careful. But Kylo tries so hard to keep his emotions and his power in check. Even when he explodes he does so carefully. Kylo is not like Vader. His violence is always upon the ship and never upon anyone, not even Hux or a lowly trooper. Kylo never damages anything of vital importance, nothing necessary for the daily function of the ship and nothing belonging to Hux. The worst Kylo has done is chip a mug while washing up or use the force to bring Hux close and kiss him.
Hux had shaken his head and told General Corlan he had no concerns about his husband and neither should she. Of course she had not believed him, and invited herself to dinner giving them only a cycle's notice. Not that they needed it.
General Corlan insists it is just a dinner not an inspection, but Hux can tell from a glance that their neat orderly quarters have passed judgement with top marks. Kylo's cooking was marvellous if a little showy, with spicy exotic recipes from Kylo's past travels filling the small table. Paired with a bottle of wine from Brendol's private collection, the dinner is Kylo's best yet, warm and filling. Hux hopes Kylo will still find the time to cook like that even with twin babies.
Their small talk is awkward, with Hux and Kylo unused to company, save for each other, or Phasma who is hardly civilised like General Corlan. Hux mainly talks about work and his projects, the ones which aren't classified. While Kylo is quiet, unused to being seem without his mask on. Snoke encouraged this secrecy, seemingly unconcerned for Kylo's wellbeing. As the courses pass however Kylo warms up, revealing his charming funny side. Over all they manage to win over General Corlan, not that her opinion matters much when they have Supreme Leader Snoke behind them.
At the end of the evening she had slapped Hux on the shoulder and smiled at him as he showed her the door.
"You know I must admit, I worried I'd made a terrible mistake when I called you into my office. You were a confirmed bachelor. But you know I think you two are actually my best pairing yet. Hidden beneath that mask is a fine husband. I'm certain you will make wonderful fathers, Master Ren especially." She says quietly, intending her words for Hux ears only. He closes the door behind her and returns to where Kylo sits sprawled out on the sofa, his head leaning back and his lips stained purple from the wine.
Hux rests a knee on the sofa and cups the back of Kylo's head, bringing his head up. Kylo is relaxed for once and Hux takes the opportunity to press a soft lingering kiss against his cheek.
"Come to bed darling?" He asks wanting nothing more than to remove the new uniform that has been specifically made for Kylo's thick muscular frame. Hux stares into Kylo's