Chapter Text
It was getting worse.
With each passing day, you noticed the bags under Hux’s eyes getting darker and darker. His stern upright posture gradually digressed into what you could only describe an exhausted slouch. There was no longer a fiery passion in those eyes of his but rather a look of defeat.
When you first had noticed the decline, you elected not to say anything knowing fully well the displeasure he would feel if you pointed out a flaw in his leadership. The last thing he needed after losing Starkiller Base was to be infuriated by a Lieutenant under his command.
Now, however, you knew you had to do something. It was clear that the General wasn’t sleeping and, judging by the slight weight loss, he wasn’t eating. As hard as he tried not to show it, he was deteriorating.
You marched through the ship’s halls and to Commander Ren’s quarters to give him the debriefing on your regiment’s latest success. The troops under your command had managed to intercept a Resistance cruiser, taking nearly a hundred soldiers prisoner, including a top-tier commander hand selected by General Organa.
Ren, as usual, seemed unimpressed by the news. “Is that all, Lieutenant?” He asked coldly.
You hesitated, staring down the masked Commander for a moment as you debated whether or not to broach the subject. “There’s one more thing,” you blurted foolishly before regaining your composure. “It’s about General Hux.”
“What about him?”
“I’m concerned about his health. It’s clear he hasn’t been getting enough rest and I don’t think he’s been eating properly. I’m not sure how to remedy the situation. Maybe if you could alert the Supreme Leader-”
Ren quickly cut you off. “If you care so much about him, I suggest you address the problem yourself, Lieutenant.” He stood up, towering over you like a faceless predator. “Now, if you have nothing else of importance to say, I suggest you return to your duties.”
“Of course, Commander.” You bowed your head in apology and quickly slipped out of the room.
You thought long and hard about Ren’s words when you returned to your quarters later that night. Perhaps he was right. You seemed to be the only one who noticed Hux’s deteriorating health. Either that or you were the only one who gave a damn. If that were the case, then Ren was right – you needed to address the problem yourself.
When you woke for your patrol, you immediately made your way to the bridge to confront the General. To your surprise, he wasn’t at his post. When you asked one of the officers at their station where he was, they informed you that he had not returned for his rounds that day. Your jaw clenched. Not Good.
You marched quickly to the General’s quarters, grateful that your ranking even gave you clearance to the level. It was there in the hallway just outside his door that you found him laying on the cold, hard floor.
“General!”
You rushed over and knelt down beside him, carefully moving him into an upright position. His cheeks were absolutely pale and his forehead was beaded with sweat. Whatever illness had fallen upon him was doing his body a number.
“General,” you said quietly, “We need to get you to a medic.”
He shook his head. “No…Just…get me into my quarters…”
“Sir, please, you’re ill. A medic can-”
He grasped your wrist firmly and gave an alarmingly stern look despite the exhaustion. “That’s an order.”
You clenched your jaw and watched as he leaned his head back against the wall when the strain became to much. He needed a medic, you knew that. But you’d be damned if you defied an order. Guess you’d have to do for now.
You quickly helped Hux to his feet and led him inside. To your surprise, the General’s quarter’s were just as generic as your own. There were no elaborate decorations or fine furniture – just the standard First Order-issued goods one would find in any officer’s room.
Hux stumbled a few times but, with your help, managed to make it to his bed where he collapsed with a moan of discomfort. You gathered the blanket from the foot of the bed and draped it over him. “I’m going to get you some water, sir,” you murmured softly.
You turned to fetch a glass, but Hux’s firm grasp returned to your wrist, holding you back. You looked over to find him gazing at you with droopy and alarmingly soft eyes. He whispered something that you couldn’t quite make out.
“What?”
He swallowed. “Your name…” He managed to ask in a hoarse whisper, “What is it?”
You were utterly surprised by the question. General Hux wanted to know who you were. Now there was something you certainly hadn’t expect. “Lieutenant (Y/N) (Y/F/N),” you answered with a slight grin.
“(Y/N)…” His grip on your wrist loosened and his hand slid down to gently grasp your hand. “Thank you…”
You felt your breath catch in your throat at the contact. It was a complete shock to say the least. Hux, the almighty First Order general with a superiority complex, was genuinely thanking you. Not to mention the fact that he was most certainly holding your hand…
You smiled softly down at him. “Of course…” You gave his hand a gentle squeeze. “Now, let me get you that water and see if I can’t make that illness of yours disappear, General.”