Archive of Our Own

Retired army captain Armitage Hux was many things, but people person was not among them. The townsfolk of Kyber Springs knew well enough to leave him alone. He was the sort of person who would see you out if he ever needed anything.

Which was a rare occasion.

He lived a short ride out of town on his cattle ranch. It had been an old, rundown piece of property when he inherited it from his late father. But between his army pension and his father's remaining investments, he was able to breathe fresh life into the land. He'd purchased a small herd of cattle, and typically spent his days out in the field. He was even known to pitch a tent in the fields during the warmer months, preferring it over the large homestead that only he occupied.

Some people in town pitied his lonely existence, but those who knew him, knew the reasoning behind his seemingly eccentric ways. He had seen too much death during his time in the army, and just wanted to live out his days in quiet solitude.

Which is why, on one particularly warm late spring day, when Hux found himself in Finn's general store placing an order for cattle feed, the gossip he overheard horrified him.

“Did you hear, Kaydel? The Hays ranch has finally sold.”

“Finally! It was becoming such an eyesore. Do you know who bought it?”

“I don't know her name, but I hear she's a young socialite from San Francisco.”

“San Francisco, oh my! She must be so sophisticated! We'll have to call on her once she's settled.”

Hux, who was filling out an order slip for Finn, paused half way, slowly turning to look at the women. He couldn't believe what he was hearing!

It had been his intent to purchase the abandoned property to expand his own holdings. Once he'd taken his cattle to market in the fall, he would have had the money.

No one had expressed interest in the property since the previous owners hastily left Kyber Springs after failing to strike it rich. It had long since been abandoned before his own arrival in town some ten years previous.

Why now?

No doubt, this young socialite and her husband were out here to try and make a fortune in mining. Or perhaps they were connected to the railroad that was rumoured to be finally coming to town.

Either way, having such a family living beside him was certainly going to disrupt his solitude. It was bad enough having the Organas living on the other side him! Nearly every weekend in the warmer months they'd host balls and parties for whatever silly idea Leia could come up with.

“Are you alright, Mister Hux?” Finn interrupted his thoughts.

“Huh? Oh, sorry. Yes, here you are.” He handed Finn the slip for his feed order. Finn glanced it over and nodded.

“We'll have it out to you next week. Anything else I can get for you?”

“That will be all, thank you. I'll see you next week.” Placing his black stetson hat on his head, he stepped from Finn's. The main street was busy this day with many townsfolk coming and going.

Hux let out a small huff as he mounted his horse with the intent to head back home, but as he neared the fork in the road that would take him there, he paused. Mulling things over in his mind, he took the left path out of town, instead of the usual right.

He needed to pay a visit to an old friend.

Hux wasn't the sort of man to typically show up unannounced. He'd been raised better than that back in England. Usually, one would send a note or calling card before showing up on a friend's doorstep.

But today was different. That, and said friend wasn't exactly a member of polite society.

He rode slowly along the path that led to Razor Crest Ridge and the Mando'a Ranch. The sun felt nice on his weary bones. He could have had a comfortable life in Denver, or anywhere, really. His initial intent had to been to sell his father's property. But something about Kyber Springs had called to him. The small town was just large enough he could go about his business undisturbed.

The townsfolk gossiped about him, but he didn't care. The housewives had been scandalized when he said he didn't attend church, and prayed for his damned soul.

Besides, he figured the local Baptist church wouldn't appreciate his Catholic upbringing.

Not that he was currently practising.

As he approached the house, he found his friend's wife on the porch working on her mending

“Well, well, looked what the cat dragged in. Armitage Hux, in the flesh. What brings you out here?”

“Hi Missus Djarin. I was looking for Din, is he around?”

“He's out back fixing a fence. Go on 'round, I'll bring out some lemonade for y'all.”

He tipped his hat to her as he tied up his horse on the hitching post. Though his piece of land was beautiful, the Djarin's had claimed the perfect plot of land.

It sat high on a ridge that overlooked Kyber Springs, as well as the river the town was named for. Further down the valley, on a clear day, one could just make out the smoke from the steam trains that delivered goods to Batuu, the nearest town.

“Hux, what are you doing here?” Din asked as he came around the corner of the house.

“Uncle Hugs!”

“Hi Grogu,” Hux said, picking up his friend's son.

“I'm sorry to drop in unannounced like this. Have you heard the Hays ranch sold?”

“Oh, I heard about that this morning,” Mrs. Djarin said as she brought enough lemonade for the four of them. “It turns out, the 'young socialite' is an old schoolmate of mine, Rose Tico. We were in finishing school together.”

Hux raised his eyebrows. Din's wife, Bo-Katan was many things, but he'd never imagined her having attended finishing school in San Francisco. She was just as rough and tumble as any of the men in the town, perhaps even more so. Though she mostly tended to their homestead, she'd been known to join Din on some of his bounty hunting trips.

Specifically the ones that required a more...feminine touch.

“We lost touch when I moved out here. Last I heard she was engaged to someone named Daniel James Smith, though his friends called him DJ. Someone in his family had struck it rich in California and he's inherited the fortune. I was surprised to hear it was Rose moving out here. I wonder if they're coming out here to invest in the mines.”

Hux swirled his lemonade around in the glass, lost in thought.

“Weren't you interested in the Hays property?” Din asked, sipping his drink.

“I was. If they're just here for the short-term, perhaps I can work out some sort of deal with them to purchase the property when they return to California.”

“I should warn you, Hux; DJ likes to party. He was rather infamous in San Francisco for them.”

“Great. Just great.”

“Here we are, Mister Hux, one hundred pounds of grain for yer cattle. Just as ordered.” Finn held out the delivery slip for Hux to sign. “There's an awful lot of ruckus next door. What's goin' on?”

“I believe my new neighbours from San Francisco are moving on. A couple of wagons arrived late yesterday from Batuu. I imagine more will be arriving today.” He replied with a huff.

“All I saw on my way up here was a single young lady struggling to unload the wagons.”

Hux blinked as his acquaintance, trying to process what the man had just said. “Where's her husband? Servants? Hired hands?”

“No idea,” Finn shrugged as he took back his signed copy of the delivery bill and handed Hux his copy. “So far as I can tell, it was just her. Will we be seein' you at next week's dance?”

“Mister Finn, when have I ever been known to grace one of Missus Organa's shindigs?”

“It wouldn't kill you to be social every so often. It'll give the town hens something to cluck about.”

“Indeed it would. Especially your friend Poe Dameron, he's the worst hen of them all.”

“Naw, he ain't that bad. Sure, he likes to talk –“

“Good day, Mister Finn,” Hux said as he closed the door in Finn's face. On the other side he could hear the man chuckling.

Looking at the bill of sale in his hands, Hux sighed. Finn was a good man. He ran a good business in town, and his prices were fair despite the distance the goods often had to travel. He was one of the few people in town to tolerate his surly ways, and often with a smile.

Would it really kill him to be more social? Even just a touch?

Probably.

Back in his kitchen, he let out a snort at the thought.

Him. Dancing. Socializing. Having a good time.

Perish the thought!

He couldn't even remember the last time he'd enjoyed someone's company to want to spend time with them for the sake of being in their presence.

A loud crashing sound carried across the field from the Hay's ranch, pulling Hux from his thoughts. It was too hard to tell what was going on from where he stood in his kitchen, but he could swear he also heard cursing.

“For the love of...”

In a huff, Hux put on his Stetson.

The walk across his property to the Hays Ranch was only a few minutes, but every step that brought him closer, only angered him further. The entire front of the house was in disarray. Crates and trunks sat everywhere across the porch, their contents scattered everywhere.

He very nearly tripped over a hat box.

“What in God's good name is going on here?” he mumbled to himself as he walked up the handful of steps to the open front door.

“Hello?” he called into the house.

“Back here!” A young lady's voice responded. “The door is open, just let yourself in!”

“Yes, I can see that,” he said, debating on if he should actually enter the house. He wasn't not invited in, but it was still strange.

Removing his Stetson, he carefully crossed the threshold into the chaos of the Hays Ranch household.

“I'm sorry to intrude like this,” he started as he made his way down the narrow hall towards the dining room in. “I live next door at the Arkanis Ranch, and I, um, oh shit.” he let escape as he kicked a crate labelled fragile.

“Sorry!” The feminine voice called, closer now. “It's a bit of a mess in here. They just dropped everything off yesterday and didn't come back today to help.”

“Do-Do you not have any help? Servants? Hired hands? Isn't your husband here?” he squeezed between a pair of upright trunks labelled dresses.

“Ah, no. It's just me,” she said as he emerged into the large dining room where he found the young woman standing on her dining table, trying to hang a chandelier.

“Where is your husband? Is he arriving – what on earth are you doing woman? Get down from there before you hurt yourself.” He held out his hand to help her down, as was polite.

Instead of taking his hand, she merely looked down at him.

“Excuse me?”

“Get off your damn table before you hurt yourself. Why isn't someone else doing this for you?”

“Because, as I stated previous, Mister....”

“Hux,” he supplied, unimpressed.

“Hux...Well, Mister Hux, as I said, it's just me here.”

“Then why aren't you waiting for someone else to do this for you?”
“Because, it's just me.”

“Yes, you keep saying that –“

“No, Mister Hux. It's just me. No one else is coming.”

He blinked repeatedly at her as silence filled the space between them. The touch of her warm hand against his as she hopped off the table brought him back to the moment.

“It'll just be me living here, Mister Hux. But I appreciate your concern. You live next door at the Arkanis Ranch, you said?”

“Huh? Oh, yes. Forgive me, yes. I heard a commotion and came over to see if things were alright.”

“Things are just fine here, Mister Hux.”

“Indeed.”

“Hello? It's Kaydel Connix and Jaina Solo come to call.” A different voice called from the front door.

Hux rolled his eyes. Kaydel Connix and Jaina Solo were among the most worst gossips in town.

“Come around to the side door,” his new neighbour called to them, before turning to Hux. “As you can see here, sir, I have things well in hand.”

The side door creaked open on its rusty hinges as Kaydel and Jaina let themselves in. “We just wanted to stop by and introduce ourselves...” Kaydel said, her voice trailing at the sight of Armitage Hux standing in his neighbour's dining room.

“How delightful to meet you both. I'm Rose Tico, but please call me Rose.”

“I see you've already met our town's most cantankerous rancher,” Jaina mumbled under her breath as Hux shot her a look.

“Yes,” Rose said, glaring back at him. “Mister Hux heard a commotion and came to check on my well-being. However, he was just leaving.”

“Ladies,” he nodded his head at them. “Miss Tico, if you need help with anything, please ask someone. We don't need to be sending you back to San Francisco in pieces.”

“I'll keep that in mind, Mister Hux,” she bit back, letting the side door to her home close more forcefully than she'd perhaps intended.

“Women,” he mumbled, placing the Stetson back on his head.

“I hear you met your new neighbour, Hux.”

“Shut up, Dameron.”

Poe Dameron, Kyber Spring's sheriff and resident gossip, sat down at the bar next to Hux.

“Oh don't be like that. Word travels fast around here.”

“Too fast,” Hux replied, finishing off the whisky he'd ordered. It was rare he stayed in town for longer than necessary. However, one of his cows had kicked him in the shin earlier that morning and the Jack Daniel's Miss Niima served at her bar always seemed to do the trick for such ailments.

“Another?” she asked as she came over with the bottle already in hand.

“No, thank you.” He slapped a few coins on the bar top, always over paying.

“Yes, he will,” Poe replied.

“I was just leaving.” Hux stood to leave, hat in hand.

“Oh come on, Hugs. We've known each other a long time.” Poe trailed after him.

“Too long,” stepping from the saloon, Hux put his hat back on his head. The bright days of summer were nearly upon them.

“Why do you always do that? You're the only one I know who does.”

“Do what?”

“Take your hat off whenever you go inside.”

“Because it's proper manners. Something you Americans don't appear to know anything about,” he bit back.

Poe just laughed, though Hux would reluctantly conceded the irritating man had a point. It was a strange habit in these parts.

You could take the Brit out of England...

“What do you want, Dameron?”

“Nothing. I just heard from Mister Calrissian, who heard it from his daughter Jannah, who heard it from Miss Connix that you, of all people, were seen at Miss Tico's home a few days ago. Unchaperoned.”

“And?”

“And, it's unlike you to go calling like that.”

“I heard a commotion and went to see if everything was alright. It's the neighbourly thing to do,” he grunted as he mounted his horse.

“Sure, sure. Say, will you be at the Organa's on Friday?”

“Doubtful.”

“Oh come on, Hux. It won't kill you to be a little more social. Besides, I hear your new neighbour will be there,” Poe teased as he turned to head back towards his office.

Hux rolled his eyes as he nudged his horse to walk on. He was never going to live this one down.

As he headed down the main street, he could have sworn that everyone was watching him, whispering.

You're just being paranoid, he told himself.

At the fork in the road, his horse automatically followed the right hand path, leading him up the hill to his ranch.

And the now occupied Hays Ranch.

His mind drifted back to his new neighbour, Miss Tico. Why had she moved out here, seemingly on her own? He had seen no one else at her ranch besides her and other townsfolk since she'd moved in. It was strange to him, that even in this wild west where people could do nearly anything they wanted, a woman would choose to move from the high society of San Francisco to Kyber Springs, alone.

Society had changed a lot since the civil war, but there were still strict rules for the women of high society.

Moving across the country without family or husband was usually frowned upon.

As he passed the Hays Ranch, he slowed his horse to a stop at the end of the path that led up to the main house.

The crates and trunks had been cleared away, as had the number of wagons. The front gardens had been tied up and now contained new flowers. The windows had been cleaned, and the front door had a fresh coat of paint.

Curious, he turned his horse up the path towards the house. Before he could dismount, the front door opened. Miss Tico stepped onto her porch, broom in one hand, pail of water in the other. She had several rags tucked into the belt of her apron. The hem of her skirts had been pulled up and tied in an awkward knot.

It was hard not to notice her black stockings had been rolled down to her ankles.

“Mister Hux, what brings you here? Come to scold me again?”

“I, uh, um, no. No, nothing of the sort, Miss Tico.” He stammered. “I was, uh, just checking up on you. To see if you needed anything.”

“I can assure you, good sir, I am fine. But I appreciate your chivalry.”

He nodded his head and turned his horse to leave.

“Mister Hux,” she called after him. “Will you be at the Organa's on Friday? Bo-Katan tells me her parties are an absolute must to attend.”

He glanced over his shoulder back at her. The idea of attending one of Leia Organa's parties had his stomach in knots.

“Perhaps.”

Friday night came faster than Hux would have liked. He had no idea what had possessed him to pull his best wool suit out from storage. Luckily, the moths had yet to get to it, preferring his father's old clothes instead. It was the sole reason he kept some of them around.

Riding up the path to the Organa's ranch, which was more mansion than homestead, he felt awkward. He hadn't worn the suit since his days at Oxford before his father brought him to the United States. He knew he'd be over dressed, even with everyone in their best wear. The parties at that Leia Organa threw were always an excuse to dress up.

Having not arrived in a carriage or wagon, the footman took Hux's horse, assuring him the equine would be well looked after this evening.

Hux mumbled his thanks to the young man as he walked up the steps. The large doors swung open for him, as if on their own, and another footman took his top hat and jacket. A third footman announced his arrival.

“Armitage, how wonderful of you to come,” Leia said as she glided across the marble floor of the main foyer towards him. “Is this your one social event of the year? Usually you save that for Christmas.” she ribbed him in good nature.

Of everyone in town, he tolerated Leia's gentle teasing of him the most. He had fought with her sons Jacen, Anakin, and Ben during the civil war. Their friendship had been one of the reasons he remained in Kyber Springs after his father died.

“It's good to see you too, Missus Organa,” he replied, kissing her on the cheek. “Actually, I –“

“Miss Rose Tico,” the footman at the door announced.

Hux turned from Leia towards the door to see his neighbour walk into the foyer. Her dark blue silk dress with lace details and matching white gloves were striking.

Eagle eyed, Leia glanced in the direction he was looking at, then back at him. A knowing smile crossed her face. She met Rose half way across the floor, her own gloved hands outstretched to the young woman.

“My dear Miss Tico, it's an absolute delight to have you here. I'm so happy you were able to attend.”

“Thank you for inviting me, Missus Organa. I know I'm new in town and we haven't yet been properly introduced.”

The women kissed each other on the cheek.

“Nonsense. This is the perfect way to introduce you to everyone.” Leia fed her arm through Rose's, leading her back to where Hux stood. “This is Armitage Hux, one of the many ranchers in our community.”

“We've met,” Rose said, extended her gloved hand towards him.

Dumbfounded he took her hand, lightly kissing it. “Miss Tico.”

His eye followed the two women as Leia led the newest Kyber Springs resident around the room, introducing her to everyone.

“I see you watching her,” Leia's youngest son, Ben, said as he came up to Hux and handed him a glass of champagne

“Oh shut it.”

“I heard from Poe you've been over to her house, unchaperoned.”

“Not you too.”

“That's not very gentlemanly of you, Hux.”

Hux narrowed his eyes at his friend, then turned to leave.

“Oh come on, Hux. You know I'm kidding,” Ben said, grabbing his friend by the arm to stop him.

“This entire town loves to talk way too much,” Hux huffed.

“It's just small town gossip. Anything new here always sets them off. You know that.”

“Yes, and that's why I prefer to stay on my ranch.”

“And that's why they're all talking about you.”

Before Hux could say any more, dinner was announced, and Hux quickly found himself seated across from his neighbour, Miss Tico.

“Tell us, Miss Tico, what brings you to Kyber Springs? You're from San Francisco, are you not?”

“I am, yes. And please, call me Rose. I just...needed to get away, I suppose. I was finding San Francisco too suffocating for my liking.”

“And what of your husband? How does he feel about you moving out here? Will he be joining us?”

“I'm afraid there is no Mister Tico. It's just me here.”

A couple of the women gasped, scandalized.

“Just you? Surely other family will be joining you.”

“No, just me. My sister recently had her first baby, so my parents are visiting her.”

“How will you manage such a large property, all on your own?”

“I have my ways, Miss Connix. I'm not sure yet what I'll do with it.”

“It's ideal for cattle,” Hux added under his breath as he sipped at his wine.

“I've heard, Mister Hux,” Rose said, addressing him now, “that you've had your eye on the property for some time with the intent to expand your own holdings.”

“I had. But if I'd purchased it, we wouldn't be sitting here in your delightful presence, Miss Tico.”

“I'm afraid our Mister Hux prefers to keep to himself,” Leia added as Hux rolled his eyes at her.

“To the delight of Missus Hux, I'm sure.”

“There is no Missus Hux, Miss Tico,” he put his wine glass down harder than intended. He was done with this side show. It was because of conversations like this he kept to himself.

The room had fallen silent at their exchange.

Leia glanced from Hux to Rose, and back again, a sly smile on her face. “Shall we retire to the ball room for dancing?”

As always, Leia's balls were an elaborate affair. As a former member of New York's high society, any excuse to celebrate and dance was a good one. What set Leia apart from the other aristocrats Hux had met, was she didn't care what a person's social standing was. Everyone in town was welcome to attend her parties, even if all they had to wear was their Sunday best.

Most mothers in New York or London would frown upon their youngest son being smitten with the town's prettiest barmaid. But Leia didn't care. She knew Miss Niima to be of good character, and if her son wished to pursue her, he was free to do so.

Provided he could pluck up the courage to do so.

Hux, Ben, and Jacen stood across the elaborate parquet floor from where Rose, Jaina, and Kaydel watched them.

“It's so strange that he's here, he usually only comes for Christmas dinner,” Jaina remarked.

“You know Mister Hux well, then?” Rose asked, curious.

“I don't know if I'd say I knew him well. He and my brothers were in the same regiment during the war. He has no other family that I know of to spend the holidays with, so mother always insists he come for dinner. He just spends all his days out in the fields with his cattle.”

“He really does just keep to himself. Though he does go over to the Djarin's home from time to time. He and Din are friends. They've worked a couple of cases together in the past.” Kaydel added.

When Rose looked back across the room at Hux, the ginger man was jabbing Ben in the chest and looked like he was accusing the man of something. Jacen stepped between the arguing men, trying to keep the peace.

“That's normal,” Jaina added, sipping her drink. “Those two fight like cats and dogs.”

Rose's lip reading skills weren't the best, but it looked to her as if Ben said something along the lines of 'go ask her to dance,' while pointing in their direction. She could see Hux grit is teeth, his jaw set in annoyance.

If looks could kill Ben would have been incinerated to ash.

Hux looked in her direction before looking back at Ben. He said something to the man that made him flush, his finger pointed in his face. Jacen looked at his brother and merely shrugged. 'He has a point,' he appeared to say.

Ben folded his arms in apparent concession of their disagreement.

Unspoken words passed between the two men for a moment, before Hux turned towards where Rose stood with her new friends. He strode across the room towards them with purpose.

“Ladies,” he said, bowing his head slightly, as was custom in the polite society from which she'd learned he came. No wonder he was so uptight.

“Miss Tico, I was wondering if I might have this dance?” He held out his gloved hand to hers.

She glanced back at Kaydel and Jaina who both nodded and took her drink from her.

“Of course, Mister Hux. I would be honoured.”

Rose slipped her hand into his, noticing the way his Adam's apple bobbed at her touch. The tips of his ears were tinted pink. He led her onto the dance floor and placed a firm hand on her mid-back. Guiding her around the dance floor seemed as effortless for him as breathing.

Yet she could see the tiny speckle of sweat on his temple.

Was this hardened war veteran nervous?

The way he spun her around the room in time to the music had her skirts swishing dramatically in a way that would make her friends back home envious. He held her so confidently that when she nearly tripped over her own feet on a particularly tight turn, he guided her in regaining her footing.

When the band at last finished playing Strauss' Voices of Spring, he held her for a brief moment, making sure she wasn't dizzy from all the spinning.

He bowed to her, as she curtsied to him. He guided her back to her new friends and kissed her on the back of her hand again.

“Thank you, Miss Tico.”

Later that evening when she sought him out, she discovered from Jacen that he'd departed after their dance.

It was mid-June when Rose encountered her neighbour again, and quite by accident.

She was visiting with Bo-Katan, delighted to be reunited with one of her dear friends from school.

“Hey Bo, I found the...” She let her voice trail off as she stepped onto the back porch of the Djarin homestead, holding the sewing kit.

In the back yard, Hux and Din were working to split lumber for a fence. Her neighbour turned at the sound of her voice, revealing that not only his sleeves of his shirt rolled up in the hot weather, it was half unbuttoned. His suspenders hung from where they were attached to his Levi's jeans.

“Ah, Rose, you found the sewing kit,” Bo-Katan supplied as she came around the corner of the porch with lemonade for everyone. “This is Armitage Hux, a good friend of Din's.”

“We've met,” Rose said, feeling her face flush.

“That's right, you're neighbours.”

Hux and Din came onto the porch to take a glass of the lemonade. Breathing hard from the physical labour, Hux stood in front of Rose, sweating.

“Miss Tico,” his voice low.

“Mister Hux,” it was hard not to look at him in such a state. Her cheeks were burning and she could feel his green eyes on her.

Din and Bo-Katan talked about this and that, but Rose heard none of it.

The Fourth of July was a holiday Hux particularly hated.

Partly, being English, he jokingly said he'd be a traitor to the crown if he celebrated such a holiday. Honouring the day the American colonies officially separated from England seemed like a slap in the face to good Queen Victoria.

The truth, of course, was how much he detested large gatherings. He had planned to spend the day in the field with his cattle. Everyone in town was at the saloon, and Hux imagined Dameron would have a jail full of drunks by the time the weekend was over.

He was fixing up a section of fence that marked the property line between the Arkanis and Hay's ranches when he heard a scream.

At first, he wasn't sure if he'd even heard it. There were many animals living in the near by hills that made strange sounds. But when he heard it again, he knew where it was coming from: The Hays Ranch.

He hopped the fence and jogged the short distance to the house.

“Miss Tico?” He shouted as he approached. “Miss Tico, it's Mister Hux. Are you alright?”

Another screech filled the air.

“Shit,” he cursed.

The side door was wide open. Was she being robbed? Did a petty thief think the house was empty because everyone else was in town, only to catch her by surprise?

“Miss Tico, what's the matter? Are you...” his voice died at the sight of her.

Once again, Rose Tico was up on her dining table. This time, she was terrified.

“Don't come any closer,” she hissed at him, tightly clutching her frying pan.

Hux raised his hand, showing he was unarmed. “Miss Tico, I heard you shouting across the way, I just wanted to make sure –“

“Be careful!” she interrupted him. “It's right there!”

Hux looked to where the hysterical woman was pointing with the frying pan and relaxed.

She'd been frightened up onto her table by a common rat snake.

He grabbed the offending serpent by the back of its head and tossed it out the door, closing it firmly behind him. No doubt it had slithered in when she had the door wide open. When he turned back to scold her for her foolishness, she was still on the table, shaking like a leaf.

He sighed. “It's gone now, Miss Tico. It won't hurt you. But you really ought to keep your doors closed.”

“Yes,” she let out a small sob. “You're right.”

For reasons unknown to him, Hux went over to where she stood on the table. Reaching up, he placed his hands on her waist to help her down. When she stumbled slightly and fell into him, he held her gently.

“It's alright, you're alright. It's gone,” he said quietly, his hand gently running up and down her back.

She stayed in his arms for a few minutes, before pulling back to dry her eyes.

“Are you alright?” he asked again, smoothing her hair down.

“Yes, I think I will be. Thank you, Mister Hux.”

“It was nothing. I best be going.”

“Actually, I was wonder if...”

He looked down at her, curious.

“I was wondering, if... you'd like to stay for dinner.”

“I think I would quite like that, Miss Tico.”

Beyond the occasional meal with the Djarins or Organas, Hux almost always ate alone. And he never made anything as fancy or sophisticated for himself. She'd been working on a vegetable stew when the snake had interrupted her. That, paired with a freshly baked rosemary bread and iced tea, and a blueberry pie for dessert made up their dinner that evening.

“I'm sorry, I'm sure it's not what you're used to, having grown up in London.”

“The only time I eat like that is when I'm over at the Organa's for dinner. Usually my dinners are only a half step above army rations in terms of taste.”

“But, why? Do you not enjoy food?”

“Quite the contrary. It's just that I see no point in going to great lengths to cook when it's just myself.”

“Mister Hux, forgive me if this is too forward of me, but –“

A loud bang, not unlike that of a cannon, interrupted her. Looking across the table, she caught the brief moment of panic in his eyes before he seemed to remember where he was and relaxed again.

“It seems the fireworks have started,” he half smiled at her. “Shall we go watch them?”

“Yes, I would like that very much.”

Hux stood. Rounding the table, he offered his arm to her. Rose slipped her arm around his, and he led her to the front of her property. It had the perfect view of Kyber Springs below. They stood in silence as they watched the fireworks. Every so often, a particularly loud one would cause him to startle, but the warmth of Rose leaning into him seemed to ground him in a way he'd never felt before. There was a reason he usually spent the night with cotton shoved in his ears.

Once the fireworks died down, he noticed Rose shivering next to him.

“Are you cold, Miss Tico? I'm so sorry, why didn't you say anything?”

“I'm fine, honest. Though it is getting rather late.”

“Shall I walk you to your door?”

“No, I'm fine, thank you.”

“Are you sure? There might be a rogue snake about looking for young women with frying pans.”

“Mister Hux, honestly!” she laughed. “No, I am fine. I'll bid you goodnight.”

“Goodnight, Miss Tico,” he tipped his hat to her and watched as she walked back to the house. She paused for a brief moment at the door to turn and look back at him. Rose offered a small wave to him before retreating inside her home.

By early August rumours were swirling of Hux being seen frequently at Rose's house. It had started a few days after their dinner when she asked to borrow a hammer and nails to patch her roof. Insisting that she not be climbing on the roof in petticoats, Hux arrived that afternoon to take care of it. A couple days later, he was helping her with a broken down spout. The following week he was helping her build a chicken coop.

He was doing just as much work on her ranch as he was on his own.

Every time he helped her, she tried to pay him for his time. It was only fair, she insisted.

“Then you can make me dinner,” he'd replied.

They'd been seen together coming out of Finn's general store, having just placed an order for a bee hive. Rose was planning to sell the honey at the Saturday market.

Tongues were wagging, but it didn't bother Hux like it usually did. Not, at least, until one afternoon when Poe came up to him in the street.

“Well, well, look who's smitten,” Poe smirked.

“What do you want, Dameron? I'm a busy man.”

“Oh, I bet you are. Busy wooing our Miss Rose Tico.”

“Wooing? I most certainly am not wooing the woman. She happens to be my neighbour and I help her out on occasion.”

“I'm just repeating what I've heard. No need to kill the messenger, Hugs.”

The disgruntled Hux looked at his pocket watch, then up at the sky. “Are you done? I have a lot to do this afternoon.”

“Going to help Miss Rose again?” Poe waggled his eyebrows at Hux.

“No, you pillock, there's a storm moving in,” he pointed to the dark clouds in the distance. “I need to bring my herd in.”

Poe looked up at the sky, squinting dramatically as he held a hand to cover his eyes. “There's hardly a cloud in the sky, Hugs. But sure, go about your business.”

Hux grunted in response as he headed into the bank. The Kyber Springs sheriff was a real bugger.

Late that evening, Hux sat at his small dining table pouring over his ledgers by the faint light of his oil lamp. A violent summer storm had indeed blown in off the mountains that afternoon. Luckily his herd was safe in the barn, and he'd had time to shutter the windows before it hit.

The wind was whipping and lashing against his home. Anything that hadn't been fastened down had likely blown up into the hills by now.

As he turned a page in his ledger, a banging on his front door caused him to look up. At first, he ignored the sound, dismissing it for something hitting against the house. But then he heard it again. As he padded barefoot down the hall, oil lamp in hand, to investigate what he thought was a loose shutter, he heard her.

“Mister Hux! Please, open up!”

He opened his front door to find Rose soaked to the bone. Her skirts and hair utterly drenched with rain water.

“Jesus Christ, woman! Why are you out in this weather? What's wrong with you?” he scolded, ushering her into his home. He sat Rose down in front of the low fire as he went in search of warm blankets. Returning a moment later with one of his heavy winter quilts, he draped it across her shoulders.

She sat there, shivering violently, while he stoked the fire to get it roaring again.

“You're going to get yourself sick,” he mumbled, going into the kitchen. Hux returned a moment later with a hot mug of tea that he forced into her hands.

“Th-thank y-you,” Rose managed to get out between her chattering teeth.

“Don't talk, just drink the tea,” he said as he put his finger under the mug to encourage her. “I know it's not coffee like you Americans like, but I promise it'll help.”

She simply nodded, looking as though she was clutching the mug for dear life.

They passed the time in silence. Rose, sipping the tea. Hux, tending to the fire to help warm her. When she at last set the empty mug down, she had warmed enough to stop shivering.

“I'm sorry for the late night intrusion. Part of my roof collapsed. I didn't know what to do,” she said quietly, staring into the fire.

“It's alright,” he said, looking back at her from where he sat on the floor. “Though we really ought to get you out of those clothes. You'll catch a chill.”

Taking Rose by the hand, Hux led her to his bedroom. Opening his dresser, he pulled out an old flannel shirt and a pair of his wool long johns.

“Here, you can wear these. It's not much, but it's dry...” he shoved the clothing awkwardly into her hands before returning to the main room.

A few minutes later, Rose returned wearing the clothing he'd given her. “I hung my dress up in your bathroom. I hope...I hope that's okay...”

He said nothing and just stood there, looking into the fire, a glass of whisky in hand.

“Mister Hux? Are you alright?” she quietly asked, putting her hand on his arm. When he drew in a sharp breath, nearly flinching at her touch, she drew back.

“No, Miss Tico. I'm not alright.” His voice was low and rough. As if something was bubbling just under the surface.

“I...I can go, if you want, or...” The look in his eyes as he turned to her caused her voice to die in her throat. He looked pained, as if he was deeply burdened. Sad, almost.

“Please stay,” his voice barely a whisper. Hux took a swig of the whisky before placing the crystal tumbler on the mantle.

“You can, uh, have the bedroom,” he cleared his throat. “I'll sleep out here.”

“Mister Hux, it's no trouble. I can sleep out here. I've already put you out enough as is –“

“Miss Tico!” he snapped, causing her to flinch. “Rose...please...you don't understand.”

“Then explain it to me,” she put her hands on his arm.

Hux looked down at where she was touching him. He twisted his hand in such a way that their fingers laced together.

“Though I've tried to deny it, the truth is, Miss Tico, ever since that day you moved in, I've had feelings for you.” He ground his teeth together, struggling to find the right words. “Most nights you haunt my dreams. Hell, I even rode down to Batuu to go to confession. I haven't done that since I was a boy.”

“Mister Hux...”

“There is nothing I would like more than for you to stay the night. With me. In my bed. But I don't want to tarnish your reputation and have you branded a harlot.”

“But...what if I want the same thing?”

He looked up at her dark eyes, studying them.

“Are you sure?”

She nodded.

Letting go of her hand, he cupped her cheeks and leaned down to kiss her. It was hard not to devour her. Rose's lips were soft on his, and as he backed her into the wall, they parted in a gasp. Their tongues found each other for the briefest of moments before he pulled back.

“Are you sure, you're sure?”

She looked up at him, her eyes heavy with want. “Yes, Mister Hux. I am. I have been mercilessly teased by my friends since the Organa's ball in May. Bo still reminds me every chance she gets how red my face turned that afternoon at their ranch. I believe I've been just as smitten with you, as you have been with me. So yes, Mister Hux, I am sure, that I'm sure.”

Hux took her hand in his, kissing her bare knuckles. Her skin was soft in comparison to his heavily calloused hands. He laced their fingers together again, then led her down the hall to his bedroom, and shut the door firmly behind them.

One year later

Hux and Rose were rarely seen parted from each other's company. He was often seen in the shops with Rose, often holding the items she was purchasing for their farm. Having agreed the Hays Ranch was idea for his cattle, Hux tore down the fence that demarcated the property line. In the mean time, Rose had moved into the Arkanis Ranch.

It was initially meant to be temporary while the roof of her house was fixed, but even after the work was completed, they had both become so used to each other's company, the move became permanent.

Of course, all the town hens complained they were living in sin. The old ladies at church liked to gossip about them. But for once, Hux didn't mind.

He had a plan.

It had been one year since Rose turned up at his door, late one night, sopping wet. While their courtship hadn't exactly been conventional, he wanted to mark the occasion with a special gift. He had risen early that morning, doing his best not to wake Rose from her sleep. She had worked so hard to make their house into a home and to launch a successful business as a honey vendor. She deserved her rest.

Quietly he slipped from their bedroom, opting to get dressed in the hallway, lest the clasp on his belt wake her. He left her a note in the kitchen beside the can of coffee so she wouldn't worry about him. Into the early dawn twilight he went to the barn to saddle up his horse, then departed for Batuu.

If all went as it ought, he should have been back around midday.

Except the train arriving from Denver had been severely delayed and it was nearly supper time when Hux arrived back in Kyber Springs.

“Hux! There you are,” Din called as he rode up to him. “Where have you been? Rose has been worried sick.”

“What are you talking about? I've been in Batuu all day. I was picking up a delivery and the train was delayed.”

“She thinks you've run off or something's happened to you.”

“For God's sake, I left her a note explaining where I'd gone.”

“Well, you'd better tell her that,” Din called after him as Hux urged his horse into a slow gallop.

As he cleared the hill their home sat on, he found Rose sitting on the steps, crying in Bo-Katan's arms.

Rose looked up as he dismounted. “Where have you been?” she sobbed. “I've been so worried about you. I thought the cows had trampled you. I searched all the fields looking for you.”

“Darling,” he said as soothingly as he could manage. “I've been in Batuu all day, like I said in my note. I'm sorry it took so long, the train was delayed.”

“What? What note?”

“I left a note for you beside the coffee.”

“There was no note...”

Hux knelt in front of where she sat. With a soft smile, Bo-Katan excused herself to her husband who was silently beckoning her from the road.

“Rose, darling, I'm so sorry to have made you worry,” he pulled her into his arms.

“I thought you'd left me...or-or worse.”

Gently, he kissed the top of her head. “You know I'd rather die than be parted from you. You bring out the best in me.”

“And the worst,” she said half sobbing, half laughing.

Hux chuckled in concession. “Yes, that too.”

“Why were you in Batuu? We weren't expecting anything for the farm that we couldn't have gotten at Finn's.”

Leaning back slightly, he wiped her tears away with his sleeve. “I was picking up a gift for you.”

“A gift?”

“Yes, come see.” He gently pulled her to her feet and led her to where his faithful steed was waiting. A rope was attached to the saddle horn. At the other end, a beautiful grey and white dapple mare stood, swishing her tail. Around her neck was a large ribbon with a box attached to it.

“She's so beautiful,” Rose said as she rubbed the horse's nose.

“She's yours.”

“What? No. Armitage...we can't afford this.”

“Yes we can. I've been going over the ledgers for weeks. We have the money to fix up the Hays house how you want, as well. Your parents can finally come visit us if they want.”

“You know they disapprove of how we've been living,” she chuckled as her mare tried to nibble on her cheek.

“I have a solution to that as well.” Hux untied the ribbon around the horse's neck, handing her the box.

Curious, she opened the box and gasped.

Inside sat a delicate gold ring with an oval shaped opal in the centre, surrounded by smaller diamonds. Beside it sat a matching wedding band.

“Armitage...”

“Rose,” he took her hands in his, “I know our relationship hasn't exactly been conventional. I doubt this is how you imagined your engagement, and it's far from the proper etiquette we were both brought up with. I can't imagine my life without you. You've softened my rough edges in a ways I didn't expect. Hell, Poe is always commenting on how you've changed me.”

Rose let out a small laugh. Mainly because he wasn't wrong.

“I love you, Rose. Dearly. It's my sincere wish to make an honest woman of you. Will you marry me?”

“Yes. Yes Armitage, I will marry you!”

Hux slipped the rings over her finger and kissed her fiercely.

The wedding took place on a warm mid-September afternoon. Rose and Hux signed the paperwork at the mayor's office before heading to the Organa's for the proper ceremony. Hux had wanted a small wedding, but it had been at Leia's insistence that she host.

After all, it wasn't every day one of her sons got married.

“But I'm not your son, Missus Organa.”

“You might as well be, Armitage,” she said as she gently patted his cheek. “Besides, when have I ever turned down an excuse to host a party?”

“Fair point.”

The back garden had been filled with lawn chairs and tents, and flowers decorated everything.

The ceremony itself was short and sweet. Hux had refused to deal intricate details of a proper Catholic wedding. Instead he allowed Leia's brother Luke, who was an Anglican minister, to perform the ceremony. A few words were spoken, vows and rings were exchanged, Hux and Rose kissed to the wild cheers of the townsfolk who'd turned up.

After the ceremony, Rose's parents approached the newlyweds.

“So, Rosie, this is the man who's stolen you from us,” Rose's father stated sternly.

“Papa...”

“Mister Tico,” Hux interrupted. “I'm aware that we've broken convention and I should have written to you first to ask your permission to marry your daughter. I promise to take care of her, she'll want for nothing. You and your wife are welcome to visit any time.”

Rose's father eyed Hux up and down. “You seem like an honest man, Mister Hux. Much better than that DJ. I never cared for him.”

“Hue!” Rose's mother scolded.

“What? It's true. Congratulations sweetheart.”

“Thank you, Papa.”

After dinner the dancing went on long into the night. No one was exactly sure when Rose and Hux slipped out of the party in their honour.

“I'm sure they've retired to enjoy their wedding night.”

“What are you talking about? They've already been doing that.”

“Nonsense. Miss Rose would never do such a thing.”

“They've been living together for the last year. What do you think they're getting up to?”

“He sleeps in the field with his cows. There's no way she'd let him into the house smelling like that.”

“How do you know she's not out in the field with him?” Poe added, waggling his eyebrows.

The hens gasped, clutching their chests in scandal.

“Tell us more, Mister Dameron.”