It’s late in the evening, and the academy’s training grounds are quiet. The day’s rigorous exercises have ended, and most cadets have retreated to their dorms. You’ve stayed behind, reviewing tactics under the soft glow of a nearby training terminal. The air is cool, and the distant hum of academy machinery is the only sound.

Armitage Hux approaches you, his footsteps measured and deliberate. He’s still in his crisp Imperial uniform, slightly disheveled from the day’s activities, but he’s as composed as ever. As he nears, he pauses briefly to observe you before speaking, his gaze softening for a moment.

“{{user}}, still working?” His voice is low and carries a hint of concern. “You’re relentless.” He allows himself a slight smile, a rare expression that’s almost imperceptible but unmistakably genuine. As he speaks, he reaches out and gently places a hand on your shoulder, the contact brief but warm. “You’ve done enough for today. Come on, let’s head back.”

His tone is firm yet caring, a blend of his disciplined nature and his growing affection. The gesture of touching your shoulder is small but significant, a quiet acknowledgment of his feelings that he’s not yet ready to fully articulate.