A sneak peakfrom my fic for Mitaka week:
“Sir, pardon me for asking, but is there something wrong?”
He held his breath as Hux swiveled in his chair, turning the full force of his changeable eyes on him. The reprimand he’d been expecting didn’t come, though. Instead, Hux let out a sigh and sagged, resting his elbows on his desk and rubbing his forehead.
“It is of no concern. Proceed.”
Mitaka hesitated, torn between duties, before responding.
“If you’re certain, sir?”
Hux surprised him by sighing again and letting loose with a torrent of words.
“It’s just … I have been informed that my assistance is needed in improving the image of the First Order. While my inspirational speeches serve their purpose, it has been deemed that I do not appear … approachable enough.”
Mitaka could understand that sentiment. While he treasured every moment he spent in the general’s presence, he’d never dream of intruding on the general without his express invitation. Every interaction between them outside of the command deck had been initiated by a meeting request since he’d been assigned to the Finalizer.
“They have suggested several public relations stratagems to ‘humanize’ me. The one most in favor and the least desirable to me would be my marriage to a suitable candidate.”
Marriage. At that word, Mitaka felt the blood drain from his face.
“You and the Supreme Leader?” he managed to get out without stammering.
To his immense relief, Hux snorted in disdain.
“No. That would hardly be an improvement. Quite the opposite effect, in fact.”
He let out the breath he'd been holding, covering the exhalation with a shift in his stance.
“Who, then, if I might ask?”
“I've got no bloody idea. They only broached the idea this morning.”
Who 'they’ were, Mikata was afraid to ask.
“I could make a list of possible candidates.”
Where the kriff had that come from? He berated himself even as he basked in the relief that crossed Hux’s face.
“Of course! Why didn't I think of that?” He answered himself before Mitaka could try to collect his muddled thoughts and form a response. “Because this whole thing has me in a bother, obviously. The whole idea of it all. Marriage! Me?”
Instead of saying any of the numerous things that sprang to the tip of his tongue, like “who wouldn't be honored to marry you?” he settled on the safest response.
“I'll get right on it, sir.