dragonwarder | (no subject)

( kylo’s eyebrows jump, betraying his surprise. did she think that he wouldn’t? )

Of course. ( he blows out a breath through his nose, a momentary frown furrowing his brow before his expression clears, settling into something more impassive. burying his doubt and fear.

he would find her — assuming riku didn’t beat him to it. the younger man appears determined. and, perhaps, it’s better that it’s riku if only because rey has every reason to be furious with him. and, while he’s not fearful of her anger, he is well aware of the fact that she is less likely to return to the city at his beckoning. )

What else has happened while we were gone?

[He's going to make her say it, isn't he? The look she throws him is a bit sheepish, perhaps even scolded, before she looks away from him and leans on the table.

Ever since Rey had left, she had been avoiding people and conversations. She'd even left behind other endeavors she had been pursuing in favor of ... reading. Sitting around. Throwing herself into work.]

I am perhaps not the best person to ask.

[It seems odd, to suddenly need to admit that she hadn't been social. That was the very antithesis of being a queen, was it not?]

Oh?

( there’s no judgment to the question, merely a soft lilt of inquiry as he tries to pin down what precisely could have made her face dip so.

beyond the obvious, of course. )

I wonder ㅡ ( he begins, stalls and then tries again: ) my father is not in the city, currently. ( which is, perhaps, just as well given the tumultuous churn of his emotions right now. facing han solo on a good day would be a challenge, facing him now … after everything, but especially their most recent conversation. )

Would you mind if I stayed here for a little while?

[There is a moment of silence -- not just because Kylo's request is startling, but because she becomes aware that Han is now missing as well. She could not imagine that he'd be pulling similar stuns on his son that Rey was pulling on her.

It felt only yesterday that she had spoken to him of family, of love, and of struggle.

Daenerys smiles for Kylo Ren.]

I would be honored to have you. Perhaps it would do us both some good.

[And there was an empty bedroom. But she cannot quite joke about that, just now. No matter how hurt she was -- she still cared for Rey, and could not help but hope for that normalcy again.]

( gratitude swells in his chest.

returning to his apartment, to not only the reminders of his family but of his own loneliness, feels particularly difficult right now. not all that different from the time rey had moved out. he'd adjusted, eventually.

sort of.

his spending most of his nights here, in or out of rey's bed, or tucked away on one of the lumpy sofas, listening to daenerys talk about her monsters, probably didn't count. )

Thank you. I'll return to my apartment later, grab a few things. Maybe pick up dinner on the way back.

[Daenerys brightens more at the mention of food -- the forced smile becomes a bit more genuine and gentle. If she could see herself, she might have laughed. But just having the option to share a meal with someone was more than enough to be excited about.]

Dinner would be lovely.

[There's a brief pause before she allows herself to lean on the table, massaging her forehead with one hand.]

And, if you can find a bottle of wine of any sort, I will reimburse you for its purchase. I would be most indebted to you.

Red or white?

( his mouth hitches in a smile, knowing. kylo doesn’t dismiss her offer of compensation, but has no intention of accepting her money.

he runs through the list of places en route. red tomato, maybe. something quick and easy that they can share together.

he’s missed this. missed the ease of company. Footing the bill for a bottle (or three) of wine isn’t that high of a price to pay. )

Edited 2020-04-02 20:31 (UTC)

I am not choosy. Though I've a fondness for red, if you are owed the luxury of choice.

[Daenerys' smile sticks this time, and where words will not do, her expression communicates. They obviously both need the company, the lack of obligation, and just the quiet sharing of space and a meal.

She cannot imagine the ghosts that must linger in his own apartment. This place certainly wasn't free of them -- but somehow, she thinks it must be better not to think of his father.]

I will await your return.

I won't be long.

( hunting down a decent vintage might add an hour or so to the trip, but that might not be the worst thing.

walking has become a good distraction. reacquainting himself with the city that had been home for close to a year was better than dwelling on the loss of his father (for a second time) and the upheaval that now rocks his life. )