Your shift had just ended and you were on your way to the mess, but you abruptly changed course, while sending out an affirmative reply. You weren't planning to meet up with someone anyway.  You were too worked up and worn out for that. You couldn't imagine the last time a shift had put so much pressure on you.

When you pressed the entrance button of his quarters, announcing your arrival, the door opened almost instantly. He's standing right in front of you, trying to act relaxed and casual, but you know him better than that. He was waiting for you at the entrance. And while his uniform dress shirt was open, the collar hanging loose on his neck and his shirt showing, you could hear him fiddle with his fingers. The leather of his gloves was making these little rasping sounds. A sound you recognized all too well. You could easily distinguish it, even from the other side of the bridge. Usually it meant he was bothered by something, but now it was just the usual nerves. They would disappear soon.

He surprised you with a warm smile, and the sight made all the built up tension from the shift flee from your sore muscles. The way his lips curled, how his cheeks looked just a bit fuller and the way his eyes lost their cold stare and turned into an almost loving gaze, made you forget about anything else. The only thing you could think right now, was that you were the only one who ever saw him genuinely smile. It took ages for him to open up and be sincere to you, but it was absolutely worth it.

He stepped aside, making room for you to enter his private living space. The smell of tea invited you over to the blue sofa and the ginger cat snoozing on the cushions. You took a seat, and Millicent sleepily crawled over, onto your lap. Hux approached, giving you your cup and taking his own in his right hand. Tarine tea in his, and your favorite flavor in yours. You stopped petting Millie and grabbed the warm cup with both hands, enjoying how the temperature made your knuckles loosen up. 

He sat down on the other side of the bench, as by habit trying to keep anyone out of his personal space. You knew better though, and bent over to his side, planting your head under his chin and wiggling it to find the right spot. Just like the cat did a few minutes ago. You could hear a soft chuckle escaping his mouth, and you were sure he was thinking the same.  

Moments like these made you realize how good you knew each other. The way he always had to adapt to physical contact, especially after a stressful shift. The little signs of emotion no one else could see. So many invisible signals you could catch with ease. 

Your ear was pressed against his chest, and you listened to his steady heartbeat. The mug was still in your hands. You took in the soothing smell and you realized he was even better at catching signals than you were. 

You sipped your tea and smiled. Both of you haven’t spoken a word since you got in, but there was no reason to. He understood what you needed. This comfortable silence, the beating of his heart and the spinning cat on your lap were everything you wanted right now.