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[ Humming a thoughtful noise at his words, she digs the knife a little deeper, twisting it slightly. Kylo can hear the girl fussing, struggling against her restraints, but it's merely background noise. She knows the girl isn't going anywhere and making her wait will only stew more fear and similar emotions. ]

Now, why would I do a thing like that? I don't know if she's half as good a messenger as your droid was.

[ The struggling gets a little louder behind her and it draws Kylo's attention, half turning away from Poe to look toward the girl. ] Feeling left out, sweetheart? Don't worry, I can fix that.

[ She lets go of Poe and withdraws the knife before fully turning and walking over to the girl. ] He seems to think you're worth saving. I don't know. Do you even want to be saved? Maybe you want to die, then you can be with your parents again. [ Using the tip of the knife to move hair out of the girl's face, Kylo smiles a little at the way the girl shudders, terrified and angry and not knowing what to do. ]

[ he gasps a little as the knife twists in. she's done worse to him, his tolerance is well on its way to being built, but things that hurt still hurt.

there it goes. she moves the knife, there's no relief. only a dull ache where it used to be and the spreading of more blood on his only shirt.

he doesn't have anything to bargain with. nothing he could give that she wasn't already capable of taking all on her own. the only thing he does have is his unceasing desire to protect others, no matter how futile and meaningless the effort may be. ]

Stop! [ he calls out again as kylo leaves him and approaches the girl. ]

I'll do whatever you want if you leave her alone.

[ he knows that it means more to her if he's the one volunteering to play in her game than if she's forcing him. maybe he can win that way.]

Edited (Replying in email is a trip 💀💀💀) 2018-07-25 20:35 (UTC)

[ While she doesn't move away from the girl, he does succeed in drawing her attention away. Kylo lowers the blade, resting it against the girl's shoulder, not harmless but if the girl holds still she won't get poked, and looks over at him. ]

Whatever I want? [ Kylo gives him a questioning look as she seems to consider it. After a moment she adds: ] Leaving the girl alone doesn't necessarily leave her alive.

[ She doesn't have to give him a chance to clarify what he means -- although she's confident that is, in fact, what he means -- but the concession costs her nothing. It's acknowledgement that he's adapting, learning, from their interactions. If he's going to play willingly then it's only fair for her to make sure the rules are understood. Just like how before she honored the reward she promised him after he did what she wanted, when she could have easily gone back on it or changed her mind. The psychology behind pulling the rug out from under someone was simple, a short-term reward and enjoyment. Something with more layers is far more engaging to her, the reward often greater and longer lasting.

When the girl starts to stammer something Kylo looks back and holds a finger to the girl's lips. ] Quiet now, the adults are deciding your fate. [ The hint of a glare that the girl musters almost makes her want to push the knife into the girl's shoulder but she restrains the urge, returning her attention to Poe as she waits for his reply. ]

[Leia would have advised against it, he realized. A girl isn't worth the life of a Resistance captain. He sacrificed people higher up the ranks than her in the field. Massacred a whole bomber fleet, but now he's willing to lay his life on the line for a nobody.

But not really. He knows Kylo won't kill him. Make him wish he was dead, sure. Almost certainly. But she wouldn't kill him. It was more than he could say for the girl.]

Leave her alone. Alive, unharmed. You know what I mean.

[ Kylo lightly rolls her eyes at that. ]

Yes, I know what you mean, but leaving an option open-ended or vague might invite a result that you don't actually want. [ She partially turns toward Poe and gestures vaguely with the knife while she talks, half to make the girl nervous. Rarely did anyone like the sight of someone casually waving any sort of blade around. ] For example, bargaining for me to leave the girl alone would still allow for someone else to kill her.

[ Likely a stormtrooper, but if she really wanted to damage his psyche she could work her magic and make him do it. She won't now of course, and wouldn't have, but that doesn't mean she won't in the future.

When she removes her hand the girl remains quiet and, satisfied, Kylo slowly approaches Poe again with a considering stare. ]

Just so we're clear... you want the girl alive and unharmed, released to be used as a messenger?

[ it's like being in court, lord jesus anakin skywalker. he presses his mouth in a thin line, annoyed.]

Alive, unharmed by anyone, released as a messenger. Any other loopholes I didn't consider? Didn't know you were a lawyer on top of everything else.

[ As her eyes narrow her empty hand raises and fingers curl, applying mild pressure around his neck through the Force. Not enough to fully cut off his air but enough to constrict it uncomfortably. ]

Careful. I could have easily taken you at your initial request and it would be a dead girl leaving this ship.

[ She lowers her hand after another moment, releasing her hold, and she taps the end of the knife against his chest as she stands in front of him. As much as she was looking forward to seeing how much it would upset him to watch her slowly torture and kill someone mostly innocent, Kylo's hard-pressed to ignore this opportunity. ]

Very well. [ Turning away, she sets the knife down before approaching the girl once more. ] Seems like it's your lucky day. You should thank him for saving your life.

"... T-Thank you..."

Good girl. [ Kylo pats her cheek as she steps in closer and though the girl flinches, she at least refrains from spitting in Kylo's face this time. Speaking quietly in the girl's ear, Kylo gives her a little message to pass on to others in the Resistance, using a touch of her influence to make sure the words won't be forgotten. After the girl nods her assurance that she'll deliver the message, Kylo walks over to the door to summon the trooper waiting in the corridor. ] Take the girl and see that she's escorted to the nearest trade post. I'm sure from there she knows how to make contact with the Resistance, don't you? [ Another vigorous nod from the girl, her eyes wide. It's clear she can't believe she's actually being released.

As the trooper cuffs her and takes her from the room, she looks back at Poe with a mix of relief and uncertainty. Regardless of Kylo's message, she's going to make sure the others know Poe Dameron is still very much alive and still fighting, at least from what she's seen. ]

[ he gets the idea. sometimes, when you're one little comment away from being force choked, it's time to be quiet.

still, he can't not say something when the girl thanks him.]

You're welcome.

[ is it great? deep, meaningful, groundbreaking? no. It's bone of those things, but it does come from his heart. he bites is tongue on a "may the force be with you," but he thinks it.

that said... after she's escorted away... poe is acutely aware that it's just the two of them now. or it might as well be. he signed off on his fate. the blood seeping from his new stab wound is uncomfortable damp against his torso and what's left of his scars from last time burn like the remember who caused them.]

[ Once the door slides shut and they're alone, Kylo shifts her attention fully to him. Was he already regretting what he offered to save the girl's life? She doesn't search his mind to find out. She trusts his body language will tell her soon enough.

She gives him an appraising look and her eyes catch on the fresh bloodstain adding to the others on his shirt, making her crack a little grin as she comes closer to him. ]

Hmm, looks like you'll be needing a new shirt soon. [ One hand reaches out to give a little tug to the collar of his shirt before idly trailing her fingers down his chest. It's tempting to rip the fabric right then and there. ] I imagine you'd look rather striking in black. Although black does hide blood very well.

[ Kylo lifts her eyes to his face, her gaze having followed her hand, which now rests near his waist on the side she hadn't stabbed. ] You know, I didn't have to give you the opportunity to make your wishes for the girl more clear. You should remember that for next time.

[ he doesn't regret saving the girl's life ... but he is anxious about what it means for him. what horrible thing he's going to be wrangled into doing next.

truth be told, his entire outfit is getting kind of gross at this point. but he'd never voluntarily ask for a new outfit. in fact, he doubles down on wanting to keep it. ]

I like this one. It tells a story.

[ after that, though, he gets quiet. he shouldn't have to thank her for human decency. it feels wrong. he wonders if anything about this will stop feeling wrong. his response comes out more flat this time. no more wind in his sails.]

I'll remember.

Good. We wouldn't want any of your little heroic efforts to go to waste because you weren't careful with your words. [ Oh, she's sure it'll happen at some point. She certainly won't always be in such a favorable mood -- even if she was mildly disappointed at not getting to torture the girl -- and situations won't always be as calm as this one was. ]

As enjoyable as it is to have you restrained... [ Kylo lifts her gaze as she lifts a hand, making a slight gesture to release the shackles around his wrists. ] It's not really necessary now, is it? [ There's a little smirk on her lips as her gaze returns to his face. She would be lying if she said she wasn't curious whether or not he'll actually do whatever she wants or if he'll refuse depending on what she suggests.

Lowering her hand, she lightly plucks at his shirt. ] We both know I'm going to have you out of this sooner or later. Probably sooner, given your clothes could use a wash at least.

[ And then the metaphorical light bulb clicks on.

Kylo doesn't even try to stop the grin that breaks across her face. ]

And I think I just got an idea for what can replace my entertainment for the evening, seeing as torture was taken off the menu.

[ he looks down at his shirt. down at his unrestrained hands. he keeps his entire face and expression in general downward. she's right. it doesn't mean much to his situation either way. each time he tries to rebel and it ends up blowing back up in his face reminds him of that. he rubs at his wrist.

he finally glances back up, expression flat. tension crackles through him. is he 100% sure where this is going? no, but he has a pretty good guess. ]

Oh yeah? What's that? I'm not so sure it's not gonna be torture.

[ She lightly rolls her eyes at that. ] Not this kind of torture in any case. Although if you'd prefer to be stabbed some more and go back on what you said, there's still time for me to have the girl brought back.

[ Despite her words Kylo doesn't bother with an expectant look; she knows he's not capable of such cruelty, to give the girl such hope only to rip it away. At least he isn't at present. Who could say how he might change as days turn to weeks and weeks into months.

No answer comes to his questioning and she steps away from him, moving toward the door. ]

Come along now, no need for us to linger here.

[ As she steps out into the corridor she does pause to look back at him. ] Don't get any silly ideas either. If you try to run you'll only be stunned or otherwise contained. I've already given orders that lethal force is not authorized when it comes to you. [ An effort on her part to anticipate him becoming desperate enough to try and provoke a trooper or officer into shooting him. ]

[ he would never. even if he wasn't having a great time right now, he didn't regret saving the girl. maybe it was actually the last good thing he'd ever get to do. that seemed like a very real possibility laid out in front of him. and if that was the last thing he had some weak grasp of control over ... it was still worth it.

so he follows after her. unrestrained, keeping his hands to himself. she was right to think he would consider provocation as a way out — it had been on the menu until she informed him that no one would use lethal force against him. his expression pinches with an emotion he can't properly place — something like frustration, resentment, bitterness, and grief for himself all stirred into one cocktail. ]

Don't know why you're so set on keeping me alive. Is it that hard to make friends around here?

[ That he's behaving, at least for the time being, and obeying her quietly pleases Kylo. It feels like an indication captivity is slowly wearing him down. Putting a dent in that rebellious spirit of his. Granted, the fact she has leverage at the moment in the form of the girl plays a factor, she's aware of that. ]

Friends, that's funny. [ As they walk she casts a mildly amused glance at him. ] Why shouldn't I want to keep you alive? You're useful.

[ And she would be happy to use him up until nothing of value remained.

At least nothing of value to her. If she grew bored of him but not bored enough to kill him then she could always sell him off. The slave trade remained alive and well in the unsavory corners of the galaxy, and she's certain she's not the only one who wouldn't mind bending the Resistance's star pilot to their deviant whims. Idly, she wonders if that would be a useful threat to propose at some point, perhaps once he's more broken. Death is no threat since it would give him an escape. However, it's not crazy to think there could come a time he'd choose her over the unknown; better the devil you know than one that might somehow be worse.

It's not long before they reach the same officer's quarters she sent him to before, the room cleaned but otherwise as he last saw it. While she hadn't said as much, seeing as he offered to play her little game rather than her suggesting it meant a reward would be merited once she was through with him for the night. (Plus she knows it will unsettle those still in the holding cells if neither he nor the girl return.)

Perching in a chair, she lightly crosses one leg over the other as she looks at him. ]

Strip. If you want to keep your clothes a while longer, they're getting cleaned. [ Kylo gives him an expectant look as she relaxes back against the chair. ]

[ the friend comment was something meant to deflect, but her left him with a gnawing uneasiness above anything else. he didn't like being "useful." not when it meant being kept alive to be toyed with. well, until she got tired of toying. he wanted to believe that that time would come sooner than later. she'd get tired of trying to break him down, because he wouldn't break. he refused to. she couldn't change him.

right? that was right, wasn't it? ]

Guess privacy's a little too much to ask.

[ maybe it wasn't quite right. he has a very clear idea of what he signed up for, and despite the comment, he's stripping down. considering how great his clothes were smelling and feeling after a couple days, it wasn't actually that hard to get him out of them. however — hope she wasn't expecting magic mike, because he's making a very unceremonious show out of it. the least ceremonious. ]

Just you and I is private. I can always ensure an audience next time. [ The reply comes casually. Of course there will be a next time. Kylo doesn't doubt he's been lying to himself, trying to convince himself that all of these events since his capture are single occurrences and not indicative of the future he has to look forward to. As if she would tire of him so easily.

Given that she half expected him to fight her on this, she's not bothered in the slightest that he simply does as told. Her gaze drifts over him as he strips, more curious than appraising at the moment. The latest wound she's given him is what prompts her to rise and approach.

As she intrudes on his personal space she presses a hand over where she stabbed him, absently biting her lip at the warm blood against her palm. ] Wouldn't want you to lose too much blood. [ she murmurs as she looks at him, calling on the Force to heal the damage she caused. It's not something she has to do but it's as good an excuse as any to touch him and make him tolerate her being so close. ]

You can have a little privacy in the shower, unless you want to be out here when I have someone come take your clothes to be washed. [ She's not going to promise just how long that privacy will last but since he's behaving so far she's willing to offer it. ]

[ he glares at kylo's suggestion to bring in an audience, but doesn't say anything. making another quip would just encourage her, probably.

and there she is in his personal space. while he's naked. he's not enjoying it. or, at least — he tries not to let any appreciation show on his face when she heals him. he'd almost forgotten the dull throbbing sensation from the wound thanks to everything else happening around him. it was shoved in the background, not even a second thought. maybe a tertiary thought. no "thank you"s are about to leave his mouth, either. ]

All right.

[ that's all she gets as he makes his way over to the refresher. contrary to whatever she's thinking, he's 100% counting on it being alone time.

it's nice to have a shower all to himself after having spent so much time in barracks. he tries to shove that thought (specifically, the idea of kylo ren giving him a nice thing) out of his mind, but it clings and digs its claws in.

scalding hot water rushes over him, washing away the blood and anything else that lingered since the last time he was in here showering. when was that? yesterday? a couple days ago? it didn't matter. it didn't change the fact that no matter how hot the water was or how long he stood under it, it felt progressively more like some parts of him would never be clean again. ]

[ Her gaze trails after him, and this time it's a little more of the appraising nature. Maybe she just wouldn't allow him clothes for a few days. But alas, no. She knows there are matters for her to attend to the next day and there's little point in taking that away from him when she won't be able to enjoy it.

So when someone does arrive in short order to whisk his filthy clothes away to be cleaned -- tempting to simply trash them as well but a few more instances of torture and the shirt at least wouldn't be worth keeping -- they also bring clean ones. Nothing ridiculous or indecent either; simple dark clothes not unlike what staff might wear during their off-time.

Once that matter has been tended to Kylo makes sure the door is locked and then lets her attention drift back to her entertainment. Her lips curl at the sound of the water still going and she starts pulling off her gloves. Privacy? Well, she didn't promise how much privacy or for how long. ]

It seems I was wrong, you do look as good wet as you do bloodied.

[ Her voice comes from the doorway as she leans an arm against it, naked as he is. ] Since it'll be a little while before your clothes are back I had them bring something else for you to wear. [ Kylo makes no effort to hide the way she looks him over, her intent fairly clear. ]

[ his expression sours the second he hears the door open, because there's no doubt as to who it's going to be. surprise surprise, he was right.

he called this too, to some degree. he had an inkling of an idea, after what went down in the throne room. he didn't like thinking about it, but the thought was there. the idea of there being a round two to her conquering him sexually. he liked being right about that just as much as he liked being right about her barging in on his shower. ]

Oh yeah? Doesn't look like you brought it with you.

[ he keeps the shower on. maybe if he stays in the shower forever, she won't try to pull him out? that's a joke; he knows she's probably about to step on into the shower with him. ]

No need for clothes right now. Don't pretend like you don't know that.

[ Sure enough, it's only another moment or two before she's stepping in to join him. If she's bothered by the heat of the water it doesn't show.

She reaches out to splay a hand on his chest, lightly pushing him back against the wall of the shower as her eyes run over his face. There's a little distance left between them but it's not much. ]

You know what I want, Poe. The only question is whether you're going to fight me on it or whether you're going to stay true to your word. [ Her gaze stays on his face as her hand starts to drift southward. ] If it makes you feel better, think of it as a way to channel your anger and discontent. It's not as if you can really harm me, not like someone delicate and average.

[ Her lips twist in a borderline smirk. ] You'd like that, wouldn't you? To bruise me. To make it hurt.

[ whatever release of tension in his muscles he'd found in the shower is gone now. every inch of him feels either wound up or stretched taut when she presses him against the wall.

maybe what he really hates is that she isn't wrong. he hadn't considered it before, not really. in the fight or flight situation, his mind took flight every time. (and maybe some of it was because she was a woman. even if she was kylo ren, of all people, it felt wrong.) but now that she'd planted the thought in his mind ... she wasn't wrong. she hurt him over and over, why couldn't he strike back? ]

You don't know what I want.

[ he only realizes the mistake he made after the words leave his mouth. even if she didn't, he could find out. that was practically an invitation. ]

[ That almost-smirk turns into a full-fledged one at his words. ]

Then tell me. Tell me what you want, Poe.

[ There's a whisper of power in her words, not the full strength that he felt before and couldn't fight against. And whether or not he answers, she leans in to speak near his ear. Her hand also keeps moving, seeking to touch him unless he stops her. ]

You hate me, don't you? You'd love to hurt me, to make me feel even a little of the pain that I've made you feel. To try and anger me so I'll kill you and put you out of your misery.

[ She knows there's a risk he'll realize what she's doing. That she's trying to provoke a reaction out of him. Admittedly it's partially an experiment. Testing an idea she has about what happened in the throne room. But she is also genuinely curious if he'll go back on his word. By this point the rebel girl is gone and Kylo won't have her called back, but if he doesn't follow through she'll remember it for the next time he tries to use that as leverage. ]

[ there it is. he can feel her trying to pull it out from him — and it's honestly not that surprising, given her track record. he wants to recoil against her touch, but there's very little space between him and the wall. nowhere else to go. he tries to tilt his head away from her whispering, but it's the most he can do. the reply slips out, not provoked by the force ... it's simply an obvious conclusion. ]

Yes. I'd rather be dead than spend one more second in this hell with you. But I know what you want.

[ sure, he can be a little slow on the uptake sometimes, but he's not dumb. he gave her carte blanche in exchange for the girl's life. this, he assumed, was her coming to collect. as long as someone else's fate was on the line, he could rein in whatever impulses he had to lash out against her. for now. until he hit his limit — wherever that was. he wasn't even sure, not really. she was right. it was slipping, and not in a direction he liked. ]

[ Kylo hums a little sound of content. Honestly, it's arousing to her. The restrained anger, the hate, the way he so clearly doesn't want her remotely close to him. The allure of what shouldn't be had and lines that shouldn't be crossed.

She savors it because eventually it will no longer exist. One way or another. Whether she breaks him or twists his mind or some combination, the time will come where hate may linger but there will be no heat behind it. Freedom will have no call because it will offer him nothing. In time the enslaved can learn to love their chains... or at least not recall how to exist without them.

When he makes that slight movement away she takes advantage, brushing her lips against the line of his neck, tasting salt and the water. Her fingers curl around him, giving a slow stroke as she lingers close. ]

So feisty. We really will have to keep that fire of yours alive. Nothing enjoyable for anyone about simply going through the motions.

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