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Two years of the official engagement period had finally ended. Rose and Hux were now at the critical juncture of making their announcement to the galaxy of their Imperial Wedding Day.
From the eyes of Rose Tico, she was having doubts that she had not disclosed to anyone, not even Armitage. She often wondered, “Am I really ready for marriage?” In other words, forever to one man? After all, forever was a long time. Besides, she was only 25 years old. There were dreams and goals that she was ready to pursue since the war ended.
On the other hand, Armitage Hux was quite ready. He had been ready for what seemed like an eternity. Marriage to one woman, Rose Tico, was an adventure he was ready to embark. Nobody surprised him more than she did. Besides, at the age of 35, he was very, very sure this is what he wanted more than anything in his life. Naturally, Armitage assumed Rose felt the same way.
That winter evening in January, Armitage brought up the topic of their impending wedding. Rose had not really mentioned much about it.
“Our wedding is coming up in May,” Armitage said quietly.
“Umm…I don’t know what to say,” Rose faltered.
She tried to get up, but Armitage took her by the arm, “Rose, seriously it’s coming up. You haven’t said two words about it. What’s wrong?”
She opened her mouth, but nothing came out.
“Rose, I really love you. I meant what I said when I told you, I don’t want anyone else but you,” Armitage said gazing intensely into her eyes.
“Armitage, I love you, too. Really, there’s no doubt about that part,” Rose said looking him deep in his eyes with sincerity.
“Then, what is the hesitation?” Hux asked.
“I am 25 years old, Armitage. I have dreams and goals that I want to achieve in my career. Marriage is forever. Forever is a very long time,” Rose answered, knowing he would be hurt and disappointed at her answer.
“I see,” Hux said trying not to sound hurt.
“Armitage, try to understand it’s the expectations, responsibilities and the like that is what scares me. I feel that it is overwhelming in that sense,” Rose replied.
Hux motioned for her continue.
“If we are to have children in the future, I will be the primary caregiver. Mark my words, I will give every ounce of meticulous care, attention and love to each and every one of them as I do for everything I put my efforts into. Please try to understand that part, I am not yet ready to do that right now,” Rose concluded.
Hux was definitely felt disappointed and uncertain now.
But Rose touched him lightly on his arm.
“I am not canceling our wedding. I need to move it to October to think out, plan and prepare. Plus,The First Order Rebellion band have asked me what we are going to play, sing, choreograph and dance for the wedding reception. They already bugged me about it,” explained Rose.
Hux started to smile at her, feeling relieved and happier.
“So, will you grant me that at least, Armitage?” Rose asked imploringly as she gazed into his green eyes.
“Anything for you, Rose,” Hux replied still smiling at her.
A wave of relief washed over her.
She wasn’t saying no. She just needed time to think and to plan. He was willing to give that to her.
This, more than anything, reflected how Hux had changed.
For the first time in his life, he was willing to compromise for her.
January did not just bring about a new clarity to Hux and Rose’s life, it also heralded other major changes in the galaxy at large. Supreme Leader, Snoke had passed away in his sleep of natural causes. He was decades old and had been in deteriorating health. Kylo Ren was his heir apparent and ascended to becoming the Emperor of the Galaxy. Although the First Order had won the war, Kylo Ren made his mark on the galaxy by brokering a fragile peace with the Rebellion. Those sweeping changes have been peaceful and good so far.
The other unknown was, the Jedi girl, Rey of Jakku did not say whether she would marry Kylo Ren or accept the mantle of empress of the entire galaxy. Rey, herself had some serious quandaries about what she planned to do with her life now that it was peace time. She, like Rose, needed time to contemplate what to do.
With the upcoming nuptials, there was a quite a bit of planning both on the ceremony, reception and entertainment portions. Each required organization and fine tuning at many different levels. First, Hux and Rose decided on the last and final song of the wedding performance, they would do a bride and groom dance, specifically a waltz. So, that meant getting dance lessons and practicing together every other weekend. It would be the grand finale and surprise for everyone that night.
Then, there’s the intense preparations for the wedding ceremony and reception itself. The massive number of invitations sent out by comm link. The guest list was a mile long, so no traditional flimsi cards were sent out. (There was just no way!)
But to say the least, the decisions on the dinner menu, wine menu and hors d’oeuvre menu, scheduling and deciding on caterers were the least stressful part. Rey and Kylo generously offered to help with that part. They were extremely instrumental in all parts. (Rose and Hux were grateful. They both made it a mental note to return the favor when Kylo and Rey got married.)
Even deciding what and which bridal gown and veil to choose was surprisingly easy. Rose chose comfort and practicality over too much of a get-up.
As for Rose’s brides maids asked only one thing, “Can we choose our brides maids dresses and the shoes?”
She nodded, “Please do. Make sure you all agree on the style and color.”
So, those aspects were fairly simple and straightforward. The hard part came when it was getting the First Order Band song selections together as well as the number of practice rehearsals for the performance.
Since Rose had to again consider the following: song rehearsals for solo, duet and group. Next, choreography for the backup singers/dancers on stage as well as solo dances for any of the singers. Lastly, musical instrument selections and getting all those solo/duet singers who plan on playing an instrument for their song. Even scheduling and getting everyone to commit to an agreed upon day was a small nightmare in of itself. But again, things did get done eventually.
This whole production was enough to give Rose a serious migraine from it all. (The whole group had to vote twice on song selections, what outfits to agree on and who would play or sing lead instrumentals on certain songs and lead vocals. They were deadlocked the first time, which didn’t help.) But all in all, things got done exactly in the time frame planned. Otherwise, she would have seriously considered delaying the wedding one more month. Armitage may have protested, but she was the project coordinator for everything.
With all the major decisions finalized for the performance itself, the First Order Rebellion dove right into group band rehearsals, solo and band rehearsals, choreography rehearsals together as a dance group, choreography rehearsals with the band and dancers. So, the months of fine tuning each segment took quite a lot time, tempers sometimes as well. At least one of the friends would march out in a huff saying, “I need some space. You guys are getting on my nerves.” But at the end, the entire group was ready by the last weekend before Rose and Hux’s wedding.
The Imperial Palace on Coruscant tonight never looked more magnificent and majestic than it had in decades. With the glorious backdrop of twinkling chandeliers, polished brass and mahogany floors all reflecting the majesty of the imperial ceremony that was about to begin. Rose and Hux requested both the First Order sigil, a sixteen rayed star design inscribed within a hexagon and the Rebellion Star Bird banners to decorate the large ball room. If peace was to thrive, both sides would be represented, just like their union today.
Rose was upstairs in her bridal chamber getting ready with all her bridesmaids in tow. Rey, as Rose’s maid-of-honor, Kaydel Konnix and Gwen Phasma, all three of them decked out in long blood red, satin slip dresses with a daring slit in the front and matching red satin heels to match. Their hair was adorned with blood red roses pinned against the side of their unbound tresses. Instead of the traditional conservative bridesmaid’s dress, they looked really quite sexy.
Rose was a vision that was both beguiling, composed and pensive all at once. She stood patiently having her lacy veil being carefully arranged by Rey and Gwen. Kaydel fussed over her lacy train, rearranging it several times. Rose’s wedding dress was artfully decorated with encrusted crystals that cascaded in a waterfall design down the length of her dress.
As Rey finished her veil, she asked Rose, “This is your big day, Rose. Are you nervous?”
Rose shook her head. She knew what she was getting herself into when she met Hux. The First Order General now Grand Moff was an interesting challenge to behold: a man with a sharp biting wit, an equally razor sharp mind that challenged hers at every turn and a delicious ginger man who could rock her world in bed. (And seriously, he could really rock her world upside down. Literally.)
“Rey, I’m totally ready. I think I’ve been ready for a while,” Rose said looking at her maid-of-honor.
“That’s good to hear,” Rey smiled.
Phasma just finished arranging her beautiful bouquet of red roses and stepped over to hand them to Rose.
“You look absolutely fabulous, Rose,” Gwen said with those sharp blue piercing eyes filled with mirth.
“And you are so ready,” chimed in Kaydel with a quick smile.
Meanwhile, Kylo Ren, Dopheld Mitaka and Cardo, one of the Knights of Ren all gathered around Armitage Hux. Kylo Ren, his best man, was getting the last touches of the tailored jet black tuxedo on Hux. He adjusted the red rose in his right breast pocket with the First Order insignia pin on it. He was immaculate and cut a debonair silhouette.
The mood was quiet and busy. Cardo, who was in charge of making sure the ring was on hand, was polishing it with a cloth. Dopheld took the lint roller to inspect Hux’s tuxedo for any remnants of dust. Next, he walked over to inspect all the groomsmen to ensure everyone was lint free. When all was said and done, Hux glance in the mirror one last time.
“You look good, Hux. And I know you’re ready,” Kylo Ren smirked.
“This is the big day,” Cardo chimed in.
Dopheld merely nodded in reverence. He was a quiet man who often observed others before speaking.
Hux looked both pensive, even though his expression was unreadable.
Inside, he was happy, yet he half wondered, “What is Rose thinking right now? Is she ready for this? Life with him? Forever?”
He hoped that the answer would be a yes. For him, he felt ready for an eternity. There was no other woman that he wanted more than her. That much he knew.
Downstairs as the guests filed into their seats, the murmuring of many people echoed throughout the grand hall. Everyone on both sides of the galaxy were here in attendance. There were even a few Separatists here as well. Finally, they were here to witness the symbolic unity of two sides that achieved the impossible: Enemies that became lovers. There was a reconfigured 21st century piano with current, 35th century technology to power it without a player. It played The Flower Duet by Leo Delibes from the opera, Lakme. This was a classic from old Earth’s 19th century. Many of the guests were captivated by how lovely the operatic voice’s blended with such an angelic quality. It was down right heavenly.
Then, it was time. Both the groom’s entourage and the bride’s entourage were signaled to go down for the ceremony. Hux and his groomsmen lined up to their assigned areas. The piano started to play, the Bridal Chorus by Richard Wagner from old Earth’s 19th century, opera,
Lohengrin. Hux raised a red brow in surprise. He knew that Rose had specifically selected many pieces from old Earth’s to be played for tonight’s reception entertainment, but he didn’t realize she also chose the piece for the actual ceremony. Nonetheless, as unfamiliar of a song to him, he did find appreciation for the music. He listened intently to it as he waited for Rose and her bridesmaids.
Poe Dameron waited by the aisle to listen and watch for his cue to take Rose down the aisle to be given away to Hux. He stood nearby Finn, who grinned broadly at the whole scene. Finally, Rose and her entourage arrived. It gave the impression of scarlet hand maidens to their ivory goddess. Rose was just a breath taking goddess in white as Hux turned to look at his bride to be. Poe took Rose’s arm and walked her down to converge with Hux, his groomsmen and the judge to marry them. (Neither of them were particularly religious, so they decided to have a civil ceremony with a judge.)
Rose smiled at Hux as she gracefully strode towards him. Her bridesmaids flowed like a river of blood. Even Hux’s groomsmen hitched a collective breath when they saw Rose’s entourage: Their women looked beguiling like sirens calling them to their deaths. As for the women’s reaction: Each of them cast a sly, smirk at the men knowing full well they had ensnared them into their wiles. And then, the innocent doe eyed expression afterwards, when they collectively took their places opposite from the groomsmen.
As for Rose, the contrast was striking: She was a crystalline goddess with her sparkling dress overflowing with the cascade of crystals. Her veil and train fanning out like a nebula. The blood red rose bouquet standing out in contrast to her ivory innocence. To onlookers, she was an ancient goddess with her hand maidens in sync to her command.
When the music stopped, Rose and Hux were standing quietly next to each other, waiting for the judge to begin the ceremony. All eyes were in rapt attention on Rose and Hux.
The judge slowly looked at Armitage and Rose, “We are gathered here today to unite not just two political factions who have forged an unbreakable peace, but two people who represent that unity in life. They have cast aside their differences to become one. We honor that choice not just for their people, but for themselves personally.”
The judge intoned the following, “Will you take Armitage Hux in life, be forever entwined in amicable times and in hardship?”
“I do,” Rose said with a smile.
“Will you take Rose Tico in life, be forever entwined in amicable times and in hardship?” The judge intoned.
“I do,” Hux replied looking at Rose intently with those emerald green eyes.
“Please exchange the rings on each other’s fingers,” instructed the judge.
Cardo stepped forward to hand both rings to the couple. They exchanged rings and placed them on each other’s respective ring finger.
“By the power invested in me, I pronounce you both, husband and wife,” said the judge.
“You may kiss the bride,” the judge said.
There was a thunderous applause, cheers and collective whistles from the guests.
The First Order Rebellion band were going to be the highlight of the reception tonight. As soon as dinner was served, they glanced at each other across the table to cue each other to be ready. The whole crew knew that Rose specified no alcoholic beverages before the performance. Everyone needed to be in tip top form and completely ready to go when the dinner ended for them.
Rose, Rey, Kaydel, Gwen, Poe, Finn and Dopheld all marched out quickly together. They needed to get out of their wedding outfits to set up their instruments, test the microphones, set up and move the stage with the stage crew. (Rose was particular about having it set up a certain way for the solos, duets and of course the backup singers and dancers to have room to perform with ease.) So while, Kylo, Hux and the Knights of Ren spoke to the guests in the massive ballroom about toasts to the new couple and jokes about matrimony, the band was hustling to set every detail to perfection.
Occasionally, one could hear a loud screech of the movable stage or the hurried sounds of the musicians and singers warming up instruments and their voices. The staccato sounds of high heels hurrying back and forth to get outfits ready and set for each set could be heard far backstage in the dressing rooms. Nervous giggles of the ladies came from all directions. All the women singing backup and dancing chose the sexy, glittery black slip dress with a daring slit in the front. They chose to keep their hair unbound with a matching glittery, black clip to one side. Rose stepped out with her fiery red glittery slip dress and matching red kitten heels. The men folk performing tonight kept it simple: Jet black button-down dress shirts, black dress pants, paired with matte black dress shoes to match.
When the First Order Rebellion band was ready, everyone took their places, along with many bottles of water for the performers. Rose stepped up to the microphone.
She took a deep breath before she spoke,”Good evening Imperial wedding guests! We have a special treat for you tonight besides the wedding and reception. Please welcome our one and only, First Order Rebellion band!”
There was a thunderous applause and cheers.
“Before we start our first song, tonight’s line up will be a variety show of both sweet, innocent and romantic as well as spicy, smoldering and a little scandalous,” Rose paused with a smile.
The crowd murmured with laughter and looks of genuine intrigue.
“But I promise you it’s all in good fun. Anyways, the first and second songs on our set list are Can’t Fight The Moon Light by LeAnne Rhimes and Love Don’t Cost A Thing by Jennifer Lopez,” Rose concluded.
As the ballroom lights dimmed, the spotlight beamed a warm light on Rose who was looking looking quite intently at Hux.
The opening guitar chords along with the drums strike loudly and then softly the melody plays cuing Rose to sing. Her voice is both liltingly beautiful and lyrically capturing the essence of how the singer conveys the outward romantic mood. The singer is telling her beloved that the moonlight will capture you, which is inevitable and that he will fall under her spell. Rose strides slowly across the stage, eyes locked on Hux as she intones the verse. Her expression is loving and gentle as she gestures many times to her heart.
Kylo glances at Hux and asks, “She really has gotten you, hasn’t she?”
Hux simply looks at Kylo. He is composed, but inside thinks, “Rose, you are the one person who really speaks to my heart.”
When the song ends, Rose smiles at Hux, while the audience claps and notes that it’s their song, judging by the way Rose and Hux exchange deep looks into each other’s eyes.
Just as the applause dies down, Rose dives right into the next song, Love Don’t Cost A Thing by Jennifer Lopez. The introduction to the beat is fierce and commanding as Rose declares what probably many people wondered about: Did she marry him for love? The answer is: Yes, I married you for you, not for money or power. That is what Jennifer Lopez’s song reiterates in every verse and chorus: I want your love, time, attention, so long as you treat me with kindness and respect. I can get all the material things on my own even if you were poor. The message definitely strikes a positive chord with the audience.
Many of the guests smile and declare to their partners,” See, I told you. Rose would marry for love. She’s too down-to-earth to be a gold digger. Plus, she’s smart.”
Hux actually smiles at the message of the song as he watches Rose dance and sing to the beat.
Kylo catches he rare smile and teases him, “Is that a smile I see on your face, Hux?”
Hux gives him a look, “Yes, Ren it is.”
The song ends with chorus fading to black. Rose smiles and takes a pose as the audience applauds with excitement. She smiles and winks at Hux before announcing the next three songs on the set list.
“Before I launch into the next song, I want to send out a personal thank you to the Knights of Ren. You guys were the first ones to notice that Hux and I didn’t get along and did get along eventually in more ways than one.” Rose smiles and winks before continuing, “Seriously though, thank you so very, very much Knights of Ren for your very observant eyes and minds with a touch of humor always. You guys will always be my brothers in arms. Now, the next song for those of you who love a good love story. You know how you have that friend that is completely clueless about that guy she hangs out with likes her? Well, this is it: Something to Talk About by Bonnie Raitt.”
The Knights of Ren pump their fists in the air and cheer, “Hey, anything for you and Hux!”
Collective shouts, whistles and cheers echoed throughout the crowd.
Even Hux who was composed in his seat was thinking inside, “That is so true. Those Knights of Ren really did notice even the volatile emotional chemistry between Rose and I!”
Even Kylo Ren couldn’t help but tease Hux good-naturedly, “You have to admit my guys got you and Rose pegged from the beginning. Good instincts, huh?”
All Hux could do was nod. Then, the lights began to dim and the spotlight went on the band and the singers/dancers.
The humming of the backup singers give rise to the backdrop of the introduction of the song. Rey, Kaydel and Gwen sway and gracefully dance to the melody. Then, the steady strum of Poe and Finn’s guitars signaled Rose’s cue. Rose sways and dances with her backup singers as she sings the verse. She illuminates to the audience about how the singer is going on a rumor about what other people think is a possible relationship that is blossoming. The singer says she was pretty clueless to all the signs that the guy likes her. So, why not run with it then? The song is playful and teasing as it gives the feeling of “I didn’t know he liked me! We should give them a real romance story!” The verse and chorus only add to the easy waltz-like quality to the song, much like the way a couple would slow dance to a love song.
Hux looks at Rose and watches how the audience reacts to the song. Obviously, the crowd loves how adorably she narrates the story in her song.
There are murmurs that float throughout the crowd that remark,”I can see both of them like that, totally clueless. It’s so sweet.”
As the song ends with the repeating chorus and fades quietly into silence, the audience claps with fervor and cheers. At this point in time, Kaydel and Dopheld switch instruments swiftly. Kaydel is on drums, while Dopheld will be readying himself for harmonica solo for the next song. Poe and Rose will be singing the duet together. Rey and Gwen will sing backup and dance.
Rose smiles brightly and quickly announces the next song, “Instead of the entire night of way too many love songs, we wanted to dedicate something fun and upbeat for all of you. So, Go First Order and Rebellion Nation!”
There is an uproarious cheer and whistles from everyone at that, “Go Rose and Hux!”
“The next one is, Timber by Kesha and Pittbull is a song of celebration and fun. So, let’s hit it!” Rose shouts and gave a snap of her fingers.
Then, the frenetic electric sounds of Dopheld on harmonica solo and Finn ripping on the bass guitar echo the ballroom. Poe and Rose sing with wild energy and basically turn towards the crowd to command them to sing and dance while they sing verse and chorus, back and forth. The audience responds in kind as some pour onto the dance floor dancing with wild gyrations to the music. Even some of the elderly First Order Moffs hit the dance floor with other elderly Rebellion generals just shaking it along with the reckless abandon of youth.
Kylo and Hux just stared at each other and said silently, “Are you seeing this?! It’s just ridiculous!”
Hux just shook his head in embarrassment for some of the people shaking it. People you seriously don’t want to witness shaking their rumps.
He muttered, “Utterly absurd!”
Meanwhile, Kaydel was just killing it on the drums. Gwen and Rey gracefully danced with vigorous allure on the extended stage. Rose and Finn were commanding the crowd, their chemistry totally electric.
The song ended in a tremendous crescendo of cheering and laughter. Everyone was breathless from the intensity.
Rose grabbed the microphone again and called out equally breathless as her audience , “Hope that wasn’t too intense for you guys! Because we are not done. We’re going to jump to the beat on the next two!”
The audience roared their approval.
With the opening notes of Bang, Bang by Jessie J.,Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj, the song hit them like a shockwave. Rose, Rey and Gwen owned the stage, their voices sliced through the air with pure power. The song was a battle of perspectives: The bad girl’s wild temptation of schooling a guy with carnal activities versus the good girl’s confident allure. The women displayed the narrative with effortless swagger.
Kaydel sang backup on the chorus, while the trio danced and sang the verse. The audience was absolutely losing their minds as they spun, danced and swaggered to the melody.
As for the Knights of Ren, they were pounding their fists on the tables, screaming out the chorus with fierce tenacity.
Kylo and Hux exchanged glances that only said, “What the hell is happening?”
But they had to admit they liked it.
The night was still very young and Rose was riding high on the audience’s energy. She took the microphone once more, her dark eyes twinkling with mischief.
The room quieted down to see what was next.
“As promised, the next couple of songs are for you all! So, come on up and dance. And I really mean dance!” Rose smirked.
Then, suddenly the blaring horns of Britney Spear’s, The Circus signaled the start of something slightly raucous and wild.
Rose prowled the stage with sensual confidence as she sang directly to the audience, commanding them to join in, participate. Rey, Gwen and Kaydel line up behind her imitating her moves with the same sensual grace and energy. Their movements were fluid, deliberate and serpentine. Rose commanded them all with a flick of her wrist.
The guests were hypnotized and gave in to Rose’s commands. They spilled on to the dance floor, mirroring her sultry, rhythmic movements.
Kylo and Hux were silent and completely riveted by the women on stage.
Hux had only one thought in his mind as he watched, “I cannot wait for this night to be over, so I can make Rose mine.”
Kylo was in his own spiral, “Kriff, I didn’t know Rey could dance like that…I wonder what other talents she has.”
Even the Knights of Ren were dead silent. Their eyes were locked onto the stage, completely hypnotized by the dance.
Then, Rose looked straight at Hux, “What do you think of me now, my dear good Grand Moff?”
Hux’s jaw twitched ever so slightly. But something in his emerald green eyes burned with amusement and something else much deeper.
The performance was a spectacle. When it ended, the entire room erupted into cheers.
As the applause died down, Rose wiped a bead of sweat from her brow.
She picked up the microphone with a grin, “I know the burning question of the night is, did Hux and I always get along?”
She paused to smile, “Not really.”
The audience exploded with laughter at the answer.
Even Hux chuckled, shaking his head.
“The next song, I Want to Get Him Back by Olivia Rodrigo will explain everything. But before we start, Knights of Ren, I need to tell you something. When your girl gets mad at you, do not automatically think we’re all crazy, okay? We just process things differently,” Rose says looking at the fierce warriors.
The Knights of Ren sat up straighter, nudging each other, their curiosity piqued.
Rose continues, “Just try to think of it as a process all women have…before we decide what to do with you guys.”
The Knights of Ren erupt into raucous laughter. One of them wiped a tear from his eye, laughing, “This is going to be good.”
The audience roared with laughter at Rose’s delivery.
Then, she glanced directly at Hux with an evil smirk, “Isn’t that right, Honeybunny?”
The crowd gasped and hollered, eating up the scene.
Hux returns very composed reply and smirk, “Right as always, My Love.”
His smooth repartee delivered another round of applause, whistles and cheers.
Kylo Ren watches the exchange, shaking his head.
He then turns to Hux, “I think you’re in for a big surprise, Hux.”
Then, the first rolling, playful notes of Olivia Rodrigo’s, I Want to Get Him Back filled the room.
Rose demonstrates the verse with great mock frustration and over the top devotion, echoing everything that was in Olivia Rodrigo’s heart at the time. The singer conveys all the dual conflicts in her mind and heart: There’s her wanting to restore the relationship but at the same time wanting revenge for all the negative qualities the guy has. And she cites what those problems were in the relationship: He was egocentric, he had a bad temper, he made sexual innuendos at other women, specifically her friends and lastly the couple argued about everything. The song is very comedic and absolutely funny when you hear it. But the singer also points out how some times she really misses the guy because he truly was a lot of fun with very weird friends, too.
With the ladies and the band echoing the chorus refrain, the audience joins in, too.
Kylo leans into Hux, grinning as he nudges his arm, “Is that what Rose thinks of all your friends?! In other words, we’re all weird?!”
Hux smirks, not missing a beat, “Really Ren? Must you be so literal? It’s Olivia Rodrigo who describes the boyfriend’s friends as weird—not necessarily you in particular. But maybe…at times, it may be so.”
Kylo chuckles again and raises a brow, “Well, take a look at us, Hux. We have me, you, Dopheld, all the Knights of Ren, Supreme Leader Snoke—may he rest in peace—and a bunch of stormtroopers. I think that may count as weird friends. So, I was just checking.”
Hux shakes his head with a quiet laugh, “Fair point.”
As Rose got to the highlight of the song, she became more exaggerated and comical in her expressions with the verse.
Hux, who remained his Grand Moff composure, finally couldn’t hold back a chuckle.
Rose dramatically turned toward Hux, widened her eyes and then stuck her tongue at him.
That was the breaking point.
The Knight of Ren lost it. Two of them, actually fell out of their chairs laughing.
Kylo couldn’t repress a smile. He laughed out loud.
The Imperial officers and Rebel officers called out in unison, “Hux, your wife is a firecracker!”
Another guest called out, “ You married a legend!”
Kylo wheezed, clapping Hux on the back, “You and Rose make the enemies to lovers trope so classic!”
Hux smirked and replied cheekily, “Speak for yourself, Ren. I distinctly recall Rey leaving a nice little scar on that face of yours.”
When the music faded to black, Rose took a bow. She smirked and said, “Thank you, thank you! I hope that satisfies your curiosity!”
Then, she turned back to Hux and gave him the heart hands gesture and said, “I love you, Armitage!”
Hux, without hesitation, stood up and called out with complete warmth, “I love you, Rose!”
Kylo clapped Hux on the shoulder again, “Congrats, Hux. You got yourself a fine and amazing wife!”
The crowd all stood up cheered, “Go Rose! Go Hux!”
After the cheers ended, the band and the performers took a brief intermission. Dopheld, Finn and Poe took a moment to get their instruments, microphones, more bottled waters all ready for everyone. Rose and her ladies took a strategic retreat backstage. When they returned, the impact was instant. The audience buzzed with curiosity as the ladies strutted onto the stage, now dressed in shimmering red, v-neck cat suits with flared bottoms and matte black, flat-heeled boots.
But before the next song could begin, Rose stepped up to announce the next song.
“This next song is for those of you who ever got jealous over an ex,” Rose stated it with a very amused look.
“And by the way, you guys cannot still say your girl is crazy after this song. The fact is, emotions run high,” Rose says to the Knights of Ren, with a slight tilt of her head.
The Knights of Ren immediately start snickering and nudging each other.
Then, Rose gazed at Hux, very slyly, “Isn’t that right, Armitage? You and I would know personally on that topic.”
The entire audience tensed and they waited to see what Hux would say in turn.
Hux just raised a red brow, totally unfazed, “There’s an old saying, it takes one to know one. If you understand what I mean?”
The crowd gasped and murmured. They knew exactly what he was referring to: Melinda Moore and the luncheon episode. The holonet gossip tabloids plastered that one all over the galaxy.
But Hux continues, locking eyes with Rose, “But since what’s in the past…it will remain in the past. There’s only the future with you.”
Rose let a slow smile spread across her face, “Well then…I rest my case.”
The audience was totally unsure of whether they just witnessed an intense moment or playful banter between Hux and Rose all held their breath at the interaction.
Then, after a moment of silence…cheers erupted!
Murmurs drifted through the rooms with,
“The attitude on both of them is insane!”
“I love how dramatic they are!”
“Plus, this has been the most fun wedding I’ve been to in years!”
With a triumphant flick of her hair, Rose launched into the very dramatic opening of Olivia Rodrigo’s, Obsessed. She conveyed with great emotional turmoil: The jealousy, the conflicted admiration and the very irrational frustration. She lived it.
As she strode across the stage, her backup singers swayed behind her, mirroring her aggressive, emotionally charged movements.
Rose dripped with over hyped emotions of how the singer couldn’t stop comparing herself to the boyfriend’s ex-girlfriend, even when there was no reason to be obsessed over it.
As for the men’s reactions, let’s say it was silent. Kylo and Hux exchanged glances.
The Knights of Ren collectively looked at each other to say only one thing, “Good God! Who knew women get so emotionally wrapped up about someone from a past relationship?!”
Hux was lost in his own thoughts and he realized two things:
One, Rose loves him. She is possessive of him and it secretly delighted him.
Two, Melinda Moore was a real test for them. He knew it had hurt Rose more than she would ever admit. Honestly, it made him feel a little guilty.
After all, wasn’t he sitting here seething very silently over other guys drooling over Rose tonight?
By the end of the song, people were fully entertained by the display of emotions. They clapped and cheered wildly.
Rose steps up quickly to the microphone, “I hope that wasn’t too intense for you guys because we are not done, yet. Not even close. But before we begin, this next song goes out to all you single guys out there. I know every wedding has one too many lovey-dovey mushy songs that you all have to endure. Serious, ad nauseaum! “
Laughter ripples throughout the audience, many of the men nodding their heads in agreement.
“Because seriously, I know I would feel that way, too if I wasn’t up here entertaining you all,”Rose says with a chuckle.
More laughter ensues after that remark from everyone.
“But most of all, Knights of Ren, I dedicate this song to you. If you listen to the lyrics, it might just change your perspective on women, single life and love—as crazy as that sounds,” Rose smirked and paused for dramatic effect.
“Basically, the song is about a guy who falls for a girl that loves him, hates him, humbles him, too and yet he still loves her anyways. He even admits that it would have been simpler to have dated someone less complicated, but he just can’t help himself,” She continued to explain, as she glanced around the room at all the men, who looked most amused.
Guys from both the First Order and the Rebellion let out a cheer and raised their drinks in salute.
“And one last thing, you guys can interpret the last part any way you want,” Rose added with a playful glint in her eye.
The crowd cheered again, already feeling the excitement build.
“Anyways, The Other Side by Aerosmith!” Rose concluded.
From the first note, the room exploded with energy. Kaydel Konnix stepped forward, raised her trumpet. The audience gasped in intrigue. No one expected this. Kaydel had spent ten months preparing specifically for this moment.
The sound ripped through the air, bold and crisp, igniting a rush of anticipation in the crowd. It was electrifying! As she finished the final note, the band kicked into overdrive.
The band kicked into overdrive, the bass thrumming deep into everyone’s chests. Poe and Dopheld driving the powerful beat on bass guitar and drums. Phasma and Rey swayed and danced to the infectious beat, singing backup harmonies with perfect timing.
With this, the entire dance floor erupted with Rebellion guys dancing with First Order girls. Then, First Order guys inviting Rebellion girls to go dance out on the floor with them.
The Knights of Ren were surprisingly rocking it out, shouting the out loud along to the chorus.
Finn and Rose owned the stage, trading vocals with electric chemistry. Rose took the chorus, her voice sultry and commanding, while Finn channeled pure Steven Tyler energy, his voice gritty and wild as he belted out the verses.
As for Hux and Kylo, they both found themselves loving the song, both for the melody and for the meaning of it. For the first time in their lives, they both understood exactly what Rose had meant. Rose and Rey were the chaos in their very structured worlds. They were the ones who challenged them, frustrated them and yet, completed them.
Both men saw the fusion of both those worlds: Rebellion men dancing with First Order women and First Order men dancing with Rebellion women into that wild, wild abandon of the song.
The war was over. And this is what peace truly looked like.
But before the song ended, Poe Dameron took center stage. With deft and precise strokes, he ripped into the instrumental solo, his fingers danced over the frets like lightning.
The women in the audience cheered, whistled, screamed his name as he rocked it out for them.
Then, the song eventually fades to black. The crowd goes insane with applause, cheering, some guests jumping up and down, hugging their dance partners.
Rose and Finn share a triumphant look before bowing. The band grins, totally exhilarated from the rush.
Rose looks at Hux and blows him a kiss.
Hux smiles and thinks, “What a woman!”
As soon as the commotion dies down, Rose and all the band members take a quick intermission to grab some water and recover from the electrifying performance. When they return better hydrated and revved up to perform the last song of the night.
This time Rose and Rey step up to the microphones, with very mischievous smiles on their faces.
“Alright, single ladies and single gentlemen, this last song is for you specifically,” Rose said still with a cheeky grin.
“We will be singing for you, Bed Chem by Sabrina Carpenter. You know how when you’re first starting to date and think about the courtship game…then you think about a lot of the courtship game in bed?” Rey added very slyly.
Rose grinned, “But don’t worry, it’s all spicy and fun! It’s also a reward for all you good guys out there.”
“So, enjoy!” Rey and Rose called out to the crowd in unison.
The crowd murmured excitedly with a mix of amusement and anticipation.
Kylo and Hux were both trying to stay composed, but their smiles couldn’t be hidden.
Plus, both men were internally thinking, “I can definitely relate to this!” This was especially true of Hux.
The introduction was soft, sexy with playful undertones of innocence, highlighted with staccato sounds of the drum in the background. The synthesizer hums the playful melody in sync with the light strum of the bass guitar.
Hux listened to the lyrics and the more he listened, he realized: This song is literally about me. Rose sweetly describes in the verse how the singer meets a handsome guy in a white jacket with an accent who is an acquaintance of the singer’s friend. It goes on to describe how the singer admits she’s is smitten and cannot hide that she wants to know more about the courtship in bed.
Hux chuckled to himself and thinks, “Rose, you sly minx. You planned this!” Not that he minded, of course.
As the sultry teasing melody went on, Rose and Rey sang with sweet, coy innocence. The ladies would glance around the room at their First Order men, smile with grace as they swayed gently to the music. They alternated verses, their voices light and sweet at first, then growing playfully suggestive as the song unfolds. The lyrics highlighted how the attraction between this handsome acquaintance and the singer have that spark of chemistry that ignites into the fire of curiosity of whether or not the reality of intimacy would be better than in her imagination.
As for the audience, they loved it! Some of the guests were grinning so hard their faces hurt. The Knights of Ren thought the ballad was disguised as cleverly innocent, but raunchy in nature. The blend of sweet innocence and naughty suggestion was enough to make them laugh at the irony. Even First Order officers and Rebellion pilots smirked at each other. Even the most disciplined men couldn’t help but relate.
When the final chorus hit, the song ended on a flirty, lingering note. The audience gave the ladies a standing ovation. Rose and Rey exchanged wicked smirks before bowing. The band and the backup dancers, too, couldn’t hide their grins as they bowed.
Hux and Kylo just looked at each other, thinking the same thing, “Kriff, our women are hot! I can’t wait to test the bed chemistry tonight!”
As the festivities wind down, laughter and contentment eco through the grand ball room of the Imperial Palace. Rose returns to the center stage one final time, her voice calm and sincere.
“Thank you everyone who has sung, danced and played your hearts out tonight! The very last song of the night is an old Earth classical piece called Waltz in E Flat Major, Grand Valse Brilliante by a composer named Frederic Chopin,” Rose addressed the audience with a warm smile.
She continues, “Basically, it was a great waltz that showcased the gaiety of elegant society during the late 18th century in a country called France. Tonight, Armitage and I will demonstrate that waltz for our final song. Please join us if you feel inspired.”
Stepping down from the stage with fluid grace, Rose crosses the floor. Hux, watching her with subtle pride and affection, strides confidently to meet her in the center of the dance floor. Without a word, the couple take their waltz position.
The piano begins with lush, vibrant tones, flowing with grandeur. The graceful notes of the synthesizer fill the room, simulating the brilliance of a concert grand piano.
Hux and Rose move in perfect harmony. Their dance, months in the making, reflect the elegance of the music. Despite their height differences, they maneuver the intricate footwork with stunning ease. Each spin is controlled yet, expressive. Rose’s colorful dress flutters like the wings of a butterfly as Hux carefully spins her around on the dance floor. Each turn executed with precision and style. It is a display of unity, love and practiced trust.
The audience is in awe. Many couples hesitate at first, watching the fluidity and complexity of the dance. Eventually, they join: Rey and Kylo take to the floor, a bit slower but smiling with each step. Kyree and Gwen follow, then Dopheld and Kaydel join in, trying to mirror the poise of the lead couple. The rest of the guests either clap along or sway softly at their tables.
As the music swells to its triumphant crescendo, Rose and Hux spin one final time—full, fast and flawless. Then, they pause together in the center. Hux bows with grace while Rose curtsies with radiant elegance. They meet in a passionate kiss at the close of the waltz.
The crowd erupts with cheers, applause, whistles and the thunderous pounding of fists from the Knights of Ren.
Rose turns to Hux, her voice full of love, “I love you, Mr. Hux.”
Still holding her in his arms, he replies, “I love you, Mrs. Hux.”
Another kiss and lingering glance, they kiss again tenderly and passionately.
With that, the night comes to a beautiful, unforgettable end—one worthy of legends.
That night, after hours of dancing, laughter, music and celebration, the grandeur of the Imperial Wedding slowly gave way to a more intimate world. Behind closed doors of their private suite in the Imperial Palace, Rose and Hux found themselves entangled in each other’s arms. They made love into the twilight hours. Their bodies spoke of what words could not: years of tension, longing, trust and finally union. For Hux, there was immense satisfaction and gratitude to have Rose—His Flower completely. For Rose, all the torrent of emotions finally at rest. As they both blissfully fell asleep, Rose curled into the warmth of her husband’s arms.