[He gives Ren a look and while there's some resentment coming from Hux, it's not as blinding as it would be if he actually cared about Snoke. It's not like Hux didn't have thoughts of getting rid of the Supreme Leader. Honestly, it's a goal that he's been wanting to reach, but Ren beat him to it. No, the thing he's upset and angry about is Ren's hold on the title... and that he only went through with killing Snoke because of the girl.]
No. I hate that you took the title of Supreme Leader for yourself and choked me. [Nevermind the fact that Hux would've killed Ren if he didn't wake up in time.]
[At another time, Kylo may have pointed out the fact that Hux was the one to give him that prestigious title. He might have laid out the differences between this place and their galaxy, reminded the other man that their feelings are vastly different between the two. As it stands, he simply remains silent, his lip quivering for the briefest of moments, his eyes downcast in shame and grief over the fact that the man he loves apparently hates him. (Not that Armitage hasn't reminded Kylo of this fact many times before.)
At this point, he doesn't know if an apology would even do any good. Would Armitage even acknowledge it, let alone consider it sincere? Instead of trying to make his case or deflect the blame, he decides to simply take whatever Hux may want to say to him. He knows that the general simply wants to be angry with him whenever these things happen, and Ren has no intention of stopping him this time.]
[Now there's anger building up with that hatred. How dare Ren look that pathetic in front of him-- a far cry from the man that not only choked him, but threw him against a wall in front of his own officers. Humiliated him. He looks far more pathetic than when he last witnessed him back home, kneeling on the ground in that base in Crait.
Except now, he's upset because of Hux.
He should feel powerful to have this much control over Ren, but instead, he just feels that nagging guilt that he loathes so much. Why should he be the one to apologize?!]
[Kylo will ask for no apologies. With everything he's caused over the past several months (years), he has no right to.
He can only assume what Armitage might mean by his command, but Ren knows the other man well enough to feel assured in his guess: Hux doesn't want to see him looking sorry for himself. So he attempts to do as requested, hardening his expression and tightening his jaw to approximate the bitterness he's more accustomed to feeling, even if it can't quite reach the hopeless, hurt look in his eyes or the dull ache in his chest.
[Ren's attempt to rid himself of his pathetic behavior completely failed, at least in Hux's eyes. In a way, he even seems more miserable than before. Gritting his teeth, Hux tries to shove aside his urge to console Ren, just focusing on why he's angry at him in the first place.
At least that's easy for him to do.]
Tell me, Ren, why are you still here? Why haven't you run into the arms of that scavenger yet? Some misplaced obligation to me?
[There's a distinct confusion in his frown when he finally turns to Armitage, not understanding why the other man would think he would simply leave and cut him off—especially in the face of the very fact Hux himself pointed out: Rey left Kylo behind.]
[He doesn't answer that question for a long time, as various thoughts go through his head. No, he doesn't necessarily think that he means little to Ren, but not as much as that scavenger. When it comes down to it, Hux is rather certain that Ren would choose her over him, despite everything they went through together.
Maybe he's jumping to conclusions, but she has the Force. Ren betrayed the Order and Snoke for her. Hux doubts Ren would do the same for him. Besides, wouldn't be the first time a person from Jakku took away something that he wanted.]
Don't try and tell me that you'd pick me over her.
[As much as he tries to think of where he might have gone wrong to make the other man assume such a thing, he can't come up with anything concrete. He kept the secret of who killed Snoke, and why, yes—but is that really enough to negate everything they've been through?]
Why would you think that? [If he comes across as a little desperate, he wouldn't even deny it.] I love you. That hasn't changed.
[Hux actually softens slightly when he hears those three words. Such weakness, to have his mind swayed by them, but he can't find himself holding onto his anger. He knows that Ren means it; he's not the type to say something like that just to manipulate him (that's something Hux would do).]
You're still willing to stay by me?
[He doesn't mean to come out so pathetic, but there's a deep insecurity in his expression that Hux can't hide.]
[Wanting Armitage to be closer won't make anything happen on its own, as easier as it would make things, so instead Kylo gets to his feet to approach in a few slow steps. He reaches out hesitantly for Hux's arms, hoping he'll accept the touch.]
I could never leave you. [Guilty, he turns his gaze to the floor for a moment before he looks back up.] And I'll never lie to you again. I promise.
[He steps closer to Ren, wordlessly allowing him to grasp onto his arms. He's never the type to ask for contact, but it's still obvious that he wants his partner to be close with him with now. It doesn't help that Hux is feeling pathetically vulnerable too. Guess it's a side effect of Ren saying those words to him.]
You promised now, just like before. [Ren's true to his word, right? He hasn't abandoned Hux so far, although he just learned that he betrayed Snoke for one girl. But it's different with him, right? Because Ren actually cares about him...
[The fact that Armitage does move closer is enough for Kylo to feel a bit relieved, and some of the greyed living room returns to its former brightness. His right hand moves down to grasp Hux's left, fingers curling around where he knows the green ring to be.]
[Ren will certainly find the ring on Hux's hand, despite the glove covering it. He hasn't left the house without it, even while he was upset with him. As much as he hates being sentimental, the ring brings a certain comfort to Hux. It's a reminder of Ren's promise...]
...As long as you feel that way, I won't leave you either. [He admits quietly, but sincerely.]
[Kylo lets out a shaky breath as his shoulders relax slightly, the words reassuring him in a way he didn't know he needed to be. He supposes he was as worried as Hux was, in a way, even if the fear didn't arise consciously until just now.
He pulls Armitage into his arms, not wanting to get too emotional all over again. He can only handle so much.]
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[He gives Ren a look and while there's some resentment coming from Hux, it's not as blinding as it would be if he actually cared about Snoke. It's not like Hux didn't have thoughts of getting rid of the Supreme Leader. Honestly, it's a goal that he's been wanting to reach, but Ren beat him to it. No, the thing he's upset and angry about is Ren's hold on the title... and that he only went through with killing Snoke because of the girl.]
No. I hate that you took the title of Supreme Leader for yourself and choked me. [Nevermind the fact that Hux would've killed Ren if he didn't wake up in time.]
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At this point, he doesn't know if an apology would even do any good. Would Armitage even acknowledge it, let alone consider it sincere? Instead of trying to make his case or deflect the blame, he decides to simply take whatever Hux may want to say to him. He knows that the general simply wants to be angry with him whenever these things happen, and Ren has no intention of stopping him this time.]
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[Now there's anger building up with that hatred. How dare Ren look that pathetic in front of him-- a far cry from the man that not only choked him, but threw him against a wall in front of his own officers. Humiliated him. He looks far more pathetic than when he last witnessed him back home, kneeling on the ground in that base in Crait.
Except now, he's upset because of Hux.
He should feel powerful to have this much control over Ren, but instead, he just feels that nagging guilt that he loathes so much. Why should he be the one to apologize?!]
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He can only assume what Armitage might mean by his command, but Ren knows the other man well enough to feel assured in his guess: Hux doesn't want to see him looking sorry for himself. So he attempts to do as requested, hardening his expression and tightening his jaw to approximate the bitterness he's more accustomed to feeling, even if it can't quite reach the hopeless, hurt look in his eyes or the dull ache in his chest.
He still doesn't look at Hux.]
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[Ren's attempt to rid himself of his pathetic behavior completely failed, at least in Hux's eyes. In a way, he even seems more miserable than before. Gritting his teeth, Hux tries to shove aside his urge to console Ren, just focusing on why he's angry at him in the first place.
At least that's easy for him to do.]
Tell me, Ren, why are you still here? Why haven't you run into the arms of that scavenger yet? Some misplaced obligation to me?
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What are you talking about?
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[So, why isn't Ren chasing her? Hux doesn't understand.]
So, I'll ask again, why are you here? Nothing is stopping you from going to her now.
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Armitage. Do you think you mean so little to me?
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Maybe he's jumping to conclusions, but she has the Force. Ren betrayed the Order and Snoke for her. Hux doubts Ren would do the same for him. Besides, wouldn't be the first time a person from Jakku took away something that he wanted.]
Don't try and tell me that you'd pick me over her.
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Why would you think that? [If he comes across as a little desperate, he wouldn't even deny it.] I love you. That hasn't changed.
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You're still willing to stay by me?
[He doesn't mean to come out so pathetic, but there's a deep insecurity in his expression that Hux can't hide.]
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I could never leave you. [Guilty, he turns his gaze to the floor for a moment before he looks back up.] And I'll never lie to you again. I promise.
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You promised now, just like before. [Ren's true to his word, right? He hasn't abandoned Hux so far, although he just learned that he betrayed Snoke for one girl. But it's different with him, right? Because Ren actually cares about him...
He doesn't think that has changed.]
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Yes. And I'm not leaving you.
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...As long as you feel that way, I won't leave you either. [He admits quietly, but sincerely.]
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He pulls Armitage into his arms, not wanting to get too emotional all over again. He can only handle so much.]
Thank you.