[Kylo redoubles his mental shields when he realizes he'd been open enough to let the thought leave him, even though obviously Hux doesn't have the ability to get in his head without his permission. It's an automatic reaction when he's already feeling defensive, and he's still refusing to look at the other man.]
We've been allies. That's not—
[It's not the same, having allies doesn't mean you're not alone. Ren merely shakes his head instead of finishing the thought, however; Hux knows what he means, surely. They were allies when they hated each other. (When did he stop hating Hux?)
[He's well-aware it's not the same thing and now he's torn between clarifying what he meant or just leaving this all be. Hux already feels that he's said too much, especially to someone that he's hated for a long time. It's not the case now, but the point still stands.
However, the thought of just saying nothing is just as unappealing.]
...I know.
[There, saying enough without saying too much, hopefully.]
[The acknowledgment only makes Kylo Ren feel more conflicted. It makes him come to a realization of something that's been lurking, something he knows has been gradually coming to the surface as of late:
This is dangerous. This is—sentiment. It's weakness. It may be the end of him if he allows it to continue, and he cannot take that risk. He cannot make the same mistakes as those before him. Even if they are allies now, that may not be the case in the future. Hux just admitted he's the kind of man to twist a situation to his advantage, and Ren has no illusions that he'd be immune from such a thing if it came down to it.
But—is it better to quash it now, deal with Hux in the same distant way as before and make the both of them angry and hateful once more? Or does he let it be while they're here, simply make a vow to ignore anything resembling attachment when they return? It's a vow he's made regarding his family, but the next time he sees them in their galaxy, they'll be the enemy. He's already determined in this.
Hux is different: there's no doubt in his mind he'll see the general often as they work towards the First Order's goals.
He doesn't know what to do. So instead of confronting the issue, he stands up from his chair and turns towards the house.]
It's getting late.
[It's a thinly veiled excuse. But he can't face this right now, in front of Hux. He needs to meditate on it.]
[Hux is just sure of himself that he'll be able to separate any attachment or friendly feelings toward Ren once they return to their galaxy. There's just no other option and he is more than willing to throw the knight under a bus if the situation calls for it back home. Ren knows and Hux holds himself to the same standard as well. The First Order will always come first and any personal sentiments will go away when the Order comes into play.
This is just... different. A chaotic world without the Order and thus building trust is important. It's unfortunate that he's grown to almost like Ren, but the consequences of doing so here is not significant at least.
Everything is surely professional and strategic still, right?]
It seems so. [He sees the excuse, but doesn't call him out on it. He'll let Ren retire for the night.]
[Ren makes a gradual fist with one hand as he moves away in slow strides, guiding the Force to pull the ashes over the fire and smother it. Only a small flicker of flame is left by the time the man steps inside, leaving Hux in near-darkness.
Over the course of the night and the next morning, his confusion and uncertainty will turn into hate for his own weakness, and that will turn into the sort of rage that he can only deal with by striking things and screaming. Without his saber, all he has are his hands and the Force. But he'll manage.]
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lostapprentice) wrote2035-01-06 02:37 am
no subject
We've been allies. That's not—
[It's not the same, having allies doesn't mean you're not alone. Ren merely shakes his head instead of finishing the thought, however; Hux knows what he means, surely. They were allies when they hated each other. (When did he stop hating Hux?)
His voice is quiet when he speaks again.]
Forget it.
no subject
However, the thought of just saying nothing is just as unappealing.]
...I know.
[There, saying enough without saying too much, hopefully.]
no subject
This is dangerous. This is—sentiment. It's weakness. It may be the end of him if he allows it to continue, and he cannot take that risk. He cannot make the same mistakes as those before him. Even if they are allies now, that may not be the case in the future. Hux just admitted he's the kind of man to twist a situation to his advantage, and Ren has no illusions that he'd be immune from such a thing if it came down to it.
But—is it better to quash it now, deal with Hux in the same distant way as before and make the both of them angry and hateful once more? Or does he let it be while they're here, simply make a vow to ignore anything resembling attachment when they return? It's a vow he's made regarding his family, but the next time he sees them in their galaxy, they'll be the enemy. He's already determined in this.
Hux is different: there's no doubt in his mind he'll see the general often as they work towards the First Order's goals.
He doesn't know what to do. So instead of confronting the issue, he stands up from his chair and turns towards the house.]
It's getting late.
[It's a thinly veiled excuse. But he can't face this right now, in front of Hux. He needs to meditate on it.]
no subject
This is just... different. A chaotic world without the Order and thus building trust is important. It's unfortunate that he's grown to almost like Ren, but the consequences of doing so here is not significant at least.
Everything is surely professional and strategic still, right?]
It seems so. [He sees the excuse, but doesn't call him out on it. He'll let Ren retire for the night.]
no subject
Over the course of the night and the next morning, his confusion and uncertainty will turn into hate for his own weakness, and that will turn into the sort of rage that he can only deal with by striking things and screaming. Without his saber, all he has are his hands and the Force. But he'll manage.]