Hux must have fallen asleep, because he woke up to the buzz of the comm outside the door. "General?" a tentative voice said. Hux glanced over to see what time it was, and mentally cursed. 0700. He never slept in that late. Kylo's lanky limbs were draped over him, so he gently pushed them off and got out of bed, starting to put his uniform on.
"What is it?" he asked sharply.
"The Supreme Leader wants to see you," the man answered.
Hux cursed internally again. He wasn't ready yet. He hadn't had enough practice. "I'll be there shortly," he answered.
"Uh, also, we can't find Lord Ren, sir," the man continued, his voice trembling slightly.
Hux cursed a third time. "Did you check his quarters? The training rooms?" Hux asked.
"Yes, sir," the man answered. "We checked all of his usual spots."
Hux quickly made a decision about how to proceed. It wouldn't do for anyone to find out that Kylo was actually in his room. So he went abruptly to the door and opened it. The officer outside saluted. Hux stood to the side. "Get inside, now," Hux ordered. The officer looked confused, but he obeyed. When he saw Kylo in Hux's bed, he looked even more confused.
"Ren," Hux said, glancing over at him to make sure he was awake. "Can you make him think you were in your quarters the whole time? Or wipe his memories? If not we can kill him, but I'd rather not." The man was trembling now.
Kylo slowly sat up on his elbows looking around a bit disoriented. Why was he in Hux's quarters? He remembered as he listened to the exchange between Hux and the man outside. Running a hand through his hair he sat up looking at Hux wondering how he planned to handle this. He was surprised when he opened the door and pulled the messenger in. Looking from Hux to the officer and back he hesitated a moment. "I don't know... I've never done that before... I've read minds but I haven't altered memories," he said watching the man quake in fear. "I can try but it might break his mind," he said looking back at Hux. "What do you want me to do?"
Hux considered their options. "Just try it. If you break his mind, we can just kill him." The officer radiated fear, but Hux was semi-impressed he didn't try to make a run for it or protest. His men were well-conditioned, his father's program was very efficient. And with the tweaks Hux had made to it, he had to say it was near perfect.
Kylo nodded and walked over to the man grabbing his head between his hands. He reached out with the Force pushing his way into the man's mind. He concentrated hard, plucking away the memories of the last thirty minutes. The man spasmed in his grasp, and when Kylo released him he reeled back stumbling. Kylo grimaced and gripped his shoulder pushing him out the door and into the hallway. A moment later the officer looked around wondering what he was doing there and why his head hurt so badly. He slowly wandered off dazed. Moving back across the room Kylo went into the fresher and splashed water on his face. "It should hold..."
Hux watched the display with a smile on his lips. Kylo really was powerful. He felt a little shiver run through him at the thought of that power at his command. He followed Kylo into the fresher and gelled and combed his hair. Then he turned and kissed Kylo, long and hard. "You're amazing," he said, looking into his brown eyes. He considered how to best go about going to see Snoke. "You go first," he told Kylo. "Make your way to Snoke's holo room. I'll follow in five minutes. If anyone sees you leaving my quarters, wipe their memories."
Kylo turned looking at him and kissed him back eagerly. Drawing back slightly he looked a bit puzzled. "I am? I mean... of course I am. But why exactly are you saying that I am?" he asked raking a hand through his hair and pushing it back into place. "I can do that... if that's what you want then that's what I'll do," he said moving to the bedroom to finish dressing.
Hux laughed. "That much power, it's incredible." He stepped out into the bedroom as well, and put on his belt and boots. Now that things had calmed down, he was able to refocus on how nervous he was. If he failed to withstand Snoke's scrutiny, his plan would be ruined. "Good," Hux said, glancing at the chronometer. "I'll see you in a few minutes."
Kylo nodded disappearing out the door and making his way to the conference hall. Walking in to the room he couldn't at first figure out what was so strange and then he realized that he was bare foot, wearing the loose pants and shirt he'd followed Hux in the day before and without his mask. Shit. He stood awkwardly feeling like a fool and tried to summon a plausible excuse for his appearance.
Hux waited for five minutes, and then followed Kylo. He schooled his face into its usual impassive mask, but he still felt his nervousness in the pit of his stomach. When he entered the room, he nodded curtly to Kylo. As the hologram flickered to life, Hux dipped his head slightly in acknowledgement.
The Supreme Leader stared impassively at them for a moment, not saying anything. Hux concentrated on reports he had to file later, the organization of his datapad, the status of the troops. He felt a light brushing against his mind, but it was gone quickly and he sighed in relief. "General, give me a status report," he finally said. Hux gave him a brief rundown of their numbers, morale, and budget. When he finished speaking, Snoke flicked his eyes to Kylo. "And what is the status of your knights?"
Kylo completely ignored Hux and studied his bare toes as the General gave his status reports. When Snoke spoke to him he flicked his eyes up at the towering figure then back down. "They stand ready to do your bidding, Supreme Leader," he said quietly.
Snoke looked down at him and nodded slightly. "It is time to complete your training. General, you will bring my apprentice to me." Hux was surprised by this turn of events, but he kept thoughts running through his head of his troops in formation, the humming of his ship. "Yes, Supreme Leader," he said. Snoke nodded once again and the hologram flicked off. He turned to Kylo, wanting to see how he would take the news.
Kylo looked up sharply clearly caught by surprise. He said nothing however. Once the hologram vanished he rubbed his eyes. "I can't believe I forgot what I was wearing."
Hux laughed. "Well I happen to like what you're wearing. It's much easier to get off you. Besides, I think it looks cute." He brushed against Kylo in a brief kiss, then sighed. "I suppose we'll have to get packed then." This was setting his plan in motion far sooner than he had expected, and he hoped he would be able to get Kylo on his side still.
Ren looked over at him and instantly reached for him when he kissed him so lightly, but then he remembered where they were and he dropped his arm back at his side. He smiled that slow, slightly pained smile glanced down at his bare feet on the cold tile floor. "I suppose..." he said, turning towards the door. He was nervous, much to his dismay. He'd been so eager for the end of his training for so long, but now that it loomed in front of him he was worried and that irritated him. He started to say something but thought better of it and nodded at the General before disappearing heading to his quarters to clean up and pack.
Hux watched Kylo's retreat, then made his way to his own quarters. He efficiently packed for a week and then made his way to the landing bay. They would make their way to Snoke in a shuttle with a two Stormtrooper escort, they would act as the pilot and copilot, and also as guards. The Stormtroopers stood outside at attention, and Hux nodded at them as he walked inside. He made his way to his quarters and put down his luggage.
Kylo took his time. He cleaned up and dressed in his usual gear before putting on his helmet. His personal luggage was a simple shoulder bag. Walking down to the hangar he entered the shuttle in silence and walked down to his quarters setting the bag down on the bed. Crossing to the viewport he watched as they launched and left the Finalizer behind. Hooking his fingers under his helmet he unlocked it and lifted it off setting it aside.
Hux unpacked his things in his quarters, then went to find Kylo. He stood with him on the viewport, watching the stars. "I heard Darth Vader was a great pilot," Hux said conversationally. He had also heard Han Solo was a great pilot, but Hux knew if he brought that up Kylo just might kill him. "Are you a pilot?"
Kylo knew who it was without looking around. Only Hux would enter his quarters without permission, not that he minded. He stared out at the space around them and smiled faintly. "He was the best pilot in the Empire. Completely fearless," he said enthusiastically. "I..." he hesitated frowning as he remembered his first time touching the controls of a ship. Aboard the Falcon on his father's lap. His jaw clenched and he stared hard out the view port. "I was never certified but I can fly. I'd like to be as good as Lord Vader someday," he said quietly.
Hux smiled at Kylo's enthusiasm. He always was a big fan of his grandfather. He saw Kylo's hesitation, and then nodded. He left Kylo's quarters, pulling off his gloves as he did so. He went to the bridge. "Are the coordinates set in?" he asked the troopers.
"They are, sir," the pilot replied.
Hux nodded, took out his blaster, and shot them both in the head. It was made easy by the fact that neither of them were wearing their helmets. He replaced his blaster on his belt and put his gloves on again.
Kylo smiled as he looked back out the window seeming to be in a better mood again when Hux left him. He stripped off his cloak draping it over the back of a chair and picked up the helmet when something strange flitted through his mind. Fear. There was a sudden bright flash of fear followed by nothing. Kylo frowned trying to find the source again but it was gone. It had been on the ship, he was sure of that. How could it just vanish? Maybe someone just tripped, but no... he should be able to feel that. Relief or embarrassment or something. Not nothing. Walking to his door he opened it looking down the hallway.
Hux walked back toward Kylo's room. When he saw him sticking his head out, he paused. "Ah, Ren," he said. "I need your help to take care of the bodies. We'll have to put them out the airlock, but I'm not strong enough to drag them to it with all their armor." He turned and walked toward the bridge again.
Kylo was silent just watching him for a moment. Bodies? That explained it. He'd felt the flash of fear right before death. He slowly left his room and followed Hux to the cockpit looking at the dead men. "Why did you kill them?" he asked looking at Hux and leaning down to seize both by the back of their collars to drag them for him. He didn't seem upset by the death of the men, just confused as to what Hux was doing.
Hux shrugged. "I don't know if I could go a whole week acting coldly to each other. There are no secrets on a shuttle this small. And when we arrived at Snoke's, he would be able to easily read their minds. I figured it's better to get rid of them so we could have some time to spend together. Besides, the shuttle will mostly be on autopilot the whole way, we only really need a pilot for the last stretch."
Ren drug the men behind him towards the airlock listening to Hux's explanation. He felt a twinge of irritation. So that's why he'd asked if he could fly. It wasn't because he was actually interested, he just wanted to make sure Ren could bring the ship in before he killed the pilots. Well... he supposed it was better to be prepared than to do what he would have done and killed them first and then wondered about it. He hefted the bodies into the airlock and closed the sealed door before venting the airlock and dumping the corpses into space. "I can pilot for the last stretch," he volunteered knowing Hux expected him to. He looked over at him. "That's good planning on your part."
Hux followed after Kylo as he dumped the bodies. He watched the bodies slowly drift away. It was strangely calming. "Thank you, Ren," Hux said, kissing him on the cheek. "That would be very helpful." He shrugged. "I suppose so. I always investigate the possible outcomes before I make a decision." He leaned over and kissed Kylo's neck. "Why don't we retire to my quarters now that we have some privacy?"
Kylo watched the bodies float away as well but he didn't feel one way about it or another. He looked over at Hux. "You're welcome..." he said still getting used to the General being kind to him. He smiled faintly lowering his chin a bit when he kissed his cheek. "I would have done the opposite. I'm too... impulsive... I guess," he said looking back at the bodies now far behind them, just little specks that vanished a moment later. He nodded at Hux's suggestion. "Alright," he said letting him lead the way back to his quarters. He pulled off his gloves as they went tossing them into his room as he passed the door.
Hux laughed. "That you would have, Ren. That's why we're good for each other. We complete what the other is missing." As soon as they were in his quarters, Hux turned and kissed Kylo fiercely. He didn't give much time before his tongue was poking around in Kylo's mouth, and he pulled lightly on his lower lip with his teeth. He needed Kylo, and he didn't know how much preamble he could stand.
The knight nodded in agreement thinking that was very true. He could be trusted to handle sudden situations and Hux was reliable when it came to planning ahead. It was a good combination. Entering his chambers he started to speak and was instantly silenced by the kiss. He returned it eagerly, his hands hesitating before resting on Hux's waist. The pull on his lower lip brought a soft moan from the knight, something about it seemed possessive to him and he didn't mind. Which surprised him. With anyone else most of what Hux did and said to him would be enough to land a light saber through their guts. Hux's orders and actions only excited him.
Hux stepped forward when Kylo put his hands on his waist, encouraging him that he had done the right thing. Kylo was definitely getting better at this. The kisses weren't so sloppy, and he seemed to know what to do with himself more. Hux pulled away from Kylo's mouth and then kissed his neck. Then he pulled back, catching his breath. "Clothes off," he said, then quickly took off his own uniform, folding it less neatly than he usually did. He turned to see if Kylo had complied.
Kylo was trying to learn and this desire to grow better made him more obedient than usual. He undid his coat shrugging it off and letting it land on the floor without caring. Next came the boots, the shirt, and then his pants and shorts. Naked once again he looked over at Hux flexing his fingers a bit nervously. For some reason he was always nervous now in Hux's presence as if he feared it was all some kind of elaborate joke.
Hux smiled when he saw that he had obeyed. "Good, Kylo," he said. He took a moment to appreciate Kylo's body before he pushed him backwards onto the bed. He crawled over him and then they kissed again, hot and fierce, before Hux slowly kissed and licked his way down Kylo. He bit his neck, not enough to draw blood, and then continued down. He licked his nipples, then his stomach. He licked briefly at Kylo's cock before grabbing the lube he had brought from his luggage.
Kylo stumbled slightly before he landed on the bed with a small bounce. Lifting his head he met Hux's mouth eagerly sliding a hand into the short ginger hair while his tongue invaded his mouth. He learned quickly. He released his hold on Hux's hair and rolled his head back with a groan as the General worked his way down his body leaving patches of heated, flushed skin in his wake. His breath coming quickly he felt himself tensing at the sight of the lubricant and closing his eyes, taking deep breaths worked to relax. It was an automatic reaction, one still wedged under the fact that he was trusting Hux in ways he had never trusted anyone before. It was a strange feeling to be so incredibly open and vulnerable to a man who had once been seen as an enemy. It made the entire thing even better in his opinion. The lowering of his guard, the surrender of his will and power. It was why he'd become so obedient, if only in bed. "You were planning this even though we are going to see the Supreme Leader?" he asked a little surprised and impressed by Hux's gall.
Hux smirked. "It always helps to be prepared." He poured some lube onto his fingers and then carefully poked his fingertip in. Kylo was still relatively open from their last encounter, and his muscles quickly relaxed, allowing Hux to push his finger all the way in. He managed to get two in without too much difficulty, angling them slightly to hit Kylo's prostate. After he got three in without too much difficulty, Hux lubed his cock, throbbing with need. He entered as slowly as he could, need overtaking him.
Kylo took a deep breath exhaling slowly and wondering if that would ever not feel strange. At least it didn't hurt this time. The sudden spike of pleasure made him gasp, his hips lifting off the bed for a moment. Slumping back he bit his lower lip trying to keep from squirming. He tilted his he reaching up and gripping Hux's waist as he pushed into him, his fingers digging welts in his skin.
Hux paused a moment to let Kylo's muscles relax around him before he started thrusting. He grabbed Kylo's cock and stroked it deftly. He gasped with the pleasure as he thrust in and out. Kylo felt so good, he never wanted to give this up. "Kriff, Ren," he muttered. He brought his lips to Kylo's for a sloppy, messy kiss, filled with gasps and heavy breathing. He started thrusting harder, faster, angling to hit Kylo's prostate with each thrust.
Kylo wound his arms around his neck moaning eagerly. His hips jerked moving with him easily falling into rhythm with Hux as if they'd done this for years. He met his mouth, kissing him back with equal vigor panting against his lips. Tangling a hand in his hair he moaned his name, his legs winding around him. When he bucked up suddenly gasping Hux's name sharply he'd knew he'd hit it.
Hux very much enjoyed the sound of Kylo's moans. And he loved it when he said his name. He didn't know how much longer he would last. He pounded a few more times into Kylo, then felt himself spasming with orgasm. He kept stroking at Kylo's cock through his haze.
Kylo felt he had no control when he was with the red haired man. Tilting his head back panting, his fingers gripped onto him tightly as he came. He slowly relaxed under him breathing heavily as he felt Hux spending himself inside of him. Closing his eyes he untangled his limbs from around the general letting him slide off to lay beside him. Hesitating a moment he turned onto his side and curled up against Hux using his shoulder for a pillow and closing his eyes.
Hux gently stroked Kylo's hair. It was so soft, unlike the rest of him. They just laid there like that for a while, Hux gently stroking Kylo's hair. Then Hux decided it was time to at least test the waters for his plan. He should take advantage of Kylo's post-coital state. It might make him more agreeable. "How loyal are you to Snoke?" he ventured.
Draping his arm across Hux's stomach he was practically purring in his blissful state. He was perfectly content to lie there forever. He shifted against Hux and tilted his head looking at him a bit surprised by the question. How loyal was he to Snoke? He'd never thought about it. It was Snoke who had shown him the path to the Dark Side, it was Snoke who had trained him and given him his current status. Laying his head down again, he considered. "The Supreme Leader taught me everything I know... I should be completely loyal to him..." he said quietly. Should be. He knew he should be, so why was it that every time he even thought of Snoke he felt a strange uneasiness and a distinct wariness. Should be is not the same as is, that little voice in his mind whispered. Was this some kind of test? Had Snoke arranged this to test his loyalty? He looked at Hux again. "Did... Did the Supreme Leader ask you to test my loyalty? Is that what this about?"
Hux processed this information. Should be. That was distinctly different than is. He felt a little flutter of hope that his plan would work after all, that he could get Kylo on his side. But he had to be cautious about this, and not scare Kylo off. Without Kylo, he had no plan. He ran his fingers soothingly down Kylo's cheek. "No, Ren. Nothing like that. I was just wondering." He went back to stroking Kyo's hair. After a few minutes, he asked, "And how loyal are you to me?"
Kylo relaxed again and smiled at the soft touch of his hand. Laying his head back he tightened his hold on Hux and made a low, rumbling hmming sound. "Very..." he said honestly. "I'd kill anyone who tried to hurt you," he growled, knowing that he would. Anyone who tried to harm Hux was going to find themselves the experimental subject of Ren's Force powers. He'd always wanted to see if he could use the Force to tear someone apart. "Why are you asking me this?"
Hux liked the sound Kylo made. It made his chest vibrate in a pleasant way. He was pleased with the way things were going so far. He didn't know whether it was too early to tell Kylo everything. But he felt like the moment was right. He continued stroking Kylo's hair. "I think we should kill Snoke." He braced himself for his reaction. He would not be too surprised if Kylo killed him, but he had his cards on the table. There was nothing he could do about it now.
Kylo's whole body stiffened and he lifted his head looking at him to see if he was joking. No... Hux didn't really joke and certainly not about something as serious as treason. Which was what this was. Kill Snoke. The one who had shown him the power of the Dark Side. Could he do that? His confusion and inner argument played out openly across his face as he considered. The alternative of course was to denounce Hux as a traitor and kill him and that he couldn't do. Snoke or Hux? Hux or Snoke? His mask usually obscured his all too open and emotional face. Closing his eyes for a moment he sat up sitting on the edge of the bed looking at the lightsaber dropped on the floor in his hurry. "Alright..." he said agreeing to something he knew he couldn't back away from. He looked at Hux over his shoulder. "You cured me... I knelt at your feet. I've never knelt at Snoke's." He nodded slowly becoming more comfortable with his choice. "If you want to be Supreme Leader then I'll kill Snoke for you."
Hux's body grew tense as he waited for Kylo's decision. He could see Kylo was torn about it, and he expected him to be. He just had to see if Hux or his master won out for Kylo's loyalty. When Kylo sat up, Hux braced himself, ready for the worst. But his words took him by surprise. Slowly, a smile spread across his face. "Your loyalty is appreciated, Ren," he said, trying to quell the excitement that rose within him. This had been his dream, his right, since he was little. And now it was about to come true. "When I said we, I meant it. I won't be able to do much besides distract him with my blaster, but I'll be by your side." He smirked. "And I prefer Emperor." He cautiously scooted closer to Kylo and took his hand. "Will your knights be loyal to you or Snoke?"
Ren watched him and smiled that slow, painful smile at Hux's declaration that he'd be at his side. That meant a lot to him. He was used to having to handle things alone and for Hux to put himself in danger... all for Kylo's sake... the knight knew he'd made the right choice. He gave Hux's hand a slight squeeze looking down at their joined hands. "Their loyalty is to me. Or it should be. I'm not worried, I can best any of them if I'm forced to," he said quietly wondering if Hux knew how hard that was for him. He'd be turning his back not only on Snoke but also on the Knights of Ren. He knew deep down that such sentimental attachments were supposed to be beneath him but then why was he helping Hux? He lifted the general's hand kissing the back of it and resting his cheek against his knuckles. "If you want to be Emperor then I will make you Emperor," he said looking at him. Hux had given him back a feeling of warmth that he thought was long dead. It was an exploitable attribute and a weakness because it meant he was thinking with his heart and not his head. It also made him deadlier because he'd destroy anyone who threatened Hux. Hux had created his own personal monster.
Hux nodded. "That's good." It was one less thing to worry about. He knew most of the First Order would be loyal to him after Snoke's death, he had been more present to them anyway. And Hux knew most of them wanted what he did, expansion of the First Order, rather than the obsession with finding Luke Skywalker Snoke seemed to have. There would be some who defected, or tried to dissent, but Hux would have them dealt with. Hux grinned. "Emperor is a much better title than Supreme Leader, in my opinion. And you will be my right hand, of course. My tremendous knight who strikes fear into the hearts of any who oppose us." His eyes were shining with the vision of the future.
Kylo nodded his head moving over to wrap his arms around Hux's waist, resting his head on the ginger's shoulder. "They will fear you. I promise," he said meaning every word of it. He'd destroy anyone Hux wanted destroy. He'd decimate planets, bring star systems to their knees, wipe out entire races if Hux indicated that was his wish. Kylo was starved for approval and affection and having found both in Hux he was ready and powerful enough to turn the entire galaxy on its ear for one man. "There will be no one who stands in your way, my emperor..." he said kissing his shoulder softly.
Hux felt grounded by the head on his shoulder. It reminded him that he was not Emperor yet, and though a critical step had been taken, there were still many to go. He still had to be careful, to plan carefully for any unforeseen circumstances. Hux shivered at the kiss and the name. It filled him with a heady sense of power. He opened his mouth when the alarms started. Cursing, Hux quickly pulled on his briefs and pants and ran to the bridge to see what was wrong. "Asteroid field," he said, looking at the control panel. "Think you can get us through it, Ren?"