The subtle darkness which shrouded him as he journeyed through each corridor and room on his way to meeting Snoke provided very little comfort to Ren. The very few individuals he passed on his travels did not bother to acknowledge or speak to him and he vaguely wondered if he was somehow subtly influencing their minds to ignore him. The thought of being forced to interact with another person after what had just occurred was inconceivable.

His mask was covering his expression as he wove through the base but even if it was not present he knew that those who viewed him would be none the wiser. His face was a picture of calm.

He felt nothing.

His rage, fear and grief had been replaced with an utter hollowness which weighed down on him with an oppressive force.

Dragging himself away from Hux's private rooms had proven almost impossible but there was little he could do to change what had been done. In the hours since the event had passed, he had secluded himself in his own rooms and made his preparations to meet the Supreme Leader.

Despite his calm, he felt an absurd well of regret as he considered the redhead but he swallowed away the lump in his throat and focussed his thoughts on the meeting he was about to attend.

Pausing outside the metal doors which led to the stone room in which he knew that Snoke was waiting for him, he took a steady breath and waved his hand across the doors to force them open.

The area was darker than usual given that the grand hologram which usually decorated the centre of the room was not present. Instead, in the stone throne which had been carved and placed in the centre of the room sat the Supreme Leader himself. His dark hood obscuring the majority of his face and Ren avoided making eye contact until he had reached his usual position.

He could feel the presence of the Supreme Leader in the air as he made the extent of his power known. The feeling of power, which generally had an intoxicating quality, now did not even truly register into his consciousness as he made the long walk up the centre pathway.

He was also struck by how physically small his master was.

While standing, the Supreme Leader barely reached his own shoulder and Ren was surprised to note that he had become so used to the hologram that he had forgotten his true size. The large throne in which he sat also emphasised his diminutive state.

Stopping before the small figure, he bowed his head into its usual deference, "Good evening Supreme Leader. I trust your journey was pleasant."

Bringing up a wrinkled hand, Snoke pulled the dark hood back and allowed his reptilian features to become fully visible, "Good evening Lord Ren. My journey was adequate and I am pleased to note how efficiently this base had become since its creation. You have my praise."

"The First Order is unparalleled in its efficiency and talent," Ren spoke with a honeyed tone, "our staff and troopers know what is expected of them and they have yet to fail."

Linking his fingers together, Snoke smiled a humourless smile and nodded in agreement, "Let us hope that these high standard will continue now that their General is no longer able to attend to his duties. I am assuming that you were successful in your mission?" He added.

Hearing the reference to Hux caused Ren's stomach to twist painfully but he kept his mind blank as he gazed with empty eyes at his Supreme Leader. "My mission was successful," he confirmed with a slight nod, "I discovered Hu-the General in his private quarters and I eliminated him there. His body still resides within the room until I have time to dispose of it."

"Excellent," Snoke clapped his hands together as he smiled, "he did not offer any resistance?"

"He was unable to, Supreme Leader. He was held into position as his life was taken." Ren confirmed, his voice strong.

"Show me."

Even though his tone was relatively pleasant, Ren could tell that Snoke was not making a polite request.

This was a demand.

Sighing at the inevitability of the situation, Ren steeled himself as he opened his mind to his master before his master grew impatient and forced his way in anyway. There was nothing which could be done now and he knew he was going to be discovered.

With the level of power and skill which Snoke wielded, Ren knew that he had the ability to enter the minds of those he wished without causing any discomfort or pain to the individual. It was a pity that Snoke wished no such thing and Ren flinched in pain as he felt the violent intrusion into his mind.

A quick summary of the events which had transpired inside of Hux's room earlier in the day flashed through his mind as they were accessed by Snoke.

As he was forced to relive what he had done, he felt the pain which he had been fighting against return with a vengeance. The hateful words which Hux spat at him, the request to flee and the eventual pleading all echoed in his ears and as he watched again as Hux's body fell from his mental grip and hit the floor. At this point, he felt Snoke tear himself out of his mind.

There was virtually no sound in the room as Ren attempted to calm his thoughts and prevent the headache which was now starting to throb gently. He had felt an undeniable shock coming from Snoke as he listened to the exchanged dialogue and discovered that his apprentice had been conducting a secret affair with his head general but Ren had also felt his pleasure at watching Hux fall to the floor.

Breaking the silence, Snoke's tone was low with danger but also held an odd tinge of happiness as it carried across the room, "So, Lord Ren, you have been deceiving me?"

"No master," Ren countered as he sensed the danger, "it simply seemed foolish to inform you of my relations when they were merely a method of passing my excess time."

Narrowing his eyes slightly, Snoke countered his point. "The General seemed to be under the illusion that there was more to it than what you imply. He is not a man who was easily fooled."

"General Hux," Ren said his name with as little emotion as possible, "was not a man who was easily fooled but even the most intelligent men can be manipulated. To use his own words, 'he was a warm option on a cold night'. You yourself saw how easily I managed to dispatch him. My loyalties lie with you, as they always have."

"Yes, there are those who are easy to manipulate," Snoke agreed and Ren felt that he was being mocked, "but you are correct. You followed my instructions as I decreed them and you have made your master proud. To kill one whom you have shared relations with is a task worthy of a true Sith."

Ren forced himself to smile but as he glanced back at Snoke, a small hint of colour to the right of the Supreme Leader caught his eye and he felt a surge of worry which he was unable to hide.

Picking up on the worry, Snoke laughed out loud and the horrible noise echoed around the room. "Do not worry, Lord Ren. Your punishment for this discretion has been waived in light of your earlier actions. You have proven your loyalty my apprentice and you are now one step closer to completing your training." Placing his arms on the arms of the throne, he added. "Your feelings of worry are unfounded at the moment."

Continuing his laugh at his apprentices expense, Snoke closed his eyes in mirth.

"His worry has nothing to do with you, bastard."

A new voice caused Snoke to snap his eyes open just as a sharp and excruciating pain made itself known in his chest.

Staring down in horror to the knife which was glinting in his chest, he turned his stunned gaze to the side and was confronted by a savage grin.

"Somehow I think it was intended for me." Hux continued as he twisted the knife slightly.

The shock of the sudden appearance immediately wore off and Snoke's survival instincts went into overdrive.

Summoning his power, he placed one hand over the dagger in his chest and used to the other to thrust at Hux.

Sensing what Snoke was about to do, Hux attempted to drive the knife in deeper and prevent the retaliation but his hand was knocked away by a shrivelled, grey one.

As the power hit him, Hux barely had time to brace himself before he felt himself being flung high into the air and away from the leader he had just attempted to murder. He could sense that he had caused a severe injury but the failure to kill him outright was a huge risk.

As he started to fall, he attempted to brace his body for the impact it would make when he struck the hard stone floor.

Watching as Hux sank the knife into the chest of the Supreme Leader, a spark of vicious joy lit up Ren's face as the pain and surprise appeared on Snoke's. But his joy had swiftly turned into panic as he watched Snoke collecting his strength to attack Hux.

As Hux started to fall from the air, Ren acted instinctively and threw out to hand to halt the prone body just as it was beginning to collect speed. A small amount of resistance met him but he easily overpowered it and just as Hux was ready to collide with the solid stone, Ren was able to freeze his descent entirely.

Breathing a sigh of relief as he lowered Hux gently to the floor, Ren quickly looked him over to ensure that he was not injured before turning his attention back to Snoke.

Even from his position several feet away from the sith lord, he could hear the laboured breathing as Snoke attempted to minimise the bleeding from his injured chest. It had taken barely any effort to override the power with which Snoke was controlling Hux and, due to this, Ren immediately understood that Snoke had been dealt a fatal wound.

He was dying and his power was weakening with every second.

Waiting until Hux had joined him at his side, he led the small walk up to the dying man.

"H-How?" Snoke hissed as he tried to keep the pair away with an outstretched hand.

Smirking viciously as he approached, Hux adjusted one of his dark gloves and answered. "How have I returned for the dead? Or how was I able to sneak up on you? Both of these questions you have no right to know and you will die without the answers. But I will say this, Ren is quite capable when given the chance."

"But I saw you die," Snoke argued, unable to accept the truth, "he killed you!" He gestured towards Ren with his eyes.

Ren answered for him, "You should know better than to believe what you see. You were always too focussed on the specifics of an event, sometimes the bigger picture can give a more rounded view. A lesson you will never learn."

"Allow me to die and you will never complete your training," Snoke spat before a small spasm overcame him, "there is so much you have yet to learn. Foolish child!"

Ignoring the comment, Ren spoke in a clear tone, "One of the lessons which Skywalker gave me, a lesson you seem to have neglected, is that sith are always expected to eliminate their master. You used me for my power and I used you for your teachings and knowledge."

Shaking his head, Ren continued. "Did you yourself not claim that my training was almost complete? What use will you have to me then? I was always willing to allow you to live until I chose to ascend to my true position as Supreme Leader but the price of allowing you to live was too high."

Cutting into the speech, Hux narrowed his eyes in contempt as he glared at Snoke. "It would appear that my life holds more value than yours, Supreme Leader. Such a shame that you found me to be so replaceable. You will die because you have threatened us both. You cannot be allowed to live."

"So you are a true sith then?" Spitting out a small mouthful of blood, Snoke sent a hateful gaze towards Ren.

Unsheathing his lightsaber, Ren allowed the red beams to emerge and it cast the nearby area in a dangerous light. "What I am is of no concern to you. But you will die knowing that like my grandfather before me, I am reclaiming what is truly mine and should always have been."

He swung the saber in one solid and unflinching arc before shutting it off and placing it back at his side.

The silence of the room was only interrupted by the soft thump of the severed head as it fell in a clean slice and hit the stone floor.

The momentum of it allowed it to roll for a few feet before coming to a stop, facing away from the duo.

Hux stood motionless as he watched the head complete its final movements. Even though he knew that Snoke would die today, he was still in mild shock.

There was no way it could be this easy.

He half expected the grey bastard to grow a new head from the neck stump and for the real battle to begin but as the seconds ticked by he realised that no such thing would happen.

They had won.

He turned to face Ren, whose face shared a similar look of mistrust and shock, and spoke in a quiet tone, "As you are no doubt aware, I received your letter."

x-x-x-x-x

His consciousness returned much more quickly than it had been stolen and Hux took in a deep breath as he became aware of his surroundings. Taking a moment to gather his wits, he cracked one eye opened and took in the sight of his private room.

A quick glance at the clock told him that less than twenty minutes had passed since he last recalled the time and he slowly attempted to rise to his feet. His legs were shaky but they supported him as he moved towards his bed.

Sinking into the welcoming comfort, he had a moment of peace before he recalled exactly how he had ended up in this position.

Rage, pure rage, shot through him as he thought of his dark-haired lover.

A bloodthirsty vengeance took a hold of his mind and he shot to his feet with a snarl. If Ren thought he would be easy to kill he was obviously mistaken. He would find the traitor and rip his heart out, a fitting death for such a betrayal.

But as he went to dash to the door, a small sheet of white caught his eye and he marched over to the wooden chair which it had been placed on.

Picking up the sheet, his eyes roved over the words which had been scrawled:

Hux,

By the time you read this I will be gone. My meeting with Snoke is at midnight and I have ensured that he will believe that you are dead. I had to force myself to believe that I was killing you or he would have discovered the deception. My intentions were never to harm you but this was the only way I could ensure that you would have the time to make preparations.

Run.

Escape to the Outer Rim and never contact me again. If I do not know your location then Snoke cannot force me to tell him when the deception is discovered. His rage will be worth the knowledge that you are alive and safe from his reach.

Despite the fact that we will never see each other again, I need you to know that my feelings for you were genuine and that I was always thankful for your company.

No matter what happens, I will carry that love with me until I die.

Yours, Ren.

Reading the letter again as he felt his rage dissipate, Hux was filled with a desperate determination which now powered his movements towards the doorway.

That was twice now that Ren had confessed some form of love for him and he now expected Hux to just disappear and leave him forever?

Unlikely.

Snoke had betrayed them both and he would be punished for it. A quick plan formed in his mind and he felt exhilarated at how risky it was.

But if they succeeded, it would change everything.

He had several hours remaining until Snoke was due to arrive for his meeting and Hux was going to see that he received the welcome which he sorely deserved.

x-x-x-x-x

"I told you to run," the false anger in Ren's voice was offset by the pleased smile which graced his face, "why can you not follow orders?"

"I think you will find that my plan had a much better outcome," Hux argued, glancing at Snoke's body for emphasis, "I dislike the thought of living in hiding for the remainder of my life. I am accustomed to a certain lifestyle."

"The only question I have is how you were able to hide your emotions so well? Even I did not pick up on your presence until I caught sight of you moving closer to his position." His surprise at seeing Hux behind Snoke had almost destroyed Hux's plan but as soon as he noticed his intentions he understood perfectly what had to happen.

Hux snorted. "Brendol Hux taught me many things. He once hired a mind-reader to teach me how to completely hide my mental presence from force-users. It was an unpleasant training experience but it did provide results. And to answer your unspoken question of why I never told you," he paused, "I suspected that I might have to use it on you one day." He shrugged unapologetically.

"Fair enough," Ren conceded, "so what do we need to do now?"

"We need to consolidate our power base," Hux's attitude immediately snapped into something more serious, "Phasma will be needed to keep the stormtroopers quiet. She is loyal to them and them to her, we will need her support to succeed but I do not doubt that we will have it. Can your Knights of Ren be depended on?"

"They are loyal to me as their true master," Ren nodded confidently, "they owed no loyalty to Snoke."

"Excellent. With our combined skills and power, we shall be unstoppable Ren," Hux gave a genuine smile as he gazed at his partner, "the galaxy will be ours for the taking. No one will be able to stand against us."

Practically vibrating with joy, Hux had one other thing which needed to be done.

Leaning in, he placed one hand over Ren's heart before catching his eye, "I read your letter Ren. I know how you feel. I did have a suspicion but to see it confirmed was...something else."

He paused. "You love me."

Without allowing Ren to reply, Hux leaned in further and placed a feather-light kiss on his lips. It was slow and gentle.

He had no need to rush, they were free to do as they pleased.

Pulling away eventually, Ren rested his forehead against Hux's own, "I suppose someone has to." He quipped but Hux could see an odd emotion in his expression which caused him to narrow his eyes slightly.

Until it hit him.

Ren was still unaware of how he felt about him.

It was his turn to make a confession.

"You know my history. You know that I have never experienced love." Hux took in a deep breath and pulled away, there was no going back now. "But then I have these moments which I cannot comprehend. First, you offered me comfort. You offered it freely while I was conflicted and I found myself accepting it, somewhat craving it even." He held up one finger.

"Second, the day I thought I might lose you in the Medical Bay while you were comatose filled me with a fear which I never imagined myself being capable of feeling." He held up a second finger.

"Third, after I allowed you to take revenge on the man who killed your father, you inadvertently asked me to love you." Holding up a hand to stop any questions he continued, "I did not acknowledge that I had heard you at the time. Not because I thought that I could manipulate and use that against you, but because I decided in that moment that I would try."

Dropping the digits, he leaned forward and grasped Ren's hand in his own, holding it between them. "Earlier, when I awoke in my room after you stole my consciousness I could have simply left. I could have easily escaped to the Outer Rim, spent my life in hiding and left you to Snoke's mercy when he eventually discovered the deception."

"I considered it," a small note of confession entered his voice, "but then I remembered these three incidents along with a host of minor ones and I was forced to recognise the fact that you have managed what no one else in this galaxy has even attempted."

Ren could sense that Hux was building up to something and his voice was tight as he asked, "And what was that?"

"You love me. Despite our differences and past history, you came to love me for no personal gain. You loved me as a person, not as an asset or a pawn, but as I am...perceived flaws included." He smirked. "But I cannot say the words back to you because I do not know if what I feel is love."

He paused momentarily to gather his thoughts for what he knew was to come next. Before him, Ren's raised one eyebrow slightly but his face was considerate as he listened to what he was being told. He did feel mildly hurt but he understood Hux's position. It was difficult to understand what you have never experienced.

He knew love.

Hux did not.

Hux could feel that Ren was waiting for him to continue and he moved forward to cup Ren's face within his warm hands which were still shaking with excess adrenaline, "But that should not dissuade from the fact that I do feel for you Ren and it is for this reason, more than any of the others, that I can stand here before you and admit without a hint of manipulation or deception, that although I do not know if I can ever come to love you in the way that you want, I will continue to try."

As he uttered the admittance, he felt the elation that was inside him swell. His words were true. His relationship with Ren had awoken something inside him and for all his, admittedly considerable flaws, he did enjoy Ren's company and crave it when he was gone.

The temperamental man had wormed his way into his life in a way which no other being in the universe could have.

They had fought against each other, fought for each other and now they had fought together and they had come out victorious.

Releasing Ren's face as they both grinned with pleasure, Hux moved to the throne which was still decorated by Snoke's lifeless body. Casually snatching Snoke's dark robes, he pulled until the body lifted from the seat and he dumped it unceremoniously on the floor. Placing himself in the seat, Hux smirked. "How do I look? Is it becoming?"

Ren couldn't help but laugh at the display, "It is a good look for you." He conceded, his veins buzzing with excitement. "So, what should our first act as rulers be?"

Ren was almost giddy with their success and Hux paused to consider his options. "We should organise a funeral parade in light of Supreme Leader Snoke's tragic death. To honour him. He may have been a bastard but he did bring the First Order to power. Plus it will allow us to clearly and openly legitimise our claim to power and present a united front. That should be enough to keep the others in their place and prevent any immediate challenges. That said, we should have a plan in place should we need to fight. A bloodless takeover is almost unheard of." Hux concluded and waited for Ren's approval.

"Sounds excellent. I shall seek out my very best funeral robes." Ren offered wryly.

"It will be easy for you since you have the luxury of wearing a mask." Hux gave a long-suffering sigh. "I, however, will need to practise my mournful look to keep suspicion off us for long enough to ensure that we can put our ascension of power into place."

Nodding in response as he stood before the carved throne, Ren tilted his head at the seated figure. "An excellent idea," he paused, "Supreme Leader Hux."

Hux grinned at the move before smirking and pulling Ren down into his lap, "Why thank you, Supreme Leader Ren."