A Lesson to Learn

Chapter 12

***

It had sounded like the perfect day. Kylo awoke from his nap on Rey's bed (having crawled into it in favor of the couch so he could be further enveloped in her scent and lingering imprints) to the feeling that someone was watching him. His eyes snapped open to land on the angular features of a tall, pale, ginger-haired man leering over him, so close that he could almost feel the warmth emanating from his body and his breath hitting his face. But this was no man. No, this was Armitage Hux, his brother-in-law.

Kylo sat up in bed quickly as soon as he recognized the demon before him, thanking Hux's quick supernatural reflexes for moving him out of reach so they didn't collide. "What the fuck are you doing here? Finally feel bad about ditching me in that thrift store for so long? There's no way you didn't feel my loneliness through my force signature!" Kylo glowered accusingly at the man, caught off guard by his presence in Rey's room.

Hux, and all higher immortal supernatural beings, knew damn well they could reach out to each other and feel one another through something called the force by using it and their force signatures - a supernatural energy that connected all supernatural beings, especially those that were in tune to it.

A force signature was each being's unique trademark impression, allowing one to feel through the energy in order to find and seek out those you wanted to contact. It came in handy so that one could communicate to other realms without having to travel, or if you were far from somebody and still wished to be in touch with them. It worked similarly to the ring's bond in that it allowed you access to another's feelings and moods, and if you had the power to enter one's mind then you could also see their thoughts if you wished (and if the other was not powerful enough to block you out), but it did not bind you to that person in any way. Mortals had weak force bonds, but it didn't usually matter because most supernatural beings were powerful enough to find their intended target without the use of it, and it wasn't like any mortal was in tune enough or even aware of the force to use it back.

"You know Leia banned all contact with you through the force the second you were banished to your punishment, Ren." Hux said, rolling his eyes as if he had had to tell the petulant man before him that very thing a million times. And by this point, he probably had. "I only break the rules because Lilith would be worried sick otherwise without updates. Anyway, do I really need an excuse to see my favorite brother-in-law? Aren't I due for a visit? It's been some time."

Kylo narrowed his eyes at the demon before him. How many times was someone going to roll his eyes at him today? It was only cute when Rey did it and he demanded some sort of respect as The Devil, dammit! Sticking to his guns and embracing his moody childish side he snapped back, "I'm your only brother-in-law."

"The sentiment stands," Hux answered dryly. "But no, I've actually come because it has come to my attention that you requested my presence specifically. I felt your command and the pull to you a few days ago, even if Leia has done her best to dampen and cease all connections with you. And I can see, now, why you needed me. I see you've claimed a mortal."

Kylo stilled at Hux's words. How did he know that? He wasn't all knowing, and he was a lesser demon than Kylo, meaning that Kylo was powerful enough to bar him from his mind and only show Hux whatever he wanted him to see, even though Hux possessed the same powers Kylo did.

"Curious to know how I found out, brother mine?"

Kylo scowled at his in-law. Damn, they were the worst, weren't they? "We aren't brothers, Hux. Cut the crap. What are you trying to say?"

"You know you're like a brother to me, Kylo. Even if you aren't the most... affectionate. I stopped by your little party last night, saw the braid on your girl and connected the dots," Hux replied, looking down at his nails as if this was the most boring topic in the world.