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Political Incident - Chapter IX

Armitage Hux may have appeared as if he had never known sleep, but at this moment he also looked so ignited. One would have never guessed that he had fainted two hours ago. And Kylo’s long hours of regrets and longing seemed so distant now that the reality of Armitage’s return settled upon him. They were back to the way they had come to know each other: with raised voices and petty arguments. Only this time, neither of them were feeling any satisfaction in doing so.

-Look at yourself, Hux! I don’t even understand how you are holding yourself together in the state you’re in! -The state I AM in will be nothing in comparison to what YOURS will be when I’m on your case, REGICIDE!

Kylo couldn’t help smirking at this, replying:

-You can’t even handle me when you’re in good shape. Don’t let me make a fool of you again.

Armitage Hux’s face colored two more shades of red, not looking any less feverish. He rushed to Kylo, seizing him by his collar to bark in his face:

-HOW DARE YOU? I SWEAR, I’LL HAVE YOU KILLED!

Kylo was trying to remain calm, clenching his fists, gnashing his teeth. Why did I want him back, again? Ah, right. Guilt, he thought. Well that guilt is gone.

-Can’t handle the truth, general? Or are you even still the general, here? Are you anything at all, in fact? Your father is dead, I killed him. I shouldn’t even ask your permission for anything, not even to change the curtains!

Leia intervened, grasping the two men’s arms.

-That will be enough, Kylo! You make it sound like we want to keep Arkanis’ throne for ourselves, and that is certainly NOT the case!

Both men made a move to reject Leia’s grasp, then took a few steps back, along with Leia. They were still staring each other down as Kylo’s mother was trying to talk sense into them:

-The purpose of this conversation is not to decide whether one of you two should die, and neither of you have authority to make decisions for everyone!

Armitage gasped out, outraged:

-Right, because none of us here is the actual HEIR of the previous king!

Poe Dameron intervened:

-Your father was a tyrant. No one in Arkanis wants to go through that again. And the name Armitage Hux is not on everyone’s lips, at least not when asked who will be fit for a ruler…

Armitage Hux’s eyelashes fluttered in his shock. He then pointed at Poe, speaking in his most despising voice:

-Excuse me, who is this man? Why should he be included in this conversation?

Poe greeted him with a cocky grin.

-I’m Poe Dameron. A pleasure.

Armitage couldn’t hide his disdain when he replied:

-Oh that’s perfect. We are doing this now, are we? Inviting famous outlaws to the Throne Room! -See, the tradition continues, Kylo replied.

Before Armitage had time to continue his barking at Kylo, Poe spoke up again:

-You are so full of yourself that you can’t see the big picture. Leia Ren never had the intention to do anything else than give Arkanis’ people the ruler they deserve. You don’t seem to fit that description. You claim that throne while invoking your father’s legacy? Your father was a butcher. No one in town is looking forward to his return.

Armitage’s face was red with anger. He stomped across the room to face Poe. He was containing his fury, but you could still hear his scorn.

-I will not hear any lectures from an outsider and a terrorist.

Leia sighed, pressing her hand on Armitage’s shoulder. Contact was unfamiliar for the young Hux, and for some reason the Rens seemed quite fond of it. He was startled by her touch and looked to her as if burned by it. She said:

-Don’t start sounding like your father, child. You could be better than him. -I will NOT be told what to do by terrorists, murderers and- -There is no need for anyone to raise their voice, Hux. Will you please calm down and listen?

There was simply no way Armitage Hux would do so. He ignored Leia Ren, then, and settled his gaze on Poe Dameron and Kylo Ren. I cannot have this end with outsiders claiming the throne I have endured a lifetime of shame and suffering for. This is my right, he thought.

-Trust me, I won’t let you have your way with this, Kylo Ren. None of you, actually! I’ll have you all hanged! Murderers and conspirators! Kylo Ren left the room. He had figured there was no point in trying to talk sense into Armitage. Leia sighed and remained peaceful when she said:

-We will have to discuss this matter once again tomorrow morning, with our heads cleared. Get some rest, Hux.

Armitage scoffed while she left the room, followed by Poe Dameron. Now, only Snoke remained, who had kept strangely silent during this exchange. However, he was far from silent now as he lingered with every one of them. He was with Poe and Leia. He was arguing with Kylo. He was advising Armitage. All of them had their own thoughts, their own opinions on the situation, but doubt had settled within all of them. Snoke was prying inside their minds, and he saw this doubt. He knew how to use it. He had done it many times before. His skills of persuasion were helped by unnatural forces. Kylo and Hux were the ones he had the least trouble with, as they were both driven by violent emotions and insecurities, but also ambition.

-I want to be the King, they both told him, thinking they could be honest now that they were alone with their faithful advisor. -Will you fight him for it? Snoke asked both of them.

They hesitated.The dark lord had to push them a bit more but eventually restment won over anything else they felt toward each other.

He's a victim too, and he's lost. If i could help him...

You can't. He would never let you.

He is not mindful, probably the most irresponsible person I've ever met, but he has a good heart and since the dream I had, I...

This could never happen and you know it. He would use your feelings against your common sense.

He may be my son, but I feel like I don’t know Kylo anymore. I can’t predict his actions, and I can’t prevent him from acting recklessly. I want to trust him, but I can’t anymore.

You are right. Kylo Ren is too much of an untamed spirit. This can’t be helped, he can’t be so close to that kind of power. Who knows what he might do...

Leia still has hope for Kylo, but I don’t. I live among the people, I know what they’re saying. We have an opportunity to make it right for the people of Arkanis, we can’t leave Armitage Hux or Kylo Ren in charge and Leia is too permissive with her son. At this point, I’m starting to think even I would be a better choice. I don’t think anyone in town would mind...

You have been the leader of small factions of men, Dameron. But we are now talking about an entire kingdom. This would be too much responsibility for you.

This situation is inextricable.

No, It is not. Trust me. The solution is quite simple. Make me king in your name. Only for a while.

All of them were taken by surprise

You...King?

Is that so much of a shock to you? Am I not your faithful advisor after all?

I suppose you are. You could be king, after all. It starts to make sense, now. I can see it.

Snoke couldn’t help but grin now. He had infested their minds so easily. All it took was one seed of distrust.

***********************************************

Kylo Ren only managed a few hours of agitated sleep that night. Something warred inside him… But what? As he was sleeping, he felt like he was surrounded by steam, fumes that were putting his mind in a tailspin. He couldn’t move, he couldn’t open his eyes. He felt trapped. Something was obviously wrong but he could not pinpoint what it was. Then he heard a familiar voice saying:

Make me dream of it again. Make me dream of it again.

He felt hot, but helpless. Images flashed before him.

He saw his room in Naboo’s castle. He saw himself with Armitage Hux, their bodies intertwined in his bed and bathed in light.

That’s it. Make me dream of it again.

Kylo knew he had never dreamt of this before. But he allowed it to happen now.

Armitage couldn’t help but notice the change in this recurring dream. The Kylo of his dream now looked into his eyes with intensity, and they both knew it was the real thing. Kylo’s arms held him tighter against his skin. Instinctively, Armitage’s legs did the same around the knight’s waist. Armitage said:

-The day you killed my father… That’s the dream I woke up from.

Looking away, he then whispered, as if the confession was too shameful for him:

-That’s the last time I felt good.

Kylo pressed his forehead against Armitage’s, forcing him to confront his gaze. Their eyes were burning, not with rage this time.

-Show me how it felt.

Both shivered when he started moving. This time, Armitage was not a mere spectator of the scene. He was feeling it as if it were real.

This must never end, he thought. This dream must never stop. I don’t mind sleeping for the rest of my life. I don’t mind being blissed out and numb. This must never stop. They didn’t know who was thinking this anymore. Suddenly, both stopped their movements and looked at one another. It didn’t feel good anymore. There was someone else in the room, watching them. They were doing something that this person didn’t...allow. Armitage felt a pressure against his throat. Coarse ropes scratched around it. They were getting tighter and tighter. He was pulled away, lifted up, and gasping for air. Kylo didn’t have time to help him, as he was seized by an emaciated hand and thrown to the balcony.

He woke up before his head hit the ground. They now felt ashamed and terrified, unable to go back to sleep. Every time they thought about each other, anguish climbed inside of them. They could almost hear a voice, saying:

You won’t do or think anything I don’t allow anymore. You are mine.

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Political Incident - Chapter VIII

Having been with him since she was but an infant, Rey had experienced all the different shades of Master Luke's silence throughout the years. However, this was nothing like the boring, meditative silence or the "annoyed-by-your-attitude" silence; and even though Rey was more than eager to leave the island, her master's quiet as they grew farther from it certainly became a concern to her. Many times during their journey she had questioned him about their destination, finally turning to interrogate the accompanying sailors to learn more, as the old wizard remained stubbornly wordless during their journey. Knowing at least where they were headed helped Rey carry on with the tiresome trip. Of course, she was still painfully curious about the reason for their hasty departure, but now she was too focused on her hunger and the cold to question further. One night, around their campfire, Master Luke finally spoke. -We will arrive in Arkanis shortly. There, I will ask of you to follow my lead no matter what happens.

She nodded energetically, her moves intensified by the cold and her eagerness to understand.

-I felt evil spreading across this place. A shadow, growing above Arkanis. -You felt it... on the island? But it is so... Far from here ! -I am... connected to someone who is here. Her presence is unusual, and the malevolent aura around Arkanis does not bode well, hence our rushed arrival. (He stirs the ashes to stoke the flames) When we land, we need to be invisible. This dark force I sense is strong and won't be fooled easily. We must act with caution. Act like we belong, walk around the city like we belong. Mere citizens. His strategy will probably be the same. When the source of Darkness is identified to me, then I will tell you what measures we'll take against it.

  *****************************************

  Poe had insisted to remain among the people during the assembly. From there, he could get an idea of the situation as a whole. He could see the poor expression on Leia's face. She was obviously tired by all of this. Who wouldn’t be? Two months had passed since her son killed Brendol Hux, previously King of Arkanis, to claim the throne for himself. Brendol’s heir had not been heard of since then, and even though Kylo Ren’s reign was too short to have been proven worse than the late Brendol Hux, the people of Arkanis were not fond of their new ruler. Leia Ren had struggled to ease their discontent. She had publicly insisted on several occasions that the Rens were not there to enslave Arkanis or let it die, and that she would do her utmost to help their nation recover. She even stated that once matters were sorted, they would arrange a vote for a new ruler―one that the people see fit. Until then, they were all invited to take part in the assemblies she had organized, and speak their minds. Kylo Ren’s face was always tense during these meetings. It was obvious that he hated being here at the center of attention, in front a crowd and listening to critiques on himself and his family. He had his eyes set on a particular man who had been ranting for more than several minutes, now. Poe was not a strong advocate for Kylo Ren, but even he could admit that the individual was distorting facts. He was blaming the Rens for issues that had existed in Arkanis even before their arrival. Could two months in power be enough for hunger and criminality to appear?

-My mother was kind enough to give you an opportunity to speak your mind, and this is how you use your freedom of speech? Kylo said, poorly containing his anger.

Poe Dameron scoffed and spoke in Finn’s ear:

-What is the meaning of this, really? He'd better let his mother do the talking, he's only making things worse.

Finn looked at Kylo Ren with compassion. After all, he was the man who saved his life only a few months ago. He knew what Poe thought about him, they had already discussed it and they didn't agree. Poe thought Kylo was a tyrant in the making, while Finn couldn’t think badly of someone who had risked so much to save him.

-If he was given a chance, maybe…

Poe rolled his eyes with a smirk.

-I don’t think so. He has no idea how to handle these people. He barely knows how to handle himself.

Poe knew perfectly well where his allegiances lied. He used to trust Leia Ren and respect her decisions. Unfortunately, he couldn’t do the same for her son, and it seemed Kylo had become the one in charge of their party lately. He knew that if anything went wrong―if Kylo began to show a side of himself that reminded Poe of the late Brendol Hux―he would have to act against it. Leia was too blinded by filial love to see this dangerous possibility. Poe always thought of himself as fair―he knew he could be a better leader than Kylo. In time, he could probably convince even Finn of that.

  *****************************************

  Kylo was paralyzed. Not by dread, but by anger. The afternoon’s assembly was still on his mind, and his fists were still painfully clenched. People didn't understand him―story of his life. Stupid Arkanis. Acting like I killed a saint when they should be thanking me. I did nothing wrong. Nothing. That's all he could think about. That, and Armitage Hux's disappearance. He wanted to stop languishing over him; to stop feeling the guilt, the anxiety. How will he react when he sees me? Will he draw his sword? Will he leave me no choice but to fight him again, for the name of a father that treated him like garbage? He saw it all, in the cold night of a storm. It was like their minds had been made one, that day. He saw and felt Armitage’s swirling hatred and frustration, enveloping all around him like a drape. When he felt this, he had pushed his sword further inside Brendol Hux’s chest. They were one, him and Armitage. His hands were his. He accomplished this assassination for both of them, and for a second he felt proud of it. But Armitage left their strange union sooner that it had began, pushed away by the reality of what Kylo had done. He had let out a dreadful, silent scream. It was at this moment, Kylo realized Brendol’s heir didn’t see this murder as their achievement, but as Kylo’s treason.

When he returns, we’ll talk. I’ll change his mind, I’m sure. He hated his father. He can’t hate me more than he hated him.

Desperate to make contact with an untraceable Armitage, Kylo Ren spent all his nights after killing Brendol in the prince’s room. He couldn’t reach him again like he did during the storm, no matter how hard he tried. Waiting for a sign, any sign, he examined the room and what it contained. A simple note scrawled in the corner on a page of a well-worn book made Kylo feel closer… But that wasn’t enough. It wasn’t the real thing. Even when Kylo found Armitage’s scent still pressed in his sheets, lying on his stomach and letting his lungs fill with it―the silence looming over him was heavy with uncertainty, and it was not enough. Kylo’s lack of connection to Armitage, and the fact that nobody knew what had happened to the prince unnerved Kylo greatly. He wanted to go look for him in the woods, but his mother had her eyes (which included her own and everyone else’s in the castle) on him. He couldn’t leave the castle’s grounds at all. He had tried once, but it had proved unsuccessful. He had no choice but to wait, no matter how awful waiting felt. After this tough day of dealing with angry people, Kylo wanted nothing more than to turn in early and get some rest. However, he found he couldn’t fall asleep so easily. He was finally about to fall asleep when his body rose from the bed, seemingly on its own accord. Something tugged at the ends of his consciousness. It was this feeling growing inside of him that made him sit up, but just a feeling. Getting closer, closer to the castle. The sensation was not as strong as before, but it was there. Armitage was there. Having caught onto this thread, Kylo Ren rushed down the stairs, where he encountered his mother. She called him out:

-Where are you going, Kylo? -He’s back! The gates, mother, open the gates!

Leia had felt a familiar presence around Arkanis as well, but it was not so close to the castle. It was away, deep in the woods or in the mountains. Who could put her son in such a state? Don’t tell me…

She gave the order, deciding to follow her son’s instinct. Soon, what remained of Arkanis’ royal guard had opened the gates. Leia wasn’t sure this was a good idea anymore, for as soon as the five figures entered, she felt trapped. There was something different about Armitage Hux, she figured it even in the darkness. Was he always so slim? He was, wasn’t he? What about his face? When was the last time he had slept? Right now, he looked like he had known no sleep his entire life. The two knights of Ren kneeled at the view of their master, who approached Armitage Hux at a quick pace, then stopped right away as if facing an invisible wall. He focused on his voice, for it not to be shaky.

-Armitage Hux. -Kylo Ren.

The way the prince of Arkanis answered made Kylo pause. Dread curled in his belly. There’s something off, here. He must know of what I did, and he blames me. Perhaps Armitage hates me, after all. Still, Kylo Ren kept his eyes fixed to the other man. Until Armitage collapsed. Kylo made a move to intervene, but Phasma quickly swept in and caught Armitage even before his body touched the ground. Snoke told Phasma:

-The prince needs rest. Get him to his room, quickly.

She nodded and left, carrying Armitage now. Snoke turned to face Kylo and his mother. Kylo hadn’t even noticed the old man before, as he was too focused on Armitage Hux. For a moment, remaining silent, he asked himself: Who is he? Then, as if the answer was whispering directly inside his head, he knew his name was Snoke. Of course. Kylo now felt like he had always known him. With a gesture of Snoke’s hand, Jeha and Liel stood from their crouch.

-It is good to be back, Snoke said with a smile. -Where were you all? Kylo asked. -We were trapped in a cave, far into the woods, Snoke answered, Most of them were injured, and I’m too old to fight the unforgiving weather of Arkanis. I took care of them and we waited for the storm to settle.

Kylo nodded. He looked at the ground, asking:

-What’s happening to Armitage? Is he okay? -He will be fine, child. Don’t worry. He’s not a force of nature, but with proper care he will be back on his feet in no time.

Leia couldn’t look away from Snoke during this interaction. He noticed it, and bowed to kiss her hand, making her uncomfortable.

-Milady, your advisor has returned to you.

My advisor, Leia repeated in her head. Somehow, it didn’t sound right at all. She could feel that something was off, and tried to make eye contact with her son to communicate this, but she had lost his attention. He told his knights to come with him and followed Phasma inside the castle with determined steps. Snoke, on the other hand, had his eyes fixed on Leia’s. He was digging for her deepest thoughts, she knew it as she felt the cold contamination of his presence. She attempted to fight it, but now she could hear him, talking in her head. Your advisor is back, Milady. Don’t fight it. Be compliant. Give in, like your son. Give in to despair and confusion. It’s the only way. Nobody can keep me out anymore. It didn’t feel right at all. For only a moment, she understood. He was never her advisor. She had never known this man. Her son was in danger. Her terror reached its peak, and with it a darkness she could not fight anymore.

He was her faithful advisor.

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Crushable - Chapter VI

Where is Stensland ? When is he gonna be back from the police station ? Is he back yet? Clyde's morning was full of interrogations. So was Stensland's. Who are you? Can you prove it? Can you prove you're not who we think you are ? How do you explain the tapes we have of you with that bag? Stensland's eyelids felt heavier than ever. He only realized he kept falling asleep when the policeman kicked the table, startling him awake again. This happened once again, and he whined:

-I don't know, I don't know anything, I'm just Stensland. I'm so tired, please, can I just go? -You'll go once you answer my questions.

His voice was filled with tears, like a child's:

-But I diiiiid.

-That's not the truth and you know it. -Do I really look like a gangster to you? Please, I'm shaped like a damsel!

The questioning was not the worst of it all. It was the heavy silence that followed his unsatisfactory answer that really made Stensland squirm in his seat. That's why he would often break the silence with anything he could think of. Most often, he asked about Clyde. Where is Clyde now? Is he out of the hospital ? How long has it been? How long have I been here? Can I at least talk to him on the phone? I must apologize to him. I have to tell him I didn't want to leave the hospital. And I have to tell him that I don't…

The police officer kicked the table again. Stensland startled, and the officer answered sarcastically:

- My bad, I keep doing that. Totally not on purpose. So, what were you saying about the bag? Please focus.

Stensland didn't like this officer very much. The two others who had brought him to the station were nicer to him. They offered him water and talked to him normally, not like he was trash, like they were serving him the bad cop trope fantasy. Like this guy was.

***********************************************

Clyde didn't like the nurse in charge of him either. She wasn't very helpful, and she yelled at him every time she saw him wander outside his room. Worst of all, she wouldn't let him use a phone.

-This is America, Land of The Free, and I don't get a damn phone call. This is prison all over again.

Jimmy nodded. He understood by now that Stensland’s disappearance was making his brother restless. He decided that the best he could do was help his brother get what he wanted, even if he still did not understand it. By the look on his face, Clyde knew that his brother was thinking of a plan. He waited for Jimmy to share it with him and followed when he signalled, carefully checking at every corner to ensure the torturous nurse wasn't around. They wandered the hospital's halls until they reached Grady's room. He was with a gorgeous blonde woman but Jimmy didn't pay her mind and continued to explain the situation Clyde and his friend had gotten themselves in. Grady instantly proposed his help to reach Stensland. Clyde let out a deep sigh of relief, louder than expected. The Lady--his wife, Jimmy assumed--tried to interject:

-You're not even fully healed yet, Grady! Rest before getting back to work.

Clyde, usually taciturn and shy at heart, couldn't help but argue:

- It's... rather urgent, madam.

He felt too terrible about the last conversation he had with Stensland. Guilt was eating him alive, twisting in his gut everytime he remembered that he had made Stensland shed tears. He had those feelings for me and it freaked me out. But I didn't want to make him cry, and I didn't want him gone.

  ***********************************************

  Meanwhile, the whole police station was at a loss. What were they to do with this one? Unable to prove anything about him, unable to do anything at all really before the feds arrived. This was too big for the county police to handle--even though some were still under the arrogant impression they could still draw out a proper confession. Stensland was still just trying to remember movies where the hero was cuffed to a chair. Most importantly, how they got out of it. But all he came up with was the realization he had been cuffed to a chair only a few days ago.

If only Clyde could save my ass again. I’m so useless. A damsel, indeed. A damsel in distress. I’m a fuckin’ burden, am I not? I shouldn’t think that of myself, right? What did Grady say in the method? I don’t know. I can’t remember. Probably some clever line a doofus like me could never make up. But... What was this thing Clyde said in the diner… Something like… You won’t be safe on your own...Stick around for a while...

Clyde’s reassuring words made him feel better than any Self Love method.

I should keep my head clear and fix this mess myself.

But no matter how uplifting this resolution sounded, for now, the Fixing-this-myself part was limited to staying in this chair, and helplessly waiting for the feds.

***********************************************

Grady’s injury was less serious than Clyde’s, so he was allowed to leave sooner. But Clyde Logan had already broken out of prison once. What was one more escape? The hospital staff couldn't keep him caged here against his will. As Grady and his wife were checking out, Jimmy and Clyde rushed to the exit.

Once sure they had gone unnoticed, the youngest Logan brother felt free to retrace his steps back to the hospital gift shop. He knew that Grady had their back and that Stensland would be out today, so he needed to apologize properly for making him cry. From the short time Clyde spent with him, he was absolutely certain on what gift would please Stensland. After all, he was the one who had put a duck band aid on his prosthetic. Remembering that put a smile on Clyde's face as he paid for a rabbit plushie, complete with large floppy ears.

  Grady's wife drove the getaway car, looking none too pleased the entire time--but her cooperation said something about her loyalty. The tall men were cramped in the back. Clyde gave it no thought, however, for his heart was racing and his mind was preoccupied. He thought only of how quickly he needed to get to Stensland.

  ***********************************************

"Monty Schafer, FBI. Nice to meet you Stensland." Stensland's mouth gaped open. -You... You believe me? You know I’m not... -Of course I believe you. Anyone who has met the actual Armitage Hux can tell the difference.

Stensland laughed with relief. He felt like he had stepped one foot outside his troubles. Monty proceeded:

-However, with proper training, it could be really difficult to tell. A perfect illusion...

Saying that, he brushed Stensland's hair backward with rough fingers. Stensland double blinked at the man, clueless, and Monty just smiled and winked.

-That’s quite the story you told my colleagues, Stensland. Impressive, too. I would have never guessed you had this sense of wildness in you. With just a quick look at you, I would have never imagined you messing with criminals such as Armitage Hux.

Somehow, Stensland took it as a compliment and answered the bearded man with modesty:

-Well, I wasn’t really by myself, I was helped by Clyde. He did most of it, really. -Ah, yes. Clyde Logan. Atypical friend you have there, too. An ex-convict, if I’m not mistaken.

That question was purely rhetorical. He was the kind of man who was never mistaken.

-You do realize what serious consequences could follow with both of you having involvements with gang members. Though, with no previous criminal record, you’d be out of the danger zone in a blink. But Clyde’s case is more tricky, see. With his past and everything…

Stensland had no clue what Clyde Logan’s past was like. Anything prior to their first encounter was a mystery to him. The realization felt weird to him, considering his recent love confession to that very man. He was about to ask Monty Shafer about Clyde, but the man resumed talking:

-Let’s say - you’re quite lucky you found me at the end of your journey, boys.

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Crushable - Chapter V

In the chaos and confusion, Stensland thought: If I die today, that was a pretty kickass way to end it all. I mean. My last words were a Dawson's creek's quote. Check. I witnessed someone endangering themselves to protect me. Check. Clyde didn't need to go through all that. Yet, here we are. Caught in a cross-fire, his body pressed against mine on the ground. The first shots startled Stensland, but soon his brain shut off. He couldn't hear anything and Clyde's hair was covering his face but the rest of his senses were there, overwhelming in their sole feedback. It smelled sour, and he could feel something wet and warm on Clyde’s arm, where his hands gripped tightly.

Eventually, his hearing returned and he could hear the conversation between the last people standing. The first voice was low:

-Are you okay? -You can't ask me that after the shit you pulled just now.

Stensland recognized this as Armitage’s voice. The other repeated sternly:

-Are. You. Okay ?

After a deep sigh, Armitage admitted,

-I’ve survived worse than those fools.

Stensland didn't know what to do, but not getting caught was a start. Pretending to be dead seemed to be the best option, considering Armitage’s apparent crusade against his life.

The two men sounded intimate, and as scary as they were to Stensland, his romantic heart could hear how deeply they cared for one another. He wasn't meant to hear this conversation but, then again, he wasn't meant to be in this crossfire either. Yet, it had all happened.

-Are you hiding anything else from me? -I'm not. -You better not be lying, Kylo Ren. Because you'll be more dead than my late father if I find out you lied to me again. And this time, unlike with my father, I'll handle it personally. -Sounds fuckin' hot.

There was a silence. They were most likely smiling to each other now. Not a creepy, psychopathic smile, Stensland thought, as much as anything else was hard to imagine. Nonetheless, he heard it in their voices. He was glad their mood was improving―he saw it as a way out of his current troubles. He just hoped that they'd leave soon. He had more or less returned to his senses now, and Clyde's body wasn't getting any lighter. He had trouble breathing, especially in ways that wouldn’t make it too obvious.

Far away, the police sirens sounded like a murmur.

-We have to leave, the lowest voice said before leaving the diner in a hurry.

But Armitage Hux didn't follow him straight away. He rushed to Stensland's location and rummaged through Clyde’s pockets, retrieving his car keys. As he got back onto his feet, his eyes locked onto Stensland's. He threatened,

-You better pray that I do not run into you ever again.

Before Stensland could process what had even been said to him, the man had stomped away. Then, the sounds of a car and a motorcycle leaving. Stensland was near-fainting when the police arrived. Their yelling seemed so distant.

With Clyde’s body removed from atop him Stensland could breathe freely, yet every single breath he took was painful. The gasp he let out when he noticed that Clyde Logan was bleeding so severely felt like a hundred knives to his ribs.

They dragged them all outside on stretchers, where several ambulance cars had parked. People from the diner were testifying, reassured by paramedics. But Stensland didn't notice any of it. He didn't notice anything aside from the sight of Clyde unconscious.

***

The most uncomfortable silence had settled between Stensland and Jimmy Logan in the hospital’s waiting room. Clyde had ended up needing surgery to extract two bullets lodged in his arm and shoulder, and both anxiously awaited news on his condition.

They knew each other only through what Clyde had spoken of, and Jimmy couldn’t help but blame this stranger for his brother’s injury. He couldn’t shake the idea that Stensland was an evil manipulator, trying to get something out of Clyde’s good heart. Meanwhile, Stensland was on painkillers. He had broken ribs from the impact of Clyde’s body crushing against his, but the damage would have been much worse if the other hadn’t protected him in such a way. He couldn’t stop thinking about what Clyde had done for him. He was becoming more and more infatuated with the idea of Clyde going through all these perils just for his sake. The hopeless romantic was touched by this heroic gesture. Jimmy himself couldn’t stop thinking about what had happened between them.

-When did you meet Clyde? -Eer, uhm… I, I don’t...really know anymore… Few days ago? -And he caught a bullet for you after such a short amount of time? -Well, we… I guess It’s… Us? -What do you mean ‘it’s us’? -We have this...special something. I don’t know what he sees in me, but he’s been so kind and...

A smile settled on Stensland’s face as he sighed.

-He’s been so good to me, and I could never pay him back. -Would you do the same for Clyde? -Well, of course! -You’ll still have to prove that to me. I’m not Clyde, and I don’t know anything about your Special Something. All I see is that my little brother was shot for a guy he’s known less than a week.

No matter how hard he tried, Jimmy Logan couldn’t understand what his brother found so mesmerizing about this peculiar ginger mess in short pants.

When Clyde was finally out of surgery, they admitted him into a room. Jimmy was invited inside to sit and wait for him to wake up but Stensland was not permitted to follow for the moment, as he wasn’t family. Soon he was busy answering policemen armed with a whole lot of questions… but mostly a whole lot of assumptions.

No, I’m not Armitage Hux. I swear I’m not. I know him. A total looney that wants me dead. Why? Just a misunderstanding. He thought I had stolen something from him. A bag full of money, actually. My name? Stensland. Yes. S-T-E-N-S-L-A-N-D. No, It’s not a made-up name. If I can prove it with my ID card? Of course I… Wait, where’s my backpack? You know what? I hate my life. My backpack was in the car Armitage Hux left with. I know, I’m not too lucky with bags these days. No, I’m not messing with you guys, I swear. Don’t raise your voice like that, it’s not going to get you anywhere. And I’ll have you know, I had a tough week. Can I stop talking to you until my lawyer shows up? My lawyer? Grady. Uh-uh. From the method, yeah. I can prove it, we took a selfie together. Wait. Have you heard from him? Is he okay?

After few hours of this getting nowhere, Jimmy Logan showed up again and told Stensland: -He’s awake. He wants to talk to you.

***

The police officers followed Stensland into the room. Their questioning wasn’t over, just paused for the moment. That was good enough for Stensland: facing a Clyde with open eyes again lightened his heart. Clyde’s upper-arm and shoulder were covered in bandages. Stensland repressed the guilt he was feeling about this with bad humor:

-Are you telling me a ducky band-aid couldn’t do the trick?

Clyde gave a hearty laugh that made Stensland feel relieved at last.

-That was pretty wild, what you did out there, Stensland said. -You think so? You should see me when I’m in shape. -I can’t tell if you’re just bragging or if you are a natural bad boy under that niceness.

Stensland paused. Eventually, he dared.

-One thing that I can say is that you are very brave, Clyde. And… the nicest person I’ve ever met.

Clyde was embarrassed, as they weren’t exactly alone here. Stensland had already forgotten about their company, but he had not. However he sounded pretty serious, so Clyde tried to focus on just his words and ignore the heat coming to his cheeks.

-You know, It’s… funny. When I first met you, there was this whole...You know, misunderstanding with the bag, and… I mean… At first, I thought you were actually hitting on me.

Clyde was feeling more and more uncomfortable. It was weird enough to have this conversation with his brother; but now, with Stensland himself and in public, with cops watching… But Stensland didn’t give him any time to deny anything. He kept talking.

-And, I mean… after the time we spent together, I began to understand that it wasn’t the case, obviously. (Stensland gave a shy laugh) But you’ve been… quite adorable all this time and now I wish… I wish this could be love.

Stensland sat, obviously waiting for an answer to his stumbled confession. His beautiful green eyes were filled with tears, and his mouth was half-open as if daring to take it all back. He was expecting Clyde to say something. Anything. And that made Clyde feel so small. Two hearts were racing, their lips were trembling. They felt the same things, the same way. But none of them could possibly know that about one another. Flustered, Stensland spoke again to break the uncomfortable silence.

-I mean, the way you have protected me all this time, and the fact you’re so sweet and funny, obviously, I thought… -I’m not gay.

Stensland had an idea of how this conversation would end. This was one of the many possibilities he had considered. Still, he couldn’t have kept himself from hoping it might be different. Clyde Logan―Wild and Wonderful, delightfully unexpected. He had hoped to be surprised by him once again… but not like this. Not so that it hurt as fiercely as it did now in the aftermath. Stensland’s cheesy brain deplored the fact that the pain-killers in his system couldn’t ease a broken heart. He breathed in sharply to gain some composure, but his voice still broke when he answered:

-Okidoki.

Clyde’s anaesthetic was still altering his mental functions, but he felt the sharp blow of realizing how hurt Stensland was by this. He hated himself for being responsible for it. The officers, on the other hand, wished they could be anywhere but here, in this terse silence. They pretended to have a call to make and left the room to stand outside the door and wait for things to cool down. Clyde begged:

-Please, don’t cry.

But of course, Stensland was already sobbing.

***

No matter how dearly Stensland wanted to remain with Clyde as he recovered, he couldn’t stay at the hospital. And no matter how dearly Stensland wanted the police to believe Grady was his lawyer, that wasn’t true and everyone knew it. Without proper identification or a lawyer to defend him, Stensland had no other option but to allow the authorities to haul him to the station for more questioning. The police had been interrogating him all day now but they still weren’t satisfied with his vague answers. Now, night had settled and they couldn’t let him wander the hospital while Clyde’s recovered. Jimmy had been glad that Stensland left the hospital after Clyde fell asleep. He knew it would only agitate his brother, and that was the last thing he needed to deal with. If the guy is clean, then he’ll be back before Clyde even realizes he’s gone, Jimmy thought.

The night was so calm. Too calm, after such an intense week. The police officers turned the radio on and switched through the channels. Stensland wasn’t really paying attention to anything, though he was looking out the car’s window. At least the stars looked pretty. I wish Clyde was there, he thought. I wish I hadn’t made a fool out of myself. As if the situation could not get any worse, the car’s radio decided to rub everything in Stensland’s face, as a soft song played:

“And I can’t help Falling in love with-”

The police officer switched the radio off. Loud sobbing could be heard from the back of the car. His colleague sighed:

-Nice job, Neil. -Wh―I didn’t do it on purpose, come on!

[hello-stensy-blog]

stensy got an update and made some new friends.

[hello-stensy-blog]

Don’t know where this is from, but I love it.

[hello-stensy-blog]

Star Wars XI title prediction

[hello-stensy-blog]

Political Incident : Chapter VII

Phasma knew something was off. She was the captain of the royal army, and her role was to protect the royal family at all costs. She had begun to doubt the safety of Arkanis’ prince and their current situation. The fact that she was not the only one in their party thinking that convinced her there MUST be something going on in the old Snoke’s cave. A bigger picture that was currently eluding her.

Everyday since they had arrived here, she had internally questioned Armitage Hux’ health of body and mind. The boy had never been broad, endowed with delicate features save for his razor-sharp cheekbones. However, the last time she saw him he looked emaciated and dark circles were throwing shadows below his lackluster eyes. Every single move seemed too tiresome for him. Now that she was thinking of it, she realized that she had not seen him standing upright in days. He had been out of her sight for a while now, a few days probably, staying in the same corner of the cave in the darkness.

Phasma was next to the campfire close to the cave’s exit with the knights of Ren. She couldn’t stay close to her young master, not since the revealing of her gender made Armitage painfully cold towards her. She wasn’t comfortable standing by his side when he couldn’t even look her in the eyes or answer her. Also, Armitage was never alone. Snoke was always around, and something about him made her feel small—a feeling she never thought she could experience.

Even though Phasma was not near, most of the time she could still hear Armitage talking to Snoke. He was whispering, so she couldn’t hear anything of what they were discussing. Though, one night as she was pretending to be asleep she heard her friend talking to the elderly man about dreams he had. She remembered him saying with an exhausted voice:

-I keep having them. Over and over. I see him, from above, I see him killing my father. Then I see myself hanged. I can’t get rest. Everytime I close my eyes, I see him killing my father, or strutting around the castle with his head, calling for me. It feels so real, like he could reach me at any time. I don’t know what’s true, in all of this. I don’t know if my father is dead, I don’t know if Ren is trying to reach me somehow… but it certainly feels like it.

Phasma remembered thinking she couldn’t even recognize Armitage’s voice anymore―he was talking like a child sharing his nightmares. She had never heard him confide in anyone before, and she always thought that if he ever did, he would turn to her. He knew he could trust Phasma, he knew she would do anything if he but order her to.

Yet somehow, he chose Snoke—this weird old man that found them in the forest during the storm, this weird old man who brought them to this cave they have been unable to leave since.

He provided them with food and beverage. He kept saying that they needed to wait for the situation outside to become stable. Waiting for friendly weather, waiting for Phasma’s wound to finish healing… and whenever things looked better for Snoke’s guests, every time they mentioned packing up and leaving to come back to the Castle, somehow, Phasma’s wound began hurting her too much to leave and the wind started to blow hard again.

The knights of Ren became an unexpected source of mental support for Phasma. Without them, she would have lost her mind. They were the only ones talking to her. They didn’t feel as betrayed by her revelation as Armitage, of course. Quickly, she realized that she wasn’t the only one with a bad feeling about their situation. At night, they talked about their suspicions.

Jeha, unsurprisingly, was the most difficult to reason with. He was driven insane by the storm, the detention, and the feeling he couldn’t shake about his master being in grave danger. One night, he couldn’t stand it anymore. He almost broke the secrecy of their talks in a heated argument. He said, too loud, that he couldn’t stay here anymore, that they couldn’t stay here forever, so far from their master. What if he was in trouble, as he had sensed? Liel tried to hold him down, but Jeha escaped his grip and ran outside to the storm. Phasma and Liel went after him.

Three pairs of eyes opened wide in shock. When they had been inside the cave, they could hear and see the pouring rain outside clearly. Now they were outside, and none of them were dripping. They were as dry as they were inside the cave. The sky above them was blue. They were all very confused. They turned to look back at the cave as if it was a frightening beast.

-Alright, what’s going on here, Jeha shuddered, stepping back. -Unfortunately, Jeha, I think you might have been right to worry after all.

***********************************************

Deceiving Snoke in his sleep or leaving the cave in secret proved no easy tasks. The old man usually stayed up late and his sleep was light. When they attempted to leave, they started to feel their health decreasing, or a growing uneasiness inside of them. Sometimes they woke up remembering they had planned to leave hours before, that they were ready to go, but that was the extent of it. These precarious memories and their weakening bodies strengthened their determination, their certainty that something was off. They agreed that leaving while Snoke was still here was not the best option, and decided to try their luck while he was gone looking for supplies.

They had agreed they would need to rush out without looking back once Snoke left the cave. Everyone would need to be able-bodied, naturally excluding Armitage in their plans. Phasma still hesitated. Even though the knights tried to talk her out of considering him, she didn’t want to hear it. Armitage had made it quite clear he trusted Snoke instead of her, which was insane, but she still believed that she had not totally lost him to the creepy old man.

It was time for them to go. The knights rose painfully, rushing to the exit. Despite what they had agreed on, Jeha did glance behind him when he heard Phasma’s footsteps hastening towards the back of the cave where Armitage was kept. Jeha sighed, but couldn’t blame her for the effort. He could understand insane bravery. His own loyalty forced him to keep going, to wipe his desire to help Phasma out of his thoughts. Outside at last, his legs running as fast as he could, he whispered:

-Good luck, Captain.

Phasma could barely recognize Armitage. She never had a chance to see him since they took refuge in the cave, as he was always resting in Snoke’s shadow.

Now she was standing before him. He was slumped on the floor under what seemed to be spiderwebs. She couldn’t wake him up so she hoisted him on her shoulder, ready to go.

As she was making her way to the exit, a powerful wave struck her back, causing her to let go of Armitage. Their bodies violently fell to the ground, but the prince’s eyes only lazily half-opened. His mouth started to form a word, but a dark voice in the distance stopped him before he could say anything.

-Go back to sleep, General. Your time has not come.

Armitage’s eyes closed instantly, like a puppet’s would. Phasma’s wound had opened again, and a severe pain was rising inside of her. Nevertheless, she tried to reach him, growling, but was thrown against the wall before she could do anything. Snoke was approaching with a scornful look on his face.

-This is not the way I wanted to handle things, but you leave me no choice. Since this is how you want to repay me for my hospitality… -Your hospitality? Please, you are living in a cave!

A cruel grin appeared on his face. Lifting his hand in the air, he pulled a loud scream out of her mouth.

-I do not need to soften my methods with the rest of you. Only with him. I suppose it is no longer necessary to play the nice, accommodating old-man.

Snoke started to mumble in a language Phasma couldn’t recognize. He clenched his fist in the air, and Phasma’s whole body started to radiate with red light. Her piercing screech did not even make Armitage flinch from his serene sleep, but it did reach the fleeing knights of Ren. Jeha’s blood went cold. Snoke appeared right in front of them at the same moment. The knights drew their swords and attempted to hit the old man, but with a simple move of his finger he made their bodies freeze and radiate with the same red light that consumed Phasma.

- I’m afraid I can’t let you go so soon. See, your part in all of this has yet to come. You are all too hasty.

Jeha was obviously trying as hard as he could to fight whatever force was keeping him from moving. It was almost working. In a pained grown, he said:

-Master...Kylo… -You will return to your master, young one. In time.

Snoke sniggered, going back inside his cave. He was followed by the floating bodies of the now-harmless knights of Ren.

[hello-stensy-blog]

Political Incident : Chapter VI

The two knights of Ren and the man at their charge were braving the storm that had settled over Arkanis. The wind was slowing them down, but the knights had no choice but to follow their master’s order. They could not even imagine doing otherwise. The forest was a rugged terrain that they had crossed only once, therefore they were not well acquainted with the roads. Luckily, the poacher had a better knowledge of it. He was guiding them and they were protecting him. But the wind kept getting stronger. They were soaked by rain, and the crossing was becoming more and more dangerous. The sky was darker than ever, and the trees looked like long, dreadful limbs ready to seize them―to rush them into the howling mouth of hell―even for the knights who were used to living among them and the poacher who had wandered these woods since he was an infant. There was something apocalyptic about the setting, but they could not stop until they reached their destination. They had to entrust Finn with Poe Dameron, Leia Ren’s loyal second-in-command. To do so, they needed to go through this damned forest to the mountains where he and his companions were located. Easier said than done.

The descendant of the Hux lineage refused to make it easier for them. He too fought against the terrible weather to catch up with them, closely followed by Phasma and two soldiers.

He did not fear nature, only his father’s wrath. That fear kept him going, leading the way.  Phasma did not believe they would be able to catch the fugitives, but was proved wrong. When they encountered them, Armitage Hux shouted:

-You are not going ANYWHERE, you damned BASTARDS!

-Tsh. Bastards. Look who’s talking, Jeha deliberately provoked.

Finn was the only one desperately unarmed, while all others drew their swords.

-Don’t just stand there. Leave, Poacher. You know the way. We will keep them from running after you, Jeha affirmed.

-You may try, Phasma retorted.

Jeha took the initiative, and lunged for the first strike against Phasma. As the violent offensive began, Finn fled, leaving his saviors behind with regrets and the sincere hope that they would not meet death on his behalf.

Jeha was a daring fighter. He proved a good match for Phasma’s merciless assaults. The other knight, Liel, was cunning. He knew precisely where to aim to unbalance his adversary. When he swung his sword, the powerful blast was sure to make the unprepared enemy shift.

Armitage and Phasma, even backed by a soldier each, were still challenged by Kylo Ren’s apprentices. Armitage hated this fighting style he had already encountered―the sword blows that made him feel like a frail child, in the boisterous style typical of the  Knights of Ren. Having fought Kylo Ren, Armitage knew what to expect from his men, but he still could not do more than block their attacks. Phasma, who was known as a mighty swordsman―far more than Armitage was―had trouble counter-attacking against the brutal assaults of Jeha. Armitage heard his Captain grunt when the Knight’s sword pierced through shiny armor.  This was yet another affront against him, adding to an ongoing list. I’ll make him pay. I’ll make Kylo Ren pay for everything he did once I am done with his puppets, Armitage thought. He knew he couldn’t lose focus from the fight andhad no way to be sure Phasma was okay. He wanted to end this quickly, determined not to give up. He could not resign and give satisfaction to the Rens. This country was his, or at least it would be after his father dies. What kind of ruler would let strangers to his regime give him moral lectures? That was simply outrageous.

I will shut them up and show the world that you don’t mess with the Hux family. Once and for all. Kylo Ren and his plotting mother will set the perfect example for all to see.

As he fought his Knights, Armitage was reminded of the few moments he had spent with Kylo Ren. Most of their encounters had been a pain to him, but he had begun to think Kylo Ren might not be that bad after all. That, with time, he could even come to befriend him.

Good thing all this happened, as a reminder of my father’s lessons. Trust no one.

The soldiers fighting alongside Phasma and Armitage had perished under the knights’ ferocious strikes by now. Somehow, no matter how brutal they could be, the Knights were now sparing the Captain and Prince.

-Don’t make us hurt you both more than needed, Hux’s opponent tried to advise him.

-Who do you think you are? Armitage snarled between clenched teeth.

Armitage could not handle any more insults that day. His anger and his eagerness to get revenge blurred everything around him. Slowly, all background noise faded and he could not hear anything but his own breath and a burning fire rising inside, taking over his body. Then…

The silence that followed was piercing his ear-drums. Everything was now dark as they looked around, all of them confused.

What’s happening?

A violent buzzing sound resonated inside his head. He held it, closing his eyes. He felt disoriented, losing his balance. Significant moments of his life were playing under his eyelids as if he had died. All of it accompanied by one of those damned songs, those shameful lullabies in which he stars as the infamous main character.

Little Armitage wants to be as tall as his daddy

Standing on corpses, Little Armitage is shaky

More than once, during his father’s most violent episodes, Armitage felt as if his life was about to leave his body from the humiliation and pain.

Destined for blood, he would rather pick some flowers

When his father caught him, their faces lost colors

Armitage was twelve, and the skin of his back is burned, marked with red iron. His father forbade him to cry, because he claimed he earned this punishment for his failed attempt at running away with his “whore mother”. As if watching her hang was not enough punishment for him.

Armitage couldn’t make it go away.

His mother was hanged for all to see. Her nails scratched at her throat. Her blue eyes were filled with an ocean of tears, and they looked deep inside of his own. He couldn’t look away because his father forbade him.

You have to learn the hard way, boy.

I am ashamed by your behaviour.

In a lifetime I could never make a man out of you.

You will never be worthy of my name.

I didn’t want to be worthy of your name.

I wanted to be with my mother. I wanted to be a child. I wanted to run away from you. You were scaring me! You still do!

-It is not necessarily a bad thing that you are nothing like him. You can break the curse. You can change it all. And how do I do that? Do I kill him? And then what? What is left for me if my father dies?

-You really should get some human contact, if you know what I mean.

The following scene is new to Hux’s memory. He sees his father under the pouring rain, swinging his sword with rage. His opponent is Kylo Ren. Kylo and his remaining Knights formed a circle around Leia Ren, protecting her with all their might. Kylo seemed fiercer than when he fought Armitage. While watching the scene from above, Armitage realized how much Kylo had restrained himself when they dueled. For a brief moment, Kylo felt someone watching him and looked up. Time expanded. Armitage knew it was unlikely that Kylo could see him because he was not physically in his presence. However, the prince of Naboo was staring right at him. Their hearts skipped before the course of time resumed. Brendol had jumped at the opportunity Kylo’s brief distraction brought, and the unfair king carved Kylo’s skin with his sword, leaving a bleeding gash slashed across his face. Kylo was so startled that he did not even scream. He couldn’t allow himself to lose focus. His mother and his pride were at stake. His body was now inhabited by a raw, unkempt violence. Armitage could feel the same power stirring inside his own body. He had felt it while entering this part of the forest and he had felt it fighting the knights.

Kylo had succeeded in unbalancing Brendol. He slashed him, digging a trench in the king’s armor. He ran to him and pierced his body, thrusting his sword through his chest. Armitage’s scream was muted. Something now pulled him away from the vision, higher and higher in the sky. He could not feel the rain. He could no longer hear or see anything. Then, he opened his eyes again.

He was not in the forest or at the castle’s main gates. He looked around, trying to  grasp information on his whereabouts. The ground was coarse and cold. It was too dark to see anything. Without much hope, Armitage called out:

-Phasma? -Sir? Thanks God, you are here! Are you alright? Armitage was still shaken by the vision he encountered earlier, but he did not feel hurt. He remembered Phasma’s injury. -I’m alright! But what about you? -I don’t know. I can’t see. Where are you? -What’s going on here? Said another voice. Armitage recognized the voice as one of the Knights of Ren.

-Did you all see what I saw? The...visions, the knight added. Armitage frowned. Wait… So, I wasn’t the only one having these weird nightmares? He wondered if they each had seen their own demons like he had. But mostly, he wondered how they all got here. Before they had been outside, fighting in the storm. It was still raining now, he could hear it, but they were safe from it here, wherever that was.

The strange and heavy presence he felt in the forest intensified. Suddenly, candles lit the place all around them. An old man was standing tall in the center, wrapped in a dark robe. His face looked disfigured, almost inhuman. He said:

-Welcome to my humble cave. I am Snoke. Do not be alarmed. You seemed to need assistance. It’s too dangerous to stay outside in those conditions. The storm is raging, and one of you is bleeding.

He kneeled to Phasma, who moved back in distrust.

-Do not fear me, the old man advised, I am here to heal you, if you’ll allow me. Let me take a look at your injury.

Even though Phasma was still wearing a helmet, Armitage knew that the captain was waiting for his directive. Hux hesitated, but ended up nodding.

-Don’t you dare hurt him, old man, Hux threatened, pointing in the stranger’s direction with his pistol, I am watching you.

-Him? the man repeated. He sniggered, then asked Phasma, I require you to take your chest-piece off.

The silence was heavy. Armitage was still pointing his pistol at the old man, and Phasma did not move.

-What the hell are you waiting for? Do as he says, Phasma, Armitage snapped.

With a resigned sigh, Phasma obeyed. Under the surveillance of all others, Captain Phasma revealed what was underneath the shiny armor―the shape of what was clearly that of a woman’s bust. Armitage blinked rapidly, unable to process this new information, before looking away uncomfortably.

This was the strangest of days.

***********************************************

After he received the unexpected raven from the castle letting him know that Leia would send a man his way whom she had saved from certain death by Brendol Hux, Poe Dameron found himself uneasy. He stood alert at the cave’s entrance hidden behind the curtain of a waterfall, waiting for any sight of his mission. The storm was dying down, but he found no trace of the expected man. Poe began to fear that the poor lad had been taken down by the fierce wind.

He felt conflicted. When he was just a teen, he thought people in need of assistance should always get it. More than once, he himself had overcome the hardships of a fugitive life, as he descended from a line of rebels. He knew how it felt, though he didn’t fear any regime or man.

With the storm calming down, he thought he might take a few men with him and look for the escapee. If Poe took action as his young self once did, however, it would go against all the responsibilities he held now. Could he really risk his friend’s lives without evidence that their guest was not already dead? They were all preparing for the assault on Arkanis’ castle, and could not risk being caught. But…

His mind was made up. He was about to call his friends to join him in his search when he noticed a shape approaching with uncertainty. The man was obviously weakened, by his gait. Poe exited the cover of the cave and tried his luck, calling him by the name he found written in the raven’s letter.

-Finn?

When the man raised his head, Poe smiled. He was so relieved. He went to help him walk up.

-I’m Poe Dameron! Nice to meet you, Finn! You are okay, in trustful hands, if I might say!

Once Finn perked up in a warm blanket in front of a campfire, he was in measure to understand what was going on around him. He couldn’t believe what was before his eyes. The cave was vast and populated by what looked like a whole village.

-It looks bigger from the inside, that’s for sure, Finn said before sipping the delicious soup he had been served.

Poe’s smile was warmer than any campfire, even after that terrible storm. The rebel leaned forward and asked Finn in a low voice, his hand on his shoulder.

-Tell me your story, Finn. What were they executing you for?

Finn knew who Poe Dameron was. He had heard about the Dameron family many times and in many different ways in his village. Some called them criminals while others―though more discreet―called them heroes. Even if Naboo was so far away, the notoriety of the Resistance found its way to him. Unfortunately, heroes didn’t have that long of a lifespan in Arkanis.

Here I am, making small talk with a Big Deal in the Resistance. His family fought Lord Vader’s tyranny until their last breath, and I just stole a rabbit on the king’s property.

Poe could sense Finn’s embarrassment. He wondered if he was ashamed by his so-called crime.

What could it be? I did hear that Arkanis is not the most tolerant place. They even execute people out of their attractions. Could it be…?

He decided he did not want to make Finn uncomfortable, especially after all he had been through these past few days. He patted his shoulder to cheer him up.

-It’s okay, Finn. Just get some rest.

Finn was relieved that Poe did not insist. He sighed, nodding. Eventually, he would come up with a good lie about his crimes later. Something more heroic.

Looking at the fire, his thoughts wandered. Were his saviors alright? What would happen now? To him and everyone else, it seemed like a crucial moment, a time of big change.

***********************************************

Kylo Ren’s sword was dripping with Brendol Hux’s blood. The king was lying on the ground―cold, dead. Under his body, a red ocean began to take shape. The pouring rain diluted the color, but Brendol Hux kept bleeding. Kylo had killed men before, but he couldn’t look away this time. Staring at the corpse of the king of Arkanis, Kylo felt sorry for himself. He did not just kill Brendol Hux, he had also sterilized the seeds that could have grown into something beautiful as he put an end to the attraction between him and Brendol’s son. He had sacrificed the potential of a strong bond with Armitage Hux, like the inexplicable spiritual connection he felt a moment before he pierced the body of Armitage’s father. For an instant, he could have sworn that Armitage was above him, watching him silently. At that moment, Kylo had felt they were both experiencing the same sensations―a mixture of wrath, eagerness and fear. He was unable to determine who contaminated the other with these emotions, as everything overlapped.

Then, he killed Brendol, and those feelings exacerbated as all was overcome with acute sadness. As he removed his sword from the body, he felt disgusted with himself. It felt unfair, and he knew this came from Armitage’s thoughts.

His life was not yours to take.

I will never forget that.

-I’m sorry, Kylo whispered sadly.

In the end, his mother was right about him. She was right to worry about his presence here. But something had brought him here. A silent voice whispering at his ear, and dreams he could never remember. Something pulled him to Arkanis. His destiny was awaiting. He had always thought he was destined for Greatness, and so he could not resist to follow a path traced before him that promised it. He stared at Brendol’s body, then at Leia. She was safe, standing in the middle of corpses, but the look she gave him was heartbreaking. He knew what she was thinking as well.

She saw Lord Vader in him, the one she defeated. The one she feared he would become one day.

Kylo refused to succumb to despair, and decided to take pride in it. All of it. Admitting his failure would have been too painful.

Kylo pointed to Brendol’s corpse with his bloodied sword and said,

-This country is now free of his tyranny! Let it be known that Kylo Ren put an end to his dreadful reign!

The survivors among the fallen Arkanis soldiers were at a loss. How should they react when their peers had been butchered in front of them by Ren and his followers? Their ruler, who was to this day the most terrifying being they knew, had been brutally slaughtered with haunting simplicity. Who were they supposed to obey, now? And where was Brendol’s heir? Kylo’s own mother, who was far from easily disturbed as someone who had spent most of her life on the battlefield, was speechless.

No one could tell who had the upper hand in this situation among what remained of Arkanis’ castle. In fact, no one had.

[hello-stensy-blog]

Political Incident : Chapter V

Armitage never held any interest in warm climates or lush vegetation before. Arkanis was known to be a cold and sad environment, and he had never left his homeland. He did not mind these traits as he did not know any better. But here, now, he knew he was not in Arkanis. He could not put his finger on what made him feel so good about the place he was currently standing in. Leaning against the balcony, he surveyed the landscape. With each lingering second, new questions sprung in his mind. He realized he had no idea where he was. He had never seen this place before. It was the absolute opposite of Arkanis. His country was dominated by cool colors, and at this moment he was too hot. He could not remember how he arrived here in the first place. As he was beginning to feel uncomfortable, he heard the crumpling of sheet behind him. With it, everything suddenly made sense and he knew where he was. The Ren’s castle in Naboo. Naboo, capital of Ren's territory. Kylo’s balcony. And Kylo was nearby. Armitage turned to see that Kylo indeed was here. He could recognize his dark locks and broad back. He was not alone. Under his massive body, Armitage could just make out a frailer one lying beneath. Armitage was no more than an observer of this intimate exchange. He found he could not look away. Therefore, he watched Kylo sin in his bed. He could only see his back and hear his deep moans, but it was enough to make him shiver. Oddly enough, the contemplation of Kylo's hip movements did not make him uncomfortable anymore, but simply (unreasonably) aroused. Kylo's partner had his legs slung around those hips, and Kylo lustfully caressed them while continuing to pleasure his partner and himself. Shortly after, Kylo turned his head to face Armitage. He had the smug smile Armitage knew well and told him, "You really should get some human contact, if you know what I mean. I’d volunteer, if you’d like." He got up then, leaving his partner behind. Armitage’s eyes widened with shock when he discovered that Kylo was in fact sinning with no other than himself, Armitage Hux. Two pairs of identical blue eyes met while Kylo approached him. Closer than ever, he stroked the confused ginger’s cheek, getting closer, and closer. As the prince of Naboo’s lips met with Armitage’s, he began to hear noises that immediately startled him away, hurtling him toward dark memories. He looked back at the bed and found that the other Armitage was now struggling in the air, hanged above the sheets he had been pleasured on just a few seconds ago. His feet were desperately trying to touch the mattress as his body swung with the effort and his throat continued to produce the most spine-chilling sounds. *********************************************** For the first time ever, Armitage Hux didn’t get up with the sun. The only thing that rose with him was a panic attack soon followed by a violent headache.

He was no longer in Naboo, he had no doubt about that. He could hear hard rain drops hitting his windows. The memories of his nightmare did not want to leave his mind and he kept seeing himself hanged above the bed. That vision was superimposed to another he once had, on a cruel morning of his childhood. His breath shortened and tears slowly ran over his face. He tried, but could not contain them.

- Wow, Hux, are you okay?

Armitage jumped at the voice rising next to him. He had not noticed Kylo Ren there, sitting on his bed. Knowing he was not alone was enough for Hux to come back to his senses. He wiped his tears and, to keep up appearances, growled at a sincerely concerned Kylo Ren:

-What do you put in your bloody liquor, Ren? -You didn’t drink that much. Two sips and you were already gone. -Ugh.

Armitage sat up and almost instantly regretted this decision. It felt like a war was happening in his head, one that he wasn't in command of.

-What are you doing in my room, anyway? -What a way to thank me for the tenderness I gave you last night.

Hux turned to him in horror. Ren giggled.

-Hux, calm down. It was a joke. You're still wearing your clothes, what are you thinking? -Oh, I am sure this kind of joke is a hit with your kind, Ren. But we don't joke like that around here.

Especially after such a TERRIBLE nightmare, Armitage thought.

-Yeah, I heard about that. Too bad for all of you. You're clearly missing out.

By the way he speaks, you can tell he has been busy sinning his entire life. This sole fact was making Hux feel nervous. He is in my room, discussing unholy things as if he is trying to get me hooked. Armitage's response to this was immediate and cold:

- The only thing we are "missing out on," as you say, is an opportunity to be hanged. So thanks, I'll pass.

Kylo Ren gawked at him. Yesterday night, when he had to bring the Hux successor back to his room, he had noticed something in him. He couldn’t unsee it now. Armitage Hux's stature called for his hold, making the ginger's rejection to it even more frustrating. He felt a heat crawl down his chest. He pictured seizing Armitage Hux, his hands on his hips, forcing him to hold his gaze. He wanted to show him how natural it was. Two boys can take care of each other. It is no outrage, despite what your father says. Kylo realized Hux was staring at him with eager eyes.

-I must change clothes, Lord Ren, and I would quite like you not in my room staring at me like a creep as I do. -Right, Kylo said, leaving quickly once he was back to his senses.

Alone at last, Hux deeply sighed.

***********************************************

As she was walking the castle’s corridor, Leia Ren heard the announcement. A few men were announcing it over and over: “The execution will take place in two hours at the castle’s main gates.” She couldn’t believe it. I have confronted Brendol Hux about the poor boy’s case last night, and all for nothing. This fool will listen to no one else but himself. And I can’t even contact Poe, as I sent him to get our forces prepared. Time is running out. What should I do?

“The execution will take place in two hours at the castle’s main gates.”

Leia sighed, thinking hard about her options. She looked up and saw her son at the end of the corridor with Jeha. They were speaking low, both looking by the opened window. She called her son out and both men turned. Kylo leaned into Jeha to whisper something while she walked toward them at a quick pace. By the time she reached the two, Jeha was bowing and leaving in a hurry. Leia and Kylo’s eyes met gravely. They didn’t have to say it out loud, they knew they shared the same concern. They could read each other’s minds by sharing a gaze, which was sometimes unfortunate for Kylo. Whenever he tried to hide something from his mother, the secrecy never lasted long.

-We have to do something about it. -I know exactly how.

Leia’s eyes opened with astonishment.

-I hope it does not involve any barbaric means. -Oh, come on! I know when to lay low, I am not just a rabid dog! -Alright! So, what is your plan, exactly?

Mother and son walked together for a time, exchanging their thoughts with low voices. They were both feeling relieved, confident about the situation now that they had moved their pawns. All they had to do was wait patiently and act as if nothing was happening.

***********************************************

Finn had no other choice but to be reminded of his upcoming death every half-hour. Even from the dungeon, he could hear the faint echo of the announcement. Only a few hours to go. Are you done with life Finn? No. Got any regrets? Lots. He heard complaints behind the door. He focused on the noises, trying to understand what was going on. His cell’s door opened with a terrifying grating sound. Two men entered. What? No, it’s too early! That’s not fair! Finn resumed his pleas where he left them few hours ago.

-No! No, please, don’t! Don’t do it! Don’t do it? -Don’t do what? Rescue you?

Wait, what? Finn was confused.

The youngest man sighed, obviously lacking of patience. He seized Finn’s arms, opening the padlock and freeing him. -We don’t have time. We’ll explain on the road. -The road? What road? I’m not getting executed? -Today is your lucky day, the other man commented as he helped Finn get on his feet. -Who are you guys? -We are knights of Ren. Our master sent us. -Aren’t you supposed to wear helmets, or…? -Wouldn’t be very wise for us to leave your cell with our masks on, don’t you think? -Right, right. So, is this real? Like, really real? -I don’t know, you tell me, the youngest one said while pinching Finn hard, which made Finn yelp in surprise. -Come on, Jeha, let’s go, whispered the other, seemingly more reasonable knight.

***********************************************

As Kylo and Leia descended the hard-stone stairs, they came across Armitage Hux. Hopefully he had not overheard any of their plotting. However, Leia did not appear unsettled by this sudden meeting.

-Your Grace, Hux said. -Armitage, Leia greeted him, Do you know where I could find your father? I would like to have a word with him. -He is getting ready in his chamber. I don’t think it’s a good idea to interrupt him, he hates delaying executions. -Man needs his morning kill, Kylo grumbled.

Armitage acknowledged him with an icy look.

-I still have to check on the prisoner before his big moment, but I am HIGHLY interested in your thoughts, Ren. Please, share them with me while we dine. After we made the bastard hang, of course.

Armitage then left with a sneer. A frustrating habit of his, Kylo noticed. Mother and Son shared a look and smiled.

-He’s going to be HIGHLY disappointed. -Let us move on, we have an execution to attend.

She offered her arm, he gladly took it and they walked triumphantly despite the pouring rain. Meanwhile Armitage, accompanied by Phasma and two of his men, went to the dungeon. When he found the empty cell, the ginger felt as if his own execution had come. To the soldiers with him, he abruptly ordered:

-Don’t let my father know. Prepare the horses and come with me. We are hunting the poacher.

***********************************************

Half an hour passed without a sign of his son. Brendol Hux was not pleased. He was even less pleased with the weather. He hadn’t foreseen the storm coming, but the signs were now there. Things had not gone the way he wanted. He had planned to hang that man by now. Although some people (Leia Ren) might not like it, Brendol did not need anyone’s approval to kill as he pleased. But now there was this storm, and his son’s disappearance, and Leia Ren looked pleased with the whole situation. He could see it in her eyes. As everyone was waiting in front of the scaffold, he could see that she was up to something. She looked too pleased. He would do anything to make all smugness disappear from her face. He pictured her, hanging up there, and that was a pleasant vision. You wouldn’t be the first woman to be hanged, sweetheart. If Armitage was here, he could testify. Don’t think you’re above my justice. Definitely losing patience, Brendol left to the dungeon only to make the most upsetting discovery. My bastard has failed me once again, but for once he is not the only one to blame. Back at the scaffold, under the downpour, Brendol Hux gave the order to his knights.

-I command you to arrest the traitor, Leia Ren!

Kylo, getting in the way of the knights to protect his mother, immediately shouted:

-You ARE NOT going near her!

Brendol’s knights drew their swords, as did did Kylo and his own. He was not afraid to take them on―they vanquished more terrible opponents before.

-Surely, we can all discuss this calmly, Leia said peacefully. -We will have all the time in the world to discuss after you are behind bars, whore.

Brendol went too far for Kylo. The Ren descendant slayed the closest knight to him with a circular slash.The first blood made people scream in the audience. Ironically, those who had gathered to see a man hang feared the impending bloodshed and they they fled the area promptly. The wind was still furiously blowing. A battle was about to begin.

[hello-stensy-blog]

Crushable - Chapter IV

Bacon, eggs, and a good old conspiracy theory. What a perfect way to start the day! Clyde was staring into a beautiful pair of green orbs: Stensland’s eyes. While the ginger’s mouth was running in an uninterrupted flow of words, Clyde was trying to focus. By the way he was talking, he could tell that Stensland took the topic very seriously. Clyde figured anything that got so much attention from Stensland must be listened to with the highest regard. Therefore, Clyde’s brain was trying to process all the information Stensland gave him regarding Michael Jackson still being alive, and how the whole death-thing was only an elaborate, meta promotion for a future album.

-When you really think about it, it all makes sense! I’ll send you some youtube videos on Facebook. -I don’t have, err, the Facebook, Clyde said awkwardly -Really? But… How are we going to keep in touch, after this is all over?

Stensland’s eyes were filled with helplessness. Clyde wanted to make it stop, to make all sadness leave his new friend’s face. There could be nothing worse than a sad Stensland. He stuttered:

-Well, uh… I mean… Now, you’re not going anywhere, are you?

Stensland seemed caught by those words. They had never clearly discussed how things would roll for them in the aftermath of all this. They needed to figure out a way out of their current troubles, but then?

-Well, I… guess. I mean… We are meeting with your brother, right? -Right. -And… then? -Well, I mean... Until we find a solution... I mean, even after, you probably won't be safe so you can... Stick around for a while. -Really? Wouldn't that bother you? I mean... You already risked so much to rescue me. -Yeah well, y'know. Might as well.

Stensland cracked a smile.

-Thank you so much, Clyde. You are an amazing person and you deserve the best. You will not be forgotten. There you go, have more bacon!

Having said that, Stensland put an extra slice of bacon on Clyde's plate. Clyde chuckled.

-I'm honored. Beats any kind of decoration. Too bad I can't keep it.

While Clyde was eating his well-deserved bacon, his last sentence had Stensland wondering. He stared at his friend's prosthesis--still sporting the ducky band aid.

-Did you, err... How did you lose your...? -Iraq. -...Okidoki.

Stensland instantly regretted his answer. He did not want to sound like an insensitive prick. But what the hell is one to say in such a situation? Still, “Okidoki” surely wasn’t the best option he had. But Stensland always felt uncomfortable with pain and loss, and he never knew how to lighten up the mood. Plus, Clyde was a secretive guy―something Stensland struggled to understand as someone who was always very emotional and demonstrative. He internally panicked at how to continue. Oh, well. In America, do what Americans do. He started stuttering:

-I-I mean I'm so sorry for your, err... I'm sorry. Thanks foooor your service...?

Clyde was clearly trying to contain his laugh. Stensland had no idea if that was good news or not. Why do I keep being offensive about my lifesaver's lost arm, Stensland internally whined.

-You finished your drink, Stensland noted, You want more beer? I'll get you more beer!

Without giving Clyde a chance to answer, Stensland snatched Clyde's pint glass and ran to the counter.

-Lady, please! Fill up that pint for my good friend Clyde! -A'ight, the old lady mumbled.

The waitress was obviously too busy gossiping with another old lady to quickly fulfill Stensland’s demand. Looking around to distract himself, he opened his eyes wide in disbelief. Casually sitting at the counter was Grady. THE Grady, from the Grady Method for Self Love! Without thinking further, Stensland practically assaulted him.

-You’re Grady, right? From the Method?

The mustached man gave him a proud smile, nodding.

-I am. -I’m such a huuuge fan of it! That’s so inspiring!

Clyde was on his own at their table and he had finished eating. He thought of past and future events. Their situation was complicated, even to Logan family standards. But his brother would figure out a plan, he was sure of that. He always had a plan. When he saw his brother enter the diner, the tension Clyde had been storing up suddenly left his shoulders. Jimmy sat at his table.

-How are you? -I’m good. -It’s been a while, though. What’s goin’ on? -Uh… I have problems, yeah. -Clyde, tell me. Is it, like… Cauliflower big? -Uhm…. -Alright, Clyde. What’s going on?

Clyde leaned a bit, talking in a low voice.

-So I’ve got, uh...My friend over there. We are, err…

Clyde was looking for a good way to phrase this mess of a situation, but he reminded himself that no matter the words he chose, the hard facts were still right there in the form of an angry ginger nipping at their heels. So he just said freely what came to his head:

-My friend and I over there are being chased by some mafia dude. -The fuck? -Well, let’s say... we lost his money, or something. -Okay. Do I know this friend? -No. -What’s his name? -Stensland? -It doesn’t sound like a real name to me. Where did you meet this guy? -Well, it’s...it’s complicated. -I can see that. Clyde. -Wha’ ? -What’s really going on? How did you meet him? -What’s your deal, Jimmy? -I’m afraid your friend is using you. -No, no, don’t worry about that, Clyde laughed -I’m serious, Clyde. It wouldn’t be the first time that someone had taken advantage of you. You just trust people too easily. -I swear, it’s not like that. -Maybe it’s time we have that conversation again.

Clyde shook his head, answering straight away:

-No. No need to. -Clyde. -No. -Even Mellie has noticed it. You gotta know it’s alright with us, you don’t have to hide it from us. -It’s not like that. -No, listen. You don’t need to live a secret life. Find yourself a… a nice boyfriend. Introduce him to us, that’s fine. -I’m not… I’m not what you think. -If people are mean to you, y’know. You got our support, still. You know that, right? You got us. You don’t have to hang out with troublesome people.

Clyde scoffed. This was too much, coming from Jimmy.

-You’re troublesome too, when you think ‘bout it. -I haven’t been in that business for like three years! Don’t be like that. -Stensland is okay. He’s…

“Nice, cute and soft” were coming to Clyde’s head, but he did not want his brother to twist these words and bring back the previous topic. Clyde did not want to think about all that gay stuff.

-He’s...okay.

Bursting into the diner at the perfect moment, a familiar ginger figure angrily thundered Stensland’s name.

Clyde turned to see Armitage Hux followed by a masked figure, and then Stensland who had just taken a selfie with a mustached man, now looking absolutely terrified.

Armitage Hux and his hound chased a fleeing Stensland around the diner. Clyde rushed after them, and his brother followed. Everything quickly dissolved into chaos: the masked man had unsheathed a sword, Armitage Hux had fired his gun twice already, the diner’s clients were screaming, and the waitress was barking out threats with her shotgun held tight. Soon, Stensland was trapped by the blackclad figure, finding himself pressed against a wall with a blade against his throat. He was also held at gunpoint by a sneering Armitage Hux, who was in-turn corned by the waitress lady with the shotgun who yelled:

-Y’ALL BETTER CALM THE FUCK DOWN! -Oh shut up, will you? Armitage snapped, We have serious issues to clear, and I couldn't care less about your opinion right now! -Woah, woah, woah―everyone keep their cool, Grady said carefully as he slowly stood up, rising his hands.

Armitage pointed his gun at Grady’s face in response:

-Don’t you DARE intervene! NOBODY is allowed to talk, except me! -What the FUCK is this! This is not Comic-con! Who carries a FUCKIN’ sword around these days? GET THE FUCK OUT OF HERE! THIS IS A FUCKIN’ FAMILY RESTAURANT, the diner lady barked.

Armitage Hux shot at the ceiling, and the room fell into stunned silence. With order restored, both gingers were now staring into each other’s eyes. As if he didn’t get the hint that they were currently in the presence of a maniac with a gun, Jimmy asked Clyde loud enough for Armitage to hear:

-So what, this is your boyfriend’s evil twin?

He received an immediate reply from both Clyde and Armitage in perfect sync:

-He’s not my twin! -He’s not my boyfriend!

Stensland made a face, mumbling:

-Jeezus. Didn’t know it was THAT embarrassing to be related to me…

Grady was still trying to make sense of this situation:

-Okay, so what’s the story here?

But before either involved party could speak, three more intruders rushed into the diner, holding machine guns.

-ARMITAGE HUX! -What now?!, Armitage sighed, rolling his eyes. -You fuckin’ traitor, prepare to die! -WHAT?!

Grady was now rolling his eyes as well. In all of his career as a lawyer, he had never been in such a catastrophic situation.

-Okay, guys, I’m going to need you all to start from the very beginning! -Who THE FUCK ARE YOU, MUSTACHE GUY?!

One of the two newcomers spoke with a voice that sounded much too cheerful for someone holding a machine gun in a family diner:

-He’s Grady! -Yup, exactly. I’m Grady, from The Grady Method for Self Love. -Grady Method? What the fuck? Armitage said with a disgusted look on his face.

As if he momentarily forgot that he was threatened by a gun AND a sword, Stensland exclaimed:

-Exsqueeze me? You don’t know about the Grady Method for Self Love? Does your boss keep you in a cave or something? - Excuse me, STENSLAND, but if his field is Self Love, I don’t think I need his guidance! I love myself quite enough, only LOSERS like you need people to teach them how to love themselves. -I mean, Armitage, Kylo interjected, I agree that Stensland is an idiot, but that Grady is quite the famous guy actually, so… -Yeah, the cheerful machine gun man insisted, He’s got his own show, too. -And his book is a best seller, Kylo added. -Could you PLEASE tell me what’s going on? -Well Mr Grady, the boss suspects Armitage Hux to be the traitor we’ve been tracking down these past few weeks. -Lars! Why the fuck are you… -It’s fine! He’s a lawyer! He’s great, Lars insisted. -I’M NOT A TRAITOR!

The three gangsters stared at Armitage, then Stensland. They looked perplexed.

-Wait… what the fuck is that? -There are...two of them? -Which one of them is Armitage Hux? -I AM ARMITAGE HUX, growled Armitage. -Yes, yes. He’s Armitage Hux, Stensland whimpered. -Armitage Hux could say both of these things. -What?

At this point, Grady made a note to himself: I’ll never make it in time for this afternoon’s planned book signing.

Kylo Ren grunted.

-That’s fuckin’ ridiculous. Armitage is not a traitor. He can’t even talk back to the boss. -Yeah, well, maybe it’s just an elaborate scheme of his! -Elaborate scheme? Armitage huffed. -I’m surprised those words are a part of your vocabulary, Lars, scoffed the masked man. -You know what, Kylo Ren? With your smart mouth, I’m sure you’re a fuckin’ traitor as well! -At least you got something right.

Armitage Hux gave Kylo Ren a surprised look.

-You didn’t come for Armitage. He’s not a traitor. You came for me. -Oh, that’s cute, mocked one of the gangsters, He’s trying to protect his girlfriend! -Y’know what? We should just shoot the two gingers and Kylo fuckin’ Ren. -Gentlemen, please! Don’t shoot anyone, advised Grady, I feel like everyone in this diner has a freakin’ gun in their pocket. If everyone dies, what good will that do?

There were a few seconds of complete silence. Everyone was giving Grady’s words consideration.

-I suggest you ALL put your weapons down so we can figure this out. Calmly. Then, you can take your business outside and deal with it the way you please… But there are people here, including me, who had planned to eat nachos without ending up in a bloodbath. -Amen to that, Grady, Stensland said. -You shut your mouth, Armitage growled. -Please, please, Grady said with the voice of a forgiving father. All of you...put your weapons down.

Lars was the first to do so. He convinced his colleagues to imitate him. Even Kylo Ren and the waitress lady listened.

-I really need you to cooperate, son, Grady insisted, seeing that Hux hadn’t yet lowered his gun.

Hux eventually obeyed with a sigh. After this was ensured, Grady proceeded to clear the room of those uninvolved in the dispute.

-Okay Lars, we have heard your point of view already, Grady said. You think that Armitage is a traitor, but Kylo Ren here said he IS the one you’re looking for. Is that correct, Ren? -Absolutely. -So, this is cleared up. Now, Armitage, what’s your issue with Stensland?

Armitage was still staring at Kylo. His face was not tense anymore, but he was worrying his bottom lip between his teeth. He looked like he ached after Ren’s revelation.

-No, Armitage said, Let’s not glide over that fact so soon, he said, What the fuck is that supposed to mean, Ren?

The masked knight remained silent.

-ANSWER ME! -I’m sick of the First Order. I’m starting my own thing. -Your OWN thing? What do you mean, your own thing? You barely know how to iron your clothes and you’re telling me you’re trying to outsmart the BOSS? -Seriously, Hux. Look at this shit (His boyfriend pointed at the three gangsters) Your so-called boss sent these three losers to take you down, and they can’t even tell the difference between you and Stensland who is THIS close to wetting his pants. -Hey, that’s not--Stensland began to defend himself. -To be honest, Hux DID have that same look on his face when HQ was overrun last year, Lars sneered.

His two friends chuckled and approved. Armitage turned red with both anger and embarrassment.

-What I’m saying is… We’re worth more than them, Hux. We could do this. We could do this BETTER.

Armitage shivered. For a moment, he felt flattered by Kylo’s words, but then he suspected it was all some trick.

-You don’t have what it takes, Ren. You’re a child. -So you’d rather put your trust in Snoke, who constantly drags you through the dirt? You want to go on chasing fuckin’ AMATEURS around the country for a man that terrifies you instead of ruling the city with a man that loves you?

Kylo and Hux were staring at each other like everyone around them had suddenly disappeared. The others were at loss, and their eyes jumped between every other person in the room. Stensland and Clyde locked eyes for a few seconds, which was enough to inject courage in the disheveled ginger’s veins. Now’s my moment to shine , Stensland thought. His mouth ran wild again, rising above the grave silence:

-Anything that's worth anything is scary or dangerous in one way or another.

Somehow, this sentence spoke to Armitage and Clyde on a sentimental level. Meanwhile, the group of mafia thugs assumed that Stensland was sending an encrypted message against them. In response, all the members reached for their weapons at once, taking aim at their targets. Clyde jumped up then, running for Stensland and pushing him to the ground. The shooting started. His body pressed against the smaller man’s frame, closer than any shield. This was too unreal. Blindly, Stensland’s hands reached to dig into Clyde’s arms, holding tight. Both felt safe, anchoring him to sanity among the swirling commotion around them.

[hello-stensy-blog]

…..lovely art from the bae ♥ 

3 year anniversary -w-

[hello-stensy-blog]

so i saw this kitty vader shirt in Little Tokyo the other day, combined with a request for man-bun Kylo Ren and this outfit @reserve sent me, and here we are 🌟🌟🌟

[hello-stensy-blog]

I imagine one of the reasons people cling to their hates so stubbornly is because they sense, once hate is gone, they will be forced to deal with pain.

 James Baldwin, The Fire Next Time

[hello-stensy-blog]

[hello-stensy-blog]

Crushable, Chapter III : Wild and Wonderful

What do you do when you’re at a loss about something? Most likely, you Google it. Stensland was new to the concept of road trips with silent, good-looking bartenders and felt quite intimidated. While his phone was charging in the cigarette lighter, he did his research. Not even WikiHow could help him with this specific situation. He did read an article mentioning listening to music to fill awkward space. That could lighten up the mood, he thought. So out of absolute politeness, he asked Clyde what he wanted to listen to. Unfortunately for him, Clyde had some ideas.

Bob Seger was not exactly Stensland’s jam.  When the hour-long Best Hits video finally ended, Stensland let out a relieved sigh and immediately seized his phone to choose what to listen to next. Something reaaally groovy. He started off with the classic “Get outta my dreams, get into my car”, mouthing the lyrics, impersonating the different voices and moving his body on his car seat quite randomly, in a way that would most definitely shame and hurt any professional dancer. Clyde was not that harsh. He looked over at Stensland.

At first, he appeared to care less about Stensland’s behavior, but then Clyde found his eyes wandering back to the fidgeting man in the passenger seat. He was hooked. It started off with a simple smile from Clyde as Stensland’s good vibes proved contagious. When the song approached its end, both men were mouthing the lyrics. Of course, Stensland was more into it because he actually knew the song better and he was not the one driving.

“Loverboy” followed. Stensland kept his enthusiasm and Clyde settled for moving his head softly to the rhythm. “Tainted Love” was the last song Stensland chose. He had fun on this one as well, but he had lost Clyde’s attention by now as he became more focused on the road. Stensland tried poking him but received no reaction. At that point he left the song selection to Youtube's auto-shuffle. That’s when “Smalltown Boy” by Bronski Beat came up. Stensland looked out the window as his mind focused on the lyrics.

“You leave in the morning with everything you own in a little black case Alone on a platform, the wind and the rain on a sad and lonely face”

Despite the catchy beat, this was beginning to get depressing. It hit Stensland hard.

“The answers you seek will never be found at home The love that you need will never be found at home Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away”

Stensland was biting his lips. He was rethinking his journey so far. He left one day with no plan. He just wanted to meet somebody. Now, he had. But was it really what he was looking for?

“Pushed around and kicked around, always a lonely boy You were the one that they'd talk about around town as they put you down”

It was true. He was always the laughing stock. The one people picked on. The fact he was a sensitive boy didn’t help. He was never part of anything exciting. Always left behind. Never taken seriously. Never cared for.

Was this what he needed in his life? To run away with Clyde Logan? Did he need someone with such bold confidence? Did he need someone to see something worth saving in him? Probably. But Clyde Logan didn’t need him. And eventually, soon, he would leave like all others had before. He didn’t know him well, but Stensland had a tendency to get attached to people right before they let him go.  Well, this man saved my life―that’s a pretty solid reason to get attached… right?

Stensland had no idea what to say or do in this moment. The music continued to play, filling the air between them, but he wanted more. Clyde was not that talkative either. He just answered when spoken to. Stensland, who had a tendency to freak out pretty easily, wondered if Clyde found him boring, childish, ridiculous. People usually did. He did not dare ask if he wanted to listen to another song, so he remained in the unspoken silence. It left him time to rethink their situation. I am on a roadtrip with a total stranger, and we are probably being chased by the mafia. If they catch us, I’ll probably be sold as a slave, or put on the street to repay my debt. Clyde somehow felt that Stensland was not feeling well, once again. He could understand. Their current situation may look scary to some people. At least he guessed, since he wasn’t scared at all. He has had to start over twice in his life. For three whole years, he even lived under a fake name while things cooled down. His family tended to get into shit situations every once in a while. Clyde blamed it on the Logan curse. The real problem was the conception of legality and justice within the Logan family. It was mostly based on feelings―their logic being ‘this made me feel bad so I will act against it.’

The thing was: Stensland was irresistible. To Clyde, at least. He looked like the kind of guy to bruise easily. Most people would find his whining annoying, but Clyde Logan was not most people. He had a good heart, and this weeping ginger at his side was making it melt.

To the sound of “Blue Monday” by New Order, Clyde slowly began applying more pressure to the accelerator pedal. The car was going faster, Stensland noticed it,  and gave Clyde a puzzled look.

-Clyde?

The driver gave him no answer, nor did he stop speeding up. Stensland shook his companion’s shoulder, calling him again. That was pointless.

-When I was thirteen, Clyde said instead, my sister gave me a ride. I was not pleased with something she said about me, so I was pouting. She could not get a single smile out of me, no matter how hard she tried. I was ignoring her. So… she started going really, really fast. Scary fast. Until I stopped pouting.

-I’m not pouting!

-Yes you are.

-Okay, I got your point! Get a little slower, please!

Stensland gave a distressed look at the speedometer. That car could go reaaaally fast, and Clyde would go reaaaally far to get a reaction from Stensland.

-Clyde, I got it! Please, slow down!

-Y’know, when my sister did it to me, I thought it was fucked up and stupid as well. Now, I understand how she felt.

Clyde was grinning. Stensland’s hands grabbed the seat. He was now shrieking in his most squeaky voice.

-Please Clyde, I’m serious, I’m not feeling well, I got it, It’s all good, Slow down, Please, Clyde, Oh my god, watch out! CLYYYYYYDE! The car’s engine was so noisy that Stensland did not catch Clyde’s slight laughter. Slowly, though, he released his pressure on the accelerator. Stensland hit him in the arm.

-THAT-WAS-NOT-FUN!!

Stensland’s cute accent was thick in his unfiltered shock. Once they returned to a safer speed, Stensland realized that it had been, in fact, kind of fun. Clyde had been playful. He slapped his arm again.

-You asshole!

**********************************************

Kylo Ren and Armitage Hux had no idea where to start their crazy chase other than the place where it all started. Armitage remembered the other man at the bar, the one Logan gave his keys to. Surely, he will be able to give us information on Logan’s whereabouts.

As expected, they met Earl at the bar. When the man saw Armitage Hux and the masked man without Clyde around, he knew things weren’t good. He decided that the cat got his tongue.

He refused to speak when Armitage asked questions calmly. He refused to speak when Armitage raised his voice. He even refused to speak when Kylo Ren drew a sword and pressed it against his cheeks. Deep down, Earl was sure that the sword was a phony―who carried one around like that anyway? He was not given a chance to be proven wrong, however. To Earl’s luck (if you can call it that), Kylo Ren was satisfied enough to just beat him to the ground with his fists.

Armitage found Clyde’s keys hanging behind the bar. He observed them and sniggered, showing Kylo a key ring shaped like a bottle can opener. On it, a printed bear with the inscription “Wild and Wonderful,” and right under it: “West Virginia.”

-He did have an unbearable accent, Hux recalled, Ren, We have a direction now.

Hux made sure to empty the bar’s cash register before leaving - merely repaying myself here , he thought. Kylo followed him outside, stopping him suddenly as he snaked his arms around Hux’s hips.

-We’re leaving, already?

-Well, we do have some bastards to catch.  

-West Virginia is a pretty vague hint. We’re not sure they are even headed there. I mean, that would be kind of dumb. If it were us, we would have left the country by now.

Armitage wrinkled his eyes, suspicious at Ren’s sudden change of attitude, and  turned to face him. He was sure he had something on his mind; otherwise he would have just shut up and moved forward with the job already. Ren loved to hunt people, make them shit their pants, kill them if needed. Armitage’s plan for his boyfriend promised all that fun. What more could he possibly want?

-What’s going on, Ren?

-Well, Ren started to preen, trying his best to look adorable, I haven’t seen you since the Paris case. Y’know. There are rooms here...

-You CANNOT be serious.

-I’ve missed you.

-Ugh!

Armitage pushed him, walking quickly to Ren’s motorcycle. This frustrated Kylo more than he let on, but he grumbled and followed reluctantly. It’s not like Hux’s reactions were new to him. He has always been this way.

He started as that co-worker Kylo hated. The more time he spent with Hux, the more he became this hot-mess that he wanted to hate fuck. Then, it happened one time. And another. And another. Once a week. Once a day. Kylo started leaving clothes at Armitage's place… It was never formalized, they never said it to one another, but they eventually became more than a hook-up.

Before the blooming of their affection, when he just had to accompany Hux on tasks, he always made sure that people weren’t imagining things when he mentioned him as “his partner.” Now, he did not bother: Hux was his partner in every possible way. Hux was his. But the ginger never changed towards him like he did. Whether Ren was executing his orders or spooning him in his bed, he remained a cold bitch.

Of course Ren appreciated that Hux wasn’t clingy, but sometimes Hux’s detachment felt too heavy. He wished that, at least one time, the ginger would make a big gesture. Something to prove that he was in love like Kylo was. Hopelessly, Kylo Ren’s heart belonged to Armitage Hux. He would do anything for him, even if it was too embarrassing to admit out loud, in front of his lover.

So when Armitage Hux told him to “take us to fucking West Virginia on your damned motorcycle”, that’s exactly what Kylo Ren did.

***********************************************

Stensland woke from a two hour nap. They were still on countryside roads, Stensland could tell as much from the landscape. Lazily curled up on his seat, he asked Clyde:

-Are we there yet?

-No.

Stensland yawned, then sighed. He hadn’t even thought to ask where they were heading until now, as it hit him.

-By the way, where are you taking me?

-To my brother’s. He’ll know what to do.

It was not obvious considering the confidence in his voice, but Clyde had made this decision an hour ago while Stensland was asleep. Before that, he had been driving around aimlessly. He has never been great at figuring out a plan during messy situations like the one they were currently in. Usually, his brother and sister were there behind him with advice. He could not let the very anxious Stensland know that the situation was not under his absolute control, however, so he acted like he knew what he was doing when, really: he had no clue.

-Oh, Stensland answered, Okay. And where would that be?

-West Virginia.

-Is that where you’re from?

-Yup. Born and raised.

Stensland nodded. Afraid the silence might take over once more, he suggested:

-Hey, do you want to do something fun?

-No.

-...What?

-Everytime my siblings ask me that question, I end up in troubles.

-Oh, no! Not that kind of fun! I meant like...play a game or something.

Clyde still didn’t look like he trusted him, but Stensland continued anyways:

-Right. Let’s play Would You Rather!

Stensland quickly found a website that generated questions. So he started:

-Would you rather live in a treehouse or live in a floating boat?

Clyde looked like he was giving the question too much thought. After one full minute of what looked like intense reflection, Stensland snapped:

-Jeezus, Clyde. It’s for fun, It’s not like I was seriously asking it! Just answer with anything.

Clyde looked embarrassed. He admitted:

-I thought you were asking me how I planned to start my new life, because of the mess we are currently in.

Armitage’s angry face burst into Stensland’s mind, filling him with anxiety.  He had almost forgotten, and this reality after his nap left him so comfortable. Clyde looked cool about this. How can he be so chill? We probably are being tracked by a whole gang right now.   Stensland was mesmerized.

-I’d say Treehouse.

Hearing Clyde’s answer, Stensland forced himself to cool down by looking back at the Would You Rather website:

- Right. Errr… Would you rather… fight a shark with bear arms or fight a bear with shark arms?

Clyde frowned, very confused.

-Do sharks have arms? -Well, I guess they are referring to their fins? I don’t know. -How could anyone fight with that shit? There’s a reason they have sharp teeth. Bear arms, all the way. -But you would be at a disadvantage underwater. -The question did not specify if the fight was underwater or not. -Good point.. Would you rather eat only buffalo wings for the rest of your life or drink only buffalo sauce for the rest of your life? -Buffalo wings. -How could you pick the other way around, Stensland agreed with a disgusted face, Would you rather lose your mind or lose your significant other? -My significant other being? -Well… Uh… Your girlfriend, I guess. Or boyfriend. -I don’t have none of ‘em. -Oh. Well, a family member, then. Or your dear Hit-and-Run friend Stensland. That was a tricky one. Clyde sighed. -Well, losing someone is the worst. I guess I would pick the first one. -I think I would, too. Never felt like I made much sense to begin with anyways, Stensland added. Unfortunately, they got through all the website’s questions, quickly. Okay, that was pretty fun,  Stensland thought, a big smile spread across his face. Clyde noticed it in the car’s mirror and said:

-You know, that sure could be creepy for an outsider. You still have blood on your face and you’re all smiley.

Stensland laughed heartily.

-Especially in this car, you know. Rich people always have issues! Always!

Two days ago, they did not even know each other and now they were joking like old friend would. Stensland was feeling warm all over. He could not remember the last time he had so much fun. Which was kind of fucked up, considering his life was  currently being threatened by gangsters.

[hello-stensy-blog]

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