Fuck

‘How the mighty have fallen. So this is the great general? Not so mighty now he’s imprisoned. What on earth is he draped in?’

'It’s said to belong to one of the Knights of Ren.’

'Truly? Why has no one taken it from him?.’

'Good luck with that.’

'Why? He’s nothing but a beaten slip of a man.’

Ties - Kylux

So, it’s my four month anniversary of diving head first into the kylux trash pit and not coming up for air, so I thought I would put together a random list of my favorite things.  This is by no means an exhaustive list of essentials for noobs, just some things that have shaped my own personal headcanons according to what I enjoy about the pairing and what I find myself coming back to for inspiration. 

But if you were interested in Kylux as a noob– this is 100% without a doubt the list of AO3 fic recs, fanart recs, and tumblr recs I would drop at your feet (before quickly running away so I wouldn’t have to witness your confused reaction).

Settle ‘round young padwans, this is going to be a long one… 

AO3 Fic Recs

These recs are roughly in the order I’ve read them, and all are part of my public bookmarks on AO3.

In the Dark by @reserve

This mostly pwp gets at Ren’s deep insecurities in a way that brings the kylux trust to an unexpected level of intimacy. This was one of the first fics I read and really said, “Oh, yes. Now this is the pairing I can get behind.” 

Aware of His Own Halo by @badspacebabies

Hot Mess Hux is such a refreshing role reversal. This fulfills all of my: ‘So what would Hux do without the First Order?’ needs. I could read a good 100K more in this universe.  Also the sex is incredibly hot.

fever to tell by @irisparry (elements of dub-con)

There’s nothing nice or easy about their dynamic in this one. Ren’s impulsive need to possess Hux, his restless pursuit of Hux’s memories, his mind, leaves them both on the messy edge of consent. Neither of them really knows what they’re doing– and that makes it all the more compelling.  

Tinder and Flint by @that-vicious-vixen

I’m such a sucker for a well-written Emperor Hux AUs. This one, one of the originals, is so so satisfying. The tension between Hux and Ren is so lovely here.

Our Fragile Co-commandership by @ilyn

As someone who enjoys writing dialogue, I love the banter in this. The way Hux and Ren play off of each other makes me smile all the way through. They are so well matched and at ease in each other’s presence, which is hard to balance while creating believable characterizations. This nails it.

Wracklines by @badspacebabies

Post-Starkiller kylux. I love the vulnerability in both of them as they’re left confused and bare with only each other to lean on in the wake of Starkiller, even when Snoke is demanding they separate. Hux’s reluctant acceptance in caring what happens to Ren is so emotionally compelling. I’ve read this series a few times– and it’s one of those gorgeous pieces of prose where I can discover something new I like each time.

Children Wake Up series by @hollyhark

This is a long read that is so so satisfying if you’re into alternate universe fics that branch off from canon. There’s so much to love about this one, but something I think doesn’t get mentioned enough is the interpretation of Snoke and his deeply disturbing, psychological influence over Ren. After reading this, I was disappointed by Snoke’s treatment in TLJ because he’s so much more dimensional and downright scary in this fic. His presence is felt everywhere throughout this series, and has greatly influenced how I see him in my own personal headcanon.

Somewhere in the Half-Light  by @hollyhark

This mostly-PWP fic set within canon hits so many of my kinks. Orgasm delay, praise kink, rushed half-clothed sex. Urgency. Love it. 

Gold and Stone Series by @hollyhark (WIP)

This plot is so very engaging! I love the characterizations of the Knights of Ren here and how the Force bond works between Ren and Hux. The differing Hux and Ren POVs contribute so much mystery to the plot. I try not to read WIPs because I can’t take it when I read something I know will be left unfinished (even in my own writing), but I couldn’t resist with this one. I can’t wait to read more!

Hunger by @eralkfang @badspacebabies  @reserve

The dynamic between Hux and Ren is so interesting here. I love the slow-build toward intimacy that I can’t really describe without using the word sensual, and the narrative prose is just spot on. I’ve read lots of things by all three of these authors, so to see all three write something together is just– yes.

I don’t Want Love series by @saltandrockets

I’m honestly not one for kid-fic or mpreg, but the way this plot is structured and the believability of the characterizations, it just makes sense here. It’s not all fluff and roses, and I think that’s what I appreciate most about this.

Savages by @kdazrael

The Hux character study!!! This makes him so multidimensional I can’t help but keep it in the back of my mind as part of my own personal headcanon. The core worlds society + Hux’s backstory is so dynamic and interesting here. 

Resuscitate by sailaway

Classic Kylux with heavy D/s themes. I love how different this is from my initial interpretation of how kylux might work within the SW universe. This is my Classic Kylux reference. 

Flyboys  by @gefionne

I’m always reluctant to read things just because other people say I should– but THIS. This one, though. The WWII British Royal Air Force AU that deserves all the fandom hype it receives for how good it is. The world building and emotional slow build is so so satisfying. I’m still reading through this and loving every minute!

Fanart Recs

Young Jedi Killer  by @littleststarfighter

face off by @littleststarfighter

Ties-Kylux by @schaloime

Bruised and naked Hux by @generaldeepthroat

Death by @night-cf

It’s the one thing you had to do by @andiiwalker

bruised Kylo Ren from Hux’s perspective by @fancymaul

3:47 am by @themightynyunyi

General Hux: daily life on the finalizer  by @milisk

Paper isn’t Useless… by @convallarias-art

shower kiss by @rollynn

Ren behind Hux by @first-disorder

The Supreme Leader is dead… by @merriru

‘It’s not his blood he’s wearing.’ by @littleststarfighter

Kylux Anthology Piece by @queenstardust

(I’ve taken some liberties with titles simply for my own reference… I hope none of the artists mind.)

Tumblr recs: quality blogs I regularly enjoy & reblog

@chillanddrinkcoffee @mademoisellebianx @kyluxempire @kinkshamekylux @sleemo @huxblush @dagturn @ondolindiel @hex-n-hart @textsfromfirstorder

@kyluxhardkinks @softkyluxkinks @kyluxcantina 

My own humble fic offerings would not exist without any of the lovely creative geniuses mentioned above. So above all else, THANK YOU. Without knowing very many of you personally (*waves nervously* “hi!”), whether you’re still involved in kylux or not, you guys have no idea how much fannish joy you’ve brought to my life over the last four months! 

Anyone else who’s reading this, please remember creators thrive on feedback in whatever form, so go and give them some love!

Arkanis underwater hotel