[ Maybe he's looking at this too optimistically. Which, for him, is rather strange. Always prepare for the worst– though he supposes that "worst" is in constant flux when it comes to dealing with Kylo Ren.

Though, as much as he dislikes the connection they have here, it's showing its usefulness. He can tell he's hit a nerve. Not something that usually brings about a conversation that's seemingly so docile. Hux has used sharp words to drive a point home, to join in on what he now knows is Ren's own internal dialogue of disappointment. This is something he understands so clearly that the scoff from a moment ago feels appropriate. How absurd. ]

Is it really? [ A serious question. He's on the precipice of a decision, one he rationalizes could be effective here, even if it's personal. Hux glances away, but his concentration is bent towards Ren; there isn't one image he focuses on, but the underlying rush.

Fear of disappointment (his father frowning, words not even necessary for how his displeasure rolls off him–)

Inadequacy; (–starkiller is crumbling and all he can focus on ghosts of words telling him of course he wasn't to succeed–)

Too many moments flicker by, (this rank is never enough, never), a result of not enough training, before he manages to bring them to a halt. Gaze turning to Ren's back, he's tense. ]

You showed me the Finalizer from how many galaxies away, Ren. How is this more impossible than that?