“Armitage,” Techie crooned, choosing his with words with precision. “Brother. You don’t- you don’t have to d-do this.” He begins walking towards them, hands up in a placating gesture.

Hux is thrown off by the use of his first name and his arms falter as if lowering Adeline. When he catches his moment of indecision he straightens her up in the air once more. “Back off, technician, or I’ll throw you in too!”

“I’m a t-tech, yes,” Techie’s almost halfway there, “But I’m your br-brother too, aren’t I? Aren’t I a H-Hux? Even with my f-freaky eyes?” He lets very real pain flash in his expression as he asks, words quiet but message loud, “Do I not deserve to live, brother?”

This was a tremendous gamble. Hux projected ruthlessness and cruelty at all times, but would he feel that way with Techie? Deep down, did Hux want a family too?