Techie’s gaze darts across the room like he’s scanning for cameras or listening devices. After a pregnant pause, he whispers, “Armitage, I… I like men.” He swallows dryly and clutches at the hem of his oversized yellow sleeves.
All in one rushed, breathless gasp, Techie blurts, “I’m s-sorry! I don’t know h-how the First Order feels in th-these matters-! B-but I’ll keep it quiet if y-y-you w-want me to! I swear! Or I can l-leave if that’s not okay!” His voice is high and desperate as he frantically reaches for Hux, seeking his touch in reassurance.
Hux blinked a little at Techie’s confession, trying to understand the problem, and then his brother began panicking, and Hux nearly panicked with him – or rather, for him.
“Hey,” he said and grabbed his forearm, placing his other hand on Techie’s shoulder. “Hey, hey, breathe. This is not an issue. Stats, I thought you’d tell me you are running off to the Resistance or something. But this? So long as the man you like isn’t Luke Skywalker, nobody cares. I promise. You can like whoever you want,” he said and smiled reassuringly.
“In fact, if I wasn’t married to my job, I like men as well. Something we have in common, huh?” When was the last time he even had the time to think about liking anyone? He couldn’t quite recall.
“Was that… An issue where you were before?”
Techie’s eyes widened in shock and he gaped at him, bewildered by the calm response, until he leaned against his brother and pretty much collapsed on him with relief. He had to take a few moments to collect himself and stop his shuddering gasps. “Really? We’re… the s-same?” This perks him up considerably, and he latches onto Hux in a tight hug.
“MaMa was pos-s-sessive of m-me. If I looked at any boys, she’d hurt me. The other t-techs made fun of me too. I thought m-maybe… I hoped it wouldn’t be the same, h-here.” Techie wipes at his wet eyes and gives a shaky laugh. “I’m so relieved!” He aches to ask who Hux had liked before, if anyone, and to tell him who he likes too.
TechieHux 