(Here is a list by the amazing @harlanhardway, who will be a guest on this blog as often as I can wheedle a list out of her. The woman has incredible taste, lemme tell ya all. -DustyRecs)
E, No Archive Warnings Apply, 17k (+29k sequel), 1/1 chapters (2 part series)
Summary: Maestro Hux is at the helm of the Erste Orden Sinfonie for their big gala concert, a programme of the most stunning piano concertos ever written. With his continued employment and the future of the whole orchestra on the line, the last thing he needs is the incredibly arrogant (but wildly talented) piano soloist Kylo Ren.
Why this work is exceptional: The use of music is stunning. The character development and portrayal of the day to day workings of a professional symphony is spectacular. The way Hux and Kylo fight like crazy, and then somehow manage to come around to each other and bond over music is so excellently done. Come for the kylux, stay for the music. Part 2 is equally good, but Part 1 can be read as a stand-alone.
Summary: Kylo is a street musician in Prague. Hux is touring with the prestigious First Order Orchestra. They collide. Hard.
Why this work is exceptional: The way the music is described as well as the experience of playing it is a really significant and integral part of this fic. Hux and Kylo connect through the music first and then their backstories and relationship sort of develops from there. The setting is also really well fleshed out, fully realized but also very dream-like and atmospheric at times.
M, Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, 18k, 1/1 chapters
Summary: “It’s better to have loved and lost, than to never have loved at all,” Ren sneaks up behind him in the courtyard, his deep voice suddenly echoing in Hux’s ear.
Hux grimaces, clenching his teeth together in an effort to keep from lashing out with his fists. “You butchered that.” He wouldn’t stand a chance against Ren. One day, that’s not going to stop him.
Why this work is exceptional: This fic is incredibly atmospheric. It’s very well written, the use of music and poetry is spectacular, as is the use of time-jumps. It has a happy ending, but the whole tone is very melancholic.
Summary: An AU based on the Force Awakens characters and the general plot of White Christmas.
After WWII Poe and Finn Dameron take to the stage as a power house entertainment duo. Every Christmas Eve they can’t help but think of General Hux, the commander of their former division, legendary singer, and the man who saved their lives. They don’t know what’s become of Hux, but want to pay him back if they ever find him.
Rey and Ben Solo are an up and coming act on the showbiz scene, but Ben’s time serving overseas is catching up to him. In a last ditch effort to secure Rey’s future, he turns to the Dameron’s and an old army connection.
Why is this work exceptional: This does exactly what it says on the tin. It is unrepentant feel-good fluff that follows the basic premise and plot of White Christmas. It’s definitely soft-kylux and incredibly heartwarming.
Summary: Hux loves two things – his bass and his husband.
One of them, however, is a lot more fun to play.
Why this work is exceptional: Hux and Ren are married and both play standup bass in a classic orchestra. It’s a fun little window into their lives, the details about their routine as professional musicians is really well done and their back-and-forth is equal parts funny, witty, and also kind of sweet. It’s also really unapologetically smutty, bordering on PWP territory, so definitely check this one out if that’s what you’re in the mood for.
SFW, 3min 26sec, music video, French with English/Japanese subtitles
Summary: The First Official Kylux Song.
Why this work is exceptional: It’s quite a good song and it’s not everyday that a band writes a song dedicated to your ship. Kylux is not mentioned by name in the song, but I linked to the Tumblr post where the singer/songwriter explains their motivations in writing it and dedicates the song to the kylux fandom. I definitely thought it was pretty cool and the song is well worth a listen.
dispatches from the dumpster 