Kylo always felt dependent on Snoke; from the very first moment he manifested as discernible words in young Ben's head he knew he was the only one who understood him, valued him in the way he was meant to be. Snoke's validation was a balm after the rejection of his peers and the unease of his parents. He's always been his favorite person. Post Starkiller, after the humiliating fight with the scavenger girl and Snoke's betrayal, Kylo realizes this isn't the case any longer. He's in limbo. The troopers are little better than insects, the officers frightened cowards, Phasma is indifferent to him.

And then he notices Hux.

Hux likes to manipulate people. Kylo needs someone he can leverage for attention. And Hux has always been so good about giving it to him. It all works out rather neatly.