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This one's a product of insomnia, depression and watching National Treasure [first part so far since I still don't have the Book of Secrets. And reading one NT fic after another...

It's just a random one-shot. It can be seen through slash-goggles, although it's not slash.

Oh, yes. And I own them. I actually wrote NT's screenplay along with Across the Universe's. And High School Musical is my idea, too. Oh, almost forgot – I also invented keyboard.

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The book.

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"Riley, you don't even know how much I appreciate your help with this hunt," Ben said, patting his best friend's shoulder.

"Of course, I'm irreplaceable after all," he laughed, though the blush was evident on his cheeks.

But Ben wasn't going to be fooled that easily.

"No, Riley, seriously. Without you... We wouldn't be able to do it."

"Aw come on, it's not like I'm not being paid for it!"

They both laughed, but Ben couldn't shake off the impression Riley's laugh wasn't very sincere.

"Riley? Is everything fine?", he asked, concern obvious in his voice.

Riley just kept being silent. Ben immediately knew something must've been wrong – Riley was barely ever silent. Especially when asked question like this one. He'd always whine and complain at small things, but if something was wrong, he'd never say anything. He'd just cover his pain with sarcasm.

Before even Ben could say anything more, Riley asked, "You didn't even plan on reading that book, did you Ben?"

Ben didn't have to ask what book was Riley talking about. Riley's book.

Deciding lying would be low, he stammered a bit.

"Well, actually... I kinda figured..."

"That whatever would be in that book, you'd already know that, huh?", Riley finished for Ben, his voice bitter.

"Kind of," Ben admitted feeling stupid.

"Turns out you didn't know everything, right?", Riley smiled forcedly, but Ben took that as a good sign. Riley wasn't capable of bearing a grudge for long.

"Sorry, man," Ben simply said.

"Never mind. Just, if you read it, tell me what you think of it, okay? I'm curious about your opinion," this time Riley's smile was sincere, but his crystal blue eyes still held a bit of sorrow.

"You have my word," Ben promised.

Riley's face lit up immediately.

--- The End.