guestsurprise did this special New Year's story! Enjoy!


Ben was sitting up and watching the moon rise high in the sky. They just had a wonderful Christmas and the children were now asleep and the adults were following suite.

"Everything alright Ben?" A gentle voice spoke. Ben slowly turned and saw Rook walk in with Four Arms.

"Yeah. Just thinking about my New Year's resolution." He smiled gently.

"What will it be?" Four Arms asked, now sitting down next to him.

"I think mine will be to finally accept who I am." He whispered.

Rook and Four Arms looked at him intently and then both of them smiled gently.

"I think that's the best thing you could've said tonight." Four Arms grinned, now pulling Ben to his chest and hugging him. Immediately, Ben wriggled free and looked surprised. "What's the matter kid?"

"Ben I have also noticed that you move away when I try to show you brotherly affection." Rook added in concern.

"I'm sorry guys…but I'm just not used to that kind of emotion or love." Ben replied, now rubbing his arms gently.

"Kid, we all need a hug now and then. Even me." Four Arms joked, now making a grab for Ben, but Ben jumped back in shock.

"Guys, really! I just don't…well…."

"C'mon Ben…" Four Arms coaxed gently.

Ben was hesitant. He was not used to a lot of affection because he was picked on so much as a kid. He always kept emotion bottled in and never wanted anyone to know the truth of what was happening in his world.

"I-I…guys I can't…" He said sadly. What he didn't expect was for Four Arms to gently grab at him again and then pull him to his chest.

"HEY!" He said in shock.

"Easy Ben. We only want you to let you know that you are not alone." Rook said, now gently walking up to them and hugging Ben along with the Tetramand. Ben stopped struggling and they felt him become less tense.

"Easy kiddo. Sometimes, we all need someone to care Ben." Four Arms grinned, now gently hugging him more. Ben smiled gently and hugged them both back.

"Thanks guys."

"And perhaps add one more thing to your New Year's resolution." Rook grinned.

"What?" Ben smiled, getting a gentle noogie from Four Arms.

"Letting others care for you Ben. You don't need to always be the strong one. We care for you." Rook grinned, now gently punching him in the jaw.

"Thanks and I need you guys too. Wanna finish this night with a smoothie?" Ben said, now wiggling his eyebrows.

"Sure!" Four Arms smiled.

"I am down." Rook added with a large grin. They then headed out the door and into the night; there was not a happier family in the entire city or better yet…the entire world.


guestsurprise: Hope you all enjoy it! Happy New Year!

newbienovelistRD: I sure did! Happy New Year, guestsurprise! :D