Hi...
Yeah, I'm still alive, sorta. I've been working on different things at the moment, and I've wanted to post this for a little while. I've finished Fable III god knows how many times, and I have to admit that Ben Finn is one of the sweetest, most idiotic characters in the game. Please don't hate me for how awful and short it is, I just wanted to post this *cowers*
Ben's twinkling sky blue eyes stared at me, a slight smile tugging at his lips. "Well, queen, old chum, ruler supreme, pal. You did it. You saved the kingdom. And it's my turn to say goodbye. I'm not cut out to be a general. And I think I'd like to start travelling again. Or maybe see if Page needs any help down in Industrial..." I want him to say more, but his gaze travels to the floor, away from mine.
"Thank you, Ben," I smile, stepping closer to him, seeing his head jerk upwards in surprise. He reluctantly gives me a toothy grin back, elongating his neck to improve his posture. He was always trying to be taller than me, but it always resulted in us arguing. I didn't think that our little bickers would stop so suddenly, and if I did, I wouldn't dare let his smile fade. I can feel the tears collecting in my eyes, and without hesitation, I wrap my arms around his neck. Ben knows me well enough to know I'm not the one for goodbyes, but it's never been so hard to let someone go.
"Don't cry, princess." I squeeze the fabric of his shirt tighter at this. The same words he used when I woke up screaming from nightmares of the darkness eating up the kingdom, and the people I love. His shoulder soon becomes damp from my tears, but he only clutches me tighter. "I'll never forget, and I know we'll see each other again soon, I promise." He whispers in my ear, rubbing my back repeatedly.
Ben slowly prises me from him, giving me a nod. "I promise." The same words that escaped my lips to many others, but to this, I cannot guarantee.
He turns away; slowly walking away from Walter's statue, the wind hardly ruffling his styled hair. As much as it hurts to see him leave, as much as I hate saying goodbye, I know that...
I suddenly feel ill, all of my memories with him flashing before my eyes: the legions of the hollow men, Bowerstone Industrial, the desert, and the many other battles we fought together. He was my friend the entire time, not doubting me for a second. Ben was my inspiration, my morale support. I can't imagine my life without him. And now, when I need him the most, he leaves. I can feel my lips forming his name, the tears streaming down my face as I realise what he is to me. My heart aches, my legs become weak, my entire body trembles. I am in love with my best friend.
I am known for my lack of interest in men, especially when Elliot sacrificed himself for the wellbeing of the so called 'traitors'. I promised myself I would never love again, for the sake of Elliot. But I've never felt this guilty or needy before. The pain of love is unbearable, knowing that he wouldn't feel the same. It hurts to know this. But, as if he knows I want him to, he turns his head, giving me a sideward glance. I stare back at him, my breaths now sobs. "It's been an honour, my queen." He murmurs, but I hear him well enough.
I give him a nod, lifting my chin and managing to smile, as he always used to tell me. I now know my true feelings for him. I'll never get to confess it, I'll never be able to express it, I can only contain them, and think of him always.
I grin at the thought, and say, "Farewell, Ben Finn."
Ben Finn, the best idiot in the world.