A/N: Oh, look who is still alive! Sorry for not updating sooner, I have been studying and trying to enjoy my last year as a student to its fullest. To put it bluntly, I have been going out a whole horrible lot these months. Exam after exam, party after party, exam after party, whatever. I need a new liver. And possibly another brain.
In case you dear readers care, I just arrived from my high school graduation and even though it was indeed a nice ceremony, I am quite happy and depressed right now. In fact, I have not taken off my dirty, wrinkled uniform covered in foam yet...
Anyhow, I am back and from now on I am an official employee, which unluckily means my updates will not get any faster. Hope you are patient people, because I have been doing my best to write this fic and I really want to give it an ending. It will be a long ride for sure, but despite my lack of free time, I intend to reach the last stop, and perhaps you all will be there when that happens. And if not, well, I have always found writing very pleasurable :)
Up to this point, what I see here actually surprises me – I was not expecting to get 14 reviews, 18 favourites and 30 followers with a long prologue, so you can imagine how glad I am. A million thanks for giving my story a chance!
Also, especial thanks to the wonderful Ice-Woman n AVG, who has volunteered to make my story look nicer and to be my human spell-checker and grammar-checker since I do not have the time to read each chapter by myself once it has been finished. She refuses to be labelled as a 'beta' nonetheless. According to the very Ice-Woman, she is only doing the job of an insane, awesome virtual friend. Anyway, thanks for your help my dear! All the remaining mistakes here are mine!
As for the overall plot, well, remember that the story is rated M and that there are some minor twists here and there. For example, the Proto-TRUCK still exists, the age of a few characters has been modified... and you had better keep reading to find out because this is what my brain recalls at the moment.
Let's just say that I only changed a couple of minor facts given in the original series.
Without further ado, please, enjoy this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it.
He was doing it again.
Ben was actually staring at him from across the room. Again.
Not with a stupid or dreamy expression typical of films, no. Ben had long become a master at feigning boredom or relaxation for his fondness to go unnoticed. A blank face adorned by bright green eyes expertly hiding away uneasy adoration was all he had to offer, and he was sure it was enough to conceal any kind of hint.
With nothing to fear, he let his gaze sweep over each one of the facial features before him, admiring delicately that pair of vivid cat-like eyes, tracing those beautiful black markings, treasuring the breath-taking sight in the core of his memory. Insanely cravingthe touch of those large, strong hands...
Ben bit his lower lip and breathed in through his nose. Sometimes his thoughts could get too excited when they approached the danger zone.
Folding his arms across his chest, Ben leaned further onto the wall behind and exhaled loudly, his eyes glued to the delightful Revonnahgander in front as he did everything within emotional reach to collect his sinful mind.
He kept on watching in cautious fascination the way Rook's lips pressed together into a weak pout while his hands worked on the Proto-Tool, his concentration along with his fingers engaged passionately in fixing, testing, altering and exploring the weapon after two, two years of ownership.
Curious green eyes landed on the item in question and the stare didn't hesitate to become a glare. Ben was pretty sure he'd been watching enough to make someone feel uncomfortable, and yet Rook was so incredibly focused on that goddamn thing that he hadn't even gazed back yet. You've been touching that piece of crap too much and too long, aren't you sick and tired of it?
The wielder of the Omnitrix mentally slapped his face and looked away, ashamed of his pitiful self. Being jealous of inanimate objects such as a multifunctional weapon undoubtedly exceeded the limits.
Click.
His eyes flickered up to the alien. Rook laid the tiny tool on the lab table next to the rest of scattered Galvan tools with strange names that Ben wouldn't get to memorize even in a parallel universe.
After inclining the weapon at various angles to get a closer look, Rook placed the object back on his shoulder, then glanced at his younger partner leaning on the wall. The unreadable expression he found on Ben aroused some worry, and to his surprise, the boy was also glancing back.
"You are unusually quiet."
Ben's heart skipped a beat once their gazes met, but Earth be damnedif he was going to expose those treacherous nerves. He shrugged them off and cooled down instead. "Often happens when I'm bored, you of all people should know that."
"I am familiar with your tendency to become uninterested easily," Rook countered cleverly, intending to demonstrate how much he got to know his friend over time. "However, you have the appearance of a thoughtful person, which I must add, is quite worthy of attention."
"Well, I– Hey! What do you mean by 'worthy of attention'?" Ben had suddenly gone from a casual tone to barking and mimicking quotation marks. "Just so you know, I actually was bored, but apart from that I wasthinking."
Rook tilted his head to the side, amazed. Was it possible for Ben to be thinking about other than junk food and his precious games of Sumo Slammers? "Allow me to reiterate... That is unusual. May I ask for more details?"
Ben swallowed hard, but handled keeping his cool and slipped both hands into the pockets of his hooded jacket to prove it. "Don't make a fuss over nothing. I was just..." 'Thinking about how amazingly attractive you are...'"Just thinking you shouldn't modify that thing so much." He nodded at the Proto-Tool with abhorrence. "It's got lots of functions installed. You even use it as a fishing rod. What else do you need? A toaster?"
"An electrical appliance designed to toast different types of breads would not be effective in combats. Furthermore, I was only making some minor adjustments."
"Yeah, right." Ben pushed his back away from the wall, a lazy move that somehow looked like it demanded too much effort. "I guess you're done now, aren't you?"
A feeble sigh. "Unfortunately, no. I shall ask Blukic and Driva for help."
"Or since you suck at this only a bit less than them," the teenager teased, a smirk forming on his lips, "You should call your little brother. He's ten times better than you and certainly twenty times better than Blukic and Driva, together."
Rook took the offensive joke lightly, fighting down a chuckle. "You did not have to stay here waiting."
"Oh, I did have to," Ben informed eagerly, as if it were an evident point of fact. "Because it's Friday night and we're going to get something good to eat!"
A resigned, cordial smile worked its way across Rook's face. "Ben, today is Wednesday."
The hero blinked, momentarily bewildered, though he dismissed the new data with a mere flicker of his wrist. "Let it be Wednesday night then, but I won't go home and eat whatever mom is cooking. Lately, she's been preparing more weird dishes than ever."
"I cannot understand your disgust. The meals Mrs. Tennyson makes are absolutely delicious."
"See? That's why she's constantly telling me to bring you home! She loves cooking for you! It's a sick mutual thing," Ben commented, partly twisting the truth to his convenience. He refused to tell the other part of the story, which included Sandra revealing that her affinity for the Plumber was bound exclusively to his well-mannered nature and how it may influence her son through the years. Ben was sure it would make that proud, kind smile set right in front of his eyes all the more stunning. And hell, his uncontrollable hormones didn't need any form of stimulation at the time. So he stopped talking about the matter before Rook had the chance to comment and headed to the door, motioning for his partner to follow him. "Come on! I'm starving."
"Eating at your favourites places has become a habit," the Revonnahgander pointed out, walking closely behind. "We did it on Monday and several times in the past week."
Ben smiled and looked at him over his shoulder. If only Rook knew how much he enjoyed eating out with him. After two years, most people would probably begin to tire of spending every single day with the same person. Ben, on the other hand, seemed to never get enough of Rook's company. It was a relief that at the end of each day, the alien would gladly accept to spend one or two more hours together. "You've never turned down one of my invitations. Are you complaining now?"
"Of course not. I simply think that you will not be able to avoid your mother's food for the rest of your life."
The automatic door slid open. That excuse had worked for real, masking the hero's intentions perfectly. Ben fixed his line of vision on the front and chortled, playing along, "I can try." He was about to cross the threshold, but halted and stepped back at the abrupt emergence of his grandfather, causing the alien behind to bump into him. Ben collected himself quickly and was the first one greeting the man. "Hey, grandpa. Working late at night?"
Max raised his eyebrows in what could be labelled as astonishment. "Ben? I thought you were on your way home. What are you doing here?"
By extending a thumb over his shoulder, Ben directed Max's attention to his partner. "The kitten was playing with his ball of yarn. I was waiting for him to finish."
This time the pair of eyebrows furrowed and Max sent Rook a questioning glance, whose main response was a puzzled blink and a curt shrug. "I am as confused as you are, Magister Tennyson."
"We're going to get something to eat," Ben announced, oblivious to the misunderstanding, conveniently re-drawing his grandfather's attention. "Wanna join?"
Perhaps the idea of asking Max to go with them was rather pointless since his culinary techniques and recipes were as eccentric as Sandra's unsavoury dishes, but hey, family was family.
Max flashed a faint smile that just wasn't enough to trick Ben. "Thank you kiddo, but Patelliday and I have already eaten," Max said gently, eyeing both plumbers. Before his gaze fell upon him for a second time, the wielder of the Omnitrix noticed the drastic change on his grandfather's face. His expression hovered between seriousness and something that Ben couldn't put his finger on. "Listen, if you don't mind, I'd like to have a conversation with Rook… In private, that is."
Ben's gaze widened. He shared a stunned, fleeting look with his partner. "Why? What happens?" The hand landing on his shoulder prevented Ben from asking more questions. He didn't need to look back to understand what Rook was trying to express. Satisfied with the warm squeeze of reassurance to his shoulder, he nodded. "Sorry. None of my business. I'll be waiting at the end of the hall."
The hand slid down to the middle of his back in the most inconspicuous manner, and as he walked around Max and out of the room, Ben could have sworn by Alien X that Rook had definitely caressed him.
In the meantime, Max took the remaining step, enabling the door the slide shut. His features twisted into ones of sheer concern.
Rook had no problem noticing. "Is something wrong, sir?"
The older Plumber ran a hand over his worried face. "Unluckily, yes. I come bearing bad news for you," Max started, his tone that of an experienced man talking to his beloved grandson. "I assume you're aware that your sister is visiting your home-world and that she is supposed to come back before the weekend..." Rook gave a slow, rigid nod. Max pursed his lips and plucked up courage to speak out. "Well, a moment ago she managed to contact us. She's not coming back, Rook, or at least not soon."
The Revonnahgander's anxious gaze was unable to focus on anything around him but Max. "Unconventional behaviour has been perceived among your people and she's currently staying to try and investigate the cases," the older man explained, showing both sympathy and firmness as he came to the point. "According to Shar, a large number of residences have been broken into, entire families have been disappearing at random without leaving a trace, and some farmers have been found... Dead, in remote fields and near their respective homes – families in general are going through fits of nerves. Who or what is causing this to happen is unknown and so are the reasons to those horrible murders, but your sister is determined to find and fight the source of these unforgiven crimes. And she contacted us, because she needs you by her side to do it."
The delicacy Max had put into the tragic explanation was of no use. He couldn't recall seeing a living being so horrified in the past. The spirit of one of his finest Plumbers was no longer present.
Rook was disturbingly aghast, his gaze lost somewhere down the floor, clouded by a fog of raw confusion and evident disbelief. The idea of a whole family disappearing made him feel sick. The thought of lifeless bodies lying around his beautiful planet was shattering. His lips parted, but the shocked stare persisted and words simply wouldn't come out. How could someone even think of doing such terrible things to his dear, peaceful people? Who or what was responsible for those atrocities?
Why...?
Two supportive hands took hold of Rook's shoulders and he finally looked up at Max. "Rook, I know this is unexpected and complicated, and I also know your home-world and people mean a lot for both you and Shar, but don't be alarmed. I'll send my best teams with you and Ben in case–"
"No!"
Rook immediately stood tall and pinched the bridge of his nose in regret. "Pardon me, my reaction was inappropriate, I should have not interrupted. But I believe, Magister, that it would be better if my sister and I were in charge. My people are not used to the presence of outsiders yet and... I do not wish to be ungrateful–"
"Don't apologize, I understand. When Shar only asked for you, I suspected this," Max hastened to say with the warmest sympathy, his worry unconcealed. "But you must understand as well, that I can't let you take this upon yourself. It doesn't have to be a solo-mission. We have no idea about who's behind these crimes. We're at disadvantage, and sitting around has never been an option for us. I won't let you go alone without trying to convince you first... And neither will Ben."
Ben.
An infinity of likely reactions crossed the Revonnahgander's mind. His eyelids fell shut. Explaining this situation to his partner would be hard. Leaving him, harder still.
"Rook, what if we do whatever it takes to go unnoticed? What if we don't interfere between your people and their lives?"
The alien's eyes flew open at the question. "Magister, I appreciate your good intentions, but neither my sister nor I can afford to do this to our people. That must be the reason why she did not ask for the Plumbers' help. Crimes not often take place in Revonnah and we rarely see any outsiders. Our people, our family... They need to stay calm."
Max backed away and shook his hands gently. He had done the right thing by not sending anyone yet. "Please, don't continue. It's your decision and I'll respect it. If you believe this is the best, no matter how much it hurts me to risk such excellent Plumbers, we'll do it your way." He dragged his gaze away wistfully. "Replacing you two while you're gone will be much of a tough challenge. I remember that I'd spent hours reading file stack after file stack until I came across your personal data. And now I shall find Ben a new, temporary partner."
Rook didn't fight the urge to frown. Mere minutes ago, there was no likelihood that any other Plumber would steal his hard-earned place next to the greatest world hero, and a while later he had no other choice than to give away the position.
In one thousandth of a second, a flood of gratifying memories, plenty of everyday moments, raced through his mind like the scenes of a film. Just Ben and him, fighting side by side while they watched each other's back; drinking a smoothie to celebrate accomplished missions; training together in order to enhance their hand-to-hand combat skills; trying out different types of food that Ben would most likely end up hating; playing Ben's favourite video-games and seeing senseless movies based on them...
Sitting close to each other somewhere at Undertown as they talk about random subjects ranging from bizarre Internet photos to past threats, cultural diversity, religion, and then somehow moving to bickers over Ben's attitude and strong arguments about his overuse of the Omnitrix...
Ah, it didn't matter how many times they argued, both would normally wind up in silence, like a mutual, subtle apologize. The distance between their spots would shorten unintentionally until their legs and arms touched, and at last Ben would dismiss their trivial little quarrel, start a new conversation, prod his partner playfully, smile at him, and that would be enough for Rook to cool down.
So deep in memories, the Plumber almost smiled back at the mental image of the younger human.
But when he thought about those moments being invaded by someone else... No, just no. Those were theirregular activities, their behaviours toward each other. No one else's. Rook didn't want another Plumber, whether human or alien, to replace him as a partner, let alone to replace him as an intimate. Since he was a successor, Gwen and Kevin had always been more than welcome by the Revonnahgander, but adding a new member to the occasional team in order to supplant himwas certainly another story. Rook was balling both fists against his sides even before thinking further about the issue.
He unclenched them as quickly, however, when Max's worried voice brought him back to the present. "Do you have a plan? When are you leaving?"
Rook forced his mind to shake the emotions away. Revonnah was far more important than uncalled-for indignation. "Tonight. Right now," he replied straightaway. "As for my plan, it solely consists in doing everything within my reach to restore our home-world's peaceful order."
"Are you sure about this?" Max insisted, "We can always help you to gather information at least, so you may think of a specific plan."
"For the time being, it is just the two of us. If Shar and I lose control over the situation, I promise we will communicate with you immediately."
No case. The alien was way too determined. Max clearly got less than what he had been bargaining for, and yet..."That's good to hear." He patted Rook's shoulder in a friendly, rough manner. "Remember, should you need help, we'll always be at your disposal."
"Thank you, Magister."
"And don't worry about Ben. He's going to understand."
Rook nodded and allowed himself the pleasure of smiling a bit. It was true. Ben had changed considerably over the past two years. Perhaps, he would really understand.
.
"ARE YOU NUTS? WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU'RE GOING ALONE? YOU CAN'T EXPECT ME TO SIT AROUND AFTER TELLING ME THIS!"
"Please, Ben, would you–"
"No! I'm not hearing you out! I can't believe you're asking me to stay! Don't you know me? We've been sticking together for two goddamn years!"
"I have a reason! My people, especially my family–"
"Don't give me that! I've been on Revonnah more times than I can remember, they all must be used to my presence by now! Your siblings treat me like a member of the family!"
The few nearby passers-by gave their nastiest looks.
Rook rubbed his neck awkwardly upon facing the glare of a male elder. "Ben, you are yelling. Calm down."
"I won't just calm down dude! There's no way in hell I'm letting you go alone! This isn't a solo-mission! What are you playing at?! What are you trying to demonstrate?!"
Rook sighed and tried to look smaller. Telling Ben about his departure outsidePlumber's HQ had unquestionably been a terribly bad idea. With his head already throbbing, Rook squeezed his eyes shut and rubbed his fingers across the lids then out to massage his temples. He had been preparing for a refusal, yes, but not for one thisnoisy. "I am not trying to demonstrate anything," he forced the slow, soft answer. "Do not insist Ben. My decision is made and it will remain as such."
"Oh, come on!" the hero exclaimed, flicking his wrist in an incensed gesture. "I've already helped your people and family twice.I remember that your dad didn't want me there the first time, but you had no problem with that! I even stayed at your home for some days last month! Why is it so different now?!"
"This time is different because several inhabitants are either disappearing or dying.Perhaps things are the way you describe them, perhaps most Revonnahganders are accustomed to your frequent visits and transformations, but that does not mean they feel comfortable in your presence."
Ben stomped closer and stretched to his limit, causing the Plumber to return to his normal height. "Really? That's your excuse? You worry more about your people's feelings than fixing the mess?"
Stubborn and insensitive as usual. When had this become an argument? Contrary to what Rook had been thinking, it seemed not too much had changed in two years. Rook couldn't tell whether he was disappointed or angry at the words reaching his ears. He leaned towards the second one and also towards Ben, however, when his own voice automatically escalated into a yell. The fact that they were in public didn't stop him. "Do not attach little importance to their displeasure!"
"Well, it ismore important that we sort this out!"
"Oh, I cannot believe you are still this...!" Rook took a step back and refrained from shouting something unpleasant. He had no time to argue. If Ben didn't want a proper parting –no matter how painful– then so be it. "I was hoping we could have a cordial farewell, but apparently that is not your intention." Rook whipped around and strode down the pavement, muttering coldly under his breath, "I wish you good luck."
The weight of his attitude came crashing down on Ben with the force of a maul. He rushed in the same direction and seized Rook's forearm without a second thought. "Wait, no, wait!"
Rook tensed and turned grudgingly. "I have no time to argue!"
"All right, all right, I'm sorry. You're anxious, you want to leave as soon as possible, I get it, just... Let's have this conversation once more. Before you leave, let me do this right."
A stern glare was the response.
Ben's heart sank at the sight. Even though he deserved it, those kind eyes being so awfully serious when not fixed on criminals seemed wrong. "Please, I'm asking for five more minutes, that's all."
There was a brief moment of silence before Rook finally gave him the nod. "I am listening."
Rook pulled his arm away slowly and Ben straightened his spine, fumbling for proper words. "Why shouldn't I go with you this time?" he asked more carefully.
Any remnant of anger faded to nothing at the low, tentative voice; Ben was putting a great deal of effort into their presumable goodbye. "The present state of affairs are of grave concern," the Revonnahgander explained again, loosening up a little but simultaneously keeping a stern stance. "Fistrick and the Incurseans did little damage compared to this unknown threat. Several farmers, including their children, have been disappearing and found dead in most cases. Family means everything to my people, Ben. If I am aware that you as well as any other different living form may disturb them, then I had better avoid taking someone with me because..." Rook paused and looked away. Ben's expression had twisted into one of sharp grief. Was the message coming out too harsh?
A pang of guilt shot through him. He tilted his head, defeated. "I do not want to cause my people and family further emotional distress."
"But that's...!" Ben hold his tongue and pressed a fist to his mouth. He didn't have to make the same mistake over and over to learn from it. "Don't you realise what you are asking me to do?"
"Yes. I am asking you to respect my decision, for my family's sake."
Ben shook his head firmly. "You're asking me to stay out of this."
". . . Exactly."
Ben stood there, dumbfounded, his mind in a spiral of emotions. He was hurt, he was worried. He was not convinced. That explanation just wasn't enough for him, there had to be something else, there had to be a bigger reason. A keyword echoed through his mind. Family. And soon the image of a hugely respected male member suddenly crossed his thoughts. "You don't want my help because you're afraid of what your dad's going to say."
The erroneous conclusion left the Revonnahgander perplexed. That was by far the reaction less expected. "What? No, my father has nothing–"
"Be honest!"
Rook scowled, more at the interruption than at the side accusation. "Lying is not necessary for me."
"Your dad's objections aren't an excuse then. You think I'm buying that?"
"Well, it is... Not the main issue," the alien faltered the slightest bit. "His disapproval only aggravates the situation, but–"
"No more buts! Cut them off! Just admit that you don't want to take me because he doesn't want me there!"
A frustrated growl leaked out. Rook set his jaw. He was in no exact position to get angry. After all, Ben's reasoning was quite valid; the only member who barely tolerated the human was his father, and under these circumstances Rook was truly afraid of what Da may have to say. Since the very beginning, Ben had treat his father with all the due respect, whereas the latter had opted for glaring and making derogatory remarks whenever the opportunity arose. And if Rook had to be completely honest with Ben and himself, he doubted those attitudes would change anytime soon.
"I... I had no time to argue, Ben. I must leave."
"Hell, no!" Ben clutched his partner's arm hastily. "You aren't going anywhere without me!"
The arm Ben was gripping stiffened and he flinched, expecting to be either shoved or punched but still refusing to let go. As long as he could convince his friend, the idea of having a bruised cheek sounded petty.
Rook clenched his eyes shut and balled both fists, sighing stressfully, hoping his patience would last longer. "Release me."
"Not unless you agree to take me with you!"
Rook made a feeble, unsuccessful effort to free his arm as a low grunt came from the back of his throat. "That will not happen. Please, stop!"
"Dude, don't you get it? I can help your people, I can help you and Shar," Ben coaxed, his eyes filled with a mixture of determination and fondness. "I want to protect your family by your side. "
The tension plaguing Rook's body faded as his hands eased off on their own. On the whole, he wasn't surprised about Ben caring so much for his family. Leaving Da aside, Ben actually got along with his younger siblings and his welcoming mother never protested whenever he planned to take Ben and stay for a couple of days. To top it all, the adoration reflected in that bright gaze made it official. In spite of the teen's accusation and the discomfort it brought, Rook wouldn't be totally able to lose his temper.
Which was frankly unacceptable.
He needed to snap at Ben. Instead of melting down right there, he needed to yank back his arm, storm away, get into his ship and leave. But it was easier said than done when Ben's pleading eyes were looking so deep into his soul.
"You have your own place to protect," Rook insisted, "You have your own family, your own people."
"I'm the hero of the universe. Earth isn't my only concern." Ben grabbed his friend's shoulders and stepped closer. "You've helped Earth countless times, wouldn't it be fair that I returned the favour?"
"Please, I do not wish to discuss fairness when my people are currently being murdered," Rook pointed out sadly, removing the pair of hands as though they were the most fragile objects. "Due to prior visits, we all would appreciate it more if you stayed here."
"Look, I know I kinda messed up the first time we went to Revonnah. And the time after that, and the next and the next, but it really wasn't a big deal, was it?"
"Ben, the first time you caused the explosion of a silo."
". . .We both know that was an accident."
"And what about your last visit? You attempted to pilot my ship and ruined an important part of our harvest in the process."
"Well, what were you expecting? I was learning to land that thing!"
Rook narrowed his eyes. "With my brother inside the ship?"
"Oh, for the love of god!" Ben threw his arms into the air. "Would you drop that? He suggested the idea! We were hellishly bored and–" Ben shut his mouth tightly and shook his head once. No time to beat around the bush. "Okay..." He pointed at the old factory behind them. "Sit."
Rook followed Ben's finger with his gaze. The first response was a quizzical grimace, though he reluctantly complied and squatted down, leaning his back against the brick wall and his much longer legs stretched. Ben sat cross-legged next to him until their arms and thighs came into contact.
A couple of painfully wordless minutes went by.
Neither of them protested, nor did they try to scoot away from each other. And yet, the thin veil of awkwardness surrounding them didn't allow Ben to demand the attention of Rook's gaze. He suddenly felt shy, as if his presence meant nothing but a nuisance and their reliance on each other had dispelled.
Ben found it quite hard to tell whether Rook would stay for five more minutes or stand up without a warning and leave. The hero could practically smell the alien's frustration and sense his refusal to lock eyes with him, and he wouldn't be entirely comfortable unless his friend looked back. "Like it or not, I'm going with you."
No answer came. Not a word, not a defiant glance.
"Dude, I'm dead serious." Ben took a firm grasp of Rook's arm, desperately searching for eye contact. "You may get mad, I'm sorry, but Ben Tennyson doesn't abandon friends."
His talking fell on deaf ears; the alien kept looking ahead, his thoughts drifting off into the silence of the gloomy night. Ben let go and placed both hands onto his thighs, dejected and unable to carry on speaking. Hopeless, he found fake interest in the concrete sidewalk. With each passing second, the pain nesting on Ben's chest intensified. Their arms and thighs were still touching, but despite the everyday warmness between them Rook had never appeared so distant, not even during frequent quarrels.
Please, say something.
The infrequent noises of vehicles and far-off urban sounds filled Ben's ears for quite a while. His chest felt smaller. Was that all? Was that their good-bye?
Come on, say something. Anything!
It had been two years of friendship, what if Rook decided to stay in Revonnah? Hell, what if something happened to him? It couldn't end like that. It shouldn't!
Please, I'm begging you! You... you..."You can't leave like this. If you're leaving now, at least don't leave melike this."
Now Rook did turn his neck at Ben. If the shaky voice didn't serve as a signal of Ben's pain, then the little contact between their bodies did. Rook actually felt the shudder midsentence. Closer inspection confirmed all suspicions, or rather, the slow yet agitated rise and fall of Ben's chest. His eyes might have hold back the rising dampness, remaining somewhat dull and inexpressive, but the rest of his trembling body had betrayed him, and Rook found the scene plainly devastating.
Never mind background reasons and excuses, the Revonnahgander felt as if he had to beg for his friend's forgiveness. Ben was right, they weren't two strangers, he couldn't depart like that for an indefinite period of time and walk away without turning back.
It was a shame that the knot in the Rook's throat wouldn't allow the simple articulation of words. He would have loved to reveal how much he was suffering too, how much it hurt to have his goals, those childhood dreams he'd been pursuing against his father's will ever since adolescence, crushed by the misery of his people. More than anything, Rook would have loved to let Ben know that he, too, treasured their partnership as much as he appreciated his job, and that not even back home he'd had a friendship completely based on straightforwardness, firm trust, and such comfortable level of physical intimacy.
But it was yet more frustrating that he couldn't bring himself to reach out and pull Ben into his arms like he desperately wanted to do. An embrace would demonstrate a whole lot more than words.
Unluckily, they weren't the kind of friends who hugged frequently. There had been a few wonderful times, three or four occasions in which both had shared a warm manly embrace, but the height difference made it pretty difficult for Rook. He normally had to fight the urge to rest his chin on top of Ben's head. This particular position was no exception.
So he did nothing.
Ben turned to the side sharply at the lingering lack of responses, tearing his emotionless eyes away and furiously wiping the excess of water before it fell. "This is unbelievable. I-I can't stay here while you and your sister put yourselves in danger."
"Ben," Rook eventually dared to say, "I am well aware that your intentions are those of a loyal friend. Nevertheless, this is the only thing I am asking you to do."
"Well, I'm sorry. I won't do it," the stubborn here stated, his voice regaining some strength as his impassive eyes flickered up to Rook, trying to find a reason he could genuinely believe in. "Tell me the truth, if I were the one going on solo, wouldn't you insist to come with me, too?"
The question clearly struck a nerve.
Rook forced himself to frown. "Of course I would, but that is not the case here and I do not have the time to consider hypothetical situations! There are realmatters demanding my attention!" He rose to his feet at once. "I have been patient enough. Since you are lacking relevant arguments, I will assume that our dispute is over." With one last grim look, he turned away. "Excuse me."
"What? No! Don't go yet!"
Within seconds, Ben was standing in the middle of his friend's way, pressing both palms against his armoured chest and pushing him back obstinately.
Rook bared his teeth at the boy, his blood reaching its boiling point when he staggered backwards. His anxiety and exasperation were mirrored in his narrow gaze as he roughly reached out and took a heavy hold of Ben's undersized shoulders, who had to press the soles of his feet to the ground and grasp Rook's hands in order to fight his strength.
"Dude, what are you doing? I want to help you!"
He pushed the Revonnahgander once more to no avail. In the end, Rook easily managed to get past him and in the direction of HQ.
"This doesn't make sense! All I want is to protect your home!" Ben shouted uselessly at Rook's tall figure, his voice echoing around the block. "I'm not trouble, I'm not your enemy! I'm your partner, your freaking best friend!"
But the firmness in the alien's long strides didn't falter.
For a moment, the idea of using the Omnitrix as a mean of persuasion crossed Ben's mind, but he doubted the result would be a favourable one. He wanted to convince his partner to let him help, not to delay Rook much longer and worsen his temper.
As he watched the Revonnahgander walk away, the intensity of Ben's voice to keep yelling died out along the remaining little hope. His line of sight brimmed with tears, tears he wouldn't shed but that still were there, clouding his eyes. "Don't leave me like this," he muttered blankly, more to himself than for the alien ahead to hear.
Which was precisely why Ben's heart almost froze when Rook rooted his feet to the pavement and spun around to face him. He momentarily forgot about Rook's outstanding hearing. One needs more than five meters to fool his ears, and certainly more than five meters to fool those heedful eyes. The glisten in Ben's gaze wouldn't be unobserved. It only stood out, contrasting with the rest of his expressionles facial features.
"Do not make this harder than it has to be," Rook nearly pleaded, on the verge of feeling like garbage.
Ben blinked the bothersome liquid away. "You are the one making this harder," he said, his voice flat in comparison. "All you should care about is to find a solution and soon, accepting all the help you can muster."
"I-it is not like that, they will be disturbed–"
"I promise I won't abuse of the Omnitrix."
Now those words did catch Rook off guard.
"What?"
"You heard me, I won't abuse of the Omnitrix," Ben repeated as he shortened the distance to a couple of inches. "I'll use this watch only if it comes handy, you won't have to worry about my behaviour or my attitudes."
"...What you are saying is hard to believe."
"Well, I'll do that and more."
"No, I am not sure. What if your presence and the Plumbers–"
"Rook, for now we're okay on our own. Unless you say otherwise, we'll manage to put an end to those killings with the help of your sister, your people..." The boy lifted the Omnitrix wrist. "And this, but only when you really think it's necessary."
Rook contemplated the powerful watch for a brief period of time, uncertainty still gnawing away his answers. He dragged his gaze away.
Ben didn't hold back. His hands reached up and rested on each side of the alien's face, successfully bringing back the attention of his amber eyes. "Come on, I'm not even asking you to take all the Plumbers plus their kids and pets with you, I'm just asking you to take me."
"Are you actually going to leave Earth without a protector?"
"Well, hello, what are the Plumbers and my grandpa for? And we can't forget about the happy couple. Earth also counts on Gwen and Kevin."
There was a tiny smile tugging at the end of Ben's lips. Rook noticed, but perhaps he was far too tired of thinking to enjoy the alluring sight. His eyelids fell shut as the unusually soft hands were removed from his cheeks by his own larger ones. Rook couldn't wait anymore to witness the state of his planet. The suggestion still didn't sound convincing. He knew there would be some trouble, but at any rate, and despite the rest of his race and family, he wanted to be in Ben's company
So he eventually agreed to take the human with him by adding one last, reluctant warning. "Do not expect my people to act polite."
Ben's hope and confidence were restored in a jiffy. He barely handled fighting the growing smile of contentment. "Dude, that won't be a problem. I'm a respected hero and the worst nightmare for villains, courtesy comes and goes!" And with that, the hero headed to the base. "Prepare your awesome ship," he said enthusiastically, walking backwards, almost jogging. "I'll go and have a small talk with grandpa before leaving!"
Rook gave a stiff nod and offered back a weak smile. "Be quick."
Once Ben spun around and started running forwards, the faint smile proceeded to fade. Rook followed the boy at his own pace, avoiding regretful thoughts and rushed assumptions, and hoping they could find the wrongdoers without causing more agitation among his people.