At the dock I jumped to shore and headed right through the forest to Tern Point where I knew Ben was likely to be. I found myself breaking into a jog, and then an all-out sprint. I should have done this weeks ago. I came to an abrupt stop when I neared the ledge and hid behind a tree to get my breath back. After a few minutes I squared my shoulders, took a deep breath and walked calmly to the ledge. Ben was sitting with his back to the rock. I still got a shock every time I saw him with his new Citadel look. His previously long hair was now cropped in the military style and he wore the camouflage uniform of his new school. His fishing gear was in a jumbled mess at his feet and it was clear it hadn't been used that day.
"Hey," I said casually and sat down next to him. Silence, typical Ben Blue. At least he hadn't changed that much.
"It wasn't your fault." Technically, it was, but I was trying to make friends not enemies.
"I could have got everyone killed." Ben's hands were balled into fists and he was shaking with suppressed anger. I carefully took his left hand and unpeeled his fingers from his palm, and then slid my hand in their place. I looked him in the eyes and gave him hand a squeeze. He gripped it tightly in response. I could tell he was on the verge of losing it.
"You actually saved everyone, you know." I told him
"You're just saying that to make me feel better." Mumbles.
"I'm not! I've thought about this." Ben gave me a questioning look so I continued. "The Gamemaster was here already so he was going to target Charleston anyway." I had his attention now. "You offered us as players- the four people with the most experience with tracking answers in illegal places and facing sycos with guns. Not to mention our secret advantage. Nobody had ever come out of his sick games alive before and we did. Then we went and stopped him from causing further harm to anyone. You saved hundreds of lives."
"You make it out that I'm the hero." More mumbles
"Wasn't that the plan?" I whispered and let go of his hand. Disappointment crossed his face, quickly replaced with confusion as I swung one leg over him and placed the palms of my hands on his cheeks. And finally, surprise as I leant in to kiss him. After quickly brushing my lips to his I pulled back to read his reaction. Still surprise.
"You like me?" His tone mirrored his expression.
"Yes." I really did. And now I had kissed him I was desperate to kiss him again.
"Seriously?" I could hear the doubt in his voice.
"Yeees!" I was impatient now.
"Ok, just checking." He gave me one of his rare smiles and brought his lips down to mine.