Chapter 22

Front entryway.

All the girls got ready to go while Ben and Shirou saw them out.

"Have fun!" Shirou said as they went out.

"Cya Senpai!" Sakura said and then there were only Ben and Shirou left in the household.

"Soo...What do we do now?"

Fuyuki Streets.

"Why did you need us?" Caster asked as they walked through the marketplace only picking up food for tonight, something that Shirou does on his own all the time.

"Trust me you will be very helpful later..," Rin said with a mischievous grin. Caster immediately read her like a book and her face flared red.
Rin was planning a double dinner date for them and Caster was falling for the idea. Saber on the other wasn't catching on as she was more focused on what's for dinner.

Shortly after shopping for groceries…

"Are we just carrying the food for you?" Caster deadpanned as she wasn't one for heavy objects due to her low-rank strength skill as a servant. The girls where done shopping for food and were loaded with food for the night.

"Oh don't worry about that" Illya then snapped her fingers and two maids appear around the corner seemingly out of nowhere.

"You called m'lady?" The one in blue asks.

"Sella, Liz please take the groceries to the Tohsaka mansion and leave them in the kitchen. Here is the key to the front door" Tohsaka then gives Sella the key and the one named Liz takes the heavier load of groceries. Causing everyone besides the master of the two to raise an eyebrow.

"Now for the fun part!" Ilya then skips on to there next destination.

Meanwhile at the Emiya residence.

"Soooo, What do you want to do?" Ben asks Shirou.

Shirou thought for a moment as all of the chores has been done by sakura and to be honest he didn't have anything to do with the free time thanks to the school still closed.

"Well other than maybe organizing the shed, I can't think of anything," Shirou says as he takes another sip of tea.

"Well Better than just sitting around," Ben wasn't once for doing chores but there was nothing on TV worth watching.

"What do you think the girls are up to?" Shirou trying to make conversation.

"I dunno. Probably doing girl stuff like shopping or whatnot. I just hope they don't make me wear a suit, I am more of party casual kind of guy" Ben gestured to his favourite jacket. He wasn't one to wear suits unless his mom forced him.

Shirou laughs a bit: "Yeah I do feel ridiculous wearing those things" Both then get up to go to the shed and see what they can do.

Shirou and ben put on some gloves and began to rummage through the junk in the shed.

"Man you could fill a Museum with all this junk, And I thought the rustbucket was an antique" Ben commented on picking up a golf bag.

"Golf? Really dude?"

"About 99.9% is taiga bring in stuff either she says will use later or is some form of cooking appliance she wants me to use like that restaurant-grade cooking pain over there," Shirou said moving some pottery to a shelf. After some more moving things Ben spot something that piques his interest…

"What was taiga thinking with this?" Ben said as he pulled out an acoustic guitar still in its case.

Shirou walks over amazed that that ended up in seeing.

"Hmm, I guess taiga was listening to guitar music and ordered one? Maybe she was drinking that day." Shirou observed the unopened case while making a mental note to possibly ban Taiga from the phone while she has an open bottle of booze.

"Wanna open it up?" Ben said with anticipation. Shirou shugs since it seemed like ben was interested and it was not like anyone else was going to use it.

Clothes store

"Ohh What about these!" Rin said as she picked out some clothes for the party tonight.

"That would look good on you," Sakura said as she walked out with a dress. Caster herself was browsing around but she immediately ran into a problem since none of the clothes had room for her tail and she knew that Ben prefered her in her natural form

"What's the wrong Casko?" Illya walks up to the troubled servant.

"Nothing really, This store has lovely clothes and I can think of a few outfits but because of my "Additions", I can't wear anything in my true form." having a tail did bring problems when came to clothing for her.

"Oh, I can get Sella to make adjustments to whatever you get Casko. Just pick something that would make Ben-Nii-chan happy." Illya then trials off to see about getting something for Saber.

"Now what would ben like?" Caster pondered.

"You play the guitar?" Shirou asked as ben dusted up the instrument in question.

"Fought some Weather monster and needed to use an electric one to take it done. Plus my dad gave me pointers during my downtime where I took off the Omnitrix" Ben then checked the strings out. There were in very good condition with just in need of tuning. Shirou took a moment thinking about bens downtime in his life as a hero.

"Hey, ben if you don't mind me asking: Why did you take it off?" Ben stopped and looked to the ground thinking about those years.

"Personal reasons," Ben said and stopped that conversation right there. Shirou decided to drop that topic since it was a matter that kept to himself. Ben then began to strum the guitar testing the strings to produce a pleasant sound.

"So what was your dad like?" Ben trying to break the sudden silence.

"He was a quiet man but he raised me well. He was a magus himself and is the reason I started working on magic. Even with the little knowledge, he gave me I am still very grateful for everything he has done for me." Shirou smiled at the memories with his father which ended when he sensed something

"Huh!?"

Shirou tenses up as he senses a presence outside. Ben could read the expression and knew that meant intruders. Ben put down the guitar and followed Shirou to the door.

"I got this." Ben powered up his watch and transformed into Diamondhead taking the lead.

"Let's get the drop on 'em," Ben suggested taking the vanguard.

"3...2…." Shirou prepared a projection.

"NOW!" Both boys jumped out of the shed ready to fight but stopped at what they saw. Two women dressed in what both boys assumed to be older style maid uniforms standing in front of them not afraid of the golem-like creature.

"Hello, Master Tennyson. Emiya" the one with blue spoke.

"Uhhh." Ben looked to Shirou confused

"Soooo You not here to attack us?" Diamondhead asked lowering his fists.

"No, Not here to attack." The one in black said simply and maid beside her steps forward.

"I am Sella and this is Leysritt and we are maids to lady Illyasviel." Sella introduced themselves. Shirou raised an eyebrow thinking back to his time at the castle: he only saw Illya and Berserker there and no one else. Well, maybe this would explain how he got from the park to the castle in the forest? Shirou slightly laughed thinking about Illya trying to drag him to her room without help. Noticing this, Sella then shot him daggers sending a chill down his spine.

"Why are you here? Shouldn't be like...with Illya then?" the golem asks confused

"We are hereby request of the lady to dress and fit you both into appropriate attire for tonight's dinner party," Sella explained why they intruded into the Emiya household. Ben reverted to human causing the two maids to stare at him for a moment. Sella looking wary remembering how Ben was able to take down Berserker for the first time. While Leysritt, on the other hand, was interested in Ben and looked at with curiosity.

"Now if you two are not to busy let's get you two fitted. Leysritt, May you take-" Sella looked to her partner and saw her already right beside Ben.

"I'll fit Master Tennyson new clothes," she said surprising Sella who just sighed and looked to Shirou with a look of disappointment.

"Well then I will tend to Emiya then," Sella said pulling on Shirou arm with an iron grip.

"Ow Ow Ow! Hey! I can get to my room on my own!" Shirou said as Sella dragged him while Ben and Leysritt watched.

"Is she always like this? Ben asked and the remaining maid nods.

Tohsaka Mansion

Savoury smells filled the Tohsaka residence as Sakura and Caster cooked in the kitchen.

"Is that pot ready Sakura?" The foxy chef asks her colleague.

"Yes, I will add the pasta then cut the vegetables" the purple chef smiled as she cooked. Saber was in the dining room taking in the smells as she helped Rin clean up the place for a proper dinner party.

"Rin?"

"What is it, Saber?" Rin put down the feather duster in her hand. "While I don't mind enjoying a good meal with everyone but is it safe here? With three servants still in play we are just about to have a dinner party" Saber expressed her concern about the still-active War.

"Trust me Saber, I have worried about an enemy attack but I am going to trust Verdonas word and take a break." Rin then turns sombre.

"I also understand how ridiculous it seems but I have a feeling he would've wanted me to lighten up and have fun for once." An image of Archer filled her mind. A slight tinge of guilt came over Saber thinking about archers sacrifice. "Well, no point in always looking gloomy." Rin returns to dusting. Saber nodded and looked out of the window.

"When are Shirou and Ben arriving?" she asked as the evening sun began to lower beyond the horizon. Still worried about her master being alone without her.

"They should be arriving soon since I sent Sella and Liz out to bring them some proper clothing," Illya said poking her head around the corner.

"Wait so you are getting those two into suits?" Rin said as she put away the duster.

"Why yes? All of us are getting fancy for tonight so to be fair I sent my maids to Onii-chan's" Illya said proudly while Rin ponders at the thought of the guys in suits. She giggled at the thought

"Saber? Can you help us with something?" Sakura calls from the kitchen and Saber face lights up in anticipation. "On my way!" leaving the two magi in the living room.

"For the king of knight, she can be easily excited by food," Rin said and Illya nodded.

Later that evening, Shirou and the Einzbern maids were at the entrance of Rins place. Shirou stretched his shoulders in the tuxedo that Sella put him in. He felt ridiculous in this outfit since he felt like it was just a friendly get together then he looked at ben who had more liberty in his outfit as he still has his favourite jacket along with the dress shirt and pants.

"Leysritt, I thought I told you to have where the full piece." Sella disagreed with ben's outfit.

"Ben looks better as in party casual" Lystritt answered. Sella then looked at ben who just shrugged.

The group then Enters the mansion.

"Yo, we are here!" Shirou says as he enters and Illya ran out to the top of the stairwell.

"Ah, the men of tonight are here! Thank you, Sella and Liz! You may leave them to us." with the words of there master both maids bow and walk to the dining room.

"Now to introduce the ladies of the night!" Illya acting like a fashion show host. Causing the two men to raise a brow at her act but just shrugged and let her have fun.

"First up is Rin and Sakura!" The mentioned women come out and walk down the stairs. Sakura was in a violet sleeveless dress with arm length gloves and stockings. Rin herself was in a Red short skirt dress with a black top jacket and red shoes.

"Hello you two, Might I say both of you look sharp...Well, at least Shirou is."

"Hey I look better in green and Besides I'm party casual kind of guy" Ben defending his fashion choice.

"I say both of you look very nice" Sakura complimented.

"Well, Shirou what do you think?" Rin turns to him and he immediately felt the blush rushing to his face.

"You both look very nice" Shirou manages to compose himself and compliment.

"Ahem, now for other two faithful servants of Ben and Shirou!" Illya then presented Saber and Caster causing their respectful masters to be put into a state of awe.

Saber was in an azure dress with black outlines, arm-length gloves. Stockings and the dress had a flower on the right hip. The sight of her stunned Shirou with her beauty that he nearly forgot to greet his friend. "H-Hey Saber!" Shirou managed to say. (Think of it like her Extella dress costume)

Caster Was wearing a pink frilly dress that stopped at shoulder height, white gloves and high heel shoes. What made it complete for Ben is that she was in her true form and not hiding her fox self.

"Hello, Master." She smiled at her master who was now rethinking his fashion choices. Ben was still speechless at the sight of his servant.

"Hey there Caster." Ben

"Real smooth Ben." Rin snickered.

"What do you think master?" Caster asked giving a twirl and fluttering her eyes.

"You look amazing caster," Ben answered.

While everyone else was focused on Ben and Caster. The other Master and Servant haven't stopped staring at each other with admiration for each other current look.

"Ummm Shirou?" Saber said with a slight blush.

"Oh umm Sorry Saber I just" Shirou snaps out of his gaze and composes himself.

"You look beautiful Saber," Shirou said honestly from the bottom of his heart.

"Oh...Thank you Shirou" Saber looks away trying to hide her red face. "Shall we go join the rest of the group?" Saber smiled and then the two walked into the living room.

The dinner party goes off without a problem, the food was good and everyone was in a cheerful mood. Everyone was sitting around a table full of food that the girls made while laughing at some of the more fun experiences Ben had when he was ten.

"That's when I discovered that if one of the Stinkfly clones was taken down then the rest would go poof!" Ben talked about one of his encounters with the laughable mad scientist: .

"Animo is such a pathetic person, using the same tactics over and over again. If he was smart he would've stopped," Rin shook her head as she criticized the mad scientist.

"Yeah, it gets annoying when he goes 'I Dr Animo' over and over again. I know I like to yell my alien names out but hey It's cool! "

"Yeah, it's like they're your noble phantasm!" Illya said cheerfully.

"Hey yeah, But ain't nobody gonna order me around like a servant," Ben said and Rin giggled.

"Unless it happened to a cute girl." Rin grew a grin on her face.

What? Come what kind of guy do you take me for." Ben defended himself as he felt like he wouldn't let any girl boss him around.

"Not even Caster?" Rin added causing to flinch a bit.

"Uhhh." Ben then looked to Caster with the look of lacking any response.

"Ben isn't one for letting a woman rule him." Caster said letting Ben breathe a sigh of relief but then a grin grew on her face.

"Unless they have a tail as gorgeous as mine". She then let out one small tease and poked her master with her tail cause ben to Pout and everyone laughed.

"Ok ok very funny. Now any other questions?" Ben decides to move to another question to stop this funny business

"I do." Rin looks at him in the eye and could read it was not a joke but most likely something serious.

"Ok shoot"
"What is your most powerful form." Rin wanted to ask him and felt like this was the best time to ask the one question that was digging in the back of her mind. Ben stared back at her contemplating to answer the question. He could just say Waybig but he knew that the magus would tell that he was hiding something. Ben looked around the room wondering if it was safe to say it. He then thought about it and looked to everyone.

"You think Ben's gonna tell her?" Shirou said telepathically to Saber. "It would be hard to say but since Archer was killed to save us, that may lean Ben to tell her." Saber answered.

Sella, Leysritt please step out for a moment" With Illyas orders, bothe maids leave the room and close the door.

"Alright, I am telling you all since you have gone thru hell cause of this war." Everyone got very interested and slightly fearful for the information be was about to spill.

"I have two forms that could be considered my strongest. I'll start with the first one: Waybig. To put it simply he's a giant alien the size of that skyscraper that we fought rider on and can shoot cosmic beams from his arms." Everyone was stunned to about the description of Waybig. Rin nodded

"I guess due to his size you tend to refrain from using Waybig unless needed as he would most likely cause collateral damage." Rin could tell Ben was telling the truth and accepted it.

Shirou was amazed and slightly afraid of hearing about Waybig. To think that Ben had that much power, only Berserker could withstand such strength. Even Sakura, a fan of his, was slightly afraid.

"And the other one?" Rin asked and Ben looked at the Ultimatrix. Caster knew about what Ben was going to say next and wonder if she would tell rin to buzz off.

'Master, are you sure about this?' Caster thought.

"Alien X, A celestialsapien."

"And what can he do?" Saber asks.

"Anything" Ben stated plainly. Rin was the first to speak up slightly frustrated.

"You have to be lying, An Alien that can do anything. If he's so powerful then why don't you use him!"

"Rin I-"

"I just had enough of you! First, you become a master for no reason, Then you start going toe to toe with servants and NOW you tell me that you have something that could be more powerful than the Grail!" Rin interrupted letting her frustrations get the better of her.

"Tell me, Tennyson, Why, Why did you let my Archer die!" Rin let out.

"That's enough rin! Ben doesn't have to answer to you if you're going to insult him!" Caster shouted at her in rage and the two glared at each other.

"If you let me continue I can say why I CAN'T use him." Ben stood up to defuse the situation and placing a hand on Caster's shoulder.

"Yes I am not lying about Alien X's power and I could've ended this war with a thought But I can't use him. Due to the fact I am not the only mind that in that body." Rin calmed down and caster sat back down as everyone let ben continue.

"You see, Alien X's Race are born with three minds: A voice of Rage and aggression, A voice of caring and compassion and the voice of reason. Only when two out of the three agree on something than can the body act. I become the voice of reason for Alien X."

"So you have to debate to do anything as Alien X is what I can understand" Illya taking the role of the calm collected one.

"Bingo, the bad thing for me is that the other two are focused on topics on the past they ignore what I say and expect me to help them."

"Wouldn't you just timeout then?" Shirou asks

"That's the scary part, they can keep me in that form. Forever. I wasn't going to stick around since I had the world to save." Ben stated his reason and Rin looked down finally understanding why ben didn't use him.

"After I managed to get out I asked Kevin to install a lockout in my watch so I don't accidentally transform into him during a fight." Ben then looked down at his watch and saw his reflection.

"And even If I could control Alien X, I still wouldn't use him to his full potential. That kind of power isn't something I feel is right for a guy like me or anyone that isn't a Celestialsapien to use. You could say out of all my aliens, he scares me the most." Ben said the truth. Like the Holy Grail, Alien X isn't something he should use without thinking about it first.

Rin looked back at Ben and for once, he was the more mature one here.

"I am going to get some air," She said quietly.

Backyard.

Rin pondered everything she has ever learned, She thought she had an understanding of everything from what her father taught her. She was a tohsaka, one of the families to formulate the holy grail war. And now here she was thinking about something as petty as her care for Archer get to her...or was it petty?

"He's right"

Ultimate power isn't something to be used by mere humans and she knew that. And now she let her anger at Ben's constant unknowns get to her.

"Right about what?" Rin turned around to find Ben standing there.

"Right about Ultimate power. You need an understanding of it before even thinking about using it" Rin answered and then looked down to the ground.

"How can you do it?"

"Do what?"

"Keep the fact that your human even when you're using your powers."

"It's simple Because I AM human. I may be weaker, not as intelligent or can fly like my aliens but none of them is the one thing that none of my forms can be: me. And trust me, it took me a while to learn that." Ben looked back at rin with a smile that made her do the same.

Rin sighed and leaned back on the wall. "I am sorry for freaking out on you."

"Nah don't mention it, now let's have some fun." Rin nods and both return back into the living room with ben giving a thumbs up meaning everything was cool. Rin then takes her place beside sakura who smiled at her return.

'I guess it's time to stop separating "Rin the girl" and "Tohsaka the magus".'

Shortly after a grand feast, the group retreats to the living room to relax before dessert while Ben talks about Forever Knights. A topic Saber got interested in.

"Those guys are just a bunch a bucket heads, they can even work with each other! I have fought at least two to three Different factions in their group claiming to be the true forever knights."

"To think that the Order would fall into disarray." Saber comments.

"Wait, Saber? You know these guys Ben's talking about?" Shirou interest grew as Saber nodded.

"They came to my kingdom for respite after a long journey and claimed that they were a passive force."

"Until they found something that they wanted and you happened to have it," Ben added predicting the knights next moves.

"Correct, They revealed that they were a massive order of witch hunters claiming to be fighting for the benefit of the weak. But their actions showed otherwise as they began digging for secrets." Saber takes a sip of tea thinking about that time.

"What could be driving a group to go against you Saber?" Shirou asked.

"Well for once she was immortal due to Caliburn and have received many weapons from supernatural sources" Rin spoke and Saber nodded.

"They called me a witch for accepting such weapons but ironically they wanted my sword for there cause. I quickly banished them as they became a hindrance on my people."

"Hahaha, they don't know when to quit then." Ben laughed and shortly after the two maids walked in with assorted desserts.

"Sakura, you and Caster made all this?" Shirou said amazed and slight concerned for his skills at cooking.

"Oh no everyone chipped in for this" Sakura smiled.

"Now I just feel guilty for eating this," Shirou admitted as he is normally used to cooking for everyone.

"What about-" Shirou then looked to Ben who was stuffing his face with food but paused as everyone stared at him. "What? It's really good!" Ben deflected and Shirou couldn't help but laugh.

"Hey save the laughs for when I humiliated myself in a moment. " Ben said causing everyone to raise an eyebrow but ben returned to his piece of cake.

After Ben got a taste of everything he decided to get up and go to the main hall.

"Excuse me one moment." Ben then Dashed around the corner and returned with a guitar. "Master, You play the guitar!?" Caster asked with amazement.

"After defeating a monster with guitar music, I tend to play a little whenever I am bored with video games or the mood called me." Ben then sits down with Caster. "This little beaut that was in Shirou's shed and we cracked it out of its case."

"Wow, you are Talented Ben Nii-chan!" Illya said with anticipation.

"You're just full of surprises," Rin commented interested if ben can play.

Ben began to tune the guitar and pull out a pick and began to strum the guitar...out of tune and with the sound of a novice. Everyone pulled a fake smile trying to be nice about it. Huh, I guess I am rusty. Gee, I hope I didn't wreck your ears."

"N-no Master, it's..uh." Caster tried to not insult her master but it was worse for her thanks to her fox ears. Ben the grew a smile: "Sike!" he then began to strum the guitar with expert skill.

Shirou began to taps his foot the tune enjoying it himself. It was a relaxing tune that was full of cheer and joy. Sakura closed her eyes and enjoyed the pleasant tunes. Rin smiled as sakura seemed for the moment, forgotten the abuse.

Saber looked at Shirou and found that he was smiling enjoying the music.

"Shirou looks so happy." Saber then looks down towards her hand and found that her masters were very close to hers…"Will master be bothered if... I" Saber hovers her hand over his but pulled it back.

"No it's not appropriate," she whispers causing Shirou to look at her for a moment as she looks away.

'Master is so amazing!' she was entranced by her master skill. Ben ended and everyone applauded.

"Heh, I guess I did well?" Ben asked as put the guitar down.

"You were an AMAZING MASTER!" Caster the wraps her arms around ben's and smiled.

"Kyaa! I have such a cool master!"

"I have to admit Ben, you are very talented." Saber complemented. "Yeah Ben, you never told us you could play!." Sakura said, "I never did a full song before, That was my first time." Ben then took a bite of a biscuit.

"Wow, Ben-nii chan is so cool!" Ilya said with a squeal.

After another hour everyone decided to clean up and get ready for bed...at Rins place.

"Why do I have a feeling this was her plan at the start," Ben grumbled in the room him and caster were sharing.

"Oh it would be easier if we all just stayed here for the night," Rin said in Ben's memory.

It wasn't the issue of not having his pyjamas as the maids brought his backpack that had the toiletries in and sleepwear.

"Sometimes I think she is still getting back at me for snagging her as Goop." Ben pulled on his t-shirt as he looked out the window.

Ben?" Caster returned from changing in the bathroom and was now wearing a nightgown. She then walked over and sat by her master.

"Is there a problem?" Caster cocks her head to the side causing the cuteness meter in Ben to overload. Yes, Rin set up Ben to share the bed with Caster for the night. He was fine back when they were hiding from berserker but now he was out of his element...No sense of impending battle to keep his mind clear this time.

"No, No it's just…" Ben looks back at the bed. He was out of his element, He never shared a bed with a girl nor asked one too.

"I don't normally sleep with girls a lot…. Not 'sleep' Like that! Just uhh..." Ben was tripping over his words not trying to sound like a pervert while feeling his face turn red.

"I won't do anything that would make you uncomfortable" Caster assured Ben. "It's not like I...I-" Ben was then interrupted by a finger to his lips

"Ben, I am not forcing you to do anything now please, rest." Caster then hugged him and nudged ben to lie down which he did. Once he had finally laid down she smiled and did the same.

"Goodnight Master." She said.

Minutes go by and ben was still restless. 'How can I be such a coward when I just slept with her a few nights ago' Ben thought angrily at himself. Then he sighed and turned to look at Caster who was asleep. Caster sleeping face was beautiful, her hair free and running over her shoulders.

'Is it this easy to find someone else? or am I just lucky?' Ben looked out into the moonlight window. It's was merely month's since his last breakup and now here he was. Sharing a bed with a magical fox girl like it was out of a romantic comedy anime. He turns to his side to find the kitsune servant sleeping with her one of her fox ears twitching every few seconds.

'Is she the one that I won't push away?' Ben slowly moved his hand to reach out for casters calm and peaceful face. He then lightly move some strands of hair that drooped over her face and even with how careful he was, Her eyes fluttered open.

The two just lay there staring at each other and blushing…

Then Caster moves both of her hands and cupped ben's face, "Master."

"Caster." Ben put all of his fears behind him. Right now all that mattered to him was the woman in front of him. He moved closer to her until there was little room between them.

"Ben…" Caster felt her heartbeat race up as the emerald hero drew closer and now they were face to face. She smiled and hope that Ben does the thing she always wanted.

Ben moved his face closer and landed his lips onto hers and kissed her.

A single tear of joy dropped down her cheek. When they broke the kiss Ben rested his head on Caster's bosom and whispered. "I love you, Caster"

Caster hugged Ben with all of her love: "I love you too, Master"

Ben then let his tired body rest as he felt a weight lift in his heart. He felt complete once more as he hugged her.

AN: HUGE amount of fluff in this chapter. Now...it might sound a bit OC for Ben to know how to play the guitar but I am going off of the Ben 10 wiki (ok it was one episode but hey I think it would add to his charm.) Call it the only OC thing I have for Ben at this point. I hope this chapter doesn't sound TOO cringy the way I have Ben and Caster finally confess to each other.

Also Assume that the dress Saber was wearing was her Extella costume. Caster was something I made up while looking at some pictures. I suck at describing fancy looks so if anyone has a better way to write that part PM me or leave a review.

Not much to say here but I do plan I buffing steel guard a bit once I get the chance.

Have a nice day!