Ratchet and Clank:

The Chosen One

I DO NOT OWN RATCHET AND CLANK, INSOMNIAC GAMES DOES! I OWN ANYTHING ELSE!

Chapter 13: Advantages

Ratchet and Jasmine walked into the Centre for Advanced Lombax Research building, making their way to Kaden's office. Fast footsteps coming from behind them reached both ears. They both quickly turned around to see a red and black burr slam into Ratchet. The Lombax went crashing to the floor with a surprised yelp. He felt someone on top of him but that someone got up straight away.

"Shade, you god damn idiot!" Jasmine yelled in anger at the Lombax. He would always cause damage every time he came to the building. Why was he running in the halls anyway?

"Aww, I'm sorry Jazz. I didn't see you and your boyfriend there." He cheekily grinning, crossing his arms over his bare chest while leaning against the wall. The said Lombax was strong built, who had red fur with black stripes. His eyes were a deep blue colour. He wore olive green shorts with a grey belt. Half of his right ear was missing. He looked like he was in his mid 20's, maybe older with the black stripped chin.

The female Lombax glared at Shade, but blush quickly swept across her muzzle at the other's second statement. "He's not my boyfriend!" She squealed, turning away from males.

Ratchet swiftly got up after hearing what the red Lombax said. He felt his face burst with heat; but that soon disappeared from what Jasmine said. He opened his mouth to speak, but more quick footsteps were heard. It sounded like there was about two or three pairs of feet thudding down the hallways.

"Well, that's my cue. See ya around." Shade said, running further into the building before Ryan, Scar and Max came around the corner almost trampling over the golden Lombax. Luckily, Jasmine shoved him into the wall, landing on top of him in the process, noses almost touching.

"Sorry about that you two!" Ryan called over his shoulder before heading the way the red Lombax went.

Ratchet's head turned to the older Lombax as he spoke before he vanished from sight.. "What just happened?" He blinked confused. He didn't realize how close the other was to him until she spoke.

"I have no idea." Jasmine stated. "Man, I hate that guy." Her ears flattened.

He swallowed when noticed how little distance there was between the two of them. His heart raced. The palms of his hands started sweating. The blood rushing to his ears went hot. "Erm, Jasmine?" He tensed. "D-Don't you think we should get going?"

The female Lombax glanced at the other. She noticed him sweating and getting hot. She chuckled evilly in her head. Advantage time. "Why? Don't you like this?" She half closed her eyes. No-one was around, so why couldn't she have some fun?

Emerald eyes widened at the question. He swallowed again, taking note that his throat was getting dry by the minute. "Er, well, you see... I, heh... I think that you're, er, a bit close... I-I mean, well I... Mean, it's not a bad thing... Just a... tad bit close... N-Not that I mind... I mean-" A finger pressed against his lips to cut him off from his nervous stumbling.

A smirk hushed across her lips. "I know what you mean. So stop that blabbering." She sealed her lips on Ratchet's, closing her blue eyes fully. The kiss didn't last long, as anyone could have appeared at any time. She pulled away, stepping back from the Lombax. She swept a finger along his side, before walking off. "Come on, Ratchet. Don't we havta get going?" She said over her shoulder.

The younger nodded his head mutely, going after the female.

Five minutes later, Ratchet and Jasmine stood outside Kaden's office door readying themselves for the angered shouts from the elder Lombax. The golden Lombax took a deep breath and exhaled before knocking on the brown door. "Yes?" The stressed voice came from inside. Both Lombaxes gulped, and opened the door, walking up to the desk.

Kaden's chair was facing the window so the youngsters couldn't see his face expression, but they guessed what it could be. Silence filled the room. The older Lombax turned his chair around slightly so he could see the two from a side-ways position. "Could you explain why you are so late, hmm?" He asked, his voice being a little off.

Jasmine started, "I'm sorry, General. This is all-"

"All my fault." Ratchet cut in. Jasmine gave him a 'what the heck are you doing' face expression, trying not to let Kaden see it. The golden Lombax ignored the other and looked at his father. "It's my fault we were late. Once we were out of the hospital, I wanted to look around the town as I hadn't done it before and asked Jasmine if she could show me around. So, I'm sorry Dad. You can blame me for this; Jasmine did nothing wrong." He worried expression fell over his face as Kaden turned back to the tall window. His father had to believe the story. It was believable, wasn't it?

The female Lombax was standing close enough to the other to grab his hand and squeeze it as a thank you sign. She felt him squeeze back. Kaden spoke up after a few minutes. "Jasmine, you're dismissed... You're on duty in Sector 9. And Ratchet, I'd like to have a chat with you." The cream Lombax's hand slid out of Ratchet's hand before saluting. "Thank you, sir." She said, getting up and walking to the open door and then closing it.

The younger glanced at the door after the female left the room. When his father's voice rang through the room, he jumped slightly. He turned around sheepishly to see Kaden facing him with crossed arms and an unimpressed expression. Ratchet cringed. Time to face the wrath of the older's anger. He braced himself.

The dark golden Lombax sighed heavily and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Ratchet, I gave you a simple instruction to come straight back here after being let out of the hospital. How difficult is that?" He stared up at his son, who's eye vision was glued to the floor. He noticed the younger's ears fall the slightest bit. Standing up, he stepped in front of his son and pulled his arms around the other's upper-back to pull him into a hug. "You scared me, Ratchet. You had me worry all night. I... I thought something happened to you. Please, please don't do that to me again." His emerald eyes began to water. The tears were blinked back with some difficulty.

He flinched at the disappointed tone of his father while he stared at the ground. His father was disappointed in him. His ears drooped a bit, hopefully not enough to have his father see it. The next moment, he was pulled into an embrace. A shocked expression fell upon his face. His ears didn't even pick up the sounds of footsteps. He felt arms come around his back. He responded back by putting his arms around the other's neck. The warm air that brushed past his ears, jumped him from surprise. Hot pricks of water started to form behind his eyes, but fought them back as the older spoke. "D-Dad... I-I'm so sorry. I... didn't know. I p-promise not to do that again." His eyes slid shut, just enjoying the moment with his father.

Sorry for the late update, I was busy with uploading my other story and had lots of homework. But there you have it. Chapter 13. Not really exciting but hopefully enough to keep you guys happy.

My computer is now fixed so I can update stories quicker now :D If it breaks down again my Dad is just going to get a new computer for me. Anyway... See you in the next chapter ;P

Ratchet, Kaden, Lombaxes (c) Insomniac Games

Jasmine, Ryan, Scar, Max (c) Me

Shade (c) A friend of mine