Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The mission was finally over.

Was their collective thoughts as Team 10, along with Zed, came back from an interstellar mission that had them on their feet and away from home for a few days. It was good to be back.

No one got hurt, only Ben being reckless and Rook trying to stop him at times. The two have been getting more and more comfortable and strangely closer the last time Gwen saw them. It might be a lack of sleep, but she swore she saw a mark on Ben's neck as they were going home. She didn't put much thought on it, but nonetheless, she went on.

They all sat collapsed in the Plumber's lounge area. No one was there at the moment, Team 10 waited for Magister Max Tennyson to brief them on their mission.

Kevin laid face first on the couch with Zed licking his hand while the Anodite sat next to him, taking off her glasses and sighing. She can't wait to get back to Friedkin University. She just hoped no one would find her hidden magic room that Professor Hex left for her. This mission was one of the few times she would use the staff of ages in combat, and it still felt weird holding onto it, knowing that Hex and Hope used it. But it was something she was still used to adapting. That and Kevin’s sudden proposal before they went on the mission. She looked at her ring and sighed. This was really happening.

She covered her hand holding the ring and placed it near her chest. She still needs to work up the courage to tell her parents. Ben knew, and by extension, so did Grandpa Max. She thought she had time, but one thing about the hero business is that you never have time.

Anything can happen.

Ben could have gone home and slept, but one look from Rook told him otherwise. He can't really say no to Rook of all people. The brunette patted his neck lightly as heat flashed through his cheek from the late nights he spent with Rook on the mission. Gwen and Kevin thought they were discussing the mission, which wasn't far from the truth. This led to a steaming make-out session, and Ben used a couple of his alien forms in the process. His entire face flushed red as the night replayed in his head. It wasn't anything serious, he thinks. But whatever it was, Ben wasn't one for relationships.

Elena…Julie… Ester…and Kai.

They were all failed relationships and didn't work out. Attea and Looma Red Wind were only after him because he could turn into their species; Fourarms and Bullfrag.

But Rook was different.

He felt different, and it gave him a little sense of hope that maybe it could work. He just hoped it didn't crash and burn like his other relationships.

He felt a hand touch his and saw Rook smiling at him through sheer exhaustion. Somehow, his partner knew him better than he thought and sensed his distressed thoughts. It comforted him a little, and he took his hand into his own, squeezing it a little.

The Revonnahgander's cheek flashed a small tint of red, looking at the data pad he had in his other hand.

He was always at his side, always there helping him and saving him. Ben knew he took it for granted at times, but after what happened, he started to take in every moment with his partner. He recalled back to when the two started out. He didn't want him but after proving himself over and over again. He was fond of him, cared for him like a brother would, but even those feelings of brotherhood would turn into a blossoming love that neither knew how to explain.

He wanted to ask Gwen. His cousin. The only person who gets him and would give sound advice. Kevin was not the one for romance advice as evident he only dated one girl and proposed to her.

Moving a bit closer to the Revonnahgander, he leaned his head onto his shoulder, proto-tool armour and all, and just closed his eyes. He still held his hand, which was warm. The fur was soft at times, and Ben found it like a pillow. His mind drifted to what they did and how his fur bristled against his skin. Tickling even.

He let out an audible laugh, but no one paid him mind. Rook was enjoying himself, letting his thumb rub against his partner's hand.

This was nice. It's better than the others he had. Julie was fine, but they kept arguing over dumb stuff. He would never say it directly to her, but he was the problem in their relationship, and the breakup wasn't one of his best moments. Ester felt right, but then they needed time apart, and when it looked like it was finally time for them to reconnect, she already had a boyfriend. Elena was just far too gone with the nanochips in her system. Kai was a sore topic to talk about. On one hand, she was his first crush but only wanted him for his Leboan transformation, and it didn't change when they met again in London. He realised too late that she was only loving him for his alien transformation to which Gwen had warned him about, and this time, he listened. He broke up with her just as quickly, destiny be damned, Spanner can suck a lemon for all he cared.

Sure there were probably other fish in the sea, but he wanted someone to like him for him, not his aliens. But also, he didn't want to mess it up again. So this time, he'll take it slowly, God forbid that something happens that lets him go to Kai's beg and call.

Right now, this felt right to him. With Rook by his side and just resting as best as they can. He could use some rest. Maybe they can go to Revonnah and visit Rook's family. He wanted to see how Rook Ben was doing, probably one of his greatest fans aside from Jimmy.

Ten minutes went by, and Ben found himself drifting to sleep, and before he knew it, he was in the proto-truck with Rook driving at the wheel, holding back a stiff yawn.

"How long was I sleeping?" He asked, yawning and rubbing sleep out of his eyes. He felt his left hand grass nothing but air quickly, noting that he wasn't keeping Rook hand anymore.

Of course you're not. He's driving.

"Three hours, we did the debrief of the mission without you. Magister Tennyson was pleased with the results. He gave us some time off to relax," He explained, and Ben was half paying attention and half looking at Rook driving so seriously. The dude was always serious, but at times, the mask broke and showed emotions. A big contrast to their first few missions.

"Gwen and Kevin?" He leaned back in his seat, his shoulders a bit stiff.

"Back to Friedkin University, she is going to catch up on some reading."

"Of course she is," He sighed, "You taking me home?"

He nods his head, "Yes, I am, but I'm taking a longer route as I wanted to spend more time with you."

His cheeks flushed, "We could always go to Mister Smoothy and hang out or…just continue, were we left off?"

The truck jerked to the right suddenly, and Ben had his hand over the Omnitrix instinctively, his emerald eyes scanning for the villain responsible. But he found nothing, just the empty road. He looked to Rook and saw the Revonnahgander taking in a few breaths. It clicked with him that he was also a little embarrassed about what happened.

And the two sat in silence while Rook drove him home. It wasn't long nor short. Like Ben said, he wanted to enjoy the moment spending time with his partner and not focus on the negative things in life.

They stopped in front of his house and Ben didn't know what to do at first. They both got out and Rook walked him to his front door. It was strange for him to do that but he didn't mind.

His hand grasped the door handle as he turned to Rook, "Guess I'll see you around, partner?"

He smiled softly, "Indeed, I will be in Plumber HQ if you need anything, Ben."

"Yeah…" He wanted to say more but what else was there…oh screw it.

He let go of the handle and quickly walked forward, pulling on his proto-tool armour and kissed him on the lips. His eyes widened but then soon started kissing back. It was mere bliss for the two of them and it only lasted a few more seconds before they separated. Both their cheeks flustered and heart racing a mile an hour.

Rook, after a minute composed himself and gave a small smile. He leaned forward and kissed Ben's cheek lightly.

"See you tomorrow?"

He rubbed his cheek a little and couldn't help but feel even more happy about this development. Sure it wasn't what he thought would happen but it still did.

He nodded his head and soon after Rook drove away and Ben went inside once he couldn't see the proto-truck anyway. Minutes later he collapsed on his bed.

He couldn't wait for tomorrow to come.

Chapter Text

He laid awake at night.

Couldn't stop thinking about Rook. He missed the Revonnahgander. He had his phone in hand on his chest as his brown eyes stared at the ceiling above him.

What was he afraid of?!

His parents? He fought Vilgax for crying out loud!

Gwen? She'd be supportive.

Grandpa? Right, the same Grandpa who slept with two alien women is gonna judge him of all people…

Commitment?

Maybe. He is Ben Tennyson, saviour of the Universe and wielder of the most powerful device in the Universe. He'd seen his future. Three times. And the last one he knew was married and had a kid.

Or it was that he didn't want to ruin what they have. His past relationships aren't pretty. He just wants Rook to like, like him.

He turned in his bed. With Kevin and Gwen getting engaged, he thought more about life and what he wanted. They weren't kids anymore. They are near adulthood and soon they would have their own houses, family and newer problems to deal with.

He was starting to get hungry and there wasn't anything in the fridge. He shot up, grabbed a pair of pants, his hoodie and dialled the watch.

The Omnitrix lit up in emerald green light, illuminating the room a little. He scrolled through the aliens until he found the one was looking for. The core popped out and he slammed it down and in a flash of emerald light he turned into a blue skinned velociraptor, with a black helmet around his head, a light blue visor, his tail striped black and balls in his feet. The Omnitrix symbol on his chest.

Within a second he was out of his house and running to the nearest– no farthest burger sack in Bellwood. He needed time to think. Once there he transformed back into human and walked in. He made his order, waiting for a few minutes then he sat outside.

Thinking. Just thinking.

Why was it so hard?!

Fuck! He already did the deed with him, why be so awkward!

God knows how Rook is taking all this. The guy must be sleeping like a baby… well, he is cute and his sleeping face makes him warm and fuzzy inside.

He sighs and eats more of his french fries.

Maybe after this he'll ask Rook out. He's just overthinking this. It was nothing… right?

Right?!

Rook Blonko was awake and exercising his muscles. He could not sleep and the kiss from Ben was the cause of all his problems. He understood his partner very well but this was maybe a new subject for him. Same for the Revonnahgander who never thought the two would be more than friends. The sleepless nights on those missions with Ben were in other words magical for Rook. They were almost caught by either Gwen or Kevin.

He let loose a few punches on the bag that hung by the chains attached to the ceiling.

Almost caught,is what he kept saying to himself. And they had not stopped after that. The longer the mission went on the more he and Ben had grown closer.

Kicks to the midsection then an overhead kick.

And growing closer they did. His cheeks burned at the passionate night they had. The warmth he felt when they–

He shook his head. This was not the place to bring up those thoughts. And yet he could not stop himself from picturing his partner and his friend like that.

He was sure everyone would be happy about their new found relationship. Magister Tennyson had different alien lovers with one of them being with an Anodite. A being made of pure energy. He thinks Kevin would not mind since he is not one to discriminate, and they are still bonded for their love of vehicles. Gwendolyn, he thinks, is someone who would be supportive and understanding about everything.

But would the world be understanding? Rook knows the younger humans and other species look up to Ben as their role model. There is still hate in the world and it will not be easily washed away.

No, they should not be afraid.

He stops and walks over to the bench where a towel was laying. He picked it up and wiped away the sweat on his face.

He will ask Ben how he truly feels and be one with him. Open and in public. Hiding will do no good.