Work Text:
After Gordon’s speech to his friends, the seemingly empty island was suddenly filled with monsters. It was almost like they’d been spawned in, suddenly appearing and blocking their path.
Gordon ran towards the portal. “Come on guys!” he shouted to the science team, hoping they heard him over the rumble of peeper-puppies, and other such monsters lurking about.
Gordon wanted to slow, and make sure his friends were right behind him. But the incline, mixed with the slightly… sodden floor of Xen made it much harder to slow down. Before Gordon could force himself to a stop, or even just slow down some, he slid right into the green portal. It blasted around him, and the world twisted in vibrant color, blinding him temporarily.
Portal hopping was always unpleasant. It made Gordon’s head spin, and could even sometimes make him a little nauseous.
Gordon’s head spun, but he forced himself to look around. The room was dark, and red. It felt humid, and when Gordon shifted, his feet sloshed in a shallow pool of red liquid.
Gordon cringed, before spinning around. It hurt his head, but he ignored the pain, in favor of gawking at the giant Benrey.
Benrey, who was staring down at Gordon intently, grinned. “Heyy there, tiny, little little Gordon.” Benrey mused. Gordon stumbled back, and frowned, gulping. Benrey watched, transfixed, as Gordon stumbled about.
Benrey was sick of Gordon’s control over the science team. They all used to be friends, until Gordon got grumpy, and started trying to kill him. That was hardly fair… Sure, Benrey had been an indirect (but pretty direct) cause of Gordon losing his arm. But how was Benrey supposed to know those soldiers would cut it off? How was he supposed to know the stupid thing wouldn’t just grow back?
They’d all been friends before. Why couldn’t they now? Why was Gordon so insistent on killing him? Sure, now, Benrey was the big bad, standing in the final boss room. But before that-!
Benrey frowned at his thoughts. The sight setting Gordon on edge. Benrey wasn’t going to die. He wouldn’t let his bestie kill him either. Sure, his bestie wasn’t being very nice, and was forcing him to be bad. But Benrey had an idea on how to fix that….
On the other hand, Gordon was panicking . Clearly, Benrey wanted to stop them from blowing up, or stopping, or doing something- anything to Xen. And the way the giant was looking at Gordon wasn’t inspiring any confidence. At first, it had been a smug grin, which soured quickly. Gordon wasn’t sure what happened to make Benrey look so displeased, but he had to admit he was frightened. Benrey was a monster, unable to die, and the size of the cavern they were standing in.
Gordon decided the safest course of action would be to run as far away from Benrey until the science team appeared.
Gordon’s run was slowed down by the mucus-like liquid surrounding his legs and feet. It was thick, like spit or blood, and slowed Gordon’s best attempt to escape. Benrey just hummed in amusement, watching Gordon like he was some weak mouse running through lab mazes. It was strange to be stalked from above like that, especially by Benrey. It made Gordon’s chafed and bruised skin crawl. Though, he could barely feel it over the heavy weight of the H.E.V. suit.
“You can’t get far, little, short legged Gordon.” Benrey teased, smiling. Gordon felt his blood boil at the patronization. Even in the face of death, Gordon wouldn’t let Benrey of all people steal his dignity. Gordon grit his teeth in deep annoyance. (Where the hell were the science team anyway??)
Gordon’s feet slipped out from under him, and the water splashed up to his waist. “Ha, ha, Clumsy little baby man.” Benrey mused. “Clumsy, clumsy, clumsy.” Benrey continued. “Hm, can’t even walk by himself.” Benrey said decidedly. Now was the time to enact his plan.
Gordon wouldn't hurt Benrey, or himself anymore. Benrey would ensure that.
Benrey surged forward, hands extended outwards. Benrey grinned as his fingertips made contact with Gordon. The large, pale fingers wrapped around Gordon’s waist and dragged him backwards into the palm’s of the giant’s hands. “AHH!!” Gordon screeched, voice cracking from the stress.
Benrey just laughed. He held Gordon with a slight pressure, to make sure the smaller couldn’t fall out. But Gordon’s insistent squirming was making the prospect a lot higher. So, naturally, Benrey closed his hand into a tighter fist around Gordon’s middle. Gordon let out a gasp, surprised by the sudden addition of pressure. His arms were now completely pinned to his sides, unable to move. Gordon bit back a cry, a feeble whimper that had clawed up his throat. But he’d be damned than to show weakness to Benrey.
Benrey hardly noticed Gordon’s obvious distress, too busy plotting. Benrey was plotting where exactly to put Gordon. Hmm, how about his pocket? With his size, the pocket was perfectly fit for Gordon. Benrey grinned, sharp teeth and all. Gordon gulped again, feeling a spike of fear.
“B-Benrey?” Gordon mustered, afraid of the giant's silence. “Hm? Oh, haha, guess what Gordon?” Benrey asked. Gordon frowned, fear growing more in his gut. It made his hands shake, even the gun arm rattled. Benrey frowned, remembering the gun. “Guess, man, guess.” Benrey urged. Gordon frowned, “I, I don’t know Benrey! I really don’t!” he cried back.
“Haha, but I dooo!” Benrey sang back, large bubbles forming from his mouth. Gordon couldn’t tell if they were malicious, and without Tommy he was totally lost. He worried his lip between blunt teeth as he waited. Benrey let his words fill the space before he grinned wider than ever.
Benrey moved his hand, jerking Gordon with him. The ladder squeaked at the sharp movement, watching the world fly past him as they jerked about. Benrey pulled him in close, pressing his flush to his collarbone. Gordon could feel it even through the thick fabric of Benrey’s shirt. The bone was wedged against his cheek, and upwards. Gordon could feel it on the side of his head, he didn’t like the sensation. The waiting was killing him. What was Benrey playing at?!
Before Gordon could ask, he was jerked away from Benny's chest. A thick pocket on the side of Benrey’s vest was popped open, and came into view.
Gordon began to trash about and yell, finally realizing what was about to happen. Benrey couldn’t just keep him in his pocket! Hell no!! He wanted to go home-!!
Gordon wasn’t shy to voice such thoughts, shouting and screaming at Benrey. Benrey cringed at the pitch Gordon’s voice had gained, high and scratchy with overuse. “Shut uppp man, please.” Benrey begged, but Gordon didn’t stop. “NO!! LET ME GO YOU BASTARD!” Gordon shrieked.
The flailing was making Benrey’s grip on his friend harder. So he squeezed harder. However, it knocked the wind from Gordon’s chest, causing his wailing to stop. However, Gordon could still breathe, and fought to catch his breath. Benrey pursed his lips, brainstorming a more permanent solution to Gordon’s yelling… and his gun arm. If Benrey wasn’t careful, Gordon would just shoot his way out his pocket. And Benrey wanted to keep his friend close, and out of harm's way. He couldn’t let his bestie make bad decisions.
The gears in Benrey’s brain finally finished grinding together, and he formed an idea. He grinned again as he pulled Gordon away from the pocket and up to his mouth. His mouth opened as he began to sing, revealing the sharp rows of teeth. Gordon gasped, and squirmed again. Tried anyway, as Benrey’s grip was too tight. “OH JESUS! DON’T EAT ME, MAN!” Gordon cried out, before he was promptly silenced.
Benrey had sung out a very specific kind of Sweet Voice. It was a very light blue, and was nearly clear. It floated over to Gordon as he was distracted by the teeth. Before Gordon could jerk his head away, it connected with his face. It was a perfect bubble surrounding his head.
The bubble was full of something akin to water, and Gordon could feel himself tear up. Oh god! Benrey was going to drown him!!
Next, Benrey used his free hand to grab Gordon’s gun arm. Gordon clamped his mouth shut over a cry- he couldn’t risk letting in whatever water was in the bubble and accidentally drowning himself faster.
He cringed however, as Benrey tugged on the gun-arm, pulling it into focus. The giant spit out another bubble and let it wrap around the tip of the gun-arm, effectively jamming it. Gordon Wanted to curse him out. He was completely defenseless now.
Not that it mattered much, he was going to drown soon anyway.
That thought made Gordon want to cry.
He’d made it so, so far. He was so close to home. So close to his son . But no , the monster that’d been plaguing him just had to steal his life. Just like how he stole his patience, time, safety, dignity, his ARM.
“Broo, what’re you doing? Dumb, dumb little baby man doesn’t realize he can breathe in there.” Benrey chirped out. Gordon was stunned. Wait… could he really breathe? “Fine, man, don’t trust me. Hurts a little. But you’ll pass out and breathe it in one way or another.” Benrey said, sounding very pleased with himself.
Gordon guessed Benrey was right. His lungs were begging to burn, and his vision was going all fuzzy. Maybe he should…..should…
Gordon went slack in Benrey’s hand, and Benrey frowned. Stubborn ol’ Gordon. Benrey watched as Gordon’s mouth fell open some, and he began to breathe. Small air bubbles floated about the snow-globe around Gordon’s head. Benrey felt a little bad for making Gordon think he was going to die. But- hey, Gordon had been doing that to Benrey anyway. So, who cares?
Benrey liked how peaceful Gordon looked. But he didn’t like the fact that his bestie had fainted. That’s not very good for someone’s health. Benrey poked at Gordon’s shoulder, and then tapped the bubble, jerking his head to the side.
Gordon snapped awake, mouth falling open so he could evolve into a tense coughing fit. It was weird, to cough and ingest the water. It was like breathing in overly humid air, thick like soup, but this time it was cool- almost cold.
The thought made Gordon shiver. Now that he really focused in on it, it was cold. He was cold. The chills wracked through his HEV suit. That seemed to displease Benrey. It almost seemed like a cue to shove Gordon into his pocket, finally.
Gordon tried to object, but his voice was just muffled by the bubble. He tried to trashed about, but still Benrey had an iron grip on him.
Benrey simply placed him into the pocket, before closing it and putting the claps into place. Gordon stifled a cry, suddenly being submerged in darkness. WHERE WAS THE SCIENCE TEAM?
Benrey was pleased to find that Gordon had stopped shaking. Even through the vest, Benrey’s abnormally high body heat managed to warm him up. Cool, Benrey thought. Small victories. Small victories over Gordon.
Benrey smiled again. He was doing such a good job at taking care of his friend. He wasn’t letting his friend kill him, or get himself hurt worse. Plus, Gordon’s voice sounded all weird and icky from screaming so much. So obviously, shutting him up must’ve been helping his throat. Wow, Benrey was such a good friend.
The thought made him perk up some. Having Gordon so close made him never want to let him go again. A possessive feeling wrecked its way into Benrey’s core. Maybe he should’ve tried this instead of antagonizing Gordon.
Sure, it’d been fun to push the man’s buttons. But it’d been nicer to make his friend laugh. And this, well, this took the cake. Keeping his friend close and safe, made him far more pleased than mocking Gordon ever did.
“Hey you know, I might just keep ya here.” Benrey said, a little lost in thought. That alone was enough to make Gordon roll and writhe around angrily in his pocket. He wished his gun arm wasn’t jammed.
“Oh hey guys.” Gordon could hear Benrey say. So, the science team finally decided to show up. Definitely not too late. And definitely not unknowing where he was- especially since he couldn’t call out to them anymore. “What’s upp?” Benrey asked, popping the ‘P’. “Oh, uh, w-where’s Dr. Freeman?” Tommy asked, staring up at Benrey with puppy eyes.
Benrey wanted to put him in his pocket too. All of them, really. He hadn’t really thought about how much he liked them- till he was faced with their “betrayal” by trying to kill him. ( even if, really, it’d been him to betray them. )
That thought alone made sharp guilt stab into Benrey. What was he thinking? They made him the bad guy. But now, maybe he could just… stay a good guy anyway. That’s what he’d done with Gordon anyway, just tucking him away.
“Uhh, I dunno. Around.” Benrey lied, shittily. Gordon kicked a leg out into Benrey’s side. But he could hardly feel it at his size, and through the vest he wore.
“I don’t believe you.” Bubby said, scrutinizingly. “Well you should. You and I teamed up before.” Benrey said. Bubby paused, giving it genuine thought.
Gordon hoped they wouldn’t fall for it.
He loved the science team, well and truly. But… they were a little dumb all together.
“I don’t believe you.” Dr. Coomer interjected. “Y-yeah! We saw Dr. Freeman came through the portal!” Tommy but in.
Benrey frowned, deep and sighed. Fine. if they were gonna be like that.
Benrey rolled his eyes. “I put 'em’ in my pocket.” Benrey said. And Tommy gasped, squinting his eyes to show his distaste. “Give him back.” Tommy called out.
Benrey shook his head, cupping his hands around the vest pocket. “No! He’s mine now.” He shot back. Tommy gasped again. “That’s no way to treat a friend!” Tommy chided. “He’s right, you know.” Dr. Coomer but in. Bubby said nothing, altogether a little bored.
“Bleh bleh bleh.” Benrey mocked, sticking out his tongue. “Feetman’s mine now.” He said without thinking, before his cheeks went a little flush. Thank god for the thick shadow over his face from his helmet, lest anyone find out.
Gordon let out a low, anguished noise from inside the bubble. He wasn’t anyones to keep- least of all Benrey, god dammit!
Gordon wanted to say ‘let me go!’ but what came out instead was “Mmhp-mh!” he groaned in annoyance.
Benrey bit his lip. Well, he was enjoying himself. But… no one else was. And he was trying to be good. Good boy Benrey, no longer evil boy Benrey.
Benrey frowned, letting himself think.
“How about you all go in my pocket instead. And I’ll take you home.” Benrey offered. Gordon thought that was a terrible idea. And also, why didn’t he do this sooner?
Much to Gordon’s dismay, he could hear the team below give into Benrey’s offer.
Before long, Tommy was dropped into the same pocket as Gordon. Gordon assumed the other two doctors were put in the other pocket together. Especially since the space was a tight, restivice fit. Especially with two people.
“Oh hello Dr. Freeman!” Tommy said before gasping again. “Oh my goodness! Dr. Freeman, what’s on your face?!” He cried out. Tommy’s hands pressed against the bubble, but to no avail. It wouldn’t pop.
“Oh, right, oops.” Benrey said, reaching into the pocket. He scooped up Gordon and pulled him out. Gordon gave one resounding, and rather weak kick, before stilling. Benrey used a clawed finger to lightly tap, and pop the bubbles that restricted Gordon. With both his hand and face free, he was shoved back into the pocket.
“Ew, man, that was disgusting.” Gordon complained. “It tasted like cough syrup.”
Benrey chuckled. “Almost there.” Benrey told them all. “Wait!” Gordon called out and the giant stilled. “Yea?” Benrey asked. “What about the portals? What about Xen? We need to get rid of this place… or something.” He trailed. Benrey nodded. “Yeah ok. Let me get you home first, ‘kay?” Benrey said, shifting.
Gordon didn’t fight or say anything else, settling back into the pocket.
--
“My dad can give you a new hand.” Tommy promised. “I’ll say I want you to have a new hand as a birthday gift.” Tommy said cheerfully. Gordon nodded slowly, “Uh, yeah, sounds good.” He said, swallowing back tears at the news. He’d be happy for anything if it meant this gun would go away.
Before the conversation could continue, suddenly Benrey appeared with a flash. He was back to his normal size, much to Gordon’s relief.
“Is it done?” Gordon asked gravely. And Benrey nodded. Gordon sighed, letting all the tension seep from his body.
“I, I’m going to get changed, and showered.” Gordon said. “When I’m done you all can take turns using it. I bet we all could stand for some deep cleansing.” Gordon chuckled, before walking away. Everyone else was left in his apartment’s living room, spread around the cramped space.
-
When everyone had finished cleaning up, Gordon went to go get the first aid kid. Seeing as how they were all littered with scratches and bruises. But Benrey stopped him. “Hey chill, man. Let me do my work.” He’d said before singing out green heal beams.
They felt like magic, or drugs, Gordon wasn’t sure which. The chafing, rashes, bruises, cuts, etc, all washed away. It felt wonderful. It also made Gordon realize how damn tired he was.
But there were still a few things he needed to sort out.
“Benrey. Why didn’t you kill us? Why did you bring us home?” Gordon quizzed. Benrey shrugged. “Dunno man. Just felt like… I didn’t wanna be bad. So, I just, wasn’t.” Benrey said simply. Gordon huffed, assuming it was all he’d get out of the eldritch horror, shapeshifting beast of a guy.
But that wasn't all.
“I… Look, I’m sorry. ‘Specially about da hand.” Benrey said, tilting his head to gesture to the gun. “Sorry to all of you guys, Y'all just got me mad. But… I really don’ wanna be bad.”
Gordon swallowed hard, not expecting an apology.
“Well, shit.” Gordon said openly.
Tommy grinned, wide and happy. “We forgive you, Benrey!!”