Work Text:
grandpa max/ Rook Blonko secret relationship
Rook was awoken by the sound of Max's alarm, not that he minds much as they're both early risers. He feels a shuffle behind him as Max reaches over to turn off the alarm using it as an excuse to pull the alien closer. It was nice being this close to someone again, but If you asked Rook who'd he be in this position with a month ago his mind would have jumped to Ben, not his grandfather. But these past two weeks have been exciting in a way Rook has never felt before.
It was thrilling sneaking off to secluded areas just for a quick make out and even more so when someone almost finds them. He shutters at the idea of being found out. They could lose their jobs over this. The plumbers do not tolerate supervisor and subordinate relationships. Max said as much the first time they kissed but rook doubted he cared, otherwise he would not have kept calling him to the rust bucket so he could try his newest 'dish'.
The alarm went off again, Max must have only hit the snooze. The younger man was quicker to turn it off this time. Leaving the warmth of the older man's embrace, Rook started to get dressed. The less people who saw him leaving Max's place the better. And people would be pouring into the parking garage soon. "No goodbye?" Max asked teasingly. Rook quickly spun around to land on top of his magister and placed a rough kiss on his lips. When they broke apart the Revonnahgander whispered in the human's ear "Goodbye, sir." That earned him a laugh. He felt warm as he rushed out the door.
He was scheduled for patrol with Ben in two hours but that did not stop him from bolting to his room. The shame he felt always seemed to follow him. He liked Max a whole lot, but no one would have anything good to say about it. Ben would definitely find it weird and gross, his parents would most likely disown him and any one normal would be appalled by the age gap.
Rook normally doesn't care what others think of him, but it's probably better to keep this under the table as Ben would say. When he finally made it to his room Rook busied himself with his morning routine, anything to occupy his mind until someone else could do it.
Ben arrived at the base right on time. Rook was already in the truk having been debriefed the night before.
"Hey, dude what's up? You're lookin little too serious." The Revonnahgander gave the other a bashful look before turning his head to look away from his lover's grandson. "I am just thinking of someone...That is all." Ben gave him a playful smile. "Anyone I know?" He asked good-naturedly. He had a feeling Ben wasn't about to drop the topic but he couldn't lie to him. He was a terrible liar and Ben would see right through him. "Perhaps… why?"
Ben leaned back in his chair, a knowing smile on his lips. "Someone's got you thinking too hard, which means one thing. Either someone is giving you a hard time or you're head over heels in love."
"L-Love!? No no, you are mistaken, I do not love, what is love even?"Rook stammered. Ben chuckled at his friend's attempt to deny his feelings. It was clear as day that he had a crush on someone, and Ben was determined to help him out. "Ha! I knew it! Don't worry I'll give you plenty of tips on flirting. She'll be falling for you by the end of the day!"
Rook chuckled, shaking his head. "As much as I appreciate your concern Ben, I do not need any tips. We are already keeping each other company." Ben raised an eyebrow in surprise."Already? How long have you been seeing this girl behind my back Rook?" He asked in disbelief.
Rook hesitated, unsure of how to explain the situation to Ben. "He is not female… " Rook whispered, already feeling his face heat up.
Ben was quiet for a moment then shared his thoughts "Oh... is that why you kept it from me? You didn't have to, I don't judge man."
"That is not the only reason, Ben. I am somewhat ...ashamed he is much older than I am and we are not even the same species. It is hard to admit feelings for someone when there are four taboos for the one person."
It seems that was enough to get his partner to back off, for now at least. The next few minutes were long and quiet. Rook was racking his brain for conversation starters when Ben beat him to it. "What's the fourth taboo? If you don't mind me asking, that is."
Rook really really didn't want to answer so he didn't. Ben took the hint and dropped it.
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Later that evening Rook and Max were in the kitchen of his RV.
"Something on your mind champ?"
Max's voice pulled the alien out of thought.
That nickname he used made him feel small in the best way possible. "Ben knows I'm seeing someone. Someone older."
"You told him?" Max exclaimed with indignation. Quick to defend his actions, Rook responded in haste "He asked! I can not lie to him, you know this."
Max let out a long sigh and rubbed his brow "it can't be helped I guess.”Max said, his tone softening. “But he will want answers eventually so what are you gonna tell him when he asks again."
"I will be as vague as possible." Rook promised
"And what are you gonna say when he puts two and two together? He's not as dumb as he wants you to believe." Rook took a deep gulp, he hadn't thought that far but Max was right. He gave Ben too many hints to who his mystery lover was. He could try to lie but that would only prolong the inevitable. Rook could feel the panic starting, he couldn't solve this on his own. He looked at Max and asked "What are we gonna do?"
Max hesitated but soon answered "If he asks again, see if he wants to meet me. We can try to explain everything to him. It's probably the best option we have." Rook replied obediently "Yes sir." Max gave him a sweet smile and then the two Shared a Tender Kiss.
A few days later Ben and Rook were at Burger Shack getting lunch. After receiving their food Ben spoke up. "Rook I've been thinking and I think I know who you're dating. The fourth taboo is cause it's a coworker right?” Rook's shoulders tensed. He didn't expect Ben to figure It out so fast. "Don't worry I won't tell anyone about you and Magister Patelliday." Rook was stunned. Should he go along with this assumption? No, it would only involve more people. He wished Max was here. He wished he could tell him exactly what to do. Might as well rip the bandaid off.
"No Ben. Magister Patelliday and I are not dating. However, if you would like, I could set up a meeting if you would like to see him." He suggested. "Really? Dang I thought I hit the nail with that one. Yeah I'd like to get to know this guy." Ben said "Very well I will inform you of the details in time." He stated with false confidence.
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“So this is happening.” Max asked with concern. Rook couldn't believe he was in this situation. “Yes sir.” He sighed heavily
“And you're sure there was no avoiding this?”
There probably was but rook was far too nervous to come up with anything better at the time.
"...yes sir" he answered slowly.
He told Ben to meet them in his room, it was the most private place he could think of that wouldn't tip him off as to who his mystery lover was. Rook wanted to hold Max's hand but he had his arms crossed. He wanted to say something to him but he couldn't. He wanted all of Max's attention but knew now wasn't the time.
Ben then entered the room a few minutes later. When he saw his grandfather, confusion filled his mind. He was supposed to be meeting Rook's boyfriend, not him. “Grandpa, what are you doing- no.” then it clicked.
Max was the first to speak up “Ben calm down and close the door.” He closed the door behind him but the shock didn't leave his face. "Ben, I know this may be hard for you to understand, but Rook and I have been seeing each other for some time now," he explained gently. Ben's mind was racing with questions and confusion. How could his grandfather be in a relationship with Rook? When did this happen? Why hadn’t he noticed? “You two are a thing!? How? when? why?”
Max gulped then disclosed the truth to the younger Tennyson “About two weeks ago after that fight with fistrick you two had. Rook mentioned wanting some steamed bratharat and I offered to make him some. The thing about that dish is it pairs really well with wine. And after a few glasses things… happened.”
Rook finally spoke up, his voice shaky. "I know this is a lot to take in, Ben. But please try to understand that we care about each other deeply." Recalling the last two weeks gave him a fuzzy feeling. It stayed until he looked back at his hero. Then it was back to shame.
“Oh my god. So what? Are you two going to get married? Is Rook going to be my other grandpa?” Ben's voice was filled with confusion and disbelief as he processed the information. Rook could see the fear and uncertainty in his eyes, and it broke his heart.
“Of course not Ben. This is just a fling, nothing more.” Max answered firmly. That word didn't sound right. Mainly because he didn't know what he meant by it. “Wait. What is a fling?” Rook asked. That seemed to be the wrong thing to say because Ben became full of rage "What the hell grandpa!? Are you just stringing him along?!
“No, well. We barely started doing anything and we really haven't talked about ‘us’.” He denied. The tension in the room was palpable as Ben's accusations hit a nerve. “Oh I see, you just take the young and impressionable rookie and fuck him when it’s convenient for you!” He screamed.
“It’s not like that! And keep your voice down, Ben.” The older man took a few steps forward, trying to come up with a response that would diffuse the situation. He knew he had made a mistake by getting involved with someone so much younger.
Ben scoffed “Of course, don’t want everyone to know your fucking someone younger then your oldest grandson!” Rook looked away. There it was, the shame, he felt like he was about to cry. He was only 19 and Max's oldest grandson Ken was 21. Rook felt the weight of Ben's words crushing down on him.
“Ben!” Max yelled trying and failing to quell his outburst. “No! Don’t! Don’t fucking talk to me." Ben cried out "I don't wanna hear your bullshit excuse, because I can already hear it. He’s special, mature for his age!?” Rook shrinks into himself, that had been what Max called him.
“I can’t look at you right now.” He huffed
Ben tried to slam the door behind him but since it was an automatic, it closed very slowly. Max let out a frustrated sigh. He knew he needed to give Ben some space, but he also didn't want to leave things on such a sour note. Taking a deep breath, he decided to wait, hoping that Ben would eventually come back and talk things through. But he didn't.
They both stayed where they were for a few minutes. Rook being the first one to move took a few cautious steps towards the older man. He then wrapped his arms around his boyfriend? Lover? His magister, and whispered in his ear “ Maxwell. I love you.” hoping his words can pull him out of his mind like he had done for him so many times. He Patiently waited for an answer. Only to receive silence. Max removed himself from the other and left the room without a word. Rook felt his legs give out, once on the floor his vision blurred and tears came out.
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How the hell was he supposed To go on patrol today. Not only was he sure Ben hated him. But it felt Like his heart was ripped out. He was alone and there was no one he could go to for support. He should already be on his way to Ben's but he hasn't even gotten out of bed.
“Hey.” There was Ben standing in the doorway holding two smoothies. “Just so you know I'm not mad At you.” he walked towards him and placed the drinks on Rook's nightstand. “I know I kinda blew up yesterday but if you're happy, then I'm happy.” Ben said and smiled softly, his eyes filled with understanding.
He didn't know how to respond to that, he thought Ben was disgusted with him. It was a major relief and now he has someone to lean on. With a weak voice Rook spoke “He called me a fling… I looked it up after you two left.” The Tears started to flow. “I can't Believe… that's all… I was to him!” he sobbed. Ben's smile dropped and he pulled him into a tight Hug.
This must have been quite the sight, the fearless and stoic Rook Blonko reduced to a sobbing mess. “It will be okay, Rook. You'll get through this.” Ben tried to comfort him, but Rook seemed inconsolable. Eventually, Rook's cries died down, and he wiped away his tears with a shaky hand. With a deep breath said “I loved Him” Ben Held him tighter.