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They had been searching the rubble of the collapsed lab for well over three hours by now, picking through the concrete and destroyed office supplies to find any survivors that could not make it out in time. Thankfully, the people or bodies were few and far in between since many people making it out during the initial evacuation. But there was someone in particular that was missing that they were hoping to find among the destruction. Ben Tennyson had been inside when the building finally went down, hunting for anyone that may still be inside the building. He had been told to stay out, that it was too dangerous to go back inside, but Ben had not listened to anyone and charged in anyway.
By now, many people had already given up the search, deciding that Earth’s Alien Hero was likely dead and gone. But Rook and Gwen refused to give up. They had both seen Ben just bounce back from much, much worse, with a smile on his face and something to say to whoever thought it would take him out. A bit of rubble would not keep him down. Not for long, anyway. There was part of Rook that longed to see that smile, hear his voice. Anything just as long as it meant that he was okay.
Rook tried not to dwell on it, instead focusing on the rescue at hand. Every minute was precious in this situation, and it had already been too long. But he knew his partner. Rook was not about to give up hope just yet.
Rook had just shifted some rubble when he spotted something green out of the corner of his eye. His breath caught as he turned. It only took him a moment to recognize the Omnitrix and the human arm it was attached to. He was moving in an instant, his feet somehow finding their footing, even with his focus on his partner. “Ben!” He called, hoping for an answer. Then, almost as an afterthought, he shouted, “Gwen! Over here!”
Rook put his shoulder into one of the pieces burying the human, shoving it out of the way to uncover more of his partner. He was unconscious, which explained why he was not calling out or trying to get free on his own. When Gwen arrived, he allowed her to take over the rubble removal as he crouched down to assess Ben’s injuries. The worst of it was a broken leg and a nasty gash in his head. Rook hesitated to touch him, almost as if he was worried that disturbing him would hurt him further. But he shook his head, then pressed his fingers to Ben’s neck. There was no time to dwell on such thoughts. They would not help.
“Is he..?” Gwen seemed just as afraid of the answer as he was. Rook could pick up the sound of the medics approaching. She must have called them over.
Rook held his breath, then let it go when he felt the gentle pulse beneath his fingers. “No. He’s... okay.” He answered, then backed off to allow the medics to do what they had to do.
It was hard for Rook to step out of their way, some part of him yelling at him to stay right by Ben’s side. It helped that he was not going far.
<>
It did not take long for Ben to be transferred back to base, Gwen and Rook staying by his side the entire time when they could. But night was creeping in. “I should... get going.” Gwen finally said to break the silence as she got up to gather her things and head out. “Are you... sure you’ll be okay staying here?” There was a hint of guilt in her voice. As if she was worried that leaving her cousin when he was so vulnerable was the wrong decision.
“I’m sure.” Rook answered without an ounce of hesitation, finally prying his eyes away from Ben’s peaceful face. “He is my partner and you have other responsibilities.”
Gwen winced at that but knew that the Revonnahgander had a point. “Just... promise you’ll call if there are any updates. Kinda have to keep everyone updated, you know.”
“I understand. I promise,” Rook assured her, offering her a slight smile of reassurance.
“Thank you.” With those words, she would finally leave after already putting it off for several hours. Rook watched the door close behind her. He watched it for a few moments, then turned back to Ben. He jumped as he realized Ben was conscious.
“You’re awake!” Rook said, his heart doing a little flutter now that he did not have to worry about Ben not waking up. “How are you feeling?”
“My head is killing me...” Ben answered, raising an arm to drape over his eyes to hide from the medical bays lights.
“I’ll call a medic to bring you some painkillers if you want them.” Rook offered. “Anything else you may want?”
“That would be great.” Ben answered. “Some water would be great too...”
Rook nodded. Rook quickly brought the painkillers that the medic dropped off and gave Ben a glass of water alongside them. They sat in silence for a few moments before the shorter boy broke it. “Hey Rook... Can I tell you something?” He asked.
Rook could not help his curiosity. “Of course. What is it?”
“I...” Ben hesitated, a blush creeping across his cheeks. Rook could not help but wonder why. Did Ben... have feelings for him? Surely not. Ben was just embarrassed about what he was going to say. He was reading too much into it. “I love you.” He finally said.
Rook could not help the way he froze, staring at Ben with wide eyes. There was that fluttery feeling in his chest he got whenever he was just spending time with Ben like this. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out.
“Sorry. Just... needed to get it out. I understand if you don’t feel the same or--“ Rook cut him off with a brief kiss, soon pulling away.
“Please do not apologize. I... love you too,” Rook finally said. “I am sorry for my own actions.” Surely there was a better way to handle that, but it was what his first instinct was to shut Ben up and assure him that the feelings were mutual.
“Kiss me again and I’ll forgive you.” Ben said.
Rook did not hesitate to give in, pressing his lips to Ben’s once more. Ben promised to take him on a proper date once his leg was all healed up. Rook was more than looking forward to it. But for now, he kept focused on making sure Ben healed up and took the time to heal.