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Ben sunk further into his seat in Rooks’ van when he saw his partner glance towards him out of the corner of his eye. Worry was clear on his face. Ben’s arms tightened around himself. “What?” He finally asked as he counted down the street signs to figure out how much longer they had to go. He was planning on taking some time to decompress when he got home. Even if that meant killing something in a video game or just laying on his bed with his face shoved in his pillow.
“Are you okay?” Rook asked, his eyes now trained on the road. “You have been quiet for most of the trip back. It is not like you.”
“I’m fine. You don’t have to worry.” Ben said. Though he could tell that Rook did not believe him one bit. “Just… tired.” He answered. Though he felt like he wanted to cry rather than rest. The mission had not gone well at all. There were moments that Ben was sure he would fail, or he had made the wrong decision when dealing with the latest villain. It did not help that there was yet another person present that didn’t trust that he knew what he was doing. That he knew one slip up could lead to the deaths of hundreds. Thousands. Treating him like he was little more than an overconfident idiot. Ben knew more than anyone what it meant to be a hero.
At least Rook had been there. Ben was still grateful that he stepped in to let him focus on the mission rather than on the scathing remarks.
He was so lost in thought that it took Ben a moment to realize they had passed the turn to get into his neighborhood. It wasn’t like Rook to miss the turn, especially since he was so used to driving the route. “You missed—“
“I know.” Rook said. “You are not fine, Ben. You do not have to talk, but I am going to offer what support I can. Which right now involves some food and to just be present. If you want me to be.”
“You don’t have to do that.” Ben tried to insist, but Rook just shook his head.
“You are my partner. We support each other.” Rook explained as he pulled into the parking lot to one of the nearby fast-food places. “You do so much for everyone else. You deserve to have someone support you, too.”
Ben’s shoulders slumped in defeat as he realized Rook was right. “Fine… I love you. You know that, right?”
“I know.” Rook answered with a small smile. “I love you too.”
As promised, Rook got him whatever he chose without reminding him just how bad it was for him. Ben figured he was just focused on making sure he actually got something in his body. No matter what it was. With food in hand, they returned to the van then Rook finally drove him back to his home.
“Would you like company?” Rook asked as he pulled to a stop in front of the peaceful house. His parents were out for the times being.
Part of Ben wanted the alone time, but the other part of him dreaded being alone at the moment. “I wouldn’t mind it.” He decided.
Rook took the invite without a fuss. He followed Ben inside, reminding him to text his parents so they knew the Revonnahgander was there. Just so they were not surprised when they walked through the door.
It was only when they were settled on the couch with some bad movie playing in the background that the dam holding back Ben’s emotions finally broke. Rook stared at him for a moment, then wordlessly opened his arms in invitation. Ben took it without hesitation, burying himself against his partner.
Rooks’ shirt must’ve been thoroughly soaked with tears by the time Ben finally shuffled to look up at him, still a little sniffly but no longer feeling like he was about to explode. “Feeling better?” Rook asked gently.
“A lot better. Thank you…” Ben said, deciding that he wasn’t quite ready to let go of his partner yet. “For you know. The food. Being here. Just… caring.”
“Of course. I love you.” Rook said as he rubbed Ben’s back. “I am still here if you would like to talk.”
Ben thought about it for a moment, genuinely thought about it, then shook his head. “Maybe in a little bit. What did I miss of the movie?”
“I think… they were going back in time.” Rook answered, allowing Ben to adjust to better see the screen.
“So I haven’t missed much.” Ben said, then pressed a kiss to Rook’s jaw. “I love you too. Just so you don’t go thinking I don’t.”
Rook chuckled. “I do not think I could forget. But thank you for the reminder.”