A Night with my Bro-Friend

When Ben looked into his eyes he could see his old Rook. No, this wasn't a new Rook. He's the same Rook as he was before. Sure he had a new delinquent outfit with dozens of spikes, a slightly obnoxious attitude and tended to over-use the word “bro” but he's still the same. Flashing his Plumber's badge back at the tournament proved that. And Old Rook or Fist Rook, Ben owed it to his boyfriend to be honest with him. So once he took a deep breath Ben spoke.

“Well Rook, its just that I'm still working to completely get used to your...um, transformation.” Ben said.

“My transformation? Oh, you mean my new look.” Rook said.

“Yeah, your new look.” Said the hero.

“What's wrong, you don't dig it Benny Babe?” Rook asked, looking a bit hurt.

“No, that's not it at all Rook. You actually look pretty cool...But, I guess what I'm trying to say is that you don't look like what I'm used to. And honestly, your new look makes me...worry.” Ben finally admitted.

“Worried?” Rook asked.

“Yeah. I'm not worried that you'll act like a criminal, since you proved that you're above that. I'm more worried that I'm too plain for how cool you are now. And that you'll want someone else.” Ben said.

Rook listened intently as Ben spoke every word. He didn't move or say anything and that unnerved the hero. What if what he said upset Rook and he wanted to break things off? He didn't think he could stand that. But then, suddenly, Rook grabbed Ben and lifted him in the air. The hero made an undignified girly shriek as he was lifted up and found himself in the Revonnahgander's arms in a bridal fashion. Instead of the angry scowl he was expecting on his boyfriend's face, or bro-friend as the case may be, Rook wore a confident smile.

“Ben, there ain't no way you could ever be plain enough for me! You're the most happenin' person a dude can ever hope to have.” Rook said.

“You really mean that?” Ben asked, his heart fluttering with joy.

“Totally! And even if I got a cool new look, I'm still Rook Blonko. And I'll always be a Plumber and your main man.” Rook said and held Ben in a tender embrace.

The hero at first held an expression of shock at Rook's statement, but then he smiled and returned the embrace. The Revonnahgander was right, even with his “cool new look” he's still Rook Blonko. Plumber and his main man...Okay that sounded wrong coming from him. Perhaps bro-friend would work better. Yeah, that sounded more appropriate. Anyway it applies all the same with the fact that Rook is still Rook. And Ben will always love him. In fact he was so busy loving his lover that he failed to notice Gwen walking into the apartment.

“Hey Ben, Rook are you---? What!?” Gwen's question stopped short and changed into an exclamation of shock.

Gwen saw Ben alright, but she also saw a Revonnahgander that wasn't Rook holding him. Kevin, who just came beside her, saw the punk dressed cat-like alien too and his mouth dropped. But he quickly regained his senses and grabbed the creep by the color of his shirt, making him drop Ben. No way was he going to let some hoodlum snatch away his taken best friend!

“Who the hell are you, punk?” Kevin asked the guy with a glare who had the gull to glare back.

“What's up with you, Kev? Its me, Rook. As in Rook Blonko, one of the Plumbers.” Rook explained. He had no idea why Kevin was so hostile. Granted he's a natural hostile person but still, not to people who he considers friends.

“Nice try, creep. I know the real Rook Blonko, and he doesn't look anything like you. Now I'm going to ask you one last time; Who. The hell. Are. You?” Kevin asked sharply.

“And where's the real Rook Blonko?” Gwen asked, holding her younger cousin in a protective hug.

“I am the real Rook Blonko, dude and dudette! Did you leave your brains at home or something? Granted, with you Levin I wouldn't be surprised if you lacked a brain all together.” Rook said to which the meta-human growled in reply.

“That does it, bub. You're lunch meat.” Kevin stated and absorbed the metal of the table then pulled back his fist and tossed it right at Rook's face.

However, the fist was barely at Rook's nose when he grabbed it. Kevin stared in shock at seeing how easily the hoodlum grabbed his metallic fist. Said hoodlum then grinned like the Cheshire Cat he resembled.

“Lunch meat, huh? Well I hope you like it soft, bro, cause I like to tenderize the meat I deal with. Serious tenderizing.” Rook said and grabbed Kevin by the collar, raised him above his head like a sack of potatoes and tossed him outside of the apartment. Luckily the bad boy grabbed onto the railing surrounding the stairs before he dropped down.

“Well, that takes care of..." Rook stopped short when he was suddenly surrounded by a pink energy bubble and raised up from the ground. “Whoa, hey! What gives!?” The Revonnahgander looked down to see Gwen with her hands glowing the same pink color as the energy bubble he was imprisoned in.

“That's to keep you in place until the Plumbers can come and get you. And I have a very good feeling that there's more than five outstanding warrants on your head. Tell us where Rook is and maybe I won't call them.” Gwen stated.

“But, Gwen, that really is Rook.” Ben said.

“Ben, I know this must be traumatizing but that definitely isn't Rook. Someone as conservative as him wouldn't be caught dead in that outfit.” Gwen said.

“Hey! This bro style is good enough for anyone, Red!” Rook stated, very much offended.


“Well when you get shipped to prison it'll definitely be good enough there.” The magic user shot back.

“Gwen, please! He is Rook! If you don't believe me look at his left wrist.” Ben said.

Gwen looked at her cousin skeptically before turning to look at the Revonnahgander's left wrist. Around it was the emerald bracelet Ben gave Rook for their Valentine's date last year. He said that it was his way of giving Rook a little part of him, being that the color matched his eyes. Since then Rook never took off the jewel accessory. This surprised Gwen so much she relinquished the energy bubble prison out of shock and the cat-like alien made a graceful landing on the ground.

“Rook...You...It...What happened to you?” Gwen asked in a stutter.

“Well, that's kind of a long story. Maybe you should sit before we can explain.” Ben said.

“How about a little help first before we sit so you can explain?” Asked a voice everyone nearly forgot about. They turned outside to see Kevin still hanging from the railing, and hastily ran out to retrieve him.

Ten minutes of proverbial bandaging to Kevin's bruised ego and a half hour of talking later...

“...And after Rook won the tournament and flashed his badge, we arrested everyone and went back to the headquarters. That's when Blukic and Driba said that the toxin would have to wear off naturally in Rook's system.” Ben said, finally finishing his lengthy explanation.

“So now I'm rockin' this bro-tacular new look. And even if I don't look the same, I'm still Rook. Just, you know, one hundred ten percent cooler.” Rook said with a grin and wrapped his arm around Ben. “And of course my Benny Babe is just fine with that.”

“Benny Babe? Tch. That's even lamer than the usual sappy pet names he says.” Kevin said.

“Watch it, Gothic. I tossed your ass outta here once and I can do it again.” Rook stated with a glare, then smiled as he held Ben close and nuzzled his face. “Besides, Ben likes my pet names. I am his main man after all.”

“You sure are, Tiger.” Ben said, hugging his lover back.

“Well so much for my appetite with lunch.” Kevin said with a roll of his eyes.

“Lay off, Kevin. As long as this toxin doesn't harm Rook, it can't hurt to get used to his...new bro look.” Gwen said.

“Speak for yourself. You weren't tossed out the door and hanging off the railing.” The bad boy grumbled.

“Don't feel too bad, Kev. I've tossed bigger guys.” Rook said. “Of course, they were tougher stuff too...” Was whispered to Ben but Kevin still caught it.

“That does it, Street Cat!” Kevin shouted and started to attack Rook but luckily Gwen used her powers to grab a hold of her boyfriend and pull him away.

“Well I guess now's a good time for us to be going. Thanks for keeping us posted, Ben.” Gwen said as she struggled to pull Kevin out the door with her as he fought to get out of the grip of her magic.

“No problem, Gwen.” Ben said with a smile.

“Keep practicin', bro. Maybe next time you'll at least be able to punch me.” Rook said and stuck his tongue out.

“Careful what you wish for, 'bro', because I'll do more than punch you next time!” Kevin shouted as Gwen pulled him out and the two left the apartment, the door slammed shut by the force of Gwen's magic.

“Why did you have to tease Kevin like that?” Ben asked with an amused expression.

“Hey, he pulled me away from you. He deserved a little payback. But for what its worth I may let Kev hit me and act like I didn't duck in time, if it'd make him feel better.” The Revonnahgander replied.

“Heh, I'm sure he'd appreciate the thought. But knowing Kevin taking a punch would probably make him feel worse. I think a plain sparring session would do better.” Ben said.

“Well he'll have to take a number. Tonight you and me got plans.” Rook said as he stood up from the couch and took Ben's hands in his, pulling him up as well.

“Plans? What kind of plans?” Ben asked.

“Remember when I said that we should hit some clubs? Well tonight I'm takin' you to one.” Rook announced with a smile.

“Wow. Really?” Ben asked, and he was honestly excited. Okay at first he was embarrassed about the idea but he always wanted to go to a nightclub. And of course anything to do with Rook sounded inviting. Even it its something typically out of character.

“Seriously really! We've been in the boring phase for way too long. Its time we hit the night scene.” Rook said as he twirled Ben around and dipped him. “We'll own the party and burn up the dance floor together.”

“Hm. That actually sounds like it'll be a lot of fun! I'm in.” Ben said with a smile as he held onto his lover.

“I'm glad to hear that, Benny Babe!” Rook exclaimed, lifting Ben in his arms and holding him close.

Whatever worries or doubts he had about Fisk Rook before, Ben certainly didn't feel them now. All that he was feeling right now was the excitement of wonderful night he and his bro-friend were sure to have.

Some hours passed, and the sun lowered down past the Earth to rest and the moon slowly began to rise in its place. It meant that it was time for Rook and Ben to hit the clubs. The couple were currently preparing themselves for the night of fun. Rook was preparing himself at Plumber's HQ while Ben was dressing up at their shared apartment. When the hero asked why he wanted them to prepare in separate places Rook gave a grin and said that he wanted to be surprised by what Ben chose to wear. The response earned him a blush and a promise that what Ben chose will be something memorable. That got Rook even more excited as he drove back to the apartment complex and got up to the floor where he and Ben lived then opened the door. The Revonnahgander decided to go for the classic biker style. He wore dark blue jeans, a white t-shirt with a black skull, grey boots and a black leather jacket.

“Is that you, Rook?” Asked the voice of Ben.

“It sure ain't no one else, Fire Heart.” Rook said, his bro personality making a variation of the usual “heart's flame” term.

“Glad to hear that, Tiger. Because I wouldn't want to waste this look on anyone else.” Ben said as he walked into the room.

As soon as Ben stepped out Rook's mouth was hanging low. His beloved was wearing black leather chaps, some type of green pants under them, a skin tight dark green sweater, brown dress shoes and a matching colored tassel vest. His hair was brushed and styled in a cute look. All together Ben looked like he grew even more gorgeous than he was before.

“Ben, you look sensational. A bro Revonnahgander couldn't ask for a better lover.” Rook said as strode over to Ben and took his hand, giving it a kiss.

“And a hero human couldn't ask for a better bad boy Plumber.” Ben said with a smile.

“So, you ready to show out at the club?” Rook asked.

“More than ready. Let's go.” Ben said and took hold of his boyfriend's arm and the cat-like alien led him out to his car.

The couple got in the car and drove downtown where all of the nightclubs were. But they had to go into an abandoned motel and use the hidden elevator to literally go underground. There the alien and human mixed nightclub Galaxy Run was located. The thumping, modern pop music and young patrons let the couple know that they were in the right place. The doorman, taking note of the Golden Fist around Rook's neck, let the two in without a problem. As soon as the couple walked in they immediately attracted the crowd's attention. Folks were pointing at the couple and whispering among themselves. The looks were a diverse of three different expressions. Admiration for such a sweet looking couple, lust directed towards either Rook or Ben and jealousy. Of course the couple paid them no mind and simply enjoyed their evening.

In between dancing with Ben the bro-turned Plumber was pulling off tricks with his Golden Fist, from throwing it in the air and catching it as it fell down with the back of his foot to balancing it on a single finger. After the music settled down for the patrons to take a break Rook and Ben were escorted by a very friendly, or rather very opportunistic, waiter to a private booth and gave them the star treatment. At some point the owner himself came in to personally greet them and promised they could have anything they wanted on the house. While the couple knew the man only said this in hopes of getting close to the Golden Fist they decided to throw him a bone and accepted the offer.

“Talk about a red carpet treatment. I shoulda entered that tournament ages ago, huh, Benny Babe?” Rook asked as he wrapped an arm around his lover and pulled him close.

“Yeah. You'd think we were famous musicians or actors with top billing.” Ben said with a smile.

Suddenly the sound of raised voices caught their attention and they turned to their eyes to the entrance of the private booth covered by a velvet blue curtain. Two of the voices they could identify as the burly Vaxasaurian guards keeping any paparazzi or gold diggers out. But the one voice they couldn't catch right away.

“Forget it, pipsqueak. Mr. Rook don't want no one bothering him or his date.” One of the Vaxasaurians stated.

“Now get out of here before you say something that'll get you eating sidewalk.” Warned the second Vaxasaurian.

“Yeah? Well I ain't leavin' until I get a shot at the Golden Fist from that pretender Rev-Cat!” Stated an obnoxious voice that the couple new very well.

“Corvo.” Rook growled out, his fur beginning to puff at the mere thought of the human punk.

“Just ignore him, Tiger. Tonight is about you and me only.” Ben said as he held onto his lover's arm to keep him from getting up and fighting. If Rook was his normal self he would remain calm and ignore Corvo. But with his personality out of whack thanks to Fistrick's toxin anything could happen. And that's what worried the hero most.

“Scram, kid. Just by lookin' at ya I can tell you couldn't take on your own grandmother. So do yourself a favor and turn around.” Said the voice of the first Vaxasaurian.

“Yeah. We don't want blood around the private booth.” Said the voice of the second Vaxasaurian.

“Oh yeah? Hmph. Maybe I should go then. I mean if Mr. New Underground Tournament Champion needs two bodyguards to cover his tailless ass then he won't be much of a fight anyway.” Corvo said and Rook could just imagine the grin on his face.

“Why that cocky little...” Rook trailed off as he ground his fangs together and gripped the table hard.

“Calm down, Rook. You know he's just talking smack.” Ben reassured.

“Tough talk, kid. But that ain't gonna get you any respect around here. And it sure isn't gonna get you respect with us.” Stated the second Vaxasaurian.

“Oh I'm not looking for respect. I was just looking to claim the trophy that I should have gotten in the first place. But I should let Rook keep it. I mean after all, a guy who lets his bitch save him all the time.” Corvo said with a rude tone.

If Rook had a timer on his back it would be ticking down to the remaining ten seconds left before he blew up. His eyes were red, his fur was bristled and his fangs were grinding so hard Ben could smell smoke. Making a quick decision the hero decided to settle things.

“Easy, Rook. I'll go out there and handle Corvo.” Ben said and started towards the curtain covered entrance/exit before Rook grabbed his arm.

“No way, Ben! That Corvo loser will try to pull something on you.” Rook stated.

“Not unless he wants to be thrown out the club by an alien scarier than a Vaxasaurian. Trust me, Tiger, I'll be fine.” Ben reassured as he laid a gentle hand on Rook's face, rubbing. This seemed to calm the cat like alien down as he gave a sweet purr from the touch.

“Well...Okay. But I'm in here if things get out of hand.” Rook said.

“I know.” Ben said and with a final kiss to Rook's cheek he went out to confront Corvo. “Hey guys. You can clear out here. I can handle this guy.”

“Are you sure, sir?” The guard on the left asked.

“Definitely. No need to waste your time with him. Go on and take a coffee break.” Ben said. The guards looked at each other with a bit of uncertainty before nodding to Ben and walking away.

“Well, well. Look at the “champion's” main squeeze who thinks he's on top of the world now.” Corvo said snidely.

“Hm, let's see. My boyfriend is a top Plumber, a handsome example of his species and recently the champion of a fight tournament that earned him the Golden Fist. I think I'm pretty entitled to feel on top of the world.” Ben stated with a grin.

“Don't push me, Green Eyes! My fight ain't even with you anyway. I'm here to take back the Golden Fist from that pretender. It belongs to me. Fistrick was going to give it to me for being his top right hand.” Corvo stated.

“Sorry, Corvo, but that's not going to happen.” Ben stated with crossed arms.

“Oh and what, you're seriously going to stop me? You gonna call up one of your alien buddies from your gaudy watch?” Corvo asked.

“Don't even need the watch, Corvo. Just hit me with your best shot.” Ben stated as he took a defensive stance.

“Don't even need my best shot, Green Eyes.” Corvo stated and pulled his fist back and tossed it right at Ben.

But the hero managed to duck away and kick Corvo right into the private booth. Corvo started to get up and go after Ben until he was grabbed by the collar and lifted from the ground. Corvo looked up and, knowing it was Rook, was about to begin another bout of trash talking. However that stopped when he saw the look in Rook's eyes. They were red, his fur was frazzled in rage, his fangs were out and the Revonnahgander was growling like a lion. All of these things made one thing clear; Rook intended to do him extreme harm. Before Corvo could even plead for mercy or do some serious sucking up Rook punched the punk across the face and tossed him out of the private booth, tossing him right into a big alien thug dancing with his girlfriend. The big guy didn't seem to appreciate the assault on his person and grabbed Corvo then tossed him at the table a few patrons were sitting at. It wasn't long before a brawl broke out. Ben and Rook remained in the safety of the private booth and watched the brawl. The hero then turned to his boyfriend and smiled when he saw the wide grin on his face.

“Feel better?” Ben asked.

“You bet, Fire Heart. Let's get outta here and call the Plumbers to deal with them.” Rook said and took Ben's hand then led him through the back to exit the club.

For the rest of the night Rook and Ben hit club after club before they decided to call it a night after three AM. The two returned home and entered through the door, chuckling from the buzz of their fun evening. After a hot shower together and in between “shower fun” they got into bed and went to sleep. By eleven AM the human of the inter-species pair was the first to awaken. Ben yawned and felt around for Rook's hand but didn't find it. When he opened his eyes he saw that his lover wasn't in bed with him. But at the smell of breakfast cooking he had a guess where he was. Ben got up and went to the kitchen to greet Rook.

“Good morning, Rook.” Ben said, and when he got a good look at the Revonnahgander he noticed something. His hair wasn't upturned and wild like it was the night before. It looked like the way it did before his transformation. Rook turned to see Ben and smiled.

“Hello, Ben. I'm glad you're up. Breakfast will be done in a moment.” Rook said, and Ben took note of his typical calm voice and the fact that he didn't use the word “bro” once. It would seem like the cat-like alien returned to normal. But he had to see if Rook remembered.

“Great, Rook. Say, do you remember what's been going on for the last week or so?” Ben asked.

“If by that, do you mean if I remember turning into a hooligan and using bro after every other word then yes.” Rook replied.

“Ah, I see. For a minute I thought you had transformation amnesia.” Ben said as he sat at the table.

“Actually, while Fist Rook was in control my other personality was aware of what was happening. I'm thankful for that as I don't think I could surmise a proper explanation for why I was wearing clothing with so many spikes. But at least Fist Rook made my physique more physically fit with his extensive workouts.” Rook said as he made his and Ben's plates of breakfast.

“I guess it served some good then. At least you don't have to worry about transformation amnesia.” Ben said.

“True, but as far as Kevin is aware I do.” Rook said as he sat the plates down before sitting himself.

“What do you mean?” The hero asked.

“Well, after I woke up and saw that I had returned to normal right after that came the tell tale banging at the door. I opened and saw by the look of Kevin's eyes that he wanted a rematch after Fist Rook showed him up. Luckily I was able to act like I don't remember what happened. So can we keep this our little secret, my Heart Flame?” Rook asked with a pleading expression.

“Hm...We could, if you make that Parmesan chicken I like for dinner.” Ben said with a grin. Rook chuckled and took Ben's hand then gave it a kiss.

“Its a deal, Benny Babe.” Rook said with a wink.