Ten to Share

Rook Blonko liked to think he was a nice person. And nice people can get along with just about anyone. That was also something Rook liked to think he was capable of. Nearly no person is so bad that the Revonnahgander cannot tolerate and even become friends with. However some times there come the exceptions, in which Rook meets people that he can barely tolerate being in the same room with. For a long time the first exception was Kevin Levin. You couldn't blame the Revonnahgander for feeling that way considering how Kevin has an irritating way of getting under your skin and can be, for lack of a better term, very crude. But once they got to know each other the material absorbing metahuman become tolerable. And with that Rook figured that if he can tolerate someone like Kevin then he can tolerate anyone. But that all changed when he came.

Who is he, you ask...?

“Reiny! I can't believe you're here!” Ben exclaimed happily as he ran over to hug the Highbreed Supreme that stood at the entrance of Plumber's Headquarters.

...The 'he' was Reinrassic the 3^rd, the new Highbreed Supreme. Or Reiny, as Ben had just affectionately called him. The hero even ran up to hug the royal alien. That probably made Rook feel less inclined to tolerate “Reiny” and make him an exception as he had with Kevin so many years ago. Ben should only call him affectionate nicknames and should especially keep his hugs exclusive to him. Okay that last part was a bit selfish but that's how it should be. Who did this “Reiny” think he was coming her and taking Ben's attention away from him?

“Now, calm yourself Blonko.” Rook thought to himself. “You know that someone as nice and popular as Ben is bound to have many friends. And even with all of these friends he will always adore you the most.”

After reassuring himself of that fact Rook turned back to see that Ben was still hugging the Highbreed with the Methanosian arm. And the large regal alien was actually returning the hug as well. Then finally they let go of each other and stepped back to get a good look at each other.

“Hello, Ben-Ben Tennyson. It is very good to see you.” Reinrassic spoke in a polite voice.

Ben-Ben Tennyson? Was that another affectionate term between then? Rook shook his head to keep from letting the thought anger him. He cleared his throat to get the pair's attention and walked over to join them.

“Greetings, Your Majesty. My name is Rook Blonko, a local Plumber. I must say that I am truly impressed by Ben's circle of friends. I did not think that he personally knew the Highbreed Supreme.” Rook spoke politely to Reinrassic.

“Hello, Rook Blonko. It is a pleasure to meet an esteemed Plumber. But there is no need for formality. You may just call me Reinrassic.” The regal alien said.

“Reinrassic? Well that's rather different from the name that Ben calls you.” Rook said. It wasn't a jab, he was honestly curious as to why Ben called Reinrassic a nickname over his actual name.

“Heh, heh. Well when he first told me his name it was a bit of mouthful for me. So I just call him Reiny.” Ben said and looked upon the Highbreed with a great affection. Too great was this affection, Rook's jealous side sneered.

“Had anyone else called me such a name I would have most likely rend their flesh. Ben-Ben Tennyson, however, is different. He speaks the name with a tone of kindness and not disrespect as others would. And after he had helped me and replaced an arm that I had lost to a viscous creature, I figured that the least I could allow was for him to call me by the name he has gotten used to.” Reinrassic explained and even though he had no 'face' per say the Revonnahgander could see a smile when he looked at Ben. And once again his jealous side did not like it.

“...Well, that's quite an interesting story. Ben likes to call me Tiger because my stripes resemble the feline species that live here.” Rook said and sounded a bit prouder than he needed to when he mentioned it. “And I personally like to call Ben my Heart Flame.”

“Heart Flame. If I recall correctly that is the expression your people use for your mates, yes?” Reinrassic asked.

“Yes, that is exactly right.” Rook stated with a wide, proud smile and mentally added 'And don't you forget it!'.

“Me and Rook have been dating for a long time now. He said that he wanted to be with the cutest earthling, but he got stuck with me.” Ben said with a joking smile and hugged his lover's arm and Rook relished in the attention.

“Oh I would not say that, Ben-Ben. If I were in the position of the young Revonnahgander I would be feel more than honored to have you as a mate.” Reinrassic said.

That line nearly set Rook off and he had to bite his lip before he flashed his fangs. It was a warning gesture male Revonnahganders make when they feel that a rival male is moving in on their females. In a lot of cases such a gesture could be taken as an invitation to a fight to the death. And the last thing Rook wanted to do was start an international incident between the Highbreeds and his species. So instead he settled for a more civil statement.

“Well we cannot all be lucky enough to find a special mate, Reinrassic. I am just grateful that Ben choose me.” Rook said and wrapped an arm around Ben.

“Say, you never did mention why you came here Reiny.” Ben said.

“Ah yes, I had nearly forgotten. You see, Ben-Ben Tennyson, I have arrived here to discuss a contract with an import/export company that operates on your planet. A contract with said company could provide a wealth of useful goods for my people, and likewise we shall provide our own goods.” Reinrassic explained.

“And you came here to get directions so you can finish your business quickly and return home? In that case my Heart Flame and myself will be more than happy to assist you, Your Majesty.” Rook said with a polite smile but inwardly he was grinning with devious delight at the prospect of sending Reinrassic some thousand miles away from his mate.

“Actually, Rook Blonko, that is not quite my plan. While I must quickly attend to the matter of this contract I have no designs to return home with equal haste. I have also come here in the hopes of taking a short holiday away from the demands of my throne. And with that in mind I knew that I could turn to Ben-Ben to help provide me with such a break.” Reinrassic said.

While Rook gave a stunned expression and heard the proverbial record scratch in his mind, Ben's expression was one of excitement.

“Seriously, Reiny!? You want to stay here and hang out with us?” Ben asked hopefully.

“Yes, Ben-Ben. I would love nothing more than to 'hang out' with you. That is, of course, if you do not mind my presence here for a day or so.” The regal alien said.

“Of course not! We would love to spend time with you and help you enjoy your holiday. Wouldn't we Rook?” Ben asked to his lover. Rook quickly got over his shock and gave a tight smile.

“Right.” Was all the Revonnahgander said. However his jealous side was beginning to kick up and he had to bite his lips so hard to keep from flashing his fangs that he could feel them bleed.

Reinrassic said that his holiday would be short but Rook felt like he just got a twenty years to life sentence. And as the trio spent the twenty four plus hours together it would feel like a death sentence.

Ben and Rook then spent the rest of the day acting as Reinrassic's escorts to the underground alien town so that he could meet with the owner of the import/export company. The two aliens spoke candidly about the great things that could be accomplished with the signing of the contract and discussed the terms thoroughly. In between business talk the company owner gestured to Ben and said that he was lucky to have such a well known hero on his arm. Reinrassic chuckled in good humor and quickly corrected the man and said that Ben wasn't his mate, but Rook's. The alien quickly apologized for the mix up and just assumed that Reinrassic and Ben were together since the hero stood so close to the Highbreed. With another tight smile Rook forgave the company owner but made sure to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ben.

The contract was finally signed and the two aliens shook on it. There was still time left for an early dessert and Ben suggested that he and Rook should take Reinrassic to get some smoothies. When they got there some patrons that were sitting by the smoothie stand giggled as Ben handed Reinrassic his smoothie, gossiping about the 'handsome new Highbreed boyfriend' Ben had. The hero immediately went about telling the patrons that Reinrassic is only his friend and that he and Rook are still together. The patrons blushed in embarrassment at their assumption and apologized to Rook, who's smile got almost as tight as the grip on his now squeezed out smoothie was.

As they were making their leave of the underground a group of kids stopped Ben and asked for a couple picture. Rook readily agreed, as it was common for little kids to ask for a picture of him and his Heart Flame. However the kids immediately shot him down by saying they wanted a picture of Ben and Reinrassic. Rook felt his fur frizz up and said that he would wait up top while Ben and Reinrassic had their picture taken. However it was really an excuse to get out of there so that he could shout a string of Revonnahgander curses without the words reaching the years of innocent youths.

Finally they reached Reinrassic's ship which was hidden in a clearing of the forest outside of the city. Rook was happy about it because it meant that they were away from the assumptions of the underground aliens that took Ben and Reinrassic for a couple, or put them in couple like situations.

“How did you like your first smoothie, Reiny?” Ben asked as he and Rook walked the regal alien to the entrance of his ship.

“It was most delicious, Ben-Ben. I must make it a priority to have these smoothies be the first foodstuff imported to my planet.” Reiny said in a pleased tone.

“I'm sure that everyone will love you for doing it.” Ben said with a smile.

“Indeed. I must retire for the day now, but I do look forward to meeting you both again for a similar outing as this.” Reinrassic said.

“Well actually I won't be meeting you tomorrow, at least not right away. I have to go and take care of a few errands with my mom so she can get ready for her bridge club's luncheon. But I should be able to meet with you later in the afternoon.” Ben explained.

“That is quite alright, Ben-Ben Tennyson. I would not wish to take you away from your higher priorities. In that case it would seem that you and I shall spend most of the day together, Rook Blonko.” Reinrassic said and turned his head to look at Rook.

“Yes...It would seem so.” Rook said simply. While he really wanted to let out Fist Rook and say 'Hell no', he had to be respect to the Highbreed Supreme...No matter how overly friendly he was getting with his Ben.

“I sure do hope you guys have fun. We should head back home ourselves now, Rook. Goodnight, Reiny.” Ben said and waved goodbye at the Highbreed before heading to the car.

“Rest well, Your Majesty.” Rook said and gave a polite bow and went for the car with Ben.

As soon as he turned around, and made sure Ben wasn't looking, Rook let his expression fall into a displeased one. Half a day alone with Reinrassic the 3^rd was not how he wanted to spend his time. He would much rather spend a whole day alone with Ben. But alas, fate is much cruel to the best laid plans of mice and men. However this could provide the Revonnahgander with a blessing in disguise. Some time alone with Reinrassic could give him the chance to set things straight and make it clear that Ben was his and his alone, and that he does not care if the other male is the Highbreed Supreme or not. And if push comes to shove he will flash his fangs and show them off completely. Rook was going to make an example of Reinrassic and show that no on moves in on his mate and gets away with it.

“You sure are lucky, Rook, being able to spend some time together with Reiny.” Ben said with a smile and was totally oblivious to the raging jealousy his boyfriend was feeling.

“I certainly am looking forward to it, Ben.” Rook said with a convincing fake smile.

“Great. Be sure to show Reiny around a lot. I think he would enjoy seeing a lot of great sights.” Ben said.

“Oh don't worry, Ben. I will make sure of that.” Rook thought.

And for the sights he would show Reinrassic, he thinks that he will start with the roof of the highest building...

The next day came and Ben left his and Rook's shared apartment first, going with his mother to run her errands to prepare for the luncheon. That left Rook all alone and he gave a sigh, knowing that he would have to go and meet with Reinrassic very soon. Deciding to get the inevitable over with Rook grabbed his gear and headed for the forest clearing where the Highbreed would be waiting. The Revonnahgander made good time and pulled up to the side of the ship, then exited his car and knocked on the entrance. After waiting for a minute Reinrassic opened the door to answer.

“Ah, Rook Blonko. It is very nice to see you this fine early morning.” Reinrassic said.

“Well I figured you would want to get an early start so you can see as much of the town as possible.” Rook said with a smile. For today, and for Ben's sake, he would be genuinely polite. And it would be better to act civil before giving the regal alien a less civil piece of his mind.

“That is a wonderful idea. Then let us be on our way.” Reinrassic said and stepped out of the ship and proceeded to get into the car with Rook.

From there, the two spent the first half of the day going to the Earth places that Rook enjoyed. The art museum, the park and also the library. Reinrassic seemed to enjoy the trips and he even humored some of the kids that came up to him, letting them swing on his long arms. As the sun was slowly setting in the mid afternoon, Ben called Rook and said that he would meet them at the alien underground town to continue the second half of Reinrassic's holiday. Rook agreed and the two males went to the underground city. As they got some smoothies and waited for Ben to show up, Rook began to reflect on the half day he spent with Reinrassic. He was actually a pleasant fellow once you got to know him. He could now understand why Ben liked him so much. Liked him as a friend, his more rational side corrected after finally being able to surface and push back Fist Rook. The Revonnahgander was beginning to think that his jealousy from yesterday was more or less started by him as he warped completely innocent moments between Reinrassic and Ben into something scandalous. And the cases of people mistaking the two as a couple only added fuel to the fire. But in the end it was really Rook's imagination that took things out of hand...

“Rook Blonko?” Reinrassic called out to get Rook's attention and snapped him out of his train of thought.

“Huh? Oh I'm sorry, Reinrassic. I was just in deep thought.” Rook apologized.

“I can tell. And by your deep thought, I think I can correctly assume that you were thinking of Ben-Ben Tennyson.” Reinrassic said.

“Well...Yes, I was.” Rook said but left out that he was thinking Reinrassic was trying to steal Ben from him, which was the complete thought.

“I figured. He is a truly exceptional example of his species. Kindhearted, loyal to a fault, fearless and understanding. Even though his brash nature is an acquired taste along with his loudness I cannot imagine having a better first human friend.” Reinrassic stated.

“Yes. That is exactly how I felt when we started out as friends.” Rook said with an agreeing nod.

“You know Rook Blonko, I meant it before when I said that I would be honored to have Ben-Ben as a mate.” Reinrassic said and all too quickly Rook felt his jealous side trying to get him to flash his fangs. “However, I did not mean it as a way of disrespecting your obvious claim on the boy. In fact I meant it as a show of respect towards your relationship. And also a bit of envy towards you.”

“Envy? To me?” Rook asked in surprise. He certainly wasn't expecting to hear that.

“Indeed. I'm sure that you can figure my appearance doesn't garnish much attraction to any species. And even after the Highbreeds have changed for the better, my Methanosian arm draws away potential interests of my own species. But of course, since Ben-Ben made this arm for me I wear it with great pride.” Reinrassic said and clenched his green fist.

“I would as well, if I had that arm. And I'm sure that you will one day find a mate of your own who appreciates you and all that you are, Your Majesty. It will just take time, as it did for Ben and myself.” Rook reassured.

“I know. I am not so overly concerned with that matter. But I just felt that I should let you know, as not to cause any bad blood between the two of us. For you are a great part of Ben-Ben's life and as such I want us to be able to get along. Perhaps even become good friends as your mate and I are.” Reinrassic said, and again Rook could almost see that smile on his face.

Now Rook felt like an absolute heel. All the time that he was needless jealous over Reinrassic the regal alien was envious towards him, but even despite that he still wanted to be friends. Rook mentally apologized to Reinrassic a dozen times over and called himself an idiot two dozen times for his unwarranted jealousy. He now felt that the day half day he spent with Reinrassic wasn't enough and that he needed to make up for his unspoken words. But first he had to respond to the Highbreed Supreme.

“I would like that, Reinrassic. I truly would. Any friend of Ben is a friend of mine. And besides, he is called Ben Tennyson. We could easily share half and half.” Rook said with a grin and Reinrassic made a short chortle.

“I think that is a very good idea.” Reinrassic said.

“Wow, Rook made his first joke and Reiny laughed at it? I should have taken out my camera.” Said a familiar voice and the two looked up to see Ben approach them.

“Hello, Ben. Were you able to help your mother get her errands done?” Rook asked and the hero sighed in tired relief.

“Just saw her off at her friend's house with probably twelve pounds of finger sandwiches and bite sized fancy treats, then I road my bike over here. Her friend tried to reel me in to look at the newest daily pictures she took of her cat but I managed to get away clean.” Ben explained as he hugged his lover.

“That's good. I don't think I could tell that to the other Plumbers to arrange a rescue mission without being laughed at.” Rook said.

“So did you and Rook have a good time for half the day, Reiny?” Ben asked.

“Indeed we did, Ben-Ben. You have a most charming and intellectual mate. The both of you compliment each other quite well, and you are very lucky to be together.” Reinrassic said.

“Thank you, Reinrassic. That means a lot.” Rook said with a kind smile, and this one was genuine.

“Yeah. Maybe one day you can preside over our wedding.” Ben said.

“When that day comes, I would be most honored.” Reinrassic said and gave a courteous bow.

“Pardon me, Reinrassic, but don't you mean if?” The Revonnahgander asked.

“No, Rook Blonko. I know destined love when I look at it. And in all my years you two are the second most destined pair that I have come to know.” Reinrassic spoke in a tender, fatherly tone of voice which made the couple smile.

And so the trio spent the rest of the day together. When morning came Ben and Rook saw the regal alien off as his ship ascended from the forest floor and flew beyond the atmosphere into space. Rook was actually sad to see Reinrassic go after finally getting along with him. But smiled when he remembered that the regal alien would arrive next month to spend a longer vacation and look at more museums with Rook and enjoy the smoothies with Ben.