[center] [center][img] http://i.imgur.com/9w1LgRm.gif[/img][/center] [center][img]http://i.imgur.com/R0F95fE.gif [/img][/center] [center][img]http://i.imgur.com/JlXhsPa.png [/img][/center] [center][img]http://i.imgur.com/6zhAtpg.png [/img][/center] Location: Reeves Estate (Hudson Valley, New York) Time: Evening [/center] [hr] Ben finally arrived at the house. His figure entered and slammed the door behind him, ears catching the subtle click of the lock when he backed into it. Noting no one there to help him, his lips pressed tightly as he then hollered again. [color=chocolate] “Guys! I need a little help, or I’m dropping your pies on the ground first!”[/color] His arms grappled with the pizza, balancing them on his knee a moment before he adjusted the awkward load in his arms. It wasn’t easy since he wasn’t sure which was his own and last thing he wanted was to be sucking down one of Angelo’s disgusting slices. He had dismissed Emma earlier to avoid explaining why two fully grown individuals were taking residence in his loft, a fact he was sure the Spanish housekeeping and cook would’ve seriously frowned upon. Then, for his own safety, brought up the matter to Daniel or Lorrie. Things wouldn’t have gone over well at all and Ben needed time to come up with a reasonable excuse for it, partly enjoying the thrill of the challenge. Hakeem, who was in the kitchen setting up a hidden surveillance camera, twisted a little to Ben’s voice. [color=39b54a][b]“Just a moment!”[/b][/color] He called out before hiding the camera and the tools, taking the ladder and putting it up. Almost immediately, he ran to Ben’s aid and took the stack of pizzas from his hands, giving him a nod before bringing them into the dining room, setting them down on the table. [color=39b54a][b]“There we are…”[/b][/color] He sighed. [color=39b54a][b]“Hey, thanks for ordering, and… I apologize on behalf of Carmen for her behavior… she… kind of sees things for how they are, if you catch my drift.”[/b][/color] [color=00aeef]“Yeah, I’ve got it all under control, hun.”[/color] Angelo spoke into the phone as he laid lazily on his bed. [color=00aeef]“Yeah, it’s a nice house.”[/color] He continued, yawning softly while rubbing his eyes. On the other end he heard the voice of Layla, and following common procedure, she needed to keep herself updated on current events. Rather, Angelo needed to keep her updated. Cutting through their conversation was however an all too familiar voice echoing through the house with the lower floor as a starting point. [color=00aeef]“Sweet, food’s here. Cya’, Lay-Lay.”[/color] Angelo winked, despite the lack of individuals there to see it. Ending the call, Angelo returned the phone to his pocket and started out of his room. Hakeem had already gone to the rescue, helping Ben with the pizzas before they connected disastrously with the floor. It would have been a negative end to an otherwise slightly, midway positive night. So far, nothing catastrophic had come to pass and Angelo was no one to look a gift horse in the mouth. [color=00aeef]“Sorry about that, boys.”[/color] The Agent winked at the two as he descended the stairs and approached the pizzas. [color=00aeef]“Was on the phone. Now y’all got my full attention.”[/color] Angelo smirked, reaching his hands out to grab a slice of his Hawaiian delight. Ben was relieved when Hakeem took the boxes, his ears caught the man’s statement. His eyes spotted Angelo coming down the stairs but ignored the statement for the moment to reply to Hakeem first, then enjoy his pizza. [color=chocolate] “She can join the club of assholes for all I care. As we’re learning, not everything is straightforward or to rephrase your statement, ‘how it appears’. A fact we need to get use to.”[/color] The boy didn't care if his statement was harsh or uncaring. Personally, the day had been terrible enough for him and he didn't have the energy to sugar coat his mood. As he spied Angelo finally find his pizza and dig in, Ben shuddered then swiftly snatched one of the top remaining boxes. It was one of the thin crust meat lovers much to his pleasure. Hakeem looked towards the kitchen counters, and with a heavy bassy [i]booommmm[/i] his irises glowed a bright green. Within a split second, one of the drawers opened, and a pizza slicer flew out from it. Flying through the air, Hakeem immediately caught it and offered it to Ben, before hearing his statement, his eyes fading back to normal brown. [color=39b54a][b]“Huh? That’s a little harsh”[/b][/color] He said, shrugging a little. [color=39b54a][b]“Well, I kinda thought the same thing when I first met her. But keep in mind, we were both fighting terrorists in the middle of the desert so… her being an asshole had a little bit of a justification.”[/b][/color] He chuckled, using his powers of telekinetic bursts to open up the pantry and summon a stack of plates to his hands, to which he put down. He closed both the drawer and the pantry door seconds later, before looking to Ben and Angelo. [color=39b54a][b]“We brought a deck of cards if you wanna join us.”[/b][/color] He pulled up a wooden crafted chairs and plopped down, his hand reached for the slicer. He blinked in confusion then shook it off, his mind giving on the whole surprising thing or risk losing what little sanity he had. This day couldn’t get any worse when I’m apart of the freak guard, he thought to himself. However, he seriously doubted it deep down. He recut across the premade cuts, making sure they were fully done this round and set the slicer aside. The boy was having issues trying to ignore the fact dishes floating from the kitchen onto the table. His expression was annoyed though as he tried to focus on his pizza, his stomach rumbling for food. He sighed then spoke. [color=chocolate] “Hard to be nice when I already stated I didn’t need help and rather do it myself. Too bad no one seems to trust my word for it.”[/color] [color=chocolate] “I also see you’ve made yourself at home already by exploring the drawers.”[/color] Ben added, freeing a slice to bite into before speaking to Angelo between bites. [color=chocolate] “Chatting with a crush I suppose? And how in the world can you down that disgusting thing?”[/color] [color=00aeef]“Hah!”[/color] Angelo laughed heartily, biting down on his slice before he dropped to a chair and leaned back against it’s softly creaking foundation. [color=00aeef]“No crush, I’m afraid. Layla would sooner use her boyfriend as a test subject than handing them a romantic phone call.”[/color] The Agent chuckled, shaking his head after taking another bite. [color=00aeef]“I wingmanned for her, once. Damn, she’s socially crippled, that girl.”[/color] Unable to hold back another set of laughter, Angelo finished his first slice and went for the second. [color=00aeef]“As for this beauty?”[/color] He motioned down towards the pizza. [color=00aeef]“You just haven’t been blessed yet, kid.”[/color] Ben held out his hand, clearly not willing to accept the ‘blessing’. His attention returned to his own square slice, enjoying the crunch of the crust and savoring the grease and meaty flavors dancing on his tongue. He decided to ignore the offer completely as he pulled the box close, feeling starved oddly. Already about a fourth of the pizza was completely gone without Ben’s realization. Turning his attention to Hakeem, Angelo offered the man a nod and shifted his chair towards the table. [color=00aeef]”Sure, I’m up for a game. Also, nice trick there, buddy. I’ve met a few telekinetics before, unpredictable fuckers. ”[/color] The Agent grinned, looking at Hakeem with a teasing smirk. Hakeem frowned at Ben’s response. [color=39b54a][b]“Alrighty dude. I mean, we’re kind of hired to protect you, you don’t need to take it all out on us.”[/b][/color] He said with a soft chuckle, cutting himself a few slices, as well as a few slices for Carmen as well. [color=39b54a][b]“Oh, I was just making sure that this place wasn’t bugged.”[/b][/color] He chuckled in response to Ben’s observation that he explored the kitchen. He then looked to Angelo, who spoke to him. [color=39b54a][b]“Cool. None of us have powers that let us cheat. Maybe pool but not cards.”[/b][/color] He said with a soft smirk, and regarding his telekinetics, he gave a sheepish smile. [color=39b54a][b]“Thanks, I’m still in the process of learning. Still can’t hold objects up in the air though, I can only put directional force in bursts.”[/b][/color] He explained. [color=39b54a][b]“Syria has a little… problem with metas, and that’s just putting it lightly. Didn’t have much time to learn.”[/b][/color] He said before turning to Ben. [color=39b54a][b]“Hey Ben, mind if I grab me and Carmen something to drink?”[/b][/color] [color=chocolate] “No, I don’t. There’s some soda in the refrigerator, bottom right drawer. There’s a few coke and pepsi products in there. I’ve not looked lately. As for the card game, I’ll pass. I’m more into video games than sitting around a table looking like a human mockin a gorilla’s expression honestly.”[/color] Ben shot off, his arm pointed to the area he was mentioning. He was already about halfway down with his first pizza, eating faster than he actually realized. [color=00aeef]“Videogames? Sweet.”[/color] Angelo pitched in as the other two spoke. He had kept himself out of their back and forth, unwilling to fuel the fire. Ben was in a bad mood. It was to be expected. The mercs were unused to this entire ordeal and as much as Angelo usually disregarded emotional additions to otherwise serious situations, this situation revolved entirely around emotional distress. It was the core of the whole issue. As such, Angelo knew how to approach it. Getting on Ben’s nerves would only accelerate an involuntary action from his part, given the virus coursing through his body. [color=00aeef]“We can play together later. What do you play?”[/color] With a soft smile crossing his lips, one of reminiscence, the Agent wiped his hands on a paper tissue. [color=00aeef]“Used to play a lot with Adrian. The nerd’s good at games.”[/color] [color=chocolate] “I have Resident Evil 6, Doom, Dead Nation and Call of Duty: Black OPs III.”[/color] Ben listed off the topic choices in his collection. Hakeem smirked. [color=39b54a][b]“Call of Duty, huh? I prefer World at War myself.”[/b][/color] He said with a soft smile. [color=39b54a][b]“Well I’m going to leave you guys to it, you can play your games. Carmen and I would be in the game room playing pool if you need us.”[/b][/color] He then placed a business card on the table. [color=39b54a][b]“These are our cells if you need anything. Angelo, you know our frequency.”[/b][/color] He said before heading upstairs, taking his and Carmen’s pizza with him. [color=00aeef]”Resident Evil!”[/color] The Agent shot up, the previously minimal smile stretching to a bright one. [color=00aeef]”Love it! Reminds me a lot of my job...a lot. Like...damn, we might have a snitch…”[/color] Ben jerked in his seat when Angelo stood upright suddenly. His eyes narrowed and mouth pressed tightly, seeming ready to say something, before he settled back down. The teenager spoke, clearly mocking Angelo’s reaction with his statement with a hint of his disapproval at being startled. [color=chocolate] “Easy Agent Redfield, it’s just a game.”[/color] Turning his thoughts back to current events, Angelo shifted his attention back to Ben, seeing how the boy had devoured the pizza. Yes, that was the werewolf gene kicking in. Things were progressing naturally for him, and that was a double edged sword. [color=00aeef]“Ben.”[/color] Angelo broke through the short moment of silence. [color=00aeef]“We trust you, believe me.”[/color] He tried to assure the boy. [color=00aeef]“If we didn’t, you’d have been contained. I’m here to help you, not to keep you on a leash.”[/color] The Agency refrained from containing people who weren’t inherently a threat, but at times it was required. Ben groaned quietly. He hated this being brought up again, even if he was the one that caused it, his hand flopping down his current pie piece. [color=chocolate] “Look, I don’t care. Honestly, I’m use to doing things alone and I think having a babysitter is blowing this whole thing out of proportion. I don’t understand this whole werewolf thing I’m suppose to go through or even if it’s going to happen, my mind still on the fence with everything that happened. I don’t want to believe even with everything staring me in the face.”[/color] His figure turned to Angelo, facing while he continued. [color=chocolate] “When I depend on people, it never turns out well. Even you can agree, most of the time it’s best if you just depend on yourself and no one else.”[/color] [color=00aeef]”You’re right.”[/color] Angelo returned, ascending to his feet before he made his way to the sink to wash his hands. [color=00aeef]”I’ve been around for a long time. I’ve met a lot of people, and I’ve been screwed over.”[/color] The mutant informed, drying his hands before turning back to Ben. [color=00aeef]“Most of the time, it really is best to depend on yourself. I’m not gonna’ bore you with war stories and whatnot. I’ve been through two world wars and I’ve crawled through the backscene slums of others. Shit happens, but at the end of the day, you’ve got yourself to depend on.”[/color] Angelo finished before approaching the dinner table and dropped down on the chair once more. [color=00aeef]“Most of the time.”[/color] He repeated. [color=00aeef]“But you’ll find yourself in these shitty situations where you’re just stuck having to rely on the competence of others. Sucks, I know. Though, it happens. It passes, but it happens.”[/color] Having been around for over two hundred years, Angelo had been through most difficulties the supernatural world had to offer. [color=00aeef]“I’ve been in your seat, Ben. Yeah, I know…”[/color] The Agent waved it off. [color=00aeef]“It doesn’t merit for much, hearing this crap from me, but it’s worth stating.”[/color] Angelo continued, getting to the point. [color=00aeef]“The absolute majority of my missions are solo. In truth, when I need to rely on others, it ticks me off. Though, at the end of the day, it is what it is.”[/color] Angelo stated before he continued to motion towards the doorway, as if that would help in indicating what he was referring to. [color=00aeef]“Video games are sometimes spot on, you know? Even the most superpowered soldier needs help sometimes. You’ve got a right to be pissed. I’m never gonna’ tell you to let it go, or to force a smile. You’ve every right to be ticked off, but eventually you’ll see that no matter how used you are to dealing with things on your own, sometimes you need backup.”[/color] The Agent finished. Ben silently ate his pizza, his figure seemed to cast off Angelo’s wise advice. However, his mind was mulling over the spoken facts and gradually determining over how they made him feel. It was hard to accept in his case. His mom, dead now thanks to him, was the only one he ever allowed himself to be depend on and that was because he was a child. She understood him like no other, respecting his need for independence while trying to help him gain it. This situation was nothing like that. It was damage control and it frustrated him, namely because he couldn’t do a fucking thing to make living with this disease easier. The boy picked up another slice then leaned over to devour it in a few fast bites. He wasn’t sure how to reply and trying to sound smart didn’t feel right in his current mood. [color=00aeef]“When I turned twenty…”[/color] Angelo shifted the subject, trying to lighten the mood. [color=00aeef]“My mutation kicked in, and I stopped aging. How is it being a teen nowadays?”[/color] The mutant asked, scratching the back of his head. [color=00aeef]“When I was a kid, we didn’t really have High Schools.”[/color] [color=chocolate] “Complicated as hell though I’m sure there’s some things that never change. The pressure of good grades, social expectations, etc. And your life must’ve sucked with no way get away from your family.”[/color] Ben stated blandly, his mouth speaking between bites. His figure leaned against his chair once more with only one or two pieces left in his box bottom. Angelo chuckled, placing one leg over the other, thinking back on the ‘good old days’. [color=00aeef]“Dude, you can’t even imagine. I was adopted by a seriously religious French family. My dad was a fucking Priest.”[/color] Ben choked on his pizza a bit, imagining the lifestyle Angelo just stated. Living in literal purgatory as he stood upright, trying to swallow, then walked over to the fridge. He opened the door then reached in for a coke before heading back. His fingers snapped it open and chugged about a fourth of it in one swallow to help wash down the stubborn chunk. Trailing further back into the past, Angelo continued on his little story. [color=00aeef]“I remember falling in love with this one guy once! Shit that was a disaster. His dad owned the farm we lived next to. He tried to off me with a musket, damn. Yeah, those were the days. That was the old version of a dad telling you to fuck off.”[/color] [color=chocolate] “Dating another guy was actually frowned upon back then?”[/color] Ben asked, wiping the back of his mouth with his hand. He paused a few steps from Angelo, unsure what to make of his sexuality. A big part of him was uncomfortable with the statement over him trying to date another guy, the notion unappealing for him and naturally was associated by unnaturalness. [color=00aeef]”By the religious, yeah. Like you said, some things never change, eh?”[/color] Angelo returned, nodding to Ben’s question. [color=00aeef]”Dad was the village priest. There was only one priest very village, usually. Put some pressure on me.[/color] [color=chocolate] “Sounds [i]wonderful[/i],”[/color] Ben stated with thick sarcasm on the last word. Cautiously he settled down, his chair a little ways from Angelo, then flipped up the lid of his last pizza. He reached in to scoop out the first slice and started on a corner, his eyes studying Angelo with a wary eye. [color=00aeef]”It was about as wonderful as it sounds.”[/color] The mutant replied, attempting to pick up on more stray memories. [color=00aeef]”And then there was the whole mutant thing. Yeah, ma’ n’ pa’ had a lot of reasons to come at me with that pitchfork…”[/color] Angelo nodded softly, looking down in a sense of thought, rather than one of distress. Eventually, he managed a chuckle, obviously having gotten over the issues. [color=00aeef]”Chased me out of the village! Damn, it was colorful. Still have the scar from that one. Tough love, right?”[/color] The Agent winked at Ben before continuing. [color=00aeef]“After that, I was swept up by the militia. It was what started this whole military career that lasted for the next two hundred years. The militia back then would hire anyone. Oh and...heh…”[/color] Clearing his throat, the young man averted his gaze from Ben, mumbling softly. [color=00aeef]“...the battlefield bromance...with a silent B…”[/color] Ben’s spine shivered a bit, wondering if that wink was Angelo’s way of flirting now. Earlier he hadn’t given it a thought but know, finding out Angelo was either gay or bisexual, the gesture lost its reassurance. His natural instincts still kept his appetite from diminishing from the realization, but he was still trying to figure out his views on the subject. Never having any bi-sexual or homosexual friends, the through that Angelo might find him attractive didn’t fully help the matter at all since he wouldn’t return the interest. [color=chocolate] “I don’t even want to know… But, look just so you’re aware, I don’t swing that way and I doubt I ever will.”[/color] [color=00aeef]”Oh, honey...”[/color] Angelo’s expression turned to an unexpected face of confusion for a brief moment before he felt the need to interject. [color=00aeef]”Ben, I am professional enough not to hit on my charge. Also, sweetheart, you’re just a tad too young for me.”[/color] Being over two hundred, it was hard to find someone along the same age as Angelo himself, but he tended to keep his interest to people above the age of eighteen. Anything below that felt odd, not because of any specific moral values as he saw most man made rules to be based completely around a concept of morality he saw more than enough cracks in, but rather because of inexperience. Angelo couldn’t care less about age gaps, and his liberal views could draw him a hippie in some people's eyes, but he quickly lost interest in those who hadn’t grown to know themselves. The blonde's eyebrows raised when Angelo used the nickname honey, his body leaned away and faced the man. At first it sounded much like a term his mother would’ve used when she was trying to sooth him and a fact he didn’t appreciate. He didn’t want to be babied, pacified, or any other childish thing when he seriously addressed the subject. In addition, the phrase sounded vaguely strange coming out of his unwanted, male babysitter’s own mouth. [color=00aeef]”But I do like blondes.”[/color] The Agent winked teasingly at the boy before pouring himself a glass of soda. [color=00aeef]”In all seriousness, though. As much as I disregard whatever man made rules define relationships, I have a specific taste. Besides, I’ve already my eyes on someone.”[/color] With a long, almost longing breath, Angelo took a sip of his drink. [color=00aeef]”Adrian, that nerd. He’s my type.”[/color] Ben became relieved to hear Angelo was intent on someone else. It made interaction, a bit, easier now to know he wasn’t on Angelo’s list to date. However, he still didn’t know how to actually talk with the ageless man or handle his teasing fully. Ben knew he was being homophobic. There wasn’t any way to deny it or explain it away in a reasonable fashion, but he wouldn’t submit to it. [color=chocolate] “Does he know or you going to confess in a locker room with a song and flowers?”[/color] [color=00aeef]”He doesn’t know, yet. Or rather, I mean...”[/color] Typically, Angelo was incredibly open and didn’t beat around the bush but when it came to Adrian, something stopped him. One could claim that it was that warm, insecure feeling you get when your emotions take center stage, but Adrian was something else. Angelo had been around long enough to approach these things with ease and express himself without hindrance, but for the first time in as long as he could remember, the mutant found himself at a loss of words. [color=00aeef]”We’re both really caught up with work, and I can’t have Adrian distracted, right? His job keeps people alive.”[/color] It didn’t take long before Angelo cleared his throat, attempting to regain his composure. [color=00aeef]”Or, you know...I’m just a pussy who can’t tell him straight up that I drown in his eyes...”[/color] Scratching the tip of his nose, Angelo placed his arms on the table, looking at Ben with a slightly raised eyebrow. [color=00aeef]”Fuck it, know what...?”[/color] With that, the Agent reached his hand into his pocket and immediately dialed a number, all the while tapping his foot eagerly against the floor. [color=chocolate] “Sure, I suppose that’s one excuse that would be plausible for you to avoid it.”[/color] Ben stated bluntly, tearing off a bit chunk from his latest piece. The cheese became a bit too cool for his preference but he still continued to eat it, enjoying the tender meat on top. His eyes watched the man pull out his phone then start to dial it. Secretly, he wished Angelo had waited until he finished his food before risking making him sick to his stomach. A mere few moments passed before Angelo heard a voice on the other end, a soft smile managing its way to his lips before it brightened with his greetings. [color=00aeef]”Hey, Blondie.”[/color] Angelo spoke, running his fingers through the dark strands of his hair. [color=00aeef]”Honey, that name suits you just fine.”[/color] The lovestruck agent continued, followed by a chuckle, one which could be heard on the other end as well. [color=00aeef]”Alright, I have a very important question I need to ask you.”[/color] From a chuckle to concern, Adrian’s voice shifted quickly at Angelo’s inquiry but the Agent could only relish in it. [color=00aeef]”No, I’m not dying you nut.”[/color] He rolled his eyes, getting back on topic after a short exchange of words. [color=00aeef]”I have a mission. It involves a dinner reservation with the doctor, and I am checking to see if he has time for an appoi-...that sucked, just go out with me.”[/color] Getting rather impatient with himself, Angelo began tapping the tips of his fingers against the table while listening to the burst of laughter on the other end of the phone, followed by a soft cough, along with a deep breath. [color=00aeef]”Yes, I’m serious! Two days from now, sushi! Okay? Okay. Yeah, do th-...no! You don’t need to wear a suit! Just...come as you are...”[/color] Blinking a few times before hanging his head, Angelo closed his eyes along with a deep, long sigh. [color=00aeef]”You want to hear me ask it...? Fine...”[/color] The Agent gave in, an unamused expression on his face. [color=00aeef]”Adrian, would you like to go on a date with me?”[/color] Another exchange of words could be heard over the phone before even more laughter, the two finally agreeing on a time. [color=00aeef]”Okay, see you then! I expected this to go smoother...”[/color] Ending the call, Angelo slid the phone back into his pocket and downed the rest of his drink before pouring more into the glass. [color=00aeef]”I have a date, now.”[/color] He stated plainly. [color=chocolate] “I don’t think the Mets strike out as easily as you did trying to set up that pitch.”[/color] The newly made werewolf commented, finishing half of his pizza already. It would’ve been more, but the conversation made him choke half way through and caused him to break for a limited time. The laughter over the phone, easily heard by him, seemed to agree with him over how humorous the request was. Especially since the usually smooth talking Angelo had stumbled over nearly all of his words. [color=chocolate] “So… what are you wearing and got reservations?”[/color] [color=00aeef]”Huh? We’re just wearing what we usually wear.”[/color] The Agent shrugged softly, sipping from his newly refilled drink. [color=00aeef]”I am gonna’ make reservations right now. Going to have to treat him to it, right? Of course I do, why am I asking you?”[/color] It was quite clear that it had gone a while since Angelo was last with someone, a pursuit he had abandoned long ago. It had just recently resurfaced with Adrian, someone who unlocked a desire buried within Angelo’s otherwise calm and collected heart. [color=00aeef]”Might as well take him to a café afterwards, too. Flowers are too much for a first date, I mean, I already know the guy. Besides, he’s patched me up a million times so he’s already seen me nake-...nevermind.”[/color] Angelo cut himself off, looking up at Ben before he reached for his phone a second time to tap into the internet. Making the required reservations at a sushi restaurant of esteemed reputation, the Agent was more than willing to put money into the endeavor after so long. [color=chocolate] “Good luck with that if you’re considering Sushi Yasuda. That’s place is usually packed unless you have the right connections.”[/color] Ben stated, a smirk plastered on his lips. He took a sip of his soda while he eyed the most likely scene about to play out. [color=00aeef]”I am sensing some hint, hint, nudge, nudge in your voice.”[/color] Angelo returned, narrowing his eyes on Ben. [color=chocolate] “Where was that brilliant sense of observation when you were wooing Adrien?”[/color] He teased in reply to Angelo, looking a bit smug at his hint being caught. [color=00aeef]”I just wanted to make a show of it!”[/color] Angelo lied, crossing his arms with a pout. [color=00aeef]”Can’t always be awesome, right?”[/color] Though his body language hinted at a disgruntled response, Angelo was truthfully blowing this over to see how Ben was cheering up in response to it. This was the first time he had seen the boy with anything but a frown. Indeed, Angelo wasn’t rolling this down in any smooth manner, but part of it was for show, mainly because it appeared to help Ben on the way to a better emotional spectrum. [color=chocolate] “Well, I guess over… 200 years was it? Will end up making you dusty in more ways than one. I just hope all your batters in the cages haven’t dried up before you make it to first base.”[/color] Ben edged farther with his teasing, a wolfish grin on his cheeks. [color] “Now, would you accept a favor for a future I owe you? Or do you want to end up putting your date off until August?”[/color] Unable to keep himself from bursting out in laughter, Angelo had to give it to him, Ben could loosen up. He could actually sting back, and it was refreshing to say the least. [color=00aeef]”You deserve a point for that one, kid. Credit where credit is due.”[/color] He replied, chuckling at the comment. [color=00aeef]”Hey, if you want to help me out with the reservation, I’ll owe you one.”[/color] He finished, unable to resist Ben’s offer. The complement created a sense of accomplishment, something he didn’t mind. He wished it would’ve lasted long and the challenge had more difficult. The end result, as satisfying as it could be, was nothing compared to the challenge of getting there. It gave him a thrill and adrenaline buzz from the stress like no other experience. He had tried, and failed numerous times. [color=chocolate] “I’m sure I can arrange that after dinner.”[/color] Ben reached into the box only discover something horrifying. There was no more left. His eyes snapped back to the box and noted there was nothing left, save for the grease stains. His eyes shifted to Angelo seeking an answer for why his pizza was suddenly gone. [color=chocolate] “One question… did you swipe some of my pizza or did I eat it all?”[/color]