“It’s been two days since Beni locked himself in his room,” Charlie had her chin rested on her hand at the table, “He hasn’t said anything to you at all, Aaron?” “Not since,” Aaron thought back to the kiss, “Never mind.” “What did Chad do?” Charlie squinted her eyes at him. “I— don’t know,” Aaron shook his head. “Let me see if I can get him to let me in. I’ll be able instantly to see what happened,” Tenseiga’s eyes glinted. “If he won’t let me in—“ Aaron jumped up. “I already see why he hasn’t come out for you,” Tenseiga shook his head, the shadow of the interaction replaying on Aaron’s body. “H-how do you know about that?” Aaron shifted uncomfortably. “Let’s just say it’s one of my many gifts,” Tenseiga rose from the table and went up the stairs. “Don’t worry, Aaron,” Charlie put a hand on his shoulder, “and what he means is he’s going to check the security cameras…” That was the best explanation Charlie could come up with at the moment. “Something is off,” Charlie thought, “First Beni and Aaron, and now Uncle Mal is acting strange. Tetsuya being pissed that they showed up is normal, but what’s concerning is that Tensei has been agitated by something for a while now.” — “Beni, it’s me, Tensei,” Tenseiga chimed as he knocked on the door. There was silence. “If you intend of starving yourself in there, you know I can’t let you do that,” Tenseiga continued. Still silence. “Well, chapter 50 of another story we are mutually reading just came out, and remember how the main character has a thing for that Yakuza member? Well, it turns out that—“ The door opened suddenly. “Don’t you breathe another word. I haven’t read that one yet,” Benimaru leered. “Oh, good! You opened the door,” Tenseiga stepped in, “Well, at least I know you’re showering. Perhaps too often… Stand here for a second.” Tenseiga directed Benimaru to standstill directly in front of him. The shadows of Benimaru’s interaction with Chad played before Tenseiga’s eyes. “Oh my, Beni,” Tenseiga shook his head, “I’m— so sorry.” Tenseiga refrained from hugging him. “Why are you sorry?” Benimaru plopped down on his bed. “Because as a sadist brute, I can clearly see what happened. It’s a gift that is both a blessing and a curse,” Tenseiga sat next to him. “So what? You’re like a psychic?” Benimaru raised his eyebrows. “You could say that,” Tenseiga nodded, “It is also clear to me what happened after that.” Benimaru put his head in his hands, “I can’t believe I did that— or that I allowed the other thing to happen.” “Beni,” Tenseiga sighed, “Even the strongest-willed individuals could have fallen victim to something like that.” “Even you?” Benimaru looked up. Tenseiga shifted uncomfortably, “We are talking about you right now, Beni.” “That’s the other thing that’s bothering me. It’s like everyone is hiding some big secret, yet I’m the only one who has to open up,” Benimaru raised his voice. Tenseiga looked down, “You’re right. We do tend to do that to you, but, Beni— you’re— there are some things about this world that we each inherently want to protect you from. I’m not saying it’s right, nor is that fair to you, but some demons are best kept hidden.” Benimaru had never seen Tenseiga look so solemn, “Tensei…” “You’re too pure for this world, Beni. It’s a rare treasure to know someone like you,” Tenseiga smirked, “Your choice of reading material aside.” “Well, I don’t want to be if— if it means someone like Chad can just—“ Benimaru began. Tenseiga sighed, “I’m sure there are a lot of things going through your mind, and as much as I’d like to go through them with you, I think there is someone else you should be talking to.” “I can’t face Aaron right now,” Benimaru hugged his knees to his chest. “Beni, people react to traumatic situations differently. Naturally, you wanted to erase the things that happened by doing those things with someone you think is safe,” Tenseiga pat him on the head, “but do you think it’s fair to leave Aaron hanging like that?” “Well, no…” Benimaru mumbled. “Well, here is lesson two, my apprentice,” Tenseiga stood up, “it’s okay to confide in someone. Sometimes that’s stronger than keeping things bottled up, and so as he approaches the door, I’m going to shove you farther out of the nest.” Tenseiga opened the door to let Aaron pass as he made his way out, “Ta-ta, my apprentice!” “Wait! Tensei!” Benimaru called after him, but he was left in the room with Aaron. The two were frozen, neither exactly sure what to do or say next. “Beni, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have messed with you the way I have,” Aaron confessed. “No! It was embarrassing, but— I— I didn’t mind it,” Benimaru admitted, “because it was you.” “What?” Aaron was astonished. “That was probably dumb,” Benimaru hugged his knees to his chest, “Anyway, I’m sorry that I kissed you and then shut you out. I just couldn’t come to terms with how I reacted to Chad touching me and trying to kiss me.” “What in the sweet home Alabama?” Aaron yelled. “That’s what I first thought!” Benimaru exclaimed, “Despite that, I shouldn’t have tried to erase it by kissing you.” “Beni,” Aaron pulled Benimaru into his chest, “You don’t have to apologize to me for that. Though, was that really your first kiss?” “Yes, I guess I didn’t want to be stolen, so I gave it to you,” Benimaru covered his face with his hands, “that is pretty stupid and selfish of me.” “Well, I don’t think so. I’m honored, in fact,” Aaron declared. “Really?” “Yeah,” Aaron nodded, “It left me conflicted, though.” “Conflicted? How?” “Well, uh… I was kind of into it,” Aaron explained, “but you’ve been my best friend for a long time, and I don’t know if that’s a line I should cross.” “Wait, you were into it?” “Yeah, Beni, it was hot,” Aaron admitted, “if I couldn’t sense you were upset…” “Yeah?” Benimaru encouraged Aaron to continue. “Beni, this is embarrassing,” Aaron rubbed the back of his neck. “No, no. You don’t get to chicken out because the shoe is on the other foot,” Benimaru turned to face him. Aaron laughed, “I guess it is, isn’t it? Well, let’s just say I would have let you take it as far as you wanted to go.” “As far as I wanted to go, huh?” Benimaru thought, “How far was I prepared to go if we didn’t stop.” “Hold on,” Benimaru rummaged through his phone. Aaron was curious as to what he could be looking for. “Even if it went as far as this,” Benimaru held up some of the panels from one of his favorite scenes. “Jesus, Beni. I’m still caught off guard by the fact that you like reading this stuff,” Aaron blushed, “but— uh— maybe.” “Wow,” Benimaru breathed, “I mean! I wouldn’t because you know— we’re best friends and all, and not everything works out the way it does in these.” “Beni,” Aaron squinted his eyes, “You’ve considered this, haven’t you.” Benimaru crossed his arms, “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t.” “So you’ve imagined doing something like— that— with me?” Aaron was incredulous. “I think I heard Tensei call us down for dinner,” Benimaru awkwardly laughed as he rushed out of the room. “I cannot believe I just admitted that. That was weird. Us talking was supposed to make it not weird. What is wrong with me?” “That was interesting,” Aaron said to himself as he stared after Benimaru, “I mean, I can’t say I haven’t either, but this—“ Aaron picked up Benimaru’s phone to see what exactly it was that Benimaru was reading. “Now I have to know what exactly goes through Beni’s mind when he reads this stuff.” — “Beni!” Charlie got misty when she hugged him, “I was worried I wouldn’t get to see you before I had to go on my business trip.” “Wait! You’re leaving?” Benimaru asked. “Yeah, I have to go out of state for a few days,” Charlie held him by his shoulders, “Listen, I’m leaving Tensei in charge, but if Caz or Chad shows back up, do not let them in.” “Believe me, Charlie, I won’t,” Benimaru shivered. “Good. I don’t know what Chad did, but he will pay for it. That I promise you,” Charlie squeezed Benimaru. “So, you’re going away?” Aaron came into the dining room, “By the way, Beni, you left this upstairs.” Charlie caught Benimaru’s phone, “Aaron, you may not want to start with this one if you’re curious about what goes on in Beni’s brain. This is pretty tame compared to the rest of this particular webtoon.” “What’s wrong with that one?” Aaron asked. Benimaru and Charlie stared at each other, then back at Aaron. “You know the saying about ripping off a Bandaid? Well, that would be like pulling out a fresh set of stitches,” Charlie held her hand out, “give me your phone.” Aaron obliged, and Charlie typed in a different one. “That one is a good one, too,” Benimaru nodded. “Hey! I want to know too!” Tetsuya had pretty much devoured Captain Vice by this point. “Mmm,” Charlie thought about it, “I have a hard copy version of it, but I think this is something you and I should read together at first.” “Okay!” Tetsuya nodded excitedly. “I’m so happy you’re interested in reading now,” Charlie pinched his cheeks. “It’s easier with the pictures,” Tetsuya blushed. “Ah, that is a classic,” Tenseiga peered at it, “definitely a better starter than the one that has one of Beni’s favorite scenes in it.” “How do you know about that?” Aaron asked. “It’s a mutual hobby,” Tenseiga shrugged. “Right,” Aaron nodded, still a little irritated that this is the thing Benimaru and Tenseiga would have in common. — “So! What did you think, Tetsu?” Charlie smiled. “That was a lot of lights going into a lot of holes,” Tetsuya was blown away. “I know, right?” Charlie nodded. “And, there are more like this one?” Tetsuya was incredulous. “Oh yes. Lots. Some of them are uncensored,” Charlie explained. “Are— there any with — you know,” Tetsuya stammered. “Yes, Tetsu, there are ones with men and women, women and women, threesomes, and I’m pretty sure there’s an isekai with a dragon,” Charlie explained. “I thought the stupid fox was the only one who could be so perverted,” Tetsuya muttered. “Oh, sometimes Tensei gets new ideas from these,” Charlie smiled. Tetsuya sat in silence then said, “I don’t know. I think I prefer sticking to the real thing.” Charlie leaned in close, “Oh really?” “Y-yes. Hey! Ah,” Tetsuya moaned as Charlie bit his neck, “You’re going straight for provoking me now.” Tetsuya held her face in his hands and kissed her deeply. When they broke the kiss, Charlie climbed on top and stripped her shirt as she straddled him. Tetsuya pressed his hands against her back as he kissed down her cleavage. He grunted when she pulled his hair, leaning down to kiss him again. She yelped when he smacked her ass and groaned as he squeezed. “Are you sure you don't want me to go with you?” Tetsuya stared up at Charlie. “Tetsu,” Charlie warned. “I know, I know... But something is off,” Tetsuya traced his fingers down Charlie's abdomen. “Mmm... Tetsu, it'll be okay,” Charlie caressed his chest, “I’ll just go exercise the space, gather the souls and come back. Easy peasy. Eep!” Tetsuya flipped around to where he was on top. He held Charlie's hands over her head as he nipped her neck, “And what if it's not? Oof!” She pinned his hips to hers with her legs as she nibbled his ear, “You worry too much.” “Well, someone has to,” Tetsuya peered down at her. After all these centuries, she still takes his breath away. “Tetsu,” Charlie sighed, “the only thing I want to worry about right now is this…” Charlie stroked the front of Tetsuya’s pants. He shuddered when she reached inside them and gave his shaft a gentle squeeze. “Okay,” he panted, “Okay… You’re— hng— really going for it today.” They smiled at each other as he leaned down to kiss her again. — Before they knew it, the sun was up, and it was time for Charlie to head out. “I want to reiterate that Tensei is in charge while I’m gone,” Charlie hugged each of them in turn. “Yeah, yeah,” Tetsuya grumbled. “You do have it with you for sure, right?” Tenseiga was talking about her portable entrance to the void. “Of course!” Charlie smiled, “Make good choices while I’m gone, okay Beni and Aaron?” “When does Beni not make good choices?” Aaron teased. “So you’re saying you’re the one I should be worrying about,” Charlie cocked her head back. “Heh, of course not!” Aaron nervously laughed while Benimaru tried to stifle his own laughter. “Good. I should be back in three days,” Charlie waved as she put on her sunglasses and got in the car. They all watched her peel off, none of them wanting to admit to the other how uneasy they felt. — “Uncle Mal!” Chad called out in a singsong voice. “Chad, how did you get in here?” Mal materialized. Chad smirked, “Don’t worry about that, uncle. So about that proposition--” Something seemed to return to Mal’s memory, “No, Chad. I can't go outside. If I have to live vicariously through Charles, then so be it.” “Okay, so what happens when you can't be there?” Chad asked. Mal looked at Chad incredulously, “What do you mean by that? I'll always be there!” Chad scoffed, “Okay, suppose you aren't. Do you think Charlotte can really do this without you?” “Of course,” Mal hesitated. “How do you think those mortal ghosts or even mortals themselves would treat her without your presence?” Chad insisted. “She would just use her essence,” Mal nodded, “It’s not a godly ability that is lost on her.” “And what kind of toll would using her godly essence her half-mortal body take?” Chad asked, “Do you know how furiously she bleeds? How slowly she heals.” “That’s why I'm there,” Mal declared. Chad blew powder in his face, and Mal immediately passed out asleep. “Not this time, uncle,” Chad snickered.