i'm so sorry Ben's in every log ben stop doing things

[nonhuman]

After talking briefly with Hound about seeing Kenna, Ben decided that, okay, maybe he should try and leave his room for the first time in over a week. He had some business with Kenna.

Knowing that, one, Hound's situation was going to take some time to resolve and, two, he hasn't showered in... enough time to be embarrassed about it, Ben cleans himself up before heading out a couple of hours later. He walks with just enough of a limp to be noticed, but, in reality, most of his wounds from his fight have healed up properly. They took a lot longer than usual, but, eh. He figures he's been stressed.

He knocks on the door to the clinic and leans his head in.

"U-um, excuse me?"

Comments

[fire_brand]

Kenna looks away and swallows. He has to check the door again. Then he slinks up to Ben, drops his voice low so what is said can only be heard between the two of them.

"Please don't ask me. The Captain is generous to let him stay on the ship at all. So don't question it. Please."

[nonhuman]

He sighs, quiet, dropping his voice as well. "I-- I'm noticing a theme of being told to-- t-to not ask questions around here." A quick nod. "I-- I mean, I-- I get it, though. And I-- th-the last thing I want is-- is for you guys to get yourselves in trouble."

Ben runs a hand down his face, pulling it into an odd expression. "Or, more trouble, in Ch-- H-hound's case, I'm guessing."

[fire_brand]

"Don't ask questions and you must always thank the Captain for her kindness," he said firmly.

Kenna didn't want any trouble. He just wanted to live his life and treat his patients and spend time with his girlfriend. He never asked for any of this. He brings the coins up and presses the bag to his chest.

"Be careful. You're not at home anymore. Sometimes the answers aren't worth it."

[nonhuman]

"I-- but I can't, j-just... not help him." Bennett scrubs at his scalp again in frustration. "E-even if he's-- h-he's a bit of an idiot sometimes, he's-- I-- I don't know what the other things on the ship are but H-hound's at least... human."

He shoves his hands in his pockets to stop fidgeting.

"I, I just-- found him when I was a wolf, and he looked-- f-fucking heartbroken, and... I-- I don't know. I'm sorry. I wasn't coming here to interrogate you, I-- I promise. I don't want you in trouble, e-especially when you're-- y-you're sticking your neck out for him and, and who knows who else."

I am so sorry for the delay. Dragon Age has taken over my life

[fire_brand]

Foolish boy. Kenna wants to call him foolish and stupid and dumb and all manner of names until the professor sees that the road he is walking now will only lead to a dead end.

There is no help for Hound. There is only the Captain's patience and mercy and who knows how long that would last?

So much left to say and Kenna finds he is too exhausted to say it. He had done his best to warn Bennett to leave well enough alone. Hound is alive which is more than can be said of his Nameless ilk. Why couldn't that be enough?

He rubs a hand over his eyes to alleviate the burning and he sighs. "I know you care about him and I appreciate that. I'm sure he does too. But, the road to hell was paved with good intentions." He turns away, begins arranging things on the counter so he can get his work done for the day.

"Hound's life doesn't concern you. So just stay out of the Captain's business." For Hound's sake. And Bennett's.

NO WORRIES. Almost everyone I know is in the same boat...

[nonhuman]

"E-everybody's life concerns me, Kenna, if-- if I can help, I'm-- I'm going to help." He says it with conviction, but no volume, and his voice dies away on his lips.

Bennett understands there are strings tugging at the crews' limbs, and it is always going to be less painful to go with the pull than to fight back. That's why Hound worries him, why Kenna now worries him, too. He knows he's losing out on Kenna's merciful patience, so he throws his hopes at one last question.

"...why does me knowing his name help him? If... if you can tell me that, I'll-- I'll leave you be."

[fire_brand]

For a moment, Kenna thinks not to answer. To just send Bennett on his way. He had no right to this answer. Bennett had no idea what he is asking. He has no idea what he is walking into and Kenna wouldn't be able to live with himself if Hound was the collateral damage.

"I can't..." he says and taps his fist uselessly against the counter top. It was always harder when the cattle cared. It would be better if they didn't get attached.

He is silent for a painfully long moment before he sighs and turns to look at Bennett. "Because, as long as someone remembers him, he will never be forgotten."

That was most important. Just remember him so no one will forget him.

[nonhuman]

Never mind what Bennett thought before. This crew-- the people on it with any humanity or heart or whatever you want to call it-- their limbs aren't being pulled. Their hands are tied. And then some.

"....a-and if he's forgotten, he becomes like the others." Ben guesses, chewing at his lip, voice low. He nods, slowly, as though he's convincing himself of his own theory. Kenna probably won't-- can't.

"K-kenna, th-thank you. Please, if-- if there's anything I can do for you, let me know. I owe you so much more than eight coins of-- I-- I mean, obviously they have some value, but-- l-let me know. I'm sorry to fight you for answers. Thank you for-- f-for your patience with me." He says it all as quickly as he can to keep Kenna from interrupting him, or throwing him out. His hands are shaking by the time he's done.

[fire_brand]

Kenna says nothing more. He has already said more than enough and he is just going to have to let the chips fall where they may. Trying Rowe's patience is a dangerous sport and Kenna does not like how often he's become a player.

There is nothing left that Kenna wants to say, so he just nods at Bennett's thanks.

"Is that all you needed?"

[fire_brand]

Bennett guesses and Kenna thinks he can't be blamed for that. Whatever they figure out on their own, regardless of how right or wrong they are, they still figured out on their own. Surely, that was reasonable?

Kenna doesn't confirm or deny Bennett's assumption. He just shrugs uselessly and nods at the Professor's thanks. He didn't need his thanks. He just hoped the coins would be enough.

"No problem." Not too much of a lie anyway. "It's good that you're here. For Hound. He needs you. Lily too. All of you. So, thanks."

He fidgets, uncomfortable and nervous. "Call me again if you need anything else."