The Kingpin's Possession

89: An Understanding

Kit:Kit could only nod, agreeing with Ben’s words, even though a part of him still ached. Knowing now that Ben had carried these feelings silently for so long — all those years of friendship, support, and sacrifices — it weighed heavily on Kit. The guilt flared at him, and before he could stop himself, he reached forward and wrapped his arms around Ben in a tight hug.

“I’m so sorry, Ben,” he whispered. “I had no idea… everything you’ve done, the sacrifices you’ve made… even dealing with P’First for my sake. You didn’t have to do that.”

Ben chuckled softly, his arms resting comfortably around Kit as he returned the hug. “It’s true that, back then, when I volunteered to stay with P’First that night, it was because I wanted to protect you. I thought it’d keep you safe, and I’d have done anything for that.” He pulled back slightly, a gentle smile on his face. “But now, I don’t regret it. I made my choices, Kit, and I don’t feel sorry for them.”

Kit studied Ben’s face, the steady warmth in his eyes, and something shifted in him. “So… are you in love with P’First now?” Kit asked, unable to keep the teasing tone out of his voice.

Ben laughed, the sound rich and genuine, filling the space around them. “Love? Not quite.” He shook his head, grinning as if the very idea were a little ridiculous. “We’re not at the point where we can say things like that yet, especially with P’First being… well, P’First.”

Kit chuckled, nodding in understanding. P’First was one of the most complex people he knew — blunt, unpredictable, and often difficult to figure out. Kit could only imagine the ups and downs Ben had endured just by spending time with him. But the fact that Ben didn’t outright deny having feelings for P’First spoke volumes.

“But that doesn’t mean I don’t care about him,” Ben added, his voice softer now, a thoughtful look crossing his face. “P’First has his way of looking out for people, and even if he’s not ‘normal’ by any standard… he’s grown on me. I just didn’t expect it.”

As Kit and Ben finished up their training session, Kit couldn’t shake a lingering thought — that maybe, just maybe, his friend was already falling for P’First. Kit watched Ben’s expression soften when he talked about him, a small glint of something in his eyes that hadn’t been there before. Though Ben had only admitted to caring about P’First “as much as he would allow himself to,” Kit had a feeling that both of them were far more tangled up in their feelings than either would ever admit. In a way, this realization eased the knot in Kit’s chest. Knowing Ben’s heart had begun to drift toward someone else let him breathe a little easier.

They gathered their things, the sun beginning to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the training ground. Kit looked over at Ben, who seemed lost in thought, looking out at the field as if he were seeing something far off, something Kit couldn’t quite catch a glimpse of. As they made their way to the exit, Kit found himself finally feeling a sense of relief that hadn’t been there at the beginning of the day. The silence between them was calm, an understanding that words weren’t necessary just now.

When they reached the gate, Ben stopped and turned toward Kit, his usual easy smile replaced with a rare seriousness. “Look, Kit,” he began, his tone soft but steady, “don’t keep anything on your mind about what I told you today. Let’s put it behind us.”

Kit felt a wave of gratitude as he looked into his friend’s eyes. “I just… I still feel bad about not knowing, Ben. And for… well, making you go through all of that without realizing.”

Ben shrugged, the old spark of humor returning to his eyes. “We all have our battles. I’m glad you know now, but it’s in the past, Kit. You shouldn’t worry about me. Besides, we’ve got something a lot more important to focus on right now.”

Kit nodded, feeling the gravity of those words settle over him. Their upcoming mission was anything but simple, and it would demand every ounce of focus and resilience they had. “You’re right. We have to be sharp for this. No loose ends, no distractions.”

Ben’s hand clapped down on Kit’s shoulder, and his smile softened. “Exactly. This mission… it’s big. And when we go in, I need you there with a clear mind. I’ll be there beside you, but we both need to be at our best to bring that shooter down. No more looking back.”

Kit took a deep breath, the tension leaving his shoulders as he met Ben’s eyes. “Thanks, Ben. For everything.”

Ben gave a quick, dismissive wave, brushing off the gratitude with an easy laugh. “Hey, you’re my friend, Kit. You don’t need to thank me for that.” They began walking toward the parking lot, their footsteps steady and in sync. “Just make sure you keep it that way,” Ben teased, a smile creeping back onto his face.

As they walked, Kit’s mind wandered back to Ben’s words about P’First, and he couldn’t help but shake his head in amusement. “You know,” Kit said, nudging Ben’s shoulder, “I think you’re already more tangled up with P’First than you’re willing to admit.”

Ben raised an eyebrow, shooting Kit a playful glare. “Oh, don’t start with that. I’m just taking it slow. P’First isn’t exactly a straightforward guy, you know? Complicated is putting it lightly.”

Kit chuckled. “I know, but… I think that’s what makes it real for you. You wouldn’t be drawn to something that didn’t challenge you a little, right?”

Ben shook his head, sighing. “Maybe. But don’t expect me to start using the word ‘love’ anytime soon.”

“Whatever you say,” Kit replied, unable to hide the smile in his voice. He’d known Ben long enough to see through his bravado, and while he wouldn’t push, he couldn’t help but feel happy for him. For the first time in a long time, it seemed like both of them were on solid ground, even if that ground was sometimes a bit rough.

As Kit and Ben stepped out of the facility, the evening air felt cool and refreshing. The last traces of daylight were fading, casting everything in a gentle twilight. Kit took a deep breath, feeling lighter than he had in a while. They’d covered so much ground today — not just in training but in the understanding between them. Kit could finally move forward, and from the look on Ben’s face, he felt the same.

Just outside the entrance, Kit’s gaze settled on two familiar figures leaning against a railing, chatting with each other as they waited. P’Kim and P’First. Kit noticed the way P’First’s eyes kept darting toward the gate, and he realized they must have been waiting for a while. P’Kim seemed as calm and collected as ever, but P’First… well, there was a certain impatience in his posture, a barely concealed tension as he watched them approach.

Kit tried not to smile as he noticed this. Maybe Ben didn’t realize it yet, but it was clear as day to Kit: P’First was completely smitten with him. That look of subtle impatience, the way he seemed to relax just a little the second Ben stepped out the door — it all screamed of someone trying to act nonchalant but failing terribly. Kit felt a warmth bloom inside him, knowing that Ben had someone who cared about him like this.

“About time you two finished up,” P’First called out, his tone casual but his eyes betraying him. They lingered on Ben just a fraction longer than necessary, as if silently checking him over, making sure he was okay.

Ben shrugged, completely unaware. “It was a long session,” he replied. “But worth it.”

P’Kim raised an eyebrow at Kit. “Hope you picked up a few things today, Kit. We’re going to make sure you know how to defend yourself before stepping into this mission.”

Kit rolled his eyes but grinned. “Trust me, P’Kim, Ben’s been drilling me nonstop. I don’t think there’s anything I could’ve missed at this point.”