13 Green Acre Valley 4.1

Green Acre Valley

"Well." Ben said clearing his throat and sitting back taking a deep breath. Watching him, deflates me. I suddenly felt like a little kid throwing a fit because I heard no for the first time.

Never in my life have I ever been so outspoken. If I had acted like this in front of master Briggs I would have been back handed or abandoned. He was a no bullshit type of person, and crying or complaining he despised more then anything. I sit back in my seat biting my bottom lip not daring to speak as I glance up toward Ben. Watching he finally turns back to me.

"I'm sorry!"

"To get to..."

We both had started to speak at the same time. I bit my lip again gesturing for him to continue what he was going to say. He clears his throat one more time this time a wisp of a smirk on it.

"Are you going to suddenly shout again. He says poking fun at me. My shoulders however drop as I shake my head. I glance up meeting his eyes. " As I was saying to get down to business now. The reason I needed to meet you is we have orders. After breakfast, we leave for Green Acres Valley. There is a shikigami hiding in the village some were and we need to locate it and destroy it."

I look at him almost shocked. That's what this was. Of coarse it was. Probably wanted to deliver the message personally so it didn't get lost in translation. I wanted to ask why he didn't just text me the info or have the care taker to delivered the orders to text me as master Briggs did. However I had already made an ass out of myself and I didn't feel up to having any more blows thrown my way today. I really didn't want to hear that asking me out to breakfast was for out of obligation.

"You really should eat more we got a long drive and these pastries are so warm and delicious." He says taking another, but this time puts it on my plate in front of me. I can't help looking at him quizzically. Why wasn't he more angry with me, and if he's just using me why the hell did he need to try and be so nice.

"Master Alastar?"

"B-E-N," He enunciates interrupting and correcting how I address him as if I was dumb and didn't know how to say it.

"Ben," I say trying to keep my tone neutral. What is this, if it was just about a mission you didn't have to take me to breakfast. So why? Before I can finish my word vomit of concerns. Ben holds up his hand interjecting.

"That's better. Now as for your question I thought breakfast together would be nice, and maybe you would open up a bit. You're as closed off as ever." He says suddenly leaning forward and poking me in the forehead.

"So, you didn't invite me just because you wanted to relay the orders?" Guilt hit me thinking he was doing it out of obligation.

"I don't generally mix business with pleasure. Normally I won't meet like this with anyone before a mission. So, count yourself lucky little miss." His joking face was back I wanted to smile with him. However, I couldn't Part of me liked him little by little and it's the one thing I didn't want. Hell it was the last thing I wanted was to let someone in again.

Quickly finishing the food, we both left the small restraint and climbed into his car and headed for a city south of Freya. The drive was a couple hours so Ben planned to change when we got closer to the town so that we were more comfortable for the drive. Wish I had known that or that I wasn't even going to school today I was in my school uniform and I did not find it very comfy. I would have changed before leaving if I had known. He laughed at me after telling me his plan and watched me pick at my uniform as if understanding what I was thinking and said next time he would warn me ahead of time.

After we get going, we didn't exchange small talk or listen to music. I just stare out the window once in a while glancing at Ben. The silence on the drive though had become overwhelming. I decided it might be safe to know a little bit about Ben Alastar. However any time I asked him personal questions he side steps and peddles around it. I hoped maybe if it had to do with work he would be okay. I need to figure out his strengths and weaknesses if we are to be partners anyway. Anything to prevent my nightmares or from history from repeating itself.

"Ben." I said almost questioningly, still staring out the window waiting for his acknowledgment. He made what sounded like a hmm in response.

"May I ask a Question?" I turn glancing at his face waiting for an answer. However, he appears annoyed.

"You can ask, no promises that I will answer it though. Depends on what it is." he said not taking his eyes off the road but gives me a maybe shrug. I looked back out my window. To build courage to not back out just because he looked upset again.

"What is your spiritual power like? Can you fight? Do you have any weaknesses? Do you have secrets that others could use against you?" Here it came the word vomit of questions again. Suddenly he slammed on the brakes right there in the middle of the highway glaring at me like he would kill.

"I don't have any big secrets in my opinion like someone I know. Also, what is with these types of questions? I'm not a tool I'm a human being. Shouldn't you first get to know the person, and what I'm like before you start asking that crap? To answer you bluntly I am a medic monk, but I'm trained to defend myself if needed. So yes, I can fight alongside you; if that's what you're getting at." He barked at me. He always seemed so meek when working at the monastery but here he was a Ben I had never seen and I was afraid. Not For my safety but still I could feel my palms go clammy, and my throat dry. I had actually upset him.

"I'm sorry." I apologized afraid to ask more or explain why I had asked. "You Always side step personal questions, figure work might be the only way I'd get to know you." I mumble turning to the window not daring to speak again. I hear him curse lowly to himself behind me.

The last hour was quite I just kept glancing up at his concentrated face as it watches the road. I wanted to make it up to him but how? I didn't know what to say. Every time I open my mouth we argue, I say something I don't mean, or something hurtful. I never meant to hurt his feeling or offend him. I was often told by Master Briggs that I spoke before thinking this I guess was one of those times. It's not like I didn't want to know more about him. I just don't know what his game is when he won't tell me anything but expects me to tell him everything.