FSE

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Feint light from the parking lot outside glistened against dark smooth scales of a lean lizard poised between the outstretched legs of his feline companion. Shades of blue and streaks of white flashed in and out of sight as a slender tail thrashed behind them. A pinned Ocelot thought to himself that this image would last his lifetime, the shadowy outline of his lover's athletic form arching over him and moonlit pale abs pushing in waves towards him. A sight almost belittled by the soothing and invigorating pulses pushing into him.

The lizard turned leftward to grind deeper with his favored member while letting the other caress a plush cheek. Panting, he mounted his kitty's legs from his elbows up onto his shoulders. For a moment the feline was sad to see his legs get in the way of this picture, but "Oah, there," he moaned feeling a jolt of bliss. 'This is so good, I can't hold out, ' he thought, unable to voice his concerns through his ragged breaths. A scaled hand braced itself on the bed while the other came around to stroke the feline masterpiece which was throbbing in sync to his thrusts.

'He really is beautiful' thought the reptile, admiring the feel of another man in his hand. The warm shaft was nearly too broad to wrap his fingers around the base, deserving of both hands, and curved to poke towards a cute white navel as if wishing to get into any hole. Judging by how the kitty's belly shivered and shook as he gasped in ecstasy it wouldn't last long enough to fulfill that wish tonight.

The smooth reptilian hand softened its grip, tracing either side of the central bulge running up this eager appendage. He paused briefly at the tip to run small circles over its leaking slit before gliding back down to squeeze the firm base. He put more weight on his braced arm and dug in with his toes, knees lifting from the bed to straighten. With the extra leverage he hilted the ocelot time and again.

Sure enough the feline bucked and recoiled deeper on the object of his attention. He gasped and moaned as his penis felt more and more sensitive with each impact. It felt like there was a resonance between his ready to burst erection and his mate's. He reached out to the hot shaft stroking his soft rump. It pulsed in his fingers, the perfect complement to a stunning feeling. The boyishly cute cat couldn't hold out any longer, watching and feeling his crush pound at him while being stroked sent his body into spasms. He hit his peak with a soft squeal sending a surge of warmth and excitement throughout his body.

A long "aaaauh," and panting followed, drowning out his purr. He could feel himself tightening around his lover, throbbing in the lizard's hands. He spurted rapid streams that sprayed up his belly, across his face, and made a wonderful splat against the wall.

Motivated by the sight and sound of his partners climax the long tailed lizard, a 5 lined skink, quickened his thrusts and aimed the twitching shaft higher to get a taste. Alas this fountain had lost strength, denying a face full of cum and instead relaxing to a big fistful of squishy happiness. Moans quieted and soon a silent protest was made, a trembling hand against his lover's firm white chest.

A smile stretched across the reptilian face. There would be opportunities to finish later, he was content to bask in the fresh mess running up to his mates blushing ears and cuddle the kitty he was so proud to have won over. This was his favorite accomplishment so far, it took months of courting the aloof hottie across the lecture hall by way of a suaveness crafted purely of effort and research. Now he had a vivid purring puddle of love contoured against him, grabbing an arm from behind for a mini hug. Granny wasn't wrong when she said "Keith, you can do anything you put your mind to," and although he never let doubt overcome her optimism he didn't know anything included anyone.

He giggled quietly in his throat at the thought of Granny's shock to see him like this. Nobody would have ever guessed at it back home, hopefully they'd never find out. Breaking two taboos in one go would be tough to explain and a rough penance to endure.

"What's funny Keith, does my purr tickle?" The prized ocelot asked sleepily.

"In a good way Alex," Keith replied. It was still a new sensation for him and he didn't want the novelty to wear off. "But rest up there's more to come."

"I hope you're talking about you" chided the exhausted little spoon.

The following morning was Friday, meaning that both Keith and Alex reluctantly parted ways for a full day of classes. Alex wanted to give his tall dark and handsome man some time to himself, but couldn't refuse the offer a classmate had proposed. He was sure Keith would like it, so he relented to his feelings and sought out his favorite skink.

Keith sat bored in his dorm's corner facing the back wall, chemistry textbook on the desk in front of him opened to the last section where practice questions reside. He frequently glanced at his chemistry notes for hints as to the answers for #42 and #43. There were a dozen more questions to go, but for now the work was simple if abundant.

Alex looked in, clinging to the frame of Keith's open door. His lizard looked amusing sitting curled forward to read the book with his feet against his groin cradling a notebook, and legs jutting out to either side above the chairs low armrests. The ocelot grinned at the odd posture, wondering how such a ball of scales would roll or spring if startled.

No roommate was present so Alex padded in silently to crawl up the lofted bed above his studious skink. A wall of shelves meant to give Keith some futile sense of seclusion in his study nook hid the kitty from periphery. To the stalkers dismay lousy dorm beds don't simply stand still when mounted, and the shifting structure couldn't go unnoticed. Keith looked up and back, rolling the chair into the recline position and stopping himself from tipping with his lengthy tail. The lower half of a yellow cat in stained jeans and an exposed midriff was visible upside down behind him.

"Alex, you could say hi," Keith started.

Alex finished his ascent and hung down over the rear edge of the bed, appearing upright to Keith. "I didn't want to disturb you...yet."

"Alright five minutes to get this assignment done and put away then I'll join you up there," He said returning to his slouch. "Should I close the door on my way up?"

"Actually," Alex responded purring. "I was hoping we could take things elsewhere." The ocelot withdrew himself on the bed and lay with his head near the back wall, taking a pillow into a hug.

"I knew you had some kinks, I guess I should have expected voyeurism to be one." Keith was trying not to take his eyes off the assignment. Multitasking was not his strong suit though. No, this scaly young man could focus for hours on any topic he so chose without relent until he had the utmost confidence. But split his attention or throw in an unplanned obstacle and he shatters.

"No, well yes but, I mean we should get out. I got invited to Phi Psi Phi's party tonight."

"By the crazy chick in car club?" Keith asked, referring to a cheetah by the name of Andrea who had the utmost confidence that she and Alex were meant to be. And unlike Keith she lived for chaos.

Alex lay flat to stretch, his flat fuzzy white belly exposed to the ceiling. "Yeah, I know she'll think it's a step closer to being in my pants if I go but she also said I could bring a friend. Aaand if we're seen making out she might finally take the hint."

"What hint?" the skink retorted in annoyance. "You told her flat out that you're gay and not interested."

"Are you afraid of being public with me?" the kitty pouted.

"No, not at a sorority party especially. I just don't think I need publicity with those girls. How about I take you out for Thai instead?" There were certainly people to win over around here but he didn't know anyone in that sorority since most women in his field are pre-med and too occupied vying for teacher attention to bother with the casual crowd.

"How about I take you out and then we go to the party on the way back? Besides you've been looking for an excuse to try the scene, and we aren't the only guys. I'm sure they invited other eye candy." Alex was beginning to make sense which nearly stunned the lizard below.

"Alright, I've got to talk to Ben first but I'll agree to your deal," Keith relented.

After chemistry homework and a brief game of literally rolling around on a ludicrously narrow mattress the pair made their way to Ben's room. Ben, a jock of a lion, was checking himself in the mirror next to the open door as they approached.

"Sup Keith?" he asked, running a claw through his tightly trimmed mane.

"Alex here wants to drag me to the Phi Psi Phi party tonight, any suggestions?"

"Go for it, I'll be around though I'd appreciate it if you didn't go around breaking down doors to get a glimpse of this in action," he boasted spanking the side of his firm tush. "Oh and obviously don't do anything incredible-y stupid," he said with a piercing gaze.

"I'll just mingle and enjoy a free drink, though someone might want to make a scene," Keith added turning his gaze to the ocelot.

Alex didn't notice. He was impatient and instead chose to read this week's graffiti, giggling at pictographs in dry erase marker against the green tile wall. It showed a crude portrait of Ben in the Captain Morgan pose, twinkling in his macho glory, with hockey stick in hand and the letters RPI beneath his raised foot.

"Alright, half of those girls would probably find it hot. And a few more would at least laugh. Knock yourself out. Now if you'll excuse me I have a pre-party date."

The pair took their leave to enjoy the only worthwhile thing in their tiny college town, the Thai restaurant. Operated and hosted by a short elephant woman who walked with a loud sense of dignity and silent gait that could balance an aquarium on her head at brisk pace. She took their orders and served drunken noodles for Keith and mango curry for Alex with a practiced smile. There wasn't much to talk about since they had spent the night together and they would find out what the party has to offer soon enough. But Ben's continued involvement in Keith's life warranted a revisit even if it got things spicier than the curry.

Alex broke the quiet of noodle slurping first. "You've mentioned that Ben is like a big brother, and I see how a junior's advice is helpful, but I don't get the feeling he feels the same way. What's the story? If it's personal that's all the more reason I want to know."

Keith really couldn't go into the details of his people's way of life, or that of Ben's. These secrets should stay that way, and getting Alex involved wouldn't bring them closer together. He thought for a moment, looking sullen, and sighed as a lie came to mind.

"Bens Aunt and Uncle looked after me for a while when I was in foster care. I grew up close to him and stay in touch with the family. When I got adopted by my parents Ben felt betrayed and has been forgiving me little by little ever since. He knows it's not my fault and that everything worked out for the best. I still look up to him as if he were family even if that's in the past. It's just a feeling I can't ditch outright. He puts up with me and I think he feels less bad about it when I check in with him."

No sad kitten poster could match the look of mournful sympathy in the ocelot's round watery eyes. "I wanna hug you so much right now. I didn't have the slightest idea," Alex whimpered.

"Well, don't go blabbing about it especially to Ben. He's not keen on me bringing it up." 'He also doesn't know about any of it', but Keith was sure the Lion would appreciate the results. At least the lizard could continue to enjoy a quality meal.

Phi Psi Phi's house looked thinner than the average frat house with a concrete basement that became ground level in the back and two long stories. A second house next door also belonged to the sisters judging from the matching letters running up the chimney but it looked like the party didn't extend that far. A Persian cat in a long dark coat leaned against the porch railing with a notebook. The boys watched her let in a small pack of junior women and decided to start there.

"Name?" she asked bluntly.

"Alex Hein," the ocelot answered.

"+1?"

"Keith Phillips," Alex answered for him.

"Alright, I'm Christie and if you need help with anything you can find me here til 10," she said opening the door and ushering the young men inside.

The living room looked more distinguished than the plain blue shingle exterior. Worn wood railings and floors with a pair of long couches filled with mingling furs. Snacks and remains of brownies resided on a corner table, more were baking around the corner by the smell of it. A cheetah with awkwardly lopsided orange/purple streaked hair jumped from the couch to greet them.

"You came!" she exclaimed as onlookers snickered. Somebody remarked, "That makes two of us," to the male beside her. He rolled his eyes and left around the corner towards what must be the kitchen.

Andrea wore a ruffled purple skirt over thick blue stockings and a green zip up hoodie, arms tossed up to embrace an embarrassed Alex.

"Yeah, this is too good to pass up," he replied with an awkward, halfhearted pat on her back. "This is Keith, I may have mentioned him."

"Good to meet you, Andrea I presume. I've heard vivid tales," Keith smirked.

"Not vivid enough yet, let's go downstairs and get smashed," she said enthusiastically, leading the charge around the corner and down to the basement. Along the way they noticed a new batch of brownies on the stove top guarded by a pair of Irish setters viciously making out in front of them.

Music played from large speakers suspended at each corner of the basement ceiling, something between pop and hip-hop, the bar stretched across the length of the room under the stairs. A lioness tended the bar in a well fitting Underarmor top, her hair resembling a long pixie cut.

The juniors from outside regrouped with solo cups in hand, admiring a hunky wolf showing off his moves in the center of the room which must have acted as a dance floor. Only a few others danced along the edges, mostly in provocative gestures towards a partner. The back door was halfway open and it sounded like the bulk of sisters were amused outside.

Andrea strutted up to the lioness and motioned to Alex and Keith though they couldn't hear over the music.

"These two can have at my stash, but do what you can to keep them off each other. I've got dibs on spots," she said with a grin.

The lioness laughed toothily and nodded a few times, taking a good look at the boys.

Andrea perked up and flipped open her phone, a heavily exaggerated full body eye roll followed.

"I'll be back later, SOME people have no tolerance. Claire there will hook you up. But not like that, not for you," the cheetah shouted into the boy's faces, poking at Alex's nose.

They walked up to their new acquaintance Claire who turned away and returned with a bottle of spiced rum. She heaved the large bottle onto the bar, some cups followed.

"Strait or mixed?" she asked.

A chorus of "uuuh, mixed?"

"Ok, it's Andrea's rum, but you've got to earn my coke," she stated provocatively. "Would you be a dear and lick his nipple?" her eyes wandering from Alex's face to Keith's chest. She was curious if the lizard had nipples at all, or any muscle under his loose red button down.

Alex's ears darkened a few shades and he giggled at the request. He made a cutesy face to plead with the reptile who made every attempt to remain stoic. In his head however he was panicked. 'Go with the flow, and commit' he reminded himself in a mantra that had gotten him this far. Keith signed a chuckle and reclined in a tripod stance usually affiliated with kangaroos with his tail and legs spread evenly, arms behind his head for ease of access.

Fuzzy yellow and white hands reached under Keith's shirt and laid flush against his smooth firm scales. The shirt lifted evenly as soft pads rose up his tight torso, stopping when Alex took hold of Keith's shoulders. A tentative tongue reached out and gave a teeny lap, much to Claire's amusement, then a long drawn out lick for good measure.

Keith smiled briefly at the first, but the second round of the rough tongue on his virgin nipple sent nearly unbearable feelings up his spine. His face looked like he had heard nails on a chalkboard, and his tail quivered beneath him. He stumbled for balance, clinging onto Alex.

Claire was more than amused, pouring the drinks into the iconic red cups nearly as much missing as making it in. She failed miserably at holding in her laughter.

"I like you guys, you're too scrawny for my taste but that was great. Keep up the good work," she exclaimed pushing their reward forward. "Feel free to stop by for refills, but no drinks outside".

Keith wasn't sure that this was the definition of success he wanted, but results matter. There was no arguing that the night had already been more exciting than most. Turning around they saw that the dancing wolf had already lost two layers of clothes leaving him down to an undershirt and over-baggy pants. The girls attention had diverted away from him long enough to see Alex's scene, and a few of them still wore a contorted look of disgust.

Alex hoped they would get over it. He was proud to make it a whole semester in the closet before meeting Keith and rekindling his flame. He had no idea who these girls were and didn't care except that it's a small campus.

The male who ran off of the couch earlier wandered in through the back door and up to the bar. He was an indecipherable mutt with a slight paunch exposed by an open green button down with rolled sleeves and yellow school T shirt underneath. His half perked ears bounced with each step as he approached the boys.

"One more Claire, hey guys what'd I miss?" he asked striking up a conversation.

Keith was first to respond. "Alex here was just teasing Claire, or maybe me."

"Good to meet you Alex, anyone feisty enough to pull one over on Claire is worth knowing," he said loudly to compensate for the music, reaching a paw out to shake. "I'm Frank, new to Phi...?"

"Keith, and yeah," he spoke up.

"Well then, double down and move around. The fire's just getting going out back and there's plenty of people to chat up. But I think I've seen you before," he mentioned, waving a finger to the ocelot.

"I'm usually in the garage, less clean and dressy," Alex replied. It was true, although he sported a grey wool jacket hanging loosely around a black v neck he usually had old oversized thrift store t-shirts slathered in oil and grease. His one true love was his car, which was always under repair despite claims that it was a rugged reliable ride. Keith came in a close second and charmed a happy go lucky side out of the occasionally rude kitty.

"Yeah that's it, I pass by on my way to the formula 1 garage. I'm working on the cart with Claire," Frank added.

Keith's night took a down turn there. It was all motor talk from Frank, Claire, and Alex until Andrea turned up with what was left of the brownies. Then it went on to keep her occupied and off of his boy. Frank's girlfriend Lauren found him and changed the topic to hockey in an attempt to flatter Claire for her recent victory. Sports generally weren't a better topic in Keith's opinions but the school was heavily invested in hockey. At the least it would be helpful to know how the home team had been faring. From what he could tell the woman's team had no publicity but better results than the men's. Ben's name came up a few times when the men's team came into the conversation; apparently he was a star player last year and not on the team currently. It made the skink wonder where his accomplice ended up.

As the bar wound down Claire handed the duty off to another sister then went up stairs. The music had shifted to a late 80s mix and they all took their last gulps before huddling around the bonfire. Many sisters had chairs and benches close together circling the pit facing away from the house. Guests that hadn't left when cut off were mostly paired up on borrowed picnic blankets. Of course the dancing wolf was down to perhaps just a...sleeping bag? He appeared to be passed out on his back, head pointed towards the flame. One of the juniors stayed behind when the rest left and worked up the courage to join him. Consensus was that she got a paw full, and although morally questionable she was discreet enough not to be a bother. The boys would learn later that the sleeping bag doubled as a disclaimer. Apparently it said something about "contents for external use only" and last year one young woman got a bitter remark about respecting boundaries.

Keith sat with his knees to his chest a few feet away from whatever that was. Alex slumped alongside him to the right, wishing they had been as innovatively comfy. They were tired and in a lul following a long strong buzz. The lizard finally felt like part of the crowd, the scene was homey. A few minutes ago one of the sisters passed out folded fliers asking for volunteers to their next community service project. A few got slipped into pockets as people staggered upstairs or around to the front yard. At this point he didn't have the capacity to wonder if the method was effective. It didn't seem to matter to him. Everything was cozy.

'So cozy, almost perfect. Almost'. Alex was getting heavy, the gentle breeze was too cold. The music was competing with the crackle of the logs. The fire was cozy, and all these friends were comforting. But not as good a friend as the warm glow.

Keith scooted a little closer, letting Alex sag down to the ground behind him, pulling the blanket off of the reptiles back. The kitty's green eyes barely opened enough to see his lover crouch and stand. Curious, his head tilted but he wasn't ready for words.

Onlookers raised eyebrows as the lanky skink shambled to the edge of the pit.

"Is he going to piss in the fire?" a sister asked Andrea.

"If he does he'd better be big enough to be worth the smell," She giggled back but got an elbow in reply.

Keith dropped to his knees, threw out his arms, and embraced the fire. He nuzzled the logs muttering "Cozy."

The crowd gasped and many furs jumped back. There was a clap and flash, before Alex could even yell Keith's name Ben swooped in, grabbed the flame engulfed lizard by the neck and leg, and hoisted him overhead. The lion snarled as he stomped off towards the creek further into the back yard, golden fire light lapping at his bare rippling back. His pace remained fast and firm despite Keith ablaze above him reaching back towards the fire pit.

Ben hurled his cargo mercilessly into the creek, the splash sent a fresh wave of shock through the crowd. Only Alex ran after them in a panic shouting for Keith.

"Aaah FUCK that's cold. I'm alright, I'm alright, what's going on?"

Alex didn't know what to say, he wanted to punch Ben, and hug him, and punch Keith, and hug him. All for different reasons but for the same thing. Ben answered instead.

"You were stupid and you'll get out of here now, praying that I don't send you back home!"

"Ben, I-I-I," The skink stammered.

"I didn't vouch for you to play babysitter or fireman! If you're going to be a danger to yourself then fine, go back and rot with the rest of em! Out here you play it safe or I put you down. Now go!" Ben roared. As the adrenaline wore off he wished he hadn't said all that where others might hear. At least he didn't think the crowd heard.

Alex gave him a look of terror and disgust. Ben wasn't ready to deal with this kid yet, so the larger cat turned his back to the creek and walked towards the house wrapping himself with the first blanket he came across. "He'll be fine, leave them alone. We all need to take a moment."

Andrea opened her mouth to protest but the usually handsome lion had a look too intense to argue with. She knew that Alex wouldn't let his friend freeze. He had been there for his other friends in dire times that she heard of, and assumed worse still.

A pair of sisters hosed off the bonfire and went inside. The party had died, the fire had died, and with it Keith felt a part of himself die as well.

The boys barely spoke on the short walk to the dorms. Alex had draped his coat over Keith's cold body then followed the sulking skink keeping tails distance which was almost hard since Keith was walking very slowly. It was obvious to him that his lover didn't want to be any more social tonight, but the stubborn feline wouldn't let that be an excuse to leave a wounded friend unattended. They stood in front of Keith's door when he finally spoke.

"Thanks for the coat," was all that he bothered to mutter, implying that this was the end of their night.

"You're welcome, but I insist we stick together. We've both had too much to drink; we should watch each other's backs," Alex replied stifling a yawn.

Keith wasn't in the mood to argue, or be lectured at any more. It seemed like letting Alex in would be the easiest way to keep things quiet but he wasn't ready to relent any independence. Using Alex as an emotional crutch could get him in too deep.

"We've got roommates. They may not love us but it's something. I'll leave a note to call you if anything happens but I need to be alone," the cold reptile bargained.

Fatigue and fury were at arms over the cat. "It's not healthy to bottle it up alone. Let me be there for you."

The lizard knew it was time again for decisive words "if you stay I'll resent you for coddling me. I'm not bottling, I'm giving myself time to process. Now please, sleep it off," Keith urged.

"Ok," Alex relented, "But I do want to talk it over with you. About what Ben said."

"Don't look into it or make assumptions. I don't think I blame him for anything he said or did. Maybe I'll know more in the morning. You should let us discuss it before meddling any more." That was sure to end it, Keith was certain.

There was no bouncing back from a blow that heavy. Alex bundled his coat around his arms and shambled down the hall and out of the building. Keith assumed he was going to bed, the lizard must not know his partner at all to believe that.

Alex crawled into his comfort zone behind the wheel of his true love... his Subaru. He knew he was too good in it for anything to happen to him. If something happened anyways, it couldn't hurt worse than his heart already felt. Tires screeched, engine revved, and the quick cat was off to find a sharp turn or empty lot to dominate.

The next morning Keith woke up groaning and alone to a knock at the door. It didn't sound patient, so he only bothered to retrieve a pair of trunks from his pillowcase. It was his go to apparel when sleeping in the nude. His roommate hadn't noticed yet, sometimes he wondered how long the covers would continue to conveniently cover him.

Ben stood on the other side of the peep hole. He looked nearly as tidy as usual. How he could keep all that fur so maintained was beyond Keith. The door opened to let him in, without delay the lion was in the center of the room and his presence took up another few feet.

"Last night can't happen again. I'm sure you realize that," Ben stated. His words were less intense than his body tone.

"Of course; this was a learning experience and now I know for sure that I can't risk getting drunk."

"More than that, I want to take some extra precautions. Your elders vouched that you didn't have any substantial power, that you're not the real thing but I don't trust them to be un-bias. You could burn down Woodstock Village in an instant couldn't you?" he asked referring to the upperclassmen suites, a shanty town of wooden structures meant to be temporary housing nearly 30 years ago.

"Only as much as the next person. I'm not the real thing, if I were the elders wouldn't hide it. I'd be regarded with enough respect to be able to interact with other clans despite our agreements."

Ben didn't like the thought. "Well what exactly are you then? I keep hearing the term ember spirit but nobody seems to know what that really means. Why shouldn't I assume you have full blown fire elemental potential?"

"I don't know, do you really want me trying to find out? I'm no arsonist! I'm not even a firestarter, just a pyrophile with perks. Heck, my parents had a hard time putting a label on it. I'll take it easy but I won't be caged in like the rest of us," Keith spat.

"I want you to see this guy," Ben said handing over a scrap of paper with the name Erik Castella, a phone number, and dorm address on it. "I talked to him earlier today and he might be able to help you define your limits. Or at least put you to work, I don't know the specifics and it sounds like things are better off if it stays that way."

"It sounds like you want to make a guinea pig of me. Who is he"?

"A mage I've been working with," Ben began but was interrupted.

"A mage!? What could possibly make you work with a mage, or think I'd have anything to do with him?" Keith burst out.

Ben continued unphased, "He's into enchanting and his stuff has been useful in keeping you in check. Apparently Erick also has some diagnostic spells. I'd like his opinion on you."

Keith was instinctually furious. As a spirit he was taught that mages were responsible for the suppression and extortion of all naturally occurring magic. As a subject of the Knights he was thoroughly reminded that all magic was a danger to the world..

"How could a knight like you be working with a mage?" The lizard asked again snarling, it could be hard to read his face at times but it was obvious that he was displeased.

"How could a knight like me be working with a spirit?" Ben replied. "It's all for the safety of the furs who don't know the threat of magic. Like those sorority girls."

Ben took his leave. Keith stood dumbfounded in his shiny lime green trunks. His blue tinted tail lay limp beside him stretching for an arm's length, narrow black scales taking in the noontime sun shining in from behind him, and beige belly left exposed. He stood at 5'11 with fair posture, some ribs were hinted at along his sides and a few muscles could be made out while if one were to take a good look.

"I guess I don't have much say, hope this mage isn't all they're cracked up to be," He muttered to himself, trying to be optimistic and open minded but mostly relieved that Ben came to him so soon and collected.