? Broken Strings {A Chaos Theory x Male Reader Story - Ben}

"Alright, listen up." Ben addresses the group, "Good day, no time to waste, so I'll get right to the point."

"Wait, uh..." Yaz glances around, "Where's Sammy?"

"Gia's room." Y/N explains.

"Doing what?" Yaz raises a brow.

"Chilling?" Kenji coddles Smoothie.

"Chilling may be... too strong. She's just, sort of... occupying space at room temperature." Darius explains.

"What he said." Kenji nods.

"Oh." Yasmina pauses, "I thought this was a mandatory meeting."

"It is..." Gia tries, "But--"

"I brought her up to speed on everything already." Ben explains quickly.

"So, what's the plan then?" Yaz sighs.

"Oh! I thought you'd never ask!" Ben grins.

"Multiple missions require multiple plans. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. So, our first mission, is: Operation Malta!"

"Based on our intel, that's where Brooklyn in. Therefore, the Nublar Three, comprised of myself, Yaz and Darius, will drive to the southern tip of Italy, and board a ferry to Malta to begin phase two of the operation." He uses utensils on the table to demonstrate the plan.

"...Phase two?" Darius questions.

"Finding Brooklyn." Ben clarifies.

"Gia and I gamed out all phase two contingencies. What if she's not there? What if she's there but she's been brainwashed? What if she's a sleeper agent and she--"

"Ben." Gia cuts in, "Maybe wait until you're on the road for all 30 contingencies."

"Right." Ben nods.

"The second mission is Operation Stateside. The... other Nublar Three, also known as Sammy, Y/N and Kenji, will fly back to America with Smoothie." He imitates a plane, flying Smoothie over the table.

"So he can be with his real mama, Bumpy." Kenji smiles.

"We bought plane tickets for you guys. You leave the day after tomorrow." Gia explains.

"Gia's neighbor is loaning the three of us his truck, it's a daylong drive to the ferry, so we should leave ASAP." Ben establishes.

"Look alive, people, wheels up in thirty!"

Everyone begins filtering out of the kitchen, Y/N's gaze lingering on Ben for only a second before he grabs Smoothie off the table and heads out behind Kenji.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟

Y/N loads the last box into the back of the truck, unsure what's even inside.

"Stay safe." He turns to Darius.

"You too." Darius smiles, coming in for a hug.

"Take care of Sammy for me, okay?" Yaz trades spots with Darius.

"Will do." Y/N cracks a grin as he hugs her, "And Ben--"

"I will." Yaz nods, patting him on the shoulder before she and Darius get in the car.

Ben glances up at him as he gets into the driver's seat and Y/N can't help but look away.

"Bye." He mutters, "Don't die."

Ben chuckles lightly, "I won't."

Y/N then stands on the sidewalk with Gia, Nonna and Kenji, watching as his friends get in the truck and roll off.

"Cya!" Darius shouts, waving rapidly.

"Al presto!" Ben calls out the window as they disappear down the winding road.

Kenji sighs, turning to Y/N, "Do you think..."

"They'll be fine." Y/N shakes his head, heading for the stairs.