#para5

Benji knocked on the door of Franco's trailer; he had barged in many times before, but things were a little different now. In the last few weeks, his relationship with Franco had evolved from one of hatred and of using, to one of something resembling friendship--possibly something even more than that based on the way Franco reacted earlier that week to Benji possibly going on a date with someone else... If Benj was honest with himself, he didn't quite know where this relationship was going, but as long the two of them continued to make progress, he also didn't mind. He enjoyed spending time with Franco. He knocked a second time, a bouquet of dahlias hidden behind his back.

Franco had been getting ready but it was a slow process. He didn't know what the heck was going on with Benji and it had him all confused but he was going to enjoy it whilst it lasted. He'd made sure to dress a bit better this time, still wearing long sleeves to hide his track marks. He'd taken a hit that morning and slept most of the day but has time to shower and spray Dares aftershave before hearing the door. He opened or and smiled at Benji, "Hey babe" he said smiling down at him.

Benji playfully rolled his eyes at the 'babe' to draw attention away from the blush on his face. "Surprise," he said softly, pulling the bouquet of Dahlias from behind his back. "I know I was probably supposed to keep up the roses thing, but... Dahlias are pretty too. And they're Italian," he added, a playful smirk on his face. "For someone who 'doesn't do dates', you clean up well," he teased, jutting the flowers out towards him.

Franco smirked at the flowers, "As much as I appreciate them I'm not sure how you got the impression I'm a flower man". He to the flowers and placed them in the sink, running the water and filling it a little so they wouldn't die whilst he was out. He then headed to the door and smiled, closing it behind him, "So, we ready to do this again? Please no misbehaving under the table" he said, smiling at Benji.

"You've never heard of the 'give boys more flowers' initiative? Everyone likes flowers," Benji called after Franco, happy to see that he planned to take care of them. "Cross my heart," Benji replied, starting to walk. "We're having a regular, wholesome date. ...at least until we leave the restaurant," he teased, offering his hand for Franco to take.

Franco raised an eyebrow, "What would give you the impression I'd know anything about that" he laughed. He walked alongside Benji and then saw his outstretched hand, unsure for a minute what to do. He'd not publically been with someone in a long time. He shrugged shoulders and took Benji's hand, interlocking their fingers together, "You know how crazy that drove me last time" he smirked

Beni smiled to himself when Franco took his hand, starting to swing their arms as they walked. "Well, after as lovely of a date as we had, it would've been rude of me not to bring you back to my apartment. ...Guess that rule doesn't exist anymore," he added, smiling. "So. Where are we going, anyway? I said you get to pick."

Franco felt some form on contentment. Whether because Benji was here was why, he couldn’t be sure. He smiled, “I mean, if you hadn’t have taken me back after your performance at the table, I would never have agreed to a second date” he laughed, feeling genuinely happy. He smiled, “Cute little Chinese place in town” he answered, “I was craving a Chinese”

"Still no Greek, huh?" Benji teased, soaking up this moment between them. "I'm gonna take you to that Greek place someday even if it kills you, Francie." When they arrived at the restaurant, Benji held the door open for his companion, his other hand still intertwined in Franco's. Once inside, he walked up to the hostess stand to put down their name. "Two for Karofsky, plea--Oh. Hey, Toph. I didn't know you were working today."

Topher had been relaxing as much as he could before a very familiar voice yanked him off his usual story creating train of thought. His blue eyed gaze immediately locked on Benji and Franco. ‘What the actual hell?’ It took a moment or two for him to remember that he had a job to do and appearances to keep up, so the former Serpent gave a friendly smile along with a shrug. 

"Yeah, surprise for me too. Offered to cover for a coworker so they could celebrate their birthday in peace," he responded as he made notes. An odd cocktail of emotions poured into his heart as he reached over to grab two menus. "Please follow me and would you like a booth or table?"

Francos eyes widened when he realised who his server was. Why did it have to be Topher of all people. He was not on enough drugs for this. He looked down at the floor, wanting to avoid all eye contact as he grabbed Benji’s hand and leant in whispering, “We can go elsewhere ”. He didn’t need confrontation right now, he’d lied about Tophers sexuality, in part cause he wanted Benji for himself, even if he convinced himself it was so he wouldn’t out the lad

"Table, please. Thanks, Top--" Benji replied, cut off by Franco pulling him. "What? No. You wanted Chinese. Don't worry, Franc. I'm fine," he assured, thinking Franco wanted to leave for his sake. Sure, it was awkward that the boy he was still in love with was their restaurant host, but Benji saw the beginnings of something great happening between him and Franco. If this is what they had to do in order for him to finally start getting over his feelings for Toph, he was willing. 

 "Don't worry about me. I'm here with you," he whispered, giving Franco's hand a squeeze.

Topher gave a nod and started to lead the way towards a nearby table. He had to focus on his job right now, not give in to whatever emotions demanded for attention. Then he could head home and play video games or his guitar until sleep finally took hold. His control seemed to getting shakier by the day for mysterious reasons, yet the youngest Pierce tried to make sure nobody could notice. The less people who worried about him, the better. 

Once he picked a suitable table that was within his line of sight, the menus were set down and he pulled the chairs out for Benji as well as Franco. "Here you go and your waiter or waitress will be here in a New York minute."

Franco felt terrible. He didn't even know that Topher worked in this restaurant and if he did, he'd never have suggested it. He had his own history, Benji had his crush and lord knows what Tophs deal was. He followed Toph and sat down, "Dude, you ain't gunna serve us?" He asked, a smirk plastered across his face as his dick attitude got the better of him. He knew Benji wouldn't be pleased so he refused to look at him.

Benji kicked Franco under the table, not hard enough to hurt, but definitely hard enough for him to feel it. "He's not a server, he's a host. Hosts don't wait on people," Benji stressed, not sure what had gotten into Franco. "Thanks," Benji replied, not looking at Topher when he did; he was determined to keep his attention on Franco and not let his mind wander because he knew that if it did, there was only one person he'd end up thinking about--probably not a good idea when on your second date with someone else. 

 "Wanna share an appetizer?" Benji offered Franco, not even bothering to wait until Toph left.

Now, that definitely rubbed him the wrong way for a multitude of reasons. Still, Topher made sure the polite smile remained on his face as he started to walk away. "Anytime and as Benji pointed out, I don't do the serving. But just like your waiter or waitress, I'll also swing by at a really inconvenient time. Other than that though, have a great meal," he responded then continued on his way back to his station. 

All the while, that pesky mixture of emotions practically begged to be addressed. For some reason, his heart ached at the fact that Benji had come here on a date. Even if he hoped that his best friend and Franco got along well, would treat each other like kings, that did nothing at all to lessen the blow. Topher's grip on his cane tightened as the anger as well as sadness coursed through him, yet he just sat down in the chair behind the host's podium and tried to push past all of these conflicting feelings.

Franco rolled his eyes as Topher walked away and sighed, “Well this couldn’t be any more awkward if I tried” he commented, looking down at the table, “Had I known he’d be here, I wouldn’t have bothered with this restaurant”. He knew Topher worked here, knew there was a possibility but still he went for it and hoped it was his night off. Now he had Benji who he had feels for and Topher he’d lied about both in the same room, “I kinda wanna go home but sure, I’ll share an appetiser. Lord knows I have not really eaten since our last date”.

"Why did you say that, Franc? That was so rude." Benji questioned. Even though he kept his voice soft, the anger in his tone was impossible to ignore. He didn't understand what had gotten into to Franco. Just the other day, the made real progress, but, at the appearance of Topher, all the progress seemed to melt away. 

 Benji sighed, trying not to let Franco's behavior affect him. He knew dating Franco wouldn't be a walk in the park, especially at first. With everything going on in the other man's life, Benji didn't mind giving him a little leeway. "Don't do that again," he stressed, staring Franco in the eyes, before he finally softened back to his regular demeanor and began looking at the menu. 

"We can stop by campus and get you more food before I walk you home tonight--" he placed his hand on the table, offering it for Franco to hold as he looked at the menu. "How about crabmeat wontons or a set of eggrolls? Maybe both?"

Franco shrugged his shoulders and looked down at the table, “I don’t normally eat at fancy restaurants dude, why the hell would I know his job is to show me my table”. Seeing a Topher had put him in a bit of a bad mood, worried he would now be sharing Benji with the younger man. 

Franco raised an eyebrow at the next order, “Or what? You’ll teach me a lesson like you did at the last restaurant we were in? Might be a bit awkward given the circumstances”. He noticed the tone in Benji’s voice and he’d hoped Benji noticed his. It was almost cold, like he was starting to shut off again. 

 Franco looked at Benji’s hand but didn’t take it. He didn’t know how to react in this situation. Benji loved Topher and he’d lied about Tophers sexuality. He nodded, “Yeah I’ll have whatever. I’m easy dude”.

Benji blinked, staring at Franco for a moment. As if Franco didn't feel odd enough before, his coldness made things feel even worse. He wasn't quite sure why Topher working where they were eating seemed to revert Franco back to his old ways so much, but Benji wasn't standing for it. The two of them had made too much progress for him to just let a little lashing out ruin everything the two had worked for so far. 

"Franc..." Benji started, his voice soft this time, "I get it. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have gotten all stern with you. You're obviously not in the mood..." he bit his lip, trying to figure out what exactly was wrong. "If you really want to leave, we can. We can go wherever you want. I want this to be a memorable second date. ...because I want there to be a lot more than two dates with you," he admitted, his hand still open for Franco to take. "I... I know I'm damaged goods right now, but I'm really enjoying being with you and I want this to be something. Please don't shut me out."

Franco listened to Benji’s words, his face staring down at Benji’s hand, debating on taking it or leaving. He sighed, “It’s got nothing to do with my mood and everything to do with the fact that, you love him” he sighed, “And if that boy decided one day he was gay, I’d be dropped so hard that....” he paused and finally took Benji’s hand, “... You have no right to talk about damaged goods when you know the hell ibe been through and I’m not prepared to let myself just get... hurt again”.

"What is it with you and Marley," Benji replied. His voice was still low, but he couldn't prevent an exhausted laugh from leaving his lips. "Franco, sexuality doesn't work that way. Besides, you know he's straight.”

He looked down at he and Franco's hand for a minute, then lifted it up to his lips, giving it a small kiss. "It's taken me years, but I'm ready to move on. And I want to move on with you. Don't... don't let impossible hypotheticals get in your brain and push me away. Please."

Franco gulped, he didn't know how long he could keep this damn secret. He knew he had to otherwise he would lose Benji but it was breaking him. He nodded, "It really does. I didnt know I was gay until I'd fallen in love". 

 He raised his eyes to watch Benji kiss his hand, "Benji, you don't want to move on with me" he said quietly. He knew his life wasn't going to get easier. His drugs consumption had gotten worse and he was already dependent, "Nothings impossible Benji and at the end of the day, one of us ends up hurt. The odds aren't in my favour here".

"I do, Franc," Benji assured, not taking no for an answer. 

 He took both of his hands and wrapped it around Franco's one hand, trying to keep the other man's attention. "Do you..." he couldn't help but laugh slightly as he continued, "Do you understand how wild you make me, Franc? You drive me up the wall. With both the good and the bad. You know how to push every button I have and it drives me mad, but when you want to be... when you're not putting up all these walls... you're also one of the sweetest guys I have ever met. Of course I want you." He kissed Franco's hand again. "Let me. Please."

Franco knew what he was doing. He knew his walls were starting to come back up. He wanted to open up, to tell Benji he wanted to much more from their relationship but he didn't know how. "I'm far from being a sweet guy. I push you deliberately just to get a reaction. I'm the biggest asshole in this town and yet here you are wanting more. Why?"

"Stop it," Benji replied, probably a little more sternly than he would have liked. "Don't shut me out." He sighed, "When I almost went on a date with that guy from Tinder, you were legitimately upset. It showed me that you really saw the potential of something coming out of this. Just like I did. Don't lie to me and say you acted that way deliberately. Franc... just let me in. Please."

Franco shook his head, "I make the same mistake everytime by allowing myself to 'fall' for someone who is just.... That's meant to mean nothing. I don't want you to pretend like you wanna be with me if I'm just gunna be second best to him" he revealed, his emotions faltering as he let go on Benji's hand

“HaShem...” Benji muttered, putting his head in his hands. He lifted his head back up and rubbed his temples. “Am I speaking Hebrew here? I want to be with you, Franco. I wouldn’t have brought you here... I wouldn’t have broken all the ‘rules’ we agreed on... I wouldn’t have done any of this if I didn’t want to be with you. And... just because I’m getting over my feelings... that doesn’t make you second best. I’m trying to move on for the first time because I want to be with you. How is that second best?”

Franco didn't know why he was struggling with this but being here and around Topher was killing him because he knew the truth. Knew how much it would hurt Benji if he found out that he'd lied for selfish gain. He nodded at the words, "Yeah course, sorry but I'm not good at this dating thing. I'm good meaningless one night stands" he had a boyfriend before but they had broken up and now he'd been a victim of the Black Hood, "Just, you have to promise me that, you won't just leave if he changes his mind".

“Franc, you’re the one who told me Topher’s straight. Where is this ‘if he changes his mind’-thing coming from?” He sighed slightly, then offered his hand for Franc to take. “Franc. I’m in this for the long run. I promise.”

Franco sighed and nodded, "I just, I'm worried about it. You two are best friends and Ive been guilty of falling in love with my best friend before". He took Benji's hand again and smiled, "I need a cigarette" he said, sliding his chair back and standing up, "I'll be back soon". 

He walked up to the door, walking past Topher as he did and stopped, "Dude, you gotta tell that boy the truth" he muttered, "It's not fair and I'm fed up lying about it" and he walked outside, lighting a cigarette as he leant against the wall, staring up at the sky.

Topher had just managed to capture all of his wayward emotions and lock them back up when Franco's voice grabbed his attention. "The truth doesn't always set you free though and for the love of everything holy, it's not the right time," he muttered. Still, the idea that any of his loved ones were suffering because of his own actions definitely managed to hit home. With those thoughts, he pushed himself up and headed over to the table. 

"Hey Ben," the former Serpent simply greeted as he pulled up a chair across from his best friend. Courage flickered in and out of his heart, not unlike a faulty light. Eventually, he'd have to say something or arrange a different time for it, but tonight was all about being the supportive friend. "How's the date going?"

"Hey, Toph..." Benji said, too full of emotion to hide the confusion in his voice. He stared down at his hands for a second before finally shrugging and looking up. "I don't know," he admitted, "I... thought things were going well with Franc. I'm really starting like him. But now he's just... randomly acting really weird, and I don't know why." He sighed, looking at his friend for support. "Do you think I'm doing something wrong?"

Topher arched an eyebrow when Benji's question hit his ears and he couldn't help a light chuckle. "Sorry, I shouldn't be laughing, but the answer is hell no. You're not doing anything wrong by my standards," he answered. He leaned just a hint closer then added, "Truth be told, you guys look like you go really well together. Can't really see a reason why there would be trouble in paradise." Except he knew there was trouble and that he was the cause of it. "Just out of curiosity though and only if you don't mind saying, what kind of weirdness?"

Benji looked at Topher, then bit his lip and looked down. He debating telling Topher the truth--that Franco knew he was in love with someone else, in love with Topher, at that, and that probably had something to do with his weirdness. 

"He's just... he's worried I'm gonna leave him if... a specific thing happens. .. But it's basically impossible, and I don't know why he's so stuck on it."

"Some what if scenarios are so powerful, that they demand our complete attention at all times," Topher remarked. "Happens to the best of us. Of course, not all of them are terrible, but that's for a different time." He glanced down at the table and lazily started to tap his fingers against it as the debate over telling the truth continued. It's too soon. No, it's just the right time. 

"This probably isn't the most comforting thing to be reminded of and I hate playing devil's advocate, but impossible things happen everyday. Like I said though, not all of these things are terrible. You guys just need to prove to each other that you're in it to win it, it being the relationship," he stated then pushed himself up. "But I better get back to my station before my boss finds out I left. Before I forget though, I've been meaning to tell you for the longest time that I'm gay." That said, Topher gave his usual two fingered salute of goodbye then proceeded to walk away.

Franco walked back into the restaurant, his body feeling heavy and tired. The air outside had made him feel dizzy, lack of food being the main problem. He wandered back past Tophers station, not sure what the conversation between the two had been but his mind was fried and he wanted to pretend he wasn’t walking back to the end of this relationship. He sat back down and looked over at Benji, “You OK babe?”

Topher's bombshell came so suddenly that it took Benji a moment to even process it. "You... wha--" Benji started, only to be cut off by Franco coming back. He blinked before turning to Franco. "I... I don't know," he admitted. "I... Topher.... He...." he stumbled, still trying to process what just happened.

Franco took a deep breath, Topher had listened to him and he nodded. He gulped and leant back in his seat, as far away from Benji as he could, “I know” he breathed, “Ive known for a long time” he added, looking down at the table trying to hide the hurt from what he expected to happen.

"You knew?" Benji blinked, trying to process all the information being thrown at him. "What do you mean you knew? And how long is 'a long time'?"

Franco couldn't look at Benji, he didn't want to lose him, "He came to see me when I was recovering from the kidnapping and he kissed me to help him work it all out". He bit down on his lip, "I promised I wouldn't tell anyone. I didn't want to out him. That's not my business".

Benji took a breath, then shook his head. "No. No," he started, leaning forwards towards him. "That I understand. But that's not what you did. You told me at every turn that he was straight. You..." he put his head in his hands for a second, trying not to let his temper get the better of him. "You convinced me to keep fucking you because you 'knew he was straight and I needed to get over him'. I... Here I am, really starting to like you, and you're telling me that you've been purposely lying to me this whole time?"

Franco shook his head, “I didn’t want to lie to you Benji” he said, finally looking up, his eyes wet with tears that hadn’t quite started to fall, “I just kept telling you that cause, if I didn’t, I would have told you he was gay and that’s not my place”. He shook his head, “Maybe originally I wanted it was a selfish gain but now, I already told you tonight I’m falling for you and I am and that’s why I told Topher to tell you the truth” and he blinked, a tear rolling down his face

Benji lifted his head and looked at Franco. He had never seen him so vulnerable and although he was furious that he was lying to him, it didn't change the fact that Benj meant everything he had told Franco earlier in the night. Gently, he wiped the tear from Franco's face with his thumb and placed his hand on top of Franco's. "...How do I know you're not gonna lie to me anymore?" he questioned softly.

Franco let Benji brush away the first tear but more came. He felt terrible, felt like he was losing a war. His hands had began shaking again and he wanted a fix do bad right now. He didn't care that Benji would finally feel the shakes, "I just won't lie to you again but it's not fair for me to expect you to keep doing this now. You love him Benji".

Benji scoffed, rolling his eyes slightly. "Of course I love him, Franc," he placed his other hand on Franco's as well, trying to calm what he thought were nervous shakes. "But just because he's gay... why would I think that's gonna mean he'll love me back? If I think like that, I'm gonna waste another 6 years of my life chasing a fantasy while I've got someone who I'm really starting to like right in front of me." He picked up Franco's hand and clasped it between his two hands before giving it a kiss. "Stop shaking, Babe. I'm not mad at you. I promise."

Franco watched as Benji held his hands, his shakes getting harder. He knew the only way to stop them was to calm down or get a fix and only one of them would stop him completely. He gulped and sighed, “I just don’t want us to get somewhere down the line and Topher says he loves you too and you end up leaving me for him” he explained, his voice broken, “I can’t stop the shaking, happens every time since... well you know, since what happened”.

"Franc..." he leaned across the table and cupped Franco's cheek before pulling him into a gentle kiss. "I'm not going anywhere. I don't know how many times I can say it," he whispered, "...How can I calm you down? Do we need to go back to my apartment?"

Franco felt himself start to calm a little when Benji kissed him but he knew going back to Benji’s was not the long term solution to his problem, “I’m just not sure that you’ll want me if the chance to have him arises”. He shook his head, “I haven’t eaten properly for a few days. I need food” he lied

"Franc, I don't know how to get you to believe me... why can't you just trust me?" Benji pleaded, letting his finger rub against Franco's hand. "Okay. We'll wave down a waiter and order then. I'm starving too."

Franco looked around and he could see people were looking. He hid his head and dipped it down, staring at the floor, “Cause guys like you don’t normally go around with guys like me” he commented, “Can we eat quick though? I need to go home”

"Stop it," Benji chided playfully. "Oh," he blinked, caught off guard by Franco suddenly needing to go, "Well... if it's easier, I could come over and make something?"

Franco gulped, this was the issue with dating. He couldn’t just play off needing to leave. He willed his hands to stop shaking and shook his head, “No, no it’s fine, we can eat here I just, I’m not feeling so good” he lied again.

Benji closed his eyes for a moment, then nodded. "No. I get it. I'm sorry. I'm... being clingy," he sighed, "Today's been a lot emotion-wise and you're not feeling well. I understand. ...We can postpone, and I'll just walk you home?"

Franco shook his head, “Please dude, I just wanna eat” he said, “I just need some food” he repeated. It wasn’t a lie but it wasn’t 100% truthful either.

Benji nodded furiously. "Right. Right. I'm sorry. I just... this was a lot. ...Still trying to take it all in," he admitted, flagging down a waiter.

Franco let Benji order the food for them, not caring about what would be given to him. He just needed to get some food in him and the go home. He smiled at Benji, “I’m sorry I lied to you” he breathed, “It was shitty of me”.

"I forgive you," Benji replied, happy that all the drama was seemingly out of the way at this point. "But... I wanna date someone I can trust. No more lies, okay?"

Franco nodded and smiled, “No more lies” he confirmed.

Benji put his hand on Franco's, then bit his lip. "...Does that mean we can stop lying to everyone else too?"

Franco sighed, “Make it official you mean?” He asked, “I guess that’s OK”.

Benji smiled, then pulled Franco into a kiss.

As Topher approached their table in order to ask how things were going and deliver some very reluctant news, his train of thought came to a screeching halt when he noticed that they were kissing. Guess they solved their problems after all. The patron at his side cleared their throat and snapped him right back to reality. "Go back to your seat please," the former Serpent whispered with a glare. "You try telling your friends something they don't want to hear." 

 A few moments later, Topher cleared his own throat as he stated, "Hey, Ben and Franco. I really hate to do this, but my boss is making me kick you guys out. One of our so called loyal customers came up and started complaining our ears off when they noticed what was happening over here, said they were uncomfortable or whatever."

Franco felt like he’d been hit in the stomach at Tophers words. People were really still upset about things like this. He felt his hands clench into fists as he tilted his head to the side, “Cause two men are kissing?” He asked, wanting to double check he was right, “Which customer has a problem huh? Are they brave enough to say they got a problem to my face?” By this point he was stood up, looking around the restaurant, and angry... extremely angry

"Nope! No, no, no, no, no," Benji begged, shooting up and grabbing Franco's hand. "Understood. Our bad. Thanks, Toph," he quickly said before turning back to his boyfriend. "Franc... Baby. It's okay. We'll get burgers on the way home instead, okay?" he cooed, rubbing his hand up and down Franco's arm in an attempt to diffuse the situation.

"You're welcome and trust me guys, that customer got an earful from me and will continue to get one as the night goes on," Topher vowed. His gaze temporarily bounced over to the offending patron's table and gave the dirtiest look possible before his attention drifted back to his friends as he allowed his expression to soften. "I know it's not my fault, but I'm still extremely sorry in a way words can't say. Talk to you guys later if you want and I hope you have an awesome rest of your night." Sure, his feelings were all tangled up in a Gordian knot, but his friends and their feelings still took precedence.

Franco didn’t budge, “You want me to believe that you tried to tell them no?” He asked. He was hungry, he was tired and he just wanted to eat but now, he was being told no, “I ordered food and I want my food”. He looked at Benji and shook his head, “Don’t bow down to it, let them fess up”.

"Franc, stop it." Benji snapped before looking at Topher, pleading with eyes for him to help in some way. He was too emotionally exhausted to get upset himself; in a way, maybe getting kicked out was a good thing. "Toph, if we wait in the lobby, can we at least get our food? Please?"

"Yeah, I've already got them working on it right now. Also, I'm going to pretend that I didn't hear the clear lack of faith when it comes to my loyalty. Check your social media or the restaurant rankings when you get the chance. That fucker said they're more than happy to expose my clear inability to work with people or whatever other stupid remark popped into their head," Topher answered. "I'll bring your food out to the lobby and again, I'm extremely sorry."

Franco shook his head and scoffed, “You know, with customers like that, maybe I don’t wanna eat here after all” he turned to walk away before spinning back around, “Stick your food and you loyalty up your ass Topher” and he left, racing outside for a cigarette his anger pulsing through him as he kicked a wall

Benji had to let go of Franco’s hand as he stormed off to prevent Franc from pulling him out with him. Shaken up, he stared at Topher for a moment while he processed what just happened. “I… I’m so sorry, Toph. I’ll... I’ll cashapp you however much the bill was, okay?” He offered, dashing out behind Franco before he got an answer. 

“Franc!” Benji called, catching up to him outside. “Babe, please calm down... I shouldn’t have kissed you in public. Don’t get mad at anyone but me.”

Topher was about to remark that there was no need, that he'd be more than happy to take care of it. However, both of them were out the door before he could say a word and regret was quick to pour into his heart as he realized what he'd said as well as who he'd said it to. All the same, the former Serpent headed for the kitchens in order to cancel the order then for his boss' office in order to say that he'd be right back, but he had to handle something. 

 It took him a tad bit longer to get outside, but once he did, the youngest Pierce stood a respectable distance away from Benji and Franco. "I've got your bill covered and please don't pay me back. Consider it a thanks and an apology to both of you," he addressed then started to make his way back inside. As he did so, something else popped into his head, but he decided to save it for later. Something told him that whatever that other thing was, it wasn't as important as everything else.

Franco saw red when he saw Topher come outside, “Benji is meant to be your best friend and yet, you come and kick us out for being gay”. He turned his attention to the wall behind him and, the anger burst as he punched it, “We are meant to be your friends and you just stood there and let it happen as think it’s OK cause you’ll pay for the meal we didn’t even get to eat”. His body was shaking again, his voice broken from heightened emotions, “You talk about loyalty, that wasn’t loyalty” and as he shouted the last word, he punched the wall once more.

"Franc!" Benji yelled, hugging him from behind. "Franc, please... Calm down... he's just doing his job... Please..." he begged, hugging him tighter as he spoke softly. "We can go wherever you want, okay? Ice cream... Italian... We can just go back to my apartment and I'll make you Italian food if you want. Just... please..." he kissed Franc's neck, trying to calm him down.

Topher had heard plenty of what Franco said and unfortunately, so did plenty of other patrons as well as his boss. She'd taken him aside, told him to grab his stuff and head home for the night. His shift was over anyway, the other host had just come in. So, he did just that then started to head outside once more. He made way to his car and loaded his stuff in the backseat, but turned to face Benji and Franco before he got in. 

"Franco, I'm well aware that I'm a rat bastard. After all, I left the Serpents because my fucked up view outweighed my loyalty. I know that you and Benji deserve a better friend than me. But I'm still trying to change, to be better. So, whenever you want, name your price in order to make things up to you guys. Not tonight though. Spend the rest of it together, try to turn what started as the night from hell into a memory you're proud to have," Topher responded. With all of that said, the youngest Pierce turned around in order to get in the driver's seat and start the car.

Franco found that having Benji's arms around him did calm him a little and the kisses certainly helped. He turned and nodded into the hug, pushing Benji away when he felt somewhat calmer. His hands were still shaking but he thought he would be OK until Topher reemerged, "Name my price?" he shouted across the lot, "How about you tell the truth a few months before you did huh? Don't stand there acting like the supportive encouraging friend when I have literally lied through my teeth to the one man I trust for you". He took a deep breath and turned, punching the wall once more before his fist dropped and he clutched his hand,  his knuckles bleeding and his hand painful, "Fucking bullshit" he shouted into the night and at Topher's car.

"Franc!" Benji yelled, hugging and kissing him from behind again. "Toph, I'll text you later!" he shouted, too preoccupied with Franco to realize Topher probably couldn't hear him. "Just tell me where you want to go,  Babe. I'll take you. Please..." he offered, not sure how else to calm him back down. "Wanna just go back to your trailer? I can make you food there!"

"Alright, Franco, that's fucking enough," Topher growled after he'd gotten out of his car and started across the parking lot once again. "Again, you're just spouting off stuff that we already know, but I wasn't fucking acting. When I'm friends with someone, I've got their back to the end of the line and will fight for them, even if it's a losing battle. Now, I'm all out of fucks and damns to give if you believe me or not. What you need to do right now though is place your attention elsewhere. Tell Benji where you want to go, he'll take you, and you guys have a grand rest of your night." 

Blue eyes still ablaze with anger and tone still annoyingly even, he added, "And thank you for keeping up the lie, if that means anything. Call or text me later, either of you, we can hash things out when we've calmed down. Or don't, whatever floats your boat. Lord knows there's enough negativity in this town without some petty drama and bad blood. But allow me to apologize now. For whatever fucking crimes I've committed against you guys, past or present, I'm sorry from the bottom of my heart. For the final time, good night, and I sincerely wish you both the best."

Franco's jaw dropped at Topher's word, "Acting is exactly what you were fucking doing Christopher" he spat back, "If I hadn't left to smoke and told you to go and tell him what was really going on, you wouldn't have even been fucking man enough to do it. You know where I wanna go? I wanna go right here, right the fuck now" he shouted, walking towards Topher, stopping just short of him, "You think you're the big hard man now? Think just cause you finally got some balls to use your mouth you can take me huh?" 

Franco shook his head, "It means nothing to me. You committed no crimes you stupid idiot except dragging Benji into this" and he stepped forward again, his hands balled into fists, "He's not the one with the problem, I'm the one with the fucking problem? You wanna fix it? We do this serpent style, man to man, fist to fist".

When Franco moved towards Topher, Benji lost his balance and fell backwards. By the time he regained his footing and stood back up, Franco was already threatening to fight Topher. 

"Alright. This stops now!" Benji yelled, his adrenaline getting the better of him. He ran up to Franco and wrapped his arm around his waist, pinning him there by locking his arm in place with the other elbow. "Franc... I've tried to be nice. You have to calm down. Right. Now. Because the rest of the pins I know aren't this nice," he demanded, his voice low, but stern.

"And for you," he called to Topher, "Yes, he's upset. But you know this isn't the way to handle it. Emotions are high, but you and I both know that that's your strong point. Be "annoyingly calm"-Topher. We'll talk the rest out later."

Topher's mouth opened then closed a few times as the Serpent grit from his mom and gentlemanly politeness from his dad fought a close match, but before he could accept the challenge, Benji had the upper hand. A silent prayer was sent up to whatever higher power was listening along with a silent curse for not handling it sooner. He barely managed to stop himself from poking his tongue out at Franco in what would have been an obnoxiously childish move and instead settled for casting his gaze as the remorse set in. "Sounds like a plan to me," the youngest Pierce agreed. 

All the same, even with the potential for danger temporarily erased, his heartbeat never went back to it's original pace. If anything, it had all the more reason to speed up. That serene, annoying calm didn't disappear for a moment though as Topher's attention went right back to Benji and Franco as he gave the same old two fingered salute. "Feel free to come over to my mom's at anytime in order to talk things over," he stated as the slow turn away started once more.

Franco looked down at Benji's hands around his waist. He was angry and no holding him was going to calm him down. He could feel his fists shaking, his breathing becoming unsteady as he brought his hands to Benji's arms and pulled them apart, breaking free of the grip as he waltzed over to Topher. 

Upon reaching Topher he lunged forward and shoved his back, "You said you wanted to fight, then fight. Fight me like a fucking man Topher, don't turn your fucking back on me" he said, giving another hard shove, pain shooting through his hand as he pushed Topher's back so he fell to his knees, "Come on, get up" he shouted down at the younger man.

"GUYS!" Benji screamed, racing after Franco as soon as he re-found his balance. Not caring about hurting him anymore, he grabbed Franco's arm and pinned it behind his back before lowering him to the ground. "We. Are. DONE. WITH. THIS," Benji boomed at both of them, keeping Franco tightly pinned this time. "CHRIS. GO. HOME. NOW."

If anything, Topher wished something more poetic than a bout of cursing worthy of embarrassing military personnel had escaped as his knees made contact with the pavement. He managed to fumble for his cane in the darkness then slowly pull himself up. Pure rage filled up his gaze for split seconds, yet the 18 year old only started to head for his car once more as Benji's command finally registered. Any witty remarks immediately died in his throat, as did any more attempts at preventing a severing of ties. Once he was inside, Topher closed his eyes as he took deep breaths and reluctantly gave everything that had just happened a chance to settle in.

Franco winced as his arm was pulled behind his back and Benji put him on the floor. He knew this was the end of the fight and he couldn't get out of this grip so, trying to calm himself down, he put his head to the floor, his breathing ragged, "Benji, get the fuck off me and let me walk away" he said quietly, restraint being one thing he couldn't cope with, "Please babe, get off me" he almost begged.

"I'm sorry, Babe..." Benji whispered, letting go of Franco's arm and sitting down on the ground before pulling Franc into his arms. "I know it triggers you, but I didn't know another way to take you down that wouldn't hurt you..." he explained, rocking Franco in his arms as he spoke. "Toph has a cane, Franc... You have to calm down... That was too much." He kissed Franco's forehead gently. "Please, Babe? Please calm down?"

Franco fell into Benji's arms and nodded, "You can't do that to me Benj, you know you can't" he breathed, "I know I'm dick but he was pissing me off. The dudes an asshole and I know I shouldn't have pushed him but the cane made no difference. I didn't do it cause of the cane, I would have done it too any one". He accepted the kiss but pushed himself away, "Please, I wanna go home... alone".

Benji let Franco push himself away, but he wasn't going to let their conversation stop there. "So I was supposed to let you beat him up? Franc, you have to tell me how to defuse you without hurting you..." He sighed. "...Sure. So much for our date, I guess..."

Franco shook his head, "No... Yes... Fuck. I don't know Benji. I don't even know how to defuse myself let alone let you do it. You could have gotten hurt too" he snapped, "You can thank your best friend Topher for our fantastic date" he added sarcastically.

"Stop it..." Benji whispered, his voice breaking as he started to cry; he rarely cried, but today had been too much for even him to handle. His best friend, and the love of his life, hated him, his date had been ruined by a homophobe's complaint, two of the people he cared most about had just exchanged verbal and physical blows, and now his boyfriend was yelling at him just for trying to make sure no one got hurt--he couldn't win. "Just... stop it, Franc. ...Please."

It was like seeing Benji cry made something in his change and he gulped, rushing over to him and kneeling down next to him, "Benj, please don't cry" he begged, "Please, I don't know what to do if you cry" he admitted.

Benj waved Franco off, wiping his eyes with the back of his other hand. "It's... it's fine," he lied, his voice catching at the end. "Let's... let's just take you home, okay?"

Franco didn't move and for the first time in their relationship, he made the first move and leant forward, wrapping his arms around Benji as he knelt next to him, "Babe, please don't cry" he begged again, "Come on, don't cry, please"

As soon as Franco hugged him, Benji broke down, unable to keep himself from sobbing into Franco's shoulder. "I-I just wanted us to... t-to have a good date... A-And... A-And now Topher's mad at me... and our d-date's ruined... a-and you're pissed... and the two people I care about h-hate each other!"

Franco didn't know what he was meant to do. He'd never really had anyone cry on him. He held Benji and whispered sweet nothings in his ear, "I'm sorry. I promise I'll speak to him when I'm calmer baby, please just stop crying".

Benji sniffled wildly, keeping his face against Franco's shoulder until he finally calmed back down. He kept his arms around Franco, but pulled back enough to blink away the last of his tears. "...P-Promise?"

Franco nodded and wiped away the tears on Benji’s face, “I promise. I just don’t wanna do it when I’m still mad” he said, “Come on, let’s go and get Pops or something”.