Defending the Mask

Ohana Means

He shakes his head as he walks down the hallway to Cobra's office.

That wasn't embarrassing.

Being told by Carlos to leave.

His exasperated tone.

As if he were the only one having trouble separating.

No. Not embarrassing.

Not at all.

He rolls his eyes as he walks up to the door, his fist hovering over it.

Was he actually the only one still having issues with separating?

But, it had been his idea.

His realization.

His foot down.

They couldn't hide forever.

They couldn't skip counseling.

Or school.

They had a responsibility to be good role models.

Their job was to do everything they could to assist Ben in getting the others.

He was the one who pointed that out and argued that it was time they got back into it.

He was proud of them for agreeing so quickly.

For jumping on his idea that they all needed to get serious about training and practice again.

So then, why was he the one who seemed to be having a hard time?

He grimaces as he knocks.

"Come in," The low baritone greets.

"Hey," he greets as he opens the door.

Hmm. Maybe he should have mentioned to Cobra that he was going to come out for his session today.

"Hello," Cobra laces his fingers together as he leans forward.

"Yeah, I know," He chuckles nervously, "you hate surprises."

"This isn't a surprise." Cobra's lips twitch.

"Oh?" He shrugs as he drops his bag to the floor.

"I heard your gait from down the hall."

"Great." He nods as he rolls his eyes.

That meant he knew how long he stood outside the door too.

Fan-fucking-tasitc.

He clears his throat as he rubs the back of his neck, "So... session. Or training? Or I guess whatever this is both. You are you."

"You get me," Cobra stands and heads for the door.

"Starting to at least," he shrugs as he turns back to follow him.

"Progress is progress."

"We say progress not perfection."

Cobra turns to him, "I like it. Shows you understand no limit to growth."

He trips over his own feet at the sudden burst of laughter.

His own laughter.

He flings his hand out, trying to catch himself on the wall.

But misses.

Before he faceplants into the carpeted hallway he feels hands catch him.

And yet he couldn't stop laughing.

Hard.

The sound ripping from his throat as if it were escaping a cage.

Fuck.