“I feel like I’m living a celebrity life, Tobby.” says Ben.



“That’s putting it nicely.” His friend replies, flapping a sloppy sandwich in the air.



Ben finally can’t keep up the optimism. His figure freezes. “Those rats. How could they spread such rumors about me?”



“It’s verified. The rumors have graduated to cold hard facts a long time ago.” Tobby folds the bread in four and diligently squishes the cube into his mouth.



Ben flounces. “Are you actually rooting for the foes?”



“Not exactly. You see, balance is the key to everything. I’m on the fence.” A tiny gloop flicks out of his mouth and onto Ben’s forehead.



Ben gives an ugly scowl, “Yeah? Well hold on, I’ll soon join you on the fence so that we’re a team again.”



Tobby sighs, his sandwich breath hitting the air. “Those aren’t rumors, Ben. You do have gym socks breath.”



“Did Reece tell you that? I knew it! That cleanliness freak.”



“Cleanliness freak?”



“That’s him! He brushes his teeth twice a day! Jesus, can you believe that? Twice!”



Tobby pauses while Ben calms his breath and continues, “Why do social butterflies always think that they have the right to spread nasty rumors anyway?”



“Because they have the capability to. Or maybe the rumors aren’t just rumors......” Tobby has started chewing again.



Ben jabs at the table, “This calls for a re-evaluation. Are you backing me or what?”



“On the fence. I’m a balanced citizen.”



“I can join you on the fence.”



“But that’d be abandoning your own side of ground.”



A flick of a movement flashes across Ben’s face and for a second, Tobby thought he saw his mate baring his teeth.



Ben seems indifferent now, however. “If I had Thor’s hammer, know what I’d do?” he asks.



“Slam it in my face.”



Ben crosses his arms into a big X, “Bzzt. Incomplete answer. Slam it right through your ratty skull, AND, have every, single, bone of yours crushed to pathetic smithereens.”



Tobby halts his chewing for the second time.



Ben slaps him on the shoulder, “We can’t just let your skull have it all.” He leans in, his mouth nearly kissing Tobby’s ear, and roars, “SINCE BALANCE IS THE KEY TO EVERYTHING, RIGHT?!”



