For Hellseher

[the_horror]

Ben was alive and feeling amazing. He had jumped off a building with Klaus's encouragement (Okay so Klaus said NOT to after he did it, but oh well) and ever since Ben had been looking for something else to give him that same kind of rush. Looking to live a little.

Some how that was how they ended up at Club 24, a 24 hour open club, bar, eatery, and what ever the hell else they could cram into the place. It was perfect. Dark with a lot of neon lights on the dance floors, the bar was well places to be off to the side and the music was jumping, giving the night life something fun to dance to.

Ben had never been to a club while alive, and only there when Klaus went, which generally meant the other wasn't all that sober, so enjoying a club? Not really a thing. But now Ben was alive and he could FEEL the bump of the music in his chest. He could understand the need to dance now. He even agreed to drink with Klaus tonight.

Ben had got a simple rum and coke to start the night off, but Klaus poopoo'ed that almost instantly. Not only was a round of shots ordered for them both, but it was a ROW.

"Klaus, I'm not going to be able to get through all this!" he said loud enough to be heard, brows raised and looking over the row curiously. He'd never allowed himself to be drunk before. Was he really going to do it now?

Comments

[channellings]

The strangled noise he lets out sounds extraordinarily undignified, but just how easily Ben says those words-- he almost can't believe it. "Damn right I won't," Klaus reconfirms, in case there was any leftover doubt.

Somehow, they make it outside and Klaus's first instinct is to inhale the crisp night air, hold for a long minute then exhale a contented sigh, shoulders rolling at the fleeting chill that zippers up his spine. He can feel the goosebumps rising beneath his jacket sleeves anyhow, lowers one hand from Ben's shoulder to tug the white fishnet he's wearing underneath the hoodie down over his bare midriff, like that's what'll keep him warm.

"No, no, you're not a hypocrite, Ben." He shifts to be standing beside him, tugs the other's arm around his own shoulders and begins walking them down the sidewalk, hoping Ben continues to be oblivious to the ever darkening flush. "She's got real good taste. S'why I kept that skirt I stole from her."

[the_horror]

There was no doubt. Even in his inebriated state he trusted Klaus with his life. He knew he wouldn't do him wrong, even if he did himself wrong all the damn time.

Outside he felt like he got smacked in the face with cold. "Mmm, feels nice." He said on a low breath. He didn't have o bundle up though, as he was running hot right now and it felt good. His leather jacket was all he needed, no hoodie under it tonight. A gray button up was more than fish nets anyhow.

"I am though. I tell you all the time not to do it. Eat eggs instead. Drink coffee. Get a natu-Natural high, but here I am, being dumb and boy are you blushing. You are, aren't you? Haha." He laughed, grinning like a wild cat at the other. "Is it because I said you look hot?" That was NOT what he said, but it's also the truth so...

[channellings]

"Sure does." His body temperature is a bit elevated as well; it won't be a bad thing for him to kind of chill (haha) for a minute, either. He does pause their movements, props Ben up with his shoulder then drops the arm to his brother's waist, winding it around him so he can use both hands to hook his coat's zip and tug it up halfway for some extra warmth. Won't need to stay too breezy now, thanks very much.

And was that necessary? Probably not, but it was easier to make sure Ben wouldn't fall over.

"Eggs are more of a late-night kinda thing for me? And they definitely don't get you high," Klaus punctuates with a chuckle that's promptly cut off the moment Ben notices his face. "What? No, it's from— I mean, maybe a little? Ah, hm." Well, damn, that hadn't worked out in his favor. He sighs, averts his attention to his sneakers and starts the trek toward home again. "Okay, yes, but I'm also rather fucked up." Pause, another snicker. "In more ways than one, it would seem."

[the_horror]

"I'm stable you know." he said as the other wraps an arm around him so he could bundle up. Ben was leaning into him anyhow, but he wanted the other to know he was stable to walk. Or at least he thought he was. He would honestly waver if he did walk alone.

"Eggs are for everything. Every time I mean. Any time. And coffee too. Which sounds good right now..." He hummed, then smiled largely as he caught Klaus in a LIE!Or, no, that wasn't a LIE was it? But he still caught the other blushing, and that made Ben happy. Mostly because HE was generally the one to blush more.

"We're both fucked up. It's okay--Wait. Why are you more fucked up in more ways than one than me?" That sentence was hard to get, but his point being, what did Klaus mean by that last statement. "In more ways than one how? I'm the one on something and drunk." Oh dear.

[channellings]

"Don't care, not going to watch you get hit by a car because I ended up letting you walk by yourself." That's... rather specific, but he makes a fair point. He's well-aware Ben wouldn't be nearly as steady as he's claiming and he isn't going to take any chances.

While they stroll, Klaus makes certain to keep pace with Ben's step, since the other male is relatively shorter than himself. "Hey, guess what my room has? Instant grounds and a tiny electric kettle." So, coffee could very well be possible, if they get home without too much trouble. "Help me get us home and I'll make some."

Ben. Ben, you sweet summer child. "The kind of fucked up I'm talking about isn't... it isn't an intoxicated fucked up, buddy." He shakes his head, hoping the dismissive gesture will be enough to brush it off, although if not, "Nothing to worry your pretty little head over," is what he'll add after a minute or two.

[the_horror]

"Car." he said, frowning about that. "I wont walk into a car. I'm not that... that bad." He said, stepping wrong as he said it and then fixing himself by leaning into the other a bit. Okay maybe he wasn't so good.

He lets the other lead and hums softly to the idea of coffee. "Instant. Five would have a fit and slap that out of your... you hand you know." He informed the other, but smirked, giving a nod. "Sounds good. Coffee is always good for... for a drunk night."

Ben, Ben, the sweet summer child. It would take him a while to get what he meant. Maybe tomorrow when he's sober or clear minded, but tonight he was just confused. "You think my head is pretty?" he said with a soft pout, because he wanted to know what the other was talking about but he was distracted. "It's my hair. It's good hair. Not as good as yours though." He said, and reached his free hand up to fluff at Klaus' hair.

"I like that I can actually touch it now."

[channellings]

"How do you know you won't wander into the street by accident and there's that one guy who can't hit his brakes fast enough?" The moment Ben stumbles, he tightens the arm around his waist, gripping the edge of his coat as he does. "See?" he warns emphatically, lips pressing into a thin line.

Shoulders bobbing in an absentminded shrug and head tipping slightly, he rolls his eyes at the comment, otherwise looking unfazed by it. "Five can bite me. Sometimes, I just need something fast and quick." Which sounds inappropriate when he stops to think about it? Damn double-entendres, although Klaus strives to not linger on that thought. "Couldn't have said it better myself."

By the time he's sober, Klaus'll just be hoping Ben won't remember much of tonight. "All of you is pretty, silly." Especially when he pouts like that, good Lord, but he's thankful his blush doesn't get worse. "Totally agree, though. You've got great hair." His eyebrows arch, contemplative, the faintest smile reaching the edges of his lips after Ben ruffles his hair.

"Me too, as weird as that might sound. Am I... allowed to touch yours?" Wow, this is not sounding any less innocent.

[the_horror]

See? That made him pout still, but he held on a bit tighter a moment and sighed. "One small step. Betrayed by one... one small step." But then he chuckled faintly. "Point made."

"Five might bite you though. Be careful what you wish for. Unless you like biting? If so, I can bite." He said with a snap of his teeth and a snicker, grinning, a flush on his face for it. He forgot they were talking about coffee for the moment.

But Klaus said he was all pretty, and something him him laughed, brightly, and then loudly as they walked down the side walk he let out a whoop. "KLAUS THINKS I'M PRETTY! KLAUS THINKS I HAVE GREAT HAIR! WOO!" He whooped, and then paused, in words and step. Frowning again. "Unless you were calling... calling me pretty silly. All of me is pretty silly. Oh..." Mood swings from hell.

He stood there a moment longer, and reached up to touch his own hair. "You can touch it if you want. It's still pretty soft. I only used a little gel today." Like that was important or something. Ben DID spend a lot of time on his hair.

[channellings]

At least the breath Klaus lets out sounds relieved. "Thank you," he huffs, looking rather satisfied with himself, although it fades as quickly as it'd come, yet the amusement lingers.

"I don't know, I think he'd shoot first. Maybe strangle me?" Oh, no, he's got an evil idea for if that ever happens, but he's refocusing on Ben, trying to resist smirking, even though it's a losing battle. "Are you saying you wanna bite me? Because I've never complained about teeth marks." Or anything pain-wise, let's be honest here.

He isn't anticipating an outburst like this one, ends up withdrawing a moment, his hand moving around to the small of Ben's back when he leans away-- just enough so the screaming won't make his ears ring. "Ben, Ben! Shhh," urges the taller male, lifting his idle hand to cup his brother's face, thumbing across his cheek. "And I'm calling you 'pretty,' of course, but you are silly— shouting into the night like that." Regardless of the fact it's making Klaus blush worse, too.

"Is that why it looks this way? I like it." He glides his hand from Ben's cheek, brushes over his fingers, threads through the slightly gelled strands and smooths them out. "Bet your hair looks sexy pushed back," murmured through a soft chuckle, his fingertips playing across Ben's scalp.

[the_horror]

"Oooh, strangulation. Yeah, that seems more Five." He said with a snicker, joking about it happily. But he had to think about that a moment, humming before grinning. "I think that is a yes. I like biting, maybe. I mean I assume as much. Never complain about teeth, nope." He flashed his teeth a moment then chuckled.

"Hey! Sometimes you just have to shout it out loud. Like be passionate about things, Klaus. Sometimes You... you just, just have to let people know." He said as the other turned his face to face him, telling him he was pretty but silly too. He smiled, leaning into the hand cupping his face. Leaning in closer. Smirking at the taller man. "And you think I'm preeeety. You think I'm seeeexy. You want to kissss me." Stealing lines from Miss Congeniality now, Ben? Yes.

But he nearly purred at the hand going through his hair. His head tips to the hand, letting him play with his hair more. "You can push it back all you like if you think it looks good."

[channellings]

"Now, if only he could reach that high," Klaus snorts, rolling his eyes at the thought of Five attempting to reach up and actually strangle him – Yeah, good luck, half-pint – then his attention is entirely focused on Ben. "You know I'd let you? I'm kind of a masochist, but... I do like biting back when being bitten." He's just saying.

"Sometimes, but right now? I'd rather we not end up getting a noise complaint." Which is funny, keeping in mind his own usual tendencies to ignore such things, though this is Ben. Getting himself thrown into the drunk tank is one thing, letting his brother end up there when he could have done something to avoid it is another. In all fairness, Klaus had quoted Mean Girls literally a few seconds ago, so he's got no room to judge. "Sure do, and yeah, kinda? If you'd let me." The truth serum effects of alcohol will be the end of him (both of them, to be honest) one day.

They're about a quarter of the way home; should they decide to stop and let Klaus continue playing with Ben's hair, it'll be a hitch in their plans, but he does as he's told anyway. He pushes the other male's dark hair back while they walk, using the bit of pomade Ben had mentioned to his advantage to keep the strands smoothed. "There," he decides, grinning wide at the messy, swept-back look he's given his brother. "It'd be better if I wasn't drunk... and if we had more product."

[the_horror]

He was snickering still about the height thing for Five. Ben was the shortest brother until Five returned. His snickering stopped though as a blush flushed across his face at the biting comment. "Yeah? W-well, you should try it sometime. Just saying." He said, and glanced the other way as they walked.

He snorted about the noise complaint problem, but raised a finger to his lips. "Fine, fine, I'll shhh." The comment about the kiss though, that actually had him stopping before the hair thing did. He didn't know how to reply to that at the moment, so he stood there silent as the other pushed back his hair.

"You can do my hair tomorrow, when sober." He said softly at first, as if way too distracted to realize what he was saying, because a moment after that, still standing there, he said "You could kiss me if you wanted to, you... you know. I would let you."

[channellings]

He'd argue that Five's technically a teenager, no matter what protests their little big brother might have, except his train of thought is on the fact Ben's offered himself up for a bite. Klaus's eyebrows arch toward his hairline with consideration, head tipping absently to the side when his brother looks away.

"Maybe I will," before he leans in real close, looking like he might go for it, only to hesitate at the last moment, teeth clicking inches away from the skin of Ben's cheek.

Then he withdraws, chuckles low and warm in response to Ben's gesture. "There's a good boy," Klaus praises affectionately, ruffling the already tousled strands a bit more. "Really? Nice, I'll have to check out some cute styles and—" Wait, what? His eyes widen this time, realization dawning that they've stopped, that Ben's just said: "You just trying to go two for two tonight?" He laughs another time, but it sounds off-- high-pitched and nervous while he moves his hand to cup his own cheek now. "Ben, no, you... you don't really want your second kiss to be with me of all people."

[the_horror]

Okay, right, no time to argue that Five is a teenage boy, because Ben would still argue that he was the shortest NOW, so get over it. He refused to be the shortest Hargreeve boy now that Five took that title.

He felt the click of teeth near his cheek and he knew he was blushing, leaning into his brother and blushing like an idiot. Maybe he did want the other to bite him. Maybe he just wanted to bite Klaus. Actually he wanted to kiss Klaus, but biting conversation seemed easy. Until he actually SAID it. Said to kiss him. And now that conversation was... going weird.

He reached a hand up and rubbed his face, ignoring the hair stuff too, because that could wait for the morning. He really meant that. Let the other play with his hair. If he hated it he could wash it out and do it himself later. Right now he was... shocked. Not because the other didn't want to kiss him (though that was how it seemed) but because he didn't think he was worth it?

"K-Klaus. Klaus! You..." he started, then glared a bit, at himself, because he wanted to find the right words, standing in the middle of the side walk, no one around but Klaus and him. "You... you're such an idiot sometimes. You're such a idiot that you can't see things sometimes. You're one of the best... the best guys around. The best person I know. You get messy some... sometimes. But your a good. A very good." He said, trying to get his thoughts in order. "Why wouldn't I want you. I mean you... uh, to be my, uh, second kiss." He corrected himself in the end there, stammering through that, waving a bit as he stood there, trying to stand firm.

[channellings]

You're such an idiot sometimes. What an absolutely sobering, though not untrue declaration.

Klaus blinks rapidly, drags the hand down his face to his neck, fingertips lingering near the split between his collarbones. He's startled into complete silence for once in his life, dark-ringed eyes frantically searching Ben's face for any insincerity. When he finds none, two things happen: one, he realizes his brother's being genuine in this moment, and two: Ben said he wants to kiss him.

He's almost positive his heart stops, but arguably, in the exact opposite manner, he can feel his pulse pounding away, borderline threatening to blow his eardrums, it's so damn loud. Through the pitter-patter of his ridiculous heart-rate, he's listening to Ben, trying his damndest to really take what he's saying to mind, but he's distracted with the way his mouth moves, the curve of his jaw, how he scrubs his face and waves off a comment about wanting him.

The reaction is a bit impulsive, sure, though without a doubt, there's not a single hint of hesitation after he abruptly crowds into Ben's space, reaches both hands to cup his cheeks and hold him steady. "Shut up," but it holds no venom when he says it and once it's out there, he ultimately bridges the gap between them further, dipping forward to press their lips together in a firm, yet somehow still gentle kiss.

[the_horror]

There was a lot to compress here, and he had said a lot, sure. He called his best brother stupid, but he also said he wanted to kiss him. There was years of things to unpack here, and he was going to think he's an idiot tomorrow as well, but so be it.

It was the impulsive reaction that startled him. Klaus moving forward so fast, so close, and cupping his face, forcing Ben to take notice. It was hard not to notice the stunning eyes looking back at him. He heard the words shut up and almost started to protest and tell him that he doesn't mean any of it as bad. Protest that he had more to say, but then the other moved forward and ...

Kissed him.

He was surprised by the move, stilling for just a moment in shock as he felt the others lips on his. It felt almost like forever before he relaxed enough to nudge forward and return the kiss. His hands shakily reaching up to grab hold of the others shirt front. holding him there for the moment.

[channellings]

So many things are wrong at this moment, he's not sure where to start, but the fact he's just kissed his brother would possibly be a good one. Fortunately(?), it's not what he concentrates on.

What he does focus on: Ben's lips against his own, warm and soft and welcoming in a way he can't quite describe. It's nice, he thinks, sharing such an intimate moment with someone he cares so much about, and yet, his stomach and heart are simultaneously leaping for joy while freefalling into his stomach. This is only Ben's second kiss (his first with another male!) and here his lucky junkie ass is, getting to be the one to share it.

When Ben leans closer, the motion somewhat draws Klaus back to reality, makes him second-guess his initial decision to deepen the kiss further, so instead, he holds steady with the tentative, but sincere lip-lock before his brother fists his jacket. Hence why – despite his blatant reluctance – he breaks away after a moment, eyelids flickering like he's trying to blink through a daze, then focusing on Ben's face. He isn't certain what to say now, doesn't know if he could even manage the words if he did, though his thumbs do rub reassuring circles over the other male's cheeks.

[the_horror]

Is it wrong? Okay, maybe a little. He's not at all thinking about that right now. Not at all thinking about that. his buzzed and over heated brain was currently electrified and only thinking about how nice it was to kiss the other.

The thought had been on his brain before. It wasn't like this was a new thing for him. Or, well, it was new, of course, a new kiss and a first with a boy, but the thoughts had been there before. Lingering at the edge of his mind, for lords knows how long.

As Klaus pulls back he whines softly, but draws back as well, licking his lower lip a moment and then looking to Klaus with a slightly worried look, even with the reassuring cheek rubs, he had to ask, once he found his voice... "W-was that... was that okay?"

It felt better than kissing that random girl, to him. It was the better kiss, and he got some good time in with the girl. But this meant more. It felt better. Maybe he was terrible at this though.

[channellings]

Damn, Ben, what kind of noise was that? Klaus's face heats further at the sound, his eyes downcasting, heart pitter-pattering fast as a hummingbird's wings. He's being asked a question, but despite fighting through the sluggishness of his inebriation, he still lacks an actual answer.

"Okay?" he asks emphatically, licking his lips and tentatively redirecting his attention back to Ben's face. It was more than 'okay,' really, the taller man just isn't sure how to accept the fact he'd enjoyed that as much as he had. His fingers curl behind Ben's ears, drawing him back in so he can press them flush against one another, feel the warmth of his breath, absorb whatever body heat his brother's letting off.

Figuring he should continue talking before Ben starts worrying, Klaus moves his hands to the shorter man's shoulders, giving a light squeeze then trailing down his arms until he can take Ben's hands and put them on his narrower waist. "It was fucking superb, you funky little Horror." Then – before Ben thinks he's making fun of him or something when he's really just too fucked up – he circles his arms around his brother's shoulders and leans back in to kiss him a second time.

[the_horror]

the whine? it was a whine of protest, for the kiss having stopped. That's what that was. His heart was racing, and not just because of drugs and alcohol. He was partly scared that he wasn't any good, and partly scared Klaus would laugh at him.

When he said 'okay' the way he did, he felt his chest tighten up, his brows folded in together a bi and he was, in fact, starting to worry. Leaning into the other, close, so very close, he started to open his mouth to repeat the 'okay' in a question, but then Klaus grabbed his shoulders and squeezed, soon taking his hands.

he leaned back, giving the other a quizzical look, only to burst into a smile as he was told it was superb. "It wasn't too--" he was cut off by the second kiss, surprised by it, but melting into it. His hands moving to rest at the others hips, slipping behind to connect together at the small of the taller mans back.

He wanted to remember this tomorrow. he wanted to remember all of this. The warmth of the other, the softness of his lips, even the soft scratch of the chin fuzz. The taste of his tongue as well, as Ben parted his lips more inviting to the other.

He'll be so mad if he doesn't remember this.

[channellings]

For what it's worth, as soon as Ben's hands settle at his hips, slide around and lace together against the small of his back, Klaus's heart begins fluttering quicker, too. The only thing it can be compared to is a hummingbird's wings-- faster than anything that can be considered normal, that's for certain.

He takes whatever Ben's willing to offer him, slotting their bodies together more properly, mouth opening further when he groans into the kiss. They're chest-to-chest and hip against hip now, meaning the heat he's siphoning off his brother has been warming him quite thoroughly, adding to the effect of his own flush that's come across his cheeks, crept down the column of his throat and across the spread of his collarbones.

Making out with Ben in the middle of the sidewalk hadn't been something he'd planned tonight, but now that it's happening? Well, he can't honestly say he has any complaints. He does, unfortunately, have to pull away, give himself a breather before things get too carried away. Klaus doesn't put much distance between them though, lingering just close enough, so he can bump their foreheads together.

"We should, uhm, probably get back to walking?" Because he could stand here all night, except he's missing the privacy of his bedroom all of a sudden. "Will you—" he hesitates, downcasts his gaze then continues, "—keep holding me?"

[the_horror]

Ben has no idea what he's doing, he's just acting in instinct. The flutter of his own heart is fast, so fast he almost can't feel it. That can't be good. Maybe it was the drugs? Maybe it was being able to feel something from someone he cared about instead.

He stays close, just wanting to feel what it was like to be like other people. To be close to someone he cared about and not care what others thought. he felt warm, in more ways than just standing close (maybe THAT was the drugs), and every touch felt like fire. It was good.

How could someone plan something like this though? He sure didn't plan to make out with Klaus in the streets or anything, but here they were, being close and grossly cute. As Klaus moves away, Ben's brow scrunch up, now wanting him to pull away, so when the other's forehead rested to his he calmed. Better.

And then he smiles. He doesn't want to keep walking, but he does want to keep holding him. A small barely there nod was given, nudging the others forehead. "Mmhmm. I can do that." He said, and shifted, leaning into the other before sliding around behind him, his arms wrapped around in front of the other, resting his chin on his shoulder. "There. You lead." He said in the others ear, and Klaus might find Ben leaning into his back a bit more. He still wasn't the most stable, but honestly, this might be the easiest way to get him home short of carrying him piggy back.

To top it all off, before Klaus can start to move, Ben learned in and kissed the back of his ear, before nuzzling down into his neck. He wasn't even going to look, just hold on to the other.

[channellings]

Everything feels so warm and nice and in spite of himself, Klaus lingers a moment longer, leans his face close again to let their noses touch. He hates having to pull away, but if he didn't, he'd dawdle still, make things worse simply by wanting to seek out more body heat or attempt sneaking a couple extra kisses (or three).

He notes Ben's smile, feels his own lips upturn at that, eyelashes fluttering in response to their foreheads bumping together a second time. A relieved sigh escapes him, "Thank goodness," followed shortly after by a laugh when Ben shifts, stops at his side then moves to nestle against his backside, eyebrows arching surprisedly. "Oh." And just like that, goosebumps are rising on his skin beneath his sweater, although it's not because he's cold.

Clearing his throat and moving his arms, he drapes them across the ones around his waist, tucks his fingers into the spaces between Ben's and holds firm. "Okay, I'll do my best," Klaus admits, making absolutely sure he's steady before he takes a step forward, pauses to check his balance then takes another and a third. Things seem shipshape; he's moderately stable, isn't tripping or anything, meaning things should be alright—

Until it registers that Ben'd kissed the back of his ear and proceeds to drift down to his neck. Now he stops, squeezes his hands around his brother's, exhales a sharp (but not irritated) sigh. "Ben, darling, sweet eldritch horror of my life," a beat, his shoulders rolling, knees quivering fleetingly, "I'm going to end up walking us into a street-light if you keep doing that."

[the_horror]

They were doing good. Step. Step. He was leaning a bit but he was okay too. Step. And pause. Oh, because he kissed the others ear? Whoops. he smiled down into the low part of his neck, at his shoulder, and tightened his arms around the other.

"Then pay attention to where we're walking." he teased, grinning into the other. God he was hot. Heated and not from blush. Just... tired of wearing his jacket. Wished he was home so he could take it off. No wonder Klaus ended up in his unders so often.

He nudged the other, and said softly. "Keep walking. I don't.... won't distract you no more." He said, closing his eyes again a moment. He nudged again and tried to walk with the other once more, humming softly into his neck, not at ALL distracting now.

[channellings]

"I'm trying, but you're making it hella difficult." He feels Ben smiling against his shoulder, can't resist a slight smirk of his own, though he keeps his head turned forward in hopes it (and the faint blush on his cheeks) won't be noticeable. Just a few more blocks, he promises himself, inclines his head to blink down at his feet then promptly draws back up.

Ecstasy seems to have that kind of effect on a lot of people; Klaus, on the other hand, takes it a step further by not giving a shit where he decides to lose his clothes-- people should simply be happy he's not nude most days. He does prefer to avoid any public indecency charges though, so it's convenient he's been hanging around the academy more often.

He takes a moment to regather himself, inhales a few deep breaths and sighs them back out, eventually continuing to move forward. "You say that, but I don't believe it for some reason." Maybe that reason is because Ben's thrumming against what little skin he's showing at the moment, sending tiny electric shocks from there, all the way down his spine.

Somehow, he keeps them shuffling forward, picks up the pace when he feels he won't be too distracted.