if i think i can figure things out, is that curiosity or arrogance?

"I'll eat anything that isn't running off the plate," Ben said, "and depending on the planet, I can make an exception that too."

He glanced at the menu. "I think I won't try the general's leg, just in case that's not a mistranslation."

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"I might try the local fish, 'cause that's not something I can get anywhere, right?" And then he wouldn't die, and maybe Topher would learn to be adventurous too.

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"I'll get the lasagna?" Topher tried. "That sounds nice and normal." Though he had to grin a little at the name of the mushrooms, because he was five.

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endsthegame

"I'll go with the beef," Ender said, and tossed the menu back on the table.

"So, have you two been enjoying Rio?"

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"Topher has stopped collecting boas by now, right?" Ben added.

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Billy blushed, looking down at his menu to keep from having to look at Ben. "There haven't been any more boas in our room, no. Thank you, uh, for the phone message," he said, figuring Ben would know what he meant.

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"Dude," Topher said, "how many people did you send that to?" Clearly, Ben was the worst.

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endsthegame

"Whatever 'it' is, I haven't seen it," Ender volunteered. There was some amusement on his face. "If that helps at all."

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Ben smiled sweetly. "Payback for talking to everyone about the texts I sent you."

Brat.

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Billy thought about what text messages those might have been, and oh look, there he was blushing again. "If it makes you feel any better, I didn't tell what he told me."

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"I only told people you know!" Topher objected, clearly appalled. "Just Ender and Peter and Tony and Billy!" God, Ben. Way to overreact.

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endsthegame

"I think that just makes it worse, Topher," Ender volunteered. "Those people can and will talk to us about it." He shot Billy a slightly sheepish look (though mostly for effect).

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"And then I wonder if I can physically die of embarrassment," Ben added, nodding.

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"It isn't possible. Trust me, I'd know," Billy said. "I've tried to get the earth to swallow me, but it doesn't work."

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"I don't think Peter would've talked to you about it," Topher told Ender thoughtfully, because he was dumb.

Then, to Billy, he advised, "Don't do that."

A pause. During which he maybe blushed a little.

"Just because, you know. That'd be awkward."

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endsthegame

"You told Peter in front of me," Ender pointed out. Because seriously now, Topher. "I'm never living that one down."

Funny how he sounded less freaked out about that than Ben ever did. Just mildly annoyed.

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"He did?" Ben replied, sounding appalled. "Kriffing hells."

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Billy winced and gave Ben a sympathetic look. "Never talk about sex stuff in front of someone's brother. Brothers never forget anything," he said to Topher. Topher was so lucky to not have annoying little brothers.

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"Did he tease you for it?" Topher challenged. Somehow he didn't see Peter being the teasing-Ender type.

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endsthegame

"He did," Ender said mildly. "You were there."

Again, seriously, Topher. Not that he held it against you.

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Ben was stopped in mid-facepalm by the waiter returning with their drinks. He put in his order, grateful for the topic change.

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Billy took a long sip of his drink after he put in his order. "Now you know not to do that, right?" he said, giving Topher the kind of look that suggested there was only one right answer to that, hint hint.

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