WRITERS NOTES: Chapters will often directly link into existing scenes from the show, in this case it's pulled exactly from the episode on January 13th 2015. In later chapters they will directly link into the next to give you an idea of the timeframe the chapters take place as they're not always in linear order. Chapter 2 for example takes place towards the end of January and leads into Chapter 3 which will take place the following year.
PROLOGUE
Things had gone from bad to worse for Ben Mitchell in less than a few days. Not only was his cousin in a coma and not only was his father banged up for supposedly putting her there but now Max Branning has just conned him out of his old man's pride and joy – the Arches had always been important Phil perhaps more important than Ben himself!
But in that moment Ben felt safe. His best friend's hand ran up and down his back in a soothing motion that not only calms him but also makes him feel protected. He also feels cared for, feels important maybe even wanted.
Jay was the only one who had always been there for him and even after what happened with Heather, he was still there, he still had his back. Jay Brown was more like a brother than a friend – in fact he was a Mitchell by name these days and that was good enough for them.
Blood isn't always thicker than water.
But then they weren't blood and Ben knew that. He looks into Jay's caring eyes and then to the arm that rests across his shoulders. Another kind of emotion begins to overcome him and Ben leans in and parts his lips causing Jay to lurch back in shock.
Jay just stares at Ben in a daze for a few moments unable to properly react. Had Ben really just tried to do what he think he was trying to do. For a moment he didn't know quite what to think.
"Jay?" Ben whimpers and reaches out to grab Jay's leg.
But now Jay knew what to say. "Sort - your - head out!" Jay exclaims with a firm and wagging finger before jumping to his feet and walking towards the door.
"Jay!" Ben calls out following Jay's path toward the door. "Jay!" He shouts realising the gravity of the situation. In typical Mitchell fashion his anger gets the better of him and Ben kicks out at a dining room chair causing it to clatter against the wooden floor with a crash before throwing his head in his hands.
Ben was so frustrated, so confused. Even now Ben couldn't read the signs. Was Jay really angry?