By the time the party was in full swing, it was very obvious to Ben that the feeling in his stomach was not going away. Whatever it was that was bothering him didn't look like it was going to stop anytime soon. Not knowing what to do, he eventually decided to grab something to eat and hope it would somehow settle his gut.
It didn't work, and at this point he was pretty sure nothing would. So he just decided to do the smart thing… and ignore it. He stood off to the side trying to look like he wasn't completely out of place here. From where he was he could see Luna and Sam chatting near the food table. It looked like it was going pretty well. They were smiling and laughing.
He could tell Luna was a bit nervous though. She didn't seem to know what to do with her hands, and she kept grabbing cups of punch to make up for it. Still, all things considered she was holding up pretty well. He was happy for her. At least he was trying to be.
"Hey Ben."
Ben glanced up and saw Leni walking towards him with a wave, a cheery smile on her face as usual. Of all of Luna's sisters Leni was probably the one he was most comfortable with. He could relate to her on some level because of their shared disorder, and she always had a cheery attitude. So despite the fact that they had absolutely nothing in common, he actually got along pretty well with her.
"This is a super fun party right? It's like totally awesome," Leni said happily.
"Yeah Leni, it's a blast." He really hadn't mean for that to come out as sarcastic as it had, but if she had taken any offense it didn't show. In fact, she looked more concerned than anything.
She tilted her head. "Is something wrong? You don't look like you're having a lot of fun," she said worried.
He offered a weak smile. "I'm fine Leni. Just… got a little stomachache."
"Oh. You should totally try some ginger ale. Lisa said it can help with stuff like that sometimes," she suggested. Ben let out a small chuckle. Leni didn't seem to understand why, but smiled anyway. "So, how come you and Luna aren't dancing together anymore?'
Ben flinched slightly. "Uh… Luna wanted to hang out with one of her other friends. I just wanted to give her a little space, you know."
Leni nodded. "I get it. But you should totally catch up with her later. She seemed really excited about coming here with you. She was asking about what she should wear and everything. And she usually never does that."
Ben looked at her confused. "Really?"
She shook her head yes. "She wanted to look really nice." Ben looked down at his feet. Of course she wanted to look nice. She probably knew Sam was going to be here after all. "So, are you going to ask her to dance later?" she asked.
He shrugged. "Maybe. I'm not one for big crowds so…"
"But dancing in a big crowd can be so fun. Especially when it's with someone you like. I bet you two would have a bunch of fun."
He wasn't sure what context she was using the word like in. "I'm uh… I'm sure she'll have fun dancing without me. Besides, any guy here would be willing to hit the dance floor with her," he said hoping she'd move to another topic.
"But you guys were so good together on that game. You were like, totes in sync."
He blushed slightly as he thought back to their little tango. He'd been too into the moment to think about it at the time, but they'd been pretty close. At the end he'd pulled her close enough to… his face turned crimson at the thought and he shook his head. What the hell was he thinking?
"Are you okay? You're blushing," Leni pointed out.
He let out a nervous laugh. "Nothing, it's nothing…"
"Is it cause you're thinking about Luna?"
Ben's eyes widened and his heart leapt into his throat. He turned towards the blonde who was giving him an innocent curious look. "W-what?"
"Luna. You were thinking about her right? That's why you're blushing."
"What makes you say that?"
"Cause you totally like her," she said as if it were obvious.
He held his hands up. "Whoa, whoa, whoa! I do not like Luna! Well, I like her, but not like that! We've only known each other for like two weeks! I don't… you can't… uh…"
Leni looked even more confused. "But you guys get along so well. And you even sing and dance together really well too. Plus you're always staring at her when you think she's not looking."
Ben could feel his cheeks getting redder with each thing she pointed out. Had Leni always been this observant? "That's… I'm not… I have ADHD. I stare sometimes, okay?"
"But it's always at Luna. Always."
Ben thought back for a moment. Before when he snapped out of his stares he found himself looking at a piece of paper or his desk. But now that he thought about it lately he'd found himself staring at Luna. Usually she was laughing or smiling since she was the one who woke him up.
Not that he minded. He liked seeing her smile.
He quickly shook his head at that last thought. "Look, Leni. We're just friends. We have some of the same interest and we get along really well. That doesn't mean we like each other."
Leni hummed. "If you say so."
He let out a sigh. Yes, that was right. They were just friends. Just because he liked to play music with her, dance with her, hang out with her, see her smile, write music together, go out and eat together, share personal secrets- "God damn it…" he said suddenly paling.
He liked her.
He liked Luna Loud.
"No, no, no…" he shook his head as he began sweating. "No, this can't be happening, no."
"What's wrong?" Leni asked worried.
He leaned against the wall and put his hands over his face. Was he stupid? Was he really that stupid that he couldn't see the signs? Okay, so his brothers teasing him was nothing unusual, so he could understand if that hadn't tipped him off. But everything else?
Everyone assuming they were together already? Him giving her his jacket? The blushing? The stares? The fact that he'd actually bothered leaving the house to hang out with someone outside of his family? It seemed so obvious now!
Maybe it was because he had never really liked a girl before. Sure, he'd found girls attractive before, but he'd never really thought much beyond that. With Luna though, a number of thoughts passed through his head. She was cool, exciting, and just fun to be around. He'd fallen for her without even realizing it.
And she liked someone else.
"Ben?" Leni asked concerned. "Are you okay? Did I say something wrong?"
Ben sighed. His brothers had pointed it out to him the whole time, but he hadn't listened. It seemed kind of funny that the person who made him see it was Leni of all people. "Leni, never let anyone tell you you're not smart. You're a genius, you hear me?"
Leni smiled at the compliment. "Aw, thank you," she said sweetly. "But really, are you feeling alright. You look down."
"I just… realized something important and… it's really complicated." What the heck was he supposed to do with this? He couldn't just tell her. She already had a thing for Sam. He couldn't put her in that position. How would that affect their friendship? Or the band?
But he was pretty sure he wasn't going to be able to just act the same around her anymore. Now that he personally knew what was going on with him he wouldn't be able to ignore it. That just wasn't how he worked. He wouldn't be able to look at her straight in the eyes without blushing.
"Hey, do you want to dance?"
He looked back up towards Leni who offered her hand. "What?"
"I know you said it was complicated, but sometimes doing something simple and fun helps with complicated stuff. It does with me."
Ben stared at her for a moment. Right now his mind was a total mess. It wasn't like he could leave and start writing something. Well, he could, but that would seem weird. Dancing on the other hand… well, it was right here. "You know what, sure."
"Yay!" Leni cheered clapping. "C'mon."
They began heading towards the dance floor, and Ben tried to clear his head of all this nonsense. For the next couple of minutes he just wanted to think about dancing. Maybe a moment of clarity would be able to help him sort this out.
"Hey there Loud, looking good."
Well, so much for that.
Ben and Leni came to a stop as three guys stepped in front of them. Ben could tell right off the back they were jocks. They looked like they might have been part of the football team, but he didn't know for sure. Aside from his brothers he didn't keep up with anyone else on the team. The one in the front looked like he was leading them, while the other two looked like his goons.
He was big, slightly bigger than Bruno even. He was muscular, had brown hair that was combed over, and wore a letterman jacket and jeans. The other two behind him looked like they were either brothers or twins, with matching black crewcuts. "Oh, thanks Eddy," Leni said kindly.
"So Leni, how about you and me hit the dance floor?"
Well, this was going to be the second time his dance partner got poached from him tonight. Not that he could blame either of them. "Um, thanks, but I was about to dance with Ben. Maybe we can dance later."
Ben was honestly a bit surprised. He figured a girl like Leni would jump at the chance to dance with him. Maybe it was the valley girl way of speaking, or her obsession with hair and makeup, but she was a lot less shallow than he'd given her credit for.
Eddy on the other hand didn't seem to want to take no for an answer. "Aw c'mon babe. I'm sure the runt wouldn't mind standing on the sidelines. He's probably used to it. Ditch the freshman and come have a fun time with me."
"But I'm already have a fun time," Leni said honestly.
The guy looked like he was getting annoyed, and Ben decided to speak up. "Uh, look man, she said she'd dance with you later. Why not just wait a few-?"
"I don't remember asking you runt," Eddy said glaring down at him. "Wait a sec. You're the other one aren't you? The Brittle brother. Should have figured. You punks have been trying to show off ever since you got to this school. Don't you already have a Loud sister who pants your trying to get in to?"
Leni looked confused at the last statement, while Ben glared. He balled his fist up, but quickly tried to calm himself. He was pretty sure he could take this guy. He was used to tussling with Bruno and Bruce who were both bigger and stronger than himself. But he had a feeling if things got messy those other two would jump in, and he'd be done for.
Besides, he didn't want to get into a fight anyway. This was supposed to be a party. "Screw this, let's just go Leni," he said grabbing her wrist.
"I don't get it? How are you supposed to fit in Luna's pants?"
Ben blushed heavily. "I-I'll explain later."
Before he could leave, he felt a hand grab his shoulder. "Who the hell said you could go anywhere you runt?" Eddy asked yanking him back.
Ben sighed. "Dude, c'mon. She doesn't want to dance with you, and I don't want to fight. Can we please just not-" Ben barely managed to move his head back before a fist collided with his face. He stepped back and looked at Eddy who was smirking at him. "What the hell?!"
"Put em up loser."
Ignoring the fact that he actually said 'put em up' Ben stuck his hands up defensibly. "I just said I'm not-" He dodged another punch. "The hell man?! Look, you do not want to start with me right now man! Especially not over a stupid dance!" He ducked under another and then shoved Eddy back. "C'mon man! I'm not trying to!"
This time Eddy's fist connected right with his nose. Leni along with a number of other watching gasped as Ben stumbled back. "Aw, what's wrong kid? Your brothers didn't teach you how to take a hit?" Eddy asked walking forward.
Ben stood there for a few moments, and then wiped some of the blood from his nose. He sighed and then turned towards Eddy, an almost blank expression on his face. He then took a deep breath and turned to leave. "Fuck you. I'm not fighting you just because my brothers bruised your fragile little ego."
Eddy frowned. "Sounds more like your scared to me!"
"It can sound like whatever the hell you want. I'm done."
Everyone cleared out of Ben's way as he quickly made his way towards the door ignoring the mutters from everyone else and Eddy's obnoxious taunts. He was ready to leave this party. He shouldn't have come in the first place. This wasn't his type of thing. He didn't belong here.
If he hadn't of come he wouldn't have gotten into this stupid fight. He wouldn't have figured out he liked Luna. He wouldn't be feeling this horrible. He kicked the door on the way out and made his way towards the truck. He was planning on getting his bike and getting the hell out of-
"Ben!"
Well, it was the clear the universe didn't give a crap about what he had planned. He turned around and saw Luna, who was hands down the last person he needed to see right now, making her way towards him. "Dude, I saw what happened! Are you okay?" she asked walking up towards him. "Your nose!"
He felt his nose for a moment and then pulled his hand back. He was still bleeding. He sighed. "I'm fine. Not the first bloody nose I've had, won't be the last."
She reached into her pocket and pulled out a tissue. "Here, hold on a sec." She got ready to wipe his nose, but he quickly stepped back. "What?"
"I… I'm okay, really. I just need to get out of here."
She frowned. "What? But what about the party?"
"I'm not exactly in the mood to party right now."
"Look, I know that sucked but you can't let him scare you out of here. Come back in and enjoy the party man. If he tries anything else I'll bust his lip myself," she said holding her fist up.
Ben couldn't help but smile at her. Here she was threatening to knock someone out on his behalf. It was no wonder he'd ended up falling for her. But his smile faded and he turned back around and waved. "I appreciate it, but this type of scene just isn't my thing. I'm not a party guy. I only came because Bruno kept nagging me…"
That was a lie. Even before his little realization he knew he'd came because of her. Because he liked her. Knowing full well she liked someone else. This sucked.
Luna grabbed his arm. "Look dude, I know this might not be your thing but you were having fun right? Before that clown ruined it we were having a good time."
"Yeah well… I would have had a better one at home." He really hadn't meant for that to sound so bitter. But from the hurt look on her face she seemed to take it as an insult. He quickly turned around and held his hand up. "Hey, I didn't mean it like-"
"I know. It's fine dude. I get it. You're not big on the party scene."
Ben stared after her as she turned around and walked back inside. The bad feeling in his stomach somehow had gotten worse. Seeing her saddened was bad. Knowing he was the reason for it was so much worse. He tried to think of something to say, but his mind came to a blank.
What was he supposed to do? Stay? No. He wouldn't, couldn't, go back in there.
Tell her how he felt? Hell no. How would that work?
'Hey, I've only known you for barely three weeks but I totally like you now. Forget about that girl you were totally crushing on way before I got here and go out with me instead!'
Fat chance.
He figured the only thing he could do at this point was exactly what he was doing before. Leave. "I'm sorry," he muttered before walking off. "When you see my brothers just let them know…"
She sighed. "Yeah, I got it."
Ben got his bike from the trunk and drove back to the café. There was barely anyone there by this time of night, and the twins had already gone to bed. Beck was sweeping up the place, and his aunt was behind the counter.
When he walked in Beck looked up at him confused. "Hey bro, you're home early." Ben kept on walking heading straight for the stairs. He knew if he stopped to talk they'd asked questions, and he didn't feel like answering them right now. "Whoa? Hey, you okay man? Ben? Ben!" He dropped the broom and ran in front of him. "Dude, are you zoning out or-?"
"Not now man," Ben said shoving past him.
Berta, who'd been watching from behind the counter frowned. "Hey, Ben! Why are you home so early? Where are your brothers?" she asked.
"They're fine. I just… I didn't feel like partying okay?"
"What happened?"
"Nothing happened?"
"Benjamin Loto Brittle. You know better than to lie to me."
Ben grit his teeth and then glared towards her. "Fine, I just don't feel like talking about it. I'm tired and I want to go to sleep. And that's exactly what I'm going to do." Without waiting for her to respond, he walked up stairs and headed right for his room.
Brutus immediately began following him, but he closed his door on the dog who whined sadly. He began scratching at the door and Ben growled. "Not now Brutus! Go bother someone else!" There was silence for a few moments, and then he heard the dog's footsteps heading away from the door.
Ben leaned against the wall and slumped down to the floor. He grabbed his head in his hands and groaned. Well, he wasn't sure how exactly this could get much worse…
A/N: So, Ben finally realized his feelings and things are not looking good for him. And I hate to tell you, but it's probably going to get worst. I thought I would have a fight scene during that confrontation with Eddy, but I decided against it. Was a little too cliche for my taste. But there will be a fight at some point.
I also thought it would be funny is Leni was the one to make him realize it. I feel like they would get along, and Leni has been shown to be a pretty good peoples person. (Planning her moms party and looking after the rest of the family when they were sick)
The next chapters will cover the fall out behind Ben's little epiphany.
Well, time for some reviewer responses!
lttlgreg: Thanks once again for the kind review! I actually thought about doing a sort of love triangle with Ben, Luna, and Sam, but thought that would get a little to complicated. So I'm just sticking to Ben liking Luna.
DannyPhantom619: Like I said, there's going to be a fight in the near future. You can bet your ass I'll be putting a little wrestling in it. It might resemble a certain team that's reunited recently.
tylerchavis97: Well, Ben does have green eyes. Lol. I'll probably tackle that pokemon AU soon. The Naruto one is coming next.
anonymous: That's an interesting idea. Giving what's going to happen in the next few chapters I could probably do that.
Witch-King Angmar: Thanks for the review! Yeah, Ben sure is a smooth talker isn't he? Ha! Wonder just how he'll talk his way out of this one.
Weavillain: So, interesting story. I saw your name and I'm like, 'why does this look familiar to me'. Then I realized you've written like five of my favorite Loud House fics! I'm in the middle of 'Bake a Load off' right now actually. Bit of a honor to be one of your favorite fics! Thanks for reviewing!
PJOFan12: Yeah, he is a bit oblivious when it comes to the fairer sex. But now Leni's managed to hammer it through to him. Let's see how he reacts!