A/N: Yes, I know an exchange of kings is impossible in chess- that's the point. ;)
Beth wakes up and blinks when she smells coffee. She turns over in bed, unsure if she's disappointed- Benny's always been up earlier than her, but she'd been hoping to wake up in his arms again. Instead she can hear the low sound of his voice downstairs- he's probably on the phone.
She pulls on a slip and then a cardigan before heading downstairs, where Benny's leaning back in her usual chair while on the phone, coffee and a scribbled on legal pad in front of him on the counter. His eyes light up before his gaze travels hungrily down her body, and Beth feels her stomach flip-flop giddily.
"Uh huh. Hey, she's up now, so I'll call you later, 'k? Yeah, thanks, buddy. Will do."
"...Morning," she says, suddenly feeling rather shy. It's still strange to see Benny here, barefoot and relaxed, surrounded by all her things.
"Morning." He hangs up the phone and her insides dance with butterflies again when he gets up and pulls her close.
He never used to kiss her except in bed, and even then, he'd avoided it, like he was trying to keep sex a strictly physical thing. Any warm words and affectionate gestures had quickly had him changing the topic back to chess and closing off. Which had hurt, so she'd stubbornly resolved to contain her own feelings in response. They were just friends who had sex- the message was loud and clear.
It was just like how she'd treated Harry- maybe karma was a real thing after all. So she'd told herself to enjoy playing with him until she left for Paris; the way Alma had had her penpal dalliance- it would be fun while it lasted, and then they'd adjourn before any real damage could be done.
She hadn't expected Benny to ambush her in her territory in one bold, sacrificial move, and finally giving in to their feelings is even more heady than popping five or six Librium at once. They'd made love every time one of them had woken last night, and she loves how he still wants to connect after being apart for all of maybe three hours; loves burying her fingers in his hair while sunlight pours through her kitchen windows and coffee scents the air. Everything feels full of blissful promise even if she has no idea what's coming.
Part of her still trembles over how she feels like her king is caught in a mating net as surely as his; both of them free to make the next move. Worries that since this high is so exhilarating, the low is sure to be brutal. Remembers exactly how it felt to hear Don't call me anymore despite how she'd tried to protect herself.
But from the way he's cradling her close and the open emotion in his eyes, she wants to believe that it's safe to just be happy. That they're playing a whole new sort of game now, where they're a team instead of opponents.
"...Been keeping your phone off the hook so you could get some sleep- I still remember how this 'Groundbreaking International Win' circus goes. That was Hilton. He says 'Hi.' And congrats, again."
He pauses and glances away before continuing. "...He's also going to ask around, see if anybody's interested in taking over my lease. Did you know that Kentucky Chess Federation memberships are five dollars cheaper than New York State ones?" There's a wary look in his eyes, but his expression is also slyly hopeful.
She smiles slowly, cheeks flushing. "...I didn't. Sounds like a savings if you switched. Free curbside parking here, too. And a garage, come to think of it," she ponders casually, and he grins.
"...Yeah?"
She nods, unable to say aloud just how much she wants him here, like this, all the time.
He lowers his eyes uneasily and tilts his head. "Just to warn you... I've never done the couple thing before, Beth."
She shrugs and makes a wry face. "Me neither. But... I want to try. If you do," she adds, glancing up to meet his eye.
He smiles crookedly, tucking her hair back, like it's been something he's wanted to do for ages. "You know I do."
He leans forward and they kiss again before they jolt apart when the phone rings next to them and he heaves an annoyed sigh and glances at the clock. "...I can run interference if you want to have your coffee and breakfast first."
She makes an apologetic face before shaking her head and reaching for the phone- might as well get it over with.
"...Hello?"
Benny doesn't say anything, just gestures towards the chair for her to sit before going to pour her a cup of coffee and bring her the plate he'd fixed.
"Thank you," she mouths at him, and he grips her shoulder and smiles, thumb making affectionate circles for a moment before he ducks close to whisper, "Shower," and heads back upstairs.
She sips her coffee and agrees to reschedule meeting the President, apologizing for the flight delay in Russia. She idly peeks into the sandwich while she listens to the official explain about the security measures to expect upon arrival at the White House and her eyes widen.
It's an egg and ham sandwich with thin sliced pickles- her favorite from that deli on Third they'd often gone to- she hadn't realized Benny had even noticed.
Beth can't believe she's smiling mushily at a sandwich, her cheeks flushing warm.
She's suddenly optimistic that this couple thing is going to work out after all.
The press tour is a whirl- talk shows, newspaper and magazine shoots and interviews, constant questions and cameras flashing. Beth's done it all before, but never as much of it- she's even giving soundbites to publications that surprise her, like Good Housekeeping and Mad Magazine.
Alma would have been delighted- would probably have bought extra copies for the scrapbook and to lay on the coffee table for guests to "happen upon". Beth still can't bring herself to even snip out the articles, so she's been making a neat pile of the newspapers and magazines she's collected about her time in Russia- like TIME and Paris Match. Maybe she'll be able to do it one day without feeling like crying, remembering Alma reading them aloud at the table before carefully pasting the pieces in, beaming with pride and satisfaction.
It's especially exciting to be interviewed and photographed for Vogue and Harper's Bazaar, getting to model spring dresses that aren't even in stores yet for the shoots and reach an audience of women about playing chess at the same time. Copycat patterns of the coats and dresses she'd been photographed in overseas are all the rage, and she's been dubbed a new fashion icon, which both flusters and flatters Beth- she just likes pretty clothes.
Chess has also experienced a kind of national revival as a pastime, and game stores are having runs on sets- both Chess Review and the Chess Federation gleefully report that memberships and magazine sales are at a record high.
Chess book sales are up too, and since Benny's been identified as her boyfriend and she's credited him for helping to train her, his book was immediately given a new printing by his publisher- along with a new royalties check.
Benny laughs with chagrined disbelief when he gets the news. "Geez, Harmon. Guess I need to stop complaining about that phone call. Wow."
Being a new couple though all of it is a bit like being a newlywed in the movies- they sit cozily together on airplanes and in taxis while they play chess in their heads and talk about favorite places they've been and places they'd like to see.
They see a couple of the big landmarks in L.A. and D.C. while they're there, but they usually opt to go back to the hotel once official obligations are discharged, enjoying each other in bed and indulging in room service so they don't even have to bother to get dressed again.
It's different being lovers now; feeling free to touch and take their time with each other. Even just lying together lazily after, basking in the warmth of cuddling close is quietly thrilling in its own way.
It's still a little strange, telling Benny about things she'd assumed he didn't care to know. She can't even meet his eye when she does, which is crazy- lying there naked and moaning while he spreads her legs apart and eats her out doesn't feel half as revealing as answering his questions about growing up in Methuan a few minutes later.
"...The other girls could just go to sleep even without the Librium, but I could hear the bed-springs squeaking around the room like nails on a chalkboard in the dark. Feel all the lumps in the mattress and remember all the stains I was lying on that were probably pee... so I memorized the Sicilian Defense in order to pass the time after lights out."
"...You're kidding me." He huffs a laugh and squeezes her. "...You know what I did when my old man and my mom were fighting? Memorized the English Opening so I could try to focus on something other than them shouting."
She stills. He's never talked about his family before.
"...It's like the Sicilian, but-"
"-but in reverse, yeah." He shrugs. "Didn't help much. Even when I was winning enough to pay the bills, she didn't want to leave him. Kept trying to pretend that everything between them was peachy. I fucking hated it."
She can tell he's brooding, thinking back, and then he abruptly sits up and gets out of bed. "Hey, you want to play chess?"
Beth turns to look at his bare back as he pulls on his underwear, and pulls the covers closer around herself. "...I guess," she says, not sure why she feels so reluctant.
But she feels a little better when he ducks close to kiss her before he stretches out next to her and starts setting up the board between them.
Some things might be the same- but she's glad some things have changed, anyway.
It's nice actually, having Benny do the things that Alma used to while she gets interviewed: making sure the Chess Federation representative provides coffee and water to soothe her throat from all the talking; collecting business cards and details about complimentary copies and publishing dates and stepping in when reporters run overtime or ask questions that cross the line.
"Beth's beaten a Soviet World Champion- first time in decades that's happened. It's fucking historic. And you're asking her about popping out babies?" he interjects once, furious. "I've never been asked anything so ludicrous in the years I've been playing, and I went pro when I was just a kid, so that's really saying something. Beth Harmon's career is red hot right now- ask her a better fucking question already!"
What Beth finds more irritating is realizing that there are actually fewer sexist, inappropriate questions when Benny's there, too.
When they get to New York, he packs and cleans out his apartment instead of helping her do press, and the difference when it's only the Chess Federation representative in her corner becomes readily apparent.
"It's as if some of the reporters were more worried about insulting your girlfriend in front of you than asking a woman on her own stupid prying questions," she muses with an annoyed huff, yawning against his shoulder. "One wondered if my beating you for the US title caused 'unnecessary tension' in our relationship. And another asked if I intended to retire now that I've peaked- I bet Borgov never got these kinds of questions."
Benny scoffs, disgusted. "What the hell was the Chess Federation rep doing?"
Beth rolls her eyes. "Making nice with the press and keeping the schedule packed, what else?"
"Should ask Levertov or Wexler if they're free tomorrow."
Beth sighs. "...Oh, don't worry about it, Benny- I've done press by myself for months now. I can tell them off myself; it's just annoying. Besides, the guys are helping you at the apartment, right?"
Benny shrugs dismissively. "Ah- I only need them to get big stuff like the bookshelves moved out. It's mostly just books and trophies going in boxes and throwing out junk. Don't have a lot of furniture."
She smiles fondly and presses a kiss to his shoulder. "...I remember. And... I really appreciate you doing this."
He squeezes her. "Ah, it's worth it. I mean, your place is a lot bigger. Better water pressure, too."
She gives him a derisive look. "...My shower is the main attraction?"
"Well, there's this redhead, too. Drives me crazy but she plays a decent game of chess," he says, grinning.
She scoffs and nudges him with her elbow. "Keep that up and you're going to need to pack that air mattress, too."
He gives her a sideways look and a lopsided smile. "...You know, I was trying to keep things professional."
She tilts her head, blinking like she's puzzled, walking innocent fingers up his bare chest. "How'd that work out, again?"
"You're a determined little minx, you know that?" he growls, rolling back on top of her and studying her face.
"I thought you liked that about me," she laughs, burying her fingers in his hair. She likes it when he goes all intense like this, like there's nothing else in the world but them.
"...I love that about you," he admits, and that spurs another bout of passionate lovemaking that makes them late to meet Arthur and Hilton for dinner.
It surprises her when he calls her midday to let her know he's made reservations for dinner, too.
"Can't we just stay in tonight?" Beth asks, rather dismayed. She'd been looking forward to finally not having plans in the evening- the days have been extra long in New York since Phil Donahue and The Tonight Show film in the evenings, and they've been meeting with his friends for goodbye drinks and dinners as well.
He hesitates. "... It's one of my favorite joints- you'll like it; the food is very European bistro. And... I actually invited my mom, if that's okay."
She blinks, startled speechless for a moment. "...Yes, of course. It's...fine. Just... I didn't even know she lived in the area," she manages. She rapidly reviews the blouse and dressy slacks she's wearing and decides to change the cardigan for a cashmere shawl before dinner- it'll hopefully make her look a little more grown up. His mother. Jesus.
"...Yeah, she lives out in Jersey, actually, so I made early reservations so she can get a decent train back. She's looking forward to meeting you- she's seen you in Chess Review and whatnot all along, you know." He pauses and she can practically hear him smile. "Was a little miffed that you beat me in Ohio, but uh, she came around after reading about how you beat Borgov too. And, you know, after I told her we were together. And also... that I was moving out to Kentucky to be with you."
Beth closes her eyes. "Benny."
"I know it's last minute but she really wants to meet you and we've only got the hotel for a few more days. We could detour to Jersey, I guess, but you want to head straight back to Lexington after, right?"
"No, of course- it's your mom. I just didn't expect it, is all." Beth sighs and rolls her eyes before smiling and shaking her head at herself. "...And I wanted a nice lazy night with you. It's been kind of non-stop since we got here."
Nobody's there, but she lowers her voice anyway. "...I miss seeing you during the day. And having dinner naked."
He chuckles. "I promise once I'm moved in we will be naked a lot, okay?"
Her cheeks flush, and she bites her lip as she smiles. "...Deal."
And if Beth feels self-conscious and nervous, it's obvious Benny's feeling the same way as he makes the introductions.
He obviously takes after his mom with the height and thick blond hair, though her eyes are bright blue and framed with laugh lines, her skin tan like it sees plenty of sun even in midwinter. Her grip is warm and firm and she's dressed like an artist in a breezy, layered dress under a handknit shawl. Beth feels terribly overdressed next to the two of them for a moment, but the delighted smile his mother gives her is obviously genuine.
"Oh, aren't you just a picture, Beth? However did my beanpole Benny manage to charm someone so lovely?"
Benny's mouth falls open and he gives her an aggrieved look. "Mom!"
She blithely ignores him and continues. "It is such a pleasure to finally meet you. You were just marvelous in Moscow and that sounded like such a grueling tournament. I used to go along to Benny's and the Soviets were always the worst- just one adjournment after another- sometimes he'd fall asleep in the taxi on the way back to the hotel, he'd be so worn out."
Beth smiles, unexpectedly charmed by the picture of a young Benny falling asleep in frigid Russian taxis years ago. "It's a pleasure to meet you too. ...My Russian professor used to say that Soviets took especial pride in how much suffering they could endure."
Alaina Watts huffs a laugh. "Oh, I believe it. Those speeches of theirs! Interminable as sermons, and the audience expected to stoically stare straight ahead like soldiers," she sighs, lifting her eyes. She watches with obvious approval as Benny pulls out Beth's chair for her.
Beth tilts her head as she thinks back. "...Surprisingly, not all of them were, this time," she reflects. "Luchenko actually fell asleep in the middle of one of the opening ceremonies. The rest of us were properly attentive, but he was very peaceful, snoring with his head thrown back. We all pretended not to notice, of course," she assures them.
Benny grins slowly. "Of course. Ahhh, I guess he's old enough to get away with it, the career he's had. His games are still damn impressive, too."
Alaina nods. "He was undefeated at Moscow until he played you, isn't that right, Beth?" she asks.
The waiter arrives to take their orders and though Alaina blinks with obvious surprise when they both order coke instead of wine, she deliberately opts not to question that.
"So... you also managed to go to college, then, Beth?"
"No- I took Russian night classes at college during high school. Russian players were always just so much better... I was sure I'd need it one day."
Alaina inhales and glances at Benny before she gives them a wistful smile. "...Well, that sounds very familiar. What was it again- в чужой монастырь -?" (When in Rome...)
Beth smiles back, astonished. "-со своим уставом не ходят. (Do as the Romans do. Lit. "Don't go into a monastery with your own rules.") You learned Russian, too?"
Alaina lifts an eyebrow drolly. "Well, Benny was nine when he insisted he needed to learn Russian, so I had to take him to the classes, anyway. Found it much easier to wrap my head around than all the chess, at any rate."
Benny tilts his head with a hint of exasperation as he elaborates. "...Mom always had a knack for languages. I'd come back from a game and find her fast friends with some... woman selling dried fruit at a stand or... the guy paid to clean the hotel windows who was also a musician playing at a tomato festival that we just had to go see."
Alaina chuckles, eyes bright. "Oh, I'd forgotten about that one- that was an adventure, wasn't it? We did see some marvelous places over the years. Do you have any idea where you'll be headed next, then?"
Beth takes a breath and shakes her head. "I...honestly haven't thought about it. It's all been so crazy since Moscow- haven't even been home long enough to sort through the mail, yet. That's what I've been telling the press, too- my next step is just to get home so I can get my bearings and figure out the one I want to take after that."
"You'll have to defend your national title this summer, but the World championship is still a couple years out," Benny supplies. "You can probably expect a truckload of international invitations coming soon. Probably already a bunch shoved through your mailslot already. Everybody's going to want to see you play, and you can bet Borgov's going to be studying every single game like a hawk now."
Beth nods slowly, sipping her coke. "...Any advice?"
Alaina and Benny look at each other before Alaina shrugs. "Well, the nicer the brochure was printed, the nicer the tournament, I always found."
Benny raises his brows and nods agreement to that statement. "There are a few Grandmasters that you haven't played yet whose games we can study, but after Borgov...?" He shakes his head dismissively. "New tournaments pop up from time to time, but some aren't really worth the entry and hotel fees and airfare- you gotta read all the fine print and gauge your odds of winning or splitting the grand prize. Which, for you, is much less of a risk than for me," he admits. "Also factor in jet lag and just... road weariness if you commit to too many in a row. But you'll figure out your own pace once you get started."
Alaina beams and raises her glass. "The world is really your oyster, my dear."
Beth flushes and dips her head before raising her own glass.
The rest of the dinner passes very pleasantly, with Benny's mother relating plenty of anecdotes about both Benny's childhood and traveling, and being so interested and engaging that Beth feels rather silly about her initial reluctance- she can see exactly where Benny gets his knack for drawing people into an audience. It doesn't even feel that awkward, giving her a hug at the station after.
"Don't be a stranger- I mean that, Beth. Our house is down the shore, and especially nice in summer, when I'm sure it has to be just sweltering in Kentucky. Benny and I can show you all the places he knocked around as a boy."
Benny scrubs the back of his neck awkwardly. "...Thanks for coming out, Mom."
"Oh, pish! As if I was going to give up a chance to see my favorite son-"
"-Only son-"
"-especially when you'll be moving so far away. You're sure you don't need any help with your place? I can always tell the girls to come over next week instead. Oh, and did you need the registration papers for the car?"
Benny frowns. "You can keep those. It's in your name, right?"
"Well, it was your money, dear. I figured you'd want to look them over."
He looks distinctly uncomfortable. "Naw, it's okay. And I'm just cleaning up now, basically- Beth and the guys will be there to help get the boxes in the van. I got this, Mom."
"I know you're all grown up. Just making sure, is all. Give me a hug then, and I'll be off."
Beth looks away while they're embracing- they're quietly snatching a few private words, and she feels a little bad, like she's abruptly and unknowingly taken him away from his own mother somehow. He's quiet after too, in the taxi back to the hotel.
"You okay?" she ventures, and he takes her hand.
"...Yeah. Just...thinking is all. Mom adored you. Obviously."
Beth flushes with pleasure at that. "...You were right- I'm really glad we had the chance to meet. And I think she has even you beat at telling stories. Your childhood sounded like so much fun."
Benny makes a face. "...Well, all the stories about being stuck in waiting rooms for hours or sick in countries where the doctors need to be bribed don't tend to come up as much. But... I guess we were a pretty good team. That's how she liked to put it."
She leans her head against his shoulder. "...I'm glad we're a team now," she says quietly.
Though she can't see the smile on his face, she can hear it. "Former Chess Prodigies versus the World?"
She smiles. "Something like that."
He tells her he loves her after they make love that night, the words tumbling out like half a question.
This time though, Beth's ready to answer him.
"...I love you, too."
"Feels like the end of an era, Benny. Still can't believe it's you settling down with a girl first," Hilton sighs, looking around the bare apartment with a nostalgic wistfulness.
"Settles, is the word all right. But I'm fairly certain it's poor Beth here settling for our Benny," Arthur says, winking, and Benny shakes his head as he ducks to check the kitchen space again, making sure the shelves are bare.
"Gee, thanks, guys. I'm truly touched," he says sarcastically.
Beth can't help smiling. "He's always just a phone call away, and the house has two guest rooms if you're ever down in Kentucky. And we'll be back to visit anyway- I've been promised invitations to Fashion Week here in September from Vogue and Harper's Bazaar, to start."
Arthur and Hilton both shoot Benny alarmed looks, which makes Beth frown in turn. "...What?"
"Nothing," he says shortly.
She blinks and double takes. "...Bullshit. Why are you-?" And she doesn't know how she knows from the way he won't look at her, but she suddenly understands. Fashion Week. "...Cleo?"
Benny scoffs angrily, and both Arthur and Hilton shoot her apologetic looks. "...I still can't believe she did that to you in Paris! She knows how much we put into these tournaments; how much it costs just to enter. And she said something like, how it was 'fascinating to watch something burn.' Fuck. ...I wanted to kill her."
Beth reaches out and touches his arm. "Benny. It was my fault too. I knew better. I think I was just... lonely and bored. Ready for any kind of distraction. If she hadn't called, I might have just taken the pills instead."
He gestures furiously. "You don't know that! What I do know is that you would probably have gone into that game just fine if you'd never met her in the first place."
Beth sighs and shrugs. "...Maybe. We'll never know now, will we? And even if I did burn down, I got back up, didn't I? Like... a phoenix or something."
That finally gets him to relent, and he exhales raggedly as he studies her face. "...I guess." He tucks her hair back and his face twitches with a smile and Beth rolls her eyes.
"...It has nothing to do with being a redhead!"
He raises his hands up but his eyes narrow teasingly. "Didn't say a word."
She huffs and pokes him in the chest and he chuckles.
Arthur shakes his head at Hilton. "It's sad, really. How the mighty have fallen."
"Yes, head over heels. Almost like a kind of somersault-"
Benny shoots them an exasperated smile. "Would you guys give it a rest, already? Geez."
But they're all in a better mood again as they file back out of the apartment for the last time.
The U-haul van isn't as cramped as Benny's Beetle, but the drive is a lot longer than their first road trip.
It feels different too- that first time she'd been rather thrilled at her own daring, going to the big city to stay with a man she barely knew at his apartment.
Now they're lovers and in love, driving towards a future together.
It's funny to realize they have more to talk about now than they did back then, too. She also likes how his hand sometimes wanders from the gearshift to her knee this time. She feels bad though, seeing him yawn and squint against the sun setting on the horizon.
"I should really learn to drive, too."
Benny nods. "Yeah, it'd be handy to split the driving on long trips like this. Can teach you whenever- my car's pretty reliable. For now though, just keep me awake and we should be home in a few hours."
She smiles to hear him say that and covers his hand with hers. "Okay."
It's more of an adjustment than it was with Harry- Benny just has so much stuff with him, and boxes litter the living room and hallways for days while he unpacks and they try to find space for his things.
Alma's poor piano is absolutely buried under trophies now. He also needs closet space, which Beth has very much enjoyed having all to herself.
But they go shopping for a new dresser and book units and she hangs her summer things up in her old bedroom closet instead. Gets used to things like dealing with the grinds from coffee beans he grinds fresh every morning instead of just drinking instant and hanging his clothes out on the line with hers.
Mr. Bradley just dryly lines up a pack of Chesterfields and a new box of condoms in the discreet brown paper bag as soon as Beth walks into the drugstore now, looking mildly surprised when she adds anything else.
She just smiles brightly and hands over the money- $2.25, exact tender. He can judge her all he likes: at least she's fucking her boyfriend responsibly.
Benny's kept his promise admirably, and Beth is very, very satisfied.
Jolene just takes one look at her and laughs when Beth answers the door breathless and flushed and hastily dressed.
"You need an extra few minutes to finish?" she snorts.
"I know, I'm sorry- we totally forgot. Just let me go grab my socks and sneakers and I can put them on in the car."
"You sure you need to go play squash? Looks like you've already gotten plenty of exercise," Jolene hoots. "Just gimme your racket and I'll go wait in the car, you hussy."
It's hard to feel embarrassed for long- she's too happy about how things have been going with Benny. And her professional future looks rosy too- opportunities and offers come both by phone and post everyday.
There are more sponsorship offers, which Beth is approaching with more caution after that whole Christian Crusade debacle, but at least the Chess Federation is more than happy with her now and the fashion related ones she finds very exciting. Tears actually spring into her eyes when an offer from Bulova arrives- they're absolutely thrilled that she always wears one of their watches, and they'd very much like to get her official endorsement for advertisements, in exchange for a generous sponsorship.
Benny's publisher has offered her a book deal too, which she's tabling for now- she doesn't even know when or what she'd want to write, and really, what she wants to do is play. Borgov has said it and Benny too: chess players are like sports players- their careers are usually short-lived and she should make the most of the opportunities while the going is good; while she's healthy and high in demand.
It's exciting going through the stack of invitations and sorting them by date, and then by prizes vs. costs: dozens of possibilities for challenge and adventure all over the globe.
"Borgov usually plays the same tournaments –probably approved locations by the Commies- but you can choose based on prizes, location, whatever. And I don't think anywhere has a grand prize as big as Moscow's but, look what I just got."
He holds up a thick envelope with his redirected mail label on it with a sly smile. "Looks like we've both been invited to Germany next month. The prize money is decent, even if I only end up in third. Pretty central too, so we could rent a car and see some more of Europe after, if you want."
Beth beams. "Oh, Benny. That sounds perfect."
Benny had never once thought he'd live anywhere but a big city. He loves cities the world over, where everything exciting happens: art, music, competitions. Different flavors of food and communities and culture- he'd never minded the smell and noise and closer quarters that came with convenient access to it all in one bustling place. Maybe it just came with travelling so much as a kid- as long as his basic needs were met, he'd always known he could live everywhere and anywhere. He'd never been homesick for a location so much as specific people, though he gets now why Beth is so attached to this place.
Not that Lexington is actually that small a city, but her house is in one of those quiet, well-to-do neighborhoods with manicured lawns- there isn't even traffic noise, nonetheless arguments in foreign languages and kids thundering down stairwells. Just the occasional nervous dog and the next door neighbor who peers at him suspiciously when he throws out the trash.
Benny's taken to wearing the cowboy hat and coat when he does just to see the look on his face. Some Kentucky hicks are delightfully easy to shock.
And the music they've got on at this housewarming/belated celebration party might be loud enough to get him riled enough to march over and complain, but Benny's smugly sure the landlord isn't going to turf them out over a complaint.
He's been hoping to cultivate some local friendships too, and he already knows Beltik and Matt and Mike are decent guys, so he's pretty pleased that they all turned out. Townes is a pleasant surprise too- smoothly well-spoken and well-connected in Kentucky social/professional circles, and delighted to properly introduce them to his "good friend" -obviously boyfriend- Roger.
Beth had assured him that they were just friends, but Benny can't help remembering how many bad moments he'd had, thinking of the guy with movie star good-looks who had managed a rushed visa and plane tickets to join Beth, all alone in Russia, when he himself had furiously thrown out his own chance. That photograph of them joyfully hugging that had been in the Times still surfaces in articles about Beth sometimes. His mother had always warned him how his quick temper could lead to lifelong regrets, and it's an incredible relief to find he'd actually managed to scrape a win despite himself.
With the help of a couple of others, of course- Beltik is obviously appreciative of the bookshelves in the dining room. "I guess you can tell two internationally ranked chess players live here now, huh? Books in Russian, even, and Chess Informants from Yugoslavia and Shakhmatni Byulletens all the way back to the nineteen-fifties." He blinks in the middle of his perusal, befuddled. "Why three copies of Modern Chess Openings though? Are the editions that different?"
Benny shrugs. "Beth had two- you'll have to ask her. Feel free to borrow whatever- we mostly study recent Grandmaster games out of magazines nowadays."
He shakes his head. "Ahhh, I think I'll be leaving all that in you and Beth's capable hands. I like what you guys have done with the place. It's a lot more modern."
Benny blinks. "You've... been here before?"
Beltik swallows uncomfortably. "...Uh, stayed for awhile last summer, after Beth's mom died. Trained her a little. Well, tried to."
Benny inhales as he tries to take that in stride. He'd figured that Townes dude for an ex, not Beltik. "Yeah, she mentioned that. Sort of." He frowns as the rest of what he said registers. "Her mom died last summer?"
"While they were in Mexico City. The same day she lost to Borgov. She never told you?"
Shit. "...No."
Beltik spreads his hands awkwardly. "...Beth's a really private person. I mean, I only knew because I was here. And she never talked about it or... cried, even." He hesitates before continuing gingerly. "I think... she doesn't want to show weakness. Even to people who are close to her."
Benny turns and gives Beltik a sardonic look. Close? He's literally inside her at least twice a day.
Beltik shakes his head. "Sex isn't the same thing as emotional vulnerability. And I think you wouldn't be here if she didn't already trust you a lot. I'm just saying: stuff like that usually takes time. And you guys have been doing that whirlwind courtship thing."
Benny glances at Beth, who's sitting on the stairs with Jolene, head leaning on her shoulder while they talk about something.
No prizes for guessing who she already trusts completely.
He's not always the most open person either- he knows that. Plus he's already in for the long haul- and he's pretty sure he's up to the challenge. So he just nods thoughtfully.
"...Yeah, that makes sense. Guess I got some work to do."
Harry nods encouragingly. "It'll be worth it."
Benny glances at her again and grins when she laughs at something Jolene said. "...Don't I know it. Come on, Beltik- let me get you a drink and you can explain to me what the hell a 'hot brown' is."
Now's the time to have some fun and hang out. Plenty of time for going over whatever skeletons there might be in closets later.
Beth's home to him now, and that's all that really matters.
A/N: Any feedback is always much appreciated! Also you can find me on tumblr under nrgburst- I post WIP snippets and Beth/Benny edits there.