Rexi

(Saturday Afternoon, July 21st)

"Okay," Ben pauses the videogame. "This rationing isn't working."

"I think we need to kill off some people," Chad decides.

"Yeah," he sighs, before he unpauses the game to replace the houses with a farm. He looks back at him and uncomfortably mentions, "Um. Chad." Ben places a finger below his nose, and when Chad mirrors the motion, he sees the blood on his fingertips. Ben eyes away, quickly stands to grab the Kleenex box and waste bin, before he gives them to Chad and sits back down.

Chad places some tissue beneath his nose, "Thanks."

Ben looks over him, awkwardly smiling, "Still snorting Pixi Sticks?"

"Shut up," he irritably answers, and Ben frowns as his eyes meet his mother and Chad's father. "This doesn't turn you on, does it?" he shifts in curiosity.

Ben looks back at him, "It would be kind of weird if it did."

"Getting turned on by blood is pretty weird in the first place," Chad points out.

Ben takes a moment, "No." before he turns back to the screen. "It's fine, Chad."

"You know, I was thinking," Chad begins. "If blood turns you on, you could just go down on your girlfriend when she's having that time of the month."

"Are you kidding?" Ben gives a disgusted look. "That stuff's like rotten meat."

Chad laughs, "Really?"

"That's what it smells like," he affirms.

"How would you know?"

"I mean," Ben fumbles, "if I'm sitting right next to someone, I can kind of tell."

"That must suck," Chad grins. "Dealing with that seven days a month." He faces him, "Do you like make excuses or something not to be around Mal when she gets it?"

"Actually," Ben contemplates, "I'm pretty sure Mal only gets hers once every few months." He frowns, "Not that it matters now that we're not even together."

"Hey," he reminds him, "at least she can't assault you anymore."

Ben notices their parents' attention focus on them, and he excuses, "It's not her fault. She thought she was losing me."

"So?" Chad's brows furrow.

"So," Ben irritably answers, "she has Borderline Personality Disorder. If she thinks she's losing someone she cares about, she'll do desperate things. It's not like she even wanted to have sex with me. She just thought she had to do it to keep me."

"And that doesn't bother you?" he doubts.

"Of course, it does," Ben sighs. "You know, I tried different types of underwear too, but it didn't matter if I was wearing boxer briefs or those loose, cotton ones… She still found it."

"Found what?" Ben gapes at him, shakes his head, and Chad cautiously concerns, "Did she actually…" He eyes over him, "Did she touch you?"

Ben frowns, "Not like that." before he takes a deep breath. "Pretty close, though."

Chad frowns, "At least you weren't wearing a hospital gown."

He makes a face, "I guess." and there's a minute of silence.

Chad hears Ben's stomach growl, "You stupid rexi." and Ben pauses the game, turning to see Chad's anger. "You haven't eaten yet, have you?"

"Of course, not." He counters, "I just woke up. What's your excuse?"

"I ate," Chad emphasizes. "I don't need an excuse."

Ben strides over to his desk, taking out a protein bar, before he goes back to the bed, biting into it, "There. Is that rexi enough for you?"

"Whatever," he dismisses, before Ben notices King Charming check his phone, instruct his mother to keep an eye on them, and exit into the hall.

Ben looks at the protein bar. He hadn't checked the flavor, but whatever it was had been sickly sweet. It was too disgustingly rich to have for a first meal." Ben sets it behind him, and he inhales the other scent. It's tart, and he feels his stomach clench. His gaze slowly moves to Chad's neck. It's so close. He bites his lip. He could have him now.

Chad glances at him, before his jaw drops, "What the hell are you doing?"

"What?" Ben defends, "Nothing."

"You're thinking about it," he accuses.

"Why would I be doing that?" Ben bypasses.

Chad shakes his head, tossing the controller to the other end of the bed, "I don't believe this." He faces him, "You promised me you would stop."

"I didn't do anything," Ben concerns.

He takes a moment, "I think we need a break."

"What?" he laughs in disbelief.

"I think we need some time apart," he reiterates.

"You're taking a break from me?" Ben points to himself, eyes widened.

"Well, clearly, this just friends thing isn't working for you," he decides.

"You're the one with the crush," Ben's emphasizes.

"I'm not the one acting on it," he calmly counters.

"Chad," he stresses. "I don't have a crush on you."

"No," Chad frowns. "You just want me for my blood. That's way worse."

When he stands, Ben stands as well, "Chad. Please." He feels his heart pound, and when Chad twists around, the hurt in his expression causes a sinking feeling.

"No," he asserts. "I've had enough. Okay? I can't keep doing this with you."

King Charming renters the room, a frown on his face, "What's going on here?"

Chad turns towards him, "I want to go home." before heading for the door.

Ben hurries after him, shouting, "Chad." He places a hand on his shoulder, forcing him around. "I didn't do anything. You can't just leave."

"You're going to stop me?" his eyebrows raise.

"We're not taking a break," Ben yells.

"You can't make me not."

"You're mine." Ben insists, "You're not going anywhere." and Belle places a hand over her mouth.

Chad makes a face, "I don't belong to anyone." before he paces to the door.

"Wait." Ben goes after him, "I didn't mean it like that." but Charming stops him and then Chad's gone.

He tries to press forward, but Charming steps in his way, "Ben."

"I didn't do anything," Ben persists. "He can't just leave."

"If you didn't do anything, then why's he so upset?"

"I—I don't know," Ben exasperates. "He just caught me thinking something."

"He caught you thinking something?" Charming repeats.

"It's not fair," he frustrates. "I never judged Chad for his thoughts." Charming remains quiet, and Ben sighs, "What? What is it?"

"I'm very disappointed in you," he confesses. "After the talk we had, I thought we'd come to an understanding."

"What are you talking about?" he huffs. "I didn't do anything."

"You called him yours," he sadly reminds him.

Ben tears up, "I didn't mean it like that."

"It sounded like it," he disagrees.

"King Charming," Ben begins, shutting his eyes.

"He's too young for you, and, honestly… I'm tired of him entertaining this relationship you have with him."

Ben's eyes widen, "You think he's been entertaining me?"

"You're clearly taken with him," he opinionates, "but Chad's not like that."

He tilts his head, "How do you know?"

"Because," his voice raises, "my son wouldn't do that." Ben keeps silent, eyes shifting. "Look. I think Chad's right. You need a break from him, until you can treat him as a friend."

"Charming," Ben's voice crackles. "Please."

"I've fought for you before," he mentions. "I have to fight for Chad, now." Tears leave Ben's eyes, and Charming turns to Belle, "May I speak with you for a moment?"

"Of course," she accepts, and they step out into the hall.

His frown deepens, "I told you to keep an eye on them."

"You know Ben didn't physically do anything," she defends.

He takes a moment, "How is Ben doing?"

"How do you mean?"

"Is he eating?" he questions.

She frowns, "Of course, he is."

"Properly?" he persists, and Belle makes a hesitant noise. "I would hate to separate him from his best friend if a nutritional solution could diminish his perverse thoughts."

"He gets busy." She inquires, "But if it's blood you're talking about?" and he patiently listens. "Then it's not like Adam needs it. Ben shouldn't either."

"Ben is a teenager," Charming reminds her. "He's growing. His appetite will be worse."

"And he does partake," she informs. "I just don't believe any more would be necessary." He fails to speak, and she raises her eyebrows, "You think I'm wrong."

"Chad seems to think Ben doesn't eat," he suggests.

"Chad doesn't even know of Ben's nature."

"But if blood's not the issue, then regular eating would be," Charming continues. "And what if he's told Chad things he hasn't told you, things that make Chad think he doesn't eat?"

She frowns, "Somehow, I doubt that."

"But what if it's true?" he persists. "What if Ben has an eating disorder and that's why he's been so out of control?"

Belle half laughs, "You're assuming a lot."

He nods, "Maybe." before he recounts his own conversations with Ben. "But I can tell you he's been stressed about food. Nothing satisfies him. Nothing tastes good. That has to mean something, doesn't it?"

"Ben has things he likes," she dismisses.

Charming thinks, "Or maybe he just has things he doesn't hate." Belle doesn't comment, and he concerns, "I would really feel better knowing that Ben was taken care of."

"He is," Belle sternly remarks. "We take care of him. Now, it may not be the way you would, and some people may disagree with how we handle things; however, Ben is my son, and I know what is in his best interest."

"I'm sorry," Charming apologizes. "I didn't mean to imply you were a bad parent." He hesitates, "If any of my coworkers were in distress, I'd want to help them."

"Then try Aladdin," she suggests. "I hear Jasmine's been hospitalized again."

"Of course," he accepts. "I should check on him again."

He moves to leave, but she steps forward, "Hold on." He faces her, and she unsurely smiles, "You know, maybe I'm just biased. So, tell me. Does my son look anything like how Jasmine gets when she's unwell?"

Charming meets her brown eyes, "No. He doesn't."

"Then stop saying he must be malnourished."

"Belle," he takes a breath. "Eating disorders are a disease of the mind. Just because Ben doesn't look sick, doesn't mean he doesn't have a problem." He eyes over her. "But I'm sure you already knew that." Her eyes lower, and he shakes his head, "May God be with the both of you."

After he leaves, Belle returns to the room and sees Ben sitting on the edge of the bed. "Oh. Honey," she says, going to sit next to him.

"He's taking a break from me." His eyes are wide open, but tears still escape, "From me. Do you believe that?"

She hugs him, "I'm so sorry." and there it is: the cantaloupe scent, so sweet, so juicy. He sucks on her neck, and she moves him away, "Ben."

"Sorry," his eyes shut. "I'm just suddenly really hungry."

She quiets, "Ben. I haven't been starving you, have I?"

He gapes at her, "What?"

"I know I've put this expectation on you," she starts, "of having cooked meats and being more human than you are."

"Mother," he cringes.

"I'd just hate to think that you've hidden your needs from me, just because I was foolish enough think you didn't need anything more."

"Mother," he frowns. "I'm fine. Really… I'm just sad. I'm probably not even hungry."

"Still," she persists. "Is there anything you'd like for dinner?"

He lifts a shoulder, "A protein shake in my office."

"Ben," she desperately expresses, "I'd like you to eat with us." He looks away. "How about steak? We can make it rare for you."

"No," he frowns.

She places one hand to his shoulder and the other to his face, "Ben. Please. I need to know that we've taken good care of you." His eyes move to her neck, and he feels his teeth tense. They have to bite something. He could have her now, bite into her neck and move her back onto the bed. "Ben?" He quickly frees himself from her and stands, staring her over. "Ben?" she asks again, and he hurries to the door. She reaches for her neck, rubs it, and sighs. A scarf. She should have worn a scarf.

When Ben enters the East Wing kitchen, he searches the fridge and freezer before pulling out the rocky road ice cream, "Who's is this?"

Evie looks over him, "Carlos's."

"Maybe I shouldn't have it," Ben debates, before he opens it and notices it's half gone. "You know, I can just get him a new one."

She watches him take a spoon and dig it into the medium tub, "You don't have to, actually. Aladdin took him."

Ben sucks the spoon, "The sultan?"

"Something about how he shouldn't be living with his ex." Evie flips her hair, "Anyway. A five-hour train ride, he couldn't take the ice cream."

Ben stares into the ice cream, "Everyone's leaving me." before he takes another bite.

Evie sits down, "What happened?"

"Chad and I are taking a break," Ben answers in annoyance before muttering in French.

"So?"

"So. He likes me," Ben emphasizes. "And now he's taking a break?" He shakes his head, "He can't just do that."

"You know why he's taking a break, don't you?" Evie asks.

"Because, I'm not allowed to think anything," Ben complains.

"Because, you know he likes you," Evie frowns. "He probably feels weird hanging out with you now that you know, and he's probably afraid of how you could act with him now."

"I was willing to do small stuff with him," Ben counters. "He should have been grateful." He scoops up more ice cream, "He probably thinks about having sex with me, but the second I think about his smell, he has to frickin' leave."

"Ben," she sighs.

"I want pizza," Ben decides, before he and the ice cream head for the hallway. He strides down to the door connecting the two wings, moving the spoon of ice cream to his mouth, before he's halted in his steps. In front of him is the black-haired maid, spoon stuck in his mouth, as her grey eyes look over him. He takes a step back and rounds her, darting for his room. The pizza. He sits at his desk, placing the spoon into the ice cream container, before he goes onto the website and fills out his order.

"Here's your free pizza," the dark brown-haired guy smiles, and Ben smiles in return. "Oh, but you have the delivery fee."

"Right," Ben falters, before he digs the change from his pocket, exchanging it with his order. "So, uh."

"How's your day going?" he offers.

"My friend decided we needed a break," he complains.

"A break?" he inquires.

"I really don't care, though, because I have pizza now," he continues, before his eyes scan him and he sets the pizza down on the entrance table. "So. Pizza. Does that pay well?"

"Enough," he evenly expresses.

"So, you couldn't use an extra twenty dollars?" Ben suggests.

He laughs, "Are you tipping me?"

"Well, no," Ben scratches the back of his head, awkwardly smiling. "I don't have the money right now, but I was thinking you could do something for me."

"Like what?"

"Well," Ben looks off, "something that would involve you to come inside."

He chuckles, "Was your breakup really that bad?"

"It wasn't a breakup," Ben denies. "He just doesn't want to hang out with me anymore."

"Right," he slowly entertains.

"Whatever," Ben grumbles, before he smiles and moves a hand to his shoulder. "Do you have a minute?"

"I'm on the clock," he informs. "I don't have thirty minutes."

"Then later," he solves.

"I'm sorry," he takes a step back, and Ben's hand falls to his side. "But I'm not breaking the law for anyone." He moves one foot back and bows, "Even for you, Your Highness."

"It wouldn't be sexual," Ben informs. "I'd just like the company."

"Just company?" he doubts.

Ben glances at his neck, "Well, maybe just a little more than company."

He grins, "Have a good day, King Ben." before he starts to leave.

"Hey," he calls after him. "What's your name?"

"Tyler," he shouts back, before he reenters the car.

Ben grins, "Tyler." before he shuts the door.

Jay whistles, "You move fast." and Ben turns, frowning in annoyance. "Didn't you and Chad just fight two hours ago?"

"It's not like I'm dating him," he points out.

"Mal thought you were."

"And I told her I wasn't," he asserts.

"So, you weren't going to hook up with Tyler to get back at Chad?" he speculates.

Ben lifts a hand in stress, "Why do you even care?"

"What else am I supposed to do?" he counters. "Sit across from Belle in the library, reading some book?"

"Yeah," Ben gives a look. "I'm pretty sure that is what you're supposed to be doing." He shakes his head, "What did you do? Say you had to use the bathroom and then never went back? You're going to upset her."

"Ooh. What's she going to do?" He laughs, "Lecture me to death?"

Ben looks off, and his expression falls. His father hovers over Jay, "Something funny?"

Jay turns around and frowns, "No, Your Highness."

A small noise emanates from his throat, "And how did you escape the library?"

He shrugs, "I just asked Belle questions about what she was reading, until she told me to go entertain myself elsewhere." Adam eyes over him. "What?"

"Why don't you entertain yourself with me?" he proposes.

"With you?" he concerns.

"Unless you'd like to give the library a second chance," he offers. "And actually read something this time?"

Jay makes a face, "Nah. You see, reading's not really my thing."

He nods in thought, "Honestly, it's not mine either. I couldn't even read when I met Belle. Without her, I wouldn't be the man I am today."

"Literally."

Adam takes a moment, "My point is that we all have to do things we don't like, and we become better for it." Jay rolls his eyes, and he asks, "If reading isn't your thing, then what is?"

He shrugs, "Sports, I guess."

"Do you like sports?"

He shrugs again, "Sometimes."

"Sometimes?" he inquires, and Jay's frown deepens. "What else do you like?"

"Well," he thinks, "I would say people, but sometimes I feel more alone around them."

"What else?" he asks again.

Jay's eyes shift, before he meets his blue ones, "Justice. I like justice."

Adam smiles, "Okay. We can work with that." Ben gapes, as his father places an arm around Jay's shoulders and heads back to the library. He looks off, sees the pizza sitting on the thin table, and goes to snatch it before racing up the white staircase.

Posted: 10/01/2019

Ally1762 The thing about Mal is that she's useful to Jay, and she does understand him. This is something that I thought I would explain in the next chapter. Hopefully it makes sense.

DarthMsater12 Welcome to the club. It's always nice to see a new commenter, but let's be real. Dark Master was taken, right? Or are you German? Because, it would be cool if you were... not that no one else can be. I'm just biased. You guys know that.

Megan Yeah. I really love the way Aziz and Carlos interact... And yeah. It probably would be a good idea for Carlos to just be upfront with Jay, but that's only going to be a problem if they get back together. So long as Carlos is in hiding, he can't get hurt. (Tune in for the school year. You're going to love it."

- Royal Problems: Chad's Secret is now out! Go read it. It all starts with his and Ben's 'break'.

- So, I had this very sad idea for an alternate time line that only Evie can see. The time line I'm writing is the one where they get to stay in Auradon. Obviously, if Jay had killed Ben, they'd been sent back to the Isle by Adam and Ben's cousin would have claimed the throne and outed Ben's side of the family as... whatever term explains a werewolf mating with a lion whose offspring got involved with a human whose son started dating a dragon. Anyway, I'm going to play around with that other time line, but I'm having a hard time deciding whether to only include visions in this series or give it its own series and just make Evie look crazy in this one. Let me know what you think.