Treehouse
Ben Tennyson laid back on the blanket, staring out at the dark sky. There were no games this week. Both he and Gwen were more than happy about that. The right sleeve of his jacket came into view as its current wearer pointed up at something.
"See those stars right there? That's part of Orion." He yawned, waving his hand dismissively. He would never say it but being alone with her like this was the only time he felt truly at peace. Sticking to their classic method of bantering was much easier than having a heart to heart. He rolled away from her.
"Yeah, yeah. I'll just take your nerd word for it." Gwen poked him in his back. He squirmed in protest but eventually turned back around.
A somber look was on her face as she looked back at the stars.
"You know... Sometimes I think about everything we saw out there and how much more exist beyond that." He watched her face carefully. Her hand was absentmindedly toying with a loose thread on his jacket.
"If I were to go out there." She continued. "To search for...them. I wonder how long it would take to look everywhere." Ben placed a hand over hers, following her gaze.
"You say that like you plan on going alone." She looked at him, smiling a little.
"What? Does the great doofosaurus-rex wanna come along for the ride?" He turned back to her a smile present on his own face.
"I wouldn't mind it."
Her eyes widened a little before she stood up and cleared her throat. Suddenly the blanket they were sharing felt way too small. A change of topic was mandatory.
"S-so... Homecoming. Does that mush you call a brain still remember how to dance?" Ben sat up, giving her a smirk that was anything but innocent.
"Actually, I think I might need a refresher." Yep. She walked right into that one. He stood up, extending his hand to her.
"May I have this dance, little lady?" He bowed for a little extra flourish. Gwen snorted, shaking her head. Still, she placed her hand in his and allowed him to lead. She expected the worst. But of course, the cocky jerk had lied.
If anything, he'd gotten better.
...
"Kids! Come down for dinner!" Max's voice traveled up from the back porch. The two broke apart. Being caught like this again did not sound like fun. Ben gestured to the ladder with a thumb.
"Ready to head on in?" Gwen awkwardly nodded. He was acting weird. But she didn't have much room to talk.
Entering the house, they were greeted by the smell of…absolutely nothing. They shared a look before turning to their grandparents.
"Pizza tonight, kiddos." Verdona said setting some plates out on the table.
"I didn't feel like cooking and definitely didn't feel like eating anything your grandfather might make." Max tried his best to look offended. She patted his chest before giving him a peck on the cheek. Then she handed Gwen a fifty.
"I leave the pizza retrieval to you. Tell the delivery boy to keep the change." She finished with a wink. Naturally, the doorbell rang before Gwen could respond. She smirked to herself. One day she'd get that trick down.
On the other side of the door stood Cooper. Gwen smiled.
"Hey." The boy looked down for a second before hesitantly meeting her gaze.
"Hi…uh. I should have called to say this..." His gaze returned to his full arms. "But I wanted to say sorry for earlier. You've got a lot on your plate between the club, cheerleading, student council... I shouldn't have added to your load like that."
Her smiled softened as she held her left arm out of habit. This boy's forte was machines. Not people. This apology meant he was really growing up.
"Thanks. That means a lot." He gave her a nervous smile then held out the pizzas. After they made the exchange, Gwen could tell something was still on his mind. He shuffled his feet for a few seconds before speaking.
"C-could I ask you a question?" She nodded. He looked down at his feet before continuing.
"Would you mind-no..." He took a breath. "Would you like to go to homecoming with me?"
Her grin faltered. She was flattered. But not interested. Still this was Cooper in front of her. He deserved to be let down a lot gentler than Kevin, or any boy, for that matter. Before she could though, a taller, broader figure appeared behind her.
"Hey, Coop. What's up?" Ben's presence made him flounder for a second. But he quickly steeled himself.
"I was just asking Gwen to Homecoming." Gwen glanced to her left at Ben. He was clearly taken aback but smiled, nodding at their friend.
"Cool." Was all he said in response. Both boys turned their attention to her. Her fingers fiddled with the corners of the pizza boxes. She gave Cooper an apologetic smile.
"I'm sorry, Cooper. But I already have a date." The blonde boy looked downcast for a second before fixing her with a smile that only looked partially forced.
"It's okay. I understand." He turned, making his way off the porch. "See you guys Monday."
"See ya later, Coop."
Both teens felt uncomfortable. Cooper gave them a half wave as he got back into his car. Ben waved as he drove off, then closed the door. He took the pizzas from Gwen and gave her a puzzled look.
"Why did you tell him you already have a date?" She wasn't expecting his question but played the surprise off with a small shrug.
"Because, I do." She walked back to the kitchen. He followed a beat after. His brain doing more work than he cared for. Especially on a Friday night.
Teaser
Gwen Tennyson sighed as she maneuvered herself and Emily through the halls. Ben wasn't far behind them. Today they felt more packed than usual. Homecoming was coming up in less than three weeks. And as always, a loud minority of the student body was making way too big a deal over it.
"Tickets!" Her eyes narrowed at the sound of the shrill voice. The day was already off to a bad start.
"Come get your tickets for Homecoming!" She pinched her nose.
Blair and Olivia in the same place could only mean one thing. Against their better judgement the trio approached the ticket table. Lucy and Michelle were more than happy to see them. Kai, Marci and crew? Not so much. Gwen let go of her friend's wheelchair, crossing her arms. She missed the good old days before the two mean girls joined forces.
Ben, being the diplomatic jock that he was, smiled at all six girls as he stepped up. He took out his wallet and handed Marci two twenties.
"Two please." The preppy blonde shared a look with Kai before handing him the tickets along with his change.
"Why, Ben Tennyson, which lucky lady are you taking to the dance?" Both Gwen and Emily fought back eye rolls, while Michelle and Lucy weren't as gracious. He only gave Marci a smirk as he pocketed everything.
"It's a secret." Neither Marci nor Kai were satisfied with that answer. Still they didn't press him for any more details. Michelle sighed loudly looking to Gwen.
"Having the six of us man the table is such overkill. We've only sold three tickets today." Gwen gave her a sympathetic pat on the shoulder. Lucy let the pencil she was balancing on her nose fall as she shot up from her seat.
"I've got an idea." For once all eight seniors were in agreement. There was no way this was going to end well. Lucy grabbed Gwen by the waist and hoisted her up on the table. Next she scooped up Michelle and hopped up herself.
"Bellwood academy students! Do you want to see this..." She gestured to the two girls. "In our new, skimpier cheer uniforms as well as skintight evening gowns? If the answer is 'yes' then you need to come over here and buy a homecoming ticket. Now! Get them before it's too late!"
Most of the students passing by just stared. The girls mainly with judgmental expressions. The boys with grimy ones that made Gwen's skin crawl. The good news was that Lucy's stunt somehow worked. The bad news was only lonely single guys were buying tickets. Gwen and Michelle eagerly got down. The bubbly blonde hopped down shortly after.
Marci and Kai glared at them. Olivia and Blair followed suit.
"Gee, why didn't we think of that." Marci's voice dripped with sarcasm.
Ben set his gaze on Lucy while Emily looked at Gwen and Michelle sympathetically. He shook his head at her. His disappointed older cousin mode in full force. The blonde only shrugged then stood on her tippy toes, lips to his ear.
"Oh, Benji. You didn't think you could keep Gwen's sexy body all to yourself forever, did you?" Red didn't do the color his face, ears, and neck turned justice. She only smiled before turning around.
"Gotta get to class!" She blew her friends a collective kiss before bounding down the hall. The remaining three girls looked at Ben, confusion evident on almost all their faces.
"What did she say to you?"
"Nothing!"
Gwen and Michelle both raised an eyebrow while Emily offered him a look of genuine concern. He grabbed her chair turning her around.
"Let's just head to class." Both Gwen and Emily said nothing. Michelle eyed him suspiciously for another beat before falling into step with Gwen.
"Whatever you say, soccer boy."
Late Nights
Ben nearly tripped over one of Verdona's potted plants on his way up the front porch. It was way past midnight and therefore way past curfew. Slowly he unlocked the door and slipped inside. No one was downstairs. All the lights were off. He let out a breath. This was good. Maybe he wouldn't end up grounded this time. He tiptoed up the stairs, careful to avoid all the loose floorboards. When he walked past Gwen's room, he glanced in. Her lamp was still on and she was still at her desk. Hunched over. Asleep.
A warm smile came across his face as he walked in. As he got closer, he noticed a puddle of drool forming on what looked to be her calculus homework. He cringed. She wasn't going to be happy about that. Her desk was uncharacteristically cluttered. Robotics blueprints and cheer routines littered amongst the countless spells she scribbled down from their grandmother. Looking over her shoulder he knit his brow, concern taking over his face. She hadn't given up. She was still trying to figure out a combination of spells that would help track down their parents.
He sighed, turning out the light and scooping her up in his arms. After placing her in bed and pulling the covers up, he knelt down beside her. He smiled, watching her snuggle further down. It reminded him a little of their first camping trip with Max. They were only five at the time. Back then they were inseparable. Until the great gum battle of '96 of course. When it came time for bed, they shared a sleeping bag. They had burrowed as deep as they could go without risking suffocation and held hands until morning. He missed that. He missed being close to her. Everything that happened in the past seven years had only made him miss her more.
The moonlight filtered through the window. Her hair fanned out across her pillow shining in the light along with her lips. Ben unconsciously licked his as his eyes shifted focus between the light freckles sprinkled across her nose and the shadows her eye lashes created on her cheeks. He brushed a stray piece of hair away from her face, his hand lingering on her cheek. He leaned in and kissed her forehead before standing. Leaving her door slightly ajar he turned and nearly jumped out of his skin when he saw his grandmother standing three feet away.
Verdona's arms were crossed, a knowing smile on her face.
"Why up so late, kiddo?" Ben sighed, his heart rate getting back to normal.
"Sorry. I was over at Alan's house with Cooper playing the new Sumo Slammers game. We kind of lost track of time." It was the truth. He'd learned the hard way that lying to his grandmother was never a good idea.
Verdona stepped forward placing a hand on his cheek.
"You're a good boy, Ben." He relaxed a little. "But try not to break curfew for now on."
He nodded. She let her hand fall to his shoulder before stepping away and heading back towards the stairs. After taking a few steps she stopped and looked over her shoulder.
"Benjamin."
"Yeah, grandma?" Once again, she gave him that look. The look that let him know she knew something.
"Make sure you take good care of Gwendolyn."
Morning Routine 2
Gwen groggily made her way out of bed. Thinking back to the night before, she didn't even remember getting in it. She stopped dead in her tracks. Could it be? No. That was impossible. Ben would never... She mentally scolded herself. As of late he was full of surprises.
She reached the bathroom door, swung it open and-
"Oh my god. Ben, get out!"
Ben startled nearly cutting himself with his razor. He stood before her in only his boxer briefs and a pair of socks. Against her better judgment, her eyes trailed over his body. His broad shoulders. His strong arms. His built chest, chiseled abs, and his... Her face reddened at the sight. The reason for ending their nighttime routine on full display. Quickly she adverted her eyes. He stared at her, annoyed.
"Check the clock, dweeb. It's my bathroom time."
She glanced at her watch. Sure enough he was right. The mature thing to do would be to say sorry and leave. Gwen wasn't mature. At least not when Ben was involved.
She turned to leave but before she did, she flicked her wrist. Shaving cream coated his entire face.
"GWEN!"
Understanding
The Tennyson duo walked aimlessly around the galleria. Max and Verdona had sent them away on a day trip to a neighboring city to run some errands. Their grandfather insisted he needed mill worms for dinner tonight. And their Grandma wanted some new gardening supplies. Part of them felt like this was just a ruse so the couple could have the house to themselves for some alone time.
Gwen thought it was romantic. Ben chose not to think about it.
With everything on their list completed they were only trying to kill time.
Gwen came to a quick halt in front of a jewelry store, eyes zeroing in on a necklace in the window. Ben stopped, glancing at it from over her shoulder. He had to admit, it looked nice.
Next thing he knew they were in the store, at the counter, having the salesperson get it out for them. The middle-aged woman held the piece up. Gwen's eyes seemed to glitter while looking at it.
"Can I try it on?" The woman nodded, handing the necklace to her.
Gwen placed it around her neck attempting and failing to clasp it shut. Ben smirked, snickering a little. She shot him a glare. His smirk softened into a smile as he stepped behind her wrapping his hands around hers.
"I gotcha." She awkwardly let her hands fall away. With fumbling hands, he worked to close the clasp. She shivered as his fingertips touched the back of her neck. When the necklace was secured the saleswoman placed a mirror in front of her.
Gwen smiled brightly. The necklace was gorgeous. But not worth digging into her savings over. Maybe she would ask for it for Christmas or her birthday. Hell. Graduation was less than a year away. She might wait and ask for it then.
Looking at her, Ben had some similar albeit different opinions. Yes. The necklace was …Gwen was beautiful. She had to have it.
He cleared his throat, abruptly reaching in his pocket.
"We'll take it." He got out his debit card and handed it to the saleswoman. Gwen was more than surprised by the gesture but said nothing. Some saying about gift horses and whatnot running through her head.
The woman smiled at them.
"You two are such a cute couple." Ben unintelligibly stuttered, face noticeably reddening. Gwen, on the other hand, kept her composure.
"Thank you." She smiled gently at the woman before turning her attention back to her reflection, touching the chain around her neck. A red tint present on her cheeks.
...
On their way back to the car Gwen turned to look at Ben. The boy in question was currently downing his second smoothie. She smiled up at him. He'd grown up so much in the last seven years. Ten-year-old Ben would have gagged just at the thought of buying her a pack of gum.
"Thanks, Ben." He shrugged dismissively. Almost shyly. Which couldn't be right. The words "shy" and "Ben" didn't belong in the same sentence.
"Don't mention it." He grinned, ruffling her hair with his free hand. Something he took immense pleasure in since sprouting past her. "Can't have my nerd looking shabby."
She swatted his hand away and fixed her ponytail. The color coming to her face was only out of exasperation. It had absolutely nothing to do with his words. Not at all.
"In what universe would I ever be considered the shabby one?" Flashbacks from the days when Ben tried to go weeks without bathing flooded both their minds.
She shuddered while he only nodded to himself.
"Touché." She shook her head before her face broke out in a grin.
A small giggle escaped her lips as she reached over and grabbed his hand. He gave her a confused look but didn't pull away. Instead of offering him an explanation she looked ahead.
"No one knows us here." She said it more to herself than him. He raised an eyebrow.
"Uh-huh..." He wasn't following. She turned to him giving his hand a squeeze.
"We're just two teenagers out shopping." He took another long slurp of his drink before responding.
"Yep." Her lips curved into a shy smile.
"Some might even think we're on a date." He coughed, choking on his drink. Letting go of her hand he bent over beating his chest.
"Wrong...pipe." He wheezed before wiping his mouth on the back of his hand and standing straight.
He eyed her skeptically. What was she getting at? Was she on to him? He should have known buying that necklace would be too much. Not to mention what happened the other night. Sure, she was asleep but who knows? She was the smartest person he knew and Verdona Tennyson's witch of a granddaughter. Of course, she'd figure him out.
Gwen was staring up at the graying clouds, her newly free hand outstretched. If he didn't know any better, he'd say it was shaking a little.
"We should get to the car."
He only nodded.
...
The two sat there. In the car. Frozen. Ben stared ahead watching the rain as it hit the windshield, hands absentmindedly gripping the steering wheel. Gwen kept her eyes on her lap. Neither had spoken since before getting in. Eventually, she let out a breath.
"Ben..." she furrowed her brows, trying to find the right words. "Ben I...I think I'm in love with someone."
His eyes widened. He wasn't sure what he'd expected her to say, but it definitely wasn't that.
"Oh?" His voice cracked a little, but she didn't seem to notice. "Who is it?"
She wrung her hands anxiously, biting her lip. He frowned at her. This wasn't right. She never acted like this. Like she was scared of what someone would think. Of what he would think.
"A guy..." She finally offered. He had to stop himself from rolling his eyes.
"Do I know him?" She went still, pausing again.
"Yeah, kind of." They both fell silent after that.
Ben slumped in his seat. This was going nowhere. And at this point he was getting scared she was about to reveal the love of her life was Kevin. Then, she spoke up again. Her voice starting to sound strained.
"I-I just don't know if he can ever love me back." He couldn't help the smirk or the short gust of air that quickly left his nose.
"Does he know you exist?" She laughed sarcastically before shoving his shoulder halfheartedly.
"Obviously."
"Then why wouldn't he?"
The words were so sincere that she swore her heart skipped a beat. And when she finally met his gaze, all bets were off. Then it happened. For once in his life, Ben Tennyson got the message. Loud and clear. He turned away, facing forward, an unreadable expression on his face.
Gwen looked back at her hands. After playing this scenario out in her head countless times, she never figured out what the ideal reaction from him would be. Still, anything was better than this. Than silence.
A light humorless chuckle brought her back out of her thoughts. He ran a hand across the wheel, a small sad smile on his face.
"You know..." He started. She stared at him, but he still refused to meet her gaze.
"I've fallen in love, too."
Part 2: End