Bellwood Mall

March 3, 2000

2:15 PM

March is one of the few months with no holidays, and the weather in Northern California is uniformly awful, which makes the month even harder to get through. Even school staff get the blahs, which explains why there's often a random day off dedicated to "staff development" or some such. Still, school days off come rarely enough, so when they do affected kids really look forward to them. Even the ones who otherwise like being in class most other days. Gwen was one of the kids who liked school, but even she noted the Friday "Teacher Development Day" on the school calendar back in September, and put it prominently on her personal calendar, a useful holdover from the time a year or so ago when she kept elaborately color-coded schedules. She had even pointed out all the teacher days to the new girl at her school as part of showing her around on the first day. Gwen couldn't have known at the time how much she would be looking forward to spending the day with that girl.

That girl and Gwen turned out to have enough in common that they kept hanging out after that first day, which led to Gwen and her now best friend being at the mall, browsing through the Spencer's shop. She smiled to herself as she looked at Michelle walking the aisle, picking up whatever scandalous thing caught her eye, then showing it to Gwen as provocatively as she could, just to get her flustered. Six months ago she would never have stepped foot in this store, now she was doing her best to see Michelle blush from some risqué thing, too. All part of the game. One Michelle was way better at, as it turned out. Gwen felt her cheeks go hot almost as soon as they walked in the store, and pretty much stayed that way.

Michelle's mom had dropped them off that morning, and they spent it wandering from store to store, trying on clothes, looking at shoes and accessories, even taking a side trip into a computer store to scratch Gwen's nerd itches, and generally acting goofy and laughing and having a great time. It was just the distraction Gwen needed, to be with her friend and not obsess about her cousin. That situation seemed to be getting better, anyway, and as Michelle - and her Doofus - had pointed out many times, she tended to over think things. So when Michelle had mentioned last week that she was a little surprised Gwen wasn't doing something with Ben today, she only had to say his school didn't have the day off, and she'd see him enough at karate in the afternoon, and that was that.

They had gotten lunch at the food court, and were just getting back to their shopping routine, trying to out-crude each other. Michelle had just shown her another outrageously indecent T-shirt that would have gotten both of them in trouble if their mothers even thought they knew about the subject, and they were both laughing hard over how much Gwen had blushed. "Michelle! How do you even know about things like that!" Gwen could hardly speak through the laughter, when her phone rang.

She was still cracking up when she looked at it, saw it was her mother calling, and answered as her happy noise was fading. "Hi Mom" was all she got out before Michelle held up yet another scandalous T-shirt, and Gwen couldn't stifle another outburst of giggles.

"Gwen! Sounds like you two are having a good time! I hope you're not carrying on like that in too public a place." It didn't matter where she was, Gwen knew her very proper mother would disapprove of being so loud in public. She didn't take it to heart, though, and instead said "We are, Michelle is being a terrible influence, like usual" as the girl stuck out her tongue, which only made Gwen giggle some more.

"I'm sure. Just don't let it be permanent, Silly Bean" her Mom said with a sigh, and probably a little smile of her own. For once the nickname fit, Gwen thought. "Unfortunately you two can't keep it up today. Michelle's mother just called to say her brothers' doctor appointment is going much longer than she expected. Between that and some other things she has to get done today, she can't get you two as planned. She asked if I can drop Michelle off at home. I'm afraid I can't change my schedule for the afternoon either, so I'm taking you both to Ben's house. Aunt Sandra will take Michelle home on the way to the dojo. I'm on my way to get you now."

Gwen's giggle had faded away after the word 'unfortunately', and her grin changed to a frown while her Mom was talking. "Mom! We've only been here a few hours! Can't someone get us at 3?" Michelle heard and walked over, with a scowl of her own.

"No, there's no one else to ask." Gwen was about to say Grandpa can do it, but he still hadn't come back from wherever he went before Christmas. She was fuming about that when she heard her Mom say "... it's no one's fault, these things just sometimes happen. I'll be at the mall in ten minutes, I'll pick you two up at the food court entrance."

Gwen remembered her plans for the afternoon "What about karate? I don't have my stuff!"

"Don't worry about that, I have your gi, and clothes to change into afterwards."

Gwen knew better than to argue any more, and just said "All right, we'll be there."

"Good. I'll pick you up this evening at 10 like usual."

In spite of the disappointing turn of events, Gwen was happy about both karate and hanging out afterwards. "How about 10:30?"

She could almost hear her Mom smile. "We'll see." and hung up.

Michelle growled out "What happened?", and Gwen filled her in as they walked back to the food court. Then it occurred to her that Michelle would be stranded, and asked "Can you get in your house with your Mom gone?"

"Yeah, I have a key. But what am I going to do until she gets home? For that matter, what about between now and the time you go to karate? This stinks!" The look on her face at the thought of being at Ben's house made it clear she wasn't too thrilled. Gwen tried to calm her down "We'll figure something out, 'Chelle. Aunt Sandy is pretty cool, and..." What to do about Ben? Michelle had this ongoing thing against him, which Ben picked up on and returned the favor, even though they didn't know each other at all. It had been a relief to not focus on her confusion about him even for a little while, and now it came crashing back, with this new added complication. While it wasn't close to being the most important thing clouding her mind, she didn't like feeling she had to balance them against each other.

"We only have to be there for about a half hour, that's bearable, isn't it? Maybe I can get him to play his guitar, we won't have to talk much. He really is pretty good!" Gwen said when Michelle aimed a scowl at her.

"I guess, if you say so" she grumbled and rolled her eyes as Gwen's Mom pulled up outside the entrance. The drive to Ben's house took fifteen minutes, with just some chit chat with Mom about their time at the mall and Michelle's family.

When they got there, Ben and Aunt Sandy were just getting out of their minivan. Aunt Sandy gave them a smile and said "Gwen, good to see you! And this is Michelle? Come on in!". Ben had a wicked grin for a second that changed almost immediately to his regular one when he caught her eyes, and didn't change when he looked over at Michelle.

Gwen thought that was a good sign, but still whispered to herself "Please be the Doofus I know you are, not the Ben you were two years ago." as they walked into the house.

—

Ben's house

3:10 PM

Ben's Mom was at the head of the line of cars when he got out of school. It had been another tedious day, but he did get a decent grade on his math quiz. That was something good about the day he could tell his Dweeb and Mom and Dad. And today was Friday, meaning karate and movie night. Things were looking up after all! he grinned as he walked to the minivan.

His Mom had her worried look as he threw his backpack in the back seat and climbed in up front. Maybe not? he wondered as the grin faded. He settled in the seat and was putting on the seatbelt as she pulled out of line. She wasn't looking at him when she asked "Hi, Ben, how was your day?" That was an automatic question, she didn't expect an answer as she pulled into traffic, so he just made a short grunt.

"I have a surprise. Gwen's coming over now, her plans for the day had to change because Michelle's mom can't get them to practice this afternoon. We're taking her with us." He knew his eyes lit up at that because he felt the grin come back. Even with the weirdness between him and Gwen at the beginning of the year, they were getting closer to what had been normal at Christmas, as far as he could tell anyway. Gwen still wouldn't talk about any of it, but she was acting less skittish when they got together. That had to be a good thing, right?

He almost missed what Mom said next. "I'm glad you're OK with that" she smiled at him, but still had a nervous edge to her voice. "I figured you would be. The surprise is her friend Michelle is coming too. They were at the mall when Aunt Lily picked them up, but she didn't have time to take them home. It's only for a half hour, you three can hang out for that long, right?" She winced a little when she looked over at him.

Ben tried not to get angry. That girl was always giving him the stink eye! It made his skin crawl every time he saw it, and he couldn't figure out why she did. Well, at least before their party, anyway. It was so unfair! Other than that time, she only saw them together that day before Christmas, she had no reason to not like him. The thought of having to talk to her for even a half hour was getting him wound up. If only they didn't have to do that...

And then it hit him. He could do something his Dweeb liked without needing to talk much - he could play his guitar. He wouldn't normally want to with anyone else listening, but this wasn't a normal situation. The 10 year old voice in his head was raising a fuss about the situation and he was doing his best to push it down, when he came up with a way to prank both the girls that the voice approved of! He couldn't help smiling at the thought, and his Mom saw it, with an apprehensive look.

"Sure, Mom, we'll figure something out." he said as they pulled into the garage.

"I'm glad you're taking this so well! And there they are, right behind us. Be nice?" "Don't worry!" he replied and got his stuff out of the car. He even smiled at them both and said hi as they walked up the driveway. He was happy to see Gwen smile back, but he could tell she was nervous. Michelle looked like she would either bail at any second, or bite his head off. That didn't matter. This was gonna be sweet if he could pull it off!

They got in the house and his Mom said "Gwen, you and Ben can get ready for class upstairs. Michelle, can I get you something to drink? Water, soda, lemonade?" Ben glanced over, the look on Army Girl's face made it clear she wanted to be anyplace but here, but that wasn't his problem. She answered back something Ben didn't catch, he knew his Mom would keep her busy. Gwen gave her a small smile and said "I'll be ready in a few minutes, 'Chelle."

Ben looked at Gwen and said "Race ya!" and started up the stairs, and he was happy to hear her say "You're on!" like they usually did. Getting back to normal.

They got to the top of the stairs about even, though he would have said he got a foot on the hall floor first. They turned in opposite directions, Gwen to the bathroom and he went to his room. While he was changing into his gi, he thought how can I suggest playing a song without being too obvious?

He heard Gwen call out from the top of the stairs "Michelle, come on up" and he heard her feet almost stomp up the stairs as he opened his bedroom door. Both girls looked worried as they walked towards his room, and he was about to start talking when Gwen beat him to it. "Ben, I've been telling Michelle about how good you are with your guitar, but she doesn't buy it." This was great! She was buttering him up big time to do what he already planned, and one look at that girl showed the bit about not believing he could play was true, at least. "Want to prove me right?" she gave him a small smile, and he heard some pride in her voice. Couldn't have asked for a better setup! Don't overdo it. Yet.

He ducked his head and sounded reluctant as he said "Really? I don't know..." and Michelle even said "I promise to be nice if you'll show me!"

Ben tried to look embarrassed, knew he couldn't pull it off so instead he looked away. "All right, since you both asked. I just learned a new song, it's kinda personal but ... I guess I can get through it", and both girls didn't disappoint him! Gwen got a horrified look as she obviously flashed back to their first movie night after the party. Ben couldn't help wincing himself, he still couldn't believe he did that. Now he felt his cheeks start to burn, but that just added realism. He thought Gwen would have told Michelle about it - hopefully not everything! - and her face told him he was right. She looked concerned and embarrassed at the same time. They both stopped just inside his bedroom door and stood there, looking for all the world like they'd bolt back downstairs. He turned and picked up his axe, then hit the power switch on the amp.

Gwen tried to back out, "You don't have to play something like that" and gave him a sort of pleading look. There was no way he was stopping now, though. "No, I want you to hear this..." he replied, and before she could say anything more he looked down at his hands so they couldn't catch his eye, strummed the strings once, and closed his eyes. Then he started playing the beginning riff of Everybody Hurts, stopped and said in a low voice "No, not that one" as if to himself, but definitely loud enough for them to hear. He couldn't help it, he had to see their faces so he briefly looked up, and almost burst out laughing! They both recognized that song, and their looks made him finally understand what 'mortified' meant! He closed his eyes again, took a deep breath, and started playing...

After the first ten or so notes of Kung Fu Fighting he opened his eyes and looked at the girls, but kept playing the 70s AM radio staple. Gwen had a pained, puzzled look as she tried to recognize the song, but Michelle had figured it out. And sucked in a breath as she clapped both hands to her mouth! Then Gwen's eyes got big as dinner plates as she got it, and pretty much shrieked out "You Doofus! You tricked me!"

And he totally lost it! He stopped playing, bent over and put the guitar down, put his hands on his knees to hold himself up, and howled with laughter! "Duh!" he gasped out. "Oh my god, that was hilarious! I totally got you! Got you both!" He could barely get the words out between fits of laughing. He straightened up and kept on "You should have seen your faces! That was epic!" He had to wipe his eyes, he was laughing that hard.

Gwen and Michelle got over their shock and were also cracking up by now. Michelle looked at him with a new expression for a change, much more friendly and appreciative as she glanced back and forth between him and Gwen. And some amazement when she focused on Gwen and said "Did you teach him that trick, Crazy?!" Ben didn't get what that meant, but he'd ask his Dweeb about it later.

And Gwen. Her laughing died off a little and she admitted "Yeah, I guess you did!" And surprised him and Michelle when she ran the few steps between them and hit him with a flying hug! "Kung Fu Fighting! That was personal? Really?! I can't believe you did that!" She slapped his chest for emphasis and started laughing again with her chin on his shoulder. Ben knew he had a huge grin, and hugged her back. He looked up and saw Michelle staring at them with a shy smile and a hesitant look. He couldn't help himself again, and was amazed when he heard his own voice say "Come on, Army Girl, you know you want to get in on this!" He held up his right hand and flicked his fingers in a come here sign. Somewhat to his surprise, and hers by the look on her face, she jumped in, more on Gwen than him, but still...

Ben's Mom called out "Whats all the commotion in there?" with a slightly annoyed tone, as she rounded the doorway and saw the three of them. "What's going on?" Now she sounded suspicious.

Gwen broke the group hug up, still laughing, "Aunt Sandy! Don't be mad! Ben just pulled off one of his best pranks!" The woman raised an eyebrow and said "Did he? What was it?"

Gwen explained "I asked him to play something on his guitar, and he said he just learned a new song, but made it sound like it would be kinda sad."

"My Ben said that? Wait, he agreed to play?!"

"Yeah, I was a little shocked too. Anyway, he... Ben! Do it for your Mom!"

He didn't expect this, but shrugged and thought why not? He picked up the guitar, and went through the routine again, only this time he was mostly watching his Mom to see if she would get it, while the other two snickered some more. She got the worried expression the girls did to the start of Everybody Hurts, as expected, but it took her longer to catch on to Kung Fu Fighting. In fact, he had to play through to the second time those words came up in the chorus, but she just said "I don't..." with a confused expression. And then Gwen almost shouted over his playing "Aunt Sandy! You know..." and then started singing the words, with a big grin. She even got Michelle to sing along, and Ben got his own shock to hear they were good! His Mom finally started cracking up, and all four of them were laughing when he got to the end. Ben called out "Mom, I can't believe you didn't know that!"

She replied "Give me a break, I was still listening to Sesame Street when that song came out! And how do you know about it?" as her laughter died off.

"Look at what I'm wearing! Duh." as he looked down at his gi. The girls were still giggling and Ben had a big grin as his Mom turned to go downstairs saying "That was a good one! ... We need to leave in fifteen minutes, OK?"

Gwen asked "Time for one or two more?" Michelle nodded and agreed "Yeah!", and Ben said "OK, I have a couple I've been working on" and started on one he knew she liked. He did Follow You Down the last time he played for her, and he'd practiced it since then so he shredded it now! He did another one, and he knew he nailed it, too, from their reactions. Gwen was smiling like she did last October, and Michelle had a big grin, and they both were almost dancing as they swayed to the beat. Ben smiled too, and was a little amazed still that they were having fun.

His Mom called up again "Time to go!", and Gwen said "OK, we're on the way." as Michelle walked into the hall. Gwen caught him in another hug on his way to the door, and in a soft voice said "That was fun! Thank you! And for being nice to Michelle." She went to kiss his cheek, but Ben flinched before he could stop himself. Gwen stopped, but didn't pull away. Instead she looked him in the eyes and whispered "This isn't part of the game." and kissed his cheek gently. She pulled back and said "I don't want you to leave", giving him a nervous look. Ben looked back, and suddenly flashed back to the fight with the Poodle. Right after, she said that was one of the things it tried to use against her. He nodded and hugged her back a little tighter so she'd know he remembered, and said quietly "I'm not going anywhere".

Michelle yelled back "Hey, are you two coming?", and they started walking out again. Ben said a little louder "I learned a couple other songs, too. But I want you to hear them first. I can do them after dinner, if you want. And no, it won't be another sob fest" rolling his eyes before she could say anything.

—

Ben's bedroom

6:30 PM

Gwen couldn't stop the occasional giggle over Ben's prank when they walked into the dojo, and was happy to hear him stifle some down too. She went in first and saw Paul doing some stretches. He grinned when he saw her, and it got bigger when he saw Ben follow her in, and gave that weird head nod thing boys do to say hello. She glanced back at Ben and was surprised to see his cheeks turn pink as he returned it. She wanted to ask what thatwas about, but they both stopped snickering as they took their places on the mat. The prank had been fun, but they were both preparing to test for their next belt level, so they stayed focused during class.

Aunt Sandy picked them up afterwards, and the conversation on the drive home was about how both got rare approval from Sensei, and no major bruises for a change. They had to repeat the story during dinner for Uncle Carl, and Ben had crowed about the good score he got on a math quiz. His parents were pleased about that - they knew he could do well with physical activity like karate, but his improving results at school really got their attention. Her Doofus tried to pass it off as no big deal, but he got a big grin when she put her hand on his arm and said "That's great, Ben, way to go!" Gwen was genuinely proud of him, she had helped him with that unit and he worked hard to get it. She was also happy that they were getting past their twitchiness when they touched each other, even if Uncle Carl got a funny look when he noticed. Aunt Sandy told Uncle Carl about Ben's prank, and the three of them had another good laugh while her uncle looked at them with an amused smile, then said he'd like to hear Ben play it for him, too. The rest of dinner was fun, and after they cleaned up they headed upstairs.

They were walking down the hall from the stairs to his room when Gwen started by saying again "That's really great news about your quiz, Ben! I knew you had it!"

"Yeah, with your help. Thanks!" he said with a big grin. "And with my test for green. Looks like you're ready to test up, too, the way Sensei was talking!"

They went into his room, and Ben closed the door most of they way. "So, what should we do? It's my night to pick a movie..." he started.

"Actually, I want to hear your new songs. If that's all right?" Gwen replied. She ducked her head a little at the end, and was a little embarrassed at the action as much as the question. She thought her skittishness was getting better.

She could see Ben noticed, but he didn't react to it, and instead grinned a little and said "I was hoping you'd want to. This afternoon was more fun than I expected!" He started plugging in the amp and guitar, while Gwen got the pillows on his bed in the right place to sit back. He slung the guitar over his shoulder while turning around, and his grin got bigger as she settled on his bed. "Do you want to hear stuff you know, or just some new ones?"

"Surprise me!" She said, and he did his usual strum across the strings. That was becoming a signature thing, and she wondered if he even noticed he was doing it. It did serve a purpose, though, he adjusted the volume down a bit. She had to agree the setting from that afternoon was a little high.

He counted a tempo to himself and launched into Follow You Down again, and went straight from that into a couple new Gin Blossoms songs. Like his usual style, they had kind of fast, catchy vocal lines, but he was able to include a lot of the lead guitar sound with it. And, of course, the solos - he really got into them, his fingers flying over the strings with a determined look as he watched his hands on the instrument. He may not have been able to play all the intricacies of the originals, but he was pretty darn close from what she heard. Gwen couldn't help her smile, and swaying with the music from her seat. She was really tempted to get up and dance, but she was afraid that would make enough commotion to get his parents to investigate. She didn't want that to stop him, and she liked that this was only for them.

Then he payed All I Want, a song from Toad the Wet Sprocket - who came up with that name, anyway? - that she remembered telling him was one of her favorites once when they heard it on the radio. While he played, she started singing the lyrics of the chorus in her mind, and she felt some heat rising from her collar into her face.

All I want is to feel this way

To be this close, to feel the same ...

It always surprised her when a song she'd listened to, maybe even sang along with so many times without thinking about it just because the music was engaging, took on a deeper meaning as the words seemed to suddenly reflect a part of her life.

It just happened. She'd had a really good day! Spending time being goofy with Michelle at the mall had been a blast! Then Ben pulling that epic prank with Kung Fu Fighting... The adorable little prick! (She couldn't help flash a quick smirk at using one of 'Chelle's colorful words. She really was a bad influence.) She had been so afraid of another emotional scene, and then he pulled that out of the air. And he did it in front of Michelle and his mom! Gwen hadn't laughed that hard since... she couldn't remember. Not since before New Year's, anyway. And watching her Doofus collapse almost in hysterics when he pulled it off? That had been awesome!

Karate always made her feel good, there was something about hard physical activity that helped clear her mind, and getting public approval from Sensei was an added bonus.

And now, just hanging out with him, enjoying his music - it was a great break from what had become their usual routine again, watching movies and playing video games. She realized with a little jolt that she felt comfortable being with him again. She wasn't sure when that happened, sometime in the last couple of weeks, but she liked the feeling. Judging from his behavior recently, Ben did too. Like he said once, this was... nice.

Nothing's so cold,

As closing the heart when all we need

Is to free the soul

But we wouldn't be that brave I know...

Wow. Talk about having the other shoe drop. Those words hit her and she felt her stomach twist. She could feel her cheeks burning now.

The lyrics were a lot more personal when he was playing for her than listening to the song on the radio. It made her wonder if he paid attention to them, or was he only interested in the tune? Gwen could tell he noticed her reaction to the song, but he didn't skip a beat.

Though the air speaks for all we'll never be

It won't trouble me...

Is that what they were settling for? What he wanted? What she wanted? Being comfortable together, a nice situation? Or could there be more that they could find, if they - if she - would try? All her doubts and confusion came flooding back, but she almost forcefully jammed them right back down. She didn't want to ruin what had been so far a good day for both of them, but she knew she wasn't done thinking...

Ben stopped playing when he finished the song, let the guitar hang from the strap and shook out his hands and fingers, and looked up with a shy smile. "My hands need a break, that's the first time I've played so many in a row since October. I don't know how the guys in the bands keep it up."

He paused and looked at her, "Soooo, what do you think?" he said the words slowly. He was starting to turn red, too, and waited to see what her reaction would be.

She thought he had to be happy with it, because she felt herself smiling from ear to ear. "That was really good! I love all those songs, and the way you played them was amazing!" Gwen had to try not to gush as she spoke, she really did like it! "Why mostly Gin Blossoms, though?"

He shrugged "I like their music, especially the guitar solos." He grinned. "I have to work at learning them, but they're worth it once I do. I just like playing them! And they're all on the cassette I got at Christmas, so they're easier to learn."

She had to know about All I Want. "What about that last one?"

He ducked his head at that, and got redder. Then he took the guitar from around his neck, put it down, and sat down in the chair by the desk so he could face her. "Yeah, about that..."

Gwen cut in "You don't have to explain..."

"No, it's OK. Let me tell you how I learn a new song. I did it at first because you said you liked it. I'd heard it on the radio, too, and I thought it would work for how I play. First I listen to a song to see if the vocals can mix with the guitar line, so I can decide if I can play it."

Gwen was about to say something sarcastic, but he beat her to it. "Yeah, I know I can't play everything. Yet." He glared at her, but there wasn't anything behind it. She was tempted to laugh, but let it go with "Keep going."

He did, "I knew I could get this one. I recorded it from the radio so I can play it back a little at a time, pick out the notes, then back it up and do it again. That's how I work on learning the notes. I can usually find chord charts, too, so that helps. When I get enough, I put them together into the vocal, then I add the guitar parts that I can fit in. The solos are the best, so I do them last before I put it all together." Gwen listened mostly patiently to this, but he saw she was at her limit, he was almost nerding out with his explanation. Go figure. "I don't care about the words when I'm learning a song." He started to blush again and rubbed the back of his head with his hand, but kept going. "I didn't look at the words of that song until I pretty much had it, and then..."

She thought of them again now, and felt her face go hot, too. She finished for him "It's like the song is talking about us", in a soft voice.

"I don't... This isn't something I... you think so, too?" Ben stammered.

Gwen realized what she just admitted, and hurried to backtrack "I mean, you could hear it that way, not that I..."

Ben got a relieved look, "Yeah, exactly, you could." She almost hugged him for letting her off the hook.

"Sometimes I do, but after listening to all the words to these songs, almost all of them have parts that make me think that. Like Follow You Down. But not every time, and I'm not trying to say something to you when I play them. ... Not all the time, anyway. And it isn't always you and me..." he ducked his head again and looked down. "Sometimes they make me think of my parents, or how bad school was, or our summers. ... But mostly I just play the music, and that makes me feel good. Like before karate today." He looked up at her, with a mix of embarrassment and a trace of a grin. He looked as confused as she felt, she thought. "You know what I mean?"

Gwen had tensed up without noticing while Ben had been explaining, and felt herself relaxing when he stopped. "Yeah, I do. OK. I get it. " and she smiled at him. "There isn't a really deep meaning to Detroit Rock City, is there? It's just fun to dance to!"

"Uh huh, like that, or I Can't Drive 55! I mean, I can't drive a car yet, but that's a great song to play!"

"OK Doofus, we both agree not to read too much into the songs, right?" She paused and looked away. "But I am a little jealous." She saw him get his confused look again.

"You get to play whenever you want, but I only get to hear you once in a while. It would be nice to hear more often..."

Ben got an excited look then, said "Gotcha covered!" He picked up his phone and plugged a cable into it, then into the amp. Then he got up with a smile, and sat down on the bed next to her. "Check this out!" He flipped the phone open and showed it to her, a list of song titles. There was a triangle at the bottom of the screen, and he highlighted it somehow, then it flashed when he pressed the 'Enter' button on the keypad. And the first song on the list started playing through the amplifier! One she knew he had played for her. Gwen sucked in a breath, and said "How did you do that?!" She was pretty sure her parent's phones couldn't.

He could hardly contain his excitement, and that made her smile too. "Pretty cool, huh? The Little Guy explained that to me after I Upgraymattered it. I can record songs through the amp to the phone, and play them back!" He pressed a few more buttons, looked up at her with that smile, and she heard her phone beep. "There, now you have them! You can play them back through the speaker in the phone, but that sucks, so I got you a cable to play it on a radio, or you can use headphones."

Gwen matched his excitement "That is so cool!" and she couldn't believe his smile could be getting any bigger, but he pulled it off. He was about to stop his phone playback to plug in hers, but she put her hand on his to stop him. "No, don't stop, let it keep playing." Then she shifted around a little so she could lean back into his chest, and pushed him back into the pillows. She ended up leaning against his left side, with her head on his shoulder. Gwen could see him get a little surprised look, so she said "I just want to listen to a few." And looked at him and matched the grin on his face.

After two songs, her right hand found its way from her side up to the back of his head, where her fingers absently made more of a mess of his hair. And this time, anyway, neither one of them flinched.

Her Doofus surprised her more than once today, not least was having fun with Michelle and Aunt Sandy. That made some of her worries about them, and what he thought about her, stay in the background.

So when he relaxed a little more into her side with a soft sigh, she stopped thinking and just enjoyed the music with him. And she smiled and made her little hum, like the night in the snow.

For now anyway, nice would do.

Note: Another one that I wrote before Chapter 30 came out, so this doesn't follow the main story. I've thought about adapting it by not having Michelle go to Ben's house before karate, but I decided to post this as is regardless.

I like the idea of listing songs that go with the story, so:
Everybody Hurts, by R.E.M.
Kung Fu Fighting, by Carl Douglas
Follow You Down, Hey Jealousy, Till I Hear It From You, by the Gin Blossoms
All I a Want, by Toad the Wet Sprocket
Detroit Rock City, by KISS
I Can't Drive 55, by Sammy Hagar