Had it gotten warmer?
Even with the window open, the heat was almost unbearable. But of course, Ben didn't even think of that as Hope stood above him, kissing him deeply with her arms around his neck, and his own arm around her waist. His brain was still processing everything, and spectacularly failing to do so. He didn't want the kiss to end, but when his lungs implored for air, he had to pull off, just slightly. Ben wouldn't dare to get her off him, but he at least needed some inches to breathe and clear the sweat that had appeared on his forehead.
"What?" She dared to ask, sporting a smirk that drove him crazy. Some of her black lipstick had come off from the kiss, and he had to make an effort not to keep staring hungrily at her lips.
"You left me breathless. No way you'rebreathing normally." Ben spluttered.
She chuckled, and just then her breath failed as he had. "Of course not. I felt like you were consuming me."
Ben had the decency to blush, but he accompanied it with a smile. "I wouldn't want it any other way, would you?"
"No." And then she kissed him again. Once more his brain cells fried, leaving him no choice but to indulge in the kiss, and he even dared to hold her more tightly than the early evening allowed him to. After a few more minutes of making out, in which he tried not to make too much noise and wake his counterpart up, she finally slid off him and sat on the couch again, but this time, leaning over his chest. It didn't seem like she wanted to get away... And neither did he.
"Sober up." She spoke. "What are you feeling?"
"What do you mean? I feel like I'm in Heaven."
Hope rolled her light blue eyes. "Like I said, sober up. How are you really feeling? Does this feel... normal?"
Ben tried as hard as he could to fully grasp the severity of the question. Did want to know if he was comfortable with it? Thinking better, yes, it was scandalous for them to be making out like this, maybe more because of the way they were doing than because of who they were.
But did it feel normal?
Yes. It felt like it was meant to.
"I can't think of anything I'd rather be doing, Hope. I mean it." He stressed, his hand running through her pure white hair that reflected the light like marble. "Are you worried because of the break-up and everything? I mean, it's been enough time-"
"Are you quite certain?" The witch asked, carefully. "We can stop if you feel uncomfortable. In your place, I might have felt like that... especially knowing how much you felt everything."
"Eh." Ben shrugged, but he did indeed feel a little sour about the subject. "It doesn't matter now. If anything, there's no better therapy than this."
Now, a full smile appeared on her face. And she leaned forward again, giving a brief peck on his lips.
"I love your attitude. I always do."
"You were the one saying I was a brat not fifteen minutes ago." He remarked, raising an eyebrow.
"Please, you know I wasn't talking about you now." She complemented her words with an eye-roll.
"But you were still complaining about me, up until we kissed..."
"You made up for it. I haven't got more complaints to make." Hope's hand touched his face, and Ben realized how soft her skin was as she caressed him with affection. It made the blush return to his face. Why did things feel so different with Hope? It wasn't the first time he made out with a girl, not even close, but she made him feel like a schoolboy receiving his first kiss. On that line of thought, something clicked in his mind.
"Hey... I... I guess I need to ask..." Ben coughed awkwardly. "What are we right now?"
For a moment, she only stared, making his heart beat faster. "At this present moment, nothing has changed. We remain friends. Though... things are rapidly evolving, wouldn't you agree?"
"Yeah, I would." Ben wouldn't admit out loud how he felt his heart dropping to his stomach when she called themselves friends still, up until what she said after. He allowed himself to calm down. "I mean, I know there are friends who do this..."
"I don't want to close you off from the world..." Hope mused. "I know you're not really settled in, ever. And I've seen some looks you give... to other people."
Now that infuriated him a little. "That's nonsense. If I looked at Cordella, I assure you it wasn't even conscious. And, I mean, who else are you talking about? Swift? My grandpa digs aliens, not me!"
"Hmph. Okay, maybe I'm being unfair. But still..." She insisted. "I don't want to be selfish."
"Hope... Being honest... I don't mind if you are selfish right now." Ben told her, shortening the already close distance between their faces. "I sure would be."
"Oh, yeah?" Her voice was enlaced with curiosity. "How so?"
"I would mind if I saw you with someone else." Ben wanted to make that pretty clear. He usually wasn't too possessive... but he couldn't help it right now. Especially not with her legs enlaced in his own.
"No one wants me right now, Ben..." Since they were both lying down on the couch, it meant that her head was leaned against her chest, the rest of her body divided between the surface of the couch and his own body. The warmth they shared was intoxicating.
"No one... apart from me. And don't play dumb, like you said earlier. If you ever walked outside people would be drooling for you."
"I'm flattered." She smiled. "But fine... I see your point. What is it that you want to do now? I can't let myself think for... for us... not at this moment." The way she said us made his heart skip a beat in a way he hadn't felt... in a long time.
"Maybe..." Ben began to think. "Maybe we don't need to rush. But... we can... try things?"
"Try things?" While her voice was unimpressed, her gaze was amused. "What does that even mean?"
"That means... I'm trying... to ask you out?"
Her giggle that came afterward was like music to his ears. "I accept, Ben. When?"
"Tomorrow? I mean, not like we have anything better to do..."
"Indeed." Hope purred, leaning closer. "Until then... would you mind kissing me again?"
"Happy to oblige..."
...
Ben was panicking.
The morning after they spent so much time making out, he left the hotel room back to his home. Since they had a date, he and Hope had agreed that they should get ready separately.
Here's the problem... he didn't have a clue on how to dress properly and how to dress. He had been on dates before, that was true. But the real issue was that he had mostly been on teen dates. Things like walking in the park with milkshakes in hand, walks in the mall, going to the movies...
But Hope had said she wanted something fancy... if he didn't mind paying for it, of course. But Ben didn't. Against his best wishes, he had more money than he would ever need in his life. But where? Ben knew some restaurants but he wasn't quite certain where to go. He did not want to do anything in Undertown, that was for certain.
So, he was left with exploring his wardrobe in search of something that would be fitting for a date like this. He had had a suit before... one he hadn't used ever since middle school prom. It was all white with black shoes and a black tie. I mean... would this do it? He wasn't sure... It probably didn't even fit him.
"What're you looking for?" A voice spoke from the door. Ben's mother stood at the doorframe, leaning her shoulder over it, her arms crossed and an amused look on her face.
"Uh, something nice to wear." Ben figured it was better not to come up with too many excuses and lies. "I'm thinking of going somewhere fancy. But turns out I've got nothing."
"I see." Sandra got closer, inspecting the mess he made while searching for clothes. "Is it so important that you can just not go?"
"I'm going with a friend." Ben clarified, though even saying that made his face warm up. "I don't want to stand her up."
"Is it that pretty girl who you're staying with in that hotel?" His mom guessed, the smirk still present.
"Maybe." He answered, trying hard not to stare into his mom's eyes. "I don't want to show up like I'm going to Burger Shack."
"Sounds like you're trying to impress her." Sandra mused. "Gwen told me she is a highly dangerous individual."
"She's changed, alright? And she's a nice friend. Maybe I am trying to impress her."
"Any reasons at all, young man?" Ah, there was it. Despite Ben spotting it from a mile away, it still made him feel embarrassed.
"No... not that I wouldn't..." He found himself entangling himself in his words. "I mean, really, who'd want to show up in my hoodie or my green jacket to Outback?"
Ben didn't know if he found it funny or infuriating that his mother's smile only grew. "Ben, dear, you're not a very good liar. Come here, I'll help." Without waiting for him, she walked out the door. He didn't know what that was about, but jumped to his feet and followed her. Sandra led him into the master bedroom and opened his dad's closet. He knew they had separate closets for the sake of convenience, but what really surprised him was the suit his mom removed from there.
"Will this suit you? The pun wasn't lost to his ears, but he was too focused to fully grasp it. That suit was brilliant. It was a deep shade of red, with a white shirt and black tie.
"I mean, I-I mean, it's perfect!" Ben exclaimed. "I never saw Dad using that!"
"Well, it's meant for very special occasions." His mother smiled. "He wore first on our third wedding anniversary. But since he is so busy with work these days be sure he won't notice that it slipped away." She winked.
"Thanks." His mom handed him the suit, and Ben was careful not to fold it. "But where should I make an appointment?"
"Dear me, Ben, you haven't even scheduled a table? What's she gonna think?" Despite her words, the usual smile never left her face. Ben allowed himself to roll his eyes.
"I don't know many restaurants. Come on, Mom, give me a hand?"
"Of course." She grabbed her cell phone and disked some number. Someone picked up on the other way off the line. "Hey, Marie? It's Sandra." There was silence from his mom for a few seconds. "I'm good! How is Hugo?" Once again, silence. "That's great. Look, I wanted to know if there was a table free at the restaurant for tonight?" Sandra again stood silent. "Great!" The other person seemed to ask something. "At seven... Seven is good, right?" She said the last bit to Ben, sliding the phone away from her ear. When he nodded affirmatively, she resumed the conversation. "Great. Put it under Ben Tennyson. Alright. Thanks, Marie, you too!"
And it was done. His mother turned off the call and looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "You got your reservation. Savory Soirée is the place. Not too far from here, surprisingly..."
"Wow, I mean... thanks mom... I was so lost on what to do, really!"
"Always. I hope you have a good night, despite what you may tell me now that you're totally not going on a date," Ben tried his best not to show too much anxiety. "I want to see you happy, dear. I saw how you were faring when Kai broke up with you. And if you think Charmcaster... correct me if I got that wrong... if you think she's worth it..."
"She is just a friend, mom," Ben stressed, though deep inside... there was some part of her that was very conflicted about that statement.
"Let's see if that remains the case after tonight, isn't that so?" His mom teased. "But I trust your judgment, even if she did those things Gwen told me."
"Thanks... again," Ben said. He was annoyed Gwen had been speaking to his mom about Hope behind their collective backs, but there wasn't much he could do about it. Much to his dismay, he could understand where Gwen was coming from. "I best get ready, right?"
"Indeed," Sandra answered. "It's three already. Go shower."
He managed a smile. "Happy to comply."
...
Ben was hysterical.
He had told Hope about where they were heading a few minutes after he finished showering through a call to the hotel. But that was way earlier now. He was already at the Savory Soirée, where he had ordered a glass of Brazilian lemonade, or at least that's what the waiter had told him this was. It was just normal lemonade with ice cubes and for some reason condensed milk. But again, for some reason, Ben couldn't get enough of it.
He might or might not be in his second glass already.
But that wasn't just because the drink was nice, but also because he was so nervous, so damn nervous. He was fidgeting on the table and unconsciously shook his leg back and forth. Hope wouldn't appear out of nowhere, of course, but was he prepared for it?
With the way it seemed like his stomach was turning on itself... it seemed unlikely.
Ben checked his phone. It was 7:18. He had made sure to be punctual, but would she be? He cursed himself for not thinking of bringing her with him to begin with. Hope wasn't natural to Bellwood, of course, she could get easily lost-
"Excuse me," A silky voice spoke from beside him, startling him much more than he would like to admit. "Is this seat taken?"
"Um, no... I mean, it will be-" He stopped completely when he realized who he was speaking to.
It almost looked like a different person.
Now, don't get it twisted; Ben found Hope gorgeous. Even in the robes, he saw her using forever. But nothing, nothing could have prepared him for the sight his eyes had to bear. Instead of her robes, she wore a long-sleeved black dress that, while stopping at her thighs, highlighted too well her curves, especially around her waistline. Her white hair, while usually tied in a ponytail, was now styled in a chic bun, two purple strands falling near both eyes. She sported the same black lipstick as always, but her face had just the right amount of makeup.
"It is now." She announced, sitting at the table. "I must say, I am impressed."
Ben smiled nervously. "Well, thanks. I tried to choose a nice place for us."
"You succeeded." Her eyes, now completely blue, examined him. "You look awesome."
"And you're... stunning. I mean... where did you get that dress?"
"I've had it in my palace for a while. Never had the opportunity to use it... until now." She set her eyes on his drink. "What's that?"
"Lemonade. Can't drink, remember?"
"Mhm." Hope thinned her lips, looking at the waiter nearby. "Excuse me?"
"How may I help you, miss?" He politely asked.
"You couldn't possibly have burgundy wine, could you?" She asked, hands beneath her chin.
The waiter smiled. "Of course we could. Would you want a bottle?"
"I would. One glass, please. I know he's a celebrity." Hope nodded towards Ben. "But he is still not twenty-one."
"Of course." They were left alone again. Ben suddenly remembered something, amidst his efforts of not getting annoyed at Hope calling him a celebrity.
"How is Benjamin? What did you say to him?"
Hope shrugged. "He wasn't even there. Probably went to see Elena."
"I'm kinda worried about that," Ben said. "I mean, to her, she is a ghost. Not only that, but an even crazier ghost."
"It's his problem, Ben." Hope stated. "Despite being you... he is not you. So don't think about him like an extension of you. Think like he is a different person, choosing to be foolish."
"Eh, whatever." Ben was still not too comfortable with that conversation, but alas. "I'm still impressed with your look."
"Thank you." How did her smile send his brain spiraling like that? "I thought of wearing something green tonight..."
"Black suits you better. I mean, I don't even wear green if I can help it."
Hope raised an eyebrow. "That seems to be the opposite of what you actually do."
"My hoodie is mostly white." He argued. "And I ditched the all-green jacket years ago."
"I guess." At that moment, Hope's wine arrived. The waiter served it in a glass for her, and she silently thanked him. Holding the glass with grace, she drank it while not taking her eyes from him. "You'll realize what you're losing in three years."
"Never was much interested," Ben answered nonchalantly. "But I guess it's not about the taste, is it?"
"Indeed. I love how wine makes me feel."
"And how is that?" He found himself leaning over the table, curiosity peaking.
"Crazy." Her answer was cryptic, perhaps for good reason. "But I will save you from that sight."
"I wouldn't mind if you got like that, honestly."
To hear her laughter afterward was a relief. "If I knew you were such fun flirting, I would have kissed you sooner. But trust me, I'm not saying I act sultrily when drunk, Ben. I'm mostly just... emotional."
"Got it." Ben nodded. "Now that I stop to think about everything... it's kinda weird that this didn't happen earlier, right?"
"I'm forced to agree." Hope smiled. "Friends usually don't sleep together."
"Yes." He scratched the back of his neck. "It's weird. I feel like I should be acting differently..."
"There's no need to. After all, I only want you to act as you would. It's exactly why I find myself falling for you."
The way his heart skipped a beat was frightening. Such words were uttered with such passion it felt almost inconceivable... "Hearing that is... I mean-"
"I get it." Hope extended a hand, caressing his palm. "But let's not fool ourselves. If I'm being honest... I didn't accept a date simply because I wanted to stay with you, considering we already stay together for most of the day."
"Of course."
"I wanted to... just go out. And it already feels different, doesn't it?" She continued. "But if I wanted to keep making out, I'd rather have us stay at the hotel... or rent a room just for us."
"You mean..." Ben wasn't quite sure he could muster it out loud.
"I know you're certainly not going to be content with just kisses." The teasing was driving him insane. "Plus, we're rarely alone."
"I see your point; it's just wild thinking about those things with you."
"Were you not thinking of them before?" Hope once again drank from her wine.
"I told you I was." Ben's voice lowered. While he still felt like his ears were warmer than usual, flirting – and being flirted back – were becoming less embarrassing with time. "But now I'm having to tell you these things."
"I like it. Keep doing it." She looked around the restaurant. "I'm hungry. Are you?"
"Yeah. Take a look at the menu."
She did as much, examining the list of dishes and meals. "How can I say no to risotto?"
"You love that, don't you?"
"You have no idea. Wanna try it?" She suggested, handing him the menu. The thing that got a hold of interest was the lobster risotto. It had been a long time since he had eaten lobster.
"Eh. Alright. Can't think of anything better to eat anyway." He signaled for the waiter to come to their table.
"No chili fries here, mister."
Ben smiled at that. "Painfully aware."
The rest of the night was quiet enough. The food hadn't taken long to arrive, and it was perfect. Ben actually hummed in pleasure when he ate a piece of lobster. Maybe he had been taking it for granted.
They didn't talk much as they ate, but it was a comforting silence. They sometimes shared looks that made him feel... weird. How had Hope described it? That she was falling for him...
Ben had already fallen, it seemed. Hard.
"I'll stop now," Hope said after finishing her last glass of wine, on her second bottle already. "I feel my head throbbing so I know it's been enough."
"If you say so." Ben cleaned his mouth with a napkin. "I'd say 'let's go home', but..."
"Let's go to the hotel doesn't have the same ring to it." She added. "Be aware you're not allowed to let me sleep alone tonight."
"What do you mean?" He cocked his head, feeling intrigued.
"Don't be dense. I mean you're gonna cuddle with me, and you're gonna like it." Hope stated, smiling, but it shrank just enough for Ben to notice hesitation. "That is, if you want to, of course-"
"If I want to? Hope, I wouldn't even mind cuddling on the couch with you. Really." He returned the smile, trying to reassure her. "Do you wanna pay the bill? I think I'm too full for dessert."
"Same... Yes, go ahead." Ben was glad she replied to that. The food had been amazing, but now he felt stuffed. He just wanted to lie down and probably watch something with her. As such, he paid the bill which, to his surprise, didn't come at an astronomical price. It was fine. A bit expensive, but fine.
They left the restaurant together, and Ben even dared to hold her by the arm, and judging by the way she leaned closer when he did that...
He wasn't pulling off, no way.
"So..." He started as they waited for the Uber driver that would bring them to the hotel. "I have to ask... what are we right now?"
Hope turned to face him, her blue eyes analyzing him fully. "Still latched onto that thought?"
"I mean, how can I not think about it? No one could look at us right now and say, yeah, they're the best of friends."
"But we are, aren't we?" She asked, leaning closer.
"Of course. But... apart from that..."
Hope sighed. "I know you're afraid to have your heart broken again."
"Yes... but I don't think you're capable of that." He argued. And he meant those words. "You let me think for us yesterday... do you want to think for us now?"
The light from both the moon and the light posts reflected onto her pale skin, and Ben couldn't help himself to stop staring at her face as Hope closed her eyes to think. Eventually, she opened her eyelids and turned to face him once more.
"I want us to be together. I can't pretend I wouldn't try and kill someone who flirted with you right now. What a fool I am, falling for such a boy scout..." She trailed off, chuckling. "I want us to be together, Ben Tennyson, do you know how crazy this is?"
"I get it." He stepped forward, enveloping her waist with his arm. "I really get it. And I couldn't care less if someone says anything."
"Then I'm not simply your friend anymore. Does this work for you?"
If Hope could feel Ben's accelerated heartbeat, she would have her answer. Alas, words were necessary.
"It really does." Far away, Ben heard a loud noise, like an explosion. His instincts kicked him, and he tried to look to see if anything was going on. At that moment, something really fast passed them by, disheveling his hair.
"Whatever it is, they clearly got it," Hope stated, reading his intentions of going out into the city to help with whatever the team was dealing with. "If push comes to shove, they have a Way Bad to help them. You're not going anywhere, mister."
Ben quickly nodded and covered the Omnitrix with the sleeve. "Sorry, I'm just used to having to always be on the case."
"I know. But for tonight, that's not a worry. You're all mine, got it?" Hope leaned close to his ear, her voice lowering as he did.
"And I couldn't be happier."
I played with the idea of having the date being ruined by some villain but I wanted to write a full date. Hope y'all enjoy it this way.
