#benjiblythe

“I know, I know. I’m not supposed to be here,” Barrett started, his usual warm voice as clear as always as he stood by the door frame. “But I decided I should drop by and surprise you with a proper dinner, so-”

He didn’t walk in, of course. He never would uninvited... Or, at least, not anymore. He simply stood there with some food neatly packed in tupperware and hoping to be given instructions.

Escaping from home had been a great idea. Liam had been the perfect distraction, and support system, he could possibly need to deal with the day. Like it or not, he was stuck living with Ben for the time being and he better figured out a way to move on without his life and mood falling to pieces.

That’s what he kept telling himself on the way back home that night, deciding he wouldn’t engage in evasive behavior out of fear of confrontation. No. He had to work things out and prove to the world that one dumb hipster boy wouldn’t ruin him.

“Didn’t know you’d still be awake,” was his first line after he crossed the door, finding his friend in the common area of their apartment. Ray, coincidentally, was nowhere to be found.

“Alright, I’m... not even going to be subtle about this,” Ray started, barging into Ben’s room like he owned the place. For better or worse, he had made himself comfortable in the apartment and that wouldn’t change now.

“Before I say anything, I need you to understand that I am not kicking you out. I love having you around and you are not inconveniencing me in any way-”

Barrett started, concern clearly looming over him as he looked at his beautiful boyfriend for a moment longer, studying Ben’s factions under the light of the full winter moon that lit up the teacher’s balcony. It was a beautiful night to stargaze, not cold enough to be painful and perfect for deep conversations. Or so he thought, at least, before he continued.

Ray: Update!!

Ray: on a scale of 1 to 10, how hard have you fucked already?

Alright, that might’ve been the craziest interview Ray had ever been in. Who would’ve thought that his skills in the kitchen would actually be worth something in the real world. Sure, the difference between a mocaccino, a macchiato and and a capuccino sounded silly, but it was far from it when it turned out to be the decisive factor for him getting a new job.

What did he do, well, use his new phone to spread the news, of course.

10:54 a.m.: BENJI WAKE UP.

10:54 a.m.: BEN

10:54 a.m.: BENJAMIN

10:54 a.m.: BENJAMMING

10:54 a.m.: DUDE

10:54 a.m.: MAN

10:54 a.m.: BRO

10:54 a.m.: BROSOWSKI

10:55 a.m.: BENJAMIN LUCIUS BLYTHE

10:55 a.m.:  :D

10:55 a.m.: I GOT IT

“Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaait. What do you mean trade me?!”

It was inevitable for Ray to pop up after Ben’s comment. He was well aware that the drawings he made of them both were good, but he never imagined Ben would like a drawing of Barrett better than one of himself. Sure, he could be indulged, but that wouldn’t keep Ray from wanting things to go the way they were supposed to.

“Nope. No. Never. Impossible. Each drawing is perfectly made for each of you. Trading is not an option here. The only option is making another drawing. Benji, please, you’re altering the course of nature, you will bring the apocalypse on us! you have to behave or you will bring dishonor to this family!”

He was rambling, as usual, which made Barrett laugh in amusement. He still was getting over Ben’s gift, so he hadn’t started really appreciating all the effort Ray put into those drawings. To be fair, while he understood that Ben would like a drawing of him, it would be disrespectful towards Ray’s intentions and good will to trade. He simply smiled and shook his head.