#pixie film

Despite the bitterly cold nip in the air, Ben and (Y/N) slowly walked down the street in the general direction of his flat. Neither of the pair were too sure why they were taking their time, perhaps they were nervous for what might happen when they finally reached the blond actor’s home. It’s not that they wouldn’t sleep with each other if the right opportunity presented itself, it was the in between time that worried them most. As they had both proven to themselves and each other so far that evening, neither of them were very good at small talk just to keep from slipping into awkward silences, void of hope and an overwhelming amount of wishing to be any other place than there in that current moment. The actor looked over to the girl next to him, her (h/c) locks flew back gently in the light breeze that danced its way down the street. Her mesmerising (e/c) irises watered very slightly from the bitterness of the chill in the air, but even still, she looked absolutely breath taking, especially when she turned slightly to look at her, a sweet smile spreading across her lips. “What?” She asked playfully as they stopped as they went down into the Oxford Street underground stop.

Ben smiled and shook his head. “Nothing...it’s just…” He let out a sigh. “You just look so beautiful.” He admitted which spawned a heavy tint of blush to cover her cheeks. “And even more so now.” He smirked gently bumping shoulders with her. Reaching his stop, Ben led (Y/N) down the streets of London to his flat nearby. He paused as he was about to place his keys in the lock. “Just a word of warning about Frankie. She can be a little...boisterous when I get home.” He chuckled.

“Love in its purest form.” (Y/N) giggled softly making the actor smile brightly at her.

As Ben put his keys in the lock, (Y/N) could immediately hear the sounds of claws scraping across the hardwood floor as little paws tried to gain enough traction to run to the door, accompanied by the excited yips and yowls from the beagle inside. Ben carefully pushed open the door so Frankie wouldn’t get out as she tried to shove herself through the crack in the doorway to greet her best friend. “Hi Frankster.” He cheered. “Alright, alright, come on back inside.” He tried to calm her as he pushed his way back into the flat, (Y/N) following close behind. As Frankie refused to calm down, Ben’s voice got a little more authoritative. “Frankie, sit.” He commanded. (Y/N) shuttered ever so slightly at the sound of him, she’d be lying if she wasn’t a bit turned on by the authority in his voice. She’d surely get on her knees right now if he asked her to like that. Frankie sat herself down as told, body wiggling with excitement as Ben crouched down to pet her. She whimpered happily as she pawed and licked at his hand. “I know, Franks, I know, but we’ve got a guest, we have to make a good impression.” Ben chuckled as he looked back at (Y/N) with a wide smile. “Come say hi, she won’t bite. Promise.”

(Y/N) slowly walked up before crouching down next to the blond actor, so as not to scare the beagle. “What did you say her name was?” (Y/N) asked as she slowly stuck her hand out allowing the Beagle to sniff at her hand.

“Frankie.” Ben smiled. Frankie, hearing her name, barked in response, startling the girl, making her pull her hand away rather quickly. Ben chuckled ever so slightly. “She can get a bit noisy, that’s just her ‘hi’ bark. It’s alright.” Ben spoke softly and calmly as he gently took her hand. Ben’s heartbeat sped up ever so slightly as a small spark ignited as their skin made contact with each other. His eyes quickly flicked up to meet (Y/N)’s sparkling (e/c) irises. He wondered if she had felt it too or if he was simply imagining things. Slowly he brought their hands back toward the beagle’s nose allowing her to sniff her hand. “Frankie, this is (Y/N), she’s our friend.” Frankie’s nose cautiously sniffed at the newcomer before she started to lick her hand, making (Y/N) laugh as she pulled her hand out of Ben’s to pet her properly. Frankie nuzzled her hand into (Y/N)’s hand before standing up walking up to her before jumping up to lick her face. Ben was initially going to scold Frankie, but the second he saw (Y/N)’s face light up with joy as she laughed at the love and affection the dog was showing her, he couldn’t feel any more joy than he did in that moment. His face lit up at the sight. The actor stood walking to the hooks on the wall before grabbing Frankie’s lead. “She must really like you; I don’t think I’ve ever seen her take to someone new so quickly like that.” He smiled as he walked back up next to her, smiling down at the sight of them. It was so innocent and pure, and somehow it made (Y/N) all the more fuckable in his mind. He most definitely wasn’t going to force her into anything that she wasn’t comfortable with, but it really made her all the more attractive to him. “I’m going to take her out really quick to do her business. While I’m gone, just make yourself at home. Living room’s right through there.” He pointed in the direction of a doorway as he pulled Frankie off of the female before hooking her up to her lead.

“Don’t be long.” She winked at the blond making him smirk before he left with the beagle.

(Y/N) took off her coat and shoes, storing them where Ben kept his things before walking into the living room. It was a nice space with navy walls, mahogany finishes on the fireplace, and wood trimmings. He had an apothecary table that matched the wood finishing’s of the room sat atop an ornate rug in front of a dark coloured leather couch. A matching armchair sat not too far away. He also had a rather large flatscreen that hung above the fireplace with a few video game consoles sat on the mantle. Off to the side behind the couch was a glass table with two chairs that he probably used as his dining table. Frankie’s bed and wicker basket of various soft toys and bones sat near the radiator under the window that had a nice view of Primrose Hill. There was a suitcase in the corner of the room she could only assume belonged to Joe along with some extra bed linens and pillows that he was probably going to use had he been spending the night here at Ben’s flat instead of her own.

What really caught her eye was the film poster that had been framed and hung on his wall in shades of violet. It was for Bohemian Rhapsody and had the four guys playing the members of Queen in profile. She had never gotten around to seeing the film, but she had really wanted to, she rather liked Queen. Each one of the guys had signed the poster except for the one who played Roger Taylor which she found a bit strange. Her eyes scanned over their faces, she recognised Gwilym Lee as Brian May from his appearances on Midsomer Murders and his latest series The Great. Then there was, of course Rami Malak who was just flat out incredible in any role he played from Ahkmenrah in Night at the Museum all the way to Safin in No Time to Die. But as her eyes scanned over to the actors who were playing Roger Taylor and John Deacon did her eyes practically pop from her skull. “Shit…” She breathed out as she walked closer to make sure her eyes weren’t playing tricks on her. It was Ben and Joe on the poster. Her eyes scanned down to the names across the bottom: Rami Malak, Gwilym Lee, Ben Hardy, Joe Mazzello. “No way…” (Y/N) breathed out as her eyes looked back up at ‘Roger Taylor’. That was Ben alright, but why hadn’t he said something earlier. Then again, the more she thought about it, the more she began to figure that somebody in his position, because she doubted highly that this was his first film role, would want to keep a level of animosity when he was able to.

(Y/N) looked up hearing the door open. Frankie scurried into the room and made a B-line directly toward (Y/N), jumping up on her legs to demand pets and scratches. (Y/N) smiled as she bent down to pet the beagle as she jumped up to kiss her face again. “Well, aren’t you just the sweetest little girl? So full of love.” She praised the dog as Ben walked into the room, with a smile on his face, now rid of his windcheater and shoes. She looked up at Ben with a wide smile. “I think your dog has claimed me as hers from the evening.” She laughed as she scratched the beagle behind the ears.

Ben laughed. “Hey, I saw her first Franks.” He said as he walked over to the kitchen as he looked at her over the counter via the open floor plan. “Can I get you something to drink? Alcohol? A tea? Water?”

“Whatchya got in the way of alcohol?”

“Wine, whiskey, vodka, a couple of beers? What’s your poison of choice?”

“Wine would be grand.”

“Red or white?”

“I mean, I prefer Rose but if those are my options then Red.” She smiled at him as Frankie tried to knock her over. “Frankie!” She laughed.

Ben laughed as he poured them both a glass of Malbec. “Easy on her Franks, we’re trying to impress our guest. Not lick her to death.” He came over setting down one of the glasses on the end table before pushing Frankie off of (Y/N) before offering her a hand up. His heart pounded against his chest as he felt that spark of connection again between the two of them. He helped her to her feet before looking down at their hands intertwined with one another. It felt so small and soft in his rough calloused hands, but at the same time, it felt so perfect sitting in his own. His celadon gaze lifted up to her lovely (e/c) irises to find them looking at their hands. He felt his breath hitch ever so slightly in his throat in anticipation. Could she have felt it too? He cleared his throat before handing her the glass. “Here you are, one glass of Malbec.” He smiled sweetly.

“Thank you.” She nodded, taking a sip as he grabbed his own glass again. When Ben joined her again taking a sip of his own glass, she pointed at the Bohemian Rhapsody poster. “Is this you and Joe?” She asked, her eyes connecting with his trying to gage if she was getting a legitimate answer from her. Ben felt all the colour drain from his face as he opened and closed his mouth a few times, unable to form a coherent sentence. She giggled softly. “I’m going to take your silence as a yes then.” She teased gently as she walked over to the couch sitting herself down.

Ben closed his eyes and let out a sigh. “I’m going to assume that you haven’t seen the film?” He asked as he walked over joining her on the couch.

(Y/N) shook her head as she held her glass between her hands. “No, I really wanted to, I just never got around to it, too busy with work. Anyway, that must’ve been cool, but I won’t bother you with questions about it.” She smiled at him.

Ben raised a brow, an inquisitive look on his features as he tilted his head to the side, a light smirk on his lips. “Really? Most people just bombard me with questions about the various projects I’ve worked on.”

She shook her head reaching out to place a hand on his knee. “I’m not most people, I’m (Y/N).” She smiled at him. Ben’s eyes flicked down to her hand before going back to her eyes, waiting for a further explanation. “Figure an actor’s life, especially one that’s in the public eye like you, might miss having that bit of animosity that the rest of us have. If you wanted me to know about it, you would’ve told me on your own. Point is, you probably don’t get many chances anymore to just be Ben. I don’t want to get to know Ben Hardy, because just Ben has been a pretty amazing guy so far.” She smiled at him. “I’d like to get to know him more.”

Ben was taken aback. It was such a breath of fresh air to meet someone who wanted to get to know Ben Jones and not Ben Hardy. It was such a rare occasion these days to meet someone who actively knew who he was and didn’t want to talk about everything else. “Wow…” He smiled. “I can’t tell you how long it’s been since I’ve had an opportunity to just be Ben Jones…”

“Jones?” She asked tilting her head in confusion, she was sure the poster had said his surname was Hardy.

“My real surname. Hardy is my stage-name.”

(Y/N) nodded. “Ben Jones...I like that.” She smiled gently rubbing his knee.

Ben smirked as he placed his hand on hers, that familiar jolt passing through his hand to hers again. Judging by the way her breath hitched in her throat, the actor was fairly certain that she was feeling exactly what he had been feeling all this time. “You know…” He said as he placed his glass down on the apothecary table. “I’m surprised that a wonderful girl like you would even look twice at a lad like me.”

“Fishing for compliments there, Jones?” She asked with a giggle. “Because you don’t need to.”

“Just having you talk to me was the best compliment I could’ve received tonight.” He smirked softly, placing a hand on her knee, gently rubbing it with his thumb. She looked down with a heavy blush resting over her features. How could this man affect her this much with a simple look and single sentence. She was completely at his mercy, bending to his every whim, crumbling to pieces beneath his gaze. And Ben was fully aware of the effect he was having upon her. He smiled, the grin reaching up to his effervescent celadon gaze, as he reached out to cup her chin, gently tilting it upward to meet his. “God...how did a bloke like me get lucky enough to meet a woman like you…”

“Maybe it was destiny….” (Y/N) whispered softly, her (e/c) irises glinting with a mixture of shyness, playfulness but more importantly, lust. The actor felt his heart pound against his chest as she said that. All night their entire interaction had just felt so natural, and more importantly it just felt right. He couldn’t have asked for this evening to have gone any better than it had been so far. There was only one way it could be made better, and he was going to take his shot. He slowly the magnetic pull as they found themselves leaning toward one another as if someone else was pulling on their heartstrings. It was finally going to happen. They were finally going to find out if the fireworks were there when their lips connected. Just as he had gotten but a lips distance away, Frankie had trotted next to them, jumping up on the couch between them before slobbering kisses all over Ben’s face. The actor closed his eyes and scrunched up his face as his chin was covered in dog kisses. (Y/N) let out heart-warming laugh as she watched the scene unfold before her. “Awe, looks like someone’s jealous.”

“Frankie…” He grumbled with a chuckle under her breath as he pushed the beagle off of himself. She simply let out a yip before turning to (Y/N) doing the same to her. (Y/N) let out a flurry of laughter as she stroked Frankie’s back.

“Well, aren’t you just the romantic?” She laughed making Ben’s heart flutter in his chest. Nothing was more attractive than a girl his dog seemed to adore. “Bet you learned that from your dad.” She teased the actor gently winking at him as Frankie settled herself down in (Y/N)’s lap. Way to be a little cock-block, Franks. The thought to himself as he shook his head with a smirk, the beagle looking back at him with innocent eyes.

“Suppose I might’ve rubbed off on her a bit, haven’t I?” He laughed as he stood walking over to the cupboard above the stove pulling out a big dog biscuit. Normally he reserved these biscuits for after baths, but desperate times call for desperate measures, and large distractions. Frankie’s tail thumped against the couch; her ears perked up in anticipation as Ben walked over with the treat in hand. “See that Franks?” He waved it in front of her face. “Go get it.” He said as he threw it through the door into his study knowing fully well, she would settle herself down beneath his desk as she slowly chomped on her treat so nobody could try and steal it from her. “That should keep her busy for a bit.”

(Y/N) smiled softly as she ran her finger over the rim of her glass. “So if she learned from you, who did you learn from?”

“Oh well you know, I learned my passion in the good old-fashioned school of lover boys.” He winked cheekily.

“Sounds posh.” She laughed with a smirk. “Any chance you might be able to give me a lesson some time?”

Ben groaned internally, she had given him the perfect opportunity and quite frankly, he just couldn’t resist any longer. “I suppose I could show you a thing or two.” He smirked as he quickly took her glass from her, setting it down on the table next to his before pulling her into a kiss. A jolt of electricity passed between them as their lips finally connected for the first time that night. Ben sighed happily as he closed his eyes, deepening the kiss, fireworks igniting in his head at feel of her soft, flush lips upon his own. It had been everything he had been hoping for and more. (Y/N) let out a sigh of euphoria as she placed a hand on the back of Ben’s neck, playing with the baby hairs there while the other rested on his shoulder. That action sent a shiver of excitement running up the actor’s spine. They pulled apart only for air, immediately resting their foreheads on each other’s as the gazed blissfully into each other’s eyes. “How was that…?” He asked quietly.

She smiled softly gently pecking his lips a few times, only adding fuel to the fire that had been burning strong for the girl ever since the drink arrived at his and Joe’s table earlier in the evening, sending the campfire into a full-on forest fire that had no hope at being extinguished. “I think I need another…more intense lesson…”

Ben smirked softly pulling the girl to sit on his lap as he deepened the kiss, running a hand through her (h/l) (h/c) locks. One of his hands sat on her hip gently rubbing small circles with his thumb while the other rested on her cheek doing the same. After a few moments, he gently nipped at her lower lip, soliciting a soft moan from (Y/N) as she slowly shifted to straddle the actor, arms wrapping around his neck. Ben groaned, his hands flying to her hips, as his tongue forced its way into her mouth, leaving no corner untouched as he deepened the kiss, each one getting more and more ravenous and desperate to than the last. Slowly he started to guide her hips to rock against his as he pulled back, his kisses moving down her jaw to her neck. He gently kissed at her neck trying to find her sweet spot. The blond smirked against her tender flesh, knowing fully well that he had found it when she let out the most gorgeous noise that had ever had the pleasure of meeting his ears as she grinded into him just the slightest bit harder. “Ben…” She moaned which made the actor groan. Her voice moaning his name made the actor all the hungrier and more desperate for her as he pulled her down even closer to his body. Ben bit down on that spot, sucking at the flesh leaving a dark love bite, giving a spot a sweet tender kiss before repeating the process on the other side. One of his hands cautiously drifted upward, underneath the hem of her shirt to gently grip at her breast through her bra. “Ben…”

“God you’re so fucking beautiful.” He groaned soliciting another moan from her as he continued to cover her neck in his marks. She moaned, her fingers threading their way into his hair, nails scratching gently at his scalp. “Tell me what you want, love.” He mumbled as his lips returned to hers, hungrily kissing her.

“I want you.” She mumbled against his lips. “I want all of you.”

Ben pulled back a moment with a mischievous look plastered to his features. “Well, aren’t you just a greedy little thing.” He teased as his hands returned to her legs, holding onto the girl as he stood up, walking them to his bedroom before laying her down on the bed. She laughed softly as he placed her down on the bed. “What’s so funny?” He smirked as he kissed her again.

“Nothing, you were right, your bed is more comfortable than the underground benches.” She giggled softly, her vivacious (e/c) orbs smiling up at him in the cutest yet irresistibly sexy way. That look alone made his trousers all the more uncomfortable as they got tighter.

He laughed, rolling his eyes at her as he played with the hem of her shirt. “Told you it would be.” The blond actor winked at her, placing another tender kiss to her lips, breaking away as he pulled her shirt up over her head before pulling off his own. “And it’s only going to get better.

“Serenade and gently play on my heartstrings, Ben.” She smiled as she pulled him down into another kiss, so he was on top of her, chest to chest as he resumed grinding his hips against hers.

“Just say the word your wish is my command.”

Part 4 (coming soon)

Lorraine: Hey Ben, I just wanted to say thanks again for last night, you were so incredibly sweet, which is why it hurts me to say I don’t think it’s going to work out between the two of us...I just think we both want different things at this moment in time and... yeah...I’m sorry, I know you’ll find someone who’s meant for you soon. Xx

And just like that it was over again. Ben sighed softly as he hastily typed out a reply to the girl, telling her not to worry and that he wished her luck in the same endeavour or some bullshit like that, he wasn’t too sure if he was completely honest. When it came to replies like this, he was never truly focused on them. He had been unlucky in love for quite some time now. Just when things seemed like they were looking up in a relationship, or he felt like things were finally going to turn out different, in his favour, something went askew, and he would end up with his heart broken yet again. To be fair, he figured it had never truly healed when it had all but shattered at the end of his first relationship. His girlfriend of nine years had broken up while he was on his breakthrough film role. Everything was going great, but all life ever was, was a series of fuck ups and heartaches with brief commercial breaks of happiness. Bohemian Rhapsody had been his commercial break before she ripped the carpet out from under him. After that he had tried his hand at Bumble for a bit, though nothing but a few one-night stands came out of it. Then there had been his relationship with one of his co-stars, but that relationship had quickly fizzled out when they had been unable to see each other, she was even dating someone else a week after they broke up. Figuring he had had nothing to lose at this point, Ben took it back to the dating apps to try his luck. So far it had been a few dates that hadn’t amounted to much of anything, and quite frankly the blonde actor was starting to get discouraged. He sighed furrowing his brow in sadness as he pinched the bridge of his nose as he breathed out an annoyed sigh. He was so over this whole single thing. “Geez, try not to look so depressed Ben, I’m here now.” Joe’s voice pulled the blonde out of his thoughts. Ben looked up to see his friend standing before him. Joe smirked, stretching his arms out all dramatic like. “I have arrived.”

“About damn time if you ask me.” Ben smirked, offering his friend a one-armed bro hug. Joe being here for the next week would be a great distraction away from his crippling reality he was going to be alone for the rest of his life. If the girl he fancied didn’t want him, the girls who fancied him he didn’t. “Great to see you again, mate.”

“You too.” Joe chuckled, before he grabbed Ben, placing a hand on either side of his face, his stormy eyes connecting with Ben’s bright celadon orbs. “Don’t you dare leave me again, you hear me?”

Ben chuckled, pushing Joe off of himself, leave it to Joe to start their ‘flirting’ the second they met up again. Some things never changed, something that Ben was happy for at this point in time. He could use a bit of good fun for a change. “Well lucky for you I brought the handcuffs.” Ben winked cheekily.

“Ooo, someone’s horny this morning.” Joe laughed. “Couldn’t satisfy your morning wood on your own?”

They laughed wholeheartedly as Ben moved to grab Joe’s main bag. He could see the dark circles under his American friend’s eyes, he was obviously exhausted, taking his bag for him was the least that he could do. “My car’s out in the carpark, shall we?”

“Coffee first.” Joe completely ignored the blonde before heading into the Costa Coffee Ben had been standing next to this whole time. As the pair made their way out to Ben’s car, Joe couldn’t help but notice how down Ben still seemed. The blonde had to admit that his mood had improved some after meeting up with Joe, but Lorraine’s message had all but ruined his day. “You alright? You seem a lot more down than usual.”

“Ah, it’s nothing…” The blonde tried to wave him off. Joe had come over to London to have a good time, and forget about the annoyances of normal life, the least Ben could do was not force his own problems upon his friend. That would just be plain rude, especially for someone who was on holiday. “Just life, you know?”

“Not in the slightest, but that could be the thirty-six hours of non-stop travel talking.” Joe shrugged, taking a long sip of his coffee. “That’s some good hot Joe right there.”

“I’ll say.” Ben winked cheekily.

Ben brought Joe back to his flat where Joe promptly fell asleep on Ben’s couch as they watched Angel has Fallen.Ben chuckled softly seeing how the American cuddled with the pillow he held in his arms before snapping a photo of the sleeping actor, sending it to the group chat they had with Gwilym.

Ben: [Sent a photo] Sleeping Beauty 😘

Gwil: I get to wake her up! 😘😍

Ben: When she’s so obviously dreaming of me? 😏

Gwil: Sounds more like a nightmare to me 😜

Later that night, Ben and Joe sat across from each other at a pub not too far from Ben’s flat. It was a cool little place, decked out in neon and had an old school rock ‘n roll vibe to it. Even with the rock ‘n roll music pouring out of every speaker, it still managed to have a very warm, inviting feeling. Joe had been in the middle of a story surrounding his latest blunder of a project when two girls entered the pub, quickly catching the younger blonde actor’s eye. As the pair stood by the door for a moment looking for a place to take a seat, the (H/L) (H/C) one wearing a (Your Favourite Colour (Y/F/C)) flowy blouse caught his eye in particular. He watched as they slowly walked toward their table, as they made their way to the only empty place in the corner. She was absolutely stunning, and Ben felt his heart flutter in his chest as the closer she got. Her makeup and hair were spot on and complemented her sparkling, smiling (E/C) irises perfectly. Ben may have worked with starlets in Hollywood, but she outshined them all, hell she outshined all the stars in the sky with her radiance. Her sparkling eyes briefly connected with Ben’s as they passed, she offered him a kind but otherwise bashful smile as they passed. Ben felt his grin stretch even further across his face at her shyness, it was endearing to his heart, and so unbelievably cute, but as quickly as she had been there, she was gone. As much as he wanted to turn around to keep checking her out, he knew that would’ve been rude to Joe, he was there to hang out with Joe, not to try and pick-up women...though honestly was there anything against him doing both? After all there was two of them, so why not? “So, then I told my agent if I ever had to work with ducks again it’d be too soon.” The American laughed as he took a swig of his pint.

“Yeah?” Ben smirked, the girl in (Y/F/C) not far from the forefront of his mind as he tried desperately to pick up where he had left off with his conversation with Joe. “That’s great mate.”

“You weren’t listening at all were you?” Joe asked in mock hurt. “Really Ben, I could expect this kind of crap from Gwil but not from you!” He accused, making the Brit roll his eyes in fake annoyance. “Did it have anything to do with those two girls that just sat down in the corner because wow! They’re stunning. Especially the one in (your friend’s favourite colour (Y/F/F/C)).” Joe smirked before whistling low.

“I’m rather partial to the one in (Y/F/C) myself.” Ben shrugged, taking a sip of his pint, smirking into his glass so Joe wouldn’t see. Last thing he needed was for the older actor to be making fun of him for being smitten over someone who had only walked past him in the pub. If Ben was being honest with himself, he completely lacked the courage to go over and talk to her. The last thing he needed was to be rejected not once, but twice in a single day.

“Well at least we’re in agreement over who gets who later on.” Joe chuckled. “We could buy them a couple of drinks, invite them over, it’ll be a good time.”

“I don’t know about that, mate. Maybe not the best idea…” Ben trailed off as he leaned back in his chair. He sighed softly to himself, as much as he fancied her on first sight, there was no way someone as gorgeous as her would go for a bloke like him. What did he have to offer her anyway?

“What are you talking about, of course it’s a good idea!”

“You don’t think that’s coming on a bit strong?”

“Jesus, I have so much to teach you...now listen here you British heart-throb…”

Meanwhile at the table in the corner (Y/N) and (Y/F/N) had just put in an order for some pub food and a couple of pints. “Don’t look now, but there’s a really hot guy over there…” (Y/F/N) leaned across the table to speak a bit quieter to keep prying ears from overhearing before pointing over at the table containing the blonde and his auburn-haired friend from earlier.

(Y/N) felt her face heat up as she stared at the back of the blonde’s head. He had had the most breath-taking celadon irises she had ever seen. She wished they could’ve sat with them so that she could continue to stare into them, marvel them in all their glory, maybe even get lost in them as he spoke to her. “Which one, the blonde or his friend…?” (Y/N) asked hesitantly, fearful (Y/F/N) would say the blonde.

(Y/F/N) rolled her eyes slightly, a smirk on her lips. “The auburn haired one of course! Something about those stormy eyes of his, oof.”

“I know what you mean...he’s quite attractive.” (Y/N) admitted turning her gaze back to (Y/F/N). “So, you going to go for him? Leave me alone yet again tonight?” She teased lightly. (Y/N) loved (Y/F/N) to pieces but when she got someone she wanted in her sight; she’d stop at nothing to get that guy. This guy with blonde would probably be no exception, she could already see her mentally drooling over him. Not that she would complain, (Y/N) was her wing woman after all and helping her get her guy would mean she might get to talk with the blonde after all.

“Don’t worry, I’m sure a good-looking guy like that, his blonde friend there has to be just as good as him.” (Y/F/N) giggled.

“Oh, he was…” (Y/N) trailed off, a hit of blush covering her cheeks as she looked down bashfully. He had been something out a dream, if she hadn’t seen him with her own eyes, she would’ve thought he wasn’t real, but there he was, living and breathing. She only hoped that he had as lovely of a personality to match his looks. Sure, she liked guys who were conventionally pretty, but at the end of the day, (Y/N) preferred guys who had interesting personalities, were kind, loved classic rock, and dogs.

“Ooooo, is that a hint of blush I see? Somebody’s smitten.”

“Oh, give me a break, (Y/F/N). It’s just looks, its what’s inside that counts.”

“True as that may be, we’re in agreement that the outside looks are a bonus?”

“Oh, one hundred percent.” (Y/N) bit the inside of her lip, eyes flicking over to the blonde once again, a vision of those celadon eyes of his popping into the forefront of her mind. How she longed to see those eyes again, the question was how, it’s not like she could just walk over there, that would make her seem desperate. Dating after all, was a game, one that she wasn’t necessarily good at, not like (Y/F/N) at least, she was always so confident. In an uncharacteristic moment of boldness, (Y/N) turned to (Y/F/N). “What if we sent them a couple of shots?”

(Y/F/N) smirked softly, sitting up a bit more in surprise. “Well, well, well look who’s suddenly being bold.”

“Well I...you know...I just...is that something girls do? I mean usually it’s the other way around, and I don’t want to challenge their masculinity and all that…” (Y/N) babbled trying to work out her thought process. She wasn’t sure where that idea had come from, especially since it was often always the guys who sent drinks.

(Y/F/N) rolled her eyes looking at (Y/N) with a knowing glance. “(Y/N) it’s the twenty-first century, I’m pretty sure we can do whatever the hell we want. But I’ll let you decide if we do it.”

“Why me?”

“Because you need to be more spontaneous.” She smirked.

“Alright Harry Bright, whatever you say.” (Y/N) giggled, reaching for her handbag before pulling out a £1 coin. “We’ll leave it up to the gods of fate, heads we send them drinks, tails we don’t.”

Back at Ben and Joe’s table, Joe had just finished explaining to Ben why he needed to take more risks in life. A strange silence had fallen over the pair, leaving Ben to casually trail a finger over the rim of his glass as Joe typed something in on his phone. His thoughts kept returning to the rejection text he had received from Lorraine earlier. She hadn’t criticised anything he had done on the date itself, so it couldn’t have been him, but he still couldn’t get over the idea that he maybe just wasn’t good enough. Afterall, why else would he be turned down so often? He sighed to himself running a hand through his hair. What was so bad about him that he couldn’t for the life of him get and keep a girl? Did he come on too strong or something? He thought that he was just being polite, if anything maybe a bit old fashioned at times, but he thought girls like that kind of sappy stuff, at least that’s what they liked in all the rom coms. “Joe...can I ask you something?” Ben mumbled not looking up from his pint.

Joe set his phone face down on the table before responding. “I thought, you’d never ask! Yes, Ben, I will marry you!!!” The American jokingly cheered, throwing his arms around the blonde Brit across the table.

Ben rolled his eyes and sighed solemnly. As much as he appreciated Joe trying to lighten the mood, he wasn’t in the best state of mind for it at the moment. “I’m being serious mate…”

“You alright?”

“Is...is there something wrong with me?”

“Well, you’re too pretty for your damn good for a start.” Joe chuckled but his smile faded seeing Ben cast his eyes down at his barely touched drink. “I don’t follow.”

The blonde sighed heavily taking a long swig of his Jack and coke. “I’m thirty. I’ve been in one serious relationship, one I honestly thought was going to be it, and ever since she left me, I just...I can’t seem to get and keep a girlfriend!”

“I wouldn’t worry too much about it, dude.”

“I’m beginning to think I might be undatable.”

“Alright now that’s so not true. Hell, if I were a girl, I’d date you no questions asked.”

“Gee, thanks”

“I’m being serious dude. Some of the things you’ve told me you’ve done for your past dates and girlfriends; you give the rest of us guys a bad name. You’re such a romantic. You wear your heart on your sleeve and it’s the most wholesome thing.”

“That’s just the point, I feel like I’m putting it all out there and I’m not getting anything in return. They like me for EastEnders, for my body…” He trailed off, sighing softly looking back down. Most of the time that’s where people recognised him, the fucking series where the writers just couldn’t resist making it, so his character Peter had his shirt off at every possible moment. That being a good chunk of his film reel at that point in time caused a great deal of anxiety and worry for the young actor, in fear that he would only be type casted for his body. That was the last thing he wanted; he went to one of the best schools for acting in all of England for a reason. If he got a part, he wanted it to be because of his raw talent not because of the way he looked. The same went for his relationships, he wanted a girl to like him for him, not because he was supposedly ‘carved by the Greek gods’ as the fandom so liked to put. “They don’t like Ben Jones...they like Ben Hardy.”

Joe paused a moment seeing how distraught the blonde across from him was. He genuinely thought he wasn’t ever going to be good enough for any girl. The older actor sighed and rolled his eyes. “The right girl for you is going to come around one day, bro. And it’s going to be sooner than you think.” As if on cue, a waitress came by and set two shots of Jack Daniels in front of the actors. “We didn’t order that.”

“Oh, I know, these are from the two girls at the corner table there. ‘Two shots of Jack Daniel’s for the blonde and his friend’.” She pointed at a table with a pair of girls engrossed in their own conversation watching them out of the corner of their eyes. Seeing the waitress at their table the girls turned their full attention over to the two actors, watching intently for what their reaction might be. Ben and Joe turned their glances to see who the waitress was talking about. Ben felt a soft smile spread across his features as he locked eyes with the one in the (Y/F/C) blouse who had caught his eye earlier in the evening. Her eyes glinted in the low light of the pub as she ducked her head down shyly, her smile just as bright as her eyes. He nodded his thanks to her with a warm smile, chuckling softly to himself as she blushed heavily before putting her head down in her arms while her friend in the (Y/F/F/C) blouse laughed, winking confidently at Joe before she too turned back to her friend who was still trying to make herself invisible. “Enjoy lads.” The waitress smiled before walking off.

“Well then, would you look at that.” Joe smirked, picking up his shot with a chuckle. “Looks like they beat us to it then. Normally it’s the other way around, I admire their boldness.”

“I’ve never had this happen to me before.” Ben chuckled, picking up his shot as a wide smile spread across his face.

“You’ve never had someone offer to buy you a drink before?”

“No, I’ve had dates offer to pay for a round or their own share of the date, I just mean I’ve never had someone send me a drink from across the pub before.” He chuckled as Joe hit his arm. “This is a new experience for me.”

“They’re looking over here, quick, raise your shot at them to thank them.” Joe commanded, the blonde turning around as he made eye contact with the girl again. He felt his heart flutter in his chest very slightly as he raised his glass to her, a wide smile on his face, thankful that she was far enough away where she couldn’t see the blush on his face. The two actors clinked their glasses together before downing the shots each groaning happily at the taste. “Oh, we for sure have to go talk to them now!” Joe cheered. “After all, they bought us drinks, and that was some top shelf stuff.”

“No way, mate, not me.” Ben chuckled leaning back in his seat.

“Why not?”

“I don’t know, I’m just…” He sighed happily as he thought about the girl again. Someone as adorable as her, someone like him didn’t deserve her even if she did somehow fancy him too. “I’m just so flattered you know. Something like this doesn’t happen to a guy like me, it’s almost always the other way around you know?”

“All the more reason to go talk to them!”

“I wouldn’t even know what to say if I did go over. You go thank them; I’ll sit this one out mate.”

Joe shrugged, picking up his pint as he stood up. “Your loss dude, but there are two of them.”

“Well, it seems like they liked the drinks at least.” (Y/N) admitted as she nervously chewed on a chip.

“Of course, they did. You need to stop worrying so much (Y/N/N). Embrace the spontaneity.” (Y/F/N) chuckled.

“You keep saying that word, I don’t think it means what you think it does.”

“Whatever you say, Inigo Montoya.”

“You killed my father, prepare to die.” (Y/N) laughed, turning her gaze back to the guys to see the auburn haired one making his way over to their table. (Y/N) felt her heart sink ever so slightly, as usual it seemed as though only (Y/F/N) was going to be getting lucky tonight. (Y/N) had genuinely thought that there was a chance that the blonde might’ve been interested in her from the way he looked at her as they passed them earlier, but it would appear she was wrong. If anything (Y/N) was happy for (Y/F/N), but (Y/N) felt as though she was owed a win herself now, but apparently not. “Don’t look now, but your man is coming this way.” (Y/N) smirked across the table at (Y/F/N) who had a sly grin on her face.

“At last, my prey is falling victim to the trap I have set.” She chuckled lightly as the auburn-haired guy stopped next to their table.

Ben rolled his eyes as Joe walked off across the pub. He pulled out his phone and began to scroll through their group chat with Gwil again, seeing Joe’s messages from earlier. The blonde laughed at Gwil’s responses before typing in his own reply.

Ben: He’s cheating on us both Gwil! He’s found someone at the pub 😭

Gwil: The nerve! How dare he do this to me! After I gave him the best years of my life!

Ben: Apparently drag wasn’t enough to keep him on the hook

Gwil: Their tits are real, that’s the difference 😂

It’s not that Ben didn’t want to go over to the girls, it’s just with something like this, being sent a drink, the whole situation was just so delicate. He didn’t know how to process it; it was so incredibly sweet. He wondered if this is how girls felt when guys did this for them with no reason other than they wanted to. Especially given his last few weeks with getting turned down by various girls, he was almost certain that after this girl met him, she’d want nothing to do with him...they always did.

After a little while Joe plopped himself back down in the seat across from the blonde. The American had a wide smile covering his features as he waved over the waitress. “I’m assuming it went alright then?”

“Better than alright, I got the one in the (Y/F/F/C) top’s phone number.” Joe smirked as the waitress came over.

“What can I get for you lads?” She asked.

“Yeah, could we send a (Your Favourite Drink) and (Your Friend’s Favourite Drink) over to those two girls in the corner over there.” Joe asked, thanking the waitress as she nodded and walked off. “You really should’ve come over. (Y/F/N)’s friend there seemed a bit disheartened that you didn’t come over too.”

“I would’ve just made a fool of myself, mate. Trust me when I say that it’s better that I didn’t.” Ben sighed. The pair continued to drink for a bit and talk about their various projects when Joe smirked softly, sitting up a bit straighter in his seat. “What’s the matter with you? The blonde asked, raising an eyebrow.

“The girls are coming this way.” Joe informed him nonchalantly sipping on his drink as they approached the table. “Ladies.” He smirked.

“Hi!” They both greeted them as they stood next to their table.

“Thank you for the drinks!” (Y/F/N) smiled, pushing (Y/N) a little closer toward the blonde actor who was looking her up and down. (Y/N) bit the inside of her lip, it was one thing to walk past the guy, but to be stood here next to him like this, she was sure he could hear her heart pounding against her chest. The sound of it in her ears was absolutely deafening.

“Ah it’s no problem really! We were happy to do it!” Joe waved them off. “This is Ben by the way.”

“Hi nice to meet you.” Ben smiled brightly, at (Y/N) in particular. He watched as she nervously reached up to play with her hair as her eyelashes fluttered, subtly enticing the actor.

“Hi, I’m (Y/F/N).” (Y/F/N) waved before nudging (Y/N) a bit when she hesitated too long to answer.

“(Y/N).” She blushed softly, looking down bashfully away from the sparkling celadon gaze of the blonde actor. He was so unbelievably gorgeous and if she played her cards right, he’d be all hers.

“Are you two leaving?” Ben asked, smirking softly at (Y/N)’s shyness, but his own eyes slightly saddened. If they couldn’t convince them to stay, he would’ve wasted his chance to get with her.

“Yeah, we were thinking of hitting up another pub not too far from here. We were wondering if you guys might like to join us.” (Y/F/N) smiled, looking at Joe in particular, fluttering her eyelashes.

The blonde looked to his American friend with a smirk and shrug. “I’m game if you are.” Anything to keep him near this seemingly lovely (H/C) girl.

“Who am I to deny the request of a lovely lady.” Joe winked as he and Ben threw the remainder of their drinks back. Tonight, was about to get interesting.

Part 2

The best day of (Y/N)’s life had been the day her boyfriend of three years, Ben Jones - better known by his stage name Ben Hardy - had proposed to her. The pair had been on holiday in Italy together, a trip that had been completely organised by Ben, to commemorate their third anniversary together as a couple on the 17th of July. The first two days had been spent in the seaside city of Naples and was exactly what the couple needed to start off their stay in Italy. Ben had arranged for them to stay at the best hotel - Romeo. Their hotel room had lovely views of the Gulf of Naples. Their stay saw a bit of beach time for the pair as they laid out in the sand of the soft, sandy white beaches drinking in the sun on the beaches of Capri after exploring the blue grotto. Deciding to go off the beaten path a bit, they found a nice place in Sorrento to go cliff diving. They, of course, there was a lot of pizza to be had as it was the city where it originated from.

The next three days they were off to Rome to explore every nook and cranny, every bit of culture the city had for them to soak up. Their time in Rome saw the admiration of the various historical landmarks - the Colosseum, the Sistine Chapel, the Pantheon - visiting the museums, once shopping in the markets, of course, various food and wine consumption - desserts especially, and as a bit of fun and adventure, a guided ghost tour of Rome of the crypts and catacombs.

Their final three days saw them heading, of course, to Venice. Sight-seeing, wine tasting, gondola rides, and once again shopping in the markets. Their final night, the 17th of July, was when their lives changed forever. Ben had arranged a sunset dinner cruise for just (Y/N) and himself around the lagoons and canals in a traditional gondola for their anniversary. It offered the city’s best waterfront views of the elegant Renaissance architecture which they had been enjoying their entire time there. Then to cap it off at the end of the ride, high-end Italian gastronomy during a sumptuous, four-course restaurant meal. It had been so beautiful in the low light of the evening, a glass of wine in hand as she sat tucked into Ben’s embrace on the gondola as he whispered sweet nothings into her ear.

Ben had looked so handsome sitting there in his smart outfit which consisted of a pair of brown loafers with white trousers, a brown belt that matched the shoes, a light blue button-up, and to dress up the look further, a navy blazer. She couldn’t take her eyes off the blond actor who had, for the last three years, made her life an absolute dream. Of course to Ben, she was more gorgeous than any of the spectacular views they had seen in the last week. She was an absolute vision in the (F/C) dress he had bought for her prior to the trip. Her (H/L) (H/C) locks hung elegantly around her face, and with the light amount of lip gloss she had on her lips, he was fighting every fibre of his being to not lean in and kiss her right there at that moment. Heart pounding within his chest he set his wine glass down on the small table in front of them as his hand dipped into his blazer’s pocket. He pointed out something for (Y/N) to look at, in the opposite direction, as they neared the bridge he had arranged for a photographer to be waiting to capture the exact moment he proposed to the love of his life. When she turned around to face her celadon gazed boyfriend, she was met with the sight of the widest of grins plastered to his face as he held a small velvet ring box still out of her line of sight. Now Ben had had a lot of hard parts over the course of his acting career, but not even the full-frontal nudity scene he had done in the show he did right out of university could compare to what was about to leave his mouth. The twinkle in her lovely (E/C) irises made his stomach do flip flops as he started the monologue that could only end in one of two ways. “(Y/N)...I can't imagine growing old with anyone else, nor do I want to. No matter where my career takes me, I know my life will never be complete without you beside me to share it so...” He paused as he brought the red velvet ring box into her line of sight. He opened it slowly to show the most beautiful ring she had ever laid her eyes on and everything that she had wanted in an engagement ring - rose cut diamond set atop a rose gold band inset with diamonds going three-quarters of the way down. Of course, being on a boat, he couldn’t properly get down on one knee, but at that moment, it didn’t matter. (Y/N)’s hand flew to her mouth, covering the absolutely shocked smile on her lips as tears welled in her effervescent (E/C) irises. “Will you marry me?”

Tears of joy falling down her face, (Y/N) nodded furiously, her voice failing her at that moment as she lowered her hand so the actor could see the elated smile covering her features. “Yes. Yes, Ben. A million times yes.” She managed to choke out after a few moments.

Ben smiled, tears of joy welling in his own eyes as he pulled the ring from the box, slipping it onto her finger. “Fits perfectly.” He smiled brightly as a single tear left his eye. He had had to guess on her ring size in order to keep it a surprise. “And looks absolutely perfect...just like you.” Ben leaned in to kiss those gorgeous lips of hers finally as she placed her newly engaged hand on his cheek allowing the photographer to capture the absolute perfect engagement photo, among the others he had already taken and would continue to. He couldn’t resist congratulating the couple as they passed under the bridge prompting laughter from the female.

“You really thought of everything, didn’t you Mr Jones?” She asked with a soft smile on her features as she gently caressed his cheek as they floated under the bridge.

“Nothing’s too good for the future Mrs Jones.” He smiled kissing her again as they floated off to the spectacular Italian dinner that awaited them.

A year later, to the exact date the blond actor proposed, saw their wedding. They kept it small as they both wanted, close friends and family. It had taken so much energy on both of the couple’s parts to not start crying the moment that (Y/N) began to walk down the aisle to an arrangement of The Beatles ‘In My Life’. Ben had never seen anything so beautiful in all his life seeing her as she practically floated toward her in the dress she had talked about for so long. It was a nightmare holding back his tears as he tried to work his way through his vows to her after her own had practically made him start bawling. “I always knew I loved you, (Y/N), from the moment that we met...I just didn’t realise how I couldn’t live without you until I had to leave you for months on end to film.” He whimpered. “I didn’t think it was possible to love someone as much as I love you and for a long while...I thought myself to be unlovable. You are my muse, you inspire me to be a better man, and I can’t live without you. I desperately need you to take care of me because I’m a mess all the time.” He laughed softly trying to stop the sobs that were threatening to escape his throat. “And when I met you, I knew I'd met my match. It was only a matter of time until we arrived here, at this moment...you deserve the very best, someone who will back you up without limits, let you grow without borders, and love you without end. And I will spend the rest of my life trying my absolute best to be the man you deserve. I will take care of you, love you, and support you unconditionally...you’re the love of my life (Y/N)...and I was born to love you.”

It wasn’t long after the minister was saying the six words they had been waiting for the entire ceremony. “You may now kiss the bride.”

As soon as their lips connected, the lead up into Brian’s solo in Queen’s ‘Somebody to Love’ live in Montreal began to play. A set of fireworks and sparklers erupted in both of their minds at the contact of the other, their friends and family jumped to their feet in cheers of joy for the new happy couple especially as Ben dipped his new bride back for the deepest, most tender kiss he could manage. “Shall we Mrs Jones.” He smiled at her when they pulled apart a few moments later, offering his hand to her.

“I thought you’d never ask Mr Jones.” She smiled brightly at her new husband, (E/C) irises glinting with nothing but pure love and bliss for the celadon gazed actor before her as her hand slipped perfectly into his. They shared one more quick kiss as they walked back up the aisle together, ready to start their life together, after their first dance to Led Zeppelin's 'Thank You’ at their reception of course.

The first six months of marriage had been pure bliss for the new couple. They had opted for an all-inclusive resort in Jamaica for their honeymoon before returning to their home in London. Ben kept close to home for that first six months, taking jobs that wouldn’t take him away for longer than a week at a time at most. He wanted to be with her every moment they got, and even well into the fall, their absolute favourite thing to do was take their beagle Frankie for walks through Regents Park and Hyde Park, hand in hand or sneak away for cinnamon rolls at Söderberg in Soho. It wasn’t until the end of January in that first year did Ben finally accept a part he really wanted in a film that would require him to move to Montreal for two months. “I can’t believe you’re leaving tomorrow…” (Y/N) sighed as they laid on their couch, tangled in each other’s embrace, two finished glasses of wine resting on their apothecary table as a film, long since forgotten, played on the television. “For two whole months…”

“It’s nothing we haven’t done before, love.” Ben chuckled softly as he absentmindedly traced small circles on her hip with his pointer finger.

“Yeah…” She sighed, turning her (E/C) gaze up to meet his. “But I wasn’t saying goodbye to my husband then.” She leaned up to gently place her lips on his, the spark of attraction passing through them just as it had the first time they kissed.

He laughed in his throat as he gently caressed her cheek with his thumb. “You saying I wasn’t worthy of being missed when I was your boyfriend?”

“No.” (Y/N) giggled flipping over so she could straddle his lap, making the blond actor smirk as his hands rested soundly on her hips. She leaned down to place her hands on his cheeks, her breath hot on his face as it danced gently across his skin. “I’m just saying I’ll miss my husband more.” She whispered before lightly ghosting her lips over his before kissing down his jaw, gently nipping at the skin. She was careful, she knew she wasn’t allowed to leave marks on him when he was about to leave for or was in the middle of a job, however, Ben knew her body was an open canvas for him to decorate as he pleased.

“Well then…” Ben mumbled against her lips as he moved to stand up, keeping her legs wrapped firmly around his waist as he carried her to the bedroom. He gently laid her down on the bed, running a hand through her (H/L) (H/C) locks that splayed out over the mattress so elegantly. They framed her so perfectly, highlighting her every feature, her (E/C) irises glinting with seduction up at him making (Y/N) look absolutely irresistible to the actor as he smiled down at her. “Allow me to give you a night to tide you over until we meet again, Mrs Jones.” And that he did.