benjaminxjackson

[benjaminxjackson]

"That's for sure. I know I treasure mine," he replied back. Ben had been working on himself greatly and he was ready to capture memories again. In the past he was against but becoming a dad was a major encouragement for him to do so. He wanted to look back and have all the important moments down. "That will be awesome and great. Thanks so much," he added with a smile. "I have missed cooking a fest and stuff for people. So baking for a friend will help greatly."

"I know could use some coffee. Would you like to join me?" he asked with a smile on his face.

Laila’s expression softened with something that felt like nostalgia, her fingers tracing the rim of her cup as she looked at Ben. “I love that you’re doing that for him,” she said gently. “A baby album—especially one that’s both digital and physical—is something he’ll treasure someday. Even if he rolls his eyes at it as a teenager.” A quiet laugh followed, but it didn’t quite hide the fond ache that curled at the edge of her smile. “My mom had one for me too,” she added, voice a touch softer. “I used to flip through it when I needed reminding that I came from something good.” There was a beat before she looked up, warmth returning to her gaze. “I’d be happy to help with cameras—there are some that are amazing for low light and quick focus, which you’ll definitely need when Erik starts crawling at lightning speed.” The invitation made her smile grow. “I’d love that,” she said sincerely. “Let’s make it a weekly thing. I’ll bring scones next time—you bring that perfect dad energy.” | @benjaminxjackson

[benjaminxjackson]

"Yup that's what I am sticking with," he replied back softly. Feelings had always been scary for Ben since his accident when he was younger and after that night they only became more and more complicated. Since his last heart break and break up, Ben never really thought about those romantic feelings again. He focused on his work and lingering feelings led to a drunk night which lead to his son being born. Erik was the light of his world and he would do anything for his son. He never thought he would be a dad and here he was. Realizing there was something with his best friend, he felt something and a tiny part of himself was worried and scared of being hurt again. Maybe why he kept those feelings locked deep down and refused to be unaware of them.

Those words, Ben slowly moved in a place a quick kiss on Ryder's lips, it only last for a second but the chef wanted it to last longer. "Why don't we get this little guy in his crib," he spoke blushing. @ryderthornton

Why did feelings and emotions and love lives have to be so damn complicated. Ryder wore his heart on his sleeve so when it came to showing how he felt, he really couldn’t hide it very well. So when he was around Ben, he was surprised his feelings weren’t displaying on the surface. Maybe it was because he didn’t know if Ben had felt the same way and he didn’t want to make an ass out of himself? Or maybe they were showing. Ryder didn’t know. All he knew is that in this moment his heart was beating out of his chest. Even if Ben was saying it was because of sleep deprivation. He was taking it to heart.

Ryder arched an eyebrow and chuckled softly. “Okay mister, that’s what you’re sticking with.”he teased him as their eyes met one another’s. He saw Bennys eyes run over his face, to lips, then back to his eyes. “I.umm..wouldn’t stop you.. umm if you wanted to.”he said stumbling over his words not sure where the boldness came from but it was out there now.

[benjaminxjackson]

Ben smiled, he was glad to hear that they were all doing good. It was always great when he heard his friends were okay. It really had been awhile since he had spoken to Johnny and seen the twins. The last few months had been crazy but he was finally getting some handle and running into people. "All the baby books I have been reading have mentioned the "hate nap stage". I am so not looking forward to that and am glad you were able to get them down," he smiled his voice soft and low.

"For sure, I might consider you a semi pro then," he chuckled. "I will come to you for tricks and tips for sure." @johnnyxwagner

"We're doing good," he said with a warm smile crossing his lips. He spoke softly to Benjamin, not wanting to wake the twins as they shifted into a nap. "They've been a little more stubborn about nap time and for whatever reason, the aquarium works for them." He laughed softly, looking down at them with affection. His children were his life, along with Stevie. He had once imagined that he'd be here but after all his years serving, abandoning his first set of twins for several years, he thought he lost this life. "But whatever works," he chuckled softly once more, "It's not my first rodeo," and likely wouldn't be his last either. @benjaminxjackson

[benjaminxjackson]

In some ways, Ben would guess that Ryder personality did balance his own. Ben was someone who put others first, ignoring his own needs but he was working on and something he had gotten better at. When it came to emotions especially feelings it was a stranger to the chef because he had locked himself, locked away emotions and tried so hard not to feel them to the point that now he often was not aware of his emotions and also it did not help that the past still left an imprint on him even though it was small.

"I totally blame that for sure," he chuckled with a warm smile on his face as his eyes moved to looked into Ryder's eyes before slowly moving back to the lips. "You really do have kissable lips for sure. Might have wondered what it would be like to kiss them..." @ryderthornton

There was not a chance in hell and on this green earth that Ryder was not going to show up when he asked or when he saw that Benjamin needed help. That wasn’t who Ryder was or is. He would be there if someone needed the shirt off his back. That was Ryders personality. He was a helper and giver. The more that he came to know Benjamin and they became really close friends, Ryder did start to feel more than friendship for Benny. He didn’t say anything though cause he wasn’t sure if Benjamin felt the same way. There were moments such as simple touches and hugs that lingered on which Ryder never wanted to go a day without. So he kinda had a feeling both of them felt the same way, he just wasn’t absolutely positive. Until today. The simple comment of his lips and how kissable they were.

Ryder stood in front of Benjamin with a smile on his face. The blushed red cheeks told him everything. “I did. Blame training, where, they expect us to have keen ears.” he said with a smile. “Ah, so lack of sleep made you say my lips that you find kissable?” he said softly locking eyes with Ben.

[benjaminxjackson]

"I do not need luck Mr. Wheeler," he winked before laughing and shaking his head. "I am starting to slowly get and understand that for sure." Ben has been thankful for the advice that all the people who have kids have been sharing with him. It was better than most advice he read from all the baby books he had gotten. He nodded, "My mom has told me plenty of time that she is on speed dial and will come over in a second to watch baby Erik if I need it for sure and you are right. I don't have to do it alone."

Ben noticed the change of subjects and did not bring it up and moved on with the flow of the conversation. He sighed and shrugged his shoulders as Wyatt asked about his son's mom. "After she gave birth and signed all the paperwork. She told me she was blocking my number and cutting off contact," he answered looking at Wyatt. Ben was expecting this for sure. "I know she does not want to be involve and I respect that. I am just worried when Erik gets older and starts asking questions...." @wyattxwheeler

"Good luck with that," he chuckled, "I feel like sleep schedules are seemingly impossible no matter how hard you try." It was an exaggerated view on the matter at hand, but one that he felt was worth sharing. "Just make sure you have people on standby, ones that can come give you a break." Wyatt knew they were fortunate, having himself, Nel and even Mateo's biological father to step in for each other when something wasn't working. "You don't have to do it all alone." Wyatt offered him assurance with a smile.

That same smile fell momentarily as they spoke of Nel. It wasn't that he didn't like people checking in on her, but he knew they were both trying to put it behind them. "It's a lot on our plates, but nothing we can't handle." He knew whatever challenges lay ahead were ones that they would tackle together. Even if she needed to face those said challenges on her own, Wyatt would be her loudest cheerleader at the end of the day. "Have you heard from the baby's mom at all?" He questioned, changing the subject with a curious raise of his brow. @benjaminxjackson

[benjaminxjackson]

"Yup, my mom had one for me and so I want to create one for Erik for sure," he smiled. Ben still had his baby album and he was glad that his one made one for him. He wanted to document everything, he planned on making a physical one and a digital one too. Especially one with videos too, documenting every important moment and every moment. "I will need camera recommendations. I have been looking online and there are so many to pick and choose from," he sighed. Ben wanted to make sure he had the right camera, the right software too and he had no problem learning how to take amazing pictures. He did have some skills from taking pictures of his dishes. He smiled at her words.

"Awesome, my door is always open and just show up anytime you are free or we can make it a weekly thing, same time." @lailaxmir

Laila’s smile was full of warmth as she glanced down at Erik, his little sounds making her heart ache in the most tender way. “Oh, a proper baby album? That’s going to be something special,” she said softly, her tone colored by something wistful. “He’ll thank you for it someday—even if it’s just to laugh at how tiny his socks were.” She looked up at Ben with a teasing grin. “And honestly, if you need camera recommendations, I have a cousin who swears by vintage film over digital. Bit high-maintenance, but the results? Gorgeous.” But then her gaze lingered a little longer on Erik, her voice dipping into something quieter. “The universe is funny like that,” she echoed, brushing her thumb gently along the side of Erik’s tiny hand. “It takes its time, or surprises you altogether. I used to imagine moments like these,” she admitted, then paused briefly—just long enough to let a shadow flicker behind her smile before it settled again. “And now I get to borrow someone else’s for a while. That’s still a kind of magic.”

Her eyes lifted back to Ben, warmth returning like sunlight after a passing cloud. “Well, then I’m officially inviting myself over for baby smiles and baked goods. That’s a hard combo to turn down,” she teased lightly, but her voice was sincere. “Just tell me what time to show up, and I’ll even bring coffee. Good coffee.” | @benjaminxjackson

[benjaminxjackson]

Ben unknowlly picked so many good people. All the people in his life and he allowed in were amazing, sweet and kind. They returned back the kindness he gave back and were there for him. He took care of them and they took care of him back. He had noticed and really saw it these last few months. It did make his heart happy and he could never thank them enough. Especially Ryder who was right here, someone he cared deeply about and would always look out for and protect.

Ben smiled and blushed a bit, turning red. Unable to hide it this time and he was going to totally blame his comment on the lack of sleep and say that he had no filter for sure. "You really heard that?" he chuckled still smiling as he walked Ryder move closer with baby Erik in their arms. "You are lucky my filter is not working due to lack of sleep but you do have cute and kissable lips...." @ryderthornton

Ryder's philosophy in life was treat others the way that he would want to be treated and even help those around him. It was always the way he was, expect for in high school when he decided to run with the wrong crowd and have the do whatever I want, whenever I want, do not care about the consequences attitude. Wasn't every rebellious child like that though? He did still have that mentality every once in a while but he was more helpful and he could thank his mom and even the fire academy for that, kicking some sense into him. When Ryder met Benjamin, he always was in a helpful mood, made sure that he was taken care of, had something to eat after a long shift, they became the best of friends the more they hung out with each other, and got to know one another. It was now Ryder's turn to give back to Benny and help him. Be there for him while he took care of his son Baby Erik. "Always will. You have taken care of me, made sure that I had meals, and whatever I needed to get through a long day at work and even when I got off work too. It is my turn to take care of you." he said with a smile.

Ryder looked down with a smile on his face a possible blush appearing across his face hearing Benny talk about his cute face and lips. Did he hear that right? "My lips? I hadn't heard that before. What about my lips do you think is cute? Yes, I did hear that. No matter how softly it was spoken. Thinking I wouldn't hear it." he smiled moving closer with Baby Erik in his arms.

[benjaminxjackson]

Ben knew that he had a very long, long track record of being very hyper independent. Never wanting to bother anyone and always doing things on his own. Since his accident all those years ago. He handled everything himself, never really let the people who were there for him be there for him but always be there for people. Ben knew that he was trying, working hard on changing that but sometimes he does slip back to past habit. He understood his brother's words and worry. His brother was right being a single parent was hard. "I promise I will call when I need extra hands," he promised and that was one promise he was going to keep.

"Don't worry, I am also making sure am getting enough sleep on the top of caffeine and plus mom has been stopping and she makes sure I get sleep. You know you can never argue with her." he chuckled with a soft smile.

Nodding at his brother, hand clasped against his shoulder Mitchell smiled. "Definitely a lot of factors there to consider; not having to worry with work is for sure helpful." he nodded. "I do worry a little that you're doing it all alone; I've delivered enough babies to single mother's to know how they handle it." Mitchell stated. "So if you ever need a few extra hands, please call." he stated. Mitchell may not have been one that wanted kids himself, but, he'd never let anyone in his family do anything like this alone; if he could lend a helping hand he'd do it in a heartbeat. "You look rested enough, some how." he nodded. "You have a ton of caffeine coursing through your veins?" @benjaminxjackson

[benjaminxjackson]

Ben nodded his head. He totally understand that for sure. Not everyone wanted kids and wanted to be a parent. He had friends who shared the same views as his brother and had friends with views like him. Ben was indeed very lucky, he was glad that being a dad was indeed in the cards for him. "I understand get that," he replied as he nodded with his head. "Am glad you have been good and that's for sure. There is really must be something in the water."

"I am trying, still adjusting to the whole lack of sleep and trying to balance everything. The fact that I don't have to worry too much about work makes things easy." @mitchelljackson

"Thanks man, but, I don't know if kids are ever in the cards for me. Not at this point." he shrugged, eyes focused on his brother. He'd truly never pictured himself as a father - it wasn't that he didn't like kids - he'd just been more than content with never having that responsibility himself and just being the cute, fun uncle instead. He wore that title really well. "I've been good. Can't complain." he shook his head. "Work's just been busy; clearly there's something in the water." he laughed. "Though I guess that's a good thing; I'll never be out of work." he stated, looking back at his younger brother. "And what about you? You seem to be adjusting to dad life really well." @benjaminxjackson

[benjaminxjackson]

It was nice to get out of the house with Erik. Benny had been trying to get out more, get Erik used to sounds and also build up his immune system. He thought the aquarium would be perfect, especially with the lights and background. Plus it will be perfect for Erik to also fall asleep. Erik pushed the stroller, Erik not fully asleep when he heard Johnny voice and smiled at his friend. "Hey Johnny," he replied. "We are doing good. What about you three?" @johnnyxwagner

starter for @benjaminxjackson

location: aquatica

Johnny pushed the twins in the double wide stroller. Whenever he stepped into Aquatica, he felt like he were transformed into another world. It was dimly lit and quietly alive. The soft humming of filtration systems in the background were soothing the twins as their eyes tried to follow the way the lights bent through the water. He moved slowly, using the aquarium to get the twins to their afternoon nap that they were refusing to do so. As Johnny walked through the aquarium, he paused, pushing his stroller near another. "Ben," he smiled, recognizing the other in the shadows. "Nice to see you and the little one out and about. How are you both doing?"

[benjaminxjackson]

"Right, I need to invest in more storage. Plus I reached out to a friend about some good camera's. I just don't want to rely on just my phone and I know I want to create a baby album for Erik," he smiled softly. Ben was lucky he had a tons of backup storage especially since he used it for all his recipes, documents and things fill up fast but he knew with the pictures he was taking and all the videos he would need more. "People say that, I have always wanted to be a dad and with life, work and everything I never thought it would happen soon but it's funny how the universe works," he smiled.

"Yes, he has been reacting to sounds, smiling especially at people who smiles at him. Plus he has the cutest smile in the whole," he spoke as Erik made a few sounds. "Please do, we both will love the company for sure. Plus, you get some amazing baked goods too," @lailaxmir

Laila smiled softly as she gently rocked Erik in her arms, feeling the little warmth and quiet contentment that only a baby could bring. “I get it now too,” she said with a quiet laugh, “the endless photos, the little moments you want to freeze in time because they disappear so fast.” Her eyes met Ben’s, warm and sincere, but there was a softness in them—something wistful beneath the surface. “It’s beautiful to see you like this—the way you light up just talking about him. Parenthood really suits you.” She glanced down at Erik, who gave a small, curious coo.

“Has he hit any fun milestones yet? First smile, maybe a tiny giggle?” she asked gently, voice touched with quiet longing. She gave Erik a gentle squeeze and smiled up at Ben, trying to keep the wistfulness at bay. “I might just take you up on that sometime soon. A little visit with the two of you sounds pretty perfect.” | @benjaminxjackson

[benjaminxjackson]

Ben truly believed that one gets back what they put out into the universe. He had always been the one to cook for those he cared about, making sure they were taking care off. Now he had many friends and family who made him meals and made sure he had everything he needed. Ben could not thank them enough, he was blessed and lucky and so very thankful. He had spent many years pushing people away, he believed he deserved to be alone but he was glad that the people he rushed away still stayed. "I am happy you are one of the people who makes sure baby Erik and I are taken care off," he smiled chuckled. It was really an adjustment for sure but he knew he would do the same for others.

"Of course, Ry," he answered as he looked at his friend. "You have a cute and handsome face," he added. "Also maybe cute lips," he whispered softly looking away from a moment. @ryderthornton

Being a dad came first. His family, baby Erik came first, Ryder knew that and he wasn’t going to get upset over Benny taking a few days for himself, to get back on his feet, and even get baby Erik into a routine and welcomed into his new home. Ryder would be over as much as he could to help Benny. Whatever he needed, he was going to be there for his best friend. He smiled and let out a chuckle. That’s the Jackson family. Always looking out for one another. “I kinda had a feeling it was. Well, you can add someone else to that list too. Me! I’m going to make sure that you’re taken care of and well fed too. Along with baby Erik here. Uncle Ryder is going to take good care of the both of you.”he said softly to Erik and for Ben to hear too.

“You miss my puppy dog faces? Well no need to worry they are back and better than ever for you.”he said giving Benny his signature puppy dog face and eyes too.

[benjaminxjackson]

"Good, since right now am a bit distracted and it will not be a fair fight but give me a few months and get ready for a challenge Mr. Wheeler," he teased with a grin on his face. "It is for sure but this little guy is slowly getting into a sleep schedule," he added with a chuckle. A new born kid alone was hard for sure, Ben wished he did not have to do this by himself but it was just how the way the universe made things come out. "I see," he spoke his voice soft and understanding as he listened to Wyatt speak.

What Nel went through was hard for the both of them. "I know Nel is one of the most strongest and badass person I know. I am glad she has you someone to support her, and remind her she is not alone and she is strong." It would take time for both of them to recover for sure. "Ya, keep being optimistic. I am sure you will find something. You are not one to give up easily because I have known you for so long." @wyattxwheeler

"I'll let you hold on to the top spot for a little bit longer," he joked with Benjamin. He chuckled at the mention of stress and sleepless nights. "Yeah, the no sleep thing can be pretty brutal." He and Nel had experienced plenty of them with Mateo Jr. "You start running primarily on instinct after a while." He nodded slowly, "I've been alright, stretched a little thin." But it wasn't anything he could not handle between work and home. "She's good. Tired, but good. A lot stronger than she gives herself credit for." Wyatt admitted, "But I keep trying to remind her that she is." Wyatt paused, "The investigation has been at a standstill it feels like," he shook his head, "I keep checking in, but," his shoulders lifted into a shrug, "but I'm trying to stay optimistic." @benjaminxjackson

[benjaminxjackson]

Ben sighed and shrugged his shoulders for a second. It was complicated, sometimes the chef forgot that he had his other older brother. It was sad and it did hurt him sometimes, Ben had given up trying with him a very long time ago. It was pointless to try to keep reaching out, trying to have something with someone who did not want anything to do with you. He wondered if he was hopeful because he felt like had lost all hope but he was happy to know his niece and nephew, also have them in his life. "Is that so? You will make a great dad for sure Mitch," he spoke. Ben respected his brother decision for sure. "Or his even handsome dad," he teased. "How have you been?" @mitchelljackson

Laughing at his younger brother's comment, Mitchell rolled his eyes. "I was going to say I was his only uncle, but." he paused, knowing he didn't need to actually finish that sentence for Ben to know what he meant. He was happy that regardless of the drama that came along with their eldest brother not being part of their lives, Mitchell had always been able - and willing - to step in to be there for his siblings, niece and nephews however he could. From day one. "I have to say he's a cutie. Almost makes me want one of my own." he laughed, shaking his head. "Though I can't quite figure out where he gets his looks from." he joked. "Must be his handsome uncle." @benjaminxjackson

[benjaminxjackson]

Ben knew that Ryder and his friends will not hold it against him at all that he had not reach out all that much especially since he just became a dad. Many of them understood how hard it was having a new born child. The Chef still felt bad but happy and felt lucky to have loving and understanding friends and family. He enjoyed and used every moment when they came over and they were spending time with them. "You can thank my mom and brother for that. They make sure I eat and the house to filled with food," he laughed shaking his head.

"Do I miss those puppy dog faces of yours that you use to get your way and free meal out of me?" he teased laughing softly. @ryderthornton

Ryder didn’t and would not hold this over Ben’s head. He had a son. He was a daddy. Being a daddy to baby Erik was his main and first priority. Ryder could wait patiently for him to call or text. He was never going to ask Benny to over look the needs and wants of his son. Even getting back into the routine of things, he knew it would take a while but he could do it. He had his support and wasn’t going anywhere. “Sounds delicious. I’m glad to hear my best friend is eating healthy and making time to eat too.”he said with a smile as he took the bottle of water from Ben. “My not so innocent face has missed you too. I know you especially missed my puppy dog faces.” “You’re busy. I get it. Also it goes both ways too: I should have reached out. But, we’re making time.”he smiled with a laugh. Liking a lot the wink.

[benjaminxjackson]

"My phone is running out of memory already due to all the pictures of this cute little guy I have taken. Seriously now I understand when parents take tons of pictures of their kid," Ben smiled softly. Ben was becoming that dad that took pictures, he wanted to capture every moment and not miss a thing. He was glad that he was in a position in his career that allowed him to be very present. He smiled and watched as Laila carried Erik.

Ben smiled brightly, "Really?" he spoke with a laughter in his voice. "I guess I am. Being a dad and having this little prince has been the best thing that happened to me," the chef added. Ben never thought a day like this will come and he was so very glad it did even if it happened in a way he did not expect it. "Simple, just text me and stop by. I am basically always home with this bean." @lailaxmir

Laila let out a delighted little laugh at his comment about the Jackson genes. “Oh, it’s definitely in the DNA. I mean, I’ve seen the photos—you all really don’t have a bad angle in the bunch.” She gave Ben a teasing look before gently scooping Erik up into her arms with the kind of practiced ease that made it clear she’d done this before.

“Well, hello there, Mr. Cutest Bean in the World,” she cooed, holding Erik close as she swayed a little on instinct. “You’re even more charming in person. This is completely unfair to the rest of us.”

She glanced up at Ben, a soft, genuine smile touching her lips. “You seem really happy, you know. Tired maybe, but happy. It suits you.” Then, tilting her head with a spark of amusement, she added, “so do tell--how do I get myself on the rotation for constant baby-cuddling breaks because I don't think I'm going to be able to give him back that easily." | @benjaminxjackson

[benjaminxjackson]

Life was really an interesting thing. In the last few years the doctor had faced his past finally, met and reconnected with his niece and nephew, gotten into a relationship, engaged and have that called off and now having a kid. Ben would have never believed all this if you told him this would be his life. Honestly, the chef will not change any of it for the world. Ben smiled as he carried Erik from his crib and carefully placed him in Rory's hands. "Here, he loves being carried and loves all the attention he gets".

Within a year and a half, Rory had found her brother and learned of her uncles. Now she was closer than ever to them all, finally having a family she cherished. And now add in a baby cousin, whom she was excited to finally meet though she had nearly zero experience with babies. She smiled as she followed Ben, and gave him a nod, "of course," she was excited to hold him, hoping she wouldn't mess it up. @benjaminxjackson