halifadventures

[halifadventures]

benjiblythe‌

“I was really surprised as well. She’s actually a really good storyteller and I totally understand why she’s in the advanced class now. She just needs to learn to actually follow your instructions and maybe save the porn for the internet. Though, I will say, she can tone down the gratuity of her sex scenes when she puts her mind to it. The last thing she wrote was actually pretty tasteful. I mean, still not my taste, but that’s just me.”

“Yeah, about that. I, uh, I’m not in any of your classes this semester. I’ll still totall come to the workshops, of course. But, uh… I thought maybe it’d be best if I didn’t take your classes while we’re dating. It’s… weird. Especially now that Dr. Kingston knows about us. I’m just afraid we’ll slip up and get caught and you’ll get fired. I mean, maybe just being a student at the college you happen to teach at isn’t as bad as actually dating a student taking your class? I dunno. I just think it’s for the best.”

Hearing about Anna’s progress was always a good thing, and Richard already had a few questions in his mind that he needed some answers to regarding this development, but what came after completely got his attention and turned it into a very different direction. One that wasn’t so welcome, really.

“Wouldn’t that... make you fall behind in your curriculum?” he asked with concern in his voice. “We can manage a low profile, you didn’t... have to-”

He stopped himself for a moment, taking the time to actually think it through. Ben did have a point, even if he would miss having him in class. He did feel like Ben was being unfair to Sidney with this train of thought, but ultimately kept it to himself. If it made him feel more comfortable about being together, how could he complain?

“I mean... If you think that’s for the best, all I can do is support you. I really have no intention of, well, stop dating you any time soon.”

[halifadventures]

benjiblythe‌

“I know this is gonna sound super weird coming from me, but I think Anna might surprise you this semester. She sent me some stuff she’s been writing over vacation that was surprisingly… good. I mean, she asked me for input and everything. And, as much as I hate to admit it, she kinda got me hooked on those characters she loves writing so much. Or, at least the versions she’s been sending me. One of them is ace! Which is why she was asking me for input. Of course, I still had to read a bit of gratuitous smut, but I think she might’ve at least stored my advice somewhere in her weird little brain. At least, I hope so. Ya know, for your sake.” Ben had no way of knowing if anything he’d suggested to Anna would make it to the classroom, but he had a tiny sliver of hope. “But hey, I’m sure there will be a whole lot of fun new stuff to read from other students. That’s something to look forward to, right?”

“Now, that’s a surprise,” Barrett thought aloud, actually trying to imagine the process of Anna reaching out to the one person in campus that wasn’t interested in sex. But it only proved something: they both were growing and he felt a strange sense of pride just from being their teacher.

“I do hope she takes it to heart, because I am really looking forward more nice and PG stories from her... And also looking forward to see what you surprise me with this semester because... Well, I assume you’re still coming to the creative writing sessions, no?”

[halifadventures]

@benjiblythe

“Of course I look terrified. The semester starts tomorrow and that only means I’ll have to read more smutty fanfiction from Anna... I am not mentally prepared. I shouldn’t even know what smutty fanfiction means!”

[halifadventures]

benjiblythe‌

Ben was starting to feel all warm and tingly as Barrett did a little kissing of his own. He couldn’t help but wonder why he’d waited so long to do this. Well, he knew why, but small steps. He kind of wanted to take it another small step farther, but taking off his boyfriend’s shirt in the middle of his and Jon’s drafty living room just to get his lips on the man’s collarbone might not be the best idea. Plus he was just paranoid that Jon would come home and Ben knows his roommate would not be too keen on seeing that.

“Sorry I made you feel like that. We can talk about that more some other time though. Ya know, when I’m not intoxicated by whatever this cologne is.” He said, burying his face in Barrett’s neck again. 

Ben finally pulled himself away to take in Barrett’s face and smile. I know we have a drafty apartment, but I don’t think it’s cold enough to freeze the food,” he laughed. “I suppose my lips will have to work their magic on it as well.” Ben waggled his eyebrows before kissing Barrett sweetly on the lips and slipping off his lap, already feeling a bit sad at the lack of contact. “So. Risotto, right?”

Richard couldn’t describe this as anything other than really nice. He was getting to push the boundaries he draw in his ignorance and learning more about Ben every day. That was a blessing, as was the feeling of his warm body all pressed against his won. He could most definitely get used to this kind of exchanges.

But the moment, as delicious as it had been, was short lives. Ben pulled away and the food was the next concern in his mind, which was probably for the best because he didn’t want to imagine the mess that it would be if Jon walked in on them doing more.

“I’m gonna hold back on any comments about how drafty this place is and focus on the important thing here: dinner,” he teased, standing up as well and fixing his shirt with a gentle motion, right before he headed towards the kitchen area to get a hold of the bag he brought the food in.

“Yes, risotto. Have you ever tried it before? It can be really tasty with the right spices and- well- meat, I guess. Sorry I didn’t bring some more salmon to go with.”

[halifadventures]

benjiblythe‌

“Dunno.” Ben mumbled into Barrett’s skin as he lingered a moment. “Lack of confidence, maybe?” To be honest, he wasn’t entirely sure himself. He wasn’t really used to taking the lead on anything and he knew with the situation the way it was with his boyfriend not entirely sure of Ben’s boundaries, he might have to start taking more initiative. Not wanting to think about it too much, he continued peppering light kisses here and there before returning to stare into Barrett’s eyes for a few (perhaps overly long) moments. “Glad to know I’m doing something right.” He murmured, swiping his thumb across the man’s stubble once more before leaning in to kiss his lips.

“Hmm? Oh. No. Not at all. Arousal’s a natural reaction. Honestly, I might be more offended if it didn’t.” He teased. “The only reason I was freaked out by the possibility the first time was because I hadn’t told you, ya know, everything about me yet. I do care about your needs as much as I do my own.” He wanted to say more, but constant talk about his own lack of sexual attraction was sure to be a buzzkill right now. Instead, Ben leaned in close to Barrett’s ear. “I’m not immune to physical reactions, by the way.” Offering a bit of hope. “So, are you warm enough now? Because I’m really torn by doing more of this and eating that delicious food you brought over.”

Barrett couldn’t complain. Not at all. How could he when he was loving every bit of affection Ben was giving him? For him, who had craved that kind of contact for months, this small moment on the couch was heaven. So much, in fact, that all he did was kiss his boyfriend back just as tenderly, spreading kisses all across his exposed skin. Funny enough, he had already forgotten how cold it was outside.

“Well, that is great because I don’t have to feel awkward about the effect you have on my body,” Barrett teased, genuinely relieved that Ben’s asexuality was not as rigid as he initially thought. But he made sure not to dwell too much on that because he wanted Ben to feel like this was a normal topic of conversation they could explore whenever without making it a big deal. He wanted his boyfriend to feel as comfortable as possible in the relationship.

“I am warm enough now, yes. But I’d suggest you give the food a try before it freezes... Plus, you can always kiss me more after you’ve eaten.”

[halifadventures]

benjiblythe‌

“Glad to know I’m not a complete lost cause,” Ben murmured softly next to Barrett’s ear before gently biting down on it. He wasn’t the most experienced when it came to this sort of thing despite the fact that this wasn’t his first relationship. Perhaps he had been too young at the time or his girlfriend (as lovely as she was) hadn’t quite inspired him the way the handsome man in front of him was. He took a moment to pull away and look into Barrett’s eyes again, lovingly caressing the stubble on his cheek. “I’ve been wanting to do this for a while.” Ben said, pressing another kiss to his cheek moving back down again, ghosting his lips over his boyfriend’s neck. “I haven’t really done this all that much before.” Lips grazed at the top, just below his ear before making their way down. “Let me know how I’m doing? I don’t want to do anything weird.” He smiled into the next kiss. “Just wanna make you feel good.” Another kiss. When he’d gotten as far down as he could with the fabric of Barrett’s shirt blocking any further access, Ben buried his face and took in the scent of the man’s cologne. A muffled, “Love you” was probably more felt than actually heard. In any case, he hoped the sentiment came across.

“If you’ve been wanting to do this for a while, why haven’t you?” he asked, mindlessly caressing his boyfriend’s back while he felt and enjoyed the kisses being spread all across his skin. It was impossible not to melt a little bit under the comforting warmth of the other, so he ended up relaxing his shoulders and humming in contentment, delivering himself up to Ben’s wishes.

“You’re doing just great, babe,” he reassured the other, unable to fight the obvious responses of his body but not caring one bit. If anything, he simply pulled Ben closer to enjoy his warmth and nothing else. For a moment, he didn’t care about asexuality or history or anything among those lines, just for the cute boy in his arms who was teaching him love could be easy and wholesome.

“Is it... Would you be weirded out if this gave me a boner? Asking for a friend.”

[halifadventures]

benjiblythe‌

Before Ben even had the chance to follow through with his own plan, his boyfriend apparently had the same thing in mind when they got to the couch. “Mmm.” He hummed against Barrett’s lips. “I see you read my mind. Was gonna be all smooth and crawl into your lap myself, but it seems you’ve done that for me.” Ben wrapped his arms around Barrett’s neck and moved his lips to the man’s jaw, leaving small kisses along it. 

“Mhm.” He replied, moving a hand up to tangle in Barrett’s hair, massaging the scalp there, lips now moving closer to his ear. “Maybe I am, maybe I’m not.” He whispered in a low voice. “How am I doing so far?” Ben found himself feeling particularly affectionate tonight. Sure, they cuddled and kissed a lot when they were together, but he hadn’t quite gotten up the courage to get a little bit more… sensual until just now. The question in the back of his mind was, though, how could he do this without going too far? More concerned for his boyfriend than himself. He was still trying to get the hang of being with someone who, while he respected Ben’s limits, had desires and he didn’t want Barrett to get too sexually frustrated because of him. Maybe, one day… For now, he pushed those thoughts to the back of his mind and focused on the gorgeous pair of blue eyes in front of him.  

“Clearly I have super powers,” Barrett teased, snaking his arms around his boyfriend’s frame and holding him close. “Or maybe I just know my babe too well-”

The line was blurry, but it didn’t matter anyway. He simply let Ben go at it and enjoyed every single kiss he was given, knowing well enough that his gorgeous hipster lover didn’t mean anything sexual by it, despite his own instincts.

But he was still a man, a very weak man when it came to kisses and warm bodies pressed against him, so he couldn’t help the content hum that escaped him at the contact, at the whole feeling of intimacy Ben was giving him. This was as new as it was welcome, because Richard made sure to return the affection with kisses of his own.

“How are you doing,” he repeated with a very flirty gaze, clearly meeting Ben’s gorgeous green eyes. “I don’t know. I would keep kissing. It might be working... Might.”

[halifadventures]

benjiblythe‌

“That’s a pretty accurate description. I’m just glad he takes care of himself and doesn’t need to be taken on walks,” Ben jokes. “Though I suppose that would be nice. I mean, not in a dog-like way. Just in the hanging out, walking around town kinda way. Just not this time of year. Too cold.”

“Microwave is all yours. And the dishes as well, of course, if your containers there aren’t microwavable. Wouldn’t want another melting fiasco.” Because of course Ben had melted the very first plastic thing he ever stuck in his brand new microwave when he first moved in. He figured Barrett was far more wise than him.

“Hmm… Well… We can wait a little while. I noticed you were a bit cold and I thought maybe I could help you, ya know, warm up a bit.” Ben waggled his eyebrows playfully before grabbing one of his hands and leading him over to the couch.

Barrett was just about to get started on heating everything up, but he stopped half way at Ben’s last remark. He truly was a considerate and kind young man, to notice such thing and offer a solution. How could he think of food when Ben had made such a lovely suggestion?

No, there was no way. He simply allowed his boyfriend to lead him over to the uncomfortable couch. He even made sure to be the first one to sit down, just so he could pull Ben down and make him sit on his lap, stealing yet another kiss.

“Help me warm up a bit, huh?” he teased, hugging his boyfriend tight. “If I didn’t know any better I’d say you’re trying to seduce me, Blythe!”

[halifadventures]

benjiblythe‌

Ben hummed happily as Barrett’s lips remained on his for longer than he’d planned. They might’ve been a bit cold from the chilly winter air, but it was still as perfect as it always was. He made a mental note to help his boyfriend warm up later.

“He does have a tendency to ramble. I think it’s kinda cute. I mean, usually. I have a hard time concentrating on reading out here in the common area when he’s around, but I usually politely excuse myself and retreat to my bedroom to recharge. I feel bad, of course, but what’s a bookworm introvert like myself to do in these situations.” And he did worry sometimes. He never wanted Ray to feel bad about wanting to talk.

“Mmm. The risotto sounds delicious. And I must admit, I’ve always been… curious as to what ratatouille tastes like. The Pixar movie didn’t make it look all that appetizing, but you make almost anything taste good, so I’m sure it’ll be amazing. And I know the muffins’ll be delicious. Ray’s always brining some home. So is this stuff already heated up or…?”

“Oh, it is kinda cute. Like a hyperactive puppy. I don’t mind it at all,” Barrett thought aloud, starting to take the lid off the containers to reveal the feast he had prepared. It wasn’t much, but he sure as hell made it with love. After all, Ben was having enough of a hard time not to be spoiled.

And truth is, Barrett helped himself through his issues by giving other people happiness, so he was killing two birds with one stone.

“I made it all like an hour ago so it’s cold already. If you do me the honor of lending me your microwave for a minute, I’ll have it all settled for dinner,” he added, walking past Ben and making himself at home, stopping only when he was already by the sink.

“Unless you’re not hungry now and would rather wait a while,” he said, thoughtful as always. “You will be spoiled today, so it’s your call.”

[halifadventures]

benjiblythe‌

While things around the apartment were still tense, and he knew this was probably the last place his boyfriend should be showing up so soon, Ben couldn’t help but smile seeing Barrett standing his doorway. Whether it was it because of that beautiful face or the food he was holding, he couldn’t say for sure. “I do love surprises.” He finally said, stepping aside. Perhaps that wasn’t entirely true, considering the New Year’s Eve “surprise visit” went.

Ben gave Barrett a quick peck on the lips before stepping aside and gesturing the older man in. “You can set those on the counter. What’s in them?” He bent down trying to see the mystery food inside.

“Little bird, huh? You been talking to Ray? Otherwise we’ve got some kinda stalker situation going on here, and I don’t know how i feel about that.” He chuckled. “But yeah. It��s just me. All by my lonesome.”

Barrett kissed his boyfriend back, of course. Making sure to linger just a moment longer because of the warm feeling of having Ben so close. After all, he had just come from the cold winter out there and needed some warming up. There was only so much his coat could do for him.

“Naturally, I have my sources... Although I would say it’s easier to say Ray has been talking to me. Does he ever shut up?” he teased, walking in and heading straight for the counter, placing the containers there and turning back to face his lover.

“Well, mr. Lonesome, I have brought my first proper attempt at mushroom risotto with some ratatouille to go with- The muffins I didn’t bake, but I dropped by Starbucks on the way here and Raymond was nice enough to recommend them.”

[halifadventures]

@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.

“Don’t worry, I’m not dumb. A little bird told me Jonathan is not around tonight-”

[halifadventures]

alexdavidemarshall‌

“Well, I may or may not have observed you looking my way more than a few times while doodling away in that sketchbook of yours. You looked very intense. Almost passionate. Would it be asking too much to see one of your sketches? I’d love to see what I could’ve inspired. If you don’t wish to, that is fine. I know some people find their sketchbooks to be sacred.”

“How it feels in your hand when you write it? That’s a new one. Very poetic way of putting it. Is that an artist thing?” He mused. “ In any case, I do remember you serving me, and you have very lovely handwriting.”

Alex had to contain himself lest he burst out laughing. “Has anyone told you how utterly adorable you are when you talk like that? You are a very fascinating specimen, Ray.”

A mess. Raymond was, very clearly, a mess. How on earth could he just admit something like this out loud? Of course Alex would want to see the drawings and of course Ray would end up sharing them, but how on earth was he going to explain the level of detail and overall softness of them? Anyone who knew the slightest bit about art would tell there was actual love and dedication poured into those.

If it wasn’t obvious he was crushing on Alex now, it would be the second he shared that sketchbook... And yet he was eager to do it.

“I don’t think I could explain half the embarrassing things I’ve just said even if I wanted to so I’ll definitely leave it at you finding it fascinating and try not to dwell on how mesmerizing I think you are. Which is probably the most compromising thing I’ve said so far and I kinda wanna crawl back down the hole I came out of, but I’m a serious coffee professional so I’ll deliver your drink before my inminent doom.”

His words were rushed, of course. He didn’t mean to be that much of a mess, but there was just too much too feel, too fast for him to process. Which wasn’t entirely a bad thing, because that rush of feelings also made him bold instead of shy. Clumsy too, but bold nonetheless.

“Tell you what, cute-tall-amazing-muffin-of-muffinness, I’ll serve your drink and... Well, my break starts in like 5 minutes. If you don’t mind waiting a bit, I’ll definitely join you and share all my artistic endeavours involving that face of yours-”

[halifadventures]

alexdavidemarshall‌

“Distinguished and not-at-all-favorite-but-totally-favorite, huh? I am flattered. Are you fishing for a bigger tip? Because if you are, it’s totally working,” he joked. Alex was always a generous tipper anyway, but he was tempted to add more this time. “Well, that sounds absolutely amazing. I will take that. Biggest you’ve got for the drink. I need the energy.” He said with a charming smile. “As for the napkin, are you sure? Because I’d love that as well. I’ve, um, noticed that you seem to be drawing a lot in your spare time. If this is the kind of work you put on napkins, I can only imagine what you do on paper.”

“Ah, thank you so much. And no. Not judging you at all. Or, at least, no more than I do anyone else. I’m more of an observer. I reserve my my judgmental self for my idiot friend. Alex, by the way. My name, not his.

Ray couldn’t be happier to be having an actual good day. On a bad day, this conversation would be a total waste, and he didn’t even want to think on what would happen if this happened during an episode... Oh god.

But that was a concern for another day. Today he was serving his favorite patron and, with no line behind him, he could take his sweet time with small talk.

“Just keep smiling and that will be tip enough for this gypsy heart of mine. Not that I’m gypsy, of course. Just quoting Shakira... Which is not to say I’m latino either.... And of course I’m sure! Or- Well---- I could always make a better one, a decent one, in an actual piece of paper. I may or may not have my sketchbook in my bag and may or may not have already done it in the past. I also may or may not be a fool for admitting that out loud.”

Was he being too bold? Definitely. He was simply really bad at keeping his emotions in, for better or worse. If anything, he was glad nothing more compromising had left his lips yet.

“Oh, I know your name is Alex. I’ve served you before. I love how it feels in my hand when I write it.”

Compromising like that.

“One non-compromising caramel machiato coming right up. And a vanilla for this muffing! aaaaaand a muzzel for me because holy shit do I embarrass myself.”

[halifadventures]

alexdavidemarshall‌

“Well, if that is supposed to be me, I’m afraid you’ve drawn my nose far too small and me far too handsome.” Alex couldn’t help but chuckle a little at the barista’s ramblings. He wasn’t entirely sure what the boy was going on about, of course, but it was endearing nonetheless. 

“I figured as much,” he replied. While not well-versed in the world of fandom himself, he still understood the concept of fanfiction. “Hmm. I’m not sure. What would you recommend? By the way, were you talking about yourself or someone else in this fanfiction?”

“Aaaaaand if you look to your right you will find someone completely making a fool out of himself, yay,” he added, still in the same breath as he tried not to be too awkward about this. Oh, the perks of extroversion.

“Well, first of all, my distinguished and not-at-all-favorite-but-totally-favorite client, I would definitely recommend the caramel machiatto for this cold winter afternoon, followed by a very delicious and bombastical vanilla muffin just out of the oven. And if you’re feeling extra risky today, you can also take your napin-portrait for no aditional cost.”

He made a small pause, if only to breathe again.

“Portrait which is by no means too handsome to be you. If anything, your napkinly charm is nothing compared to the real deal with that amused smile that probably means you’re judging me and I’ll just stop talking and take your order now.”

[halifadventures]

@melissasmusings

“I mean, I could try to pretend I wasn’t drawing you in a napkin just now but that would be a blatant lie and I definitely don’t do lies because lies are bad and ruin ships and I’ve spent enough time in AO3 to know better than to 3 unnecessary chapters of angst when I could just solve everything by admitting I’m in love with Castiel but too afraid of homosexuality to function and-”

He had to stop himself to breathe and fix the mess he had just made.

“F-fanfiction. I was- I was talking about fanfict- Hi! I’m Ray. Can I get your order?”

[halifadventures]

benjiblythe‌

While he hadn’t really expected anything he’d said to have any sort of positive impact, Ben couldn’t help but be a little disappointed. Going back to normal wasn’t going to be easy or happen any time soon. There were a million things he wanted to say, but he knew they’d fall on deaf ears. He broke his best friend’s heart and now he was paying for it. Ben sat in awkward silence, unsure of how to respond. 

“Where’d you go?” Ben knew he really didn’t have a right to ask such a question (nor was he expecting an answer), but he was curious. 

Once again, the nerve. Out of all the things Ben had the right to know, he asked about the one Jon didn’t even want to share yet. Or at all. It wasn’t even that he was ashamed of Liam -he never would- but if Ben kept Barrett a secret for so long and kept leading him on, why should be he honest in return? It wasn’t fair. None of this was fair.

But he was done whining about it, regardless of how shitty he still felt. Instead, he decided to give a half truth.

“Me and the guys have been practicing a lot for the upcoming season. Can’t let you ruin all my games, can I?”

Which wasn’t a lie. He had been practicing a lot lately with the team members that didn’t go back home for the holidays... And he would keep doing it even if alone.

[halifadventures]

benjiblythe‌

“I’m not something to be deserved either…” he mumbled quietly to himself. To him, it was all sounding pretty much the same. Whether Jon meant it that way or not. There was no use arguing about it though as it would only make things worse. “I was secretive, yes, but I don’t remember ever lying to you…” Ben knew he’d been a crappy friend lately, but he was no liar. He wasn’t trying to pick a fight, however. Just another thought to himself that he probably shouldn’t have spoken out loud.

“The last thing I ever wanted to do was to put you through so much heartache,” he replied sympathetically. As much as he hated being the object of a love triangle, he’d watched enough movies and read enough books to know how Jon must be feeling. “I just hope one day you can look at me again without the pain. Because if it’s anywhere close to the kind of pain I feel at the thought of losing my best friend… it’s gotta suck.”

Ben pulled his knees up to his chest and rested his chin there. “You know the whole…. deserving thing? You don’t deserve me. You deserve better. One day, you’re going to find someone amazing. Someone who’s going to love you with all their heart and soul. Your heart will ache again, but in the best way possible. And you’ll find actual perfection. And I will be so happy for you.” He knew that saying any of that wasn’t going to change their current situation. Love isn’t something that fades that fast. But he wanted to offer his friend some hope for the future. And he truly believed and meant every word he said.

Jon wanted to punch Ben for a moment. Maybe it had been the need to call out on the existence of lies of omission, the self deprecating speech or the nerve Ben had in order to suggest he’d find someone else when Jon clearly didn’t want anyone else. Or the combination of the three, really. Might’ve been a selfish feeling, but the jock couldn’t bring himself to believe Ben had any right to give advice or comfort when he was the one who caused all this.

But once again, sucking up for his friend’s sake seemed to be the one constant in this relationship that wouldn’t change any time soon. Jon simply breathed in, breathed out and let go.

“Yeah, whatever man,” he offered, slouching even further on his seat and not really trying to conceal his obvious discontent. He was almost laying down, like his heart could sink to the ground following his body. “I loved, I lost, that is life. You can’t win every game, right? And life won’t stop just because you won’t love me the way I do so- I’ll just move on.”