#Ben Mitchem

[ellooelly]

COUPLE INTERVIEW TAG!

Rules: Answer the questions from your OC otp’s point of view and tag as many people as you want.

I was tagged by: @kohinooboo thank youuuu <3

I’m tagging: @ay0r3al @duskysimmer and @overgrownbeard

Obviously I have to do Charlie and Ben because I didn’t actually give them the attention they deserved and they’re about to be gone forever, so here it is.

1.  HOW DID YOU TWO MEET?

C: his apartment. i was friends with one of his roommates so i was there hanging out one night and Ben just appeared out of nowhere.

B: ah, that was a goooood night *smirks at Charlie* do you remember-

C: shh! yes, of course I remember. *giggles.*

2. WHO IS THE MOST JEALOUS OF YOU TWO?

C: neither of us really.

B: oh, yeah, ok *rolls his eyes*

C: what?!

B: you get jealous every time lucy comes over to pick up levi, don’t lie.

C: that is not true! i just don’t like being around her, that’s all. why would i be jealous of that awful …

B: mhmm.

3. WHAT’RE YOUR 3 FAVOURITE PHYSICAL THINGS ABOUT YOUR PARTNER?

B: ooo let me start. ok so first, her eyes. they’re like, crazy hypnotizing. second would be her hands. they’re always super soft and they’re the hands that are raising my children, so how could i not love them? and third would definitely be her tits. sorry, but i’m a boob man and hers are just so perfect. *cups his hands in the air* they’re soft and smooth and-

C: alrighty! my turn. Um, i think first would be just his whole face in general. like i just love looking at him every day. second is his arms. i never knew i was a sucker for muscles until i met Ben. third is his butt. it’s cute and round and perfect for spanking. wow that sounded kinky, but i just mean, like, playfully not … never mind. i’ll stop. *blushes*

4. WHO’S MORE LIKELY TO BE RUNNING LATE?

C: both of us.

B: yeah, definitely. we don’t even have any good excuses, we’re just always late to everything.

5. WHO IS THE MOST ORGANISED AND WHO IS THE MESSIEST?

C: uh. both of us. *laughs*

B: i’m really organized when it comes to my work but our apartment is always a mess.

C: agreed. like, i have a detailed file on every recipe i’ve ever made, but i know for a fact that there is a pile of dirty laundry in the corner of our bedroom that has been there for at least two weeks. i feel like we just don’t have time to keep everything perfect. *shrugs*

6. WHO IS THE BIGGER FLIRT? (FLIRTS THE MOST?)

B: her! this crazy lady literally rolled over in bed this morning, winked at me and asked “come around here often?”

C: hey, when i see a guy as hot as him, i’m gonna flirt.

B: oh so if you see some other guy who looks like me, you’re just gonna flirt with him too? i see how it is.

C: whoa whoa whoa, should we go back to the jealousy question and switch our answers? *raises an eyebrow* anyways, no one is hotter than you in my eyes, so don’t worry about that *kisses his cheek*

7. WHO DOES THE MOST COOKING?

B: psh, no question.

C: me. I am a chef after all.

8. HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT KIDS AND DO YOU WANT THEM? IF SO HOW MANY?

B: well we already have two sooooooo.

C: Levi is from Ben’s previous relationship, but he lives with us most of the time. and we just had Arrius last year, so that makes two.

B: yeah, i think we’re done. we love our boys like crazy, but two is definitely enough.

9. WHO WEARS THE PANTS IN THE RELATIONSHIP?

C: eh, we don’t really prescribe to the notion that one partner needs to be “in charge”

B: we’re a team. we make all decisions together. which obviously leads to some fights and shit, but that’s life. we always work things out.

10. WHAT’S YOUR PARTNER’S LEAST FAVOURITE HOUSEWORK TASK?

C and B: all of them *laughs*

11. WHAT WAS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICED ABOUT EACH OTHER?

B: her shyness. which is funny actually because now i know that she isn’t shy at all, but i when i first saw her she had her head down and was standing alone in my kitchen, so i just figured …

C: hey in my defense i was just really uncomfortable at that party because i didn’t know anyone. but then you came and rescued me.

B: yeah, and later that night you were, uh, definitely not shy. at all.

C: *bites her lip and blushes* the first thing i noticed about him was his smile. and then he spoke and his voice was … i don’t even know. *turns to him* your voice sounded like … like home.

B: wow charlie that was really corny.

C: *scoffs* shut up.

12. WHAT DOES YOUR PARTNER DO THAT PISSES YOU OFF?

C: doesn’t tell me when something is bothering him. he just lets it fester until it becomes a bigger deal.

B: *nodding* yeah, i am guilty of that. but sometimes you think i’m upset when really I just don’t feel like talking or something, so then you prod and prod until i do actually get pissed. that’s pretty annoying.

C: well its hard to tell when you’re actually mad about something or just generally grumpy when you never talk to me about it. sooooo….

B: you’re right. its something we both need to work on.

13. WHERE’S THE CRAZIEST/WEIRDEST PLACE YOU’VE EVER HAD SEX?

C: *blushes* uhh…

B: how about that time in our friend’s kitchen? we were all hanging out on the balcony but me and char slipped away for some *coughs* fun. we did it right there on their counter. I could literally see our friends through the window as we were, ya know. i honestly don’t know how none of them caught us.

14. DO YOU KNOW YOUR PARTNER’S LOVE LANGUAGE, IF YES WHAT IS IT?

C: his would be, hmmm. definitely physical touch. and I would say words of affirmation as well? i don’t know i give him compliments all the time so maybe that’s just me projecting.

B: *laughing* of course i love it when she compliments me, or touches me, or actually anything. so yeah, she’s right. hers is one hundred percent quality time. she wants to do everything together always. not that i mind. *smiles at her*

C: dude i literally just said that i was projecting my desire for words of affirmation onto you. how did you not pick up on that?

B: oh shit. ok, i’m sorry, my beautiful, kind, smart, loving, sexy, brilliant, sweet girlfriend.

C: * rolls eyes *

15. WHERE DO YOU SEE THE 2 OF YOU IN 10 YEARS?

B: moved out of this tiny ass apartment for one. we’ve been looking into brindleton bay a lot. neither of us have been there before and i think it would be a good change of pace, plus it’s not too far from the city that we still can’t come visit. we just have to figure out if it makes financial sense.

C: yeah i really like the idea of living by the sea. fresh air, open skies. it would be so nice. i’d definitely like to build a house out there. maybe a little garden too where i can grow vegetables and herbs and all sorts of stuff to cook with. and of course, we’ll be happy and together. and just as in love as we are today.

[vintagelasvegas]

Dunes, 1955 - Las Vegas News Bureau.

Credit for the 38-foot Sultan figure atop the casino has alternatively been given to Ben Mitchem of YESCO, who built the Dunes lighting and display, and a lesser-known sculptor named Kermit Hobson Hawkins.

“A grinning three-story high fiberglass Sultan, in sparking white and golf attire, was roof-mounted over looking the porte-corchere and flanked with matching sets of illuminated letters. Designed by Ben Mitchem, the construction was supervised by Jack Larsen Sr. ... the innovative installation by YESCO pioneered the use of large fiberglass elements ...” - Charles Barnard. The Magic Sign (‘93).

“Mr. Hawkins has taken a leave of absence to execute several sculptural works on his own. He recently completed modeling of ‘The Sheik,’ a 38-foot figure which overlooks Las Vegas newest luxury hotel, ‘The Dunes.’” - from an article title “Hobson Hawkins Dreams of Moses Statue Towering Over Phenix City,” 7/6/56, quoted in an article from Citizen of East Alabama.

The Sultan figure was replaced by the Dunes high rise in ‘64. It was disassembled and moved to the Dunes Golf course, where it remained until it was destroyed by an electrical fire in ‘86.

[ellooelly]

As little Levi grew, so did Ben’s love. He had no idea he could ever care for someone so much as he did his son. He was the light of his life.

Before the summer was up, Lucy and Ben called it quits for good. They agreed on shared custody of Levi, but things ended poorly, so there was a chill between the (now ex-) couple. It was better this way, though. Ben was about to start the photography program at the Art Institute and already had enough on his plate.

A few weeks before her classes started, Charlie met another boy. They hit it off quickly, but grew apart even quicker. Another short lived romance gone wrong for poor Charlie.

[ellooelly]

As the summer passed, things were starting to look up for both Charlie and Ben. 

Charlie started dating a boy she knew from high school. They had fun, but after only a few weeks things sort of just sizzled out. He was nice and all, but the chemistry wasn't right. Shoshanna and Paige made their relationship official, though, which made Charlie very happy for her best friend. She also started finding joy in cooking and baking. Her mother had always tried to teach her, but it wasn’t until this summer that Charlie really took an interest. So much so, in fact, that she applied to the Art Institute for Culinary (and got accepted.) Oh, and she chopped all of her hair off.

When he wasn’t arguing with Lucy, Ben spent almost all of his free time with Levi. Lucy was working at a boutique that her cousin owned, so she would leave the baby with Ben most days and then come home angry and annoyed. Things just continued to get worse between the couple, but Ben was too wrapped up in the joys of fatherhood to care about her right now. 

[ellooelly]

Friday night // Drew, Nate, and Ben’s Apartment

Charlie leans against the counter, a little frustrated. Drew’s friends were all so . . . just, different than her and they had barely even noticed her when she walked in. Drew waved hello and offered her a drink, which she declined, and then just went back to talking about some political crap that Charlie had no interest in. She was just starting to formulate her escape plan when she heard a voice.

“You look bored.” it said.

“Huh?” Charlie looked up.

It was a boy. A cute boy. A cute boy that she had never seen before. Her stomach did a little flip as he spoke again.

“I said you look bored,” he laughed, “I’m not normally one to strike up conversations with strangers, but my friends are being such inconsiderate hosts ignoring you, so I figured I’d come see if you wanted to talk.”

“Oh, uh, yeah, sure. I mean yes.” god why was she always so awkward.

“I’m Ben.” He smiled.

“Charlie.” She replied.

[ellooelly]

Ben offered to pick Charlie up from the airport. It was a little ways out of the city and he had a car, so he figured it was the least he could do to help. Charlie was coming alone. Louise couldn’t bear the thought of leaving Vera now, but she wasn’t going to let her daughter miss any school.

When the plane landed, Ben was already there waiting nervously. As soon as she saw him, Charlie ran straight into his arms, collapsing her exhausted body into his.

“Whoa,” Ben gasped, “You alright, there?”

“No,” Charlie whimpered. She had been on the verge of tears for the past two weeks and suddenly she didn’t feel like holding it in anymore. “I just missed you so much. I’m sorry I didn’t talk to you more . . .”

Ben took her face in his hand as she looked up into his eyes. “I missed you too. And it’s ok, really. You had a lot going on with your Aunt and all. I’m just glad you’re back now. I . . .” he paused.

[ellooelly]

In late fall, the family gets news that Ben’s grandmother, Stacey, is sick. By winter, she is gone. 

After the funeral, everyone gathers back at the house for dinner, even though no one is in the mood to eat. Ben and Lucy decide that, given recent circumstances, they need to finally tell the family what they’ve been hiding this whole time. “Um, Lucy is . . . she’s pregnant.” He stumbles over his words, nervous to see his family’s reaction. They don’t take it well. 

[ellooelly]

Ben turned and leaned back next to Charlie. “So, you’re in school with Drew, right?” he asked.

“Yeah,” she answered, “ We’re in the same program and take a couple of classes together. Actually we met a while ago at some party in uptown. My ex, Jude, was friends with them I guess and I used to get dragged to hang out sometimes. They never really talked to me much though, I’m pretty shy normally so- wow I’m sorry. I am way over sharing . . .” Charlie shut up as she looked down at her hands.

Ben laughed. “It’s fine, talk away. But, did you say your ex was Jude? Like Bowers?”

Charlie rolled her eyes, “Yep, that’s the one.”

“Ah, I knew him. We were in the same kindergarten class. He used to eat the glue sticks and then dump glitter all over the other kids’ heads. And he didn’t get any better as we got older either.” Ben looked over at Charlie who was now smiling.

“I am totally not surprised by any of that.” She sighed. “He was such an asshole. God, what did I ever see in him?” 

The two continued talking well into the night, it was like the rest of the party didn’t even matter anymore and Charlie completely forgot how uncomfortable she was when she first arrived. Ben was just so easy to talk to and made her feel like someone was actually listening to what she had to say. 

They talked about everything. School, friends, exes, their families. They both did a little bit of over sharing, really, but when you meet someone who you connect with, no subject is off limits and the words just flow.

[ellooelly]

A few years later . . .

Charlie and Ben invited Shosh and Paige over for dinner. The couples get together at least once a week, but this time is special because Charlie and Ben have some big news to share.

“So, we wanted you two to be the first to know,” Charlie begins as she reaches over and squeezes Ben’s thigh. “but we’re going to be expecting a little one next spring!” 

Shoshanna spits her drink out as Paige practically jumps out of her chair.

“You freaking kidding me?!” Paige gasps.

”No, uh, we’re totally serious,” Charlie smiles nervously,  “I’m six weeks along now.”

“Char!!!! Oh my god, I cannot believe this shit right now.” Shoshanna is basically yelling now as Paige shakes her head in disbelief.

Ben takes Charlie’s hand, “Uh, wow, ok. I don't think we were-” he begins, but their friend cuts him off.

“I’m pregnant too! Four weeks!”

“WHAT?!” Charlie stands up, completely taken aback. “Shoshie are you serious right now?!”

“Dead serious. Char! We’re having babies!” 

The two women rush around the table and embrace each other in a tight hug.

“This is so amazing.” Shosh says through her tears of joy.

Charlie laughs, “I know, I honestly can’t believe it!”

[ellooelly]

Over the next couple of years, Charlie and Ben’s relationship flourishes. They fall truly and deeply in love and can no longer remember what it was like to be without one another. They move into a two bedroom apartment after graduating from the art institute and both get good paying jobs. Charlie is a chef at one of the top restaurants in the city and Ben works as a photographer for a leading news site while also doing some freelance in his spare time. They keep in close contact with their family and friends and even adopt a cat together.

They’re really, really happy.

[ellooelly]

          I'm yours and suddenly you're mine

     And it's brighter than sunshine 

[ellooelly]

That same evening, Lucy gave birth to a healthy baby boy. Kamali and Tilda had since gotten over their initial anger and were overjoyed at this new addition to their family. They were excited to be grandmothers and Ben was finally happy again. 

Levi James Mitchem

[ellooelly]

As winter passes . . .

The disapproval of his mothers and ever-present stress of the coming baby causes Ben to become more and more depressed. He barely sees his friends anymore and often refuses to leave his room. The only time he has any interaction with the outside world is at school, and even then he keeps his head low. He is having a hard time dealing with all of the changes in his life but knows he has to figure his shit out if he wants to raise this child.

Charlie also goes through a rough spot during this time. Her and Jude break up after she catches him being unfaithful. As she was calling to video chat one night, Jude’s dorm-mate conveniently answers for him just as he was saying goodbye to another girl. Charlie sees everything and is completely devastated. 

After a lot of arguing and attempted manipulation, she eventually shuts him completely out of her life. For good.

[ellooelly]

In Charlie’s rush to leave for Windenburg, she hadn’t thought to tell anyone what was going on. After a few missed calls and frantic text messages, she eventually got ahold of Shoshanna to let her know where she was and Shosh, in turn, told the rest of the group what had happened.

Ben tried to call Charlie the night he heard the news, but it went right voicemail. In fact, for the whole two weeks she was gone, they never once spoke. The only communication was one text from Charlie saying she would be returning to the city that Sunday before the semester started.

Ben was furious. But not at Charlie. Not because he couldn’t talk to her or because she hadn’t made it a priority to tell him what she was doing. No.

He was mad because he missed her. He missed her more than he’d ever missed anyone. He could feel a gaping hole in his heart and all he wanted was for Charlie to be there with him.

He was mad because he let himself fall in love.

[ellooelly]

The school year passes slowly, but eventually graduation comes around. By now Lucy is full term and definitely showing, so there is no hiding it anymore. 

During graduation, Lucy goes into labor. She was determined to walk the stage and receive her diploma, so she pushes through the 3 hour long ceremony and by the time its over, the family has only minutes to get her to the hospital.

On the south side of the city, Charlotte’s class is also graduating. 

After all of the students have received their diplomas and everyone is leaving, the family walks into the hallway. Myron suddenly collapses . . .

[ellooelly]

Charlie even got to meet little Levi, who spent most weekends at his dad’s place. She liked watching Ben with his son and every once in a while, she’d catch herself fantasizing about having that too . . . one day. 

She’d sometimes have to remind herself that they were just friends, that’s all. And their friendship was so good, so it was probably best not to mess it up.