#I literally don't even know if that rings a trophy or like a club thing but like don't worryabout

[ofnifflersandkings]

Token of Affection

Character: Benny Watts

A/n: Had a little bit of a struggle putting this together but I’m quite happy with the outcome. Enjoy!

•

“Stop doing that”

“Doing what?”

You lowered your camera, giving Benny a pointed look, reaching over the coffee table to flick his forehead. “You have to sit still when I’m trying to take your photo.” You pulled your hand back, careful not to knock over the chess set you’d placed in front of him.

Benny twirled the king piece in his hand, leaning his chin in the other while he gave you a wide eyed look. “Now, how on earth am I supposed to do that when I have the world’s loveliest photographer in front of me.”

You rolled your eyes, but Benny noticed you cough to hide a laugh and he smirked. “Regardless, I do have other people to see today. So you need to focus so I can finish up.”

Benny scoffed, watching you poke and prod at various mechanics on your camera. “Who’s more important than me?”

You didn’t even try to conceal your laugh this time while you snapped a photo of his pout, something he often denied doing. “Sorry Bens, I think now might be a good time to tell you that the world doesn’t revolve around you.”

He lifted his hand to his heart and feigned a look of distress. “Hurtful.”

“I’m sure you’ve heard far worse. In fact, I think I’m the one saying them to you.” That got him to laugh, and you noticed his shoulders finally loosen up.

It was funny to watch Benny get into the role of a model. You always thought he was handsome, and the camera agreed. It wasn’t hard to get good shots of him, but you noticed his hands were always incredibly stiff. 

He was used to lounging against leather armchairs in tournament rooms, and flittering his arms about when he spoke. But when he had to hold one position long enough for you to get a clear photo.

You saw the focus in his eyes, and you recognized the expression from when he was in a particularly intense set of chess. His lips were pressed together and he looked incredibly uncomfortable. For all of Benny’s self-importance he never knew how to behave in front of cameras. It was part of the reason that he had you do all of his editorials. You were the one person he felt totally comfortable around.

You looked at him with an expression he could only label as sincere fondness, it made his ears feel warm. You let out a hefty sigh, letting your camera hang by the strap around your neck. “You’re thinking too much, this isn’t a chess game.” You lightly ran your fingers overs his, forcing him to slacken his hand with the new weight. 

“Relax.” You instructed, the corners of your mouth twitching upwards when you felt the cold metal of his chess ring. 

Benny faltered for a second, but his surprise at your gentle tone he relaxed enough for you to get the photo you wanted. 

You took a handful more shots just so you’d have a selection to let him and the magazine choose from. “That should do it,” You said, slipping off your camera strap. “You’re free.”

Benny immediately slouched, dramatically dropping his king piece and flopping onto his side. “Come here” He held out his arms to you, “I think we’ve earned a nap.”

You sighed, after two hours the offer was tempting, even on his awful apartment floor. “Afraid not today, Bens. I have to get my travel stuff in order today. I have to do a shoot for Dior’s winter collection.”

“They’re not dragging you to Paris again, are they? That’s the second time this year,” He said, the continued talk of your departure making him grumpy. Benny wasn’t used to not having you around, and when your work got noticed more it felt like you were around less and less.

“Oui.” You said, hoping it would make him laugh, but your joke did little to lift his spirits.

Make no mistake, he was beyond happy you were getting the credit and recognition you deserved. And he felt an insurmountable amount of pride knowing his photos were your first showstoppers. But if he had his way, you’d be in New York all the time. 

“Only for two weeks this time,” You consoled, packing up your equipment and shuffling around the coffee table to lean against him. “And then I’ll take some more local jobs to see you.”

Benny hummed, knowing he wasn’t in any particular position to change your mind. His feelings for you were complicated and his arrogance often got in the way of any real revelations on just how deeply he cared for you.

“Well,” He huffed, the loose blond hairs on his forehead flying up on his head. “At least I can give you a bon voyage gift this time.”

You slightly jerked your arm against his side. “You know I hate it when you buy me things.”

He grinned, shifting around beside you so he was resting on his knees. “I didn’t buy it,” Benny laughed at your confused expression. “Just close your eyes.”

You looked at him for a few seconds and then did as you were told. When he instructed you to open them again he was holding two closed fists in front of you.

“Pick one.”

“Benny-“

“I’m trying to be sentimental, just pick one before I change  my mind.”

You smiled, and reached out to tap his left fist but when he dramatically shook his head you tapped the other one.

He opened his fist and when his hand was empty, he laughed at your unamused expression.

“Gotcha.”

You were about to make another smartass comment but his other fist opening and revealing his chess ring stopped any words from leaving your mouth.

“I want you to keep this, so you don’t go forgetting about me when you met all those dashing frenchmen.” Benny teased, holding the ring out to you.

“You earned that, I can’t take it” 

“And I’ll win a dozen more, but this one is for you. Now, take it before you hurt my feelings.” Benny took your one hand and slipped it on before you could say anything else.

You looked down at and gave it a few twirls on your finger. “I’ll keep it safe, don’t worry.”

Benny leaned over and gave you a kiss on your head, resting against you while he took in the scent of your perfume. 

“I know you will.”