#leximitchell

[no-i-cant-decide]

For the Better (ao3 link)

Rating: General audiences

Word count: 922

Tags: Missing scene, comfort, bruises

Requested by @leximitchells

His keys were in-hand, outstretched towards the lock, but he hesitated. Closing his eyes, Callum took a few breaths and tried to anticipate the conversation waiting for him just beyond the door to the flat.

It wouldn't be good; he knew that much. But it wasn't as if putting it off for a few minutes would be any better. The throbbing pain beneath his left eye would only get worse the longer he waited to get ice on it, his skin forming a deeper, darker bruise. He didn't need Ben to be angrier at Jay than he already was. None of them did, Lexi most of all. But this was Ben. Of course he's gonna be pissed off.

Callum opened his eyes, turned the key, and headed inside.

"That was quick!" Ben teasingly shouted from the kitchen.

As Callum made his way down the hall to the living space, Ben came into view, stirring a mug of tea at the worktop. He had his back to the doorway, but started to turn his head towards it with a cheeky grin on his face.

"Can't tell if that's good news or-"

The smile dropped from Ben's face, as did the spoon from his hand as it clattered against the counter, his steely eyes fixated on Callum's cheek.

"I'm okay, Ben. I promise."

"I'll kill him." Ben's voice was cold, steady and quiet.

"Don't. I said I'm fine," Callum reassured him, taking the few steps needed to be within his husband's reach. Though both of them found comfort in each other's touch, Callum always made sure to be aware of Ben's boundaries now. The fearful look in his eyes when Callum had gripped his wrists during their last shouting match, the way Ben had ripped himself out of his hands terrified him. That he could unknowingly inflict that much hurt on the person he loves most, it cut him deep. 

Now, Ben's lip was twitching, his gaze flicking back and forth from Callum's eyes to the swelling mark. The fear he was feeling in that moment was for Callum's well-being, not his own. 

"I was more shocked than anything, really," Callum said with half a smile. "It's nothing."

"That ain't 'nothing,' Cal. He fucking hit you!"

"It's alright." Callum tried to soothe him, reaching out and placing a hand on Ben's arm, giving it a soft squeeze. "Guess it's all Mitchell men who get offended at the mere mention of counseling, eh?"

"Not funny." Ben lifted a hand to Callum's face, cradling his jaw, Callum reflexively leaning into his touch. "It ain't like Jay to try and knock your teeth out over something like that."

There was a familiar look in Ben's eyes, one that filled Callum with guilt; he was searching for an answer, as if he could see it hidden just behind Callum's irises. That threw Callum off a bit, casting his gaze to the floor and shifting his weight from foot to foot. Ben could tell there was more to it, that Callum wasn't telling him the whole truth. 

But he couldn't tell him. Not now that Ben was improving, truly getting better after suffering for so long. If he knew Jay was doing drugs and spending his time with a sex worker, Callum wasn't sure how Ben would handle it. If he could handle it. Tensions were already high enough in their house. And maybe Callum could get through to Jay on his own.

"Jay ain't really been himself lately."

That was as much truth as he could let himself say. It killed him to keep things from Ben, but if Jay could sort himself out it wouldn't matter in the end.

Right?

"If this don't prove that he really needs help," Ben said with a sigh, "I dunno what would."

Ben's thumb gently brushed across Callum's cheek, right below the bruise, soft enough that it tickled slightly. Callum lifted his head just enough so that their eyes met, and he could tell Ben's anger had eased off. Instead, what he saw there was saddened concern.

"I hate when you're hurt." Ben spoke the words quietly, because they were only for Callum to hear even if the two of them were the only ones awake in the flat.

Callum was going to correct him again, but in all honesty he was hurt. Not by Jay's fist–well, not entirely–but by his words. How easily he had discredited Callum's relationship to Lexi as if she meant nothing to him. Callum didn't want to hold it against Jay; he obviously wasn't in his right mind. But that little girl meant everything to him. She had nestled right into his heart straight away, just like her dad did. She was just as much his family as his own flesh and blood were, and he loved her as if she were his own.

A piece of paper isn't what makes you a family.

"I should get you a bag of peas for that or summat before it gets too swollen," Ben told him, Callum genuinely smiling over his fussing. "If Jay's messed up your beautiful face too badly I actually will kill him."

"Promise me you won't go off on him over this, yeah?" Callum asked. "Let him cool off and I can deal with it myself tomorrow."

Ben didn't seem satisfied, but eventually nodded in agreement.

Callum leaned forward and pressed his lips against Ben's forehead. He just needed to get Jay back on track and things would be alright.

Wouldn't they?

[minimitchell]

this is 100% inspired by this post by @leximitchells and the fact that we didn’t get to see ben and callum’s private moment with lola so i just had to write it myself.

.

“I thought working here would make this easier but it ain’t. I guess it’s different when it’s someone you know.”

They’re both standing at the threshold to the chapel; feet not yet brave enough to carry them over it. The door is wide open and only one step would take them into the little room but neither can bring themself to take it.

The ornate wooden coffin is laid out in the middle of the room; its pristine white and golden interior fabric standing out against the dark woods and hues of the surroundings. It’s beautiful, Callum has to admit, and a little extravagant maybe - a lot like Lola herself - with the delicate carvings and etchings.

And the brightly colored messages all over it.

It seems like quite a few friends and neighbors have paid their respects already and left their last wishes, judging by the array of messages left all over the white wood. There’s a glass with different colored markers to the side, along with a little sign telling the people they’re welcome to leave a message for Lola if they feel like it.

It’s a wonderful idea even if Callum racked his brain this entire weekend trying to decide what to write.

Nothing felt big enough for Lola. Nothing he could write felt worthy enough of the person he got to call his friend these last few years. Nothing can quite encapsulate what she meant, what she still means, to him. How do you break down so much love and adoration into two or three sentences?

Much to his surprise, Ben is the one who breaks the standstill and takes the first steps into the room, even if they’re still timid.

“Never gets easier.”

Ben hasn’t said much about it but Callum knows this is bringing back awful memories for him. He knows perfectly well that the last time Ben said goodbye to a loved one in here it was his brother and before that it was Paul. He knows it’s hard for Ben to do this. It’s hard for all of them.

Callum lets Ben take the first few steps towards the casket alone, only just following him over the threshold and into the room. One of Ben’s hands glides over the smooth wood; fingertips dipping into the indents that make up Lola’s name on the side. His eyes are jumping over the messages that have already been left but he doesn’t seem to pause on them long enough to read them.

He follows Ben’s movements with rapt attention, giving him the space he needs but still making sure he’s there if it gets too much for him. Ever the silent support they all need right now. He watches on as Ben pauses, his gaze locked on Lola’s motionless body and her ashen face. It looks like she’s simply sleeping peacefully, not gone forever, and Callum would probably be more spooked by the view if he hadn’t spent so long working with the dead.

Eventually, Ben lets out a quiet breath and seems to emerge from his thoughts, grabbing two markers and turning to Callum to hold one of them out for him. There’s a sad smile on his face and Callum can’t help but reciprocate it.

It hurts, being in here and saying another goodbye like this, but it hurts a bit less with Ben by his side to share the pain.

“What do we even write?”

“Whatever you want. What you want her to know. What you’re thankful for. What you’ll miss about her. Anything is good.”

Callum takes the marker from Ben, squeezing his shoulder as he walks around him to find a good spot for his own message. He’s still nowhere closer to figuring out what to write but maybe writing from the heart is the way to go. It has always worked for him in the past. 

Ben seems to take another minute to think before he uncaps the pen and starts to write; eyebrows pinched together in a way he always looks when he’s concentrating on something. Callum takes it as his cue to write his own thoughts down, keeping it short but heartfelt. 

He’s not going to read Ben’s message. They promised each other beforehand that their last words would be theirs. There’s no need to share them with each other; they just need to share them with Lola.

“I could thank her for so much I’d cover the entire thing, you know. And then she’d tell me off for it and not leaving enough space for the rest to tell her how great she was.”

“She was good at that, wasn’t she? Telling us off.”

Callum walks back towards the glass holding all the pens, dropping his marker back into the fold of them before facing Ben again. It looks like he adds a little X to the end of his message, looking it over for a moment before he must decide he’s happy with the result. He joins Callum on the other side, falling into his side when Callum opens his arm in silent invitation, both of them regarding Lola in her final resting place.

“You kidding? She was the queen of no nonsense. The amount of times she washed my head after something I did. Or banging our heads together when we were too stubborn for our own good.”

“I reckon we never even would’ve gone on a date if it weren’t for her convincing us to go for it. Always meddling for our benefit.”

He can feel Ben chuckle against his chest, probably remembering all the times she talked one or both of them around after they had a barney. From that first wobble after their first date, to the countless little arguments they had while living with each other at Phil’s all the way to her attempts to get them back together when they were broken up last year. Lola had always been one of their biggest cheerleaders and Callum is endlessly thankful for everything she’d done for them over the years. 

She had embraced him with open arms, had welcomed him into her family and trusted him with her daughter from the off. She’d loved him for him and not just because he became Ben’s partner and Callum is going to miss her terribly.

“She would’ve found a way to get us together. You were her favorite from the moment she met you. She loved you.”

“She loved you too.”

The words are more serious as they tumble out of Callum’s mouth; the playful tone from before replaced by the need to remind him that Lola cared for him as well. That they were a family too. That they had a unique connection with each other; a special bond. No matter how much they bickered or disagreed, they always had each other’s backs.

Ben looks up at him to meet his eyes. There are unshed tears brimming in them, gathering at the bottom of Ben’s icy blue gaze. Callum rests his hand just under them; his thumb catching the tears the second they spill onto Ben’s skin. He presses a gentle kiss to Ben’s forehead and closes his eyes when Be squeezes his side in response, both of them supporting the other without a word spoken.

“Bye, Lo. Rest easy, gorgeous girl.”

“We love you, Lo. Always.”

They spend a long moment just looking at the coffin; over the colorful messages and the face of their friend. Their hands find each other between their bodies, slotting together effortlessly with the ease of well-practiced movements, and squeeze gently before holding on tightly.

It hurts, yeah, and it will hurt for a long while yet. Possibly forever. But it hurts a lot less when they have each other.

[henryspearl]

i’m sorry but that green shirt and those black jeans is such a LOOK on callum

thanks @leximitchells i can’t stop staring at him on screen

[beautifulhigh]

Tagged by @wtfuckevenknows who provided me with a break in my massive jobs list of a day!

do this uquiz

do this picrew

tag people

(well fuck...)

(why can't you have other jewelry on? Imagine a Rennie Mackintosh deseign on a silver chain neckace)

Tagging @goodways @leximitchells @lindsaybob @first-kanaphan @capseycartwright @makesomehistory @moon-canyon @guardian-angle22

[vanillaa-sky]

I posted 3,381 times in 2022

769 posts created (23%)

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@goodbyetommyyy

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I tagged 3,217 of my posts in 2022

Only 5% of my posts had no tags

#0 - 564 posts

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Longest Tag: 140 characters

#like i’m sure the movie is very good don’t get me wrong i rlly wanted to see it but i think i’d just end up doing myself more harm than good

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

TDP NEWS DURING GEEKED WEEK

208 notes - Posted May 16, 2022

#4

Sadie Sink just getting typecast as horror girls who die and then come back, very specific but she’s slaying

216 notes - Posted July 2, 2022

#3

If Five is Irish and Klaus is American that is THE funniest thing I’m sorry

341 notes - Posted May 8, 2022

#2

The two plots of Barry rn

365 notes - Posted May 9, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

Crying I love them :]

959 notes - Posted June 26, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

[doof-doofblog]

"You'll Be Joining Ben In Prison!"

Tuesday 6th October 2020

Good evening everyone! I hope you've had a good Tuesday! After the big bombshell that ended last night's episode, I am so excited to see what tonight's episode has in store! I'm just going to start right away, the episode starts right where last night's ended! Frankie has just told Mick that she believes he's her Dad. I understand Mick is completely in shock, he doesn't seem to believe the poor girl, even insults her by saying he thinks she's ill! It's only when she mentions a name - Katy Lewis - that Mick realises she could be telling the truth. You can see he instantly recognises the name as soon as she says it, was it even before him and Linda got together?! Who knows, but I am really looking forward to finding out more about this!

At the police station, Callum has been called in, he is currently missing Lexi's dance grading. What could be so important that he had to be called in? I'm a little bit shocked that his boss is wanting to him to wear a wire, whilst living in the Mitchell household! After seeing Callum going behind Ben's back recently, I feel like he really isn't wanting to do this! He recognises that it's wrong, he's having doubts! But I do fear he'll be persuaded to wear it, believing he's doing the right thing, which he really REALLY isn't!!! I do feel really gutted as Callum starts to unbutton his shirt - does he feel he doesn't have a choice? Has he got himself in too deep now? I am really hoping that Ben will find out before it's too late, I can just see this going horribly wrong for Callum, in many many ways.

Back with Mick, he is still reeling from Frankie's news - as he stumbles along the street, to me it looks as if he wobbles into the fence, it looks as if he's about to have another panic attack! It's been a long time since he's had a serious panic attack, it's understandable that news such as big as finding out he could have another child would bring it on. As Frankie catches up with him, she begs him not to ignore her, at least hear her out and discuss it. Mick sees Max from across the Square and asks him to take the young lad home ... why do I sense that Max only agrees to take him as he knows Linda will be back at the house alone? That will obviously give them a chance to talk about recent events. As Max walks away with the little boy in tow, Mick agrees to talk with Frankie.

At the Atkins household, Gray returns from his meeting to find his house completely a mess! Pizza crusts laid all over the dining room table. He calls out to Whitney and asks her what happened whilst he was away, she explains to him that the poor kids hadn't eaten all day, so when she decided to treat them to a takeaway, the children got upset for having the wrong food. Gray apologises and Whitey tells him not to worry and not to take it out on his kids. Whitney explains to him that grief comes out in all sorts of different ways, the children are clearly missing their Mum and there's probably no way for them to tell anyone or show how they're feeling.

As Linda is busy working away, making herself and Mick a romantic meal, the buzzer of her flat goes, assuming it's her husband, she immediately lets them in. When Ollie comes running up the stairs, Max follows. Linda is clearly surprised to see him with her son, Max explains to her that Mick and Frankie have gone to the Prince Albert. Trying to be the good Samaritan, Max offers to help Linda with her cooking while she sees to Ollie. Did I sense a little bit of flirtation going on? When Linda says the words "No-one likes a show-off!" - I don't know, something is telling me that they do seem to like each other's company, it looks like there could be some attraction there. Whilst Max and Linda are at at the Carter's apartment, Mick is finally having his talk with Frankie. She reveals everything to him, how she found all his letters he wrote to her Mum and how she was always told that her Father had just walked out on her, but she came to realise it was the other way round. As Frankie is revealing everything to him, we see him grip his chair a lot tighter, is he on the verge of having another panic attack? It looks as if he's struggling to take in everything she's saying, but he seems to recall, and realises that what she is saying all makes sense, as he softly says "So that's why she left!"

Finally Callum arrives home, obviously we all know that he's now wearing a bloody wire underneath his clothing! We see Phil approach him as he comes down the stairs, he had previously asked Callum to try and find information on Raymond's adoptive family, whether they had anything on file. Callum admits that the family was clean, had no run-ins with the police, not even a speeding ticket. Phil thanks Callum for checking, as Phil is getting himself ready, Callum attempts to make small talk with him. Part of me is thinking that Phil isn't stupid, Phil will eventually get suspicious as to why he's asking about Danny all of a sudden, he pulls a look of suspicion straight away, but Callum quickly makes up the story that he'll be able to help if ever needed anyone else to work with. Hmm - I think this is going to go one of two ways - either Callum won't be able to get what he needs for the police, he'll be feeling under pressure and he'll eventually lose his job - OR - Callum will basically betray Ben and Phil, Phil will probably end up getting arrested for something he didn't do, or something? What do you guys think? Either way - I'm really not liking what Callum is doing right now. It's all going to end in tears!

At the Panesar family home, Vinny, Ash, Kheerat and Suki are all at home. Suki calls them round to the family table, informing them that she has something very important to tell them. She beings to thank her children for always stepping up and helping the family when needed, she explains to them that the police had approached her with a CCTV image in an attempt of her to identify who caused the attack on Martin. She tells Vinny that it was clearly him, but she informs them she didn't tell the police that. Vinny starts to panic as he fears his identity is going to be revealed. But then - she drops the bombshell and announces that it's Jag's turn to do something for his family - her children don't seem to understand what she means by this, it's only when Ash looks towards the washing and realises her brother's jeans are missing, she clicks on that her Mum has grassed up her own son to the police! Both Vinny and Ash are absolutely distraught, they look to Kheerat - who in all honestly looks absolutely speechless. He looks as if he's absolutely fed up with everything that is happening around him - grieving for the woman he loves and now realising he'll be losing his brother too. I think he realises there is no point in arguing and just simply says "Mum knows best!" - I think he's just purely defeated right now.

Out on the Square, Ben and Callum are ready to head off with Lexi to her dance grading. Lexi notices that her Grandad isn't with them, she asks her Dad's boyfriend why he's not coming. Callum explains to the young girl that he's got something else to take care of, but he'll able to watch a video recording of her later on. As Lexi rushes on ahead, Ben turns to his partner and asks straight out if Phil has actually gone to see Raymond, Callum admits that he has - I think it's then that Callum begins to feel guilty for what he's actually doing as Ben reveals to him that he fears for his Dad. If something was to happen and he wouldn't be able to see Raymond again, it would physically break him. It's true that Dennis meant a lot to Phil, he saw him as a soon - now Phil has the chance of being a Father to Raymond, he wants to grab that opportunity with both hands, but Ben fears if anything was to go wrong, Phil wouldn't be able to cope with another loss.

Back at the Carter's household, Max has finished working on Linda's meal for Mick. I'm just putting it out there, but do you think they're going to be an affair?! The more I see scenes between Max and Linda, the more I can see something happening between them. I mean, they've already kissed - what's going to stop them doing any more? I do believe that Linda loves Mick, but it's clear that he's not really been in her good books as of late, keeping an eye on her whilst she's surrounded by alcohol. Linda admit to Max that she fears her husband finding out that she took a gulp of vodka, but he promises her that he's not going to say anything. As Max goes to leave, he has one last thing to say to her, he reveals that he actually does have feelings for Linda, he understands that she's happily married and even compliments her and states the fact that she and Mick are a perfect couple, but he just felt that she had a right to know. With this knowledge, will Linda act upon it? Will they still be able to remain friends? There has been rumours and/or speculation that there could be a Max and Linda affair on the cards? But with Max promising to keep her secrets - will she feel the need to lean on him more and perhaps could things escalate for the two?

Back at Ruby's club, Mick is trying to understand what Frankie is wanting now she's revealed her identity. He informs her that he's unable to give her what she wants right now - with Linda being an alcoholic, if she was to find out about Frankie being Mick's daughter, it could set her off the edge. He explains to Frankie that he and her Mum was a long long time ago, and Linda isn't even aware of it. That's the big question now - will the rest of the Carter family find out and how will they react when they do? Especially Linda?! - OH THAT'S A STORY RIGHT THERE! - Linda finds out about Frankie being Mick's daughter, she feels betrayed, leans on Max and - boom - an affair starts!!! Haha! Too obvious?! Who knows?!

Meanwhile, on the Square, Habiba and Jags are leaving the Vic - they both seem really happy that they're relationship news is finally out and they have been accepted by the Panesar family, or so it would seem. As they discuss being open to the public about their relationship, Jags asks his girlfriend whether she's really truly happy with him, as she's assuring him a police car pulls up and suddenly a Police Officer is arresting Jags for the assault of Martin Fowler and for the robbery at the Minute Mart. Whilst all the commotion is going on in the Square, Suki appears from her home and watches as her son is being arrested and flung into the back of a Police car. Habiba and Jags are shouting in his defence that it's all a misunderstanding, she promises her boyfriend that everything will be okay. As the car drives away with Jags in the back seat, he calls out to his Mum as he sees her starring at him as the car drives past. Suki looks as if she's upset - but is she really? Why did she feel the need to set up Jags? I know it's silly to say, but is it because she doesn't like Habiba? Or is it because she thinks he's useless? Or did she just want to teach her son a lesson? I'm really unsure. What do you guys think?

Back at the Atkins household, Whitney has made sure that everything is looking clean and spotless. Gray re-joins her and thanks her for her help and support. As they begin to discuss Whitney's upcoming trial, Whitney can see how much Gray is struggling, she says to Gray that his children need him more than anything right now. They are all grieving and Gray needs to be with his kids. He begins to softly cry as he admits he's finding it hard without Chantelle, Whitney then makes the decision that she's going to call Gray's boss and inform her that he has stepped down from supporting her in court. She understands that he needs to be with his kids and not putting her first. Gray is reluctant to begin with, he states how much they've worked to build up her case, but Whitney is insistent - and instead, she agrees. Does this mean that Whitney is going to support herself in court, or is she going to get someone else in Gray's place?

Back at the Mitchell's, Ben, Callum and Lexi are all gathered around after seeing the little Tinkerbell at her dance grading. Phil is happily watching is Granddaughters performance on the phone. Callum is watching in the background how Phil is interacting with his Granddaughter, I'm sure it's making sense to him that all Phil cares about more than anything in life, is his family. He might've had a bad reputation back in the day, but his family has always come first. Phil gives his Granddaughter a doll as a present for being so brilliant, she leaves the room with a huge smile on her face, and Ben follows his daughter to get her ready for bed. With Callum free to talk to Phil alone, he asks how it was for him seeing Raymond, Phil opens up to him and admits it was hard, as he's literally just seeing his son in a hospital bed and he knows there's nothing he can do to help. He thanks Callum for filming the video of Lexi for him to watch, and gives him the biggest compliment he get receive "You're good for this family, Callum!" As Phil leaves the room, Callum smiles as he realises he's been accepted into the family, then his face becomes serious - for a moment, I thought, as he was alone, he would reach under his clothing and rip off the wire - but instead he gets out his phone and makes a call. Is guilt getting the better of him? I truly think he does not want to do this and he's going to make it perfectly clear to his boss that he wants nothing to do it - well, I hope!

Back at the Carter's, Mick and Linda are finally having their meal together, although Mick isn't looking interested in the plate of food that's been placed in front of him. Linda begins to ask whether he's alright, she asks about Frankie and Mick just doesn't want to talk about it! He leaves his plate of food and tells Linda to get off his case. You can see that Linda is feeling pretty annoyed by her husband, making him a romantic meal - which he doesn't seem interested in, trying to make conversation - only to be shouted at, and then to be rejected for the offer of having an early night together, to top it off their meal is interrupted my Frankie calling on the buzzer. Linda tells Mick that Frankie is waiting outside for him, is she going to get the wrong end of the stick and perhaps think that Mick is having an affair with Frankie - I mean, he did have a bit of thing with Whitney? Is this what causes her to fall into Max's arms? - Outside, Frankie waits patiently for Mick, as he opens the door ever so slightly, she tells him that all she wants is to get to know him, she's spent her whole life not knowing who her Dad was, and now she's found him - she's not going to let go! Mick slowly nods, is he going to end up having secret meetings with Frankie so they can get to know each other? Will Linda find out and take it completely the wrong way? I am so convinced that something like that is going to happen! What do you guys think?

The last scene of the episode tonight, Callum is finally standing up for what he believes in. He rips off the wire and confronts his fellow Detective and tells him he can't do what he's being asked of. He refuses to take part in it any longer. I feel relieved that Callum has come to his senses and realises what he's doing is wrong, he explains to his co-worker that he'll speak to his Supervisor and admit it was all a mistake. It's then that the Detective reveals the truth, it was only he and Callum who knew about the set up - Callum is left in shock, he really wasn't undercover after all. He's been used to do this Detective's dodgy work! He reveals to him that he has the recording of him assaulting Danny at the Arches, it's then he blackmails poor Callum and says if he doesn't do as he's asked, he'll be setting both he and Ben up and they'll both be sent to prison! Ooooooh what a dirty dirty man!!!! Callum is now backed into a corner, what the hell is he going to do now?!

I was so happy that Callum stood up to him and knew he was doing wrong! How is going to get himself out of this one now? Is there going to be a way for him to ask Ben or Phil for help? Can he perhaps subtly tell them that he's in trouble, being blackmailed and needs help! I'm kind of fearing what's going to happen to the Mitchell family now - not just Ben and Callum, but Phil also! What do you think is going to happen? Will Callum be able to turn things around and find a way out?! Overall a really good episode tonight, I really enjoyed it! I'll probably be back on Friday as I'll be working late on Thursday and will miss Thursday's episode. I hope you all enjoy the rest of your week and I'll be back very soon! Goodnight folks! xXx

[botheredbuck]

an incredibly happy creator focus day to you, @leximitchells

honestly, your giffing abilities always astound me. especially now that i’ve had a little taste of giffing myself (it was such a fucking pain) i have even more appreciation for your work than before, if that’s even possible. i had a little look back through your blog and, as difficult as it was to choose, these are just three of my favourite gifsets...

callum+whit wedding/ben talking about marrying callum parallel - okay as painful as it is, i love anything that parallels to callum and whitney’s wedding. seige week truly was incredible, and this parallel just makes me so unbeliveably happy. also, i have an obsession with b+w/colour contrasts so, yeah i love this one 

love is... - okay, this is honestly just beautiful. from the scene choice to the colours to the words and everything, i just absolutely adore it. it’s a true testament to your editing talent, and- well i don’t really know what else to say. it’s just really really wonderful

willow - okay this one i particularly love at the minute because im re-entering my taylor swift phase a little, but this just makes me so happy (that’s his man 🥺🥺🥺) softness and beauty and the scene choice, its just glorious and i love it 

anyway, my apologies this is rather late in the evening (well, it is for me but ye) but i have lost all concept of time and forgot what day it was, so there you go. happy creator focus day to you, you wonderfully talented human. also, i cannot wait to see what you create for the big bang, i’m so wonderfully lucky to be paired with you 🥺

[mr-and-mr-mitchell]

Happy creator focus day @leximitchells your content is amazing!!! The dash and the fandom would be dull without you ❤

[dingletragedy]

(hi this is leximitchells lol) ☆ Put this star into the inbox of your favourite blogs. It's time to spread positivity! ☆

hello leximitchells!!!! thank U so much ✨ ur my favourite right back lauren xx

[babygirlgalitzine]

(hi this is leximitchells lol) ☆ Put this star into the inbox of your favourite blogs. It's time to spread positivity! ☆

💓💞💘💖💕💓💞

[no-i-cant-decide]

Someday (ao3 link)

Rating: General Audiences

Word count: 856

Tags: Fluff, Parenthood, Hope

Requested by @leximitchells 💜

"What are you smiling at?"

Callum glanced up from his phone, still grinning from ear to ear as he showed Ben what was on the screen.

"Stacey brought Lily and little Charli home earlier today," he said. The photo showed the newborn sprawled out in a bassinet while she slept, her dark hair sticking up at wild angles and her tiny hand clutching one of Stacey's fingers.

"As if it ain't noisy enough over there, now we get to hear her crying at all hours as well," Ben complained, though his soft expression didn't match his annoyed tone. "Better kiss your beauty sleep goodbye, babe."

"Nah, I bet she's an angel."

"She's a Slater, Cal. Every Slater woman who's ever lived is part banshee, and that little baby ain't gonna be any different."

Callum hummed in response, swiping through the other photos Stacey had posted, still with that big smile on his face.

"Are you alright?" Ben asked, giving him a funny look. "Anyone would think you've never seen a baby before."

"I just think she's cute, that's all." Callum clicked the screen off and set his phone down on the side table, wrapping his arm around Ben's shoulders as he brought his attention back to the telly.

"It's weird though, innit?" Ben said after a few moments of quiet, snuggling in closer to Callum's chest. "Having a baby at that age. Lily and Ricky are barely a few years older than Lex. Just don't seem right."

"Yeah, I'm with you there. But at least that little girl's got a huge, loving family to help take care of her, eh? It's better than what I had growing up."

Ben smiled up at Callum sympathetically, grabbing the hand wrapped around him and pressing a kiss to his knuckles. "I ‘spose you're right; there's worse things than having Stacey as a nan. She's done alright with the rest of her lot if you disregard the pregnant twelve year old."

Callum tutted at him, though he didn't argue. A comfortable silence fell over them again as they passively watched the movie playing on the telly. It was one they'd both seen plenty of times, but it was a favourite of theirs. And they loved any excuse to be together, curled up close on the sofa tracing idle patterns across an arm or a leg.

"Do you ever think about it?" Callum asked quietly as he ran his fingers through Ben's hair.

"What, having a pregnant twelve year old?" Ben responded, horrified.

"No, god no! What a nightmare!" He chuckled and scratched gently at Ben's scalp until he felt him relax back against him. "What I meant was, do you ever think about having a baby?"

Ben turned to look at him, a soft smile starting to spread on his face. "Like, us having a baby? You and me?"

"Well, yeah," Callum admitted, feeling his face flush.

It was something that had been on his mind a lot the last few days. Well, not just the last few days. But Callum realised in all the time they'd been married, neither of them had ever brought it up. Not that they'd had enough time to bring it up between every crazy, screwed up thing they had been through in the last four years of their lives. The more time went on, the more Callum wondered if that could ever be in the cards for them.

"I know we haven't really talked about it before, like at all. And I'm not saying I don't like how things are. You and Lexi mean the world to me, our little family is like a dream come true for me. I never in a million years thought I'd be lucky enough to have what we have–"

"Babe, it's alright," Ben soothed, cutting off Callum's rambling by reaching up a hand to cup his jaw. "I know what you meant. It's just- it's bad timing, innit? I've got to make sure Lexi's my focus right now."

"No, I know. That makes total sense." Callum smiled sadly, but tried to hide it by kissing Ben's forehead.

"But that don't mean I haven't thought about it," Ben continued, much to Callum's surprise, "because I have. And I do. Want to. Someday."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah. Just, y'know, when things are more stable with Lex. And with me."

"'Course. I weren't talking right away."

"How could I say no to a little rugrat with your dimples and adorable ears?" Ben said, the fondness in his voice clear as day.

"A baby brother or sister for Lexi to boss around," Callum added with a laugh.

"Oh, she'd love that! She'd absolutely adore them."

They looked into each other's eyes for a moment; looks filled with love and an excitement for the future, something that had become rare for them this last year or so. Callum then leaned down to connect their lips in a chaste kiss. They only broke apart because the giddiness bubbling inside both their chests made their smiles too broad, making it impossible for their lips to keep touching.

"Someday, yeah?" Callum's eyes were shining.

"Yeah," Ben agreed, "someday."

[kayceecruz]

since when is jay that popular with all the market traders lmaoooo he’s only had one friend his entire life

[henryspearl]

looks like i had no ballum reunion for my birthday tomorrow after all🥺 but at least jola reunited!!

maybe ballum will reunite for @leximitchells birthday instead 🥰

[beautifulhigh]

Tagged by @firstprince-history-huh and @thisbuildinghasfeelings

post a screencap of your lock screen photo, a screencap of the last/current song listened to, as well as the last photo of a celebrity that you saved in your phone

Lock screen: me and @bubblesandroses8

Last song: Always the Last To Know

Last celeb photo: not the last one, don't care, it is my favourite photo that I took last weekend of the boys so I'm having any excuse to post it

Tagging: @fisididrosa @danrdarrenc @missringsy @leximitchells and anyone else who wants to do it

[ballumbb2021]

posting schedule

hi everyone, just a small heads up, posting will begin on Monday, 30th August, with a new fic going up four days later. this spreads the event to approx. two weeks and gives us stragglers time to finish.

without further ado, the posting schedule:

30th August

fic by @callumsmitchells  and art by @leximitchells

31st August

art by @totallyradioactive15​

2nd September

fic by @minimitchell and art by @officer-highway

5th September

fic by @laurenkmyers and art by @cqllummitchell

8th September

fic by @bensdove and art by @leximitchells

12th September

fic by @stillamess22 and art by @maydays2

fics and art should be posted around 11am CET (10 am GMT). please send the link to your tumblr posts to @yasisworld and @poursomesugarzombie (yes to both of us). this way we can guarantee the post will be reblogged to this blog in a timely manner and not missed or left till evening in case the tags are not working.

again any artists wanting to post their art without a fic are welcome to do so and should contact us for a time slot.

if anyone has further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact @yasisworld or @poursomesugarzombie.

-yasi

[doof-doofblog]

“I’m Fine!”

Monday 1st June 2020

Good Morning/Afternoon folks! Once again, I apologise that this post is a little late, I unfortunately missed out on watching EastEnders last night, but I have watched it instead this morning and will cover it today, as well as posting later tonight following tonight's episode. So there will be two posts today! I know last night was the episode everyone has been waiting for, it's been teased as one of the most exciting and different episodes EastEnders have ever done.  

Wow! Just Wow! What an incredible episode! I don't think I've seen anything like this portrayed on TV, ever! I want to applaud everyone involved in this episode for making it so iconic and memorable! I'm sure this episode will go down as one of EastEnders most epic and memorable moments. EastEnders have been known to do episodes where it all focuses on just the one character, Dot did it once with a huge monologue that lasted the whole episode, Stacey had one where she was suffering from bipolar and postpartum psychosis, Bobby had one when he returned and was seeing the ghost of Lucy everywhere. This time it was all about Ben and focusing on his hearing loss, giving the viewers an insight to what it may be like for a person living without their hearing.

I was a little bit confused to what was happening right at the beginning, but of course it all makes sense. At first, I thought Ben might've been dreaming, but obviously it was all revealed later on in the episode. I thought it was wonderful how Lexi was using sign language to communicate with Ben, giving him his breakfast and asking him to tuck her up into bed at night, little Lexi is a beautiful little actress. Even when Ben and Lexi were walking through the Square, it was incredible how they did it. Ben not being able to hear exactly what's being said by everyone. He could see lips moving and people talking but not being able to hear just the sound of voices chattering. Even when Jean approached him and greeted him very briefly, he couldn't even make out what was being said to him! When he saw Lola and Peter talking from a distance, he knew something was going on, I thought it was very clever the way it was portrayed. He was so focused on something so far away, he didn't even see the van coming towards him and he nearly stepped out in front of it. Realising what he had done, he realised he might've scared Lexi and told her not to worry, what Lexi said then really touched me ... "Don't die Daddy, I need you. Even if your ears don't work!" - what a truly inspirational little girl!

Then the scene between him and Phil when they were in the house talking about the plans going forward with the job they were being involved in with Danny. Realising that Ben could only make out certain words Phil was saying, he kinda was getting some form of understanding at how the job would go. When Phil was explaining it and showing him the map, you just know that you're going to worry for Ben. Would he be able to go through with it? Even when Ben asked to him to slow down a little so he could lip read, even Phil was a little unsure as to whether Ben should take part. When he told Ben that perhaps he should stay away due to the state he was in with his hearing, Ben was clearly hurt. He was so desperate to prove to his Dad that he could help, regardless of his disability. He's said countless times that he is still the same. He is still the same lad who could help him, but he is very vulnerable, he doesn't want to believe it, but he is.

Oooooh and then he decided to approach Lola, after seeing her and Peter from a distance he needed to know what was going on between them. Even though he knew something was going on, he jumped to conclusions about Lola having an affair with Peter, this clearly and understandably upset Lola and she walked way, while Jay saw everything from afar. Later on Jay approached Ben asking what his issue with Lola was, it was only then Jay revealed to Ben that Lola aborted his baby due to Ben's current situation. To be honest, I kinda forgot that Lola didn't really tell anyone, I didn't realise it was just her and Jay who knew about the abortion. But that just made Ben even more angry, had she really blamed Ben as a cover up? Now, that scene between Lola and Ben in the Arches, I found was very powerful. Both of them shouting and pleading to each other, trying to understand each other, was incredible, especially due to the fact that Ben could only make out certain words that Lola was saying. Lola did admit to him that she only slept with Peter the once, only because she thought that they had split up and weren't getting back together. She also did make clear that the reason for her abortion was because of Ben, how would she have been able to cope with a newborn baby, Lexi and having to look after Ben because of his hearing loss. I hoped Ben would understand where she was coming from, but the question is now, what is Ben going to do with the information about her and Peter? He's clearly disappointed with her, surely he wouldn't tell Jay what she's revealed to him and upset his brother? Will he end up confronting Peter and warn him to stay away?! To be honest, it looked as if he was about to approach the Car Lot when he saw Peter inside, but then he got distracted by the cars arriving to pick Phil up for the job.

Realising he had missed the opportunity to sneak into the cars, he jumped into another car and followed. He arrived at what looked like a deserted building, slowly he made his way through trying to find where his Dad and Danny would be. I thought it was so clever that all you could hear was Ben's breathing and the odd sound of metal rumbling. When he found that liquid on the wall - was that blood?! Whatever it was, it scared him and he felt the need to grab his gun. I was a little concerned as I thought he would be getting himself into danger the more he walked through the building. Only then, what happened? His phone went off didn't it! Poor Callum was texting him asking him when he would be home, little did he know what his boyfriend was really getting up to! Then, he was found, a gun pointed in his back, all you could hear were the shakes and nerves in Ben's voice as he was eventually found, only to be led to a room where his Dad and Phil were.

Both of them looked so shocked to see him there, but it also looked as if Phil had been hit. I am right in saying that Phil had a mark on his forehead? Could that be where the blood on the wall had come from? What had they done to him? For a moment, I did think either Ben or Phil were going to be seriously hurt, only what happened next really shook me! Danny didn't want Ben there in the first place, he was angry that he had shown up and even said to Phil that he wouldn't take the risk. Danny knew Ben had hearing problems, but then what he did next really shocked me! He grabbed Ben, shouting at him "You can't hear me, can you?!" - "Is this your good ear? Is it?!" - and then BANG! ... For a moment, I wasn't too sure whether he had actually shot Ben in his good ear, or whether he had just shot the gun so close to his ear that it caused Ben to screech in pain, as the sound could've easily affected his hearing ability. Even when Danny turned around to Phil and said to him "Say goodbye to your son!" - you could see that Phil didn't want to put his son's life in danger. I don't know why, but I loved it when Ben and Phil were looking at each other and Phil was gesturing to Ben to actually do something, as if to say "C'mon! Get up and fight!" ... was Phil using sign language? Was that how Ben knew what to do? Whatever it was, I thought it was brilliant! Ben and Phil - The Mitchell's back to how they were! When they were battling their way through the gang members, I was like "Yeah!!! Go on boys!" HAHA!

However, they now needed to get away. Now, I don't know about you, but I was more worried for Phil at this moment, when I saw them running away, I didn't think Phil would get that far, but I'm happy and surprised to say that he did! Ben was clearly struggling behind him though, after being shot either in his ear or so close to his ear, the sound was ear-piercing and there was constant ringing in his ears, as much as he was trying to focus on his hearing loss, he was trying to focus on following his Dad. For a moment, I did think he was going to get lost, thankfully Phil came back for him and dragged him away before Danny and his gang could catch up. Phil got them to the van which had all the money inside and quickly drove it away before Danny could reach them. I'm happy to see that they both got away and Phil managed to get his money, but then - did anyone else notice? Complete silence! Ben could no longer hear what his Dad was saying, has he lost his hearing completely? Could this mean that Ben's permanently deaf? Could he still have his operation? There are so many questions to ask, the episode ended on such a cliffhanger! Is Danny going to come back for them and get his revenge? I don't think we've seen the last of Danny, after what happened in that episode, nah ... he's going to want to get to get revenge and I don't think he'll stop until he does. Does this mean that someone close to the Mitchell could get involved, as in like, kidnapped or hurt? What does this mean for Phil now also? Does he have enough money to buy Sharon the Vic? Will he realise what's happened with Ben's hearing? Is Callum going to find out what's happened to his boyfriend and where he was? SO MANY QUESTIONS!

Overall, I thought the episode was incredible! It really was an eye-opener and it gave an insight to what being deaf is really like. Everyone involved in this episode and story-line have been fantastic, Max Bowden really deserves an award for his performance in this episode. Steve McFadden, once again, nothing but greatness! In my opinion this has been one of the best episodes ever. I don't know where they're going to go from here regarding Ben, but i'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. We know this new character, Frankie, has been introduced. After what has happened with Ben and realising he's lost his hearing completely, will he take her up on her offer of introducing him to the deaf community and seeing how they carry on with their lives? It'll be a big insight for Ben and for viewers I believe. I'm really looking forward to seeing what's going to happen next, I am really excited.

Before I leave you, I'm aware that more spoilers have been released for next week's episodes, so I'll leave them here for you to look at. I'll try not to spoil too much for you but, due to a tracking device on his car, Gray finds out his car was driven to Stratford - it was Gray's car Ben used to go to the job - But will Gray jump to conclusions and accuse Chantelle of having an affair? Also Whitney is still clearly struggling, things get a bit awkward after she tries to kiss Gray. Then Keegan and Tiffany are still coming to blows with each other, could things be nearing the end for them? And lastly, Sharon has a difficult day ahead as Ian puts together a memorial for Dennis, what could she and Phil be talking about?

Thank you everyone for taking your time to read my blog! I hope you've all enjoyed it. What an amazing episode right? And we haven't got long to wait to see what happens next. I'll be back tonight with another blog following tonight's episode! Thanks again everyone! Stay safe! Love you all xXx