#someone help i'm procrastinating so much when it comes to making hp content

[flintwoodandco]

time and tide may change (but darling we are forever) - Chapter 4

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Chapter Summary: Ben’s curiosity grows

Words: 882

A/N: sorry for the delay in posting, motivation has gone off to war

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AO3

or

Ben wants to see him again.

He’s never before had such an impact with a stranger, but Marcus lingers in his mind. Even more than that, he wants to feel the broad shoulders under his hands while those grey eyes stare him down into practically nothing. It’s such a strong pull that Ben wonders if maybe he and Marcus once knew each other in a past life.

Once at the supermarket, Ben jumps at every sound in hopes that it’s Marcus, only to end up drudging through night after night.

When a week has passed, Ben’s given up on ever seeing Marcus again. It was probably a fluke that they met in the first place and he scolds himself for thinking beyond that. He checks the aisles in a mundane manner, glancing down the last one before double-taking. He blinks, hoping his mind isn’t playing a trick as he stares at the figure down at the end.

It couldn’t possibly be him, but then again Ben can tell those dark features from anywhere. He almost jogs over to Marcus, then deciding on a slower approach as he holds back a grin. Marcus hasn’t seemed to notice yet and Ben edges into his line of vision.

“Back so soon?”

Marcus jumps, his body stiffening before he lets out a small breath. “God, how are you so good at that?”

Ben shakes his head in confusion. “Good at what? Sneaking up on you for the first time?”

“Erm, yeah. That,” Marcus responds while taking sudden interest in the box of rice in front of him.

This is all amusing to Ben and he bites his lip to avoid grinning like an idiot. “What can I say? Raw natural talent.”

Marcus lets out a loud laugh before covering his mouth to hide the ones that follow. “That’s a new one,” he says once all his laughing is finished and mumbles something that Ben barely catches, but he hears something about his “ego”.

Ben raises his eyebrow and crosses his arms. “And what’s that supposed to mean?”

“Uh,” Marcus’s face starts to turn red. “Nothing. Nothing at all. Thanks for the chat.” and with that, he grabs the box of rice, practically sprinting away before Ben can do anything.

Ben can’t deny that all of Marcus’ actions are suspicious, gnawing at the back of his mind. He wonders Marcus knows him, if maybe he’s part of an elaborate plan and soon he'll be swept away from his repetition. It’s something to ask for next time, but for now Ben passes the night off as odd actions from an odd man and nothing more.

~

“You know, we really have to stop meeting like this, “ Ben grins as Marcus’ face turns scarlet.

True to whatever unspoken promise they had, Marcus is back at the supermarket, taken to the frozen aisles this time. Ben had to stop himself from sprinting over to the man, surprised he managed to sneak up on him again.

“What can I say?” Marcus finally responds. “I get to satisfy my cravings...in more ways than one.”

Ben feels his knees weaken at Marcus’ wink, cursing that Marcus is able to flirt back so easily. He casually leans against one of the frozen doors, ignoring the iciness seeping through his uniform.

“What are you doing around three this morning?” Ben attempts to ask, though he can feel his voice shaking just a bit.

He’s never been this upfront with another person like this before, but with Marcus, it feels so right.

“Uh...sorry. I won’t be in town,” Marcus hastily replies. Ben senses a hint of regret in Marcus’ voice and prods on.

“Not in town?” Ben chuckles a little. Three o’clock is only an hour away and yet Marcus plans on going somewhere out of the city. It seems ridiculous to be traveling at such a time.

“Yeah. Friend. Meeting.”

If he couldn’t tell before, it’s obvious to Ben now that Marcus is lying. It stings a little that Marcus doesn’t just say what he means, but Ben knows he’s been guilty of such actions too.

“All right,” Ben sighs and pushes himself off the door. “Well, if you want to spend time together, just let me know. I’m always here.”

He makes eye contact with Marcus and almost convinces himself that Marcus looks a bit misty-eyed. He blames it on the early morning hour, giving Marcus a small wave before heading to another part of the store.

“Wait,” Marcus calls out.

Ben turns back a little too quickly for his liking, his hopes rising tenfold.

“I like you, Ben. I really do. I just...I think I’m still trying to get over someone else. When it’s the right time, I’ll come find you, I promise.”

With that, it’s Marcus’ turn to leave before Ben can say anything. The last words echo in Ben’s mind as he’s hit with another cursed memory. A sparsely decorated kitchen flashes in front of his eyes and he’s staring down at two teacups, one with a splash of milk. Strong hands fall upon his shoulders, Marcus’ voice whispering,

“I’ll come find you, I promise.”

Ben tries to focus his sight, but his body shakes and he sees the ground rushing at him before he’s plunged into darkness.