âMama, life had just begun... Â
          but now Iâve gone and thrown it all away.â
   ââââ  SKELETON â  NAVI â (WANTED) CONNECTIONS â  PINTEREST  ââââ
THE PRESENT â tw child abuse, domestic violence, violence, bodily harm, parental death, murder » Arriving in Stillwater at the age of sixteen, Benny barely had much to his name, with only 80 bucks and a backpack his mom had thrown together in a rush. He had no plan, no purpose and spent his first week on the street after leaving his home and what was left of his family behind. Itâs needless to say, but Bennyâs first few months in Stillwater were rough. Despite hanging onto every cent he could possibly save, he couldnât help his hunger and need for decent shelter. Without any real skill, coming around work was tough and nobody really wanted a kid that looked scary like him at the register of their ice cream shop. At the very lost dollar, Benny managed to obtain temporary gigs that kept him afloat. Here and there, heâd have the odd job of walking someones dog or washing their car, even the occasional errand boy if the money was good enough. It wasnât like he carried a sign or anything, but word got around of âthis kid whoâd do anythingâ in a wealthy neighborhood and his reputation carried.Â
Benny, at eighteen, shouldâve known better that âdoing anythingâ really shouldnât have been the buzzword he agreed to be shared amongst this particular group. Without really knowing, he had followed orders to arrive at the scene of the crime at the same time as police, earning an arrest as an accessory to murder. The group thought theyâd get away with it too, but Benny was lucky enough to unknowingly leave a trace of where he was when the murder was committed and was let go after a five months in jail. Despite his innocence, a new reputation was earned and no one wanted to be around him soon after his release. The isolation was unbearable and Benny started acting up. Heâd get into fights constantly and would end up at the police station more times than he could remember. Eventually, the owner of Rubyâs Diner had the unfortunate pleasure of meeting him and took it upon themselves to save him from himself. Since then, Benny has been the dinerâs baker for over ten years and owes his life to the only one who has shown him any kindness. He gets better everyday, but canât help but look over his shoulder at his past, wondering if he really left it behind.Â
đ CHARACTER INSPIRATION: Daryl Dixon (The Walking Dead), Sirius Black (Harry Potter), Westley (The Princess Bride), Steven Hyde (That 70s Show), Kat Stratford (10 Things I Hate About You) and more.Â
THE PAST â Benny knew life was shit the second he stepped onto that playground, the eyes of his peers boring holes into his own. He'd scowl at them, even if he didn't know what it meant, wondering why the hell everyone was staring at him. He'd go weeks not knowing, but every now and again he'd hear their parents talk about his eyes, his father, or his 'whore of a mother' and pretty much chalked it up to that. Childhood was depressing, obviously, but what else was new? The Hellström home was cold and uninviting. It reeked of Dad's beer and cigarettes, cloaked with god-awful perfume oils that made him gag. Benny hated being homeâ he hated being anywhere that wasn't his room. Up there, he was in his own little world. Away from the stares, the yelling, and the world.
Benny was five when he had grown a fondness for animals, professing to his mother how much he wanted to be a puppy doctor when he got older. Ulla, his mother, wasn't happy. Not because of her son, but for what his father would have to say about it. Despite the 'trashy, no-good' image the Hellströms had in their small town of Yellow Springs, Ohio, they owned the only decent gas station until the next major city. It wasn't much, but it was something. Ulla knew of her husband's plans for Benny. Arne had been proclaiming that he'd leave his son their family-owned business ever since they left Sweden. He went on and on for months about the American dream and what they could accomplish. For Benny not to have even the slightest interest in Arne's Gas and Auto... Ulla knew they were both in for a rude awakening. And so, she made Benny promise to keep his dream a secret. It could never be anything but.
Keeping his dreams locked away was Benny's first lesson in the role he had to play in his family. He learned very quickly that he was meant to shut up and listen and never ask stupid questions. Because when he did, he was met with a slap to the face, a kick to the gut, or a belt to the back. But he'd take the hit because Benny knew if he didn't, it would be his mother or the person whom he felt most sorry forâ his yet-to-be-born baby sister. It was strange that he had the opportunity to name her because all six-year-old Benny could think about was the drama surrounding her despite not being born. He didn't know the full story, but there was a time his parents were separated and when his mother came back, her belly was a lot bigger than when she left. It was the talk of the town, even if Benny didn't understand it.
If there was any gift Benny's sister brought to the world, it was the peace that was given the first few years of her life. At this point, he was well aware of the gossip but what was truly surprising, was the look in his father's eyes when he held her. He was soft and quiet, and for a little while, he didn't reek of vodka. Mother was happy and smiled a little bit more and Benny wondered if this was what family was supposed to feel like. For once in his life, home felt like home and he was finally excited for it.
It's hard to believe, but for the next five years, life in the Hellström home was pretty great. While his father still drank, it was only a few beers a night and he only smoked outside. He did get hit every now and again, but it wasn't too severe. A slap upside the head made Benny grateful because at least his mother could still look when it happened. Everything changed quickly, however, and Benny could still hear the sound of their doorbell ring like a dog waiting for a treat. He still remembers the look of innocence on his sister's face as she ate her spaghetti, tomato sauce splattered messily on her shirt and cheeks. To this day, Benny still gets nightmares of the day everything changed, and the stupid man that was on the other side of their door looking for his mother. It was all a blur after that, but his father never treated anyone in that house ever the same.
Benny wasn't really the type for regrets, as he pretty much accepted the shitty cards he was dealt. Still, he couldn't help the feeling of guilt whenever his sister paid witness to the abuse going on in their house. It pained him to have never warned her: to tell her the best place in the house to hide was the linen closet, that whenever father came home past nine, to make sure you were asleep before he was home. There were endless tips Benny had obtained over the years, but none were shared. He realized that despite promising he'd take all the beatings to protect his mother and baby sister, he hardly had a courageous bone in his body. It was maybe once or twice Benny had heard his sister cry at the repercussions of her 'mistakes'. He was sixteen at this point, and the more she cried, the harder it was to hear. Their mother didn't go unscathed either. He had only slapped her a few times since that man rang their doorbell five years ago, but the older his sister got and the more brown her eyes became, the abuse only became more severe.
Life seemed to pause when Benny realized his sister never came home after school. He was the only one home when he came to her empty room, her clothing, her toys, and the rest of her belongings gone. Distraught, Benny immediately told his mother when she came home an hour later, only to be met with a "Be quiet" and "You will know soon enough". The details weren't clear, but that night, their father had returned as though it was any other night. It was only until dinner did he realize his daughter wasn't home and it caused him to erupt almost immediately. Glass was thrown, plates were smashed, demanding to know the truth. Benny stood when his father struck his mother across the face, and after a few more hits, a chord was struck and everything went black. When Benny came to, he was over his father's lifeless body, blood splattered across his face and t-shirt. He was shaking and lowered his fist once his mother's cries calmed, ordering him to get up. Unable to comprehend what just happened, he allowed his mother to change him and wash the blood off his face. She handed him a backpack and cash and told him to goâ and to keep going until he could see the sea.
It took him months to get to California and when he finally did, Benny cried for the first time in years. He kneeled into the sand, water pooling out of his big green eyes, and wondered what his sister was doing now. At sixteen, Benny wasn't sure what to do with his life at this point, unsure if he had a future at all. He wondered if he'd be homeless, living in a tent with a sign like the ones he passed on his journey here. Stuffing his hands into his backpack, he found a single letter his mother left him, lost on when she had the time to even write one out in the rush of getting him out of their home.
"You keep going. You start over and forget about us here. I will always love you."
And as always, he did what he was told. Benny started over and over the course of the next sixteen years, he managed a decent life for himself in Stillwater, California. He wasn't sure why his mother sent him out to see the sea but after a few years of true struggle, he came to understand why. There was something about that blue water that calmed him when his anxieties ran high or he was reminded of his past. And despite feeling as though he'd never stop looking over his shoulder, he knew he always had the sea.
That was the thing about Dilara.. she was so accustomed to hiding behind a facade and taking on the role of another that she often found herself in a web of lies, unable to break free and finding it difficult to keep up. It was probably why she found it challenging to be close to others, knowing the risks of them catch on sooner or later. It was easier to maintain a surface level relationship with others.. maybe that's why she'd liked Hollywood so much. Maybe the shallow elationships allowed her to protect herself from others seeing the real her. Who even was she?! The age old question. "Such an unfortunate circumstance but.. you know, silly old me. I guess it's lucky they never put me in the kitchen at Ruby's," she smirks, toddling out the grocery store after him. Was this seriously happening? Benny Hellstrom, buying her groceries and offering to make her a real meal? For free?!
Dilara couldn't help but wonder what his house would be like. She didn't know much about Benny at all, but the mystery surrounding him enticed her. He so often kept to himself, she often wished she could do the same. Who was he outside of being a baker at Ruby's Diner? The curiousity was practically eating away at her. And wasn't it so ironic that she did everything she could to be a locked vault when it came to others knowing the true her, yet she was a complete nosy nelly when it came to knowing another's personal business. "Are you saying that string cheese isn't healthy? Come on, Hellstrom. Cheese is cheese!" She didn't take offence to what he said, knowing he had purer intentions than most. It was easy to spot coming from where she did; deciphering who was genuine and who was not. "Did you always know you wanted to be a baker?" Stunted by his next question, Dilara put on a fake smile, coming up with yet another quick excuse. "Well, actually, I uh.. walked here. Exercise, you know? It's good for you.." Not entirely untrue. Better than admitting she didn't have a car and had zero driving skills.
Benny wondered if he was jumping the gun. He had hosted a party or two for his chosen family at Ruby's, and people came over all the time. He's used to having company as much as he's used to having none. Still, he was well aware the conditions he was inviting Dilara over were out of the ordinary. Regardless, he supposed this would've happened sooner or later. If Dilara was as awful of a cook as she claims she is, Benny would've caught her taking food home from Ruby's sooner or later. He was sure that even then, he'd offer his help. Their only difference would be forcing her to watch over his shoulder as he cooks an egg while they work rather than inviting her into his home. He couldn't deny that the conditions were unusual, but that didn't make him want help any less.
He does hear her question, even pondering it for a moment. He's been asked that before, but Benny doesn't answer right away. When he hears that she walked, he nods over to his glacier-blue Chevy truck, indicating for her to follow. "Come on," he moves, placing their groceries in the back of his pickup.
Benny knows he's being too quiet for the gesture he made. A normal person would've probably talked more than he did to reassure the other they were truly okay with taking time to do this. He probably would've if Dilara was anyone else. Except, she wasn't. He barely knew her. The only thing he did know was that she was nice and that she only rolled her eyes when she thought no one was looking. He smiles, remembering the times he's caught her, looking over to her as they get situated in his car. Starting up the engine, Benny checks his mirrors. "I didn't," he answers, finally. "Think I wanted to be a baker, I mean."
for a so called rock star, hope hadn't had that many wild nights. she'd been around them, surely, partied hard and then played even harder the next day, but compared to others, she was as tame as a lamb. the music had always been her number one priority. so to wake up fostering a massive hangover, with hazy memories of a stranger, was a bit surprising. especially considering she wasn't in some glamorous city, surrounded by other bands.
she walked to the town's diner, sporting sunglasses that were almost too fashionable, sitting down quickly and ordering the biggest cup of coffee they could manage. she pushed her sunglasses up, trying look at the sparsely populated place before her eyes fell on a guy behind the counter. a very familiar guy, as of last night. hope's face fell. "oh. hello."
Benny hated the glow he was sporting the day after sleeping with a stranger. At first, he didn't realize it, but it only took five minutes for the other guys in the kitchen to ask why he looked different. He couldn't tell... with what reflection the back of metal pans had to offer, but he knew he felt different. It was like he remembered what confidence felt like, but it was a different kind of confidence. It reminded him that he was, well, desirable. Benny never really looked for that sort of thing. He always kept to himself and held opportunities to feel that way at arm's length. He was intentional about who he let in, so it continues to surprise him that he allowed himself to be as free as he did last night. It was a rare but fun opportunity nonetheless. It reminded him to live a little.
It was a bit embarrassing as the morning went on, however. The guys kept making faces and whispering about why Benny wasn't being a grumpâ as usual. They unanimously agreed that he must've "gotten laid." Before he could brush them off, however, Benny was called to help pour coffee for the person who just walked in. He doesn't look up to see who it is until he pushes through the kitchen doors, surprised to see the answer to all of their questions presented herself right before their very eyes. Benny only smiles as he walks over, taking the hot pot. He pulls a mug from under the counter, placing it before her. "Hi," he greets, pouring her fill.
Mariposa felt her heart racing away from her, breath quickened just a little. "Stupid fuckin' spooky bullshit," she mumbled under her breath as nervous fingers found the material of her skirt to straighten the material. She had never been the mystery or spooky type, was really regretting this whole damn thing and was realizing just how much she'd rather be on her couch with a carton of ice cream and half a pack of cigarettes. "You scared the absolute hell out of me." This time, her tone was a little more forgiving (as though she hadn't been watching where she was going, which was definitely also true) now that she had taken a second to breathe and was steady on her feet. "Fits the vibe of the night, I guess." Which, again, she was definitely feeling grouchy about. Definitely should've skipped for the ice cream.
"Oh," Mari began with something of a frown, peeking in the direction he'd gestured to as though she'd be able to see from here. "Oh, shit. Was it freaky? Is it uh...worth seeing or can I just skip that and take your word on it?"
Freaky... "Was it freaky..." he echoes, twisting his head to the side. Yeah. It was freaky. It reminded him of his father's lifeless body lying on their living floor. The sight of him was the last thing Benny saw before his mother pushed him out of his childhood home. He hadn't thought of that in a long time, which was strange. He was a horror fanatic. He read books, watched movies... it wasn't like he purposefully avoided themes of death. So why in the world did seeing the mayor slumped over like that trigger a memory he thought was buried? "Yeah, sort of." Benny could feel how strange he was acting. The adrenaline rushing through him shook him violently with nowhere to go. It was insufferable. "You could handle it though, probably." His eyes are shifty, already making moves to continue moving past her but Benny wanted to avoid people questioning his reaction. He had to stay, at least for a little bit.
It was almost difficult to stop herself from snickering as Benny spoke. While Phoenix had certainly been grateful for his assistance in scaring away her least favorite customer, there was also something rather entertaining about seeing the man in such a state. For as long as she'd known him, Benny hadn't been involved in any relationships or even so much as brought a girl around the diner.
As soon as Don had wandered off to his table, Phoenix felt her body relax as she turned to gaze up at her friend with curiosity. "Tell me, have you ever been in love? ... I mean, besides with me, of course," she snickered, playfully.
Despite holding her by his side, Benny's senses hadn't really kicked in until Don had walked away, and a beat or two passed. He suddenly stiffened, patting her shoulder as he brought his free hand to join his other in action, flipping the final pancake. It wasn't Phoenix's fault or anything. Benny wasn't a touchy guy. He could be, he has been... but never really with women, at least. Even though Phoenix was a good friend, she was still a lady, and he always paid mind to respect their space. He couldn't help it; it was ingrained in him.
He lifts a brow when she starts speaking, not turning to her fully. Instead, he remains facing the stove as he moves the pancake around with his spatula, mulling her question. He smiles at first, appreciating that last bit before figuring out what to say. Has he ever been in love? He thinks about it, failing to come up with any sort of answer that feels real. Benny wasn't even sure if he knew what that looked like. Sure, he's liked a person or two before, but love...
He hums, shaking his head with his brows knitted. "I don't know," he says, finally. Plating the final pancake, Benny adorns the dish with a butter square and a strawberry cut into slices. "Don't think I ever have," he adds, turning to face her. He moves past her to grab the whipped cream from the fridge behind her, opening it. The chill from the fridge only lasted a moment, Benny closing it as soon as the see-through bin was in his grasp. "Have you?" he almost smiles when he asks, unsure if he remembers Phoenix bringing anyone around the diner. If she did, he wouldn't be surprised. Almost everyone here had their S.O.'s swinging by like it was a daily occurrence. He wondered if this was why she askedâ Benny was probably one of the only ones who hadn't.
Benny, he'd always been kinda quiet. Like he didn't say half the shit he thought. Good way to be, Dee figured. So he wouldn't drag the whole diner thing back to light, ever, if Benny wanted to shove it aside. The kinder thing was to let him. Right? You had to give up on some shit.
(But, then again - he'd just about given up on Elly. After everything. Maybe... nah. It was different. As if he even knew what'd gone on, with Elly, her letters. Benny had been outbid for a dream he'd known was a longshot, and it fucking sucked. No mystery to that. Just a shitty, simple truth, and not one he was likely to find a fairy-tale solution to. It'd take a worse friend than Dee wanted to be to try and give the guy some pointless, stupid hope.)
So he nodded, throwing a mock-salute, lazy with the flick of his wrist. Then Dee followed Benny's eyes off to the shimmer of the sea, rolling in and out. The question got a sideways glance, and another, thoughtful drag. That split into a smirk, and a smoky laugh at all the eyebrow action going on over there. "To do what, rob a bank? If this is you asking me to go all, like, Benny and Clyde, I..." Dee rolled his neck, working out a twinge. And passed his pal a wink. "I'll, uh. Think about it." Better than most of his prospects, around here. But that wasn't what Benny had asked. So, jokes aside - he let another billow loose, then shrugged through the question. "Sometimes? Not for real. Never seemed like much of an option, you know? With everything..." His family. Then Elly, the future they were gonna have. Her getting into school. Their family. Seemed like a given that they'd be doing all that here.
Burning that joint right down, Dee ashed what precious little was left in the sand. "Don't tell me you're skipping town, man. Hey? I just got back..." He'd meant that like another joke, real funny, but. Got caught in his throat as his eyes slid Benny's way, kinda hoping his friend would laugh. Or something. Anything that meant Benny was sticking around, selfish as that shit might be.
Dee's quip earned a grin, the corner of his eyes creasing as he let out a chuckle. He never had much wanderlust. If anything, Benny was sure if he had moved anywhere near Ohio, he'd... well, it wouldn't end great. He was as far as he could get in order to find some sort of safety in his life, so it was hard to imagine moving away from here. After all, there was still a big part of him that wanted to see his mother and sister again.
It was a drunken thought, but he held onto it nonetheless. Loosely. "I know." Benny hung his head, nodding lightly. "I just came across a tourist earlier who told me they were coming from Bali. Just made me think," he shrugs, taking another hit. He exhales, shaking his head. "Why the hell would you leave a place like that to come here." With Hollywood around the corner, it was hard to imagine that Stillwater could compare. That didn't mean to say Benny grew tired of this sanctuary. Rather, he knew there was better out there. He knew there was better for him. Then again, with all of his hang-ups, it was hard to completely leave that behind.
When & Where: "Birch Bay Beach" ...nearing midnight!
đ„ž @janvizr
The night was cold. The breeze that passed felt like the edge of a sword. It felt like iceâ wet, almost. Benny looked out towards the water, the horizon far gone to show the sky and ocean becoming one. There's peace here. It's always here. It was hard to imagine that sixteen years had passed by just like that. And yet, here he was, staring at that same horizon with his converse digging into the cold sand. The only difference this time was that his head was screwed on a little bit tighter, but he was still as foolish as he always was.
He stifled the laugh begging to come out of him, finding his feelings of absolute fear painfully ironic. How in the world was he just as scared as the day he arrived in Stillwater? He didn't understand why. Back then... Benny was theâ Well, the point is that he wasn't the killer on the loose. He knew that, and his friends knew that (at least, he hoped), so why did it feel like his past was coming back to haunt him? Why did it feel like this killer was here just for him?
Benny thought he would find answers in the place he left them but was left with nothing in return. Checking his watch, he realizes the time. He calls it a night, but before he can return to his car, he hears mumbling voices from afar. He turns to find two girls huddling together, pausing when one meets Benny's gaze. When the other catches on, she shrieks, grabbing the other's hand to run in the opposite direction. Benny's brows knit together, turning to see if someone else was behind him but was met with no one in sight. He doesn't know what to make of it, but as he continues his way back onto the boardwalk, it clicks.
Fucking hell.
"We have that in common," Nick sputtered out with a laugh, brows knitted together with the effort it was taking to lie. He allowed his gaze to flick up toward his friend, and saw a startling, unfamiliar... openness in his expression. Like his edges have been sanded down for a moment, as to repel the vulnerability a little less for just a moment. So, Nick reciprocates. Truthfully, this time. "Well," he amends, "I did.. I do. But my last, uh, person, well that didn't end well. Has me feeling a little cautious this time around, I guess you could say." Somewhere between the start of his confession of sorts and the end of it, his brows had relaxed, his shoulders came down from around his ears. Huh. How 'bout that?
He feels flushed, embarrassed at the idea of someone knowing that side of him. Benny's unsure why. Relationships were normalâ common, but it was so obvious to him how disconnected he felt when it came to true intimacy. He felt naked. Before he could feel himself get any warmer, Nick spoke. He's thankful, relaxing his shoulders as he meets his gaze, listening.
Nick had a person? His brows knit together for a moment, unsure how he missed that. Had he been so out of touch that he missed his friend being in a relationship? "Why's that?" he manages to get out, leaning comfortably on his stool as he takes another swig out of his drink. "That it didn't end well, I mean."
Nellie's attempts to fend off her smile were failing, but she wasn't sure she was trying all that hard, if she was being honest. After all, the reason why she was here was for that very reason. She'd like to think she and Benny had become friends, and so coming here to be made to smile seemed like the right idea. Especially considering he, more often than not, had a dessert for her to try. Like, today.
"You spoil me, far too much," she quipped, the inevitable smile now firmly in place. "I already know it'll be fantastic."
Nellie closed her notebook and shoved it away to pull the plate closer, fingers curling around the provided fork to take a bite nearly the same instant. As expected, along with everything Benny made, it was delicious. She hummed in delight, eyes closed a moment; Nellie swore she could feel all of her worries floating off. Or, at the very least, getting smaller in her mind. "Now, tell me, what is this divine treat you've prepared just for me?"
Sure, she was laying it on a little thick â chin cradled in her palm, megawatt smile turned up to dial 500 â but it was nice to just be. To be fun, to be charming, to be flirty, without being accused of having an ulterior motive. It really was nice just to have a friend.
At his baseline, Benny is a grump. He's not very cheery and is always tiredâ never the type to offer a smile unless it was given to him first. While he's accustomed to offering a short smile and a nod whenever someone compliments his work, there is always something different about the way Nellie responds compared to everyone else. He can't place it, but he finds himself smiling just as big as her, almost blushing when he realizes it. Embarrassed, he attempts to shake it off, clearing his throat as he tries not to get too wrapped up in someone else's kind words. After all, they were just words, and pies were just pies.
Still, he could never really help himself but fall right into her hands for some attention. She commanded it, and he wasn't all that interested in resisting. "They call it a 'Sock It To Me Cake.' Saw it on Dessert Discoveries and thought I'd give it a whirl." He's grinning as he says it, unable to hide his enthusiasm. Benny leans against the counter, pointing at the dessert before her. "It's got a cinnamon, pecan, brown sugar filling. And it has one secret ingredientâ sour cream." He shrugs, laying his hand on the counter for support. "And you're the first one to try it."
Corn mazes were always creepy, and to be honest Mari never really had the patience for mazes of any sort; she much preferred a straight shot, liked to know where her exits were, and well she wasn't above busting through the damn corn stalks to make her way out if need be. It was decidedly more creepy at night, and Mari couldn't help but squint at the maze in front of her. She'd been dragged through her fair share of corn mazes and hay rides and all of that other seasonal shit by her siblings over the years (and well, Mari had a goddamn hard time saying no, especially when she was trying to make up for years of bullshit that weren't even her fault and give them the childhood they'd all deserved) but one in the dark would be a new experience.
In truth, Mari had just wanted some fresh air and so to the corn maze it was. She wasn't really even sure why she'd signed up for this damned thing in the first place (no, she knew why, she just wasn't going to be talking about why; he always liked this type of bullshit but he was long gone and it was so goddamn stupid to think that maybe, just maybe, he'd be back for this), but she already needed a break and was wondering just really how critical her role in all of this was or if she'd be able to slip out unnoticed.
It would definitely seem her murdery mystery senses would need some work, as she bumped right into someone on the way out of the corn maze just as she decided she was going in. Hadn't fuckin' seen them at all, shoulder-checked them without even seeing them, found herself gasping and stumbling back half a step. "Jesus Christ," she hissed as she took in a breath, eyes snapping over to Benny. "Where did you come from, you scared me."
It wasn't a long walk back to the manor, but Benny felt a pull on his pace, slowing his steps. Before completely making it out, he takes a moment to rest his hands on his thighs, bending over slightly as he suddenly feels his chest tighten. He exhales, realizing he has been holding his breath since seeing the mayor's body. There was a chill, and as it passed by him, he felt like vomiting. He starts seeing flashes of his father's body beneath him, beaten and bloodied. His fingers come to meet the palms of his hands, scrunching the fabric of his pants. Not real. He had to remind himself. He felt silly that he had to remind himself, but he was desperate to get a grip. All he could think about was getting out and going home, so he forced himself to move with haste, making it out of the stalk of corn. When his body collides with another, he lets out a humph, the sudden impact knocking the wind out of him. "âSorry. I... wasn't looking," he says, almost like he's catching his breath. Her question rings between his ears, pulse racing. "The body..." he manages to get out, gesturing behind him lazily. He clears his throat. Get it together. "It's, uhâ back there."
Acting had never quite been Phoenix's strong suit. Unless the role was similar in personality, far too many of her own characteristics tended to shine through. She didn't know how she was supposed to play a sweet and innocent future college student when she was loud and boisterous, and far from studious in nature.
As the mayor droned on and on about the evening, Phoenix found herself downing what would be her second drink of the evening. While she was happy to be here celebrating her first Halloween in California, she would have been lying if she said she wouldn't rather be dancing in some scandalous costume at The Mint.
At the sound of Benny's voice, however, she turned to her friend with a smile, lifting the skirt of her dress to curtsey as she bowed her head. "Thank you. We're going to ignore the fact that I definitely took some inches off this skirt, so it isn't exactly century accurate. This is a new look for you as well. Benny Bellström wearing suspenders is something I never thought I'd see."
Surprised by her curtsey, Benny jumped to bow in a similar fashionâ awkwardly. His tall body bends over just a bit, nodding his head. He feels his cheeks begin to flush out of embarrassment, clearing his throat in order to dismiss the feeling. "Oh well, you know...." he looks down, tugging on the bands lightly. "...how... groundkeepers... do..." he says, brows knitting together, well aware he wasn't making any sense. "The chick at the Rabbit Hole helped me out. Said something about how I needed to grab one before they were sold out." He looks around then, noting just how many others sported the same look. "And she was right, clearly."
Noting the passing of two champagne glasses nearing them, Benny moves to grab them off the tray. "You can drink on the job, right?" he grins, holding it out for her to take. With his now free hand, Benny brushes his hair back, turning to face the crowd. "I didn't expect this many people to show upâ I didn't expect me to show up," he chuckles, taking a sip from his glass.
"Yeah, the diner," Dee echoed. Base to Benny. The dude had a way for wandering, now and then; wherever it was his friend went, Dee'd never done him the indignity of prying. If Benny wanted him to know something, he'd tell it. That simple. Seemed like he didn't mind sharing this story, at least. Even if it stung. And, shit - it did seem to, for all Benny tried to blow it off. Course it did. No wonder.
Dee held his smoke, waiting his friend out. Seeing if there was more where that came from, in those stops and starts and stiff little sentences. No? Alright. He'd say it, then. "Fu-uck." He sighed, the sympathy bone-deep. "Blows, man." Really fucking did. And all down to money, like so much was. Dee let that stand for a slow, beachfront minute, feeling the world start to fuzz out a little at the edges. "Hope the new boss is treating you alright, at least? Better be," Dee insisted with a wiry smirk, tugged a little askew by that burn crawling across his cheek. "You start having any kinda trouble - just let me know, hey? I've got, like... transferable skills, right..." That's what Elly had asked for, trying to put those resumes together for him; what little the Army had added to his list didn't seem to be transferable to much. Besides making some grim goddamn jokes, apparently.
Benny can only muster a shrug in response, neither confirming nor denying how he feels about his boss. He didn't want to think about it because the more he did, the more frustrated he'd get. Benny always did better when there was less to think about, and he worked hard to put all that tough shit in a dark place. He didn't like coming back to it. Still, he couldn't help but laugh at Dee's mention of 'transferable skills' âno doubt, hinting at his time in the Army. It wasn't the most tasteful joke, but Benny knew it was coming from the right place. Hell, if there was one. "I'll keep that in mind, man. Thanks," he says, grinning. He then takes another hit, inhaling as he digs his converse into the sand beneath them. The sounds of another song playing distract him momentarily, looking off to the ocean in deep consideration. "You ever think about leaving this place?" he asks, surprised he even thought of something so wild himself. "You know... if you could go anywhere," he adds, looking back at him, brows wiggling. Benny wasn't completely serious, but he couldn't deny the weight his question holds. Dee had a lot of ties to Stillwater, and he had someone he could travel the world with. But would he even want that?
She could feel the tension in Benny's body, just from where she'd touched him. While the duo had formed a rather strong bond, in literal terms, this was the closest they'd ever been and neither one seemed to know how they felt about it. As Don approached the counter, Phoenix could feel her heart begin to race, though that sensation was only heightened as Benny pressed his lips against the top of her head. It was funny to think of him being so soft and sweet with her, especially in a romantic sense. But as she gazed over at Don and back to Benny, she swore she could feel her cheeks burning a bright shade of pink.
"Actually, Karen told me she'd cover while I go on break." Phoenix smiled convincingly. "But don't worry, she'll take real good care of you, Don." If the man had been disappointed to begin with, then the news had come as even more of a blow to his ego. Seemingly hesitant, Don took a step backward, gazing in the direction of his usual booth before turning back toward Benny. "How'd a guy like you manage to land this one?" he scoffed.
Benny looked down when Phoenix corrected him, raising his brows. He was convinced himself, nodding with a small grin to see her wrapping up her interaction with him so smoothly. He wonders if she even really needed him, ultimately happy to be participating anyway. When Don questions him, he twists his brows, looking down at Phoenix for a moment as he studies her. He hums, out of character. Benny wasn't a hummerâ he grumbled. "Don't know, Don. I'm lucky, I guess," he says with ease, bringing the arm she held out of her grasp and around her for a half embrace. "Now give us some privacy and grab a seat before I kick you out for loitering," he waves the spatula with his other hand, rubbing her shoulders.
It was clear Benny had enough socializing for the night as he found himself connecting to being free exceptionally well. He sighed an incredible amount of relief the moment he stepped outside the manor, lighting a cigarette in celebration. While Benny wasn't a stranger to being around so many people, it was another to do itâ and be in costume. There was something so mentally taxing about that. In any case, the groundskeeper was desperate for some space, even if it meant going into some creepy corn maâ wait, is that blood?
He pauses momentarily, looking around after noting the overturned scarecrow. Arching a brow, Benny peeks at the blood trail leading him further into the maze, bending down. He notes the smellâ hair gel and nothing like real blood. He inhales sharply, pressing his tongue to his cheek as he returns to his feet. Benny discerns whoever put this together definitely had the time, and to simply walk away and mind his business would defeat the purpose of this murder... mystery. He sighs again, grumbling as he makes his way in.
The bustling sound of the party lessening gives Benny chills. He even shivers, moving along cautiously as the breeze passes, distracting him. The uneasiness he feels barely draws for concern until he finally connects the trail of blood to a bodyâ the figure of their Mayor slumped over a hay bale. The very sight of him drew a breath out of Benny, and he felt his temperature drop as he truly believed what he was seeing in front of him was real (even for just one second.) It wasn't only when the Mayor broke character by scratching his thigh whilst playing dead did he remember where he was. Benny exhaled, eyes fluttering as he found himself again, unsure how long he had been holding his breath.
The sound of chatter a few ways behind brings him back to reality. He turns when he hears them nearing, the female screaming at the sight as soon as they arrived at the end of the trail. Benny winces, her date chuckling at her enthusiasm. "Sir Reginald is dead!" she screams, unable to forgo a smile as she says it. Benny grumbles, making his way past them and out of the corn maze.
Benny wasn't all too psyched about participating in some sort of 'murder mystery party.' He nearly opted out of participating until he was convinced by a few friends to go, one pointing out that the book he was reading was a murder mystery and that it only made sense to play one out. After all, the role he was given fit him all too well, and Benny couldn't deny how easy it'd be to assimilate. In the end, peer pressure won (as it always did) as he found himself in old clothing that fit him oddly, his baggyâ worn-out button-down making him itch. He mindlessly pulls on the suspenders he was told to wear, eyes searching for anyone familiar. Spotting his favorite redhead, Benny makes his way as he notes her attire, a grin spreading wide with contentment. He approaches her from behind, leaning closely with a low tone. "19th Century suits you," he greets, leaning back. "The maid get-up..." he nods, bringing his hand out to form an 'okay' sign in serious approval.
