BRANTLEY HUDSON

[brantleyhudson]

Benji and Brantley || TEXTS

Benji: course, dude. i’ll come to you. be right there x

Brantley: Good morning, gorgeous. By the way.

Brantley: /How about a morning quickie, Benji?/

[brantleyhudson]

Benji and Brantley || TEXTS

Benji: good morning, handsome. how are you?

Brantley: I'm...Can you come over? Or can I come over?

[brantleyhudson]

Benji and Brantley || TEXTS

Brantley: Good morning, cutie.

[brantleyhudson]

benjijohnson​:

“Exactly, dude, you can basically do whatever the heck you like here. No rules, no pressure, no time restrictions, no nothing. You wanna be naked? You be naked!” Benji encourages. He could understand that, wondering about ones past life. Benji hadn’t done much of it himself, he didn’t tend to dwell on the past, he liked to focus on the present. And his current present was definitely more interesting. “I get that, we all thought once we were dead that’d be it but now we get the privilege of being a whole world away and remembering it all,” he says, sarcastically. “Oh?” he says, smirking. He’s only ever used to being this close to people when he’s having sex so this was a nice change. “Even if you had, I think I still would have turned up,” he admits.

Benji couldn’t help but notice everything in this moment, from the way Brantley’s eyes shut and the way he moved closer. He heard the way his breath stilled if only for a moment. He felt a fluttering feeling in his stomach when Brantley’s fingertips were back on his chest. He was clothed and it felt good, he couldn’t help but wonder how it would feel on his bare skin. His eyes met Brantley’s, a smile forming on his lips at Brantley’s admission. “Good,” he responses before his fingers are moving back to stroke through the other’s hair, slow, careful, testing the waters. He closes the gap between them so their foreheads are pressing together for a few seconds but every part of him wants to know what it would be like to kiss him. His lips brush against Brantley’s, slow, a barely there touch. “Can I…?” he asks, his had cupping the other’s cheek.

Nodding in agreement, Brantley’s smile only widened. “Right? It’s so strange, if you think about it. We spend our whole lives fixating on rules, politeness, expectations...Falling under systems we had no part in creating but are born into through no fault of our own...And told we have to follow pointless rules because, once again, someone else said so. Why? I mean, we’re forking dead. What does it even matter anymore?” He replied, realizing he was once again rambling. “Shirt, there I go again.” Rolling his eyes playfully, he wiggled his eyebrows a bit before replying. “Are you encouraging me to get naked, Benji?” Although Brantley tried his best not to worry about or spend to much time in the thought of Earth, there were some thoughts he couldn’t keep away. Not that they were negative, but more so that he felt the need to look in on situations he felt were unresolved. “Yeah, I know what you mean. The least they could’ve done was wipe our memories.” Laughing, he brought a leg casually over to rest against Benji’s calf, crossing his legs over the other’s in the process. “You would have, hmm?” He teased, sensing another ‘in’. “Well, I feel incredibly special. It isn’t every day someone as excellent as yourself says they’d put off something important for you.” 

That smile crossed Benji’s face, and Brantley was certain he might absolutely melt. Though, he did his best to hold it together. Humming, he leaned further into the other, his body relaxing with each passing second despite his stomach tightening. Those fingers through his hair, their foreheads together, the close proximity of their bodies...Brantley found himself nearly vibrating, though from anticipation, nerves, or excitement he simply wasn’t sure. Then, Benji’s hand found its way to his cheek, and those lips were moving closer, closer, their warmth teasing Brantley’s own as his entire body tingled warmly. “Y-Yes...” He breathed, his free hand finding its way down to grasp at Benji’s hip.

[brantleyhudson]

benjijohnson​:

When Brantley gave only a teasing ‘maybe’, Benji raised an eyebrow but didn’t push further. It honestly didn’t matter, did it? Whether it was part of the challenge or just a compliment, either way Benji liked it.

“Dude, no need to thank me,” he says with a small smile dancing on his lips. Although, he’d be the same, he’d want his guest to feel comfortable in his home but Benji did feel comfortable so it was a-okay. “I’m perfectly comfortable, your bed is comfy and you’re you, so you don’t gotta worry about that.” He meant that Brantley himself was just a comforting person to be around, he made Benji feel at ease. Benji may not notice a lot of things but when you’re this close to someone it’s hard to miss where his eyes fall so he doesn’t miss the ways his eyes flicker to his lips. “What’s on your mind?” he asks, voice quiet, gentle. He looks up to Brantley’s fingers running through his hair and oh, that is nice. “You’re welcome,” he says and he doesn’t think his voice has ever been as quiet as it in with those words. “I was doing this, laying in my own bed, having company is much better,” Benji adds with certainly to ensure Brantley knows he hasn’t caused any inconvenience.

As Brantley’s hand fell to his collarbone, over his chest, his eyes are cast down, following the movements, his jaw slack, mouth agape. He wants to ask ‘part of the challenge?’ but he’s not so sure what he would want the answer to be. He goes to speak but he has to clear his throat first before words will actually form. “Don’t apologise,” he says. He shifts even closer to Brantley, his own fingers threading through the other’s hair, then slowly down his cheek, before he pauses. “I liked it,” he admits.

Although Brantley noticed the rise of the eyebrow- of course he did, Deaf people are very in-tune with facial expression- though he didn’t comment. He wondered what it meant, though, and hoped he hadn’t done anything wrong. “Thanks for being alright with it, still. I’m usually more comfortable like this anyway, but...Like I said, it’s the afterlife. Why even bother at this point?” Though he chuckled, the shift in the mood and tone of the room was evident. “Oh, I mean...Several things I suppose. I have been wondering about things still happening on Earth. The people I knew, how they are. My students..,” His eyes dropped, though this time to the bed. They were brought back up quickly, though, and reconnected with Benji’s. “If you’re asking about why I’m restless, that is. In the moment, though...Maybe there’s more.” Teasing lightly, he smirked at the other momentarily before taking his bottom lip between his own teeth, chewing lightly as he considered what to say. Benji’s drop in tone was evident, but Brantley didn’t get the sense he’d necessarily done anything wrong. “No need to thank me, Benji...” He began, searching for any sign that he’d stepped out of line. “I’m glad I didn’t interrupt anything important.” 

Brantley near-mimicked the other man’s facial expressions as Benji reached over and began to play with his hair. Closing his eyes slowly, he couldn’t help but to lean a little further into the other, their foreheads nearly resting against each other in the moment. The air around them was heavy, the tension building, though Brantley still wasn’t 100% confident in making the first move, if one was going to be made. Then came that admission, and Brantley held his breath as he searched for an answer. “I...I can do it again, then.” He replied softly, his fingertips finding their way back to Benji’s chest as he brought his eyes back up to lock onto the others. “I liked...What you did there, too.”

[brantleyhudson]

benjijohnson​:

Benji heard Brantley’s voice and made his way to his bedroom. He wasn’t someone who was shy around people, even in their bedrooms so he walked in there like he owned the place. He didn’t miss the way Brantley’s eyes ran over his body and honestly the attention was nice. Benji had always been an attention whore in life, that wasn’t going to change just because he was dead. He strikes a pose, his hand resting on his hips. “If this is part of the challenge, dude I am so glad I challenged you to this!” Benji replies with a grin on his face. He likes compliments, likes when people say positive thongs about him whatever the context may be. And especially when they come from such a cute face like Brantley’s.

“Of course it’s okay you’re in your underwear, dude, this is your home, you do what you gotta do,” he assures before he’s climbing into the other’s bed, sliding in next to him with ease. “Dude, comfy,” he says. “It sucks you had a restless night!” he says, pouting slightly at him as he lays on his side, putting himself in a more comfortable position so he’s facing Brantley head on.

Benji’s posing made Brantley laugh, something that came so naturally around the other. Of course he’d said what he’d said as part of the challenge, but the longer things went on, the more he began to suspect that perhaps accepting the challenge had been his way of granting himself permission to flirt. It wasn’t as if he hadn’t wanted to, though his own thoughts and anxieties held him back. It was the what ifs that really got to him- what if he made a fool of himself, what if he came off wrong, what if he came on too strong, what if Benji was uncomfortable, what if he was reading every sign and signal wrong...The variables were just too vast for Brantley to normally feel comfortable just...Jumping in. Something about this, though, was different. The ease he felt with Benji, the way he couldn’t help but to hang onto every word that tumbled from those lips...Brantley Hudson was a goner, and he knew it. He just couln’t help but to wonder if Benji did, too. “It might be.” He replied teasingly, watching closely as Benji made his way into bed. 

“Thanks for not judging. This might be my home, but I’ve invited you over, so your comfort is equally as important.” Brantley studied Benji’s face as the other positioned himself, his eyes falling to those lips more than once before refocusing on his face. “Thanks, I think so. Feather tops are the way to go, man. As far as not sleeping...” He sighed, allowing his head to fall towards the pillows. “Just a lot on my mind, I suppose. It’ll be alright.” Their faces and bodies both were so close together, he could feel the warmth radiating from the other man. Unable to stop himself, he reached forward and carded his fingers gently through Benji’s hair. “Thank you for being here, though. I hope I didn’t interrupt anything too important.” Brantley’s hand fell slowly, his fingertips tracing a light pattern over Benji’s collarbone and chest, though he was still fully clothed. “S-sorry.” He stuttered, dropping his eyes and pulling his hand away. 

[brantleyhudson]

benjijohnson​:

face to face | nap time

Waking up to the good morning text from Brantley for the second day in a row was nice. Really nice. He liked it. It was sweet, Brantley was sweet. He was glad he had met him and that he gets someone awesome in his afterlife to hang out with. Plus, a nap buddy? Heck yes. Sign him up. He liked cuddles, he was lame like that. He liked physical contact, he always had, and he didn’t just mean sexual contact although that was also something he really enjoyed, too. He climbs out of bed and pulls on a pair of grey sweat pants and a thin t-shirt. He doesn’t bother with a jacket or anything, because he’s literally just going to be climbing back into a bed.

He makes his way to Brantley’s house, and no he does not rush, he walks at a normal pace, definitely. He knocks when he gets there but then remembers Brantley’s text about having to get out of bed to just put pants on so he probably wouldn’t want to move to open the door. So he just lets himself in. “Just me, dude, didn’t want to make you get outta bed,” he shouts. “Shout back, lemme follow your voice,” he says as he kicks his shoes off and walks further into the other’s house, the door shutting behind him. 

@brantleyhudson

Placing his phone next to him on the bed, Brantley did his best to wait for Benji as patiently as possible. Though, he couldn’t say he was finding that to be the easiest task. Of course the texts had been sent out of genuine care, but also because part of him simply couldn’t not. Ever since their lunch meeting, followed by a day of hanging out, joking around, and getting to know each other, Brantley found himself with Benji on his mind more often than not. It wasn’t the most foreign of feelings- of course he’d felt like this before. Though most of the time, in life, he’d never had the guts to act on it. Though, this was different, especially with the acceptance of the challenge that had been laid before him. Running a hand over his face, he kept his eyes trained on the doorway to his bedroom. Although he’d initially planned on getting up to get dressed, he’d ultimately decided against it, leaving on nothing more than his boxer-briefs. 

Although he didn’t hear the door open, Brantley heard Benji’s words, and responded immediately. “Hey, man! Down the hall on the right!” As soon as the man stepped into his room, Brantley’s eyes couldn’t help but to run over the length of his figure, and he had to admit Benji looked darn good in those sweatpants. Scooting over, he patted the now-empty side of the bed. “You look really handsome today, you know. Those sweatpants are doing things for your figure.” He tested, partially remembering the challenge at hand but also wanting to let the other know. “Come join me, yeah? I hope it’s alright I’m still in my underwear.”

[brantleyhudson]

Benji and Brantley || TEXTS

Benji: cutie, is that my new nickname?? cos i like it. i love it when my challenges are accepted. do your best.

Benji: ooooh, don't tease me like that brantley, i might actually want you to hold me hostage if that's an option. having to put pants on in your own home isn't fun. impatient. im coming, dweeb x

Brantley: It might be. I've got a couple of others to test out, doll. I'm glad you like that one, though. I'll keep that in mind ;). I had a feeling that was the case. Oh, I absolutely will.

Brantley: You're quite tempting, Benji. I think you know that, though. That's very true. I usually just hang out in my underwear because, this is the afterlife? Fuck clothes. Yeah, I am. It has been, like, a whole 12 hours since I've seen that face. [unsent: Not yet you aren't, but maybe later.] Be safe, dweeb. xx

[brantleyhudson]

Benji and Brantley || TEXTS

Benji: i am sooo down for it, dude. that's your mission, be as cute as possible, see if you can make us explode! sounds like a fun game to me. you should defo get on that, you're kinda great. mhmmmm, very cute, you're not wrong.

Benji [deleted]: we could do more then nap

Benji: but at least i'll have got some fresh air before getting back into bed and that's whats important! i'm coming dude, see your cute face soon

Brantley: Alright then, cutie, just remember you asked for it. Challenge accepted. Oh, it definitely does. I can't wait to see it, then.

Brantley: That's true. And, who knows? Maybe I'll let you out long enough to get some more, later. Jkjk, you aren't my hostage. For now ;). Cool. I should probably put clothes on, but that requires getting up. Hurry over.

[brantleyhudson]

Benji and Brantley || TEXTS

Benji: doo it, say all the cute things! you are. have you met yourself??? so! cute! awww, dude, you're gonna make me blush.

Benji: i'm good with either dude! i can come to you. it'll get me up and out because i haven't moved out of bed yet and that just ain't good for me

Brantley: You sure you're down for that? I'll overload you. Things will be so cute, we might both explode. You know, I don't think I have, formally. I should get on that. I'll bet that blush will be cute, too.

Brantley: You're funny. Getting out of bed, to potentially come and get back in bed, should we decide to nap. Feel free to head over whenever.

[brantleyhudson]

Benji and Brantley || TEXTS

Benji: that's a cute thing to say. you're cute.

Benji: dude, that sucks!! you wanna do something? we could nap together! or just go out and take your mind off whatever it is that might be making you restless.

Brantley: Yeah? I could say a lot more cute things, too. Id am, huh? You are too, I do hope you're aware.

Brantley: Sure! Whatever you're up for. I could come to you, and just see what happens, where the day takes us. Or you're welcome here, too. Either or.

[brantleyhudson]

Benji and Brantley || TEXTS

Benji: i would defo like that.

Benji: only alright?? why wasn't it better than alright??

Brantley: I'm glad you would. I'd definitely like doing it.

Brantley: Eh, I'm just a little restless right now, I think.

[brantleyhudson]

Benji and Brantley || TEXTS

Benji: i could defo get used to these good morning texts. they're nice, dude.

Benji: i did, thank you!! did you?

Brantley: Well, I'll have to keep them coming, then.

Brantley: That's great to hear. It was alright, I suppose.

[brantleyhudson]

Benji and Brantley || TEXTS

Brantley: Hey, good morning.

Brantley: Did you sleep well?

[brantleyhudson]

benjijohnson​:

“Dweebs find dweebs, apparently,” he says with a grin. “And you are good company, dude, I’m having a good time,” he admits. You know, despite his naked comment. “Misunderstandings do happen but don’t hold it against me, please?” he says sweetly, fluttering his eyelashes. He nods his head eagerly. “Dude, yes, I mean it. Not only is it kind of an awesome thing to know, I think more people should know ASL, not just Deaf people. It’s helpful, right? It’s another language and if you wanna teach me it, I’m 100% down to learn,” he agrees. It probably shouldn’t have taken Benji meeting a Deaf person to learn it but that’s the issue, isn’t it? People don’t do things unless it directly affects them. He likes hearing about Brantley’s knowledge on the subject, it wasn’t something he knew a lot about and obviously Brantley knew a lot about it. “That must be awful, for people who don’t get the same support or who are told to change… to be ‘fixed’,” he says, scrunching his nose up at the idea. “I’m glad you had the right support, though, dude.  Even if you do call it privilege, it could have easily been you who went to a hearing school and not felt like being who you were was okay.” He shocks himself a little with how deep he sounds. He doesn’t talk seriously about things, about serious issues, but it’s so easy with Brantley. He laughs loudly. “Yes, you did, you are a warrior!”

Benji knows that he’s going to be wanting to spend more time with Brantley, he’s kind of awesome. “Yes, dude, I’m so here for it. What’s your favourite kind of ice-cream?” he asks. He likes how enthusiastic Brantley is to give him book recommendations and that alone makes Benji more eager to hear them and want to read them. “Take your time, dude, whenever you have ideas, just send them my way. Day or night, I’ll make a list! Lists are helpful.” He’s not a lists type of person but if he has a list, he can mark off what he’s read because otherwise he’ll forget. “Honestly, I’m good with anything,” he assures him. “You defo don’t seem like the type of person to cross a line but don’t worry, if you ever do, I’ll let you know.

“If you ever want to do anything silly, I’m your guy,” he says, proud, puffing his chest in a joking manner. “You’re an academic type and you’re fun. You make jokes, and are easy to talk to. So they’re losers and you’re not,” he decides. “Well…” he says, trailing off before he takes another drink of his water. He laughs at Brantley’s joke. “I mean, I ate fancy meals with my clients but if I was fending for myself, I went with quick and easy. Potato waffles are dead easy. Also Mac and Cheese, another good option. But my diet mostly consisted of potato waffles and cheap wine. I’m an easy man to please.”

“Well, pleased to make your acquaintance, fellow dweeb.” Brantley joked, his eyes locking onto Benji’s. “Oh, but of course. After all, who could say no to that face?” He continued, carrying on the joke yet knowing there was more truth to the statement than he was really letting on. He did, in fact, think Benji was adorable, and he would’ve had quite a difficult time truly staying mad at him, even in the short time they’d known each other. The man’s enthusiasm at learning his language was indescribable- it amazed him how truly interested Benji seemed. “Yeah, absolutely! I wouldn’t mind at all! Whenever, I’m sure we can set something up. We’ll start with basics, and build from there. The alphabet is the first step, though. Do you know any of it?” He asked, taking a sip of his tea. The more Benji talked, the more Brantley felt like the other man got it. He understood what was being said, and approached the topic with nothing but respect. That was beyond impressive to Brantley, and was something he was certain he wouldn’t soon forget. “You’re exactly right. It’s the world-view that Deafness is something to be fixed- an indicator that something is broken. I don’t see it that way, though. And, truth be told, even if someone would have come to me on Earth, with a magic pill that would’ve made me hear again...I wouldn’t have taken it. Not at all. This language, this community, this culture have given me so much...Well, it’s hearbreaking to think of rejecting it. And, it’s even worse to think that people out there don’t even know it exists. So, thank you. For being so kind. So respectful. It really does mean a lot.” That last comment really threw Brantley for a loop. “I’m not sure I’d go that far, but it’s sweet of you to think so.”

Benji’s positive reaction to the idea of further hanging out pleased Brantley, he adored the fact that he could have such an easy conversation with the other, and he certainly wanted it to continue. He hadn’t talked this much in...He couldn’t even remember when, truthfully. “I’m glad you’re down for it. It should be a good night, I think. My favorite? Wow, that’s a hard pick. I’m kind of a sucker for ice cream. I like weirder flavors, though. LIke pumpkin. German chocolate. Butter pecan. Stuff like that. What about you, Benji?” Tipping his head forward, Brantley adjusted himself to get a little more comfortable in his seat. “Great, I’ll definitely be sending some recommendations your way. I’ll start tonight, even. I’m pumped. I always love introducing people to new books- helping someone get into reading, figuring out what it is that sparks that fire for them...I’ve always loved it. Even as a kid, people used to come to me in school for book recommendations. Apparently, I really am a dweeb.” Laughing heartily, he leaned back in his seat once again, watching as the waitress approached with his cheese and ranch. Thanking her, he began to sprinkle the cheese over the length of the potato waffle, before scooting the food over on the place, clearing a space for him to add a dollop of ketchup without having the edge of the waffle touch the condiment before he was ready. “Sorry,” He began, glancing up. “I’m...Kind of a weird eater. I wont’ say picky, that really isn’t the word. I just...Don’t like it when things touch.” He admitted, hoping the other wouldn’t find him odd. 

“I’ll have to keep that in mind, then. Maybe we’ll have to do something silly one day. Tell me, Benji, does one plan for silly? Or does one simply....Allow silly to happen?” Joking with Benji was so incredibly easy for Brantley, just another facet of the conversation he enjoyed immensely. He practically giggled when the other made the joking commentary about the people he used to work and socialize with. “That...About sums it up.” He admitted, shaking his head playfully. “I appreciate your assessment though. I’ll take the label of ‘Fun Academic’ any day.” Picking up his fork, he cut a corner neatly from the waffle, dipping it into the ketchup before popping it into his mouth. Chewing slowly, he began to nod once again. “Mmmm, yeah! This is...Surprisingly really forking good!” He admitted, cutting another piece and dipping it once again into the ketchup. “Wow. That’s...I mean, I guess it worked while you were on Earth and all but, man, that’s just unacceptable here. I’m going to have to cook for you sometime soon, I can see that coming now.”

[brantleyhudson]

benjijohnson​:

“Oh, dude, I so am a dweeb. I was a total loner in High School, I just had my best friend. It seems the older generation are more interested in me,” he jokes considering his oldest client had been only forty-one. Oh no. Benji’s eyes widen when Brantley corrects him. “Oh… dude. I am… well, shirt, don’t I sound like a big headed idiot?” he lets out an awkward laugh and avert his eyes for a moment. He silently berates himself because he is a massive idiot and he needs to learn to listen better. “Dude, sorry. Really. Ignore me. It seems I talk better than I listen and understand.” This is one of those things where he’ll be going about his day and remember he said a stupid thing to a super nice guy and relive the embarrassment all over again. He’s glad the subject is back to something that doesn’t involve Benji’s food in his mouth. “I would have definitely talked to you on Earth. Dude, I would have even learnt ASL. I kinda still wanna learn it, to be honest,” he says. He has a fond smile on his face when he hears Brantley talking about the Deaf community being tight knit. “That’s nice, that you had that, a community and stuff. It’s always good when you surround yourself with people who get you, or who want to get and understand you.” He was glad that the other didn’t think he was weird for his line of work, or what he liked. “If I ever do say something that you’re, kinda, like ‘wow please stop’, just tell me to shut up, okay? I kind good at following instructions,” he adds, smirking.

“I am so totally down for that, for both, the reading and the watching. Just lemme know when, and I shall appear,” he agrees easily. He may have only just met Brantley but they haven’t shut up and he already wants to spend more time with him. “Gimme all the recommendations. I have all the time in the world, I may as well get some reading done. I never read enough when I was alive, so I may as well make up for it now. Honestly, just tell me any books you think I might like, and I’ll read them and let you know what I think.” It would be like they were involved in their very own, little book club which was all kinds of adorable and Benji was here for it. He shakes his head and rushes to assure the other he doesn’t need to worry. “You didn’t, honestly you’re fine.

Benji’s hums in agreement and nods his head as Brantley speaks. He likes that they’re so similar in what they think and yet it isn’t just a ‘I agree’ type of conversation. It flows and they seem to bounce off of each other. “Exactly, my dude, we don’t want constant negative in this house. We want fun and silly!” he declares. “Thanks, I appreciate it. Same goes for you. Whatever might annoy you in our little afterlife here, vent away!” He always had people in his life he didn’t want to vent to, his mom had her own issues, his clients weren’t his friends and his ex didn’t always understand him. “Do it! To both. Half and half, and cheese it up. No judgement here,” he assures him, excited to see how Brantley liked it.

“Well, I mean, if that’s the standard we’re going by, I am also a dweeb. I’m in good company, I suppose.” Chuckling, Brantley lifted a hand to run over his face as he shook his head. “Hey, it’s no big deal man, really. Misunderstandings happen all the time. Don’t worry about it!” Doing his best to make the other feel as calm as possible, he did his best to soothe. At Benji’s admission, Brantley’s eyes widened. He took in a sharp breath, almost gasping. “You mean that?” He asked, his features softening completely. “I mean I’d be down to teach you. If you do. If you wanted.” Shrugging, Brantley did his best to act casual, wondering if Benji had noticed the blush dousing his cheeks once more. “Yeah, I really don’t know what I would have done if I hadn’t. I was lucky, my parents actually did their research. Some Deaf kids, born to hearing parents, don’t have that type of support system. Either their parents stick them into mainstream, hearing schools where they’re challenged and held back, and...All sorts of other things I’m sure you’re not interested in hearing me drone on about...Or they listen to the doctors who tell them their child needs an immediate brain surgery to implant a Cochlear which...Don’t even get me started, there.” Letting out a breath, he realized he was rambling once again. “I just mean...I realize the kind of privilege at least growing up within the community afforded me. And, I can promise you Benji, I don’t offend or scare easily. I taught high schoolers, remember?” Grinning, Brantley leaned forward as their conversation shifted once again.

“Fantastic. I’ll look forward to it. We’ll make a night of it- snacks, ice cream, the whole nine yards.” Nodding excitedly, Brantley wondered when might be too soon to plan something like that. Social skills had never been his strongest suit, not among his peers, especially. Though, his eyes brightened once Benji accepted his offer for book recommendations. “Shirt, that’s awesome! Yeah, give me tonight and a day or so to think about it, I’ll hit you up with something really soon. And don’t worry, I’ll stay away from all my 1,000 pagers, if you’d prefer.” At Benji’s response, Brantley felt himself relax a little further. “Good, I’m certainly glad for that. Please, feel free to let me know should I ever cross a line as well. I wouldn’t want to do that, believe me.”

“Fun and silly are awesome, I can support that. Though, truth be told, I can’t really remember the last time I really ‘did’ silly.” Brantley admitted, his eyes falling to his place almost shyly. “A lot of the people I did hang out with were very serious. Academic types. Mostly people I met in college, a couple I taught with.” Nodding his appreciation for Benji’s reciprocated offer, he lifted a hand to call over the waitress. After requesting cheese and ranch, he turned his attention back towards the other. “This should be good. Are there any other foods you enjoy, or were you living solely off potatoes? If you were, I think  can understand why you’re here.” Brantley teased.

[brantleyhudson]

benjijohnson​:

“Yeah, no, I get it. I didn’t do vanilla sex often so I would never get bored of it which is kinda weird. I feel like a twenty-four year old probably should have just been doing mostly vanilla sex. Especially when you’re a dweeb like me,” he says with a laugh. He 100% thinks that if he hadn’t gotten into his line of work, sex for him would have definitely been vanilla and, like, he would have lost his virginity a lot later in life. When Brantley says that the best place to start exploring was with him, his eyes widen slightly and his mouth forms an ‘o’ shape. He so totally wasn’t expecting that to be his response. “You wanna get naked with me?” he asks, eyebrows raised. “Or did you just mean, like, getting info? Cause, wow, I just realised I assumed you want to have sex with me and you barely know me, and, like, that is all kinds of big headed. I promise I’m not big headed,” he rushes to say. Ignoring how he potentially may have offended Brantley, he intently listens to how it works here with being able to understand people. “I mean nothing makes sense anymore, but I think I get you. Kinda weird, though, for you, right? Were you born Deaf or did something happen to cause the your deafness?” he asks, genuinely curious. He’s never met a deaf person before and he has no idea if he’s being offensive or not. “If I’m overstepping with anything, just let me know, okay? I tend to ask too many questions.” When Brantley asks him to expand on those two things, he can’t help but let out another laugh. “I love that we’re just openly talking about sex in a cafe,” he says, a smirk dancing on his lips. “But sure, impact play is like… okay, spanking, yeah? Like that. But more. Like, Peter’s fave thing to use was crops,” he explains casually. He wasn’t an expert on it and Peter was his only client that was actually into it as a full time thing, the BDSM world, that is. “And suspension is a form of bondage, so, like I’d be hung in the air while being tied up…” he trails off and presses his lips together. “Do you think I’m a freak?” he asks, letting out a laugh.

“Yeah, he is!” Benji agrees, loving that Brantley is excited about that. He loves meeting people who like the same things as him. “They were super good reads,” he says. He’s a little impressed with how well Brantley speaks about things, especially books, he sounds so intelligent and Benji is out here just constantly saying things he likes are ‘awesome’. “Dude, I have faith in you, you  can totes write an awesome story with a cool world and cool characters,” he encourages. The grin on Brantley’s face was adorable and Benji’s cheeks were hurting from smiling back at him so much. “An accomplishment?” he asks. “I’ve never been told that before… but thanks,” he says, sincere, his voice less loud and excitable in that moment. Brantley just seems so nice. “Ooooh, nice. Yes, I approve of that word! he says with a nod of his head.

“Oh, of course, dude,” Benji agrees easily. “People need people, I agree but when it’s allll the time, it’s just too much. Everyone has down days but some people are just so negative all the darn time, they never have a positive thought and, ugh, it’s annoying,” he vents before a cheeky grin appears on his lips. “Like, if that was me all the time, complaining, you’d get pretty fed up, wouldn’t you?” He’s a firm believer that if you put negativity into the world, that’s all you’re going to get back from it. When the potato waffles arrive, Benji bouncing in his seat, excited. It’s sad that it’s the only type of food he does get excited for. “These looks awesome!” he agrees. “Oh, I always, always have mine with ketchup. The perfect duo. But my mum used to have hers with Ranch. What do you wanna try with it?” he asks.

Rolling his eyes, Brantly tipped his head dramatically backwards, sighing. “Oh please, you are not a dweeb. Not in any sense of the word. You’re into what you’re into. No need to be apologetic.” At Benji’s next words, Brantley nearly choked. Coughing lightly, he immediately turned a deep shade of crimson. “What? Oh, gosh, I didn’t...I’m sorry, I must’ve worded that poorly. I meant ‘yourself’ as in...Myself. As in with...Self...Practicing...Exploring your own...Body.” Brantley was more than aware that he was now as red as a tomato, his eyes bouncing, unable to meet Benji’s. Though, he couldn’t help but to note that the other hadn’t had a totally negative reaction to the thought. Laughing, he took in a deep breath as he prepared to answer the questions presented to him. “Yeah, it’s really strange. I don’t...I mean, I wasn’t born Deaf, no. I went Deaf when I was 3. Meningitis. So I can’t say I don’t have any recollection of hearing. But it’s...Slight. Spotty. So, this is...Strange. I like it, though. People are actually talking to me, now. I didn’t get...A lot of that on Earth.” Dropping his head, he cleared his throat again. He didn’t often let his experiences get him down, though in moments like this, replaying the memories so vividly in his own heard, it was hard not to. Though, he didn’t stay down for long. “It was fine, though. I had my community members. The Deaf community is really, really tight knit. Kinda have to be, I guess. Anyway, please, feel free to ask anything you’d like. Overstepping isn’t possible, I promise.” Smiling, Brantley did his best to reassure Benji. “It’s always really cool when someone is actually interested in learning.” He listened as Benji elaborated upon his previous responses, his eyebrows widening with each passing word. “No! I don’t think that at all, Benji. I’m just...Not very familiar with those things. But, like I said earlier, man, you’re into what you’re into. And that’s awesome. It’s awesome to be so...Adventurous.” 

“Well, maybe we’ll have to get together sometime and read the comics. Watch the show, too, if you’re into that.” Letting the offer stand, Brantley nodded at Benji’s comments about the novels. “They were. If you’re interested in doing some reading here, I’d be happy to compile you a list of other good, Dystopian works. I mean, if you’re interested. I could even throw in a couple new genres, if you’re interested in that as well.” The shift in Benji’s tone was obvious, and Brantley furrowed his eyebrows momentarily, trying to ascertain whether or not he’d done something upsetting. “You’re welcome. I hope I didn’t cross a boundary there, myself.” 

“I see exactly what you’re saying. Wallowing is one thing I couldn’t ever tolerate. I mean, you can feel pity for people. Empathy, sympathy, whatever you want to call it. That’s great- necessary it’s even. It’s human. But yeah, you can’t let yourself live in negativity. Shirt sucks sometimes. But it’s the same for everyone, I think.” That grin didn’t escape Brantley’s notice, and he took his bottom lip between his teeth momentarily. “I mean, if you ever need to vent, I’m here.” He wasn’t sure what else to say, because he didn’t want Benji to get the idea that he’d ever be opposed to listening or being some form of support should the other require it. The man’s excitement at the deliverance of the food made Brantley’s heart skip a beat, and he couldn’t help but to think it was beyond adorable. “Uhm....Half and half? Both sound great. Would you judge me if I asked for cheese?”