Escapism

Benny Wilson Actor/Celebrity

[xbenwilson]

heartfoundcd‌:

When he had been pulled in for a hug, Andrew didn’t want to let go. Again, every fiber of his being wanted to hang on to them, and let them know that they are here, and that everything will be okay. He found himself holding onto him, but it wasn’t enough, and before he knew it, they had pulled away. He hated how empty he felt whenever they pulled away, but Andrew had to compose himself. It wasn’t about him, but about their comfort. Their words had hit him deeply because Andrew wasn’t expecting them to say anything of that sort. He wanted to shake his head in response, and deny any claims of him being so wonderful because they both knew that if he were truly the best person, then they would be alright and not feeling this way. Yet, all Andrew could do was listen, and then watch them step back to set more rules regarding movies. 

Andrew wasn’t complaining by the rules they had set and nodded to let them know he understood. When they were off to the bathroom, Andrew headed back into his room, a smile reappearing at the words that played through his mind does that work for you often? Ben had asked and Andrew could only shake his head in response. The red tint that filled his cheeks was a whole another response. Pulling out a warm set of pjs which was long sleeved shirt, and a pair of red and black plaid pajama bottoms, Andrew set them into their room before heading back downstairs. 

While Ben showered, Andrew pulled out his DVD movie collection – movies he knew weren’t on Netflix, Amazon Prime or even Hulu – not that he knew of anyway. The options he picked were Pretty Woman, You’ve Got Mail, and Monty Python and the Holy Grail as for now. With those three picked out for the time being, he headed into the kitchen to get started on the tea, this way when Ben was down it wouldn’t be scalding hot. With the kettle being placed on the stove, Andrew waited for the water to come to a boil, and as he did so he pulled out the tea as well as the washed mint leaves. 

The best thing about tea was that you didn’t have to wait for so long. When the water came to a good boil, he added the tea into the water and let it boil for a moment before adding the mint leaves. Rather than letting the mint boil in for so long, he moved the kettle off the stove just to let the leaves and tea steep in together for a few minutes and while that was happening, Andrew pulled two cups from the cabinet. 

He added a teaspoon of sugar into each cup, noting that it would be the right amount of flavor and not too strong or too sweet before pouring the cups. He was just about to mix the tea and sugar when Ben had ducked beneath his arm. “Oh, hello to you too.” he laughed as he felt the other’s wet hair hitting his neck. That sent a chill down his own spine and he had to stop mixing - both for safety reasons and to keep his own balance. “Okay, lets get you under the blankets first and then i’ll come back for the tea.” he decided as he left the spoon on the counter and with an arm wrapped around Ben to keep them close, he led them back into the living room. “I was going to pick out more according to your rules, but let me get the blankets first.” he decided The movies could wait for the time being.

There was a blanket at the end of the couch which was fine for the time being, so as he tucked them in with the blanket, Andrew left to grab a thicker, bigger blanket for the both of them. Returning a minute later, he draped the blanket over Ben before going back to the kitchen to grab the cups of tea. “I promise the tea will warm you up.” he called out as he made his way back to the living room carefully.

He set the tea cups down on the coffee table in front of them and then grabbed his stacks of papers to move to the side. “Okay, which movie? I think we should watch Monty Python and the Holy Grail because it has been a while and it’s a great classic, but I have more if none of these are to your liking. Hell, you can choose if you like or we can stick to Netflix?” he asked. “Drink the tea.” he added as a reminder. The mint would help him stay calm but it was also good for warmth;

“Hello.” Ben mumbled back into the fabric under their mouth before perking right up. Blankets, yes that’s what they wanted. Tea didn’t sound terrible either, but absolutely second priority. But this is exactly what Ben’d been referencing. Most people would have laughed and pushed them away, but not Andy. Nope, he’d keep them close for the entire walk to the living room before draping them with not one, but two blankets. They were so fucking spoiled and loving every minute of it. 

The shivers began to cease under the weight of the second blanket and they let out a soft sigh before calling out a happy, “You are the best human in the whole world.” And Ben honestly had no idea how he was still standing by Ben’s side, but damn, were they grateful for it. Luckily, Andy wasn’t far behind and Ben was careful to remain real steal until the cups were set down and they were quickly opening their blankets so Andy could join them. “Quick, you’re letting all the hot air out!”

Truthfully, they didn’t care at all what movie was playing. They would likely nod off at some point during the first, maybe second, if Andy stayed close and warm. It’d been a very long couple of weeks - months - if they were being honest and since here was safe and Andy was looking out for them - Ben was fairly certain sleep wouldn’t be such a slippery bastard here. 

“Monty’s fine.” Ben said as they reached forward to get the tea and even managed to wait patiently for everything to get set up before tipping over and crowding into their best friend’s space. They cradled the tea-cup but otherwise, mostly tipped against Andy, letting their knees fall against their legs and their head rest on their shoulder as the familiar opening began. 

A large yawn slipped out before it’d even begun, so they raised the tea to sip on, hoping the action would buy them at least an hour more of consciousness, but truly felt the last dregs of tension and stress fall off their shoulders and back. This was exactly what they’d needed. Their mind was quiet, body warm, and soul...so happy and light. At least for now. 

[xbenwilson]

rcnningcircles‌:

“Mysterious is kind of my brand.” Wolf replies with a shrug, taking a final drag off of his cigarette. Dropping it to the ground, he stamps it out, glancing back over at Ben after a moment. He wasn’t exactly an open book, so he appreciated the fact that the other man wasn’t about to pry, nodding slowly. “Besides…I can’t tell ya all of my secrets all at once. That’d be no fun.” He points out, a smirk flickering over his lips. “Keep trying though. I just might surprise you.” 

“Your brand?” Ben repeated, delighted by the concept. Their eyes were following Wolf’s movements, body still lax and open where they were leaning against the wall. They really were becoming fascinated by the other and it’d been so long since anybody new had caught their attention like this. Maybe their apathy was finally staring to lift. “You’re right. Learning it all now wouldn’t be very fun.” But their eyes were sparkling at the implication that there’d be secrets to learn and more stolen conversations in dicey alley ways. “You’re probably going to regret giving me permission.” Ben cautioned. “But deal. Do I have to let you go back to work now?” 

[xbenwilson]

lonclyroad‌:

Setting the rest of the drinks on an empty spot on the counter, Emery cracks open one of the cans of iced tea, following Ben over to where he was pouring the drinks. “That’s good, thanks.” He says after a generous amount is poured out, adding some tea to the glass. “I don’t smoke, but I don’t mind if you do.” Bringing the glass to his lips. Emery takes a sip, the vodka burning at his throat as he swallows. “Don’t let me stop you.” 

Ben continued humming the song in their head as the drinks were made and permission to smoke was given. It could probably wait a bit, as they didn’t want to be rude. “Hm. There’s food, if you’re hungry. Or, um, dancing, I think in the ...dancing room, but I don’t see you much of a dancing guy.” It was hard sometimes to find a strain of conversation with strangers. “Sometimes I think parties should have quiet rooms. With like bean bags and big fluffy pillows and warm blankets and like...comedies or something playing? For when you just need a few minutes.” Especially when it was bloody cold all the time. “Maybe I’ll throw .... like a slow jam pj party.” Their mind started to go planning that before frowning slightly and turning back up at the other. “Do you think there’s anywhere still serving warm food?” Their eyes went wide. “Like pancakes! I think I might be hungry? Do you like pancakes?” 

[xbenwilson]

heartfoundcd‌:

Andrew could only smile at the reaction elicited from the other. He made a mental note to fix both of them a nice hot glass of mint tea before he sat back to eat. While the other fiddled with his soup, it hadn’t gone unnoticed by Andrew, which only caused the worry within him to grow. They weren’t eating, and he didn’t know what to do. Andrew wasn’t going to force them to eat, better to rest anyway after a long flight, but he hoped their appetite would return in a few hours. 

“Trust me Ben, if I had a problem with any of this, I would not have used the billion personal hours I have to stay home with my favorite person. You and I are both going to be fine.” and it was the truth, for the past 4 years of teaching he had enough personal hours that he can use for emergencies, and this was perfect. His best friend was back, so yes he was going to use the time to take off as long as he needed to be there for them. “You on the other hand will have to let me know if you need space because you’ll grow annoyed with me constantly chatting away.” Had he forgotten the times they had sleepovers as kids? Andrew would never sleep, he was too busy talking about his day, or telling ghost stories, or even forcing the other to watch movies with him. The thought made him smile, because despite that, they hadn’t grown irritated of him. 

“Good, I don’t want to be alone either.” he added quietly and agreed to the words that came out of their mouth. Why plan anything when they could just go with the flow? That seemed better to Andrew as well, and when Ben mentioned showering, he nodded. “That sounds great, I will show you where the bathroom is, you take your shower, i’ll make the tea and pick out a movie and we can spend the night watching movies, so i’ll pick out a few.” He waved off his comment about the dishes, gesturing towards the dishwasher. “No need to get your hands wet.” he added as he stood up. 

“While i’m at it, let me show you to your room. I know you don’t want to unpack everything right now so i’ll give you something of mine to wear.” he spoke while grabbing Ben’s luggage along the way. 

Andrew led the way upstairs, while unsure if they remembered the outline of his house, but as a reminder, he pointed to the first door on the left. “This is my room, i’ll give you the tour of it once you’re out of the shower, and your room is down here.” Which was just a few steps down the hall and the second door to the right. He led them to their room and in doing so he placed their luggage in the corner. “Go unwind, take a nice warm shower, i’ll have something for you to wear when you’re done.” He added quietly after facing them. They were fortunate to be the same height and size, which is why Andrew wasn’t worried about fitted clothing. His clothes would be a perfect fit for them. 

“Favorite person?” Ben echoed, a little surprised that was a title they still held after everything. The concept of personal hours was a bit foreign to them, but they weren’t surprised to hear Andrew’d been hoarding them rather than using them. A small nod accompanied Andy’s promise they’d be fine and they hoped they would be. That’d been the goal of coming here and all. A small smile touched their lips as Andy warned that it’d likely be Ben growing tired of Andrew’s chatter and maybe they would, but not in the way Andy’d think. It wasn’t that it got annoying, just…keeping up appearances and doing all the things that “normal” people did in a day could get exhausting. All they’d done was get in a car, go through an airport, fly on a plane, and get dinner and they were ready to lay down and not move for a few hours. Had nothing to do with the company, it was just their broken brain.

Though, their eyes flew up to Andy’s as he admitted he didn’t want to be alone either and Ben couldn’t fathom what it was like to live in this big ol house with just Cat day in and day out. Tomorrow they’d make more of an effort to be a bright spot here. They just needed some rest first. Their gaze followed Andy’s motions towards…another machine of some sort and there was no fucking way they were going anywhere near *that*, thank you very much. Whole house would get flooded and that was the best case scenario. But a shower, a few minutes to decompress and tighten their grip on themselves, and some of Andy’s pjs sounded perfect.

It really wouldn’t be much of a struggle at all to open one of the bags and find something to wear - Ash would have known it was cold and that Ben was feeling a little fragile - so they were probably full of soft and warm, but they’d always been a clothing thief and would happily take the offered garments. “Thanks.”

Ben got up, put the spoon in the sink and the rest of the soup in the fridge before following Andrew up the stairs. Despite the fatigue, their face lit up with amusement at Andrew’s choice of words and they couldn’t help the smirk. “Oh, yeah? Gonna give me a tour of your bedroom?” Ben teased. “Does that line work for you often?” And then they were in the room Ben could use for …awhile. They hadn’t really talked about how long Ben’d be around or if they should start looking for a more semi-permanent place, but there was time for that. Nothing big had to be decided tonight. Beyond movies. Hell, they didn’t even have to pick out their own clothes. And it was somewhat of a relief to know that when they couldn’t do even the small things - Andrew was there and would.

So, Ben closed the distance between them again, pulling Andrew in another tight hug for a moment as they tried to find the right words. “Thank you.” They began. “You spoil me rotten and I .. really can’t thank you enough for all this.” It was hard to let themselves be taken care of, used to being stubborn, self-reliant, and independent to a fault, but if there was anyone who got to see the weak vulnerable moments - it was Andy. “You’re the best and hands down my favorite person too.” It wasn’t quite I love you but as close as they could get tonight.

Letting go, they took a step back, and regarded them with a playful look. “You can pick the movies as long as you remember the rules.” 1) nothing Ben was in, 2) nothing directed by a certain Asshole who consistently refused to cast Ben in their movies, and 3) nothing that starred his arch nemesis. After making sure that Andy promised, they gave them another soft smile before disappearing into the first unsupervised shower they’d had in a week.

It was glorious and everything they’d hoped for. Their intent had been a quick rinse off, but it was so nice and soothing that they couldn’t rush right back out. They let themselves linger and deep condition and shave until they truly felt like a different person stepping back out. They were much more settled, relaxed, and …fucking freezing. Stupid winter.

Goosebumps immediately broke out on their skin and they hurried into the clothes set out for them before making their way through the house until they found their best friend and immediately ducking under their arm to burrow in against his neck and chest. “S’cold, cold, cold.” A deep pout was pressed into his shoulder but they’d have to just show it off later, for now, they were busy leeching body heat and hoping there were plenty of blankets in their very near future. 

[xbenwilson]

jamiegibbs‌:

“Trying to perfect my macadamia, and a red velvet one. Just trying to see if I can turn my cupcake recipe into my cookies. Oh and creme brulee too.”

Their nose wrinkled at macadamia but the rest were intriguing. “I’ll try the red velvet or crème brûlée.” Ben decided. “Not big on macadamias. Or pecans.” 

[xbenwilson]

rcnningcircles‌:

“Oh, I’m sure St. Patrick’s Day will bring plenty of fights. Cheap green beer makes people get drunk and do crazy things.” Wolf says with a laugh, shaking his head. Maybe it wasn’t everyone’s thing, but Wolf honestly enjoyed being a bouncer. True, breaking up fights wasn’t the most glamorous thing. but he was good at it, and that was enough for him. “Ha. You’re plenty interesting, don’t worry.” He chuckles at the thought of Ben being his wingman though, shaking his head after a moment. “I appreciate the offer, but I don’t think I’m goin’ home with anyone tonight.” 

Oh! A laugh! Maybe Ben wasn’t so terrible at this talking thing after all. “And the Hennessy shots.” Ben added with a grin. St. Patrick’s Day just might be worth going out and about in this year. Both their eyebrows rose as the other assured them they were plenty interesting because they highly doubted that. So far, all they’d done is trip over their words and gift a likely-stolen lighter. “If you say so.” Their interest, however, remained piqued as the other brushed off the offer stating that they didn’t think they were going home with anyone tonight. “Normally my instinct is to pry.” Ben confessed with a wry grin. “But I like you and don’t want to make enemies with the bouncer of my favorite bar so,..I’ll refrain. Just know you’re very mysterious and that is a such a temptation for prying and meddling.” 

[xbenwilson]

heartfoundcd‌:

Their teasing retort only caused his own cheeks to grow warm and Andrew honestly was about to respond, but refrained from doing so. Not yet, only because now Ben was on and about grabbing the food and helping both of them to the dinner they had brought. Andrew wasn’t about to stop him from finding comfort in his home, in fact this was supposed to be a place for Ben as well so he only watched while pulling off his own jacket. 

He walked into the kitchen after Ben and watched him get to work, and while his dinner was placed on the table he didn’t take a seat just yet. A smile played across his lips as he walked behind them. “Here, let me–” he offered before hitting the timer on the microwave and then pressing the start. “It should be done within a minute and a half, but if you think it’s sooner, just pull it out.” he assured the other. 

While he suggested the drinks, Andrew headed towards the cabinet and pulled out glasses. “I don’t have much to drink, but I do have wine. I also have water, tea, orange juice, and sprite.” and that was just at the top of his memory. He made a mental note to buy a few things sometime this week. “How about I make you some Persian mint tea? It’s calming, and it’s actually nice.” 

As he settled at the table, Andrew waited for Ben to have a seat with his own food before he began to eat. When the question roused about whether he would be going to work or not, Andrew shook his head. “No, I took this weekend off so that I can be with you. I always grade my papers late at night so i’m not even worried about that.” he assured. It wasn’t a lie either, if he wasn’t reading, he was grading papers or making a whole new lesson plan for the next semester. Right now, all he had to do was grade papers, which he could catch up on this weekend. 

“Like I said earlier, i’m all yours.” and he had meant it. “Tell me, what would you like to do? Go out for a drive tomorrow? Movie night? Sleep in?” he asked while listing off a few suggestions. “–Or if you would rather me leave you and Cat alone, I can do that too.” Although, leaving him alone was not on his agenda. 

Fucking microwaves. Their eyes narrowed slightly as Andrew came over and made it look *easy* but whatever. At least they were getting warm soup shortly. They turned back around as Andrew moved away talking about drinks and debated their options before shrugging at the suggestion. They didn’t mind tea. Usually it had a shitton of alcohol in it, but it was fine. “Sure. We can try the mint tea.” They were mildly nervous it’d taste like toothpaste, but maybe that’d be a nice after-dinner treat…thing. There were few things they wouldn’t do purely because it brought Andrew joy.

Oh. Ben didn’t know how they felt about Andrew taking the weekend off. They didn’t mean to cause such an upheaval, but it was already done. “Ok, but if you need time or space to grade…just say so. I’ll make myself scarce.” Ben knew exactly how much of an annoying distraction they could be but some of what was beyond their control. It was easier to slip out somewhere else than try and be quiet or still.

What did they want to do? Ben didn’t have the slightest clue. “No,” they said quickly. “I don’t really wanna be alone.” They were mostly just playing with their soup now before giving a little shrug. “I don’t really have a preference on what we do. I just wanna spend time with you.” They were fine playing video games or reading or something while Andrew graded, or if he wanted to get out of the house for a bit, Ben was game for a drive or a walk or something. “We can play it by ear, follow our whims and all that.” Ben teased before putting the top back on their soup and stretching a little. “Do you mind if I take a shower real quick? Feel gross from the plane.” Their face scrunched up at the thought of all the germs but suddenly some warm water and soft thick pajamas sounded like heaven. “You can pick tonight’s movie so long as it’s nothing I’m in.” Ben warned. “And leave the dishes. I’ll do them when I get out. S’least I could do.”  

[xbenwilson]

lonclyroad‌:

Emery didn’t really go to parties, but a promise was a promise. He wasn’t planning on staying long, Tank standing beside him as the other man greets him, offering him a smile. “Vodka’s good. Thanks.” Shrugging his jacket off, he hands it to Ben, making note of where it’s hung up for later. “Oh, uh….Luther. Emery Luther. And you are..?” 

“Vodka it is then.” Ben slung the jacket over their arm and almost forgot to hang it up because it was warm and thick and they weren’t used to winter yet. Felt like a blanket for a moment, but right. Not theirs. Hanging it safely out of reach, they turned back to the other as they introduced themselves and shot them a grin. “Hello Emery. I’m Ben and i’d introduce you to the hosts...but uh, I’m not quite sure I remember who they are.” A soft laugh accompanied a shrug before Ben led him into the kitchen to grab the vodka and glasses then through the hall and back out onto the porch. They’d gotten the sense the crowded living room wasn’t exactly Emery’s kind of scene, but didn’t want him to feel awkward. “Do you care if I smoke?” Ben asked. “I was headed out when I heard the door but I’ll share...if you’re into that kind of thing.” They set the bag down and themselves down on the deck to make their drinks, leaving the open chair for the other and humming softly to themselves as they picked up a bottle before flashing a glance up at Emery. “Tell me when.” They directed as they started to pour. 

[xbenwilson]

heartfoundcd‌:

Anytime they asked whether he was sure or not, Andrew wanted to do more than just nod in assurance. If anything, he was more than sure that this is how it should be. He’d be able to take care of his best friend. Andrew was more than sure, and rather than using his words, he only gestured for them to hurry inside. He could have easily helped him check into a hotel, or even searched houses for them prior to them coming back. So yes, Andrew was more than sure that he wanted this; 

As they entered his house, they were instantly greeted by the warmth and Andrew thanked himself for leaving the heat on at an appropriate temperature. Once they were both inside, he locked the door shut and placed their luggage to the side for now. While Ben called out for Cat, Andrew searched the room to make sure all his papers were out of the way, as in nothing being left on the couches or tables everywhere. 

His smile grew when he heard the other tell his cat how he brought her gifts, knowing very well that even as the toy got old, Andrew would keep it. He was just about to move around some of the papers he did see laying on the sofa when his attention went back to them as he heard them call out, but this time for him. This is when Andrew knew he should take the moment to just .. breathe. He took a step closer towards them and gently took a hold of their hand. 

“–Hi.” came his own response, just as gentle as the other’s voice. He smiled at their words, and before Andrew could hold back, he was leaning forward, his forehead leaning against their own. “I’ve missed you too.” he added in a quiet whisper while his free hand came up to cup their cheek gently. In that moment, he wasn’t thinking about all the mess, or the dinner, but the mere fact that he had his best friend with him. “I’ll appreciate some scratches, yes.” he added after a moment, as a smile played across his lips. 

He wanted to kiss him – as he had done so years ago, but he had to stop himself. He couldn’t– he didn’t want to ruin this, or complicate things. Back then it was easy to just blame the alcohol, what reason would he have this time? Instead, he nudged their nose with his own before pulling away slowly. “Fair warning, i’ve gotten so used to the scratchings that you may need to scratch harder than Cat .” he added teasingly.

Funny how just one small syllable could give so much. Care, humor, relief, tenderness, welcoming - Ben already felt lightyears away from the place they’d been in a mere six hours before. Their eyes closed at the gentle touch, both desperate for it and so conscious of not taking it for granted and really soaking it all in. They wanted to reach their free hand out, slide it around his waist and draw him closer while ensuring he didn’t let go or leave, but Ben didn’t think that was something they could ask for. Not yet. They’d be content with whatever Andrew was willing to offer.

Which extended beyond soft touches to humor and Ben had to laugh as Andy declared he would like some scratches. “Okay.” They agreed quietly, as they felt the nose bump, but then, suddenly, Andrew and his warm presence were slipping away. Ben’s brain needed a moment to catch up because that was - that’d felt a breath away from a kiss and that was…Ben didn’t even know what to think about that, so it’d likely be another moment between them they shoved in a locked box and never spoken about again. It was just gonna take Ben another minute to change gears and that was probably why, “Are you sayin’ you like a little pain, Andy?” slipped out before they could think twice about it and they went a little pink as they turned away to start fussing with dinner.

That was safe. Much safer.

Andrew’s didn’t look like it needed warmed up, so they placed it on the table, and managed to get their own both over to the microwave and *in* the microwave before stalling. “Andy, darling, love. Pretty please…can you make it work.” Ben was the opposite of whatever a whisperer was to machines. They hated them with a passion and the feeling was gradually becoming more and more mutual, though it wasn’t for a lack of trying. “Maybe drinks. I could do that. What would you like?” The earlier exhaustion had exploded into the restlessness that so often drove them into trouble, but there was a whole kitchen they could buzz about until it was time to sit and then buzz some more.

They still weren’t really hungry, but they made some effort to eat some of the soup and a few pieces of the bread before texting Ash that they’d both arrived *and* eaten as well as would be staying at Andy’s until he decided he was sick of them. Ash’s, “Duh.” reply back was…a little confusing, but Ben let it go and instead focused back on Andrew. “Do you have to go back to work tomorrow??” Truly, they didn’t even know what day it was and another wave of guilt crashed over them. “Sorry for…the extra stress and complicating your job and all that - I never meant for - I’m sorry.” Maybe it’d be better if they just went to bed, but while the clock said it was one time - their body felt like a whole ‘nother that was 3 hours behind. Maybe Cat and them could quietly watch some videos or read or…how did sober people entertain themselves? TV? They could try and get into something. “Cat and I can amuse ourselves for a bit if you need to be grading or preparing or anything. I Promise. With you know, minimal potential danger to your home.”

[xbenwilson]

lonclyroad‌:

Emery might’ve gone a little overboard at the store, but at least he was prepared. Besides, sharing was caring, right? “I wasn’t sure what you’d be in the mood for, so I kind of got everything. Champagne, tequila, pinot…I think I even grabbed a couple of things of iced tea. He says with a shrug, offering the bag of drinks out to the person beside him.”What’s your poison?“ @prcvstarters​

“Any and all is my poison.” Ben half-joked as they took the bag and peered inside with a smile. What an eclectic collection! It apparently didn’t take much to bring them a spot of joy these days. “I have vodka you could mix with the iced tea if you wanted. Or gin?” They mused before looking up and flashing the other a smile. “Welcome!!” Truly, Ben was at a point they weren’t entirely sure whose house they were at or why but it was a party and they’d fallen into some sort of hosting role. “May I take your jacket...mister...’ave we met? I’m drawing a blank on the name. Many apologies.” 

[xbenwilson]

kngdustin‌:

One of the best part of his job was the limited amount of coworkers he was forced to work with. There was never more then two people behind the counter and only a total of about ten employees so it greatly shrunk his chances of hating one. He checked his phone trying to make the time pass when the bell above the door notified him that someone had walked in. With a smile he moved to the front of the counter, “Hey thanks for stopping in we don’t have much pastries left but other then that what can we get for you?” He spoke as he pulled out the notepad he used to take orders. 

Ben was desperately searching for a store that sold coffee at convenient-to-them hours with minimal crowds and chaos. So, they’d begun a habit of entering anywhere that smelled like coffee and sugar which landed them here now. They were slightly surprised at the gracious greeting but offered the person behind a smile and a ‘thank you’ of their own before shifting their gaze up to the menu and wishing they better understood coffee. “What would you recommend for someone who’d like the most caffeine possible without tasting like old rubber tire?” 

[xbenwilson]

lucathat‌:

        ——— s t a r t . |  open

Sure, it’s gonna rain still—that’s what puts the England in New England. In fact, Luca can still feel it in the fiber of his being and in the fibers of his flannel shirt. But at the very least, it wasn’t freezing. Ish. Though he’d count his blessings for the moment, actually—that while it’s still under tens, at least it’s not below zero. And soon enough they’d be all snuffed up with pollen come springtime—which is good. For Brawnhouse at least. That with the promise of better weather for that half of the year, Luca just knows he’s slowly teetering up the peak season. It was the reason why he found himself in one of the cafés, waiting for his drink—his days were numbered as far as long morning walks. Couldn’t say the same for his favorite—with the first sign of spring, its days were up.

“They should put up Pumpkin Spice Lattes for a longer time ——— that or their Christmas Peppermint special…” Luca hummed, broad shoulders flexing wide as he folded his arms across his chest as he took a spot on the aside the counter; a good one at that as it was all toasty and warm despite the nearby window that painted the early morning scene of Providence.

Ben’d made a habit of stopping by a coffeeshop after a long night out, half to give themselves time to sober up and half because the downslide off intoxicants often made them reflective and where better to be introspective and broody than in a coffeeshop? There was something oddly nice about the cold and the rain combined with the coffee smell all around them. Besides being vastly different from the LA scene they were used to, that is.

Wrapping their hands around their steaming mug, they blew across the heated almond milk latte, lost in their thoughts until a voice startled them right out of it. “Oh.” Shaking the exhaustion off, they listened as the other spoke and gave a little shrug. “I didn’t tell you this, but…” They leaned a little closer, dramatically lowering their voice as they continued. “The bigger chains now have peppermint syrup well through May or June. Sometimes year-round if you’re lucky. You just gotta ask!” Their favorite drink was a peppermint-vanilla latte - either hot or iced, they weren’t picky, and would order it for as long as they were able to. “I didn’t have any luck here, but fingers crossed if we just ask enough they’ll cave and order us a bottle.” Actually…”Huh. I wonder if we could order our own bottle and just …add it ourselves regardless of where we get the coffee.” Ben was gonna have to ask someone more tech-savvy than they were to figure out where it was for sale and how fast it could get there.

[xbenwilson]

thundcrclouds‌:

    not only being an aspiring actor but the son of a fairly popular new england politician, carly was painfully aware that what he said or did matter. if he did something, it’d affect his father’s career and it could haunt him for his career. so he had to think twice about everything he posted online or did in a club like this. `yeah, but i don’t need my dad being mad at me for tanking his re-election” carly didn’t want to be cut off from his parents wealth. 

   “i’ll make a note to go get one,” carly said with a smile, he never considered one of those. he was sure he’d be a lot more intimidating to predators if he pulled one out. 

Re-election? For like...a PTA board? A company board? Ben had a bunch of questions but it wasn’t the time or place or even their business to go there. “I sort of get it.” Ben offered. “But let’s move on to lighter topics maybe? We’re out to let go and have fun and forget about all that pressure, right? So...let’s have some fun.”

Their eyes moved around the bar, trying to spot something that’d spark their interest. “There’s...darts, or pool, or....” Well, dancing, but Ben didn’t want to open the invite to the creep to come back. “I don’t know. What makes you let go for awhile?” 

[xbenwilson]

thundcrclouds‌:

    “yeah, i’ve been known to lure people in with my dancing,” he teased, clearly joking since his moves were pretty awful, especially compared to some people there who were really in the moment dancing away to the song phil had never heard before. “jack daniels, please,” he told the bartender who went to fetch their drinks. “so what’s your name?”

“You really could!” Ben countered, swaying a little closer as they found it hard to stay still and not bounce a bit to the beat as they waited. Ooo Jack. Ben’s eyebrows rose but they motioned for the same before turning back to their dancing partner. “Ben. Benny. Benj. Take your pick. I’m not fussy. And yours?” Their drinks made an appearance and Ben paid before taking one of the glasses and holding it for a mock-toast. “To dancing! And...having fun.” 

[xbenwilson]

thundcrclouds‌:

   clearly, they were more intoxicated than henry had first imagined they were - sure, unable to drive home or be trusted with a stranger but they seemed to have no clue where they were or what henry was doing to help him. “no, you don’t need to be driving or getting in anyone’s car” he stops them before they can make their way to the door, guiding ben back to his couch to lay back down before making his way to the kitchen to fetch a water bottle. “whoever you need to talk to will be fine for right now.”

“Iiiiii don’t drive, silly!” The thought was kind of hilarious and drew the giggles back out. Ben’s attention span was...wanting, for lack of a better term and their impulsivity would mean they’d never get anywhere they intended. “Never learned how. It seems...compley-cated. Do you like it? Driving?” They hugged the pillow a little tighter when Henry disappeared and tried to reassure themselves they weren’t alone and wouldn’t be for awhile. And before too long the voice was back. “Are you sure?” Their forehead wrinkled after the reassurance because Andy was a worrier and Ben was an asshole. The worst kind of one too. "Maybe Ii should call? Ooo water. Merci beaucoup monsieur.” Patting the seat next to them, they shifted a bit and tried to look calm and Fine. “Can we watch a show? I promise to try and be real real quiet.”  

[xbenwilson]

nyachwd‌:

It was a little weird to have someone looking at your phone while you trying to hook up, but at that point, Nyall wasn’t bothered, he was pretty cool with people noticing what he was doing, and maybe if anyone around him was a little curious about, he could get a conversation out of it, and that’s exactly what just happened. “Do you always daydream about things while drinking alone at a bar?” After making his question, Nyall thought about it, a bar was actually one of the best places to do exactly that. “Well, guess you’re not alone on that boat, friend.” He chuckled lightly as he shifted his gaze towards the man and back to his phone. He wasn’t taking many drinks yet, since Nyall was trying to find something else it would be best for him to take it easy on alcohol. “You basically just described the thing, seriously.” With his free hand he slides his phone on the table so the other guy could give a better look with no much efford. “You create your profile, put up a face pic of you want, or maybe just a picture of your body, and wait for other guys to message you, you can either get a conversation and get to know the person first, or you can go full Chuck Norris and try your luck on meeting someone you never saw before right away at the alley nearby.”

The question brought a slow smile to Ben’s face as they considered it before shrugging and nodding. “Absolutely.” Most places were conducive to daydreaming - coffeeshops, buses, ubers, boats…if there was no one around them entertaining them, they had to do it themselves, right? Their smile grew a little as the other seemed to realize the same and even managed to laugh a little before turning the discussion back to the hookup app, thing. Which…Ben hadn’t really been serious. People just…did that. Ok. Ben scooted a little closer as the other passed their phone along and peered at the profile on the screen. They weren’t exactly ticking any boxes for them but the description the other gave drew a laugh out of them and they had to admit it was pretty genius. “That’s brilliant. Have you…” Ben trailed off, suddenly unsure if it was a weird thing to ask and scrunched their nose a little. “Is it rude to ask if you’ve had success with it?” Kind of like asking someone if they got laid, wasn’t it. “Only just meant…have your risks paid off? For the most part?” Ben was equally fascinated by how right and how very wrong it could go.

[xbenwilson]

sunshinesquad‌:

Aiden had been sitting at the bar, a ledger and a calculator set in front of him as he worked. It might’ve been a strange place to do work for most people, but for him, it was oddly soothing. The boss had noticed the other’s intermittent naps, trying his best not to chuckle every time their head would dip in sleepiness. “Not your thing?” Aiden asks with a laugh.

Ben flushed as they realized someone not only had caught on to their nodding off but was now talking to them. Grimacing a little as they turned more fully to the other, they gave a little shrug. “I want it to be.” Ben confessed. “Just...isn’t clicking tonight, I guess.” Though, their eyes caught on the book and tools in front of the other and that eased some of the embarrassment. “Not your thing either?” They quipped as they motioned towards the materials with one hand and bringing their coffee up to sip at with the other.