Kid’s about as nervous as they come. Won’t let Ben’s hand go and he keeps looking around as if something’s about to leap from the bushes and attack him or something. He’s looked this way at least six times in the past minute and a half and he’s jumped four or five times since they got here – good God, Alice isn’t about to introduce him to a mass-murdering psychopath, just a roast chicken dinner!
Ben’s pretty good with him; he keeps reassuringly touching his hand or his leg or the small of his back, keeping him close as if he understands the kid’s fears. He relaxes a bit if Ben’s touching him. Interesting. Ben said they’d been together how long? Three weeks? Hm. Well, if his permanent grin is anything to go by, Ben’s certainly enamored by the curly-haired snippet.
He told his mother after their first date that he was ‘the one’. Always pictured him shacked up with some doctor or lawyer, not some nervous, jumpy kid. But Ben’s never been one to jump madly into things and this kid’s nice enough. He’d probably be even nicer if he weren’t drunk. Knowing Ben, he probably got an earful about that, but then again Ben was always the type to forgive and forget rather easily; judging by his soothing, gentle hands, he’d already forgiven.
They are awfully sweet together, I must say. Never been one for sentimentalities or anything, but the way he’s massaging his shoulders and letting him lean ever-so-slightly into him is a sight to see. Ben knows he doesn’t have to be discrete with us but the way this kid’s jumping out of his skin at the slightest noise, he must recognize the need for slow and calming.
It’s heartening to see; they do mold nicely to each other. Ben’s strength with the kid’s vulnerabilities; his pride matched with Eli’s doubts. The way Ben easily turns him into his lap, their lips – oh! Yep, molded nicely together.
Utensils and plates are calling.
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