Officially Cumberbatched? A sequel to 'Well and truly Cumberbatched'

Chapter 38

AN:Song for chapter, 'I see fire', Ed Sheeran (The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug OST)

Thursday evening. 

Silence falls at a table for four. 

“So you want to go home?” Dad asked placing his knife and fork on his cleared plate.

A silent nod of approval to ‘Jamie Oliver’s’ green curry recipe one could assume.

“Yes.” I said leaning back in my chair slightly; Ben sat to my left opposite mum, Caspian resting on the chair next to her, Merlin at Ben’s feet. 

“You both do?” he again, asked. 

“Well, yes. We both do.” I uttered, looking over at Ben, he nodded momentarily. 

“I'd rather you stayed a while longer but…I’m not in a position to decide for you.” Dad sighed folding his arms, the small balloon of confidence I had about going home deflating by the second. 

“Michael.”

“Yes, Imogen.”

“We're still here if Rosie needs us and she knows that, don't you? And Benedict too, you know we’re here for the two of you.” Mum quietly said, squeezing his hand.

“I know you are. I just want to try.” I said leaving my dinner now I didn't have much of an appetite; it seems to escape me some days. 

“Ben, are you okay to do this? Be honest darling.”  Mum asked, tapping his hand across the table, he held her palm in his, clearing his throat in the process. 

“I certainly am. My reasoning for not being there has always been more for Rosie's sake; I had my reasons for not wanting to be there, naturally I feel some apprehension but that’s temporary, it’s not a lingering feeling I have. Nor would I want to be there if Rosie wasn't with me. She wants to go home and I want to be with her and Merlin. 

I go where she goes, no questions asked.” He softly said, those few words offering comfort in the form of his sincerity.  

“Which house are you going back to then?” 

“Mine.” Ben said. Dad simply nodded. 

“Right.” he muttered, his arms now folded. 

He was closing himself off just like I tend to do. 

“Dad.”

“Rosie?”

“I know, I know you might think it's too soon but I want to go home with Ben.” I added, trying not to get upset. 

“This is your home too, are you honestly sure?” He asked, concern in his eyes. 

“Yes, I have to try. I, I thought you'd be more encouraging especially after my chat with Doctor Lucy” I frowned, my mood dimming in the process. 

“Michael, a word please.” Mum said leaving the dining room and heading outside to the garden with dad.

“He's either going to hit the roof or become mute.” I mumbled pushing my fringe back momentarily, its presence still something to get used to. 

“He's just concerned Rosie.” Ben said resting his elbow on the table.

“I know but I would’ve appreciated the faintest faith in my wanting to go home. I’m not trying to be difficult, I’m just saying.” I said, he nodded from the corner of my eye. 

“Has he always been this...sensitive?” he queried, filling his tumbler with water from the jug.

“Yes, he just likes to know we're alright but sometimes I don’t know. It can be a bit much at times because of everything that’s happened in the family over the years. I don’t know, I’m not a parent I can’t really say what he has a right to feel, it’s just different from my perspective. It’s like I’m torn between pleasing them and doing what I want to do, more often than not.” I said, again he nodded.