Let me live | Hardzello♡

Chapter 40

The next few days, Ben and Joe spend their time getting to know each other better. Since their relationship started in such an intense environment, they're not really used to being a normal teenage relationship.
Because they haven't spent much free time together besides watching movies, they decided to take the other boy along on their favourite activity. Unfortunately for Joe, that meant he ended up at the gym today. While Ben seemed to have no trouble at all, Joe had to make a big effort to try and keep up with his boyfriend's workout routine. The only thing that helped him get through it, is the thought of having to be home on time, to watch John while his parents go to an ultrasound.

***

"Hello? Where is everyone?" Will calls out when he and Ginnie find their house suspiciously quiet after coming back from the doctor's office.
The two walk into the living room, still wondering where Ben, Joe and John are. Ginnie knew leaving Ben and Joe in charge to look after John would be fine, but she starts to get a little worried now. "Boys?" Ginnie looks around the room in confusion.
"Over here." It sounds very softly near the fireplace.
Both Will and Ginnie smile widely when they finally find their three boys in front of the fireplace. Ben is sitting on the floor, with John on his lap and Joe curled up in his side. A blanket is loosely covering the three of them, offering them a certain amount of warmth next to the warmth radiating from the fire.
Will smiles. "Comfy there?" He asks with a chuckle.
Ben lets out a soft giggle. "I'm not, actually. But these two are both fast asleep, so they seem to have no problems with it." He looks down, smiling at the sleeping Joe and John.
Although Ginnie loves the sight of her three boys cuddled up like this, she can't help but worry a bit. "Did he have a panic attack?" She asks Ben with her eyes on Joe. Stains of tears are still visible on the boy's cheeks.
Ben shakes his head. "No, don't worry. He was just a little emotional because of the medicines. And the gym didn't help his mood either." He chuckles, leaning in to press a small kiss on top of Joe's head.
Both parents frown a little. "Buddy, you have to be kind to your body and not overdo anything. I know the gym is your way of clearing your head, but you can't rush healing from a heart surgery." Will says to the boy.
Ben nods. "I know that. I'm not doing any heavy workouts. Just simple exercises. I tried to show Joe why I like it, but I don't think he understood." He grins.
Ginnie giggles at that, knowing how, besides baseball, her son isn't a big fan of working out.

"Anyways, how did the ultrasound go?" Ben asks curiously.
Will and Ginnie smile widely. "It went great." Will says.
Ginnie nods in agreement. "Our baby girl is doing well." She places her hand on her bump, smiling at the small kick against it.
Ben smiles. "That's good to hear." He says softly.
Ginnie walks into the kitchen, so she can put the groceries they got on their way back from the ultrasound into the fridge. 
"How about I take this little monster from you, hm? I'll leave Joe to you." Will chuckles before carefully scooping up the little John. The boy lets out a soft groan before settling into Will's arms a little deeper, snuggling into his father's chest. Will carefully puts his son down onto the couch and covers him with the blanket so the boy can continue napping. After that Will sinks down into one of the chairs.
Ben is about to slip away from under Joe when the ginger stirs awake. "Where the hell do you think you're going?" Joe mumbles before tightening his grip onto Ben's torso.
"Baby I need to use the loo. Can you please let go of me for a moment?" Ben asks with a slight pout.
Joe shakes his head before burying his face even deeper into Ben's chest. "Too bad. Hold it. You're too comfy." He mumbles, his eyes still closed.
Ben smirks. He moves his hand to Joe's side, and starts tickling the boy.
Joe's eyes shoot open as a loud squeal escapes his mouth. "Aahhh Ben!" He exclaims as he moves away from the blond.
"That's what happens when you won't let me go pee." Ben smashes his lips against Joe's before getting up from the floor and walking towards the bathroom.

That's when Ginnie walks back into the living room. "Uhm Joe? School just called." She says to her son.
Joe immediately frowns. "What did they want?" He asks.
"They want to have a meeting with us to discuss when you'll come back to school and stuff." Ginnie explains.
Joe lets out a soft groan. "When?" Only the thought of having to go back to school makes his head ache like hell.
"This monday morning. So at least you can sleep in two more days." Ginnie says, in the hope to give some positive spin to this. She gives Joe a questioning look when suddenly a quite sad expression appears on his face.
Joe looks down at his lap. "But... what about Ben?" He says softly.
"What about me?" A British accent fills the room.
Joe looks up before standing up from the floor. "School wants to see me and mom, to discuss when I'll come back to school again." He says, his voice barely above a whisper.
Ben's face falls into a frown. "Ohw." Is the only thing he manages to bring out.
When Joe notices the rather confused look in Ben's eyes, he walks over to the boy to take his hand. "Wanna head upstairs?" He whispers.
Ben nods. "Yes please." He mumbles.
"We're going to my room." Joe says to his mom and dad before dragging Ben along towards his room.