𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴, 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 (𝘣𝘹𝘣)

thirty three

Later that night, Benjamin headed back to his and Gabi's apartment to get ready for his date with Noah. He was standing in front of the mirror, trying to fix his hair.

Gabi walks into his bathroom, smiling softly. "Hey, Benny."

Benjamin glances at her through the mirror, smiling. "Hey."

Gabi leans against the doorframe, crossing her arms. She shrugs her shoulders. "Uh, so? How are you doing? Noah filled me in but didn't tell me everything."

"Yeah...I'm fine, I think. I'm gonna start therapy again." Benjamin turns to face her. "I don't think you want the details but...I relapsed."

Gabi nods. "Markus?"

"He's tied in with all this, yeah. I'm gonna stay with my mom for a week or so but I promise I'll pay rent."

"Don't even worry about it." Gabi shakes her head. "You have enough on your plate right now."

Benjamin frowns. "I-I wanna pay, please. I don't want to be pitied. I just want everything to go back to normal, okay?"

"Okay," Gabi smiles and leans in to give him a hug. "If you want to talk I'm always here."

**
Noah picked Benjamin up around 8:30 pm for their date. Benjamin gets into the car, a smile on his face.

Noah glances at him. "What's that smile for?"

Benjamin shrugs. "I dunno. I feel...Good. I feel at peace." Benjamin buckles his seatbelt.

Noah smiles back at him. "That's good, babe," He reaches down to grab Benjamin's thigh before moving his hand away. "...Sorry. Should I not?"

Benjamin shakes his head and reaches out to grab Noah's hand. He places it down on his thigh. "It's okay. It's actually calming my nerves."

"Okay. I just didn't wanna overstep."

"You're fine, Noah. Trust me. I'll tell you if I'm ever uncomfortable, okay? But thank you for asking."

*
They were seated at a booth in the back of the restaurant. Noah chose a small, quaint restaurant to hopefully ease Benjamin's mind due to recent circumstances.

Benjamin looks down the menu before looking up at Noah. "Ugh. All of this sounds so good. I'm starving."

Noah chuckles. "Whatcha thinking, bebes?"

"Hm...This pasta looks so good. But also...This salad?"

Noah shrugs his shoulders. "So get both. Easy."

"But what if I don't want both?"

"Benjamin. Let's be real."

Benjamin laughs at him. "Maybe I'll have to."

Noah nods. "Exactly. Treat yourself tonight, babe. It's all about you."

Benjamin smiles. "What about you? What are you gonna get?" Benjamin puts his hand out, "Wait, lemme guess...A large steak but barely been cooked."

Noah rolls his eyes. "How'd you know?"

Benjamin laughs again and closes his menu. "You're just so predictable."

Noah smiles at him. "I like hearing you laugh. Happy to see you smile."

Benjamin can't wipe the smile off his face as he glances down at the table. "You're making me blush."

Noah leans forward, propping his hand against his hands. "My bad. Can't help it."

Benjamin reaches out to grab Noah's hand. Noah accepts it and Benjamin places a kiss against it. "Thank you."

-
Benjamin watches as the waitress sets his two plates down. She then places Noah's in front of him and smiles. "I hope you guys enjoy your meals! Let me know if you need anything else!"

Benjamin smiles at her. "Thank you," As she walks away, he turns to Noah. "I am starving. I can't wait to eat."

Noah chuckles as he grabs his utensils. "Looks like it. I'm glad I can make your heart happy and your stomach full."

Benjamin chuckles as he takes a bite of his meal. "Oh. Have you heard Jaz and Elly are coming down?"

"Oh, yeah? When?"

"Jaz said maybe next week. She didn't tell me why but I was thinking of meeting up with Elly."

"Why?" Noah takes a sip from his drink.

"We always would talk about our abuse together. I kinda helped her with her mom and stuff. I just think it'd be easier to talk about it with someone who firsthand understands it."

"That's a good idea, bebes. It'll get you into the routine of talking about it. Make it a little less scary."

"That's what I was thinking. But, only if she's up for it. I wouldn't want to unlock a can of worms on her if she doesn't wanna hear it."

*
The date ended at around 10 pm. They discussed ways for Benjamin to feel better about communicating his feelings.

They made a deal, that if Benjamin ever gets the urge again to call either Noah or his mom.

Benjamin also asked for lenience if he ever shuts him off or avoids him. He's gonna try and speak more openly about things he needs to.

Benjamin was swinging his and Noah's hands back and forth as Noah walked him to his front door.

Noah lets go before grabbing Benjamin's face and leaning in the kiss him. "Can I tell you I'm proud already?"

Benjamin nods. "You've mentioned it a few times."

"It's cause I am. I'll call you in the morning, alright?"

Benjamin smiles. "Okay," He leans in to kiss Noah again before pulling away. "I lo-....I'll uh, talk to you in the morning. Drive safe, okay."

Noah nods at him. "I will. Sleep well."

**