Fate || BENNIFER

Twisted Game

Ben's P.O.V

The laughter and smiles that had filled the car earlier in the day had slowly given way to tired yawns and drooping eyelids. In the backseat, Violet, Sera, and Sam were still clutching their new stuffed animals, remnants of our day at Disneyland. Jen, along with the twins and Grace, were already home, as I had made sure to make that necessary stop before driving to my ex-wife's house.

Glancing in the rearview mirror, my heart swelled with love. Violet, as the oldest, always wanted to seem responsible, her mouse tiara slightly askew because of her glasses. Sera was a bundle of energy, her eyes still sparkling with excitement. And then there was Sam, who had fallen asleep almost as soon as we had left the park, his tiny hands still clutching his stuffed Mickey Mouse.

As I pulled up to the driveway, I turned off the engine and unbuckled my seatbelt. I turned around to find all three of them sleeping soundly. Sam was curled up in his seat, while Violet and Sera were nestled together, their faces peaceful in slumber.

Opening the door, I stepped out into the cool evening air of a last week of December. I made my way to the back of the car, where I unbuckled each child one by one. With practiced ease, I lifted Violet and Sera into my arms. Vi stirred up slightly, her eyelashes fluttering before she settled back against my chest, her sleepy murmur of Disneyland bringing a smile to my lips.

Their mother was waiting for us at the door, her expression softening as we approached. Se offered a small smile before walking to retrieve Sam from the car. I walked through the hallways of the house, pausing at each of their bedrooms, taking a moment to tuck them in with gentle hands and whispering good night.

I shifted from foot to foot, my arms crossed tightly against my chest, feeling the chill seeping through my jacket as I waited in the driveway. Finally, Jennifer stepped out.

"How was the day? Did they have fun?" She asked.

"They had a blast." I replied, a small smile playing on my lips. "I even heard Vi murmur something in her sleep about wanting to stay at Disneyland forever."

"Of course." She chuckled. "Did you have fun?"

"I did." I admitted.

"Good. You needed that." Her tone filled with a touch of irony.

"Okay... I should go." I turned to walk away.

"Wait, I was just kidding." She called out. "You don't always have to run off." She stepped closer to me, her hand reaching out to touch my arm, her smile wide.

I hesitated, surprised by the sudden display of affection.

"What's that?" Confusion evident in my voice.

"What do you mean?" She replied.

"What are you doing?" I questioned, taking a step back, my brow furrowed in bewilderment.

As I turned to head towards the car, my gaze fell upon the paparazzi lurking in the shadows.

"Of course..." I muttered, disappointment lacing my words. "When will you give up your twisted game?" I added, the frustration evident in my tone.

"Ben, wait." She called out.

I pulled out of the driveway, the sudden onslaught of camera flashes haunting my rearview mirror as I sped down the empty street. I gripped the steering wheel tightly, my jaw clenched in frustration. With a sense of relief, I managed to leave them behind, the flashing lights slowly fading in the distance as I drove away.

Upon reaching home, I parked the car and made my way inside, knowing I had to find Jen before any misunderstandings could arise. She was already in bed, her silhouette outlined by the gentle light that filtered through the window. I approached her side of the bed, my footsteps silent.

"Jen." I whispered leaning in close.

She stirred at the sound of my voice, her eyes fluttering open sleepily.

"Mmmh." She murmured.

"There's something I need to tell you." I said.

"Just get in here with me." Her voice heavy with drowsiness as she reached out her arms towards me.

Without a word, I slipped under the covers beside her, my body instinctively moving to fit against hers. I rolled over her, to the other side of the bed. Jen's arms wrapped around me, pulling me close in a tight embrace, our bodies melting together.

I felt the tension drain from my body as Jen's touch soothed me. I nestled into her embrace, my head resting against her chest. The closeness made our breathing synchronize, the rise and fall of our chests in perfect harmony. With our bodies intertwined, we drifted off to sleep.