𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐘 | mal and ben

call it a night

The next day marked the long-awaited "Boy's Night," a rare occasion where Ben, Jay, Carlos, Harry, and Gil could catch up, relax, and just be themselves. They gathered around a large fire pit at Belle's Harbor, drinks in hand, ready to talk about their lives without any filters.

Carlos kicked things off with a grin. "So, guys, any of you feeling the pressure yet? Ben, man, you've already got Lil Ben running around. You thinking of adding another to the mix?"

Ben chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "You could say that. Mal and I have been... talking about it. Nothing's set in stone, though. She's still getting used to the idea, but I think she's warming up to it."

Jay raised an eyebrow, smirking. "I'm not surprised. You two always did move fast. You guys are like the royal dream team. What's next? A whole football team of kids?"

Ben laughed, shaking his head. "One step at a time, Jay. But yeah, we've talked about the future, and it's been on my mind a lot. We'll see what happens."

Harry, leaning back in his chair, raised his glass. "Aye, well, good on you, mate. Just make sure ye don't lose yer head trying to keep up with her. Mal's strong—wouldn't want to be on her bad side."

"Tell me about it," Ben replied with a smile. "She keeps me on my toes."

Gil, who'd been quietly listening, finally chimed in. "I think it's cool how you guys are so in sync. I mean, I'm still figuring out the whole relationship thing, but you and Mal... it's like you get each other."

Ben nodded thoughtfully. "It hasn't always been easy. We've had our ups and downs, especially recently. But in the end, we always come back to each other."

Jay raised his drink. "Here's to that, man. To surviving the craziness and still making it work."

They all clinked their glasses together, a small toast to the highs and lows of love and relationships.

Carlos leaned in, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Okay, but real talk—what's it like having a kid? Is it as hard as it looks?"

Ben laughed, his eyes lighting up. "It's a lot harder, but it's also the most amazing thing. There's something about seeing this tiny person that's part of both you and the person you love... It's surreal. But yeah, the sleepless nights and constant diaper changes? Definitely not glamorous."

Harry snorted. "Aye, I'll pass on that for a while, thanks."

Gil, ever the thoughtful one, added, "But it sounds like it's worth it."

Ben smiled. "It is. Every second."

As the laughter died down, the group turned their attention to Jay, who was leaning back in his chair, a quiet grin on his face.

Carlos nudged him. "Alright, Jay, your turn. What's going on with you? You've been unusually quiet tonight."

Jay shrugged nonchalantly, taking a sip from his drink before speaking. "Not much to report, man. You know me, I like to keep things chill."