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

Chapter 74

AN: Trust me - The Fray

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Tuesday evening.

The beach.

Sitting around the fire Marc and Tom had made earlier, I couldn't help but yawn, tiredness oddly setting in after a day of relaxing and doing not much else. Adjusting Ben's jumper around me, we watched the warm embers glow before the sunset gradually disappearing under the horizon.

"Let's take a walk." Ben whispered, I looked over at him, adjusting my sleeves.

"Sure."

...

Walking along the waters edge I felt Ben slip his hand into mine, my fingers between his. Stopping after a while I took a few photos of the sunset, before hanging my camera on my shoulder by the long strap.

"Rosie."

I folded my arms, looking into the horizon. "Ben."

"What are you doing December 24th?"

"If I had to guess...working, shopping, and finishing my research paper that day. Other than that, probably being with you and the family before heading to Ireland."

"Any chance you could move it forward? All of that I mean." he said, I frowned thinking about it, unsure.

"That's sort of going to muck up well...everything. Is it important that I do?" I asked, feeling Slywia's wrath already.

"Yes."

"Right. I'd have to love you and leave you though, remember? I'm going to be in Ireland with my family for Christmas this year, you remembered that didn't you?" I asked.

"Of course, I wouldn't forget that."

"Is that going to be a problem? You sound annoyed Ben." I took his hand again, gently rubbing my thumb against the back of his palm.

"We're never going to have a Christmas on our own are we?"

"No, Christmas is a family thing. You knew what you signed up for when you asked me out."

"I know, family is everything. I just mean one where we're in the same place on Christmas day, waking up next you and just having a moment to ourselves is all. I wouldn't dream of keeping you away from your family at such a time, not that I ever could."

"Maybe one year we'll get the chance; I must admit I'm getting a bit fed up choosing. We're only in Ireland this year because dad really wanted to be there, we were in Switzerland the year before with you and your parents which was nice so we did sort of get one Christmas morning together. I'll be back with you for New Years as usual, so it's not too bad crumpet."

"True, anyway- Christmas eve?"

"I'll try, but I'm not making any promises. If I'm working through the night on the 23rd don't expect me to be less than a sleep deprived godzilla. Did you have an idea of what to do that day?" I asked, his smile not giving away much.

"Seeing as Arty's having his first Christmas market in Prague, would you want to do the same? In Paris with me for our own Christmas break before the two of you head to Belfast?"

"I love Paris in the winter! That's an amazing idea Ben, and we can pick up a few bits for everyone whilst we're there."

"I had a feeling you'd like the idea."

"Well, now we're talking about Christmas, guess who's birthday is coming up? We can get a few extra presents!"

"Given the size of your family I could spend all day guessing dear."

"Eoin! Remember when you first met him?" I asked, he smiled, thinking.

"I do, he was two and a half, smart, and rather adorable to say the least."

"Well, he turns 6 on Christmas day! How exciting is that?! He's going to get so many presents. And his little brother Kili is starting school soon. I can't wait to see them, they're growing up so fast."

"They do. It feels as though yesterday Eoin was a tiny ball of energy, with Kili being a small bump in Ava's tummy." he added, a smile forming at the corner of his mouth.

"I hadn't given it a lot of thought but I'm actually excited for Christmas now, I wasn't even thinking about it till you said."

"You love being around the kids don't you?"

"I do, well when they're not screaming, throwing a tantrum or needing a nappy change that is."

...

Night.

The chalet.

"I take it we're spending tonight in the same room?"

"Very funny Rosie...not."

"I can't see where I'm where I'm going, and you made me sit downstairs for ages whilst you crashed around up here. Am I going to trip up the stairs?" I asked, unsure about my footing.

"If you channelled the energy you put into talking into walking you'd be fine..."

"Am I being annoying?"

"Yes."

"Are you being romantic? Is my constant talking shitting all over it?"

Yes, and yes."

"You laughed Ben, you obviously aren't that annoyed."

"I like you a lot, and well...I'd rather we were laughing than arguing or not talking."

"I understand, I'll stop now."

"Thank you."

...

"Stay here, I'll get the door."

Hearing the faintest creak of the door open, I felt Ben's hand in mine, soft to touch.

"Can I open my eyes now?"

"Sure." He mumbled, his arms around my middle offered immediate comfort.

The lights were dim and welcoming, white rose petals scattered throughout, the gentle evening breeze brushed my skin.

"Ben." I paused, placing my hands over his.

"Is, is something wrong?" there was a hesitation in his voice.

"No, not at all."

"Do you like it?"

I patted his hands, nodding. "I love it, this is wonderful. Thank you, Ben, honestly."

"You're welcome, fancy spending the night getting back to normal?"

Snorting, I felt myself nodding. "That came out funnier than you intended, didn't it?"

"Rosie, if putting my foot in my mouth wasn't a special skill we wouldn't be together. What d'you say?"

"Well, I'd rather you put your foot in your mouth with me over anyone else."

"That'd make two of us then. Now stop talking, we have catching up to do."