Stand Up (Benedict Cumberbatch fanfic)

10-The One Where We Skype

-two months later-
I can feel his nervous radiating off of his broad shoulders like sunbeams. His curls have been pushed off his forehead at least 15 times in the last 30 minutes and it doesn't look like it wants another push. He's pursed his lips into a thin line whenever his pacing leads him past my laptop.

"Ella, this isn't going to work," he finally spouts distractedly. "I can't do this."

"Just take a deep breath, honey," I soothe, running a hand over the taut muscles of his arm. It's strangely endearing to see him so worked over making a good impression. Pressing a kiss to his lips, I cradle his face in my hands.

"You will be fantastic and they'll love you," I promise, enunciating my meaning with a kiss after each word. "I'm going to make the call, okay?"

"Alright," he sighs heavily, running his hands through his forelocks one last time. Smiling a little to myself, I press the call button. Within minutes, my mother and father's faces appear on the Skype screen.

"Hi Mom!" I say cheerily, waving slightly at the web camera. I made sure to put extra blush on my cheeks this morning so she won't notice the weight that has seemed to slip off over the past couple weeks. She'll probably see through my ruse anyway.

"Hello, Ella. Why are you wearing so much blush? Have you become that pale from the English weather? Darling, you need to get out more." And there it is. I just plaster on a smile and gesture to Benedict to keep breathing.

"I'm fine, Mom. Perfectly fine. Is Dad there?"

"I heard you call! Hello, world traveler!" Dad calls jauntily, plopping next to Mom on the grainy screen. The image shakes as he sits; he's probably so excited he hit the computer with his knee. "How's the big city?"

"Just great, Dad," I smile. I wish I could instantly be transported to them; I miss their hugs and support just a hallway away.

"Ella, you can do better than that. You've been gone for a couple months now! What all had happened?" Mm prompts as she leans back into the frame. To my right, Benedict shoots me another worried look. I give Gina little wink and give my parents my best smile

"Actually, there's someone I want you to meet. Mom and Dad, meet Benedict." Carefully, I turn the computer webcam enough to accommodate Benedict and I. Mom gives a very unladylike gasp when she sees him.

"Oh! I didn't realise...I didn't..." She trails off, her mouth flopping like a fish. Well, you can't be a lady all the time. Beside me, Benedict still hasn't said much. He's got to say something or they'll think he's too dumb for me. My knee slams into his and he jolts out of his reverie.

"Hello Mr. and Mrs. Weston! I'm Benedict Cumberbatch, Ella's boyfriend," he says casually. I can tell he's slipping into his actor persona. It's probably a safe place for him. Dad hogs the webcam and looks straight at Benedict.

"You're dating my daughter?" He says strictly, biting down on the words like they're a piece of tough meat.

"Yes sir, I am," Benedict smiles broadly. I swear, I don't think I'll ever stop loving this man.

"Hmm. Have you treated her well? Have you taken her on dates? Have you picked up the bill for each? Have you been the upmost gentleman with her?"

"Dad!"

"No, it's fine, Ella. They are valid questions. Yes, sir: I've treated your daughter like the beautiful queen she is. We've gone on many a date together and I feel it's the man's duty to foot the bill. Sir, I know it's only been a couple of months, but I can say with certainty that I love your daughter."

I can't tell if the picture if frozen or if Dad is just that shocked. Mom moves out of his way and venters it back on herself.

"Well, Benedict, I'm so happy to hear that. I wish I could meet you in person, but I can already see the affection you two have for each other. Lord, you two haven't stopped holding hands since we started talking!" Dammit, nothing gets past her. "We approve of you wholeheartedly, Benedict."

"But if you hurt her, I'll end you!" Dad shouts in the background. Excitedly, I press a kiss to Benedict's cheek.

"You did it honey," I whisper in his ear as I kiss him and I can feel the grin that stretches underneath the feathery touch.

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1 new message

You did right by choosing him
-Mom

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Sorry this chapter took a little longer to come out. I couldn't think of anything simple and easy and happy to write about before the meat of the situation comes in. FYI that's next chapter. It starts next chapter, at least.

Thank you so much for reading my pieces! I love seeing votes and comments and follows from you guys!(that was a shameless plug for you to send votes and comments and follows my way). I hope you enjoyed the chapter!
Cheers,
Stella