I think we’re close enough. Could I lock in your love, baby?

I heard the front door close, glancing at the clock beside the TV and hearing someone bumping around. "Fuck," Ben's voice said as a mutter.

I reached for the light and flicked the switch, "Ben?" 

He walked into the living room where I was sitting on the couch, eating cookies and watching my favorite show on tv. "I'm sorry," He mumbled as he squeezed his eyes as if the light was too much for him.

"Are you okay?" I asked and stared at him, studying him. He just nodded as he slumped next to me, smelling like a bar. I wrinkled my nose, "How was your night?"

"It was okay," He answered without much enthusiasm. 

I grinned at my drunk boyfriend, an amused expression on my face, "Did Tristan make you jealous again?"

"I was with Sean," He answered simply and stared at the TV, not saying anything else.

I shifted my body so that I was facing him, trying not to grin because honestly? I hadn't seen Ben this drunk since his 16th birthday when he stole all of his parents top shelf liquor. Technically Chloe stole it, but Ben downed most of it. "How's Sean?" I asked, even if he looked like he'd rather be left alone. 

He shrugged his shoulders and sighed, leaning his head against the couch and running his hands through his hair. "Good... I guess... I don't know," He shrugged again and I couldn't resist grinning.

"Wait here," I said even though I was positive he wouldn't go anywhere. Standing up, I bent over to press a quick kiss on his lips then made my way to the kitchen, grabbing a water and the bottle of Asprin off the counter. Walking back in the living room, Ben hadn't moved even an inch. "Take two of these," I sat back down beside him and gave him two pills then the water.

He grumbled but listened, swallowing the pills then drinking the entire bottle of water. He was thirsty tonight, that was for sure. "Thanks," He said and leaned back against the couch once more. "I think I'll sleep here tonight."

"Sitting up?" I smirked at him, still amused. Also, I didn't want to sleep alone. "Come to bed with me. I'll help you to our room."

"I can't do it," He protested, closing his eyes a moment then opening them again. 

I looked at him and faked a small pout, "Would you ever leave me sleep alone?" She asked.

He looked back at me and considered my words, "No, never." He paused while I kept staring at him in silence. "Later. I can't get up right now," He said stubbornly.

My amused expression returned before I sighed and adjusted on the couch so that I was comfortable, my body turned towards him, "I hadn't seen you so drunk in a long time." 

He sighed again, looking exhausted, "I'm sorry."

I blinked at him and and for a moment I wondered if the reason he had drunk so much was because of all of the things going on in his life; all of the stress from work and the fights with his sister and best friend. He rarely liked talking about the serious things and it was going to bring him down sooner or later. Of course right now wasn't the time to have a heart to heart, especially when he could barely keep his eyes open or sit up straight. I wanted to be there for him though... I would always be there for him. "Why are you sorry baby?" I asked and reached for his hand, playing with his fingers. 

"I'm not sure," He shrugged his shoulders, looking like he wanted to say more but was holding back. 

I frowned and set my head against the couch to keep my eyes on his, "You have nothing to be sorry about. You're silly when you're drunk."

The smallest of smiles appeared on his lips, looking a little forced, "Is Gabe asleep?"

"I hope so," I smiled since it was already real late. "He's staying at his friends tonight."

 

"Thank god," He said as he let out a deep breath that showed the relief he was feeling. 

I ran my hand up and down his arm, brushing my fingertips so gently against his skin that I was afraid he might fall asleep immediately. "We're you worried he was still awake and wouldn't get enough sleep?" I asked in a teasing voice.

He shook his head then stopped, "I didn't want him to see me drunk. I want to be a good dad for him" 

"But you are already," I said softly as I cupped his cheek tenderly, looking at him and hoping that he knew I meant it. He was an amazing dad and Gabe adored him. 

He gave me a more genuine smile, reaching for my knee and squeezing it. "You're a perfect mom," He said as seriously as he could but then looked upset all over again.

I leaned closer to press my lips against his, his lips parting and tasting like scotch, but he didn't seem as into the kiss as usual. Frowning, I pulled my head back and looked into his eyes, "What's wrong baby?"

He wrapped his arm loosely around my shoulder and pulled me against him, kissing my cheek as if reassuring me that nothing was wrong. "I drank a little too much... I'm fine," He said and left it at that.

"I've noticed," I grinned and looked at him again, knowing my man and that something wasn't right. The thing was, Ben trusted me, but he hated opening up when he knew it'd put a wedge in my friendship with his sister. He didn't like putting me in the middle of their fights. "Talk to me and tell me what's on your mind," I added with a more serious look. 

"Right now I'm thinking about how thirsty I am," He said with a sigh.

I rolled my eyes but smiled at him, "I love you and I'm always here for you. You can tell me anything."

"I know," He said quickly and meant it. I had been his best friend ever since we were little and still was now, we didn't keep secrets. Smirking, he dropped a hand on my thigh and gave it a squeeze, "But my mouth is so dry I don't think I can talk."

I let out a sigh that was a silly one before I stood up, "I'm going to get you some water."

"Thank you baby, you're the best," He replied, happy with my response as he kept his eyes on me. "I'll wait in the bedroom." 

"Are you sure you can make it to the bed?" I asked in a teasing voice but before he could say anything back I was already gone towards the kitchen, grabbing another bottle from the fridge. 

"I think I need help," He groaned in frustration as I walked into the bedroom, looking annoyed at his shirt.

I stared at my man in amusement as I walked over to him, setting the bottle of water on his bedside table in the process, "What would you do without you?"

"I'd be miserable," He answered seriously, grabbing my hips and watching me unbutton his shift carefully. "I'm trying to get over some stuff lately but it's being hard. I argued with Tristan because he slept with Chloe and I fought with Chloe not just because of that but also because she said I've knocked you up and dumped you when things got too hard. I'm trying to move on, forgive and forget, but it still hurts a little."

I wrinkled my nose and peeled his shirt from his body, discarding it in the dirty clothes hamper, "Chloe said that? She knows better than that... that when we broke up it was mutual..." I trailed off, understanding why he was hurt because breaking up was hard on the both of us in the first place, but at the time it seemed like the right thing to do. Neither of us were the victim or the one who got dumped, it was a decision we made together instead. 

Ben sighed again, "I know. She said that she didn't mean it, but still..."

"Oh Chloe," I sighed and moved my hands to his zipper, helping him out of his jeans without any ulterior motives for once. "Your sister loves you, but she sometimes doesn't think before she speaks."

He snorted, "You can say that again. And now Tristan thinks that he's falling for her? God save us all."

My eyes widened, "He said that?"

Ben collapsed backwards on the bed wearing just his boxers, covering his hands over his eyes like the lights might be hurting them. I dimmed the lights instantly and crawled onto the bed beside him, adjusting my body in his arms. "I don't know. He's confused, doesn't know what he wants."

"And what do you think about them being together?" I asked, genuinely curious what he thought. Honestly, I thought Chloe had met her match. Most guys fawned over her and jumped at her beck and call, but Tristan was different. She needed someone she could spar with and not get bored of... because she got bored of men fast. 

"I don't know," He muttered and rolled over onto his side, hiding his face against my neck. The thought of Tristan and Chloe together made him feel uncomfortable, that much was obvious without him even saying it.

I played with his hair gently, tangling my leg with his and giving him a moment of silence before I spoke again. "You do instead. Why don't you tell me?" I asked softly, the tone of my voice the same I used with Gabe.

"I'm too drunk to talk about that," He tried again, as stubborn as always.

"Lies," I said back.

Ben let out a sigh that was borderline silly, "I think they'd be the oddest couple on earth. They're opposites and they want opposite things," He started, "Chloe is still looking for the prince charming while Tristan doesn't believe in relationships. They'd never work together."

I looked down at him with an eyebrow raised, "And even if they don't? It's life baby..."

"If Tristan hurts Chloe I'm afraid I'd lose my friend," He admitted, because no matter how much he loved Tristan, Chloe was still his sister, one he'd always protect even if she drove him crazy and sometimes was impossible.

 

"And his track record with women isn't very great, so I can see why you'd have your doubts in him," I told him, knowing where he was coming from. I guess I never really had that problems, even when Ben and I had broken up, we'd always been friends. But was it different for Chloe? As much as we never meant to, did we put her in the middle of our breakup too?

Ben sighed more genuinely, as if just realizing he wasn't putting any faith in his best friend. "It's not that I doubt him..." He trailed off but didn't say anything more.

"Tristan doesn't want a relationship, but I'm sure that he made that clear to Chloe," I added because when it came down to it? Chloe was an adult. She knew how Tristan was and what he wanted... and she seemed fine with that. "He's your friend and she's your sister, but they're both adults. Both of them speak their mind and you're right - they're complete opposites and want different things. But sometimes opposites complete each other," I shrugged, knowing how good Tristan could be for Chloe. She needed someone who didn't do the club scene, someone who put his job first and had morals. The last guy she'd been seeing was a scumbag photographer whos needy attitude didn't help.

He processed my words and frowned, looking lost in his thoughts while I hoped our night wasn't ruined. "I don't want to talk about it anymore," He said stubbornly and rolled over onto his stomach but still let his arm laying across my body. 

I let out a soft chuckle, shifting on my side and running a hand through his hair while he kept his flawless face hidden against the pillow, "Because you know I have a point."

"No it's because I'm getting a headache," He said as he turned his head, peeking one eye open and biting back a grin.

"That's what you'll have tomorrow," I said back and leaned into him to kiss his lips softly

He answered to the kiss, his hand curling around my hip. "I can't wait," He muttered against my mouth in a quiet groan.

"Are you feeling better now that you talked to me?" I asked and pulled my head back to stare into his eyes, wishing I could offer the kind of advice that cured his problems. I knew it was impossible though. The only thing he needed right now was time.

He nodded, "Tristan and Chloe are both adults and they're free to fuck up." He grinned at me, looking like he meant it and like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. 

"That's true," I smiled back at my man, studying his expression and wishing I could know exactly what was going on in that handsome head of his. "But no matter what happens, that should be between the two of them... it shouldn't effect your relationship with either of them."

"Meh," He replied back but was still grinning, maybe the alcohol now talking for him.

I let my smile widen and I cuddled my body up against his, "You smell like a bar and taste like scotch. I'm not sure how you made it home in one piece."

His face turned serious for a moment before he spoke again, "I took a cab." 

I laughed softly and nuzzled my head against his neck, "Are you feeling sick or hungry? I can make you something if you need to eat."

"How did I found an amazing girl like you?" He asked instead, as if he was talking not only to me but himself too.

I shot him a vaguely amused look since he didn't really answer me. And he was being super cute instead. "Do you ask that to yourself a lot?"

He nodded his head like the drunk silly man he was, keeping his eyes on me, "When I say you're too good to me, I mean it." 

"You're scaring me. What do you want me to make you, a huge meal?" I joked as I lifted my head and leaned into him further, kissing his lips before wrinkling my nose. "Thank you baby."

He let out a deep breath, "I'm neither sick or hungry. I'm just still drunk." He rolled onto his side to nuzzle my neck, "All I need is you and cuddles. Tomorrow I'll need you, cuddles and aspirin."

"I'll leave the bottle of aspirin on your night stand for when you'll wake up," I told him while I inched my body towards his, letting our legs tangle together as we adjusted our bodies to each others. I fit perfectly in his arms, always had and always would. "You're lucky I do cuddles well and can give you exactly what you need."

"Your cuddles will cure me," He replied with a smile on his lips as his eyes closed. 

I grinned but kept my eyes on him, studying his expression and the way he was always breathing. After having Gabe, I was more concerned about both of my boys health and even though I was sure Ben was fine, I still worried sometimes. "Is my drunk boyfriend going to bed before I get the chance to take advantage of him?!"

"You can have your way with me while I sleep," He replied with his eyes still closed but a smirk playing on his lips. 

"I don't know how fun that would be," I laid my head against the same pillow as him, playing with his hair while I rested my eyes. 

"You can't know until you try." 

I broke into a soft chuckle, but didn't open my eyes, nuzzling further into my man, "You're being silly."

"Silly, drunk, what's the difference?" He asked as he held me closer to him. "You're my best friend." 

"Where did that come from?" I asked back, a smile spreading across my lips.

He let his hand caress my back slowly, "I was thinking about how much better I feel everytime I talk to you."

"You can always talk to me baby," I answered quietly, always wanting to be there for him. We'd been through so much together and I always wanted to be the one he could come to, no matter what. 

"Sometimes I hold things back because I don't want you to have too many thoughts..." He trailed off, trying to make me understand that if sometimes he was closed off it wasn't because he didn't trust me. He was constantly trying to protect me... even if it meant putting everyone first but himself.

I opened my eyes and studied his face even if his eyes were closed. A smile still played on my lips as I cupped his cheek with one hand and pressed my lips against his softly, his lips parting enough for me to work my tongue into his mouth and deepen the kiss. We kept out lips together for a moment until I felt dizzy from the kiss, wanting more always. "You don't always have to put me first," I said eventually and his eyes opened while he raised an eyebrow. "You and Gabe are the most important things in my life and if you're ever mad or upset, then I want you to tell me. I'm always here for you."

"You always come first instead," He said back stubbornly but grinned.

I laughed and rolled my eyes playfully, nuzzling his neck again and this time pressing soft kisses against it, "I can handle a lot instead."

"I know you can, but you already handled so much for so many years...alone," He tried to explain even if it was hard, mostly when he was still drunk. "Now you have me again, I want to help."

I shot him a confused look because he was being adorable and not making too much sense, "You've always helped me Ben, we took care of Gabe together."

Ben shrugged, "But I want to take care of you too now." 

I let out another soft laugh, running my hand up and down his chest, "Stubborn, aren't we?" I asked and he shrugged again, acting silly as he tried to keep a straight face. "We should share all our worries and fears with each other, keeping them all to yourself is not a wise decision."

He sighed this time, knowing I was right. "I have a lot of time to make up for," He said instead, the way he was replying reminding me a lot how Gabe was. I guessed that he got his dads stubbornness.

"You already have," I told him, meaning every word. Life had definitely changed for the best since we got back together and I couldn't remember the last time I had ever been so happy. I had the man of my dreams now and we were finally giving our son the family he deserved. 

He stared at me with an amused look, "Should I give up and let you spoil me then?"

"I like being spoiled instead," I grinned at him and nuzzled him more, loving his manly scent even if he smelt a little like he showered in alcohol right now. "We're going to need a long shower in the morning..."

"You'll be able to start on spoiling me then," He smiled while his eyes closed. 

I kept my eyes on him, taking in his flawless features and smiling to myself, "I think I started that years ago instead."

"But then you stopped," He frowned, his arms pulling me closer and holding me tight almost automatically.

I let him hold me, my body glued to his, "We both stopped." 

He let out a long sigh while I thought about all the nights I had spent alone, all the times I had to leave both of my boys only to go back to an empty house. "I missed you so much," He said seriously, "I've always had you in my mind, in my heart...you've always been the only one for me."

I looked up at Ben and smiled, "Is this you or the alcohol talking? Because you're going to make me tear up."

"No crying please," He laughed softly and hid his head against my neck, nuzzling it and pressing soft kisses against my skin. I felt a shiver run through me and played with his hair.

"When you talk like that it makes me want to ride you until you're making a baby inside of me," I said seriously.

He pulled his head back to grin at me, "Have you been drinking too??"

"No," I wrinkled my nose and then grinned again, tilting my head at an angle and kissing his lips softly. "My boyfriend had a boys night and I wasn't allowed instead," I added against his lips, a smirk playing on mine. 

"It wasn't a boys night," He said and pulled his head back just so slightly to look better into my eyes as if gauging my reaction. 

I raised one eyebrow at him, being silly, "Were there girls too?" His face dropped, because of course, Ben was the most loyal man alive. I knew how women were and how flawless he was... and I put all of my trust into him. "I'm joking."

"It was a date with Sean basically," He shrugged.

"Poor Tristan," I faked a frown before breaking into a grin and kissing his cheek. "I bet he was home alone sipping whiskey and thinking about you while listening to sad love songs."

At that he laughed, because that was a seriously silly image to think about. "I'll call him tomorrow," He said eventually,

"I think it's a good idea," I agreed with a small nod. "Are you sure you don't want to drunk text him?" I added with a smirk.

Another laugh escaped Ben, "No, I want to keep my mood a good one right now and focus on you instead."

"You should focus on my lips," I tapped a finger against my lips as I made a silly kissy face, breaking into a wide grin when he pressed his lips to mine. I moved my hand to his hair, tangling my fingers with it. 

When he pulled back, he had an amused look on his face, "Were you lonely tonight? You can't keep your lips away from me."

I smirked as I wrapped my arms back around his body, "I had the apartment to myself and it was quiet.... too quiet."

"Did you miss your boys screaming while playing videogames?" He asked and smirked at me, describing something that happened quite often.

I let out a soft laugh, "I swear, when you two do that it's like you're the same age as your son."

He shrugged, his amused expression not leaving his face, "That little man keeps me young."

I laughed again, "You kill me when you're drunk."

He faked a frown, grabbing my body and holding me tight against him, "No please. What would I do without you?"

"You'd be even more exhausted," I faked a pout that matched his. "And you'd miss me of course," I added when he raised an eyebrow at me. 

"Of course," He smiled and nuzzled his head against my neck. "I missed you earlier."

I grinned at his confession and shook my head lightly, "Lies. You were too busy drinking with Sean."

He pulled his head back and had a look of mock hurt on his handsome face, "I still missed you."

"I miss you always... especially during shower time," I replied with a grin, cupping his face in my hands. As much as I supported him in any career venture he decided on? He really was one hell of a model and easily the most flawless man I had ever seen. Women were envious of me and I couldn't blame them. Sometimes I had to pinch myself just to make sure this all wasn't just a dream. 

He let a silly grin spread his lips, leaning into my touch as he stared at me with amusement, "Why? You can't wash your back?" 

I let out a soft chuckle, "You read my mind baby." I paused to press a soft kiss on his lips, "And not only my back, I have problems with my ass and breasts too."

He tried to fake a serious face even though it wasn't really working. "Don't worry mon amour, I'll help you tomorrow." He said back, the thought of us in the shower enough for me to want tomorrow to come fast, "But you have to help me too."

"With what?" I asked, a wicked glint in my dark eyes.

"My penis," He answered and smirked as he pressed his lips against mine.

I laughed against his mouth, "It sounds fair."

He let out a content sigh, holding me tight against him, "We have a deal baby."