Oliver Thorton

One month. James and Oliver had given the landlord their notice and were due to be out by the end of the month. They threw most of their things out. After walking through the home one more time, they concluded that the furniture there was so much better than their own, so they would keep them, but they would get rid of the mattresses and purchase new ones because Johanna was terrified at the though of sleeping on someone else’s sheets.

They had all finished packing and Benjamin and Charlotte were helping the three adults move into their new home. They couldn’t have picked a better day, they were being tortured by snow.

Oliver didn’t mind one bit though; in that month, he had begun to accept that he would actually be able to afford this amazing home for Johanna and Sam. He could not believe that he got so lucky, so he would stop questioning if this was a good idea, for now it was and that was good enough for him.

Plus, he got to spend more time with Benjamin, which he has been doing more of this month. Oliver had been worrying that Johanna was getting burnt out so he paid for a nice spa weekend for her and Charlotte - she kissed him - while he and James watched over Sam. Of course Benjamin was more than happy to help watch over the baby as well, therefore Oliver often found himself at the older man’s home, just five minutes from where he himself was moving to.

Benjamin always seemed to jump at the offer to spend more time with Oliver. Oliver really didn’t want to get his hopes up about the potential implications for this, but he couldn’t help it. How could he? They had begun to sit much closer together, they loved the time alone, Benjamin was always wanting to cook for him, whether that be breakfast, lunch or supper and he had recently begun to call him sweet pet names. Oliver longed to have Benjamin be his, but he knew he was hoping for too much. For now, he would focus on helping carry all of their things into the rental truck.

“Oliver?” Speak of the devil. “There you are? What’s keeping you? We’ve been waiting for you. Come on.”

Oliver took one last look around the dingy flat. He can’t say he’ll miss it, but this is where he thought he would spend the rest of his days. He had never been happier to be wrong.
...

Benjamin put out an order, quickly moving on to yet another. He had never been so busy as these last two months proved to be. With Christmas quickly approaching, the restaurant seemed to be overflowing with guests. They were accommodating large parties almost everyday, nearly everyone was working double shifts and for the first time since he began, Benjamin wished for a day off. It had been a single day since he helped Oliver, Johanna and James move into their new home. He was more than pleased to help them, but now he wished to overstay his welcome and visit more often. Why would he not? He was practically throwing himself at Oliver every time he saw the younger man.
Benjamin blamed his hormones and the fact that Oliver had to be the cutest living creature Benjamin had ever laid eyes on.

He felt guilty every time he thought of Oliver as more than just a friend. He felt like a pervert. especially since he was almost 97% sure that Oliver certainly did not think of him the same way. And why should he? Benjamin didn’t think of himself as anything special. He thought of himself as an emotionally retarded wreck of a chef who was in desperate need of a social life. Who would like that?

...

“I swear, you are the thickest smart person I have ever met.” Oliver giggled over his lasagna.
The men - boys, more like it - were sitting in the middle of Oliver’s new family room. Oliver had come home at 5 from work, so Johanna left to visit a few friends while James went out for the rest of the night. Of course Oliver had to call Benjamin to come keep him company and make him supper.
The two were playing ‘Jeopardy’. For some reason, Oliver was obsessed with both the television show and the game. Benjamin was not genius enough to get any of the questions correct so far.

“This game is stupid! I quit, let’s play something else.” Oliver’s version of ‘something else’ was Scrabble. “Are you some sort of closet genius or something? Can we play something for stupid people?”
Oliver could not stop giggling at Benjamin’s protests. He was adorable when frustrated.

“Come on, it’s Scrabble! You have a dictionary right in front of you. And to make it easier, I’ll even let you use Urban Dictionary.”

Benjamin sighed in defeat and shook the bag. He would give Oliver anything he asked for, if he was being honest with himself.

...

Benjamin grinned to himself. He had gone to put Sam to bed at around 9 that night while Oliver put on a movie for them to watch. Not even an hour later, Oliver was basically passed out on top of Benjamin. He has been very stressed for the past month, Benjamin wondered when the last time he got a good night’s sleep was. Of course Benjamin had to wrap his arms around the boy and bring him even closer; he couldn’t help himself.

This was how Johanna found them when she returned home. She sent a smirk Benjamin’s way along with some obnoxious smooches before making her way up the stairs to her bedroom. The chef’s cheeks flamed, she would surely tell Oliver about this when he woke up the next morning. Benjamin didn’t have time to care. All he cared about was the feeling of Oliver wrapped in his arms. Benjamin felt like a creep for taking a whiff, but the boy smelled so good, a mix of vanilla and baby formula and something that Benjamin was positive to be pure Oliver.

He wanted to know how he could make this happen every single day. Well, he knew how...a relationship, but he wasn’t sure if either of them were quite ready for that step yet. He would wait for Oliver to be more settled in Tiverton and perhaps a few years after that.

Benjamin frowned to himself and shook his head without waking the boy. He thought of himself as such a coward. Why couldn’t he just raise the courage to ask the boy out on a date? With the smirks and hints that he was receiving from both his sister and Johanna, he was almost assured at least a yes for just one date. Why was that not enough? Can he really blame Elizabeth again? It had been years since he’s even seen her. She’s surely moved on long ago. Was he just afraid? Of course he was. He got his heart torn apart the first and second times he ever gave it to someone. He was absolutely terrified of facing the same fate yet again. But how was he ever supposed to love anyone and move on if he was too afraid to even go out on one date?

Benjamin was attempting to convince himself that he just didn’t want to lose Oliver as a friend. He hadn’t had a friend in a long time and Oliver’s friendship was too precious for him to risk. Yes, this is the excuse that he stuck with as to why he would not seek anything more than friendship. Sure, he hated himself for it, but what could he do? He was too deep in his hole to even think about attempting to dig himself out.

Another sigh fell from his lips as he held Oliver closer to his body. Just because he would not seek a romantic relationship, it did not mean that he would not enjoy this. Just this once.

...

Oliver awoke with a kink in his neck. It was very uncomfortable. Forcing his eyes open, he was immediately blinded by the sun shining through the curtains. He groaned. Oliver barely remembered laying to sleep the night before. It wasn’t until he sat up did he realize that he was on the sofa. Another groan fell past his lips as he face palmed himself. He had been watching a film with Benjamin after putting Sam to bed. He had slept before the movie even ended! He was supposed to be spending the day with Benjamin and he fell asleep! Wonderful. Looking around, Oliver concluded that yes, Benjamin had gone home. How disappointing.

Oliver was not sure when he would next see Benjamin; the man was swamped at the restaurant in preparation for the upcoming Christmas holiday and so was Oliver, he had to pick up a few extra shifts at the shop, while looking for another job as well. Although the shop paid enough, he wanted to do more. He didn’t want to have to worry about just breaking even when it came time to pay the bills.
He was lucky to have woken up at the time that he did. He had just enough time to shower and eat before rushing off to work for the evening shift. Oliver was wondering how on earth he could have slept until 1 pm!

He passed Johanna cradling Sam with a bottle in his mouth on his way to the washroom.

“Good morning sleepy head. I can’t fathom why you’re so tired, you passed out right on top of Benjamin long before even I made it home.”

Oliver was just going to give her a very unpleasant finger and continue on his way, but stopped dead in his tracks. Johanna was sending an evil smirk his way when he turned around.

“Say what now? On top of Benjamin?”
Oliver could feel his cheeks flush, his palms sweat and his heart rate quicken. He was almost certain that he was going to be sick.

“Oh yeah,” She continued. “I walked in and there you were, half on his lap, head on his shoulder and he had his arms wrapped around you just as tight. It was sweet. Now hurry along before you’re late for work.” She cackled all the way down the stairs.

As Oliver hyperventilated in the hall, he attempted to remember what had happened the night before. The attempts at board games - that Benjamin failed at - the food, the laughter, the film and then....blank. On top of Benjamin? Oliver was more frustrated at the fact that he couldn’t remember the feel of Benjamin’s arms around him! How could he have missed that of all things?
He groaned, tugging at his locks before making his way into his bedroom. He had given Johanna the biggest one because he was a gentleman, but his and James’s bedrooms still had attached baths. For that he was grateful.

...

Oliver sat in the car in front of the shop, ten minutes before his shift was set to start, with a giant grin on his face. He had taken out his phone to send a message to Benjamin about the wonderful night and how sorry he was for falling asleep so early...but the older man had already messaged him that morning.

‘Sorry I had to leave so early :(( Dad’s got me pulling a double shift at the restaurant today. Boo! 
Anywhoooz, thanks for the fun night ;). Granted, I would have rather ripped out my own eyeballs than play jeopardy, but spending any time with you is always wonderful ;). Have a good day at work xoxoxo’

Oliver couldn’t stop the grin from stretching all across his face. Benjamin said he loved spending time with him. Oliver could have slapped himself for feeling so much like a teenage girl, but how could he help himself? It was Benjamin! And this proved that Ben had spent the night with him! 
He took a deep breath and composed himself before thinking of what he was going to send. He didn’t care that he might be late for work composing a simple message; it had to be perfect!

‘I doubt I can have any fun here, but thanks :) Sorry about your dad, that must blow so bad! And sorry also about falling asleep on you last night! How embarrassing! Although I’ve never gotten such a good night’s sleep; you’re just really that comfortable ;). You have to let me fall asleep on you more often ;) lol, jk. About to be late for work. Talk to you later xoxoxoxoxo’

Oliver pressed ‘send’ before he could second guess himself and erase everything. It was bold for him to ever say anything like that, but if Benjamin was going to flirt, then he would as well! He also never added those stupid x’s and o’s with his message, but Benjamin sent them and since they meant hugs and kisses, he would send them back! He wished he could hug and kiss Ben as much as he liked.

...

When Benjamin received the message on a short break from the back, he too couldn’t stop the grin from spreading on his face. He wold absolutely love to have Oliver fall asleep on him some more. It had been an amazing night for him.
Charlotte was walking by, a tray of dishes in her hands when she saw her brother’s excited face. She stopped in her tracks and sent a maniacal smirk his way.

“What are you so happy about? It’s almost unnatural.”
Anyone else, he would have brushed them off, but Charlotte was his best friend, so he showed her the message. She gasped loudly and shoved the tray into someone else’s arms.

“Oh my goodness! Are you serious? Is this for real? You spent the night with him last night?”

“It wasn’t anything like what you’re thinking. We played some games, had supper, watched a film and then slept. 100% innocent.”
Charlotte scoffed.

“I don’t care if it’s innocent or not! You spent the night with him cuddled in your arms and now you’re sending flirty texts back and forth. Oh, you dirty boy!”

Charlotte would have continued had their father not come into the back and yelled at them to get back to work. That didn’t stop Charlotte from suggestively elbowing him and winking every time she passed. But Benjamin didn’t mind. If Oliver wanted to flirt then he could definitely oblige.

...

Christmas was coming in exactly a weeks time and Thomas was coming. He had finished his exams a few days prior and had been at their parents house, at their mother’s request. She still had not attempted to contact Oliver, but he didn’t care.

The household was filled with a buzz of excitement for Christmas. It was Sam’s first! Oliver had just about gone crazy with the decorations. Him and James both. James had called the aid of Benjamin and some other friends and camouflaged the entire home with lights; from the outside it looked just like a house shaped ball of different coloured lights and inflatable reindeer and Santa and...everything.

Even Johanna wasn’t that crazy. She did enjoy dressing up her 5 month old in festive outfits though.
Oliver was also happy because he would spend this Christmas with family. The holidays that he had had with Carter had been absolutely awful. They never exchanged gifts, - well, Carter certainly never bought him anything ever - the house was never decorated, it was rarely even mentioned that it was the holidays. But not this year. This year he would spend it with his new family! His son, his brother and his best friends! And it was absolutely amazing.

Johanna had opted out of spending the holidays with her family because she claimed that she wanted to make her own memories and traditions. Her parents were not very pleased, but they said nothing and made her promise to come visit right after. James had been disowned - loosely - but he could have still gone home if he wished - if only to see his little sister - but he too chose to stay in Tiverton and visit after the holidays. Oliver was terrified at the thought of what James bought everyone. He had been very sneaky the past couple of weeks, leaving Oliver terrified.

As for him, well he still couldn’t afford much, seeing as they just purchased a house, but he had enough saved up to get everyone something, no matter how small. He had even gotten something for Benjamin. And then he felt bad, so he got something small for Charlotte as well.

Speaking of Benjamin, the two had not seen each other for three days, ever since Oliver fell asleep on him. The restaurant had apparently been packed to over capacity the past few days and Benjamin had stayed from morning until night to help his father. But the two messaged each other non stop. Benjamin had been yelled at often by his father for having his phone in the kitchen and Oliver’s been scolded by his superiors for the same reason. But they didn’t care; the two survived not seeing each other for the past three days by sending flirty messages back and forth. Oliver felt like a love sick school girl, but he would continue.

Apparently, because the restaurant would be closed on Christmas Day, Benjamin had told Oliver that he had never seen so many proposals in his life. He claimed to have at least three couples getting engaged every day and that was only the ones he saw for himself; he was sure there were more.

Oliver guessed that was what sucked about the holidays...he was alone. Well, not alone, just lonely...relationship wise. He didn’t like to think of himself as a person who could not go one day without being in a relationship - he was quite happy that he was still single - but it would be nice to be viewed by someone in a romantic way. Johanna had been drilling it into his head that Benjamin thought of him that way, but he could never be sure. Actually, he almost wanted to deny it completely. He felt that Ben could do better than him and he was afraid that he was getting the wrong ideas every time they messaged each other.

Oliver was sure that he would crawl into a hole and never emerge if all Ben wanted from him was friendship and the messages were freaking him out.

...

Three days before Christmas. Sam’s outfit of the day was a cute knitted red sweater with a reindeer on it and little green jeans. Oliver couldn’t stop gushing and Thomas wouldn’t let go of his son.
Goodness Oliver missed his brother, but it appeared as though Thomas missed Sam more. The man had barely let the baby out of his arms since he arrived, but Oliver thought it was absolutely adorable. Him and James were such women when it came to Sam.

Oliver and Thomas were planning one last trip to the mall before the holidays made them even more unbearable. James had opted to stay home and prepare for the ‘big gifts’ - whatever that meant - and Johanna had gone to visit Charlotte at the restaurant for lunch. Oliver had half a mind to cancel the trip with his brother to go see Ben, but decided not to be creepy. He sent another message instead.

‘Jo’s coming down to visit your sis. Wish I could come too :(((‘
That sounded innocent enough....sort of.

That was another thing that had changed since Thomas came back. His brother had not gotten off his back about his relationship with Benjamin - even though Oliver constantly reassured him that it was not a relationship past friendship. Of course Thomas wouldn’t believe him, Oliver barely believed himself.

So the brothers and Sam hopped in Oliver’s car - it was James’s second car, but Oliver still couldn’t afford to get his own fixed and James never used that one - and made their way down. It was still a zoo, but at least they could comfortably maneuver the pram...sort of.

“So are you going to tell me the truth about you and Ben or am I going to have to force it out of you?” Thomas asked, picking out a pair of small Chuck Taylor’s for Sam.
 Oliver sighed and rolled his eyes, he knew this was coming.

“There is absolutely nothing going on between me and Ben. We’re just really good friends now. We talk often and...that’s all.”

“That’s a load of bull!” Thomas almost yelled out. He got the attention of some shoppers, but paid no mind. “Both Johanna and James swear that there is something going on between you two and -”

Oliver drowned out the rest when his cell vibrated in his pocket. He quickly picked it up and read the message.

‘Jo-Jo’s coming and not you? Why not :((( I haven’t seen you in FOREVER, I miss that face of yours :( Don’t you miss me???‘

Oliver wanted to keep the smile off of his face, but he just couldn’t help it when it came to Ben. The fact that he did smile - and blush - just gave his brother more evidence to back his case.

“And I’ve barely been back for a week and you’ve been constantly messaging him every second! It’s like your phone is glued to your hand. You hate messaging! And every time he does, you get this stupid smile on your face and Charlotte even said that you and Ben have been flirting non stop! Come on, Oli, I’m your brother, you’re supposed to tell me these things!”

Oliver sighed and rolled his eyes. Thomas was right; he had been keeping these from him. But it was for his own good! Oliver didn’t want to get his hopes and everyone else’s up for it to all turn out to be nothing. How embarrassing would that be? So he never told anyone, in fear that it really did mean absolutely nothing to Ben. But how could it mean nothing? He said he missed him often, he claimed to always be thinking about spending time with him, and those little x’s and o’s just about drove Oliver crazy. He was so confused!

So he did...he confided in his twin brother at the baby store on one of those stools near the dressing rooms. Oliver had to admit that it did feel nice to talk to someone about his feelings other than himself in front of the mirror. And Thomas was a very good listener.

“Well brother, I think Ben is absolutely head over heels for you. People don’t just say stuff like that if they don’t mean it! Unless they’re cruel, of course, and I don’t think Benjamin is cruel. You should ask him out or have you two been dancing around those edges?”

Oliver had to admit that yes, they had been dancing around the subject of becoming more than friends, or even just one date. Oliver understood that he himself was terrified that it would all go wrong and they would lose their friendship, perhaps Benjamin felt the same. If he couldn’t have him as more, Oliver was more than okay with just being Ben’s friend. They seemed to be pretty good at that so far.
Oliver stated this to Thomas, who scoffed and pulled them into another store.

“Oh please, you two would be the cutest couple ever. Even James thinks so and the idea of anyone being with someone else for more than 48 hours freaks the man out.”

Oliver wasn’t sure if he should be happy or grossed out. He was very aware of James’s...behaviour, but that didn’t mean he always approved of it.

“That doesn’t mean anything, Thomas. We could ‘look’ really good together and turn out to be absolutely horrible for one another. And then what? We break up and I lose a really good friendship.”

“You wouldn’t lose your friendship. I’m sure you two would find a way to make it work.”
Oliver stared at him for a long minute.

“You really think that two grown adults who were once in a relationship can stay friends after they break up? Are you crazy?”
Thomas stared right back with the same expression. Thomas sometimes hated that they both thought so much alike. Wasn’t the quirk of twins for them to be polar opposites?

Even though the two didn’t agree - at all - on what Oliver should do in regards to Benjamin, they couldn’t deny that they missed talking to each other like this. Like brothers do. Oliver was glad that he and Thomas were so close; he thought that there was nothing more sad than siblings who didn’t like each other.