Chapter Text
Love Hopeful: Live By...New Years
On Friday December 27th things shifted. Linda opened the door to see the smiling face of her only daughter Nancy. Mick came running out to screaming, then he rushed forward happily. Lee and Johnny also both laughed. For a moment Lee and Johnny forgot they were upset with Mick, for one brief moment everything was like it was until it wasn’t. Nancy quickly explained Tamwar would be here in a few days, he stopped off to see Syed and Christian.
Mick was confused, Nancy announced they were getting married. Johnny rolled his eyes, hissed when Linda smacked his arm. Nancy laughed as she explained that they were getting married soon. Their reason for coming back was to have a wedding. Linda gasp, Mick had to sit down as they claimed they didn’t want a big to do. No one was really listening to her as she went on about the plan she had made, and how Tamwar was off handle his brother and trying to convince the rest to come back to Walford. Then she stopped.
“I know this seems sudden…” Nancy started wanting everyone to be on board.
“It’s not that Nancy,” Johnny promised her smiling he knew this had been a while coming, they’d almost been engaged a year.
“I wouldn’t exactly say that,” Linda disagreed frowning. “Lee is only on leave until New Year’s, Johnny leaves in two days…”
“The wedding isn’t until March,” Nancy assured them, watching Linda soften but still her face showed her sadness. “I wanted to have it in Greece, but Tamwar wants it here with all the family.”
“Remind me to thank him,” Mick grumbled looking at Linda who now looked a mix of insulted and broken.
“I haven’t told anyone but Callum yet,” Lee started looking at his parents and siblings, and he knew Nancy was reacting to the name. “But I am not resigning with the Army, I’ll be discharged the first to second week of March.”
“Callum,” Nancy laughed excitedly. “I spaced that he was back.” Nancy smiled but it quickly faltered when Lee looked at Mick. Mick who looked pale, Nancy felt an uneasy feeling pass through her.
“Nancy we’ve been trying to contact you for over a week now,” Mick sighed motioning for Lee and Johnny to move away from their sister. “There’s something we need to talk about, and I wanted to do this in person.”
Linda watched as her house erupted into pure chaos, Lee and Johnny were storming out and Mick walked off angry. Nancy followed Mick, and Linda had never felt more alone and in the middle than at this moment.
Ben groans rubbing his eyes as the sun hits his face, he can hear Lexi and Callum in the other room. He loves his daughter, he’d give his life, his very soul for her, without hesitation. But he needed one day of sleeping in or he was going to die of exhaustion. Since she had arrived a week ago, there has not been no single second of silence. He couldn’t even recall a moment he and Callum had to themselves. He couldn’t blame her, or even be angry with her. She was excited she got to spend time with them. It was hard on her living away from Ben, she was his little girl, to her Ben was everything.
But he was looking forward to tonight, to being able to lay next to Callum without her head popping into the room because she heard a noise outside. Last night she had slept in their bed because Denny had told her a story about the dead waking up and walking the streets. Each time she heard so much a little sound she thought someone was coming back alive from downstairs. She had spent an hour in tears terrified they would come for them. Callum had been wonderful, he knew what to do and what to say to finally calm her down. After watching some cartoon Ben couldn’t even name Callum had agreed she could sleep with them. Ben watched as he told her some fairytale that had her asleep within minutes.
Sometimes it amazed him how good Callum was at being a dad. He was a natural, from the basic everyday routine stuff to the type of stuff that just pops up out of nowhere. Callum made it look so easy, that at times Ben felt jealous. It was like he never struggled with the transition from no child to stepchild, it just came naturally. Anything from sewing outfits and costumes, to making cupcakes and pizza, hosting story time sessions, to remembering the names of all the children in her class. He knew how to fix her hair, how to soothe her when she cried, it seemed like he was born to be a parent. Lexi just looked up to him, accepted him as an authority figure without ever questioning it.
Slipping out of the bed Ben grinned, he was going to enjoy having Callum all to himself for the rest of today. Johnny and Lee were here all the time now. It was like he couldn’t walk out of their bedroom without people being here. Since December started, they’ve barely had any time together. It was starting to weigh on Ben. He wanted them to enjoy their first holiday season together but thanks to Elenore it felt tainted. Ben was trying to come up with the perfect New Year’s Eve date, since Jay and Lola got Valentine’s Day.
Ben walked out to Johnny on the couch with Lexi, and Lee chatting with Callum. The television was on, and Lee was obviously emotional about something as he was waving his hands dramatically. Turning back around Ben needed a moment to compose himself. He could hear Lexi laughing as Johnny made jokes, could hear Callum calming Lee down. Ben was learning fast lee had a short temper, and it got him into trouble. It was why he was leaving the Army.
“Good morning,” Ben greeted everyone, stopping when he saw Lee nod and Johnny not even look up but wave a hello.
“Nancy came back this morning,” Callum explained softly handing him a cup of coffee proving at least he had seen him.
“Isn’t that what everyone wanted,” Ben asked confused, then moaned as he tasted his perfectly made coffee. He really didn’t deserve Callum.
“Nancy doesn’t think Lee has been fair to Mick,” Callum sighed watching Lee walk over and sit next to Johnny, slumping down annoyed.
“Let me guess he didn’t take that well,” Ben guessed laughing at Callum’s glare, ben had been vocal about Lee needing to back off.
“I’m going to go talk to Mick,” Callum told him quietly. Ben has been telling him for the last couple days that he and Mick needed to talk, but without Lee. Johnny agreed but Lee had not taken kindly to Ben’s recommendation. “So...” Callum pleaded looking towards Lee and Johnny.
“You want me to babysit your brothers,” Ben groaned looking over to Johnny who was being taught how to play some game by Lexi as Lee watched holding back a snicker.
“I’ll make it up to you,” Callum promised leaning forward giving him a hard kiss pushing him into the counter, hands going to his bare hips, nails digging into flesh. Ben hated Callum sometimes.
“Callum!” Lexi yelled with a whiny pout; Ben laughed as Callum grumbled, his forehead falling against Ben’s chest. They really needed some alone time just the two of them, a bed, and nothing else. “Johnny is cheating!”
“I am not!” Johnny yelled back to Callum his voice expressing how offended he was, Lee starting to laugh hysterically. Ben exhaled deeply before shoving Callum away.
“Johnny are you seriously intimated by a seven-year-old,” Ben asked walking into the room watching one of his best mates turn rosy pink.
“I am not cheating,” Johnny exclaimed loudly at Ben watching him nod with an amused smile before looking at Lexi. “She’s just being a Mitchell.” Ben and L:ee laughed as she stuck her tongue out at him.
“Move over,” Ben demanded hitting Johnny’s shoulder. “Lee and I are playing with you guys.” Lee looked shocked by this news, but Lexi clapped. Callum smiled as Lee sunk down next to Ben, proving once again Lexi was in charge.
Callum walked out the door as Johnny was arguing with Lexi about a rule or something. Callum could hear Lee reminding Johnny that he’s in his twenties and she’s only seven. Ben couldn’t help the laugh as Johnny gave a pouted answer, Lexi looking smug as Lee let her have her way. It was moments like this that Callum knew Lexi was Ben’s daughter, there was no way she couldn’t be. From the way she carried herself, way she acted to the way she could read people within seconds of meeting them. She was seven, and she had almost the entire square wrapped around her finger and used it to her advantage.
Walking down the stairs he rubbed his eyes, this month felt like it was never ending. Walking down the street the cold air hit him, he didn’t know how to feel right now. Lee and Johnny were angry at Nancy, angry she didn’t take their side his side. He didn’t even realize there were sides. Linda was in the middle, she loved Callum as if he were her own, but Nancy was making her feel bad. Nancy and he had always gotten along, she was only a year younger than Lee.
He recalled all the tricks she used to play on him, and there was even a joke they’d get married. Now with him being gay and her possibly being his sister it felt gross but at eight and five it seemed like the logical thing to do. It all seemed so strange to him, having a family. Not just with the Carters but with Ben too. Having Lexi who wanted him to make breakfast and fix her hair. Lexi who clung to him like he could protect her. Lola and Jay who looked at him like they did Ben. All of this felt so unreal.
“Nancy,” Callum greeted walking in smiling as Linda came forward to hug him happily.
“I take it our brother ratted me out,” Nancy sighed looking up, ignoring Linda glare as she drug Callum inside to sit down.
“This situation is hard on everyone Nancy,” Callum told her looking towards Mick who was walking in. Mick stopped Linda when she wanted to intervene. “Lee…and Johnny are angry. They need someone to blame, someone to direct their rage at, and it’s easier to be angry at Mick who is here present then my mother who is not.”
“Dad is just as much a victim as you are in this,” Nancy argued, she knew Callum was speaking the truth. Elenore wasn’t here, Mick was, so directing their rage at him was easy, it made sense to them.
“When the truth first came out, I treated Callum unfairly,” Mick confessed looking at Callum feeling miserable, he had been thinking about this since Christmas Eve. Mick didn’t know why this was all so hard for him, he loved Callum. The idea Callum was his son feel him with such joy, but he couldn’t feel anything right now. When he looked at any of his children, he felt numb. “I still haven’t got much better.”
“You have a lot to consider Mick,” Callum replied looking away, first at Linda then his hands. Nancy felt her heart break, did their father turned Callum away? “You have a family and business you need to protect.” Mick couldn’t stop his heart from shattering, as Callum went on. “Not to mention my mother was someone important to you, and what she did was unforgivable.” Callum sighed, understanding this wasn’t a black and white situation. Mick needed to worry about the life he built, he needed to protect his family first. “Like you said we don’t even know if I am your son, Elenore Highway isn’t exactly known for telling the truth.”
“You said that…to his face,” Nancy exclaimed Mick felt himself look away in shame, then he looked at Callum. Callum who had every right to be the angry one, but he let it go to defend him, to believe in him.
“The point is,” Callum sighed rubbing his eyes feeling himself lose focus, he needed people to understand. Mick had everything to lose. “Mick is right, until the results come in, we don’t know if…” Callum stopped his voice starting to go uneven. “It’s probably all a lie, it’s what she does.” Callum told them regaining his voice. Nancy looked at Mick then Callum then back at Mick, thinking maybe Lee was justified in his anger.
Nancy remembered when they were children, and people would laugh at Callum. He was always a little chubby, he couldn’t run as fast, and he had been awkward on his feet. He didn’t like to lie, or cheat, and he believed in people. Sometimes it was hard to believe someone could be that good, that honest, but Callum was. When you looked at his father, at his brother, it seemed like it was impossible. They were such horrible people, they lived such cruel lives, that it almost seemed like Callum got all the good. That somehow the universe was trying to even out the score. Nancy never liked his mother, she always seemed fake. When she spoke, it was like each word had a hidden meaning, and only she knew the code.
When they would play Callum would be the last picked, even the times when Lee was picking. Mick would scold him, tell him he needed to be a better friend to Callum. Linda would make something special for him when no one would want him, or they’d make fun of him because Nancy did pick him. It got to the point Callum stopped trying to play, instead he kept score or refereed. It always broke Nancy heart. Callum always put on this happy goofy front about it but she could always see past his words to his broken smile and sad eyes. It was the same smile he had right now, the smile that said, “no one wants me.”
She leaned forward hugging him like she did when they were children. Linda looked down at them, her own sad smile, Mick felt like the biggest heartless jerk in the world. It was clear the results didn’t matter to anyone—but him. Linda wiped the tears away, walking off, she couldn’t let Callum see her cry. Mick closed his eyes his owns tears threatening to fall. Mick felt himself remembering a moment from long ago. Callum and Nancy were a team, Lee picking Johnny over him. He recalled coming outside as Callum kicked the winning goal, Nancy and him laughing as Lee and Johnny looked dumbfounded. Then lee and Johnny started laughing tossing leaves at Callum then Nancy, turning their game into a big battle. Linda walking out rolling her eyes but smiling telling Mick they all were cleaning that mess up.
“The results don’t matter Callum,” Mick told Callum, watching his shattered face look up at him looking confused, dazed, and broken. “You’ve always been a part of this family. I am so sorry I’ve made you feel like you weren’t.” Linda walked in as Mick pulled Callum to him, hugging him tightly. Putting her hand over her mouth to muffle her cries as Nancy went to stand next to her. “I’ve just been so angry with your mother, I couldn’t see…feel anything past that. We love you Callum. We have always loved and wanted you.”
Callum was going to owe Ben so much when this was all said and done. There was no way Ben was going to let him forget that either. Between Johnny reverting back to being a small child arguing with Lexi every five seconds and Lee sulking, Ben was ready for a drink. Lee didn’t understand why Johnny did not grasp that Lexi was Ben’s child, she was not going to just let him win. Then lee realized Callum wasn’t around, Ben had put his hand on his shoulder to keep him from getting up. Ben had faked a smile when he said he’d gone to deal with a pressing matter, and he’d be back later.
Lola and Jay came to pick Lexi up. Lexi of course was sad Callum wasn’t back to say goodbye, Jay promised her they’d call Callum later. Ben ordered Johnny to clean up the game, and for Lee to clean up the dishes while he helped Jay pack up Lexi things. They did so without questioning him or telling him no, Lexi helped. Before leaving Lexi hugged Johnny with a giggle and a thank you for playing with me. Johnny annoyance crumbled within seconds, hugging her back.
Ben really needed some time alone—with Callum—maybe?
After Lexi was gone Ben banged his head against the door as Lee started in on something while Johnny kept telling him to shut up. Lee was obviously upset that Callum went over there alone. It was like something in Johnny finally broke. Ben just stayed back trying to not let his rage win, letting Johnny handle Lee. Johnny finally got Lee to maybe understand, that Callum needed to handle this on his own. He didn’t need Lee to protect him, to defend him. Besides Callum was always the one who fixed their fights with Nancy when they were children.
Ben was hoping they’d just leave but of course they pulled him along. Ben didn’t know if he was cut out for this, kept thinking that maybe he was taking on too much. Within the span of three months he had gone from carefree no strings attached bachelor to domestic boyfriend. He was babysitting grown men, was worried about messy rooms, dirty dishes, and spent hours last night watching movies he couldn’t even grasp the plot. Lee had told him Callum had been on the phone when arrived with Sharon discussing Denny’s tale of dead mean coming back to life.
Was this his life?
“What happened,” Ben exclaimed rushing towards Callum who was wiping away the tears shaking as he sat on the carter’s sofa. Ben looked up at Mick who was also crying, hands trembling as he composed himself.
“Am I missing something,” Nancy mumbled wide eyed looking at Ben who was caressing Callum’s face wiping away his tears, then to Johnny and Lee who just shrugged.
“Callum is also gay,” Johnny stated sitting next to Callum with a smile patting Callum’s leg, who moved over a bit. Ben was in front of him on his knees trying to soothe him as Callum regained his composure.
“He and Ben live together as well,” Lee added watching Nancy nod, look at Callum and Ben then to her parents who smiled. She didn’t know how much more she could take.
“Why is Callum crying!” Ben snapped at them to feel more than hear Callum laugh, Callum gripped Ben’s neck pulled him forward for a sweet kiss.
“You were right,” Callum told Ben smiling, Ben nodded feeling a slight dizzy from Callum’s lips on his. He then looked at Mick who gave him a small smile, then leaned in for one more kiss.
“Right about what,” Lee asked curious pushing at Nancy who pushed back at him, until Linda came over smacking them both with a warning glare.
Ben looked at Callum, felt himself relax, he looked different. Callum looked calmer, more at ease than he had in weeks. Looking at Callum right now was like looking at the Callum before this horrible month of December started. It was like Ben never ran away, he never got scared by how much he cared for Callum. The idea of Callum loving him, and he did love him, didn’t terrify Ben. It was like they didn’t have the arguments over Ben topping, something they still haven’t had a chance to resolve. Elenore didn’t show up, destroy the happiness that Callum was building here. Mick hadn’t spent the last couple weeks being tormented over his past mistake and being looked down upon for it. Callum looked happy.
Ben smile as Callum kissed him again, he missed this. Someone chattering in the background as Johnny made eww sounds. Callum didn’t care, he had Ben and he finally felt wanted for the first time. The moment Mick said he wanted him, that he loved him, Callum shook his head in disbelief. Then Mick’s arms were around him, Callum could hear him say he was sorry, but it didn’t register. Mick and Linda always made him feel safe, he didn’t realize until these past few weeks how much he wanted to be theirs. How much it meant to be able to separate himself from Jonno, to have someone kind and good to look to.
Losing it that night a week ago had been freeing, but then Mick was so scared to say anything. Scared he’d hurt Callum again that he started to double guess his words, his actions. Lee and Johnny were so angry at everything they took it out on Mick. He was an easy target because Mick let them. He never told them to stop, he never defended himself, he almost felt like he deserved that anger. Mick should have known Callum was his, he should have known all along. Callum had to be Jonno’s son, what kind of father didn’t know a boy they practically raised was their own. Mick felt like a failure, so he accepted the anger, the hate.
The Mick looked at him, remembered all the times he called Callum son. All the time Linda cleaned him up, gave him a sweet because Lee or Johnny made him cry or feel less. He was too chubby, his ears were big, he couldn’t run as fast, the list went on. Lee loved Callum, would defend him, but at time he thought that gave him a right to make fun of him. Callum was his brother, was his brother in a way that couldn’t be defined by blood. Johnny and Callum would fight and scream but also defend each other. Nancy always saw Callum, Lee used to joke about a crush, but Mick knew. Mick knew it was because Callum was theirs, not Elenore, not Jonno, not Stuart, and not even Phil Mitchell. And he didn’t need a blood test to tell him that.
“We have a wedding to plan,” Linda grinned clapping her hands excitedly turning away to wipe away her tears.
“Mum I told you a lot of it’s been decided,” Nancy told her softly watching Linda’s face drop before walking off, watching everyone look at her. “I just want something small, just a tiny service then a small reception back here at The Vic.”
“So, there’s literally nothing left to plan, you have done it all,” Johnny asked slowly. Then looked at Lee and Callum who gave him back a weird look that Ben didn’t recognize but clearly Mick did because he stood up. “Because I don’t recall seeing an invitation.” Johnny sighed, then looked at Ben and Callum mocked a questioning look. “Do we get a plus one or will that be too many?”
“How many people are you two inviting,” Lee questioned watching her shrug. “How many of Tamwar’s family will be coming? You mentioned his brother Syed?” Nancy looked to the side trying to think. “Will we be following any of their traditions?”
“Will there be an engagement party,” Johnny asked looking excited, Mick went to open his mouth, but Johnny spoke louder. “That’s a thing right, people still do that?”
“Yes, but I don’t think in this case it’s appropriate since the wedding is in three months,” Callum advised, before giving a pensive look, Ben suspected was fake. “But you’ll need to get invitations out soon.” Callum told her gently. “Where’s the wedding taking place?” Callum asked, now thinking back to his failed wedding. “Venues are usually booked months to a year or more in advance so if you haven’t...”
“MUM,” Nancy yelled running to follow her into whatever room she ran off too, all three of them smirking.
“Did you three just seriously panic your sister into letting your mother help plan this wedding,” Mick gasped horrified, looking at Ben who looked just as shocked by what he just saw. What kind of tricks did they play as children?
“Did you want to deal with mum if she couldn’t help plan her only daughter’s wedding,” Lee asked looking over into the room watching Linda hug Nancy reassuring her it would be fine.
“We will talk about this,” Mick snapped at them as he walked off to help Linda calm Nancy down.
“I don’t know whether to be appalled or impressed,” Ben admitted looking at Callum, who just smiled at him before blowing him a kiss.
The weekend came and went by in a flash, and Ben saw even less of Callum then when they had Lexi. He had so much work to do and catch up on, and Callum had been pulled into a Carter family thing. Mick’s idea of punishment for inducing a panic mode for Nancy was to make him work at The Vic. They had given Whitney the next few days off, and Johnny had to leave. Lee was preparing to leave as well. Linda felt her heart break, she had liked having all her children home.
Then Monday hit and Callum was back to work, and Ben still didn’t have any idea of what they were going to do. He just knew he wanted some time alone with Callum, so that’s why he was here in the kitchen on New Year’s Eve looking around. Callum had gone over to give Lexi something or another, he rolled his eyes honesty. He was pretty sure he was taking one of the snow globes over to her and just mumbling so Ben wouldn’t make a comment.
They had decided to stay in, Ben didn’t want to share Callum tonight. Lee had mentioned some celebration and Ben had been close to threatened him with violence if he so much stepped anywhere close to their flat. Mick luckily came to the rescue, stated that maybe Ben and Callum wanted a night to themselves. Mick had been the only one to notice how little time Ben and Callum had spent alone. Not that Ben wanted to complain, he loved his daughter, and having Johnny around was nice. It was nice having someone besides Jay to confine in.
“You took her one of her snow globes didn’t you,” Ben asked was Callum walked inside with bags.
“She has a cold,” Callum told him giving him the bags of stuff he asked for to make whatever he was making.
“She has you wrapped around her little finger,” Ben laughed taking the bags shaking his head, then stopping looking at Callum who was giving him an amused grinned. “What?”
“You worked from home yesterday because she asked you to,” Callum countered, then laughing as Ben blushed quickly walked to the kitchen. “I love how devoted you are to her. It was one of the first things I noticed about you.” Ben was putting the items away when Callum leaned forward placing a soft kiss on the back of his neck, then peppering them to his shoulder as Callum's hands went to his hip.
"I...I need...I," Ben stuttered then let out a deep moan closing his eyes as teeth nipped at that spot below his ear, as Callum's hands moved to his jeans. "Callum I need to start dinner."
Ben felt like his body was on fire, he hadn't felt like this since their first time. Callum's mouth felt so good on his skin, his hands callused and rough undid his jeans without any effort. Ben felt himself being turned around pushed against the counter jeans pulled down to his ankles. Callum dropped to his knees before Ben could even comprehend what was happening. Ben's hands went to the counter gripping it tightly as his cock was engulfed in warm wet heat.
Ben's head dropped back as Callum took him to the back of his throat. Keep his mouth tightly wrapped around the hard length Callum slowly release the cock from his mouth until only the swollen head remained. Ben could almost sob as Callum's tongue massaged the crown lapping up the precum. Moaning at the taste. Callum bobbed his head taking Ben all the way inside his mouth again, teeth scrapping. This time not holding Ben hips as he began to move. Ben looked down, watched as his cock moved in and out of Callum's tight throat.
Ben ran his hand through Callum's hair, god he wished it didn't have the product in it. Ben grabbed the side of Callum's face, increased his speed as he held Callum in place just fucking his mouth. Ben started slow at first watching Callum blissful expression. Nails digging into Ben's hips, then Ben fell himself fall back as he felt his orgasm start. Callum took over Ben pulled at his hair with a hoarse cry, looking down watching Callum take it all. Callum slowly release him, lean back as he wiped his mouth, cum and sip all over his chin. Ben moaned watching Callum lick his fingers, grabbing his face he pulled Callum up for a kiss. Kicking his jeans away he sucked Callum's tongue into his mouth. Pushing him towards the bedroom both of them tearing their clothes away slamming into the walls along the way.
Ben closed his eyes as Callum flung him on the bed, mouth going straight to his thighs. Or as Callum thinks of them, Ben's thick fleshy please just bite me thighs. Callum loved to mark him, it had been two weeks since they'd been like this. "Yes" Ben cried as Callum finally bite and sucked into the fleshy thigh, "doing so good," Ben told Callum as he ventured upwards to his hip. Ben hissed as teeth bit into his side sucking hard, his breathing uneven as he heard the open and close of a drawer. Lips moving back down to the opposite thigh biting and sucking marks there too. His mouth going lower placing a kiss on the sensitive head, that beckoned to his mouth, then going lower. Ben breath caught.
Spreading Ben's cheeks Callum leaned forward enjoying the scent of Ben Mitchell before latching onto the puckered hole. "Callum!" Ben cried out as his tongue thrust inside his hands moving his thighs apart lifting Ben up just a little so Callum could go deeper. The puckered hole opening up, and clenching around Callum's tongue hands squeezing thighs. Callum moved his mouth back to Ben's thighs grinning into his flesh, getting the lube spreading some on his fingers. Callum watched Ben's face as two of his large fingers slide inside of him. Watched as Ben arched his back, eyes closed, mouth open; looking at his cock half hard already again.
Curving his fingers Ben whimpered, "Please" Ben begged as Callum went slow, in and then out, in then out, oh so slowly--too slow. Callum watched the pinkish hole open wider clenching around his fingers moving his mouth lower. Slipping his tongue inside next to fingers. "Jesus." Ben gasped feeling his hole widen, the warm wet tongue sliding in and out as his finger brushed the right spot. His mouth back on Ben's thighs as a third finger slide inside as Callum started going faster but missing that spot on purpose. " I'm good," Ben whined then begged, "please." Callum smiled removing his fingers slowly.
"CALLUM" Ben screamed hands grabbing the headboard as Callum took him back into his mouth as something hard and cold pressed inside of him. It was Ben's vibrator, he'd been begging Callum to use it on him for a while but Callum always opted for his cock instead. Usually he was too far gone to want to wait. Apparently tonight Callum was in the mood to play.
Moving the vibrator in and out, Ben wanted to cry as it hit that spot every now and then, but not enough for Bens liking. Callum's other hand now jerking him in tune with the toy, Callum watched amazed as Ben didn't know whether to thrust into the toy or Callum's hand. Callum watched Ben's hand twist the headboard as he slowly upped the vibration, moving it faster harder inside of him now missing that sweet spot entirely. Callum didn't want to abuse the small nub, he wanted Ben to be able to go a few more time tonight. His thumb moving to Ben's red angry swollen head, massaging as Callum bent forward his tongue dipping into the slit. Ben came with a sob, Callum moaning licking him up feeling Ben pulse in his hand.
Callum laughed as Ben roughly flipped him on his back, then attacked his mouth. Ben moved his mouth down biting into Callum's chest, feeling his boyfriend arch into his mouth. Ben had never felt like this, he wanted to devour Callum, wanted to bury himself so far inside of him they never parted. "Ben" Callum moaned as Ben licking at his swollen head, the flat of his tongue going to the underside to massage the bundle of nerves there. Callum's head was ultra sensitive, Ben learned that quick. Callum was pulling him back to his mouth, "need inside you" Callum begged, his voice rough, "need to feel you." Ben wanted to say not yet, wanted to tease him some more, but he couldn't deny Callum anything.
Hands on Callum's chest Ben closed his eyes as he sat on Callum now condom slicked up cock. One day he'd like them to discuss getting tested and going bare, god he could feel himself hardening at the idea of Callum's length inside of him without latex. Pushing himself up, he slide back down, then slide up and then down more, god he loved this burn. Loved how Callum held onto his thigh and hips so hard they'd leave marks. Callum always knew he needed it, that Ben craved it. When he finally had Callum fully inside of him, he braced himself, and began to move a little slower than usual. One because it's been a couple weeks, and two because he wanted to savor Callum being inside of him.
Truth be told usually he was so desperate to come that he didn't want to take it slow, but this time was different. He relish in how his body squeeze around Callum's hard length, how each movements drug out these little moans and whines from Callum. Looking down he watched Callum, his hands gripping Ben's hips as Ben controlled the movements. Callum's eyes were closed, his breathing erratic, then his eyes opened to reveal the stormiest color of blue Ben had ever seen. He loved when Callum's eyes were lust drunk, this was his Callum.
Rolling them over Callum kissed Ben, his hand cupping his face as Ben's legs wrapped around his waist, Ben hands going to his back to cling to him. Callum started to move faster, deeper than Ben had been able to get, he could hear Ben let out a high pitched cry as he hit him just right. Callum lifted his head up to look down at Ben. Ben's hand touching Callum's face, caressing him gently. Watching Callum close his eyes at the feather light touches. This was it, this was Ben telling Callum what he didn't ever need to say. Callum was a patient man, if it took one month or one year he'd wait for Ben. He didn't need the words to know Ben loved him, Ben said it every day in his actions.
Ben cried out as Callum pinned his hands above his head, bent his head forward latching back onto that tender spot on his shoulder, as Callum increased his speed. Callum knew when this started to feel like too much for Ben, when he shut down, and Callum didn't want that--not tonight. He wanted Ben to feel this for days, he needed Ben to know always he was Callum's. Ben closed his eyes as Callum fucked him hard, hitting that spot he so recently avoided. "YES" Ben yelled as his legs tightened around Callum waist taking him in deeper, his hands twisted in Callum's as his orgasm hit him. Ben coming untouched, his body feeling like live wire. Callum did not slow, he went faster harder pinning Ben down harder as he chased his own release.
"Best New Years date ever," Ben laughed more feeling than seeing Callum laugh too before moving to his side. Callum leaned forward placing soft sweet kissing on Ben's face. "I can't go again." Ben mumbled feeling Callum laugh feeling quite proud, he out sexed Ben Mitchell.
"I was thinking more along the lines of a shower," Callum whispered his fingers rubbing around the deep red teeth mark on Ben's shoulder, he bite a little too deep tonight. "Sorry about this."
"I liked it," Ben moaned softly Callum lips kissing the bite mark, bending his head up to kiss Callum's still swollen lips. "Shower, food, cuddles...I'll even let you pick the movie."
Ben asking for cuddles had Callum heart feeling overjoyed. Ben had told him dozens of time how he didn't mind them, he liked a cuddle every now and then but he liked his space. There was a time and place for cuddles, but it wasn't something he loved to do. Ben never asked for them, but here he was asking for cuddles. Fifteen minutes later Callum slipped out of bed. Smiling and turning red as Ben whistled at him as he walked naked to the shower.
Thirty-two minutes later under the hot spray of water, Ben was clinging to Callum, tongue thrusting into his mouth as Callum slammed him against the wall. Callum hand jerking them off as his tongue thrust in and out of his mouth. Ben was sure that one day they were going to break tile but right now he didn't care, he just needed to taste Callum's orgasm. Ben came again with a cry into Callum's mouth, Callum following him seconds later with a hard bite to Ben's lower lip. Ben whimpered as Callum sucked the lip soothing the sting away.
Callum made them grille cheese sandwiches and chips as Ben very slowly took another shower by himself. Deciding as he inspected his body that they weren't allowed to go two weeks without sex again. Not that Ben wanted to complain, their sex tonight had been outstanding. Hands on the sink as he felt the sting tingle all over his body. Ben dressed slowly, walking out to the smell of bread and cheese, and potato. He loved Callum's chips, he didn't know exactly what he did but they were delicious. Callum rolled his eyes but always let him know he did extra salt on his.
"No funny business Mr. Highway," Ben told him mocking a stern look as they settled on the couch, Callum laughed rolling his eyes. Well maybe not a mock, he wasn't sure he could have sex again. Ben was proven wrong as they rung in midnight with Ben riding Callum on the couch as fireworks went off in the background. Ben was pretty sure he wouldn't be able to sit for weeks.
XOXO
Ben could honestly count on one hand how many times his body felt like it did today, actually he couldn't Callum had used so good last night. Ben felt sore, raw, and each movement reminded him of exactly what Callum did to him last night; and damn it if he did love it. He loved that in the shower last night he had handprints, bite marks, and scratches all over his body. He loved the tiny smirk Callum got when he moved just a little slower. His body felt absolutely used, and he relished in the feeling. He felt claimed in a way that no one, not even Paul could say they did. Callum owned him, and his body knew it.
Walking out of the bedroom, he laughed as he smelled lemon scent of cleaning products. He knew it would hit Callum today once the high of great sex, and fear of fireworks went away. They had sex in the kitchen, bathroom, and on the couch. Callum had broke every single one of his rules last night. He wanted to feel bad, he wanted to tell Callum sorry but he didn't. One because he could barely sit without some part of his body stinging, and two god did he love it when Callum blushed.
Walking down the street it was like people knew, he looked down a few times to make sure no marks were being advertised. Was there a sign above his head that said "I had amazing sex." Ben didn’t like people to know, he wasn’t one to parade his marks, he liked them hidden. Callum said it was because of his jealous streak. Didn’t want people to imagine Callum in bed with Ben, because then they might start to fantasize about him. Ben had laughed it off, but now Ben might admit Callum was maybe possibly on to something. Ben liked that that was their world, no one knew Callum like that but him. Even Whitney didn’t know how good Callum could be. The Callum he had last night, was never the Callum she had in bed.
He recalled when Johnny had made a remark about Callum’s marks, Whitney had been close by. He hadn't know it until he looked up to see her wide shocked eyes. Callum had told him so many times how much control he had let her have in their sex life. To her Callum would always be this fumbling sweet adorable guy, she’d never know the Callum that Ben did. And that thrilled Ben, he didn’t want anyone to know that Callum. Just like Callum was one of the few to see him dance silly without reason. To see him fumbling around looking for his glasses in the morning, barely able to hear. Callum saw him weak and open; even with Paul he kept his guard up at times. He couldn’t, not with Callum, never with Callum.
“I wanted to wait until today to do this,” Mick announced coming into the room, he looked at Lee and Nancy then to Callum nervously. “The results came in on Monday.” Mick sighed holding up the sealed envelope with shaky hands as they held their breaths briefly, before looking at Callum.
“The results don’t matter,” Lee hissed patting Callum's leg Mick smiling knowingly giving his son a nod. “Callum is ours.” Nancy looked at Lee smiling, giving a nod, taking Lee's hand.
“Lee is right the results don’t matter, Callum is stuck with us for life,” Nancy smiled softly looking over to Callum who looked pale but gave her a grateful grin. Then she squeezed Lee's hand, before looking at him again. “But Callum also deserves to know the truth, no one should have to go through life not knowing who they really are. Always wondering, questioning." Callum looked at her his eyes filling with tears. "It may not matter to use what's on that paper but he has a right to know.”
“Nancy is right,” Ben told Lee softly gripping Callum's shoulder, knowing how much this whole situation had hurt Callum. "And even if she wasn't this isn't our choice." Ben told everyone in the room, watching Lee eyes shoot at him and Nancy smile. "Mick and Callum need to decide this for themselves.”
“Right,” Lee nodded standing up, motioning for Nancy and Ben to stand up. "We’ll give you two some privacy."
“Lee you don’t have to go,” Callum whispered feeling anxious and nauseous all of a sudden, when he had been fine a moment ago. He didn't want Lee to think he was special, that this changed anything.
“This moment belongs to you,” Nancy smiled at him, gripping Callum’s shoulder softly. “We’ll go downstairs, when you are ready come down.” Callum opened his mouth to argue feeling like he shouldn’t have this moment, feeling like he was excluding them.
"This is your moment with your dad," Lee told him softly looking to Mick who was holding back his tears. "We've had hundreds, now it's your turn big brother." Callum opened his mouth to argue only to have Ben put his hand over it, shaking his head no.
“Callum they’re right,” Ben told him moving his hand replacing it with his dry lips, cupping Callum's face. “This is one of those times you get to be selfish.”
Mick laughed softly wiping away the tears that fell. He grabbed Linda hand shaking his head no as she started to go with Lee, Nancy, and Ben. Mick needed her here he couldn’t do this without her. Linda softly told them she’d be down in a moment, they all nodded knowingly. Linda smiled at Ben when he said he’d give Johnny a call so he could be on the phone when they come down. Linda watched as they walked away, turning away to see Mick and Callum who looked about the same state. They knew it didn’t matter what the results said, but they also knew in a small way it did.
If Callum wasn’t Mick’s son, then this was just another one of Elenore’s scams. At this point Callum could only think the scam was destroying Linda, she had hoped that Linda would be hurt by this. Elenore didn’t count on Linda’s love for Callum, and for her devotion to her husband. They had been through worse than this, and they always come out on top. Mick was and always will be the love of her life, he was not just her husband Mick Carter was her life partner. Sure, they had their low points, even almost broke, but they worked through it, and now they were stronger. If their children took anything from them it’s that you have to work and be committed not only to each other but to yourself. Once the open honest communication stops, then soon the trust you have starts to falter, and then you turn around and realize you are just strangers with a rich history.
If Callum was Mick’s son then Elenore scam was just beginning, Callum knew how she worked. She wasn’t revealing a thirty year old secret out of the kindness of her heart. She wasn’t turning over a new leaf or trying to write a wrong. No this was a part of something bigger, she had a plan, and it would be nasty. Callum still didn’t doubt it wasn’t to hurt Linda. Elenore never liked Linda, growing up she never said nice things about her. Always thought Mick was settling, that he should have moved away, live some grand adventure of a life. Being Mick’s son also meant that the woman who Mick trusted maybe even loved, betrayed him in a way that wasn’t forgivable. She had kept his son from him, and only revealed it for selfish cruel reasons not known yet.
“Please,” Mick stuttered hands shaking as he raised the envelope, he couldn’t open it. He had honestly tried since Monday, but his fingers wouldn’t work. He had five paper cuts.
“If it’s okay with Callum,” Linda smiled looking at him, she watched Callum nod gently. She could tell Callum was fighting getting sick, he always got sick when he got too nervous. She used to keep a can of ginger ale with her. “Both of you take a deep breath, and remember we’ll handle this…as a family.” Mick and Callum nodded, Callum closed his eyes not knowing which option he truly wanted.
“So," Mick replied his voice extra loud, that it made Callum almost laugh. "Highway or Carter,” he asked trying to joke but it came out so raw that no one recognized his voice, Mick looked over at Callum who looked terrified. Linda opened the envelope her own hands shaking, she knew why Mick couldn’t do this, why he needed her. Pulling the paper out, she watched them both close their eyes again tight, like the results would just pop up out of the page. She could almost laugh.
“Carter,” Linda told them feeling relief flood over her, though she didn’t know why the emotions felt so intense. Maybe it was now she could claim him, protect him like she couldn’t before. Maybe it was because now Mick finally knew what kind of person Elenore really was.
“Thank god,” Mick gasped feeling like a brick had just been taken off his chest, looking over at Callum he looked stunned beyond words, Mick then looked up to Linda who was crying.
“I’m going to go talk to everyone, you two come down when you are ready,” Linda told them quietly, watching Mick give her a nod. Walking over to Callum who looked at her like he didn’t know what was happening. It was like he wasn't here. Linda cupped his face making him look her in the eyes, because he had to know, she needed him to know. “You are my son now, not hers...not his…you were never theirs. I swear to you they will never hurt you again, not as long as I live.”
Callum couldn’t stop the tears from falling as her words left her mouth, those words that came out so clear and so stern. Like each one of them were being engraved into his memory for all times. He also couldn’t help the warm fuzzy feeling that overtook him the moment she kissed his forehead. Like her he gently lips were marking him as her son, he almost laughed as she wiped away her lipstick. He felt her embrace him, took in the scent of her perfume. The perfume scent that brought him comfort as a small child. She held him close whispering something he couldn’t quite understand, his brain was fuzzy. It could have been I love you or I am proud of you but Callum really didn’t know. She slowly let him go wiping her own tears away as she walked away from him. Giving Mick a quick kiss she headed out the door quickly.
Callum could see everyone being happy, Lee and Johnny had been so vocal about him being their brother. Lee had even started to call him big brother, like he had when they were younger. Nancy would probably call Tamwar, who Callum had yet to meet properly, or know really anything about. He had heard a few stories about him but he knew mostly about his brother. Heard about Syed from multiple people, Ben had told him some abut his husband Christian. He knew Syed had a daughter from a previous relationship. That he and Christian were raising her and Ben mentioned had he heard that they were in the process of adopting a second child.
Callum felt Mick hug him, tell him it was okay he didn’t need to be strong. That was when Callum lost it, he held on to Mick for that moment. He cried for a childhood he never had, he cried for a mother who lied to him, who never wanted him. Callum cried for Jonno who he suspected always knew. He was a punishment for him, she had left him knowing how Jonno would treat him. Jonno kept him knowing how much Mick cared for the boy. He had been a pawn in a sick game he didn’t realize he was a part of. Now Callum had to worry about Elenore, about once this got out. She’d be on to phase two of her scam, or maybe this was phase three. Her scams were always so complex, but she usually always won.
Mick let him go slowly, wiped away Callum's tears then his own. Mick then picked up the paper needing to see it himself, he needed to see the print. Callum stayed where he was trying to get his breathing under control, trying not to think about what would happen next. He had dreamed many times that Mick was his father, but they had been dreams. Then he had feared Mick would not want him, he had sons already why would he want Callum. Now though, now Mick had made him know he was wanted. Linda had hugged him, loved him, promised him he would be safe. He had siblings who loved him, wanted him. They didn’t see him as someone they needed to change or to complete against. Every time he and Stuart made a step forward something happened, and they fell back ten.
After a while Mick followed Callum downstairs, after he knew he could do this. Callum laughed as Nancy hugged him tight, didn’t give him a choice of doing anything but hugging her back. Then he felt Lee hug him too, both whispering words no one but them could hear. Mick looked on with a sad smile, this moment filled him with more than he could put into words. Linda held Olli kissing his temple, making herself a promise in this moment. She may not always be the best person, but she’ll also be the best mother she can be.
Everyone watching confused not understanding what was going on, Mick knew some thought they were probably drunk. He could see people giving them stares looking at Mick or Linda like they should do something. Even Shirley looked happy, giving her son a nod as she looked on. It would come out soon but for this moment it was their secret. Ben grinned as Callum kissed him moments later, it was deep and heated, both moaning into each other's mouths. Cupping Ben's face Callum laughed into Ben’s mouth before Callum buried his face in Ben’s neck pressing a kiss into a mark from last night. Callum was hiding his face away from prying eyes.
It was New Year Day, a time for new beginning, new starts. In this moment they were filled with those feelings. Nancy answered the phone when Tamwar called, Lee looked around at the place he missed watching Whitney talk to a table while Johnny rambled on in his ear. Mick kisses Linda’s head as she held sleeping Olli close. Everyone smiled contently as they watched Ben and Callum now dancing in the middle of The Vic. Neither of them caring who was watching or that the current song wasn't slow. Ben might not be able to say the words yet, but Ben could show Callum in all the ways that counted that no matter what he wouldn't ever leave again.
The End
Story will continue in a third and (maybe) final installment, Love Gently