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It was one of those days.
Ezra had been hard at work after the severeness of the pandemic died down. Movies were starting to come out more regularly, meaning some projects Ezra worked on years ago were finally coming out after being held back a year. So he had to go on press tours… leaving Elle and Benoit alone for weeks on end. They were fine as far as Ezra could tell. He face-timed them as frequently as possible. It was a little harder when Ezra was in another country and his morning would be their night. Elle and Benoit were getting along great, sometimes Elle would even go to Benoit’s office with him when she was free from college–mostly during the weekends or in the afternoon.
It was nice to see them bonding, especially with the world starting to open things up again. It was slow–Ezra didn’t mind, he didn’t need to go out so it wasn’t the worst thing not to.
Thankfully, Ezra was going to be home for a little while. His last press junket for a movie titled “Death on the Nile,” a crime-mystery film that he realized was eerily similar to some of Benoit’s cases. Interesting…
“So, you’ve had an amazing career with such range between roles–from being Agent Tequila in Kingsman to playing alongside Lady Gaga as Jack Maine in A Star is Born–so what’s it like bouncing around all these character types?” A question he got a lot, really. It was somewhat tiring hearing the same sorts of questions over and over again but he did want to be an actor. This sort of stuff just came with the job.
His answer usually went something like, “I think it’s fun. That’s what this job is for me, at least. I don’t get typecast unlike a lot of other actors. Which is great for me because when I started off I worried that I would be typecast in Indie or artsy films of being this depressed trans guy who deeply hated himself. Glad that didn't happen.”
"As far as celebrities go, you are far more mundane in your living. Is there any particular reason for this?" A different question, but a weird one all the same.
So Ezra would answer honestly, "I spend my money when I feel like it, I'm also not averse to spending it just because I can. My house–on the other hand–I don't need a big house. It's just me and my daughter," Somewhat of a lie but no one needed to know about Benoit yet. He wanted to keep him to himself for a little while longer. "I'd rather not have like five extra bedrooms I need to clean."
"So there's been rumors," Oh, this wasn't going to be good. Nor would there be much thought behind it. "About a special person in your life. Have you met someone?"
Ezra could lie… except people were clamoring over him online. He wasn't one for social media, he had them–apps like Instagram and Twitter–and posted occasionally when he felt like it. Elle was the one to bring "thirst tweets" to his attention. He had to admit some of them were really nicely written. Perhaps it would squash some of them if he revealed he did have a romantic partner of some sort.
"Actually, I do. I won't say their name but I have a… romantic partner I'm currently trying to keep to myself as much as possible." He joked lightly.
Benoit was such a treasure and he didn't even know it. There's just something so special about him. Perhaps it was the way he dressed so nicely for any sort of occasion. Or maybe it's the way he'd come home from a particularly hard case and still joke around and have fun with Elle. Or just… the fact that he knew just how to comfort Ezra when he was feeling sad. A light touch on his thigh and a kiss on the cheek and it was like the brunet was healed. Nothing hurt anymore as long as Benoit was with him.
"It's okay, darlin', you're alright. Breathe with me, hm?" Benoit would say, a gentle hand brushing through Ezra's hair.
Ezra might have exuded confidence and strength for the public but, in private, he was just as traumatized as Elle when seeing the death of Duke. It was hard, having to be okay and be a father for her while also dealing with… everything. Benoit made it easier.
As soon as Ezra opened the door to his house, he could hear the faint voices of Mark Ruffalo and Jennifer Garner. Hm, 13 Going on 30. A classic. Seemed like Elle was doing the usual. A rom-com and some pizza.
Except he could also hear the faint sound of crying. That couldn't be Elle, she saw this movie dozens of times. The end didn't affect her like that anymore. Venturing further into his own home, Ezra could see Elle and Benoit sitting together on the couch. Elle was clearly still munching on some popcorn, bottom of the bucket while Benoit had a few tissues crumpled up next to him as he wiped his eyes. Not to mention the two pizza boxes sitting on the coffee table, open with only a slice or two left in either of them.
"This is such a beautiful movie, just the Razzles and the… it's wonderful." Benoit took a deep breath as he wiped his eyes. Elle let out a laugh in response.
She patted his back slightly and cuddled up next to him. "I know, dad." Elle hummed with a smile.
Benoit could be quite the emotional man. He got attached very easily to things which was not the best in his line of work. Half of his clients were now his best friends.
Ezra let out a light laugh as he made his way to the couch. He sat next to Benoit, pulling him into his shoulder. Elle smiled widely and climbed over Benoit to hug her father which caused both of them to let out a breath. Elle wasn't as light as she used to be when she was a kid. Either way, it was nice to know he was missed.
Benoit kissed Ezra's cheek as Elle cuddled up to his side, making Ezra wrap an arm around both of them.
"Missed you." Benoit hummed, burying his face into Ezra's neck.
Ezra let out a small chuckle, "I don't know, it seems like you two were having a lot of fun before I came home." He teased softly.
"Don't be an asshole to your boyfriend." Elle hissed, crossing her arms as she shook her head. Benoit let out a laugh at her comment. Yeah, Ezra was missed but it was nice to know they'd survive without him. Benoit and Elle made a nice team.