Ben, Randy, Zoe and Johnny stood outside the bakery that Olivia recommended. Ben felt out of place coming to this new environment. No pride flags or flags of any sort.
The owner Susan Everett was an older woman. "I don't like this" Zoe said. Standing in front of the group Randy faced them. "Don't judge a book by its cover besides I'm sure it's going to be fine" Randy said. "That was the cheesiest thing I've ever fucking heard and Johnny says cheesy shit" Zoe said. "It's true" Johnny said.
Randy looked at Benny who had a nervous look on his face. He had his headphones on, the ninja turtle theme song was currently playing. Randy grabbed his hand softly squeezing it. Ben stayed outside of the bakery till noon the chilled weather caused his hands to freeze. By one Ben made his presence known as he sat in the lobby.
Zoe looked from behind the counter to see Ben nervously looking around. "That's progress" Johnny said. "Very little progress is big progress" Randy said. Zoe noticed a change in Randy and Bens relationship. "Laylas rehabilitation did a number on Ben" Zoe said. Ben no longer smiles up to his eyes.
Ben no longer stays with Randy. He resides with Olivia to help take care of his hatchling brother. Olivia couldn't find it in her heart to turn her son away. Each day Randy would show up to Olivia's home. Ben would Acknowledge Randy's presence. He'd like to have him around knowing he's there brought him peace while Olivia worked to get a new bakery.
Randy was accompanied by Zoe and Johnny. Bens's eyes lit up when he saw Randy with Johnny and Zoe. Baby Elias began to cry alerting Ben to his aide. The past few months Ben has grown into the big brother that Elias needs. Some nights Olivia goes out all night to be with Layla. Leaving Elias by himself.
Ben woke up one night to see Elias crying in his crib. "Mama Liv..." Ben looked into Olivia's room. Her bed was empty, cupboards open, and drawers empty. Everything that once held Olivias presence was gone. Ben held his tears back.
He needed to be strong for Elias as he held the infant in his arms. Ben knew Randy's apartment was not far from here. He packed his ninja turtle bag with baby clothes, and food. Elias was wrapped in a warm blanket. Ben attached Gias leash to her collar.
Ben began to walk towards Randy's home. Carefully holding Elias in his embrace while balancing Gias leash. A block later Ben was in sight of Randy's home. Walking up the stairs he knocked on Randy's door. A few minutes went by Randy answered.
Ben didn't look up as he walked into the warm room. His teeth chattered as he sat down. Baby Elias began to move in his embrace. Moments later Ben noticed Elias was gone. Yelling was soon heard by two males. One was Randy, he couldn't recognize the other voice.
Ben looked around for a blanket, Randy kept those in a box by the sofas. When he finally found one, Ben wrapped it around his shivering body. His eyes began to droop as they closed his body was a shivering mess. Ben questioned why he was cold in a warm home like Randy's.
As he slept Ben felt a hand press against his forehead. His eyes opened slightly to see Randy covered in bruises. His left eye swollen shut, a bloody lip. He felt Randy pick him up from the sofa. Delicate kisses were placed upon his cheeks.
"My Benny boy I love you so" Randy whispered. Randy laid with Ben in their shared bed. Gia followed Ben into the room they shared. "You mean so much to me Benny bumpkin" Randy said. "Sleep with me Randy" Ben groaned. Randy brought his arms around Ben holding him tight. "I'll hold you forever as we deep sleep together" Randy said.