Chapter Text
Well, they were together again.
It had been 3 days since Ben Tennyson and Julie Yamamoto restarted their relationship on a serene 9th November night. Like with all romantic things, there was a spring in Julie's step. Ben finally started to look genuinely happy and starting to enjoy himself, turning into a little bit of the old Ben Tennyson (the good fun-loving bit). They had already shared breakfast everyday since then, because making up for about 4 years is apparently pretty hard.
Kevin was overjoyed, primarily because he now had some company. Ship was happy for Julie and ecstatic that Ben was a regular sight once again. Unfortunately for Julie though, her group of friends lost it once they heard of the happy reunion.
"OH MY GOD!" Clarissa squealed and effectively broke all the windows of the cafe the four of them were sitting in.
"I can't believe it! Jules, I'm so happy for you!" Iris said, pleasantly surprised as she held Julie's hand.
"It's official: fairytales do exist," said Chloe.
Julie rolled her eyes, but failed not to smile. "Thanks guys."
"So, did he take you out yet?"
"Guys, relax, it's only been 3 days," Julie replied.
"So?!"
"He still has his responsibilities fighting the bad guys, me coming back isn't changing who he is," she said. "Besides, I know Ben. I have a feeling he will start to feel overprotective, and I don't blame him for that."
"Hmm... that is true," Iris said. "But I'm very glad you guys could get back together. Doesn't happen all the time, and when it does, it's usually in some shitty romcoms."
Julie chuckled. "Yeah.."
Her phone then buzzed. "Oh, could be him."
But when she opened the phone, it was an unpleasant surprise. It was a message from Herve. Seeing their friend's face fall, the 3 were a little worried. "Jules, what happened?"
"It's Herve."
"What?! Why would that dickhead text you?"
"It's another pathetic apology text," Julie said, barely suppressing a scoff. "Some boys are just idiotic."
"Has he been stalking you Jules?" Clarissa asked with an undertone of fury, ready to defend her friend should the need arise. If you know Clarissa well, let yourself be warned that the fangirling was meek in front of the overprotective woman who was all too ready to hit death machine mode for the sake of her friends.
"No.. not yet anyway," she shrugged. Another text popped up soon, making them groan. "Christ, what now?"
But this time, her heart skipped a beat when she saw who had texted her. Her friends caught the look, and a conspiratorial smile emerged on their faces. "Ooo, who is it now?"
Julie looked up unimpressed. "Funny guys. It's Ben," she added, letting herself entertain them anyway.
"Oh my God, what did Hottie Superboy text you?"
Trying to convince herself that she shouldn't like that nickname, she said, "He's invited me to a date tomorrow," Julie said, trying not to sound too excited (even though she was). "But the location is a secret."
Fangirling was Clarissa's department, but Iris was suppressing the urge to yell in delight. "Oh my God, he has everything planned. You have such a romantic boyfriend!"
Julie smiled to herself, simultaneously listening to her usually level-headed friend's words and daydreaming about how the date would be. Her friends giggled at her flustered look. But then her eyes lit up when a new text rolled in.
"Oooh, now what?" Chloe asked. Julie's eyes narrowed in confusion. "Just give me a minute."
Julie got up, feeling her friends intrigued, as she walked outside the restaurant. The message was from Ben, who read: You have a package outside your house.
But as she looked up nonchalantly, she lost her breath when she saw who was on the other side of the street. Ben Tennyson stood with his hands in his pockets, smiling widely as he looked at the dumbfounded look on his girlfriend's face, his fingers raised in the form of a small wave to her. Julie's expression turned into a grin and a shocked laugh as he walked over to the other side, before he opened his arms and pulled her in for a hug.
Julie put her arms around him, essentially colliding into him. Ben buried his face in her shoulder, and pressed a kiss to the temple, while secretly hoping that the paparazzi of Bellwood was on holiday. When Julie pulled back, she was beaming, and Ben wanted nothing else.
"I thought you were busy with that assignment-"
"I was," Ben said. "But I couldn't help crashing my girlfriend's friends meeting."
Julie blushed and giggled. "I'm not mad."
Ben smirked, as he asked, "Well, did you tell them?"
"Yeah, just now actually," Julie said. "They.. reacted the way you think they would."
Ben glanced at the glass walls of the restaurant in confusion. Julie could help but grin, simply because she knew what he was looking at.
"There's no way. The glass is still intact," he said, which made Julie burst out laughing. "Who made this glass?"
"Yeah, I'm surprised myself."
"Well, let me try now," Ben said with a daring voice. Julie smirked. "You'll have to pay a fortune for those windows Mr. Tennyson. Are you sure?"
"More than sure Ms. Yamamoto," Ben said with a wink, pressing a kiss to her lips. When they strolled in, the thoughtful looks on Clarissa, Chloe and Iris's faces turned to shock and fangirling.
"OH. MY. GOD."
Chloe closed her mouth in shock and still yelled. "HOLY SHIT!"
Iris grinned widely. "Oh hell yeah."
"Ben Tennyson is here." Clarissa said in a hushed whisper. "Chloe, Ben Tennyson is here."
"I know darn it!" Chloe whispered back furiously.
"God, Julie, you never told me he was so ripped!" Clarissa greeted them with a mischievous smile, as if she didn't already know that.
"I agree Clary," Chloe replied with another evil yet good-natured smile. "Look at those muscles.."
Ben smirked at Julie's furious blush as he turned to face her. "I didn't know you told them everything."
"Shut up," she replied with mock sternness. Ben giggled at the look on her face, her smile widening as she tried to hold back the blush. It was not the first time he'd seen a scene like this play out in front of him, but he still couldn't help but enjoy every second of it.
"Relax guys, I'll settle them down," Iris said, playing peacemaker.
Ben whispered in Julie's ear, "I didn't expect to be the center of attention," as Iris used her intelligence to control the fangirl reactions of her friends.
"Oh please, you love the attention," Julie said with narrowed eyes and yet more of that mock sternness. He could see the smile playing on her lips, and absolutely loved it.
As they sat down, time passed as Julie's friends quizzed him on aliens, what his most dangerous mission was, how he met Julie, and of course, how many hours he spent in the gym. Julie was not surprised to hear the answer was 5. She'd seen him there - shirtless and absolutely grinding it out. As Clarissa just daydreamed about Ben in the gym, Chloe asked him the million dollar question.
"So, Ben.. where's the date happening?"
Ben raised an eyebrow playfully. "Nothing escapes the gossip girls, I see."
"Well, they would've found out anyway," Julie shrugged, though she was a little sorry - Ben would've wanted this to be between them. "Sorry they found out," she whispered when her friends were talking amongst themselves.
"You don't have to be," Ben said. "Plus, you're not wrong. They have super senses."
But then Iris looked at the restaurant door, and a look of anger flashed on her face. "What is he doing here?!"
Ben and Julie looked straight ahead, and the same anger and disappointment was etched on their faces when they saw Herve enter the joint. Herve raised his hand to Julie, trying to not appear awkward. "Hey Julie! Long time no see!"
Ben glared at him, who either pretended not to notice Ben, or just didn't as it is. He wasn't wearing a 10 jacket after all - he was in a dark blue overshirt and a light blue t-shirt. In recent times, Ben knew he couldn't just be wearing green and 10 all the damn time, so switching it up made sense. He'd got choked in the same black t-shirt and whatever disco retro stuff he wore after that for 2 years. He'd chucked that one out of existence, mainly because it now brought back unpleasant memories, and also because his green jacket was a thousand times better.
"What are you doing here?" Julie asked coldly. But before the Frenchman could reply, her friends stood up in defense.
"Oh, look who's here! The ex-boyfriend, trying to swindle back the girl, huh?" Clarissa asked mockingly. Ben would've burst out laughing if that was on a phone call. Julie just grinned.
"Don't worry Jules, we got your back. We'll make sure he knows his place," Chloe said. Herve started to shake, sensing he'd walked into hostile territory. But he had no idea just how hostile the place was until his eyes landed on Ben and widened with surprise. So he wasn't pretending, Ben thought with some surprise of his own.
"Ben? What are you doing here?" he asked, a repulsed look on his face.
Julie clenched her fists at Herve's attitude, but Ben simply huffed, amused and annoyed, and stood up, as she raised her eyebrows in surprise and yet amusement. Julie's friends looked with both surprise and smirks as they made way for him to stand face-to-face with the guy whom he previously respected but now would keep out with all his life.
"Well, hey photoman," Ben said. "Sorry, but uh.. we two have.. got back together," he grinned. Julie loved the joy and pride emanating from his voice.
"Julie, you can't possibly considering getting back with this guy?"
Julie's friends bristled with anger, but Julie herself signalled them to calm down. A mischievous smirk played on her lips, because she couldn't wait to see how Ben would respond to her ex-boyfriend's insult.
To everyone's surprise, including Julie's, Ben pulled out a pair of blue shades and put them on with a resigned smirk. He made Julie's breath catch in her throat and her friends swoon.
"Look champ," Ben started, "I don't think you quite understand. You don't have nearly the same chance of making an impression on Ms. Yamamoto over here like I do, knowing from experience. This is.." he turned to look at his grinning lover with a smirk, "nothing like you've ever experienced. Did I tell you how amazing it was, kissing her, walking hand-in-hand, and all this time I didn't even know you guys had broken up! I found out 3 days ago, and well... my bedroom became a lot less silent since then. So, I really don't see any reason why any of us would change that, even if you've broken up with your.. "cousin"."
Him calling her 'Ms. Yamamoto' was making him stutter, but the lines ahead made her friends swoon even more, almost unable to control their shrieks, and Julie was blushing like crazy. Herve attempted to save face, which was pretty much a haphazard last-minute plan which was gonna meet with a horrible demise, and had already been put on life support when Ben revealed he knew the details of his infidelity.
"Well, I didn't mean-"
Ben interrupted him. "You know Herve, with.. just one flick of this watch," Ben raised the Ultimatrix up, "I could.. turn into a towering monster.. a ghost who could freeze you to a very painless death, multiple aliens who could electrocute you, or even.. an alien who can actually do anything, like recreating the universe. I'd hate to do any of this, but I could be forced to. Julie calls the shots here, not me," he shrugged almost helplessly.
Now Herve was absolutely pale. Julie and her friends watched in shock and amusement at how dark Ben went. The French photographer's eyes widened, and he tried to stammer a reply, but he was too frightened, before he rushed out of the restaurant, terrified of what could happen if he stayed a second longer. Everyone burst out laughing as Ben huffed like it was another day in the office.
"Ben!" Julie laughed, "you scared him off so badly!"
"That was.. epic!" Clarissa yelled. "Well, he won't be bothering you anytime soon."
"A true superhero!"
Ben giggled, before playfully bowing as his girlfriend's friends clapped in response. Julie simply blushed and smiled, looking away.
--
The next day, Ben was at his house. He couldn't wait for his date.
"Hey Tennyson," Kevin strolled in with a smile. He remembered the first time Ben and Julie had been on a date. He had so much fun. In the years between, so much had ensued. Kevin was just grateful that somehow things had managed to come back to them being together. Seeing the enthusiasm on his best friend's face made his day.
"Hey Kev," he handclasped him.
"Big day! Atleast you have a license this time," Kevin said. Ben laughed at the memory, almost sad that Kevin wasn't gonna drive them there. Almost.
"Yeah," Ben nodded. "God I can't believe this is actually happening."
"Me too," Kevin admitted, "but I'm so happy it is."
Ben beamed. "You missed us."
Kevin shrugged with a smirk. It wasn't a question. "Ya know it, Benny boy." Ben rolled his eyes with a smile. So often it was just comedy at their expense, but Ben could sense the loneliness Kevin felt sometimes, especially with Gwen gone.
"Where are you taking her though?" Kevin asked. Ben raised an eyebrow, a conspiratorial smile playing on his lips, and his grin widened as realisation hit the Osmosian combined with nostalgia. He exclaimed with shock and rightly guessed the place to which Ben was taking her.
"Mhm," Ben nodded, his grin retained. "I can't wait to see her reaction."
"Oh my God, Tennyson, you're officially a date master!"
"Thank you Sir," Ben laughed. "Alright... um, what should I wear?"
"Just wear a shirt that threatens to burst with all those muscles," Kevin said with a mischievous smile. "As it is, I doubt you guys are gonna have your clothes on by the end of the night."
Ben bit his lower lip, trying to fight back a grin as he narrowed his eyes at Kevin's words, knowing there was nothing wrong with what he had said - which meant the situation was absolutely dire. As Kevin walked away with his smirk intact, Ben sighed and shook his head. He locked his door - he was beyond happy at the fact that Kevin hadn't broken it this time - then walked over to his wardrobe and looked at his shirts, scrutinizing them with the same laser eye focus with which Bruce Wayne looked at the Batsuit.
He pulled out a black tailored jacket, before his eyes landed on a white t-shirt. He smirked at the vision of taking off that jacket on his bed as she blushed, her hands moving through his waist as she pulled off the t-shirt. He snapped out of it soon, trying to tell himself to relax. And if this information was needed, he failed miserably. Telling his imagination to screw the half-hearted attempt and just resume, he finally pulled out a pair of black jeans. He didn't always wear black ones, but he could give it a shot.
Satisfied, Ben placed the apparel on the bed. His eyes then flashed to the Ultimatrix on his wrist. He sighed as he looked at it, silently hoping that it wouldn't interrupt this date. He had a lot to make up for, and he would be damned if what made him famous and a superhero would get in the middle of valuable time with the person who made him genuinely happy and safe.
--
Evening fell, and Julie grinned at the mirror. She giggled at how silly her smile felt. She was wearing blue denim jeans with a white dress with puffed sleeves - Ben found her unbelievably adorable in puffed sleeves, a little more so than her other attire, or lack of it - and smiled to herself. She had never expected this to happen when the year started; hell, she never expected this to ever happen. She shared Ben and Kevin's insightful feelings on this.
She picked up her phone, and there was a message:
Hey, I'll be there in 15 minutes.
This had come 10 minutes back. So he was gonna be here in 5 minutes. Her heart beat faster and faster, as she held the phone to her chest. But not much time passed before she heard a car pull near her house. She panicked, fixing her hair in the mirror quickly and ensuring she had her perfume on. She practically slammed the door open as she went outside, and her heart skipped a beat and then relaxed when she saw him leaning on the car door, perking up as he saw her. He gave her a gentle smile, and his breath caught when he saw her and took her in.
Julie was so glad that her blush wasn't noticeable.
Ben stood there, mesmerized as she walked up to him. She shyly waved at him, but the awe didn't leave his eyes. He walked up to her, still admiring her. To her, it wasn't something absolutely out of the world - but she was glad Ben felt that way.
"Wow.." he breathily said. "You really know what I love, don't you?"
Julie giggled. "I do." She pressed a gentle kiss to his lips, as he pulled her in gently to deepen it. They pulled back shortly though, because there was a date to get to.
"So.. will you tell me now?" Julie asked, expectantly. Ben flashed her a naughty smile.
"Get in the car, and I just might."
"You really have all this planned," Julie laughed. Ben smiled.
"Well, it's.. not a normal date," he said, his hand reaching up to her hair. She could see the emotion under the playfulness; he never did expect to stand here with her, taking her to a date after their past had seemingly become just that - a simple phase that happened.
"Ben.." she softly spoke, her hand reaching to his neck, "I really missed you."
His eyes softened, and his voice was heavy with emotion. "I missed you too," he said breathlessly. If she was standing further away she wouldn't have heard him. Their noses found themselves touching, as they took in his marine scent and her jasmine scent, before Ben gently pulled back and smiled just as tenderly.
Julie then walked over to her car door, before turning to Ben with a flirtatious smirk. "You're looking hotter than needed, Mr. Tennyson. We'll have to make sure no other girl hits on you."
He smirked and let out a gentle laugh, before he got into his own seat.
"Oh, I was more concerned about the boys because.." he said, before he trailed off to let his eyes admire her, as her heartrate quickened when she realised she was under his gaze. The fact that it was darkening outside and the car's light wasn't on made it even more sensual. She laughed, before saying, "I'm sure you can handle me getting a little attention."
"I hope so," Ben said with a pretend sigh, and they shared giggles before he started the car and drove off towards the mysteriou location - well, mysterious for her. Just a minute later though, Ben said, "Now, I can give you one hint."
"What's that?"
"We've been here before," he said.
Hmm, what could it be? The lake with the fireflies? Nah, probably not. Mr. Smoothy's was out of the question, and the mall sounded too dull. Whatever this place was, and the way Ben said the hint with a husky voice, told her there was something significant about this, something that belonged between them alone - once a bittersweet memory that only one of them eventually truly cared for, but now a beautiful recollection which was about to be revisited.
As Ben drove, holding Julie's hand, with them talking about simple matters, Julie started to feel a sense of deja vu. The road she was on, the surroundings, all seemed familiar. She remembered being in a car with Ben beside her in this place, even though he was driving now, not in the backseat as before.
"Ben?"
"Mhm?"
"I.. feel like we've been here before," she admitted.
"Really?" Ben asked, a little intrigued, but mischievous inside. He knew Julie would start to unravel everything - this was step one. In their talking, she hadn't noticed the road until now, and Ben was happy at that.
"Yeah.. you were not driving, but we were in a car, and..." she trailed off. She was really engrossed in this mystery now. Ben smirked to himself, before telling her, "I think that means you're starting to figure out where the date will be."
"Well, you could tell me now," she said.
"No, Ms. Yamamoto.. that would ruin the surprise," he winked, before he looked ahead. "Or maybe not."
He said that dramatically while slowing down the car, which made Julie look straight on the road where Ben was looking - and inside, she lost her mind. Her eyes widened, she managed to recollect everything in a flash and she turned to Ben, flabbergasted as he smiled at her expression.
"Where are you taking her though?" Kevin asked. Ben raised an eyebrow, a conspiratorial smile playing on his lips, and his grin widened as realisation hit the Osmosian combined with nostalgia.
"No way, the pier!?"
"Mhm," Ben nodded, his grin retained. "I can't wait to see her reaction."
They had just reached a pier - the same pier where, more than 8 years ago, they had their first ever date. And her reaction was absolutely worth it.
Julie looked at him with surprise before seeing the pier sign. It was unchanged, expect for the fact that it was lit up, more people seemed to be there - Ben's 'this place is packed on weekends' line hit her immediately - and overall it was brighter and yet, somehow the same. She got out of the car, with Ben following soon, as he looked at her, knowing memories were flooding back for both of them.
"It's the pier.."
Julie stood there, but was interrupted when Ben pressed a kiss to her cheek, hugging her from behind and resting his face, lit up with a boyish grin, on her shoulder. He looked up at the sign dreamily.
"The very one," he replied. Julie turned to him, just as dreamy as he was. "You like it?"
"Oh my God, I love it Ben!" she exclaimed, rushing to capture his lips and loop her arms around his neck. Ben melted into it immediately, holding her waist before she pulled back. She was still overjoyed at the sight of the old place. She sighed. "You planned this too well."
Ben giggled. "Why thank you."
She held his hand, their fingers locked as they walked in. There were people around, some noise, but overall, it wasn't crowded or chaotic. People were simply having fun, and Ben and Julie stood there, all the memories flooding back. The pier was more than just a pier - it was a walk down memory lane. Ben saw the uncontrollable smile on her face, and prayed that they would never have to suffer the pain of separation again. She'd suffered enough, and Ben had realised that he had too. Seeing that tender look on her beautiful face was worth every physical pain he bore and every minute of his life that passed by.
"People are actually here this time," Julie noted.
"That's fine.. even now," Ben started, before his voice dropped, "we have the place all to ourselves."
She looked at him with even more love and awe. Her heart swelled, and he smiled when he saw her realise the meaning of the words which she had said on that quiet night 8 years ago. He even said it in the same gentle, soft manner that she had. This guy remembered every little detail.
"You still remember?" she asked with a shaking voice. He smiled back, and kissed her temple, before looking at her fondly. "I do. You held my arm, just looked me in the eye... I wasn't gonna forget."
She kissed his cheek. "You're the best boyfriend ever."
"I've re-settled into the role for just 3 days now, and I'm already honoured," Ben said with a laugh which she shared. "So, shall we go crazy?"
Julie threw him a challenge as she laughed. "Bumper cars first!"
Ben blushed as he giggled. Her enthusiasm was a fever.
--
In mild terms, they had a lot of fun. Ben lost a bumper car showdown after 10 minutes of intense action and frequent deadlock. Julie made fun of him as she celebrated, and Ben smiled while he shook his head. They walked out, as Ben stumbled a little.
"You okay?" she said with a laugh.
"Yeah," he said quickly. He then turned to her, and ended up chuckling to himself, making her let one out as well. As they walked, they saw the cotton candy stall in front of them. The blue and pink flavours were still there. Ben signalled with his head, "Hey? You want one?"
Julie smiled at the arrival of another fond memory. "Hmm.. yeah. You?"
"I don't have cotton candy because it's not exactly healthy.. but I'll have it for once."
Ben bought 2 of them - one blue and one pink. As they ate it, Julie smiled expectantly, waiting for Ben to grin with blue teeth again. Ben caught the look on her face, and smiled knowingly.
"I'm not getting blue teeth again," he said defensively. Julie raised an eyebrow in challenge and shot a sexy smirk at him. Ben let his lips part and pursed the side of it with his tongue flirtatiously. He took a bite, and then chuckled at the situation. But then he turned to Julie, who had burst into laughter. With just that, Ben realised Julie had outsmarted him again.
He sighed and shook his head resignedly, before continuing to eat, unable to fight the smile on his face. This time, her laugh wasn't gentle and shy, but it was enthusiatic and joyous. He smiled gently at her, and she smiled back, lost in each other's gaze. She then laughed gently just like she had back then, before Ben could take no more and leaned in to capture her lips.
The kiss was passionate, with Ben taking his time to taste her. They were in no hurry to pull back. When they eventually did, his hand was still on her cheek and her's was on his shoulder. Ben knew the toothbrush could wait.
"Just like 8 years ago," he murmured with a smile.
"Yeah," she replied, just as breathless.
--
They kept going around the pier, enjoying the rides - Ben was surprisingly not sick when he got out of the rollercoaster, even though he looked incredibly relieved - Julie must have had something to do with his health not getting compromised. They stopped at one of the stalls as they chatted lovingly.
"Hey, what about getting that teddy bear?" she asked. She held his arm and stood close to him. Ben couldn't help but smile at how intimate it was. Sharing moments away from his heroic life as a normal person with someone like her - what more could he ask for? He smiled to himself at her touch, before her attention shifted from the light brown teddy bear in the stall to his eyes.
"We'll have to check with Ship," he said with a teasing smile. "Will he be able to handle that big fellow?"
"Mm.. not sure," she said with just the exact tone of mischief that Ben carried. "You know what? We'll convince him."
Ben, smirking at the parents-style conversation they were having, took up the challenge. Sure enough, his aim was precise as the balloon burst. Even the way he held the gun and aimed was attractive for Julie - it could've been because of the longing, or maybe just because Ben Tennyson effortlessly entered the category of a sexy boy - easily top 5 for the general public, and her unanimous No. 1.
When he won the bear, he handed it to her and smiled at the childlike joy with which she clutched it close, before she pressed a kiss to his cheek. They walked along arm in arm, discussing a name for the teddy bear - Ben found Larry to be a good one, while Julie thought Snuggles fit the silly but cute category. He laughed at how funny the name was, before pressing a kiss to console her.
And then they stood in front of the same jet ride which Ship had taken over on their first 'first date'.
"Oh God.. remember when Ship took over it?" he said.
"Yeah," she laughed. "God, that date was absolutely crazy."
But then they were interrupted by a familiar voice.
"SHIP SHIP!"
They had expressions resembling a deer caught in the headlights when they recognised it. And when they regained their senses, Ben could only muster a single reply.
"Remind me to never say that again?"
They turned to their side, and to their surprise, Ship was sitting there, anxiety practically radiating itself from him.