Authors note: This may annoy some people but I view Ben as a complicated character, I haven't really decided what to do with him yet... redemption arc maybe? Thoughts? CW: Discussion of the assault.

Ben: Hey Charlie.

Charlie: Hi Ben?

Ben: Can we meet? Just us? 

Charlie: Are you high?! That didn't go so well last time!

Ben: Charlie it's not like that I promise, look I'll meet you wherever you choose?

Charlie: What about Nick....

Ben: What about him? This is about me and you, it's before Nick was even around.

Charlie: Yeah but he won't be happy about it...

Ben: Do you need his permission or something? Sounds weird.

Charlie: No not permission, but like, he wouldn't be happy would he?

Ben: Then lie, it won't take long, only about 10 minutes at lunch.

Charlie: Fine, library at the start of lunch.

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Nick: Char? Where are you?

Charlie: Be out soon! Mr Ajayi wanted to talk to me about my landscape piece

Nick: I thought you said you'd abandoned that?

Charlie: I did yes

Nick: So why would he talk to you about a piece you'd abandoned? 

Charlie: To get me to reconsider of course!

Nick: Ohhhhh, good luck!

Charlie: Thanks!

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Charlie: I'm lying through my teeth Ben... Where are you

Ben: Harry grabbed me on the way to the library now I'm stuck in a conversation about which teacher has the nicest arse.

Charlie: Right, so...

Ben: I'll just do it over text, can anyone see?

Charlie: No? I'm in the library still. 

Ben: Right, sorry if I ramble this is just hard to explain, my parents are super religious, not like.. 'being gay isn't okay' more like 'if you're gay I will fix that' and I've been getting this ridiculous religious guidance/ therapy for 4 years now. 

Charlie: Oh, that's horrendous, I'm so sorry you've had to go through that. 

Ben: When we met yes I was using you, I realise that now, but I swear it wasn't JUST physical, when I saw you at Harry's party I wanted to apologise but that's not how it came out. Ffs it's not even the kissing I miss anymore, its holding your face in my hand, holding hands with you. I know Nick and you are together and fair enough. but I wanted you to know the full truth so I could properly ask for forgiveness.

Charlie: Wow Ben, I'm genuinely shocked. I think I've moved passed what happened to be honest but thanks for telling me the whole picture, I think I understand it now. 

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Nick: Charlie where are you? 

Charlie: I told you, Mr Ajayi is being very stubborn!

Nick: I just spoke to Mr Ajayi, he hasn't seen you all lunch...

Charlie: Oh

Nick: What's going on?

Charlie: Don't be mad...

Nick: CHARLIE JUST TELL ME WHAT IS GOING ON?!