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?!