A Love to Last Ch. 08

"I missed these." David moaned as his fingers sexily rubbed on the boy's lips. "I wish I could package them so that I can have them all day."

Ben laughed, playfully hitting the man on the chest.

"Maybe one day, I might give it a thought. You must be pretty hungry." He said as he played on that chest. "I already prepared your food. Now I don't know if you will take a bathe first and then eat later or the other way around."

"Hmmmm." He moaned, raising an eyebrow. "I don't want either of those. I have something special in mind."

"Something special?" Ben was confused.

"Yeah!" He took Ben's hand and made him sit. They were staring at each other with yearning gazes. "I have something for you but I want you to close your eyes first."

Ben chuckled, giving his man crazy eyes. "What is it?"

"You'll see. Just trust me and close your eyes."

Ben smiled and then closed his eyes shut. He felt David hold his hand sweetly, right before he felt something cold slipping on his hand. His heart gave a thump in his chest and he became curious as to what David had placed there. He was tempted to take a peek but he had promised not to open his eyes.

"Alright, baby." He said softly. "You can open your eyes."

Ben didn't need to be told twice. His jaw dropped loosely before a massive grin overtook his face. Happiness streaked through him like a comet as he stared at the beautiful bracelet that was on his forearm.

It was a beautiful golden bracelet that had what looked like a half heart with the name "David" inscribed on it. He couldn't but feel like he was on top of the world. That was the most amazing gift he'd received although it brough memories to him.

"Happy anniversary, baby." David announced happily. "Do you like it?"

"It's beautiful!" Ben couldn't take his eyes off it. "I love it so much. But..." He raised his face and looked at his man. "...I don't understand. Today isn't our anniversary so what do you mean by anniversary?"

"Well..." He laughed, getting out the other bracelet and placing it in Ben's hand. "...it isn't, but it marks exactly 6 months since you and I became official. And I know it shouldn't mean a lot, but it shows that for half a year now, I have been blessed with an angel."

Ben got emotional and felt tears building up in his eyes.

"You've done so much for me, David. I feel so ashamed that I didn't even out it in mind." He said with a forced smile. "I didn't even get you anything."

"Why?" David playfully pinched his cheek. "You weren't supposed to get me anything because I already have my gift and that's you. Each day that passes, I always have my gift. It doesn't matter if you get me anything or not as long as you promise to stay with me forever."

Happiness overtook Ben. "I love you so much, David, and I promise that it will you and me forever. Nothing will separate us."

"I love you too." David grinned like an idiot. "Now will you put the bracelet on me or am I gonna wait the whole night."

Ben quickly put the other bracelet on him and it was the perfect match with the inscription "Ben" on it. When their hands got closer, the two half hearts joined and became one. Ben and David couldn't help but laugh.

"See!" David said softly. "Our hearts are one and we'll forever be together. Even when we're far apart, just know that my heart belongs to you, baby. My heart beats for you and it yearns for you for as long as I live."

Ben smiled knowing that David was his and only his. He took his hand in his, staring deep into those eyes like he wanted to be one with them. Then he gave his hand a tight squeeze and...

"Ow!" He screamed out in pain.

Ben felt shivers creep through his body when he heard that. He looked at the man and he tried to smile, but he wasn't fooling anyone.

"Are you okay?"

"Err... yeah!" David said sheepishly, putting up a smile. "You just kinda held my hand too tight."

"No!" Ben shook his head. "I didn't."

He quickly took David's hand and opened his palm. What he saw there broke his heart. David had several bruises in his palms and they were swollen and red. Seeing them, Ben got really worried. He glanced at David and the man couldn't stop smiling at him.

"David, what's this?" He asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "How did you get hurt?"

"It's nothing." David said as he withdrew his hands. The last thing he wanted was for Ben to worry about him. "Forget about it. It's gonna heal."

"No!" Ben took David's hands again and opened his palms. "You're not gonna say that to me. Something happened and I need to hear it right now."

"It's nothing. Really."

"No!" Ben shook his head. "You promised to share all your problems with me. If you don't tell me what happened, I'll not stop worrying."

David let out a shaky breath. "Fine! I lost my job some days back and I couldn't find anything that was paying enough. I started working at a garage and it's been rough. I... the work is heavy and I am not used to handling machinery and other tools. I guess, I haven't been really careful enough and hence the bruises."

Ben's eyes welled up as waves of pain washed through his mind. He felt a lump in his throat but ignored it. Last time he checked, David wasn't working at a garage. He was working in a factory, helping with the packaging of fish. So how did things change?

"Hey!" David cupped his cheeks and smiled. "You don't have to worry. I am not hurt and all this will go away in a few days. My hand will be good as new." He teased. "Besides, it isn't even hurting that much."

Ben's face was blank. He was staring at David without even blinking.

"Ben!" He kissed him softly. "I am okay."

"No!" Ben said in a sad voice. "You are not okay, David. No matter how much you try to convince me, you're not okay. You're not used to such a job and I have never worked in a garage but I know it's tough." He gave a gloomy sigh. "You have never had to do manual work all your life and now..."

"Hey!" He burst out into laughter. "Come on, there's always a first time for everything. Besides, your handsome David is capable. Just look at my body." He lifted his arms and posed like a body builder. "Just look at me. Do I look like I can fail to do anything?"

Ben shook his head. "You're not cut for this and I know that you're doing your best. But maybe...." He paused and just stared at him. "...maybe you should go back to your family, David." There was so much guilt suddenly working its way through him. "You had a very nice life there with them and you didn't have to worry about anything.

You didn't have to work so hard; everything was provided for you. But here, life is very hard. I don't want you to get hurt when I know that there's a place that you can have a wonderful life."

To say David was shocked would be an understatement. His mouth opened but words couldn't find their way out.

"I think it isn't fair that you're getting deprived of the kind of life that you deserve." He added, resting his hand on his thigh. "Instead, you're here working so hard and getting hurt because of me. You should..."

"Can you please just shut up!" David snapped, feeling like a vessel of anger. "If you don't have anything to say to me, I suggest you keep quiet, Ben."

Ben was beyond shocked. "But..."

"Which part of I love you don't you understand?" He barked. "You are allowed to be worried about me but I am not allowed to be worried about you? You didn't force me to live this kind of life. I did. I could have stayed at home and enjoyed all those luxuries but it wouldn't make any sense. I would rather live this kind of life with you than a luxurious one without you. I am a man and I need to take care of my love whatever the cost."

Ben sighed. "I know, but it's just that..."

"I am not going anywhere. If we're destined to live the rest of our lives here, then so be it." He furiously stood and looked the other way. "Don't try to push me away because I won't ever leave your side. Whatever gave you the right to think that you could push me away, Ben? I never thought you'd suggest such a thing. You're only hurting me."

David furiously turned and started heading for the door. Ben got so scared that he rose from the floor like he was sitting on fire and rushed to David. He quickly locked his arms around him and rested his head on his back.

"I am sorry." He said abruptly. "I didn't mean to hurt you. Please, forgive me. I just thought that you deserved a better life than this. I was just worried about you, my love. I am so sorry. I don't think I can be at peace knowing that you're mad at me."

David's facial expression grew long.

"Please." Ben held him tighter. "Say something to me. You can shout, yell or curse, but don't be silent. I love you, David, and I should have known better than to say what I said to you. Please, my love."

David sighed and slowly turned to face the boy. He took his chin and raised his face. He could tell the boy was sad and maybe he had overreacted but he was hurt as well. He hadn't expected Ben to suggest such a thing to him.

"My love, how can I remain mad at you." He smiled. "But I don't want you to say this to me ever again. It hurts a lot because I feel like you're pushing me away. I don't care where we are as long as we are together. We're happy, aren't we?"

Ben nodded without a word.

"Then let's remain like this until we're finally back on our track."

"Alright." He tried to smile but only managed a small one. "I promise never to bring this up. But promise to find something less stressful, please. I know you don't want me to work but at least, you don't have to overwork yourself. I want you in one piece."

"Hmmmm..." David moaned, gripping the boy's waist. He pulled him closer and smiled. "Alright, I'll do my best not to hurt myself. Are you okay with that?"

"Yes!" He nodded. "Am I forgiven now?"

"Not yet!" David said as he got closer to the boy. "Although, seeing that your husband is tired, maybe you can bathe him and give him a massage. Maybe I might reconsider forgiving you."

Ben burst into laughter. "Deal!"

The two men kissed and then sat on the floor. David lay on Ben's lap and enjoyed the feel of Ben's soft hands in his hair, playing with it. It felt so soothing, so peaceful that he knew he was gonna doze off sooner.

"I can get used to this." He said softly. "You and me this way. Until we start our own family and decide to have a kid."

"Really?" Ben couldn't suppress his laugh.

"Yes! I have been thinking about it." David replied. "But not in an environment like this. Maybe when we become stable and start working again. When we can afford a life that will be favorable for our son."

"Son?" Ben gasped. "What if it's a girl?"

"I know it won't be a girl." He said with a smile. "It will be a boy and he's gonna grow up to be handsome and strong like his father."

"Why does it have to be you?" Ben asked with a raised eyebrow. "Why can't it be me?"

"Because I will be the father." He said with a chuckle.

"Hmmmm... okay, then what name will you give him?"

"MichaelAngelo." He replied without a second thought. "It was my father's name and it's a beautiful name. Don't you think?"

"It's a wonderful name. But our first child is gonna be a girl. And we're gonna name her Leah." Ben argued. "Leah is a beautiful name and my mother was a very beautiful woman. I would want our first child to be a girl."

"What? No!" David argued. "It's gonna be a boy and that's final."

The two began arguing about the names of their children and how many they were gonna have and who was gonna be the first child. It was sweet and romantic. Ben felt on top of the world and he imagined how it would be if he were to be a parent. But he knew that it was gonna be a long time before they had any child. They didn't have money for surrogacy and they had lots of problems already. It was gonna be unfair to bring a child in such a harsh environment.

"Alright, you win." David said, raising his hands in surrender. "But before that baby arrives, can you attend to the needs of this baby right here?"

"Hmmm..." Ben moaned, staring at his gorgeous husband. "...and would my handsome baby like?"

"Sing me a wonderful song." He said excitedly.

Ben nodded and began singing him a romantic song. Before a minute even passed, the man was fast asleep. But Ben didn't stop singing. It was romantic.

***

A few days later...

*

Elena had a room-grabbing smile and her eyes danced with delight as she stared at the most handsome man in the world, her husband. She was seated on the office table, rocking a grey pants suit that showed off her hour glass curves with a white shirt inside but she made sure that her cleavage was exposed, all for her husband to see.

"Do you like it?" She asked in the most soothing tone Jerome had ever heard from her.

"It's lovely." Jerome said as he licked his lips. "It's been so long since I had tasted your food. What happened that you decided to cook for me? What's the occasion?"

Elena had cooked a delicious meal for her husband consisting of his favorite sea food with fried rice and the most delicious soup he'd ever tasted. She was a good cook, but she just didn't do it often. Now that everything was coming into its rightful place, she needed to please her husband and appreciate him.

"Nothing!" She chuckled, opening her arms. "Can't I cook for my darling husband? Let's just say, nowadays you make the happiest woman alive and I just want to return the favor."

"Mi amor!" He touched his chest, taking a slow but wonderful breath. "I could get used to this."

"And you should. Because after today, you'll be having more of my food." She got closer to him seductively and planted a kiss on his lips. "And tonight, I have a very wonderful surprise for you. So, we should knock off early."

Jerome gasped, surprised at her words.

"Wow! I am loving this romantic side of you." He laughed as his hands found her neck. "What did you do to my wife? You sound like a completely different woman."

Elena laughed and then locked her lips with him, getting closer. She made sure that her boobs were pressed so hard on his chest, igniting that fire in him. She couldn't remember the last time she had been that excited and horny. She knew she was gonna enjoy it.

"I'll save the rest for tonight." She said as she broke the kiss. But she made sure she seductively bit his lip and made him moan.

"Can't wait!" He winked.

As they were staring at each other, already undressing each other with their eyes, Jerome's phone began ringing. At first, they ignored it but when it began to ring again, Elena smiled and rushed to where it was. When she saw who was calling, an evil grin appeared on her face.

"Hey, sister in-law." She said with so much excitement. "It has been ages since we heard from you. Did you miss us?"

"Where's my brother?" An impatient voice answered on the other end. "Last time I checked, this was his phone and if I wanted to talk to you, I would have asked for your number from him. I have no business with you, Claudia, so put my brother on the line."

"Well, Alejandra, I believe I am his wife and what's his is mine and vice versa." She chuckled manically as she crossed her arm. "But I wouldn't expect you to understand since you've never been married."

"Don't insult me, Elena!" She snapped on the other end. "Just put my brother on the line. I know he's there."

"He's busy. You can talk to me and I'll be able to convey the message." She laughed in mock. "Or maybe it is money you want and you're too ashamed to ask your sister in-law? It's okay, I can send the money to you. After all, we're family."

"Elena!"

"It's either you tell me or I cut the call. And trust me, once I do, you won't be able to talk to my husband ever again. So spill."

Elena heard Alejandra groan angrily on the other end.

"You're impossible." She sneered. "But since you insist, I wanted to find out what's been happening there with Ben. Ben registered me as his guardian at school along side my brother. Yesterday, I received a call from the school asking why Ben hasn't been at school the last six months. They tried reaching Jerome but they've been unable to so I wanted to ask what's going on."

An evil grin appeared on Elena's face. She glanced at her husband who seemed busy typing on his laptop.

"Nothing is going on." She answered with a chuckle. "Besides, it's none of your business. This concerns our family and last time I checked, you and my husband having been fighting for years. You're no longer part of our family and I suggest you know your lane."

"Excuse me!" Alejandra was mad. "Whatever issue that has to do with Ben is my business. His sudden disappearance from school for six months makes me worried. I have been trying to reach him but I can't. I know something is wrong over there so tell me. Or better still, give me a line that works."

Elena laughed. "And what makes you think you can order me around? Whatever happens to him is none of my business. I am only concerned about my family. He can disappear from school for eternity for all I care. As long as my son is doing well, I am good."

"Elena, this is serious." The woman pleaded on the other end. "Let me talk to my brother. Please!"

Elena chuckled. "Sure! I'll put him on the line."

She moved the phone away from her ear. "My love, it's your sister and she would like to talk to you about your illegitimate son." She hollered.

Jerome raised his face and a frown appeared.

"I don't wanna talk to her, most especially about that boy." He said harshly. "I have better things to do than discuss useless things."

"Alright, baby." She smiled, throwing him air kisses.

She put the phone back on her ear.

"I am sure you heard that from the horse's mouth. Hope that answers your question."

"What?" She sounded scared. "What's happening, Elena? Please, let me talk to my brother. I will only be at peace when I hear what's going on there. I know Ben cannot just stop school like that unless something happened. And my brother cannot..."

"My husband doesn't want to talk to you." She chirped. "Why don't you just get that into your thick skull? I am sure you can focus on your little life."

"Please, I am begging you." Alejandra was almost crying on the other end. "From a mother to a mother, tell me what happened to Ben. Where is he? Is he safe? Is he in trouble?"

"Who knows?" She laughed. "I'll keep you guessing. By the way, we were doing something romantic before you disturbed us. We need to get back to it."

"Elena..."

She cut the call and quickly blocked the number, wearing an evil grin on her face.

'This is fun.' She thought as she placed the phone back on the table. 'I get to see two people that I hate the most suffer. Wow! Looks like God keeps giving me another chance to play some mischief. I am sure she's crying now and I hope Ben is suffering too.'

***

"Thank you so much!" Ben said with a smile, handing the money for all the food he had bought.

"You're welcome, sir!"

He took the plastic bag and started going back. He wanted to prepare something special for his husband that night, anything aside from sardines and rice. He was so happy because he had managed to get all the ingredients. Now all he needed to do was go back and begin cooking.

"Ben!"

He turned and found Mrs. Grenda waving at him. He waved back as she rushed to him. Looks like she too came for some shopping.

"Hey, never thought I'd meet you here." She said excitedly. "But I am happy that I have met you. Do you still have any more shopping to do."

"As a matter of fact, I was heading home." He responded softly. "I need to prepare some food for his return."

"That's good. I am done too. We can go back together. I just need to make one more stop. And you're coming with me."

"Sure!"