Chapter Text
allum had returned to Walford weeks ago, refreshed from his time away, but still broken from Ben metaphorically taking a knife to his heart. It was days from when he returned to when he finally built up the courage to talk to Ben, both of them previously avoiding each other quite obviously walking out of places when the other walked in. Since then, they had been inseparable once more. They had sorted out all of their problems, Callum wrapping his arms around Ben as the younger man cried into his chest, explaining why he had to break up with Callum – that it was either lose Callum as a boyfriend, or lose his dad to drink – and had told Callum all he knew about what happened since he had been gone. Callum kissed Ben as tears streamed down his cheeks, and promised him that everything was going to be okay, that they could start again, and that Callum understood.
Ben was stood in Callum’s kitchen, making them both some coffee. It was morning, a crisp start to a January day. Windows were wet with condensation, the warmth of the inside contrasting with the bitter cold of the outside. The sun however, was juxtaposing the sharp cold that hit skin the moment anyone stepped outside, its golden lights shining bright above them, giving everyone hope that maybe it would start to be warm again soon. Callum walked in, his work shirt half open, exposing the top of his chest, which was getting more and more defined each time he worked out. It was both a blessing and a curse for Ben. His tie was wrapped around his neck, not yet tied. It was a while before he was due to work, and Ben knew that. It was all part of their daily routine now. Callum would get ready whilst Ben made them breakfast. They would take the time to eat breakfast together, sitting at the table and listening to the radio news as it played faintly in the background. Ben would kiss Callum’s forehead, and walk into the bedroom to get ready himself. The only time this would change, would be at the weekend, when Lexi would stay the night with them. Callum’s culinary skills would be called into action then, Lexi demanding pancakes with fruit and chocolate.
“Are we picking Lex up tonight?” Callum asked, tangling his arms around Ben’s body, filling both of them up with warmth.
He looks down, smile spreading across his face as he puts the kettle back down in its place without pouring the water. Instead, he takes Callum’s hand, steering him to walk only a few steps. “Come here.” Ben whispered. Callum had heard this numerous times before, but this time something was different about it. “Do you remember what happened, right here?”
Callum looks around his settings. It was just his flat. He and Ben shared a lot of memories here. “What are you going on about?”
Ben tries again. “What did you say to me here? When we stood here last time.”
And then Callum knew. I am in love with you Ben. Callum looked down and blushed, his hands going weak in Ben’s hold, but not pulling away all the same.
But Ben hadn’t said it back yet. They had already decided to take it slowly, both of them knowing their own feelings, but realising it was probably for the best to not share it with others just yet. Ben knew though. He knew in the time that Callum was away that he was head over heels in love with Callum. He also knew that there was nothing he could do about that. He was just terrified of telling him, because the moment he said it, it was out in the universe, and that meant Ben could easily be broken again. But he was ready now.
Ben lifted his hand to Callum’s chin, allowing Callum to look him in the eye now. “I love you, Callum Highway. No, wait.” He took a moment to compose himself. “I am in love with you, Callum Highway and I am so sorry it’s taken me so long to tell you this but I was scared. It’s been years since I’ve felt like this and I didn’t even think that I ever would again. Believe me when I say I didn’t want to hurt you and I am sorry that I did, but you’re my Callum, of course I love you. Have done for a while.”
Callum had tears in his eyes as he dropped his hands from Ben’s clasp, before pulling their bodies together, burying his head in Ben’s neck, kissing it repeatedly. “I love you too.” He pressed his lips to Ben’s, fingers running through his hair. “So much.”
He moved his hands to inside Ben’s dressing gown, needing to be closer to him. “You didn’t answer my question anyway.” Callum wanted nothing more than to take this further, but they would both be late for work if they did.
Ben hummed, resting his head on Callum’s chest. “Yeah.” He answered, twisting Callum’s loose tie around his fingers. “We can take her out for food. Celebrate.”
“Course.” Callum smiled, nuzzling his face into Ben’s hair. “Right now though, you can finish making breakfast for us.”
Ben rolled his eyes, but moved all the same. “Remind me why I’m still here?” He teased, wide and cheeky grin on his face, just like Lexi does.
Callum chuckled as he sat down. “Because you love me.”