Work Text:
Gravity felt stronger and the scorching Australian Sun felt increasingly relentless to the English fielders as each run was added to the scoreboard. The Carey-Cummins partnership was building. But that doesn't mean it was easy. England's star fast bowler, Jofra Archer, was running in delivering every ball with rigour. Gasps from the crowd at every rapid ball. No one knew where it was going. That brief moment when the ball passed by the batter's ear felt eternities long. No sound except for the terrifying whoosh of the red Kookaburra. The Ashes had been reignited and were burning. As alive as ever.
In cricket spaces, there was a lot said. Everything turned into discourse. Outside noise honed itself in on every player's mind. From wearing helmets on scooters to a woman off-handedly mentioning she was on her period, every moment received a think piece. Two of the most talked about prospects of the two teams were, of course, the captains. England's pivotal all-rounder and Australia's prolific pacer. Often times they were compared; their abilities to lead a team and how they both clawed the game back from their opposition. Other times, they were ends of the same coin being spinned around by the media. Despite the occasional sarcasm, the world knew the two had nothing but respect for each other. Two leaders who didn't interact much but showed sportsmanship every time.
At least that's all everyone knew.
-
2019
Pat had always been... curious about Ben Stokes. Impressed by his skills with bat and ball. But there was something that made him stand out from any other player he had ever watched. He couldn't figure it out exactly. Just something. Just something that made him watch all of the Englishman's innings a little closer, and listen to his interviews just a tad bit more carefully than anyone else. He felt there was something under that exterior that reasonated with him.
"I think that's called having a crush"
"A wh- No, Mitchy, I told you it's respect that's all. I just think maybe he's not all bad, y'know?" Pat explained to the best of his ability.
"Sure, I know." His best friend smirked, earning a shake of the head from the younger of the two.
It wasn't one-sided. Since Pat joined the mainstream later, due to his injuries, he may have noticed Stokes earlier. But soon enough, Ben noticed him more.
Pat Cummins just had a way about him. His simple charm. His unimaginable skill with the ball. His palpable need to prove himself and always doing so. Shy humility in press conferences. That bright smile that made Ben forget he was the opposition. Those damn eyes that made Ben's chest fill up with heat every time his gaze landed on him. How dizzy his dimples made him. Did he mention the smile?
No.
Stop. Not the time. Will never be the time.
"Who's got you blushing?" Mark interrupted Ben's train of thought.
"I need another drink." Ben said sternly.
Their minimal interactions throughout the Ashes, the 2019 World Cup, and even the IPL, only amplified what the two felt about each other.
-
2025
Don't play the ball. Come out alive. That's all Pat had in mind while trying to survive the over. Just 3 more balls.
Archer steamed in, placing all he had into that short ball. Too fast for Pat to duck, it hit him right on the temple. He could feel all of the ball's energy vibrate through the helmet, smaller parts of which broke off. There was a sharp pain in his head that wouldn't go away. His eyes felt heavier. He slightly tripped on his feet, unable to find balance. A wave of cool swam under his skin. He instinctively took his helmet off and got on his knees.
There was a bunch of people around him but he couldn't figure out what they were saying. The last thing he remembers before his eyes shut close was a thumb caressing his jaw so gently that he wouldn't have noticed it. But he did, because that touch took him back. He knew it so well it ached.
He looked up to see Ben, brows furrowed, unable to mask the concern in his voice. "Don't worry." Pat whispered as everything faded to black.
-
Ben sat on a bench in a quiet hospital. He hadn't had a proper conversation with Pat all series. "Good." He thought. As he waited, his mind began to wander back.
2021
Ben knocked on the door for the 2nd time. His patience was being tested. If anyone saw him outside the opposition captain's suite, it'd be over. He tries to come up with the excuse to throw at them. It's all too risky, this. Whatever they had going on. Ben should turn back. Before they were caught and ostracized. Before he starts to feel too much.
"You made me wait."
"I was just tidying up" Pat said, sounding confused yet apologetic, pulling Ben inside and closing the door behind them. "You know I can't be seen outside your suite. Be more careful or else-
Ben could feel all the tension in his muscles melt away as the two deepened the kiss. Pat held Ben's face in his hand as the other hand rubbed circles against his back. He touched the all-rounder with the same tenderness he would touch delicate porcelain.
Ben kept his eyes closed for a few moments even after Pat pulled away. "That was my apology" Pat whispered, still so close to Ben he could feel his warm breath where their lips met a couple seconds ago. "I accept your apology." Ben replied with a tone far less strict than before.
He nuzzled his face into Ben's shoulder. "Got me out today." Ben stated. "I've bowled better balls before" The quick teased. Their sarcasm was ever-present, but never had any bite.
"You weren't here yesterday" Pat stated, more like a question, voice muffled as his head was still nested into Ben's shoulder.
"Team meeting."
Pat hummed. "I missed you" He whispered, barely audible.
Ben didn't say anything back. It was moments like these when he regretted everything. When he wanted to turn back and never do this again. When Pat would say things. So casually, like his words has no weight. Or maybe they did, but he wasn't afraid of conveying it.
This was casual. A reckless, one series short, been-there-done-that, casual thing. Ben doesn't even remember how it started. One thing led to another. England lost the opening match and he was annoyed by how good Australia were, how good he was. Their first time was a rough projection of on-field frustration.
But it got calmer afterwards. Because in all honesty, Pat didn't quite grasp what being casual was about. He was vulnerable. He'd be sweet, never coming on too strong, just enough to chip away the walls Ben put up, and hint at something more. He'd hold him, ask him if he's alright, kiss his forehead before and after they were done. It was too much all at once.
They walked away from that series without any promises. And for the most part, they remained true to what was agreed. It was a one time thing. No repeats 2 years later.
-
2023 was different. Since they had both been appointed captain, they were in each other's vincities more often. At photoshoots, at coin tosses, generally just talking before and after the game. Pat was still the same. He could feel the tension between them. How their hands would linger after a handshake. How he'd catch Ben looking over at him from afar.
He wasn't afraid to act on his feelings. He asked Ben questions. What he does before a match, what he's looking forward to after the series, if he likes golf. As if he was trying to get to know him.
Ben would always answer earnestly. They'd have nice conversations despite the issues around them. Right as he thought they were about to exchange room numbers, Pat would ask him if he wants to get coffee sometime.
Every fibre in his body opposed him as he twisted his words, translating into "No"
-
2025
"You can see him now" the nurse stated politely.
As soon as Ben entered the room the injured Australian raised his head up to see who had entered. His lips curled into a smile as he realized who it was.
"Hey"
"I just wanted to check if you're alright"
"Concussion. Might be out for Melbourne" Pat sounded almost amused. "Lucky you"
"Jofra apologized. He didn't mean to."
"Is okay. We never do" Pat sighed. "Come here."
Ben hesitated.
"Please" Pat pleaded with his hand stretched out. "Okay, okay. Here" Ben walked towards his bed, interlocking their fingers together.
"Yeah... Bet-ter" Pat's smile grew bigger.
"I'm glad. Concussions can be very rough. Rest up."
"I wanted to ask you something y'know..." His tone was innocent, almost like a child.
"I think I should leave you alone now."
"Will you come to my house after the last test?" He got it out before Ben could even take a single step away.
"Cummins, that doesn't sound very wise."
"No one will know. Suuper private. Promise" He sounded increasingly excited. "It's in the Blue Mountains. 'Is where I grew up. And we can have a whole week. Maybe two. Won't tell anyone 'course. And, and, and- I've got a farm and you can meet the kangaroos" Pat giggled at the thought.
It sounded intimate. Something Ben couldn't let himself have. They'd be slaughtered if they were caught, anyway. But in that moment, Pat's sapphire eyes were too soft. His brows were slightly upturned. He'd be crushed at a rejection. And somewhere inside, Ben knew, he would be equally crushed.
"I'll think about it"
"Really?"
"Mhm. Middle of January I'd prefer Sydney weather over back home anyday." He shrugged. "But still, maybe."
Pat weakly curled his free hand into a fist and whispered a small, victorious 'Yes'.
The idea that perhaps Pat had also thought of Ben during their time apart made his heart ache.
His eyes traced Pat's features as he rested. His shoulders relaxed and eyelids gradually fell. He let out a soft hum. From their time together 4 years ago, Ben knew that was something he'd do as he fell asleep. Ben didn't wanna wake him up, so he quietly left the hospital room, not before placing a faint kiss on Pat's knuckles.
He stayed up that night with something growing in his chest, that filled it with warmth and comfort. He could either take the leap or spend forever wondering.
-
25th December 2025
Pat's phone lit up with a ping. He received a notification from a number he hadn't texted in years.
"I'll be there." was all it read.
"Most people say Merry Christmas"
"Don't make me take it back."
They both knew he wouldn't.