Work Text:
It was after the Firman Fest. Call Kossu shady all you want he knows how to throw a great one. Everyone got a bit tipsy, not Benjamin and Julia though. Not really their thing.
After cleaning up the nightclub, they went out onto the dock. That familiar welcoming breeze is definitely needed. Benjamin has really gotten to know Julia over the summer. From colleagues to acquaintances to friends. But there’s something else. Something he’s felt for a while now.
He notices Julia’s stare out in the distance. Her gorgeous brown eyes full of wonder and awe. He matched her gaze, and notices something in the distance
“What is that over there?” He wondered
“Bogskär Lighthouse, Finland’s southernmost point, and my favourite lighthouse” she gushed, her stare fixed on the structure standing proudly on the rocks.
Ok, think of a smooth pickup line Benjamin…
He turned towards Julia and spoke
…
“You’re my favourite lighthouse”
WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?!?!
At least that somehow got Julia’s attention as her stare broke to turn to Benjamin and she gave him a bemused smile
“What?” She exhaled out a laugh “What does that mean?”
“Ok yeah that sounded alot better in my head” Benjamin rambled, cheeks were turning a bright red. His mind was all over the place as he looked out to the horizon. Trying to find something to distract himself from whatever that was. But at least Julia’s a step ahead
“So, summer’s almost over.” She remembered “Any luck with apartments in Stockholm?” And inquired
If we’re being honest, Benjamin hasn’t been looking for a while now. He can’t describe it, but something’s different about him now. If you asked him a few weeks ago he would be getting every chance he could to scour through lists and lists of shitty apartment listings. Even when it’s worse than Helsingfors. He still wants his artist dream. But it’s not the first thing on his mind. Not anymore anyway.
“Honestly, no. But Kossu came to me as I was about to meet you at the party…and asked if I want my contract extended. I’m thinking of saying yes”
Seeing her eyes widen and maybe even light up was everything. Her smile that followed after would be enough for him to die if he wasn’t careful. But it’d be an honourable way to die in his eyes.
“Really?” She exclaimed “Vitsi så kiva!” She congratulated him. She moved away from the railing, the gentle wind blowing her hair just right. She turned to face Benjamin as she wandered around the dock, almost like she’s in a movie. A confused look crept in as much as she was happy for him
“But what about Sweden?” She finally answered
That question made his heart go from slightly calm to now a nervous wreck. His gaze followed her walk. His mind allowed the sound of the waves to cool his nerves. The lack of response is too much isn’t it? After a few more seconds of hearing the waves, he looked into her beautifully framed eyes. Oh god, here we go…!
“About that, I don’t think it’s my number one priority anymore.” Benjamin admitted. Julia looked at him, curious and wondering about the change of mindset
“Look, when I stepped onto Botnia Paradise that was my only thought process. The entire time I was only thinking about the future and what I need to do to get to the next step…” He uttered, trying to look calm and presentable and not a complete wreck. Seeing her attentive look was enough for him to calm down. Because it’s important that he doesn’t mess this part up.
“But…then you walked in. With your headfirst yet attentive attitude and teasing personality. You’re an amazing friend to me and I don’t know how else to explain it but, something inside me wishes that we could be more.” He confessed, he impulsively bit his lip as he continued to ramble
“You’re so beautiful, I could get lost in your eyes and smile. Everytime I see you I just light up and my day gets better. Even when I have to be Svanen Svante. You mean so much to me. And, I just want to be with you. Sorry if that was too much all at once”
Julia looked at Benjamin, stunned. All she could do was breathe out as she took in what he said
“Wow…I-!” She started to speak before being cut off
“You don’t have to answer right away, you can even reject my feelings if you don’t feel the same! I just…really needed it off my chest-”
“No not that. I’m so glad that you feel the same way…!” Julia proclaimed
Benjamin’s mind might as well have gone blank after hearing that. He looked back, her smile still present, a small one. But one with so much care in the world. God that smile, he wants to proudly frame it and present it at the Louvre.
“Weirdly enough, I’m having similar thoughts. I still want to go to Portsmouth and be captain, but something’s taken over. And I think you’re that something Benjamin”
She walked towards him, placing a hand on his shoulder.
“I always think of your dreamy gaze and your chubby cheeks when I’m alone. And to be honest I consider you the most handsomest swan I’ve come to know” Julia confessed
Benjamin couldn’t help but smile as she spoke. Knowing that she feels the same way…it’s amazing. But so unreal, is he dreaming? … No that hand on his shoulder is still very real
“I don’t what it is but something about you really drew me in. You were everything I didn’t know I wanted. I didn’t know it then but I do know now.” Her pupils grew in size as she poured out her love for Benjamin.
After she did so, there was silence. A comforting one. Accompanied by soft giggles. Silence that allows them to think about what they confessed.
Benjamin then decided to boop Julia’s nose, that got her to laugh out loud. She playfully poked him which eventually turned into a game of tag. Something they haven’t played since they were children. Benjamin was speedy, but Julia doesn’t go down without a fight. They didn’t bother to figure out who won as it was just a way to blow off steam. And just an excuse to hang out without any worry of work at least for the night.
They spent the rest of the night like this. Laughing, playing and just being in the presence of each other. It was fun, Julia was everything Benjamin wanted. He feels so lucky that she accepted and even reciprocated his feelings. And he definitely wasn’t lying when he said that he could get lost in her eyes. Because that’s honestly what he’s been doing all night.
Seeing her genuine laugh under the stars was breathtaking.
“Honestly I’m surprised you went for me and not some other person. I’m not exactly a looker-.” He admitted
“Benjamin. When I said that you’re the most handsome swan I know, I meant it.” Julia interrupted that train of thought with a deadpan voice and expression
The two of them laughed after. Both of their faces are coloured a bright red now. Their laughs died down and Benjamin couldn’t help but look at Julia again.
“So…you mean it. You want to be with me?”
“Yes, yes of course I do! I want this, and I hope you do too.”
“I’ll do anything for you”
Their hands held together as they stood there for a moment. Trying to process what just occurred. They leaned in close and their foreheads touched. A small smile emerged from Benjamin’s face. It was different from his usual bright eyed cheesy smile. It was a smile of content, of relief, of love. Botnia’s chime blared out. Probably to signal nighttime, Benjamin never bothered to ask. The second chime cried out into the night and it gave the newly lovebirds an idea
“Ding, ding, ding” they sang in unison as they bopped their heads against eachother to the sound of the chime.
The small laughter that occurs is comforting in a way. It was a completely made up on the spot idea but it’s cute if a bit cheesy. But also romantic because of what it means. And it’s theirs and theirs alone…
“Can you promise me something?” Benjamin broke the comfortable silence
“What is it?”
“Whatever time we have together, share it with me. Because I want nothing more than to be out here on the sea with you.”
No words were said, but Julia nodded eagerly, like it was the most obvious answer she could utter. Benjamin’s never been any more sure in his life to be with her. And that’s saying a lot.