#nick was like DELICATE TOUCH AND ABUNDANCE OF DROP SHOTS hey on one hand THE SOFTEST AND THE MOST STRATEGIC on the other hand

[rogermeddowsx]

january - “happy new year”

OFFICE PARTIES SUCK SPIN OFF 

word count : 3.3k 

warnings : hints at smut, swears in french (so basically nothing as usual) x 

author’s note : hiiiiiiiiiiiiiii it’s been a while sorryyyyyy. reader and miles do talk in french but only a word at a time so i put the english translation next to it in case you didn’t know what it meant :) 

also the whole spin off thing is that i’ll post each part as different months, leading up to joe and grace’s wedding. i don’t want to spoil anything but these parts are just to give you an idea of reader and ben’s relationship :) 

please don’t forget to like and reblog  

December 31st - 11 months, 15 days until Grace and Joe’s Wedding

You could safely say the past month has been the best month of your life. It had been 3 weeks since yours and Ben’s first date and you felt yourself falling for him more and more each day. Over Christmas, Ben went back to his family is Dorset. You weren’t on good terms with your family so you would usually spend Christmas with Miles and his family in France. Before Ben left, the two of you made your relationship official - he was your boyfriend. 

You and Miles didn’t have a big conversation so you were still unaware of why he was so mad at you before your big date with Ben but it was all under the rug now. You’d spent a lovely Christmas together, just like always. Ben was due back today and you were going to have a second Christmas / New Year’s together at yours. 

You’d only known Ben just shy of a month so at first you were completely clueless as to what to get him as a present. After a lot of pestering Joe, you finally felt satisfactory with the present you’d bought. 

Benny ;) - Hey babe, I’m just leaving. See you in a little bit. X 

Your heart warmed as you read the message - you loved waking up to his messages. Waking up to them was frequent, he always woke up early to go to the gym or go running and as you were on holiday, well, you slept in. The text was sent almost an hour ago, meaning you had about an hour and a half until Ben arrived. You jumped out of bed, excited to see your boyfriend. 

God you loved calling him that. 

You stepped into the shower, toes flinching as they touched the cold ceramic floor. You turned the dial, hissing as you released the steaming drops. Your eyes fell closed and you thought about the last day you were with Ben before he left. 

“I want to make it to my mum’s before dark, but we have time to get lunch, right?” He shouted to you from your bed. You popped your head round the door. His eyes fell to your body which was wrapped tightly in a small white towel that fell to the middle of your thighs. 

“You’re having a shower?” He asked. 

You let out a laugh and if this were a cartoon Ben would have hearts popping out from his eyes and his ears would’ve pricked up at what he could only describe as angelic. 

“No baby, this is my outfit for today.” You said sarcastically, rolling your eyes. 

“We could- you know- shower together.” He suggested cooly, “I’m pretty big on saving the environment.” 

You stepped into the room and walked over to the bed. Once your knees hit the end of the covers, you crawled over to where Ben was sitting, his arms behind his head, muscles flexing slightly as you moved towards him. 

“Me too, what, with all that water saving.” You said, biting your lip then releasing it before he kissed you hungrily. Hard as it was to break from his kiss, you pulled away -saying nothing- and went back to the bathroom. Ben followed behind, eagerly. 

You let out a sigh at the thought. You continued to wash away any thought of Ben before you got too carried away.

Once you were wrapped in a fluffy new towel and back in your room you noticed a missed call from Grace. Placing your phone on speaker, you called her back and started to dry yourself as the ringer filled the room. 

“Hey babycakes.” Grace said, picking up after a few dial tones. 

“Hi boo, how’s things?” You heard Joe shout from the background. 

You giggled, “What’s up guys?” 

Grace answered as you tugged on your jeans and one of the shirts Ben had left. You inhaled his scent, suddenly unable to contain how excited you were to see him. 

“We were thinking of leaving in about thirty minutes? Just gotta pick Ben up on our way to yours. Will Miles be there?”

“Oh, G, I think you have it wrong. Ben’s drivin-” 

“Sorry, hunny, gotta dash. See you later.” 

You brushed it off, and grabbed your phone. Sitting at your vanity table, you put on your morning playlist and began brushing your hair. Looking back at you in the mirror was someone happy, which was weird to look at. You weren’t used to it. For months prior you had been so miserable - getting kicked off your record label, and other contributing factors. Your eyes caught the guitar sitting where you and Ben left it a month ago. You shook your head before continuing to brush through your knotty hair. Your gaze kept wandering back to the guitar though, and you were unable to shake the thought of picking it back up. Your hairbrush hit your vanity with a clutter, as you put it down and made your way to your bed. 

Your fingers traced the neck of the guitar. You sat it across your legs and strummed it once, gently. Completely relishing in the familiar feeling of the cold metal against your calloused fingertips, you started to play a little tune. Your fingers brushed against each fret as you moved your hand up and down the neck. You were so carried away in the sweet acoustics that you didn’t notice Ben standing in your doorway, arms crossed and a slight smile painted against his lips. You almost jumped when you saw him. 

“Miles let me in,” he said, watching you scrabble to put the guitar away, “please, don’t stop on my account.” 

Your fingers hesitated before picking the instrument back up and resting it on your lap, plucking at the strings mindlessly. The bed dipped as Ben sat beside  you, kissing you gently in greeting. You hummed against his pink lips. 

“Guess I lost track of time.” You said, trying to pull him closer into you, but failing miserably. You could hear the buttons of his shirt clinking against the copper strings of the guitar. Your hands grabbed each side of his collar and pulled him back onto your lips. 

“Keep it PG you two.” Grace walked into your bedroom, without knocking. You carefully put your guitar on your bed and ran over to Grace. 

You squealed her name, flinging your arms around her neck and hugging her tightly. She took your hand and began to drag you in the direction of the stairs. You shot Ben an apologetic smile before she dragged you off. Ben heard your angelic laugh ripple through the hall as you left. 

You followed closely behind Grace into the living room where Joe and Miles were sat underneath the Christmas tree. You and Miles had decorated it at the beginning of December. Each year, you had a theme and this year it was white and blue; the bright blue baubles complimented the sparkling white tinsel. Miles insisted that you hung up chocolates on the tree even though they never made it past Christmas; they were way too tempting. 

“Hey Joe.” You said, joining Grace and sitting next to the abundance of presents next to the tree. Yours were all wrapped up neatly, each topped off with delicate little bows. 

Ben had followed you both downstairs and sat on the other side of you. He passed you a small wrapped box and you giggled in endearment at the sellotape that stuck to your finger as a result of his poor wrapping skills. You planted a hasty kiss on his lips. 

As the five of you were now all sat cross legged around the Christmas tree, you began to hand around the presents. Grace was leaned into Joe, a steaming mug of hot chocolate in her hands. You were all smiling appreciatively at each other and you relished in the feeling of being surrounded by your best friends, feeling full now that Ben was a part of that, slipping in easily as if he’d always been there. 

“How is it that I’m the only single one now?” Miles moaned, looking around at the two couples. 

Laughing at him, you patted his knee gently, “You’ll get there eventually buddy.” 

“Very patronising, Belle.” He smiled sarcastically. 

“Salaud.” {Bastard} You giggled, pushing your arm playfully as Miles stuck his tongue out. Miles’ attention immediately returned to his pile of presents and Grace who was calling his name. 

Ben watched the interaction, suddenly feeling like an outsider, a wave of jealousy washing over him as you and Miles playfully conversed, in a language he didn't understand. Ben tugged at your sleeve, drawing your attention back to him. You smiled so warmly at him and all the feelings of jealousy he previously had immediately dissipated. Ben said nothing and kissed you quickly. Despite being in a room of people, you felt like it was just the two of you, just you and Ben; and that’s exactly how you wanted it. 

Grace called your name and you turned towards her, breaking eye contact with Ben. She started modelling the scarf Miles had bought her. Ben watched the two of you engross over the material and design. He laughed when he caught Joe rolling his eyes, mouthing “women” when Joe noticed Ben laughing at him. 

It was finally yours and Ben’s turn to open your presents to each other. You began to feel worried, in case Ben wouldn’t like the gift. Once Ben opened the envelope and his emerald eyes sparkled as he skimmed over the letter - you doubts disappeared. His eyes met yours. 

“Tickets to see Stevie Nicks? Really?” He spoke, in barely a whisper. 

When you nodded, you swore he almost choked. He dropped the envelope and clambered over all the discarded wrapping paper to embrace you tightly. 

“Baby, that’s amazing!” He mumbled into your ear, “Thank you.” 

Ben released you and you both quickly realised everyone watching you intently. Your cheeks flushed pink, overwhelmed but mostly just happy Ben had liked your gift. You winked at Joe - after all he had given you the tip off that Ben would have liked the concert. 

“Open mine,” Ben said, “although it's kinda naff compared to that.” 

Carefully, you picked at the sellotape on your gift. Tearing the paper, you unveiled the present. A book. You turned it around to reveal a picture of you and Ben on the front. In the picture, your camera was set up in front of the window, so when you and Ben had stood in front of it, morning light streamed across your faces. Ben was shirtless in the picture as he leaned into you, tongue stuck out playfully. Your face almost mirrored his, your hand rested on his cheek, gently moving his face closer to yours. Your shoulder was tilted slightly towards the camera. 

The photo made you break out into an uncontrollable smile and when you looked over at Ben, you noticed him smiling too, blushing furiously as he watched you react to his present. The rest of the book was filled with pictures of the two of you; on your first date, pictures of all of you. It was the most thoughtful present anyone had ever given you. He hadn’t just ordered the book online - each picture had been printed out and stuck to each page artistically. Underneath every photograph was a caption written in Ben’s scrawly handwriting. You carefully flipped through, reading each caption. Your favourite was underneath the picture of you, Ben and Frankie. 

Frankie, the small beagle, had her nose across your face, so you were peering out slightly from behind her head, your cheeks creasing due to the smile on your face. Your arm was around Frankie’s neck gently. Ben was the other side of you, arm extended out to take the photo. His lips were pressed to your cheek, his eyelashes kissing your smooth skin as his eyes shut gently. This caused the photo to be a little wonky, and blurry. The caption read, “My girls,” with a little dog drawn by Ben next to it. 

Ben had been so nervous for you to meet Frankie. 

You identified the small figure walking towards you as Ben. He grew bigger as he walked towards you, a small dog bounding along beside him, stopping every now and then to sniff something. As they got to you, you kneeled down to greet Frankie. She jumped up at you, resting her paws on your knees. She panted excitedly, gratefully accepting the scratches behind her ears. 

“Hi puppy!” You said, unsure of who was more excited to meet who - giving her a small kiss on the nose, Frankie licked your face as a response. You stood back up, letting Frankie sniff around your feet, and faced Ben. 

“Well hello to you too,” he said, “do I get that kind of greeting?” 

You laughed - music to his ears - and placed your hands on his cheeks. You scratched the back of his ears, like you would to Frankie.  

“Hi Benny.” You cooed, your voice raising by an octave. Frankie, jealous of the attention Ben was getting, whined gently at your feet, tugging on her lead.  

“Ready to walk this little monster?” Ben asked taking your hand and holding it in his own. You both began to walk, Frankie happily leading the way. 

“I’m glad you like each other.” Ben said after a while, stopping in the middle of the path, causing you to smile. You looked at him and then down at Frankie, wondering how on earth you were lucky enough to have found them both. 

“Ben, this is the most amazing present.” You wiped a tear from your cheek. “Thank you.” 

He blushed furiously and everyone laughed when he tried to hide it. Grace clapped her hands loudly, drawing attention to her which Ben was visibly grateful for. 

“Who’s going to help me prepare fake-mas dinner?” She looked at you suggestively, eyes widening. It really wasn’t a question. You were going to help her. 

You followed her into the kitchen after placing a small kiss on Ben’s lips and thanking him again for the present. 

She began to whisper as soon as you got there, “So, you and Ben, spill the beans.” 

You giggled. Then stopped yourself. Were you twelve? 

“There aren’t any beans that haven’t already been spilt on the phone,” you said, taking out a knife and beginning to chop up potatoes. 

“But the goss is always better face to face,” Grace replied, with her head in the freezer. 

“G, you know he’s right there?” You said, gesturing to the living room. This caused Joe to look up from the sofa where the boys had now moved to. He pointed to himself. You shook your head and turned to Grace. 

“No more talking about it when these nosy hoes are around, okay?”

 She held her hands up in surrender and you both laughed it off, continuing to prepare the fake-mas dinner. 

*** 

It had taken a while but your dinner was finally complete. You were all sat around the table, candles scattered around, surrounded by decorative ivy and leftover Christmas crackers. 

In front of you, was, by your standards, quite a glorious feast. As you and Grace didn’t eat meat, there was no turkey or chicken. Grace had made a vegetarian Wellington and lots of roast vegetables. The dinner was spent laughing, chatting, everyone getting to know Ben better; you were happy. For the first time in a long time, you were happy. 

Ben was a major factor. You looked over at him, stuffing a potato, drowned in gravy, in his mouth and wondered what you did to be lucky enough to call him yours. He noticed your staring and placed his hand on your leg. His hand warm. He gave you a stuffed smile, his cheeks almost bursting, making you laugh. 

“This is so good.” Joe said, talking to you. 

Grace looked offended, “Hey, she barely did anything!” 

“Ladies, no need to fight.” Joe laughed. 

You rolled your eyes playfully, and held your Christmas cracker out for Grace.   

Life is finally good. 

***

20 minutes to Midnight 

“Perfect timing.” Miles said at the end credits of the movie you were all watching, “Shall I prepare drinks?”

You hummed in agreement, “I’ll help.”  

Pushing Ben’s legs off yours, you stood and followed Miles. The kitchen was lit up by the Christmas lights streaming in from the living room, and the string of fairy lights you’d draped over the window. You and Miles rifled through cupboards for things to add to your homemade cocktails. 

“Milesy, you could use the cocktail kit I got you.” You said, hitting his arm at the realisation. 

He hit your arm back, “I actually forgot about that.” 

A shiver ran down your arm. 

“Go get it then, connard.” {Asshole}. 

He stuck his tongue out in response, and turned to run up the stairs. 

15 minutes to Midnight 

Ben waited until Miles had run up the stairs, and you were busying yourself in the kitchen. He turned to Joe. 

“OK, what’s the actual deal between those two?” He whispered, “Like, they talk in their own little language.”  

Grace overheard. 

“I’m pretty sure 250 million other people speak it too, Ben” She whispered back, leaning into their conversation. 

Ben sighed, “You know what I mean.” 

“I wouldn’t worry about it mate.” Joe said. 

“Yeah,” Grace intercepted, “They liked each other years ago.” 

Both Joe and Ben looked at her. 

“What?” 

10 minutes to Midnight

“Got ittttttt.” Miles sang terribly. He laughed at your cringed face. “Well, there’s a reason you’re the singer and not me.” 

You rolled your eyes, “Was.” 

Miles brushed it off, not saying anything and continued to make the cocktails. Music was playing faintly from the old radio in your kitchen. Yourself and Miles had bought it when in France together at an old vintage market. It had practically been love at first sight, and you knew you had to buy it. 

You subconsciously started to sway your hips in time to the music as you cut up some blood oranges. Miles noticed, and turned up the music. As the song progressed, the two of you started to dance, and sing along. Miles took your hand and spun you around, causing a roar of laughter to escape your lips. 

You’d missed this. 

5 minutes to Midnight

“I mean, seriously?” Ben whined as you laughed loudly. 

The three of them looked over to where you and Miles were dancing in the kitchen. 

Grace hit Joe’s arm gently, “Oh, come on you two. We were dancing while making dinner and I’m sure none of you made little comments.” 

Joe shrugged, “It’s not really the same babe.” 

Ben nodded in agreement. 

“Of course it’s the same. Her and I are best friends. Her and Miles are best friends. Same thing.” 

“What are you guys whispering about?” You said, walking over, still on a laughing high. 

Grace, Joe and Ben all looked up at you, guilty looks on their faces. You were juggling three cocktails in your small hands, and held them out to your friends. You sat back down between Joe and Ben. Your legs rested between Bens. Miles walked over and passed you a tall glass. 

“Merci.” You said, taking it. 

On the TV was the Big Ben concert for New Year, a yearly tradition for you and Miles to watch. All the big celebrities would perform and then fireworks would be set off behind the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament in London. This year you weren’t too bothered about who was performing but still watched it for the countdown. 

Ben leant in to whisper in your ear, “This New Year is all about us, OK? No distractions.” 

You looked up at him. 

He continued, “I really like you.” 

“I really like you too.” 

3, 2, 1…

“HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!” Grace, Joe and Miles shouted, standing up and hugging each other. 

Your lips met Ben’s. His spare hand worked its way around your body. You felt him smile into the kiss. He pulled away, resting his forehead on yours. 

“Happy New Year, baby.” 

***

author’s note : here she issssssss, i hope you guys like it :* please like and reblog, it’s always appreciated :) Xx

#office parties suck #ben hardy #joe mazzello #ben hardy fic #film #bohemian rhapsody #office parties suck part 5 #part 5 #ben hardy x reader #olivia writes things #january