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Seriously, No one was truly surprised by Ben’s recent behavior. Well not that it didn’t come as a shock to some initially. But it’s not like others opinions ever stopped him before. Ben loved to express and explore his new sexuality and body fluidity.
More importantly understanding his feelings and physical attraction for men. After having a chat with his Dad and New Step Dad Steve. Ben decided to be open to himself. So Ben made a plan to make up for his lost time. His roommate and Best friend Tucker. Noticed the new revolving door of male suitors coming to their apartment recently.
But he’s still waiting on Ben to tell him this information on his own. He’s sure his best friend will come out to him eventually. When it’s Ben’s time he’ll be the first person to be truly unconditionally supportive over him. He sips his morning coffee before heading out to work and taking Emma to daycare. It’s the least he can do since he knew Ben’s been balancing work with school. And on top of having to take later hours at his new job and the night classes (on Monday and Wednesday nights only) he was taking for his business and management degree.
He’s about to leave with Emma when he sees Ben’s new guy heading out the front door. But Ben’s holding said guys hand. ‘Bold move Benji.’ Tucker thinks
“See you soon beautiful.” Says the suitor. As he lifts Ben chin up to look at him. From what Tucker noticed. This guy reminds him of Danny in height. He even looks a little familiar like he’s seen him on the ice before. “Bye Julio I’ll miss you.” Ben whispers and he taps his lips for another kiss. Julio smiles and does as he’s told.
He gasps and hides behind the kitchen counter with Emma. “Okay Emma remember what I told you? We’ve got to figure out how to talk about this with your daddy.” Tucker doesn’t realize that both men saw him before he ducked behind the counter. Julio whispers something into Ben’s ear before leaving.
He peeks up to find Ben looking at him. “Tuck! What the heck are you doing?” Ben sighs. “Hmmm I could ask you the same thing. Who’s Julio?” Tucker asks sharply. “You saw him didn’t you? Look Tuck it’s not that big of a deal. I mean is he like one of Danny’s biggest rivals one the ice right now? Yes but he’s really gre—“ “Hey now little ears are near!” Tucker reminds him.
Ben blushes. “Oops my bad. It not like he’s the first guy but yes I’m into guys now. Wow that felt good to say out loud. He tears up and blushes at the same time.
Tucker nods and stands up slowly with Emma still close to him. “Look Emma your daddy is still being a little bit of a player huh? Really should we shame him for his game?” He looks at Emma then back at Ben. “No” answers Emma. Ben starts to chuckle. “So you’re not mad at me?” Tucker shakes his head. “Never on something like this man. Now if you’ll excuse us we both have places to be. We’ll see you in a bit.” He leans over to hug Ben. Emma giggles as she sees Ben’s face. “Bye Daddy.” Says Emma with a wide dimpled smile.
“By sweetness I’ll miss you babygirl.” Ben kisses Emma’s forehead and cheeks before she leaves.
“Hey I can pick her up early today. I’m actually meeting someone with Emma later for a playdate actually.” Tucker makes an air quote on ‘Playdate’ “Hope your playdate runs smoothly.”
“Well that’s one person down a few more to go.” Ben says to himself after he’s alone again.