[FANFIC] The Next Episode ll Ben/Rachel
Title; The Next Episode
Fandom; The OC/Real-Life
Couple; Ben McKenzie/Rachel Bilson, slight mentions of Ryan Atwood/Summer Roberts
Rating; R
Summary; Sequel to Alternatives, Ben and Rachel's relationship after they realised their feelings for one another.
Authors Note; The guys at Fanforum voted for me to do a trilogy so there will be one more after this and then after that, who knows? But keep a look out. This one took a while to write but i hope you like it anyway! (:
Dedications; The B/R fans! I know we're few but we're still awesome (; And TC...for giving me so many damn ideas for these two and our pretty awesome, lengthy conversations! (: and for the Ryan/Summer fic! :D
Part I; The Alternative Episode
THE NEXT EPISODE
Rachel stirred and began to kick the covers of her a little, she was tired still but her eyes just seemed to be refusing to stay closed; she sighed and opened them, a little but then fully. It took her a few moments to realise Ben was lying next to her, sleeping soundly. Rachel smiled softly as she turned on her side and shifted a little closer to him. She grinned at sight of him; he looked so peaceful and content. Usually, though happy and there was always a smile on his face he always looked nervous about something but not when he was sleeping. Ben let out a grin.
“You know, it may have worked for Edward Cullen but I think it’s a little creepy how you’re watching me sleep.” Rachel giggled, softly.
“I’m not watching you sleep!” She protested, Ben turned to face her, now wide-awake, he arched his eyebrow.
“Oh yeah? Sure about that?” Ben teased, smiling cheekily and Rachel nodded, fighting back more laughter that was begging to escape. Ben launched at her, his hands at her sides, tickling her whilst she screamed and giggled beneath him.
“Stop! Ben!” She continued writhing beneath him, causing an unintentional reaction from Ben. She continued laughing and screaming, attempting to fight him off.
“Alright! I’m stopping.” Ben stopped his hands from tickling her and he gently rested them on both sides of her stomach. He hovered above her and looked down as she began to calm down, the odd giggle still being released from her mouth. Rachel ran her hand across his bare chest as Ben lowered himself a little, careful not to put too much pressure on her small frame; he placed his lips against her soft ones. Rachel responded back, eagerly. She loved these wake up calls. They had been together a good few months now, ever since Ben had come storming back into her apartment, they had spent only a handful of nights apart from one another, the feeling of waking up to find Ben in her bed never stopped being just pure amazing for Rachel. She loved it even more so when she woke up to find Ben’s arms wrapped around her.
Their relationship - they were now official with one another, that was probably the most happiest aspect of their relationship to Rachel when Ben officially asked her to be his girlfriend, however their relationship to the outside world was still a secret and they planned to keep it to be one for a while. They knew what the paparazzi could be like, especially since Rachel had already had a relationship with her other co-star Adam Brody, however that had only lasted a short amount of time and many few people actually knew about it.
When Ben pulled away, Rachel immediately missed the feel of his lips against hers. She accidentally let out a grumble aloud receiving a chuckle from Ben; he placed a quick peck on her lips before sitting up and getting out of bed. Rachel sighed.
“Where are you going?” She playfully whined. She heard him laugh as he walked into her bathroom; there were a few moments and the sound of flowing water before Ben popped his head round her door.
“If I waited for you, we would be staying in bed all day.” He raised his eyebrow, smirking but Rachel could tell he still loved the idea of them being in bed, all day with just the two of them. Rachel arched her eyebrow right back.
“Well, you didn’t see to mind last time did you?” She grinned and Ben returned it with a heart-wrenching smile. He shook his head.
“No, I did not. But I figured we could go out today or something?” Rachel suddenly sat up with a start, the duvet clinging to her small body, a jubilant look radiating her face.
“We could go shopping!?” It was more of a statement rather then a question, the smile on Ben’s face immediately vanished and Rachel let out a small giggle but shrugged nonetheless. Ben let out a dramatic roll of his head and sighed.
“Fine. I suppose I could spend some of my money on you?” He smirked and her grin failed slightly. Rachel looked down at her fingers, her face had flushed, and Ben immediately felt his heart tighten. “Rach?” He asked, softly as he began to walk towards her. He placed himself at the side of her bed; he wrapped his arm around her side and tilted her face up to look at him. “Please tell me what’s wrong? Was it something I said?” His heart was thumping a little harder then usual, he couldn’t quite believe the fact that his whole body, heart and soul was running purely on whatever this girl was feeling.
“I didn’t mean it like that. I didn’t mean I wanted to spend some of your money.” Rachel quietly mumbled beneath her breath. Ben let out a sigh of relief and pulled her close.
“Rach, I was kidding! I know you didn’t mean it like that and honestly I don’t care if I do spend my money on you. Your worth it, besides maybe I want to?” Rachel looked up at him and smiled softly.
“I guess, my feelings went a little overboard, huh?” Ben shook his head and smiled softly.
“No, of course you didn’t.” Rachel smiled a little brighter this time. She placed a soft kiss on his lips before patting his arm. Her playful self was back.
“Go, get in the shower then. You smell.” She wrinkled her nose in pretence. Ben let out a hearty laugh before placing his arms around Rachel and smothering her, she let out a light scream and few giggles.
“If I smell, its only because you kept me up all night.” He chuckled, nuzzling and placing soft kisses in the crook of her neck. Rachel moaned and laughed at the same time.
”I seem to remember…it was you, who rolled onto me, several times during the night…” She struggled to get the words out, the feel of Ben lying on top of her, making her feel all sorts of different things. When Ben didn’t answer, Rachel tried to continue. “B-Ben…if you don’t plan on following through…I suggest you go for that shower now…” She let out another low moan, feeling all hot and bothered, Ben lifted of Rachel, sighing loudly.
“I suppose we should get going.” He kissed her again, a lot longer then he originally planned for. Rachel placed her hand on his bare chest, Ben groaned. “Better be a cold shower too.” He mumbled, finally getting of the bed and walking straight into the bathroom, Rachel laughed as she watched Ben heading into the bathroom; she sat up and headed towards her closet, wanting to look perfect, just for him.
--
Ben and Rachel strolled down the street, Ben badly wanted to take hold of Rachel’s hand but with the possibility of them being photographed together was too much of a risk. They had agreed to keep it quiet for many reasons, one of them being if they were going to come out they would tell everyone on set first, they definitely did not want to be photographed looking like a couple in anyway before everybody else knew.
They strolled down all the public streets with all the chain stores before turning a corner and heading down a thin, cobbled street. Rachel had mentioned there was a small row of shops and a marketplace, decent enough shops and not too snobbish. The hidden market was a well known place among the celebrities, it was the place to go if you didn’t want to be photographed, the paparazzi didn’t know about it and so far, no one had leaked it to the press. Because it was so small, the majority of the time it was relatively empty which meant that Ben and Rachel could be as affectionate to each other as they liked, they could generally act like the couple they were.
Rachel sighed with affection as the row of shops came into view.
“I am home.” She exaggerated, Ben laughed and placed him arm around her shoulders, kissed her head and pulled her in closer as they both made there way into the first one. The first shop was a regular thrift store, it contained many old antiques that no one probably cared about nor actually wanted but both Ben and Rachel enjoyed looking at them.
“This is all such crap!” Rachel whined, she had hoped she’d find some vintage necklace but no luck so far, Ben glanced at her, a small smirk on his face.
“You know, many people have found really worthy items in stores like this, in stuff that is often refereed to as crap.” He teased, Rachel pulled a face at him before walking around a table, Ben was now leaning on. She wrapped her arms around his middle, a nuzzled his one-day stubble.
“Well then, I guess we’re going to have to play a little game, huh? I bet I can find a way better and more worthy item then you can!” She challenged. Ben pulled away, laughing softly, obviously not taking her seriously, he let out another laugh before every emotion disappeared from his face and he said with a serious tone;
“Your on.”
--
Several hours later and neither of them had managed to find anything half-decent; Rachel had decided thirty minutes ago that she was bored and that she wanted some food. Ben had reluctantly agreed and they headed over to a small coffee shop that was buried in the corner but not before quickly heading into an old record shop and picking up some new music.
Rachel wrinkled her nose over Ben’s choice in music, as she sipped her coffee and picked at her cake, Ben eyed her up, watching every move she made.
“Its Johnny Cash.” Rachel arched her eyebrow at him, an emotionless look took over her face, she didn’t utter a word. “You don’t know who John-“ Ben began, his mouth agape, before he had the chance to finish, Rachel cut past him.
“I am well aware of who Johnny Cash is thank you, I just have no idea why you would want his music!” Rachel questioned, clearly judging by her facial expression she was horrified by the thought of someone wanting this guy’s music. Ben rolled his eyes; he continuously forgot that the pair of them actually had very little in common, yet somehow they were a perfect match for one another anyway.
Rachel gave in, sighing and shooting him a small smile, she passed the record back and Ben took his gracefully, he stretched his arm across the table to take her hand in his own, rubbing smooth circles over them.
“So, where to after this?” And with that small question, the glint was back in Rachel’s eye and Ben was suddenly afraid.
“There’s a clothes store just round the corner.” She grinned and Ben couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle, Rachel was known for her fashion and going shopping with her was sure to help him enter hell or something similar.
Rachel stood up, after one more sip and took hold of Ben’s hand, he gave her a small smile and stood up, heading over towards the small clothes store.
When they first stepped in, Ben clutching onto Rachel’s hand tightly, Ben didn’t think it would be so bad, there weren’t that many clothing racks in here but Rachel look around grinning.
“This all looks great! Don’t you think?” She looked at him, questioning. Ben didn’t say anything, just gave a mere nod with a lank smile. He cleared his throat and Rachel was off. She let go of his hand and began searching rack after rack. She picked up several different dresses and one hat before her arm began getting clambered with items and she was running out of space. Ben was watching her eye-wide, when he saw her so frustrated with the lack of clothes her arm seemed to hold, he chuckled and came up behind her, he wrapped his arm around her waist and Rachel let out a surprise squeal, he nuzzled her neck for a few minutes before taking hold of her clothes, explaining that he would hold them, Rachel smiled thankfully and gave him a long, tender kiss.
Within a second, Ben’s arms were filled with different shades of material whilst Rachel darted into a small changing room with one of the dresses she had grabbed. Ben chuckled to himself, in a moment, his mind was filled with moving pictures from the future, shopping with Rachel, loving her, marrying her. Ben cleared his throat and blushed a little, had he really just thought that? He mentally shook his head and tried to focus on what was going on right now.
Rachel came out of the small enclosed place, her dress swayed among her knees and managed to show a little cleavage, only a little but Ben was impressed. She stood there, swaying her hands around and messing with the dress, she blushed a little before looking at Ben.
“So…what do you think?” She didn’t know why, but his opinion really meant something to her, even regarding something so trivial as a dress. Ben nodded, enthusiastically.
“I like it…but…I think it needs something.” Rachel smiled softly, waiting. Ben stood up slowly; he picked up a knitted hat with a fluffy ball on the end. He placed it on Rachel’s head, bringing down and messing up her hair. Rachel let out several loud-pitched giggles and Ben chuckled as he continued to ruffle her hair. They continued to mess around as the shopkeeper looked on, slightly glaring at them. Ben let out a low laugh, he shook his head, letting out a low sigh before looking back up at Rachel, and he placed his hand on her cheek.
“I love you.” Rachel stopped giggling abruptly and Ben automatically looked to the floor and retreated his hand. “Erm…I…” He began to stutter as Rachel glanced at him; it was like she could read every emotion that he was feeling. She took his hand and placed it back where it had been previously and whispered that she loved him too.
--
Three weeks later and Rachel was just lying on her couch flicking through the latest script for their next episode, even though she knew they were never going to follow through, she kind of liked how many scenes Ryan and Summer were having together these days, not only did it stir up more fans, it also gave her a chance to spend some more time with Ben, on and off the screen. They still ran lines together and Rachel thought it was adorable but what she loved most was after they ran lines, was that they still finished with the sex.
Rachel grinned at the remembrance of Ben just that morning, waking up to his arms wrapped around him, his hands on her, running up and down, she shuddered as she remembered the way his tongue had pressed against her skin, the way he had nuzzled her neck. Her phone vibrating in her pocket really hadn’t been the best way to distract her. Ben’s name flashed on the screen. Of all the people.
“Hey you! What’s up?” She grinned into the phone, Ben grinned too.
“Hey, I was wondering what you were doing tonight?” Rachel looked confused as an answer then remembered Ben couldn’t see her. She mentally slapped herself.
“I thought we were going in today? To see Josh and tell him…?”
“Oh no, I know, I was just wondering if afterwards, providing it all goes well, if you would want to maybe spend the night with me…at my place.” Rachel sat up with a start, she’d realised a few weeks ago that she had never actually been to Ben’s place; she was pretty excited just at the idea of going.
“Your place? Yeah! Okay.” She was literally bouncing in her seat, it was almost as if Ben could see her because he was chuckling in the background.
“Yeah, I want to cook for you.”
“You cook?” Rachel asked so suddenly without even thinking about it, in fact she sounded just like the early days of Summer, all she needed was to add “ew” on the end and it would have been perfect. Ben chuckled once more.
“Yes, I cook. Bring some stuff with you when we go to the set, I’ll take you back with me.” Rachel responded with an eager yes and once they said their goodbyes, she put the phone down. She quickly ran to her closet to pick out some of her most favourite, suitable outfits.
--
Ben was just waiting outside the building where Josh’s office was kept, he dropped the cigarette on the floor, and he stubbed it out, nibbling at his thumb. He looked up and saw Rachel slowly approaching him, she was wearing one of the dresses he had bought her whilst they had been shopping, she smiled softly and gave a little wave, she gestured to the stubbed out cigarette.
“I didn’t know you smoked?” She questioned, Ben worried for a second if maybe she was a little grossed out. He shrugged.
“Only when I’m nervous. Really nervous.” She smiled softly and bit her lip, shoving her hand into her jean pocket.
“So…you’re nervous then?” Ben hesitated for a moment before nodding slightly. Rachel nodded slowly. “Me too.” There was a pause. “We don’t have to-.”
“No!” Ben responded immediately and Rachel gave out a soft giggle, Ben took hold of her hand. “I want to do this, alright? I love you and I don’t want to hide our relationship anymore. I want to be able to hold your hand in public and kiss you and probably end up in one of those “look who’s been caught” pages or some shit like that, I don’t care.” Ben said with a soft tone, looking into Rachel’s eyes, she was grinning, wider and wider as he went on. He gave her a little smirk and twitched his eyebrow. “And I want the world to know that you’re mine. Just mine.” Rachel grinned bigger and placed a soft kiss on his lips.
“Just yours.” They kissed again before Ben took hold of her hand and they both headed into the building. The both of them hadn’t been to Josh’s office all that much in the past, the last time was when Josh had originally thought of the Ryan and Summer alternative storyline. They walked down to the hallway and Ben knocked on Josh’s door, they let go of one another’s hands but not before smiling at each other.
Since Josh was expecting Ben, he answered almost immediately and called him in, Ben headed in first and Rachel followed quickly. Josh looked up from his stack of paperwork.
“Oh. Rachel?” He looked surprised but nonetheless welcomed her in, she gave a little wave. Josh flicked his eyes between the two of them and looked thoughtful, he gave up thinking, thrust his papers to the left side of his desk and questioned them. “Alright. What’s going on?” He looked at them, not even a flutter of an eyelash. Ben and Rachel both looked at one another before looking back at Josh.
“Well…” Rachel began but she found her words were lost, Ben smiled a little and took over, he’d had it rehearsed now for weeks anyway.
“Me and Rachel are seeing each other. Like a couple.” He added, as if Josh would need the clarification. Josh nodded.
“I know.” Rachel nodded and the stopped, abruptly.
“What?” Ben chorused along with her. Josh let out a small smirk. He stood up and walked around his desk and perched on the edge of it.
“You think I don’t see what happens on my set? Besides, I’ve been waiting for the both of you to get your act together.”
“You have?” Rachel asked with a light tone to her voice, to say she was surprised was an understatement. Josh nodded.
“Yep. As a matter of fact, the both of you were actually my inspiration for the alternative episode…I guess you could say I was hoping something would spark between the two of you.” He smirked again, realising that he had been right about the pair of them. Ben let out a soft chuckle.
“Well, it obviously worked.”
“Obviously. Now what I need to know is how long and how serious? I’m assuming you’re wanting to release this to the press now that you’re…out in the open, shall we say?” Ben glanced Rachel, she smiled.
“It’s probably been about three months now, give or take.” Rachel shrugged when inside she was ecstatic at the prospect of actually being in a relationship with Ben for that long. It felt so much longer and yet shorter at the same time. Josh was about to repeat his second question, before he was cut of by Ben.
“I love Rachel.” He took hold of her hand and rubbed it. Josh eyed their entwined hands before standing up.
“So its serious then.” The room was filled with laughter and Josh was actually grinning. “Well…its about fucking time, that’s all I can say. Congratulations.” Ben nodded and Rachel grinned. “Now…press.” He said simply and Ben and Rachel shared looks.
“Well, we’re not actually that keen on releasing that information.”
“Yeah…we just wanted to tell you because we didn’t want to keep it a secret from you, Josh.” Rachel explained further. Josh nodded in understanding.
“Alright then, well at least I’ll be prepared if anything comes out in the press and I’ll do my best to keep it hidden, thank you for telling me, I appreciate it…I’m assuming no one else knows?” They both shook their heads. Josh nodded again; they all said their goodbyes and Rachel took hold of Ben’s hand whilst he wrapped his arm around her waist.
Josh shook his head, sighing happily at the sight of them. His plan had worked.
--
“So this is your place…” Rachel started walking through the front door of Ben’s apartment. She circled the living room; it was neat…for a guy. There were dishes on the side and shirts thrown across the bedroom floor but it fit. He also held photos on his fireplace, one was from the very first day on set for The OC, the other was a picture of the core four from the early days, Rachel realised that she was standing next to Ben and he had his arm around her on that one, she smiled. The several other photos were obviously of family or some close relatives.
She headed into his kitchen, it was small but managed to hold everything Ben apparently needed. She admired the way he was confident cooking his food, knowing exactly what to get, where to get it from, how to mix it. She sighed.
“I wish I could cook.” Ben pulled himself away from his cooking and looked up. Rachel had a pensive sort or miserable look upon her face. Ben took hold of her hand and pulled around the worktop with him, she stood in front of him.
“What are you doing?” She asked, laughing whilst doing so. Ben placed the knife in her hand and placed his over the top of her own.
“Teaching you how to cook.” He gave her a wink and began moving his hand in the way he would with the knife, once Rachel had gotten over what he had done and subdued her laughing she to repeated the same actions and learnt how to cook.
Ben had set the table so beautifully when he had placed the food in the oven; he laid out candles and serviettes. Rachel was astounded, not that she had believed Ben wouldn’t ever do anything like this, in fact she had always thought he was this kind of guy - romantic and sensitive, she had just never thought he would do such a thing for her.
When the dinner was ready to be served, Ben asked Rachel to light the candles while he got ready to dish up. He pulled the chair out for her to sit on, she giggled and commented on what a gentleman he was as he placed the food in front of her.
“This actually looks delicious!” Rachel said as she put some on her fork and then placed it in her mouth. “God. And it tastes delicious too!” She exclaimed, Ben chuckled, getting some food for himself too.
“I guess that means thank you?” His hand was outstretched across the table, almost begging for Rachel to grab it. It was almost as if she could read his mind because as she responded, she did so.
“No. You’ll get your thank you later.” She grinned, licking her lips; Ben coughed and raised his eyebrow. He rubbed her hand and leaned forward.
“Well, then I can’t wait till later.” Rachel smiled.
When dinner was finished, Ben had cleared the table, refusing for any help offered from Rachel and they decided to just sit down and talk. They had talked a lot over the last few months and Rachel could honestly say that Ben felt like he was one of her best friends, it just so happened that she loved him a hell of a lot more then a regular friend too.
“So, why dinner?” Rachel asked. Ben looked at her, perplexed. Rachel quickly retracted. “Not that I’m complaining! I mean, no this is…perfect. And you’re such a good cook! But most people do the whole, cinema thing not the cooking thing.” Ben blushed, whilst he tried to re gather this thoughts and wondered how he could say what he wanted without coming off as pathetic and cheesy.
“Honestly? If I took you to the movies, I wouldn’t have been able to talk to you.” He shrugged as if it was no big deal but Rachel was pretty sure her heart had stopped and that any moment she was going to be needed to be resuscitated. “I mean, a movie’s great but I prefer dinner because not only can I talk to you, I get to look at you as well.” He smirked. “And I get to show of my cooking skills.” Rachel giggled.
“Yeah, those cooking skills of yours are pretty impressive.” They’d had the radio playing quietly in the background since before they had been cooking dinner, Ben smiled when he heard one of his favourite songs. He stood up and walked around the table, holding out his hand for Rachel to take. She giggled and asked him what he’s doing but not before already taking hold of it. When they danced, he held her tightly. She placed her head into the crook of his neck and he could smell her shampoo, he breathed it all in. She pressed herself against him, as his arm slipped around to hold her waist. Ben leaned his head down and placed little kisses down her jaw line and then to her neck, Rachel pulled away, slightly, giggling at the tickling sensation and just because she’s giggling, Ben can’t help but do the same. When the song finished, Ben took a hold of Rachel’s hand and started to slowly pull her towards his bedroom. Rachel arched her eyebrow.
“And where are we going?” Ben cocked his head, a small smile on his lips.
“You said I’d get my thank you later… and its later” He almost sounded like he was whining and Rachel would have retorted but then he rubbed his hand up and down her leg, lifting her dress up and cupping her bum. He’s messing with me, Rachel thought. In the end, she gave in and ended up pulling him into his bedroom; she pushed him on the bed and shut the door.
--
Waking up with Rachel wrapped around him, clinging to him, Ben realized it was is possibly one of the best feelings he’d ever experienced and he didn’t ever want to forget it. It’s at least twenty minutes until Rachel even begins to stir. She purses her lips whilst she sleeps and when she’s about ten minutes away from opening her eyes; she kicks her legs and scrunches her toes. He chuckles as Rachel begins to do just that.
She threw her arms around Ben’s mid section so fast, it almost blew all the breath out of him, and he coughed a few times before laughing. He could feel her smile against his skin, she squeezed a little harder as if she was desperate to hold on and never let go. Ben ruffled her hair before softening it up.
When she finally fluttered her eyes open, she already knew that Ben was awake, Rachel looked up and sure enough, Ben was looking right at her, with a gleam in his eye and a morning grin just for her, as if on instinct, Rachel stretched up and placed a soft kiss on his lips before returning to her normal state and nuzzling into the side of him.
They laid in each other’s arms for a few moments before Ben’s mobile began buzzing, Rachel sat up, clutching the duvet to her naked form as Ben leaned over to get his.
“I wonder who it is?” Rachel mused, just as her own mobile began buzzing. Ben flicked his eyes at her, curious as Rachel grabbed hers. Ben flicked his phone open, reading the message in a hurry. He felt like the wind had been knocked out of him. “What? What is it?” Rachel asked, a sense of worry beginning to wash over her. She flicked her phone open and read the same message. “Oh shit.”
“We better log on to the internet.” Ben said as he stepped out of bed and grabbed the laptop. Once it was flared up they began searching. And sure enough…
Josh had been right. Their relationship. It was splashed everywhere. Pictures of them from just a few days before, anyone looking could tell that they were a couple. Now everyone knew.
Part III; The Very Last Episode