Ben stared at the plate of orange slices.

Jamie instinctively reached out to take the plate away. "Your Uncle Ben doesn't eat-"

"Thank you, Charlie. I happen to feel like having some oranges," he interrupted smoothly, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Jamie froze for a moment.

Wasn't Ben known for being picky, never touching food that didn't look perfect? And he rarely ate anything prepared outside his own kitchen.

While Jamie stood there, still surprised, Ben casually ate two pieces of the unevenly cut orange slices and even went as far as to compliment Charlie. "You cut these very well."

As Charlie beamed with pride, Jamie could only look at the plate of roughly cut orange slices in disbelief, unable to muster a single word of praise.

*

A little while later, after sending Charlie off to play in his room, Jamie sat down across from Ben. "You're here for something, aren't you?"

"You don't have to treat me so coldly," Ben replied.

"And how should I treat you?" Jamie shot back sharply, her gaze unwavering.

Ben's expression darkened.

to make this difficult,"

said, shifting the topic. "Wilfred came to

lit up with surprise and excitement. "Charlie can

weren't as controlled as home, where every bump and bruise could be avoided. Jamie had always been overly cautious, even

terrified of something going

the options. Take a look and see which one you like.

the documents

carefully.

long for her to notice that Ben had already pre-screened the schoots, each one meticulously selected. It was impossible to miss the effort

it, her tone became gentler. "This one looks good. Let's go

lunchtime was just around the

more about

little odd. Weren't all those details

to eat, so I should head out. Once you're ready, let me know.

stood as well, hesitating briefly before nodding. She didn't object

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