cleverboyclara

[cleverboyclara]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: EastEnders (TV), Ballum Rating: General Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Callum “Halfway” Highway/Ben Mitchell Characters: Callum “Halfway” Highway, Ben Mitchell, Lexi Mitchell, Jay Brown, Lola Pearce Additional Tags: Romance, Fluff, soft, Cute, Dates, Kissing, Hugs, Touching, Boyfriends Summary:

A collection of one shots and ficlets, around Ben and Callum’s dates that we didn’t see

[cleverboyclara]

Just remembered, Ben is wearing his glasses in the Lexi dancing clip, which seems to only happen when it's early in the morning. So what's the chances it's tomorrow's episode and that while he's dancing with Lex, Callum comes down the stairs buttoning his shirt. 🤔 😏 🤞🤞🤞

Even if it's not tomorrow's episode, that is exactly how I want that damn scene to go. Then Lex and Ben dragging a reluctant Callum in to dance with them. 😍

[cleverboyclara]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: EastEnders (TV) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Callum “Halfway” Highway/Ben Mitchell Characters: Ben Mitchell, Callum “Halfway” Highway Additional Tags: Fluff, all softness, literally zero angst, just feelings, I Love You, Dancing, Slow Dancing Summary:

ben and callum finally spend some time together again after not having seen each other for a week, and it brings about some deep feelings.

[cleverboyclara]

Just here thinking about how much Ben and Callum look at each other with so much love and they probably know they're in love or maybe they don't but those looks, everyone can see they're smitten for each other. They look at each other like they're the only people in the room, like they've hung the moon and its beautiful

[cleverboyclara]

I keep thinking about how touched starved Ben must be from the way he was touching Callum every two seconds. Yeah, he has all these random hookups but he never really gets what he wants from them; to be held and pulled close by someone that loves him. Sex is great and everything but he probably just wants cuddles and soft, sweet kisses.

Hello Anon!

This ask is so wonderful I kinda want to print it and hang it on my wall. Yes, yes to all of these, absolutely.

Ben is generally affection starved, I'd say. He lacked this fundamental, parental affection when he was young (I mean, with Phil being Phil and Kathy kinda abandoning him to fake her own death and the whole awful thing with Stella) and due to his sexuality, it was hard for him to find somebody who'd offer him a romantic affection he'd be comfortable with. And then Paul did. Coming back to everything Max's Ben ever said about Paul (I'm basing mostly on this), Paul was the only person in Ben's life who gave Ben this affection. This romantic kind of affection he probably craved for as he never really got the truly parental one. The affection he wanted, the one who made him truly comfortable, the one that'd make him feel loved and accepted. And after Paul's death Ben didn't let himself have this kind of allowed affection. Just like you said, all he had were those one night stands, those purely sexual hookups. So Callum was the first person since Paul that Ben got this kind of affection from. This romantic based soft affection. Callum was the first since Paul that Ben accepted this affection from. And I think it's one of the most beautiful things ever. Ben letting himself be loved, accepted, cared about, touched in the most gentle way possible.

And kudos to the very last statement you've made. Because yeah, exactly. Sex is great and we all know Ben likes it a lot. But I also believe what he really wants are those cuddles and soft kisses and casual touches. Because sex, that's what he can have on a daily basis. There's so many guys on Grindr all around London (I believe, I don't have any experience nor experienced friends when it comes to the London Grindr) not even mentioning Prince Albert. But non of these guys could ever give him this soft casual affection Callum is giving him right now. The one he didn't let himself have for a long, long time.

Thank you so much for this ask! I’m always 110% here for soft Ben. And soft Callum, but this one we’re getting much often. And generally soft Ballum, I live for this relationship, so unique. Have a nice day/night!

[cleverboyclara]

Shit, I cried because I saw that crying Callum gifs. Then remembered the pride episode and imagined Callum being happy at 2020 pride episode, I cried even more. (Do you have headcanons for the next pride?)

Oh I'm sorry for making you cry :( but I wrote a few, I have yet to go to my first pride so it might not be accurate

Callum is actually the one to bring it up to Ben. Ben has thought about it but he didn't want to pressure him

'Are you sure Callum? You don't have to' 'I'm sure. I'm proud of who I am. Plus I get to show off my boyfriend'

So they go to London Pride, they don't dress up too much - normal clothes, just with a pride flag on both their cheeks

Callum doesn't stop holding Ben's hand when they finally get in, Ben can tell he's nervous

'We can always go back home, watch a film' 'no. I'm ok, just don't know what to expect'

They have a few drinks, not too many, watch the parade and even can feel Callum ease a bit

They come back from main London to watch a performance at Prince Albert

By this time, Callum seemed more at ease and calmer, even dancing to the music

Until Ben noticed tears on Callum's face

'Whats wrong?' 'Nothing' 'Callum!' 'Honestly its nothing. I'm just happy. Happy I'm out, happy I get to be myself, happy I'm here with you' 'as you should be. Never let anyone feel bad for who you are Callum. I'll always remind you how much happiness you deserve' 'I love you'

They share a kiss and turn back to the performance, arms around each others waist, enjoying the music and each others conpany

It was the first time in years where he felt belonged. He's got a good job, a good flat, good friends and an amazing boyfriend and a community where he felt like he fitted. For the first time in years he was happy how his life was

[cleverboyclara]

Yes please! I can’t be the only one that wants to read your take on what happened after that kiss and callum getting dragged outta the Vic

As you requested, here's my take on what happened after they left the Vic. I hope this lives up to your expectations! :)

Enjoy Yourself

ao3 link

The cold air bites at Ben's skin as soon as he steps onto the pavement outside the Vic. He has to admit, he had half-expected Callum to stop them both in their tracks before they reached the Vic doors and ask Ben exactly what he thinks he's doing, they both knew Callum had the strength. But Callum didn't. He had kept his fingers intertwined with Ben's and allowed himself to be led out of the pub, away from wandering eyes.

"Crikey." Ben says, the doors swing closed behind them, "I should have worn a warmer coat."

Callum tugs on Ben's hand, forcing him to turn around and face him. "This hardly qualifies as a coat, Ben." He quirks his brow, his free hand running down the zipper of Ben's leather jacket.

"Excuse me, you're one to talk. What do you call this, eh?" Ben flicks Callum's own jacket with his thumb. "This is thinner than your suit jacket!"

Callum chuckles and pulls Ben towards him, his hand sliding underneath Ben's jacket and resting on the small of his back. Clearly taking the hint of what Callum is trying to achieve, Ben wraps his arms around Callum's waist, pressing his chest against Callum, soaking in each other's warmth.

They stay there like that for a few moments, glancing up at each, lips connecting for small, quick pecks. Ben raises his hand and presses it to Callum's chest, covering his heart. He tilts his head back so that he can look up at Callum properly, a smirk dancing at the corners of his mouth, "It takes a real man to wear leather, anyway." Ben teases.

Shaking his head, Callum tries to fight against the grin spreading across his lips,"You're unbelievable."

"Thank you." Ben says and leans up on his tiptoes, planting a soft fleeting kiss to Callum's mouth.

When they break apart, Callum doesn't lower his hands from Ben's back and Ben doesn't loosen his grip on his waist. The words Ben had said to Callum repeating over and over in his head, 'Enjoy yourself.' Callum draws his bottom lip between his teeth and begins to chew on it, flickering his gaze at Ben as he does this.

"You alright?" Ben asks, eyeing Callum carefully.

"Yeah. I, uh, I was just thinking about what you said." Callum chooses his words carefully. "About me enjoying myself."

Ben smirks, "You've kissed me both times I said it. Don't think I haven't noticed." He jokes, his hand rubbing circles over Callum's chest.

Callum chuckles, grateful for the night sky that is hiding his flushed cheeks. You see, Ben was right. Whenever he had told Callum to enjoy himself, Callum had given Ben this look, or rather the look , and then lunged for his lips, not that Ben complained, of course.

"Well, I was thinking that we could, you know, go back to yours or, or, or mine?" Callum blurts out. "I get it if you don't, I mean I know it's-"

Ben understands the kind of courage it must have taken Callum to admit that he doesn't want their night together to end just yet. That's why he cuts Callum off by capturing his lips in a quick kiss.

"Come on then. Mine it is."

When they get to Ben's, the house is in darkness. It's like a ghost town.

"Where is everyone?" Callum asks.

Ben laughs, "What? Was putting on a show in the park not enough publicity for you?" He teases.

Callum blushes at the memory and pokes Ben in the ribs. This earns a snort from Ben, as Callum had come to learn, Ben was very ticklish.

"Mum's working late at the Albert, Ian and Bobby are at the restaurant still, Lexi's at Billy's and Lo's out with Jay." Ben lists. "We've got the place to ourselves." He pulls Callum by the hand and into the living room.

He leans against the table and Callum's body presses against his. Before they know it, their lips are connected and Ben's hand is lowering to the front of Callum's jeans. He brushes his fingers along Callum's thigh before settling on his crotch, palming him.

Callum breaks the kiss with a small groan. Ben just smirks but eventually slows his movements, not wanting to rush Callum.

"People have got to eat off here." Callum says breathlessly, as he nods down at the table.

Ben smiles, "I know what I'd like to be eating off of here."

Callum pulls Ben by his lapels and kisses him hungrily. His hands roam over the front of Ben's t-shirt, one slips underneath and he traces his fingertips over Ben's chest, deepening the kiss.

That was all the encouragement Ben needed. His fingers rush to Callum's jacket and he shrugs it off, dropping it on the floor before reaching for Callum's shirt buttons. Callum mimics Ben's movements and pulls Ben's jacket off, followed by his shirt.

It's Ben who breaks the kiss this time. He interlocks his fingers with Callum's for the second time tonight, and leads him to the staircase.

Warning: anything past this point is explicit

You can continue reading my take on Ballum's first time here

[cleverboyclara]

Can’t believe Ben Mitchell is canonically 4 days older than me. Iconic.

[cleverboyclara]

Do you think Callum and Ben have rushed into the boyfriend stage and eastenders have brushed over the whole nervous dating stage? I feel like their full on boyfriends now and therefore we won’t see the boyfriend chat anymore? What’s your opinion?

hey anon! so sorry i’m late answering this but i’ve barely had a minute free this weekend!

personally i don’t think they’ve rushed into anything no. if you think about it, they’ve been a something since may/june time and they took everything between then and now very slow! things changed when ben got shot, if it wasn’t for the shooting, i’m not sure they’d be at the stage they’re at now, you know? i think they’d still be working towards something but ben nearly dying made both of them realise how precious time is - especially callum, he realised he didn’t want to hide himself again as losing another person without them know how he feels.

i think they’re both still nervous, and we might see that played out again, but maybe the reason the nerves aren’t obvious now is because they’re just so comfortable around each other and i think that’s beautiful!!! i’m not sur if we’ll get the boyfriends chat anymore, not with people already referring to them as boyfriends! i think it’s most likely we’ll have a little joke between them about it - one of them calling the other boyfriend and the other replying with “oh i’m your boyfriend am i?” / “aren’t you” ... that’s what i WANT anyway

[cleverboyclara]

so did ben just sit and drink alone in the vic with the hope that callum would need him

[cleverboyclara]

friends 😌🥰

[cleverboyclara]

What is your most favourite Ballum moment? For me it was when Ben kisses Callum on his cheek, Callum raised his left hand like he was hugging Ben's hip back, the little smirk on Ben's face, then Ben let down his hand, accidently touched Callum hand but Callum held it, Ben stroke his thumb on Callum's hand like he wanted to hold Callum hand too , the look bettween them and the way Callum didn't want to let Ben go. So much love with many little things, also good acting.

oh my god the cheek kiss!!!! what a brill choice anon, it’d right up there at the top for me too - what with the pure emotion and general softness of that whole scene - it’s perfect! and the surprise hand hold at the end was so bloody perfect - the way callum was so quick to wrap his hand around ben’s, yet so reluctant to let go, holding on as ben moved away, was so beautiful!!!! absolutely brilliant acting from tony and max, especially in those last 20 or so seconds - no words needed, their faces said it all

my top 3 scenes as of yet have to be: the cheek kiss, the hospital scene after ben’s shooting, and their first public kiss!!!! 

(but then the hostage ep is like my favourite whole episode and also the pride ep and the jonno ep! in other words, i love everything. all of it.) 

[cleverboyclara]

We need a comparison scene of the morning after the park when callum woke up in whitneys arms looking totally haunted and full of guilt but instead he wakes in ben arms looking totally happy and fulfilled

[cleverboyclara]

I found it so nice when Ben kissed Callum goodbye & left e20 after Callum decided to go speak with Whiteny! Look at how relaxed & chilled he was.. even making a joke about the "near" kiss attempt. After watching him feel jealous for so long over Callum/Whit.. it was nice to see Ben so content & secure in his relationship with Callum now knowing there's no threat.

Hello Anon!

Agree to everything. Honestly, you've made so many great points I don't even know where to start.

Goodbye kiss was so nice and so, so, like, domestic. That's the thing we often see with hetero couples but not that often with LGBTQ+ ones. At least that's my impression. Ballum is wonderfully casually written and I love it. Kudos to EE writers/producers for giving us this kind of gay couple, full of casual touches and casual kisses. I'll tell you more - casual kisses without sexual undertones. I mean, yes, we all know what probably happened after they left the Vic, but it doesn't change the fact both of the kisses were simple and casual. And I'm all for that.

And I absolutely agree on... well, everything you said later on too. After all these months of having to look at Callum kissing Whitney, planning his wedding with Whitney and generally being with Whitney, after all these times Callum had pushed him away, when he didn't even want to be seen anywhere nearby Ben... I'm just so happy they are finally at this point where they can be together. That Ben's the one Callum kisses at the Vic in front of everyone, the one Callum wants to keep close, the one Callum wants to be with. In front of everyone. And I'm so happy for Ben because he fought for it and he did it wonderfully. Because instead of outing him or taking advantage of him or getting into a long-lasting affair with him, all Ben was doing was trying to get Callum to be himself, was trying to protect him and trying to make him see what he's doing is wrong. Both for Whitney and Callum himself. And after Callum did it, after he decided to be himself and all, Callum came back to Ben. And it's just beautiful.

I'm also incredibly happy that Ben, just like you said, actually doesn't see Whitney as a threat. It'd be tiring, having this cheap "Ben is jealous of Whit" plotline. It'd make no sense. Instead we got Ben trusting Callum and being confident about their relationship. Ben knows there's no reason to doubt Callum and he believes in him. And I absolutely love it.

Thank you so much for this ask! It’s always nice to brag about Callum, I love how they’re written and there’s always so much to say about them. Have a nice day/night!

[cleverboyclara]

callum highway crying appreciation 

[cleverboyclara]

I totally agree with you on your points about Ballum already been in a intimate relationship before Ben lead him out the pub.. but also looking at how they we're together in Friday's ep.. there's no way that they have held off, definitely not, I think their very much 'together' in a relationship and intimately.

Hello Anon!

Thank you! It’s nice to know my opinions aren’t as unpopular/controversial/uninteresting as I think they are 😅

Exactly! I mean, look at how touchy they are with each other. This small hand touch when they had ice lollies date, like, Callum just wanted to touch him. It was small detail but I love it. And the whole Friday episode. Ben touching Callum when they were getting their drinks, all these little touches at the table, the whole scene in the Vic... they can’t keep their hands to themselves and it definitely means something. As you said, there’s no way they held off.

So yes, I absolutely agree. Thank you so much for your ask. Have a nice day/night!

[cleverboyclara]

Wishing you all a happy Sunday.