15 Holding hands by phantomdemon

Gwen was sitting at her laptop, re-reading some of her old notes from school, when Ben came over, grabbed her hand, and interlocked fingers. She froze, taking several seconds to process what just happened, before glancing over at Ben. He was playing on his phone with the other hand, very purposefully not looking at Gwen, as she could see how red he was, as it clicked.

He was fulfilling her promise. Ben was going to hold her hand until she was sick of it. Gwen squealed internally, as she schooled her face and went back to re-reading her notes.

***

Ben had just gotten out of the shower, and had grabbed the remote to watch the TV, when Gwen grabbed his other hand. He couldn't help but look at Gwen, before he realized what was happening.

Gwen stared as Ben swiveled his head to look at the Sumo Slammers TV show, doing his best to ignore her as she held his hand.

Gwen quickly settled herself onto the couch, looking all the while she was watching TV, but not paying any attention to the show at all.

***

Ben grabbed her hand the next time, underneath the table as they were eating.

Gwen had to admit it was clever, trying to make her give up by making it annoying.

Too bad for Ben that holding his hand while eating was a dream of hers come true.

And, she got to watch Ben silently pout that his plan didn't work.

***

The next time Ben grabbed her hand, Gwen didn't notice. It was to cross the street to get to some store or another, as Ben pulled her across.

It didn't occur to either of them to let go.

***

Gwen latched onto his hand in Bed.

***

Ben grabbed her hand after training as he forced her to dance with him in celebration.

***

Gwen managed a spell so grabbed onto his hand and pulled him into a dance of her own.

***

Gwen held his hand as they watched fireworks together for 4rth of July.

***

Ben held her hand during their trip to the gym.

***

Ben refused to let go of her hand for over an hour.

***

Gwen grabbed Ben's hand as they walked down an alleyway.

***

"You know, you two have been holding hands a lot." Max said one day, as the two blinked.

They were eating breakfast together with Grandpa Max, as they blinked the sleep out of their eyes and heard what he said. They looked to their side to notice that they had been holding hands. Gwen let go first. Though reluctantly, "It was a bet." She explained, and Max gave a noise of understanding.

"A bet to hold each other's hands?" Max asked, amused, making Ben turn his head.

"Well, I'm not going to be the one to lose." Ben said, blushing as he crossed his arms.

Gwen mimicked Ben, turning the other way. "Like I'd give this Dweeb the satisfaction of winning." Gwen shot back.

"So...you just going to keep holding hands?" Max asked, sounding even more amused.

"Only until she gives up." Ben said as he gestured at Gwen.

"Never." Gwen said back, hiding her true feelings in plain sight.

"Then I hope you're ready for me to hold your hand until we die." Ben said, and Gwen's heart skipped several beats.

"Please, we both know you'll give up long before then." Gwen provoked, ensuring he wouldn't give up anytime soon.

Max couldn't help it, he let loose a loud belly laugh at his grandchildren. A laugh that made Ben slowly laugh, and Gwen let out a giggle, as they began to eat their meals once more.

And, before breakfast ended, Ben had grabbed Gwen's hand once more.