*~* In which Benny and OC come home to an expected disaster  *~*

U.S Championship - Part 3

*~* NSFW Rating: 🔥 *~*

BENNY X OPHELIA (TQG OC)

Word Count: 3,687

LAST UPDATED: 7/3/2021

I can't believe it's taking me this long to realize who the red-haired woman is sitting beside Benny; it was the present World Chess Champion, Beth Harmon. Why did it take me so long to recognize her from this angle? I'm a fucking chess reporter I should know who the damn World Champion is. I couldn't believe she was here in Seattle, at the U.S Championship. Was she going to try and keep her title? Was she going to join the tournament and beat Benny?

No, I shake my head, only players that have been to the U.S Open are allowed to play in the tournament. They wouldn't just let her in at the last second. I still wonder why she's here? Maybe she's just trying to catch up with Benny after their year apart. He's always ranted to me how upset he was with her.

"Ever since the tournament a year ago, she hasn't so much as written to me, Lia. Not even a fucking phone call. I helped her win. If it weren't for me, or Arthur, or that Beltik guy, she would have lost. I basically helped her to the title and what does she do to thank me? She leaves her phone off the hook, ignores my calls, not so much as even a letter of gratitude. What does that tell you, angel? Huh?"

All I've been told about Beth Harmon was that she only cared about her winnings and being right. I try to avoid reading about her in front of Benny, being his history with her. He cared about her a lot before she left him. Which was one of the reasons it was hard getting to know Benny before we started dating.

I feel embarrassed for throwing together my outfit. I know for a fact my manager would be pissed if I didn't get a chance to talk to the World Champion. But what about Benny? Most of the reporters around me have the same idea and are mingling with each other at the sight of the World Champion. A few people have gone up to her and asked for interviews or comments about Benny trying to take 'her' title - right in front of him. 

I turn back to Benny and find him obviously uncomfortable and glaring at Beth as she gives comments to the reporters. Her hand touches Benny's thigh and she leans into him, whispering something into his ear. I stop in my tracks. With the crowd of reporters beginning to swarm them with comments, I find a way to save him.

"Mr. Watts," I come up to his right side, "Pardon my intrusion, but you requested to see my notes on our interview, something about me not quoting you correctly? I was hoping you'd verify it before I send it off."

Beth stares at me from beside him, her small almond eyes looking at my blouse and skirt compared to her designer dress and heels. From a first glance, she seems the type of rich suburban woman to judge every other woman who isn't married. But I don't see a ring on her finger, so I only assume she's just a snobby person.

"Yeah, I'll be right there." One of the hotel's staff brings Benny's lunch from the hotel kitchens. After placing a few bills on the table, Benny turns back to the reporters and stares directly at Beth. "At tomorrow's tournament, I'll be taking back my title, and I'll spend the rewarding money spoiling my girlfriend, who is back home waiting for me." 

My heart stops as the words 'my girlfriend' spill from his mouth. The reporters suddenly start asking Benny who his lover was and how long 'they' had been together, but he only puts on his hat and leaves to the lobby. I quickly turn to follow him but catch Beth Harmon's eyes flickering with shock and above all, embarrassment.

I quickly follow Benny to the elevators, not too eagerly but can't help controlling my adrenaline. Once we're privately inside, I smack his shoulder. "What were you thinking?" I hiss. "Revealing me like that?"

"I didn't say it was you," Benny clutches his shoulder and winces. "After I got you lunch," he grumbles.

"Just ... don't scare me like that, baby." I clutch my chest and take a breath. "Um, so ... what did she want?"

"What?"

"I saw her talking to you," I mutter, "I saw her ... touching you and whispering in your ear. What did she say?"

Benny smirks, "Is my angel getting jealous?"

"Your angel is getting annoyed. What did she say?"

"Nothing you need to worry about. She just ... wanted me to get a drink with her tonight - which I don't plan on doing." Benny reaches down and holds my hand. When the elevator dings, I slip away from him; but to my surprise, he grabs my hand back and squeezes. "No one's here. C'mon, just loosen up a little."

I peak around the elevator to check before agreeing. We walk back to our hotel room, hand in hand, before sitting down and having our lunch in private. Benny insists I sit between his legs on the bed as he read over a few tactics and openings. I try to lighten the mood by feeding him fries and he takes the teasings my sometimes nibbling my finger.

"Have any more games after today?"

"No, we have the rest of the day off, tomorrow is the last few games. And when we get home with the reward money I'll get," His arms wrap around my waist and he smirks against my cheek, "I can pay off a few tickets and spoil you rotten."

"Focus on your tickets and rent first," I warn him still accepting his kiss. "Seriously, though," I sit up from his legs and turn around, "She didn't say anything else to you? Maybe you ... should go down tonight. Just to catch up and - "

"No."

"Benny, you can't hold this grudge forever."

"You seriously want me to go down tonight and have drinks with her? After what she did to me? And not just me, but to Beltik. And Arthur? And Hilton? She ignored all of us when she won, Lia." He scoffs and sits on the bed, beginning to kick off his boots. "She used me, and I'll hold this ... fucking grudge for however long I want."

I crawl across the bed and wrap myself around Benny's back. I don't know Benny and Beth's history well - he doesn't like talking about her. The only thing I do know about their brief relationship was that he trained her before Paris, when they had sex and how she ignored his calls. Then, when she was in her one-on-one match with Borgov, the Russian World Champion, Benny, and the others called her and helped. But after her victory match, Benny never heard from her again. 

"I'm sorry," I rub his back and tighten my legs around him, "I just thought you two would make-up and be friends again but ... that won't happen, won't it?"

Benny shakes his head.

I don't bother pushing it. I've learned my lesson from pushing unwanted information out of Benny. I rub his shoulder blades instead, "Okay, I'm sorry. You wanna maybe ... take a bath or a shower?" I bury my nose into his shirt, pulling back at the smell. "You kinda stink."

Benny scoffs and turns around, "I stink?"

"You can take advantage of the hotel shower. You know, that's actually in the bathroom and not in the kitchen and that has pressure instead of a drip."

Benny tugs my ankles around my hips and stands up, forcing me to cling to his back in a piggy-back ride. I squeal and cling to his neck, cursing him for getting up so quickly. He walks me to the bathroom and locks the door behind us, putting me down on the sink's counter. I decided to unbutton my blouse as Benny turns on the water, testing the pressure and temperature. 

"Feel good?"

"It will be once you're in with me," Benny grabs the back of his shirt and rips it off, exposing his chest and dangling chains. I unclip my bra and head inside the shower with him, holding back a moan of relief from the water pressure. Benny steps in behind me and we take our turns going under the water and washing each other's hair. Normally, Benny prefers baths when I wash his hair (which is probably the reason he never uses his shower because of the horrible pressure).

Benny is the one that first grabs the shampoo and begins massaging it into my hair and peppering kisses along my neck. I allow him to kiss me, hold me, and touch me anywhere he wants. I wash his back, his chest, and his hair slowly and with caution, making sure not to get any soap in his eyes or scrub too hard. I allow this moment to be soft, intimate, and loving. Because that's what this man deserves to be reminded of; that he is loved. 

"I'm thinking when we go home ... that I could call that service and set something up. So you don't have to do it. I'll make time. If you want me to, I can."

I've planned a funeral before. I know what needs to be done. A part of me churns on asking him in a moment like this, but I want him to know that I can take care of it. That he doesn't have to worry about planning and can focus on grieving.

Benny holds me tight to his chest, petting a hand through my now soft hair, and says nothing. The water spewing from the showerhead echoes around our thoughts and is the only sound in the bathroom. I wait a moment longer for his answer, but when it doesn't come, I continue, "I can call them. Arrange something small and intimate, and then we can leave it. I just think - "

"I know," Benny interrupts, "She deserves something." He squeezes me a little harder. "Thank you."

I kiss his chest and rub his back, "I'm here to stay. You can't get rid of me, cowboy."

Benny scoffs and pulls away, cupping my cheeks gently and kissing me passionately under the steamy water. "I know. I love you, too."

* * * *

The next day, the final day of the tournament, Benny seemed ... occupied with his thoughts. I could only assume it was Beth's surprise visit that had him shocked. When we woke up, he slept in and didn't say much. I could tell he was trying to make last night not affect his ability to play chess, but I could see it was taking a toll on his mind. 

"It's the last day," I reminded him, fixing his jacket and buttoning his shirt. "Just think: in twenty-four hours from now, we'll be home in your crappy dungeon apartment cuddling and playing games with diner food."

Benny seemed better after that, promising me that he'd get me a gift after all this was over.

He played like he would in any tournament: persistent, merciless, and professional. He played his pieces, kept his head in the game, and concentrated on each game he was given. It wasn't until he got to his game with the iconic George Thomason, that he finally gave me a signature smirk.

I was surprised their game took longer than the others. Even though Thomason was an unemotional blunt bastard, he took chess as seriously as Benny. I feared for the first half-hour that Benny would lose and Thomason would claim the title, he seemed confident enough. Benny's moves came out slower and he hesitated and pondered longer with each move Thomason placed. For once, I actually became fearful that Benny would lose his title - again. I didn't know how he'd handle losing his title twice in the two years. 

Then, Benny looked my way and I wonder if he's decided to give up. I give him a weak smile, do whatever you have to do, baby ...

Benny turns back to me and reaches for his King ...

Instead of knocking it down, he moves it in a dangerously risking position. Thomason's face falls and he stares at the board in horror. I can't help but smile at Benny's equally confident look to his opponent. 

Everyone held their breath as the two applicants for U.S Champion give each other a staredown. Benny looks at Thomason as if a staring contest would win him the title. Then, in a shocking move, Thomason places his king down and shakes hands with Benny. He nods in respect and stands as U.S Champion.

I stand with the others in applause and give my boyfriend the biggest smile. Benny needed this win. He needed to win this title and be reminded of his talents. After his mother's suicide, Beth's return, and being reminded of his horrible childhood. He needed this.

After the ballroom crowds around the new Champion and the runner-up, I give Benny side glances as he's swarmed by cameras and reporters, answering questions and giving Thomason a respectable handshake.

I took my turn asking Thomason questions on how he felt with his loss and if he planned to go into the U.S Open next year, which he said of course. Every time I tried listening to him, I kept catching Benny staring at me from other across the ballroom. I wanted to hiss at him to stop it, but I kept quiet. It wasn't until I noticed Beth approaching Benny and giving him a shocking handshake did I finally stare. They talked quietly for a moment, while cameras flashed and demanded how Beth felt 'losing' her title of U.S Champion.

"It was never mine." She said.

I watch Beth leave the room with a farewell to Benny, and fight the urge to approach him and ask what she said. Benny does it for me and quickly crosses the room to me, "I believe I have an interview with you scheduled at ... now o'clock?"

I try to act professionally with everyone around us, but I can't help but smirk. "If you wish to speak with me privately, Mr. Watts, we can."

"Yes. I wish exactly that," He turns back to the reporters and grabs my hand, "Excuse us. I have an interview."

I blush at his hand and follow him out of the ballroom and to a separate room in the hotel, another event room that had been left ajar for interviews and photos. No one happened to be inside, so when Benny shuts the door behind me, he scoops me into his arms and twirls me around.

"Jesus, I get it you're happy," I squeal.

"I won my title again, angel," Benny sets me down and kisses me quickly. "And the reward money is enough to pay off my tickets and have extra for spoiling you ... "

"Focus on paying your tickets and your rent before spoiling me," I playfully shove him away, but not too far. I yank his shirt collar back down and Benny smirks against my lips, tugging me closer. I hug him close and let my fingers run through the whisps of hair just under his hat, my heart fluttering with his excitment. "You deserve this."

I'm surprised when Benny slips out of my arms and says, "Well, I've won U.S Champion before, so winning it again wasn't much of a challenge. But I'll be honest and tell you that Thomason guy really brought his game. I actually thought I'd have to call a draw." When I snort and agree, he brings a finger to my hair and gently tugs a few strands from my bun, "But I had my lucky charm with me, so I couldn't lose."

"Ha. Ha." I try to tease, "Don't give me credit for your accomplishments. You're a good chess player because you've been playing chess for longer than any of these old farts."

I'm earned a snort from Benny and another kiss with teeth and laughter in between. 

"So, you want that interview now or later?" I ask, bringing his attention back to our getaway and alibi. "It's already set up."

"I'd prefer to do our interview in real private when we get back home, where I can take you out for dinner."

"Benny - "

"No. No more excuses or any of that bullshit. I'm taking my girlfriend out to dinner, in a real place, in public, where I can show you off. A real date this time." Benny gives me a stern look, not the same as the challenging stare get have Thomason, but a softer look with the same challenge.

I want to deny him his publicity like always, warn him of the consequences and the damage it would have on our reputations. But how he makes it sound; a real dinner at a restaurant instead of pancakes at the diner; a night with candles and wine, talking about our day and enjoying time together - in public - without worry.

"How would that work. No one still knows I'm your girlfriend, and I feel like we've been risky this past weekend." I mumble.

"If people have a problem with the U.S Champion dating a reporter then they can shove it up their asses. No one tells me what to do in my life," Benny hesitates then adds softly, "No one but my angel." 

I shove him away but he grabs me and gives me another kiss. 

We leave the ballroom together, and I nod to him in farewell as he heads back down the hall to the other reporters that wish to congratulate him on his win. I head back upstairs to our hotel room and begin writing the article - you know, the one I've been postponing for the past three days. 

And when Benny comes back up later after his interviews, we have our own interview beneath the sheets.

* * * *

The flight back to New York is as worse as I remember. Benny and I have our separate seats for six-plus hours and I have to take my pills and keep my window shut to avoid myself from hurling. I do get to finish the article being I have six hours until we land. I edit the passages and scribble out additional scenic shit that no one would care about. Benny being Benny keeps updating me every hour, telling flight attendants that I need to take my pills and to send me drinks or even a little bag of peanuts and a bottle of water; and sending me notes along with them: Stay hydrated, only two more hours to go - B  <3

When the plane lands around midnight, Benny doesn't follow the protocol of taking separate cabs. He waits for me at the gate and helps with my luggage to the taxi. 

"Benny - "

"We're home, Lia," Benny whined tiredly, "Let's just go home and sleep in until forever, okay?" 

From the amount of jet lag and horrible sleep I got from the plane, I just agree and follow him into the cab. My guard crumbles the further we head into the city, all the glittering lights and traffic bring back a sense of relief. I'm even more glad when we arrive at the steps of my apartment and collapse in bed together, curling into each other's arms and falling into a comfortable sleep.

Tomorrow, late the next morning, our routines go back to normal and Benny takes a small break from playing tournaments. He spends the day at my place, going over games and reading chess books written by chess masters I hardly know. I spend the day typing up articles and mailing them to the office, where they get printed and published into the magazine. 

Our lives go back to normal, even a bit more blissful now that Benny claimed his title back. Every morning we wake up together tangled in each other's limbs, with lazy kisses over coffee and arguing on when to get up and start our day. It was an uneventful normal week after Seatle. 

Of course, something always had to go wrong.

"Hey, Lia, check out what I found today at the salon," Mary approaches my desk with a copy of Chess Review in her manicured hands, "Looks like that cute U.S Champion you interviewed in Seattle is off the market."

I look up from my typewriter and frown, "What do you mean?"

"They got photos of him with another girl," She hands me the magazine opened to a specific article. My head jerks up at the mention and I fight to not snatch the magazine out of her hands. I calm myself and peek at the article opened to me.

A picture of a certain cowboy hat and a blonde girl with my pencil skirt and blouse is on the front. With the title: New U.S Champion and Secret Lover?

*~* I promise the next part is gonna be the last one. 😅 I had to leave this off on a cliff-hanger it's only the right thing to do as a writer. I think I may be taking a break from writing these Short Stories to focus on my Tale of Absinthe. I wanna take this summer and actually see if I can finish a book instead of writing these shorts all day. I'll try to see if I can get the first five chapters edited and published for you all to enjoy! 🌺✨ *~*

*~* And WHEN I get the chapters up and running, I'll see if you guys want those or the Origin Shorts I created, too. We'll see how it goes! 😊😊 *~*