Better Than Revenge

01

IF CARLOS IS SURE of one thing, it's that he deserves more than he lets himself have. He knows he's hardworking and strong, having to get a job even though his family name screams out 'famous and rich'. His mom didn't give much; much allowance or attention, always away on her fashion business. All he has is himself.

And his boyfriend, Ben.

And he knows Ben deserves him, because Ben worked for him. He showed Carlos that he'd treat him right. And, so far, he has.

Up to this point.

It's 9:30 PM. An hour earlier from when he gets out of work from the local Auradon diner. His boss gave him the opportunity to leave earlier, so Carlos took the chance to go and surprise Ben.

But, instead, it was Ben who surprised Carlos.

When Carlos walks in the door, holding a to-go box that has left over slices of grilled cheese (Ben's favorite), he doesn't expect to find his boyfriend getting his face sucked whole by one of the cheerleaders from their high school. A half-naked cheerleader, who Carlos recognizes immediately as Audrey Beauty, the most popular girl in school who's been chasing Ben even before him and Carlos started dating.

Only until Carlos drops the box of food do they look up, startled by the noise. Ben's eyes widen and Audrey smirks, waving her fingers at Carlos slyly. Carlos just stares at them both, jaw ajar as he watches Ben push Audrey to the other side of the couch frantically.

"C-Carlos, what are you doing here?" Ben asks, using the back of his hand to wipe Audrey's lipstick off of his face.

Carlos's eyebrows furrow in confusion, or anger- probably both. "What am I doing here?" He scoffs, "The real question is what the hell is she doing here?" Carlos points at Audrey, who winks, "I got off of work early to surprise you and I find you sucking faces with Audrey, the same girl who you've been telling me isn't someone to worry about?"

Ben bites his lip, knowing that he's fucked up tremendously. "It's not what it looks like," He tries to explain, putting his hands out in a defensive motion, "She kissed me-"

"And you kissed back, don't think I didn't see you kissing her back!" Carlos says, raising his voice, "Is this what you do when I'm at work?" Carlos asks, whispering as tears well up in his eyes, "Invite her to my house and make out with her?"

"No, no, Carlos you have it all wrong. She forced herself on me." Ben protests, a desperate look on his pale face, "I would never do that to you, I would never do that to us."

Carlos shakes his head, everything suddenly making sense. All the excuses, sudden messy clothes, unanswered texts, the girly voice on the other end of the line during calls: it all made sense.

"Sorry, babe, but I can't come over now- shh- I have a lot of homework for b-business and I can't af-fford to fail-stop, please."

"Just hang up."

Tears begin to come out, but it's not exactly sadness. It's more like why didn't I realize this before sadness.

Carlos reaches down to pick up the box of grilled cheese he dropped, opens the lid and seperates the slices of toasted bread, and rubs the slightly melted cheese all over Ben's face. The other two pieces of bread he stuffs inside of Ben's boxers, making him squirm.

"Carlos, I-"

Ben doesn't get the opportunity to finish, because Carlos's fist immediately meets his jaw, punching so hard that he's almost sure he heard a snap.

Ben trips, staring at Carlos in shock from the unexpected act of violence. He observes his boyfriend's figure, the sweet and innocent look now going to a tear stained face, with a fist balled up by the side.