#Ben and holding his little babies is everything to me 🥹🥹🥹

[iboopedyournose]

🥺🥺🥺🥺 was my face the entire time reading this. I think…I think… Ben and Amelia’s relationship is my favorite now omg 🥺🥺🥺🥺 this was so soft and pure and gentle I think it broke my heart 😭😭🥺🥺

Moments: Benedict’s Heart

Moments Masterpost

Pairing: Benedict Bridgerton x fem!reader

Summary: How Amelia ends up being called “my heart” by Benedict.

Moments Moodboard by: @margowritesthings

Warnings: none… this is just the fluffiest of fluff

Word Count: 1.1k

Authors Note: Just another fluffy BeneDad snippet for @iboopedyournose. Enjoy <3

Baby Amelia is not as polite as Isobel, who had the good grace to be born early in the evening so you could sleep that night. Amelia wakes you up in utter agony at 2 am and keeps you up until 7 am in labour. Then proceeds to scream the house down for the next five hours, as if being born is the worst thing that could happen, and she wants the world to know it.

“Why?!? Why did I let you persuade me to have another?” You grouse at Benedict, clamping your hands over your eyes, desperate for a reprieve from the screaming. Even your nursery maid has been unable to calm her.

“Perhaps she needs more food? Do you think she’s cold? Too hot?” He sounds towards the end of his tether too.

“I have nothing left in my chest to give her, I swear. She’s had plenty of milk; this seems to be a choice,” you bemoan.

He gets up from the bed, looking beyond exhausted in just his trousers, and, as the hallway clock strikes midday, shuffles to the nursery next door.

You hear him gently asking Amelia to be quiet. You would laugh at him trying to negotiate with a newborn the way he tries to with James but are too exhausted even to chuckle.

Then it happens.

Blissful silence.

At first, you think maybe you’ve lost your hearing after enduring so many hours of screaming. But no, you can hear footsteps. There in the doorway stands a stunned Benedict… with a newborn baby propped on his bare chest, one hand holding her bottom, the other cradling her head.

“She stopped,” he whispers, his tone almost disbelieving.

“How did you manage this miracle?” you murmur, equal parts jealous and impressed.

“The minute I put her like this, it happened,” he answers, slowly making his way to the bed, cradling the most precious bundle and kissing the wispy hair atop her head.

“I tried that hold earlier,” you pout, “I got nothing but more tears.”

He shoots you a sympathetic look as he sits on the bed with the baby on his chest, propped up by pillows.

“Let me see her face?” you beseech. He twists slightly, and you see two peeping eyes watching the world, calm and curious.

“I think maybe she was bored and wants to see the world?” he is making guesses.

“Benedict,” you whisper, “look at her hand!”

You both watch her little fist flex, spasming in a familiar-looking pattern. Tiny, perfect fingers curled over that make your heart clench with how precious and fragile they look.

“That's my…. that’s timed with my heartbeat,” his voice is full of wonder. “I think she's listening to my heart.”

The way he says it is so laden with emotion that you reach out on instinct and touch his face.

“Congratulations, my darling. I think your new daughter is already stupendously in love with you,” you smile indulgently. “And I’m very sorry, but there’s only one answer here, for peace's sake; you will just have to sit with her on you, just like that. Possibly forever.” You point out over a stifled yawn in that dramatic way that only sleep-deprived emotionally-drained people do.

He looks at you askance. “I’m sure she’s fine now,” he assures and goes to place her in the bed between you. Almost instantly, her little face screws up, and she starts to fuss and then wailing cries, her cheeks going bright red.

“Pick her up again!” you implore.

The instant he does so, and she is back on his skin, she quietens, and her little fist moves in that rhythm again.

Benedict sighs heavily. “Dash it; I think you’re right,”

“I hope you enjoy sleeping sitting up, my love, because that is your life now,” you chuckle, patting his shoulder affectionately and then turning over to sleep.

“Wait, are you actually going to sleep right now?” he laments.

“Yes, when you have pushed a 7-pound creature from inside your body, you may judge; until then, hush, husband,” you answer drily.

Suitably chastised, Benedict nuzzles Amelia. “Don't mind mummy; she is merely jealous you love me more than her,” you can tell by his tone it is in jest, but it doesn't stop you from twisting back slightly and sticking your tongue out, which makes him laugh heartily as he shuffles down to lay horizontal.

“She doesn't mean that, my heart.” he chuckles, stroking Amelia’s back.

“Not to her, I don't, you're right,” you shoot back drolly, and he just laughs more. “Is that your name for her, heart?” you inquire sleepily, your back still turned.

“It feels appropriate, given what she is doing, does it not?” he lilts, and you can hear the joy in his voice.

He has his love (James), his sweet (Isobel) and now his heart (Amelia). You close your eyes and drift off, wondering what other pet names he will come up with should you have more children—you already know it will happen. You told him no more after Isobel, but then he shot you a smouldering look at Eloise’s wedding reception and next thing you are in the walled flower garden being taken hard under the moonlight to the heady scent of honeysuckle and roses. Something about this man at weddings always gets you pregnant—it’s your last idle thought as sleep claims you.

——-

You blink awake, and it’s three hours later, the late afternoon sun blazing through the windows. Everything in the house is quiet; James, Isobel and their nanny are visiting grandmother Violet while you adjust to your new arrival.

You twist over, and the tableau before you makes your heart melt. You clutch a hand over your ribs without even realising it.

In a shaft of sunlight is Benedict, snoring softly on top of the covers, still shirtless, a five o’clock shadow now dusting his strong jaw. On his toned chest is Amelia, also fast asleep, her ear right over his heart, her little fist balled tight as before, her tiny mouth open.

You almost don’t have the heart to disturb them, but she needs feeding again. After a few moments of watching them - so peaceful - you reach over gently as you can and pluck her off him. He barely stirs, so exhausted from the last few hours, just as you are.

She is also out until you hold her to your breast, and on instinct, she nuzzles in and starts to suckle, not even opening her eyes. You hum gently to her as she feeds, lovingly touching her face and hair. So happy to be blessed with another child. Once she has had her fill, you murmur to her as you gently burp her. You should call the nursemaid to change her or do it yourself, but she seems dry. When she begins to fuss, you shush her but realise there’s probably only one place she wants to be.

So you softly place her back on Benedict’s chest just as she was before, and instantly, she calms, her little fist moving to his heartbeat again until she falls asleep. He stirs slightly in his slumber, and one large hand wraps protectively over her entire body as he smiles without waking.

His heart indeed.

Benedict tagist: @makaylan @foreverlonginguniverse @iboopedyournose @wysteria-clad @colettebronte @aintnuthinbutahounddog @severewobblerlightdragon @margofiore @writergirl-2001 @heeyyyou @enichole445 @enchantedbytomandhenry @ambitionspassionscoffee @chaoticcalzoneranchsports @nikaprincessofkattegat @baebee35 @crowleysqueenofhell @bridgertontess @fiction-is-life @lilacbeesworld @angels17324 @broooookiecrisp @queen-of-the-misfit-toys

Moments only taglist: @queenofshinigamis @khaleesjj @starslibrary @magical-spit @honeylovemoon @justwant2read8421

[englishstrawbie]

Station 19 7x03

I've been holding off sharing my thoughts on the new season as we transition from 'writing for 10 episodes' to ‘writing for 10 final episodes'. Let's face it, 7x02 threw a lot at us. Too much, I would say. I get that they're navigating the cancellation, but they're setting up too many storylines and not giving themselves enough time to actually tell them.

I think it's obvious that Marina's storyline is suffering. A new baby, a new house, Carina's lawsuit, Maya's brother. And ok, I knew I wouldn't be as engaged with the baby storyline as most, but jeez... give me something. As an ensemble show, we'll never get to see everything we want to see but, right now, it feels like they're not even giving us what we need to see. Decisions are made and storylines move forwards without showing us the conversations behind them. Right now it's just a bunch of scenes glued together.

This week's episode gave us some of my favourite moments so far, mostly the Carina and Bailey scenes. Flustered Carina, Bailey and Ben gifting them some of their baby stuff, Carina's joyous love for her new son, Bailey putting Carina to bed and scolding her when she comes back to find Carina on her tablet, helping her see that she didn't do anything wrong and explaining why the mom might be suing her anyway. I absolutely love the way their friendship has evolved over time.

Then there was Maya thinking about how she is going to navigate her job, with Carina and Liam at home. And Maya going home to her family at the end of the day because they were what she needed after such a horrible day. 🥰

I'm gutted about Mason. I've been championing his return for years, but not like this! I was glad to see Maya tell everyone at the beanery table, it's something she could easily have tried to hide out of embarassment. I get the feeling that Mason will be part of Maya's big story in episode 7 (I think?) and I'm curious to know how that is going to play out.

I loved the Maya and Andy moments. I'm glad Eli told Travis some home truths, it was about time - I hope he heals after this. Oh, and Pru in the line up at the station and Andy calling her Little Miller. 🥹

But then these lovely moments are overshadowed (in the Marina fandom particularly) by the frustration that, for the first time in seven years, we have a Pride episode that omits Marina from the storyline - the show's biggest, longest lasting and most popular queer ship. And the Pride stuff wasn't great, let's face it. But it's all about balance. Yes, these moments were good and important, but they didn't need to happen in an episode about Pride. I totally understand the frustration of fans wanting to see a queer family they love and are losing soon be happy and celebrated in this episode, and feeling let down when it didn't happen.

[mountttmase]

Hello hello last chapter of the first series🤭

‘Jesus Christ, I’m gonna need you to get that thing off right now’ Mason laughed from the doorway and you turned to see Mason looking at you with wide lust filled eyes and his tongue practically hanging from his mouth. I'LL SAY THAT'S THE PERFECT WAY TO START THE NIGHT

ALL THE BOYFRIEND-GIRLFRIEND PARST🥹

‘I don’t think there’s a word in the English language that could let you know how I feel about this. About you’ he told you as he gripped your waist. You couldn’t deny you felt the same as you looked over him in his suit. It fit him like a glove and and you couldn’t wait to peel it off of him later but Mason seemed to not want to wait. ‘I’m serious though, baby. There’s no way I’m gonna be able to go a whole night without fucking you first so just help me out here’ he laughed, reaching for the zip of your dress but you moved too quickly for him and his hands fell away from you. BEHAVE MOUNTTT

‘In 20 minutes yes. I made sure I was ready early cause I knew this would happen. Gives me time to be late like normal’ he told you, and you laughed at the fact he had it all figured out in his head. You were sticking to your guns though as you didn’t want to go out a sweaty mess as you’d spent so long getting ready. AHHAHAHA HE IS A LITTLE GENIUS

‘Nuh uh lover boy. You’re gonna have to wait till later’ you laughed as he followed you out of the room like a sad puppy. NOT HER CLEARLY WANTING HIM TOO

‘Don’t worry gorgeous, we’re sat on the same table as Kai and Sophia. Pretty sure Ben is on our table too he told you and you instantly relaxed knowing that you would be with people you knew and when you arrived at the table you realised Sophia was patting the seat next to her for you. HIM READING HER LIKE AN OPENED BOOK

THE MEETING WITH KEPA, SCREAMING 😂😂😂

‘Leave them alone, Kai. They’re in love, it’s sweet’ OH SOPH THANK.YOU FOR EXISTING

‘Come dance with me?’ he whispered and you nodded shyly before following him to the crowded dance floor. The music was slow, and he held you tightly at your waist as your circled your arms around his shoulders. ‘I’ve missed you’ he whispered against your lips before kissing you slowly and you smiled as he pulled you even closer. BYYYYEEEE, HE IS ADDICTED TO HER

Your placed your lips next to his ear, taking a deep breath before whispering ‘I love you’ shakily, in hopes he could hear. CRYING ALL TWH LIQUIDS I HAVE IN MY BODY, MY BABY HAS GROWN

‘I love you, too. So so much’ he laughed before kissing you gently, feeling like the only two people in the room. ‘I think it’s safe to say we’ve reached the summit now’ YOU DID,BUT NOT THE TOP TOP YET...

‘Nothing at all. These are happy tears’ you told him before he kissed them away gently, resting his forehead on yours as you both slowly swayed from side to side. ‘You remember when you told me that us meeting was fate?’ You asked him and he nodded down at you with his lip trapped between his teeth. ‘I think you might of been right’ you laughed and he burred his face in your neck, placing small kisses against any section skin he could access. OH MY GOD, I LOVE HER HIM, THEM

‘Mase wait, I’ve got my big granny knickers on to hold me in. Just look away’ you laughed and he was about to protest but didn’t want to wait any longer so he turned away as you shimmied the dress from your body and laid it on the back of a chair. Mason did as you asked and was looking away from you as he undressed himself down to his boxers, making sure to hang everything back up before he flopped back down on the bed with his hands over his eyes. GIRL HE DOESN'T MIND ABOUT THE GRANNY KNICKERS TRUST ME

‘Good, now come sit on my face’ WELL MOUNT

THAT SMUT...🤭🤭🤭🤭

THEY POSTED A PIC OF THEM, THEY ARE OFFICIAL

I LOVE THEMMMMM

MUM AND DAD FOR EVER🩷🩷🩷🌺🌺🌺

I loved this chapter cause she was so brave and just gave herself up to him and told him she loved him 🥹 and it just meant so much 🥹

THANK YOU FOR DOING THIS BESTIE IT MAKES ME SO HAPPY 🩷🩷🩷🌺🌺🌺

[1004tyun-archive]

mommy 🥺

i didn’t expect you to wake up so early at first but i had missed you so much so it was hard to think of an ask to send just her because my full focus was on you being here already mommy 🥺😭🩷

you’re probably sleeping rn and i hope you’re sleeping well~ i love you so much my sweet girlfriend ;///; 🩷🩷 you’re the best, i feel so good with you 🥹🥹🩷

today was so weird at first 😭 when i went to the train, a straight couple was in front of me and they were kinda like making out and stuff? in front of my salad? >< i was very embarrassed 😭 like… the guy even slapped the girl’s thigh… read this in professor oak’s voice there’s a time and place for everything but not now! 😭😭 fhsbfbdb

instead of thinking about that couple, i wanna say i’d love to get to hold hands with my girl 🥺🥺🩷 i often think of us kissing on the bench 🥹😚🩷 my mommy is the prettiest ever~

tonight we will be stretching together for the first time hehe 👉👈🩷 i’m excited to know what you thought of it and i’ll tell you if i feel better 🥺🩷

no moodboard because i saw this and i’m scared and i had to share with you mommy wtf 😳😖 is this gigachad taehyun????? omg 😭😭😭

i got some oreos with double cream for my lunch dessert to think about you 🥺🥺🩷 i definitely get why my mommy loves cookies and cream~ it’s so good~ 🥹🩷🩷

my sweet queen, my fairy of crystals 🥺💎🩷🩵 i hope you get to sleep well, and feel happy always 🥺🥺🩷 i wanna make my dear mommy happy 🥺🥺🩷 i love you so much 😚😚🩷🩷

reading through this entire ask had me like

WHERE DO I EVEN BEGIN I SAW TAEHYUN WITH A BEARD AND SUDDENLY MY MEMORY WAS WIPED

okay allow me to gather my thoughts and shift back into mommy mode…

…

hello baby~ 🥺🥺🩵 my girl is so sweet and precious i didn’t expect to be up so early either but my cherry senses just have been tingling 👀🩵 i love you so much my lovely amazing girlfriend 🥺🥺 you’re the best~ i always feel so good with you too

… 😟 what the hell what is up with that couple??? in broad daylight? at the start of the day??? RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOUR SALAD????? the professor oak voice sjhshshs 😭😭😭

so excited to stretch together baby~ 🥺 i’m excited to hear your thoughts too and i hope this is something that works out well enough for us to do more often :3

cherry i gotta ask . what is thisjshshshs i understand that you were looking for pics on pinterest to make a moodboard but how did this out of all the images show up??? 😭😭😭 this scared the shit out of me when i first saw it and it scares me now honestly

is this taehyun’s final form? 🤔 his true gigachad evolution?? 🤔🤔

thank you for thinking of me baby that sounds so good~ 🥺🥺 cookies and cream is so yummy isn’t it? so glad i’ve brought you over to the dark side >:3 honestly i was a little disappointed by my ben and jerry’s yesterday so i might get my fave local brand of ice cream today instead since they make the best cookies and cream ice cream i’ve ever had 🤭🩵🩵

you always make me happy baby even with that taehyun jumpscare 🥺🥺🥺 my sweet girl~ i love you so much 🥺🩵🩵

[chernayawidow]

YESS ITS HAPPENING! I got so excited when I saw the notification omg! Also sorry I only just got to it, work is assaulting me with shifts 🤣 BUT LETS GET INTO THIS BITCH!

“But even after your keepers had woken you with a tray of food, Ben still hadn’t woken up.” — So we’re kicking it off with some angst, yeah? 🥺🤚

“His face scrunched a little, but your voice couldn’t penetrate the Novichok haze—the poison being pumped into his cell to dull his senses and keep him too drowsy to function.” —His fear of not waking up after falling asleep really came true oh godddd 😩 nah nah knowing you, you’re trying to scare me and in actuality mans is probably just having a SUPERB nap/sex dream!

““What the hell are you doing?” you shouted. Panic trilled down your spine as the guards fitted themselves with special suits and gas masks.” — Oh god we ARE kicking it off with angst! I hope my heart remains in tact by the end of this chapter…

“You struggled against the stern grip of the guard holding you and shouted, “Ben, wake up!” Between your voice and the commotion outside his door, he started to rouse.” — THERE WE GO! Wake up and SAVE YOUR GIRL! I mean idk how you’d do it from in there but I trust your resourcefulness…

“Once he saw you being manhandled against your will, his fury sparked. “Hey!” he barked. He managed to rise off his cot and draw himself to his feet.” — His protectiveness has me swooning, now he just needs to hulk out and overcome all odds to save her! 😅

“He saw the mask coming towards his face, and the well of panic, hearing your distressed yelling of his name—it gave him the strength to break the chain of men holding him down.” — The way he’s motivated more by her distress then his fear speaks volumes to me.

“You raised the gun at your next attacker—Frenchie, who raised up his hands in friendly surrender.” — Ah fuck we know what this means, she and Ben won’t be running off together because of the judgemental squad smh 🤚

“You looked past him and watched as Kimiko, M.M., Annie, Hughie, and Butcher took out the rest of the guards.” — You really dangled them escaping together right before my eyes, only to snatch it away 😭

““Worked for us once, before you tried to double-cross me,” Ben said.” — I mean he’s not wrong… he held up his promise, Butcher’s the one who turned on him… 🫣 Ben defender for life!

“Someone jumped on his back. He heard you shout, but before he could rip off the hanger on, Kimiko slipped the mask over his face and deployed a heavy dose of nerve gas.” — KIMIKO YOU SLAG! This whole team (except Annie and Hughie) is on my cranky list now!

“Still, M.M. looked at you like he didn’t even know you.” — Get off of that high horse of yours M.M., Soldier Boy is a DISH! 😩

““How do you explain fucking him?” he asked.” — He’s hot as fuck, that’s how.

““But for all his arrogance, his chauvinism, his massive ego and general bastardry, there’s still humanity in Ben,” you said, looking up at your team.” — Awww look at her standing up for her pookie 🥹🫶

““I’m sorry my kidnapping inconvenienced you,” you remarked.” — THE SASS!!! THATS MY GIRL!!!

“Saying those words stung. Like you were somehow betraying yourself.” — I understand why she feels like she’s betraying herself, but I also get that it’s very necessary for her to phrase everything like this. Grace wouldn’t tolerate it if she tried standing up for the good person deep within SB.

““And to that end, I will be checking in on Ben,” you replied. “He’s a person, not a weapon or a lab rat.”” — I wish Ben could see her now and the way that she’s going to bat for him 😭💖

““And what’s your body count, agent?” you challenged. “Have they all been sanctioned kills?”” — FUCKEN OATH!!!! PREACH IT BABY DOLL!!

““I may not have your security clearance, your power, or your money,” you said. “But I’ve got a big fucking mouth. So unless you want me to use it, my clearance now includes seeing Ben.”” — Oh how I love her, nothing will get between her and her man 😏 her devotion is something I reckon Ben would appreciate.

“Ben himself was strapped to a bed, with a mask held over his face.” — This breaks my heart, but yeah like you mention, at least it’s not the coffin looking tube thingo.

“Then, with a burst of force, he took the plate and tossed it as hard as he could into one of the glass walls.” — Homeboy I get that your cranky, but you need to mellow out.

““You’re just going to leave me in here?” he asked in disbelief. And you thought you could read a throughline of hurt behind his eyes. “I saved you…shit, I’ve lost count how many times now. And still, you fucking betrayed me.”” — um Ben what the actual fuck, I mean yeah you’re a paranoid twat but do you expect one ordinary human to go up against the entire organisation PLUS two Supe’s.

““I’m not going to justify my actions to you, M.M. I know what he’s done, especially to you," you said. "But he didn’t just let me live. He protected me, saved me, more than once. From his own men even. And…he was kind to me, in his own way. I have to think that counts for something.”” — This right here feels like such a crucial moment because she’s not deluding herself about what he’s done, she’s not trying to ignore how horrible he’s been or anything of the sort. But through all of the tender moments and actions he’s shown to her, she’s built a connection. Because she knows he didn’t have to do anything that he did, but he did it anyway.

““What the hell is wrong with you!” came your sister’s sharp voice.” — Lil sis is gonna kick her ASS for the stress she went through lmao!

“His finger tapped on his arm, but he didn’t relent. “Selling out is selling out.”” — It’s a shame he doesn’t have a brother we can spitefully fuck, seeing as how he’s being irrational.

““If this is your idea of doing me a fucking favor, then I don’t need it,” he said angrily. “I don’t need a naive little girl like you to help me do jack shit.”” — MOTHERFUCKER! He’s really just lashing out at her huh? I mean I get it but… dude she’s the only hope you have 🤣

““You know what?” you said, grabbing your muffin and your fold-up chair. “Suck my dick, Ben. When you’re ready to talk to me like a human being, tap on the glass.”” — YES! Good on her for saying that!

OMG THIS CHAPTER WAS PHEWWW! AND THAT ENDING?? OMG FRANK IS ALIVE GUYS FRANK IS ALIVE!!!! I’m literally so happy about this I’m so so happy, I should’ve known you wouldn’t kill daddy Frank like that! Even though Ben is being a sensitive prick atm, I can see exactly why he’s acting out. I love that way you’re handling his reaction to the situation, and as irrational as his thinking is, it makes full sense! So so keen to see where this goes, especially now that Frank is back in the picture!

Break Me Down - Part 12

Pairing: Soldier Boy/Ben x Female Reader

Summary: You’re a private investigator by trade, but now you happily sit at a desk — leading a surveillance team at Supe Affairs. After managing to end Homelander in New York, Soldier Boy escapes custody. You are recruited for the manhunt, joining Butcher’s team.

Truly, you joined the S.A. for the right reasons. But after you become his accidental hostage, Soldier Boy will break down every single one of them… [18+ only! Rated M]

**Start from the beginning: Prologue

Word Count: 5,700 Tags/Warnings: Violence and peril, angst central, a touch of PTSD, and a surprise ending… 

Part 12: All Your Wicked Ways

Something was wrong. 

It was a gut instinct, but yours was far too often right. 

Ben had been sleeping for a long time. After he’d fallen asleep yesterday, you did shortly after from the combination of fatigue, pain from your broken ribs, and the painkillers in your system. 

But even after your keepers had woken you with a tray of food, Ben still hadn’t woken up.

“Ben?” you tried calling to him, but he didn’t rouse from where he laid in his cot, one arm pillowed behind his head and the other across his stomach.

You got up, your pain making you slow as you made sounds of struggle. 

You went to the large window and supported yourself with your hands on the glass. You called his name again, louder.

His face scrunched a little, but your voice couldn’t penetrate the Novichok haze—the poison being pumped into his cell to dull his senses and keep him too drowsy to function.

You paused as you heard heavy footsteps coming down the hall. It turned out to be several, in fact, as a team of Vought security guards came to your cell. 

“What’s going on?” you asked. No one answered you as they grabbed and handcuffed you with your arms in front of you. You struggled, but you didn’t have the strength or energy to give much of a fight. 

They wheeled in what looked like a large metal casket. You had only seen one of these in pictures, but it had to be a cryochamber. 

A doctor in her mid-fifties accompanied them, giving directions on how to safely enter Ben’s cell. Your eyes widened.

“What the hell are you doing?” you shouted. Panic trilled down your spine as the guards fitted themselves with special suits and gas masks. The doctor turned toward you as the guards led you out of your cell and into the hall.

“You’re being transported,” she informed you. 

“Where?”

“To a lab with better security.”

“Why? Where’s my father? I know that bastard’s still alive,” you demanded, but it seemed you weren’t interesting enough for the doctor. 

You spied her last name, Baker, embroidered above the breast pocket her lab coat. You finally recognized Dr. Tonya Baker; you hadn’t worked with her much during your time at Vought, but you knew her by reputation.

Your heart fell into your stomach. 

You struggled against the stern grip of the guard holding you and shouted, “Ben, wake up!”

Between your voice and the commotion outside his door, he started to rouse.

“Get her out of here,” said Dr. Baker. 

Your guards tried to drag you, but you dug your heels in and made it as difficult as possible. Meanwhile, Ben could hear you—when you called his name and now, while you were struggling. He finally drew enough energy and strength to open his eyes and sit up in the cot. 

Once he saw you being manhandled against your will, his fury sparked. 

“Hey!” he barked. He managed to rise off his cot and draw himself to his feet. The first door of his cell slid open for the guards in their hazmat suits. Once that closed, the second one disengaged, and they came pouring in. 

Ben fought them. He managed to punch the first one into the far wall, shaking the fortified glass. He snapped the second man’s neck and broke a leg on the third, but they just kept coming in batches of three or four. The room was misty as hell, slowing Ben’s stamina, and he gritted his teeth in frustration. 

Their strength was in numbers, and gradually, they were able to latch onto his arms, kick behind his knees to bring him down to the ground.

He saw the mask coming towards his face, and the well of panic, hearing your distressed yelling of his name—it gave him the strength to break the chain of men holding him down. 

That’s when he noticed the star bolts zipping outside his cell. 

You were still fighting against the guard’s hold. You ripped back his sleeve and bit into the man’s wrist, eliciting a yell of pain. His grip eased up enough for you to steal his secondary gun on his belt, and despite your cuffed wrists, you shot him in the leg twice to bring him down. 

You raised the gun at your next attacker—Frenchie, who raised up his hands in friendly surrender. 

“Cherie! It’s surprising to see you alive,” he said. You grinned.

“A good surprise?” you asked, and you shot another guard approaching from behind him. 

Frenchie flinched slightly, but after he watched the man fall to the ground, screaming and clutching between his legs, Frenchie’s lips raised in a more genuine smile. 

“Yes, I think so,” he teased. 

You looked past him and watched as Kimiko, M.M., Annie, Hughie, and Butcher took out the rest of the guards. You didn’t see Dr. Baker anywhere; in all likelihood, she’d fled the scene when she saw her opportunity. 

Ben still remained in his cell, and you went to the glass window. He looked all right as he met your gaze, but there were about ten bodies lying around him. His face was firm and assessing. Still, you read the uncertainty behind it as he met your gaze.  

You sighed and turned to your team. “Hey, guys. Good to see you.”

Annie went to you first, grasping your shoulders. Her large eyes peered into yours.

“Are you okay?” she asked.

“Well, more or less,” was your weary reply. Your ribs were throbbing, but you raised your cuffed hands. “Think you can help me with these?”

Annie raised a hand over your cuffs and concentrated her powers into melting them, just enough for Kimiko to strike through them. You slid off the remaining metal pieces and rubbed your stinging wrists. 

“All right, let’s get a fucking move on,” said Butcher.

“Hello to you too,” you replied, raising a brow. 

“Oh, just you wait. You’ve got plenty of fucking explaining to do,” he said, leveling a finger at you. He slid it over to Ben, who watched him right back. 

“Ello, gov.” Butcher smirked. “Look at you, all gift-wrapped for us.”

He turned to M.M., who approached with an especially terrifying-looking gas mask. Your eyes widened. 

“Ready?” Butcher asked him. 

“Ready to knock this motherfucker out and bring him into custody,” M.M. grimly agreed. 

“Wait,” you said, stepping past Annie to get between M.M. and Butcher. 

With your back to the glass, you didn’t see how Ben’s eyes followed you. They hid a thread of uncertainty. He had a feeling you might do this, but he didn’t know what to expect from your team. 

“It doesn’t have to go down like this,” you told them. “He took out Homelander. He could help us bring down Vought. This fucking tower, the whole thing.”

“Is that why you ran at the airport?” M.M. asked. Then he shook his head. “Never mind. We don’t have time to debate this.”

You held out a halting hand. “Look, clearly they're not done making supes if they brought back a new and improved Black Noir. Now they’re selling V24 to the military. They need to be stopped, and with our help, Ben could do it.”

“Oh, it’s Ben now, is it?” Butcher stared at you shrewdly, then at Ben himself. The latter just tilted his head, his mouth quirking with an edge of cockiness. 

Butcher raised a brow. His gaze returned to you, noting the way you stood your ground, but pursed your lips. You were hiding something…a guilty conscience, perhaps. 

“Bloody hell. You two’ve been fucking,” he realized. 

Shocked silence spread through the rest of the team. 

Your embarrassment radiated off your flushing cheeks, and it took everything within you to resist looking back at Ben. You didn’t want to see what kind of expression he wore, but you could guess.

“No,” Annie regarded you with shock. 

“Seriously?” Hughie remarked in a high voice. 

“That’s…well, that’s none of your goddamn business, is it?” you tried to be stern, but your embarrassed shuffling made it lose some of its effect.

Kimiko shared raised brows with Frenchie, who just looked amused. M.M., on the other hand, grimaced with disgust. That actually stung, but you crossed your arms. You didn’t have a good answer for them. Not one you wanted to say in front of Ben, anyway.

“I think we can come to an agreement here,” Ben said at last. 

You turned around, and he gained the attention of the others as well. He briefly met your gaze before he shifted to Butcher. 

“Worked for us once, before you tried to double-cross me,” Ben said. 

“You want to take out Vought.” Butcher glanced at their surroundings, specifically Ben’s cell. He gave a snort of amusement. “I could understand that.”

“Butcher,” M.M. said sharply. 

“We–we should probably get out of here now,” Hughie pointed out. He looked back down the hall nervously. You agreed with him; any moment now, more guards could be coming. 

“Think about it,” said Ben. “The only way you’re getting that mask on me is with a fight. One you’ll probably lose, fucking miserably. We can have the same deal as before, no strings. Until Stan Edgar and Noir are dead.”

It took Butcher all of seconds. 

He turned to Frenchie and said, “Open her up.”

“Butcher, what the fuck!” M.M. argued. 

“What do you fucking want from me, eh? Their special ops security will be all over us soon,” Butcher said. 

But he shared a meaningful look with the other man that you didn’t miss. It sparked your suspicion.

You stepped back as the first door unlocked after Frenchie hacked the commands. Then the gas misting up the cell receded.

There was an immediate reaction from Ben. He blinked in relief as he started to breathe easy. The brain fog making it almost impossible for him to stay alert slowly ebbed. 

He took one step into the hall before it happened—all in a rush, but not unexpected. He blocked M.M.’s punch and tossed him across the hall. 

Someone jumped on his back. He heard you shout, but before he could rip off the hanger on, Kimiko slipped the mask over his face and deployed a heavy dose of nerve gas. It was enough to drop him to his knees as his eyes rolled back into his head. 

Lights out. 

On the way to Supe Affairs, you weren’t happy, but there wasn’t much you could do. 

You were still in your Vought-issued gray pajamas, bare footed as you rode along with your friends in Frenchie’s van. In the very back was the haul of Ben, laid to rest in a chamber keeping him sedated. 

You had to explain to the rest of them that your father, Jonathan, was Stan Edgar’s Chief of Security. You were a cog in Vought’s wheel once upon a time, but joining the S.A. helped you escape. Ben offered you a way to achieve what you couldn’t at the S.A.—taking it all down.

Still, M.M. looked at you like he didn’t even know you. 

“How do you explain fucking him?” he asked.

You shot him a tight frown.

“First of all, none of you know what the hell I went through,” you said. “At first, I was just trying to learn how to read him. How to survive and somehow get back home.”

Emotion clogged in your throat when you thought of seeing your sister again soon, and your mom. You thought of all you had gone through in past two months, and knew that it had changed you…

For better or worse, you didn’t yet know for sure. 

“But for all his arrogance, his chauvinism, his massive ego and general bastardry, there’s still humanity in Ben,” you said, looking up at your team. You thought they had become your friends…but you supposed you would see. 

“Why else would he save me?” you said. 

They didn’t answer. You turned your head to Annie, but even she didn’t look convinced. Though you could see she wanted to be on your side, it was difficult for her to reconcile her own feelings about Soldier Boy. You certainly understood that. 

“He’s too powerful to kill,” you also pointed out. “Putting him to sleep like this will just make it worse when he wakes up…but if he’s properly motivated, he could do some good.” 

“Or off anyone who looks at him sideways,” Butcher wryly replied. “He’s dickmatized you, love.” 

You could tell the others sided with him on this. 

“You can disagree with me,” you said, “but do you have a better way to kill Noir and take down Vought?”

At the S.A., you were able to shower and get on proper clothes in a black tracksuit and some sneakers. You weren’t allowed to find out where they’d taken Ben yet, but Grace Mallory oversaw the transport, just as she called you into her office for your immediate debriefing.  

It felt more like an interrogation, not unlike the one you underwent to be recruited for the manhunt of Soldier Boy.

You felt like a different person sitting across from her. This time you sat up tall, not intimidated by the ice blue stare that greeted you. The lines in the older woman’s face were drawn, but there was an unyielding wall within the woman that you could admire. 

It just didn’t change the fact that right now, she was your opponent. And the chess game had begun.

“You went way off-road with this assignment,” she said at last. You raised a brow. 

“I’m sorry my kidnapping inconvenienced you,” you remarked. 

“Don’t be cute. You know what the hell I’m talking about,” Grace said. “At this point, I’m debating whether to bring you into custody along with Soldier Boy.”

“I’m the one who got him back to the States,” you pointed out, sitting back in your chair with your arms crossed. “I had to get in contact with my father to make that happen. Do you know what that cost me?” 

You resisted an uncomfortable shudder. They’d given you more painkillers for your ribs, but it wasn’t enough the relieve the damage of that encounter. Not to your mind. 

“Aside from any other self-debasing tactics I used in order to do my job, not to mention save my own life. Without me, and the sacrifices I made, Soldier Boy wouldn’t be in a cell downstairs,” you finished. 

Saying those words stung. Like you were somehow betraying yourself. 

“That doesn’t fool me,” Grace said. In fact, her shrewd gaze was much like Butcher’s. It saw straight through you as she tilted her head in wonder. “You care about him.” 

Your lips tightened. 

After a moment, you answered.

“He was tortured for forty years,” you said. “Whether he admits it or not, he’s got scars just like the rest of us…but more importantly to you, he can help us take down Vought once and for all.” 

Grace considered you with a shifting light. “I didn’t think that mattered to you.”

“There’s a lot you don’t know about me,” you retorted. “But make no mistake. You will pay me what you owe me for this mission. If you think you’re going to welch on your end of the deal, then I’m about to be your long-term problem.” 

Grace huffed in wry amusement. 

“I have a feeling you will be, regardless,” she said. 

“And to that end, I will be checking in on Ben,” you replied. “He’s a person, not a weapon or a lab rat.” 

“Mind yourself, young lady,” Grace snapped, her eyes narrowing. “I admire your sense of loyalty, but in this case, it’s misplaced. That man is a bastard and a murderer, with a devastating power he can’t hope to control. And you, frankly, don’t have any standing to make demands.” 

“And what’s your body count, agent?” you challenged. “Have they all been sanctioned kills?”

When she didn’t answer, merely staring back at you, you stood up.

“You’re right, he can’t control it. Yet. Maybe that’s something productive you can get your damn scientists on,” you said. 

And before you left, you added one more thing. 

“I may not have your security clearance, your power, or your money,” you said. “But I’ve got a big fucking mouth. So unless you want me to use it, my clearance now includes seeing Ben.” 

Grace stared back at you for a moment. 

Her nails tapped on her desk as she assessed you. 

Releasing a long sigh through her nose, she relented. A little. 

“Fine,” she said. “If you can convince him to ally with us on the Vought issue, I’ll allow you to see him.” 

You nodded. For all that Grace hated Soldier Boy, she was a practical woman. She saw the same opportunity you did, and was willing to take advantage of it…even if you both knew that convincing Ben to play ball would be damn near impossible. 

In fact, this would probably be your biggest challenge yet. But this, you were willing to fight for. 

“I can start tomorrow,” you said.  

It seemed that Vought and the CIA had been thinking similarly on how to confine Soldier Boy. 

You spent one strange night back in your musty apartment before you returned to the S.A., bright and early, so that Grace could lead you to a lab below the main building. It was dark and made of pure concrete, encased in titanium. 

In it was a state-of-the-art cell with three metal walls that had to disengage before you could reach the inner room. Inside those four corners of fortified, bullet-proof glass were scarce furnishings. Ben himself was strapped to a bed, with a mask held over his face. 

At least he was out of the coffin, but it was difficult for you to watch, even as the scientists and guards unstrapped him and left the cell. The mask disengaged from his face, allowing him to breathe real air as he started to wake. But gas flooded into the compartment, not unlike Vought’s setup. 

You and Grace stood outside the glass. She glanced at you with sharp nod. Then she left you alone. 

Well, relatively speaking. There were guards posted at the entrance of the three walls behind you, controlling who got in and out of the cell area. 

Once all the walls were back in place after Grace’s departure, you let out a shaky breath and stepped forward with the plate of food you brought, along with a few bottles of water.

Ben was moving off the bed, trying and failing to clear his head as he took in his surroundings with a furious glare. It only dimmed slightly when he realized you were there. 

He made his way toward you, and you pressed a button that would allow you to safely pass his meal to him without letting any nerve gas escape the inner cell. Ben removed the lid from the plate, inspected the chicken and vegetables with an unreadable expression.

Then, with a burst of force, he took the plate and tossed it as hard as he could into one of the glass walls. 

You flinched. But by the time he looked back at you, you’d schooled your expression, merely raising a brow. 

“That was real fucking mature.” 

“Suck on my balls, sweetheart,” he retorted. He cocked his head to the side.  “Oh wait, you did. Last Tuesday.” 

You glared at him with a hot blush spreading across your face. That was not, in fact, last Tuesday. But you didn’t rise to his bait.

“Are you really willing to partner with the S.A. to take down Vought? Or was that just you bluffing?” you asked. 

Ben started to pace in irritation. You knew he was upset, and itching for revenge on anyone that would dare confine him again. You could guess what being in a cell was already doing to his mental state. 

Which was why you were here, desperately trying to help him.

“Really, would you rather be hunted all your life, or would you rather just play ball here?” you tried to reason. “Become a real ally with the S.A. Show Mallory that you can operate within the law.”

Ben looked up from his pacing just to glare at you.

“Who the fuck do you think you’re talking to with all these demands, huh?” 

“You, Ben. I’m talking to you!” 

He ignored you, resuming his pacing. “I’m a solo act for a damn reason.”

Oh really? you wanted to say. That’s why he needed your help to try and get to Stan.

“That got you here, now didn’t it?” you asked. 

He didn’t answer. It made you think you weren’t going to get anywhere with him today. Maybe he needed some time to cool off.

You sighed and turned to leave, but his voice stopped you.

“You’re just going to leave me in here?” he asked in disbelief. And you thought you could read a throughline of hurt behind his eyes. “I saved you…shit, I’ve lost count how many times now. And still, you fucking betrayed me.”

“Don’t you do that,” you warned. Though you felt a prickle of guilt run down your spine. “You know very well what got you here. I tried to stop it. And I’m the only one who’s on your side right now.”

“Doesn’t fucking look like it from where I’m standing.”  

You sighed in frustration. “I’ll tell you the truth, I don’t want to leave you in here. But if I can’t trust you, they never will.” 

“I don’t know what delusions you have about me,” he said, coming closer. 

“But when I get out of here, I’m slaughtering anyone who gets in my way!” he shouted savagely. 

He banged his fists into the glass so hard that it trembled, making you flinch with a gasp. A more concentrated fog smoked up the cell. Ben coughed and cursed as he stumbled back, and eventually, he fell unconscious right there on the floor. 

You watched in dismay. Despite his rage, it still hurt you to see him like this. Like a caged animal. 

Tears welled up in your eyes, but you forced yourself to leave the cell before the cameras caught them. You knew Grace would be monitoring this exchange later. 

She would probably feel vindicated at what she saw. 

The thought disgusted you as the outer walls parted, allowing you to leave. M.M. was waiting for you at the exit. He’d seen the entire thing through a monitor at the control desk, where two guards sat eating their lunch. 

“You want to protect that piece of shit?” M.M. said, jerking a thumb towards the cell. “That’s what he really is. And he clearly don’t give a fuck about you.” 

Your jaw tightened. 

“I’m not going to justify my actions to you, M.M. I know what he’s done, especially to you," you said. "But he didn’t just let me live. He protected me, saved me, more than once. From his own men even. And…he was kind to me, in his own way. I have to think that counts for something.” 

M.M. shook his head at you in disbelief.

“Maybe he went soft for a pretty girl, but that doesn’t mean he ain’t a monster,” he said. 

“That’s not all there is to him,” you said. “You didn’t see it, M.M.”

The other man watched you for a moment, before he let out a deep sigh. 

“You actually think he can be saved,” he said. 

“Maybe,” you said. “We’ll see.” 

He crossed his arms. You understood how he felt, but you couldn’t deny what your instincts told you about Ben…and your heart as well. 

“He’s right about one thing,” M.M. said. “You are delusional.”

A few days went by as the team went back to work at the S.A. as usual. But your days during your first week home became marked by your strenuous visits to Ben.

Once again, he’d rather pace than look at you. You had a feeling it helped him stay awake.

“I fought for my country,” he groused. “I don’t fucking deserve this.”

“Oh, would you stop lying?” you said in annoyance. “You’ve only ever fought for yourself. You didn’t even fight in World War II! You’ve never been a soldier. And unless you get a fucking clue, you’re going to continue being the massive man-child your father saw in you.”

Maybe it wasn’t kind, but you were fed up with his stubbornness. You turned to leave. 

“Don’t you fucking walk away from me!” Ben shouted. 

You raised a brow, and you turned on your heel. The man was livid, standing in the center of his cell.

“Or what?” you challenged. 

But you soon relented at the way he withdrew–into himself. 

You had checked the monitors before you came in; he was trying not to sleep, wasn’t letting his body rest. This place was like an open wound: complete wall-to-wall glass, no privacy, nowhere to go, and nothing to do. He couldn’t distract himself with drugs, or TV, or good food, or even good sex and conversation. 

This was terrible for him, and you knew it. 

“Ben, I want to help you,” you said, letting out a shaky breath. You laid a hand on the glass. “Let me help you.”

His gaze was angry and unyielding. 

“There’s only one way you can help me,” he said. “But you won’t fucking do it.”

The team was giving you a wide berth. Even Annie greeted you in the office with more politeness than warmth. 

Above all else, you remained professional, but it was a simple fact that your team was no longer your team. They didn’t trust you, or your judgment. And you refused to show how deeply that hurt you. 

However, until you all got a breakthrough on taking down Vought and Noir, there was still work to be done. So you fell into step back in with the Surveillance team.

That meant taking your place as second-in-command to your manager, as well as returning to your cubicle next to your coworker Jess. She hugged you when she saw you, even shed tears. 

You’d hugged her a bit awkwardly, but you were touched. You hadn’t thought she cared about you that much. 

She told you that the entire Surveillance department had been worried about you. That they’d missed you, especially your calm, supportive leadership. (Apparently your manager had been stressed handling the entire department without you.)

That at least buoyed you throughout the rest of the week. 

When you returned home on Thursday, however, you received an unexpected call. But when you saw the caller ID, you inwardly kicked yourself before you answered. 

“Louisa?”

“What the hell is wrong with you!” came your sister’s sharp voice. 

So many things, you thought with a weary sigh. You held your phone to your ear while you tried to find something to cook for dinner in your pantry. All you found was a box of spaghetti…which dragged up bittersweet memories you’d rather not think about. 

“I meant to call you as soon as I got back,” you tried to explain. “But I’ve been in full debrief mode. It’s been a circus since I got back, Lou.”

You slammed the pantry shut and went for the frozen dinner in the freezer.

“I don’t care. I didn’t hear from you for almost two straight months…” 

You knew the S.A. hadn’t told her anything about your kidnapping, but you knew she had to have been worrying when you didn’t check in at all after that first time in Medellin. The sound of her emotion-choked voice made your own eyes sting. 

“I’m sorry, Lou. I’ll come visit you this weekend, okay? I’m still taking care of some things at work.” Namely a grumpy supe on lockdown. “How’s school?”

“School is fine!” she snapped. You heard her take a breath, presumably to calm herself. She had a bit of a temper, just like you, but your sister managed herself much better than you. You supposed being more well-adjusted had its perks.

“Mom was worried too, but I kept her calm. Focused on work,” she said. 

“I appreciate that. Thanks,” you replied. You knew you had to call your mom soon as well. Maybe you’d stop in on her after your sister. 

“I better see you this weekend,” she grumbled. You smiled. 

“Love you too,” you said.

“Love you…okay, I’ll let you go for now. But don’t forget!”

Once you said goodbye and hung up, you held the phone to your chest and heaved another sigh. You were exhausted, really. Sleep hadn’t been coming easy to you ever since you got back. But you knew it was nothing compared to what Ben was going through.

Which was why you visited him every day.

The next morning, you made your pitstop to the “cellar,” as you’d been calling it in your mind.

You’d brought whatever Grace allowed you to give him, like books and magazines, and an old iPod to listen to music on, but he mostly ignored you.

This time, however, he seemed in a different mood as you sat in a plastic fold out chair and ate your breakfast with him, on your side of the cell of course. You took another bite of your blueberry muffin while he pushed aside his bland-looking eggs. 

“So, how much did you get paid?” he asked. His tone was nonchalant, but his gaze was accusing. You let out a breath and looked up at him. 

“Enough to put my sister through college and pay off my mom’s debts,” you told him. “I took this job for my family, Ben.”

His finger tapped on his arm, but he didn’t relent. “Selling out is selling out.”

Wow. He really had the nerve to compare you to the way his team sold him out.

You’d tried to be nice. You really did. But he could be such a massive pain in the ass.

“You don’t seem to understand just how much shit I’m in for trying to help you right now,” you said. 

Ben mustered up some strength and got up from his cot. He drew near to you, crossing his arms.

“If this is your idea of doing me a fucking favor, then I don’t need it,” he said angrily. “I don’t need a naive little girl like you to help me do jack shit.”

You set down your muffin and stood to your feet, matching his glare. 

“Like you didn’t need my help to get into Vought Tower?” you pointed out, satisfied by the way he piped down. Silently simmering. 

“If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t even be awake right now,” you added. “You’d be back in an ice coffin.”

And that could still happen if you couldn’t convince him to cooperate with Supe Affairs.

“Fuck off,” he snapped. “And fuck you.”

Oh really? You frowned. At this point, you wanted to slap him. It seemed to be his sheer stubbornness and ego that was keeping him from his own freedom, and that, you just couldn't tolerate.

“You know what?” you said, grabbing your muffin and your fold-up chair. “Suck my dick, Ben. When you’re ready to talk to me like a human being, tap on the glass.”

You left him behind to do your real job, and this time, you didn’t let him halt your steps.

You’d scarcely entered your apartment that evening, when a shadow on the living room sofa gave you a small heart attack. 

You flipped on the lights and found your younger sister, arms crossed with a raised brow. On the coffee table in front of her was a glass of soda. It looked like she’d made herself comfortable while waiting for you.  

“Louisa! What are you doing here?” you exclaimed, with a hand on your chest. “Why the hell are you sitting in the dark?”

“I heard you coming up those rickety stairs and thought I’d pay you back for disappearing in South America,” she said. 

But soon enough, wide grins took over both of your faces. 

You pulled her into a big, warm hug. Tears burned in your eyes, and one or two slid down your cheeks as you tried to get ahold of yourself. 

“I missed you so much,” you confessed. You were just slightly taller than her, able to comfortably pet her hair and press a kiss to her cheek. Louisa was just as emotional, her pretty eyes filled with happy tears. 

She was about to speak when the glass on the coffee table suddenly shattered. 

You both flinched, and your sister gasped. You held onto her shoulders tighter, more protective as you assessed the room. You listened closely. 

A shot rang out, but it hit the wall beside your head. You moved at the last moment and narrowly avoided the third shot that would’ve struck you between the eyes. 

“Get down!” you yelled, forcing your sister to crouch along with you and move across the living room. 

Bullets tore with a vengeance through the windows, crashing into vases, picture frames, shattering the surface glass of the wooden coffee table, and ripping into the sofa until its internal fluff rose into the air like cotton confetti.

You protected Louisa’s head as you both took shelter behind the sofa. 

“What’s happening?” she shouted over the cacophony, but you didn’t have an answer for her yet. 

Your front door burst open and shattered the lock. You tensed, looking for where you stashed the spare gun you kept at home. The S.A. hadn’t gotten around to issuing you a new glock yet.

Heavy boots came through your apartment. You grabbed a piece of broken glass and told Louisa to stay down.

But when you stood and met your attacker, he was nearly three times your size. He grabbed your wrist in a firm, but not painful hold. He pulled his black ski mask down with a hand and revealed a familiar face. 

Your eyes widened, your mouth gaping in shock. 

“Frank?”

AN: 😏 Did I get'cha? Did I? Let me know in the comments. 😂

Next Time:

“Wait, wait. You’re not getting out of this.” Louisa leaned over and grabbed your hand. “What’s the deal with you and Soldier Boy? I thought the whole point of your mission was to capture him.”

You let out an exasperated sigh. 

“I was on the job, things went sideways, I got captured, and things got…complicated.” 

Frank huffed. “I think the kids are calling it Frenemies with Benefits.” 

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[lolawassad]

Flora

Ben hargreeves x female!reader

this is kinda bad sorryyy kinda went off request sorry :((

Based in season 3 so spoilers! same tw as TUA reader cries

Hi 🥹 Could I request Ben Hargreeves x Reader where reader used to be in a relationship with the old Ben before he moved on into the afterlife and sparrow Ben catches on to their trauma and falls for reader and does everything he can to be good for them, I know it’s weirdly specific but I just thought it’d be cute 🥺

Luther has you thrown over his shoulder while Diego Lila and Five follow behind "Lila dont let him do this to me! i thought we where in love" you yell out making Lila "oh baby we are in love thats why im letting him do this"

Diego scoffs "why are you so nice to my little sister and not to me what is this?" he asks making Lila scoff back "look at her" she says poiting at your pouty face "I DONT WANNA SEE BEN" you yell out making Sloane look at you

"Y/n i dont know why you dont like Ben but you need to get over it-" she goes to say but is cut off by the door opening to the house "finally you oafs are here" Ben says

"Put y/n down" Allison scolds making Luther glare at her before putting you down, you quickly walk over to Allison ignoring Ben and let her lead you to the living room

When everyone is in the living room you walk over to Five before sitting down on the floor in front of him and putting your head on his thigh "i dont wanna be here" you whisper softly

Ben is talking to Fei and every once in a while his eyes shoot towards you, before he sends a glare to Five who is now playing with your hair "lover boy keeps glaring at me" Five tells you with a chuckle

You open your mouth to reply but are interupted by a "where is he?" "Viktor" someone says

An argument breaks out and Ben plops down on the couch next to Five "20 on the little one" Ben says "Ill take that action" Five replies before leaning down and placing a kiss to the top of your head and sending a smirk to Ben

The latter scoffs making your head turn to him before it quickly turns back around, hand squeezing your dress tightly "i know Harlan killed all our mothers"

You let out a gasp, free hand reaching for the first thing it can hold, which happens to be Ben's knee, his eyes shoot to your hand in shock before he reaches and holds onto your hand, squeezing softly with a soft look on his face "Viktor you didnt tell us, hes the reason we are in this and you lied to us.. to me about it" you ask, face filled with hurt

"y/n look thi-" Viktor starts but is cut off but you raising your hand that was squeezing your dress "just please dont Viktor"

Five looks from Viktor to you before seeing Ben holding your hand, Five sends a glare to Ben before he peels your hand out of Ben's and holds it in his own, he leans over to Ben and starts whispering "dont touch my sister, a version of you hurt her before im not gonna let you hurt her aswell" Five sneers before pulling you onto his lap, arms wrapping around you protectivly

You squeeze his hand softly and let him hold you "SHUT YOUR MOUTH" you hear Allison yell making you flinch in Fives arms "how are you doing this without saying i heard a rumor?" Five asks shocked

"just a little residual gift from Harlan" Allison replies

"Allison you need to stop" you gasp out looking at your sister choking your brother "ALLISON" you yell out when she doesnt stop, you jump up and throw your arm in the air, a vine shoots out and softly hits Allison making her lose focus and release Viktor

Five grabs onto your waist and pulls you inbetween him and Ben and when they notices Allison glaring at you they glare right back

Small time skip

You look at the kugelblitz "i could just make a box, no need to endanger Christopher i mean what if it goes wrong" you ramble "its like if it explodes the vines ill only feel a small burning in my veins, if its inside big C HE WILL DIE" you yell the last part, you start pacing "i mean we already lost so many people to this fuck fuck, we dont need to lose more"

Ben grabs your arm and his other hand grabs your face softly "Hey dollface calm the fuck down, everything is gonna work out just fine" he whispers and you melt into his touch, his face turns into shock, ever since you have gotten here you have barely even looked at him and now your melting in his touch

"Have you ever moves a nest of bees?" Sloane asks Lila scoffs "No because thats weird"

You step away from Ben "Lila you have remember when i summoned all those flowers and bee nests n you just threw one at me its probably like that" "its not like that at all dont give her ideas please" Sloane is quick to shut your idea down "kinda rude" you mutter before walking over to Diego, you manhandle his arms so he is holding you against his chest

"you couldve just asked me to move my arms you know that right? why are you and Lila like this?" Diego asks making you snort "its because Lila and i are soulmates, when this is over she and i shall marry"

"Thats true!" Lila says "Okay lets do this thing, i got a girl to wife up"

Diego lets go of you, he presses a quick kiss to your forehead and pushes you into Ben "she gets hurt im fucking killing you" Diego spits to Ben before he walks up to Grace who has just appeared

You burry your head into Ben's chest who holds onto you tightly "Look" he says while walking backwards until he hits the wall and is out of Grace's sight "I dont know what that other Ben did to you, but im not like him okay? Please give me a chance, i mean its the end of the fucking world, please give me chance" he begs softly "i can see that he hurt you but i would never hurt you" he confesses

Grace shoots fire in your direction and Ben goes to spin you around so his back is towards Grace but you break out of his grip, you put your arms to your side before pulling roots from the ground and wrapping her up fully in the roots, you throw her to Five who blinks them away

Ben grabs onto your wrist and spins you around "she couldve fucking hurt you" he scolds "but she didnt, see i can do things, im useful!" you beam making Lila yell "HELL YEAH YOU ARE" making Sloane scold her "focus!"

Christopher closes the Kugelblitz inside of him and Lila falls to the ground, you rush out of Ben's grip and run to Lila putting her head on your chest "fuck yeah love boobs in my face" Lila says with a smirk making you snort "OKAY YEAH ENOUGH THATS MY SISTER LILA" Diego yells "stop hitting on my sister why are you like this?" he asks her

Another small time skip

Everyone is now in the living room, people are dancing, Viktor is on the couch, Allison in the doorway, and y/n is laying on the floor surrounded by flowers and holding a bottle of soda, bees and butterflies flying around her

Footsteps approach her before someone lays down next to her "you not drinking?" Five asks her "no one of us idiots should stay sober" you tell him making him hum in agreement, he puts his arm around your shoulder "i love you, thank you for being here for me" Five says his words slurring a little

"i love you too little man" "I AM NOT LITTLE" Five yells out making you laugh "sure Five sure" you say before getting up, placing a kiss on his forehead

You walk outside the living room into a hallway and outside the door, you lay down in an empty field, the field fills with colorful flowers immediately

Its then a shockwave hits "I FUCKING TOLD THEM" you yell before running back towards the building, you run into Diego and Lila "Hotel hotel hotel" they yell out while pointing towards it the three of you run towards the hotel

"im done" you yell out when you enter the hotel, you throw yourself on the hard floor "leave me here to die!" you dramatically exlaim Ben walks up to you and sits down pulling your head onto his lap "so what now genius" he sarcastically asks Five "Paws off my sister, knock off, also that was your plan so its your fault" he fights

"NO FIGHTING" you yell "you guys shouldve just let me used my vines but nooo nobody ever listens to y/n because people cant be pretty and smart acording to you, you guys are all just.. just y/nphobic?" you ask "yeah y/nphobic" you say before getting up and sitting at the bar

You listen to everyone and when Ben and Diego start fighting in another language you turn around "thats kinda hot" you loudly say making Lila agree

Ben turns to look at you with a smirk and he walks up to you "yeah no" he is quickly stopped by Luther "not my sister" he says "SAYS THE GUY WHO IS DATING MY SISTER" Ben yells out

"can you guys stop" you say before walking over to Ben and put your head on his chest, he softly holds onto you and places a kiss on the top of your head

"can we all just be nice to eachother? we are all gonna die" you ask them "please" you beg softly, voice cracking tears filling your eyes, Ben softly rocks you "dont cry flora" he whispers

Ben walks backwards and sits down on a chair pulling you to straddle his lap, you put your head in the crook of his neck

Luther clears his throat "we've uh got a little announcement to make" "we are engaged!" they finish together, you giggle against Ben's neck "the world is ending lets get married!" you mock softly making Ben smirk

Its then Klaus walks up "KLAUS!" you yell getting up from Ben's lap and jumping onto your brother "I thought you died!" you say making klaus laugh "IM IMMORTAL" he yells spinning you around "Okay nathan young" you say making Klaus laugh

"yeah not to interupt the reunion but can i have my girl back?" Ben asks looking at you and Klaus "yeah ofcourse benerino!" Klaus says carrying you over to Ben "WAIT YOUR GIRL?" Klaus asks dropping you "OUCHIE" you yell out with a pout "Klausie why do you hate me?" you ask

Ben walks up to you and holds his hand out for you before pulling you up and dragging you back to the chair and onto his lap again "touch her again and ill kill you okay?" Ben says to Klaus making you slap his shoulder "be nice thats my favorite kinda gay sibling" you tell Ben making him lift his hands in the air "sorry doll"

"you gotta be nice to my family" you say before letting yourself fall from Ben's lap "wait why did you bring dad?" you ask klaus with a pout "We dont like that guy"

Ben goes to reach out for you but Five sends him a glare and blinks to you before blinking you both to a chair

Time skip to the buffalo room on the other side

When you get separated from Diego and Lila you go to find them, you end up in the lobby where you fall to your knees and you start crying, you hear loud footsteps run into your direction before you are pulled into someones arms "I got you doll, let it all out" Ben whispers

"Its too much Ben its too much" you sob out holding onto him "i know angel i know" he says holding onto you tighter "its almost over, i promise you, my love, and when this is over i hope you will let me show you how good we would be together"

Diego walks up behind Ben "y/n whats wrong?" he asks, you go to reply but only sobs come out "shes overwhelmed" Ben tells him "Its fine i got her" he continues making Diego nod at him before he walks back to Lila

Its then the ceiling smashes, Ben pushes you so you slide and land next to Allison, Five starts yelling about stars and they all get on one, when the life starts draining from everyone you get up, tears still rolling down your cheeks "im not losing him again" you whisper before using your powers to find a apple seed inside reginalds stomach, you focus on it growing

Reginald falls to the ground with a tree growing from his mouth, you rush over to Ben and pull his head to your chest "are you okay?" you ask him, Ben just smiles before he pushes his head up and just as his lips are about to hit yours you are all teleported

You frown and walk out of the elevator only to be pulled in someones arms "IM ALIVE!" Luther yells while squeezing you, you sniffle tears dried to your cheek, you slap Luther "how dare YOU DIE ON ME" you ask before bursting into tears again "i thought i lost you you dumb oaf"

Luther looks around shocked, Ben walks up and gets me out of Luther's arms "Hey flora its okay" Ben says while stroking your hair, Diego and Lila walk up to you "we are leaving, you wanna come with us?" Lila asks "we can finally get married!" she beams making you giggle "no you guys go ahead" you say

Diego frowns "you gonna go with Viktor or Five?" he asks making you shake your head "i would like to go with Ben if he is okay with that?" you ask looking up at Ben whose face breaks into a smile "really? course im fucking okay with that my little angel" he says before lowering his head and pressing his lips on yours

"NO THATS MY WIFE" Lila yells "y/n your cheating on me now?" you hear Lila's voice fade and Diego scoff

"stop sucking faces with my sister" Five says making you pull away from Ben "oops" you softly say making ben chuckle

"Listen Ben, you hurt my sister and i will personally be the cause of your death okay? and ill make it look like an accident" Viktor threatens making you shiver in Ben's hold "Im not gonna hurt her, she means the world to me" he says before he starts pulling you with him

"Lets get started on our new life Flora"

[mountttmase]

HI LOVE

CHAPTER 11 I'M READY TO HAPPY CRYYYY🥹🥹🥹🥹

You knew exactly what it was before you’d even got it out of the bag, the blue colour familiar to you instantly and you let out a small laugh as you held it up to reveal Masons name and number on the back of the Chelsea shirt he’d promised you. A small piece of paper was attached to the front by some tape and you carefully removed it before reading it. YOU'RE GOING TO WEAR THAT SOON ENOUGH LOVE🥹🤭

‘Stop crying’ you whispered to yourself with a laugh, placing the shirt down on your bed before hunting for the thing you went into your bag for in the first place. You knew you’d be late now but you rushed as quickly as you could to meet Sophia. You found her inside her favourite cafe with a small suitcase next to her and you quickly ordered before joining her. HAHAHAH, BABY SHE KNOWS THEY CAN FIND THEIR WAY BACK TO EACH OTHER

‘If you don’t know then it’s fine, but do you know how Mason is?’ You asked quietly and she gave you a small smile to let you know it was okay. ‘I’ve tried to not look into anything but I just wanted to check he’s doing alright’ OH MY BABY GIRLLL🥹🥹🥹SHE MISSES HIM

HI BENNN HI SAVIOR

THE FACT THAT SHE IMMEDIATELY DECIDED TO GO TO HER MAN😭😭😭

‘Shit shit shit’ you whispered and ten seconds after you heard someone running down the stairs. You didn’t have time to think about seeing Mason properly for the first time in a month before he was standing in his kitchen doorway, dressed only in his boxers as he tried to fathom what was going on in-front of him. OPSSSS, AND HE WAS IN BED THINKING ABOUT HER....🤭

‘My wrist is a bit’ you whispered as he placed your good arm around his shoulder and scooped you up before carrying you to his sofa. ‘I said my wrist, Mason. That doesn’t stop me from walking’ you squealed but he didn’t listen to you, just carefully placed you on the seat before running back off to the kitchen. HE IS SOOOO SCARED🥹

‘Are you sure nothing else hurts?’ He asked, securing the bandage at the end but you could only nod your head as you knew your voice would wobble. Once he was happy with his handy work he placed your hand back onto the cushion and looked up into your eyes. You knew they were glassy and he’d be able to read you straight away so you moved towards him and wrapped your arms around his shoulders, pulling him into a hug you knew the pair of you so desperately needed. THAT HUG, THE HUG, EVERYTHING 😭😭😭🫂🫂🫂

‘Will you lay down with me? My heads thumping’ He told you nervously and you gave him a small smile before nodding. The pair of you laid down with your heads on the cushion, your hands automatically resting on his chest and as much as he tried to hide a smile, you could tell he was happy that you’d initiated some physical contact and he tentatively placed his arm around you waist. Even though you had a sweatshirt on you could feel him lightly tracing shapes on your back which settled you instantly. You wanted to tell him you missed him but you were trying to hold it together so you could talk to him. THEY ARD LAYING DOWN...AN IMPORTANT CHAT IS COMING

‘It’s okay. Just take your time and if you don’t wanna tell me then you don’t have to’ he whispered and it took everything inside of you not to lean over and kiss him. BIG BOY

‘The day where you wore a red jumper and I accidentally insulted you?’ He joked and you let out a little laugh. YEP😂

ALL HER LIFE HISTORY AND HE REASSURING HER, WITH WORDS AND CUDDLES😭😭😭 AND WE KNOWING SHE IS RESOLVING THINGS WITH HIS DAD🥹

HIM BEING SOOO MAD WITH HIMSELF CAUSE HE SCREAMED AT HER THAT NIGHT

‘I didn’t mean any of it at all, I just thought we were finally there you know? That i’d worn you down’ he laughed. 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻

‘That we’d finally climbed the mountain?’ You whispered and he looked at you in confusion . ‘That day after Bens when we came back here and I napped on your sofa? I heard you on the phone saying you felt like you had a mountain to climb with me’ you told him with a smile and he laughed as he tried to hide his face. YAYYY MOUNTAINEERSSS

THAT KISS😭😭😭MY LOVES, MUM AND DAD

‘Can I just check? You did come here to tell me that you want this right? Cause if you’re about to end everything after you just kissed me like that then I will go absolutely crazy’ he told you and you burst out laughing at his serious face. AHHAHAHA POOR BOY

‘Well I’ll happily be yours’ he whispered and you felt your heart thud in your chest as he looked at you. ‘I want us to stick together and work through this, yeah? That doesn’t mean we have to put labels on anything just yet but I want you to know I’m here for you and when you’re ready to take the next step I’ll be ready too’ OH MY BIG BOYYY

‘Maybe I like a challenge’ he winked and you laughed whilst rolling your eyes. ‘I guess I thought we’d come so far from where we first started that I wasn’t willing to give up without a little bit of a fight and if that means giving you time then so be it. Yeah, I won’t lie it was a rocky start and I did wonder what’s the point sometimes but I’ve felt this pull to you from day one. Remember that first night we stayed at Bens? I couldn’t sleep for ages I just laid there and watched you and thought about how lucky I was that you’d come into my life. You’re smart, and cheeky and you’re kind when you want to be’ he winked and you rolled your eyes as he kissed your cheek ‘you’re also the prettiest thing I’ve ever seen’ I'M IN TEARS

‘If you’d let me, I’d like to be your happy ending’ he whispered almost shyly and you lent over to kiss his nose. HE IS HER HAPPY ENDING 🥹🥹🥹

‘Why don’t I make you something to eat? Then we can have a nap?’ you asked and he nodded up at you shyly. THE PERFECT DAY PLAN😭

GOD LOZ THESE TWOOO

I JUST LOVE THEM SOOOOO MUCH😭

I ALREADY MISS THEM AND IT'S BEEN JUST ONE DAY😭😂🩷🩷🩷🌺

I FORGOT TO ANSWER THIS

but I love how you notice whenever they have a big chat they always lie down for it 😂 babies like to be comfortable when they express their feelings

But I love them and how they were open and got through it 🥺