Bennett x Reader - Until The World Stops Turning

The Conversation

Author's Note: T/W for self deprecation, crying, as well as other topics that could be potentially harmful to the reader. I wrote this very late at night, so I apologize for any errors. Reader is gender neutral. Very very slight spoilers for Bennett's hangout event.

"Bennett, please be honest with me. Are you really okay? You've been so out of it for weeks. I know I can't fix all of your problems, but I'm seriously worried and I want you to know that I'm here for you."

He stared at you with great sadness in his eyes. There was no more hiding, no matter how badly he wanted to keep you out of it.

"I'm so tired of being unlucky. I'm trying so hard to live normally, but I have no idea what normal even is. I know why the members of Benny's Adventure Team leave so soon. I've seen how hurt they've gotten because of me, and I'm so stupid to hope that at least one of them will stick around."

Already, there were tears in your eyes. You simply pulled him into a tight hug and rubbed his back. This gesture fueled him a bit more.

His voice shook when he spoke.

"I should be able to handle this by myself. I'm supposed to be capable. I've survived for this long. But why, Y/N.. Why does it still hurt me whenever someone cringes when they see me? Or when they go as far as yelling in my face how horrible I am?"

The shakiness in Bennett's voice turned to choking sobs.

"Why.... d-do... they a-all.. have to... *hic* h-hate me so m-much? H-ave.. I re-really done.. so muc-ch wrong?"

You sighed softly, masking the heartbreaking feeling of Bennett's despair.

"I'm so sorry that you've been treated like you're a curse. If it bothers you so much, you don't have to keep telling me about it. I know you're hurt, but right now you're safe here with me."

You paused to think while he sniffled loudly.

"Never feel like you need to deal with all of this alone. I see how much effort you put in all the time, and I'm so proud of you for telling me how you feel. It must have been hard. And, it's okay for you to not be happy and smiling all of the time. You're allowed to feel sad and be affected by other people."

Bennett sniffled more before whispering,

"Thanks for listening to me and trying to help."

You smiled a little and said nothing. You gently released him from your embrace before lying on your back and pulling him down to rest his head on your chest.

"Take it easy for a little while. We can talk more later so you have time to process."

He hummed in response and closed his eyes. You wiped the tears and snot from his face, careful not to disturb him too much. After wiping your hands on your clothing, you rested them over him and looked up at the sky. You hadn't noticed until now, but the sun had set. The sky was dotted with stars. A cool breeze blew through the air. You weren't worried about monsters, as you two were not very far from the city of Mondstadt.

This wasn't going to be easy. Bennett would need more than just the people he was close to. Perhaps a bit of help from a professional. Nevertheless, you were going to try your hardest to ease some of his pain.

You whispered, so quietly that it barely reached his ears:

"I love you, and I will until the world stops turning."