Book X Reader One-Shots

No Future (Benjamin Braddock One-Shot)

When you graduated it seemed as though life was whirring all around you but you were still stuck firmly in place. You were relieved to have a break, but the break seemed to drag on as you refused to think about your future. The problem was that everybody wanted to celebrate your achievements and tell you how proud they were, badgering you about what you were going to do next. Seriously! You felt as though you had only scraped by to survive the last few years and just wanted to be left alone in your crisis. You were still young, but everything felt so monumental at this turning point of your life.

As much as you hated the endless parties and gatherings, you were glad to attend one where the eyes weren't fixed on you. A family friend, Benjamin Braddock, had also recently graduated. You had drifted apart somewhat over the years. Your friendship had disintegrated as most relationships brought on by mutual parents often do. Still, things were polite between you, if more than a little awkward. You admired his expensive house as you scanned the crowd of people, not finding many of your own age. However, it wasn't as though you particularly got on well with your peers.

Benjamin was quite relieved to find you though, needing a break from his nosy relatives. "Hey, (Y/N)! Congratulations are in order." You rolled your eyes, not intending to be rude. "I guess. Same goes to you. Look, do you mind if we talk about something else?" Benjamin seemed startled for a moment. "Like what?" You threw your hands up. "Anything! I hardly know you. What makes you happy?" Ben appeared to think for a moment before giving a slight laugh. "Would you believe me if I said I didn't know?" You smiled at him.

"I completely understand that. We might be able to get along after all."

Your conversation continued in Benjamin's room, away from the noise and pressure. "You've got that fancy car now, I got a book for a graduation present. Where do you plan on driving to? For pleasure, I mean." You tried your best to stay away from all hard-hitting subjects. "You ask some really good questions, (Y/N). I wish I had some good answers for you."

The time flew as you spent the night with Benjamin. So much so that when your parents found you, you were startled. You said your goodbyes and promised to keep in touch with Ben, not knowing if either of you would really make the effort this time. However, you picked right up where you left off during Benjamin's 21st birthday party. After an embarrassing demonstration of the present from his parents, that is. You tried not to laugh at the man, feeling it offensive, but couldn't help to tease him. "You know what they say, Ben. You have a car and a wetsuit, the world's your oyster!" He shook his head at your words, but didn't take them seriously. "How would you like to go somewhere we won't get interrupted by relatives?" You nodded, agreeing with his suggestion. "Sure." He leaned in closer, lowering his voice so as not to be overheard. "Like, on a date." You smiled, leaning back in your chair again. "Even better!"

You two went on several dates, still never talking about school or the terrifyingly daunting future. It was nice to have someone who understood what you were going through and didn't feel the need to ask you about it. Things were carefree and fun with Benjamin. It was the best time that you had had in a while. One night, things got serious. You had exhausted all of the pointless subjects to talk about and Ben had been doing a lot of thinking. "I know we promised not to talk about the 'f' word..." at this, you stiffened up, releasing yourself from Ben's embrace to look at him fully. You wanted to stop him right there, but thought it would be rude if you didn't hear him out. "But, what do you think about getting married, (Y/N)?" You tried to answer carefully, still unsure of where the conversation was headed. "Well, I've always wanted to do it someday, Benjamin." He gave a shy smirk, looking down at his hands. "To me? Other people our age are getting engaged now." You could feel your heart heat quicken. You had tried not to think about these things, but you couldn't help caring deeply for this wonderful man. "Have you really thought about this, Ben? I love you, there I said it! But, are you sure you're not just bored? I mean, I don't even have a job." Benjamin took ahold of your hands to stop your nervous rambling. "I know what I'm doing, (Y/N), and I really want this. You're the first thing for so long that I've liked. The first person I could stand to be with. Whenever I try to plan out my life, you're the most important part in it." His words brought a smile to your face and you leaned in to kiss him. "Okay. I mean yes, Benjamin, I will marry you. The future isn't looking so bad after all."