Imagine Book 2

Unbreakable Heart- Ben Grimm (Fantastic Four 2005)

Fem Y/N

The Baxter Building was silent, its usual buzz of activity replaced by the soft hum of the city outside. Moonlight spilt through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the common area, casting silvery light across the room. Ben Grimm sat slumped on the couch, his massive hands clasped together and resting on his knees. The TV was off, but its dark screen reflected his broad, rocky frame, a distorted reminder of the transformation he could never escape.

He stared at his reflection, the flickering lights of New York occasionally glinting off the uneven texture of his orange skin. A deep sigh rumbled from his chest as his thoughts swirled. This wasn't the first time he found himself like this—alone, wrestling with the storm inside.

How could they stand to look at him? How could she stand to love him?

His mind drifted to Y/N, her laugh, her touch, the way her eyes softened when she looked at him. The memory brought a brief warmth to his heart, but it was quickly replaced by doubt. He couldn't fathom why someone as beautiful, as kind, as perfect as she would choose to be with someone like him. He was a monster, an experiment gone wrong. Not a man.

He pressed his palms to his face, the rough surface scratching against his hardened skin, but the pressure did nothing to stifle the ache in his chest. The doubts grew louder, and before he could stop himself, hot tears began to spill from his eyes, carving invisible trails down his rocky cheeks.

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Y/N stirred in their bed, reaching out instinctively for Ben's warmth. Her hand landed on cool sheets, and her eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the dim light. She glanced at the clock: it was well past midnight. A small frown tugged at her lips as she sat up. Ben wasn't one to wander at this hour unless something was weighing on him.

"Ben?" she called softly, though she knew he wouldn't be within earshot. The room was too quiet.

Sliding out of bed, she slipped on her robe and padded barefoot into the hall, her steps light against the polished floors. The soft glow of the city led her to the common area, where she spotted him immediately. He sat hunched forward, his large shoulders trembling slightly. Y/N's breath caught in her throat.

He was crying.

Ben didn't hear her approach. He was too lost in his thoughts, the quiet sobs wracking his body like an earthquake. His hands gripped his knees, knuckles pressing hard enough to chip the fabric of his jeans.

"Ben," Y/N said gently, her voice carrying a mix of concern and love.

He flinched and quickly wiped at his face, as if the act could erase what she'd already seen. "Go back to bed, sweetheart," he rumbled, his voice thick with emotion. He avoided looking at her, focusing instead on the floor.

Y/N's heart broke at the sight of him. "I couldn't sleep," she said softly, crossing the room and kneeling in front of him. "Not without you."

Ben turned his head away, shielding his face from her. "Don't, Y/N. Just... just leave me be."

But Y/N wasn't going anywhere. She reached out, her hand resting on his, her touch tender and unwavering. "Ben, look at me."

He hesitated, but the quiet strength in her voice left no room for refusal. Slowly, he turned his gaze toward her, his blue eyes glistening with tears.

Y/N cupped his face with both hands, her thumbs gently brushing against the rough surface of his cheeks. She tilted his head down so that his eyes were level with hers. "What's wrong?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ben let out a shaky sigh, his eyes falling shut. "I just... I don't get it, Y/N. How can you even stand to be around me? How can you look at me and see anything other than this... this freak?" He gestured toward himself, his tone heavy with self-loathing.

Y/N's brows knit together, tears pricking at her own eyes. "Ben, stop," she said, her voice trembling. "Don't you dare talk about yourself like that."

"It's the truth," he said bitterly. "I see the way people look at me. Hell, I can't even look at myself without..." His voice cracked, and he shook his head. "I'll never be the man you deserve. You could have anyone, Y/N. Someone whole. Someone normal."

"Normal?" Y/N repeated, her hands still holding his face. "Ben, listen to me. I don't want normal. I want you."

Her words hung in the air, wrapping around him like a balm. He stared at her, his expression a mix of disbelief and vulnerability. "Why?" he whispered.

"Because you're the kindest, bravest, most loving man I've ever known," Y/N said, her voice steady despite the tears threatening to spill. "You make me laugh. You make me feel safe. You've got the biggest heart of anyone I've ever met, Ben Grimm. And I wouldn't trade a single part of you for anything."

Ben's lips quivered, and his tears started anew, but this time they were met with Y/N's touch. She leaned forward, pressing a kiss to his forehead, then his cheek, before capturing his lips in a slow, tender kiss. He froze at first, overwhelmed by her affection, but then he melted into her, his hands finding their way to her waist.

When they pulled apart, Y/N rested her forehead against his, her fingers threading gently through the ridges of his rocky scalp. "I love you, Ben," she said firmly, her voice leaving no room for doubt. "Every part of you. Forever."

He let out a soft laugh, a mix of disbelief and gratitude, and pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly against his chest. "I don't deserve you," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

"Yes, you do," Y/N said, wrapping her arms around his neck. "You deserve everything, Ben. And I'm not going anywhere. Ever."

After a few moments of holding each other in silence, Y/N pulled back slightly, brushing a hand over his damp cheek. "Come on," she said, her voice warm and inviting. "Let's go back to bed."

Ben hesitated. "I don't wanna keep you up, doll."

"You're not keeping me up," she said with a smile. "I'll sleep better with you next to me."

She took his hand, her much smaller fingers curling around his, and gently tugged him to his feet. He followed her, towering over her as they made their way back to their bedroom.

Once they were under the covers, Y/N nestled herself against his broad chest, her arm draping across his middle. His body was solid and warm, a fortress she knew would always protect her.

Ben wrapped an arm around her, pulling her closer. For the first time that night, the weight on his chest felt lighter. He pressed a kiss to the top of her head and let her steady breathing lull him into peace.

"I love you," he whispered, his voice soft and full of awe.

Y/N smiled against him, her hand resting over his heart. "I love you too, Ben. Always."

As the city hummed outside, the two of them drifted off, tangled in each other's warmth, their hearts beating as one.