80s imagines and oneshots 💓💓

Benjamin Orr #1

I remember the first day I met him. It was cold, and probably some time in the middle of November. It was a Saturday, at about half past one in the afternoon, and I had a teetering stack of books balanced in my arm.

It was silent in the library; much quieter than usual. I had made it a mission of mine to visit every Saturday, at one o-clock sharp. And I'd spend however long I wanted there, just existing among the shelves and shelves of books. There was usually a small hum; whether it be the bustle of footsteps or the quiet hums of "have you read this?" or "is this one good?"

But not today.

Today was different.

I balanced a final book on the stack, holding it still with my chin. I pivoted on my heel and stepped tentatively toward the counter. Nobody was there at first, so I leaned mindlessly against the wall, having placed the sizeable stack on the desk. I took a moment to really survey the inside of the library- each mural, each carving in the ceiling panels. Everything was so exquisite to me, and I couldn't help but stare.

"Hey, 'scuse me, anything I can help you with?"

A husky American voice shook me from my concentration, and I locked eyes with a blonde man behind the counter. His icy blue eyes met mine, as I tried to find the words to overshadow my stupidity.

"Yeah, uh, just those if that's okay."
"What do you mean "just" those? There's, like, 20 there!" He scoffed, as he began scanning the book codes and placing them at the other end of the counter.

"13, actually." I mused, as I began packing the books into two separate bags. He stayed silent, and continued to scan them. I placed my library card on the desk, and briefly locked eyes with him for a second time.

"He's like a character I'd write about in a book with those eyes." I thought to myself.

"Besides, I've never seen you in here before." I said, an unwanted shred of hostility in my voice.

"That's because today's my first day." He retorted. I nodded indifferently as he pushed the last few books in my direction.

"Benjamin, by the way. Ben, I prefer."
"Nice to meet you, Ben."
"And you are?"
I glanced at him, smiling, and gestured to my name on the library card.
"It's right there, Ben."
"Right." He chuckled sheepishly, examining the library card briefly before pushing it into the machine. The two of us stood silently as we waited for the confirmation 'beep' and he handed my card back.

"Well, I'll see you another time." I offered, picking up both of the bags and heaving them over my shoulders.

"Hope so." He nodded, blonde locks bouncing as he did so. "See you later, Miss Y/N."

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Nothing much came of our friendship outside the library, however it became not just a mission, but a priority to make it there every Saturday, just to see him. Weeks passed and we got closer and closer, speaking about everything under the sun. Often, we'd sit together in the far corners of the library, exchanging books and conversation, and laughing about anything there was to laugh about.

Sometimes, Ben would even accompany me to the bus, before retreating back to the library as I got on. I longed to ask him "why don't you come back to my house?" but that was far from realistic. There was no possible way I could ask him such a thing.

Today marked exactly 9 months since the first time I'd met him, and it was my library time.

As I walked through the doors, I smiled at the small decoration. Balloons were stuck to shelves, and though they were few and far between, they brightened up the place tremendously. Several ribbons of many different colours hung down from the doorframe, and the entire room was empty, save for a hunched over figure in a beanbag, sitting across the other side of the library. His head turned and a grin appeared on his lips.

"Afternoon, Miss Y/N!" He cried excitedly, gallivanting over to me like some sort of drunkard. "I've missed you!"

I laughed to myself, shooting a smile his way.
"Benny, it's been a week."
"Yes, I know, but still!" He shrugged, rocking on his heel.
"You like it?" He asked, pointing with his thumb to the balloons behind him.
"They look great, Benny. What's the occasion?"

He paused, and a crimson flush engulfed his cheeks.
"They're for you, actually." He eluded, staring down at his feet. "For your birthday."

"How did you know?" I began, not even remotely aware of how I could thank him.

He withdrew a small box from his pocket and shrugged, placing it in my shaking hands.

"Scanning the same library card over and over again has its benefits, I guess."

I removed the lid of the box, and felt my heart warm as I took in the sight before me. A heart-shaped silver pendant lay untouched on a cushion of black velvet, and I stared in disbelief at Ben.

"How did you do this?" I faltered as a small tear pricked at my eye.

It was dumb of me to cry but I didn't expect such a perfect gesture from him.

"I saved my money." He commented, meeting my gaze. "Do you like it?"

I nodded eagerly, clasping the pendant around my neck. My arms wrapped around his neck and I rested my head tentatively on his shoulder.

"Hey." I whispered, relishing his touch as he placed his arms around my waist.

"Hm?"
"I like it almost as much as I like you."
"Oh yeah?"
"Mhmm."

There was a short pause, before he replied with: "I like you too."

I really wanted to write one about Ben and I can't decide if I love or hate this ✌️😗✌️

Let me know what you think!

Love and hugs Xx