Siren (Umbrella Academy 7.5)

Ben and Madelina

Ben snuck up behind an unsuspecting Madelina and yelled, causing her to scream and jump into the air.

He laughed and said, "I got you good!"

Madelina glared at him. "I thought you were Klaus or Diego! I was about to deck you!"

"Nope, just me. Just Ben." He sat next to her. "How are you?"

"I'm all right. You?"

Ben shrugged. "I'm okay. What's it like being ordinary?"

"That's a random question."

"I just wonder what it'd be like without my powers. I mean, the others have such cool ones. I turn into a literal monster. Tentacles spring from my stomach. And it hurts. Sometimes, I like to imagine myself like you and Vanya. Just an ordinary person."

Madelina took a moment to think. "Well, it can get lonely sometimes, but at least I've got Vanya. I know we both don't feel special, like we're unwelcome here."

"You're always welcome, Madi. This is your home."

"Doesn't feel like it."

"Maybe not, but a home doesn't always have to be a roof and four walls. Sometimes it's a person, or even people."

Madelina smiled. "When did you suddenly get so wise?"

Ben chuckled. "Sometime after I reached my teenage years."

"Old man," Madelina teased.

"Oh yeah? If I'm an old man, then you're an old woman, 'cause we're the same age. No, but seriously. Besides the loneliness, is it better to be ordinary?"

"I honestly couldn't tell you. Some days, I'm jealous of you guys because of your powers. Other days, I see what the toll of the expectations Dad has and the missions you guys go on does to you and I'm grateful I don't have any powers. It really just depends on the day."

Ben nodded and after a moment said, "I think there's some ice cream in the freezer. You want some?"

Madelina nodded. "Oh, God, yes."

They went inside and each had a bowl of ice cream, enjoying the quiet company they were sharing.