Umbrella Academy Preferences

Love Like You: Ben Hargreeves x Reader~Angst

Quick author's note: this chapter is based off of the song Love Like You, which I brought up in the last part. I really recommend listening to it! Have a great day!

"I think I love you," the words were quiet as Ben whispered them, "I want to love you, but I don't think someone like me can love you,". He sighed softly, and turned away.
"Ben, what do you mean "someone like me"? Are you okay?" You asked him. You tried to get him to look at you, but his eyes stayed focused anywhere else.
"I mean a monster Y/N. A monster can't love anyone," he told you. You put your hand on his shoulder and said, "Ben, you're not a monster. You're a kind, sweet, smart person. You're my boyfriend, and I love you. You can't be a monster,". He shook his head.
"I still have nightmares, you know? I can feel the tentacles squirming under my shirt, and then ripping open my stomach. I can hear people screaming at me to stop. I can see that desperate look in someone's eye right before they die. Right before I kill them. So, how can I not be a monster?". You were speechless. Silently, you grabbed him and hugged him as tight as you could. You could feel the breath that he was holding leave his chest, and he snuggled into your embrace.
"I know that The Horror has done some bad things, but I know that it's not you. I know that you always make me get the spiders because you don't want to hurt anything. I know that if you think someone is hurting, you'll comfort them until they're better. I know that you can love! The Horror and its actions don't define you,".
"Thanks," he said, breaking the silent moment after your speech. He continued,
"Did you mean it when you said you loved me?".
"Yes," you said.
"Then I know I love you,".