Lost In You
Ben Hargreeves x reader
Sometimes, on the very rare occasions when Reginald had to leave the house for business, Ben would sneak out of the house and go to the nearby bookstore with Klaus in tow who of course would run off and disappear once they reached it.
This didn’t bother Ben though, He loved visiting that shop, even if he wasn’t buying anything. It was small but cozy and the owners were always friendly. With hanging plants decorating the glass stained windows and the faint smell of coffee and honey, it was one of the few places where he felt truly at ease. Normally he would’ve leisurely strolled through the aisles but he was in a rush today.
There was one book series in particular that he enjoyed reading. It was the reason he would save up his allowance in anxious anticipation of the next release. The series? Harry Potter by JK Rowling. He could go on for hours describing what he loved about it but put simply, he felt a connection to Harry. He liked the fact that despite lacking a loving biological family, Harry was able to find a place where he felt he belonged. He also related and found comfort in Harry’s struggle of understanding the dark force lurking within him but still being good despite it.
This was what was on his mind as the familiar ring of the shop door greeted him and he headed directly to the aisle where he knew the new book would be. He saw the cover from a distance and smiled, relieved that there was still one copy left. He hastened towards it but before he could pick it up another hand reached for it. A girl, around his age with soft inquisitive eyes. She seemed just as surprised as he was and they stood there a moment, staring at each other and holding hands.
The girl smiled and tilting her head to the side asking, “Can I help you?”Ben quickly drew his hand away, blushing.
“SorryIhadntnoticed” he suddenly felt out of breath and afraid that the girl would be upset but instead he laughed.
“It’s fine. Hey, do I know you from somewhere? You don’t go to my school right?”
“No,” he responded, “I’m kinda homeschooled.”
“Kinda?” she quirked an eyebrow
“Yeah… ”She grinned despite her visible confusion.
“Well, that’s a bummer. I’m new in town so I don’t really know many kids in my class yet. Guess I won’t be seeing you there then” Her shoulder dropped slightly and she sounded disappointed. Ben thought about patting her head but decided against it. He felt his eyebrows furrow in pity. But wait why did he care?
“But anyway. I don’t want to be rude but do you mind if I buy this one?” she motioned towards the book, “It’s my favorite series.”
“Yeah, it’s my favorite too” he responded without thinking, “No. I mean. No, I don’t mind if you buy it. I just meant I really like it too. Sorry.”
“Really?” the girl beamed at him, completely unfazed by his awkwardness, “Who’s your favorite character?”
They spent the next ten minutes talking about their favorite moments in the books, joking, and sharing predictions and theories. Eventually, they decided it would only be fair to play rock-paper-scissors for it. She completely destroyed him so she won the last copy but somehow, Ben didn’t mind. They were discussing which house they belonged in when Klaus yanked open the door and rushed in like a bat out of hell.
“It’s go time, kiddo! Dad’s car just drove by!”Ben’s eyes shot wide open and he turned to the girl.
“Um, I gotta go.” He muttered but he didn’t want to seem rude and leave the conversation unfinished.
“Tell you what. I’ll let you borrow my copy if you promise to leave comments and stuff in the margins.”
“You mean on the pages?” he sounded horrified.
“Yeah, I don’t mind.”
“Ben, let’s gooo!” Klaus hooked his finger on Ben’t hood and tugged.
“Ok, deal.” He responded breathlessly as she pushed the book into his hands. Klaus dragged him out of the store the two of them running desperately down the street. It wasn’t until he was safe upstairs and had shut his bedroom door that he finally stopped to admire the book in his hands. He smiled softly as he flipped through its pages. They had been nice enough to lend him, a complete stranger, her book and all he could do was tell her dumb nerdy jokes. I should give her something the next time I see her. It only seemed fair. Except there was one problem. When would he see her again? How could he give her back her book if he didn’t know where she lived? He was so focused on his conundrum that he completely failed to notice Klaus approaching the door behind him. He lept up and kicked the bedroom door wide open, sending Ben tumbling to the floor.
“What the hell Klaus!” he hollered like a teen girl who had been walked in on while changing. Klaus didn’t react though. He simply sauntered into the room triumphantly.
“So,” Klaus teased wiggling his eyebrows as he leaned in closer, “does Benny boy have a crush?”
