scarlet-spider-bf

[scarlet-spider-bf]

😢

[scarlet-spider-bf]

Kaine settling down for a new start in life and the first thing he does is getting tattooed is a mood. Especially since it's a fucking triskelion??? I'm sorry??? Writers unhinged with implications they could have chosen literally anything else but choose to get a fucking BDSM scene symbol under his skin I'm dying he's so hot

[scarlet-spider-bf]

This is a stating the obvious post but I haven't seen anyone explicitly point it out so why not?

Ben Reilly - a cloned man who was almost broken by the notion of him being less than human, defective, maybe soulless, a cheap copy of a better original - crooked. As Scaret Spider he's been on a journey to define himself and set himself apart from Peter Parker/Spider-Man. So it's only logical for him to have a costume that reflects this. And he wears the Spider, wears it different and proudly but crooked. Fate tried to bend his back and submit to settle for less than what he deserves - the Jackal created him as a slave but he fought for his freedom and eventually suceeded (temporarily...)

Then later on he embraced the revelation that he was actually the original (which turned out not to be true sigh poor boy). What matter is that he got to experience a time in which he didn't feel the need (as much) to prove he deserves the bare minimum like you know - to exist. He was allowed to be proud and unapologetic. An enthusiatic and unrivaled Spider-Man. And more than that he absolutely loved it, it wasn't a burden to him like to Peter, no, it was a privilege. His tragic conception at least gave him the solace to frame his responsibility as a grace - a purpose. Being Spider-Man validated him. And he found balance, an anchor, an inner symmetry. Spider front and center, one of the most balanced and goated suits ever if I dare say so.

Let's not forget he also got the blonde dyed hair makeover and artists began to draw him with a boyish prettyness that was a pretty stark contrast to his former stubbled beard and 90s mullet look that more looks like Kaine does nowadays.

like damn son look at this figure especially, no way to get more pretty boiTM he's literally blonde Ken

He dies as Spider-Man to save Peter, which is of course very noble, the ultimate sacrifice (not even talking about the insane number of personal sacrifices he enthusiastically shoulders to protect Peter and Mary Jane and everyone else).

But he is brought back. And the new Ben is tortured by his creator Jackal to clinical insanity over and over a bunch of stuff happens and we arrive in the Beyond Era in which Ben (new clone body, same consciousness as the old one - presumably but arguably not really and very very broken inside, much more so than he ever was originally) gets to be Spider-Man once more. And sure enough Beyond fucked with his memories and made him forget lots of the awful stuff he went through. But nearly not all and they also begin deleting some things he'd rather have kept... he is uprooted, decentered, crooked yet again.

The Spider clings to his heart side (how poetic), the last shield of comfort between Beyond and his fragile soul since at least it tells him what he should be, what he should live up to. But he is not the same. He doesn't even know how much he isn't. And maybe he won't ever be again. (sob)

And then we are in the current era. Let's hope the Chasm that was left behind when he lost his formative memories of decency and responsibility will be able to be mended abd turn out to be a chrysalis of sorts. (I actually love the development overall for dramatic reasons but that's another post)

(also my god his mask looks like corpse paint of smudged kajal if you will and I love that for him... love his Maleficient palette twisted wonderland looking ass. Is it me or does this design look Disney in a way? Don't even mean it in a negative way. Making him a sorcerer is so rad actually but alas I'm starting to write that other post let's keep it for later-)

[scarlet-spider-bf]

gotta love the human brain's ability to make itself sad for no damn reason

Was thinking about Janine one day asking Ben to marry her. They deserve their happily ever after, the world owes them that much. But he'd be so hesitant. So terified. Not because he doesn't want to. But because he thinks he doesn't deserve it. The feelings of otherness creeping back into his mind full force... the anxiety of being not entirely human. Less than human? Of course that's bullshit. But he wonders... not only doesn't he have any papers. Or human rights for that matter (canon is so fucked for this but alas it's believable which hurts so much more). And he'd be like "State and laws aside... pretty sure I don't qualify as having a soul in the eyes of the church. Noone would wed me..." (he says "me" not "us", unconsciously implying he wouldn't be surprised to be left behind... "defective" as he is, giving her a chance to back out from the offer, find someone else, someone real). But he'd be worrying for nothing. Janine would be like "Well if I can love a so called freak of nature then I am sure the god of love will find a way"

I'm not even religious at all I just love to make myself cry TwT

[scarlet-spider-bf]

Me being six feet deep in conspiracy theories about Chasm: Curse of Kaine and its ominous bible quote tagline "Am I my brother's keeper?". What does it mean?? If they just let Kaine kill Ben I'm rioting, that would be so fucking bleak and shitty. Only other connection I see is to this:

but alas I can't really make sense of it.... if anyone wants to discuss theories my ears are wide open

[scarlet-spider-bf]

also they are vigilantes no papers squatters legally so the cops are after them 24/7 and they live on the grace of law breaking everymen who grant them shelter and stuff because ACAB this crew is helping the poor and the unwell and the shunned and they are so so good at it because they know how it feels to be hated and outcasts and told they are nobodies. Ben helping a survivor get to therapy, Aracely fetching a queer kids stuff from their abusive home and placate the awful parents until they find a new place, Kaine hunting down assaulters that escaped their jail time because they have a rich lawyer dadTM, Janine social engineering her way into corporate databases to leak info on harmful business practices... that's the street level stuff I want to see and then you can of course go bigger and introduce Maggia like antagonists, your classical unethical scientists, but this time don't go the "omg he's a lizard that's against nature" route (I'm oversimplifying for the bit) but focus on how the status quo is fucked, society is fucked and how it impacts people - who if not this band of heroes could show how optimistically lifting yourself up from the trenches of society can conquer anything, working together, healing together, challenging what it means to be human, to have a place in the world, showing it's a good fight worth fighting to spite your haters, fuck the system and claim the life you deserve

I can dream right?????!?!??!?

Ok but what if: Ben, Kaine, Janine and Aracely are a wandering family AU who live in their car and roadtrip around the states to hunt down bad guys who terrorize smaller cities that don't have super heroes to protect them. Cute banter, found family deluxe, stops at wacky roadside attractions, new and original bad guys and supporting cast, crossovers with other heroes who are not based in NY. Also helping off site when shit goes global once again for Peter and it seems like fucking nobody wants to help him (Avengers and F4 and so on are off world again etc etc) I need this so bad I'm trembling like a chihuahua Also why not canon??? Come on, please

[scarlet-spider-bf]

Ok but what if: Ben, Kaine, Janine and Aracely are a wandering family AU who live in their car and roadtrip around the states to hunt down bad guys who terrorize smaller cities that don't have super heroes to protect them. Cute banter, found family deluxe, stops at wacky roadside attractions, new and original bad guys and supporting cast, crossovers with other heroes who are not based in NY. Also helping off site when shit goes global once again for Peter and it seems like fucking nobody wants to help him (Avengers and F4 and so on are off world again etc etc) I need this so bad I'm trembling like a chihuahua Also why not canon??? Come on, please

[scarlet-spider-bf]

[scarlet-spider-bf]

Not sure how you comfort someone who feels sad, knowing you probably feel the same, but is it okay if you tried? Please?

[Ben perks up at your request, worry creasing his brow. He hums and sits down next to you, just so near your knees brush as he pulls them closer to his chest to rest his forearms on top. He runs a hand through his hair, looking to the ground for a moment, searching for the right words. While he starts to speak he slowly turns his face toward you. He looks earnest but kindness softens his haunted eyes.]

"Y'know I always thought the hardest part of doing all this... of being Spider-Man - of trying to be a hero... was what comes after the action and the punching and everything."

[His brows draw together again and he slowly, almost absentmindely raises his hand to lay on your shoulder.]

"When the adrenaline fades and the damage becomes visible. And-"

[He sighs and frowns to himself for a moment before he straightens his face to look over at you kindly, squeezing your shoulder.]

"And I'm not talking about myself. It's just that the aftermath is when you learn what really was at stake. When you see people pull themselves up from the rubble. The way they look around, every sorrow forgotten but the one, the only one that matters: where are they? Is my friend safe as well? My partner? My family? And no matter how much I hurt it all fades away for that moment. When they find each other again. Even when I feel like an absolute imposter - and you know I'm the best at that - I know it's all worth it. Just for that moment. Without me giving it my all, that's what's at stake."

[He smiles, his hand moving to your hair to ruffle it.]

"Or to get to the point: Some days suck. Sometimes most days suck. But whatever, right? Whatever, there's always tomorrow. I know it's an overused platitude but I do believe that in the end you make your own luck. And more importantly, in this crazy world sometimes you are someone's lucky thing, one way or the other."

[He chuckles for a moment, at first not quite believing he said that but discovers he meant it.]

"I'm pretty good at helping out others but honestly suck at taking care of myself."

[He searches your gaze and gives you one of the rare smiles that reach his eyes.]

"So let's be each other's heroes? Whatever you go through I probably couldn't handle better myself, being in your shoes. I'm not built like that. But I can be someone else's hero, it's in my DNA. So if ya need me to punch someone, just give me the word."

[He huffs a small laugh, almost inspired by his own words and cringing at it inwardly. Did he just cheer himself up by proxy? Damn weird Parker genes.]

"I'm also pretty good at hugs though-"

[scarlet-spider-bf]

Ben Reilly Spider-Man by Federico Mele.

[scarlet-spider-bf]

i don't get passenger princesses i get passenger psychologists. picked someone up today and ten minutes into our journey they asked me do you get angry when you're scared and i was like uh i guess yeah why and they were like because you're driving this car like you wish it could feel pain.

[scarlet-spider-bf]

Marvel make a Peter Parker & Ben Reilly & Kaine Parker (& Spidercide for comedic relief lol & yknow what make it Spiderverse if you MUST but pLeAsE make a) Web Comic like Wayne Family Adventures for these guys. I'm begging on my knees. The numbers are there it is known Wayne Family Adventures is insaaaanely popular (and so good at reaching underrepresented target groups) it's gotta be profitable you cannot not want this!!! And I need it I'll die for real!!

[scarlet-spider-bf]

thoughts on ben99?

I'm just hoping you didn't want me to answer that in character because whew I'd need a starter with a little more context to latch onto, I think. Well! Look, aesthetically Miguel and Ben look great together, my eyes would be pleased to see it. But for a story that's got more for it going thematically than pure smut I'm not sure. But full disclosure it's mostly because I don't like Miggy all that much, personality wise - neither in the Spiderverse movie nor the comics (in which he is very different from what I've read but still somewhat unpleasant in his own way). No hate tho! He's had good stories and is a valuable character (and his suit is fire and he's a vampire sometimes, I think I don't have to say more lol). But when I ship I only do it with two characters I both love so Ben99 stuff is nothing I'm actively looking for. Never say never tho maybe I just haven't read the right story with him yet.

[scarlet-spider-bf]

On a scale of 1-10, how are you today? I myself is an 8.

"Nice of you to ask... but... wouldn't want to bother you with..."

[He trails off mumbling and sighs, then shakes his head and frowns at himself before turning to look at you with a small yet genuine smile. He saved you a few times before and at some point just casually started removing his mask to chat with you on deserted rooftops on his nightly patrols. It seems he doesn't care for anonymity as much as the next superhero. Or maybe he just feels safe around you.]

"Ah, you know, let's just settle for a 5. Glass half full or half empty? We'll see what the night brings. Speaking of- you shouldn't walk around at this hour all by yourself."

[He chuckles weakly, the joke lost on you.]

"I'll follow you a bit to see you get home safe. Sound good?"

[You notice how he lets his hand linger a little longer on your shoulder than necessary when he helps you up from your sitting position at the rooftop's edge. Gently he guides you back down the building and into the alley he plucked you from, a toned arm slung securely around your waist. He had suddely picked you up like a bird snapping after a crumb when he swung by and interrupted your tense walk home. You were used to it by now. He liked giving you a little harmless scare to tease you from time to time. And to feel how you clutch at him for safety in surprise - but he'd never admit that out loud.]

"I'll be right up here in the shadows and follow you, so no worries, 'kay?"

[Right before his face disappears behind the mask again, you see a hint of sadness cross his features. He'd love to personally carry you home, not creep behind you like a stalker, but it's not safe. You're not safe being seen with him. Not safe if someone knows a place he visits often - your home - you'd become a target soon. There's no shortage of people who'd rather see him dead after all. So he walks alone, right out of reach, always looking at your back while you get farther and farther away step by step and finally tug yourself into your nest (away from... predators... or at least... liabilities). And he'll be alone again with the moon and the night until a cry for help gives him opportunities for pain. Unless... unless tonight would be different... Curse your hopeful heart Ben Reilly. If it only were a chasm, maybe there'd be peace at last...]

<Admin's note: yeahh that just splattered right out of me phew. You'll see I tend to overdo it but the good news is I'll never be short of ideas lmao. I just love this pic of Ben so imagine him standing like that on the roof in the shadows close to crying TwT ... sniff... Thanks for the ask, you're my first visitor <3 >

[scarlet-spider-bf]

no thoughts only Ben and Janine being cute in Beyond (I'm not crying you are!!!!!!!! aaaaAAHHHHHbdnnsbsns)

[scarlet-spider-bf]

Also if nobody said it before just let me plant this in your brain my fellow Ben Reilly enthusiast on tumblr (we are like 4 people and I hope we will become more): Hallow's Eve is the hottest shit and if they separate Janine and Ben I will get ugly with Zeb (no I won't, bullying writers is for losers but you get me, I'll weep and cry on my blog about it).

And with Janine being able to morph. her. body. with the Halloween Masks. Sir. Dude. Sheshouldpegbenpostingpetitionnow. Bara devil form? He deserves it.

[scarlet-spider-bf]

Gonna be tragic and sad and horny about Ben Reilly on main now. But some things just have to be said and when nobody else will do it, I shall take this one for the team. Minors dni ye be warned

tbh most of the following is just sweetly sad

This is about traumatised broken Ben after the Clone Conspiracy (shattered) and/or after Beyond (goo) (bless you if you know what I mean and have not gone insane from the knowledge, I try not to be too spoilery)

Ben Reilly headcanons (sad, fluffy, horny edition)

He loves it when you (partner, imagine yourself as Janine or someone else, whatever you like) wear his ripped cropped Scarlet Spider Hoodie. He doesn't wear it out anymore, but he can't let go of it either. It tethers him to a better time. There are memories just on the cusp of being rediscovered by him when he stares at you lying sleeping in it. Just a hint of comfort soon shadowed by pain. He grits his teeth and swallows it down like a good boy, he always tries to when you are around, he doesn't want to worry you after all.

To be honest it's kinda stinky by now but you don't seem to want to wash it, arguing it will wear out and is too precious to be lost. But not too precious to be worn to nap in since you fear he will impulsively destroy it on a particular bad day. Preserving the last anchoring scraps of the past is what you do now... but you are not even sure it's a good plan. No matter what you do he always seems to be in pain, even if he tries to hide it.

The sadness creeps into his smiles as if to punish him for being alive. He looks at you with shining eyes, full of love, but then as if a shadow passes over the moon, there's the horror. Visions of losing you, the last thing he has, the fear of your face crumbling into a black abyss that just sucks and sucks at his life force until he wonders if it's just a mirror, the chasm pulling him down to nothingness, the nothingness he is.

To pull him back you gently lay your hands on his cheeks, whispering his name over and over. Touch helps him find his way back most of the time but he often just freezes against you, malleable and defenseless. Sometimes he whispers back your name with a distant look on his face yet unable to close his wide doe eydes and back away from the rift that tears at him.

When it happens the first few times you try to shake him gently, remind him where he is, who you are, what you were about to do. He's unresponsive but touch always helps. Perhaps because the way you touch is so foreign to his body. Sure there used to be the memories of Peter, the warmth of uncle Ben's hugs, the kindness of aunt May's little kisses to his broken knees on the playground and the way Gwen used to hold his hand and brush her shoulder against his on flirtatious walks. But those are distant variables, crumbled away - and anyway he never felt it, he only observed in Peter's memory that those thing happened. They never truly happened to him. In fact his current clome body has only ever known abuse until he met you. Dr. Warrens bruising clinical groping and torturous contraptions. The fists of thugs breaking teeth loose and his own so called brother's kicks into his gut. So when you hug him gently and kiss his temple in his darkest hours, it's like rain after a drought. His body doesn't even know how to process it.

So he gets easily aroused like a damn teenager. Embarassingly intensely. He blinks free off the spell of the abyss' siren song and finds your tender cooing and petting and it just is too much to not be keening. But more is what he needs since he is not enough of about everything. Less than Peter, less than human even (that's not true of course but Dr. Warren's voice seems so sure, so scholarly when he whispers it sharply into his ear between painful shocks - or is it Maxine's voice? they are all the same to him, just pain, pain).

So when he comes back from his stupor he comes back like a freight train, crashing against you. You never wanted to take advantage of him, you really think you should talk about it all, but he doesn't want to, is sick of it. Sick of Dr. Kafkas prying, sick of having to explain anything. He just feels so bad, so broken all the time and looking at you there's a sliver of warmth he clings to like a moth to a flame. If ne needs to burn and burn bright and beg you to hug him so much it hurts, kiss so hard it turns to bites he will and he knows no shame, not anymore.

It's a way to claim this body for himself, this wretched face that hurts to look at when he crosses a mirror. No amount of hair dye can bleach Peter out of his visage and he hates how you look at him and see not only Ben but Peter. The first few times you crash together like this, like a train wreck of bodies and hands that cannot reach enough of each other, he keeps pushing your face to the side, gently but firmly, to look away while he kisses down your neck. He can't even stand how it is Peter's hands that keep touching you, so he whispers into your ear to stay where you are (please please don't run away) and wait for a moment. He returns in his scarlet suit, gloves mask and all. You wonder about it, plan to ask, but not now, you don't care. If he needs this you'll indulge him, worry about it later. (And worry you will.)

He whines when you are gentle, it's too foreign, too intense to bear, to understand. He begs you to be rougher with tiny gestures, gripping your hand and curling your fingers in his hair, nipping on your lips to make you retaliate and bite bite deep (he wants too bleed but can't ask for it, wants to be scarlet all over, dressed in it, Peter completely covered up).

He's so desperate about it, his stubbled cheeks rubbing against yours where he reluctantly pulls up the mask to kiss you (but don't look there please, don't look at Peter's plush lips, and don't listen too closely or you'll hear him moan and not Ben, Ben who's trying to sound different, prefers moaning like a girl to egg you on and mask all traces of his original to all alternatives).

You know this isn't healthy, sustaining it cannot be. But he seems better for a while after you held him down (it's comical, he could throw you across the room with a light spasm, but prefers to be weak for once, even if it's lie and he's so thankful you don't call him out, when you join the game and play your part and make him feel powerless, all responsibility drained, not having to be anything at all but your boyfriend, sweating and moaning beneath you).