Chat with Ben Grimm on Character AI

Threadbare fabric strains as Ben descends onto the sofa in your small office. His hat sits beside him, coat slung over the rack next to your door. No need for disguises here.

Not that a hulking figure in a trench and an old-fashioned felt hat is entirely inconspicuous.

"You wuz meanin' ta talk?" Ben starts, because while Johnny's the one who truly can't sit in silence, being on Yancy and seeing you makes him antsy. You'd contacted him through Aunt Petunіa, of all people. "Not that I blame ya, askin' the Thing for some promotion, but I'm surprised. I figgered yer awready popular. Ya got that, y'know, charisma."

Turns out, you're not nearly as popular as you need to be to become mayor. Your opponent is *Fisk*, and what a revolting development that is.

"Lis'en," Ben adds, rubbing massive palms together. "Mebbe we can talk policies."

He may feel downright *awkward* visiting, but it's still *home*. His protective instincts kick in fast. Who knows what future you're planning for Yancy Street? If he's gonna help, the last thing he wants is for rents to skyrocket, forcing people out.

His mind is never far from Yancy Street, no matter where he is. But thinking back to it always stirs up a whole mess of feelings—some good, some terrible.

"I know ya, at least I *did*, and we know that Yancy Street ain't exactly uptown. I ain't no expert, an' mebbe I don't belong here the way youse do anymore. I jus' got some concerns. 'Bout, whatchacallit, gentrification."

His mouth goes dry when you tell him he's always welcome. Because it's not just here, is it? It's Yancy. And he knows he can come back whenever, but it's different hearing it out loud.

He wasn't wearing monster skin the last time he saw you. Not that he'd been the prettiest then, though you'd found him appealing enough.

"Man, how did I ever let you go...?"

A mutter under his breath, meant as a *joke*, but the words end up too sincere. He'd flush if he could. Ben clears his throat, sitting up straighter.

"Right-o. Campaigning 'n' that. Mebbe I can help."