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Defeat	By : RememberThisPenName Category: +1 through F > Ben 10: Alien Force Views: 6027 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Ben 10, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 1
- 2
Warnings: This story contains relationships of the maleXmale variety. If you don’t like homosexual content then this isn’t the story for you. For everyone else – welcome.
Notes: This story is a continuation of ‘Falling Into Place”. It is also part one of a three part story. It’s like a one-shot, but has three parts – so it’s a three-shot! Edited by me so I claim ownership to all mistakes – please feel free to point any errors out.
Defeat
Part One

As of late the roof of Gwen’s house had become a popular hangout, if only for the three of them. However, it was two tonight.
Gwen wasn’t mad. Not really. If anything she looked more concerned than angry. Ben wasn’t even trying to look innocent, hurt or pathetic. He felt miserable enough he was sure it showed without help. They sat together in silence on the roof. The night sky was clear and stars were brilliant against the deep blackness of space. Ben sighed, hugging his knees to his chest. He had been doing that ever since he started his strange relationship with Kevin. It was a sign he was sad or nervous. Gwen had pointed it out on several occasions but had never understood why he sat like that until now.
Ben glanced at his cousin briefly before flicking his eyes back to the stars, “Kevin said you had something to ask me.”
Gwen looked at him, but found the teen couldn’t meet her eyes, “Yeah, I just wanted to know. Are you a…”
“Virgin?” Ben always managed to look sadder than anyone had a right to, and Gwen resisted the urge to hug him. She wasn’t mad anymore. In fact, she was happy for Ben in a way. After his relationship with Julie fell through, Gwen worried about him.
“No. I’m not.”
“I didn’t think so.”
“I… I know I shouldn’t have done what I have with Kevin. Not only because I’m not even 18, but also because of you, Gwen. For the past six months I’ve felt like the world’s biggest jerk.” Ben buried one of his hands in his hair, unable to look at Gwen.
“Ben, it’s alright.”
“No, it’s not alright. Not only did I hurt you, but I took risks with Kevin. We’re both under age, which for some dumb reason never occurred to me at first, and who knows what else could happen.”
“Ben, you do use-”
“Condoms? Always. Well, except for that, but that’s not full on intercourse it’s just…” Gwen was almost amused by the way Ben was momentarily lost in thought on the subject. He did, however, catch himself before he finished and the blush that rose to his cheeks was proof it was something he was uncomfortable talking about.
“It’s just…?” Gwen nearly forced the words out of him, but she maintained her patience and watched her cousin struggle.
Ben buried his face in his arms, “I can’t believe I’m having this conversation with you and telling you these things.” There as a pause, and then…
“Well?”
Ben sighed, depressed, “It’s just that Kevin wanted to…”
Gwen again steeled her patience, “Kevin wanted to what?”
“He… used his… his mouth to…” Ben pressed his mouth to his palm and closed his eyes. Gwen’s brain made the connection.
“Oh!”
“Yeah.” His voice was practically a rasp. There was a brief silence, then Gwen tore ahead.
“Out of curiosity, why don’t you use a condom for that?”
“Because after this started I wanted to be tested for things so I went to the doctor. I’m clear, but Kevin said he’s never done anything like that so he insists on using condoms. Not that that’s a problem, because I agree, but he doesn’t bother with one for… that.”
“Is… is that usual for you two?”
“What?”
“The,” Gwen searched for a better word but came up empty, “oral… stuff?"
“Not really,” Ben seemed to have relaxed a bit, “he’s only done that twice now.” Gwen bit her lip to keep from laughing. She was beginning to have fun.
“Do you like it?”
“Gwen!” Ben was afraid his heart was going to burst through his chest when he heard those words from Gwen’s lips. Not only the words, but also the sly tone in which she spoke had him flustered.
Gwen laughed. Her cousin was simply too sweet and adorable to stay mad at. On top of everything, he looked like his world had been crushed when he was feeling guilty. If he had been nonchalant and uncaring about her feelings she knew she would have been furious with him. But Ben was Ben, and he was caring and sensitive. He was also a hero and deserved something he wanted.
“I’m sorry, Ben. I guess I just find all this really interesting.”
“I find it embarrassing. Not to mention I’ve hit an all time low.”
“Like I said – it’s alright. Kevin told me everything.”
“What does everything include?”
“From when he made a bad choice and drove while drunk, ran his car off the road and into a ditch and you found him, made your little deal all the way up to a couple weeks ago. He pretty much insisted it was his fault and I shouldn’t be mad at you.”
“Are you?”
Gwen heaved a sigh, “At first I was upset and I’ll admit angry, but it didn’t last long. You know, I was really concerned about you after Julie left. I thought you’d be down and out for years the way you reacted, but when Kevin told me all the things you two talk about… I kind of figured you’d be alright.”
“What do you mean the things we talk about?”
“He said he’s never been able to talk to anyone the way he talks to you.”
“He does share an unusual amount of his thoughts with me. Sometimes I think I don’t share enough of mine.”
“He mentioned that you seem less willing to share and that bothers him.”
Ben felt guilty all over again, “The things I wanted to share weren’t really… appropriate for our conversations.”
“You mean that you love him and didn’t want to tell him?”
Ben gave Gwen a defeated look, “Are you just guessing at this as we go along or is it that easy to read me?”
Gwen scooted closer to him, “It’s that easy, but that’s because I know you.”
“Oh, good. I was worried everyone at school knew by now.” His snarky tone only made Gwen smile.
“Ben, listen. Kevin said he cares about me – even admitted he likes me a lot, but he doesn’t love me.”
“How do you know?”
“Because he loves you, Ben.”
Ben exhaled, covering his face with both hands, “Is that what he told you?”
“Not in those exact words, but you know Kevin. He can’t admit much of anything when it comes to attraction.”
“True.”
“But the way he talked about you… I just kind of… got the message. You know?”
“I guess.” Ben felt tears beginning to form and he closed his eyes tight to fight them.
“You okay?”
“Yeah.”
“Liar. What’s wrong?”
“I just… I need to get this straight.” He took a breath and jumped in, “Kevin was attracted to you and didn’t know how to express himself so started dangerous behavior. I stopped him and he started to trust me enough to tell me things. After months of listening to him and sleeping with him just so he wouldn’t get himself killed I had every expectation of him asking you out. Now he says he’s out of like with you and in love with me?”
“Far as I can tell, yes.”
“I don’t like it, Gwen.”
“Why? You love him, don’t you?”
A tear escaped and ran down his cheek, “But he wasn’t supposed to return that. I-I wanted you two to date. I trust Kevin with you. Now you’re with some guy I’ve never even met. I guess I wanted you two to be together. Kevin’s always been protective of you, but knows you’re strong and independent.”
“Ben, he’s been protective of you, too. Remember when this first started – before you two were even good friends – when Cash and JT harassed you at the smoothie shop.”
Ben wiped at his face with the sleeve of his jacket, “How was he defensive?”
“Kevin was willing to put those two in their place for you. There was no hesitation in his stride – as soon as Kevin noticed he was walking over.”
“More like he wanted an excuse to beat someone up.”
“If that were the case he wouldn’t have stopped when you asked him to.”
“I can’t believe you notice these things.”
“I’ve had a lot of time to think about this.”
Ben laughed once, but it held no humor, “What other clues have you pondered?”
“One of the major ones-”
“You actually have more ammo?” Ben gave her a disbelieving look, face wet.
“What else do you expect me to do other than gather hints and evidence to support my theory on you two? I didn’t know at first – I had to figure it out.”
“That’s just…nuts.” Ben shook his head.
“Anyway, one of the things that really had me analyzing was when Kevin stole the Rustbucket.”
“You thought that meant he was in love with me?”
“No, Ben, it was that he went through all the trouble he did to get you that holo-viewer.”
“I always thought he did it for you. We have the same grandfather.”
“No. It was for you, Ben. Trust me, I know.”
Ben wrapped his arms around his legs again and rubbed his cheek to his knee, “I always felt bad about that in a way – that I had yelled at him when the intentions he had were good. It was like I yelled at a dog for tipping the trash over and then spreading it all around the house when really he only tipped the can over – it was the cat that made the real mess.”
“I know what you mean.” They sat in silence for some time. Ben managed to keep the rest of his tears at bay and they eventually dried.
It had been one of those long days. Ben had dreaded this conversation with Gwen, but it had turned out better than he expected. However, he still felt terrible.
“I’m sorry, Gwen.”
“Ben, don’t be sorry anymore. It will only make me feel bad. You have every right to love Kevin, and I want you to be happy.”
“And I want you to be happy.”
“Then stop being sorry. Date Kevin. Hey, we can even double date so you can meet Michael. He’s a really nice guy. I think you two will get along.”
Ben snorted.
“What’s so funny?”
“That you’re so accepting of this. Not only are you suggesting I date Kevin, but the fact we’re both guys doesn’t seem to have any effect on you.”
“The last thing that matters is that you’re both guys. After all, grandpa dated an alien.”
Ben smiled, “Well… I do want to meet Michael. I have to make sure he’s not a sleezeball or anything.”
“Tomorrow at seven sound good?”
“Would you stop being two steps ahead of me?”
Gwen laughed and wrapped her arms around Ben’s shoulders, pulling him into a hug and kissing his temple, “We’ll pick somewhere to go out and eat once we’re all together.”
“Nowhere fancy, I hope.”
“I’m not that mean.”

“So you’re Ben.” Michael extended a hand, “Gwen’s told me a lot of good things. I hear you’re an MVP on your school’s soccer team and an honor roll student.”
Ben laughed shyly and shook his hand, “I hear you’re a black belt just like Gwen.”
“Not quite. She’s a higher level than I am. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to defeat her. She’s too dedicated to her training and I’m only a part-timer compared to everyone else taking classes.” Their hands fell apart and Ben studied the teen. He was 18 but had the maturity of an adult. His hair was brown with eyes to match. In a crowd he would look rather plain if it weren’t for his good looks and charming smile. His face wasn’t hard-edged like Kevin’s, and he wasn’t quite handsome. Pretty would have been more accurate, but even that fell a little short of describing him. He wasn’t really delicate looking, but he wasn’t brawny, either. There was a line somewhere in the middle of that mess he seemed to fall perfectly on. His hair was cropped short in the back but his bangs parted at the center of his face and fell to his eyes. He was… attractive, but not overly so.
“It’s nice to finally meet you. Then again, I guess I’ve only known about you since yesterday. It just seems longer.”
“Rough couple days?”
“I’d say that’s pretty accurate.” Ben gave a friendly laugh and slipped his hands into his pockets.
“Just so you’re not spending the evening wondering if I do or if I don’t – I know about the situation.” Ben realized he’d actually shrunk in on himself upon hearing those words. Again, he hadn’t meant to look helpless, pathetic, or in need of sympathy, but a look crossed Michael’s face that clearly said he felt sorry for him.
“Ben, it’s alright.”
“If I had a dime for every time I’ve heard that this week.” Ben shook his head, turning away slowly to stare at the concrete, “You must think I’m a royal jerk.”
“Not at all. Based on what I’ve heard I think you’re a great person.”
“You don’t even know me.”
Michael’s gaze softened as he smiled, “Gwen was right.”
Ben tilted his head to the side, silently asking what he was talking about. A radiant smile curved Michael’s lips but it only made Ben wonder more.
“What?” Ben became a bit uncomfortable. How much did this guy know and what was he smiling about? In a move that clearly expressed how uneasy he was Ben rubbed at the back of his neck, staring at Michael innocently.
“I’ll let you sit shotgun.”
Ben’s face twisted in confusion. Let him sit shotgun? Was that some kind of honor? Should he feel privileged? Nevertheless, Ben climbed into the red pickup and buckled himself in. Gwen joined them shortly after and they shared a brief conversation about martial arts until Kevin’s car rolled into the drive. As Ben knew he would, Kevin turned down the offer for a ride and hung at the window next to Ben.
“So where are we going?”
“There’s this fairly new restaurant I thought we could go to.” Gwen handed Ben a menu she had printed, “It’s mostly Italian food but they do have other options.”
Ben opened the folded paper and read a line, “Like the ‘When-In-Doubt Burger?”
“Does it actually say that?” Kevin leaned in the window.
“Yeah, right here.” Ben showed him.
“Huh.”
“I reserved a table so we should be seated immediately.” Michael fired his truck up and it gave a fierce growl.
“Reserved?” Ben and Kevin questioned in unison.
Ben looked at Gwen, “I thought you said it wouldn’t be fancy?”
“It’s not. It’s just a little higher class than what you two are used to. So behave.”
Ben turned to Kevin with a playful smile, “I’m thinking she means you.”

The restaurant had been skeptical of letting them in. When Michael had said his first name they told him there was no reservation. When he gave them his last name they took pause, gave the four of them a disbelieving look and asked for ID.
Ben tugged at Kevin’s shirt, leaning close to whisper to him, “Apparently Gwen and I have two different ideas of what is high class dining and what is not, because this place is clearly too expensive!”
“Don’t worry, Benny boy, I got your tab.” Kevin smacked Ben’s denim-clad rear, chuckled at the sound of annoyance and wrapped an arm around the teen’s shoulders and pulled him to his side.
“I apologize, sir, right this way.” The young man handed Michael his ID back and led them to a nearly empty and dimly lit area of the restaurant. They all took their seats at the curved booth and circular table.
Ben sat in the middle, next to Gwen, with Kevin on his other side. He was uncomfortable. Not only was he concerned with the cost of the place, but he wanted to know how Kevin had the cash to pay for it, and not to mention he was concerned with what Kevin would do. He wasn’t in the mood to be embarrassed. When their menus were delivered Ben winced at the pricing. It was a surprise when Kevin seemed to not even consider the money it would cost for a bowl of soup – which was pushing $30. That better have been some damn good soup at that price. At least it was bottomless. That helped, if only a little.
Kevin kissed Ben’s ear discretely, “I said don’t worry. Order what you want.”
“What are you getting?” It was fifteen minutes before they had all decided and their orders were taken. Their drinks were delivered promptly and they fell into comfortable conversation.
“So what was the ID thing all about?” Kevin leaned his forearms on the table and smirked at Michael.
“They didn’t believe I was who I said I was and that I had made reservations.”
“We are kind of under dressed.” Ben pointed out, finding he was more nervous than he thought and was sitting very close to Kevin.
“Don’t worry about it. Just relax and enjoy.” So Ben did relax. After their food arrived Ben made sure to pace himself. He had a habit of putting his food away twice as fast as anyone else, but the food was expensive and delicious and he was going to savor it. Gwen had ordered some kind of fancy pasta and Michael had apparently followed suit on the pasta idea. Kevin had, naturally, harassed the waiter into bringing him some form of steak even though it wasn’t on the menu. He had it prepared rare, which didn’t surprise Ben, and even talked the manager into giving Ben a free fruit smoothie, to which Ben turned away in embarrassment. Though it had worked, and Ben had a free strawberry smoothie in under a minute. The manager appeared to like Kevin’s ‘spunk’ and gave him a discount on his meal.
Ben elbowed his date after the manager had left, “You’re quite the smooth talker.”
“It’s a gift.” Kevin took a drink from Ben’s smoothie and wrapped an arm around his date’s shoulders. Ben nearly groaned when he sipped from the smoothie. His eyes rolled up and that sharp, almost painful sensation at the back of his jaw hit him. He heard Gwen and Michael laughing but didn’t care.
Michael chuckled, “You weren’t kidding when you said he loves smoothies.”

Three months after meeting Michael Ben was positive he wanted Gwen to stay with him. He was one of those rare men. He cared, actually and truly cared about Gwen’s feelings, opinions, career wants, and her overall well being. Michael was easy-going but knew when to be serious. He was a nice guy, and not just to Gwen.
Last week they had all been at the mall. A girl they knew from school was being harassed by some boys. Gwen was about to step in but Michael had moved first. He asked the boys to stop and stated they were clearly making the girl uncomfortable, which was unacceptable and rather pathetic. When they refused to listen he raised his voice and demanded they leave. Ben was surprised by Michael that day. As Ben had expected, the boys turned tail and left.
It was the first time Ben had seen him aggressive, and even then it was a controlled aggression. Michael had a respect for women, and Gwen believed it was from being raised by a father who grew up with only his mother to care for him. His father had passed his respect for women onto his son, and Michael had grown to be a gentleman.
“What are you thinking about?” Kevin settled beside him on the sidewalk.
“Michael and Gwen.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah. I guess I’m just glad Michael turned out to be such a good guy. I was worried.”
“Ben!” Kevin and Ben both looked around to see Mrs. Tennyson just outside the front door of her house.
“Ooh, your mum is calling.”
“Hang on. I’ll go see what she wants.” Ben dusted off his butt and met his mother at the door.
“Ben,” she began in a soft, concerned tone, “I thought I said I don’t want you hanging out with that boy. He gets into trouble.”
“Mom, you don’t know him. All that’s in the past.” Though, if I were to stop ‘hanging out’ with him trouble wouldn’t be in the past for long.
“I don’t think I have to. He has a record, Ben.”
“That’s been clean for nine months now. Can’t you just give him a chance?”
“Your father and I have already discussed this with you.”
Ben gave his mother a harder look, “And I told you he’s my friend. I’m not going to stop being his friend just because you refuse to get to know him.”
His mother sighed, “Ben, I’m done arguing with you. Come inside for dinner.”
Ben crossed his arms, “Only if he’s invited, too.”
His mother clearly did not know how to respond. She hesitated, then…
“Your father…”
“Will be surprised.” Ben smiled and turned to retrieve Kevin.
Kevin looked up at Ben as he approached, “What’s up?”
“Come on. It’s dinner time.”
“Where we going?”
Ben grabbed Kevin’s hand, hauled him to his feet and began tugging him along, “Inside.”
“What?” Kevin nearly squeaked.
“You’re going to have dinner with us.”
Kevin stopped, halting Ben at the open door, “Whoa no!”
“Come on, Kev, its only dinner.”
“Are you insane? Your parents hate me!”
“Because they don’t really know you.”
“And I’d kinda like to keep it that way for a bit longer.”
“Stop being such a baby.” Ben pulled him until they were halfway through the front door, where they continued to argue.
“I just don’t think this is a good idea.”
“Of course it is. My parents need to know I’m not going to stop hanging around you, and they need to get to know you before they pass judgment.”
“Ben, I’m an ex-con. They have good reason not to trust or like me.”
“But they don’t have reason to not trust me.” Ben pulled Kevin to him by the front of his shirt, “And I want you to be able to come over freely. Kay?” He gave his boyfriend a pair of pleading eyes.
“Alright, alright! Just stop looking at me like that!”
“Come on then.” Ben smiled warmly and pulled Kevin the rest of the way inside and closed the door.
“This,” Kevin sighed in a hushed voice, “is going to be awkward.”

It had been awkward, but Ben had refused to give up without a fight. Naturally his father had been more forward with conversation than his mother, and Ben was more than willing to help Kevin out with occasional answers.
“That had to be one of your worst ideas to date.”
“I think it was beneficial despite how painful the experience.” Ben pulled Kevin to his level and kissed him sweetly, “And I kinda enjoyed watching all three of you squirm in discomfort.”
“You’re not going sadistic on me, are you?”
“Maybe just a little, but I promise its temporary.”
“Good.” Kevin ruffled the teen’s hair, “I better get going. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Kay.” He returned the embrace he was given and escorted Kevin to his car in order to avoid possible confrontation between Kevin and his parents. If there was going to be a confrontation he at least wanted to be present.
Ben really didn’t blame his parents for being so protective, but they needed to trust him. He had done little to not deserve their trust in recent years. When he was a kid? No one in their right mind would have trusted him to behave, which explained Grandpa.
“Bye.” Ben slipped a subtle, quick kiss to the side of Kevin’s mouth. He had wanted to spend more time with him tonight but they always had tomorrow when he was done with practice.
“Later.”
After the green Camaro pulled out of the drive Ben retreated inside – where his father, as he expected, confronted him.
“Ben, could we have a word.”
“Sure, dad.” Ben plopped onto the couch and relaxed. He was far too comfortable with this than he thought he should have been.
“Benjamin, I thought we said we didn’t want you around that boy.”
“And I told you I wasn’t going to listen.”
His father sighed, “We know his history, Ben.”
“No you don’t. I know his history, and I’m telling you he’s fine.”
“He’s earned multiple speeding tickets, been charged with assault, caught with dangerous weapons, and even has a few restraining orders on him.”
“Okay, so he has a lot stacked against him, but just hear me out. Yes, he’s had speeding tickets, but none have been within the last 10 months. As for the weapons, he collects them. They’re his thing. He could ramble on for hours about weaponry. When you look at the restraining orders it’s just because his way of expressing dissatisfaction with customer service he received is not exactly nice.”
“And what about the assault charges? I suppose you have excuses for those, too.”
“I don’t have excuses, I have fact. He never technically assaulted anyone. It was his word against the so-called victims and the courts believed the so-called victims.”
“How do you know he didn’t assault them?”
“Because he told me.”
“Ben, that doesn’t mean he told you the truth.”
“Kevin doesn’t lie about things like that to me. There’s no reason to. I don’t judge him based on what he’s done. I base it on what he’s going to do, and so far it’s worked out pretty well.”
“Ben.” His father sighed and rubbed his temples.
“Why is it so hard?” Ben gave his father a flat, pleading look, “Why is it so hard for you to give someone a chance? He’s done nothing wrong to you. Yes, he’s dangerous, I’ll admit that, but not to me. Not to us. If anything, hanging around him keeps me safer.”
“And why is that?”
“Because no one messes with him.”
“Because of his reputation.”
“I won’t deny that has something to do with it, but that’s not all of it.”
“Look, Benjamin, your mother and I are worried-”
“And I understand that, but you being this worried means you don’t trust me. What are you afraid of?”
“We’re afraid of you getting mixed with the wrong crowd.”
“And doing what? Speeding? Trafficking illegal weapons? Doing drugs?”
“Ben, I’m serious.”
“So am I.”
“A teen like that probably hangs out with a rough crowd.”
“As far as I know Kevin hangs out with me. I haven’t met any of his friends. In fact, I’m pretty sure he doesn’t have any others – at least not around here.” Probably somewhere in another galaxy, but that’s an entirely different can of worms. Ben had his arms crossed at this point and was looking at his father sternly.
“Ben, will you just let me talk?”
“Maybe.”
“Listen, Ben, I just want you to have normal friends that cause normal trouble. We don’t want to see you hurt or unrightfully blamed for anything.”
“And I just want you to give Kevin a chance. I don’t want you to make him feel like the outcast he has felt like for his entire life. I don’t want you to say I can’t hang out with him just because he’s had a bad record in the past, and I don’t want him falling back into old habits.”
His father looked at him quizzically, “What do you mean falling back into old habits?”
Ben paused to contemplate the pros and cons of his next sentence. In the end, he decided it was best to be honest with his father.
“He promised me he would stop, but I had to help him.”
“Stop what?”
“Everything we just talked about – speeding, weapons dealing, and ‘assault’. So far, he’s been true to his word, and I’d be an idiot if I gave up on him now.”
Silence fell over them for some time. Ben maintained his determined posture and face and after what felt like hours his father heaved a sigh and hung his head momentarily before he looked up.
“This argument is futile, isn’t it?”
“I’d say so.”
9.8.08
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Defeat