Disclaimer: I do not own Ben 10 or Twilight.

Chapter One: Twilight

"Why does that guy look so constipated?"

Gwen tore her eyes from the television screen to see who had interrupted her. Kevin stood at the entrance to her room, hands stuffed into his pockets. He suddenly felt awkward at her scrutiny. Green eyes that were so intensely focused on the movie were now turned to him. He was beginning to feel something like a creeper. It wasn't his fault that he was standing there like a stalker at her bedroom door. He did knock and ring the doorbell after all. She just didn't bother answering the door. Probably because she was too into whatever the hell she was watching.

It was a good thing that Mrs. Tennyson had let him in. She gestured that Gwen was upstairs in his room, giving him an indulgent smile that told him she didn't mind him being up there. There was also a warning in her eyes that the door was to remain open. Mr. Tennyson must not be home, lucky for him.

"Hey, don't look at me like that." He said defensively, a hand reaching up to rub the back of his neck. "Your mom let me in."

Gwen's response was a shrug of her shoulders and made room on her bed for him to sit next to her. His lips dipped into a slight frown. Her behavior was unusual and definitely out of character. Normally, she would have demanded what he was doing in her room and asked him what he needed. Usually, they had some tip about an alien lead and they would go off together to fetch Ben. He eyed the empty spot next to her hesitantly. It was awfully close to her. His gaze returned to the young woman to gauge her reaction, but she was already back to the movie.

He became slightly annoyed at the way her attention was so ardently glued to the screen. What was so interesting anyway? All he saw was some funny looking pale guy looking completely disgusted by the equally pale chick next to him. The guy was practically covering his mouth and nose. Jeez, did the girl not know a thing about hygiene?

Apparently he voiced that last thought aloud because Gwen replied rather irately, "He's not disgusted by her, Kevin. He's trying to control his bloodlust."

Kevin ignored her tone of voice and simply plopped down next to her. His brows furrowed and a perplexed expression cross his usual stern features. Were they watching the same movie? Really? That did not look like blood lust to him.

"Could've fooled me." He snorted as he crossed his arms over his chest. "Look he's even trying to get out of the class just because of her."

"Kevin, just shut up. I've been dying to see this movie. I missed the chance to see it in theaters because we were too busy fighting aliens." She snapped, clutching the pillow tighter to her chest.

Kevin glanced around the room for some sign or explanation to what was playing in front of them. He found an open DVD case alongside a scattered pile of books at their feet. He let out a pained groan as he realized what it was.

"Don't tell me you're seriously into this crap? Isn't this for those tweeny boppers who have nothing better to do than be rabidly obsessed?" He rolled his eyes again.

"I thought I told you to shut up?" Gwen shot back saucily, clearly in no mood to be interrupted from her precious movie. "And for your information, it has a giant fanbase that ranges from both young and old alike."

"Yeah, whatever."

He decided not to push his luck and remained silent, allowing her to enjoy her piece of crap movie in peace. He laid back on her bed, hands behind his head. Although he could not see what was playing out, he could still hear the dialogue and Gwen's soft sighs. This was stupid. The whole thing was stupid. He never saw or read any of it, but he heard enough girls talk about it. From the bits and pieces he gathered, the whole thing was just dumb. Only girls could fall for that stuff.

"Say it. Out loud. Say it."

"Vampire."

"Are you afraid?"

"No." Both the smelly chick and Gwen said together in perfect unison. This got Kevin's attention immediately. He sat up and scowled at the scene in front of him.

"Seriously, Gwen? You know the words? What's with that?" He watched her as he berated her. Her eyes remained riveted to the movie. "Thought you'd be too mature for this stuff."

"Just because I'm mature doesn't mean I can't appreciate a work of fiction."

"But look at how cheesy this is! He's a vampire, but he doesn't have fangs! What kind of vampire is that? It's like they neutered him! And what the hell? He's standing in the sun and sparkling! What kind of vampire freakin' sparkles?"

For the first time since he arrived, Gwen ripped her gaze away to face Kevin. The expression on her face clearly informed him that she was not pleased to his ranting.

"What exactly do you have against it anyway? So what if he's not a traditional vampire? That's what makes it interesting! It's different. He's just as dangerous as any other vampire." She defended the movie's hero with a glare. "He could destroy her right now, but he doesn't. He loves her."

Her last words struck a chord with him. Kevin didn't want to, but he suddenly felt empathy for the poor guy. He knew how Gwen felt about him just like she knew how he felt about her. Despite the mutual attraction, he never asked her out. He refused to budge. His past and his sins weighed on his shoulders like chains that bound him. If she knew the extent of all the horrendous things he was capable of. . . He could destroy her.

When he joined the Tennyson cousins, he made a silent vow that no harm would come to her. Above all, his goal was to keep her safe. So far, he made good on that promise. If he were to ever actually date her, he would surely hurt her. He would make her cry and break her down. Kevin wasn't sure if he could bear to see her face in anguish and agony over him. Someone like him didn't deserve someone like her. She was beautiful and kind and he didn't deserve the privilege of loving and being loved.

"He's right to stay away from her, y'know. He knows what he's capable of. If he really loves her, he'll stay away." He said simply. He was unable to look her in the face and instead turn his face to the screen. Kevin was afraid that if he looked into her viridian eyes any longer, she'd be able to see right through him.

But it was too late.

While Gwen was irritated with him for coming at such an inconvenient time, she really didn't mind his presence. The thought of them being alone together (in her room, no less) still delighted her. He just didn't have to make such bullheaded comments about the movie. But after her little rant, Kevin was silent for a few moments. She watched as an array of emotions swam across his features. She wasn't quite sure what he was thinking and she dying for the chance to know.

Sometimes Kevin was such an enigma to her. He could just make everything so simple and ask her out. She knew they would be so much happier instead of the little games they played. All those sidelong glances and small private smiles. Yes, it was obvious that Kevin Ethan Levin liked her. Now only if he would do something about it!

When he finally decided to speak, it was like a light bulb went off. Her eyes cut to the couple in the movie before returning to him. Surely, Kevin wasn't seeing himself in his place. The double meaning in his words was so painfully clear. His hesitance made sense now. Why hadn't she seen it before? She'd been so pushy and demanding, wanting to have him as hers and she his. He was looking out for her. It was so typical of Kevin to make the decision for both of them and decide that he wasn't worthy. A slight smile crept upon her lips.

Gwen could be patient. Good things came to those who wait, after all. She would have to show him that he was more than worthy and that his past didn't matter to her. The rabid need to watch the movie she had so long anticipated had longed ebbed, replaced now with her need to soothe the boy next to her. Slowly, she gingerly placed a hand on top of his.

"If he really loves her, he'll give her a say in the matter. It's her decision too." She told him gently, smiling warmly.

Kevin felt blush creeping on. He didn't want to look her way, afraid of what he might find. He wasn't sure if he was quite ready to deal with it. Her words unnerved him and he wanted to curse his inexperience. The Null Void wasn't exactly crawling with prospective girlfriends. Gwen was his first crush. Even all those years ago when they were just dumb kids, he always found her fascinating.

"And so the lion fell in love with lamb."

"What a stupid lamb."

"What a sick, masochistic lion."

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever. It's a dumb movie anyway." He replied as he tried desperately to hide his awkwardness. Kevin wasn't sure what to say in response to her admission and chose the safest solution. He went back to talking down the movie to bring them back to neutral ground. That still didn't stop him from flipping his hand over so that he could grasp her small one in his. He was never good with words, but he could show her. Maybe one day he'd be able to tell her the things he felt.

Maybe.

"Oh, yeah?" She said amusedly, pleased at the tender way he held her. All traces of her agitation were gone. She could always watch the whole thing later. It was one of the perks to owning it. "Then how come you haven't left yet?"

"Someone needs to drill some sense into you after all this crap. It's practically killing your brain cells. I wouldn't be surprised if gray matter started dripping out of your ears." The cocky arrogance was back in his voice. He became the Kevin she was more familiar with, but she didn't mind. One step at a time.

"Then that means I should be expecting the same from you."

"Pfft. Next time, I'll show you a real vampire movie."

Gwen couldn't stop the fluttering in her stomach at the prospect of a 'next time'. Looks like there was the second step.

" I can criticize something you enjoy so you can see how it feels." Gwen teased him playfully.

"Trust me. You'll see the light." Kevin said assuredly. Gesturing back to the movie, he scoffed. "Why doesn't he just turn her into a vampire? It would solve all their problems. He wouldn't have to worry about hurting her and she'd be with him forever. "

She chuckled softly at him and turned her attention back to the movie. Squeezing his hand in returned, she answered him mischievously, "Don't push him."

Author's Notes: This is my first attempt at a Ben 10 and my first attempt at fanfiction in a long time. Forgive any errors. This was written rather late and wasn't proofread. I'm sorry if Gwen or Kevin are OOC. I'm entirely happy with how she was at the beginning. I'll most likely go back and edit this later. The idea has been swimming in my head all day. I did this instead of studying for an exam which I'm sure I'll regret in the morning, so please leave a review to make up for it!
-Reya Wild