Firstly wanna say loving the reviews from AwesomeChick101, Staci, DaughterOfApollo101 and Brielle Montegomery! You guys .. or girls rather:L are the ones who are keeping me going so thank you! Means a lot. I may have used a bit of dialouge from the series in the next few chapters so just to let you know :) xox

Chapter 13 - Downhill

Ben and I hadn't moved an inch when I'd woken up. Even my hand hadn't fallen off his. I slowly and carefully slipped out from under his arm. I literally tip-toed to my bathroom. Yeah, my room was sort of an en-suite. It's a long story. I brushed my hair, put on a lick of mascara, brushed my teeth and put on a bit of original lip balm. So he wouldn't be able to smell it. I tip-toed back and put his arm back over me in the exact same place as before. Or, so I hoped. I closed my eyes waiting for him to wake-up. It had to be about half an hour so I let my mind drift to all the good times before the invasion. I day-dreamed about when me and my mother were laughing so hard teasing our two dogs. Fair play, they were cheeky. When my mother told them off, the one would bark or stick his tongue out at her. I had no idea how dogs knew about that but I swear he really did. I'd always fall off the sofa laughing. I also thought about the time it snowed and I fell walking into school and I was in tears from laughing so hard. And the time Ben tripped over a table leg in Hollister with me. He had a bruise from that. I know I shouldn't laugh but I did. So did he when he stopped cursing in public. Especially the time Ben stayed over my house one night and I tried to teach him to make pancakes, but he flipped it too high and was stuck to the ceiling for like three days.

My eyes widened as Ben streching snapped me out of my dreams. I snapped my eyes shut again and did my best not to smirk. I always smirked when I lied. Ben brushed the hair from my face.

He whispered in my ear "You awake?"

I opened my eyes and looked at him.

"Take that as a yes" he smirked and kissed me "have you brushed your teeth?"

I smirked "no"

"You're a terrible liar" he lay back down.

I blushed "I'm a good liar when I have to be"

"I'll have to remember that" Ben smirked slyly and he kissed me his, our tongues twisting together.

I couldn't help but giggle "You're getting too used to that"

He shrugged "I know. But you know you don't mind it"

I smirked and didn't answer. I wasn't going to deny it.

Ben chuckled and kissed my cheek standing up and streching then winced "Ow..."

I chuckled "They still hurt?"

"A bit. Just a little sensitive"

I sat up on my knees and pulled Ben back down so my knees were against his lower back. I masaged his shoulders and he sighed closes his eyes. I could already feel him untense.

"How do you know how to do that?" he whispered.

I smiled "Civilian tought me. I was stressed out when you were captured. Obvious reasons. It was all my fault! But, anyway, she helped me by doing this and I asked her to teach me. Said I was a natural"

"It wasn't your fault" Ben rolled his eyes and I kissed his neck.

"T'was. But I'm not going to argue" I still had my nose up against his neck.

I smirked slyly and decided to tease him. I let my right hand slip from his shoulder, down his chest and stomach until I reached the top of his jeans. He let me do it up until then and he grabbed my arm.

"Do you have to tease me?" he looked at me trying not to smirk.

"Yeah, it amuses me. Besides, nothing stopping you" I chuckled.

"Don't start that again" Ben pulled me onto his lap. I sat with my legs around him.

I smirked "Can't help it!"

To cut a long story short, Ben made me feel ... different, let's go with different. When I told him about it, he said no chance and all that cos we were under 16 etc etc.

He kissed me smiling "Let's go get breakfast"

"Shouldn't we get dressed first?"

Ben laughed looking at us both "Forgot about that"

Ben looked down and his eyes widened then looked back up at me.

"What?" I looked down. I forgot I was only wearing my underwear and Ben's t-shirt and my underwear was showing. I blushed dark red standing up and pulling it down.

He couldn't help but laugh as I threw his shirt at him the blood still rushing to my cheeks.

"Get dressed and get out so I can" I didn't look him in the eye.

He threw on his shirt and kissed the top of my head whispering "I'll go get changed and wait for you outside"

I simply nodded before he walked out.

I didn't know what to wear! I just went casual and chose skinny dark blue jeans, a navy vest top and my favourite black leather jacket with the sleeves rolled up to my elbows. I just slipped into converse high tops and put on my fingerless gloves. I put my hair in a high ponytail. Be different for once. I walked outside and sure enough Ben was there waiting for me.

"How quick are you?" I snikered.

"Quicker than you than you, that's for sure"

I narrowed my eyes at him "Oh, ha ha. You don't have long hair, or have to make yourself look pretty"

"You're beautiful just the way you are" Ben put his arm around me pulling me close.

I burst into laughter "Ben, I'm flattered anall, but you haven't even seen me natural"

"Seriously?" he actually looked surprised.

"Seriously. My hair is always straightened and I always have mascara on"

Ben thought about something for a second. I wanted to ask him what it was but doubted he'd even tell me, to be honest.

I pretty much stared at him, a smile slowly creeping up on me.

Ben looked down at me. He was a bit taller than I was. I was only about 5 foot 4. Ben was maybe 5 foot 5 or 6. He always made me feel short "What?"

"Nothing" I turned my eyes back to the corridor.

"C'mon. Tell me"

I smirked tapping the side of my nose. Tom and Weaver ran up to me.

"Kristen, on me!" Weaver ordered. Whatever it was I could tell something had happened.

Ben looked unhappy as I kissed him on the cheek mouthing 'Sorry' and ran with his Dad and Weaver. Weaver also called Mike along the way. Tom handed me a gun. One of the bigger ones. All I knew is that is was a semi-auto.

"What's happened?" I asked as we went from running to jogging. We were headed towards the inner town.

"Someone held Anne at gun point. Stole our supplies and made a run for it" Weaver replied.

My eyes widened for a second. Who'd do that?

I noticed three figures turn a corner. Looked like a family. Y'know, mom dad and kid. We followed them and turned onto a street. We all slowed to a walk when we couldn't see them. Staying weary. Obviously at least one was armed.

"That's what happens when people lose focus, they get careless" Weaver said.

"There's no way Anne could've seen this coming" Tom replied.

"I'm not talking about Anne, I'm talking about you. Civillians are your responsibility"

I opened my mouth about to say 'How is this Tom's fault?' but thought better not. Don't particularly want to get on the wrong side of my commanding officer. That'd put me in the doghouse for a few weeks at least.

My thoughts were interupted by gunfire. The back window of a car was shattered. We all crouched down, my fingertips spread out gently touching the floor.

"Leave us alone! I'll shoot, I swear!" the man called out.

We all took cover behind a car. Mike slowly extended his knees but Tom stopped him "Don't shoot. They still got that kid with them"

"Just, go back, and no-one has to get hurt!" the man called out again.

"No-body's going anywhere!" Weaver called back "You throw out that medicine and we'll talk!"

There was no reply but the sound of a single gunfire. I swallowed hard. I wouldn't be able to shoot him. I mean he's a civy. Plus he has a kid! But we couldn't let him take our supplies either. I wouldn't put it past him to shoot us depending on how desperate he was...

There was another quick gunfire. Different tone though.

"Drop it or die!" A voice shouted, but not at us..?

"Who the fuuu..." Tom gave me a look before I could finish "fudge"

He rolled his eyes and looked at Weaver who was obviously trying to recognise his voice.

"Drop it!" he shouted louder.

I heard mumbled voices but couldn't make them out.

"Who the hell is out there?" Weaver shouted.

"Terry Clayton, 7th mass!" he called back and there was a short pause "That Dan Weaver?"

"Yeah!"

"Come on up!" I noticed how croaky his voice was.

We all stood up. Thank God cos it was starting to hurt.

Mike was about to go after the family but Weaver stopped him "No, no. Stand down. They wanna leave let 'em go"

"Terry. Good to see you" Weaver shook his hand as he handed the meds to Tom.

"Always had good timing" Mike said a massive smile on his face.

"Mike. You're a sight" he shook his hand too then turned to Tom "Tom, how are the boys?"

"They're good" he nodded.

"So, who's this young soldier?" Clayton looked down at me.

I blushed "K-Kristen"

"There's no way you're shy!" Tom laughed.

"I get nervous around people I don't know, kay" I smirked.

"Ben's girlfriend, right?" Terry asked me.

I nodded.

"He's a lucky guy"

I blushed even more and thought to myself 'Damn it!'

"You're a long way from home. Last word was that the 7th mass was holding tight outside of Wilmington"

Terry suddenly looked down "Yeah, we were. The 7th mass is gone. Game's changed. Skitters hit us, and they hit us hard. They're heading this way"

We headed back to the school. Weaver and Clayton started catching up and talking about the 2nd and 7th mass.

We went into Weaver's 'office' and Clayton got right down to business. Talking about how the skitters took a girl, Megan and that only a few fighters and half a dozen civillians survived. It scared me.

"I think it would be a good idea if you moved the base to another location. We can give the kids a headstart by coming with me. I have a sanctuary up in some rural land. They'll be safe" Clayton layed out a map.

"Woah, woah. What makes you people are just going to hand their kids over?" It was obvious Tom didn't like this plan and to be honest, neither did I.

I figeted impatiently. I wanted to get back to Ben so badly...

Weaver eyed me up obviously knowing what I was thinking "Kristen, you're excused"

I sighed full of relief "Thank you!"

I practically ran to Ben's room. I slowed to a walk when I reached outside fixing my fringe. I slowly opened the door. Hal was asleep and Ben had he arm over Matt on the chair.

"Sorry. I can come back later-"

"No. I want you to stay. You're my sister now" Matt interupted my getting up and pulling me next to Ben.

Matt sat on my lap as Ben put his arm around me.

"So, what's it like being a soldier?" Matt asked.

Ben looked at me obviously just as interested.

"It's hard work. But, it gives you a feeling like ... like you're not useless. You know? Well, deos to me anyway. I hate not having a sort of purpose to me. Like, before the invasion, I was always there for my friends. I never doubted that. Then afterwards, when I became Ben's girlfriend, it just added to it. See, I went througha pretty ... hard stage, and I hate feeling useless because of it. Not just anyone can be a soldier though, Matt. Most need a reason to be able to have the will-power to do it. Like, most new soldiers, it's the missing kids. Obviously, mine was Ben and so was your dad" I wrapped my arms around Matt.

"You make it sound so stressing"

"Cos it is" I smiled "Still, suppose it's worth it"

Matt leaned backwards so his head was on my shoulder and I put my head next to his. All three of us fell asleep there.

Ben woke me up "Kristen?"

I looked at the clock squinting my eyes as they came back into focus. I'd been asleep for an hour or so. Matt was still asleep.

"Hmm?"

"Figured you wouldn't want to sleep the rest of the day away"

I lifted Matt up in my arms and gently lay him on the bed where Hal was. He musn't have been able to sleep or something.

As soon as I turned around Ben kissed me and whispered "Been waiting to do that ever since you walked in"

I laughed blushing "Awh, I feel loved"

He chuckled "I'm gonna go see if I can find Hal"

"Okay. You go ahead. Let me wake up a bit first and unload all of this" I gestured to the guns under my arms and knife strapped to my thigh "And I'll follow"

"Sure thing" Ben kissed me quickly again before leaving the room.

I quietly tip-toed outside after about five minutes. I decided to let Matt sleep. I went to my room. I looked at my clothes. An outfit I always loved started sticking out to me. It looked so, perfect for some reason. 'Sides, be fun to make Ben's jaw hit the floor. It was high-waisted shorts, with a crop top with the american flag printed on it. The left shoulder was cut so it slid down your arm a bit. I shoved on a pair of gladiators but I kept the kinfe strapped to my thigh.

I then went out to find Ben. I turned the corner just in time to see Jimmy push Ben into the lockers. His back collided with the door and even I felt how much that hurt as Ben winced.

"Watch where you're walking, Mason" he growled. He looked so ... evil. That was my thing!

I noticed Hal just behind him who saw the entire thing. Oh, he looked pissed off. The thing that made me laugh was that Hal could laugh at or pick on Ben all he wanted before the invasion but no-one messes with his brother. Jimmy noticed him too and spun around. His foot slipped as he ran, but his fall was broken when he put out his hand. Jimmy looked up and jumped and screamed as he saw me. I smirked devilishly at the look on his face. He knew he had no where to run. I threw Jimmy up against the wall, grabbing his coat. I was pretty strong and Jimmy was a lightweight so it was easy for me to lift him up so his feet weren't even touching the ground.

"Lay one finger on my boyfriend again, and I'm going to break your arms. Okay?" I smiled as I said it. Add to the crazy effect "Now, stop being such an ass"

Jimmy looked pissed at me and didn't answer so I simply dropped him. As he ran past me I couldn't help but miss the old Jimmy. I couldn't keep this up for much longer.

"Isn't it supposed to be me sticking up for you?" Ben smirked touching his back.

"I know. She's taking my job!" Hal added.

I laughed "I had to. You'd get shit for it cos he's 13 and you're 16. With me it's an entirely different story. And you, you're too nice" I pointed at Ben.

Hal shrugged "Okay. You have a point. You okay?"

Ben groaned "I'm fine. Just a little uncomfortable. These are connected to my spine"

There was a screech as my nails dragged across the metal of the locker leaving behind deep scratches.

"Damn, Kristen" Hal winced.

"Sorry" I bit my lip "gotta get it out somehow"

"Wow" Ben's fingers traced the scratches I'd left behind.

I laughed "I'd make a kick-ass werewolf!"

Ben and Hal both rolled their eyes.

"Oh, crap! I totally forgot!" I smacked my palm to my forehead.

"Cecilia?" Ben asked.

"Yep"

"It's fine. I'll just hang with Hal for a while. You should go see her. She needs you right now"

I kissed Ben and Hal pulled a disgusted face then chuckled. I slapped his chest and kissed him on the cheek much to his surprise.

"Give us a sec?" Ben smiled at Hal.

"Sure" he smiled back "meet you in the hall"

Ben hugged me from behind the waist and whispered in my ear "Just wanna say, you look incredibly hot in that outfit"

I giggled blushing "Thank you"

Ben bit his lip obviously trying to get something out of his head. It made me smirk.

"Go on" Ben slapped my arse making my eyes and mouth pop open at him "Needed to know how it felt" Ben smiled at me.

I shook my head laughing as I walked away. Walking turned to jogging after I got outside. I knew exactly where Cecilia's tent was. I didn't know what to do when I got there. I couldn't know, for obvious reasons.

"Erm, Cecilia?"

"Kristen? That you?" I could hear she'd been crying. Her voice sounded dry and strained.

"Yeah, it's me" I unzipped the door, sat down inside and zipped the door back up.

She hugged me tight as I patted her back "Sorry it took so long. I-"

"Had to go with Tom and Weaver. I know. Ben already came and explained"

I smiled. I love how sweet and thoughtful my boyfriend was! Still getting used to that word...

"I kinda take it you're not exactly okay" I said as she let go.

"I still have feelings for Jimmy. But I don't want them!" Cecilia looked so frustrated at herself.

"It's okay, Cec" I held her hand "when Jimmy sees the truth, he'll go back to the Jimmy we love"

"I hope you're right. But how do we make him see sense?" Cecilia looked at me.

I lay back "I don't know ... yet"

Sorry this was so long. Got carried away :P xox anyway review please xox