So back with a new chapter. Yay. I'm just gonna say that this is a ben/oc story if you guys haven't figured it out yet. I'm honestly not sure if i want it to also be a Hal/oc with ashley. It started out that way, but ever since season 3 and Maggie officially being with Hal, I don't know if i should disregard that and have Hal with Ashley. Tell me what you think? Ben's in this one like twice for all you Ben lovers. :) Read and review!

~Music-is-lifexx

A Falling Skies Fanfiction

Running From What Matters

It's been a couple days and I haven't seen Ben for basically all of them. Maybe I'm being a little irrational, but I've been avoiding contact with him as much as possible. He probably thinks I hate him, but I honestly don't think I'll be able to think straight if he stares into my eyes again.

No one really considers me as a coward, but in this regard I am. I'm running from my problems, just like I always do. Whenever I had issues, family wise or something just wasn't going so well in my life, I laced on my sneakers and just ran. In retrospect, I guess this isn't a good coping mechanism, but it's what I did. It's what I've been accustomed too. I try to put up a strong front, hiding behind masks and jokes, but running from everything is who I really am inside. Ashley has tried countless times to get me out of this habit, but you can't break things like this.

I have been spending a lot of time with Maggie though. Just as Ashley had said, we were introduced and hit it off in the short time we've spent together. While Hal was off teaching Ashley to shoot, Maggie offered to teach me. I can now confidently say, I can load, cock, and shoot a gun. Not something I would brag about, had it been five months ago, but the times have changed.

Even though Maggie was like five years older than me, age was never really an issue for me. I tended to get along with the older crowd for basically all my life. Something about me being and looking more mature than I actually was. I don't know how many times, I have seen looks of shock from people after realizing my true age.

Maggie and I were actually currently having one of our gun training sessions and I'm pretty sure if Maggie were the type of person too, she would be off bragging to Hal about my great progress. I've always had good aim, I mean I used to do archery and was able to get a bulls eye on my second shot when I first started it.

I'm pretty sure if I walked up to the tree I was aiming at, there would be only a single hole. I'm not one to brag either, but I'm confident enough in my abilities. Holding a gun felt wrong though, in my hands. Even though I was good at it, I don't think I'll ever be comfortable with shooting it on the "battlefield."

"It gets easier," Maggie spoke, probably noticing my unease.

"I guess," I put the gun down, made sure it was on safety and put it in one of the holsters I was given. "I don't think I'll be going down on the frontlines soon."

"Don't feel pressured too," Maggie looked at me, her eyes serious, "I'm sure Weaver wouldn't mind too much if you told him you wouldn't feel comfortable going out on missions right away."

"Yeah, I guess," I stared at the sun in the sky, "Supply runs and infiltration are good enough for me." Maybe it was selfish of me, but I didn't want more 'blood' on my hands. The skitters and mechs need to be stopped, but I rather be saving lives than ending them, which is why I've been taking Anne's offer and have started helping her and Lourdes out whenever I could. "If I had a choice, I'd rather have a knife in my hand instead of a gun to be honest."

"A knife," Maggie questioned, giving me a look, "A knife versus a gun? You know that saying, 'never bring a knife to a gun fight, chickadee?'"

I rolled my eyes, "Never underestimate a knife. I've gotten quite good at throwing them."

Maggie still didn't believe me. She was skeptical, raising her eyes at me, "Really? She asked rhetorically, "I don't know how good a knife would be against a skitter or a mech."

"Has Hal ever told you how Ashley and I came to be with the second mass?"

"All he had mentioned was that you guys had a run in with a skitter and he and his dad got you guys out. "

"hmmm," I put on a contemplative face, "Hal sure does seem to do a lot of saving. Must have some sort of hero complex going on." Now that I'm finally thinking about it, Ben, Maggie, me, probably other people.

Maggie laughed, "You got that right,"

And I just went off topic again. God dammit, Kristen, get it together.

"Anyways, what he probably didn't tell you was that there were two skitters and I killed one by chucking a knife through its head. It was all good before I realized the one I stabbed in the gut, was actually still alive and able to control enough of its motor functions to claw up my back."

"Okay, I'll give that to you," Maggie seemed a bit more susceptible to believing me now. Or in the least, to hear me out.

Seems like I'm just going to have to show her. Seeing is believing, or so they say.

"You have any knives on you," I asked, hand out because I knew Maggie would never be unarmed if she went out. As much as she thinks guns are superior, she's not gonna leave herself undefended if she runs out of ammo.

"You're kidding right," Maggie crossed her arms, "You're actually serious."

I rolled my eyes, "Just give 'em."

"Alright," Maggie shook her head at me and took two knives from her jacket, "Here, don't hurt yourself, sweetie,"

"Don't you worry," I smirked, feeling the weight of the knives. These aren't throwing knives, but they'll do.

"Ready," I spared a glance back. Maggie re-crossed her arms and had her eyebrows raided.

"Go ahead, what are you waiti-"

Thunk.

Thunk.

I released the knives faster than Maggie could finish her sentence and smiled as they sunk into two trees about 20 feet away.

I looked back at Maggie and she was definitely surprised.

"Damn," Maggie was impressed. She had that look on her face, "Guess your aim isn't limited to shooting guns, is it."

Maggie started walking towards the trees to go and retrieve her knives. I followed.

"You know," she said, looking back at me, "I think I'm gonna have to rethink the whole bringing a knife to a gun fight thing." Her lips were pulled up into a smile.

Maggie went to take the first knife out of the tree, but stopped with her hand on the grip, "Hilt deep." She murmured to herself. I went closer to see what she was talking about and composed my face. I didn't realize how much power I used to throw the knives. Guess that worked in my favor in showing my skill to Maggie.

Maggie struggled to take the knife out and it took her a good while to try to dislodge it from the bark. I walked over to the other tree to see that it sunk deep as well. I put my hand on the grip and pulled. It took some effort, but I finally got it out. Wiping all the wood dust with my shirt, I handed the knife back to Maggie.

"You should tell Weaver about this." Maggie stopped to look at me on our way back to the school. "I'm sure if he knew, he would find you a good set of knives to keep handy."

"I actually did when he first came to see me and Ashley, but I don't think he believed me." I looked down at the ground, "To be honest, I think he thought I was joking."

"Well he has no reason to now," Maggie started walking again, "I'll tell him myself,"

Maggie turned around to face me and raised her right hand, "I swear as a witness."

We both laughed and spent the rest of the walk back to the school, talking and making jokes.

"Hey, Maggie," I said, grabbing her attention as soon as we started seeing people activity outside, "I'm thinking I'm gonna head inside. I promised Anne I would help out with all the kids. Apparently, there's something going around."

"Yeah no problem," Maggie started walking in the other direction, "I should check in with everyone, see if they need any help."

I waved and turned on my heel about to enter before Maggie called out to me again.

"I know you don't like it, but you're doing real well, Kristen. If half our fighters had your aim, I'm sure we'd be conserving ammo left and right. And with the knives, I'm sure you'll be a really good fighter soon."

I gave a small smile and walked through the doors. I don't know how I feel about being a fighter. As much as I wanted to help, I don't know if being on the frontlines is what I want to do. I was brought out of my thoughts by the sight of Jimmy running up to meet me. He had his gun strapped to his back again and he had to take a couple of breaths to calm his heart once he finally caught up to me.

"What's up Jimmy," I greeted, patting him on the shoulder.

"Nothing much, I guess," Jimmy and I started walking, "Been on a couple of patrols and helped out with all the supplies."

"Nothing much?" I raised my eyebrows, "Seems like you were in a hurry to talk to me," I smiled so Jimmy knew I was joking.

"Oh yeah, well I didn't see you yesterday at dinner and I haven't had a change to say hi till now," Jimmy had that sheepish look on his face again. I liked Jimmy. He was sweet and I admired him in a way. He was off with his gun, despite his age, while I basically cringed while holding mine. I don't know if sending kids out there is a good or bad thing.

"I kind of fell asleep during dinner time, didn't wake up till much later." Jimmy and I said a couple of "hi"s to the passersby while we chit chatted about random things.

"Oh yeah, Kristen," Jimmy stopped and turned towards me. "I actually forgot, but Weaver wanted me to let you know that there's gonna be a meeting after lunch and he wants you and your friend, Ashley to be there."

I nodded my acknowledgement. Now I gotta find Ashley again. She's probably going to be off with Hal so maybe I won't have too. I swear if that boy hurts her in any shape and form, I don't care if he's one of the best fighters the second mass has got, I will come after him and that would probably not be so pretty. I can see it already. Ashley's probably gonna fall for him sooner or later. I just hope Hal wasn't that type of guy since I think he's pretty cool.

"Are you okay, Kristen?" Jimmy seemed concerned. Did I look like I was spacing out that much. Oops.

"Yeah, Sorry Jimmy. I was just thinking." I sighed, "I need to get to Anne right now, I promised her I would help her out."

"No problem, I should probably get back outside and help out." Jimmy and I parted ways, shouting out goodbyes to each other.

I was walking down the halls, not really paying attention to anything. I was spacing out again and instead of the usual walls that like to jump out at me, I ran into a person instead.

I stumbled, moving back a little before I could steady myself. I ran a hand through my hair and started apologizing.

"Sorry, I should watch where I'm going."

"It was my fault," I looked up and saw the face of the very person I was trying to avoid. "I didn't see you there." Ben was rubbing the back of his neck and was looking off to the side.

"It's all good," I tried acting calm, it wasn't like Ben was completely conscious when he first saw me. I could be worrying over nothing. But this didn't erase the fact that Ben was really cute, probably my age, and made me literally want to hide away in shame because that one look he gave me brought out feelings that I have never felt before. I took a deep breath and gave Ben a smile, hesitantly looking up to his face. "I'm Kristen Grace." I held out my hand.

Let me just say that I'm a sucker for green eyes and what do you know, Ben's eyes are a lovely shade of green and his hair is nice sandy blonde, bordering on dirty blonde, maybe even light brown in some places and to be honest, looks wise, Ben was like my ideal guy. Tall, blonde(ish), green eyed, cute and a smile that could make you forget what you were doing.

Ben's face took on an emotion I couldn't name and the next second it was gone. A smile replacing it. He just had to smile, didn't he? He shook my hand, "Ben Mason."

"Oh, I know." I blurted out before I could stop myself. Great, now he probably thinks I'm weird. Ben looked startled. Oh God. "I mean, I met the rest of your family already and they were really worried about you. Matt was super excited when he said that Hal and your dad rescued you." I hurriedly tried to make myself look less awkward and weird to Ben. Normally I could care less about what people think of me, but like I said, everything with Ben was something new. It was like uncharted territory.

"Right," Ben looked at me funny and I groaned internally.

"Anyways," I said, trying to change the topic. "I have to go help Anne with something now. Sorry I bumped into you again. It was nice meeting you." I quickly walked away before Ben could say anything else. God, I'm stupid. And the award for creeping out cute guys goes to me, Kristen Grace. Yes, thank you, thank you. I suck.

I was almost at the science room, but the conversation that just happened kept replaying over and over in my head. Okay, Kristen, you need to forget about that now. What's done is done. Taking a deep breath, I opened the door and boy was I in for a surprise.

"Anne, I'm-"

"Don't move," and the next thing I know, there's this old man, maybe not old, but there's a man holding me at gunpoint.

I admit, it took me a good like 15 seconds for the situation to sink in. I shifted my eyes around the room. Anne was on the ground and nursing a split lip, crazy guy pointing a gun at me, his wife looking terrified and their poor son looked almost in tears.

What. The. Actual. Fuck.

I slowly raised my arms, signaling that I was not a threat and was not armed. But, that's a lie, I totally was. Hopefully I wouldn't have to use the gun that was strapped to the inside of my jacket.

"Don't hurt them! Let's just leave." The wife frantically tried to reason with her husband. The gun was still pointed at me and the man's emotions were conflicting. His eyes darted back and forth and he finally lowered the gun a little.

"We want out. Don't follow us!" The man was shouting, waving his gun from Anne to me, whilst backing up towards his family. He picked up a white bag that was on the floor, and ushered his family to leave.

"Let's go, let's go."

Only when I didn't see them anymore I relaxed. I ran over to Anne.

"Kristen," Anne was really shaken up, "They took all the medicine. Someone needs to stop them."

"Don't worry Anne, someone will get them soon-"

"No, Kristen. It took months to get all that!" Anne was looking a little distraught.

Should I go? Should I stay? The choices were flipping back and forth in my head. I was bouncing on the balls of my feet. Dammit. I'm going.

"Anne, I'm going after them. Tell Weaver or Tom or someone. I don't know if I'll be able to stop them."

I don't know if Anne heard me or not, but there was no time to worry about that.

Without looking back, I sprinted out the door, and to my displeasure, with the gun in my hand. They had maybe a couple minutes of a head start, but I doubt they were active members of the track and cross country team. I pumped my legs, urging myself to go faster. The rush of the wind was exhilarating and I realized how much I missed running. The wind was blowing my hair back and it felt like I was flying.

Soon enough I started seeing small shapes of people in the distance. I urged myself to go faster, but made sure to try to lighten my steps. Wouldn't want him drawing the gun on me again. Their figures became larger and larger as I picked up my speed. Soon enough I was close enough to see the little details on the little boy's backpack.

I chanced a glance behind me. Anne should've gotten help from someone so eventually there should be some people coming to help. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea. I'm not gonna engage him in a gunfight and I probably won't be able to get the medicine back without using force.

Damn.

The family was slowing to a stop and I quickly hid behind a car.

"I think we are okay now. There's no one following us, honey." The wife was breathing heavily and holding her boy close to her.

"They could be coming at any minute. We have to keep going!" The husband kept urging them to go foreword.

What to do? What to do?

The seconds ticked by and it didn't seem like the second mass was getting any closer. I took a deep breath. Guess I'm gonna have to take matters into my own hands.

I quietly cocked the gun and turned the safety off. Hiding behind the car I quietly opened the door and slid into the seat. The other windows were open and I positioned my gun.

Taking a deep breath, I tried to remember all the things Maggie told me.

All I could remember now, was the simple command she always gave me, "Just point and shoot."

I took one last deep breath.

Okay I can do this. I'm not aiming to kill.

I didn't realize it, but the family already moved to the side yard of a house.

A shot rang out. And the glass shattered in the car in front of mine.

"Leave us alone!" The man was yelling, "I'll shoot, I swear."

I turned around and my heart skipped a beat. Tom Mason, Captain Weaver and some other guy I didn't know were here. Thank God.

"Kristen?" Tom hissed out, quietly, "What are you doing here?"

"Get outta the car, it's dangerous." Weaver ordered me.

Like I didn't know that it was dangerous.

I climbed out of the car, kneeling so I was next to Tom. "To answer your question," I turned towards Tom, "I walked in on Anne getting assaulted by that psycho and then proceeded to be held at gun point and when I tried to help Anne, she told me that all the medicine he took would destroys months of work in finding them. So, I did what I do best, which is running. And I've been watching them for like the past five minutes since I caught up to them, waiting for you guys to come."

"Huh," Weaver had a contemplative look, but before he could say anything another shot rang out.

"Just go back," the man was shouting at us, "No one needs to get hurt!"

"Nobody's going anywhere!" Weaver shouted back. "You throw us that bag and then we'll talk."

I flinched and ducked as another shot rang out, but just as quickly, another shot followed it and another man's voice cried out, "Drop it, or you all die."

I looked up, trying to see who was talking, but Tom yanked me down by the shoulder. I winced a little when he tightened his grip on my injury. It hasn't been hurting lately, but I think that has something to do with the amount of painkillers Anne has been giving me.

"Who the hell is out there?" Weaver yelled, shifting on his feet.

"Terry Clayton, seventh mass!" And the voice is identified. We all looked at one another. Seventh mass? How many resistance groups are there? "Is that Dan Weaver?"

"Yeah."

"Well, come on up." Weaver and our gang slowly stood up, guns still cocked.

We slowly made our way towards Clayton. I'm guessing I'll be meeting some new people today. Yay. Weaver yelled at Mike, who was the unidentified member of the team, to stand down, saying that if they wanted to leave we should let them.

I kind of wasn't paying attention to what everyone was saying, but Clayton was making some small talk, asking bout Tom's boys and how the second mass had been. I didn't notice Clayton said something bout me till I felt everyone's eyes on me.

"Oh, I'm Kristen Grace, newly added member of the second mass." Clayton looked me over and barely gave me a nod of acknowledgment.

Well that was rude. Something about this guy rubbed me the wrong way. He seemed sly and insincere.

"the seventh mass is gone," I started listening from this point on. So basically skitters were coming this way and we are probably screwed. Great. Just what we need. We made our way back to camp and I was kicking this rock the whole way back.

"Kristen," Tom called out my name.

"Yes?" I tried to look up innocently because I was anticipating a mini lecture. Tom saw through my act though and gave me a look.

Shaking his head, he spoke again, "I don't have to tell you how dangerous it was for you to run off and follow them, do I?"

I shook my head. It's not like I was just going to ignore the fact that something needed to be done though.

"It's dangerous out here and you're also still injured. I don't want you getting hurt. You don't have to prove yourself to anyone here in the second mass."

"But I-"

"I know you wanted to help, but next time just find one of us and we'll deal with it."

I sighed in resignation. I'm not useless though.

I could begin to see the school in the distance. People were mulling about outside, a couple fighters on watch.

As soon as we got closer, I could see Maggie and Ashley sitting on some of the steps. They got up as soon as I was a couple feet away from them.

"I can't believe you went after them, Kristen," Ashley hugged me. "Don't do that again."

"Jeez," I wrapped my arm around Ashley, "I'm not planning on getting killed anytime soon, but I had to go after them." I paused, "Especially since Anne was really distraught."

Ashley let go of me and Maggie put her hand on my shoulder. "I'm glad your alright." Maggie gave me a small smile and I gave her one in return. "Let's go and get some breakfast. Almost everyone's up and about by now."

Ashley, Maggie and I went to the auditorium, which is where everyone's been eating. Luckily Maggie was with us, otherwise who knows how long it would have taken Ashley and I to find it.

Ashley and I were in line while Maggie was looking around the room for someone. Finding who she was looking for she patted us both on the shoulders, "I have to talk to Hal for a second. I'll be right back."

I took my share of food and spied Jimmy at a table. "Ashley, this way." I nudged Ashley and she followed me to where Jimmy was sitting, not far from the food line.

"Hey, Jimmy," I greeted, setting my plate down and sitting across from Jimmy. I had a view of the lunch line and could see Hal and Maggie talking through the corner of my eye. "This is Ashley, by the way."

Ashley and Jimmy exchanged greetings while I started eating. We were served some kind of porridge and just chit chatting about menial things.

I finished my food quickly. I didn't realize I was so hungry. Getting up from the table, I told Jimmy and Ashley that I was just gonna throw my trash out and I would be right back.

I got to the garbage can and threw my plate out, but I couldn't help but notice that a man was causing some trouble over by the food lines. He was saying some rather rude things to one of the harness boys an- wait a minute. That was Ben! He was calling Ben a razorback and a bunch of other things that I should be kicking this guy's ass for. There's just certain things you should not say to people out of common courtesy. What kind of man was this? Picking on kids, setting a bad example. Prejudice and racism is learned not created out of the blue and this damn guy is gonna get the whole camp to discriminate against the once harnessed kids.

Maggie said something to Ben, cutting in front of him while Hal went off and approached the man. Hal was making himself appear larger, standing up to the guy, "That's my brother over there."

Ben was just standing there, looking lost and hurt and generally just looking like a kicked puppy. I quickly walked over to Ben, trying not to get noticed, but everyone was focusing on Hal who was threatening the guy so I doubt anyone was paying attention to me.

"You mess with one of us-" I didn't listen to the rest. I grabbed Ben by the wrist, "C'mon," I hissed, dragging him towards the exit.

After walking a suitable distance away, I turned to Ben, "Don't listen to that guy. He's an idiot just looking for trouble. None of that stuff he says is true."

Ben was looking down, everywhere but at me. He looked at my hand, which was still gripping his wrist. I let go, embarrassed. "Sorry,"

I ran a hand through my hair, "Hey, you don't have anything to be ashamed of, you know." Ben slowly looked up and his beautiful green eyes were now a dark olive green that reflected his downcast expression. "Those spikes on your back," I went out to reach towards Ben, trying to give him some peace of mind or just comfort. "They're a sign of your strength. You survived, the skitters don't control you."

I didn't know what else to say.

"I need to be alone," Ben whispered, I almost didn't hear him. He slowly turned and walked down the hall. I watched his retreating figure until he turned the corner and disappeared from my sight.

This boy, I swear,

Gonna be the death of me. I scoffed, shaking my head and turning on my heel.

I'll be dying a premature death and it won't be a heroic one with me fighting off a bunch of skitters and mechs, but it'll all be because of a cute green-eyed boy with spikes in his back.

Go figure.