Author's Notes: I know I updated earlier today, but this idea struck me and I had to write it down immediately. It's BenxJulie fluff, so if you don't like, don't read. There aren't that many stories about the two, so I'm happy to say that I got an idea with the two especially since I tend to have most of my ideas centered on Kevin or Gwevin.

Disclaimer: I don't own Ben 10, never will. I also don't own the quote at the beginning.

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"I think life's an irrational obsession."

~Sean Penn

71. Obsession

"Hey Ben."

Ben looked over from the cashier he had just paid at his girlfriend Julie. His face broke into a friendly smile as he waved at her,

"Hey Julie. Do you want anything?"

She shook her head and stood, waiting while Ben received his smoothie. The couple then walked over to an open table before sitting down. Julie spread out their current math assignment. The two had arranged to meet here to study.

Ben sipped at his smoothie before shaking his head.

"What is it, Ben?"

"It's not it." Ben sighed. He sipped again at the smoothie. Seeing Julie's perplexed expression, he added, "I've been trying out all the flavors to find the very best smoothie. The lemon and watermelon smoothie is not the one."

"I'm sure you'll find it someday." Julie smiled sweetly at Ben. Some people might think a smoothie obsession would be a bit strange, but Julie actually found it cute. As long as it was practiced in moderation.

"I suppose you're right." Ben returned Julie's smile before drinking down the rest of his smoothie. "I'll be right back."

Julie watched as Ben dropped his empty cup into the garbage and proceeded in ordering another smoothie. She rolled her eyes. It was a wonder how the boy could drink down so many smoothies in one day. When he returned, Julie asked,

"What flavor did you get this time?"

"Chocolate and cranberry."

Julie's face blanched at the thought of what that combination would taste like. Most people stuck with the regular flavors on the menu, but Ben seemed to prefer always seeking out new combinations to try. The employees had gotten used to his behavior and were just glad that they had such a steady customer.

"How is it?" Julie asked after the boy took a sip.

"A lot better than you would expect, but definitely not the best." Ben drank some more of it before holding it out for Julie, "Want to give it a shot?"

Julie eyed the smoothie with light suspicion. Chocolate and cranberry was an interesting combination, but Ben had said that it was okay. Ben was notorious in having odd likings for smoothies, but it surely couldn't be that bad.

Reaching over she took the smoothie from him and took a sip. The taste was peculiar. It wasn't necessarily bad, but she couldn't say that it was very good either. It was painfully sweet, but it was definitely better than others Ben had ordered before.

"It's not as bad as I thought it would be." Julie finally said with a nod.

As she drank down the remaining smoothie (it was nearly done anyway), she watched Ben trot off to get yet another smoothie. This time he came back with one that he claimed to have a mixture of kiwi, broccoli, and banana.

A few hours of studying intermixed with Ben's smoothie tests passed. Julie found herself worrying over Ben. Surely drinking this many smoothies was unhealthy for anyone even a hero.

"Ben, don't you think you should stop now?" Julie asked.

Ben shook his head. "I can't stop until I've found the best flavor."

"Won't you have to try them all to find it? That's going to take a long time and by then, I'm sure you'll never want to look at another smoothie again."

Ben looked aghast at the very idea of being sick of his addiction. He glanced down at the smoothie he held, a blend of limes and coconuts.

"I don't think I'll get sick of them." He set the cup down and looked up into Julie's chocolate eyes. "I just can't explain it, but I know that I'll be able to tell the best flavor when I taste it. I just have to find the right one."

Julie sighed. This was impossible. An idea dawned on her and she smiled at him, "Come on, we're going to my house to study."

"Fine…" Ben stood up and threw his empty cup away. "Just let me get another smoothie."

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After a brief walk later (Kevin's chauffeur services were unavailable as the boy was currently out with Gwen), they reached Julie's house. Ben sat down in her living room, gulping down the remains of his smoothie. Julie had gone off to the kitchen.

Ben pondered the reason Julie had retreated to the kitchen. After her concern for him having drunk a few too many smoothies, he doubted she would want to fix them up a snack. He leaned into the sofa with a sigh. No smoothie had come close to being the right one and now he was deprived of his smoothie source. How was he ever going to find the best smoothie in the world at this rate?

The sounds of a blender whirring drew Ben's attention away from his thoughts towards the kitchen. What was Julie doing? Standing up the boy walked over to the kitchen and poked his head in. Julie had her back to him. She was standing in front of a blender that Ben could clearly hear, but couldn't see.

"Hey," Ben greeted as he walked into the room.

Julie jumped at the sound of his voice and turned around. "Oh Ben, I thought you were going to wait for me in the living room."

"I was, but I heard the blender and I got curious." He tried to peer around Julie to look at the blender, only to have his way blocked by the girl.

"Not until it's done. Now go back to the living room."

"But-"

"Now."

Ben sighed and did as she asked. He slumped down into the sofa, sulking. What had she been brewing up in that blender? The answer could be a wide variety of things. It could be a shake, a puree, maybe even a smoothie! It could be something absolutely terrible meant to improve his health, or it could be a smoothie to taunt him. Julie wouldn't do that, would she?

"Here you go, Ben."

A large glass full of a bright red substance was handed over to Ben. He looked from the smoothie up into Julie's smiling face. So she had been making a smoothie. Gratitude flew over him.

"Thanks."

"No problem Ben. How is it?" Julie sat down on Ben's side.

She watched eagerly as he took a sip. This sip was followed by another and then another. Soon the whole smoothie had disappeared down Ben's throat. The boy still hadn't said anything. He wore a large, goofy grin on his face.

"That. Was. The. Best. Smoothie. Ever." Each word was emphasized as Ben bent over and gave his girlfriend a peck on the cheek.

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A/N: I hope that turned out okay. I haven't really written Julie before other than in the Big Chill oneshot. How'd I do? If there are any suggestions on how to keep her better in character (if I did a good job, then it would be nice to hear so) or how to make sure their coupling is in-character (I think I did a good job on that), then I would love to hear it. As always, reviews are appreciated.

Twilight Phantom Dragon