More great reviews, thank you so much and I also want to say thank you to all of you who have added me to your fav's and alerts. I hope the last chapter wasn't too much for anybody or turned anybody off to my story. I know it was a bit rough for poor Ben, but necessary for the plot. I'm finding that writing fan fiction can be not only fun but also very therapeutic.

Chapter 7

Kevin awoke to the feeling of Ben shifting beside him. It was morning and the sun was shining all too brightly thru the window. He turned over to look at the alarm clock and mentally groaned, 7:00 am, it was way too early and he was way too tired to get up. He was unable to get much sleep the previous night, since he spent most of it trying to calm down an hysterical Ben, who had woken up screaming and crying a few times. He rolled himself back over to face the teen, who was still sleeping. He watched as the boy's chest rose and fell with each steady breath, he couldn't help but think how beautiful Ben looked dispute the dark circles under his eyes and the paleness of his skin. He reached over and stroked his hair gently, causing the teen to stir slightly, not waking up, but moving closer to Kevin, snuggling up against his chest for warmth and protection. Kevin couldn't help smiling to himself as he wrapped his arm around Ben and drifted back off.

Kevin was startled from his dreams by a loud crash, he quickly sat up and looked around, panic overtook him once he realized Ben was missing from the bed. He jumped up and began searching, padding down the hallway until he found the teen in the kitchen, cleaning a broken glass up off the floor. Kevin sighed in relief, the tension in his muscles falling away as he realized Ben was safe.

"Ben" he walked towards him.

"Kevin… Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you."

"What are doing up?"

"I was thirsty" Ben replied as he shrugged and placed the broken glass in the trash.

Kevin just watched Ben for a few moments while he got himself a drink of water, the boy was still so unsteady on his feet and pale, he really needed to get some food in the kid before he completely collapsed.

"Well since were already up why don't we go get something to eat" Kevin stated.

"I'm not really hungry."

"You have to eat Ben" Kevin could tell by the look on Ben's face that he was going to protest, he started to speak, but Kevin raised his hand to silence the teen.

"Besides I'm hungry and there's really nothing here to eat."

Ben nodded his head and followed Kevin into the bed room to get ready.

(An hour later at Mr. Smoothie)

Kevin walked back towards his car where Ben was waiting for him, not wanting anyone to see his still visible cuts and bruises. He could tell Ben was a bit nervous being out in public, surrounded by so many people. Once Kevin had reached his car he opened the door and sat down, handing Ben his smoothie and placing the rest of the food in the backseat. Ben looked deep in thought. Kevin studied him for a minute before finally asking him what was wrong.

"What's on your mind Benji?"

Ben turned and looked at Kevin a bit puzzled, then turned away, biting his lip for a few moments before speaking.

"Kevin, can I… stay at your place for a while?"

"I don't mind, but what about your parents?" Kevin asked.

"They won't mind, besides they're away on a trip for awhile, a second honeymoon or something… So it's really okay if I stay with you?" Ben was looking at Kevin pleadingly, begging not to be rejected.

"Yeah, but we better stop by your house and get you some clothes." Kevin remarked and Ben nodded.

In all honesty Kevin was more than a little happy and relieved that Ben would be staying with him, it would make it so much easier to watch over and protect him.

Kevin started the car and headed towards Ben's house, the whole time the two were completely oblivious to the fact they were being watched.