"Hey Benji."

Ben let out a happy squeal before running towards the other boy who was standing near the entrance of the shopping mall.

Walking towards them in a steady pace, Gwen and Max stared as the two boys hugged and Grandpa Max took the time to carefully inspect the other.

He was a scrawny looking kid, taller than his grandson, with dark hair and even darker clothes that made his pale skin look even sallower.

This kid was the clear definition of a "bad boy", one of those kids that surely would cause trouble in the long run, be it for themselves or to everyone around him.

The fact that he was close to his grandson made alarms ring in his head.

"Grandpa, this is Kevin," Ben announced cheerfully as he grasped the other boy's hand, happily swinging their arms in childish joy while the black haired kid starred at Ben as if he hung the damn moon.

Jesus Christ.

"My ex-boyfriend," Ben added happily, ignorant of the pained grimace that appeared on the kid's face at sudden reminder.

Well, seems that someone is still hung up about the breakup. He couldn't help the slight pang of sympathy he felt for the kid.

Ben could be extremely oblivious on things, especially concerning feelings.

Oh, Ben…

Gwen couldn't keep quiet anymore and scoffed, "The ruffian? Seriously?" She asked with a frown, placing her hands on her hips. Max gave her a confused look and she huffed, "That's what aunt Sandra calls him," she plainly explained, then turned back to the other two and stuck her tongue out, "'cause that's what he is!"

"Hey, Kevin is nice! Unlike you!"

Max sighed trying to tune out the bickering and glanced at the Kevin kid who stood rooted on the spot staring at the joined hands with a light flush on his face.

Running a hand through his face he cleared his throat loudly to draw the kids' attention. "Why don't we all go to the mall to do some shopping?" They were going to the shopping center anyways, might as well go now, "And, Kevin, if you're not busy, why don't you join us? I'm sure Ben would like it if you could come with us."

That seemed to catch the other off guard as he stammered for a bit before looking at Ben for confirmation, only to be met with impossibly bright puppy dog eyes, begging him to agree.

Turning his face around, a red faced Kevin mumbled a quiet "fine" which was promptly met with an exuberant cheer from Ben followed by a quick peck on his cheek.

Max thought that it wasn't healthy how red the kid's face turned, but it was amusing so he didn't say anything, and began pulling a sullen looking Gwen towards the mall before she could make a comment after making sure that the other two would follow.

He tried to ignore how those two kept holding hands.


Reminder that I am taking any ideas/requests of who may be Ben' exes
Only boys, as the title implies