ben 10 · alien force · master control · mental health · relationship drama · bisexual · angst · rook ben · galvan · emotional vulnerability
The Omnitrix hums on my wrist, a low thrum marking my eighteen years. Two years of fighting alongside Rook, the return of the Alien Force, Vilgax's defeat, Grandpa Max's new arm—the world has changed around me. I'm a hero, a name everyone knows, but inside, it's all static. A year ago, Rook and I went public. I told everyone I was bi, and they all stood by me. But six months ago, he left for Galvan, and the silence since has hollowed me out. Gwen's voice cuts through the fog: "Ben, are you listening??" Kevin's adds a layer of urgency: "Yeah, there is an alien going around!!" My eyes stay fixed on nothing, their words just noise against the weight in my chest.