a song (for you) // Ben Gross x OC

14 ~ just a lonely boy

"It's obvious I can't just be your friend"

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Ben was used to being alone. Until recently, he spent his free time scrolling through Reddit and diving into homework.

He just wanted his parents to notice him, and to actually try and spend time with him.

But, since Jezalyn came into his life, he didn't seem to have the same problems or worries. He felt safe.

During the model UN trip, Ben had befriended Devi. The two bonded over being the heroes of the trip when they supplied everyone with alcohol. And things were going great, too.

Jezalyn's voice was constantly running through his mind. "You should be nice to Devi."

So, he did. He gave her a chance, and he instantly regretted that when she bombed his country during Model UN.

He had no idea why, either.

He was met with a scowl from Devi on the bus ride back to town. He shook it off and decided to focus on his phone.

Jezalyn had texted him and he felt his heart clench in his chest at her kind words. He really did miss her this weekend. More than he thought he would.

~

The next day, Ben, his dad, and Shira had had plans to go to the Clippers game.

Just as Shira had full on rejected him, despite agreeing to go months ago, Jezalyn appeared in front of Ben.

"Hey, nerd. What's up?" She beamed at him, her eyes crinkling as she smiled.

"H-hey J. Do you have any plans tonight?" He asked hopefully, adjusting the straps on his backpack.

"Actually, I do! Carlos and Paxton and Trent invited me to come out to the drive ins. I would've invited you but I know you have your Clippers game tonight with your dad and-" Her voice trailed off as she gestured towards Shira's direction.

"Oh! Right, yeah. Shira actually can't make it tonight so I was going to offer you her ticket but since you're already busy it- it's fine."

The girl glanced at him with a sympathetic smile, patting his shoulder. "If you need me to come, I'll be there."

He gulped, knowing that Jezalyn's company always made him feel better. But he shook his head in response. He didn't need more pity today. "Thanks J, but I'm fine. I'll just spend some time with my dad. He's super excited!"

~

Ben didn't end up going to the game that night. Instead, his dad cancelled on him and his housekeeper, Patty, took her sons to the game.

He didn't have the heart to tell Jezalyn what had happened. Ever since her and Carlos reunited, she'd been busy. Ben didn't think she'd even care, honestly.

Maybe I was just a temporary fix for her. She doesn't seem to be too bummed out that we aren't always hanging out.

He shook his head and shut his locker, grumpily walking to class.

~

KNOCK KNOCK

Ben had just arrived home from dinner with the Vishwakumaur's, and he was feeling peace as well as relief. He discovered that Devi lied about sleeping with Paxton, and honestly he couldn't blame her for that. He kind of expected it.

But he didn't expect to hear a knock on his front door.

And he really didn't expect Carlos Gomez to be the person knocking.

~

"What do you want?" Ben stared at Carlos with a blank expression.

"Look, dude. I know you're not my biggest fan and you're not my favorite person. But you... mean a lot to my sister. And if you hurt her, I will ruin your life, Gross." He leaned against the doorway with his fists clenched.

Ben paused before replying, "Why are you here? Just to threaten me?"

"I-I'm here because Jez misses you. I can tell. She spends all her time trying to write in her notebook but she gives up so quickly. She's kind of freaking out because she still hasn't written a song for her music project. But you... you make her feel more confident, and better."

Carlos let out a loud sigh before continuing, "you should come by, and talk to her. Right now.... Please?" Carlos pleaded with his eyes and searched Ben's face for a reply.

"Alright, I'll be over there in 10."

~

Ben breathed in deeply before stepping into Jezalyn's room. He hadn't been there since the night of Trent's party, when he fell asleep with Jez in his arms.

His eyes softened when he saw the girl laying on her bed with her headphones in. She looked a bit tired, but nonetheless as cute as always.

"Hey J," Ben started as he walked towards her, lightly running his fingers across her leg.

The girl removed her headphones and smiled at the boy. "Ben!!!! Thank god you're here. I missed you dumbass! I mean this whole week you've been busy and I understand life is important, but I like to think we're an important duo too."

Ben tried to ignore the chills she managed to send up his spine when he called them important.

"Well I-I missed you too, J. That's why I'm here. I know you've been hanging out with your brother a lot and that's great! It is, but I miss my best friend..." His voice trailed off while her face turned a light pink.

"Ugh just get over here already!" Jezalyn climbed out of bed to pull Ben into a huge hug, her arms enveloping his neck while his hands rested around her waist, meeting on the small of her back.

~

Carlos glanced into the room, watching the two embrace for a moment.

God, those two idiots are in love.

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What is UP my absolute angels!! Thank you so much for reading and omg we have hit another milestone of 900+ reads!!! Thank you so much to everyone who's been sticking through the story with me! Things are amping up and I can't wait to continue! I'm going to complete this through to the end of season 2 with a few twists! Can't wait for this journey to continue!!! Vote and comment <3