Ben 23 Oneshots || Cuz they ain't enough on this planet

Work

Ben 10 blinked groggily as he stirred from his slumber, feeling the weight pressing down on his torso. Rubbing his eyes, he blinked again to focus on the figure sprawled across him. It was Ben 23, his younger counterpart, dressed in sports attire, his brow glistening with sweat, his breath coming in ragged pants even in sleep.

Confusion clouded Ben 10's features as he gently rubbed Ben 23's back, trying to coax him away. "Ben 23?" he murmured softly, his voice thick with sleep. "What's going on, buddy?"

Ben 23 stirred slightly, emitting a soft groan in response, but otherwise remained deeply asleep, his grip tightening subconsciously on Ben 10's shirt.

Frowning with concern, Ben 10 carefully slid out from under Ben 23, trying not to disturb him. As he sat on the edge of the bed, he couldn't shake off the nagging feeling of unease. Why was Ben 23 dressed for a workout at such an early hour?

Ben 10's concern deepened as he gently shook Ben 23, trying to rouse him from his restless slumber. "Ben 23, wake up," he urged softly, his voice tinged with worry.

Ben 23 stirred, his breathing still labored as he struggled to catch his breath. Slowly, he shifted against Ben 10, seeking comfort in the warmth of his presence.

"Hey, buddy," Ben 10 said gently, wrapping his arm around Ben 23's trembling form. "What's going on? Why were you working out so early?"

Ben 23 hesitated, his expression troubled as he avoided Ben 10's gaze. "I... I just couldn't sleep," he mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper.

Ben 10's brow furrowed with concern. He knew there was more to the story than Ben 23 was letting on. "Is something bothering you?"

Ben 23 shifted uncomfortably, his breaths coming in short, ragged gasps. "I... I guess I've just been feeling... stressed lately."

Ben 10's heart sank at the admission. He could sense Ben 23's distress, but he didn't want to push him too hard. "You know you can talk to me, right? Whatever it is, we'll figure it out together."

Ben 10 sighed softly, his heart heavy with concern as he watched Ben 23 curl into himself, his body language a testament to the inner turmoil he was experiencing. The sight of Ben 23 hiding his body under Ben 10's jacket, his face twisted in self-criticism, tugged at Ben 10's heartstrings.

"Ugh, I feel so fat," Ben 23 grumbled bitterly, his voice dripping with frustration. "I've got to do something about this."

"Ben, you're not fat," Ben 10 reiterated gently, his voice tinged with worry. "And even if you were, it wouldn't change how I see you. You're still the same awesome guy, no matter what."

Ben 23 shook his head adamantly, his gaze fixed on some invisible flaw only he could see. "I can't shake off this feeling that I'm not good enough, that I need to change something about myself."

"But Ben, you've been working out like crazy, and you barely eat," Ben 10 interjected, his concern evident in his voice. "You're not fat, you're... you're losing weight, Ben."

Ben 23's eyes narrowed in frustration, a mixture of disbelief and self-loathing swirling in their depths. "You... you really think so?" he muttered, his voice laced with doubt.

Ben 10 nodded earnestly, his expression filled with unwavering sincerity. "Yeah, Ben. I really do."

With a tender touch, Ben 10 carefully removed the jacket from Ben 23's shoulders, revealing the frailty of his form. Ben 23's reaction, a sharp squeal followed by an immediate attempt to shield his stomach, spoke volumes about the deep-seated body dysmorphia he was grappling with. It pained Ben 10 to see how Ben 23 perceived himself versus the reality of his appearance.