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

Au Naturel

As the morning sun streamed through the windows of their home, Ben 10 groggily made his way to the kitchen, rubbing his eyes and yawning. However, his peaceful morning was quickly disrupted by the sight of Ben 23 bouncing around the room like a pinball, his energy levels soaring to unprecedented heights.

"Whoa there, buddy, slow down!" Ben 10 called out, trying to catch Ben 23 as he zipped past him, chasing after their pet cat.

But Ben 23 paid no heed, his laughter echoing through the house as he darted from one corner to another. It was clear that he had indulged in one too many sugary treats for breakfast, and now he was reaping the whirlwind of his hyperactive state.

With a resigned sigh, Ben 10 braced himself for the task ahead. Wrangling an over-caffeinated Ben 23 was no easy feat, but someone had to do it.

"Alright, time to brush your teeth and hit the shower," Ben 10 said firmly, trying to keep his tone authoritative despite the chaos unfolding around him.

But Ben 23 was having none of it. He squirmed and protested, his limbs flailing wildly as Ben 10 attempted to corral him towards the bathroom.

After a brief struggle, Ben 10 finally managed to coax Ben 23 into the shower, but his victory was short-lived. As soon as Ben 23 emerged from the bathroom, he discarded his towel with reckless abandon, prancing around the house in his birthday suit.

Ben 10's eyes widened in alarm as he lunged forward, determined to spare their neighbors from the unexpected sight of a streaking Ben 23. With a combination of agility and determination, he managed to wrap Ben 23 in a towel, swaddling him like a newborn until he relented and changed into more appropriate attire.

With Ben 23 finally subdued and properly dressed, Ben 10 breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that peace had once again returned to their humble abode. As he watched Ben 23 settle down, his boundless energy finally waning, Ben 10 couldn't help but chuckle at the unpredictable antics of his younger counterpart.

As Ben 23 made another spirited attempt to dart off, Ben 10 sprang into action, his reflexes honed from years of heroics. With a swift movement, he scooped up the hyperactive teen by the waist, marveling at how surprisingly small and wiry Ben 23 felt in his grasp.

"Whoa there, speedster," Ben 10 chuckled, his voice laced with amusement as he wrestled with the energetic whirlwind in his arms. "Time to crash and recharge."

With a gentle yet firm motion, Ben 10 deposited Ben 23 onto the soft expanse of his bed, tucking him in with care. The events of the morning had left Ben 23 buzzing with restless energy, his mind racing a mile a minute.

With a final pat on Ben 23's shoulder, Ben 10 quietly slipped out of the room, leaving his younger counterpart to drift off into a peaceful slumber. As he closed the door behind him, he couldn't help but feel grateful for the unpredictable yet undeniably special moments they shared.

************

Panicked by Ben 23's screams, Ben 10 rushed to his side, heart pounding with worry. The sight that greeted him was unexpected and alarming – a snake slithering out of the bathroom's sewage hole. Reacting quickly, Ben 10 took care of the snake, ensuring it posed no further threat.

Turning his attention back to Ben 23, he found the younger hero sprawled on the bathroom floor, clutching his injured elbow in pain. "Hang in there, buddy," Ben 10 reassured, kneeling beside him. He carefully examined the injured arm and, with growing concern, realized that Ben 23 had indeed suffered a fracture.

"Easy now," Ben 10 said, supporting Ben 23 as he tried to sit up. "We need to get you to a hospital."

Despite Ben 23's protests and attempts to tough it out, Ben 10 gently lifted him and carried him out of the bathroom. The urgency of the situation prompted Ben 10 to transform into XLR8, whisking them both to the nearest hospital at super speed.

In the hospital, Ben 23 received medical attention for his fractured arm. Ben 10 stayed by his side, providing comfort and support throughout the process. It was a stark contrast to the morning's hyperactivity, as the unforeseen events had shifted the day's tone.

As Ben 10 tenderly petted Ben 23's hair, the younger hero gradually relaxed into the hospital bed, his earlier panic dissipating. The doctors worked efficiently to bandage his elbow and fit him with an arm sling, ensuring he was comfortable and stable.

With a gentle scratch to Ben 23's head, Ben 10 coaxed him to open his eyes. Ben 23's shiny blue orbs met Ben 10's gaze, reflecting a mixture of relief and gratitude. A soft smile tugged at Ben 10's lips as he leaned in to place a kiss on Ben 23's cheek.

"You know, Ben, this might just be the universe's way of telling you to take it easy," Ben 10 teased, his voice lighthearted yet filled with genuine concern. "No more sugar rush-induced adventures for a while, okay?"

*****************

As the time to be discharge arrived, Ben 10 aided Ben 23 out of the hospital, but that tension easing was short lived as an unfortunate predicament occurs. As Ben 23 collides with the light post, a sharp cry escapes his lips, piercing the air with distress. Ben 10 reacts swiftly, his instincts kicking in as he rushes to Ben 23's side. With a gentle but firm grip, he scoops Ben 23 into his arms, cradling him close to his chest. The sudden embrace seems to soothe Ben 23, his frantic movements subsiding into a soft, contented sigh as he nestles into the comforting embrace of Ben 10.

Ben 10's arms wrap securely around Ben 23, offering both physical support and emotional reassurance. Despite the pain, Ben 23 finds solace in the warmth and security of Ben 10's embrace, his breathing gradually slowing as he leans into the familiar comfort of his mentor's presence.