Sweet Dreams

I own nada.  This is the sequal to 'Raise Me Up'.  If you haven't read it, then this story will probabally confuse you, so go read it first, please!
Technorg's P.O.V.  Two weeks later, it incorporates The Galactic Enforcers, which I do not own.  Slash, ahoy!
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I opened my eyes to see Ben resting in my arms.  Two weeks and he was almost fully healed.  Human bodies, as beautiful as they are, take forever to heal.
Ben had every reason to hate me, I raped him!  But instead, he offered himself to me last night.  I now understood why humans mate for life.
A small hand stroked my chest as a voice whispered, "Good morning, sleepy head."
I swear that at that moment, I was the happiest anything alive ever.
"Good morning, Ben," I replied, getting myself ready to leave the comfort of the warm bed.
"It's after noon, you know.  We slept like a couple of logs," Ben joked.
I smiled and responded, "A couple of very tired, happy logs."
"Well, this log is going to go get some lunch if you would be kind enough to let me go," Ben smiled at me.  I tightened my grip on him.
"What if I don't want to?" I asked, grinning.
Ben planted a few kisses on my face and as I was enjoying him, he must have gotten out of bed because when he stopped, he was kneeling next to me and said, "Then I'll have to do that."
I laughed at how well he knew me already.
I got up and escorted him down to the kitchen where we had our lunch and I asked Ben if he wanted to do anything today.
He replied that there was a new game store opening today and he wanted to check it out.  I gladly agreed.
As we were walking towards the game store, a ship sailed over our heads and landed in the street infront of us.
Ben rushed over to it and I followed him.
A large crowd had gathered and as the doors opened there were many gasps.  A Detravite exited the ship and loudly asked to be taken to the bicinthium alloy.
When no one responded to his request, he punched the ground creating a miniature earthquake.
Ben twisted his watch a bit as he said that someone needed to teach him some manners.  He slammed his hand down on the Omnitrix and turned into a Tetramand, one of my favorite forms of Ben.
He ran up to the Detravite and held him still.  I heard him say something that sent me off the deep end, "A Tetramand?  This place really is a dump."
I ran up to him and Ben moved just in time for me to send the bad guy flying.
Ben grinned at me and I told him that I could take that guy, that he should go and fight the purple guy.  He agreed to the arrangement and took off running at purple guy.
I kept an eye on Ben as I easily fought the Detravite.
Ben had him by his neck and pulled his hand back to punch him when he dropped a capsule that exploded and let out a gas that knocked Ben into a stone wall.
I was about to rush over to him when I heard someone shout, "Galactic Enforcers, engage!"
Three strange looking super-heroes appeared and took the purple guy, me, and the other Detravite and threw us in a pile.
Ben rushed over and grabbed my arm and helped me up just as a blueish green alien punched him in his side.
I grabbed blue-green and threw him before helping Ben up and asking if he was okay.  He was.
Ben asked blue-green what that was for.  He said that Ben was helping an escaped criminal.  Ben asked if he was talking about me or the other guy.  Blue-green looked at my fist and appologized to Ben.  Ben said it was an honest mistake and forgave him.
The female Tetramand wrapped one of her arms around Ben and began flirting with him.  I now officially DESPISED the Galactic Enforcers.
I heard Ben say, "Yes, saved by the beep!"
Ben turned back into Ben and the Tetramand asked where the rest of him went.  I smirked to myself as I could tell she was dissapointed with Ben's appearance, something I'd never be.
They introduced themselves as Ultimos, Tini, and Synaptak and then we were taken back to there ship where Ben told them exactly how awesome everything there was.  Extremely.
They sent purple and Dertavite to Galactic prison via teleporter discs.
I caught Ultimos staring at Ben when he wasn't looking and realized then and there that he wanted Ben.
My suspicions were confirmed when he offered us a tour and told me that Tini and Synaptak would show me around and he would show Ben.
As I was taken to room after roon, I continued to worry about Ben.  What if he was in danger of a repeat of two weeks ago?  What if he was being hurt and I was breaking my promise to protect him?  What if he fell in love with Ultimos and decided to stay with him?
My thoughts were interrupted as Tini asked me how I had gotten to Earth.  As I told her and Synaptak the full story, omitting the part about me falling in love with Ben, Tini began to whisper sweet nothings to me.
I hater her for flirting with Ben, I hated Synaptak for insulting Ben, I hated Ultimos for what he could be doing to Ben at that moment, but most of all, I hated myself for not being brave enough to go looking for Ben.
"You know, I think Ultimos would be willing to take that human off your hands, Technorg.  It's more than obvious that he really likes Ben," Tini spoke as she wrapped an arm around me.
"Thanks, but no thanks.  I'm perfectly happy with Ben and me living together as we are," I responded.
Tini glared as Synaptak used a mental forcefield to assure that I could not move.  "I don't think you understand.  I mean that Ben is coming with us whether he wants to or not.  What do you think Ultimos is doing right now?  Do you really think that he was just going to show him the ship?" Tini laughed as I heard Ben scream for help.
I was infuriated!  I put all of my will into reaching out and punching Synaptak into the next room.
The forcefield disappeared and I tied Synaptak's tentacles around Tini so that they were stuck.
I then ran in the direction I heard Ben's scream come from and I reached them as Ultimos was taking off Ben's shirt.  He did NOT get very far.
I basically turned Ultimos into a pretzel before untying Ben and getting us out of there and back home.
I carried Ben back to our room and asked him if he was hurt.  Tears welled in Ben's eyes as he chanted a continual line of 'I'm sorry'.  
I sat down on my bed and put Ben on my lap as I kept my arms around him and he apologized for being blind to their intentions.  I just kept assuring him it was not his fault as I rocked him as gently as I could.
We stayed like that for what felt like hours before Ben fell asleep in my arms.  Rather than move him back to his bed, I layed us down in my bed and we went to sleep in eachother's arms.
As I watched Ben sleep, I swore that I would never let anything like that happen to him ever again.

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I awoke to the sounds of wimpering and as I opened my eyes I saw Ben having a nightmare and that it was nearly two in the afternoon.
I carefully tapped Ben's cheek and he opened his eyes.  As soon as he did this, he threw his arms around me and cried that they were coming for him.  I told him that he was safe and that I needed to check him for injuries.
Ben stood shakily and I knelt infront of him and took off his shirt as gently as I could.
I gasped at the sight before me.  Bruises of every shape, size, and intensity decorated his pale chest and stomach.  I asked Ben to tell me exactly what happened and told him that it was okay if he started crying.
"Ultimos told me that he had a surprise for me in another room.  I followed him and when we got there, the lights were out.  When he shut the door it was pitch black.  I couldn't see anthing.  Then, he started hitting me untill I screamed for help.  Then, he bound my wrists and ankles and lifted my shirt just as you came in." Ben was sobbing so hard I had a bit of trouble making out some of the words.  "If you hadn't come in," Ben continued, tears flowing freely and Ben making no attempt to stop them. "he would have killed me.  He said he was going to.  I'm so sorry, Technorg!"
Ben wrapped his arms around my neck.  It hurt to see him like this.  I know it hurt his pride, too.  I pulled myself away from him and wiped the tears away from his face.
"It was not your fault.  I was sure something was wrong, but I didn't do anything.  If anyone should apologize, it's me.  I'm sorry, Ben," I held him as closely as I could without hurting him.
"Thank you, Technorg.  I know I must be annoying you, but I was just so afraid.  Thank you for not abandoning me.  Thank you for protecting me from Ultimos and my nightmares.  I love you," Ben's words caused my heart to skip a beat.  It was the first time he had said that he loved me using words.
"I-you're welcome.  You are not a nuisance and I would never abandon you.  I love you, too," I replied.
I felt Ben relax a bit at my last statement, so I repeated it a few times, it having the same effect as a lullaby.
Once Ben was asleep, I layed him in his bed and began tending to his multiple wounds.  It seemed like each time I fininshed dealing with one, two more would appear.  Finally, after hours of hard work, Ben was clean, wearing fresh clothes, and all of his wounds were dressed.  Better yet, he was still asleep.
I went downstairs to the kitchen and got to work on making tea and chicken noodle soup.
Once I was done making both, I brought them up to Ben and found him just waking up.
"Perfect timing," I stated as I put the tray on the table next to Ben's bed.
"Ow... I think an invisible elephant decided to sit on my chest.  Wow, did you do all this?!" Ben questioned. 'All this' was referring to the bandages, clothes, food, and tea.
"You were asleep for quite a while.  You'd be surprised at what you can do in," I glanced at the clock and then continued. "seven hours.  I am surprised that you are still alive, you have more bruises than skin!"
Ben blushed and mumbled something like 'It's not my fault he was rough.'
Ben picked up a spoon and dipped it in the soup, but his hand was shaking so much that he didn't even get the soup out of the bowl.
"Do you want some help?" I offered, sympatheticly taking the spoon from his trembling hand and placing it on the table.
I lifted Ben up and sat on my bed with Ben in my lap, his head resting on my upper arm.  I picked up the spon and began to carefully feed Ben.  
While I fed him I thought that Ben really shouldn't be acting this kind to me.  This must have reminded him of two weeks ago.
"Ben?" I asked as I put the spoon back down.
"Yes?" He replied as he wrapped his arms around my arm.
"Um, did this, I mean, did what Ultimos do to you, did it-" I was cut off by a kiss placed on my lips.
"Only slightly," Ben replied.  I gave him a puzzled look. "You were much more careful with me and the bruises were all acidents.  With him, we didn't even get started and I was covered in bruises.  You would never mean to hurt me.  That, and you let me live and made it up to me.  He was just going to kill me.  It may not make what you did okay, but I would DEFINITELY rather have two weeks ago than yesterday."
I kissed the top of his head and helped him finish his dinner before going to bed.
"Technorg?" I heard Ben call out weakly.
"Yes?" I responded.
"Can I, um, well, it's just that, well, I'm afraid of the nightmares and if I could wake up from them and be able to see your face, it might make it a little more bearable," Ben explained.
I gladly lifted him up and placed him in my bed before crawling in next to him.
"You might want to watch out," I warned. "You keep this up and you'll have yourself a permanent bed partner."
"Somehow, I don't think I would mind.  I love you, Technorg.  Good night," Ben stated.
"I love you too, Ben.  Sweet dreams," I answered.
By the look on his face, I would say that was exactly what he had.

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I felt a pair of lips on my own as I slowly drifted away from my dream world.
"Guess who," Ben's voice sent electricity up my spine.  He was whispering into my neck.
"Would the owner of the World's Hottest Body please refrain from teasing the tired alien?" I asked as Ben chuckled.  I adored his chuckle, it was purely simple.
DING-DONG!
The door bell sounded.  I kissed Ben's forehead and told him that I would get it.
I left the comfort of the warm bed and walked down the stairs to the front door. I opened the door and suddenly felt like killing our guests.
It was The Galactic Enforcers.
They stood in the doorway, heads hung in...shame?  Serves them right!
"What do you want?!" I demanded. "Haven't you done enough?  Or did you want to finish him off?!"
"We want to apologize," Ultimos mumbled, head still turned down.
"Oh, right.  I mean all you did was try to rape him and kill him.  I'm sure it's something that can be remedied with just a fucking apology!" I shouted, furoius that he would even consider that that was all it took to make up for the damage he did.
"Technorg, why are they here?" I heard a frightened voice behind me ask.
I turned around to see Ben, tears welling in his eyes as he stared, horrified, at the sight of his previous captor, Ultimos.
I walked over to Ben, lifted him up, and shouted, "See what you did!  I was starting to make progress with helping him get over it when you had to show up!  What is it with you?!  Do you enjoy seeing children frightened??!!"
Ben was now hiding his face in my neck and I could feel cool tears streak down my warm flesh.
"No!" Ultimos shouted. "Will you just let me explain?"
"Why should I?!" I replied, infuriated.
"Everyone deserves a second chance, and it wouldn't be fair if I gave you another chance and didn't give them one," Ben explained as he tightened his grip on my neck.  I was sure he was terrified, but I had to give him credit for acting brave.  I know that had anything like that happened to me I would have thrown the person out-literally!
"Alright, but if you try any funny buisness, I'll kill you all.  You are lucky to have survived this long after what you did to Ben," I warned. I felt Ben smile against my chest.
"Thank you.  Now, I'm not sure how, but when you left with Ben, whatever force that had been overpowering us left, too.  We awoke in extremely painful positions and were wondering how we had gotten like that.  When we checked the cameras, we discovered what we'd done and felt that we at least needed to apologize for our actions.  I'm sorry, Ben, for what I did to you.  I never even realized it.  Can you ever forgive me?" Ultimos asked as he approached Ben and me.
"O-okay, I guess," Ben replied.  I was once again amazed by this human's ability to forgive.
"And can you forgive us, Technorg?  We didn't mean to keep you from him.  We are both very sorry," Tini said as she approached me.
"I suppose so.  But I want you all to understand this; if any of you EVER even ATTEMPT to harm Ben in any way again, I will not hesitate for an instant to kill you.  Understood?" I asked, giving each of them a warning glare.
They all nodded and said that it was perfectly clear.
"Do you want to stay for breakfast?" Ben offered shyly.
"We would be honored," Ultimos replied.
I will not kid you, I was jealous as Hell right now.  I wanted to tear that smug look off Ultimos's face and shove it up his ass, but Ben wouldn't want that, and today was all about him.
Ben made vegetable soup, salad, peanut butter toast, and tea.  If I didn't know better, I'd say this was a formal dinner party.  I think he was just afraid that if they didn't like the food they would hurt him again.
It was a wonderful breakfast followed by the suggestion of a movie.  This was followed by the question of 'What is a movie?'
We decided to watch 'Shaun of the Dead.'
Ben ended up crawling into my lap and hiding his face in my neck, which I didn't mind one bit.
It was obvious that Tini and Synaptak were in love and that Ultimos was their leader.
Once the movie ended, Ultimos asked to talk to Ben alone.
"Ben, do you want to?  Just say the word and I'll ring his neck," I offered.  Ben politely declined.
As Ben walked toward Ultimos, I mouthed that one wrong move and I'd tear both his heads off.
They disappeared into a room and Tini put her hand on my shoulder and said, "Don't worry.  Ultimos isn't like that.  He would never volintarily harm another.  He only fights those who fight the law.  Ben's just fine."
"I don't trust any of you.  If this is a trick I'll burn you all over an open fire and serve you to rabid wolves," I warned, meaning every word.
"You really love him, don't you?" Tini questioned.
"Do you honestly have to ask?" I responded.
She gave me an understanding glance.
Suddenly, I heard Ben scream and knew I'd been fooled again.  I slammed my mace fist into Tini's chest and sent her soaring through the air and into a wall.  I then grabbed Synaptak and turned him into a mega-knot.
I threw open the door to where Ben and Ultimos were and saw Ultimos zipping up his pants and then pulling out a knife.  I acted quickly as I dug my fingers into Ultimos's head and threw him away from Ben, then used their teleporters to transport them to Galactic Prison with a note explaining why they should be locked up and went to go help Ben.
I entered the room and looked down to see Ben hiding in a corner, a red puddle forming under his shivering form.  Damn that Ultimos, I should have killed him when I had the chance.  I also should have known that they could not be trusted.
"Ben?" I asked.  No response.
"Ben, are you alright?  Did he hurt you?" A small nod. "Can you show me?" A head shake. "Why not?" No response.
I walked over to him and gently turned him toward me-and gasped.
His nose was twisted at a strange angle, obviously broken.  His right eye was a sickly shade of red-purple and swolen out very far.  His hair had been ripped out in some spots and blood leaked from them.  His clothes were scattered all over the room in pieces.  His chest was red and purple with cuts and places where the skin was ripped off.  He was covered in blood and I was amazed that he was still alive.
"Ben...I-he did this?  Ben?  If you die on me I'll never kiss you again!" I threatened.
Ben smirked.
"Not gonna get rid of me that easily, orange-head," Ben joked.
I carefully lifted him and carried him into our room.  I layed him on top of the covers on my bed and went to get some warm water and a towel.
I returned with the supplies and got to work on the task of cleaning and dressing Ben's wounds.
As I did this I told him how sorry I was that I didn't come sooner so many times I was pretty sure he was getting tired of it.
When I was finally finished cleaning him up it was getting dark.
Ben looked straight into my eyes and told me that he loved me so much.  He said that I was everything good in his world and that he would gladly go through that any day if it would please me.
I felt myself do something I had never done before: cry.
Ben reached up and stroked my chest with his unbroken hand as he told me how much he loved me over and over again.  I swear that I could hear him say that ten million times and I would never get tired of it.
I climbed into my bed behind him and we fell asleep in each other's arms.

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I was startled awake be the sounds of labored gasps.  I opened my eyes to see Ben gasping for air and fumbling to get off the buttons on his night shirt.
I quickly tore off the offending object and threw it aside as I realized just how bad the damage was.  Poor Ben had been getting nothing but bad luck since I showed up and now he was unable to breathe because his chest was so swolen it was keeping his lungs from expanding.
He was going to die.
He was going to die and there was nothing I could do to help him.  Or was there?
I had a last minute idea and, although I knew that it would hurt him alot, I was pretty sure it would stretch the bruise out enough that it would give him breathing space.
I placed my lips over his small mouth and nose and breathed out, giving him the air he needed to survive for a little longer.
I saw him wince as he breathed out, but I continued to do this until I saw a large red spot appear on his shirt.  His heart had exploded within his chest from the pressure.
Ben was dead.
My love was dead.
My love, Ben, was dead.
I sat there and cried until I had no tears left to cry.  I prayed that, by some miracle, he would come back to me.  I held his blood-stained body close to me and told him that I was sorry for everything.  Nothing worked.
My love, Ben, the most beautiful creature ever to grace the universe with his presence, was dead.  And he took my heart with him.

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I had placed Ben in a freeze bed to preserve him as a proper burrial I knew I would not be able to handle.
My love was sealed away in a block of ice to preserve his glory.
I visited him every day, telling him how hard it was to go on without him.  Unable to wake up to his smiling face, unable to hear his strange pet names for me, unable to feel his skin on my own, clinging to me for joy or protection.
His eyes remained closed.
On the fourteenth day, when I arrived, I found the ice melted and Ben's body gone.
I fell to my knees and cried out, asking any one who could hear what I had done to deserve this.
I felt a hand on my shoulder and glanced behind me and there, looking up at me, was my love, life, and reason for existance; Ben!
"You fell in love with me, silly.  Didn't you know that I'd never leave you?" Ben asked as he threw his arms around me.
The best part was, he was fully healed.
That night, after an interesting game involving stripping, twenty questions, and our vivid imagoinations, we went to sleep in eachothers arms and, for the first time in over two weeks, both had sweet dreams.

                                                               End