Camping with BEN?!

NOTE: Slight spice in this chapter... you have been WARNED.

(——————— indicates a POV change)

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My eyes fluttered open and I cautiously looked about my room. Ever since that incident with Jeff, I have been more aware of my surroundings. It has been four days since that chaotic event, but it feels as if it happened yesterday. Maybe it is because Jeff keeps leaving wonderful notes like, look behind you or I'm watching you. I have only seen him once since that incident and he is now hurt in more places than one.

Ben has been a constant figure in my dreams and he is enjoyable to be around. We usually sit around and talk or play cards. I still have not asked him if he was the one dragging Jeff away, but I figured it was my mind playing tricks on me. I had just gotten home from school and I was sitting, trying to finish my homework. Statistics was going to be the death of me.

I flinched as a sudden pain racked through my head. I had not had a migraine in a while. Standing up, I tried making my way to the kitchen to get some Tylenol, but an intense throb brought me to the floor. I laid on the ground and curled into a fetal position. Focusing on the carpet, I tried willing the pain away. Counting the specks of dirt aligning the floor, I felt the throbbing become less intense. As the throbbing became a dull afterthought, I moaned in relief.

A sudden chill ran down my spine. I swiftly turned around to see the faceless man from four days ago. I stared up at him in shock.

"Woah, could you at least knock?" I joked with nervousness. The faceless man did not appear amused. I looked up at him in silence. Trying to talk about something, I thought to my head pain moments ago. "Were you the one who caused

my migraine?"

He staid standing freakishly still. "Ok." I murmured to myself. The man then stepped towards me and I cringed away. Not one to be deterred, he followed my movement and placed a cold hand to my head. I felt a sudden rush of adrenaline. Pictures of my past started flying across my vision as I sat on the ground. Once the rush of memories came to an end, I swiftly pushed the mans hand away. "What was that?!" I asked exasperated.

"Listen closely child, I'm give you a chance to live or die." I gaped up at him.

Wait what?! I thought.

"You heard me." He stated.

Did he just read my mind? I questioned my inner thoughts.

"Yes, I did." The man responded, protruding that weird black tentacle thing at me. It quickly made a grab around my waist and hoisted me up. I hung helplessly in his grasp. "Please answer wisely, child."

I gulped and nodded, because what else was I supposed to do? I was about to answer, when the man cut me off.

"If you become my proxy, you will live with us. We will provide you with protection from the others." He finished. I glared at him weirdly.

What others? I pondered. I was about to ask, but I remembered he could read my mind.

"Other things like me want you. But these others want to murder you on sight. I'm offering you a place of security." I nodded at this, trying to look as if I was comprehending everything when I was not. "However, this place of security comes with a price. Become my proxy and I will protect you. If you decide not to become my proxy, you'll see what happens." I shivered in response and proceeded to stare intently at the floor.

"Man, you're harsh!" I stated, trying to calm my own nerves.

"I know." He answered. "I gave you a week to decide and I won't let up on my word. You still have two days left, please choose wisely."

The faceless man set me down and I watched him disappear. What was I going to do? I definitely did not want to die, but would being his proxy be any better? I did not even know what a proxy was! Lost in thought, I shifted my gaze to my dads camping magazine on the desk in front of me.

An idea struck. I would 'run away' for a little while. Even if the faceless guy managed to find me in the middle of the woods, I could at least evade Jeff. Figuring I needed to tell my parents of this 'camping trip.' I typed up my parents phone number and listened as my phone began calling. It went to message and I groaned, "I guess I'll have to wait for them to come home."

I began packing and stuffed my bag full. "I think I've got everything I need." I grumbled to myself. Scanning across my desk, a flash of purple caught my eye. "That's what I was missing!" I reached for my lucky pencil and smiled as I placed it inside my bag. Satisfied with my packed things, I grabbed the bag and placed it to the side of my bed.

I made my way out of my room and sat at the kitchen table, waiting for my parents to come home. "At least I'll finally get away from the smiling creep."I mumbled to myself. It was Friday and I knew my parents would appreciate that I would be getting out of the house. Tapping my foot on the floor, I was about to head to bed. However, as I made way to get up, I heard my dads truck pull in.

My parents have no clue of the weird things I have been experiencing. They were busy with work and I did not want to worry them with my own problems. Honestly, they would probably send me to a psychiatrist if I told them. I waited for the front door to open and walked up to my dad who was followed by my mom.

"What do you want?" My mom asked, looking suspicious. I nervously rubbed the back of my neck and cleared my throat.

"Can I go camping this weekend? I'll be with Jess and Casie... it's for a school project!" I stated, looking at my parents with pleading eyes.

"What school project?" My dad suddenly asked.

"It's for biology. I, uh, need to study the various fauna that's around here." I said, hoping that would work.

My parents just shrugged at one another other and looked back to me. "Ok, you can go. Just keep us updated." My father said and I pounded the air in victory.

"What would you like for dinner?" My mom asked.

"I'm good, I already ate." I told her and raced to my room. That was a lie, but I was not hungry. I was  relieved that I might be getting away from this for a little while. Well, at least for two days. Hopefully, the faceless man gives up on me. I snuggled up in bed and looked to the ceiling. After a few moments, I let my droopy eyelids fall down.

//

"Hey Ben!" I called out as he ran my way.

"What's up?" I heard him say. I looked to him sighing.

"I get to go camping tomorrow, so I'm pretty pumped." I told him and sat myself on the ground. He shifted uneasily and I gave him a questioning look.

"Are you camping in the woods by your house?" He asked, I hummed in affirmation. I had brought up the woods in my last dream and he proceeded to warn me about going in there. I just laughed him off, but the look he had given me gave off an eerie feeling.

"Shit." He stated under his breath. 

"Don't worry Ben, I'll be fine." I said and chuckled, "it's not like they're serial killers hidden in the trees." Ben just scratched the back of his head and coughed awkwardly.

"Yeah." He mumbled.

"So, I've been meaning to ask you this, but I feel as if you're going to think I'm insane." I started. Ben looked at me curiously. "Are you real?" I finished in inquiry. Ben stood stock still as I gazed in curiosity. When he did not answer I berated myself. Of course he is not real! "Sorry, it was a stupid qu..."

"How'd you know?" I heard him ask. Surprise etched its way across my face.

"You're real?!" I exclaimed and watched as he looked embarrassed.

"Yeah, how'd you find out?" He asked again. Trying to compose myself, I played with the loose thread on my shirt.

"I saw you dragging Jeff away." I murmured. Ben tensed and I began speaking again.

"I'm actually happy you came. Who knows if he'd  have tried climbing back up?" I stated, trying to get rid of the tension I created. I heard Ben snicker and I sighed in relief. Ben was my friend and I did not want this friendship to end. Especially since he was real. Then, I realized something.

"Ben?" I asked. He motioned for me to continue. "How did you know Jeff was here?" Ben started looking around nervously. "And you know the faceless man right? I remember you asked about my 'days' last time."

"Stacy, how many days do you have left?" Ben questioned. I looked towards my toes and grumbled.

"Two days."

Ben grabbed my shoulders and I looked up to him in surprise. "You're going to be a proxy right? You have to be a proxy, you don't have a choice. Don't worry, I'll show you the ropes." He said.

"Wait. What? You're with the faceless man?! Also, I have not agreed to become a proxy." Ben looked at me with a blank expression.

"But.." He retorted. I quickly shushed him with my finger. My dream started fading as I felt Bens lips move against my finger. However, I did not hear what he said.

//

Waking up, I yawned and stretched atop my bed. Deep down I had known Ben was one of the weirdos, but I didn't want to accept it. I squinted as bright light shined through my window. It is camping time!

My parents work all week and they were already out. I grabbed my packed camping bag and placed it beside the bathroom. My escape plan was about to begin.

From my house to the woods is about a ten minute walk. So, I did not have to worry about bringing my bike. I began changing into some clothes when I stumbled across a note sitting on the bathroom counter.

Jeff.

I know of your escape plan. Come on, I'm not that bad.

I groaned and decided to write a note back to him. Grabbing a pen laying by the sink, I started writing a note to Jeff.

Yes you are. Also, if I see you in the woods, remember to protect your balls.

I nodded in approval at my letter and placed it in the same spot Jeff left his. Slipping on my baggy shirt I looked around for pants. A pair of shorts laid on the floor and I swiftly put those on. My hair was insane, so I took my brush and went through it. Feeling somewhat put together, I smiled looking at my reflection. "Looking good!" I told myself.

Grabbing the awaiting camping bag, I walked to the front door. I felt a pair of eyes on me and I groaned in frustration. Turning around I came face to face with Jeff.

"Why are you here?!" I asked with a hint of aggression. When he did not reply, I lifted my leg to kick him in the balls, but he stopped my foot mid way and grinned.

"Saw that one coming." He announced in triumph. I scoffed and pulled my hand back, quickly bringing it down, I punched him in the nose.

"Betcha didn't see that one coming." I retorted. He groaned and clutched his nose. I started walking out the door and pulled him along with me, he did not struggle as I dragged him outside. I locked the front door and dropped his arms.

"So, here's how it's going to work. I'm going to leave and you're going to not follow. You got that?" Before he could respond, I kicked him in the balls and ran off. This would give me a head start.

I checked my phone for the time, it read late afternoon. Trying to find a good spot in the woods, I spotted a tree with a carving on it. It was a heart with 'J + E' written inside it. Beside the tree was a small clearing. Perfect! Setting down my bag, I pulled out the tent. Slowly, I began assembling it. Growing irritated when the bendy sticks did not stick together. Eventually I got them to stay and the tent was up.

"Well, that took forever." I mumbled to myself. It was evening now and I watched as the sun was getting ready to set. Taking out my phone, I noticed a strange file. "What?" I questioned myself. Without thinking, I opened the random file. The file flashed the name 'BEN.' My phone started shaking and I dropped it instinctually. My fears were becoming reality. Technology was rising against us!

I was about to sprint off when a familiar green hat poked out from the screen, "Oh god, don't tell me.." I started, but then facepalmed. The file was named 'BEN.' I should have known the guy from my dreams was some kind of technological god. Ben slowly brought himself out of my phone and I watched in horror. So much for a day to myself.

Once Ben crawled out of my phone, he was sat next to it expectantly. I gawked at him as he played with the grass.

"Why did you just CRAWL out of my phone?!" I exclaimed. He flinched.

"I'm just checking up on you." He stated calmly. I rubbed my temples in agitation and walked over to Ben.

"Are you able to transport back to wherever you came from?" He shook his head no and I had a feeling he was lying."Ben..." I was about to tell him off but he interrupted me.

"Look Stacy, I know you can take care of yourself, but these woods are dangerous. Something might happen and you might not be able to protect yourself... I'm here to keep you safe." Ben said, hesitantly saying the last part.

It suddenly hit me that Ben knows something about these woods that Ian not aware of. "Don't even think about asking." He told me. I nodded and looked at him. He looked the same as in my dreams. His eyes were black holes, while his blond hair swayed slightly in the wind. I turned away from him and pouted.

"I just wanted some alone time." I stated, making a pouty face. Ben blinked and started walking towards me. I backed up against a tree I was next to and felt his body close in on mine. His hands came down and placed themselves on my shoulders. What is he trying to pull? Is he doing another magic trick of his? Is this how enters dreams? I got lost in my thoughts, but I was quickly pulled from them when I felt a gentle kiss being placed against my forehead. I pushed him away and saw a faint pink dusted across his cheeks.

"What was that?" I asked. Ben shifted from one foot to another. He seemed anxious.

"It's just, I haven't been face to face with you. I was making sure you were real." He stated and shyly looked towards the ground.

"You kiss people to see if they're real?" I inquired. Ben stuttered and I sighed. "You know what? Don't answer that. You crawled out of my phone and invaded my dreams. Kissing people to see if their real is more believable than those things."

I turned and started making my way back towards the tent. The sun barely casted light across the forest floor. Bending down, I rummaged through my bag to find the flashlight. Looking over my shoulder, I noticed Ben looking at me curiously. Shaking my butt, I watched as Ben looked away flustered. "I'm just grabbing my flashlight." I stated. Eventually feeling it out, I grasped it and pulled it out of the bag.

"Ben, since you can't go back through my phone and you seem unprepared, do you wanna stay with me tonight?" I asked. Technically, I have spent the night with him several times. With him constantly in my dreams, I felt comfortable enough in his presence.

He tensed and I rolled my eyes. "Don't worry, I'm not gonna make you sleep out here, you can share my tent." I said, beckoning him over with my hand.

"Are you sure?" Ben asked hesitantly. This was unlike him. I guess dream Ben and real Ben were a little different from one another.

"I'm positive, make yourself comfortable." I motioned towards Ben to follow me once again. Entering the tent, I turned on the flashlight. "I didn't bring any extra blankets so we'll just share." I told Ben as he entered the tent. I settled in, laying down on the placement mat. Pulling the blanket over me, I watched as Ben shakily made his way next to me. I shone the flashlight on him as he made himself comfortable under the covers. "Goodnight Ben!" I whisper-yelled over to him.

"Yeah." Was all he said.

"You could at least say good night back." I mumbled, turning off the flashlight. Then, I fell asleep.

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I was in deep shit. This girl, who I met less than a week ago, was squirming her way into my heart. Laying on the uncomfortable ground of the tent, I nuzzled deeper into the blanket. I looked over at Stacy who was sleeping soundly.

She was really cute.

Quickly turning away from her sleeping form, I let out a sharp exhale. This girl, what was she doing to me? The fact I kept coming back to her dreams should have alarmed me. There was something about her that kept me coming back. Apparently slender man thought she was fascinating too.

I was excited to hear that she would become a proxy.  Frowning, I scrunched my brow in worry. Well, I hope she would become a proxy. I could not help as a lull of fear raced through me. If she said no to slender... I shuddered and shook out of my thoughts. She would not say no. She would choose life over death, right?

Suddenly I felt a hand land on top of my chest. I looked over to Stacy's sleeping form and watched as she squirmed, trying to get comfortable. Lifting her hand, I placed it back beside her and shifted to give her space. Then, I felt as her land landed back on my chest. I huffed in annoyance and was about to move it again, but her hand started gliding downwards. Tensing, I shivered at the light exploration. I watched as her hand came dangerously close to a dangerous area. My body was rushing with adrenaline. Her hand stilled and I held my breath. When it seemed she was not going to move anymore, I relaxed. I tried stilling my racing heart, but it kept pumping at a fast pace.

Turning my head, I looked at the girl sleeping next to me. She was mere inches away and her mouth was slightly parted. My nose flared as I took in her scent. Her smell consisted of roses and vanilla. Breathing deeply, her scent calmed my nerves. Tempted to move closer to get more of her scent, I slightly moved my head forward. As I moved, a small whine escaped Stacy's mouth. I stilled and felt my heart rate pick up. She shifted and along with her body moving, her hand moved as well. I became abundantly aware of the hand resting on my lower abdomen.

A rush of blood raced down my body as her hand came in contact with a very personal item of mine. My breathing hitched as I looked up to the tents surface. Her hand made a slight caress and I groaned in response. More blood was rushing south and I did nothing to stop it. Stacy's hand laid splayed on the growing bulge beneath my pants.

I mentally cursed at my predicament. However, I did not want to leave this position. Perhaps I could meet her in her dreams? However, with the situation at hand, it was hard to focus on entering someone's mind. Her hand twitched and my hips jutted up in response. The small relief that brought made me moan in response. Chasing the feeling, I began making shallow thrusts into her hand. Keeping an eye on her face, I looked if there was any sign of her waking. Then, a wave of guilt washed over me.

What was I doing? She was asleep and I was humping her hand like a dog. I stopped and cringed as a throb ran between my legs. The strain inside my pants looking for some kind of relief. Calming myself, I focused on my breathing. When nothing seemed to deter my problem away, I groaned in agitation.

Looking towards Stacy, I quietly stood up. I could not take care of myself in here, so I would find someplace else to bring relief. Unzipping the tent, I carefully made my way out and then zipped it back shut. I looked into the darkness and spotted some dense foliage. Making my way towards it, I began pulling down the front of my pants. A feeling of euphoria washed over me as my problem was released from its confines. Before I could finish my task, a rustling sound made me tense. I stood still as a figure made its way towards Stacy's tent.

"You better stop right there." I growled towards the intruder. The figure turned towards me and my eyes widened in shock. "What are you doing here?!" I exclaimed. Jeff eyed my head poking up from the foliage and rolled his eyes.

"Same thing you're doing here. I wanted to see Stacy." He said and I scoffed. I was about to make my way towards him, but remembered my predicament. I discreetly pulled my pants back up and felt a blush stain my cheeks.

"By the way bubs, why are you creepily watching her from over there when you could have a closer view?" Jeff asked, suggestively moving his non-existent eyebrows. I growled with a possessiveness I did not know I had. Jeff stiffened in surprise at my reaction.

"For your information, she invited me to sleep with her... I let myself out to pee." I stated. My problem seemed to have lost its spark over the course of our interaction. Feeling comfortable, I stepped out of the dense foliage and made my way over to Jeff. "You weren't invited, so you can leave."

"Oh, I'm not invited?" Jeff questioned. A false look of innocence was painted on his face as he took a deep breath. I scrambled over to try and cover his mouth, but he dodged. "Hey Stacy, wake up!" He yelled towards the tent. I reached for Jeff and tackled him to the ground.

A movement began stirring in the tent and I quickly moved off of Jeff. The tent opened and Stacy popped her head out. Her hair was slightly tussled and her sleeve was hanging off her shoulder. My body began reacting to the suggestive scene and I looked away embarrassed. Jeff also seemed taken by surprise as Stacy rubbed her eyes and yawned. As she became more aware, her mouth opened in shock.

"Jeff?!" Jeff looked at her cockily and placed his hands in his pockets. "Ben, why is he here?!" Stacy exclaimed in confusion. I looked to her in pity and shrugged my shoulders.

"I tried making him go away." I responded and watched her glare angrily at Jeff.

"So, are y'all having a sleepover?" Jeff asked. Stacy grumbled and looked towards me.

"I guess you could call it that, but I hope you know you weren't invited." Stacy said and I looked to Jeff in triumph.

"Ouch, I'm so sad." Jeff said, feigning hurt. Jeff pushed pass me and crouched to where Stacy sat inside the opened tent.

"What?" I heard Stacy hiss. Then, Jeff pushed her down and began crawling inside. My heart leaped into my throat and I quickly ran towards the tent. What was he doing?! I approached the tent and watched as he made himself comfortable under the blanket.

"Can I join the slumber party?" Jeff asked.

"No!" Stacy and I responded in unison.

"Jeff get out!" Stacy yelled, pulling the blanket from on top of him. I crawled into the cramped tent and attempted to push Jeff out, but nothing came of it."

"There's no hope." I heard Stacy state. "Jeff, you can stay, but don't try anything."

My eyes widened slightly. Has he tried something before? What was she referring to. I glared at Jeff and he sent me a creepy smile in return.

I settled in between Jeff and Stacy. Trying to keep as much of my body away from Jeff as possible. Stacy let out a soft goodnight and I watched the steady rise and fall of her chest. I looked towards Jeff and saw him turned away. Whatever he was plotting in that mind of his, could not be good. Turning back towards Stacy, I admired her tranquil state. The feelings from before began stirring up and I breathed in her scent.

I wanted her to be mine, I needed her to be mine. I narrowed my eyes as I sensed the third figure within the tent. Jeff was going to be a problem.

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