Ben Preston (retired)

Personality

Ben is a very quiet person, he tends to listen more than talk because that is what his dad always expected of him. He is also quite brilliant, and has a sharp mind and very good grades. Ever since he was little, he always desired validation and love, but his dad was the only source of that, which wasn't a very good source. Because of that, and growing up being able to read thoughts of selfish businessmen, Ben has a more cynical view of the world. However after he meets better people, he realizes not everyone is so selfish and cruel and is determined to make sure the "good ones" have good lives. Deep down he has a very caring personality, he wants to protect and love those close to him. He is very supportive and understanding of his loved ones, and he is also a huge romantic deep down.

Powers

Ben can read anyone's thoughts, which he did all the time growing up. He tries to block out people later in his life to let people have their privacy, but sometimes when someone is feeling very strong emotions or there are too many people around he can't block out all of them. In time, he also finds out he can talk to people in their mind as well, but only those who he is close to aka Darla, Luke, Thea, and his mom. 

Backstory

Richard Preston was always a playboy, not caring about the future or settling down, however, his grandmother was very traditionalist and also quite wealthy. So, when he found out his most recent one night stand, Eleanor, was expecting, he was pressured to marry her, and to stay on his family's good side, he did. They had Ben, and a few years later, Luke. It wasn't a very happy family, but they kept up appearances. However, Eleanor planned to leave not long after Luke was born to protect her kids. Richard found out and took her saved up money from her, and sent her off with Luke, saying that if she tried to fight him, he would make sure she didn’t get to keep either of the kids. So they separated, Ben going with his dad, and Luke staying with his mom. 

Ben grew up being groomed to be a proper gentleman - was tutored and sent to the best private school to make sure he had the best education to one day help run his dad's company. When he was 12, his powers manifested and as soon as his dad found out, he started trying to utilize said powers for his business. Ben learned Morse code, and other subtle communication signs to let his dad know what people where thinking in business meetings, but was expected to not to actually say anything in the meetings himself. It was a challenge, but he was able to teach himself how to listen while communicating to his dad as well. However, after a few years, Richard pressured him into trying to implant thoughts into people's minds as well, but Ben couldn't teach himself it, no matter how hard her tried. So, he was sent to Xavier's Academy for a few months, but soon it became apparent that he just didn't have the power to implant thoughts, so he returned home - though he was a little sad to be leaving as he actually felt almost welcome somewhere, but he wasn't going to disobey his dad. That would only lead to trouble. 

Throughout his life, Richard has had many girlfriends. Most of those girlfriends would try to be a "mom" to Ben, but he could read their minds and knew they were just faking it. So, when he actually reunites with Eleanor when Luke gets his powers, he's shocked that she actually seems to care about him, and that his brother that he barely remembers seems interested in actually being friends. 

When Luke is sent to the Academy, Richard sends Ben along as well, to keep an eye on Luke and make sure he is actually working on perfecting his powers and getting him ready to work for Richard in the future. Ben tutors at the Academy while going to nearby college. However, Richard's plan backfires as Ben starts seeing the good side of people, making friends and realizing that his dad never really cared about him, only what he could do. He starts finding himself and opening up more to a few people, as well as connecting to his brother, mom, and falling in love with Darla. They have one daughter, Rose. 

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Darla belongs to captain.tuesday