The couch was no place to sleep specially for a tall man like he is, to think that he used to be the king of this castle in more ways than one, now almost a year later he found himself not only out of a title but sleeping on an uncomfortable couch in his study. With a sigh, he stood up and groan all his muscles protest the movement but he knew that if he didn't try to move now, there was no way he was going to be able to do it later when need it. He move his head from side to side and felt better when heard the little cracks coming from it, next was his back and his fingers.

Maybe he could try and go to one of the extra bedrooms like he had original thought before he had the last fight with his wife the night before. The memory of the fight angered him so much that he could feel how his muscle tensed up by the second and he started to concentrate on his breathing trying to relax a little. Adam knew he was right to be upset with his family, they had deceived him, what would had happened if something happened to Ben on that trip? They would not only worry about their son but the entire Kingdom would be in limbo while they figure out who would be in charge. Even though he could understand that Ben being a teenager would have a hard time grasping the responsibility he now had over his shoulder the fact that Belle thought this behavior was ok was insane. Also, yes he could understand Ben but he was still disappointed in the way he acted, the boy was lucky that he had managed to get out of the council meeting as he had actually do some research.

Again the anger started to fill him and he decided that he needed a distraction so stretching again he made his way to the kitchen. "I was starting to think you weren't going to come."

The voice of Mrs. Kirk startled him at fist but he soon recovered and made his way to the counter where the woman was sitting making some sandwiches, there were like ten already made and that made him smile. "I wasn't planning on coming. How did you know I would end up coming here?"

The woman chuckled and explained that in all the years she had lived in the castle before getting married each time he had a problem he would usually go to the kitchen to eat. Adam laughed and nodded adding that she would usually be there and they would talk for hours until he felt better about his problem, Mrs. Kirk was the only person that was never afraid to tell him if he was out of line. A comfortable silence surrounded them while she prepared sandwiches and he ate them all, after a while Adam started to ponder what she told him at the dinner.

"Do you really think I was out of line at dinner with Maleficent's daughter?" The woman stopped making the sandwiches and put the ingredients on the table and turned herself to looked right at him, Adam sighed he was in for a good talking too.

"I think that the fact that you are referring to Mal in that way should give you a hint. Look, Adam, you have every right to be mad about the way Ben ended in my city but instead at dinner you focus all your anger in Mal. The poor girl has had enough of a roughed life without you making her the reason for why two entirely independent people that came to the conclusion that the only way for one of them to travel was to lie to you. So yes you were out of line at dinner." She motion for him to talked now and so he told her about the constant fear he had of Mal actually doing something to Ben, that all their relationship was an elaborate plan to destroyed his son.

The woman took pity on him and told him what was evident for the rest of the world Mal was in love with Ben and there was no way she could be acting. Also, his son was in love with her and it was no joke so he should get used to the girl because she was not going anywhere and if he ever made Ben choose between the Kingdom and Mal he either followed her or be miserable for the rest of his life. Now about the trip she also told him that Ben indeed worked a lot, he only went out with Mal one night and half day on Sunday. At the mention of Sunday, Adam took the opportunity to tell her the story his friend told him which made Mrs. Kirk anger. "He is such a liar. Do you know that his kids are famous around town for harassing girls, they think they are a gift from the heavens and they act like it. As she heard from some ladies that witness everything, Mal was sitting outside a dinner and they came to sit with her. One of them took her hand without her permission then Ben went outside and went Mal tried to go to his side the Smith boy wouldn't let her go so she told him off but before she could join Ben the Smith boy started to shout at Mal."

"Oh, I bet my son did something after that. He had always been very protective of his mother so I can only imagine how would he acted when someone mistreat Mal." Against his will, Adam laughed at the thought of those boys finally finding someone that would stand against them.

Mrs. Kirk joined in laughing but then she calmed down and continue her story. "Well, your son acted like a real gentleman and defended Mal against not only one but three Smith boys who tried to teach him not to messed with them. And Mal also stood next to him ready to help him in case any of them got to harm him which of course you can imagine never happened, he made them apologize to her and then they run to their daddy. You see Adam she stood with him she was not going let anything happened to him, they have each other back just like you and Belle."

Adam smiled at the thought that his son had actually found his Belle, boy did he missed his but he was still mad. "What do you think I should do? I know I messed up with Mal and I'm going to apologize to her but they were still wrong to lie to me."

The woman finished putting all the things she had been using to made the sandwiches away and turned towards the king to answer him. "You should talk to them. Talk Adam not scream when you scream you lose the argument, you need to calmly explain to them why you are mad at them and also quit calling the council on your child is beneath you."

He nodded and say thanks for her advice and food, looking at the time it was almost six they had actually talked for more than two hours. Adam went up to his room and politely asked his wife to joined him in Ben's room, Belle was a little we worry about his request but agree out of curiosity. Once in Ben's room, they woke him up with some effort, boy did Ben had a gift for sleeping. Adam spent the next hour explaining the reason behind his outburst the day before.

"You need to understand that I felt betrayed. Both of you told me a lie and kept it behind my back, do you know how that hurt me? I am your father Benjamin and I'm your husband Belle we should be honest with each other, we are family. I know that I did wrong calling the council and for that I apologize but I'm not going to apologize for been angry yesterday because I think you two are the ones that should be apologizing." With that, he went to his room change and went to look for the fairy that he had blamed for everything without a real reason.

Mal opened her door expecting to found her boyfriend and that was why the first thing she said while opening the door was "Yesterday Audrey told me that her parents informed her that she was to marry the king of Auradon as promised when you two were born."

She said it so quickly that not many people would have understood it but still the person in front of her knew not only what she said but how awful must the girl in front of him must have been feeling. Mal notice Ben was quiet so she raised her eyes and noticed that the man in front of her wasn't her boyfriend and she couldn't stop the F word that slipped from her lips a moment later. To her surprise, the former King laughed and asked her if she would do him the favor of accompanying for breakfast.

Mal wasn't sure what to do so she just nodded and closed the door behind her leaving all her things over her bed completely forgotten. The walk to the private dining room the King had in the teachers building was beautiful and the smell that invaded her nose the second she crossed the door made her stomach growl embarrassing her but making Adam chuckle. "Yeah I'm hungry too, let's sit."

He helped her sit and then proceed to offer her a plate full of food and also gave her a small plate full of strawberries telling her that Ben always made a point to have them at the castle in case she asked for them. "I don't know if he noticed but even when you two broke up he would always check they were strawberries at the castle, you can tell me is a coincidence but nobody eats them there. They would rot and then he would ask for more, he never let go of you even then."

The fairy almost chocked with that confession, the former King never talked to her aside from some very short very polite and impersonal conversations but today he seemed different. "I asked you here so I could apologize for the way I acted towards you at the dinner and any other time that you might have felt like I wrong you. I'm truly sorry Mal I was mad at Ben and Belle for lying to me and that gave me no right to treat you like I did but I want you to know that I'm happy for you and Ben."

She couldn't help the tears that started falling out of her eyes which alarmed Adam, he got up quickly and while giving her napkins so that she could dry her tears he began to apologize for making her cry and that made her laugh. Now Adam was looking at her like she had loose her mind and she wasn't sure that she hadn't actually lost it. "Sorry is just, I can't believe you are actually saying this thing, I was so worried that you were going to say something like what Audrey told me."

"Oh that, well when Audrey and Ben were born they were talks about how cool would it be for them to end up together. You have to understand that even though is hard to imagine Audrey's parents aren't like her but there was no promise or whatever she says. I swear that girl is so annoying I'm counting the time she has left at school." The former King shook his head wondering if there was a way for the girl to take more courses in a semester than what she was doing now.

Mal was so happy about the information that Adam had just told her that she couldn't believe she had spent an entire night without being able to sleep due to Audrey yet again. The King noticed the girl still in deep thought and asked her what was wrong and in a very bizarre move, she actually told him exactly what was on her mind. "Yeah, apparently last night was bad for everyone. I couldn't sleep either Belle was mad and in some weird way I made myself go to sleep on the sofa in my study to make some kind of point that I don't even get."

They laughed together about that and started to eat the breakfast talking a little about Ben and Belle, Mal understood now why the King was mad and she actually was on his side on this one. Later she would look for Ben and told him that he should apologize to his dad, she yawn and was mirrored by the king making them laugh again."Do you want a note so you can miss second period?.

At Mal's confuse looked the former King show her the clock on the wall that showed she had already missed first period, she wonder if maybe it was a trap maybe he wanted to see if she would jump at the opportunity to miss a class. Seen her trepidation Adam just wrote the note and gave it to her telling her that she should sleep, he was planning to do the same thing if he had the chance to find a bed making her chuckle. However, they kept talking and eating and even though both of them were tired they found that each other company was exactly what they needed at that moment.

By noon they said their goodbyes and went their separate ways, the former King went into FGM´s office carrying an excuse for Mal to missed the entire day of class as he had told the fairy that one day she actually prioritize sleeping wouldn't harm her. On the other hand, Mal went to her dorm to change back into her pajamas and, at least, try to snooze for a couple of hours even though she was so excited about her morning outcome that she wasn't sure she was going to be able to do it. Once inside her room, she went into the bathroom and shower just so she can relax a small smile painted permanently on her lips at the memories of the stories of little Ben invaded her mind.

The former King, or Adam as he had given her permission to called him had showed her some pictures of Ben when he was a toddler and he was the cutest thing ever. She dries her hair a little and the memory of a photo of Ben using her mom´s blow dryer to make powder fly make her laughed out loud. Coming out of the bathroom she walked to her bed and noticed her phone and her friends came to mind, she checked their chat and found many texts asking her what had happened to her. She texted them back telling them she had been summoned by the former King but everything went great and he had given her permission to missed the rest of the day so she could catch up on some sleep.

The first to reply was Carlos with a smiley face and then Evie, Cora, and Jay all told her that they wanted more information. Zohu didn't reply but Mal knew that the boy hardly ever used his phone during the day and well the other two she didn't expect them to ask her anything. Another text came in and it was from Ben and then she realize that he had been texting her and calling her all morning, oh he was worried sick about her. The last text told her that he was on her way to her room and if she didn't answer him, he was going to get in anyway just to see if she was ok. Mal called him and an out of breath version of his boyfriend answer asking her if she was ok and where exactly was she.

Mal didn't want to tell him about her morning over the phone, it was way too important for her so she told him that she had just arrived at her dorm and she had forgotten her cell phone there. Before he could tell her that he knew she wasn't at class that morning Mal told her that she had a great morning and that she would love to tell him all about it but would it be ok if he came to visit her later, she was exhausted. At first, he said no, he wanted to check up on her even if for just a second but at Mal´s insistence he agree to wait but she was the one that needed to visit him. The Kirks were still at the Castle for another day and he couldn't very well leave them alone so a date for another dinner was made and she promised to arrive at 6 so they could talk alone at his study before.

Mal slept the rest of the afternoon by 5 her friends came and woke her up demanding to know what exactly went down with the former King and so she told a short version that basically proof that Adam and her were ok now. Everyone cheer and gave her some space so that she could get ready for yet another meal at the castle, Evie started to freak out at this rate she was going to need to start making Mal dresses everyday so she could have enough clothes for this dates. Both girls laugh at the absurd of that statement and how different was live now.

At 6:10 Mal went to knock on the castle door just for it to open before her showing an anxious Ben in front of her. "I thought you forgot and I was going to get you. Come in, you look beautiful as always."

Mal smiled at him and came inside the castle and before she could even ask where Chip was Ben took her hand and guided her towards his study closing the door behind them. "Is everything ok with you? Did I do something to upset you? Or Did anyone else did?"

The concerned he showed not only in his voice but in all his self-made her heart fill with love for the young boy that was such an important part of her life. "Everything well most things are ok now. I had a great morning with your dad, he came looking for me to apologize for the way he behaved at dinner with me last night and I have to say that he gave some light into why he was so mad about our trip."

Ben sat next to her on the couch and groan. "He did that huh, well he explained that to me and my mom but I still think he is overreacting."

She was surprised to hear Ben saying that, he was usually so inclined to please his parents that it took her by surprise but she was not going to drop the subject. Fair was fair and Ben needed to admit that the way the trip came to be had been wrong. They talked for a while and each time she would make a point showing why his dad was right Ben would just dismiss it or tried to change the subject. Mal noticed for the first time that her boyfriend knew that he had done something wrong but he didn't want to admit it out loud and she called him on that. "Fine, it wasn't right for me to do what I did but Mal I would do it again so I can't say that I'm sorry. This trip was the moment we finally accepted we wanted to be together and I even though I shouldn't have lie I would do it in a heartbeat if it meant I'll be back in that garden with you."

The memories of what happened at the garden made her blush and he smiled at that, however, the girl knew that for things to be ok again between Ben and his father he needed to apologize. "Don't apologize for the reason you did it Ben but because you lied to your dad. I wouldn't change those moments we share together but if because of them your relationship with your father is broken then I do regret them."

Ben seemed hurt but she went on to explained to him that he needed to see the bigger picture here if the trip hadn't happened they would still be together, maybe not as fast as they did but no doubt they would have found a way. "I love you Ben and I'm sure that we would have happened one way or another."

Finally, the boy agreed with her and promised to apologize to his father for the way he had handled things and he would also thank him for welcoming Mal into their lives. "So is that the only thing you want to tell me? I think there was something about yesterday that you didn't tell me."

Damn her boyfriend was too smart for her taste sometimes, with a deep breath she told him about what Audrey told her and how much impact had on her before his father told her the other girl was lying. Still while she told her the way Audrey had acted towards her and how some of her minions were rude she could see how Ben´s fist would clench and unclench as the boy tried to remained calmed during her story. Mal also told him about the rumors that were going around the campus that they had spent a weekend away together and how some students were saying things that well, weren't exactly correct and she admitted to him that it made her a little uncomfortable but she could deal with that. Ben was glad that Mal was such a strong girl, he had already heard about the rumors through Alexandra, the Princess had been trying to squash them as best as she ccould since yesterday and Ben knew that Mal´s friend were also doing the same sticking with the story that Mal was sick that weekend.

Finally, Mal told him about her fight with Ryder and Azis, well actually just Ryder but it was the same thing. At that point, he stood up and started to walked from side to side while clenching and unclenching his fist and Mal could see that he was having a harder time staying calm now so she made that part short. With a long breath he turned to looked at his beautiful fairy and asked her if she needed him to do something, he would more than gladly talk with Audrey and the other guys.

Mal knew that already but she couldn't see how Ben talking to any of the people would help her, Audrey would just twist his words until he admitted that they went away on the weekend so she could call her a slut. Not that she wasn't already hinting to it but she didn't want to give her more ammo, the girl would die if she knew how hot Mal´s and Ben´s make out session were. Maybe that was a way for her to finally destroy the little troll, she was going to get her revenge over Audrey but for now, Ben´s help wasn't needed.

Now if Ben tried to help her with the other two, she could only see that conversation ending in a fight and as mad as she was with the boys she didn't want them to get hurt. Mal was sure Ben would be able to fight them both and came unharmed and if by some fluke they would manage to hit him she would destroy them so better to forget about that. She thanked Ben for his offer but told him that for now the only thing she needed for him was to listen to her share her stories. The boy told her how frustrated he felt about not been able to help her so after checking her watch and seeing that it was only 6:40 and that the dinner was set to be at 7 they have some time to kill.

"I know, how about you helped me take my mind off those things." She gave him her best flirty look and the boy smiled couldn't be bigger. A second later Mal found herself laying on the couch with her boyfriend on top of her kissing her like he hadn't seen her in years. Ben made the first move to deepen the kiss and soon their tongues were once again fighting for dominance but, this time, Mal wasn't going to let him win so easily.

One of her hands went to his hair and play with it while the other one made little circles on his back, Ben loved how she felt press against him and tried to regain control of the kiss before he would be completely lost in that feeling. Mal noticed that and decided not to play fair so with some effort she managed to move her lower part against Ben's making the boy groan and she had to admit that she never had heard a sexier sound in her life. However before she could find out what Ben's next move was going to be a knock could be heard at the door and the voice of Chip announcing that everybody was waiting for them at the dinner table.

Ben stop kissing her neck and let out a frustrated groan making her laugh at her boyfriend, he told Chip they would be right there and after giving Mal a quick peck on her nose he stood up and started to fix his suit. The girl also fixed her dress that now wasn't as presentable having endured her boyfriends weight on her, not complaining just mentioning it, but it still look nice. Both teens made their way to the dining area where to their relief the other couples were laughing and didn't pay attention to the way they looked. After helping Mal take her seat at the table Ben asked her dad for a moment outside and apologize to him, both men shared a hug and promised to talk more about the issues they needed to resolve later but for now, things were fine between them. Ben was going to go back into the dining room but his dad stopped him telling him that he should probably clean the lipstick he had on his neck first making the boy feel embarrass, at the dinner table Mrs. Kirk was helping Mal cover some marks she had on her neck with her hair while telling her how she could take care of them that night so tomorrow they would be gone.

Notes

Hey I just wanted to say thanks for keep reading this story. I hope you enjoyed the chapter.