Merry Christmas fellow Descendants!

Happy holidays! We hope whatever it is you do this time of year is fun and special, and if you're reading this on Christmas, thank you for letting us be a part of your day.

Honestly, that's how we feel all the time. Grateful that a world in our minds has made its way into your day. So thank you. Best gift we could ever receive, aside from reviews and comments of course. ;)

But, back to what you're here for, our latest chapter.

Like the chapter title says, something is about to become official. We hope you enjoy Mal and Ben as they stumble through a big milestone in the life of a royal.

Don't forget to check out Twisted's review at the end of the chapter.

Merry Christmas!

Happy Holidays!

Happy Reading!

-Dark-

Mal taps her fingers against the door of the limo as she studies Ben curiously.

It wasn't like him to get this nervous. But even she could tell something was off with him. It was starting to put her on edge. She wasn't sure they'd ever shared such an uncomfortable silence. "Will you just spit it out already?" She finally snaps.

Ben blinks before he stops tapping his fist against his bouncing knee, "Sorry." He blushes lightly, "I uh… Well, I have a question I'd like to ask you, and I guess I'm a little nervous about the best way to do it." He grins sheepishly.

"You showed up to my dorm room with a bunch of chocolate-covered strawberries and flowers. You're taking me out to," She makes air quotations, "'Someplace nice'." She sighs, "What are you about to ask me?"

Ben chuckles before he slides a little closer to her and takes one of her hands, "I'd like to ask you to be my girlfriend."

Mal tilts her head, brows furrowing slightly. Wasn't she already? What the fuck? "Okay?"

"Okay like, yes?" Ben asks with a grin.

She looks away, was he seriously asking her to admit it out loud? Ugh. "Yeah, like yes." She mumbled as she shifts in her chair. Wondering if she looked as uncomfortable as she felt.

Ben chuckles before he reaches out and hooks his finger under her chin, as a blush heats her cheeks and bats start to flutter in her stomach. "I have enjoyed all our dates, I've loved getting to know you better without there being any pressure." He tilts his head to the side, "It was important to me that you didn't feel pressured." He explains as he tucks a stray strand of her purple hair behind her ear.

Oh. That's what they'd been doing. Duh. She resists the urge to roll her eyes. Of course, there were tiers to dating here. Ugh. Her eyes narrow. Auradon had a hierarchy for everything. She scowls slightly. Dumb. "You couldn't pressure a goblin into doing something, let alone me." She snorts as she waves her hand dismissively.

"Well, ouch." Ben smiles as he shakes his head, "But still, it was important to me."

Mal chuckles as she rubs her knuckles against her shoulder before she blows on them. "Yeah, I still got it." She grins up at him mischievously.

"You do." Ben softly cups her cheek and smiles as she leans into it, "But I'm not the only pressure I was worried about."

Her eyes narrow. What would Ben be worried about? She rolls her bottom lip between her teeth. Fuck. She frowns. His parents for one. She already knew the queen was excited about it, which was weird but what about his father? How would the King of Auradon feel about his son dating her? A VK? If his lack of fucks about them was any indication, it wasn't a lot. What would the other kingdom's rulers think about it? And what about the other students in school? Better question, did she care?

She'd lived under worse circumstances on the isle. Excelled in them. How much more difficult could it possibly be? Tch. How bad could this 'pressure' possibly be? "I was born to handle pressure." She states with a smirk.

"I can see that." Ben chuckles, "And I can't tell you how happy that makes me." His eyes grow serious, "Because I need you."

He needed her? She stops herself from snorting at the ridiculous thought. Why the fuck would he need her? What the fuck was she bringing to the table that he needed? The concept confused her. So she did what she always did when she didn't understand the prince, she pushes it away. He was probably just being overly generous since he was about to be putting her in an uncomfortable situation. Speaking of which- "But just so I'm not walking into this blind, what type of pressure are we talkin'?"

"Well." Ben rubs the back of his neck, "There's been a team doing their best to keep journalists and cameras away from the school, you guys, and me. But my family and I are constantly in the news. And as my girlfriend, they're going to want to get to know you too. And honestly, I can't wait for that, at least the part where the kingdoms get to know you." He levels a bright smile at her, one that makes his whole face light up, "They're going to adore you as much as I do."

Her eyes narrow as a frown tugs her lips, he sounded so concerned. She slowly exhales, reminding herself Deez was a journalist, and T used to shove a camera in her face all the time.

She smirks. As much as she'd pretended to be annoyed, a deeper part of her always appreciated it. Appreciated the momentos he'd given her. She wished she'd been able to bring some. At least she had access to Deez's letters, though she wished D had written more than just one letter about herself. A letter packed with some heavy shit that she still hadn't gone to read with David and Nani yet. So that left her with reading the threads of T strewn throughout the rest of the stones when she grew homesick. She shakes her head. If she could handle those two constantly in her face on the isle, she could certainly handle some Aurdonians doing the same. "I can handle questions and cameras, but I don't think anyone can adore me the way you do, freak."

Ben chuckled, "You're a great person Mal, and I want everyone to see that. It's going to be hard, sure," He shrugs, "but I know you and I can do anything together."

Mal wraps her fingers gently around his wrist, "You keep saying that," She frowns, "And I want it to be true." She admits as she looks away from his gorgeous hazel eyes. Which were currently a beautiful shade of brown. Rich like chocolate and just as soft. "And one day maybe I'll agree with you." But she doubted many heroes would have the same opinion as Ben. She shakes her head, "But, for now, I know I can handle whatever it is that has you so worried." She smirks, "People have spied on me my entire life. Or stalked in some cases. Hero journalists don't scare me." She appreciated the confidence in his voice when he said they could accomplish anything if they were together. It made her feel warm, made something she wasn't familiar with bubble in her chest. Whatever it was it had her smiling like an idiot. She blinks. Was this... Hope?

She'd used the word hundreds of times before. Like hoping her mother didn't find out about something. Or hoping Cruella or EQ didn't do something to C and E. But this was the first time she'd ever really felt it. Hope. She bites back her laughter, afraid it would be hysterical. But she was. She hoped he was right. Hoped that together they could bring the rest of the VKs over. Hoped that it wouldn't take years.

"I keep saying you're a good person and we can do anything together because it's true." Ben pulls her into a hug, "And I guess, I'm worried that I'm being selfish about this."

"Tch." Mal scoffs, "Selfish? Really? You?" She lifts a skeptical brow as she stares up at him. "How?"

Ben releases her before he rubs the back of his neck, "Well. Like I said, I need you. With me, by my side. Over on the isle," He sighs, "You were constantly being watched. And here, you're not. But I'm about to pull you back into that."

Mal pulls back as she lets out a genuine laugh, "If you think people aren't constantly watching us in school you're as blind as you are sweet." She nudges into him playfully. "So what if a couple more heroes join the party? I'm confident enough to step up if they get too much in my face."

"I know." Ben nods, "So, the paparazzi is one concern, that's why our first couple of dates were so private. But there's no stopping the paparazzi when we go out together like this. So I figured if you were okay with it, I'd just announce our status after dinner," He takes a deep breath, "when they rush us." He smiles sheepishly.

Why hadn't she thought about him having to announce them being together? She wasn't dating just anyone. She was dating a prince. And not just any prince. The prince. The prince of all the kingdoms. She bites her bottom lip. She'd always known that, but the gravity of her situation had never hit her so hard. She swallows hard before she shakes her head reminding herself these were just nosy heroes. How bad could it be? Besides, being rushed seemed a lot better than being ambushed. One was a lot more obnoxious than the other. At least she had some warning. "Thanks for the heads up," She smirks. "Sounds like fun."

"Then there are events." Ben continues, "Like my acceptance ceremony later this month. You'll be there by my side when I agree to all the responsibilities of fully accepting the crown on my twenty-fifth birthday."

Mal lifts her brow, if she didn't know any better it was like he was trying to talk her out of dating him. It was cute. She appreciated the candor. She wasn't sure what was expected of her, but she felt confident that with the help of her- she smiles, her pack. It felt wonderful to finally acknowledge that. To accept it. Not that she would admit it out loud any time soon. Jay would never let her forget it if she gave in that easily. So between her pack, their newly acquired friends, and Ben she knew she'd figure it out. Besides, it wasn't like she scared that easily, she'd faced much worse on the isle. Right? How scary could a hero event seriously be? She was the top gang leader on the isle, there was a reason people feared her. So, even though she might not have enjoyed the socializing that came with it, she knew she could handle anything these heroes might throw at her.

He, on the other hand- "Evie's going to kill you." she snorts.

"I figured." Ben winces, "I know it's short notice, but I really wanted to give us all the time I could before we had this conversation." He holds one hand up in an oath, "I promise I'll get her all the help she needs."

"I'm holding you to that prince." She pokes his chest playfully. "Otherwise none of us will be getting any sleep until after your event."

"I doubt I'll be getting much sleep anyways." Ben admits as he takes her hand again. He plays with the tips of her fingers, lightly tracing each of her perfectly manicured nails, "But, I just, they're going to ask you a lot of questions, they might even ask you about our future together. And Mal, I-" He bites his bottom lip, "I need you to know I want a future with you."

Mal's eyes widen as her jaw drops slightly. What? What the fuck had he just said to her? She had to have heard him wrong. Mother knew he didn't just say he wanted a real future with her. The thought hadn't even occurred to her. Usually, she had plans for days. How were you supposed to plan something like how long you'd date someone though? And forever? How the fuck could he be so sure? "We barely know each other, how can you possibly know that?" She asks with a raised brow.

"I know." Ben holds his free hand up as he fully turns to face her, "I don't want to rush anything. Let me be clear. I want to enjoy getting to know you better, I look forward to it. But, I see the person you are Mal, and I know I can trust you." He smiles, "That's what I mean. I can see a future with you. And I want it. I want to work towards that with you. But I want it in its time."

The sincerity in his tone melts something in her chest. She closes her eyes as she pulls back and leans against the seat, taking a deep breath as her stomach does something weird and uncomfortable, but not entirely unpleasant, as she places her other hand over it.

She knew she was smiling like an idiot again, but this time she wasn't sure why. Or why her not knowing didn't irritate her or wipe the smile from her face. This kid. She shifts in her seat moving closer to him and she takes his hand without thought. He was so good at vaulting over the walls she'd so carefully crafted.

He barely knew her, and yet was the best at stunning her into silence.

She nervously rolls her lip between her teeth. Still, that was a lot to take in. "You're so fucking weird. But in a good way. I could stand gettin' to know you better too. And as for the rest, well, we'll see how it works out, together, I guess." She squeezes his hand in solidarity.

"Sounds great to me." Ben chuckles before he brings her hand up and presses his lips to her knuckles, "But, since we're now officially a couple." He pulls his signet ring off his finger and gently slides it onto her pointer finger.

Mal smiles as she holds her hand up to play with it, "I didn't know heroes claimed people too." She muses as she looks at the beastly head on the ring staring back at her. It was heavy, but she liked the weight. Like a constant reminder that for once someone had claimed her instead of her having to claim them. It was strange. Almost surreal even, and it made her chest restrict.

What she did next surprised even her as she leans closer and gently places a kiss at the corner of his lips.

Ben's smile lights up his entire face, "You always pull away when I get close, even when I just kiss your temple." He presses his fingertips where her lips had been, "Does this mean it's okay for me to kiss you too?"

She blushes as she looks away, "I uh," Shit. Why had she done that? Where had the impulse come from? "I um," Her cheeks burn hotter, "liked it. It's just new. Only the freaks, hunters, and prey get this close on the isle."

"It's okay if you don't want me to." He squeezes her hand gently, "I liked getting kissed by you."

Her nose scrunches slightly as she thinks back to the stupid air kisses Audrey had given him in the past. "I'm okay with it. We're like, official or whatever now."

"We are," Ben smiles before he leans in close to kiss her cheek as the limo rolls to a stop, "We're also here."

"And so dating a prince really begins," She gestures to the large group accumulating outside the window, flashes already starting to go off.

Ben clicks his tongue as he looks out the window, "Good thing we talked on the way here, that would have been an awkward conversation to have on camera."

"Yeah, no shit." Mal chuckles as she squeezes his hand. "Promise I'll try not to swear."

"Be yourself." Ben pulls her in for another hug, "I'm not ashamed of who you are."

Her stomach does another odd flip as she hugs him back, doing her best to hide the heat of her cheeks.

They both jump as the driver opens the door.

"Ready?" Ben chuckles as he pulls back and slides closer to the open door.

"Bring it." She slides after him, already hearing a cacophony of questions being yelled over one another. What the fuck had she just signed up for? She shakes her head as she straightens out her dress, making sure Evie's creation was sitting perfectly on her.

Ben nods before he stands out of the car, "Hello Auradon. Yes, I am indeed here on a date, and I'm very excited to introduce my girlfriend to all of you. But afterward, please, we would very much appreciate being able to enjoy dinner in peace."

"Prince Ben!? There are rumors that you and Audrey broke up, can you confirm?"

"Yes. I can confirm that last month Princess Audrey and I had a mutual break up. We are still very good friends, and fully support each other as such."

"Prince Ben!? Can you confirm your intentions of bringing over more children of villains."

"Sure I can. The first group invited over have taken to the school and their new lives fantastically, and I personally look forward to meeting the rest of the talented vks that I'm working hard to bring over."

"Prince Ben!? Over here, will you be doing any interviews with your new girlfriend?"

"That's completely up to her now, isn't it? I would hate to speak on her behalf." He turns and offers her a hand, "Mal, what do you say? Up to answering a few questions?"

The crowd goes silent for three full heartbeats before the noise level triples.

Mal slides her hand to his, her cool facade already in place as she slips out of the car, "Sure, I can answer a few before we eat." She stands up straight. "After that explanation, I'm sure they're curious."

"Auradon, this is Mal." Ben smiles as he turns hand and hand with her, "My girlfriend."

She forces a smile until she feels his thumb playing with the ring on her finger. Weird how soothing that already was. "Hi Auradon?" She greets the cameras.

"Mal!? This is Allen with Auradon's Whispers, over here!" A tall man smiles as she looks to him, "Yes, hi. How long have you and Prince Ben been dating?"

"Two weeks."

"Mal!? Hi, Charlotte with Royal Watch. Can you tell us who your parents are?"

Mal's eyes widen slightly before she slides her mask back on. Straight into it then. She tightens her hand around Ben's, "Maleficent."

The crowd goes silent again before it feels like the volume is once more increased.

"Mal!? Hey, this is Brittany with Kingdom News. How does it feel to be a villain kid dating the next king of Auradon?"

"Weird." Mal answers automatically before her eyes widen and she looks up to Ben, "I mean-" She blinks as he smiles back at her, "Well, yeah, I guess I do mean weird."

The crowd chuckles.

"Did you have any idea the Prince liked you?"

Mal shrugs, "According to Evie it was obvious."

"Who's Evie?"

"And why was it obvious to her and not you?"

"Evie's my best friend." Mal can't help the smile at the title, though the thought that the isle might end up seeing this interview makes her hand tighten around Ben's again, "And probably 'cause I'm oblivious and she's not."

The crowd chuckles again.

"A question for both of you? How did you get together?"

"I asked her to boss me around in the kitchen while she taught me to make cookies." He lowers his face slightly and winks, "Thanks for that Mrs. Potts."

The crowd explodes into clapping and cheers.

"Now, I've enjoyed talking and answering questions-" Ben looks down at Mal.

"It was interesting meeting you all."

Ben pulls her into a side hug, easily wrapping an arm around her shoulders, "But we would really like to continue our date."

A roar of "Wait! One more question," echoes around them.

"You were fantastic." He whispers into her ear as he takes her hand, "Just follow me and we'll get out of the storm."

She nods as Ben follows their driver into the restaurant. The Maitre De and a few of the other restaurants' workers quickly come between them and the crowd, easily pushing back the reporters.

"Thank you." Ben nods in appreciation before he looks down at her again, "And you're the best."

"Yeah, I know." She flips her hair behind her shoulder.

"Good." Ben cups her cheek tenderly.

"You two made the news." The Maitre De grins as he points to the small TV hanging over the waiting area.

"That certainly travels quicker than on the isle." Unsure whether or not she was surprised.

"Prince Benjamin shows off his new girlfriend before they head in for a dinner date. And folks, the prince has never looked happier than he is right now, standing next to this purple-haired beauty."

Evie squeals as she turns from the TV to Mal, "You didn't tell me it was a date like that." She points over her shoulder. "Why didn't you wake me up last night?"

"It's not like I knew it was going to be any different 'till we were halfway there." Mal shrugs, dismissing Evie's argument without looking up from her sketchbook.

"Still, you could have said something when you got back." Evie huffs before she turns back to her sewing table.

"The three of you were dead asleep when I got back. I had to fight Dude for a place on the bed."

Evie chuckles, "I can't wait to start working on a new wardrobe for you. You're going to be getting invited to so many parties and events, and like hell am I going to let you wear anything formal more than once."

Mal winces as she pulls her pencil from the page, "Speaking of, there's this acceptance thing at the end of the month that we all need to go to for Ben, so I figured that would be the thing you were interested in, assuming you wanted to make our outfits."

Evie blinks, "Wait. Doug mentioned that. It's like, a big deal. Like Fairy Godmother and her wand big deal. Like all the kingdoms come together in the same room big deal."

"Huh." Mal blinks. "Well, better make our outfits a big deal then. Get your name out there as a designer or some shit."

"Wait!" Evie presses a hand to her chest, "Are you going with him or us? Mal, I need to know! Are you expected to accompany him as his official girlfriend?"

"Him." Mal shrugs. "As that or whatever."

Evie squeaks before she runs over to her bag and pulls out her sketch pad, "I have to talk to Ben!" She shouts before she pulls out her phone.

Mal raises an eyebrow, watching Evie glare at the phone until-

"Ben!" Evie shouts before she visibly works to get her voice under control, "Yeah, you better have been expecting my call!"

She snickers as she finishes shading in Evie's eyes. Poor bastard thought paparazzi was hard to deal with.

"I need to know what you're wearing and if she needs to match or if I can keep her in her own glorious colors. And I'm not matching your stuffy style, she's getting a wicked new dress with some flair, but I'm more than happy to help alter your- Suit? Really? You're wearing a suit. I hear it's a tailored suit. I'll have to see it myself before I can trust that. I'm coming over. I don't care if it's at the castle, you're just going to have to take me, I have to get started. I should have started a month ago. Do not argue with me, I don't have time."

Evie waves over her shoulder as she runs to the door, "Ben says hi!" She shouts before she slams the door behind her.

"Same."

"I think she forgot I was here." Doug chuckles as he pulls his phone out of his pocket.

"I forgot you were here," Mal admits, staring at him in confusion before she returns to her sketch, "You're too quiet."

"I get very focused when I'm doing homework." Doug shrugs as he packs his stuff away, "But it's nice to know she talks about me."

"You and the pup," She shrugs, "And of course she does, you're like her Dude."

"I'm choosing to take that as a compliment." Doug chuckles before he slings his bag over his shoulder.

"You do you." Mal shrugs as she struggles to keep her face blank.

The door opens again and Evie steps back in, "I am so sorry. I just really got excited and I really need to get to work and I didn't mean to leave you."

"No problem, I understand how important this is." Doug waves her concern off with a smile, "Want me to drive you over to the castle?"

Evie flashes him a brilliant smile, "Yes, please. Ben's already there."

He chuckles and nods his head. "Well then, let's go badger a prince for seam lengths."

"Mal, you should come with us so I can also get your measurements again."

"Ugh." She sighs as she clamps her sketchbook closed. "Fine." She hides her smile behind her book as she bends to grab her bag.

"You know Evie, I happen to have an in with the guys that mine precious stones if you need any for your designs." Doug offers with a grin, "And my aunt loves to sew, so I can ask her where she likes to shop for all her supplies if you need to go shopping. And I can take you."

"Oooh, that!" Evie's eyes widen, "All of that! Please, and thank you."

"And we can get lunch or dinner while we're out." Doug tries and fails to say nonchalantly.

Evie blushes, "Sounds like a date."

"Whhhhhoooo," Doug grins as a blush spreads across his face as well, "Hi-Ho."

Mal shakes her head before she tears a piece of paper out of her sketchbook and presses it to his chest, "You driving or what Romeo?"

"Driving. Yes." Doug nods before he looks down at the page in his hands. A slow smile lights up his face before he turns to her, "Thanks Mal."

Mal waves him off, "I have hundreds." She dismisses. The picture of Evie was an easy way to repay the ride and inconvenience of being forgotten. She wasn't sure why it bothered her so much, the thought he might have been upset at being forgotten.

She sighs. No, She knew exactly why that bothered her. She'd left people behind. She missed T and Deez.

Sure, she was confused over her relationship with T, but she undoubtedly liked the kid.

And Deez, the one who never gave up on getting them off the isle.

Nani hadn't asked for much, just jot down shit whenever she felt conflicted. She lets out a groan as she pulls out a pen and quickly makes a note. She'd feel like a real cunt if she didn't at least try to suck it up and try to do what Nani asked.

Merry Fucking Christmas Eve Bitches!

Anyone else exhausted from this week's prep or relieved they're finished with finals? We've been doing crafts and baking like mother fuckers, it's been a fucking mess.

Glad that your on the nice list FC, hope you enjoyed the early chapter. Dobby and FC thank you for all your reviews. They're like presents every couple of days. As for the rest of you reviewing and commenting, thank you so much for taking time out to drop us a line, it really means a lot to us. And Devin, thank you so much for helping us with this chapter so late last night.

Onto the questions.

What did you guys think of the scene between Mal and Ben?

Did you like Mal's introspection?

Was anyone surprised by her kiss?

Anyone else glad we're not making Ben a king till he's twenty-five? We know that's still young to rule like twenty kingdoms, but damn, sixteen was just concerning and upsetting. I'm nearly thirty and my cat has to remind me to feed her.

What did you guys think about Ben giving Mal the ring? Better than the movie? Or do you wish there was more?

How bout that scene between E, M, and Doug? Wasn't it adorable? The girls completely forgot Doug existed. We thought it was pretty accurate for the characters.

I fucking lol'd so hard re-reading this when Mal compared Doug to Dude. Did it tickle anyone else's funny bone?

FC thank you so much for commenting on the building relationship between the two. They're one of the hardest couples for us to write, since as you said they're both so awkward and unsure.

So how did you like E saying it's a date? And Doug's reaction?

Did it make you squee when Mal gave the sketch of E to Doug? We saw her drawing abilities in the movie and they were just some next level shit. She's an amazing artist and we try to demonstrate that. Do we do a good job?

Let us know in the comments below,

Much love and appreciation this holiday season, hope all of you stay safe and warm.

-Twisted-