"Here you are boys," Adelaide Norrington announced as she entered her library with a tray of refreshments. Umberta Royal followed close behind her with a tray of appetizers for her son, Derek and his associate John Rolfe and Eric Shipman.

Derek turned to Mrs. Norrington and his mother with a smile on his face.

"Thank you, Mrs. Norrington."

"Yes, thank you, m'am. And thank you for letting us hold this meeting here," John added.

"Of course. Umberta Royal is my dearest friend and I am happy to do anything for her son."

Rolfe smiled at the old woman as she set down the tray on the coffee table in front of him. Just as he went to grab his drink, a tiny orange cat with a blue bow pounced on the silver tray in front of him.

"Oh Toulouse! You scoundrel. I'm terribly sorry, Mr. Rolfe," Adelaide said, scooping up the tiny cat in her delicate hands.

"Not a problem at all, Mrs. Norrington. He just wants to join in on the conversation. Be one of the boys."

The old woman smiled.

"Yes, well I better get him back to his mother. Come along, Uberta."

Adelaide and Uberta scurried out of the large library and closed the doors to leave the three men alone to discuss what they had planned.

"I think the announcement was very well received from what I'm hearing from my employees," Eric began. "It seems they are excited to have a more charismatic and approachable candidate to support."

John smiled proudly.

"And here I thought my association with Governor Radcliffe would ruin me in Fantasia."

"Maybe if you're opponent wasn't Charles Charming. And you weren't being supported by two of the richest men in Fantasia," Eric added.

"Speaking of, the Beastmans are sure to double down on their tough and law abiding platform. We will need to jump ahead and counter that by promoting acceptance and community outreach," Derek suggested.

"I think that's a good point. Especially considering the fiasco with Cruella DeVille and the new animals for the zoo. We can emphasize how important the education to the public and conservation of the species is with the bonus of being tough on those like Cruella who thrive on greed," Eric replied.

"I liked your way of thinking, Shipman. Tell me, could this get the Jungles on our side then?" Rolfe asked.

Eric nodded.

"Oh most definitely. And they work closely with Pocahontas Powatan who not only contributes to animal rights but my sources tell me she volunteers at the soup kitchen every week. Reaching and connecting with people like that is our safest bet against anyone supporting Charles Charming."

"I like where this is going, men. And according to Anya, Charming has plenty of secrets. So we must be as transparent as humanly possible. Gone are the days when the public took everything at face value," Derek added, raising his glass.

"Amen to that," Eric responded taking a swig of the scotch Adelaide and provided them.

Rolfe toasted with his companions but stayed silent. His thoughts drifted to Derek's half sister, Anya. At the mention of her name, he grew curious about the shy red head he met the other day.

"If only Anya could openly show her support. An orphan turned model would be an amazing endorsement," Rolfe said, hoping it would coax Derek into revealing more about his sister.

"Oh of course. And she's very non assuming about her successful modeling career. In fact, you'd probably never guess if you didn't know her. She's very humble."

"Indeed." Rolfe responded, disappointed that it wasn't more.

Nonetheless, the new mayoral candidate remained intrigued about Anya.

Interestingly, Anya's thoughts were also on John Rolfe. But not in the same way. Seated at dinner with Adam, Sophie and Marie; lost in thought about what Derek and Rolfe were planning next, Anya didn't hear Adam asking her questions.

"Anya? Are you listening?"

Adam's shrill voice finally found her attention. She shook her head and looked to him.

"Sorry, what?"

"I asked where have you been going at night? Cogsworth said he saw you sneaking back in very early the other morning."

"I've been reconnecting with friends from the system. I didn't realize I needed permission to leave the house."

"You don't but I don't think it's such a good idea for you to be seen around town with Flynn Rider and Aladdin Abu. Especially since they are friends with that criminal Sparrow. And don't get me started on your friend Turner."

Marie chimed in.

"Oh Adam. Go easy on her. These are her closest friends from her childhood days."

"She's not a child anymore, Grandmama. She's a Beastman now and it's time that she act accordingly."

Anya rolled her eyes.

"I'm not sure what Will is up to now and I don't care. All I know is that as a model it was very hard to form close bonds and friendships and Will is about the only person I can count on," Anya replied, unfazed by Adam's interrogation.

Adam raised his brow.

"Anya that's ridiculous. I'm your brother. You can count on me."

Just before Anya could form a reply, her phone buzzed.

It was Will calling.

"If you'd excuse me. I have to take this."

Anya got up and left the table and didn't bother looking back. She would've seen a beastly anger forming in Adam's blue eyes if not for the presence of his grandmother and cousin.

In the other room, away from the fray, Anya eagerly answered her phone.

"Hey!"

"Anya. Hi. How are you? I'm not bothering you am I?"

"No. No. Everything's good. What's up?"

"Good. I'm finishing up drinks with the guys. I just heard about everything. Anya, I'm truly sorry I wasn't here to help you."

She sighed.

"I appreciate that, Will. It's okay really. Flynn and Aladdin were a huge help."

There was a long pause in between.

Her tone was off, Will thought to himself. He felt she was still upset with him about whatever his relationship is to Jane Porter. He sighed.

"Well, I'm glad things are working out. If anything comes up, I'm always here."

"Thanks. Will."

"Goodnight, Anya."

He hung up the phone confused as ever.

He drug his feet on the way to his apartment from Pridelands, hoping he was wrong and that he hadn't fractured his relationship with one of his oldest friends.

Back at Pridelands, Flynn and Aladdin had decided to join Meg and Jasmine before Aladdin had to head out for dinner at his dad's.

"So any word yet if the Teach sisters have made up?" Meg asked Aladdin.

Aladdin smiled.

"Not yet but I know that Ang is ready to patch things up."

"Good. Tip toeing around those two was getting annoying," Meg responded taking a sip of her drink.

"Cheers to Aladdin for getting the Teach sisters to talk. A challenging feat," Jasmine added raising her glass.

"Here. Here," Flynn interjected, clinking his glass with Jasmine's.

Meg could see the spark in Flynn's eyes and the ease in Jasmine's. It had been a while since she'd seen her best friend and his ex interact this way. Something told her that it was just the beginning.

"Care to share with the class there, Meg?" Flynn asked.

Meg didn't realize she'd been staring.

"Oh. Sorry. I guess I just blacked out for a minute seeing you two be civil in a public place. I didn't jump back in time did I?"

Jasmine blushed.

"No. You didn't. Flynn and I have grown up and decided to be friends."

"Didn't think it was possible for Flynn to grow up," Aladdin added.

"Ha. Ha. You're fucking hilarious," Flynn replied taking a huge swig of his drink.

Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.

Aladdin's phone vibrated.

"Yeah. I am. Angelica loves it. She's meeting me at the corner in sec. We are going to have dinner with my dad."

"Oh. Meeting the parents. That's a big step," Jasmine said.

Aladdin shrugged.

"Yeah. Well. It just feels right."

"Did she mention anything about Esmeralda?" Jasmine inquired.

Aladdin shook his head getting up from the table.

"No. Not yet. I'm sure I'll hear about it on the ride up to my dad's place."

He dug into his pocket, pulled out some crumpled bills and threw them on the table.

"Later, guys," he said as he dashed out of the bar to meet Angelica.

"And then there were three," Meg said.

Jasmine rolled her eyes and took another sip of her drink.

"Why is it so hard to believe that Jasmine and I can be friends," Flynn asked.

"Because I know you. And I've never known you to be friends with a girl you've had sex with."

Jasmine choked on her cocktail and coughed a bit.

"Well maybe I've learned a thing or two," Flynn responded.

"Look I'm not saying it's not impossible but it's just going to take some getting used to this new Flynn."

Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.

Meg's phone rang.

"If that's another sappy phone call from Herc, I'm going to puke," Flynn announced, making Jasmine laugh.

"Oh come on, they're not that bad," Meg said. "Hey you," she answered.

Flynn made a gagging gesture. Jasmine playfully swatted him on the shoulder, mouthing "stop!"

"Right now? That sounds great...yeah I'll wrap things up and meet you at your place...okay. Love you, too."

"Who was that?" Flynn sarcastically asked already knowing the answer.

"Hercules says he ordered some Chinese food and wants to binge the last season of Ozark before the new one comes out. So, I hate to ditch you, Jas, but..."

Jasmine shook her head.

"Oh no, please. It's fine. Go be with your boyfriend."

"Are you sure it's okay? I know we had plans."

"We had our drink. It's good."

"Cool. Well, see you guys later! Oh and Flynn, don't wait up."

Meg got up from the table and made her way to the door.

"Meg what about your tab?" Flynn asked.

Meg winked at him.

"Drinks are on you right?" she said as she scooted out the door.

"I hate you!" Flynn shouted after her as Jasmine laughed.

"She loves to torture you, doesn't she?" Jasmine asked.

"Just a tad."

He looked up form his drink. It was the first time in a long time he'd noticed Jasmine's chocolate brown almond shaped eyes in a long time. He lost his breath for a second, thinking about how beautiful Jasmine really was. Then he remembered. They were just friends. And if he wanted Jasmine in his life, he had to control himself.

"Look, Jas, you don't have to stay to babysit me. I'll be fine, if you have somewhere else to be."

"This was my plan for tonight. Drinks at Pridelands. Unless you want me to go."

"No!" he replied realizing he was a bit louder than he intended. "I mean. No I'm good to stay if you are."

"Then let's order another round."

"Deal."

Flynn smiled. This was turning out to be a better night than he thought.

Across town, Aladdin was driving down Duchess Trail with Angelica, passing Charming Palace onto his father's house. She had shared that the conversation with Esmeralda productive and they are speaking again. Aladdin wanted to be the supportive boyfriend and listen but he was nervous. He had never introduced a girl to his dad before and his stomach was in knots. As he turned right at the fork in the road between Abu Abode and Dalmatian Plantation, his heart beat almost right out of his chest.

"Aladdin?"

"Sorry, what?"

"I asked if you were okay."

"Yeah, I'm fine. Why?"

Angelica laughed.

"Your face is all red and you seem distracted. Are you nervous about me meeting your dad or something?"

He pulled into his father's driveway and put the car in park.

"I mean. A little. I haven't introduced him to anyone before. It's a little nerve wracking."

She smiled and unbuckled her seat belt. She leaned over and kissed him lightly on the lips.

"You know you get kind of cute when you're nervous."

He blushed.

"I know he'll love you and I know this dinner will go well. It's just...you know...my dad and I...we lost so many years and we. Ugh. I don't know how to say this."

"Aladdin, look at me."

He turned to look into her beautiful dark caramel eyes and he felt a weight lifted off his shoulders.

"You're so beautiful, Ang."

She smiled.

"I know this is a big step for us and a big step with your dad. I'm looking forward to meeting him and learning more about the person I care most about."

She took his hand in hers and brought it to her lips.

"Thanks, Ang. I care about you, too. A lot."

"Good. Cuz I'm starving and I don't want to get hangry in front of your father."

He laughed and they got out of the car.

Arm in arm they walked up to the modest mansion in Swann Lake Estates. Angelica was envious of the views Cassim Abu had. His home was situated at the fork of Ape River as it feeds into Swann Lake. He was surrounded by beautiful bodies of water on three sides of the house. Private security did well for Cassim.

Aladdin opened the door and was about to announce himself when he heard voices coming from the top of the stairs.

"I wish we didn't have to end it like this. But my son will be home soon with his new girlfriend," Aladdin heard Cassim's voice say to someone.

He and Angelica looked up and were stunned to see Cassim in a passionate embrace with Angelica's neighbor, Pocahontas Powatan. Angelica only knew Pocahontas enough to make small talk. Seeing her in the embrace of a much older – albeit ruggedly handsome – gentleman was a bit of a shock. Her long thick black hair was held back in a tangled ponytail. Her clothes were wrinkled. Cassim was wearing a royal blue bathrobe. It didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what they had been doing.