Mal had fallen asleep once again. She still looked terrible. She looked like the daughter of snow white instead of Maleficent. She had dark circles under her eyes and flushed cheeks. Ben didn't know what to do. He wanted to take care of his girlfriend but he was not actually allowed in the girl's dorms and he could not stay there. And well it looked like the other vk's were not good at taking care of other people especially sick people. And somehow I think Mal wouldn't let them anyway.
It would be way easier if Mal was at this house. There he could take care of her they have medicine and-...
That is when somebody knocked on the door.

Ben: Mom?

Belle: Hi Ben sweetie, how is Mal?

Ben: Ow, uh she is sleeping now. And uh thanks for earlier, you know making fairy godmother and the others leave.

Belle: Well yes all that fussing wasn't helping or sweet Mal. So can you tell me what is going on?

Ben:" I talked with Evie. It was not easy to get her to tell the truth, not even a little bit. But she said that if people knew on the Isle that you were sick, they would take advantage of it. You know stealing, settling scores, fighting, spreading rumors. People would attack you for the simple reason that you are sick... Can you believe that?!
It almost sounds like people are at war on the island or something. And taking revenge or being extra mean when someone gets sick. It is, that is... I don't understand.
And! Evie said you would disappoint your parents All because you would be seen as weak."

"That is awful!" Belle said in unbelieve.

"Yes and Evie also said that Mal had to run from her mother when she was sick.

" I... I don't get it. What-"

" I didn't' get the chance to ask what she really meant by that..." Ben said

"Well, it can't be anything good..."

Ben: "I think she means that Maleficent was worse than the other parents when it comes to her daughter "being seen as weak". And maybe gave Mal an extra hard time when she was sick.
I don't know, it makes me so sad to think about it. I can't imagine what she had to go through.
Mom, she can hardly stand on her own and still is prepared to jump out of a window to hide that she is sick!
It is not right! none should have to go thru that...I...I just love her...

Belle was quiet. Tears appeared in her eyes and soon tears could be seen rolling down her face.

"Mom I want to stay with her, I got to help but I dont-"

"Ben! This girl is coming with us!" Belle yelled.
She needs love and compassion. If you think I am going to leave her after hearing what you just said you are badly mistaken! How can people do that?! ... And her own mother. As a mother, you don't... you don't do that to your child! She is insane!

Ben laid a hand on his mother's shoulder.

/

After Ben and Belle got Mal back to their castle. They laid her in the guest room. Mal didn't "really" wake up on her trip back to the castle, so they decided to let her sleep for a while.
She pushed herself way too far trying to hide being sick and was exhausted.

So after they arrived Belle went to talk to her husband about Mal being sick and staying with them. Also, she wanted to tell him what her son just told her a few minutes ago. She really needed to tell someone and ventilated her emotions

Ben on the other side did not leave Mal. He got his books for school and started making his homework in the guestroom next to his sleeping girlfriend. He wanted to stay with her. But he knew she probably was going to sleep for a little while.

/

In the meantime back in girls dorms, Evie came back to her room to check on her purple sister, but she found an empty room. She looked around thinking maybe Mal was in the bathroom.

But then a note quickly cached her eye.

It said:

"Dear Evie,

I took Mal to my home
We want to take care of her. Being sick in Auredon isn't the same as on the Isle.
And we are going to show just how much. I hope you don't mind. Call me if you have any questions. Or want to visit.

Ben and Belle."

So Ben was going to take care of Mal... Haha well, Ben is going to have a hard time doing that. Knowing Mal she is not gonna let him. Still Ben is looking out for her and that is all the counts. Evie thought.

Now that she thought about it Evie had no idea how people here in Auradon took care of sick people.
Well knowing these people it would probably come close to pampering someone.
Umm, she probably had to go tell Carlos and Jay.

/

Ben was trying to make his homework but could not concentrate. he kept looking at the fragile-looking girl in the big white bed.
Then he heard someone at the door.
His mom came in.

Belle: And how is she?
Ben: Still asleep mom.
Mal was still asleep but looked like she was in discomfort. Ben came closer and touched her forehead gently.
"And her fever didn't go down"

Belle: I thought so, we have to wake her up and give her some medicine. I brought it with me.
Ben: Okay will wake her up then.
Ben went to sit next to mal and shook her gently.

Ben: "Mal? Mal? Hey, you have to wake up. Mal, can you hear me?"
Mal: "Mmmm wwhat?..." Mal's voice sounded harsh.
Ben: "Hey you have to wake up and take some medicine."
Mal:" I don't...n- neeeed any m-edicine..."
Belle: "Yes you do, here open up sweety.

Mal didn't really put up much of a fight when Belle and Ben were basically putting the medicine in her mouth.
Probably because she was so tired. But... also because she was stunned by the way Belle looked at her.
Mal with her sick and clouded mind could not really make out what the expression meant. But it sure was welcoming in a way.

Then Ben pushed a class of water in Mal's hands. She drank from it and gave it back.
The water seemed to wake her up more. And realize what was happening

M:" I said I didn't need it..." Mal looked around noticing she was somewhere else.
Belle: "Don't worry about it sweety you can get back to sleep now."

M: "No thank you, I have to get back." Mal said very slowly

Belle: "Oh there is no need dear, We would like it if you'd stay with us for a while. You know until you feel better."

Mal threw her legs over the side of the bed. She noticed that she was no longer wearing her jacket and shoes. She spotted her shoes in the corner. She was not staying she was about to go get them and make her leave.

M:" I am perfectly fine..."
"Sorry to have troubled you, and thank you for your concern... But I got to go..."Mal said trying to sound polite, while slowly standing up. If you looked closely one could see that Mal was a little out of balance when she rose to her feet. But Mal ignored it and started making her way to her shoes.

Belle: "Wait ... I wouldn't ... Your not ready t-" Belle began in an attempt to make the girl stay.

Ben: ..." Mal". Ben said with a stern voice but somehow,...caring?.
"You don't have to be anywhere. Evie knows you're with me... And I know you are tired. So why don't you just sleep here?

Belle: "Yes dear, you are already here so why not sleep for a little while?" Belle said with one of her prettiest smiles Mal had ever seen.

Mal didn't know what to say.
"But I... it's that..."

Mal was usually a very smooth liar. Back on the Isle, she could come up with a lie anywhere anytime.
But now Belle and Ben were looking at her with so much care and compassion in their eyes.
So rudely replying with "No, back off"... Was not an option for Mal.
What was she supposed to say? And well she did want Ben and Belle to like her.
So... should she take the opportunity?
No! Then it would make it obvious that she is sick. They should not know how weak she is right now!
But they already know something is up, so would it make any difference? A voice in the back of her head said.

Belle and Ben were waiting for an answer from Mal.
But Ben could see the doubt and in his girlfriend's eyes. He could tell that she had a hard time thinking of an answer.

And he could also see that Mal was starting to shiver slightly. She tried to make it not noticeable but was not successful in that.

That's when Ben stepped in. He quickly took a soft blanket and wrapped it around her.

Mal was in her train of thoughts when Ben wrapped the blanket around her. She didn't even notice that she was so cold until Ben wrapped that soft warm blanket around her.
She welcomed it directly. Without thinking she curled into the warm blanket, pulling it closer and closing her eyes. Even letting out a sigh of relief.

Ben smiled at the reaction of the purple-haired girl. It was so... It was just so cute! He never was going to forget what he just saw... A very sappy smile appeared on Ben's face.

Mal looked up at Ben realizing what she just did. Ho no! Mal what are you doing, she thought.
Who is going to take you seriously when you purring into a blanket like a fat cat!

Ben was looking at Mal, with a dumb weepy smile...
Again Mal couldn't come up with anything to say. So... she stared in the dreamy eyes of the royal before her.

Belle saw the action before her.

Her son and Mal were such a beautiful couple. She taught by herself.
She had never off-guessed that this was the kind of relationship they would have together.
Well, she also never would off-taught that the daughter of maleficent would turn out to be this lovely girl. lucky them.

It was obvious that they cared for each other deeply. The relationship Audrey and Ben had was nothing like this.

All the bad rumors about the four kids from the Isle being dangerous and "rotten." Was not what Belle believed anymore.

Mal was not evil at all. She does have a little mischief with her where ever she goes that bit is true, but who says that is a bad thing?
Mal is a very smart girl.
She catches on very fast.
She sees things others don't, like details, patrons you name it.

Like that one time, Mal had spotted from all across the ballroom that some little kid in the back had lost her family and could not find them.
And like how she can tell what time of day it is just by looking at the sun.
And her talent to think ahead was amazing.

Another thing Belle liked about Mal was that she was a very strong and independent girl.
She didn't ask others to do things for her. She did it herself.

One time Belle had walked in on Mal changing a lightbulb in her room. She was balancing on top of a very high ladder to reach it. It scared the living daylight out of Belle but Mal did it as it was nothing.

She was special. So Belle understands now why her son loved the purple-haired girl so much.
And he believed in her even before anyone else did.
Belle was truly happy that Mal was becoming family.

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After Belle and Ben had convinced Mal to stay with them. Belle had asked a maid to make some soup for Mal.

Mal was not really hungry but Ben and Belle persisted that she had to eat something.
So she ate a little bit. But it felt so weird.

People making food for her, people worrying about her nonstop.
And just to sit in a big white bed doing nothing.

... fk Weird. Mal thought

But she agreed to stay with them so she wasn't going to make any trouble.
Aldo Mal felt like a burden...

After the food was gone.

Ben took place on top of the blankets next to his girlfriend.
Ben got the idea to start a movie. He knew Mal was having a hard time being sick and didn't really want to be taken care of. He knew his girlfriend and forcing her to talk about it now, was only going to push her away.
So with the movie on, Mal didn't really have to explain herself or talk or even pay attention.

But Ben had a certain habit. When he watches tv or a movie in the evening, he always switches into some warm sweatpants
King or not, sweatpants are a must in life.

So Ben told Mal about the sweatpants habit. Mal had to laugh.
So now Ben quickly went to his room and changed into some comfy sweatpants.
But then a thought struck him, Mal probably could use some comfortable clothes too!
After all, she was sick, all tho she wouldn't admit that fact just yet.

So he searched in his big closet for his smallest sweatpants and a hoody for his girl to wear. And went back to the guest room where Mal was staying.

...

"Hey, Mal I brought you a fresh change of clothes... You know I think they're way more comfortable than those jeans." Ben said. Then Ben gave her the clothes

"How Hey, are these yours?" Mal asked.

"Uh yeah sorry about that... I could not find a maid to ask for something more feminine for you to wear.
... B - But I can go and... look for one right now and get you a new set of clothes!"

Damn, Ben thought. How stupid of me. I totally forgot that maybe Mal doesn't want to wear man's clothing. Or maybe she doesn't want to wear somebody else clothes! I should have thought about that! Damn it! What do I do now?!

"No, no don't do that. These are perfect, really... Thanks" Mal said calmly with a friendly expression.

Ben was still debating if he should find a maid to ask for a new set of clothes.

Mal saw the doubt in Ben's eyes.

"Jesus, these heroes kids... Being too polite can be irritating you know." Mal said playfully.
" Do you really think people cared that much on the isle about fashion?"
"I couldn't care less that these are men's clothes," Mal said with a grin on her face

a smile appeared on Ben's face.
See a lot of people don't get the four villain kids. they say there impolite, mean, have no manners, and so on.
But if you think about it. Mal just reassured him that what he did for her was more than good enough.

"Mmm Okay then," Ben said with a smile."

Ben looked at Mal. Why did he even worry so much? This is Mal we were talking about.
When Ben was with Audrey he always felt like he had to pleas her. And that he always had to do more than his best. To meet her demands and make her happy.
But with Mal, he even felt more relaxed whenever she was around. She didn't care about perfection or small things like this.

"Ben?"

"Yes, Mal," Ben said after snapping back from his thoughts.

"Could you turn away or something, you know with changing clothes and everything."

"Oh sorry sorry! Yes, I will be outside right now!" Ben said full of embarrassment, as he walked outside.

Mal saw Ben's embarrassment and the blush on his cheeks. She found it to be very funny.

On the isle, privacy was taken a little less seriously. And was not always easy to get.
You know when you're clothed get ripped apart while running, chasing, or fighting, someone's privacy just isn't that important.
And it's not like everyone has their own clean bathrooms you know. Some people basically live on the streets, imagine finding privacy on the street.
And if you want some privacy you have to take your belongings with you. Cause if you don't there is a good chance that you're stuff get's stolen. And sometimes it ends up in Jafar's store.

Mal took the clothes Ben had given to her. And started to put them on.
To be honest Mal was happy with the clothes. Her jeans and a tight top were not the most comfortable things to wear.
But then again on the isle were no such things as soft sweatpants or pajamas.

When Mal successfully changed clothes her head started pounding again. She had to grab the dresser to stabilize herself a bit. She accidentally knocked over a lamp. She immediately stuck out her foot so the lamp would not hit the ground as hard. Because of that, the lamp was not broken and she could put it back.

"Mal everything okay? can I come in?

"Um yeah, sure."

Ben came in. He saw Mal with his clothes that were oversized for her he could only think one thing. That she was looking so cute in them.
Oversized clothes, rosy cheeks, and nose, just adorable.

But Ben knew he should not tell her how cute she looked, so he kept it for himself.

/

It was still kinda early in the evening.

So Mal and Ben started to watch the movie together.

Mal's head still really hurt and her stomach felt uneasy. But she was lying under the covers and felt very warm and comfortable next to Ben.

And before she knew it, she had fallen asleep next to Ben, leaning slightly on him.

Ben noticed after a few minutes that the purple-haired girl was out like a light.
He let her sleep and watched the movie that was still on.
After some time Belle and her husband Adem came to see Mal.

"Hi, son how is everything going?"

"Hi mom dad, she fell asleep a few minutes ago."

"Oh, then we should let her sleep she needs it. You're mother told me about Mal, and what Evie said." King Adem said.

"Yeah, it still bothers me," Ben said quietly.

"Verry understandable son. But for now, you should go to bed too."

"I know, but I-"

"Yes you wanna stay with her but it is important that you sleep as well. And well I don't think she is going to wake up anytime soon." Belle said

"Yeah, you're right. And I know Mal can take care of herself. I just keep... worrying."

"Of course, you do dear". Belle said with a sweet smile.
"I do too, but I think it is best to give her some rest."

Ben looked at Mal for the last time. She was sleeping peacefully. He took the covers to pull them a little bit higher.
And Ben, Belle, and Adam left the room.

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