The day progressed slowly for Ben after his night comforting Carlos. He spent a lot of it avoiding his thoughts about Carlos or how much his beast seemed to enjoy comforting him. It was a feeling he wasn't used to and was strange to him but he didn't want to think about it anymore. He had already spent so much time thinking about Carlos so far that it was starting to feel a little obsessive. However, no matter how much he tried to focus on the lessons for the day, feeling cooped up in classrooms only served to remind him how comfortable he had been the night before, bringing the black- and white-haired teen back to the forefront of his mind.
Lunch was a welcome change as he made his way with his tray to the same table as before. Chad was the first to come to lunch but he wasn't alone. He was speaking with two people he knew were Uma and Harry Hook. They sat at a different table with Gil and Chad joined them. Ben didn't know what they were talking about but knowing Chad he was probably trying to find a replacement for the couple he left behind on the Isle. Ben didn't mind eating alone, he was happy to be alone with his thoughts. Jay even went and sat with Gil so his table was left empty. He sat and watched from afar at how close Chad seemed to already be with Harry Hook though Uma appeared to be warming up to him still. Jay and Gil were holding hands under the table and Ben could see it from here. That's when he realized how truly alone, he was. He didn't have someone like either of them, his mind briefly thought of Carlos until Lonnie, Mal, Evie, and Audrey all joined him at the same time interrupting his thoughts with their chatter. They were all talking about some upcoming dance that Ben didn't really care too much about. He didn't have anyone to ask anyway. He just silently sat and ate while they all talked about who they wanted to go with. At the same time, they turned on Ben.
"Who are you going to take to the dance Ben?" Evie asked curiously making him frown. Why did it even matter? He certainly wouldn't be taking her and he wasn't probably going period.
"No one, I'm probably not going," Ben replied honestly and the girls seemed surprised except for Audrey and Lonnie who were prepared for this response. They both knew Ben wouldn't care for something like said dance. This was when Carlos came and sat next to him with his tray of food. Audrey got that look on her face that told Ben she had an idea. Ben looked at her warily.
"Why wouldn't you want to go to the dance? It's a celebration!" Mal sounded excited and Evie nodded with her. He almost felt sick from how joyful and good the whole thing sounded. He may be playing nice but it doesn't change who he is. Ben is rotten to the core and it's going to stay that way, even if the others seem to be softening already.
"Yeah Ben, I think you should go," Audrey added with her coy smirk that never failed to make Ben suspicious of her. She was thinking something, and he knew he probably wasn't going to like it, what so ever.
"This dance is next week, I have no one to go with and I don't do dances," Ben growled a little bit warning Audrey who didn't seem swayed in the slightest. She seemed like she was waiting for him to say that like she was a hunter waiting for her prey to fall into her trap.
"You can take Carlos," Audrey says resolutely and all the girls seem to turn to look at Carlos at the same time who looks like a deer caught in headlights. He looks up at Ben who looks equally as surprised. Ben's jaw clenches and he shoots Audrey a harsh glare, knowing damn well what she was doing now, or so he thought.
"Ben probably doesn't want to go with me, didn't he say he doesn't do dances?" Carlos nervously replied and Ben looked down at Carlos for a moment and his Beast was practically roaring at him, trying to tell him something but Ben was lost looking into Carlos's chocolate brown eyes, not realizing he was. His brain was trying to process what was just suggested. He didn't even think, an excuse just came tumbling out of his mouth.
"I wouldn't have anything to wear." He pried his eyes away from Carlos ignoring the warmth that filled his cheeks and face. Audrey sat smugly watching. "What is this dance celebrating anyway?"
"Oh! I could totally whip all of the beast gang something to wear." Evie started before going on to explain, "It's to celebrate another year here at Auradon Prep. The school was built three hundred years ago. It's quite the prestige so it's extra special this year." Evie could not possibly sound more excited. Mal seemed equally excited. Lonnie seemed to mostly just be amused, glancing at Mal with a slight longing that twisted knots in Ben's stomach. Was he really contemplating going with Carlos? His mind said no but his beast said yes. He looked back at Carlos who was still staring at him.
"I need to think about this…" is all Ben could say. It clearly surprised Carlos but Audrey sat looking so full of herself at that moment. Lonnie was trying to contain her amusement over the situation and Ben couldn't help but feel like he just got played.
"Really?" Carlos sounding equal parts shocked and excited. Ben gave him a nod and the table went back to talking about the details of the dance. "Ben…" Carlos whispered drawing his attention. "You really don't have to…" He said softly but looking a little disappointed. That look of disappointment made the knots in Ben's stomach tighten.
"I said I'd think about it, Carlos." Ben reaffirmed and Carlos nodded secretly praying to every god, goddess and everything in between that Ben decides to go. Ben goes back to eating in contemplation. Now, not only is he feeling very much alone but he has basically been played by Audrey into taking Carlos, who he has unresolved feelings about. He desperately wants to cry out to the skies, could this get any worse?
Sure enough, it does. As if answering Carlos's prayer and coming to add to Ben's struggle, going to the dance is required for their Remedial Goodness class later on that day. So now, Ben has no choice, he has to go. When school lets out, instead of going to practice right away he catches Carlos in the hallway dragging him into an empty classroom and pushing him up against the chalkboard boxing him in. Carlos lets out the loudest squeak, face the brightest crimson.
"So my remedial goodness class requires that we go to this stupid dance everyone is going nuts over. Don't make plans with anyone else. You're coming with me." Ben demands and Carlos nods eagerly. Now looking down at Carlos something inside him flicks and he has the strongest urge to… before he can even think he is pressed up against Carlos now Their faces mere inches apart as Ben leans in and brushes his lips against Carlos's ear whispering. "Don't forget, you're my territory." He can feel Carlos shiver, assuming it's intimidating to the poor teen but really it sends a shot of electricity through his body. He wants to reach out and grab ahold of Ben, hold him in the position but he doesn't. Ben backs away and disappears out the classroom door leaving Carlos standing breathless and a lovesick mess.
