Family Maintenance

Author's Note

Yes, hello, I am alive from the depths of Tartarus. I was going to update yesterday, but it was kind of a stressful night, so I crashed around 11pm (which is early for me- my sleep schedule is nonexistent, unfortunately) Anyways, I really like this chapter because the angst makes its return. I hope you also like the chapter. It's long as promised.

Please leave comments, they keep me going!

"Hi, Ben." Mal said softly and Ben sputtered. They hadn't talked much since they moved- he'd been far too busy and he didn't want to bother her in case she was busy, too.

Although Evie had told him differently, that Este missed him and Mal was just too nervous to bring her around.

That sounded like Mal.

The Mal he knew.

His Mal.

Speaking of… "H-hi, Mal."

She gave a tiny laugh at his stuttering and he felt a smile growing on his face.

The first real smile since the two had gone away, and Akiho and Emir, who were in the room with him, wiggled their eyebrows suggestively.

Ben shook his head in exasperation and covered the phone as he walked out of his office and through the other door, going to the adjoined sitting room. He closed the door then leaned against it, letting out a small breath.

"Sorry. Had to leave my office, Akiho and Emir were there." he explained and Mal laughed.

A louder one and his heart thudded in his chest.

"So… How are you?"

Mal paused. "Good. We've been good. Classes are the same, the job is okay. Este… She misses yo-it there, though."

Ben's smile grew at her slip-up, confirming what Evie had said. "I bet."

"Has she gone to see you? Evie said she'd drop by so she could, um… Play with you."

"Not yet. But on that note, I just got the text." Ben chuckled as he got the blue-haired girl's notification right on time. He could clearly see Mal biting her lower lip over the phone, like she always did when she was thinking about something.

It was like she was engraved into his brain at all times. It wasn't like this with Audrey. All the time, all he could see was the purple hair, her gleaming eyes, and the way her pink lips turned up when she was amused by something Este did.

And he hadn't known her as long as he'd known Audrey.

It was weird.

So weird.

He missed her. His heart clenched at that thought.

He wanted to see her, in-person, and hear her voice, in-person.

The ball!

He was hosting a ball on Friday night, a fundraiser for the book drive his mum had helped him plan, a way to give more reading material to kids on the Isle and in poverty around Auradon.

He could invite them!

"Ben?"

"Oh, sorry! Um, got lost in thought there," he rushed out and Mal hmmed.

"Penny for your thoughts then?"

"There's this ball. On Friday," he blurted out. When she didn't reply, he kept going. "I would love it if you and Este could come. I miss seeing you guys, and to be honest, I've been really busy and haven't had the time to check in, even though I should. So I'm sorry on that note. But we can… We can… You can come to the ball, if you'd like."

Mal blinked. "A… ball."

"Yeah. Book drive. For kids on the Isle, mainly, but also for those in poverty around Auradon."

"Kids on the…" Mal seemed genuinely surprised.

"Isle? Yep. I told you I wanted to be a king who makes change. Uh, although, Este actually told my mom there aren't books on the Isle and my mum was horrified. I think half of the books mum bought are for Este," Ben explained, a flush growing on his cheeks. "I was going to deliver them to you if you weren't attending. I was going to ask Evie to convince you to come, actually, and I was even going to pay her with extra fabric for her fashion stuff and-"

Mal laughed. "You're rambling, Ben."

Ben's heart flipped over in his chest again and the blush on his cheeks intensified. "Sorry! I just… I just am really hoping you'll come."

"We'll come."

"You will?" Ben hated how hopeful he sounded. "Really?"

"Yeah," Mal's tone indicated that she, too, was a little hopeful, and maybe nervous. "I need to get out of the house, anyways. I've been holed up inside, and it'll be nice to see yo-everyone."

He didn't miss that slip-up either and his grin grew even bigger.

"I'll see you then."

She ended the call first and he a lmost tripped over the rug with excitement when he returned to his office.

He didn't even bother when Akiho and Emir teased him and made immature kissy faces when they saw the red flush on his cheeks and his stupid, happy smile.

"You look beautiful, M." Evie assured as Mal fiddled with her fingers in the car that Ben had sent to pick them up.

She did look beautiful. Evie had made her a gorgeous gown with various shades of purple and blue fabric for the ruffled skirt. A silver headband framed her face, her violet hair swept up into a bun.

Este was wearing a similar dress, although hers was knee-length and she wore black leggings underneath and glittery silver shoes. She, too, wore a headband, that kept her hair away from her face, even though her bangs kept flopping forwards. Her fairy wings were strapped to her back and her bear was clutched in her arms.

"'M so excited!" she squealed, bouncing up and down in her seat. Her wings slapped against Mal's shoulder and the seat, and the poor bear kept getting jostled in her lap. "Do you think Ben'll be exci'ed to see me, Auntie Veevee?"

Evie beamed at her excitement, brushing away one of Este's bangs from her face. "Absolutely. He'll be so excited to see you!"

"And mama, too, right?"

Evie's smile grew wider when Mal flushed, her eyes avoiding Evie's knowing smirk. "Of course."

The car rolled to a stop in front of the palace. It seemed they were the last to arrive as no one else was there and the music and chatter coming from inside was booming. The driver opened the door, helping Evie step out.

He warily glanced at Mal, who had followed Este out, and Mal gave him a faux-sweet smile, her eyes glinting and he whimpered before running back into the car.

Mal didn't notice Ben standing there, like he was waiting for them, until he spoke. "Scaring everyone already, Mal?"

"Ben!" Este cheered, sliding out of Mal's reach and stumbling towards him, clutching his right leg before Mal could say anything else. Mal's eyes travelled up and down Ben's frame. He was wearing a dark blue suit and tie, which she realized suspiciously matched hers and Este's dresses.

"Evie, what did you do?" she hissed in the blue-haired girl's ear and the latter smirked.

"Just a little thing Belle suggested." Evie hummed, absentmindedly checking her nails.

"But… We look-"

"Like you're a family? I think that was the point."

"Evie!"

Evie laughed, pointing towards where Este had dragged Ben away, towards the castle doors. "I believe the party is starting. You can chew me out later."

She grabbed Mal's hand and dragged her down the pebblestones path into the ballroom. Ben already had Este in his arms, bringing her around as he greeted the dignitaries and socialites who were in attendance.

"Oh, there's Doug," Evie waved furiously when she spotted the boy in the green suit near Ben. "Can I leave you here without supervision so that you won't burn the place down?"

Mal rolled her eyes. "I'm not a timebomb."

"No, of course not." Evie said sarcastically before rushing off towards the dwarf's son, and Mal was left alone.

She wandered towards the buffet table, pouring herself a glass of whatever liquid they were serving and sipping it, her eyebrows ruffling at the tangy taste.

"It's peach punch." A gentle voice explained and Mal startled, glancing up to see the queen mother, dressed in a yellow gown. She smiled kindly at Mal, a smile that reminded her so much of Ben.

"Er… Hi." Mal nervously murmured, dipping into a slight curtsy.

"No need to do that, Mal. I've told you before, haven't I? You look lovely," Belle complimented, her smile warm. "I see Evie took my suggestion?"

"No kidding." Mal muttered and Belle laughed.

"You three make a lovely picture, especially Este," Belle's smile grew wider. "She's darling, I've just loved spending time with her, and Adam has been enjoying showing her the golf course. Ben's never been one for golf." Both ladies chuckled and Belle's eyes twinkled. "She has Ben, and the majority of Auradon from the looks of it, wrapped around her little finger."

Mal chuckled, suddenly feeling more at ease in the former queen's presence. "I… I suppose she does."

Magazines and newspapers had hit the stands, stating how close the king had become with Maleficent's granddaughter. Many people had been wary, but Este had charmed her way into everyone's hearts, blurry pictures of her spending time with Akiho, Emir, and Lonnie, Ben's family, and Ben and Mal and her friends covering the papers.

When the first mag had come out, Ben assured Mal his PR team would keep it as tame as possible, and she had, for some reason, relaxed.

He had a way of doing that, not knowing that he was bringing her guard down, and she hated how it made her feel all fuzzy.

Mal did not do fuzzy, unless it came to Este, but even that was more mother than fuzz.

She didn't like fuzz.

Belle's voice cut into her thoughts. "You're worried, aren't you?"

"What? How'd you-"

"It's mother's intuition, dear," Belle's gaze landed onto where Mal's was, apprehensively watching Ben, who was now being dragged onto the dance floor by Este. Her little girl was squealing with joy, more happy than she had been in the past few weeks. "Ben wouldn't hurt the two of you, not intentionally."

Mal bit her lower lip, figuring Belle was just saying that because Ben was her son, but she knew it was true.

Belle placed a hand on her shoulder, squeezing gently. "Focus on the present instead of the future. It'll drive you crazy not knowing, so might as well focus on what you do know, hm?"

Mal wasn't able to mull over the words much longer since Este had bounded towards them, Ben in tow.

"Mama! Come dance with me an' Ben!" she gushed, grabbing Mal's hand and pulling her away.

"Go. Have fun." Belle mouthed and Mal found herself swaying slightly to the music, observing as Ben twirled Este around. She grabbed his hand and connected his and Mal's hands.

"Dance with mama." she demanded with a sneaky grin and Mal was suddenly settled in Ben's arms, the two of them swirling around on the floor.

Mal blushed.

And then so did Ben.

"Um… I.. I forgot to mention that you look… Wonderful tonight."

"Thank you," Mal's blush intensified. "You clean up nice."

Ben snorted. "Admit it. I look very handsome."

"No."

"But I do!"

Yeah, he does! Her mind screamed at her, but Mal only gave him a wink. "You'll have to make me."

What was she doing? Flirting? She was playing with fire.

"Are you having fun?" Ben asked as he twirled her around, his arms going to encircle her. She shivered as his fingers settled low on her spine.

She swallowed slowly before answering. "Maybe. It's been nice to get out. Gods knows I haven't been able to do that much."

Ben huffed out a laugh and the butterflies in Mal's stomach fluttered even quicker. "Well, I'm glad you're here," he glanced at Este, who had squirmed between them and was dancing in the middle, gazing up at them with shimmery eyes. "Both of you."

Mal laughed when Este tripped over Mal's skirt, Ben catching her and throwing her up into the air. She was giggling loudly and she leaned her head on Ben's shoulder, a toothy smile on her face.

A tall, lanky man walked up to them, a microphone in hand. "Sire, it is time for you to make your speech."

"We'll go stand over there if you-"

Ben's free hand suddenly gripped her arm. "No, no, it's okay. If it's alright, can… Can you.. Um, stay with me?"

Playing with fire, she was playing with fire.

She was going to get burned.

"Yeah, we'll stay."

Ben beamed as he pulled the microphone to his lips, his arm wrapped around Este and his hand staying wrapped around Mal's arm.

The cameramen must be having a field day. She mused, smiling when Este held out her hand. Mal squeezed one of her small fingers before locking her hands together in front of her, her eyes casting towards Ben's squeaky-clean shoes.

"Hi, everyone, welcome, and thanks for coming to the little book ball my mum and I hosted," Ben chuckled as everyone applauded. "Everyone knows we both love a good book, so when we found out the Isle needed more reading material, we decided to begin a fundraiser. We both thank everyone for both the money and book donations we have received."

Everyone clapped again. Ben cleared his throat as he set Este down and kneeled in front of her.

"I have a surprise for you, sweet girl."

Mal raised her eyebrows and Este jumped up and down excitedly. "A su'pise? For me?"

"Yes, you," Ben turned to address the crowd again. "Este is from the Island and she's actually the one who told my mom about the situation there. The first hundred books are going to her as she is the next generation that will start change. I want to be a king who moves forward, and I hope this first act will show that. Thank you!"

The crowd surged with praise again as the man who had handed Ben the microphone wheeled out a box filled with books suitable for a toddler. Este shrieked with excitement, almost throwing herself into the box to choose something to look at.

Belle had made an imprint on her, that was for sure.

The attention stayed on them as Belle and Adam approached, Adam venturing far enough to give Mal a quick hug. He gave Ben a hearty pat on the back, causing his hand to fall away from Mal.

She shouldn't have been disappointed.

Ben smiled, amused at her, somehow feeling the disheartened sink of her shoulders, and she turned even redder. Mal kept quiet, nodding along, as Belle and Adam chatted with their son, congratulating him on the positive response of the book drive and questioning Mal on whether she was getting enough groceries and other little things like that.

Mal answered their prodding almost shyly, and Ben's heart soared as he saw her interact with his parents. Audrey never made an effort, and here was Mal, trying her best to fit in. He squeezed her arm and he almost jumped with joy when she didn't make a move to push him away.

For Mal, tt was a bit odd, to have Belle and Adam be so mindful of her, but Ben seemed so proud that she didn't even care. They smiled when Este excitedly pointed out some books she saw and Adam nudged Belle.

"You've corrupted her, Belle."

"I have not! I was only reading her a few fairytales... And maybe a few old classics. And those cute board books that Ben refused to read because they weren't real literature." Belle teased and Ben's ears turned pink when Mal giggled.

"Thank you so much, by the way," Mal said softly. "It's always just... You know, been me and her and the other three vk's, and I know she's so excited about spending time with you both."

"Oh, it's our pleasure," Belle insisted. Adam nodded in agreement besides her. "Honestly? We think of her as our little princess, like our very own granddaughter. Gods knows it's going to be a while til this one settles down." Belle waved her hand towards Ben, who's ears turned pinker and Mal flushed, too.

The implication was heavy.

And the fire was growing.

Meanwhile, Este was closely examining a book she had fished out of the box and she grinned, tugging on Ben's hand.

"Look!"

Ben glanced down at her and nodded. "Oh, that's a good one."

" My Daddy ," Mal read aloud and smiled gently, not getting the point. "We can read it for bedtime later, baby girl."

"No, look!" Este proudly opened the book and pointed at the pictures, depicting a little girl spending time with her father, playing dress-up, reading books, and even napping together.

"Just like me and Ben," she explained after seeing Mal and Ben's blank stares. "See? It means Ben's my daddy!"

Mal's heart must've stopped for a second because she felt like she was about to pass out and stay passed out, had Ben not been holding her arm. His entire face was now bright red, his eyes blown a little wide, his knuckles gone white against her skin.

Even the grand room seemed to pause, staring curiously at the three of them, the question on their faces and in their raised eyebrows.

"Mal?" Ben's hand was squeezing her tighter. "M?"

"Mal, dear, are you alright?" Belle's hand fluttered to her other shoulder.

"Mama?" Este was tugging on her skirt.

The fire was a huge roar now, flickering back and forth, almost taunting her, in her mind.

Oh, she had definitely just been burned.

Badly.

Very badly.