She can't help her smile as she looks up to find Doug cuffing Roy on the back of his head.
Ass.
She shakes her head at the banter that follows.
It had been months.
Months since they first sat in this place.
Months since they'd all started eating together.
Months.
She swallows her groan.
Months that somehow felt like years.
She takes another bite of toast, savoring the buttery warmth as it melts in her mouth.
It was a sensation she'd never get over. One she had begun to look forward to nearly as much as the flavor of strawberries.
Who knew bread wasn't supposed to be hard? Who knew fruits and vegetables all tasted different, not at all like the sour mash they got on the Isle.
The mold thing she knew.
The older the food, the more mold.
The more mold, the more likely you were to get sick.
That was a basic understanding. Something they all learned early on.
If it tastes too much like bad dirt, don't eat it.
But here-
There was so much food here.
Good food.
Food that was so much better than it was on the Isle.
Truth be told, the guilt that this was their new norm was something that still twisted her stomach in knots.
Guilt at the Howler amount of food piled on the buffet line.
And mother-damn-it if it wasn't a buffet.
It almost made her sick to think about.
How many kids were starving on the Isle?
Going to bed with an ache that they couldn't fill in their bellies?
So hungry that they threw up that acrid liquid that occasionally crawled up the back of her throat.
She clenches her teeth.
Fuck.
It sucked.
She takes another bite as the table laughs at something she hadn't been paying attention to.
Her eyes settle on Ben's smile, his hazel-green eyes warm with affection as he jokes with the table.
She got Ben joining them.
He was the one who sum-
No, not summoned.
He was the one who invited them to Auradon.
It would've been awkward if he hadn't at least tried to sit with them.
Even if she did find it uncomfortable, concerning, and nerve-wracking.
At first.
Her eyes bounce to Jay, remembering his words during their initiation into his shadow court.
She was dating the future king so going back to the Isle wasn't a good idea.
She bites back a groan of disgust.
Okay, maybe she was a bit paranoid.
Her thoughts automatically drift to T.
It was almost embarrassing now that she knew him.
About him?
Her?
Them?
How obsessed she'd been with finding out his motives.
How… Uncomfortable she'd been whenever she'd learned something new about him.
And now that she knew all of it- Or at least more of it, she-
Honestly, she wasn't sure what the feeling was.
It was like the bitter burning of sadness but so much heavier.
How many times had she beaten the shit out of the kid?
She swallows, thankfully catching herself before she can cringe at the way she'd stomped on his back after she'd seen it.
She'd been so angry.
So furious he would be that stupid.
That he'd spar in that condition.
That he wouldn't just stay down.
That he kept pushing her to continue.
All so he could better protect others better.
It didn't matter to him if he was struck time after time.
Didn't matter that he sucked at deflecting and defending himself.
It was always offense, always and only offense, that he cared about.
Getting past someone's guard, even if it meant he had to take a hit for it.
It had driven her insane.
He had driven her insane.
Ever since he'd flung himself at the inferno that was Deez.
Since she found out he existed.
Met him.
On some level, she knew she was jealous of him.
That he was stu- bold enough to so openly defend others.
Buck the status quo as if he had Deez's abilities.
Like he was invincible.
Like he didn't feel pain.
She resists the urge to roll her eyes.
Stupid fucking herbs.
Kid could've bled out so many times because of that stupid fucking ointment.
Who the fuck did that?
Risked their lives like that?
Dropped out of nowhere, helped, and then ditched without getting something in return?
She hadn't understood at the time.
But now that she knew what she hoped was everything?
She was pretty sure T did have a motive.
It was just one she hadn't been able to fathom.
On an Isle where everyone fought to survive, he'd wanted to die.
Sought it out.
He didn't care about the consequences, didn't care if people were disgusted by him.
He just didn't care.
About his reputation.
About turf.
About power.
About him-fucking-self.
Because at the end of the day, he didn't give a fuck one way or another.
Live or die?
She was pretty sure he didn't fucking care.
And was oblivious to the number of people it would hurt if he didn't live.
She'd always thought he wanted something from them.
Her pack.
She hated how he easily wormed his way in.
Weaved his way into the urchin's folds.
Had the audacity to so openly chill with the pirates and then come and chill at their hideout.
It had been so fucking shady.
She had been so certain he was selling the information.
Bartering it.
Helping C, E, and Deez so they'd be in his debt.
That the most powerful gang and powerful person on the Isle owed him something. Many things.
It had frustrated her so much that he never asked for shit.
Had never spoken a word about the pirates.
He was curious, just fucking curious.
Wanted to learn random-ass basic shit.
But she was pretty sure, now at least, the truth of the matter was he was just looking for something to care about.
Maybe even something worth living for.
A heaviness settles in her chest.
She's grateful when Evie's tittering draws her out of her head.
"Roy, why do you insist on badgering Doug?" She asks in amusement as Roy once again rubs the back of his head.
"Because it's easy?" Roy grins. "And c'mon princess, look at the smile you're wearing. Worth it."
"That and it's the only attention Doug pays him," Lonnie adds as she takes a sip of tea.
"No it-" Roy snaps his mouth shut as he considers, "I concede your point."
She frowns as the others laugh.
She pushes her first thought away.
Roy…
Fuck if he hadn't made her paranoid too.
Stalking them.
Whisking away their Pup with the promise of video games and candy.
Carlos, she rolls her eyes, was going to be the death of her one day.
Panic-inducing lil' fucking genius who had enough fear and anxiety to power his soon-to-be father's ship.
Yeah. Fucking Roy.
She'd been paranoid about him too.
Had hated when he'd invited himself to their table.
Their second HK that gave as much fucks as T about his rep-
That wasn't right.
Roy definitely cared.
Had been transparent about just wanting people to accept him for who he was.
To not judge him for how his father, a thief, had ended up being the hero in his kingdom instead of some selfish ass king.
Her eyes narrow. Something about the thought bothered her.
But the why of it was just out of reach.
She shakes her head dismissively.
Roy.
His father, who he clearly loved, if not idolized.
At least that's what she could tell for all the bitching he did about his mom not 'getting' him.
Her eyes move to Doug.
Him not so much.
His motives had been clear since his first 'hi-ho.
She frowns as she moves on to Lonnie.
She hadn't been paranoid about her either.
Then again, that may have been mostly because Jay vetted her.
She sighs.
At least she wasn't paranoid by every misfit.
Just every other one.
"Mal?" Ben asks softly, "You okay?"
"Yeah." She shrugs, "Just thinking."
He studies her for a moment before he nods.
Great.
Now she was the space gazer.
Not that she thought Ben's thoughts weren't as heavy.
Just different.
Thank fucking mother.
One of them had to be normal.
She eats the last of her toast as she absently looks around the cafeteria to keep her thoughts at bay.
Observing.
Obtaining new information rather than lingering on the old.
Way more her speed.
Except now she could see all the eyes boring holes into their table.
Whatever.
If they had shit to say, they could say it to their faces.
Pussies.
She rolls her eyes before she glances over the cafeteria again.
Something was bothering her; she just couldn't put her finger on it.
It took four sweeps before it clicked.
No powder blue.
No baby pink.
Where was Jane?
Fuck.
Wasn't she supposed to be her like, pseudo sister soon?
How the hell had she not-
Well, that wasn't true.
She had noticed Jane wasn't in classes with her. In the back. Hiding like she always did.
Or anywhere in the hallways.
She frowns.
The last time she saw her had been in the hospital, quietly standing behind Janice and not looking at anyone.
Was she okay?
Her eyes narrow.
She damn well better be.
Regardless of how it happened, the mousey girl was now under her protection.
And as much as she was used to Deez and T dipping out on her-
She didn't quite have the same faith in Jane to be able to take care of herself.
Or rather any.
Like at all.
Damn it. She sighs.
What a pain in the-
Her eyes narrow when the hair on the back of her neck stands before they land on a small group slowly.
Slowly and close as fuck to each other.
As one occasionally pushed another forward.
What the fuck was this shit now?
She swallows an annoyed groan.
Were they trying to be subtle?
Cause if they were, they were sucking at it.
Bombing it worse than Roy's foray into stalking.
It was nearly painful watching them approach so apprehensively.
Hesitantly.
She resists an eye roll.
If they were so scared piss-less, why the fuck were they coming over in the first place?
It was clear they weren't going to start shit.
And if they did, she wouldn't be the only one to laugh in their face.
Even Carlos would smile at that weak attempt.
So, what the fuck were they doing.
She turns to make eye contact with Jay and exchange nods.
Not that it was hard to see them coming. It was still safer to make sure she wasn't the only one to notice.
Roy snorts, "The fuck are you doin', Princeton?"
Princeton?
Her question is answered when one of the boys squeaks.
Ah.
"We uh, that is to say, Blake, Jessica, and I, we saw what happened. During the ceremony. Prince Benjamin's oath ceremony."
The girl, Jessica, nods, "M-my mother was there."
"So was my little brother and parents..." Blake adds.
"You see, to be perfectly clear, we were all there, but, but we had family down closer to where you know, it happened."
It? Seriously? She raises an eyebrow.
Evie coughs delicately in her hand to muffle her snort.
"And um, we just, we wanted to apologize. Sorry to approach while you're dining, but this is, well, the only time we see you all."
"And thank you. We, we wanted to say thank you too."
She's not the only one in her pack to stare blankly.
"The fuck?" She breathes as she rests her chin on her hand, feigning nonchalance like a second skin.
Princeton takes a deep breath and pulls his shoulders back, standing up straighter. "We know people are lying about you guys. And we um, we're sorry we believed it."
"Huh." She blinks.
What the fuck was happening?
Weird ass HKs.
Who the fuck just walked up to strangers and said shit like that?
Awkward as fuck Auradonians, apparently.
"Don't worry about it." Jay waves them off.
"No, you see, it was so hard to see what was happening when we froze, because we, well we were standing together and we didn't know what to do, so we looked away," The three look at each other, faces guilt-ridden as if there was something wrong with what they'd done, "and then we couldn't look back, so we didn't get to see how you fought her off for ourselves."
"But now, we saw the video, and we know what really happened. And, and we just wanted to say, thank you for everything you did." Jessica finishes.
Fucking Jordan and her damn fog, or flog, or whatever the fuck she called it.
Evie smiles prettily, but she knew her friend.
Shit was forced as fuck.
"That's very…" She pauses, "It's hard to admit you were wrong. Harder still to admit to the people you, well, you didn't really wrong us, but still. Thank you."
The three nod along with her, hanging on her every word
"And, and-" Princeton turns to Ben, "My-My Prince, our families would like for us to tell you that we support your decree. You're going to make a fine king someday."
Ben smiles, the look on his face so genuine it hurt.
"Thank you. I'm so glad to hear that. It means a lot to me that your families were able to see things for what they are. See Mal, Jay, Evie, and Carlos for who they are, rather than fear where they came from or who their parents were. To see that people are finally starting to realize that they're so much more than what people think of them."
"Yes, sir." The two boys bow while Jessica dips into a shaky curtsey, "Thank you for hearing us."
"Any time." Ben smiles, "We go to the same school after all."
Jessica blushes before she glares at Princeton, "I told you he didn't like when people were formal like this at school."
Ben chuckles, "It's alright. I really appreciate what the three of you are doing, and how difficult it was for you to come over. It couldn't have been easy. Everyone at this table is intimidating in their own right. Whether from title or image."
"Yes, my Prince, I mean Prince Benjamin, I mean sir-" Princeton hides his face behind his hands.
"Please just call me Ben," He smiles, though she could detect the subtle groan in his tone. "It's a mouthful to say the title too."
The three look horrified, but then Blake blinks and smiles, "Thanks, B-Ben."
"Of course." Ben grins. "And, thank you."
They nod, and before the boys can bow again, Jessica grabs their arms, "Stop it, we're making him uncomfortable." She whispers as she drags them off.
"Heh-heh." Ben rubs the back of his neck.
"Dude." Roy snorts. "I so sympathize with them."
"What?" Jay snickers.
"Carlos is more intimidating than Beastie here." She snorts.
"Nah, no offense, One o' One, but you're a half pint of adorable."
Carlos raises his hands, "None taken." He pouts, "Half-pint and adorable wasn't necessary, though." He mumbles with a blush.
"Totally was." Roy waves him off with a grin, "But man, first day of class I sat next to Ben. Fuck was I scared that any second he was going to look at me and banish my family or some shit." He shrugs, " I was wrong, but power be scary yo."
Her pack all glance at each other. "C was scared too." She offers.
"Maaaaaal!" Carlos whines as he covers his burning face with his jacket.
"That's what you get for not being afraid of me anymore." She teases, nearly managing to keep a straight face.
Out of the corner of her eye, she catches sight of Audrey hanging off Chad's arm as the two of them make their way across the cafeteria.
Chad shoots them a dirty-looking scowl.
She doesn't even get the chance to lift her middle finger before Evie elbows her.
"I know I said we could work out-"
"Oh, come on, Lonnie, it's just a cramp." He presses his hand to his complaining side, doing his best to breathe around the pain of it pulling against his throbbing ribs.
Fuck if he didn't miss T's ointment. It would be hella useful right now.
They'd offered him pain meds at the hospital, but he hated how slow his mind worked on them.
That and how uncoordinated he'd been.
Fuck that.
He'd take the smelly goop any day; at least it didn't fuck with your motor skills.
"These muscles need freedom and exercise, or they're gonna seize up on me."
The grin on Lonnie's face was worth sounding like an idiot.
"But I think you're pushing this bad boy thing a little too far." Lonnie finishes with an eye roll. "Seriously, Jay. Go easy. You don't have anything to prove."
He snorts, and before he can stop himself, his eyes drift to the other end of the field where the Tourney team was practicing.
Where Chad and his goons were lined up, running drills to Coach Jenkins whistle.
He hated missing practice.
He'd always hated skipping any kind of practice.
Practice of any kind.
A day without working on skills was a day of losing them.
His eyes narrow when one of the Chads taps their leader on his shoulder and points in his direction.
Shit.
After all the scenes that asshole was causing, the last thing he wanted was one out here.
Selfishly though, only because he didn't want to spoil his time with Lonnie.
He straightens up, ignoring the protest in his side as he plasters a smile on his face, "Don't have anything to prove, got it."
Now he just had to pretend to believe it.
Lonnie stretches her arms behind her back as she watches him. "We could just walk for now. I know Baymax said you're healing well, but dude, if you ever want Coach Jenkins to approve you working out with the team again, you need to relax."
He lets out a long sigh before he firmly turns his back on Chad and the idiots limping around holding their sides.
Big talk from guys who flinched every time they had to face off against him.
"Let it go-" Lonnie rolls her eyes again when she looks over his shoulder, "Idiots are idiots. Nothing is going to fix that level of stupid."
He chuckles as they start walking.
He falls into step beside her, knowing she'd never be happy with his stride right now.
Besides, it was just more fun to let her set the pace.
After a lap around the track he carefully adds some basic arm stretches, pushing himself to just the other side of the burning pull against his ribs before he holds it and slowly releases.
"You know, I-" He sighs, "I never got to apologize for worrying you. Or really thank you for going all out looking for us."
"I took your promise that you'd never leave me behind again as an apology." Lonnie shrugs, "And don't be dumb. Of course I looked for you. For all of you. Someone had to be there to drag you back." She grins.
"That's fair." He frowns.
Drag him back.
Was he really as stubborn as T?
He'd have to be on some level, right?
How many times had he managed to outlast T in the hopes of getting him to sleep or eat? Just winning against him the couple of times he did had to mean something.
"What's got you so quiet all of a sudden?"
"Homework, and-" He sighs before his eyes widen slightly.
He had promised her.
Promised he'd take her with him if he ever left.
Specifically, if he ever went back to the Isle.
And here he was, knowing full well there could and probably would come a time where he'd have to go back to the Isle to drag T's ass home to Auradon.
He sighs before he looks around, relieved to see no one near them.
"Right, you know that homework project we have? The group one?"
Lonnie furrows her brow but nods in understanding.
"Well, one of the things we realized-" He bites his lip before he reaches for her hand, "Remember the promise I made you?"
"Yeah?"
"Yeah." He slowly nods.
Lonnie looks around before she lightly tugs, guiding him in a new direction.
Back towards the dorms.
"Lonnie-"
"Shh. You've moved around enough for today. You're getting scanned by Baymax to make sure everything's good, and then we're getting some homework done."
So forceful and yet so tender.
The sharpest blade and the most beautiful flower.
His nose crinkles.
Seriously, when did he start thinking like Harry?
All that shit Harry swore by. The stupid shit he claimed always got whoever he wanted.
But-
Lonnie looks back at him over her shoulder, making him smile again.
But when he looked at Lonnie, he really meant the things he was thinking.
Even the bad poetry.
I know. I know.
Random as fuck chapter.
Think of it as a recap.
Nostalgia?
Passage of time?
I don't know, something.
But it seemed necessary to add it.
And yeah, I know Mal dived down a T shaped rabbit hole- Again. But she's a passionate creature, and not many emotions can equal that of anger.
What do you think though?
Sure, she's skirted it many times. But she's so certain of it now. That T had a death wish.
Do you think her reasoning is on point though?
Oh, and what do you think was bothering Mal when she was thinking about the Hood's? *side note there was definitely a shadow of fore there… Any guesses to what we could be alluding to?
Does it make sense?
What about that apology tho?
Awkward HKz are awkward.
Speaking of awkward where the fuck is Jane?
Lonnie tending to Jay is just the cutest.
Oooh! Oooh!
QUESTION!
Who do you guys think is the most stubborn:
HK Dude?
HK Chick?
VK Dude?
VK Chick?
I wanna know so bad! Please?
I mean, yeah, they're all stubborn, but who's the wor- I meant most?
Fave Quote:
At least she wasn't paranoid by every misfit.
-Mal
Can't you just hear the eye roll?
What was yours?
Much love and appreciation,
-Twisted