"And I thought Dude got anxious," Roy snickers from the steps.
"Oh, shut up." He rolls his eyes as he paces.
He couldn't help himself.
He was excited to see how Evie's trip went.
Did she have fun?
Had everything gone well.
He knew his Aunt well, Snow was every bit as fabulous as Evie, but-
He still couldn't help it.
He wanted to know how it had gone.
Evie had been so psyched. So worried. So excited.
"Princess incoming." Roy snickers.
He turns a smile pulling at his lips at the arriving apple red limo.
"Doug!" Evie calls out excitedly, waving as she steps out, "Roy! I can't believe you guys came out to meet me."
"You can't?" Roy snorts.
"Shut up." He glares as he tries to step on Roy's foot.
"Nuh-uh." Roy sticks his tongue out.
He rolls his eyes, "Are you planning to be useful or just acting peanut gallery?"
"Yeah, yeah." Roy waves him off before he walks over towards Evie, "Your bags, my lady," He bows flamboyantly.
Evie's face lights up with the prettiest smile before the trunk pops open.
"What?" Roy blinks before he turns to Evie, flabbergasted, "You left with- and now it's-"
Evie's eyes narrow before she walks over to Roy and attacks him with her handkerchief, "Do not judge my luggage!" She accents each word with a whip of the red and gold fabric.
Roy chuckles, "Right, of course, Princess," as he waves Evie away. "Got it. No comments from us lowly peasants."
"Don't act like a heathen, and I won't beat you with silk." Evie's eyes tease.
"Lolz," Roy grins, "So much wrong with that statement. Starting with-"
"I know-" Evie frowns as she inspects her handkerchief, "I could have snagged it on one of the metal spikes, not that it's a bad look for you, but what was I thinking?"
"Question of the-"
"I will murder you," He glares.
"I don't believe you." Roy grins, "Anymore. Admit it, I've grown on you-" He sticks out his tongue.
"Yeah, like a-" He glares
"Boys." Evie bats her eyes as she wraps her arm around his.
He can't help the smile or the way he settles at her touch, and as much as he wished he could help the soft hi-ho, the smiles it brought to her lips was worth it.
"There's my dwarf," She titters as she rests her head against his arm for a moment before she twists and tilts her head up to kiss his cheek. "I missed you too."
He nods in silent agreement.
It was why Roy was teasing him so much. He'd been wound up all weekend.
Not even CoD had helped, not that Roy had been any better.
They both kept checking their phones, waiting for texts, wanting to know their friends were okay.
It was their first trip.
First stay with new parents.
That's all it was, but it had been enough to make them nervous.
"Mister Anderson, the wonderful driver, said he'd get the rest of the bags to my room for me."
Huh.
Anderson.
He smiles.
He had no idea the man still worked for his Aunt.
Not to say Snow chased away her help, but…
She could be rather particular, and a bit… Persnickety sometimes.
It was nice to see the man hadn't been run off with her demands.
It spoke highly of him and made him feel better that he knew the man who would most likely be Evie's chauffeur.
"Does he have a cart?" Roy snorts, "Or two?"
Evie turns and glares at him, "What did I say?"
Roy holds up his hands. "Right," he chuckles as he loads his arms with cases before nodding to the driver, "I got you, man."
Anderson grins, "Much appreciated, kid." He greets jovially. "The princesses had quite the trip." He turns to nod at him with a wider grin.
"We did, didn't we." Evie smiles charmingly as she hugs him.
"Happiest I've seen Miss Snow in a while," Anderson smiles.
"Oh, you're such a charmer." Evie's cheeks blush delicately as she smiles up at the driver, "I really hope that's true, but thank you so much for saying it."
"Far be it for me to lie to a princess," Anderson chuckles before he turns and gathers up more bags. "Lead the way, Red. Good to see you again, Doug."
He smiles, so he did remember him.
It had been years since Snow had gathered him and his cousins together for shopping trips.
He was actually surprised that the man recognized which one he was.
"No prob," Roy nods as he starts walking before he turns, "Your's or theirs?"
"Oh, those go to my room." Evie smiles, "I can't have Carlos getting chocolate or sugar on these new fabrics. And if Jay even tries to put a weight down on one of these." Her face blanks as she shakes her head.
"Got it," Roy grins. "C'mon, mate." He nods to the driver.
Evie turns back to him with a huge grin, "He called me a princess," she whispers, "Did you hear that?"
He smiles, "Must recognize greatness when he sees it." He turns to the trunk, hesitantly releasing her. "Glad you had a good trip."
"Oh Doug, it was amazing." She walks over to the trunk, carefully lifting a smaller bag to her shoulder as she picks up a basket of fruit, "I had no idea the family was so into fashion. I got to meet Prince Florians' mother, she's a huge designer, and Doug, she loved me."
"Of course she did. What's not to love? You're amazing. Gorgeous and incredibly talented."
"I am." She giggles happily, "But, I've never really had so many people see it. It's been-" She sighs happily, "A good kind of weird, I guess."
"Which is the only weird you deserve." He smiles as he loads himself with the last of the bags.
"She insisted that I call her Gigi. Doesn't that sound funny when you say it? Gigi." Evie shakes her head, "Anyway, so Gigi took Snow and me to this charming resort that had this, oh my goodness Doug, this spa was nothing like the one on the Isle. It was so, so clean. And white and green and just, relaxing."
Noted.
He was going to have to get the name of the spa from Snow…
It would take him forever save up but-
To see her smile like that? And because of him?
-Worth it.
She wraps an arm around his, linking them at the elbow as they make their way to the dorms, "They had mud baths there. I'm going to have to tell Mal all about it. The only reason I tried it was because Gigi insisted. It really does make your skin soft." She rubs her cheek against his shoulder, "Mal would love it. Not the benefits, but the playing in the mud part."
He smiles. He did not know Mal enjoyed mud.
He wasn't sure what he could possibly do with that, but he would have to share that with Ben.
"And they have masks for everything. Face, body, even hair."
He smiles, "Did you get a seaweed wrap? I've heard those are great for your skin."
"Yeah, that's the one Gigi recommended." She smiles happily up at him, "She said it's what gets her through every fashion show." Then, her nose crinkles, "It felt weird, but I'm glad they warmed it up first."
"Did you get to show her some of your designs?"
Evie squeals as she claps her hands around the basket, "I did! And she thought they were beautiful. She loved Mal's dress at the ceremony. And I showed her a couple of the ideas I have for the girls that have been ordering dresses, and a few I've been working on for myself and Mal. I showed her a few ideas I have for Deez and Dizzy. Oh, they're so excited to meet Dizzy."
"With the way you talk about her, I think everyone who appreciates you is excited to meet her."
Evie sighs as she leans into him, "Thank you."
His brow furrows, "For what?"
"Being out here waiting for me. Being excited for me. Letting me go on and on about my weekend," She giggles lightly as she smiles up at him, "I can keep going."
"Nothing makes me happier than seeing you so passionate, and I love seeing you smile like this. You're always gorgeous, but your smile, your real smile- Is more precious than any diamond."
Evie blinks up at him before she blushes and looks away.
But not before he saw it.
Her stunned, real smile.
The shy one, the one that slowly shaped her lips into a heart.
He loved it.
Loved that he could make her smile like that.
"I could seriously go on for hours if you let me, but I would like to know how your weekend was," Evie says when she looks back up at him.
"My dad and I spent Saturday together, which was nice. But mostly, we, Roy and I, just played CoD in between me forcing him to study."
Evie snorts and lifts one hand to play with his hair, "You're so sweet."
"Thank you for knowing that." He smiles, "Cause he makes it really hard."
"Oh, I know. He and Carlos are insane about that game they play." Evie rolls her eyes.
He smiles, "If you're ever interested, I have a game I think you'd like."
"Really?" Evie blinks up at him, "What game?"
"Imi. It's a dress-up and home renovation game that also imitates life. Between Carlos and I, we could probably design a mod so we can add your designs."
Evie bats her eyes as she smiles, "That could be fun, but I hardly ever have any free time. Especially with all the dress orders I've been getting lately."
He smiles, "I figured as much, but-" He shrugs, "If you're ever interested, I downloaded it for you. I figured you might enjoy playing it with Dizzy, once she joins us. She seems like the type who might be interested in it, since you can ship the characters."
Evie giggles, "She might be a little boy crazy, but I love that about her. She really loved the romance books I read. And," Her lower lips pout out slightly, "I couldn't say no when she asked to borrow them."
"She's got you wrapped around her finger." He teases, "I can't wait to meet her."
"Oh, so bad. I was embroidered the moment she started following me around."
He loved that.
How clever she was.
How quick-witted.
Embroidered.
"I can't wait for you to meet her too." Evie's face falls slightly, "I can't wait for you to meet a lot of them, but Dizzy's in the next group to come over." She smiles tightly up at him, "So, you know, hopefully soon."
"It won't be long," He smiles, "Think about how quickly time has gone since you've arrived. Speaking of, I wanted to show you something Ben and I have been working on for you two."
Since he met her.
It was the first real conversation he'd had one on one with Ben.
"Oh?" She blinks up at him, "What is it?"
He chuckles, "A surprise."
Her lips form a full pout, "When do I get to see the surprise?" She questions.
"We're still working on it, but- I know you're both going to love it."
"Well, now I'm excited to find out." She leans against his arm again, "Thank you for thinking of me."
"Always." He admits nonchalantly.
Evie chuckles as she looks away. "Want to try one of these apples we got from the spa?" She asks when she turns back.
"I'd love to," He smiles, "But-" His stomach was still in knots from seeing her again.
His dad was so right.
As was Roy, much to his chagrin.
He had it.
He had it bad.
"-Maybe later if it's okay? I had a big breakfast."
There.
That wasn't so creepy.
"Of course." Evie smiles as she pulls the fabric back from the top of the basket and selects a bright red apple, "There was this pretty girl at the spa whose family works at the premier organic orchards in Auradon. Gigi took one bite and bought the whole selection. She says they're the finest apple she'd ever had."
"You do love your apples," He grins, nodding at Roy and Anderson, who were waiting patiently at the door, talking about-
Of course.
CoD.
"I do. And these are so much prettier and tastier than the apple that grew on the Isle. Not that there was much that grew there. But Pain and Panic had a little grove they took care of because Deez loved making tarts out of them." She giggles, "I swear, those two would have run the whole Isle if they thought she wanted them too."
"Pain and Panic?" He'd never heard her mention those names before.
"Hades' imps that he is just absolutely cruel to." Evie frowns, "They're the ones who raised Deez. Or mostly did."
"Oh," He bites his lip.
Tread lightly.
Tread lightly.
Tread lightly.
"They sound nice if they were willing to run an orchard for her."
"They were as nice as they were hideous and annoying." Evie sighs, "But, they were also very protective of her. And Deez loves them."
"I'm glad she has more people looking after her."
Evie shrugs, "They do their best, but they have to listen to Hades first and foremost." She smiles as she hands Roy the basket and unlocks the door.
"Home sweet home." Evie smiles as she lets Roy and Anderson get past her.
"Where ya want them?" Roy asks as he looks around the room.
"By my sewing station, please," She bats her eyes prettily.
"Why did I even ask?" Roy snorts.
"Do you need anything before I head out, Princess?" Anderson asks politely.
Evie shakes her head, making her curls bounce beautifully. "No, but thank you so much for all your help, Mister Anderson."
"Anything for our Kingdom's new Princess," Anderson smiles, "See you soon, I'm sure." He tips his hat before he turns, pausing to ruffle his hair. "Take good care of her." Finally, he turns to Roy, "And you, stay out of trouble."
"Hey!" Roy sniffs indignantly, "You don't know me."
Evie giggles, "Knows you well enough."
Anderson covers his snort with his hand before he shuts the door behind him.
Roy purses his lips to the side as he shoots her look, "You're lucky you're a princess." He grumbles petulantly.
"Oh." She pouts as she presses her free hand to her chest. "I thought our friendship was more than Red and Princess."
"Ah-" Roy makes an odd noise, "It is," He backpedals, "I just meant that-"
"I know, I'm just awesome, and fabulous, and wonderful."
"Yes," Roy nods emphatically, "You forgot gorgeous."
He glares as he steps towards Evie, and mouths 'get your own.'
"Aww, Roy, thank you." She spins on her heel to drop her bag on the table beside the basket. "Would you like an apple?" She gestures to the basket, "Or did you have a big breakfast too?"
'Big breakfast?' Roy mouths as he lifts his pierced eyebrow with mirth in his eyes.
'Shut up.' He glares.
"I ain't sayin' no to a princess offering me an apple." Roy chuckles as he rushes to her. "Gimme."
"These apples are just so pretty. And you won't believe how crisp they are." Evie smiles as she takes a bite of the apple, "I felt bad that Snow hates apples, but seriously, these are-" A small cough interrupts her.
"Evie?" His brow furrows in concern as he rushes over to her.
Was she choking?
Evie blinks up at him in surprise before she coughs again.
"E?" Roy questions in concern.
Evie's eyes widen in panic before she drops the apple in her hand and taps her throat, her cough growing harsher and harsher as her face slowly turns red.
His eyes widen before he moves behind her, "Sorry," He apologizes before he wraps his arms around her and makes a fist just below her chest. "Sorry. Sorry. Sorry."
"Shit, Shit. Doug, is she okay?" Roy asks as he tosses the apple in his hand away, "What can I do?"
He frowns as he pumps her chest roughly, "Give her some space."
Roy takes a few steps back, his eyes glued to them in concern.
The sound of her cough was louder with his help.
"Dude," Roy rushes out, "Her eyes are-"
He freezes as she goes limp in his arms.
"Evie!" They both shout as Roy springs forward to help brace her.
"Shit," He curses as he sweeps Evie off her feet, "Door." He snaps.
Roy nods as he rushes ahead to open the door.
He'd never been much for athletics.
Something he'd never regretted before this moment, but that doesn't stop him from racing top speed.
Roy moves to the front, calling for people to get the hell out of the way any time they come across anyone, barging through them to clear the way when they didn't move fast enough.
Usually, he'd scold him for being so rude, but right now?
Right now, he could kiss him for clearing the path.
"Ow!" Roy snaps as he slams the door to the office open to let him run past, "OW! OW! OW!"
Baymax instantly inflates before it walks over, "Hello-"
"She's choking!" Doug snaps as he holds Evie out, "Help her."
"Choking is a serious concern," Baymax says as it quickly waddles over.
A small metal tool pops from its finger, "Open her-"
Roy quickly pries her mouth open before the robot can even finish.
"I am removing the obstruction. Please do not move." Baymax explains before he guides the metal tool into her mouth. "Procedure complete." He explains as he pulls the tool back out with a small piece of apple clamped between the tongs, "Please place Evie in a bed so she may comfortably recover."
He doesn't question him as he rushes to the closest bed and lays her down gently.
"Dude-" Roy frowns, eyes glassy with panic, before he turns to the Baymax, "Shouldn't she be awake now?"
"I will scan her now." Baymax assures him with a pat before it waddles to Evie's side, "Scan complete. Would you like to hear the results of the scan?"
"Yes!" Both of them shout.
"Evie is in better health than the last time she visited. There is slight irritation in her throat and esophagus, but with rest, warm, soothing drinks, and a few frozen treats, that will quickly heal. She seems to be slowly recovering from a moment of intense stress, but her heart rate is quickly returning to normal, as are her chemical and hormone levels. She has suffered a slight contusion to her chest. In appearance, it would seem someone performed the life-saving technique known as the Heimlich maneuver. She should wake soon. Would you like me to stay?"
"Fuck yes!" Roy snaps.
Baymax nods.
Roy looks around the room with a frown. His eyes narrowed with something he didn't recognize in his eyes.
"Roy?" He asks, still catching his breath.
"We shoulda brought that apple, yo," Roy states firmly as he continues to look around.
As if he believed something was about to jump out at them.
He sighs, "Can you call Mal? She's going to want to know about this."
"Yeah," He nods, "But, I'm callin' Lonnie first." He frowns, phone already in his hand.
Lonnie?
"Yo," Roy quickly rushes out, "Random fave, no time for answers. Can you grab the apples from E's room? Like all of them? Bitten and thrown and bring them to the med lab. Thanks, bye." He quickly hangs up. His eyes sweep the room again.
"What's wrong?" he asks as he slides closer to Evie and takes her hand.
"You didn't hear it?" Roy shivers, "Or see it?" He asks as he hits a button and puts the phone to his ear, again.
"I heard Evie coughing and then choking?" His brow furrows.
Roy bites his lip, "Answer. Answer. Answer. Ans-"
What the fuck is happening?
No seriously.
What the fuck do you guys think is happening?
Cause shit is going to shit right quick.
E, choking on a fucking apple?
What the fuck did Roy see?
I wanna know. Do you?
Like for real.
Shame you guys have to wait so long to find out.
But we love hearing theories.
Like live for them.
C'mon guys we put a lot of work into this shit, throw us a bone and share. We wanna know.
Love this chapter?
Hate it?
Us?
Fave Quote:
"Don't act like a heathen and I won't beat you with silk." Evie's eyes tease.
"Lolz," Roy grins, "So much wrong with that statement. Starting with-"
"I know-" Evie frowns as she inspects her handkerchief, "I could have snagged it on one of the metal spikes, not that it's a bad look for you, but what was I thinking?"
Much love and shit,
-Twisted