She knew, just knew this was going to-
A.
Be uncomfortable as fuck.
B.
Piss her the fuck off.
C.
And be a fucking shit show.
If they hadn't been present- She would've kicked Ben for dropping this on her.
Someone needs to come with us?
She bites her lip to keep from scoffing.
He knew.
Fucking knew.
That's why his vague ass hadn't been fucking specific.
If she wasn't so uncomfortable-
So, very, very, very uncomfortable-
And pissed.
She would've commended Ben for this.
She'd no idea he could be so underhanded.
Manipulative.
Smooth.
But here she was- Evie-less and close to breathing fire.
And maybe, much to her dismay, torn between wanting to run or cry.
She never knew she could hate anything more than she hated Cruella.
But, T damn it, this situation was teetering really close.
Her eyes narrow, T damn it?
When the fuck had she started-
Like she needed another layer to this shit sandwich right now.
She closes her eyes as she counts back from twenty.
So not the point-
Though definitely a Nani conversation that needed to be had.
She opens her eyes.
There.
Wait.
She was still fucking livid.
She takes a deep breath.
Shit.
She shrinks as she feels three pairs of eyes on her.
Ugh. Just, ugh.
Fuck her stupid ass eyes, giving her away.
Cause this is what she needed-
The fucking king looking at her in-
Whatever the fuck he was looking like.
T-fucking-damn-it, she sucked at reading emotions.
Almost as much as the fuck she'd apparently replaced-
Fuck, she'd never said that out loud had she?
Ugh. Not the point.
So not the point.
Where the fuck was Evie or Deez when you needed them to translate-
Faces?
"We can take a moment if you need it," Ben whispers almost silently against her hair.
"No," She breathes, "It's cool. I'm cool."
This conversation though, this situation?
Everything but.
How had this happened?
T-
Ugh! Fucking damn-it!
No.
She was not using that shitiot as a curse.
Smug little prick would be having a fucking field day when he found out about that shit.
Ben nods before he squeezes her hand and pulls her closer, sheltering her in the crook of his shoulder as they continue to walk.
She sighs, glad for his-
Whatever the fuck.
T this sucked.
She swallows a groan.
Fuck! It was ingrained at this point!
How long had she been doing it!?
She glances at the King and Queen, who shoot her another look.
Fuck.
Her.
And her damn fucking glowing eyes.
She drops her head as they continue to the looming building.
Heat flairs on her cheeks when Ben jerks her to a stop.
Apparently, she'd been so lost in her thoughts she'd almost flat-tired the fucking King.
When had she become the space head?
Ugh.
She slowly looks up and blinks when her gaze meets the blue of the King's eyes.
"I just want to know she's secured, I swear!" She spits out.
She grimaces.
Smooth.
Screaming at the King in their like, second real meeting.
Was there a spell to have the ground open up and swallow her?
Adam flinches before he nods, "I never doubted your intentions." He sighs, "I know this can't be easy."
She shifts as she looks away.
Did he though?
Not doubt her?
She sincerely doubted that.
"Mal?" Adam holds his hands up in front of her, which draws her attention back to him, "Before we go further- I know we don't have the easiest of relationships. And I take all the blame myself. I can not find it in myself to be offended by any negative way you see me. I am ashamed that I have given you reason to view me as such, but I do not blame you."
Really?
More doubt fills her.
"But I am remiss. I have not yet thanked you for what you did during the ceremony. For not only saving me, but protecting my family and the rest of Auradon. You and your g- pack." His eyes glance to Ben who nods in confirmation.
"I could've skewered you." She blurts.
Fuck.
Her.
"Yes, well, you could have. You're not wrong. But the point is you didn't. And I am grateful." Adam grins as he pushes his glasses up on his nose, "Still, skewered would have been better than dead. Which I would have been from that fall."
She hadn't been thinking.
She'd just reacted.
Just like she always did when T threw shit at her when she was in a mood.
And she had definitely been in a fucking mood at that moment.
"Normally, there would have been a ceremony to show the crown's gratitude, but Ben insisted that nothing like that could happen. And, I understand. But it does not negate the fact you and your pack have done me the greatest of services and honors." Adam holds his hand out to her, "Thank you, and I will not forget it."
She blinks.
Was-
Did the king just-
Apologize to her?
The fuck was she supposed to respond?
Like fuck she was curtseying.
She wasn't even wearing a dress.
Fuck, she hadn't even like, dressed up.
Ben had just fucking dropped the King size bomb on her in the stupid fucking car.
Like an asshole.
He was T fucking lucky that she loved him.
Wait-
She looks between Ben and the King.
Ben's father.
Fuck!
Ben's father!
How many times had she talked shit-
Ugh.
Why the hell was she just having this epiphany?
Was she fucking retarded?
She stares up at the King, her mouth agape.
What if-
If she and Ben continued their relationship?
That she didn't ruin it?
She could feel the blood rush from her face as she stiffens.
Father.
In.
Law.
"We're not there yet." Adam nods sadly as he pulls his hand back, "I only hope you and I can one day find a way to have a better relationship. There's a very good chance we'll be part of each other's lives for a very long time."
"Shit, wait, no!" She closes her eyes at the high pitch. She scrambles to put out her hand. "That's not- I mean- I just- Oh my T! I didn't- I wasn't-"
"Thank you, Mal." Adam interrupts her ramble, smiling as he gently offers her his hand again.
All she could feel was furious heat rising to her face. "Right." She quickly shakes it before she realizes what he'd said.
She could die right now.
It would be totally okay.
Preferred even, "I mean, like, it's not like I thought about it, I'm just used to playing catch. You don't have to-" She closes her eyes. "Not that, I wanted anything to happen to you-" She rushes out. "I just, I mean, you don't have to like, thank me for it."
Adam shakes his head, "I'm sorry for putting you on the spot-"
She snorts in derision, "That's okay, I'm sorry my mouth keeps moving," She huffs.
She closes her eyes.
Why?
Why was she suddenly Carlos level awkward?
Wasn't there someone trying to shoot them?
Her?
The fuck were they when she needed them?
Adam covers his snort with a cough. "Never apologize for having a voice, dear, not to anyone. Not even me." He nods before he holds his hand out to Belle, "And never be afraid to speak up. Most of the best advice I received throughout my life has been from Belle's angry mutterings and observations." He pats Ben on the shoulder with his free hand, "Never deny him or us that voice."
"Cause I have control of it," She scoffs, before her eyes widen, "Shit, I mean- Uh-" She stares up at him, sure she looked one hundred percent like an idiot. "Sorry- Kay. I meant okay."
Ugh.
What the fuck was wrong with her?
Belle smiles as she breaks away from Adam and wraps an arm around her shoulders, "That's enough, you've said your piece. Leave my girl alone."
She tears her eyes off the King to look up at Belle.
Her…
Girl?
Had the Queen just fucking claimed her?
Adam rubs the back of his neck as he looks down at her, torn between amused and apologetic "Yes, dear."
"Good." Belle nods before she directs her into the building.
"Thank you," She breathes, doubting if she could even hear it.
"Of course dear." Belle nods as she hugs her gently, "Adam can be so awkward at times."
She snorts.
Yeah.
Kay.
Cause he had been the awkward one in that exchange.
"We both know you have no reason to forgive us." Belle continues to whisper as they walk through a hall with Adam and Ben behind them.
As if they were having a normal conversation.
"But, we do hope one day we can earn it. Both of us. And help undo the damage we've caused you and the others."
The fuck was she supposed to say to that?
So, she slowly nods.
Grateful it hadn't been Adam making the request.
Fuck only knew what would've poured out of her mouth.
Belle pats her shoulder, "So please, Mal, if that day ever comes, please seek me out." She smiles as she passes her a small card, "It's an open invitation. If you ever want or need to talk."
She glances at the card, confused at the handwritten number.
Did the Queen-
"Thank you…"
She fists the paper before her eyes widen.
Shit.
Rude.
Even she knew that looked bad.
"Sorry!" She whispers quickly, "Reflex, I swear," She scrambles to pull out her phone before she hurriedly punches in the number.
Belle smiles before she hugs her again, "I guess I'll let Ben rejoin you."
"Please," She grimaces at the tight plea in her voice.
"Only because he makes you smile." Belle chuckles.
Again heat flairs to her cheeks, "Like an idiot."
He lets out a deep breath, trying to keep from smiling.
He knew most people wouldn't attribute the word adorable with Mal.
But, watching her interact with his father?
Priceless.
Painful, sure, but priceless.
It had been months since he'd seen her so flustered.
He'd always found her lovable, but that had almost been too much.
And his mother certainly hadn't helped.
Trying to make eye contact with him?
Mal already looked so mortified.
The last thing she needed for him to smile, let alone laugh.
He pulls her closer to his shoulder.
He could still see the blush. Feel the heat rising off her.
He felt so bad.
Guilty.
But, seriously, it had been so hard.
He grimaces when he notices Mal's glare.
Damn it.
He coughs.
"Love you," He offers with a sheepish grin.
"Fuck off." She huffs quietly, "That wasn't funny."
"It wasn't." He quickly agrees, grateful he didn't have to lie.
It had been cute, but not funny.
Her eyes narrow at him before she looks towards his dad's back, her cheeks puffing with air before she breathes out. "You're lucky your parents are here." She grumbles.
His lip twitches.
Cause his dragon would've done so much if they weren't.
He shakes his head, "I see that."
She glares at him again, "Oh fuck you," She rolls her eyes as she purses her lips to the side.
He rolls his lips in to keep from smiling, opting to just nod instead.
He looks away to keep her from seeing the mirth he was sure was in his eyes.
So. Cute.
"Are you ready?" He asks, knowing she would appreciate the subject change.
She pauses, slowing their pace as she takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly before she nods.
"Yeah," She stands up taller, "I am."
He nods curtly, his eyes glancing towards his father as he starts the complicated process to bypass the security.
He knew she needed this.
They all did.
To know she was locked away.
That she couldn't join the others, and that they couldn't get to her.
That they were safe from her wrath.
He'd never appreciated his father more for understanding that. Knowing how important this was for them. How vital it was.
He hadn't even questioned, he just rolled with it.
Like he knew.
He smiles as he guides Mal down the bright white hall with metal walls he was becoming familiar with.
One door down.
Four more to go.
He glances at Mal as she looks around the sterile hall, her usually expressive eyes impossible to read.
They remain silent as they continue, pausing at every checkpoint.
His mom would occasionally throw concerned glances at them, but they always turned into encouraging smiles.
His dad mirrored her, though less often.
When they finally make it to the last door, he drops his hand to squeeze hers. "We're here, ready?" He can't help but ask again.
She takes a deep breath and nods firmly. "Don't be dumb." She admonishes, "She's a lizard." She rolls her eyes. "Moth-" Her features harden, "Mistress of Evil or not, I can handle a lizard." She states with more confidence than she had previously.
"I know you can." He nods, genuinely proud of her.
His father turns to them, "After you." He gestures.
Mal nods before she pulls away from him, pauses, and takes his hand-
Spitefully?
He winces at the grip even as he covers his snort with a cough and his other hand.
There was his vindictive little Dragon.
His mom turns away to hide her amusement while his father's brow knits in confusion as she drags him into the room with a wicked look in her eyes.
She stops short of the aquarium before he even gets a chance to warn her about the enchantment.
"Can she-" Mal pauses as the lizard stomps? Towards them.
She snorts, "Mother," She greets with a sweetness that drips with sarcasm.
The lizard scuttles to put its paws against the glass and glares.
He grins as Mal curls herself into his side as he wraps his arm around her shoulders.
A bold, unspoked claim.
The lizard slams her paws against the glass angrily as Mal laughs.
Surprisingly genuine and carefree.
As if an incredible weight was suddenly lifted from her shoulders.
"Ha!" She snorts before she looks up at him with mirth shining in her eyes.
Before he understands what's happening she lifts onto the tips of her toes and presses her lips to his.
In front of his parents, not that he particularly wanted her to remember that right now.
"Thank you." She sighs in relief as she relaxes against him.
"For bringing you? Of course." He smiles as he holds her to him securely.
"It really helps," She whispers as a blush dusts her cheeks.
"Seeing her in here and unable to hurt you or the others helps me too," He whispers back as he gently shifts them to shield her from the lizard's judgmental glare, "so I think I understand."
She burrows her face in his shoulder for a moment before she takes a deep breath and pulls away from him to turn to his parents, "Can I take a picture?"
Adam frowns thoughtfully, "Please don't take this attached condition to mean I don't trust you, but I do not mind so long as you refrain from sharing it on any social media. I personally don't care what others would say about it, or about you being here, but I know it would only serve the council's stalling tactics."
"Fair," She nods with a shy smile of appreciation, her eyes somber with understanding. "I can delete as soon as I show my pack." She agrees easily, promise in her tone.
Adam nods before he gestures to the tank, "Be my guest."
His lips twitch in amusement.
"Thank you," She smiles before she turns and pulls out her phone, and directs it towards Maleficent.
The lizard glares and sticks out its tongue before-
Was she flicking Mal off?
"Oh, go eat a fly," She responds without missing a beat before she slips her phone back into her pocket.
He reaches down to take her hand, squeezing it gently as his father lightly clears his throat.
"Would you like to join us for dinner?"
His mother's face lights up as she turns hopeful eyes on him and Mal.
"Um," Mal shifts looking up at him and back before she slowly nods. "Sure."
He grins.
He hadn't expected her to agree.
He knew she wanted to get back to the others, knew she was uncomfortable just being away from them right now.
Not to mention how uncomfortable she had to be after the earlier conversation.
And yet, she said yes.
It takes every ounce of self-control he possessed to not pull her into a hug and spin her.
Adam stares at her in surprise briefly, before he smiles. "Excellent." He claps his hands together.
Belle beams at her, "Thank you."
He does his best to not to chuckle when Mal shrinks into him.
He could just hear the 'oh fuck what have I done?' echoing in her head.
LoLz.
Just everything about this chapter had me smiling.
Mal and Adam together is just fucking beautiful and I love it.
I really hope you guys are starting to like him at least a little. Dark is pouring her everything into redeeming him.
Like so fucking hard.
But c'mon think about it.
Adam couldn't have been more than 28 when he got crowned king of the united kingdoms, fucked up shit always gets shoved on him so young.
*cough*blatant attempt at trying to help Dark *cough*
The awkwardness.
The fluff.
Maleficent flipping Mal and Ben off.
The amount of security for a lizard.
The utmost relief of knowing they're safe from one bitch at least.
Just mmmm… Delicious.
LoLz, T damn it, sorry guys she needed something to curse, and T brings out the worst in her so it just made sense to me. Hate it? Love it? LoLz it?
Fave Quote:
She snorts in derision, "That's okay, I'm sorry my mouth keeps moving." She huffs.
-Mal
What was yours?
Much love and appreciation,
-Twisted