HEY ALL! I know it has been a hot minute since I have updated, but I am almost done with school. I have about 2 weeks left then my summer will consist of work and writing! I really hope you guys like this chapter. Please let me know what you think!
Urmimala Hazra: Hey! I am so glad that you liked my last chapter! I really love character development and want that for a lot of my characters. Ariel was a difficult reaction to write because I hadn't originally planned for Trevor to be the bad guy, but things change! I hope you like this new chapter! And as you already know don't hesitate to PM me if you have any questions!
hazraadriza: Thank you so much! I hope you think this one is as amazing.
Creator of Magic: hey! Yes. I do have the baby's name picked out already, and I am sorry to say it is not Dove or Hope. Those would have been great, but I have had this name picked out because I love it. You'll find out soon in a couple of chapters.
shortanamx: thank you so much! I hope you like this new one! And Mal does have a crazy amount of relatives. I can't wait to hear what you have to say about this chapter!
brimason: hello again! I hope you are doing well! Sorry for the long wait. I have been super busy with my classes and work. Just so you know, when I am done with school I will immediately start my last 50 shades, which will put neighbors and this one on hold for a minute, but the whole thing will be uploaded. Character development is huge for me, and I love making my character stronger after something bad happened to them. I hope you like this update and please let me know what you think.
SlytherinAvengerPrincess: PARTNER! Hey! Yes Mal and Ben were intimate again. Melody's original plan was to live in Atlantica with her grandfather, but after what happened with Trevor things have changed. I will be writing a little about it more as the chapters go on. Please let me know what you think about this chapter and I hope you like it!
Eliza: I despise when people make fun of other people to hurt them. I hope you stood up for yourself, because you are strong. You don't need people's validation to make you happy, and if they are making fun of you to be mean then that means that they are jealous of you in some way shape or form. I was made fun of when I was younger and it turned out that they were jealous of the friends I had. Just don't let it bother you. You are strong and powerful. You can do anything you want and you definitely don't need people bringing you down. If you do not want to talk to someone about it, you can PM me and I will respond as fast as I can. I hope you are doing well now, and hopefully no one is making fun of you.
InuKagLove22: you LITERALLY will LOVE this chapter! That's actually all I can say!
Anyway…
ENJOY!
I DO NOT OWN DESCENDANTS!!
(NO ONES POV)
(1 Month Later)
Ben and Mal have been on cloud nine since finding out that baby was Ben's biologically. A couple of days after they had found out, they had gone to the doctors because Belle suggested that they at least get to see their baby development before she is born. They knew she was healthy and well, but Ben and Mal got really excited about seeing their baby. Ben and Mal had gone to the doctors alone for the experience. They wanted to see her development for the first time together, and they wanted to do it with just the two of them, which is why they didn't tell anyone that they were going.
When they got to the doctors, Ben and Mal got nervous. They didn't know what to expect. The last time they were here was the day Mal found out she was pregnant. Dr. Boyce came into the room, he greeted the couple with a warm bright smile and said he was pleased to see them again. He told them what he was going to do, and they had told him they were having regular check-ups with Mal's aunt. He smiled at them and said that they were in the best hands in the world, knowing that Hera was watching over her. Dr. Boyce asked Mal to lie on the table and lift her shirt, just over her growing belly so he could perform an ultrasound. Mal did as she was told, and she shuddered at the cold gel when it landed on her stomach, but then they heard Beastie's heartbeat. The parents-to-be couldn't help but shed a tear at the sound, but more tears shed when Dr. Boyce turned the monitor screen to show them their daughter. The sight and sound of their daughter's heartbeat overjoyed them so much that they didn't notice the doctor leave to give them a couple of moments. By the end of the appointment Ben had asked for 50 ultrasound pictures, and a video copy of the 3D ultrasound. When they got back to the castle, Belle, Adam, and Seph asked them where they went. They said that they went to lunch and went to look at stuff for the nursery, making both their mother's groan, because they wanted to be there to help.
Adam had told Ben and Mal that they were having a bunch of renovations happening throughout the castle, and he was going to have them stay in the west wing of Auradon castle until the renovations were done because he didn't want Mal around in case they were using any chemicals or were too loud for her. But the real reason they were having renovations done was because Ben, Evie, Jay, and Carlos were setting up the baby's nursery. Which they were excited about because they had finally had it done on the day of Mal's baby shower.
"Ben, I have to go downstairs," Mal said as she was being pulled back toward their rooms. "I know. Your dad said that the renovations were done, but everyone is going to be here soon, and Evie is going to kill you if I am late for my shower," she said, making Ben chuckle.
"I know, I know," Ben said as he continued to pull Mal's arm. "But, my dad showed me the renovations to your room, and I think you are going to love it," he said as they stopped in front of her door, and he turned to her.
Ben smiled as he looked down at Mal. She was a vision of beauty, but she always is, Ben thought. Though she looked especially gorgeous today. She was wearing a long flowy lilac dress with a slit that went up her leg. It had a thin gold belt that wrapped around it, but it sat on top of her belly. Her hair was down, but the sides were braided and pulled back, her bangs were covering her forehead, and she had a flower crown made up of small purple roses sitting on the top of her head.
"I promise, you can go right after you see it," he said as he gave her a big tight smile, and cocking his head to the side, making her laugh.
"Fine," she said.
"Thank you," he said as he gave her a small kiss. "I just need you to close your eyes, and promise not to open them until I say so," he said, making her look at him sceptically. "I promise, you're going to love it," he said.
She huffed and then closed her eyes. Ben waved his hand in front of her face, making sure she actually closed her eyes. He smiled and then quietly opened the door and took a deep breath. He grabbed her hand, placed a hand on the small of her back, and guided her into the room. The lights were off and the curtains were closed, making the room pitch black.
"Okay, open," Ben said.
Mal opened her eyes and saw nothing but black.
"Umm… I can't see anything. You didn't turn the lights…" she started, but Ben flicked the light switch to reveal the baby's nursery.
Mal gasped. They turned her room into an enchanted forest themed nursery. They painted the walls with beautiful murals. There was a big soft rug in the middle of the room with a beautiful oval red oak crib with cream-colored bedding, the blankets had tiny fairies on them, and above the crib was a baby mobile that comprised different colored butterflies. There was a matching red oak changing table against the wall that was stocked with diapers, blankets, baby wipes, bibs, and pacifiers. There was a rocking chair in the corner of the room facing the window, a medium-sized bookshelf loaded with books. There was a table against the other side of the wall that had a baby monitor, a stuffed beast and dragon animals, and a picture of Mal and Ben from his coronation, the picture of Mal and Hades when she was a baby, and a picture of Ben with Belle and Adam when he was a baby. She looked all around the room in shock, and when she turned back to Ben, he was standing there with a smile on his face.
"What?" she asked. "How did you? When did you? What?" she continued to ask as she turned to look at the room again.
"Do you like it?" he asked as he walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her.
"Ben, it's amazing," she said as she turned and wrapped her arms around his neck. "How did you do all of this?" she asked.
"I had some help," he said as he pulled away.
"Our moms?" she asked, looking up at him.
"No," he said as he walked to the new conjoining door that led to his room.
"When did that get there?" she asked, but stopped when he opened the door, letting Evie, Jay, and Carlos walk into the nursery.
Mal started to cry when her siblings walked through the door.
"Surprised?" Carlos asked with a cheeky grin, making Mal nod her head.
"Oh my Zeus, you guys!" Mal exclaimed, and she walked over to them and wrapped them in a hug, well to the best of her ability with her stomach. "I love you guys so much!"
"We love you too," Evie said as they pulled away from the hug.
"How did you guys do all of this without me knowing?" She asked as she laced her arm through Evie's and walked back to where Ben was standing.
"Well, it helps when you take 4 hour naps," Jay said, making Mal snap her head at him.
"I do not," she said, trying to defend herself.
"Oh babe," Ben said, making Mal turn to him. "You sleep harder than the dead."
Mal gaped at him, but when he smirked at her, she couldn't help but laugh.
"I know I'm tired a lot, but she is wearing me out throughout the day," Mal said as she rubbed her stomach.
"I'm sorry," Carlos said as he raised his hand. "How long have you been pregnant? Because you napped liked that on the Isle, but these naps are just longer," he said, making everyone laugh.
"Okay," Mal said with a chuckle. "Make fun of the pregnant girl," she said. "I thought you wanted to do this together?" she asked, looking back at Ben.
"Yes, but you are doing a lot of work right now, and I wanted to do something for you with the help of your siblings," he said.
"I'm not doing anything," she said.
Ben walked up to her and placed a hand on her stomach.
"You are growing the most precious gift you could ever give me," he said, making her blush and smile. "That is doing the most."
Mal leaned up and placed a soft kiss on his lips. Mal never knew she could be this happy. With how her life was like on the Isle and the abuse she received from her mother, she never imagined that she would have a family of her own.
"I hate to break up this lovely moment," Evie said as she walked up to the couple, making Ben and Mal break apart. "But we have many royals, friends, and family coming in about 15 minutes, so we have to head downstairs," she said, making Ben and Mal nod.
"Okay," Ben said. "Have fun, and…"
"What are you talking about?" Evie said, cutting him off. "You're coming too."
Ben looked at her with a confused look. "Oh, um, okay. I didn't… usually baby showers are just for girls, but I'll be more than happy to go," he said with a smile on his face.
"Is that customary?" Jay asked.
"What? That baby showers are for girls only?" he asked, making the four VKs nod. "Well, typically yes, but there are very few people who don't mind for guys to be there."
"Well, on the Isle," Mal said as she wrapped her arms around his waist. "It doesn't matter if you are a boy or girl. We treat everyone as equals, unless you don't like them," she said. "Then they are the scum of the earth. Plus, this is the first shower we have been to and heard of. When Belle and the rest of the girls were talking about it, Evie and I thought it was going to be a giant bath," she said with a chuckle.
Ben laughed at the joke. He put his hand on the small of her back and smiled down at his girlfriend.
"Okay, I'll go if you want me to," he said and then felt Beastie kick Mal's stomach.
"I think she wants you to come too," she said, making Ben laugh. "Besides, if her uncles are going to be there, so is her daddy."
Everyone laughed. Ben laced his fingers through Mal's as they all walked out of the nursery.
"Hey," Mal said as they walked down to the enormous banquet hall that the shower was going to be in. "Where am I going to sleep if Beastie took over my room?" she asked.
"Mal, when was the last time you even slept in that room?" Ben asked as they walked down the giant staircase.
"Okay, I just wanted to make sure that you knew I was moving into your room permanently," she said with a smile.
"Why else do you think I had the conjoining door placed there," he said, making her laugh.
"One question," she said. "Who painted the room? No offense, but that was a lot of detail," she said.
"I may have asked Queen Rapunzel if she would paint the nursery," he said, making Mal's eyes widen. "I didn't even finish asking her before she was yelling in excitement and asking when she could be over."
"Well, I will have to…"
"Mal!" Audrey yelled as they entered the banquet hall.
Audrey was on top of a ladder, hanging up the final streamers.
"What do you think?" she asked excitedly.
When trying to figure out what she wanted the theme to be, she had decided on roses, but didn't want red everywhere. Audrey suggested rose gold. Mal was sceptical because it was pink, but ultimately loved the idea. Audrey and Evie screamed in excitement when she said yes to pink. The two princesses planned the entire thing and made it the most beautiful shower any royal would ever see. They had balloon arches made with gold rose gold, and white balloons. Beautiful pale pink and white flowers, in pink and white mason jars as centerpieces. Gold place settings, mini raspberry sparkling apple cider bottles, a white cake with gold streaks on the sides and rose gold fondant flowers. Mal had been insistent on the party favors and had special ones for their close friends and family.
"It's very pink," Mal said with a laugh.
"I know," Audrey said with a huge grin. "I love it!" she said as she clapped her hands in excitement.
Evie walked over to a table and picked up a gold bag that had buttons inside. She walked back over to Mal and Ben, pulling two buttons out of the bag. She pinned one on Ben that said 'Daddy' and one on Mal that said 'Mommy'. Their moms walked through the kitchen door as Mrs. Potts walked behind them with trays of food. They each had a pin on and all three of them said 'Grandma'. Mrs. Potts had always been a mother to Adam after his own mother died, and had been a grandmother to Ben, so it was only right to give her one that said grandma.
Lonnie, Jane, Jordan, Chad, Doug, Aziz, and Ryder walked in with a lot of bags that were full of tissue paper. The girls had their pins on, labeling them as aunts. After the boys set down the bags on the now not so empty gift table, they formed a line in front of Evie.
"Alright, princess," Ryder said as he walked up to Evie. "Stick me chuckles," he said, puffing out his chest, making her laugh.
She shook her head and pinned his on him, and then did the rest to the same, labeling them all as uncles. While everyone got the finishing touches done for the party, guests started to arrive.
The first to arrive was her family from Olympus, and to say Mal was overwhelmed would be an understatement. She knew she had a lot of family, but she didn't know a lot of them were going to come with Zeus and Hera.
"Hello, my gorgeous niece," Zeus said as he hurried up the stairs to wrap Mal in a hug.
"Hey, Uncle Zeus," she said. "It's so good to see you again, and I am so glad that you came," she told him as everyone else walked up behind him.
"And miss a party for a new addition to our family," he said as he smiled down at her and then looked at Ben. "Hello, your majesty," he said as Ben reached his hand out to shake Zeus' hand.
Zeus looked at the young king's hand and shook his head, pulling Ben in for a hug that knocked the wind out of him.
"No need to be so formal, Benjamin," Zeus said, making Ben let out a nervous chuckle. "You're family."
"Darling," Hera said as she put a hand on her husband's shoulder. "Put the boy down. You're making it hard for him to breathe."
Zeus released his hold on Ben, letting Ben fill his lungs with air.
"Sorry. I was just happy to see the both of you," Zeus said.
"It's okay, Zeus," Ben said as he stepped back to Mal's side. "We are happy to have you here."
Both Hera and Zeus smiled and then saw Mal looking at the bigger group behind them in curiosity.
"Oh, Mal!" Hera said as she grabbed Mal's hand and pulled her past Zeus. "I should introduce you," she said as she placed her hands on Mal's shoulders. "This is your grandmother Demeter, your uncle Poseidon, your cousins Athena, Aphrodite, Apollo, and Hermes. You obviously know Meg, Hercules, Haley, and Herkie."
Mal didn't even get the chance to say a proper hello before Demeter walked up to Mal, and gave her a hug, squeezing her as hard as she could with Mal being pregnant.
"Oh, my goodness," Demeter said as she pulled away, pulling Mal's face into her hands. "You are so gorgeous."
"Thank you," Mal said as Demeter kept squeezing her cheeks. "It's very nice to meet you, Lady Demeter" she said as Demeter let go of her face.
"No," Demeter said. "I am your grandmother. I'm not Lady to you."
Mal smiled at Demeter before hearing a pair of heels walking toward them.
"Good," Evie said as she pulled buttons out of her gold bag. "Because yours says 'grandma' too," she said as she pinned a button onto Demeter's dress.
"E? Does everyone have a button?" Mal asked as she tried to peek into the bag, only to have Evie hide the remnants of the bag from Mal.
"Maybe," Evie said. "But not everyone's say; cousin, aunt, uncle, papa, or grandma."
"Okay," Mal said with a small, yet sad, chuckle.
Mal got a little upset, knowing her dad and brother wouldn't be able to be there for her baby shower. Zeus saw Mal's face and walked up to her.
"I know you're upset your father won't be here," Zeus said as Mal looked up at him. "But why don't you call him while the party is going on, or when you are opening your gifts," he said, making Mal smile.
She didn't think about calling him during the party, but thought it was a great idea. Luckily for her, there was a TV in the banquet hall.
"Which reminds me," Zeus said, making Mal break out of her thoughts.
Zeus pointed his finger in the direction of the banquet hall, letting loud and bright lightning come from the inside. They heard a screech, making Ben and Mal assume it came from either Carlos or Chad.
"I hope you like the gifts that we brought for you, Ben, and your little one," he said as he smiled down at her.
"Dear," Hear said, making Zeus look at his wife. "Do you remember what Evie had put on the invitation?" she asked.
"Yes," Zeus said.
"Good," she said in response. "But just as a reminder, it said no clothes or animals, because Ben and Mal didn't want any mythical creatures or other animals around the baby until she is older."
Zeus scoffed at his wife.
"Oh, come on, Hera," Zeus said. "It's not like I gifted a real Pegasus," he said as he stretched his arms, pointed at the banquet hall again, and made another loud and bright boom of lightning.
From the inside, the group could hear a bunch of 'awws' in disappointment. Everyone laughed as Hera shook her head at her husband. They saw more limos coming from the driveway, making Ben and Mal scurry through their hellos to Mal's family, and with Aphrodite being the last of the group.
"Hello, Mal," Aphrodite said as she gave Mal a small smile. "It's nice to meet you," she said before taking a glance at Ben and giving him a fond smile.
"Hello, King Ben," she said flirtatiously as she held her hand out to him.
Ben took her hand and said hello, making Mal look weird at her cousin for her flirtatious attitude toward her boyfriend.
"Nope," Athena said as she yanked Aphrodite by her hair and pulled her into the castle just as Audrey ran out.
"Ah," Ben said. "I am assuming your family is here," he said, making Audrey give him a look like he was an idiot.
"Well, why else would I be out here?" She asked. "But, just as a warning, mom told me that Grammy and Ariana are coming with her," she said, making Ben groan and Mal sigh.
Mal knew Ariana was still trying to flirt with Ben and was not going to stop. She may have dialed down on the amount and ways she flirted with him, but she still did it whenever she saw Ben.
"Okay," Ben said. "But if either of them make Mal feel uncomfortable, they're out. Do I make myself clear?" he said as he pointed to Audrey and as the limo pulled up to the front of the castle.
"Yes, now don't get your fur matted," Audrey said, making Mal laugh and Ben gape at her.
"You are spending way too much time with Mal," he said.
"Well, I need to make up for when I was a prissy pink bitch to her," she said.
"Don't worry, Audy," Mal said, smiling at her friend. "You already did."
Audrey smiled at Mal. She knew she wasn't the most pleasant person to the VKs when they first arrived, but she was turning over a new leaf. Her, Mal, and the rest of the VKs were friends, and she liked it. The limo door opened and Aurora practically jumped out of the limo, hurting up the stairs.
"Gimmie. Gimmie. Gimmie," she said as she walked up to Evie.
"Audrey told you I had a special button made for you?" she asked as she handed Aurora her button.
"Yes!" she exclaimed, taking the button from Evie and pinning it on her dress.
Mal and Ben looked to see what it said, and Mal couldn't help but smile when she read 'Auntie Beastie'.
"I know you are calling your baby Beasite, but.." Aurora started as she pulled Mal into a hug.
"No," Mal said, shaking her head. "I love it. Plus, it was technically your nickname first," she said with a chuckle.
When they pulled apart Mal saw that Ariana, and Leah were standing behind Aurora. She stiffened, but then felt Ben's hand on the small of her back, trying to comfort her.
"Well, my haven't you gotten huge," Ariana said as she walked up to Mal.
Ben took a step forward to confront her, but Mal tugged on his sleeve.
"Well, I'm pregnant Ariana," Mal said, trying to defend herself. "Now, if you are not going to behave and respect me, Ben, my guest, my family, or anyone else, then you can leave now," she said. "Do I make myself clear?" she asked, taking a note out of Ben's book.
Ariana gaped at Mal, not realizing that she was going to stand up for herself that quickly. Ben, Audrey, and Aurora had to hold in their laughter, making Ariana turn a little red.
"Whatever, can I have my button and head inside," she said holding out her hand.
Evie handed her a button that just said 'Ariana', making the girl look at it weird.
"What? I don't get one that says auntie?" she asked.
"Why would you get one that said auntie after the way you treated Mal and Ben?" Audrey asked.
Ariana rolled her eyes and huffed before walking past Mal and Audrey, but stopped and turned back to them.
"Oh," she said, making the group turn to her. "Where are my manners?" she added as she walked up to Ben. "Hello, Benny…" she started, but stopped Audrey yanked Ariana's hair just like Athena did to Aphrodite.
Ben, Mal, Evie and Aurora laughed as the two princesses walked into the castle.
"Hello, King Ben and Lady Mal," Leah said as she walked up to stand next to her daughter. "Thank you for letting me attend today," she said as she held out a medium gift back to Mal. "I wasn't aware of the festivities until a couple of days ago, so it is not much, but there is something in there for the baby and yourself."
Mal looked at the former queen in shock. Leah was being nice? To Mal?
"Oh, thank you Leah, you didn't have to," Mal said.
"It was no trouble at all, and I know the invitation Aurora showed me said no clothes, but I saw this when I was in town and I couldn't resist," she said.
Mal looked at Ben and Evie, who looked just as shocked as she did. Then she looked to Aurora who gave her a smile and a wink.
"If you and Ben wouldn't mind," Leah said, making the two look at her. "I would like to have a conversation with the both of you, and I promise it will not be out of malice."
Mal looked back at Ben who was looking back down at her.
"Yes," Mal said with a nod. "Of course. Maybe after the party?" she asked, making Leah nod and give a small smile before looping her arm through Aurora's.
Evie reached into the bag and found Leah's button. She handed it to the former queen.
"Thank you, Princess Evie," she said before the mother and daughter walked into the castle.
Once the two were out of earshot, Mal looked at her boyfriend and best friend.
"Did I die?" she asked. "Did I jump into an alternate reality? Because that was Leah. Being nice. To me," she said in shock.
"No," Ben said as he shook his head. "That was real and scary," he admitted. "I have never seen Leah that nice… ever."
"She called me Princess," Evie pointed out. "Is she high?"
"I don't know, but as long as she can stay peaceful I'm okay with it, but I wonder what she wants to talk to us about?" she said.
"I don't know, but I am very intrigued," Ben said. "But, we'll worry about that later. We have guests coming, and I have another surprise for you," he said.
"You gave me the nursery. What more could you give me?" she asked. "Plus, you said you didn't even know you were staying, so how would you…" she started, but Ben put a finger over her lips to make her stop talking.
"Shhh," he said. "You talk and worry too much. Let's just greet the guests, and enjoy the party. If you don't like the surprise then you can yell at me later for it, okay?" he said.
Mal huffed a laugh. She knew whatever Ben got her she was going to love, and he was right. She shouldn't be worried and asking too many questions today. Today was her day to relax and enjoy a party that was going to be celebrating their baby girl.
The party had been going on for about an hour, and after greeting all of their guests and mingling at the party, Mal couldn't believe how many people were there. There was her family; Persephone, her grandmother Demeter, Poseidon, Zeus, Athena, Hera, Apollo, Hermes, Aphrodite, Hercules, Meg, Haley, Herkie, Evie, Jay, and Carlos. Then Ben's family' Belle, Adam, Mrs. Potts, Chip, Lumière, Cogsworth, Fifi, FG, and Jane. Their friends; Jordan, Chad, Doug, Ryder, Lonnie, Aziz, Audrey, Emma, Rudy, Allister, and Kristine. Then all the other guests; Aurora, Leah, Ariana, Flora, Fauna, Merryweather, Snow White, Ferdinand, Jasmine, Aladdin, Emir, Genie, Anita, Roger, Grumpy, Doc, Dopey, Cinderella, Kit, Mulan, Shang, Rapunzel, Eugene, Peter Pan, Wendy, Tinker Bell, Moyra, Alice, Ally, Mad Hatter, Quasimodo, Madaline, Esmerelda, Phodeus, Zephyr, Tiana, Naveen, Mama Ode, Teela, Nevaeh, Tarzan, Jane, TJ, Ariel, Eric, Melody, Arthur, Merlin, Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, and Olaf.
Evie had given everyone their buttons, and then finally put hers on. Instead of it saying 'Auntie Evie' it said 'Fairy Godmother Evie'. Mal and Ben laughed as Evie paraded her button around like she was the main event, but in reality she was just excited because she was the baby's godmother. Mal had chosen Evie for the baby's godmother and Ben was to choose her godfather, but hadn't chosen yet.
Mal looked at the people all around her and stared in amazement. She didn't expect to have almost 100 people at her baby shower, and a talking snowman on top of all that. When Olaf had gotten here, he looked up at Mal in amazement. Though having been around babies before he still asked Mal if she had eaten her baby, making Mal and Ben laugh.
"A lot of people for you, Mally?" Persephone asked as she walked up behind her daughter.
"Yeah," Mal said. "I knew it was going to be a big thing, but I didn't expect almost 100 people."
"Well, you are carrying the heir to Auradon. It was bound to be bigger than what a normal baby shower would be."
"Mine was just as big," Belle said as she walked up to Mal on the other side. "And I was overwhelmed too."
"You were used to it though," Mal said. "You had been queen for what? 6 years by that point? And Adam didn't ask you to marry him until he was 28, and you didn't meet him until he was 21 and you were 19. So you had an additional 7 years to get used to the crowds…" Mal rambled, but her mom covered her mouth just like Ben had when they were outside.
"You're rambling again," she said.
Mal sighed and took a breath. "I'm sorry," she said to the both of them. "I just… I know I will get used to it, but I hope that people will accept me."
"Who wouldn't accept you?" Belle asked. "Everyone here loves you," she said.
"Well, not everyone. Ariana and Leah are here," she said nudging her head in the direction of where Aurora and the others were sitting.
"Don't you worry about them," Belle said. "Everyone is making sure to keep a good eye on them."
Mal gave her boyfriend's mom a smile. Belle had welcomed her with open arms, and loved her as her own daughter.
"Thank you, Belle," Mal said as she gave Belle a hug. "Though, Leah wants to talk to Ben and I after the party is over. I don't know about what, but she said it would not be out of malice."
"Hm," Belle said as she looked over to Leah. "she doesn't seem her usual self. She actually looks like she is enjoying the party. Though I could say different for Ariana," she said.
Ariana was sitting there, rolling her eyes at everyone who was gushing about how cute the baby is going to be, and how good of parents Ben and Mal were going to be. It literally made her sick to her stomach.
"Now stop hiding in the corner," Persephone said. "People came to see you."
Mal groaned. She knew this was a party for her, well technically it was for the baby, but Mal was the walking incubator so the party was for her.
"I know, mom, but people keep touching my stomach, and if Olaf pokes me with those twigs that he calls arms again, I may use them to toast marshmallows," she said with a gruff.
Belle and Persephone laughed. They remembered feeling the same way Mal does when they were pregnant.
"Why are you guys laughing?" she asked.
"Because, sweetheart," Belle said as she took Mal's hand. "Your mother and I felt the same way when we were pregnant, and to be honest it happens with everyone. When you start showing, it's like a magnet, and people just feel the need to touch you," she said.
"I feel bad though," Mal said. "I get so irritable with it, I actually twisted Ben's fingers last week."
"I stabbed Adam with a fork," Belle said, making Mal look at her with a shocked expression.
"No, way," Mal said, making Belle nod and laugh. "Now I don't feel bad for almost breaking Ben's fingers," she said with a chuckle as she scanned the room for her boyfriend. "Where is Ben by the way?"
"I'm not sure, but why don't we have you open the gifts?" Persephone said as she walked Mal toward the giant pile of gifts in one corner of the room.
"Holy crap," Mal said as she looked up at the giant pile. "How? Why? There is so much," she said.
"Yes, I know," Belle said. "Your mom and I are going to help. I will write names of who got what while your mom tries to organize and throw trash away."
"Okay," Mal said as she sat down in a chair that her mom brought over for her. "Shouldn't I wait for Ben?"
"I'm here," Ben said as he walked back into the banquet hall from doors that were behind Mal's chair.
"Where have you been?" She asked.
"I was getting your present ready," he said as he kissed the top of her head.
"Seriously, you don't have to get me anything else," Mal said as she turned in her chair. "You, Rapunzel, my brothers, and sister did an amazing job in the nursery. Which actually reminds me," she said as she turned back to the crowd that was forming in front of her. "I need to tell…"
"No!" Mal heard Rapunzel yell from the crowd, making her laugh.
When Rapunzel and Eugene arrived, Mal gave the queen a huge hug, thanking her for helping Ben and the rest with the nursery. That was when Mal saw the gifts Eugene was carrying, and told the couple that they did not have to buy anything, because of the work she did in the nursery. Rapunzel said it was no worry, and that it was more fun for her than an actual gift. It was a funny chat between two very stubborn girls, but Ben and Eugene found it very amusing.
"Stubborn," Mal said, shaking her head. "Just like her son."
"Where do you think he got it from?" Rapunzel said as she winked at Mal.
"Hey! I'm not stubborn." Ryder said as he sat in front of his mom.
"Yeah right," Rudy said. "You're more stubborn than Max when he doesn't get any apples," she said as she sat next to her brother.
"Okay," Ben said with a chuckle. "Let's end this conversation before it turns into an hour long debate on how stubborn Ryder is," he said, making Ryder gape at one of his best friends. "If you could give Mal just a moment. I know she wants to call her dad," he said to everyone as Lumière and Cogsworth took the cover off the giant flat screen.
Mal perked up in an instant, taking her phone out of Ben's pant pocket, and connecting it to the television. She started to call her dad, hoping that he was near his computer. She stared at the screen, waiting for him to answer, not noticing that Ben had gotten up from his seat on the arm on Mal's chair. She was also so fixated she didn't notice the smile on most of their guests' faces. Hades and Hadie entered the room, walking through the same door Ben had walked through when he came back to the party, but they were each eating cake as they walked up to Mal.
Hades and Hadie stopped on either side of Mal and looked at the screen.
"Who you calling, Mally?" Hades asked, making Mal snap her head in his direction.
"Dad!" Mal exclaimed as she jumped up from her seat to hug her dad.
Hades smiled down at Mal, gave his plate to Ben, and picked Mal up and off her feet.
"Hi, baby girl," he said as Mal tightened her arms around his neck.
"My turn," Hadie said as Hades set Mal down on her feet.
Hadie walked over to Mal and wrapped his arms around her.
"I can't believe you guys are here," Mal said as she pulled away from her brother and looked back at her dad.
"Well, you can thank Bennyboo," Hades said as he pointed to Ben.
Ben was standing there with a smile, but trying to hide his laughter at Mal's dad calling him Bennyboo.
"You," Mal said as she walked over to him and wrapped her arms around his next, before giving him a kiss on the lips. "I love you," she said as she squeezed his cheeks with one of her hands.
"I love you too," he said before he gave her another kiss on the lips.
Almost everyone in the room awed at the couple, making them break apart and smile.
"Okay," Hades said as he walked up to his daughter and her boyfriend. "Princess said she had a button for me," he said as he pointed to Evie.
Evie stood up from her seat and rushed over to the gold bag that she had earlier. She pulled two pins out and walked over to Hades and Hadie. She pinned Hades with a button that said 'Papa Hades' and then pinned Hadie with a pin that said 'Godfather Hadie'. Mal snapped her head at Ben who smiled at Hadie.
"Wait!" she exclaimed. "When did you decide on that?" she asked as she pointed at her brother.
"The same dad you told Evie that she was the godmother," he said, shocking Mal.
"Then… you had this planned," she said, making Ben nod his head. "You sneaky…" she said, making Ben cover her mouth, so she didn't finish her sentence, and making everyone laugh.
Mal shook her head and chuckled before looking back at her brother who started to eat the cake on his plate.
"Did you and dad cut into your niece's cake?" Mal asked as she crossed her arms over her chest.
"She's not even able to eat it," Hadie said, trying to defend himself.
"Well, I will eat it, which means she will too," she retorted, making her brother laugh.
"Well, you're going to have to fight the three of us for it, because we're not sharing," Mal heard a familiar voice said.
She turned to look at where the cake was, in the back of the room, and saw Uma sitting in a chair with her legs across the armrest, eating cake. Harry and Gil were standing behind her eating cake off their own plates, and smiled when Mal saw that they were there.
"Uma? Gil? Harry?" she asked in shock. "What?"
"I brought them over for the party," Ben whispered in her ear. "I know you two have had our differences, but after what happened on the Isle I thought that you might like to have your cousin here," he said.
Mal looked up at him and smiled. She couldn't believe that he would do this for her. She looked back at Uma, Gil, and Harry before walking over to them and giving them hugs. That's when she noticed that they had buttons on too.
"Okay," she said looking back at her friends and family. "Who didn't know about this surprise?" she asked.
"You," everyone in the room said, making Mal blush and laugh.
After Mal's surprise she sat back down in her seat so that she and Ben can open the gifts people had brought them. They had so many new things for the baby that they didn't even know what to do with any of it. They received about four different strollers, five more baby monitors, which in all honesty would come in handy for the giant castle. They received a couple of outfits, even with the objection to Evie's request on the invitation. But the one that made Mal laugh was the life-sized plush pegasus sitting in the corner of the room. She looked over at her uncle and saw Hera shaking her head in amusement as Zeus laughed. Belle and Adam had given Mal and Ben a tiara made of white gold, blue and purple gems, and diamonds. They said that it was a tradition for the grandparents to give a tiara or small crown to their grandchildren if they were royal. Ben was sceptical at first about the tradition, but then remembered seeing a picture of Chad, Aziz, Ryder, Audrey, and him with theirs, so he didn't question it. But the last gift Mal opened was from Leah. It was hidden behind the leg of her chair, and she smiled at the former queen who returned the smile. Mal took the tissue paper out of the back and saw a Manila envelope in the bag.
"You can open that later, Lady Mal," Leah said, making Mal look at her. "That was the gift for you. The baby's gift is at the bottom."
"Oh, okay," Mal said as she handed Ben the Manila envelope and pulled out the baby's gift.
It was soft and wrapped in tissue paper. When Mal unwrapped it she saw it was a purple onesie, but not just purple. It was a dragon purple onesie. It had a hood that had pointy ears on it, a tail with metallic scales, and wings on the back. Mal looked up at the former queen in shock. It was the cutest little onesie she had ever seen.
"Oh my gods," Evie exclaimed as she took the onesie from Mal's hand. "This is the cutest little onesie I have ever seen!" she said as if she had read Mal's mind.
"It really is," Mal said as she looked over to Leah and gave her a kind smile. "Thank you, Leah. Where did you get it?"
Leah sighed. "Okay. I have to admit that I didn't buy the onesie," she said, making Mal and Ben look at her with a confused look. "I made it."
The couple and their friends and family look at her in shock. Those were words they never thought would come out of Leah's mouth, let alone Leah being at Mal's baby shower.
"Wait," Hades said holding up his arms. "You?" he said pointing to Leah. "Leah? Made a onesie for my granddaughter? The daughter of my daughter? Who is the biological daughter of the witch who cursed your daughter?" He asked.
"Yes, Lord Hades. I did make a onesie for your granddaughter," Leah said.
Everyone looked at the former queen in surprise. They had never seen her be so… nice to the VKs or Hades. Ariana rolled her eyes at her grandmother's actions.
"That's… that's very kind of you Leah," Hades said as he nodded his head to her, receiving a nod back in return.
Ariana was the only one to not bring the couple a gift for their baby, but they weren't bothered by it. They had people they loved there and people that loved them, one guest who didn't enjoy themselves wasn't going to put a damper on their moods. They played party games that made Mal laugh; like guessing how many toilet paper squares could wrap around Mal's stomach, how many jelly beans were in a huge jar, a who knows daddy-to-be game, and a who knows mommy-to-be game.
Luckily for them, they had made multiple prizes for multiple winners. But what surprised everyone in the room the most was that Olaf had been one of the winners and he won two of the three games, one being the who knows mommy-to-be.
Everyone was having a great time. Well, again, everyone except for Ariana. She just kept sitting there, waiting to leave, but she couldn't because it wasn't princess-like. She watched as some of her friends from school were having fun talking with the other VKs.
They shouldn't even be here, she thought to herself. They should be locked on that trash mass they were born on.
The sight of everyone happy made her sick. Her grandmother being nice to the VKs makes her sick. They didn't deserve to be happy. After what their parents did to all of the royals in the kingdoms, they should be dead.
The party went on, and no one paid any mind to the princess slouching in her seat. They were there for Mal, Ben, and their baby. People started to leave, and Mal was talking to Queen Ana when Leah tapped her on the shoulder.
"Mal?" Leah said as Mal turned around to face her. "I am sorry for interrupting you, but my daughter, Ariana, and I will be leaving soon, and I was hoping to have that conversation with you and Ben, if that is okay?" she asked.
Mal nodded her yeah. "Yes. Of course," Mal said. "Let me go and find him. I think he is helping take all of the gifts upstairs."
Mal walked past Leah and scanned the room for Ben. he was walking back into the room with Gil and Jay. she walked as fast as she could to him, and tapped him on the shoulder before he could pick up any more of the gifts.
"Hey," she said as he turned and smiled down at her. "Leah wants to know if we could have that talk she wanted to have before she leaves," she said.
"Oh, yeah," Ben said as he straightened his posture. "I almost forgot about it."
"You almost or you did?" she asked with a chuckle.
"Shush, Mallory," he said, making Gil and Jay laugh.
Audrey walked through the door and over to the table to pick up more of the gifts.
"Here," Gil said as he walked up to her. "Let me help you."
Audrey jumped at the sound of the voice. She was so busy helping Evie with the shower that she didn't notice Gil trying to talk to her during it.
"Oh," she said as she looked up at the dirty-haired-blonde boy. "Thank you," she said with a blush.
She gave him a couple of bags and a box, while she picked up two other boxes. He followed her out of the room, but not noticing that everyone saw the blush on both of their faces.
"Please tell me I am not the only one to notice that," Uma said as she walked up behind Mal, Ben, and Harry.
"No, Love. You are definitely not the only one," Harry said.
"That is something the girls and I are definitely going to have a talk about later," Mal said as she turned to Uma. "You okay with girl talk later?"
Uma looked at her cousin and scoffed. "Mal, I have been surrounded by boys for years. Yes, I am okay with it."
Mal laughed and then turned back to Ben.
"You ready?" Mal asked.
Ben nodded his head and took her hand. "Yeah."
They both walked toward the former queen who was talking to Hades and Persephone. The look on both of Mal's parents' faces were surprising. They were looking at the former queen with sympathetic looks. As Ben and Mal walked up to them Leah had said thank you to them for listening to her.
"Leah," Ben said as Mal's parents walked away. "Would you like to talk outside or in my office?" he asked.
"We can go outside," she said. "It is a lovely day, and would you mind grabbing the gift I gave you Mal?" Leah asked.
Mal and Ben nodded as Ben offered his other arm to Leah. After Mal grabbed the Manila envelope, they walked outside to Belle's garden and took a seat at one of the small tables.
"Okay," Leah said as she sat down. "First, I would like to say thank you for giving me this opportunity to speak with the both of you," she said.
"It's not a problem at all," Mal said. "But if you don't mind me asking, why?"
"That was the second thing I was going to say," she said. "I wanted to apologise for my actions before."
Ben and Mal stared at the former queen in shock. They didn't expect that.
"I have not been the kindest person, and that is putting it lightly. After what happened the day the council found out Mal was pregnant, I had a talk with my husband," she said. "He had told me that I was out of line in the way I treated you, and it was a huge fight between the both of us, If I can be truthful. I never really understood why my husband was nice, after what Maleficent did to Aurora, but we went to therapy. That is when I listened to everything Stefan said and did when he was younger. That went on for three months, and then I went to a psychiatrist to help me with my mental state. After Stefan told me what he did, I locked myself in my room for a week. I didn't sleep, I hardly ate, and I didn't talk to anyone. It had gotten to a point where Hubert and Stefan broke down the door to get in."
"Is that why Stefan hasn't attended any council meetings?" Ben asked.
"Yes," Leah said with a nod. "Stefan was with me every step of the way. Normally it takes longer than 5 months to get to where I am, but I had so much help from my family. Well, all except for Ariana. She is still in her own world, thinking the way I thought."
Mal reached across the table and took Leah's hand.
"I know everyone has their differences, and Ariana is probably never going to be a fan of mine, but I am glad that we were able to have this talk."
"Well, it was more of a one sided apology conversation," Leah said with a small laugh.
"Well, this may be 45 years overdue, but I am sorry for what Maleficent did to Aurora."
"But…"
"I know I don't have to apologise for something I didn't do, but it is still nice to hear. I know if I was on the other end of the stick I would, at the very least, like a simple apology."
"Thank you, Mal. Aurora is a wonderful person thanks to Maleficent, and if she can show you kindness and love, I should be able to too. I am sorry for what i did to her, and for you not having the mother you rightfully deserved."
"Like Ben has said," Mal said. "It was our parents who made their choices. Now, it's time for changes and forgiveness. You can't change the past, but you can make a better future."
Ben smiled at Mal. He loved that she was optimistic. She sees the good in everyone. She is tough as nails. She isn't afraid to get into a fight. And she loves with her whole heart.
"Thank you," Leah said with a smile. "And that brings me to the last thing I wanted to say," she said as she sat up straight. "I would like it if you would open your gift," she said, gesturing to the manila envelope in Mal's hands.
Mal looked at the envelope and then nodded her head. She opened the top of the envelope, looked inside, and saw a couple of papers inside. She pulled out the papers and saw what they were.
"What?" Mal asked in surprise.
She looked back up at Leah and saw the former queen looking at her.
"What is it?" Ben asked.
Mal gave Ben the papers, and when he saw them his eyes almost popped out of his head.
"This is the deed to the property of the Moors," he said.
"Yes," Leah said. "They may have been passed down to Aurora, but they are Mal's by birthright. I was talking with Aurora and she agreed that they belong to you," she said.
"Leah…" Mal said in shock. "This is… I don't even know what to say." she said.
"Well, you don't have to say anything. You are the rightful queen of the Moors," she said.
Mal had never been to the Moors since she had been in Auradon, but always wondered what it looked like. Obviously, she had seen pictures, but pictures can only do so much. Mal stood from her seat and hugged Leah.
"Thank you," Mal said with a sniffle and as Leah wrapped her arms loosely around Mal's waist.
"You are very welcome. I can't wait to see what you do with it," she said as they pulled away from each other. "I will let the two of you get back to the rest of your guests, friends, and family," she said as she looked at the couple.
"Thank you, Leah," Ben said as he held his hand out to her. "Mal and I really appreciate this talk."
"Not as much as I did, your majesty," she said before she turned and walked back into the party.
After the party was over Mal flopped down on one of the couches in the banquet hall. All of the guests were gone, only leaving her family, siblings, and friends.
"Tired, Mally?" Hades asked as he walked up to the couch Mal was sitting on.
"Yeah," she said.
"Where is Ben?"
"He's upstairs with Evie, organizing all of the gifts I. The baby's room," she said. "I should go and help them," she said as she tried to get up, but stopped when Ben and Evie walked back into the room.
"Hey," he said as he sat down next to her, and pulled her feet into his lap.
"Hey. Did you put the deed in your safe?" She asked, making Ben nod.
"I still can't believe Leah did that," Hades said.
"I'm not," Audrey said as she walked over to the trio, with the rest of their friends behind her. "Grammy has completely changed, and I overheard her talking with my mom about giving you the Moors."
"And you didn't tell me?" Mal asked.
"And tell you Grammy changed without seeing it for yourself just for you to call me crazy? No," she said, making everyone laugh.
"Okay," Ryder said as he walked in the center of the group. "Now that the party is over and everything is clean, I think it's time for us guys to show Gil and Harry what a guys night in Auradon is like," he said.
"And that is my que to go find the adults," Hades said as he stood up. "I just wanted to see my girl before she went to bed."
"You could have come and found me later. You know where my room is," she said with a chuckle.
"That's my granddaughter's nursery," Hades said as she crossed his arms. "You share a bed with…" he said as he shook his body, like a shiver went down his spine. "A boy."
Mal and Ben laughed at Hades. They knew he liked Ben, but his reactions to Mal growing up and being with Ben always makes them laugh.
"Okay, dad," Mal said as she stood up and gave her dad a hug. "I'll see you tomorrow at breakfast."
"Goodnight, Mally," he said as he kissed the top of her head.
He turned and walked up to Evie before kissing the top of her head. "Goodnight, princess."
Then finally he walked up to Uma, who was looking at him with a raised eyebrow. "Goodnight, starfish," he said with a smile before kissing the top of her head, and making the rest laugh.
"Oh my gods," Mal said as she laughed. "I completely forgot he gave you that nickname."
Hades walked out of the room in search of his wife and Ben's parents, while everyone laughed.
"Okay. Okay," Uma said. "Aren't we supposed to have a girl talk?" She said, trying to stop everyone from laughing.
"And that is our queen to leave," Jay said as he put an arm around Hadie's shoulder.
All of the guys got up and said their goodbyes to the girls to give them their time together. Harry have Uma a small kiss on the cheek, Doug gave Evie a small kiss on the lips, Chad gave three kisses to Jordan one on each of her temp and then one on her forehead, Jay gave Lonnie a small kiss on the lips, Carlos gave Jane a kiss on the cheek, and Ben have Mal a deep kiss on the lips.
"Well, it looks like Gil, me and you are the only lonely ones," Aziz said as he put his arms over Ryder's shoulder.
They both turned to look at Gil, and saw him give Audrey a kiss in her hand.
"What the fuck?" Aziz said with a groan.
Nobody said anything. They just let the two have their moment.
Once the boys went upstairs to Ben's game room, the girls decided to change and have girls talk in Belle's library.
"Okay," Mal said as she sat down with Evie on one of the loveseats in the library. "Audy, what is going on with you and Gil?" She asked.
Audrey blushed. "What are you talking about?"
"Shut up!" All the girls exclaimed, making Audrey laugh.
They spent the next three hours talking, laughing, and having a good time until they fell asleep. That's the way the guys found them. Each boy picked up their girlfriend and walked them up to the room they were staying in.
Ben walked Mal into their room, and laid her down on the bed and covered her up before he went to change. When he got back he saw she had tuned and was now facing the middle of the bed. He climbed in next to her, and wrapped an arm around her waist, letting his hand land on the side of her stomach. She cuddled into his side and laid her head on his chest. Ben's heart did another jump at her actions. Kissed the top of her head and rubbed the side of her stomach.
"I love you," he whispered into her hair. "And I always will."
Okay, my lovies.
I hope you all liked this chapter. I am sorry about the wait! Next is going to be a complete first chapter my last one shot and then a new chapter of Neighbors!
Until next time my lovies! xoxo GM
