Chapter 4 – Jane

-:-:-

It was a particularly unnoteworthy day when Doug's world next changed, not a single cloud in the sky when a frantic set of knocks rang against the penthouse's front door.

Doug shared a look with Chad, who was in the kitchen cooking dinner (meat pie this time, with potatoes and a thick gravy), before receiving a shrug from the blond that indicated he hadn't been expecting anyone. Audrey was in the bathroom taking a much-needed bath, so it was up to Doug to answer the door, assuming it was the building manager with a package or something.

Doug was unprepared for the visage of a tearful Jane on the other side of the door, nor for the way she all but collapsed against him with an ugly sob.

"Jane?" Chad perked up, abandoning the kitchen as Doug guided the fairy towards the couch. "What's wrong?"

"Did something happen with the others?" Doug asked, his heart pounding furiously in his chest.

"N-No," she cried, shaking against him. "I um- I b-broke up with them, like you did." At that, Chad and Doug shared a confused look before turning their attention back to the crying fairy. "It was too much," she sobbed. "I couldn't- it was too hard. I couldn't do it."

"It's okay, Jane," Chad soothed, murmuring into her soft curls. "You did your best. You tried, and that counts."

"It hurts," Jane croaked, fat tears rolling down her cheeks. "But I couldn't- I couldn't do school and legislature and date Carlos and all of them. I want to, at least for C-Carlos, but I couldn't." She buried her face in Doug's chest. "I'm a failure."

"Hey, no," Chad said, his voice firm. "You're not a failure for taking care of yourself. Getting out of a situation that is too much for you is not failure. Pushing on, ignoring your limitations – that would be a failure, but you didn't. I know it's hard, Jane. I know it hurts, but you did the right thing."

"I'm sorry," Doug said, his voice shaky. "I'm so sorry I didn't say anything. I felt overwhelmed too."

"I know," Jane sniffed. "I know, and I didn't say anything either."

"You were just trying to keep your head above water," Chad soothed. "No one can fault you for that."

"But now I'm alone again," she cried.

"Fuck no, you're not," Chad declared. "You are my fairy god-person. You will always have me."

"And you'll always have me," Doug soothed, brushing her hair out of her face. "And um- you'll probably have Audrey too. She's actually really nice."

"In her own way," Chad hummed. "Do you want to stay here?"

"Please," Jane croaked. "I can't- I can't go home to my mom. She'll be so disappointed."

"She won't be, because we're not, and your mom loves you way more than us," Chad said. "But if you want space, you can definitely stay here."

"Thanks," Jane managed, accepting the handkerchief Chad offered her with a sniff. "I um- I really appreciate it."

"No worries," Chad chirped. "Now why don't you cuddle with Doug while I finish dinner, and then we can get you set up in the guest room." He pressed a kiss against her curls before a thought seemed to come over him. "Unless you want to cuddle with us in our bed."

"Your bed?" Jane echoed, her gaze shifting to Doug. "Does um- does that include…"

Doug blushed, but didn't duck his head. "Yeah," he admitted. "They've been really good to me."

"Aw, thanks Doug," Chad chirped, glowing as he dragged Jane's bags inside.

"Do…" Jane blushed. "Do you think they'd- would Audrey-"

"The answer is yes," Chad said, locking the door to the suite. "But hey, if you just want to cuddle with Doug exclusively, we wouldn't be offended. He was your boo."

That startled a laugh from Jane, and it was good to hear her joy again. "Thanks, Chad. And um- if you don't mind, I'd- I mean, I've gotten used to sleeping with big groups of people-"

"Sounds pretty awesome," Chad declared with a wink. "You can stay with us, but you'll still have your own space to retreat to if you want it."

Doug had his own space too, though he usually withdrew to the practice room if he really wanted a moment to himself. Chad and Audrey never bugged him when he was there. It truly was his.

Doug hadn't realized how comforting that was until he finally had it without question, without worry of interruption.

"Thanks," Jane simply repeated, seeming content to melt against Doug's chest. "For all of this."

"It's our genuine pleasure, Jane," Chad said, and Doug didn't doubt for a moment that he sincerely meant that.

-:-:-

"Did they fuck with Jane now?" was how Audrey took the situation when she joined them in the guest bedroom, Chad walking Jane through all the things they could do to make the space truly her own. "I swear to goodness or evil or whatever the fuck that those assholes are stupid."

"Maybe," Chad hummed, replying while Jane stood still, wearing a startled look. "But we are not focusing on that now, we're focusing on Jane."

"Right." Audrey nodded, looking cute in her cobbled-together ensemble – Chad's light blue sweatpants and one of Doug's long sleeve green shirts. Her hair was in a messy bun again, which might just be one of Doug's favorite looks for her. The princess wasted no time crossing to Jane's side and dragging her into a hug. "You're welcome to stay here for as long as you need," she informed Jane sagely, running a hand down her back. "That includes forever, if you want."

"Thank you," Jane murmured, relaxing in Audrey's hold. "Thanks, I- I just- I need-"

"To start over," Audrey surmised. "It's okay, Doug did too. Now, I'm gonna take over here while Chad and Doug get dinner on the table, and we can have girl talk."

Jane let out a wet giggle. "I'd um- like that."

Even with Mal and Evie and Uma, Jane didn't seem to get much 'girl time' with them, though Doug suspected it was for the same reasons that he'd shied away from most of the others. Jane was self-conscious, or didn't think she was cool enough to be with them, and while that was far from true, Audrey was too stubborn to let that kind of thinking perpetuate.

It was what made it easy for Doug to leave her, because he knew Jane was in good hands, knew Audrey wasn't often given the credit she was due.

But now she would. Because Doug was stubborn too.

-:-:-

A thought occurred to Doug while he was tossing the salad Chad had prepped for them earlier with a light vinaigrette.

"Um." He cleared his throat, pulling Chad's attention from where he was setting the now completed meat pie on the breakfast table. "You guys… did you also have a crush on Jane?"

Chad froze, seeming confused by the question, then smiled. "No," he said. "Not like you, I mean, but we both agree that Jane's pretty great. And she was one of your people, right? And she's my fairy god-person, so there's lots of good things going in her favor." He finished setting the pie down and crossed to Doug's side, not hesitating to wrap himself around Doug's back. "I care about you a lot, and I have for years. And sure, I think I could learn to care about Jane in the same way, but please don't doubt the fact that you're special to us. We're not just like, collecting Ben and Mal's peripheral people in some kind of power grab."

"I didn't think that," Doug said, even though he felt himself relaxing more over the course of the explanation. "I'm sorry, just-"

"Hey, no." Chad turned Doug so he could give him a kiss, drawing the dwarf-kin to this chest. "I'm glad that you asked. It's important to talk about these things – our doubts – as soon as they happen. I- we want to know about it." He reached up, cupping Doug's jaw in his hand, looking at the half-dwarf like he was anything special. "That's why Audrey and I work so well together. Because we are both awkwardly candid with each other. If we weren't, we would be way bigger messes than we are now."

"You're not messes." Doug settled his hands on Chad's hips, feeling warm at the way the blond grinned at him. "You're lovely, wonderful people."

"Yeah," Chad chirped. "Just like you."

When he said something as sweet as that, it was difficult for Doug to hold himself back, for him not to lean forward and capture those pretty pink lips. Making out with Chad was always a pleasant thing that ranged from heated to lazy reassurance. Right now they landed more towards the latter category, which was perfect for Doug. It was reassuring, grounding, and it was always nice when one of Chad's hands slid into his hair-

"Guys," Audrey groaned, causing the two of them to pull apart with light gasps. "You are like rabbits. Come on, it's dinner time."

"Um." Jane looked the epitome of awkward. "Are Chad and Doug dating?"

"We're together," Chad said when Doug tensed, unsure of how to qualify their relationship. "All three of us. Now, let's eat!"

"O…kay." Jane took the information in stride, and maybe that was the way to do it, maybe just pretending it wasn't a big deal made it not be a big deal.

Was it a big deal? Doug was pretty sure who two heirs to some of the most powerful kingdoms in Auradon fooled around with would constitute as important, but…

Well, then Audrey was playing footsy with him under the table, shooting him a fond wink, and Chad was easily engaging Jane in a conversation about her schoolwork while he served out giant portions of meat pie, so-

Maybe it wasn't.

-:-:-

"Is this okay?" Jane asked when they were getting ready for bed that night, the young fairy looking cute in her pale blue nightgown. "It won't be weird? Since you're all together?"

"It's definitely not weird," Chad declared, just as confident as always. "But if it's weird for you-"

"No," Jane said in a rush, shaking her head. "I don't- I don't want to be alone right now."

"Then you won't be," Audrey decided, and then she was herding Jane into Chad's arms, ushering Doug to follow her until the two of them were in a young royal sandwich.

"It will be okay, Jane," Chad murmured when she settled against his chest. "We're proud of you. You did the right thing."

"The worst part is that I know I did," Jane murmured, her shoulders tensing slightly. "I just- I wish it could have gone better."

"Never say never," Audrey hummed, spooning close to Doug's back. "There's still time for them to get their shit together. And if they don't, then you'll find someone else."

"Someone who appreciates you for the awesome Jane that you are," Chad said. "Someone that doesn't ask too much of you."

That was the problem in the end, wasn't it? The others – they'd wanted too much, and Doug and Jane hadn't been equipped to give it to them. Maybe they could have handled a few things – the relationship or the legislature or the business or school (or for Doug, his dwarven trials), but they couldn't do all of it. Something had to give.

"I just- I'm not sure what to do now," Jane admitted.

"It's okay," Audrey murmured, running a hand through Doug's hair. "We'll figure it out together."

-:-:-

Doug feared that having Jane around might make things awkward, but Jane had always been the one he'd related to best in his old relationship. They were cut from the same cloth – misfits in the human world – both struggling to keep up with larger-than-life movers and shakers. They both enjoyed organization and academics, enjoyed charity work. They'd both been run ragged by trying to do too much, and they'd both held an attachment for the same group of people.

In light of that, having Jane around was like rediscovering an old friend. Suddenly Doug had someone to get coffee with before classes. Doug had someone to study with when Chad and Audrey were busy. He had someone to get lunch with, and when they were choosing classes for the new semester, both Jane and Doug had selected the same Hip Hop dance elective so they could do something whimsical and fun. They didn't have to schedule out their time so rigorously anymore, so they actually had time for frivolous activities that brought them joy.

Audrey and Chad frequently demanded private performances of the pieces they were working on during class, which usually devolved into Jane and Doug trying to teach Chad the combinations while Audrey laughed at them from the couch.

It was nice.

Especially when all four of them would get together for outings – Audrey demanding that she take all of them out for dinner on the days Chad seemed a bit worn down, or Chad chattering on excitedly about a new museum exhibit Fairy Godmother had mentioned Jane might like, and then all four of them would take to the town, trading easy conversation and taking selfies and enjoying each other's company.

Sometimes, Audrey would take Jane out for lady time – where they'd go to the spa to get pampered, or go shopping because Jane had the same problem Doug did by way of things Evie had created just for her. Sometimes Chad would claim Jane for 'Cinder/Fairy' expeditions, and he'd take her horseback riding through the woods or on a picnic or sometimes they'd just visit Fairy Godmother, taking her baked goods and news of Jane's latest academic triumphs.

It gave Doug more alone time with Chad and Audrey, who liked to make the most of it, either taking him out on dates or taking advantage of the apartment's empty nature to progress things to a more intimate level.

With Jane sharing their bed, it was natural for sex things to slow down somewhat. They did what they could without being obvious to Jane, sharing showers and making out in empty rooms, but they didn't have the same freedom as before.

It was worth it, though, to take care of Jane, who really was bright and sweet and all that was good in the world.

Of course, they weren't perfect by any means, so sometimes they misjudged things. Sometimes Doug was sharing a bath with Audrey, the princess leaning over him with one hand settled between his legs, working him over as she nipped at his throat. The apartment was supposed to be empty, but Doug tried to keep quiet out of habit, which might have been what doomed them in the first place.

"Audrey?" Jane called, sounding half distracted as she pushed into the bathroom, likely thinking the princess was alone in her customary post-school bath. "I've been looking at the numbers for the next charity event, and-" When she looked up, she jolted so hard that she almost dropped the tablet in her hands, just managing to catch it before shoving it up in front of her face, as though to hide them from view. "I am so sorry. I thought- usually it's just Audrey-" Her babble cut off with a gasp as she peeked over the top of the tablet, her gaze settling on Doug. "I thought you were asexual."

Doug was certain that he flushed all the way down to his toes. "I um- lied."

"He was deeply uncomfortable with his body," Audrey added, positioning herself to block as much of Doug as possible.

At that, Jane's expression fell, shifting into a look of true sorrow. "Oh, Doug," she murmured, setting her tablet on the counter before moving to crouch near the bathtub, leaning against the rim. "I'm so sorry. I- I mean, I always sensed something was a bit-"

"Yeah," Doug interrupted, feeling his cheeks heat furiously. "It's- look, it's stupid. I know it's stupid-"

"It's not stupid," Audrey said in a firm tone. "It's not stupid if it made you feel bad. If society made you feel bad."

"What is it?" Jane asked, seeming so desperate to be helpful. "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to, but you're my friend. If I can help, I want to."

Doug tensed. Intellectually, this was not an unexpected offer. Jane was sweet. She always wanted to help if she could. She probably wouldn't laugh at him, or make him feel horrible for what he could not control.

Ultimately, Doug trusted Jane. And she wasn't dating the others anymore, so he didn't exactly have to worry about her running off to tell them.

"Okay," Doug said finally, ducking his head. "It's um- you can-"

"Here," Audrey said, taking Jane's hand and easing it into the water. It took a few seconds for Doug to realize where she was going until he felt both of them curl around his length.

Jane's cheeks flooded with a pretty flush, but Doug was more focused on her furrowed brows. He was painfully aware of the way her fingers searched him, feeling out every part of his miniscule length until she actually looked into the water to see if her hands were sending her the right picture.

"Oh," she said finally. Then her blush darkened and she looked up. "Oh, Doug – you're perfectly lovely."

"That's what we told him," Audrey said, her chest puffing up with pride.

"I was embarrassed," Doug offered. "Compared to everyone else-"

"Who gives a shit about everyone else?" Audrey snapped, and Doug had enough time to register Jane's determined nod of agreement before the young fairy climbed into the tub with them, still very much dressed.

"You're great, Doug," Jane declared, beginning to jerk Doug in steady movements. "And I'm happy with you as you are. Could I um- is it okay-?"

"Yes," Doug croaked, and then Audrey cackled, descending on him with a triumphant grin that would likely wreck him in the end.

That was how Chad found them later, Doug cradled between the two girls, writhing and babbling nonsense while they took turns rocking his world.

"Dwarven stamina," Chad crooned as he fanned himself, running a hand through Doug's loose hair. "Gotta love it."

"I do," Jane hummed. "And the dwarf that comes with it."

-:-:-

That pretty much sparked the progression of their relationship. No longer was it Chad, Audrey, and Doug with Jane awkwardly hovering in the peripherals, now it was all of them. That meant sometimes Doug would come home to see Jane perched in Chad's lap, the two of them trading lazy kisses before they'd break apart to gift Doug with brilliant grins. It meant Audrey could add sporadic kisses to helping Jane get dressed, or that they'd come home from charity events and Audrey would settle herself between the fairy's legs, mouthing at her panties until Jane was a cooing mess.

It meant Doug could hold Jane's hand again, it meant he could kiss her on the cheek, it meant that he could hold her close and she would whisper things about how perfect he was and he could feel like she meant it, because she knew all there was to know about him.

"They're really great," Doug explained when it was just him and Jane in the tub this time, the young fairy perched in his lap, beautifully naked, staring at him with a bashful look while he cupped her breasts carefully in his hands. "They just- I think they want to do right to make up for what they didn't get."

"That's the feeling I get," Jane agreed, grinding herself deliberately against Doug's groin.

"And their communication-"

"Yeah," Jane laughed, a light lyrical thing. "It's pretty great."

When things had changed, Audrey and Chad had been sure to sit them down, sure to explain how important communication was. Now Jane was subject to the same blunt, direct conversations as Doug, and while she didn't seem to know what to do with them at first, like Doug, she seemed ultimately grateful.

It was a nice feeling, to be cared for. And the others had cared, they had, there just-

There had been too many of them.

Doug and Jane had to go.

"Hey um- can I tell you something?" Jane asked, her eyes half lidded, mouth parted in small gasps while Doug toyed with her nipples.

"Anything," Doug said, meaning it.

Her flush darkened across the bridge of her nose. "I have wings. I usually keep them hidden, but-"

"Show me," Doug urged, grin broadening when she did just that a moment later, beautiful iridescent fairy wings glimmering to life behind her.

Her head fell back with a gasp. "Yes, that's better."

"You don't have to hide those from us," Doug said, shifting one hand to her back so he could caress where her wings joined skin. "They're lovely, Jane, just like you."

-:-:-

Chad and Audrey, of course, agreed with this decision. Audrey added 'The apartment is a wings-out zone' to the chalkboard Chad had installed in the kitchen, which featured a list of rules that was frequently updated with things like 'Doug is always cute' and 'Chad may only deep clean the bathroom once per day' and 'Audrey is the queen of NICE'.

Jane, as always, was bashful under their attention, but conformed to the rule admirably, showing off a series of backless shirts and dresses Audrey had procured for her upon discovering her wings.

Doug would often come into the apartment and find Jane curled up on the couch, reading a novel while Audrey perched across from her, sketchbook in hand as she tried to capture Jane's beauty. Audrey had a lot of sketches of them. Her office had a literal collage taking up one of the walls that featured pictures of Chad and Doug and now Jane. There were pictures of Ben, too, but Audrey made an effort to replace them with new things, like the four of them cuddled together, or Jane's first test flight with her released wings.

It was good. What they had was good.

And maybe, if they stayed focused, they could keep it.

-:-:-

"Are you nervous?" Chad asked as they neared the doors of Auradon Castle, the space just as grand and luxurious as it had always been.

Doug sighed. "Sort of." At Audrey's knowing look, he added, "Yes."

"Me too," Jane whispered, her fingers curling into the material of the ballgown Audrey and her had selected. "We weren't invited."

"You're our plus-ones," Audrey reminded her. "We invited you. Wrote your names on the RSVP and everything."

"You'll be on the list," Chad added. "And if you're not, we'll leave, easy as that."

There wasn't anything easy about the heir to Sardinia and the heir to Auroria, Ulstead, and the Moors peacing out from a ball they were explicitly invited to by the King of Auradon, but Doug appreciated their confidence nonetheless. He hadn't been hurt not to get an invitation, after all, without his association with the others, he had no political sway. There was no reason for him to be invited to fancy balls as Doug, the college student. The same went for Jane. They were average people now, and while Doug wasn't upset by this, it had put him a bit on edge when Chad and Audrey had invited them to the festivities.

On one hand, it was sweet. Chad had made sure both Doug and Jane hadn't felt obligated to follow them into the lion's den, so to speak. They knew who would be there. That said, Audrey and Chad had wanted them to come because Doug and Jane were their special people who 'made everything better', to quote their words.

It had taken some coaxing, a half dozen backup plans should things go wrong, and the promise of an early exit before Doug and Jane had finally relented. This wasn't like Doug's master ceremony, where the contingent had been relegated to friends and family of the appointed only. Doug had been half-terrified Evie would be there as heir to Hanover, but Queen Snow understood the importance of secrecy to the dwarven people and had come alone as Hanover's representative. That had been a proud day for Doug, to stand beside the other successful protégés as they were given their awards. True, he towered over most of them (save for Happy's son, who was even taller than Doug), but his family was there to cheer him on in their usual boisterous fashion, and Chad, Audrey, and Jane had been there just for him, wearing dwarf-crafted clothing in honor of his heritage.

Later, they'd eaten with Doug's family, his uncles and cousins all crowding to meet Doug's 'new sweeties' as Chad, Audrey, and Jane politely fended off their questions.

"These are keepers," his uncle had declared, tugging on the intricate ceremonial braid Doug had fixed into his hair that morning. "If they keep taking care of you, they'll be labeled dwarf-kin for sure."

Doug flushed at the comment. Being dwarf-kin was no small title. For Doug, it was a literal thing, but to be awarded it in an honorary sense would grant the three the same privileges Doug was awarded as a master. They could learn Khuzdul, the language of dwarves. The would be granted dual citizenship with Erebor. Even without marriage, they would be noted in Doug's family line.

It was no small thing.

"You think so?" Doug asked, sure to keep his voice low as he watched Audrey charm his father, watched Jane play with his smaller cousins who she towered over.

His uncle offered him a broad grin. "They make you happy, Runnel," he murmured. "Such things deserve to be rewarded with the attention they're due." He leaned closer, like he was going to share a secret. "We heard about what your princess said to the committee. Gave Thorin a real run for his money. You can bet that we love her just for that much."

"Uncle Nori." Doug flushed, and though he was worried about tale of Audrey's political power battles spreading round, he was glad to know that his family recognized how committed his new partners were to him.

Partners. Things really were changing.

It still didn't quite prepare Doug for another fancy ball filled with the people he'd been avoiding, nosy nobles determined to get the details on why he'd broken up with Evie. He didn't look forward to that, but he did enjoy the prospect of a night in the others' company. A night of dancing and fancy foods and proving that he and Jane didn't have anything to hide. They were allowed to live their lives. They were allowed to be happy.

"Hey look," Chad drawled after they had successfully made it past security. "Your names were on the list just like I said they would be."

"At this rate, I'd be more afraid of Chad getting left off the list than you guys," Audrey grumbled, and Chad reacted with an exaggerated gasp that he consoled by offering Jane his arm and holding the young fairy close.

"You know what we should do?" Chad hummed as they descended upon the ballroom. "Get snacks. We need to move before the good stuff runs out."

"Priorities," Audrey drawled sarcastically, but she made no effort to stop Chad as they moved towards the area that seemed to have the most waiters, graciously stealing snacks and flutes of champagne they were technically too young to drink while they holed up in a safe corner.

"Oh, fuck yes, they had the mini beef wellingtons," Audrey groaned around a mouthful of puff pastry. "This shit is the best."

"Keep your eyes out for the crab cake balls," Chad offered. "They usually have those too."

"It is so nice to be at one of these things without having to plan it," Jane giggled, staring at their bounty of hors d'oeuvres with a manic grin. "I don't have to worry about them running out of food or ice or making sure all the musicians show up." She cut off with a cackle. "This is the best."

"Note to self," Chad murmured, offering her another crab cake ball. "Get a party planner for all future shindigs."

"At least for managing the damn thing," Audrey grumbled. "I'll add that list when we get home. You guys can help us plan events, but you're not running them."

"Please and thank you," Jane said, her release of gratitude an undeniable thing.

Later there was dancing, Chad offering his arm out to Jane who took it with a smile. It was believable for them to be together, at least, a cinder and their fairy god-person, but Jane looked so very graceful and happy in Chad's arms, the prince likely doting her with compliments as they glided around the floor. Audrey and Doug wasted a dance just watching them, Doug content with his position on the side while the princess likely committed the vision to memory for future sketching before Audrey was pulling him out there too, being kind enough to even let Doug lead.

"It's okay," she soothed after the second time he had stepped on her toe. "I wore reinforced heels for a reason."

"Clever," Doug laughed, a flood of relief gripping his shoulders.

"More like a necessity," Audrey muttered. "Some of the nobles can be petty, and let me tell you, they aren't nearly so accidental with their toe treading as you are."

Immediately, Doug tensed again. "Are they still- after the queen of mean thing-"

Audrey rolled her eyes. "VKs get redemption, I get a long winding road to recoup my image after having a minor breakdown."

She blew it off, but the way Chad had described it, things had been pretty difficult for Audrey back then, mostly because of the expectations and criticisms of her grandmothers. That, coupled with her mother's latent curse, had made her even more susceptible to Maleficent's scepter.

"Well," Doug said, his throat feeling tight. "You're the queen of nice to me."

The smile she graced him with was one of the genuine ones, small and lovely. "That means more to me than the opinions of a bunch of stuffy nobles."

Chad, Jane, and Doug were sure to keep Audrey's dance card filled after that, to ensure her feet and peace of mind were appropriately safe. It had been especially fun to watch Audrey twirl Jane around the floor, the princess leading with dignity and confident grace.

"Yeah," Chad laughed as he and Doug hid in their corner, the prince standing close enough that their shoulders brushed. "Truth be told, when Audrey and Ben danced with each other, Audrey was always the one in charge." He let out a dreamy sort of sigh. "She's so fierce."

"You care for her a lot," Doug noted, not that he'd ever doubted as much, but it was worth it for the brilliant smile the comment earned him.

"Audrey's been my best bro for a while," Chad replied, a flush spreading through his cheeks. "Before Ben's decree, back then- well… we thought we um- had a thing with Ben. The three of us, I mean." He leaned closer to Doug. "I sort of declared my crush on you hopeless."

"That might have been for the best," Doug sighed. "I was superbly awkward back then." And hopeful too, though now that he was getting in his later teens, he had mostly resigned himself to the hand life had dealt him.

"It worked out," Chad reminded him, his knuckles brushing against the back of Doug's hand before moving back to a respectable distance. "So we played around, I guess, and things seemed to be going okay, and then the whole…" He motioned over towards where Mal was holding court with some of the older royals of Auradon. "So, you know."

That was actually news to Doug. "I hadn't realized that affected you as well," he admitted. "Ben never mentioned it."

Chad let out a small laugh. "I'm not surprised," he hummed. "We were sort of messes. In a way, Mal really was an upgrade."

Doug's heart squeezed in his chest. "Don't say that."

Chad seemed startled by Doug's vehemence, but his expression melted into a smile. "You're very sweet, Doug, but I'm under no misconceptions as to who I was in high school."

"Lonely," Doug whispered. "You were just lonely, Chad."

Because his family never made an effort to contact him, and the prince had been so determined to pretend everything was fine, that he was normal, when he really wasn't. In hindsight, Doug could see that Chad was bleeding out on the inside and didn't know how to handle it. And Audrey couldn't help him, because she was prepping to be queen of Auradon.

"I was," Chad admitted with a soft voice. "But I'm not now." He gave Doug another grin. "Thanks for listening," he whispered. "I um- I really appreciate it."

"I like being here for you," Doug admitted. "I…"

He cut off when who but Ben approached their hideaway, the king looking as regal as always in his ceremonial suit, the Beast Crown perched comfortably on his head. "Hey guys," he greeted easily, his tone congenial, the tone he would have used on just about any visiting royal. "Enjoying the party?"

Oh man, was that a question Doug was not prepared to answer. Not now.

He didn't have a choice though, so he braced himself appropriately.

It was go-time.

-:-:-

Endnotes:

Bum, bum, BUM. Ben enters the arena, and I'm sure from past experience we can all assume only good things will happen now ;)

Thanks to everyone for the feedback! The exasperation with Doug is definitely justified – a lot of the dude's problems could be solved by even the slightest application of communication, to like, anyone, but that is one of the things that is addressed as the story progresses, so hopefully you guys won't be tearing your hair out in frustration too terribly much ;D

Story notes:

Just for the record, I'm not trying to implicate that like, the healing power of love is the only way to get over relationships. Relationships are ultimately what you make of them, and while what the penthouse team has might not be forever, they're finding comfort in it, and as long as they're happy with that and continue to practice healthy communication, they have something new and positive in their lives. It doesn't automatically rectify the broken relationships they left behind them, it doesn't fix that pain, but it does help them grow and move on, which is ultimately all they could help for.

I'm not sure if I've mentioned it in this story, but Sardinia is my name for Cinderellasburg, because – as I have stated many times – Cinderellasburg is a dumb name. Ulstead is from the live action sequel 'Maleficent – Mistress of Evil', and is Prince Phillip's kingdom. The Moors was established in the first Maleficent movie.

All the snacks featured at the ball were appetizers I had at a fancy wedding once. Mini Beef Wellingtons are really where it's at.

Thorin Oakenshield, aka King Under the Mountain, is borrowed from Tokien's Middle Earth. As is Khuzdul and Nori. In my personal headcanon, he's nicknamed Sleepy out of a sense of irony. As a former thief, the dude wakes up at the slightest sound.

Until next time :)