AN: My take on the barrier opening. Relationships and friendship fluff mostly as well as a brewing plan...Also, a really old OC is back. The OC was mentioned once in The Lost Princess during Rose's Past Pt.2. I wonder if anyone will remember...
NymhadoraTonks: Thank you for your continued support. I know right, Carlos is the most emotional character in the whole series no doubt. I wanted Audrey to have a little character development. She took Rose's words to heart and decided to take responsibility. She saved Rose's freedom. Belle is starting to trust Rose, and Rose is starting to connect with her mother once again. There will be more growth before the end of the story. Enjoy!
The barrier had been opened. Mal took in a sharp breath of both excitement and nerves. Could her dad really live alongside her and patch up their bitter relationship. Mal could only hope. She was so glad Ben was so supportive. He always had been. Without him, nothing that happened in the last year would've happened.
She reached over and placed her hand on his. Ben flipped up his palm and ran a finger over her engagement ring. Butterflies flew within her stomach. She loved him more than anything. Their wedding only two months away now. The world would finally be at peace. To her right, Fairy Godmother stood with a hopeful expression. She followed her gaze to the crowd down below.
Along with the chatter of excitement, Mal could see Evie and Carlos play fighting about something. Evie bumped his shoulder with her own, and that's when Carlos scooped her into his arms and twirled around. Others back up at the sight of the couple but didn't seem to care. They were both laughing before they shared a small kiss. It only reminded Mal when she laid her eyes on them at the Cotillion. They were dancing just as friends, and now here they are in love.
Jay and Lonnie stood quietly facing each other. Their hands holding the others. It had been like this the last few days. Lonnie was preparing to leave with the R.O.A.R. team once again. Only this time, there wouldn't be a break before Lonnie went off to knight school. She felt bad for Jay. He usually was the one who stole, but now his heart was taken from him. He wouldn't let go of Lonnie though, Mal knew that. He was always dedicated to people he loved.
Jane was standing with Dizzy. Dizzy was chattering on and on about something Mal possibly couldn't ponder. Jane's eyes looked distantly to Carlos and Evie. She felt terrible for her and her heartbreak, but Jane wasn't meant for Carlos. it was hard to picture him with anyone else besides Evie. He needed that connection from the Isle. It wasn't anything personal to Jane, it was just that Evie could give him more emotional support when it came to Isle matters.
Uma, Harry, Gil, Celia, and the Smee twins were all huddled together. Surely, they didn't know what to do in this crowd. Mal knew it would get better over time now that the barrier was open. The physical barrier may be down, but it will take time for Auradonians to truly let down their own. Mal knew it took her a while to trust Uma again, but she was glad to know that she would never have to doubt that trust again.
"I wonder what's taking them so long?" Ben asked.
"They're probably wondering if it's all a trap," Rose said frankly on Ben's left. She leaned against the railing.
"Or they're not coming," Mal mumbled. She never thought of it that way. What if they didn't want to come over to Auradon?
"Of course they will come," Rose shrugged. "Why wouldn't they. We're finally getting a fresh start."
"Look!" Belle said from behind all of them. Mal looked ahead to see a large group of people walking across the bridge. Her heart skipped a beat. This was it. This was the moment she had been waiting for.
Mal was the first one to leave the balcony. She ran through the crowd, passed by the crowd, even her friends. She went out onto the bridge. She searched through the Isle crowd. She held onto the small shimmer of hope her father was here. She greeted others she knew warmly, but as the crowd began to thin, her stomach dropped. She then was left alone. Mal turned back to watch the crowd head to Auradon.
"Why the long face Mally," a deep voice said from behind her. Mal's heart fluttered as she turned to see Hades. He stood there casually with his hands in his pockets. His face in a calm and smug expression. Once they connected eyes, Mal smiled. It took him a minute, but a grin tugged at Hades lips. "You weren't looking for me, were you?"
Mal could feel tears form in her eyes. She chuckled and let one slip before she ran to her father. The father that finally showed up for her. After all of these years, she could have something she always wanted. A family. Mal collided with her father with a tight hug. Hades reciprocated the embrace, a full smile on his face. Mal was overcome with joy.
They stayed that way for some time, but then, there was a cough from behind them. Mal let go of Hades to see Ben standing there with his kind eyes gazing upon them. Mal smiled as she took her father's arm. "Dad, this Ben. My fiance. Ben, this is my dad."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, sir," Ben held out a hand. Hades looked from him to Mal before accepting the handshake.
"You'll do just fine for my Mal, I hope," Hades raised an eyebrow. Mal laughed to ease the tension. Ben grinned. She hugged Ben tightly. While the king hugged her back, he looked to Hades who pointed to his eyes, then to Ben. Ben swallowed nervously.
"What is this? Hug fest?" Rose's voice laughed slightly. Ben shot his sister a look but still smiled.
"Ah, Princess Rose," Hades folded his arms. "Surprised to see you here."
"Enchantress Rose," Rose corrected. She was dressed in her normal robes and jacket. "I could say the same thing about myself. But here I am. And I was thinking of a little proposition."
"Oh?" Hade raised an eyebrow.
"I need you to teach me the ember magic," Rose folded her arms. "In exchange, I can help get your Underworld running again. Think of it as an exchange of talents perhaps?" It was a strange proposition, but Mal gave her father a trusting look.
With a promising grin, Hades nodded. "I'll have to think about that, Enchantress Rose."
A party was held at the end of the bridge. Both Isle and Auradon kids and even some parents danced together for the first time in history. It was a wonderful afternoon, but to the core four, there was a part of them that was disappointed. Only when they were alone did anyone say a word. Mal, Evie, Carlos, and Jay were all sitting away from the party. They were looking out to the Isle and the ocean reflecting the sunset.
"I'm glad your dad came today Mal," Evie said with a sad smile. Carlos tightened his grip around her. Evie leaned her head back on her boyfriend's shoulder.
"Me too," Mal said quietly. "I was just hoping some of the others would've come too."
"I thought they were better than this," Jay mumbled. "My father...he...seemed to care about me and my life. I thought he changed."
"He might have," Mal put her hand on Jay's. "They still might come."
"I doubt it," Carlos said with little enthusiasm. "My mother is too stuck up for that."
"Mine too," Mal and Evie said that at the same time.
"I want to know where my mother is," Mal said as she hugged her knees. "I'm happy my dad's here, but I want to see if Maleficent is capable of change."
"She is," Evie said encouragingly. "I mean, if I were a lizard because of the size of my heart, I would want to change my heart quickly."
"Maybe we could find her," Jay suggested.
"I brought her over there a year ago," Mal sighed. "She escaped the cage. There's no way I could find a tiny lizard on an island."
"Maybe before, but now you can use your powers," Evie pointed out. Mal ever thought of that. She could try to track her down with magic. Suddenly Mal felt hope rise within her. It was a strange feeling to have after all that had happened. She didn't know what exactly to expect if she found her mother, but she could only wish for the best.
"We can't go tonight," Mal shook her head. "We'll give them a day. If they don't come to Auradon, we'll make our move tomorrow evening. That way we can help the others settle." Everyone silently agreed to the plan.
"Okay," a voice called from behind them. Mal turned to see Rose leaning against a tree. "And you think you're going to do this without my help?"
"It doesn't really concern you," Mal said frankly.
"Ouch," Rose chuckled. "If this was two weeks ago it would be true. It wouldn't've concerned me. But now, Enchantress Rose shall meddle in your lives. Only this time, in a good way. If you'll let me."
"Do we have a choice?" Carlos asked with a smile, which Rose returned. They all laughed.
"You can't tell Ben, he's already too busy putting this country back together," Mal said seriously. Rose became perplexed. She seemed to debate this new arrangement in her head. She then sighed and nodded.
"So, you're enjoying yourself?" Harry asked smoothly. Uma was leaning against a column that held up the balcony. Uma had done plenty of dancing earlier in the afternoon. The night was beginning to crawl over the party. The sea witch had come here for a small escape and was happy Harry had come to find her. She looked to him a grinned.
"I would dare say so," Uma blinked. She never thought she would ever enjoy an Auradon party, let alone admit to it. She gazed out to the distant party. Mal was dancing with Hades energetically. Evie and Carlos were doing a swing partner dance. Gil had even convinced Rose to dance with him. He had grabbed the girl's hands and twirled himself under them. Rose didn't seem to be so pleased, but there was a small grin on her face. Dizzy and Celia were jumping around to the beat.
She looked down at Harry's hands. One carrying a drink and the other in his pocket. "No hook tonight?"
"I think I won't be needing it for a while," Harry shrugged. Uma raised an eyebrow questionably. She hadn't been used to him without it. His eyes weren't lined as heavy tonight. it was only know did Uma appreciate the small green rings around the pupils. He didn't look like the son of Captain Hook. He looked like Harry. Her Harry.
"Besides," Harry put down his drink and took the one from Uma's hand. He then placed both of his arms around her waist and started to sway to the distant music. She wasn't used to these touches, but she never wanted them to stop. "I can do a little more of this without cutting you." Uma laughed as she allowed herself to place her arms around his neck. They swayed slowly to the fast-paced song.
After a few minutes of silence, Uma leaned her head on Harry's shoulder. With that, she felt a promising future arising. It was quite impressing, considering that Uma thought she would never get off the Isle, let alone have a future with anyone. Harry was someone that Uma never expected to be more than just a good friend, but now she couldn't see him in any other way than a soulmate. Even if they were still trapped on the Isle, Uma wouldn't want to be with anyone else.
She leaned her head back and took a quick glance around. No one seemed to be watching them. Uma took hold of Harry's collar and swept him behind the pillar. In the few feet between the pillar and the wall, Uma and Harry were pressed against one another without an inch between them. Harry cupped her cheek as they shared a secret kiss. The moment was only theirs.
Rose was actually enjoying herself. This was a first. She normally didn't like any parties. It was a bit of a warm-up for the wedding dance that was about a month and a half away. This was much less formal. She didn't plan to dance at all, but Gil wouldn't hear of it. She had a strange relationship with him. Gil always seemed to take an interest in her ever since she had first met him. Rose wasn't sure if this was a friendship interest, or romantic. Thinking of romance wasn't really Rose's style. She never thought of herself as desirable. Rose was just...well, Rose.
Rose hadn't let Gil touch anything other than her hands. She didn't trust him enough to lead her. Only a select few had that level of trust. It was no matter anyway, the upbeat song made sure that they could keep their distance. She was soon with Ben, twisting and turning. Ben had even allowed her to take the lead and put an arm around his waist. The siblings laughed as they danced a mock waltz. Soon, Ben had been passed to Mal.
Carlos was the next to dance with her. She didn't mind him touching her waist. Trust wasn't in short supply when it came to the son of Cruella DeVil. She pushed off his shoulders as he lifted her into the air. Rose lifted her arms up. Feeling as if she was flying. Her stomach sure felt like it. Once her feet touched the ground again, her hand was caught by someone who felt familiar, but rose couldn't pinpoint who.
It was when she put her gaze on the boy did she realize who he was. The usually raven black short hair now framed his pale face. Simon White. She gasped. She hadn't seen him in four years. He always had a crush on her, and she always refused him her attention. "Simon!" Rose exclaimed. His face was calm. She stopped dancing, but he still held her hand. She didn't pull it away.
His deep brown eyes were focused on hers. He had glasses now. "Hello, Rose," Simon smiled. "It's been a long time." She looked at him, taking in every detail. The once lanky and awkward prince now was a man. He was only a year older than her, but he was about a foot taller. Simon lifted her hand to his lips and kissed lightly. Rose found herself speechless.
"I-I," Rose stammered over her words. What was happening? Was she actually at a loss of words? Before, she never had a problem brushing him aside as she continued on with her own business. But now, she wasn't sure she wanted to brush him aside. "I can't believe it. You've changed so much."
"Five years can change many things," Simon shrugged. Rose had forgotten. It had been almost five years since the ball. She would soon be turning seventeen. It came as a slight shock. Rose had forgotten how much time has passed. She felt like she left the kingdom yesterday. Now, here the two were again. On another dance floor together fiver years after the last time they had seen each other. "Could say the same thing about you."
His voice was barely audible over the music. She looked around. Carlos had gone back to Evie for a dancing partner. Everyone seemed occupied, which Rose was alright with. She took his arm and motioned to the forest. Together, the two went away from the party. When Rose could hear her thoughts again, she spoke. "What was it that you were saying?" She let go of his arm, but they both continued walking.
"You've changed a lot yourself," Simon said. His voice was so deep. Rose nodded. "In a good way, of course," he added.
Rose let out a small chuckle. "Yeah. I wouldn't exactly say changed, just...realized."
"You hid it well. When we were kids," Simon corrected himself. "Then the night of the ball. It just changed everything." Something about the way he spoke. It reminded Rose of pain.
"I know," Rose admitted. "I'm sorry I was so rude to you that night. I was driving out pent up anger against my mom an-"
"There's no need to explain," he stopped her. "I was the one who was always so pushy. I should've asked how you felt instead of assuming you were angry at me."
"Don't blame yourself," Rose shook her head. "The past is past. It's patched now, so it doesn't matter."
"It doesn't?" Simon asked, stopping his pace. His face looked hurt. Rose didn't like that look.
"I didn't mean it like that, I just..." Rose didn't know what she meant. "I guess we just shouldn't be tied down because of the past. It's over with now, all that matters is what happens next."
There was a small silence. He continued to walk with her. "So does that mean you won't make up that dance you owe from five years ago?" Rose had almost forgotten about that. He had asked her to dance and instead she sent him to get her a drink. She could feel his eyes on her, which made her want to fix her hair. Rose resisted the urge and only grinned.
"I guess not all of the past had been patched," Rose said slyly. "I will think it over. Perhaps at the wedding."
"I will be looking forward to it then," Simon concluded. There was another long silence. "I would ask how you've been, but I feel you're not in the mood to talk about it."
"Is Simon White being considerate?" Rose raised an eyebrow. "I feel as if it were a first for you." She silently thanked him for laughing at her sarcastic remark.
"Sometimes a role model can change a person's way. After I saw you at the trial, I knew I had to at least talk to you once. Apologize for my desperate attempts for your favor. Which I am sorry for. I just thought you were...different. Good different of course." Did he notice back then? Even when she was trying her best to hide it. Rose felt flattered by it. That she wasn't the only one who thought so.
"I am different," Rose shrugged, "I'm not going to deny it any longer."
"I'm glad," Simon admitted. "I will say I like your new look rather than the ballgown. This is more you." It was a strange remark because Rose felt that Simon didn't know her, but maybe somehow he did. Snow White was a newscaster for Auradon. Rose had seen her groom her son on more than one occasion. He always had his coats buttoned, straight bowtie, and tame hair. Much unlike now. He seemed more relaxed. Still, even at his words, she could feel the heat rising to her cheeks.
They were close to finishing the path they were crossing. The party drew closer and closer. Rose didn't want this to end. It was strange, but Rose suddenly found Simon much more interesting than he had ever been before. "So that's all you wanted, was a single chat?"
"Well, I figured it was all you would allow me," Simon stopped walking again. Rose turned to him, her blue eyes meeting his brown. She felt herself take a shaky breath.
"What if I allow you another?" Rose raised an eyebrow.
"How could I refuse?" Simon mimicked her expression. "After all, it has been five years."
"Then you have another chat to cash in whenever you like," Rose granted him.
"Why, thank you, p- Enchantress Rose," Simon bowed to her. Rose smiled and bowed to him. They both laughed softly. Their eyes met each other's again.
"I'm sure Ben will be looking for me," Rose snapped from her daze and tucked a stray hair behind her ear. "Uh...farewell?" Rose held out her hand. Simon took it and kissed it once more. Rose felt her insides shudder at the touch of his lips to her cool skin.
"Bid thee goodnight," Simon smiled as he finally let her fingers go. Rose gave him one last smile before going back to the party. She found Ben in the crowd, but first, she caught Gil's eyes. She gave him a small grin as she continued to shuffle through the crowd.
"Who was that?" Gil asked her as he caught up.
"Someone from my past," Rose looked back at Simon before gazing back to Gil. "He was just an old friend." Gil didn't seem to convinced by this sentiment, and neither was Rose. But her mind wasn't too sure on the just.