Hey Descendants,

Sorry about the late update, but we're here!

Last update Harry and Uma talked, and then T/Faustina had a horrible night terror, and all they could do was ride it though.

Today we're checking on Gil and Deez to see how they're handling the separation.

We hope you like your Eggs with a side of Banter. :)

Enjoy

-Dark-

A slight smoky scent tickles his nose before his senses are flooded with something else. Something that smelled delicious. He slowly opens his eyes before his brow furrows at the unfamiliar ceiling above him.

His eyes widen as he looks around. Where was he? Where was his treasure? And what the hell was that smell?

"Your cheese isn't green at all." He hears Deez say, sounding slightly confused.

Her familiar voice puts him at ease. And the lack of emergency allows his rapid heartbeat to calm. He yawns and rubs his eyes before he slowly pulls himself up.

"Well, no. And cheese, in general, is not supposed to be green or moldy. But my cheese is magically preserved." Yensid explains, "Make sure you turn the heat off this time."

"Right. Sorry." Deez sighs as something clicks, "Huh… You know, we never did figure out how you're able to have magic that works under the barrier."

"You and Carlos have always been curious about that." Something thuds as if it were being set down, "Did you have any theories?"

"A few. But one we came up with together was when Carlos said he believed magic was just another form of energy. Like thermal or electromagnetic energy. So I thought that, if that were true it would mean that magic isn't created, it's transferred or transformed just like any other type of energy. Which made us think that maybe your magic works here because it's from the same power source as the barrier? The barrier has to be magical, so it itself has to work. Which would mean that like energy would also still be able to work. We could never figure out a way to test it though."

"Hmmm. Once again I'm impressed. That is very sound, logical reasoning. And fairly accurate, without dipping into abstract theoretical concepts for further explanation."

Gil grins. Of course Carlos and Deez would figure something that complicated out just for the fun of it. He eases back against the couch, content to listen to the two talk as he shakes off the grogginess.

"I'll have to write to Carlos and let him know we were fairly right." She chuckles.

"Yes. And let me know when you do, I have a few letters I'd like to ask you to pass along for me as well."

"Of course. And um, thanks for showing me how to make this."

"Of course Hyades. And I'm sure Gil will enjoy them." Something pops, "Are you sure you don't want to wake him up? It would seem you have breakfast ready."

"He was really tired last night. He should sleep. And it gives me time to look this over."

"You did luck out with that recipe book." Yensid chuckles as something makes a slight scraping noise, "If you're hoping to impress him, I'm sure you'll find the right recipe in there."

"I hope so. I have a lot to make up for."

What did she have to make up for exactly? Gil frowns, eyes narrowed as he tilts his head back to look at the ceiling. Was she talking about the fact they had missed each other, literally, for days? It bothered him, but at the moment it was the only thing that made sense. What else could she possibly have to make up for? It wasn't like it was her fault that Maleficent had sent the goblins on her.

"Do they taste better this time?" Deez asks before he hears her sigh in relief, "Oh good."

"Thank you for making breakfast. You're a very quick study, even in the kitchen it would seem."

"Thank you."

A chair scrapes across the floor, "I need to be going now, by the time I get there the commissary should be opening."

"Please be careful." Deez calls out before she rushes into his view to quietly grab Yensid's bag, "Here." She whispers as she holds it up for him.

Yensid chuckles as he takes his bag, "Thank you Hyades. Please remember that, for now at least, you need me to be able to get back in," He reaches out and squeezes her shoulder, "And I know it's hard to focus right now, but you should write another letter to the king about yourself and your family. I'm certain that will take a lot of stress off your Captain."

"I will." Deez nods.

The old man smiles as he and Gil make eye contact, "And good morning Gil." He greets before slipping out the door.

Deez turns to him with a bright smile, "Good morning." She greets as she rushes to his side, "Yensid let me make breakfast, well, taught me how to make breakfast. Are you hungry?" She dances slightly in her excitement before she grabs his hand and easily pulls him to his feet.

"Yeah, I am." Gil grins as her excitement as he runs a thumb over her knuckles. "What'd he teach ya to make?"

"Come see." Deez pulls him towards the kitchen, "It's something I'd never had before, so I wanted you to try it too." She taps the table in front of a chair as she lets him go and turns to the counter.

Gil chuckles, "Well, now you've got me as curious as I am excited." He sits before he rubs his hands together. It wasn't often that he got to try new food. Deez making him breakfast was new too. It made his chest warm.

She smiles as she grabs a plate, a fork, and something from a box before she sets it in front of him, "It's called scrambled eggs. And he uses cheese that tastes amazing. And look," She flips one of the slices of bread on the plate, "No mold."

His eyes brighten as his mouth salivates at the word eggs. "Thank you," He barely gets out before he picks up the fork.

His lips split into a giant goofy grin at the first bite. He groans before shoveling more into his mouth like a man obsessed "Thif ish delishious." He gets out between mouthfuls.

Deez smiles as she grabs her plate and sits next to him, "I knew you'd like it." She tilts her head back and forth happily before she takes a bite. "Did you sleep okay?"

"Yeah," Gil nods after swallowing, "Did you?"

"Well yeah, but I also slept before you got inside." She sighs.

He reaches over and puts a hand on her arm, "It's really okay Deez, I'm fine. Nothing to worry about. I didn't even notice how cold it was till I came in. Then you took care of me, so I'm not complaining."

Deez purses her lips, "Uma would be mad you got left outside." She lightly stabs at a cheesy clump of egg.

"Uma gets mad about a lot of things." He grins. "But, I'm glad you got sleep last night." He takes another bite. "Glad that you're safe."

Deez blinks as she sets her fork down, "I'm glad we're safe, now…" She frowns, "But I'm worried about T. And Harry. And Uma. T-" She closes her eyes but quickly opens them again.

He lets out a heavy sigh as he rubs his neck. "Uma and Harry will take care of T, and Uma will take care of Harry, while he takes care of her. They're going to be alright."

"Harry didn't look alright. Something was-" She bites her lip, "He-"

"A lot of things were bothering Harry last night. A lot of things were bothering all of us last night. You included. T… T-" He grimaces as he remembers the pool of blood from the metal table. "It's best to just let Uma and Harry take care of him right now. We've got each other. And I know the minute she can, Uma will let us know we can come back."

"But... I thought we were supposed to stay together when things were hard, or scary." She blinks rapidly as her eyes grow glossy.

"Deez," Gil lets out a deep sigh. "I know. I know this is hard to understand, but it's complicated. If Uma and Harry don't think it's a good idea for us to be on the ship right now they have a good reason for it." Like the fact he doubted him or Deez could handle the full extent of T's injuries. "They're the Captain and First Mate. If they think this is for the best, then it's for the best."

"I know." She shakes her head before she looks back up with a small smile, "I'm sorry, I know."

"It's okay. I know that this is new to you. But when it comes to this type of thing, Uma always knows best."

"She does. She always has." She takes a deep breath before she looks down at her plate and then to his half-finished one, "Here." She slides from her chair and holds her plate close to his.

"You barely ate." Gil frowns as he hooks her chair with his foot and pulls it towards her, making her fall back into it.

"I'm finishing the toast, I was just giving you the rest of my eggs." She chuckles as she straightens up.

Gil studies her for a moment before he frowns. "I guess that's okay, as long as you eat something."

"You just wanted me to sit closer." She teases as she takes an exaggerated big bite.

"It didn't hurt." He chuckles and winks. "Was thinkin' of heading to the cove today. What do you think? Wanna get back to working on Uma's sword?" Or crafting T a new one. He was going to be so upset when he found out he'd lost his blade.

Because T was going to get better. Uma and Harry wouldn't give him a choice. They'd drag him back if they had to. T wouldn't stand a chance, not in his condition. He'd get better and survive this. They wouldn't give him a choice.

Deez smiles before her face turns thoughtful, "I told Yensid I'd write a letter today, and we can't get back inside without him." She frowns as she watches him.

"Oh." Gil nods before he continues eating his eggs. "I can write with you."

"Or we can write Yensid a letter letting him know where we're going." She offers with a smile.

"No. If you told someone you would do something, then you should do it. We can write a letter for the king, and then one for Yensid, if we finish before he gets back."

Deez sighs as she shrugs, "Fair."

"I try to be."

"And I appreciate it." She kisses his cheek as she stands again, "You finish eating. I'll do the dishes."

He takes a deep breath before letting it out, "Okay…" He liked sitting with her like this. It made everything feel normal.

"It won't take me long. He showed me how to use a dishwasher." She chuckles as she runs her thumb over the cleft in his chin, "Then I'll grab paper and be right back."

He beams at her as he releases his hold on the chair. "Okay." His eyes brighten. "I can handle that."

Deez drops a hand to her stomach before she looks back up with a blush, "There's that smile I've been missing." She stares at him blankly before she slides into his lap, resting her head against his chest as she grabs his jacket, wrapping her hands in the folds of the material. "But now I guess I can't walk away from it," She burrows her nose against his skin, "Can we stay like this until you've finished?"

Gil nods as he wraps an arm around her, cupping the back of her head before he presses his lips to her hair, "We can stay like this for as long as you need, Baby Girl." He certainly wasn't going to complain about it. It was nice to be able to comfort her in the midst of all the chaos.

Deez smiles before she taps her finger to his chest, "You better still be eating."

He chuckles as he picks his fork back up, "Like I'd let this go to waste." He teases before he easily adjusts in the chair to eat around her.

Deez exhales, making her lips trill in frustration as she stares at the blank paper in front of her. She hated this part of writing.

The part where she had no idea what to say. She'd written a letter about the Howler and delivered it to the barge the same day her gang had been taken, but that was the last time she'd even thought about putting pen to paper.

She sighs as she bounces her pencil against the table. Now though, it wasn't a party or a spider that she was going to write about. It was the fact that she and T were with the Wharf Rats and were safe. Relatively safe anyway.

And that was the part that scared her about this letter. She hadn't gone back over her last one, but she was sure she'd done some major over-sharing. And she still had so many opportunities to overshare. Except Yensid had offered to read it this time.

She whimpers as she drops her head to the table with a dull thunk.

Gil chuckles as he reaches over and ruffles her hair. "Writer's block?"

"What would it be if it's that and having too many things all at the same time?" She pouts as she turns her head to watch him work on his letter.

"Too many things?" He prompts, as he looks up at her curiously.

Deez nods as she leans back in her chair before she slowly slides down, "Yeah. Like what happened after they were taken, not knowing where T was and how he is now," She shivers as she presses her thumb to her lips, "The fact we're separated right now and don't know what's going on or why the isle feels so different."

"Ah…" He reaches out and slides her blank page over to him before he starts writing. "Carlos's gang knows how to take care of themselves. It doesn't matter where T was, it just matters that he's safe now. As for us being separated, I'm used to it. They hated me working in the chip shop with them, remember." He shrugs. "I know it's frustrating, but I know Uma and Harry can handle taking care of T." He reaches over and covers her hand with his. "And of course the isle feels different with Auradon coming in for the first time since, prob'ly since Yensid came over, and took four of us out of here. The energy is gonna feel charged for a while, but it'll bounce back once things settle." He scoops up her hand and brings it to his lips, placing a chaste kiss on the back of her hand.

He was used to being separated from Uma and Harry. She chews her nail. What an idiotic thing for her to bring up. Of course he was used to this. How many times had they been able to hang out because Uma and Harry were working? She couldn't even count. She twines her fingers through his and squeezes his hand, "I'm sorry, that wasn't, I guess I hadn't thought about it like that." Hadn't thought about any of it like that. Had done nothing but overthink all of it.

He turns in his seat and reaches for her other hand before cupping them both in his. "It's okay Deez. So much has happened in the last couple of days. It's hard to think about everything all at once." He leans down and kisses the corner of her lips. "Family means a lot of things Deez. Yes, it means being together, but it also means trusting one another. And if it makes things easier for us to be away from them for a little bit, for them to take care of what needs to be taken care of… Then the best thing we can do is find a way to distract ourselves and stay outta their way. At least we have each other to weather this storm."

Deez smiles as she nods, "This is the biggest reason I've always loved hanging out with you." She admits softly as she scoots her chair closer to him. He was calm when she was not. He had the simple solution when she was stuck. An unjudgemental explanation when she felt stupid. He pulled her from her vicious cycle with such an ease that it made her question why she ever got caught in them in the first place.

The corner of Gil's lip pulls up in a smile as he gathers her to his lap. "I'm the anchor for a reason." He chuckles as he places a kiss on the top of her head. "With Harry's mood changing like the winds, and Uma raging like the sea it doesn't leave me much room to be anything but. Sometimes you've just gotta ride with the tide, but other times you have to moor to keep from drifting too far off course." He nuzzles his cheek against the top of her head. "And sometimes it's okay to admit you're lost with no direction and trust that someone else will guide you. Today it's my turn to be your compass, and help guide you back."

She smiles as she curls around him, rising up just enough to wrap her arms around his neck, "You're right." She chuckles as she presses her lips to his throat, "If I have to be lost somewhere, I'm glad it's with you."

"Just so we're on the same page, I love hanging out with you too." He grins down at her before he presses his lips to her forehead. "Not many people can admit that I'm occasionally right." He chuckles.

"You're right a lot," She corrects, "You just never say anything, so most people don't know it."

"Most people aren't worth the talking." He admits sheepishly. "And besides, when you play dumb people tend to speak more loosely around you. It helps around the ship, letting people think I'm simpler than I am. Plus," He winks, "it gives me more time to work on my art instead of getting drawn into pointless arguments." He wraps his arms around her hips. "That being said, why don't we go work on some mutual art instead and take a break from this? I think Yensid will understand that you have too much going on to focus and I could really benefit from hitting something with my hammer. It's not like you didn't try."

Deez sighs deeply as she hugs him tighter. The memory of him believing he was stupid because he couldn't read still hurt. That hadn't been an act. His struggle had broken her heart. And it made her all the more determined to prove to him in however many ways she had to that he was intelligent.

He holds her to him with one arm as he leans over her head to continue writing. "As long as we all have each other, we'll never be lost. And no amount of distance and time is going to change that Deez."

"You all proved that, believe me." She presses her lips to his throat once more before she pulls back to look up at him, "I was just thinking how it's too bad I didn't get to go through my whole writing process with you."

His chuckle rumbles through his chest as he drops the pencil before pushing back in his chair to stand, taking her with him. "You mean your procrastination techniques?" He carries her against his hip as he heads to the door.

Deez grins, "You know me so well." She chuckles as she pulls her hoodie up, "But seriously, the bathroom has a huge tub Yensid said we could use, and there's just so many ways to procrastinate here."

"I have a feeling we're going to be here for a while." He kisses her forehead. "As tempting as that offer is- I think it would be better for both of us to go to the cove and work off this energy in ways that won't make Uma and Harry feel left out." He chuckles. "Besides, we couldn't find T's sword and I want him to have one before he gets moving again, will give me more practice before we continue working on ours and Uma's."

She furrows her brow as she watches him. What would make Uma and Harry think they were being left out? "Cove it is. I'm guessing you already wrote Yensid to let him know." She chuckles. Actually, the cove was a pretty good idea. He wanted to work on swords, she could get that going for him. But she also had something she needed to work on.

"Yep." He carefully shuts the door behind them before he tests it. Once he's sure it's secure he easily scoops her legs off his hip to carry her bridal style, holding her close to his chest. "I think everyone's had their fill of worry this week without us adding to it."

"That's very true." She admits sadly. She bites her lip before she looks back up, "Do you think we'll have time to work on swords and something else?"

Gil frowns, "I think we'll have plenty of time to do lots of elses."

"Have you seen the way you focus sometimes?" She questions with a quirked brow.

"Kinda hard to see myself Deez." He grins down at her.

Deez purses her lips as she dances her fingers around his neck, "You know what I meant."

Gil's laughter bubbles up as he holds her to him more securely. "Are you trying to get dropped?" He gets out between his breaths.

"You haven't dropped me yet." She smiles as she blinks innocently up at him.

"And I don't wanna start now." He playfully glares before he adjusts to pin her arms by her side. "Cheater." He sticks out his tongue at her.

"How did I cheat?"

"Tickles are always below the belt."

"You're the one who taught me to tickle Harry." Deez laughs.

"Yeah well, he deserves it."

"And I like hearing you laugh." She shrugs.

"Oh yeah?" He grins down at her. "I love hearing you laugh too."

Her eyes widen as she struggles to free her arms, "Hey, we're not supposed to let people know I'm still here." She giggles softly.

"Then I wouldn't break my hold on you." He points out jovially.

"Now who's the cheater?" Deez huffs as she lets her head hang back over his arm.

"Pirate." He winks at her.

"After I join the family I'll be a pirate too you know." Deez states before her smile drops slightly at the reminder that she hadn't yet.

He lifts her higher in his arms and nudges her head. "You'll be a rat soon enough, and mark and oath or not, you've always been a part of this family."

Deez bites her lip before she slips her arms free and hugs herself to his neck again. She'd always been a part of the family but had never acted like it. She sighs. She had so much to make up for. They'd been patient with her for so long. She curls tighter around him, "Thank you."

"Any time Deez," He kisses her forehead. "I love you, we all do. Have for a long time."

"I still feel so stupid for not realizing how I felt sooner."

"Eh." He shrugs lazily, "Bet it makes you appreciate it more now."

She tilts her head back so she can look up at him, "I think it does." She smiles. She couldn't imagine how she could have ever mistaken the warmth in her chest for anything but love. Or why she'd been afraid of it. But she wouldn't trade how she felt about him or the rest of her family for anything. Not even an invitation to Auradon. She absently runs her fingers through the curls of his thick hair tickling her hands.

It surprised her how adamantly she understood that fact. "I wouldn't trade this for anything." She admits as she continues to watch him.

"And that's all that matters, because neither would we." He kisses the tip of her nose. "Now, all we need to do is convince T of that once he's better and we'll have the whole family together, finally."

"Agreed." She sighs as she drops her head to his chest, "It's going to be a challenge though. T is… Well, we both know stubborn is a big understatement."

Gil shrugs, "You were stubborn at first too, but we still managed to catch you. He'll come around. Uma and Harry can be really persistent. Add us to the mix and he won't stand a chance."

Deez blinks before she releases her hold on Gil's neck to cup his face, "You never did give up on me."

"Never." He turns to place a kiss to the center of her palm. "Pirates remember? We know valuable things when we see them."

She chuckles before she hugs his neck again, burrowing her face against the hollow of his throat. All the times she ran must have hurt him deeply, but here he was, brightening her life like it never had. She wasn't sure what she'd done to deserve that kind of love, but she'd do anything and everything to keep it. "I love you." She hugs tighter, surprised when her eyes water, "Even if it's still confusing." She admits with a small shake of her head, hoping the tears weren't noticeable as they slip down her cheeks.

"I love you too." He leans down and kisses her hair, "And everything is always confusing at first. But we'll figure it out. All of us. Together. Because that's what families do."

"What real families do." Deez corrects. Because she knew none of their families had done that for them.

Gil shakes his head, "Blood doesn't mean anything on this isle. Where we come from doesn't matter. Where we end up does."

"That's what I meant." Deez furrows her brow, "because you're my real family."

He beams down at her, "Sad Uma and Harry weren't here to hear that."

She shrugs, "Looks like we have another letter to write." She smiles.

"That's not a bad idea. Uma and Harry would probably like updates. We'll have to write one for Yensid to drop off at the ship next time we show up at his house."

"That's going to be a trick."

"Eh." He gives a lazy shrug, "We've dealt with trickier."

Deez furrows her brow as she looks around, for the first time seeing beyond her contained world in Gil's arms, "Hey, there were Goblin barricades here a few days ago."

"Well, there aren't now…" Gil looks around. "Yensid must've really worked some magic on that."

That was a relief. She sighs as she relaxes more into his hold, "I will not miss that."

He chuckles. "Yeah, no kidding."

They fall into a comfortable silence as they continue through town until they reach the edge.

"So, are you going to let me walk at all?"

"Wasn't planning on it." He admits unrepentantly with another wink. "For a Treasure, you have a knack for wandering off."

"I do not wander off." Deez playfully glares as she gestures wildly with a finger, "I run or hide, but either way it's with purpose."

Gil returns the glare, "If you think we're letting you guys play that stupid game any more you're only lying to yourself with purpose."

Deez pouts, "What's so bad about it? It's how I found the cove."

"I don't think any of us can stand losing either of you again anytime soon. Not when we just got you both back."

She tilts her head, "So, not forever. Just not for now?"

Gil's silent for a moment before he sighs, "Just for now."

Deez furrows her brow, "But, you really don't like it, do you?"

"Does anyone besides you and your seeker?"

"Evie and Carlos never minded it. And Harry was always upset that he was working or not invited."

"Not after climbing the mountain looking for the two of you when you guys were nowhere to be found…"

Deez blinks, "Harry climbed the mountain? Why?"

"Yeah." Gil chuckles, "Because we had no idea where the two of you were hiding and that's where the dart landed on the map."

"I should have known you guys wouldn't believe the rumors," She sighs.

He snorts, "Not without a scene anyways. Either of you. We were sure of that much at least."

She smiles as she clings to him harder, "I would never leave without my family."

"I know." He grins down at her. "We all do. So when there was no mention of fire or injuries we knew you two had to still be here."

"I'm guessing Yensid's house is the new meeting place?"

"It's definitely been added to the list."

"It's a short list," Deez sighs, "just so you know."

"I think we'd all feel better if they were written down once we're back together. I don't think Harry's got another climb in him. I've never heard him curse so much over an adventure." He chuckles.

"That sounds... kind of awful."

"I wouldn't mention your game or the mountain around him for a while."

"Thanks for the warning." She grimaces. Harry could be overwhelming on good days. An angry Harry could easily send her running before she'd be able to catch herself, "No need to poke the crab."

Sup?

We figured you guys could use a bit of aftercare following the last couple of chapters. Hopefully this helped soothe any frayed nerves.

So, how did you like domestic Deez? Gil certainly enjoyed it. Not so rotten cheesy eggs, and fresh toast? Did he die and go to heaven? Talk about cloud nine for our favorite down to earth blacksmith.

We're so happy you guys are so supportive of this ship! We know it's been a slow burn but that's what we do. Love at first sight isn't exactly our forte. So how did you like the fluff between them?

Gil's stalwartness that everything will turn out okay is so at odds with everyone else's concern, but he's never been much of a pessimist. What are your thoughts on his forceful positivity?

Oh, anxious writer's block. We've been there many a time. Poor Deez.

With much love and appreciation,

-Twisted

Corona Virus Check-in corner.

We know this is a scary time. We'd really love a roll call. Even if it's just a 'still kickin' we'd love to hear from all of you to know you're all doing alright.

We're sorry for posting late, but Dark's fighting the regular flu and I just kickstarted my stupid fucking period. Blegh. We know it's not really an excuse for shirking, but we're only human.

Also, we're doing our first video chat on FB this Friday at 8pm eastern time for those of you who are in desperate need of some human interaction. Quarantine has been great for writing but some of you *cough* extroverts *cough* might not be faring so well.

We're nervous af.