They were lucky this was mostly a dance. Ben didn't know what he would've done if it wasn't because he absolutely refused to let go of Mal now that she was back in his arms. He of course knew they had a lot to talk about. But tonight had been heavy enough. And she was smiling. A warm big smile that was most importantly real. They had a right to dance with their friends and enjoy themselves.
Mal was secretly happy when the music changed to a slower song just so she could press more of herself against him and be held tighter by him. Mal rested her head Ben's chest and sighed. "Say it again." Ben spoke softly into her hair.
She looked up at him knowing exactly what he wanted from her. She looked into his eyes with no hesitation as they swayed to the music, "I love you."
Ben let out a sigh. "I'm so sorry I ever made you doubt that. I'm so sorry for everything. I promise I'm going to try my best to be open and honest with you from now on. I want to fix this."
Ben brought their clasped right hands to his heart and continued to sway with her. "I'm sorry too. I was so wrapped up in my own head I couldn't figure out how to help you. And I was too busy to give you the time you really deserve to feel secure. I never meant to make you feel like I wanted anyone but who you truly are."
Mal pressed her lips to Ben to stop him. This was on her. But she didn't want to argue about that. Ben grabbed her face with both his hands and kissed her back like he'd never kiss her again. They completely stopped dancing but he didn't care what anyone else thought. Besides, it was the end of the night and most people had gone below to their rooms to bed already.
Mal pulled back but left their foreheads connected. She caressed his nose with her own. "I missed you."
"I had no idea how I was ever going to get over you. I didn't want to believe it all wasn't real."
"It was real and it is real. But speaking of that we have to get you some love spell protection. That's 0 for two Benny Boy." Mal teased.
Ben laughed but then turned serious with her, "You know I don't have an issue with your magic. I just hated feeling like you were sneaking around and spelling me without my permission."
"I know. I promise you I will never ever do that to you again."
Ben sighed, "I love you."
Mal looked in his eyes. She wanted to be pointed and clear and she never wanted him to doubt it again, "I love you."
"Alright alright you two break it up. Leave room for Fairy Godmother." Jay teased.
"I'm really glad you were just spelled because Carlos and I were seriously thinking we might have to kill you. And we quite like it here in Auradon."
"And our freedom too." Carlos pipped up glasping Ben on the shoulder.
"I don't think that would've been necessary boys. As we all learned tonight Mal can barbecue anyone who steps out of line herself now," Evie laughed.
"Did you know you could do that," Ben asked.
"No actually. I had no idea what was happening to me. I just knew I wanted to protect everyone," Mal laughed and then yawned.
"I'm sure you're tired after everything and it's getting late. Let me walk you back to your room Mal," Ben squeezed her hand.
Mal nodded, she was really tired. She had been so anxious these past few months she felt like she hadn't truly slept in ages. Now that she felt more herself it was like all the tired was hitting her at once.
Ben and Mal hugged their friends goodnight before heading down into the boat.
"Have a good night," Jay teased, his voice singing with implication.
Mal didn't even turn around, she just lifted her hand up with her middle finger raised at him as they walked away. Ben laughed, hugging her to his side.
Evie's whispered watching them disappear, "Our girl is back."