Girls' Night

(Day 5: Thursday Night)

"So, Auradon sends the villains to the Isle and outlaws magic, only to let this Pixie company make a movie about supervillains and magical abilities."

Mal readjusts a pillow, "I don't know if it's magic. The powers don't seem magic based."

"Still," Evie contests. "There seems to be some very similar parallels here."

"Yeah. I suppose you're right," Mal submits, "to a certain extent. The government does end up outlawing their abilities and become very controlling over their lives."

"I think it's even worse in the movie," Evie speculates, "because their powers are like an ingrained part of themselves. It's not some skill they've learned like potion making. It's something they seem to have little control over."

"A lot like my hypnotism," Mal relates with a sigh.

Evie wraps her arm around Mal's before leaning on her, "It's going to be alright, M."

Mal smiles, but then there's a knock, "Ugh." She leans further into the stack of pillows and whispers, "Maybe if we're quiet and don't answer, then they will go away." Evie giggles, and a minute later there's another knock. "Uh. Okay. Fine." She pauses the movie and stands.

When Mal answers the door Ben comments, "Hey."

"Oh. It's you." She smiles, "Not to sound rude or anything, but why are you here? Weren't you supposed to be with Jay and Carlos?"

"That's why I'm here," Ben explains. "They said that since you're only exchange students that you all thought that I'd send you back to the Isle of the Lost after the school year is finished, but I don't plan to."

Mal grins in disbelief, "Ben. We're not from here. Do you honestly think that your citizens would be okay with letting a bunch of villain kids stay in Auradon?"

"You're my citizens too," he informs. "The Isle of the Lost is a prison owned by Auradon. It was never meant to act as its own country."

Mal's smile disappears, but it's replaced with a laugh, "Your father exiled over a hundred people to an island and isolated them from all outside contact. We don't even have Wi-Fi." She sees Ben frown, seemingly shocked by this news. "What did he think would happen? What else could we have done? What were we supposed to think?"

"Mal." Ben apologizes, "I'm so sorry that I put you through this, but I promise you that when the school year is over you will only go back there if you want to go back there."

Mal places a hand to her forehead, "Look, Ben. I'm tired, and I'm trying to watch a movie with Evie. I'd much rather continue this conversation after coronation, when you will inevitably change your mind." She sees Ben about to speak, "Until then." and leans forward to kiss him on the cheek. "I'll see you in the morning."

"You're watching a movie with Evie?" Ben questions, before he looks over her shoulder and sees the pillows and blankets on the floor. "Why are you laying down there?"

"Because Evie can't see the TV that well from her bed, and…" She gives him a look, "Do I really need a reason?" before she smiles. "Have a nice night, Ben."

"Yes. Nice night," he repeats before the door shuts in his face. He nods and finds himself clearing his throat, "Uh. Have a nice night." before he turns on his heels and strides back down the hallway.

- For anyone who is wondering, the "Pixie" company is actually Pixar and the movie is The Incredibles.