Chapter 10 – New Normal and New Friends

-:-:-

Eventually, Chad was able to contact Lumiere and let him know that they'd gotten everything settled, that Ben was a hundred percent non-beastly, though seeming to recuperate from the prolonged stress the trip had put him under. Their chaperone had responded by having dinner sent to them after their nap, and Ben hesitated for about half a second before Chad realized that he didn't want to let Chad go, and that was how he ended up eating dinner from Ben's lap.

It was a first for him, the lap sitting thing, and Chad was a little worried about cutting off the circulation to Ben's legs, but the other prince assured he was fine, immediately seeming more settled when he was allowed to cuddle Chad close, alternating bites of food with nuzzling his bruises. There was also a notable moment where he helped feed Chad, which would have been embarrassing but Ben seemed flustered that his beast seemed to desire this, letting out quiet apologies as he coaxed Chad to suck the food off his fingers.

"Sorry," he murmured, flushing dark. "Sorry, just-"

"I get it," Chad said, because all of this was falling along a familiar theme. "You like knowing that I'm being taken care of."

"Exactly," Ben purred.

Fun fact, Ben also liked it when Chad returned the favor, even if he still furiously blushed when Chad fed him from his hand.

"It likes taking care of you," Ben decided. "But you reciprocating makes it feel like the care is justified? I don't know, I usually ignore it."

"Well, obviously that doesn't work for you," Chad said, letting Ben suck his thumb clean. "At least out here, so you're not going to do that anymore."

Ben's only response was to kiss him, tasting of salt and citrus, and like everything else, it became a little easier for Chad to expect when he was more exposed to it.

Ben kept Chad curled in his lap after dinner, the two of them cuddling on the couch while they attended to their respective leisurely pursuits – Chad working on new embroidery designs in his sketchbook while Ben read one of the books Chad had bullied into his hands, the blond refusing to allow him to return to paperwork or anything of the like for the rest of the day. The other teen only put up a fight from obligation more than anything else before he gladly delved into his reading, getting more and more relaxed as the evening went on. He'd pause every so often to dote on Chad's neck, licking gently against bruised skin, offering careful sucks while he swirled his tongue before he switched to nuzzles or kisses.

The amount of contact he offered made Chad wonder, for the first time, how the actual wooing component of the diplomatic envoy was advancing, and that combined with the conversation he'd had with Evie that afternoon had him breaking the comfortable silence that had settled over them.

"Hey," Chad said softly, setting his sketchbook aside and curling a hand around Ben's wrist. "Are things going okay? With the contingent, I mean?"

There was a moment where Ben considered this, or more likely, considered his response, because a second later his shoulders slumped.

"I don't think so," he admitted, seeming pained. "The Enchancian heirs have been against this from the start, and it's getting to the point where it's rubbing off on the Auradon envoy. Aziz is trying to keep them on the bright side – to see this as an opportunity for learning and exploring new lands like you have, but I think some of them are hurt to be dismissed out of hand, even weeks later, after they've gone through so many organized events purely for the purpose of bonding and networking. The Enchancian heirs might not be interested, but the Auradon heirs are, or at least, they are more open to the idea of marrying into a foreign kingdom, and I'm afraid they're starting to look towards each other which just…" he sighed. "Princess Evelyn and Princess Umali seem to be the only ones taking things seriously, or at least the only ones willing to do their duty, but even I can see that they're reluctant to commit to anything." He nuzzled Chad's shoulder again, as though searching for comfort. "Their parents seem optimistic, though," he admitted. "But every time I try to ask them why, they get all closed lipped. It's like they know something we don't."

"Like maybe they have taken a liking to some of the Auradon kids?" Chad offered. "And they're just struggling to come to terms with it? After they spent so long objecting on principle, they might be too proud to allow themselves to surrender, so they're fighting with their feelings."

"I hope that's the case," Ben admitted. "Though if they don't start working through their issues soon, this entire trip will have been for nothing."

"I dunno," Chad said, shrugging. "Maybe they just need more time. Two months is a short window of opportunity to get to know someone, let alone someone you might spend the rest of your life with." Chad tilted his head to the side, thinking. "In light of that, you'd think they'd have romance trials, or something. In-depth questionnaires and compatibility tests to see who could last long term."

"I think that's too frank for where we are at this point in our kingdoms' relationships with each other," Ben said. "Though, admittedly, that does seem like the most useful plan."

"Ugh," Chad sighed. "All this excess politeness and care – I understand why we're doing it, it just seems to be directly averse to what you're trying to achieve."

"Hence my frustration," Ben said. "I can do nothing but sit on the sidelines and talk about government functions with the different Enchancian rulers and hope that maybe Aziz or Eleaci or Lonnie can get through to their children, it just doesn't seem to take."

"Well, they're dumb," Chad declared. "Because all of those people are amazing."

"You might be biased," Ben noted, the corner of his lips kicking up in a smile that was nothing but fond.

"Maybe," Chad allowed. "Do you ever face similar problems?" he asked, making Ben pause. "I mean, it's pretty much guaranteed that you're going to marry Audrey one day, even if you're not dating yet. Does that make you feel… stifled, I guess? Or are you excited?"

It seemed like a dumb question, because Chad himself would be thrilled that someone actually wanted to marry him, but that was mostly his grandfather's abuse talking. It was Ben, too, Ben who was very important and didn't do things without a good reason, so of course he was excited to marry Audrey.

Just- Chad couldn't get his conversation with Evie out of his head. And maybe that crossed a line, but he thought it would be better to ask than worry about it, because that way if Ben was feeling doubt, Chad could help him.

"I used to be excited," Ben answered honestly, blowing Chad's mind. "Audrey's been my best friend for a long time, and I still care for her deeply, it's just, lately…" Ben sighed. "I think the pressure of her position's been getting to her, and that combined with what she'll need to be as my future girlfriend- it's a lot. She isn't struggling to cope, but she isn't letting me help her either, and half the time, I don't even have the opportunity to try and offer my assistance, so it just- it doesn't feel even, I guess." He tugged Chad closer, kissing a sensitive spot just under his ear. "It will get better in time, I'm sure. We'll both adjust, and when we do get married, we'll be okay."

Chad considered this, not realizing how much this had been weighing on Ben, and wondered if this was but one of many factors that had brought him to needing contact so thoroughly. Which brough Chad to another point.

"Do you think she'll be okay with this beast stuff?" Chad asked, turning to get a better look at Ben.

The other prince wore an unreadable expression that Chad didn't quite like, one that made him feel uneasy. "Hopefully I won't need this when I get back," Ben settled on.

"Ben-"

"This is an exception," Ben insisted, abandoning his book so he could pet Chad's hip. "Just- Audrey doesn't like being touched much. We've talked about it. She'll be willing to hold my hand and kiss for the sake of appearances, but she doesn't want to do more than that. Which is fine, I can take care of my own needs, I just…" He released a low growl. "My dumb beast. Now that it's awake, it seems hungry."

"Then you'll probably have to feed it," Chad offered somewhat weakly. "That's the way these things work."

"Maybe," Ben hummed, and then Chad found himself being lifted, Ben turning him until Chad was straddling his lap, the two of them face-to-face. "For now, if you're okay with it, I think I'll try to satiate it as much as possible, create a buffer so I won't need as much back home."

"If that's what you want," Chad said, letting his hands tentatively curl around Ben's shoulders.

"It is," Ben rumbled, and then he was dragging Chad forward, shifting the blond until they were flush together. "May I-?"

"Whatever you need," Chad said, watching the way his words made Ben shiver. "Whatever you need, I'm here for you."

"I'm not going to stop asking," Ben reminded him, but that seemed to be all the restraint he had before he leaned forward and captured Chad's lips in a kiss, their books seeming abandoned so that the two of them could lazily make out, taking comfort in each other.

It was only until Chad was starting to get properly worked up that Ben carried him over to the bed, pulling back the covers before he stooped to pull off Chad's clothes, until he was naked and flushed and wanting. Despite their sex-filled afternoon, Ben didn't seem to mind, eager to kiss his way up Chad's inner thighs before he lapped as his length, and that was-

Yes, very good.

Very, very good.

-:-:-

Ben fell apart while taking care of Chad and promptly decided they were done for the evening, dragging the blankets over them and spooning Chad as they slept with naked flesh pressed together. It was something Chad hadn't thought he would get until after he was married, and now Ben was offering it to him freely, continuing to dote Chad with pets and kisses and mindless strokes of affection.

It was probably too much, but Chad loved it a lot.

The next morning, Ben let out a few apologetic whines before he dragged Chad into the shower with him, the two of them rutting together nice and easy until their morning wood had been sufficiently relieved. Despite this, Ben seemed determined to steal as many kisses from Chad as possible, going so far as to make out with him for about two minutes before he finally had to pull himself out the door, Lumiere waiting for him with an amended meeting list to make up for yesterday's missed engagements.

It left Chad in a bit of a daze, until he made his way half-distracted down to the kitchens.

Fortunately by this point, someone in charge of coordinating the Enchancian side of things seemed to realize Chad's penchant for cooking and had already coordinated with one of the chefs that worked in the castle kitchens.

"You're the one that likes to cook, yes?" the woman asked, plump and smiling, seeming pleased by his enthusiasm. "Come, come – we make breakfast, and then you may enjoy the fruits of our labor."

"Yes, please," Chad said, and that was how he ended up with his own trainee jacket and apron, his curls tucked up under a proper hat while he worked through a series of menial tasks to prove his mettle, eventually working his way up to more important dishes.

By the time lunch had passed, Chad had been thoroughly stimulated in both body and spirit, and the chef seemed to look him over with an appreciative eye. "You may come at any time," she decided. "I'm always glad to teach an eager audience."

"I'm honored," Chad replied, and just like any other time he expressed his gratitude, a pleased flush seemed to spread across her cheeks.

Chad had just enough time to duck back to the room to freshen up before he made his way towards Evie's sewing studio, receiving directions from a very friendly squirrel who seemed to appreciate his curls.

"Thank you," Chad said when they arrived outside a new door. "For the directions and the compliment."

The squirrel let out a small chitter that indicated the pleasure belonged to him before he darted out a nearby window, seeming to hum a cheerful tune to himself.

It was nice to know that even on the far side of the continent, Chad could still find things that reminded him of home.

"Come in!" Evie called when Chad knocked on the door, and it was with great excitement that Chad allowed himself inside, grinning at the grand studio Evie seemed to have fully submerged herself into. "Heard you spent the morning in the kitchens," she hummed, looking up from the dress form she was pinning things to with a smile. "Did you have fun?"

"Lots," Chad confirmed with a flush. "And word gets around fast here."

"We're notorious gossips," Evie explained with a laugh. "We can't really help it. Fashion, alchemy, potion making and transfiguration – all of these things take a lot of collaboration, and everyone wants to brag about their latest discovery or hear about what someone else is working on so maybe they can incorporate it into their own magic. It leads to a kingdom of terrible snoops and eavesdroppers, but it's all well-meant." She paused for a moment before sighing. "At least, most of the time."

"There's always a few bad apples," Chad offered, earning another smile. "Still, I think it's nice how everyone seems to know everything. With a culture like that, if something was going awry – well, you'd catch it sooner."

Chad wondered, sometimes, about the servants that his grandfather had held under his thumb at Sardinia Castle. Wondered if they'd realized Chad was being abused or if they just didn't care, or if they were too scared to approach anyone about it before things came to a head.

Here, in Hanover, he was sure their children were protected, because other people cared enough to look into how they were being treated and nothing was really behind closed doors.

"I guess that's true," Evie hummed, looking thoughtful. "Though I am curious as to what you would define as going 'awry'."

Chad paused, then cut a slow path to the spacious window seat, the glass cool from the winds that blew down from the mountains but cushions warm from exposure to the soft Hanoven sun.

"Someone getting hurt who shouldn't be," he settled on, distracting himself by setting down his satchel and looking through it for his sketchbook. "People wouldn't turn a blind eye to it because it was easier."

"No," Evie agreed, her tone firm. "No, they wouldn't. I… I guess I never realized the value of that."

Unless you were a person suffering abuse, Chad wouldn't imagine she would, even if such a thing would have meant the world to him.

"Have you been hurt, Chad?" Evie asked, making the blond startle. When he looked up, she seemed serious, deadly so.

"I used to be," Chad admitted, because it was open news in Auradon. "My dad put a stop to it, though."

"Is that why he's so protective of you?" Evie asked, a conversation they'd never had, but he'd said as much to Carlos, proving they were pretty much one and the same.

Given their culture, it was no wonder that they shared everything together.

"Pretty much," Chad said. "I'm an only child too, so we really only have each other."

And now that his father was climbing his way out of his depressive slump, getting the treatment Chad's grandfather had cruelly denied him for so long for fear of making Sardinia look weak, he wanted to be there for Chad. He understood the value of his son and was no longer hiding away, afraid that somehow he would lead to Chad's death too.

They were still working to find their equilibrium, but they were figuring it out together. The constant phone calls certainly helped, along with the knowledge that they loved each other without question.

"Which is another reason you're not part of the contingent," Evie mused, like the pieces were coming together for her. "All the Auradon heirs they sent have siblings."

"It keeps anyone from being put into a difficult position," Chad said. "I realized once you pointed out how many kingdoms we have in Auradon that King Adam likely wanted to make things less intimidating for your guys. Offer one of our heirs to live here rather than force one of your heirs to move into Auradon. That's my thinking, at least."

"It makes sense," Evie replied, making Chad grin. "Still, I wish they would have bothered to see if we had any preexisting romantic options before trying to feed us to the wolves of politics."

That made Chad pause, making him wonder if this was the thing Ben had been missing. "Are some of the Enchancian heirs already dating?" Chad asked, feeling his brows pinch. "That is awful. At least the Auradon heirs we sent were all single."

"It's nothing so open as that," Evie assured Chad, making him slouch with relief. "Just… there was the implication that something was going to happen. Like with Prince Harrison and his best friend – nothing's happened, but all of Enchancia knows they were meant to be. And yet, here Harrison is, forced to go to the same mixers I am."

"That's rough," Chad said, mourning for the prince of Port Royal. "I dunno, maybe they could consider polyamory? It's popular in Apheliotia." At least, according to Hero, the son of King Hercules and Queen Megara. "Has Prince Harrison's best friend been included in the mixers? Maybe there was an unspoken implication that they were to be considered as a couple."

Chad didn't realize he was saying anything particularly special until he caught Evie looking at him with wide eyes, the least composed he had ever seen her. "Pardon?" she said, seeming to struggle with something. "What's polyamory?"

Oh. "Sorry," Chad said, ducking his head bashfully. "That's when more than two people are in a romantic relationship with each other."

Evie just sort of stared at him like he'd grown a second head. "You can do that?"

"Of course," Chad chirped. "If all parties involved are interested, it's perfectly acceptable. Hero knows more about it than me, but it's very popular in his kingdom."

Outside Apheliotia, it wasn't rare to see the occasional trio or quartet, and the kids back at Auradon prep were known to dabble in such things, though the groupings rarely included more than one royal heir. Best not to complicate things, since more than two heirs wouldn't be allowed to marry for fear of creating a power imbalance.

"It takes a lot of communication," Chad continued. "It's important to make sure everyone is up to date at all times, but apparently it can be very satisfying."

Chad had never been a part of a polyamorous relationship before, but then again, he'd never been a part of any relationship before. He'd wanted to, so very desperately, hoping that perhaps if he earned the love of another he might feel like he was worth something – but that wasn't how personal validation worked. Dr. Sweet had been very clear about that, how love was not the be-all, end-all aspiration to fixing someone's life. It was an addition, a wonderful one at that, but it couldn't replace self-confidence or self-love or accepting who you were. Love didn't automatically make you a better person and didn't automatically improve your life, it was merely the icing on top of the cake.

"And icing's good," Dr. Sweet had said in that warm voice of his. "But if you have a dessert that's mostly icing, you're going to be sick. You gotta focus on the cake first, and then the icing can follow later, after it's cooled."

Dr. Sweet was always good at breaking down complex concepts into something Chad more readily understood. It made him grateful that he was finally allowed therapy after all this time, because it really did help.

"I never thought of that," Evie admitted, her entire worldview seeming to be changed. "If we could do that…"

"There'd be less fighting?" Chad prompted, making her blink. "I mean, Prince Harrison would be happier."

There was a pause, and then Evie let out a soft laugh. "I think Harrison might be a lost cause," she admitted. "But the rest of us- there might be hope for us yet."

"I'm glad," Chad said, happy to be of assistance.

"Me too," Evie said. "Now, enough about politics. I've only got a few hours free, so let's get sewing."

"Show me what you need embroidered," Chad said, perking up. "And I'll see what I can do."

When all else failed, it seemed like committing to a craft was an acceptable distraction.

It was something for Chad to take home to Sardinia, at the very least.

-:-:-

Evie tried to insist that Chad didn't need to help her with her own projects, but there were only so many handkerchiefs Chad could embroider (at this point, he had one for his father, Captain Anozie, Ben, Jane, and Fairy Godmother), so he politely requested the opportunity to put his skills to the test in some other capacity. That was how he came to embroider red flowers onto the lapels of one of Evie's jackets, the fabric a rich navy that seemed to compliment the colors of Erebor.

"Our people have worked with the dwarves for a long time," Evie explained. "I think we might have adopted a blue similar to theirs in honor of that connection – though the red and gold were always ours."

"It really works for you," Chad allowed, grinning at the design sketches Evie had pinned to her walls all done in Hanoven colors. "Though I'm a little biased. Sardinia's colors are blue and gold as well."

"Seems like great minds think alike," Evie hummed, making Chad's cheeks heat with a subdued sort of flattery.

They were maybe an hour and a half into their respective projects, trading small talk and hashing out ideas for Evie's clothes, when they received an audience Chad hadn't expected, though by this point he really should realize that all the Enchancian tagalongs were high enough in social standing to be familiar with the rulers of their respective kingdoms.

At least, this was what Chad assumed led Queen Snow to visit Evie's studio, a gentle smile on the queen's pale features that seemed to grow when she spotted Chad curled up on the window seat.

"Lovely progress, Evie," the queen murmured, her tone rife with fondness. "And you must be Chad?"

If Evie hadn't given Chad a breakdown on how quickly information spread here, he would have been surprised. As such, he was only mildly startled in the same way he was when Auradon royalty address him in a manner that wasn't derogatory, Chad conditioned from a young age to equate nobility with derision.

"Yes, your majesty," Chad said, gracefully sliding to his feet and offering the queen a smooth bow. "Chadwick James of Sardinia, at your service."

"I'll confess, I don't know much about your kingdom, Chadwick," the queen said in a soothing tone. "I think King Adam was worried about overwhelming us with information and tried to keep to things that related only to their diplomatic contingent."

"He meant well, your majesty," Chad offered. "If he'd known your kingdom preferred to ere on the side of too much information rather than not enough, he would have given it to you gladly."

"I don't doubt that," the queen said, seeming to mean it. "Your king, much like his son, has made every effort to be as accommodating as possible."

To a suspicious degree, she did not say, though Chad could sense the implication, and at once he wished Ben was there, Ben who could navigate this conversation so much better than Chad could.

"Auradon wasn't always united, your majesty," Chad said. "And while our separate kingdoms managed to function well enough on their own, since unifying, we've been able to give more back to our people. We can regulate crime better, regulate trade and share information. I think… perhaps King Adam remembers the time where the kingdoms treated each other with wariness and he wishes to avoid that, is all."

"It could certainly be the case," the queen hummed. "Though some might think he considers Enchancia but another conquest."

In retrospect, Chad could see how someone might come to that conclusion. He'd heard talk in the markets, from the Enchancian nobles walking around the capitals. They thought it was egotistical for King Adam to name the united kingdoms after his own home, when it was the united council that had voted to adopt such a name in honor of King Adam and Queen Belle's vision.

"The kingdoms of Auradon rule together," Chad said. "Each kingdom has a vote, a representative. The situation we're in now, it's unprecedented, but you already have a functioning union of kingdoms. King Adam wouldn't want to jeopardize that – he only wants what we have all wanted – which was to serve our citizens in the best way possible. If that means arranging marriage contracts between teenagers, then that's what will be done, but he doesn't want to conquer, your majesty, he just wants peace."

Auradon had managed peace for such a long time. They'd worked together to address the villains that had plagued them, created a system of law and reform that had protected innocent civilians. No one wanted to go back to the time before there was that regulation, that safety net of protection, and Chad didn't need Ben around to inform him of that much.

The queen seemed to consider him for a moment, and then she smiled. "Yes," she said, and belatedly Chad realized that had been a test of some sort. "I suppose if King Adam really wanted to claim Enchancia as his own, he would have included his son as part of the contingent. As it was, he held him back to avoid that very implication. All the actions he has taken, that his son has taken, support your words." She gave him a look that seemed entirely fond. "They are lucky to have a supporter in you."

"I'm just stating the truth, your majesty," Chad said, feeling his cheeks heat in a dark flush. "But thank you, just the same."

"There's no need for such formalities," Queen Snow said. "Evie only makes friends of the highest quality, and she is lucky to have you."

"I- thank you." Chad had thought he was flushed before, but now he was certain he was absolutely crimson.

"You're welcome," the queen chirped, strolling over and settling down on the far side of the window seat. "Now, why don't you tell me a little about yourself?"

-:-:-

What followed was the politest interrogation Chad had ever been a part of. Queen Snow managed to coax him into taking a seat and resuming his work, and then she immediately set in on him, asking about how he'd spent his trip so far, about the different crafts he had learned, the foods he had studied. She asked him about his life back home, how he did in school, which caused him to wince.

"Not well, I'm afraid," he admitted with a flush. "My grandfather often sent me additional material to complete in addition to my schoolwork, and I couldn't manage both. But now that my additional studies have lessened, my grades seem to be pulling up! I've been taking some online courses during my downtime."

Summer school to make up for his abysmal showing freshmen year, where Chad had managed enough to stay on the Tourney team but not much else.

Chad had to skirt the issue of his grandfather, whom the queen seemed to want to know more about. The wound was still fresh, though, and sort of embarrassing and definitely a distraction from the nice things of Auradon the queen should focus on, so Chad just danced around any questions that could lead toward that particular path.

Eventually, when the queen had gotten a thorough breakdown of everything he'd done, she started presenting what he realized were thought problems – theoretical situations one might encounter by ruling a kingdom. Things like what to do if the kingdom faced a sudden drought or virus that crippled their farming market – Hanover being the prime source of agriculture in all of Enchancia, followed by The Moors and the land kingdom of Atlantica. Things like how to respond to riots or how to handle extreme weather emergencies. They even got to a point where she was giving him a mock interview, and it was his job to field her questions as best as possible, responding as though he was the leader in charge of handling the emergency situation.

"Ideally, we'd have latent natural enchantments already in place for such things," Chad explained when prompted with the prospect of an emergency flood. "Spells that would trigger should the water rise past a certain level that would allow enough time for the civilians to be evacuated to higher ground. The level of preparedness, of course, would depend on the history of this theoretical kingdom. If it's prone to flooding, it would be vital to have emergency housing structures constructed along higher ground – places for the citizens to stay if their own houses are flooded and require repair. I get that there's a fine line between how much magic you can expend before you upset the natural order of things, so a lot of practical, civil engineering would have to go in affect by way of flood channels and reserve ponds – structures designed to accept the excess water and channel it away from where the people live. Granted, all of that would have to be done ahead of time, so I suppose in the moment my response would entirely depend upon what the theoretical kingdom has set up in regards to dealing with those kind of natural disasters."

Chad felt a little dumb when he was finished, but he'd learned over the course of his conversation with Queen Snow that more was better than less, and where normally he would feel silly prattling on about his ideas, she seemed to thrive in the excess details he presented to her.

All the while, Evie watched on with a look of fondness from her sewing station, seeming more and more pleased as the conversation continued.

"An excellent answer," Queen Snow said, making Chad sigh with relief. "You have a big heart, Chadwick, and a keen mind. Any kingdom would be lucky to have you as its ruler."

At that, Chad was sure he flushed down to his toes, for while he was sure most of the Enchancian contingent didn't know he was a prince, this compliment had been given regardless, meaning it was more true than mindless flattery.

"Thank you, your majesty," he murmured, trying to project as much sincerity as possible.

"It's my pleasure to speak the truth," the queen said, rising in one swift motion. "I'm afraid I must return to my duties now, but it was a pleasure speaking with you both."

"Thanks, Snow," Evie said, grinning when the queen crossed to pull her into a fond hug. "I appreciate it."

The queen replied something in Hanoven that Chad couldn't place, cupping Evie's face between her hands and making the seamstress flush before they parted ways, the queen leaving as quickly as she'd appeared.

"That was um- interesting," Chad settled on, keeping his focus on his embroidery to hide any stupid expression he might be wearing.

"Sorry about that," Evie laughed. "I know I told you we were all about information-"

"Hey, no- I was honored by her attention," Chad said. "And it's really cool that she would check out your new friend so thoroughly."

At that, Evie's grin seemed to tense ever so slightly, but Chad was pretty sure he'd imagined it because in the next moment, she was just as radiant as she'd always been. "Yeah," she said. "It really is."

-:-:-

Endnotes:

Yes, Chad. Snow's just checking out Evie's friend. For friendly reasons. That's all ;)

We did it, everyone! We made it to 2023! First post of the year and it feels so good ^_^

Until next time :)