Chapter 17 – The Ocean's Calling

-:-:-

It wasn't until later, after they had changed into lounging clothes and he'd had a call with Dr. Sweet and Fairy Godmother had teleported his things from Enchancia that Chad realized one notable absence at that nightmare of a ball, and it was over the melted remains of their ice cream sundaes that Chad found the voice to ask his question.

"Was Ben not there?" Chad asked, somewhat confused. He was pretty sure if Ben had been present, he would have offered Chad some kind of comfort.

Chad's father blinked at that, seeming to realize the absence himself, so it was Captain Anozie who spoke up. "I overheard that Prince Benjamin was feeling unwell, though I suspect if that was truly the case, they wouldn't have put quite so many guards on his door."

Chad's father seemed to connect the dots first. "He must have known about it, and they thought he'd raise a justified objection." The idea had him angrily stabbing at the remains of his ice cream. "Of course they'd lock away the one person with common sense."

"Did Ben- do you think he knew about the others being royal?" Chad asked, the question filling him with dread.

"I think that's a conversation you need to have with him yourself," Fairy Godmother offered gently. "Why don't you check your phone? If they confiscated his device, he might have gotten it back by now."

Chad could only hope so.

-:-:-

"Chad," Ben gushed the moment he answered the call, not even getting all the way through one ring before the brunette picked up. "I'm so sorry, I tried to stop it. I told my dad it was a terrible idea but he wouldn't listen."

"Thanks," Chad said, grateful that he could still count on his friend to take care of him. "I appreciate that."

"Please don't be reasonable," Ben urged, sounding sad. "After everything you've been through, I- I'm sorry, I thought you knew who they were. Harry, at least, but now I realize they never used their full names or titles around you, and you're such a stickler for the rules that of course you wouldn't have engaged with them so flippantly. You thought you were making friends with fellow tagalongs, but all of them were heirs."

"I just- I feel so stupid," Chad admitted, curling up on his window seat with its unobstructed view and homemade pillows. "I feel like anyone else would have put it together before me."

"They were actively working to conceal their positions from you," Ben said. "Honestly, I'm not surprised they felt connected to you. You have a natural light, a natural joy that draws others to you. You're supportive and willing to celebrate the smallest things with the utmost sincerity. You threw yourself into learning each kingdom of Enchancia – their homelands – and found something you genuinely loved about all of them. I know your grandfather didn't train you to consider yourself as much, but you really are prince charming, Chad."

"Ben," Chad gasped, his chest squeezing tight. "Thanks. That means a lot, coming from you." He swallowed, trying to put his thoughts together, and Ben waited for him, ever patient, ever kind. "Do you think I ruined everything? They want me to marry one of them and I can't- it's strange to even think about."

Yes, Chad had been looking for romance, but his goal had been like, a girlfriend. Maybe a boyfriend, but he wasn't going to get his hopes up – most of the guys in school still thought of him as a sort of joke, and the girls might at least take pity on him. He hadn't thought about marriage, knowing such a thing had to be far off in the future. He was still working on navigating public appearances, on entering his own ballroom. It seemed preposterous to consider him for a marriage contract.

"I know," Ben soothed. "You've been thinking of them as friends this entire time. And then they were pushing for more when they don't even know if you have a baseline attraction for them. I know the stuff we did with Harry near the end- but that didn't involve you."

"Oh." Chad blinked, then realized where he may have gone astray. "I… Ben, I wasn't totally honest about everything," Chad explained with a flush. "There's a chance I did sex stuff with some of them, but usually it was an accident-"

"An accident?" Ben asked, his voice tense. "What do you mean?"

"The modaks," Chad said. "I wasn't alone when I ate them, and Jay helped me-"

"He touched you?" Ben growled, seeming enraged by this concept.

"Mal did too," Chad murmured. "And then I was accidentally sex-pollened when Uma took Gil and I underwater to explore Atlantica-"

"You went underwater?" Ben pressed. "What the hell have you been doing this entire trip? I thought you'd befriended them, but you've been sexing them up?"

"Not on purpose," Chad insisted. "I told you, it was an accident. All of it was accidents."

"But they happened," Ben said. "All while you were doing stuff with me."

"Some of it, yeah," Chad allowed, unsure of where Ben was going with that because they'd both agreed that could help Ben.

"Was I just another conquest then?" Ben rumbled. "Another notch in your belt? Another person for you to woo?"

"What? Ben, no," Chad said, a spike of panic surging through his chest. "Never. You're my friend-"

"I don't want to be your friend!" Ben yelled, loud enough to make Chad jerk back from his phone with surprise, and maybe that was a good thing because it gave him space to process what Ben said, to realize what he'd finally admitted.

Chad knew better than most how someone's true feelings came out when they were angry. This was Ben now, furious with Chad, disappointed in him, admitting the words he had likely swallowed long ago for the sake of kindness and diplomacy.

"Chad," Ben said a few moments later, sounding pained. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that-"

"Goodbye, Ben." Chad managed to end the call before he started crying, though when he did it was a hopelessly thing, a sorrowful heat claiming his chest until he curled into a ball, wishing he could somehow go back in time. He'd started the evening with seven new friends and Ben and now he was down to nobody. He was alone again.

Just like his grandfather always said he would be.

-:-:-

Saying Chad felt mixed up was a severe understatement to his current condition. He was amazed at how terribly he'd managed to handle the Enchancia trip in retrospect. He had put zero effort into learning who the foreign heirs were to go as much against his grandfather's wishes as possible, and that left him ripe for stumbling right into their combined grasps. Dr. Sweet said it wasn't his fault, that he'd done his part by being open about his position and clearly communicating his goals, that they were the ones that had messed things up, but that didn't make Chad feel better. There were already gossip pieces being written about how 'Prince Charming Strikes Again', Chad being touted as the second coming of his father, making Sardinia proud (which felt like a mockery in itself).

Queen Belle seemed kind enough to release a statement to mitigate the potential negative fallout for Chad, and the popular consensus seemed to view him with sympathy.

It was fortunate that no one had been recording his breakdown in the Moors Castle Ballroom. Sure, Enchancia now knew what a big baby he was, but that information hadn't spread to Auradon yet. That was something.

It wasn't much, considering the fact that until a few days ago, Chad had been riding the high of having a bunch of friends and was now back to having no one, though his dad and Captain Anozie and Fairy Godmother and even Dr. Sweet insisted they were friends to some degree. The new chefs in the kitchen that hadn't been hired by his grandfather liked him and the maids liked him. His private tutors (that he didn't meet with privately, that was a whole thing) liked him and he still had Major and the birds and the mice, but other than that, Chad felt a bit bereft.

He spent a lot of time by his mom's memorial statue, trying to work on the different hobbies he'd picked up in Enchancia and not having the heart for any of them. He'd pick up his sketchbook and want to draw Evie's wide smile or Gil's hazel eyes. He'd try to embroider something and wonder if he could get a thread that matched the purple of Mal's hair. He'd try to read and think of how Jay would sneak down to watch his mom tell stories in the square.

And that was without mentioning Ben, whose memory seemed to taint everything. Chad spent his first night back in Sardinia crying himself to sleep because he was alone again. He'd dart back into his room full of stories he wanted to share or the latest baked good Fairy Godmother had convinced him to make and come to a jarring halt when he realized no one was there.

Ben didn't want to be his friend anymore. He'd been so mad, and he tried to call back and let Chad down easy but the blond didn't want Ben's forced diplomacy or attempts at damage control. He'd ended up blocking the other prince's number altogether, then blocking him on everything else when Ben tried to use other means, until Chad could mope in the comfort of Sardinia the way he was always bound to.

School would be starting up again in a few weeks, and honestly, Chad didn't know if he was going back to Auradon Prep. The entire concept seemed exhausting. He'd been considering home school as it was because of his grandfather – his dad wanting a chance to connect with him and let Chad properly settle into his home. This trip was supposed to test the waters for him to see if he was comfortable returning to Auradon Prep after the news of his abuse had spread, and before last week he had been eager about the prospect, excited to have his dad actually come to his games and concerts and Parents' Day, but now he was back to terrified, wondering if he'd ever be able to make any real friends.

It left him wandering the gardens a lot, strolling down to the private stretch of beach behind their castle and stretching out across the stone benches when the sky was cloudy and overcast. Things seemed to be cloudy as of late, and Chad wondered if that had anything to do with Fairy Godmother's growing annoyance, the Light Fae taking up magic again after years of neglect after the actions of Chad's grandfather had come to light. He knew she blamed herself partially, because if she'd been more entuned to him the way she had been with his mother, maybe Chad could have been protected sooner, but Chad didn't blame her. She'd given up magic when his mother died out of sorrow, and he couldn't fault her for that. There was no point in pursuing something that actively hurt you, after all.

The clouds these days were more overcast than not, leading to gray, unhappy skies, but Chad was fine with that. It seemed to fit his mood, his depression, and he knew he should work on the homework Dr. Sweet assigned him to hone in the fact that this wasn't his fault, that he did have friends, just- sometimes Chad lacked the motivation to do so. He knew his dad was worried, but at the moment, Chad was content to stare at the comforting repetition of the waves trailing against clear, white sand. It seemed like the least mentally taxing option available to him, at least until that afternoon, when there was a distinct shift in the waters.

Chad didn't want to believe it at first, but he'd seen the waters part in that fashion once before, and he wasn't entirely surprised when Uma broke above the surface of the waves, making a beeline towards the beach with a single-minded dedication.

He didn't move, didn't call the guards even though he probably should. He did nothing as her magic seemed to wash over her, replacing her tentacles with human legs while she climbed out of the water.

She looked just as steadfast as ever, her expression neutral as she considered him, and then she was walking towards his bench, heedless of the ocean breeze ruffling through her braids.

"You're not supposed to be here," Chad pointed out when she got close enough, and he thought he'd feel more of a response to her presence, but mostly he just felt empty and stupid.

"I know," she said, hands curled into loose fists against her sides. "Look, I just wanted to say that I know you're probably upset with us, and you have every right to be. We were assholes to you, but I think most of us found it hard to believe that there was someone out there who didn't actually know who we are. That's not an excuse, just- it's a fact," she settled on. "I don't expect you to forgive me or even want to talk to me, but I wanted you to know that when you were ready to talk to me, that I will be here, waiting for you."

It took Chad a moment to realize she was referring to being there in the ocean. In their cove.

Chad sat up with a concerned look. "You can't put your life on hold for me."

"Sure, I can," Uma countered lazily. "I committed a wrong. You require satisfaction. As such, I must make up for my transgressions. And aside from that, there really isn't anything more important than being here for you right now."

Chad ducked his head, feeling a dumb blush spread across his cheeks. "Don't say that," he muttered. "You don't know me enough to love me."

"First of all, that's not true," Uma countered easily. "And secondly, there's different levels of love – if that's what has you worried. As of right now I know I love you as a friend, and because of that love, I want to make my shittyness up to you, so…" She shrugged. "I'll be in the ocean waiting for you when you're ready to talk."

"What if it never happens?" Chad asked, wanting to curl in on himself.

"Then it never happens," Uma said with a shrug. "Between you and me – I'm not a great princess. They won't miss me much, and aside from that, you've got a pretty sweet ocean bed here. It is delightfully untouched by other mermaids. I'm pretty excited to make my own grotto."

"Don't… don't do that," Chad said, wondering if this was a guilt trip. "Don't do that for me."

"It's my life," Uma said. "I'll use it how I want. And right now, I want to be here."

Chad swallowed roughly, wondering if it was too good to be true. Right now, he just wanted a friend, and Uma had promised to be that for him. That, and nothing more.

He considered his options. "Are you hungry?"

"Starving," Uma said simply, offering him a wry grin. "You know me."

"Yeah," Chad laughed, the first he had managed in a while, remembering how much of a bottomless pit she and Gil could be. "Come on, I can make you something in the kitchen."

"Could I help?" Uma asked, picking her way up the path without shoes, but that was just how she sort of always was, because she liked being connected to the earth. "Gil said you taught him how to make a tart."

"We learned together," Chad said, smiling at that memory. "And um- yeah, you can help."

"Great," Uma chirped, and she seemed to mean it, keeping a steady pace with Chad like there was nowhere else she'd rather be.

-:-:-

It was probably to be expected that Chad's dad crashed their food-making session halfway through, Chad likely getting ratted out by the chefs and castle workers. He and Uma were being perfectly respectable though, Uma listening attentively as he explained the different Sardinian delicacies he now knew how to make. They'd already put a quiche in the oven and were moving on to aligot and French onion soup, because both were very filling and Uma would need it after swimming such a remarkable distance. He was sort of impressed she hadn't passed out as soon as she'd made it on-shore.

"I cheated," she'd explained while they were rolling out the quiche dough. "Brought a lot of rejuvenation potions with me. Only made it through because I knew something was on the other side, to be honest. I had to take a couple of breaks further up the coastline, but no one saw me."

"We'll have a guest room prepared for you," Chad decided, trying to imagine that trip into the unknown.

Uma rolled her eyes. "I do live half my life under the ocean, you know."

"I also know you enjoy warm baths," Chad countered, and she released a thoughtful sound, because he had her there.

They were working in mostly companionable science – Uma assisting from the chair he had forcibly parked her in because he didn't want her to pass out in the kitchen for the sake of bonding, sipping a Gatorade while he peeled potatoes – when Chad's father arrived.

"Chad, my dear," he began carefully, Captain Anozie a familiar, distant shadow. "It's good to see you in the kitchen again."

"I got past my funk," Chad admitted with a flush. And then, knowing full well his dad had already recognized Uma, he motioned to the sea witch in training. "Dad, this is Uma. She showed me and Gil the underwater world back in Atlantica."

"I'm sorry for being an idiot," Uma said, cutting straight to the point. "I should have just explained who I was, but apparently by that point no one else had introduced themselves either and I thought it was just a thing." She sighed. "We didn't know about Chad's social anxiety. If I did, I would have insisted they skip the stupid formal introduction down the grand staircase."

"Thanks, Uma," Chad said, twisting his hands together. "Just um- my grandpa…"

"Is arrested," Chad's father finished for him when he trailed off uselessly. "And we will worry about him no more."

"Exactly," Chad said. "Could um- the maids prepare a guest room for Uma, please?" He paused, and then, "Also, can she stay?"

"Do you want her to?" his father asked, no judgement in his tone, letting Chad know there was no wrong answer.

Chad chewed on his bottom lip. "Yeah. I know she'll have to go home eventually, but when she does, I want to end on a better note."

"That's fair," his father said, gifting him with a fond smile. "And we'll make it happen."

"Thanks, dad," Chad said, feeling his shoulders slump with relief. "Do you want to join us for food later? We're gonna be done soon."

"I'd be honored," his father said, and Chad didn't even doubt that he meant it because his father never lied to him now that they actually talked. "Perhaps we could introduce Uma to Captain Anozie and Fairy Godmother as well."

"Only if they're available," Chad said with a flush, not wanting to inconvenience anybody.

"For you, Kit," his father began. "We are always available."

-:-:-

Lunch was a family affair, and unlike the other meals they'd shared since that catastrophic ball, this one was filled with laughter and smiles as Uma happily gushed about each of the dishes they had created.

"You have been holding out on me," she declared with a swirl of her fork, Chad's father positively beaming from across the table. "You were so dedicated to learning our cultures when you should have been sharing yours. I mean, this?" She scooped up a generous heap of aligot. "This is the best shit I have ever eaten. Why we have not thought to combine cheese and potatoes together in such a way before is beyond me. It is- I have no words."

"Thanks," Chad said shyly, feeling himself preen under her jubilant praise.

"Pretty sure I should be thanking you," Uma countered with a happy smile. "Could I have this recipe? Or all the recipes? This is so different from anything we have, but it's so good."

"Cream and butter," Chad chirped, smiling wide. "It's the key ingredient to most of our meals. And um- yeah, I'd be honored to share our recipes with you."

"We always appreciate them falling into good hands," Chad's father added, seeming full of pride. Sardinia often got pushed aside in favor of Central Auradon since their cultures were so similar. People praised Auradon – likely because it was the central point of power in their union of kingdoms, but Sardinia was just as special. At least, in Chad's super biased opinion.

After lunch, Chad insisted on showing Uma up to her room so she could rest because she looked like she was about to pass out.

"Carb coma," he informed her sagely, curling a steadying arm around her waist as he led her up the stairs. "It happens to the best of us."

"I have no regrets," Uma pledged, making it a couple feet into the room before promptly collapsing on the closest couch and immediately falling into an exhausted slumber.

Chad knew that he should leave her now, that he should give her space, but…

Well, maybe Uma would appreciate having someone close to guard her back.

So Chad took up a spot on the window seat and pulled out the sketchbook he'd been mostly ignoring for the past week. For the first time in a while, his restless hands finally seemed to focus, and he found he was able to actually draw something out without feeling terrible. He was sure Uma wouldn't mind him drawing her mermaid form. Maybe later, he'd try and get a shot of her sleeping visage. She looked so peaceful now, so content.

Chad was happy to give that to her, because he knew without question that he felt better as well.

Uma woke up several hours later, after Chad had discovered that he could manage embroidery again as well. He'd already put in an order for teal thread so he could make something for Uma before she went. A small token to end their summer correspondence on a good note.

"Oh fuck," Uma groaned when she sat up, stretching out her back with a lazy yawn. "That was fucking amazing."

"I'm glad," Chad offered from where he was across the room. "Would you like to take a bath? The maids fully stocked your bathroom with um- all the royal necessities, I guess."

"You guess?" Uma countered with a quirk of her brow.

Chad shrugged. "I've never been a royal guest at an Auradon Castle before, so I don't really know for sure."

Uma just sort of looked at him. "Your dad really is super protective of you, huh?"

Chad winced. "Yes, but it's- it's not just that," he said, twisting his hands together. "My grandpa, he…"

"Was a bad dude," Uma said, sitting up properly, seeming to give him the full weight of her attention. "Evie might have mentioned it."

On one hand, it was a relief that Chad didn't have to go over such things himself, but then that brought him back to the Enchancian heirs talking about him when he wasn't there, like he was something worth being gossiped over.

"Did you guys think I was stupid?" Chad asked, voicing the doubt that had been nagging in the back of his mind. "That I didn't know who you were?"

Immediately, Uma's expression hardened. "No," she said, wasting no time to rise from her perch and cross over to the window seat, settling herself in next to Chad. "No. We talked about you, but it was never about that. I mean… honestly," she sighed. "I think maybe we're all just assholes at heart. Like we all wanted what we knew we couldn't have, and once we found out there was interest from the other heirs that we've been told we'll have to work with some day but were always kept separate from…" She sighed again. "We're naturally competitive, and while you suffered for it, I don't think there's a one of us that didn't possess a genuine affection for you."

She paused a moment to let that sink in, then tentatively reached out and curled her hand over his own, like a sort of grounding point.

"The other Auradon heirs – don't get me wrong, they were perfectly nice. They set out to uphold their duties to the best of their ability while the rest of us were gigantic dicks, throwing fits because operating for the sake of politics was entirely new for us. That was stuff we were told we wouldn't have to worry about for years to come. And then suddenly it was taken all away, and we struggled with that, we all did, and even though our new partner was supposed to live in our kingdoms, even though we wouldn't have to leave our homes – part of our future was being decided for us, and that didn't sit well with any of us."

She paused when Chad turned his hand over so he could knit their fingers together, giving her fingers a gentle squeeze of support that she met with a small grin.

"And then enter you," she said. "The culture guy. You never made any efforts towards romantic pursuits – you just wanted to learn things. You were so candid and eager and enthusiastic that it was impossible not to care about you. And believe me, I tried," she huffed, shaking some of her braids out of her face. "You think I didn't see you running around with Jadir in Tangu? Or wandering the gardens in the Moors? I thought the others were just suckers for a pretty face – that was why I was so aggressive when I first met you, and then you could fucking talk to turtles and just- I was mad at myself all over again, because fuck it, I liked you."

That coaxed a surprise laugh out of Chad, because he hadn't expected any of it, any of it at all. "I liked you too," he said, even though that much was obvious. "Even after our rough start. I was always glad you gave me a chance."

Uma was quiet for a moment, seeming lost in thought. "You know, that's not something everyone feels back in Enchancia," Uma declared suddenly. "Like Evie, my mom… she wasn't the best person. She dabbled in dark arts and corrupted herself, and even though my uncle managed to do away with her, I still bear mark of her madness." At Chad's questioning look, she elaborated. "My tentacles. That isn't a natural development. It only happens to those contaminated by the dark arts." She ducked her head with a stoic look. "Or their descendants."

All at once, Chad heard the things she didn't say. Uma had been marked from a young age by something that was beyond her control – something that likely had people wary of her regardless of what her own actions or behavior had been. She was judged before she was ever known and likely held at a distance, some probably fearing the second coming of her mother.

"You're not corrupted," Chad said, because even if she knew that, it was important to give constant reinforcement. "Anyone who talks to you would know how much you love the ocean."

"The key is getting them to talk to me," Uma huffed. "You never hesitated to do that, though. Even that first day when I had you in my tentacles, when I was yelling at you, threatening to arrest you – you were flustered, but you weren't really scared. And after that, you were never even close to concerned about me – taking me at my word and accepting my magic when most would fear its corruption."

"It didn't feel dark, though," Chad said. "It just felt like yours, and I trust you."

Uma ducked her head, a slight flush spilling across the bridge of her nose. "You know when you say that shit, that's when people helplessly fall for you."

Chad felt his cheeks flood with warmth. "I'm just telling the truth."

"I know," Uma said. "And I… I can't tell you how much I appreciated it. I knew you and Gil didn't truly understand, but you guys… you liked my tentacles. You trusted them. You trusted me. That was such a gift it was hard not to storm up to my uncle and demand some kind of arrangement be made for the three of us, because I didn't want to lose that."

"Uma…" Chad said, his chest feeling tight. "I- we care about you a lot, but just because we were the first ones to treat you with the decency you deserve doesn't mean we're your soulmates."

"Maybe," Uma allowed, making Chad's shoulders slump with relief. "But you guys taught me that I could open up, and I appreciate that. It's what got me to bond with the other Enchancian heirs. To talk to that Prince Ben of yours." She paused for a moment, not noticing Chad's new tension. "Where is that guy, anyway? I figured he would have come back with you since you're BFFs."

Chad tried not to whimper and ended up biting at his bottom lip instead, though the sudden downturn of his mood wasn't missed.

"What?" Uma asked, brows furrowed in concern. "Did he get in trouble because of our stupidity?"

"No," Chad said, even if he wasn't entirely sure. "Ben doesn't want to be my friend anymore."

Uma just kind of stared at him. "What?"

"I called him after I came home, and um- I might have let our accidental sexy times slip, and he got really mad and-" He cut himself off when he felt a stubborn heat begin to build in his eyes. "I think I embarrassed him or something, but I messed up, and he doesn't want to be my friend anymore."

There was a long silence where Uma stared at him with an unreadable expression, and then she let out a weary sigh. "And I thought that asshole was the smart one."

"Uma," Chad protested, feeling torn up inside.

"Look," Uma said. "I can't speak for him, but if you do trust me – please trust that what he said? That's not what he meant."

It was something Chad had been hoping for, truly, but he didn't know if his heart could risk the effort of hoping.

"He had a Harry moment," Uma offered. "And honestly, it had to happen at some point, that guy was just too unreasonably mature otherwise."

"You think he just got mad to cover up something sad?" Chad asked, trying to put the pieces together.

"Essentially," Uma allowed. "But ultimately, Ben's the only one that can clear that up for you. So maybe wait to hear from him before you decide it's definitely over."

Chad considered that, thinking back on the multitude of phone calls Ben had tried to send his way. The rest of the Auradon contingent should be home by now, which meant Ben was back in Central Auradon, just a kingdom away. If he wanted to see Chad, it wouldn't be difficult.

Well, out of context it wouldn't be difficult. In context, Ben was a very important person who had more important things to do than look after a crybaby like Chad.

For the moment, Chad decided to bench that train of thought and focus on Uma, who was a gift.

"I trust you," Chad repeated, because that was the important part. Everything Uma had told him so far made sense. They didn't think he was stupid, they weren't making fun of him.

Chad's friendship to Uma had been a gift. She was, in the end, sort of like him. Except instead of an evil grandfather she had an evil mom and prejudice against her tentacles that kept her isolated. Maybe that was why she was so gruff, but ultimately, Chad knew he didn't want to live the rest of his life without Uma. At the very least, he wanted her as a friend.

He was trying to determine a way to somehow articulate this when there was a furious serious of knocks against the entrance to Uma's suite.

"Your highness?" one of the pageboys offered, sounding somewhat out of breath. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but um- it seems you have more guests out on the back dock."

Chad paused, his heart pounding furiously in his throat as he thought back on the prospect of Ben. Having him come so soon seemed too good to be true, but also, it seemed way too fast. Chad wasn't ready-

"That's a Port Roylan ship," Uma murmured, already turned to look out the back window, her eyes narrowed as she gazed off towards the ocean. "I think someone else might have had the same idea as me."

"Oh, wow," Chad said, unable to think of anything else as he stumbled after Uma, the two of them following the pageboy all the way out of the castle.

-:-:-

When they finally made their way down to the docks, his father and Captain Anozie were already there having a minor standoff with Gil, who had a mostly unconscious Harry in his arms.

"Sorry," Gil said, shifting his weight uneasily. "I know you probably don't want to see us because we uh- we didn't do right by your son, but we had to come apologize so we sailed down here to do that."

"In a week?" Chad's father pressed with a neutral expression, though because he knew him, Chad could detect a hint of awe in his tone.

Gil flushed. "Harry might be a windfinder. They can generate winds to magically propel our ships. He used all his energy getting here."

"If Uma can apologize, we can too," Harry slurred, seeming mostly out of it with exertion.

"Harry, you stupid asshole," Uma muttered, striding past Chad's father and Captain Anozie without so much blinking an eye. "You could have killed yourself."

"We fucked up," Harry pressed with a snarl. "Had to… had to make it right."

"You can't make it right if you're dead," Uma snapped, and then she was rounding on Chad's father. "Could I take him up to my room? I might be able to magically replenish him-"

"You'll do no such thing," Fairy Godmother huffed, seeming to spark into existence. "You're not much better off than he is. We'll take you back to the infirmary and I will heal both of you."

"And I will contact your parents," Chad's father said, aiming this at Gil. "In the meantime, you are welcome guests here at Sardinia Castle – though whether you interact with Kit is entirely up to him."

"They can- it's fine," Chad said, overwhelmed at the others' determination, Gil looking not much better than Harry was – both exhausted. "You guys shouldn't have done this."

"But we had to," Gil said as they followed Fairy Godmother into the castle. "Because you were so nice to us and helped us with so much stuff and honestly – I thought you knew who Harry was- Harry thought you knew who he was- but we assumed and that was bad-"

"It was a misunderstanding," Chad allowed, because while the others had purposefully concealed their positions, Gil and Harry never had. Chad had just never put the pieces together for it.

"It was a misunderstanding that made you feel bad," Gil reiterated. "You're so great- and Harry and I- I mean, we're not the best. I'm not super smart and sometimes I forget things and Harry can be cranky and bad at communicating but you liked us anyway, and Uma…" Gil shyly looked towards her. "You're so- you're really cool, and you seem to like me for me-"

"I do, Gilly," Uma said, her tone sincere. "Your presence is a gift."

"Yes, it is," Harry huffed, something like approval on his face.

"Now you feel like not being jealous," Uma huffed. "Better late than never, I suppose."

Harry didn't respond, too tired to manage it, but that was okay. Chad was- this might be a surprise but he felt a lot better now that they actually talked it out. Harry had never tried to put up the pretense of winning Chad over, but he'd come to like the blond regardless. And sure, maybe that was because of Ben or Gil but-

Well, it counted. He'd pushed himself past the point of exhaustion just to make things right with Chad. If actions spoke louder than words, that counted for a hell of a lot, no question.

So that was what Chad would hold onto.

-:-:-

Endnotes:

Not me forgetting that I hadn't updated yet, whoops. Life's crazy, team ;)

Thanks for the feedback and support, everyone! I really do appreciate it a lot ^_^ Some of you noted the absence of Ben last chapter – was it so he could enthusiastically shove his foot into his mouth this chapter? Who's to say ;D

Story notes:

Not sure if I mentioned this before but the 'Kit' nickname is also from the live action Cinderella remake from 2016.

I'm also fairly certain that cream and butter are not the core ingredients to French cuisine – think I read somewhere how that's just a stereotype or something – but in Sardinia, they definitely are.

The tentacle corruption thing is definitely from a fan comic I saw somewhere, so I can't take credit for that idea. Still, it fits well in explaining why Uma and Ursula are different from all the other merfolk.

Until next time :)