Hi Guys and welcome to chapter 10 of Business Intern. So, not much really happens in this chapter, but I hope you enjoy it anyway!

Carlos POV:
Waking up in a hospital covered in bandages is one thing, it's another to see on the news that your attacker has already been arrested. But to see that AuraTech is suing Gaston Enterprises for Industrial Espionage however, well that's just say I didn't expect to see that. To be honest, I don't know how I feel about it. On one side, that business is getting exactly what it deserves, but at the same time, I'm the one responsible for all those people losing their jobs. I mean, I couldn't care less about Gaston and James, but all the other innocent workers, who had no idea about any of this scheme. I couldn't take my eyes of the screen in front of me, with the breakfast news talking about the whole event, with the newscasters saying how appalled they were that something like this had happened. I'm not sure if I missed it, but it seems like some evidence was shown, as everyone knew what had happened. I'm guessing the CCTV cameras caught something. While the newscaster continued to speak, the screen showed people protesting outside of the Gaston Enterprises, some holding up signs and banners showing their distaste for the company. It wasn't until I saw an employee of the building show up that the scene got too much, especially when they started to crowd her, and start to yell abuse. Luckily, the buildings security got involved and helped her into the building, but that scene alone was enough to make me turn off the TV.

Also like it was planned, as soon as the screen went off Ben walked into the hospital room, with a small bouquet of flowers, and a box of chocolates, which made me chuckle slightly. "Good morning C. How you doing?" he asked, placing the flowers into a vase, and the chocolates closer to me on the bed.

"Yeah, I'm ok, just a bit sore. I was just watching the news" I replied, with a small frown and a sigh at the end of my sentence.

"What's the matter C? James has been arrested, so he can't do you anymore harm." Ben said, but it didn't help the situation.

"It's just…I can't stop thinking about you suing the company. I mean, Gaston and James fully deserve what they are getting, but I can't help but think about all the other employees, the one with no knowledge of the event" I replied, and I saw Ben's facial expression change rather dramatically. Obviously, he hadn't considered this either, and I could see the guilt wash over his face.

"Oh god, what have I done. I…" he started, now pacing around the room, with me becoming slightly dizzy, watching him go back and forth. "I didn't even consider that. Oh god Carlos, so many people are going to lose their jobs because of this. I was so angry, and upset, I didn't even consider them. Oh god, oh god…" he began, now sitting down the chair beside the bed, holding his head in his hands.

"Hey, hey. It's going to be ok. Look, when you win the lawsuit, just offer to provide everyone a job at AuraTech, or give them all a fraction of the lawsuit money, so they have some funds until they can find a new job. Make it clear that only Gaston and James were responsible for this attack, and that we both don't hold any personal grudges against their employees" I replied, and I could see he calmed down slightly.

"You're right. Carlos, that's genius!" he replied, taking my hand into my own, and giving me a small peck on the cheek. We chatted for about 5 minutes, until the doctor walked in, giving us an update of my condition. According to her, the concussion should have subsided by now, and they will run a brain scan to make sure. She said my wrist should be healing nicely, and by tomorrow should be back to normal. She said that only a couple of my ribs had been fractured, and with Auradon's advanced healing measures, they should be alright within a few days.

God, I was grateful this place had a little magic in the air, especially with Maleficent's pharmaceutical company. I was told that I could be able to leave tonight, as long as I didn't put any strain on myself, and rested for most of the day, which I ensured her I would. When Doctor Kingsleigh helped me into the wheel chair, readying me for my scan, Ben informed me that he had to leave for work. I got slightly upset, but he ensured me that he would leave work as soon as the clock hit 5:00pm, and come and see me, helping get out of the hospital.

Other than that, the day was fairly boring. I spent most of it laid up in the hospital bed, with my mum by my side. She had only seen the phone call this morning, due to her little party last night, which made me kind of sad, but she ensured me that she was sorry, and would do anything to make it up to me. I just wanted someone to keep me company for the day, and she was more than happy to comply. Ben arrived back at the hospital at 5:25pm, and as promised, I was checked out of the hospital. I returned home that night, with me asking Ben if he could stay over, which he was more than happy to do. Ben and mum made us some dinner, and before long, as I was laid in bed, with about 5 pillows surrounding me, making sure I wouldn't get hurt in the night.

The rest of the week was pretty alright to be honest. On Thursday, while we told the doctor that I could rest up, instead Ben took me to the office to continue with my programming. Oh, that wasn't by choice by the way. He wanted to make sure that I would stay in the house all day, and rest, but I wanted to get back out there. This was the only week for programming and I wanted to make the most of it. I ensured him I was fine, and that if he wanted, he could check up on me every two hours. He told me that if he could he would, but instead he was in a court hearing, deciding the fate of Gaston Enterprises. According to him, the lawsuit was filed on Tuesday, so from Wednesday onwards they were in court. Wednesday, they were reviewing the files to make sure all the evidence was legitimate and enough to make a claim on, which it was. Thursday, putting his case up against Gaston, showing all the evidence he had collected, but it was pretty well known by now, and this brings us to today, Friday.

Once again, I was in the office finishing up the software for the watch. Doug was on constant watch (ha-ha) of me, making sure I wasn't in any pain, or didn't need any help, but I was getting on well. I had manage to get most of what he asked me to do completed, but I still have a few final things to finish off. It reached 3:30pm, before the lift door opened, and Ben ran out unexpectedly to me. "Ben, what are you doing here? I mean, I know it's your building, but I thought you were at court again today" I said, as he stood by my desk.

"It's all done Carlos. We won. Yesterday, I presented all my evidence again, and today was Gaston's turn to present his, against what I was saying. Luckily for us, but unfortunately for him, he didn't have any real evidence, so the judge called the day short, saying AuraTech had won the lawsuit. I made sure all the winning would go to all his employees, and it's being distributed as we speak" he said, with a huge smile growing in his face.

"That's great! I'm so happy for you. Well, us!" I replied, and he chuckled.

"So, what are you working on?" he asked, kneeling beside me, and taking one of my hands into his, softly stroking it.

"Oh, me. Um, I'm just finished the last bit of programming for the watch. By 5 today, my work should be done" I replied, for some reason getting very nervous. I think it was him stroking my hand, because I'm not going to lie, it was turning me on slightly.

"That's great C! I'm sure you're doing a great job. I'll come down at 5, and see how you are getting on, but right now, I need to call everyone into a meeting, seeing how the business is doing. I mean, I haven't been here for most of the week, so I need to have a quick check up." He said, his hand leaving mine, as he held the outside of my face, and placed a small kiss on my lips. I smiled once he pulled away, and before the lift doors shut, he waved, with that cute little smile of his.

An hour and an half passed like 15 minutes, and before long, I was sat at my desk, Doug by my side, helping me with a few small tweaks to the software. The only thing bringing us out of our trances was the ding from the lift, as the doors opened, and Ben was revealed, a smile still on his face. He was quick to approach the pair of us, and kneeled down on the opposite side to me. "Status report" he said, a small chuckle following, which caused me to laugh as well.

"Well, we're just making a few last minute tweaks, but the basics of the program is pretty much set. With a press of the button, we can make the software live, and test it out" Doug replied, my face lighting up as he said so. I took a quick glance down at Ben, who I could see was staring back at me, a look of amazement in his eyes, and once again, a small smile grew on my face. "Alright, that looks all good Carlos. Just hit the button, and the computer will start to simulate the watch's operating system" Doug spoke up, as I moved my cursor over to the launch button. It was almost like the money was in slow motion, with my click of the mouse lasting for a few minutes, and then the program loading lasting a few more minutes.

It all fairness, everything was completed in a matter of seconds, but the anticipation of the event messed with my perception of time. The only important detail, is that the program loaded, and worked perfectly first time, much to my relief. "Nice going Dude. You've successful programmed the first stage of the watch! I'm proud of you" I heard Doug say, and I felt Ben raise his hand onto my shoulder, and squeeze it slight.

"If I could hug you, so I would right now. I so proud of you C" Ben said, and I chuckled.

"Just be gentle" was my only response, causing him to slowly wrap his arms around my body, careful not to push into my ribs. It was nice being in Ben's arms again, and I knew that by Sunday, I would be all better, and we could return to normal cuddling and snuggling. He was quick to unwrap himself and stand up, brushing off his trousers from his knees.

"Why don't you start to get packed up? I need to have a private word with Doug, and then we'll be on your way" he said, and I just nodded, saving the program, and so on. I saw him lead Doug away from me, but from Ben's facial expressions and body language, I knew he wasn't mad, and he definitely didn't raise his voice enough for it to be considered a shout. I turned my attention back to my desk, and continued to sort the rest of my stuff out.

Ben's POV:
"Why don't you start to get packed up? I need to have a private word with Doug, and then we'll be on your way" I said, causing both Doug and Carlos to give me a curious look. I led Doug over to a secluded area, making sure that we were out of range of Carlos, and began to bombard him with a load of questions. "Do you think that you could get the programming done by next Friday for me. I know it's not a long, but I would be so appreciative if you could. Is it even possible? Tell me if it's too much!" I rambled causing Doug to hold up his hand and chuckle.

"Woah, calm down. Yeah, we can get it done, if Jane has all the designs ready by Monday" Doug replied, causing me to smirk, and raise an eyebrow at him. "She's already done them hasn't she?" he asked, and I chuckled slightly, nodding in response.

"She promised to get what's she's done up to you tomorrow morning, and the rest on Monday. So, are you ok to start straight away?" I replied, and now it was his turn to nod.

"I mean you are the boss" he joked, causing me to chuckle. "If I can, may I ask why you want this done?" he continued, and I looked back over to Carlos, seeing him fiddling with some stuff in his bag, clearly not paying attention to the pair of us.

"It's Carlos' last day next Friday, so I wanted to give him an alpha version of the watch. You know, as a thank you" I replied, blushing slightly as I did so. This caused Doug to chuckle slightly, before nodding his head in agreement.

"Yeah, that's fair. You know, you could always offer him a job. I mean, I'd be happy to have him up here" he replied, and I raised my eyebrow at him. The thought had crossed my mind before, but I was slightly sceptical of it. I mean, he seemed so set on going to university. But, I suppose I wouldn't hurt to ask.

"Well, thanks anyway Doug. Let me know as soon as Jane has sent up those designs to you, and I'll come back down next Thursday to see how you are getting on" I replied, and he smiled at me. We made our way back over to Carlos, who was now just fiddling with the drawstrings on his hoodie, while staring at his phone, scrolling through a social media site. I placed my hand gently on this shoulder, which startled him at first, but he quickly realised it was me, and looked up into my eyes. "You ready to go?" I asked, causing him to nod at me. He pulled himself of the chair, before wrapping his bag over his right shoulder. "Oh, how are you ribs doing?" I also questioned, as I saw him wince slightly when he stood up.

"Yeah, there alright. I'm getting a few minor pains here and there, but nothing too serious. I can imagine by tomorrow, I'll be fine" he replied, and I nodded. As we reached the lift, I pressed the button calling it to our floor. Carlos turned away from me slightly, facing towards Doug, before providing him with an award-winning smile, and a small wave. "I'll see you around Doug! Thank you so much for a great week. It's been amazing" he called out, as the lift door opened in front of us.

Before we stepped in, Doug shouted back, "No worries. I hope you enjoy your last week, and hopefully I'll see you before you leave!" which caused Carlos' smile to falter slightly. He continued to wave towards Doug as we stepped into the lift, and I pressed the G button, calling for the ground floor. As soon as the door shut, I saw Carlos' smile falter again, and this time, I decided it was best to question him on it.

"What's wrong C. And don't say nothing, because I can see your smile dropping every few seconds" I said, pulling him into a light hug. As much as I wanted to be close to him, I still didn't want to risk doing any damage to his ribs, especially when they are so close to healing. And I know myself, and I can give some pretty constricting hugs. I was snapped out of my random thought process when Carlos spoke up, causing me to release him from the hug.

"It's…It's just, next week is my last week, and I'm really enjoying this. I mean, I'm still really excited for university, and I can't wait to start studying my course, but a part of me is going to miss this. But this experience will definitely be unforgettable. I mean, so much has happened over the past few weeks. I mean, I showed up to work drugged, I fell in love with this amazing guy, and then screwed everything up with him, but we got together in the end anyway." He playfully joked, nudging my arm with his shoulder, before continuing "I got beat up, and sent to hospital, as I watched another company fall. Oh, and my 18th birthday was the best thing I had ever experienced. All those things happened because I was here, and once I leave, my life will probably go back to being boring." As he finished, I pulled him back into another hug, making sure to tilt his head up so he would look into my eye. I placed a small kiss on his forehead, before speaking up, hoping I could reassure him that everything would be ok.

"Hey, university is going to be such great experience for you. You're going to make loads of new friends, and new memories. You're going to be studying something you love, and enjoy. You're going to make it your own experience, whether that's going out on the town, or staying in with the flat watching movies. It's going to be so great for you" I replied, seeing the small smile grow on his face. "Besides, your boyfriend does sound pretty amazing. I bet he's tall, got brown hair, and is extremely good looking" I added, causing him to scoff as I chuckled.

"Yeah, he's not too bad I suppose" he replied, snuggling into my chest as the lift reached the bottom floor. As awkward as it was to walk like this we made it work, saying out "good nights" to Xander, before heading out to my car.

On the drive back to his house, I decided to approach a rather pressing topic, once I hoped he would be agree too. "So, you know how I've meet you're mum and everything." I began, causing him to turn his head to face me, giving me a rather sceptical look as he furrowed his eyebrows. I decided it was best to continue anyway, despite the look I received. "Well, my parents are coming round on Sunday, and I didn't know if you wanted to meet them." The facial expression he pulled was answer enough for me. It was a mixture of fear, shock, anxiety and a little more fear. "I mean, there's no pressure or anything, and if you don't wan…" I began, but he quickly interrupted my ramble of unnecessary thoughts.

"Yeah, I'd like to" he said, as he laced his fingers into mine. "I mean, like you said you've met my mum, so I suppose it's only fair." He continued, and the largest smile grew on my face. I had never introduced any of my other boyfriends to my parents, so Carlos would be the first.

"Thanks C. We're going out for a meal in the evening, so I can come pick you up, and spend a few hours with us. Does that sound alright?" I asked, and he nodded, a small smile on his face. Just as he nodded, I pulled up to the gates of his house, perfect timing as usual. I entered the code, waiting for the metal doors to open in front of us, a massive smile on my face. I'm so glad that I'm taking this big step with Carlos, and at the moment I couldn't be any happier.

"Um, I guess I'll see you on Sunday?" he asked, snapping me out of my thought process. Without realising it, I had driven him up to the front door, and he was staring at me, eagerly awaiting my answer.

"Yeah, I'll text you with a time if that's alright?" I responded, and he nodded. He placed a small kiss on my lips before leaving the car. He gave me one final wave before he walked into his front door, and I was buzzing with anticipation.

So there we are! Programming is done, and Carlos has agreed to meet Ben's Parents! I wonder how well that will go! I've also decided to continue with Was It Truly Worth It instead of Forever a King, but I'll explain more about that when this story is over.

So, until Monday, TTFN :D