Chapter 7

Hey everybody, hope you're having a good day! Only one more chapter after this, then it's all over, sad face. Have fun reading, nerds.

It had been a whole week since the horrible event, Evie still hoping Doug would open his eyes. During that time, Ben and Mal had decided that Uma and Maleficent would be withheld in magic cells, not wanting to risk another attack. Maleficent would be kept in there forever, but Ben being too kind, stated Uma would be released if proven not evil. Mal had rolled her eyes at this, but agreed in the end, thinking that possibly even third chances should be given.

Evie had stayed in the infirmary, her friends bringing food, homework, and other necessities to the room. She was currently copying math notes, glancing up at Doug every now and then, her attention being taken away by a knock on the door.

She looked up at Dizzy, giving her a wave, "Hey Dizzy." Dizzy walked in, "How've the two of you been doing?" Evie sighed, "Nothing's changed." Dizzy sat down, "You know he's always been watching over you, even after you broke off connections."

Her voice softened, "What?" The young girl looked at Doug, "He gave me that bag of blueberries, he was worried that you weren't eating enough. D would ask if you were doing okay, trying to play it cool every time he asked about you." Dizzy chuckled, "He always was bad at hiding his emotions around me. D even went as far to scare anyone off who even looked at you in the wrong way."

Evie was quiet, still processing that information. She glanced down, seeing a box in the young girl's hands. Dizzy saw her looking at the box and handed it to her, "D gave this to me, he wanted someone to keep it safe. He said that no one should ever read these, but I think you should have them."

She took the box, it was about the size of a textbook. The box was light, with a shaky breath she took off the blue lid, revealing letters, some of them short notes and others long essays. Her eyes glanced over them, seeing her name in Doug's handwriting.

Dizzy stood up, "I'll let you read those." Evie looked up at her, "Thank you, Dizzy." The girl gave her a smile, making a quiet exit. Evie then glanced down at letters, reading the one on top.

Dear Evie,

I just met you for the first time today, you were so stunning you took my breath away. You were simply just standing there, and I couldn't not stare. Your presence was captivating, and it left me wondering what was underneath that beautiful smile.

I hope you never read this, or I'll be embarrassed, but I couldn't help myself. I can't tell you this in person, I don't have enough confidence for that, so I guess I'll just write.

Until next time,

Doug.

Evie chuckled, the irony of the situation. She started reading the next couple of letters.

Dear Evie,

We're in chemistry class together, although most of time you're just staring at Chad. But there were times when you seemed to be interested by the lesson. It was alluring, seeing your eyes light up at learning something new, but then you stopped yourself. I know you could easily pass everyone in the class if you had tried. I wish you wouldn't stop yourself, those are the times you seem the most beautiful.

Until next time,

Doug

Her heart saddened at the mention of Chad, the time when her only thought was finding a perfect prince, hiding her personality. Doug had accepted her for who she was, and she was grateful for it. She continued reading through the letters, taking in all of the thoughts and moments Doug had taken the time to written down. Evie moved to the next one in the stack, this one a different heading.

Dear Eve,

I was rambling today and in my rush had called you Eve. You smiled at the nickname, and my heart raced, faster than it usually does when you're around. I assumed you had liked that name, so I continued calling you that. Your birthday is coming up soon, I hope you're going to like my present.

Love,

Doug

She smiled, remembering that day. He had immediately paused the second Eve came out of his mouth, and she felt elated at the name, thinking it was a bit unique for a nickname. She also thought of the birthday present he had gotten her, a charm bracelet with a book and crown already added to the bracelet. Evie hoped there were going to be more days like that.

Evie had taken a large part of the day reading the letters, finally reaching the last one in the box. This one didn't have either Evie or Eve in the heading, and she automatically knew that this one was more recent.

Hey Princess,

I told Ice Cream Cone to keep this box safe for me, but I highly doubt that is going to be happen. It's a funny thing actually, Doug always had confidence in you, but never himself. This time I had doubted you, full of myself instead. That's not the purpose of this letter though, I have a few things I want to tell you.

First, I want to say sorry. I knew I had to break your heart to keep you safe, I punched the tree immediately after you had left. I wish you had wrapped my hand that day. Uma's necklace is enchanted with a barrier, possibly killing anyone who dares to break it. It had to be me, I just know it, there was nothing you could have done to stop me, so don't cry over that Princess. Go live life.

Second, I'm worried about you, you work too hard and never seem to be eating or sleeping enough. Take care of yourself, you're doing wonderfully, and you are going to go on and do even greater things.

Lastly, thank you. For letting me love you as D, it was truly a magical thing. Even being near you made me fall in love. Although everything else changed, my heart still wanted to reach out to you, to even just be in near proximity. My heart has your name on it, I knew that the second I woke up as D.

Forever Yours,

Doug

She felt the tears drip down her face, the wound ripped open once again before she could realize it. She cried that night, not knowing when she had finally fallen asleep.

Evie knew she was dreaming, even without her opening her eyes in this world. It had felt warm, despite it being the middle of winter, she could tell she was in the middle of a field, the fragrance of flowers strong within her nostrils. She was lying down, a warm solidity underneath her head. She finally opened her eyes, seeing a smiling face, "Hey Eve."

Looking down at her was Doug, dressed in slacks and a button down, cuts and bruises all over his face. She sat up immediately, wrapping her arms around him, his name leaving her mouth in a breath, and tightening her hold when she felt his palm on the small of her back.

She separated only far enough to look into his eyes, "What happened? Why- how are you here?" His image changed, his hair was messy and his glasses were gone, the injuries remaining, "You never stop with questions, do you Princess?" Evie was confused, "D?"

He smiled softly, "I know it's confusing, but don't worry Princess, we're both here." The image flickered again, his glasses reappearing, "I'll just stay like this, it'll be less confusing." Her hands were placed on his face, he leaned into them, "What's happening Doug?"

He closed his eyes, cherishing the warmth in her hands, his voice was hoarse, "I'm struggling to keep up. I needed a break from all the fighting." He opened his eyes again, "You look unwell Evie, have you been sleeping properly? I told you, you need to take care of yourself."

Her eyes started prickling, "How can I? You're not by my side." He put a hand on top of one of hers, holding it gently, "I need you to remain strong, I need you to be there when I come back." Doug wiped a tear away, and she looked up at him, "What are you fighting against?"

Doug sighed, "Uma's spell was really powerful, I'm facing my worst nightmares. Family dying, friends suffering, you leaving me for someone else." Evie's head snapped up, looking into his sad eyes, "Doug-" He cut her off with a smile, "I know it's not you Eve, it still hurts a lot though."

Evie questioned, "How did I get here?" Doug shrugged, "I have no idea, I was just sitting here, and then you just appeared, lying on top of my lap. I'm glad you're here though."

He stood up, and she stood with him, Doug hugged her tightly, "Thank you, you've renewed my strength. Love you." He let go, and started walking away, she cried out to him, "Where are you going? Just stay a little bit longer."

Doug turned around, looking at her tenderly, "I have to go back to fight again." His image changed, "I have to come back home to you, Princess." He disappeared, and soon enough Doug's smile was the last thing she saw.

I've decided to do the series of one shots, but have no idea when I'll start it, most likely this month. SEND ME PROMPTS! I want to know what you guys want to read. Leave a comment, I love feedback. Till' tomorrow friends.