Cool air surrounded them as Ben led Mal into the courtyard garden. The night breeze felt afternoon of stale dorm room air. She giggled to herself as she took a deep breath.

"What are you laughing about," Ben asked.

"Oh," Mal blushed, "I was just marveling at smell of fresh air. It's nice breathing air that isn't filled with dead fish and rotten fruit." Ben stopped and stared.

"I thought the barrier prevented you guys from using water resources." Ben needed to know about life on the island, but Mal knew the truth is a little hard to swallow. "Tell me, Mal."

"Ben, are you sure? This isn't a pretty story."

"I need to know, Mal. I have to right my parents wrongs."

Mal finally understood, "Oh Benny-Boo, you told me that our parents made their choice. Now we make ours. You can't correct the choices of your parents, but you've already shown a hope for the next generation."

That soothed his indignation, but didn't deter his determination, "I need to know, Mal."

"You're correct in your understanding of the barrier. We didn't even have an irrigation system to try and grow our own stock. Villains are evil and cunning so the Circle of Auradon wasn't going to take any chances. Because of all this Ben we were sent the leftovers that Auradon merchants couldn't sell. Anything close to expiring was sent to us. We are Villains and sidekicks, people that just don't belong in a fairytale world, so I guess they figured we didn't deserve much better."

Ben's heart broke. He knew things were rough on the island, but he didn't realize that his lifestyle and that of his privileged friends added to the hardship. "So that's why Jay didn't hesitate to finish off the expired milk." Mal nodded. "Mal, how is it that you don't hate me, well all of Auradon in fact?"

Mal knew that question was coming and had the perfect answer. She laid her hand against his cheek. "I did hate Auradon, but I see now that people hear didn't know. I found out that only the Circle of Auradon knew about it, and if the regular townsfolk knew they would've been appalled... as you were."

"Mal..."

"Shh..." Her hand now slid down his shoulder and she allowed her fingers to intertwine with his. "Thank you."

"For what?"

"For being you. Your heart breaks over injustice. You've taken Carlos under your wing and gave him a friend. You encourage Jay on his road to better sportsmanship. I know that it was with your influence that they all got those opportunities." Ben tried to act confused. "Lying isn't you strong suit. You love me, even after I tricked you into it. So thank you for simply being you."

Ben got lost in the earnestness of her fierce emerald eyes that he missed her slight movement. Her eyes fell shut as her lips brushed his. His shock from the gesture swept through him. She kissed him. SHE KISSED HIM?! This is not how he planned their first kiss would go. No, he wanted it to be special, and at the lake but... but... All of his disappointment melted away with her soft whisper, "Did I mention that I'm in love with you?"

He flashed her his smug smile and hungrily met her lips again, crushing her into his arms. Mal thought to herself, "That moon isn't a very good chaperon."

"Do have one question," she asked her Cloud Nine Prince.

"What?"

"What was my gift supposed to be?" Mal was fishing for any clues as to his knowledge about the wand. She really hoped he didn't know.

"Actually, I had no idea you'd be called down."

"Really?"

"Yeah," he shrugged. "See I figured I'd let Fairy Godmother get some praise for once, but I knew whatever you got would mean more coming from me." Good, he didn't know a thing. She planned to keep it that way for now.

"So what am I to get?"

"Oh," He reached into his breast pocket and pulled out a sealed envelope. "Go ahead read it."

She cautiously opened and read the gold embossed lettering. "You are cordially invited to a private luncheon with Queen Belle on Sunday afternoon. A luncheon?

Ben was beaming with pride, "Actually it was all Mom's idea. And yes I think it is a good one. You're going to be my queen after all aren't you?"

"Supposedly."

Ben kissed her again, holding her close to his heart. He broke the kiss and whispered, "My love is R-I-D-I-C-U-L-O-U-S."