A/N: This story was loosely inspired by another fanfiction called Zhēn'ài by Reincarnations. That premise sparked my idea for this plot line, though it's definitely going to be different. I just wanted to give an acknowledgement because the exchange of ideas is the best!
(It is also heavily influenced by OUAT, which is never far from my thoughts)
These two kids are so adorable! As always, I hope this works.
Unfortunately, one night of magic does not constitute a happy ending.
It was like a dream. One moment Jay was dancing on a boat with Lonnie, feeling happier than he'd ever felt in his life, and the next moment he woke up and she was gone.
The school year was over. Which meant that last night, all the the Auradon kids had gone home for summer break, running off to their fancy summer homes and royal palaces for a leisurely vacation.
Well, all except the Villain Kids.
Jay, Carlos, Mal, and Evie would be staying at the school for the summer, since the Isle was a toxic place and Fairy Godmother didn't want the four of them to regress back to their old ways.
No one actually said that, of course. The school presented it as a remedial summer course to give them a chance to learn more about the kingdom outside of Auradon Prep. Call it… an internship.
Jay woke up late on the day after Cotillion, staring up at the tapestry-covered ceiling of his dorm room. The place was eerily quiet. The usual sounds of students rushing to the dining hall were gone, replaced with the dull whir of the air-conditioning and a high-pitched ringing in Jay's ears. Aside from a few summer school stragglers, the four VKs were the only students on campus now.
The door opened to Jay's room then, and Carlos appeared, carrying a large plate of eggs, bacon, and pancakes. Apparently he had already raided what was left in the kitchen from the week. Dude pattered through the door behind him.
"Hey, you're up," Carlos commented when he saw Jay with his eyes open. "Want some?" He asked with his mouth full, holding up the food.
Jay sat up and nodded, taking a piece of bacon with his fingers and stuffing it in his mouth. They ate silently together for a few minutes, while Dude continued to demand bites of bacon as well.
"Where are the others?" Jay asked, breaking the silence.
Carlos wiped the crumbs off his hands. "Mal is helping Fairy Godmother clean the Great Hall," he told him. "Evie was scribbling away in her sketchbook. I think she said something about working on Mal's wedding dress."
Jay made a face. "She's not even engaged," he said.
Carlos shrugged. "Not yet, anyway." He flopped down on his bed and turned on the television. Dude immediately followed and curled up beside him. "Last night was amazing, wasn't it?" He asked with a dreamy look on his face, most likely thinking about Jane.
"Mhm," Jay responded, grinning at his friend. "You and Jane are official now?"
Carlos nodded, and glanced at Jay happily. He absentmindedly scratched Dude behind his ears and the dog settled in, closing his eyes.
"What about you?" Carlos said, turning back to the TV. The news was talking all about Cotillion and the runway show, playing reruns of the event last night. "I didn't know you had asked Lonnie."
"I didn't," Jay replied quickly.
Carlos gave him a questioning look.
"We went in a group," Jay clarified. "We're not like, a couple or anything." He frowned, and laid back down on his bed as well. "Just a night of fun. Lonnie's cool that way."
Jay didn't know why he was playing it down so much. Maybe he was having a hard time believing it was real at all. For all he knew he had made up the whole thing. After all, what did an Isle boy like Jay know about love?
Dating wasn't really a thing on Isle. It was more hookups and flings with the expectation that it would end within a maximum of two months. That was what Jay was used to. He'd never had a real romantic relationship with anyone before; he'd never wanted to. The whole 'official boyfriend/girlfriend' thing here at Auradon felt cheesy and fake to Jay.
Lonnie was different, though. Lonnie was like… everything.
But they hadn't talked about it. They weren't going to have a chance to talk about it. Not until after the summer, at which point Jay would no doubt be a chicken and pretend that nothing had happened. It was safer that way. Then Jay wouldn't have to worry about getting his heart broken or having to live up to Auradon standards or anything like that.
His friends were braver than he was. Carlos had embraced his love for animals and people alike, and wore his heart on his sleeve. Evie had transformed into a confident, self-loving Auradon girl. And Mal was now a believer in True Love, ready to take the throne as Queen.
Jay was no prince. Auradon was amazing, and he had made a place for himself here among the jocks. He had found his passion, and he sure as hell didn't want to go back to the Isle. But in his gut, he was still rotten. It was a part of him; he didn't want to change that.
Lonnie was like a beam of sunshine on a hill. If he reached for it, he would just create a shadow of darkness.
"Oh by the way," Carlos said, pulling Jay out of his thoughts. He tossed a scarlet envelope onto Jay's bed. "This was on our door this morning. Looks like it's for you."
Jay picked up the envelope, which had his name written in a neat script on the outside. The back was sealed with the emblem of the Chinese Emperor.
Jay bolted up so fast his head spun.
Carlos had the audacity to laugh at him. "Don't get too excited," he teased. "She's not your girlfriend or anything."
Jay glared at him. Before he could actually attack his roommate, Carlos snatched up the empty breakfast platters and slipped back out the door.
Jay ripped open the envelope and unfolded the thin letter. His heart was thumping uncontrollably, which was ridiculous. He took a breath and began to read:
Jay—
Help! I've been kidnapped!
Just kidding. I did have to leave immediately though when my parents showed up yesterday. They dragged me off to Agrabah of all places! We are going to be staying with Jasmine and Aladdin all summer for some important business with the Imperial Court. I've included our mailing address so we can keep in touch.
The palace is enormous, with a sword-fighting arena as big as all of Auradon Prep. Seriously, I might get lost in there! Now that I'm leading the Regiment at school, my mom is probably going to be training me extra hard. It's okay though. I'm sure that after the wild adventure we had this year on the Isle, whatever challenges she throws at me are going to pale in comparison.
Don't you get rusty over the summer! Captain's orders!
—Lonnie
Jay was grinning from ear to ear. He didn't even care that he looked like a lovesick idiot. This girl was freaking amazing.
-0-0-0-
THE LETTERS
Dear Captain Lonnie,
As the most talented soldier on the team, I'll be running circles around you by the end of the summer. I'm ready for that rematch!
In all honesty, training is probably the only thing of interest around here anyway. Yesterday, Fairy Godmother took the four of us to a lunch-in with the royals. We met some of the big ones — Snow White, for one, and all fifty of her dwarves. I was genuinely surprised that the entire forest didn't show up along with her. The whole event was full of fancy exchanges of "How do you do, my liege," and "Bonjour, your highness, you look quite dashing today." I think the only one enjoying herself was Mal, because Ben was there. (In case you hadn't heard, Ben is planning on proposing at the end of the summer. But don't tell Mal, he wants it to be a surprise). The new royal couple diverted most of the attention away from the rest of us, so I was able to spend most of the time snacking on the gourmet shrimp (which was delicious by the way).
I hope Agrabah is a bit more exciting than Auradon. I've never been, but my dad has told me about every secret passage way in the city. He made me memorize the map in hopes that if I ever did have the opportunity to storm the palace, I'd be able to navigate the inside with my eyes closed. That said, if you do happen to get lost in the sword-fighting arena, just follow the ridged pillars. They will always lead you to an exit.
Two and half months of summer. If I'm not careful I'm going to start counting the days until I can see you again.
Your loyal penpal,
Jay
-0-0-0-
Dear Jay,
You wish you were as talented as me! Don't bet anything of value on our rematch.
Thanks for the advice about the pillars. Luckily, I have not yet gotten lost in the arena, but it has been surprisingly helpful for strategizing during our war-games.
Yes, my over-achieving mother set up war games for me and the other young soldiers in Agrabah. It can get rather chaotic, but its so much fun! My team wins most of the time (obviously), but it would definitely be more exciting if you were here. What do you think is the likelihood that you could sneak into the city through those secret passage ways? I would love to show you my favorite views!
Don't hold your breath for my return. I got some bad news recently that we may have to extend our stay here in Agrabah. I'll miss Mal's engagement party. My dad is talking about pulling me out of the first week of school too — he says it's important.
I don't know what the Imperial Court is discussing that is so distressing, but it doesn't seem good. I've overheard a lot of heated arguments from behind closed doors. If you have any tips on spying and surveillance, let me know — I'd like to get more information. No one tells me anything!
Your partner in crime,
Lonnie
-0-0-0-
Dear Lonnie,
First lesson in being sneaky: never tip-toe. Trying to do that dumb, overly-dramatic cartoon walk is the best way to get caught.
If you want to get close to the action, you need to blend in to the crowd. Act like you are supposed to be there, and no one will question you. Getting a convincing costume shouldn't be hard for you — your mother is well-known for her disguises. Raid her wardrobe. Or for that matter, you could raid your dad's wardrobe (from what you've said about your mom, I'm guessing she may be harder to fool).
Second tip: Always have an exit plan. If things go south, you'll need a way to get out quick and hide.
As much as I would love to take you up on your invite, sneaking into Agrabah to see you could get me sent back to the Isle for good. In case you didn't know, villains are notorious for breaking rules. Everyone is watching me like a hawk.
I may be given my freedom soon though. We've been making a lot of progress with getting more kids from the Isle into Auradon for next year. Mal, Evie, Carlos, and I have picked four Villain Kids for the fall semester, and if it goes well we get to pick four more for the spring! We'll be sharing the news with them in a couple of weeks.
Whatever you find out about the debate in the Imperial Court, keep me in the loop. I want to know what's keeping the great Mulan and Li Shang on their toes.
In secrecy and confidence,
Jay
-0-0-0-
Dear Jay,
Boy do I have news for you! I took your advice and disguised myself as a royal consultant — I walked right into the courtroom!
The Emperor himself was there, along with the Sultan of Agrabah. The Hun Ruler and the Mongol King had ganged up against Jasmine, Aladdin, and my parents, who stood with the Sultan and Emperor. The foreigners were accusing the Chinese Throne of terrorism and bombardment of their trade routes! But that doesn't make any sense. We have been nothing but peaceful with those kingdoms for over 20 years.
They especially had it out for my parents. Something about an unsanctioned marriage and a falsified Dragon of Unity? Unfortunately, I didn't get to stay for the rest because some of the jury members were beginning to get suspicious of me. I was able to slip out the back door when the Royal Cabinet got involved.
I've never seen my parents like this before. I thought swords might come out right there in the courtroom. Even if the debates continue, I'm concerned it is only a matter of time before this conflict turns into an actual war.
Maybe that's why my mom has been training me so hard. Maybe she fears the worst.
I am grateful to have you, Jay, to talk with about all this. I know you will keep this information confidential. And I know that the People of Auradon will soon discover the same thing I have — that the Isle of the Lost is far from lost. I believe that all of you will be the key to uniting our divided kingdoms.
The Isle was once a place for villains, but you are no villain, Jay. You are a hero.
Sincerely, from the one who believes in you,
Lonnie
A/N: The sign offs are my absolute favorite part of this chapter. Jay is going to be looking to that last letter throughout all of the third movie, am I right?
This turned out way better than I expected! Now I'm really excited. These lovebirds are beautiful! Please review if you want to see more!