Ben's POV.
After smoothies we had checked into the hotel and unpacked our things but once that was done I had to actually send Mal to bed. She looked absolutely exhausted. I cuddled with her for a while until I was sure she was asleep before I left her to sleep in the room with two of our guards watching the room. I wasn't about to leave her alone after yesterday.
I headed back down to where we had been shopping, deciding to pick something up to surprise Mal. I found my way back to the shops no problem. Neverland only being a small island everything was pretty easy to find. I noticed the third guard my dad had hired to watch us trying not to be noticed as he followed me. I was about to tell him he didn't have to try and keep hidden but as I did something caught my eye. I looked towards the store window and found the perfect present for Mal. There in the window sat two pairs of earrings with matching necklaces. One set had small dragons on them while the other resembled my family crest.
I immediately headed inside to get them for her. Mal didn't have much everyday jewellery so this would be great for her. I might actually put one away for Christmas for her. I quickly paid for them before deciding to check a few more stores and try and get a few more presents for Mal. I know she doesn't like it when I spend lots of money on her but it would essentially be her, Evie, Jay and Carlos' first Christmas so I wanted to make it special for them.
As I headed a little further down the street I heard my phone ring. I glanced at the screen and couldn't help but smile as I answered. "Hi Evie." I greeted her. I knew she would ring to make sure we were okay eventually. Although why she rang me instead of Mal is weird. But as I looked at my watched I realized I probably should get back to Mal anyway.
Turning to head back to the hotel I carried on talking to Evie. "Yeah, we're okay... No... Yeah she's fine. She's asleep in the hotel room... She was beyond tired... I'll get her to ring you when she wakes up okay?... Alright, bye Evie." I couldn't help but smile fondly as I thought about the conversation I had just had with the blue haired girl that had become like the sister I never had. She was so much like mom, always worrying about me and Mal.
Walking into the hotel lobby I was met with a rather heated discussion. I immediately recognised the voices of Payton (who works here since her dad owns the hotel) and that of Lumière. I couldn't help but smile at Lumière even though I was surprised he was here.
"Listen, I will tell you this once more. I can not give you any information on who we may or may not have staying here." Payton snipped at him. I could see Lumière getting red in the face much like he does when he argues with Cogsworth. I chuckled at how irritated he was getting before I heard me phone ring again.
Looking at the screen I found it was Mal this time. My smile grew as I picked up the phone. "Hey Beautiful." I greeted her. "Everything's fine... I'm down in the lobby. I went and did a little shopping... Hey, if you want a laugh come down to the lobby... Just trust me... Okay see you in a minute."
Hanging up I turned my attention back to the argument in front of me and after a few minutes couldn't help but start chuckling again. It was just way too funny. It's rare to see anyone rile Lumière up this much, apart from Cogsworth. I turned when I heard a familiar chuckle behind me. Once I finished turning around I saw my wife. Damn that still feels strange to say.
I motioned her over with my head and after turning around to watch the argument again I wrapped my arms around Mal as she stood in front of me. We both chuckled to each other and I'm surprised neither of them had noticed us stood there yet, but it seemed they were far too interested in their argument to pay much attention. Even the guards who had come with us for the week were chuckling.
"You haven't even attempted to stop this have you?" Mal asked me and I tried to look sorry but since I was still laughing it was kinda impossible to pull it off well.
"No." I mumbled and I noticed her shake her head, no doubt while rolling her eyes at me.
"Oh Bennyboo, I think us VK's have been a bad influence on you." She stated. I didn't respond to that. It may very well be the case but like hell am I about to complain about that. "Come on." She said as she stepped out of my embrace. I took hold of her hand and we slowly walked over to the arguing duo.
"Seriously! Just tell what bloody room King Ben and Queen Mal are in!" Lumière shouted to Payton, his patience clearly wearing very thin.
"What the hell is going on?" I asked the pair as we stopped a few steps away from them. They turned to face us as quickly as possible before they both bowed/curtsied. Both me and Mal rolled our eyes at this. We had told Payton about that only this morning and Lumière every damn day.
Once they had finished and were standing upright again I raised my eyebrow questioningly. "I apologise for the interruption to your honeymoon, your majesties. I was asked by your parents to bring you this." Lumière stated before holding out a pink envelope with a blue seal. Looking at the colours it didn't take a genius to figure out where it had come from, the question was who had sent it. "I am to wait here for your reply." Lumière informed us. Mal stepped forward to take the envelope as I nodded to him.
"Of course. Please come wait in our room." Mal offered and Lumière smiled and nodded to her offer. I allowed Mal to lead the way. I couldn't help but think only one thought. I couldn't have picked a better wife, Queen or mother to my children if I looked for a hundred years.
Once we were in our room I sat next to Mal and saw her staring at the envelope. I looked at her worried face and couldn't help but ask Lumière one last thing. "Do you know what this is?" I asked. Lumière shook his head before I held out my hand to Mal, silently asking if she would like me to read it.
She handed me the envelope and leaned into my side a little more. I broke the seal and opened the envelope, pulling out a letter and invitation. I decided to read the letter to Mal first before opening the invitation.
"King Ben and Queen Mal,
I apologise profusely for the upset and drama caused by my mother. I wish to express that had I have known I would have found a way to stop her. I can not apologise enough for the predicament she has placed you both in especially in Queen Mal's condition.
I have enclosed an invitation to myself and Philip's coronation as King and Queen of Auroria. I realise you may be reluctant to attend but I assure you my mother will not be there. Since the announcement this morning she has left for our summer palace, telling us she will be there for at least a few weeks.
Hope to see you soon,
Aurora."
I read to Mal and Lumière. I couldn't believe she was apologising, she hadn't done anything. I glanced at Mal out of the corner of my eye and found her in a similar state of disbelief as I opened the invitation. I really didn't need to open it but I felt I may as well. Sure enough there was an invitation to the coronation and after party of Philip and Aurora.
Handing the invitation to Mal I stayed silent waiting for her response. I didn't have to wait for very long as a few minutes later she spoke. "I think we should go." Mal stated as she turned towards me.
"Are you sure, Mal?" I asked. I couldn't help but think of Leah turning up and starting more crap with us.
"Yeah, I mean what would it look like if we didn't go? We are King and Queen of Auradon now." Mal explained and I knew she had a point but screw what people thought my concern if my pregnant wife.
"What about Leah?"
"If she turns up, she turns up. Ben there's nothing more she can do or say." Mal told me and I instinctively nodded to her. "Oh." Mal said as she looked back at the invitation. I threw her a questioning look prompting her to continue. "It's this Saturday."
Now I knew why she looked a little confused. It had been booked during our honeymoon. Yet as I looked at Mal's face I knew she wanted to go. Probably more to see Audrey and ask how she is after the announcement but still. "We should still go." I stated. This caused my wife to turn to me with a smile on her face. "I mean were only really cutting our honeymoon short by a few days. Maybe we can have a long weekend away during summer or something." I told her. Mal quickly kissed my cheek before heading over to the little desk and writing out a reply to Aurora, no doubt telling her we will be there.
A few minutes later Mal came back and handed an envelope to Lumière who bowed once again and quickly left. I sat and watched as Mal then turned her attention to me. "So what did you go shopping for anyway?" She asked me. It was then I realized I still hadn't given her my little surprise.
I reached down over the arms of the couch and grabbed one of the boxes for her. I had decided to leave one for a Christmas present for her but I also had no idea which one I was about to give her. I handed my favourite purple-ette the gift box. She looked at me confused before opening it. I probably wasn't meant to but I heard her small gasp as she looked at the jewellery. I wanted to ask which one it was but then she would know I bought more then one so I kept quiet.
"Ben, I love it." She told me and I felt the smile spread across my face. "It's like the charm on my bracelet and your family crest. It's beautiful." Ah, I had given her that one. In a way I'm kinda glad. The dragon one would make a better stocking filler for her for Christmas.
"Our family crest." I told her. She still didn't refer to herself as part of the family. I knew it was more out of habit then anything else but as I always have I corrected her with it. I took the necklace from her and fastened it around her neck before watching as she put her ear rings in. I was beyond happy that she liked it and just hoped she felt the same about the other set.
Mal's POV. (Two Days Later).
I couldn't believe how smoothly our first few days away have gone. It has passed in a whirlwind of shopping, relaxing and just spending time together. Plus I have been skyping with Evie about my dress for the coronation. We had told Lumière and Evie not to mention to our parents we were going. Since the coronation isn't until Saturday afternoon we are going to surprise then on friday night and take them out for a meal. They have done so much for me I felt it only right we treat them a little.
So it's Wednesday today and since we only have today and tomorrow now as full days here I had managed to convince Ben to explore the island a little with me, which is where we are now. We're currently on the middle of a forest and to be honest I was getting a little bored. I was walking next to Ben playing with the necklace that Ben had bought for me on our first day here. But I would have thought Neverland would be a little more exciting after what I've heard from stories. I was about to tell Ben was should go back when something caught my eye.
Looking in front of me but a little to the right I noticed, for lack of a better work, a dark green and light blue glow. I moved my head in that direction I signalled to Ben to look that way. I thought maybe he would know what it was but he just looked at them confused. "Come on. Let's go check it out." I said but before he could reply I started walking in that direction. I knew if I did that he was follow me and sure enough, a few seconds later I felt him take my hand in his.
As we got closed I realised what the glowed were. It was two fairies. One dressed in green, the other in blue. Me and Ben stopped a few steps away from them but I couldn't tear my eyes away from them. It's the first time I've seen a fairy like this. I mean sure me and Maleficent were fairies, well half fairy in my case, but neither of us were this small or had wings.
The two fairies look between me and Ben before nodding at each other. Seconds later the two fairies where the same size as us and they instantaneously curtsied to us. I shared a confused look with Ben and I could tell he had no idea who they were. Neither did I for that matter.
"Your majesties." The fairy dressed in green addressed us. "I am Tinkerbell and this is the Blue Fairy." She said. Ah so that's who they were. It made sense that Tinkerbell would be here, I mean this is Neverland. We nodded to them but I was a little stunned. I mean the blue fairy is supposedly one of the most powerful fairies and here she was stood in front of me.
"Allow me to offer our congratulations and our sincerest apologies for not being able to attend your wedding and of course Queen Mal's coronation." The Blue Fairy apologised for the pair of them. "With things being as they are we got a little caught up in trying to protect the people on the island." She explained and that got my attention immediately.
"What do you mean 'protect people on the island'?" Ben asked before I could. His king-ly/protective instincts kicking in straight away.
I watched as the fairies looked at each other, seemingly having a conversation with their eyes. After a few minutes they turned back to us but it was Tinkerbell who spoke for the pair of them. "We feel with Queen Mal's current condition it wouldn't be wise to involve you both." She said. Okay, what the hell!? I am pregnant not god damned incapable!
"Tell us." I practically demanded of the pair. I had always said I wouldn't use being Queen to get information out of people but if there are people being hurt and I can help then I will. Ben smiled at me but as the Blue Fairy spoke he turned his attention back to the two in front of us.
"Well, we're not entirely sure what's going on." She said as she started her explanation. "A few nights ago right before your wedding, during the night there were reports of two people looking like Maleficent and Evil Queen." I couldn't help but feel guilty. These people were suffering because I didn't want lizard Maleficent to be put on the isle. "They had burned people's homes and such for no reason at all. We have been doing everything we can to help them using our magic but it's taking a while with just the two of us. Especially since some things can't be fixed with magic and there's no one around here to help."
Turning to face Ben I silently asking a question. Ben simply smiled and nodded to me. "Just one second." I said to the fairies before I transported myself away from the trio.
As I arrived at my destination I spun around at the sound of a gasp and turned just in time to catch Evie. She threw herself at me and hugged me rather tightly. "Hey E." I managed to breath out in greeting. As I looked over her shoulder I saw Jay, Carlos, Jane, Audrey, Doug and surprisingly Ellie. Everyone I needed right now.
"Listen, guys." I said to all of them as I removed myself from Evie's hold. "Me and Ben could really use your help." I told them.
"Why? What's going on?" Jane asked me.
Looking between them all I decided it would be better to just come out with it rahter then tell them later. "Well me and Ben were exploring Neverland, where he took me for our honeymoon, when we came across Tinkerbell and the Blue Fairy. They told us about Maleficent and Evil Queen, they have burned some peoples homes but the two of them are struggling to repair the damage." I explained to them and watched as they all looked between themselves. "I was hoping you guys would come back with me so we could help out?" I asked.
All of the nodded at the same time before they all stood. I knew I wouldn't be able to transport them all at the same time to I looked at Jane. "Jane, can you take Carlos, Jay and Audrey?" I asked. As the three of them walked towards her she nodded. "Just think of Ben and you'll find him."
Taking hold of Evie's hand I reached out my other hand to Ellie. Hesitantly she took it and I saw Doug take hold of Evie's other hand. Seconds later I felt both Evie and Ellie's hold tighten as I transported us back to Ben.
Seconds later Ben was stood in front of me again but I was currently seeing two of him. As Evie, Doug and Ellie moved over to the others I felt my knees buckle underneath me. Ben was next to me in an instant, holding me up by my waist. Thankfully, as he held onto me the dizziness subsided. I hated these dizzy spells. Although according to Doug's aunt it's perfectly normal with twins.
A bottle of water was suddenly held out to me and I looked to find the Blue Fairy stood there with a smile on her face. "Thank you" I said to her before taking a drink. It made me feel better instantly but I noticed as I stepped out of Ben's hold he stayed right next to me.
"So I have to ask Queen Mal, why have you brought your friends back with you?" The Blue Fairy asked me, confusion on her face. Oh right I never explained myself, I just left to get them.
"I have asked them to help us. Could you please show us the village that was affected by Maleficent's and Evil Queen's magic?" I informed/asked her. I could see she was reluctant and she turned to Ben probably for confirmation it was okay. I saw Ben nod from the corner of my eye and watched as she waved her wand around.
The scenery around us changed instantly and we were not stood near burned and charred houses with people and children looking miserable. I couldn't help but get upset at the sight before us. How could they have caused so much devastation for no reason!? This is just pure evil. I should have been able to stop her when she kidnapped me weeks ago. If I had been a little stronger and put a stop to Maleficent then none of this would have happened.
"What do you need us to do?" Jay asked the two fairies. Everyone was immediately given tasks and unsurprisingly I was given the task with the least amount of work, helping the families. Not that I minded like. Some of those children were adorable and none of them had done anything wrong to deserve this happening. I vowed then and there to stop the villains. I had no idea how to do that or how long it would take me but it had to be done.
After a talking to a young couple who's home had been affected and given them a food hamper (the Blue Fairy, who hadn't gone far from me at Ben's request, had shown me where it was) I felt some tugging at my trousers. Looking down I was met with an absolutely adorable little girl with mousy brown hair looking up at me.
"Is that your real hair colour?" She asked as I knelt next to her.
"Yeah, do you like it?" The little girl nodded to my question.
"But it would look better blue." She stated. I couldn't help but smile at her and think of how much she reminded me of Evie when we were younger. I changed my hair colour to blue, using my magic, causing the little girl to squeal in delight. Since I was focused on the girl in front of me I didn't notice the Blue Fairy taking some pictures of us.
I changed my hair colour back and the little girl pouted. "I have a friend called Evie with naturally blue hair. Do you wanna meet her?" I asked the little girl. She responded by nodding and clapping enthusiastically. "Hey E!" I called out to her and beckoned her over. "What's your name?" I asked the girl.
"Hannah. I six." She told me and I couldn't help but smile. I noticed Evie had stopped behind the little girl so I opened my arms silently asking if she wanted to her held and she ran into my arms. Standing up I balanced Hannah on my hip. Which was a little difficult when you consider my growing bump.
"Evie, this is Hannah." I introduced them. Evie smiled and waved at the young girl in my arms and I was about to explain everything to my sister but Hannah beat me to it.
"I like you hair." She said as she reached forward hesitantly and lightly grabbed one of the curls. I handed her over to my sister and they went and sat down talking about Evie's hair colour. I smiled in their direction before Ben caught my eye.
"Your going to be an amazing mom." He stated, before he quickly kissed me then went back over to Jay and Carlos. I couldn't help but smile at his statement. Maybe I could raise a child and not turn into Maleficent.
Our afternoon continued much in the same way. I greeted and spoke to various families who had been affected by what had happened, with the Blue Fairy always nearby. While the others helped to rebuild and fix the houses and small shops. I received a worried call from Fairy Godmother after she couldn't find the others but after reassuring her they were with me and why she calmed and just told me to have them back by curfew. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at her. What was it with her and curfews anyway.
Sure it wasn't what I imagined me and Ben would be doing on our honeymoon but I wouldn't change it for anything. Anything I could do to help these people I would do and I would also be checking in with the Blue Fairy regularly as well since she had taught me how to communicate with other fairies through thoughts and without having to be near them. But hopefully nothing else would happen and the villains would not leave these innocent people alone.
Author's Note: Okay, so my story Family Day has now come to an end and Gaining A Family only had a couple more chapters before that is also finished. So I am wondering what type of story you guys would like to read next. I have some ideas for Ben/Mal stories but I would like to challenge myself and write another pairing as my main pairing. Please let me know which kinds of pairing you would like to read of should I stick with Bal stories? Please drop me a review/PM and let me know. Hope you enjoyed this chapter. x