After Mal had purchased what she needed from the art store the group of teens headed to the mall, much to Mal's annoyance. She knew she would get used as some kind of styling doll and she was right. The girls had her trying on various dresses and such, Audrey even managed to pursuade her to try on a dress which had pink on it. She told the princess in no uncertain terms if she tried to buy it for her then she would burn it. She hated anything pink.
The one thing Mal was happy about was that since being pregnant she hadn't been subjected to the torture that is shoe shopping. She could tolerate clothes shopping but absolutely despised shoe shopping, especially with Evie and Audrey together. It was too much for the purple haired teen. For that she silently thanked her babies each time she was shopping with the girls.
Mal was convinced by the time her and the girls left the mall there wasn't anything left there for the mall to sell. They had all gone slightly overboard. Okay a lot overboard. Mal had basically gone baby clothes mad and picked up any outfits she deemed either cute or badass, even though she knew Evie also had lots of designs for the twins. The purple haired teen had also bought Freddie and Hollie some Auradon outfits for some more formal parties and things they would no doubt get invited to after Belle spent a bit more time with them. She had even bought Evie the outfits she tried on and liked, much to the blunette's annoyance. Evie hated that she had to have Mal or Belle buy her outfits that she didn't make for herself, and Mal had even bought her fabrics for her today as well. She longed for the day she got a job and she could pay for these things herself.
But after an eventful day of shopping they were currently getting ready for whatever Ben had planned at the museum. As usual the group were getting ready in Mal's old room in the castle but Mal had been confused to find her parents weren't there when they came home. The purple haired teen was currently slipping into her newest knee length dress curtesy of Evie and her blue haired sister was in a similar length blue dress. Freddie and Hollie were in some of their 'Auradon' gear as well since they would be out in public possibly with other royals there.
"M?" Evie said gaining the entire rooms attention as she fastened Mal's rose necklace around the purplette's neck, while the pregnant teen adjusted the crown on her head ben had insisted she wear. "What do you think this surprise is that Ben has planned at the museum?" She asked. Audrey, Lonnie, Jane and Ellie all shared a secret smile. The young king had told them what he had in store and they were excited to see how the two girls would react.
"I dunno, E." Mal said before a knock sounded at her door. Slowly she walked over "Knowing Ben it could be anything." She stated before opening the bedroom door.
She was slightly surprised to find Kyle stood there, rising from a bow. "I'm very sorry to interrupt, you majesty. But we must be going if we are to meet King Ben on time." He told her and she couldn't help but be shocked. She shot a glance at the clock on her dresser and found it was almost four, the purple haired teen had no idea where the day had gone. It didn't seem like that long ago her and the girls were heading into town. She looked at the girls in the room quickly before turning back to Kyle.
"Of course. Thank you." She told him. "We will meet you downstairs in a moment." Kyle gave Mal another low bow before turning and leaving. Mal beckoned with her head for the others to follow her before slowly making her way downstairs. She couldn't help but huff a little at how slow she was having to walk now. Make no mistake she loved her boys to pieces but she couldn't wait to have them and be able to walk normally. She was only a little over five months and in her opinion she was the size of a whale and had a bit of a waddle to her walk. The pregnant teen just couldn't wait to get back to normal and have her two boys here.
It wasn't long before the limo was pulling up at the museum and the girls immediately noticed Ben, Jay, Carlos, Adam and Belle stood outside. This confused Mal to no end. Her mom was supposed to be resting at home yet here she was. With a little help from Kyle Mal climbed out of the car and after waiting for Evie to get out she walked towards the small group stood on the steps of the museum. Mal hadn't been back here since she and her siblings broke in and tried to steal the wand. It felt a little strange to be back here as Queen now.
"Go on in, guys." Ben said looking over Mal and Evie's shoulders. "Jane will show you where you need to be." He told them and the purplette and blunette became even more confused. They watched as Jane, Audrey, Lonnie, Ellie, Holly and Freddie walked through the doors behind the two girls family.
Once the door was once more closed Mal curiosity got the better of her. "Ben, what's going on?" She asked her husband, earning him curious glances from her three siblings who also didn't have a clue what this was about. It was only then Mal and Evie noticed even the two boys were dressed nicely and Ben had his crown on as well.
The four teens watched as Ben shared a look with his parents, who nodded to his unspoken question. "You four are being honoured for what you did almost a year ago at me coronation." He told them and all four of their jaws dropped. None of them could believe what Ben had just told them.
"Wh... Why?" Evie managed to stammer out the question they were all thinking. This earned her slightly sad smiles from Ben, Belle and Adam. The three knew her question was mostly because their parents had never even congratulated or complimented them on anything.
"Because," Adam started to explain. Taking a step forward so he was behind his sons right shoulder. "Not only did you save the lives of every royal and Auradon Prep student in the Cathederal but you saved the Kingdom from being taken over." The former King explained to the teens. "The citizens of Auradon and most of the royal decided you need some kind of recognition for that." He told them. They still couldn't believe this was happening but the four original VK's nodded to the three in front of them.
"Ready to go inside now?" Ben asked them. It was at this question the shock finally started fading from their faces. They realized this was happening, they were actually getting some recognition for doing something right. It was a strange but welcome feeling for the four teens. Once more they nodded as a smile pread across their faces. Ben instinctively held his hand out for Mal while Jay and Carlos moves to flank Evie, each of them holding their arms out for her.
The family of seven walked slowly into the museum and as Adam and Belle led the way the four Isle teens recognised where they were heading. Sharing skeptical looks with each other they became a little more reluctant to follow but they knew Ben would never hurt them, especially Mal and the twins.
After a couple of minutes the four VK's suspicions were confirmed but they were met with the sight of people gathered around a curtain instead of the empty room they knew this to be. They were just out of sight of the crowd that had gathered and as they watched Adam and Belle walk to the front of the crowd they noticed most of the Auradon royals were there (except Prince Charming and Philip). Surprising the four of them though was the fact that while those two weren't there their wives were and even Chad was stood with his mother. There was various faces from school they recognised including Fairy Godmother and there were some people they didn't recognise, the four assumed they were some residents of Auradon.
Ben released Mal's hand and signalled for them to stay there before he walked towards the little podium in front of the red curtain. He was met by everyone bowing/curtying as usual. Once they were once more stood he cleared his throat. "Good afternoon." Ben greeted and the four teens smiled at him. It was clear he was the son of Belle, he was so kind and gentle. "Thank you for attending this opening today."
The young king looked around smiling at the amount of people that had come out to see his wife and siblings honoured for what they did for the Kingdom, his Kingdom. "I know there are many rumours surrounding what we are all here for but before I reveal what you all came to see I would like to introduce the guests of honour." He said shooting a quick glance over to the four teens, who were still just out of sight. Jay immediately moved to stand next to Mal and the pregnant teen linked her arm with her older brothers, mirroring the way Evie and Carlos were stood just behind them. "Please welcome Carlos, Jay, Evie and Queen Mal." Ben said extending his hand in their direction.
Everyone turned their heads in the direction Ben's hand was pointing and watched as the four teens walked out to the stage, stopping next to Ben. Jay was directly next to the young King with Mal and Evie next to him and Carlos at the end, neither boy comfortable leaving the girls exposed on one side. They smiled out at the crowd as they bowed/curtsied to Mal before clapping the quartet.
"I have put this together at the request of the council and citizens of Auradon, most of whom felt these four brave teens deserved some recognition for the fact that they stood up to Maleficent and beat her to save our Kingdom and families." Ben's explanation was met with another round of applause from everyone causing the four teens to look a little uncomfortable. But Ben wasn't done yet. "No amount of words of gifts can every thank these four enough for what they have done for all of us but we thought this would be a good start." He said before turning slightly so he could see the curtain behind him.
Mal, Evie, Jay and Carlos followed his lead in time to see the curtain being lifted. Both Mal and Evie gasped at what they saw, while Jay and Carlos' eyes went wide. Stood there on a large podium were life size statues of the four of them, in the outfits there wore for Ben's coronation, with a plaque next to each statue. The four of them were so shocked they didn't even register the fact that the crown behind them were once more clapping or the fact that people were taking photo's, they were to focused on the statues.
It wasn't until Ben cleared his throat that the four finally tore their gaze away from the statues of themselves. They noticed Ben was now in front of them and away from the podium and microphone. "What do you guys think?" He asked. They hadn't said anything and he worried they hated the idea.
"Thank you." Carlos thanked their brother/husband. He was the one who recovered from his shock first so he answered for the quartet. Ben smiled at him before looking to the others.
"I don't believe this." Jay stated as him and Evie recovered from their shock.
Ben shot him a confused look which Evie answered. "He means he can't believe that there are not statues of us in the Hall of Heroes." She explained for the long haired ex-theif. It was then Mal seemed to snap herself out of her shock and pay attention. "Honestly we don't deserve it." Evie answered while the three others nodded their agreement, shocking Ben.
"How can you say that?" The young King asked in disbelief. "If it wasn't for you four none of us would be here today." He told them. "I know I didn't give you any notice but would one of you maybe like to say something?" Ben asked the quartet. Evie, Jay and Carlos immediately turned to look at Mal, causing her to laugh.
"Guess I'm saying something then." She stated as she took the few steps over to the podium, with Ben and Jay taking her hands to help her up the step. She nodded a silent 'thank you' to them before turning to face the crowd of people who were still clapping. More to calm her nerves more then anything the purple haired teen cleared her throat. "Hi, thank you for coming." Mal said starting her forst ever solo public speech as Queen. "And thank you for this honour." She thanked them and was met with applause. "Honestly we don't feel like we deserve this. In our eyes we aren't heroes, we just did what was needed to do. That fact that we were standing up to Maleficent was just a formality really. We did what anyone else would have done." She explained as Evie, Jay and Carlos nodded at the side of her, while Ben simply smiled up at her. "But thank you to everyone for this. That fact that you view us like this and have all put this together means more to us than you know. So thank you." She said before stepping off the podium and moving back to Evie.
Ben gave her a quick kiss on her cheek before taking her previous place at the podium. "As I said earlier this is just the start of how we plan to thank Auradon's heroes." He stated earning confused but curious looks from the four original VK's next to him. "But myself and the council felt this would be the best way to begin. Please feel free to look and what not and thank you all for coming and showing your support." He said, concluding his speech.
The young King walked back over to his wife, sister, and brothers who were currently being hugged by his parents, various royals and their friends. What did surprise him though was seeing Chad hug Mal and hear him congratulate her. Chad had apologised to him that morning and said he also planned to apologise to his wife but had no idea when he had done so. But he was glad to have his friend and wife talking, he had kinda missed having Chad as a friend. Although he was still annoyed at the way he had spoken about their twins if Mal could forgive him then he could.
As he noticed Chad move away he fonished approaching his wife and wrapped his arm around her waist. "You two look friendlier." He stated, not bothering to hide the slight happiness in his voice.
"Yeah." She stated as she turned into Ben's side. The young king instinctively wrapped her in a comforting embrace. "He bumped into me and the girls earlier in town while we were shopping and apologized. I told him I was skeptical and he asked for the chance to prove he meant what he said. I agreed to give him a chance." She explained, Ben simply nodded to her as she tucked her head under his chin.
This action from Mal caused Ben to lean back a little and he finally noticed how tired she looked. "You okay?" He asked and she simply nodded to him. "Want to go home?" Again she nodded but this time she also leant back.
"Please. I'm just gunna go to the toilet first." She said.
He nodded to her. "Okay. I'll go see if the others are ready to go yet." He said and moved over to his parents, siblings and friends (minus Chad). Mal also noticed Gaston Jr was no longer there which was suspicious but she didn't pay it any mind. She simply turned and headed off to the bathroom.
Thankfully it was only around the corner so she didn't have to be gone long. What she wasn't expecting was for someone to grab her as she left the bathroom. Before the purple haired teen could react or even scream she found herself against the wall, unable to move, with a mouth over hers, kissing her. Her eyes widened and she let out a muffled scream as she found herself once more pinned by Gaston Jr. Knowing she couldn't use her magic unless absolutely necessary she attempted to push him off of her but he simply pinned her arms/hands against the wall using his own.
"Hey!" She heard someone nearby shout. "Get you grimey hands off her!" They shouted and it was enough for Gaston Jr to pull away and loosen his grip.
Before Mal had a chance to push him away from her, Gaston Jr quickly disappeared from in front of her as he was tackled bu the person who had shouted. Looking on the floor a few steps away from her she saw Chad punching the black haired boy. What none of them knew was Chad's shout had drawn the attention of some others as the two boys rolled around on the floor. The pregnant teen got a little closer but as she noticed Gaston Jr make a grab for her ankle she quickly moved back, refusing to get too close to him.
"Chad, stop!" Mal shouted to him. Not because she was trying to save Gaston Jr or because she didn't think he deserved it, he certainly did. It was because she didn't want Chad to get into trouble for beating him up.
"Hell no!" Chad shouted back to her, still landing punches to any part of the black haired boys body he could reach. "He's not sticking his tongue down your throat, assaulting you and getting away with it!" He told her. She had expected that kind of response off him, what she didn't expect were the gasps, growls and very loud "What!" that followed it.
Mal quickly turned to find Ben, Jay, Carlos, Evie, Adam, Belle, Audrey, Cinderella, and Freddie stood there. Not far from her and the two fighting boys. She couldn't help but be worried. She still hadn't told Ben about the first time Gaston Jr had done this a few days ago. She hated keeping it from him but either one of them was busy or they weren't alone.
"I did nothing!" Gaston Jr shouted between Chad punching him, clearly hoping somone would help him if he pleaded innocent.
"Mal?" Ben growled out, his eyes never leaving the two fighting teens. Even as Adam quickly walked forward with Cinderella and surprisingly Freddie to move Chad away from the other teenage boy. "Did he?"
Mal nodded to Ben as she watched Adam finally pull Chad off of the black haired teen. She locked eyes with her clearly mad husband before whispering "Yes." and allowing her tears to fall.
What happened next was like chaos. Surprisingly Ben had gone over to his wife with Belle while Jay had been the one to run at Gaston Jr. But before the long haired teen could land a punch he found himself being held back by Evie and Carlos while Audrey stood in front of him, trying to calm him down. Much like Cinderella and Freddie were with Chad. Ben simply glaring and growling at the boy. It seemed Ben hated Gaston Jr just as much as his father, Adam, hated Gaston.
Gaston Jr got to his feet and looked around at the scene he found himself in. He knew he had to make out like Mal and Chad were lying or he would be sent back to the Isle and he really didn't want that but before he could come up with a plan Adam spoke.
"How dare you! Putting your hands on my pregnant daughter twice!? I told you if you tried it again you would be sent back to the isle." Adam shouted at the teen who simple glared at Mal. But Adam saying this caused mal to cry harder and turn into the person closest to her, which happened to be her mom. Belle immediately wrapped her arms around the distraught teen who was leant against her, Mal physical and now mental and emotional exhaustion making itself known.
"Twice?" Ben asked. Mal nodded to him but as she saw Ben turn back to face the black haired teen she turned her face into Belle's shoulder and let her emotions take over.
"You liar!" Gaston Jr shouted as he quickly moved in Mal's direction. Belle tightened her hold on the purple haired teen but Ben quickly moved to intercept him.
In seconds Ben had the boy pinned on the floor, on his stomach with his hands held behind his back. The young King was still growling dangerously at the boy but for the sake of his pregnant wife was holding himself back from what he really wanted to do, beating the smug arse to a pulp. "Guards!" Ben shouted as loud as he could.
Five guards immediately came running down the corridor and one took Ben's position, holding the boy down. As the other four, one of which was Kyle, looked around it didn't take a lot for them to understand what happened. "Lock him in our dungeon. I'll decide his sentence later." The young King stated.
As Gaston Jr was roughly dragged down the corridor and out of the museum Belle, Evie, Carlos, Audrey, Cinderella and Freddie saw Adam, Ben, Chad and Jay force themselves to calm down. The four guys them turned as one to look at the still crying teen in Belle's arms. Ben however looked away from her and towards Chad. "Thank you." He said shocking the blonde haired prince. "I dread to think what would have happened if you hadn't been here." Ben told him.
"No worries. I wasn't about to do nothing." Chad told Ben and everyone heard the truth in his words, causing his mother to smile. It seemed Chad had finally seen the error in listening to his father.
Ben nodded to him in another silent thank you. "You're welcome to come back with us. The others are spending the night at the castle since it's weekend. We're just going to have a movie and games night but I'd love it if you came." The young King invited the blonde prince. He knew after what he had just done Mal wouldn't mind.
After sharing a look with him mom Chad turned to look back at Ben. "Sure. I'd love to." It was then Jay came over and shook the blonde prince's hand, Carlos following his example. The group turned back to look at Mal who was still crying and Ben walked over and lifted his wife into his arms with his mom supporting Mal, so he didn't drop her.
"Let's get home then." Ben said, and Mal hid her face in the crook of his neck as he started leading the way back to the limo. The purple haired girl didn't know how to feel. She was angry at herself and Gaston Jr for it happening, annoyed with herself that she didn't stop him, annoyed that she didn't tell Ben after the first time and worried about what punishment Chad would receive. She vaguely registered Adam helping Ben get her into the car but after that she let her exhaustion take over and as Ben pulled her back into his lap once we was sat in the car she fell asleep on him. Ben and the others noticed immediately and just hoped when she woke up she would feel better and not let what happened bother her. Ben would make sure Gaston Jr got what he deserved for what he did.
Author's Note: I apologise for the delay in updating. Life got in the way. I would just like to thank ceciliahyrule and Mustang52 for their continued support for this story and my others. And for their lovely reviews on my chapters. They never fail to make my day and make me smile guys, thank you! Hope you all like this chapter. It's longer then I have been writing lately but it's just where it went while I was writing so I decided to go with it. Please review and let me know what you think x