Chapter Twenty
A/N: I do not own anything other than my OCs when they come out to play. Everything else belongs to either Disney, the Greek Myths, or in Rea's case, LotusQuil!
Woo hoo! We're on chapter twenty! We are officially a little bit over 25% of the way done with this fic! Honestly it's a little surprising we're here already but don't worry—there's a lot more fic to come in this 77 chaptered story! :D
Marcus Emrys: I couldn't resist putting that in there! Thank you so much for the character! :D
Guest1612: Oh I actually have a VHS tape (dating myself a bit lol) of the animated Cat in the Hat—it's actually how I learned the French word for cat is 'chat'.
Angel Cauldwell: Hmm, it's always a possibility that they'll be brought in but I do know that Michael (Milo and Kida's son) will be more of a character over in Half and Half.
danifan3000: I mean it's been seven years, no one's memory's perfect :D and as for the guards, well Ben's just being an overprotective first time parent. As well he's the only 'powerless' one so to speak. He might have some of the Beast enchantment but that pales compared to a dragon transformation.
OceanBlueSeaEyes: Oh I love all of those recommendations! Though I can tell you what's not going to be on it (or at least Beast's request that this won't be on his grandchildren's bookshelf): Romeo and Juliet lol!
AmethystDragon14: Yay! I love writing them too—and you never know, it's a possibility! :D And of course we love ourselves a protective Benny! And yeah might not be the best course of action to give Harry more corny jokes :D I'm getting excited too! :D
twilightgirl587: The mobile was given in chapter 10, at the baby shower—it has little Cerberi, dragons, and the beast insignia along with spray cans, swords, a pirate hat, and a blue fireball! Chances are that once the kids are born, it'll be a while before Mal can spray that wall anyway. Lol, though I don't know how well a fish could be as a guard… :D
bluebird: It'll be in a couple of chapters, promise!
Katt Kiki: Neither can I!
Hufflepuff24: Yep! Cameron Bubbles is Cobra Bubble's son! :D
BAL4ever: Glad you enjoyed!
Hope you guys enjoy this chapter! Let me know what you think! :D
Ben sighed as he walked around his living room. Mal had gone off with Estelle on some quest to get him a friend—or 'girlfriend' as she had put it. The only reason why Ben wasn't freaking out more was because Mal went over to her father's for assistance in getting Estelle's girlfriend.
And yes, he was aware that he would have been freaking out if his pregnant wife wasn't with her father. And yes, he was aware that they really needed to inform the kingdom. Especially with the weather getting warmer, Mal wouldn't be able to get away with baggy clothes or a loose fitting jacket for much longer.
Gods the castle's empty without Estelle here, Ben thought. Even though I know it's just for a little bit, I've grown so used to seeing him trotting after Mal or climbing into her lap during meetings that not having him here seems odd. Also, someone needs to teach Estelle that he's not a lap dog.
Ben could still remember the day that Estelle realized that he couldn't climb onto Mal's lap because the pregnancy belly had begun to basically eliminate the lap. Though he seemed to take it well especially after he was told that Mal would have 'puppies' to grow their pack.
"Ben?"
Ben smiled as he saw Mal and heard the patter of Estelle's paws on the castle floor. That could only mean that Mal's mission had been a success. "Which larger than life breed have you brought home this time? Please tell me it's another Rottweiler," he said with a fond sigh.
"Well that was one of the options but not the option Estelle chose. Ben, meet Nyx," Mal said with a small chuckle as she brought forth a Mastiff Cerberus.
Ben stared in shock, not even noticing his father-in-law standing in the background. "Mal…that dog is bigger than some ponies."
"Estelle liked her," Mal said with a small shrug. "Plus she's a sweetheart Ben! How could you say no to those faces?"
Ben sighed with a small smile. If this was what pregnancy did to Mal, he'd welcome it with open arms.
"Okay but Mal? No more dogs okay? Estelle, Nyx, and I'm assuming whatever puppies they may have are fine but that's the line."
"Oh I agree completely," Mal nodded.
Ben gave her a small smile. "Good. Now then, come here girl," he said gently, crouching down to meet the newest member of their family.
Nyx looked over at Estelle and Mal before seemingly giving a doggy shrug and plodded over to Ben.
"Good girl," Ben said, his voice soft as he started to pet Nyx. "Gods, you're a pretty one aren't you? Your fur's almost dark as night…which I'm now starting to understand the name choice."
Nyx gave a small yip that could have been a 'thank you' to anyone who was listening closely.
"Estelle has good taste," Ben said as he looked over at Mal.
Mal chuckled and looked down at her dog. "I think your girlfriend's going to be hard pressed to leave Ben's side," she teased him. Then again, girls love Ben. How could they not?
"You know we'll have to get another 'throne' for her," Ben said with a chuckle, pulling Mal out of her thoughts.
"Oh, on your side you mean?" Mal teased as she knew he was referring to the doggy 'throne' Estelle had in the throne room for the rare occasions where he didn't want to sit on Mal's lap.
"Of course! It'd be off balance otherwise," Ben said, teasing her right back.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the guy who didn't want another dog!" Mal said as she shook her head, a grin threatening to split her face in two.
Ben shook his head fondly. "Okay, okay, so Nyx won me over. Hey, I can go on runs with her without you accusing me of hogging Estelle!"
"She'd like that I'm sure…and you do hog my dog Benny!"
Nyx gently licked Ben's hand causing him to smile once more. "I know I wasn't on board with the 'get Estelle a girlfriend' plan but now that we have Nyx…she's part of the family."
"I can agree with that," Mal nodded with a smile as one of the babies kicked, as if agreeing with the sentiment as well despite not knowing who Estelle or Nyx was.
"Besides, we need to make sure the girls aren't outnumbered," Ben teased, walking over and gently rubbing Mal's stomach. "With Nyx, the family's three and three."
"Yes, that is why we got a second dog," Mal chuckled, shaking her head.
"I knew it!"
"You know if she's anything like Estelle, be prepared for her to insist on lap cuddles," Mal told him.
"Who's going to argue with a dog like her?" Ben asked with a shrug. "If she wants to cuddle, she can cuddle."
Estelle plodded over to Ben and gently nudged Nyx away. It was almost as if he was saying 'I'm glad you like her but don't forget who's mate she is.'
"Oh my apologies Estelle," Ben said with a small chuckle. It was amazing how Estelle's tan markings stood out when he stood next to the all black Nyx. "I didn't mean to hog your mate."
Mal shook her head. "Don't be jealous Estelle. You're used to sharing me after all."
Estelle snorted before going to stand next to Nyx, as if to say 'mine'.
"I don't think Estelle's up for sharing Nyx right now," Ben said.
"That's okay,' Mal said with a small chuckle. "He deserves some time with his mate."
Ben smiled as he wrapped his arms around her as best he could. "Well then, mind if I spend some time with my wife?"
"Not at all," Mal told him.
Ben grinned before leaning down and giving Mal a tender kiss which she returned.
"Oh don't mind me, I'm invisible apparently," Hades said, shaking his head. "First walking in on Hadie's kiss and now this? Memo to me, memo to me, keep Rea in the 'kissing is yucky' mentality for as long as I can."
"Dad!" Mal exclaimed as Ben jumped and let go as if he'd been burnt.
Hades couldn't help but chuckle as that reaction never got old. "I'm glad Nyx is going to settle in alright. She seems to like it here."
"Honestly Ben, I'm pregnant. You've done more than just kiss me and lived to tell the tale," Mal muttered into Ben's ear before straightening up and looking at her dad. "I'm glad, hopefully she'll be happy here."
"I think she will be," Hades nodded, pretending like he didn't hear Mal's muttered comment to her husband. "After all, Estelle seems to be giving her plenty of attention."
Mal chuckled. "He certainly likes her. Thanks for helping us find her dad."
"My pleasure Mali. Now, do you need anything?"
Mal thought for a moment before grinning. "Your crispy garlic chicken?"
"I can do that," Hades nodded.
"Thanks dad!"
"The kitchen is at your command, Lord Hades," Ben said, giving his wife a fond smile.
Hades nodded, giving Ben a smile as he walked out toward the kitchen. Mal couldn't help but smile herself as she looked fondly at the two most important men in her life…well after Hadie of course. And Estelle, but that went without saying.
Ben shook his head. "A God is making chicken in my kitchen. I will never get used to this," he muttered.
"Why not?" Mal asked.
"Would you?"
Mal shook her head. "It's not that odd. Just ignore the God factor, it's just your father-in-law making lunch. Besides you haven't lived until you've had dad's crispy garlic chicken."
"If you say so Mal," Ben said.
"Ben, trust me. Dad's cooking is amazing. You've had his honey glazed chicken the few times we've had take out and Harry's made the delivery but the crispy garlic is on another level all together."
"I can't wait to try it then," Ben said and gently kissed Mal on the cheek. "You know we're probably going to need a lot more dog food right?"
"I'll handle that," Mal promised.
Ben gave her a small smile. "Okay," he said as he kissed her on the top of her head. Mal couldn't help but smile, she loved the attention Ben gave her. He tried to make a point of it, especially the closer they got to the end of her pregnancy. Even when he was busy with his Kingly duties, he still made a point to give her attention. And she loved it. How could she not?
Mal smiled as she reached up and kissed Ben lightly on the lips, smiling as she felt him return it. "You know…dad's not here," she whispered.
"No, no he's not," Ben nodded. "But he's in the kitchen."
"Smart move Benny!" Hades called from the kitchen. "By the way, I don't know if anyone's hungry but I've got some crispy garlic chicken ready to be eaten!"
"Coming!" Mal called as soon as she heard that. Ben chuckled as the two of them walked into the kitchen, Estelle and Nyx trotting behind them. You know it's not going anywhere Mal, Ben thought.
The look must have shown on his face as Hades chuckled slightly upon seeing him. "One thing you have to learn about your wife Benny. Never get between her and crispy garlic chicken."
"Yes sir," Ben nodded as Mal rolled her eyes.
"Well while you two chat…"
"Help yourself Mal," Hades chuckled as he handed over two plates of chicken.
Mal grinned. "Don't mind if I do. Dig in Ben! Tell me this isn't better than the honey glazed chicken."
"I don't know Mal, your dad's honey glazed chicken is pretty amazing," Ben said as he sat down next to her.
"Just you wait," Mal chuckled before the two of them began to eat. The room was silent for a bit with the exception of some whining from Estelle who was waiting for the chicken to drop.
"Here you go boy," Hades said, dropping a couple of stray pieces from the pan. "One for your lady friend too…and that's probably one of the weirdest sentences I've ever said."
Estelle yipped softly as if to say 'thank you' before taking the other piece to Nyx.
"I will say this is good," Hades heard Ben say. "But so is his honey glazed chicken!"
"Ben, you don't have to say things like that just because dad's standing right in front of you," Mal said, shaking her head.
"But it's true!" Ben insisted. "I promise I'm not just saying that."
Hades chuckled. "I'll take the compliment Benny. Mali, how's your chicken?"
"Mmm hmmm!" Mal hummed in approval, not wanting to talk as she'd just filled her mouth with chicken.
"I'll take that as a yes," Hades said, smiling at the sight. Didn't matter to him that his daughter was twenty three, married, or pregnant. The sight of her enjoying a meal he'd cooked her would always make him happy.
"You know Lord Hades, I think Mal likes the chicken more than she likes strawberries," Ben said, gently teasing his wife.
"Hey! Don't insult strawberries!" Mal exclaimed, quickly swallowing her food.
"I didn't, I was just saying that you seemed to like the chicken more," Ben said.
Mal shrugged. "Eh, they're on par with each other. Honestly it's hard to pick. Your kids have me craving this chicken though. That and chocolate…ooh dad, is chocolate covered crispy garlic chicken a possibility?"
"I could try but it'd probably be a one time thing," Hades said.
"Thanks dad," Mal said. "Don't worry, I won't expect you to put it on the menu or anything."
Hades chuckled. "Alright. Next time you have a craving, I'll see what I can do."
"Sounds good, thanks dad," Mal said as she went back to her chicken which was just as delicious as she remembered. There was truly nothing better than her dad's chicken. "Don't let your chicken get cold Benny. Then again, if you don't want it, I'll take it. I'm eating for three after all."
"You have your own food," Ben said with a chuckle as he nibbled on a piece.
"You're right I do, mine," Mal said as she playfully guarded her plate.
"Yes Mal," Ben said, shaking his head.
"Good answer," Mal and Hades said at the same time.
"What?" Hades asked as Mal looked at him. "You think Benny's the first guy to have a pregnant wife?"
"As my father once said, never argue with the pregnant woman," Ben said.
"Or take her food," Hades added.
"Did you learn that the hard way?" Mal asked.
Hades shook his head. "I just wanted one piece of fruit from your mother's plate when she was pregnant with Rea. How was I supposed to know not to do it?"
"Common sense?" Mal supplied.
Hades chuckled. "Yeah well, common sense kinda went out the window after I found out I was starting parenthood all over after my eldest daughter got married."
"How is Rea? And Hadie?" Ben asked. "Last I heard from Hadie was after Jay proposed to Lonnie."
"Yes, and remind me to have a word with young Jay about not telling me or Steph that he was going to do that so we got shocked by seeing it on live TV," Hades said, shaking his head. "But anyway, they're both fine. Hadie's…well Steph says he's out on a date with the Charmingette girl who I walked in on him kissing but I'm hoping that's not the case. Rea's been developing her powers which seem to be closer to Steph's powers than my own."
"Aww!" Mal cooed softly.
Hades shook his head. "You cooing is never going to be something I'll be used to Mal. But I'll agree it's been cute."
"Mom says Geene comes home with small flowers whenever she has a playdate with Rea," Ben said with a small smile at the memory. "Dad's just happy that she hasn't come home with a rose yet. No offense meant Lord Hades—."
"I figured," Hades said. "Roses are kinda a taboo flower for your family."
"Wait…didn't you give your mom a locket with a rose on it?" Mal asked, looking at Ben.
Ben nodded. "Yeah I did. But Mal, a locket with a rose on it isn't the same as an actual rose that was produced magically."
"…Okay I see your point there." Mal nodded and then paused as a realization dawned on her. "Dad? Any more tips on dealing with magical toddlers?"
"Two words Mali. Magical. Barrier," Hades told her. "That's really all you can do until they get a handle on their powers. Which they'll have, I'm sure of. If I were a betting man, I'd put money on it."
"Uh huh. And it's not like you haven't had the chance to talk to Hermes who is the Greek God of Gambling right?" Mal asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Just what are you accusing me of Mal?"
"You know exactly what I'm talking about dad."
Hades shook his head. "Okay, so I might have put twenty drachmas on your daughter being able to turn into a dragon before she's three."
"Dad!"
"What? Ares was saying she'd be born a dragon!"
Mal shook her head. "If I wasn't pregnant, I'd go up to Olympus and show him a dragon."
"Ooh please do," Hades grinned. "But for right now, just eat your chicken and relax okay Mali? The babies will be here before you know it and then you'll be able to dragon up whenever you feel like it."
"Now that is music to my ears," Mal said.
Ben, however, frowned. "Why are they only betting on Stephanie?"
"Cause the majority of Olympus thinks she'll be born first," Hades said with a shrug. "As I believe Steph told Mal way back when, immortal beings get bored very easily."
Mal paused. "Wait…all of Olympus knows?
"I might have told Posideon and Zeus…" Hades said and Mal sighed as she looked over at Ben. There was truly no delaying the inevitable now.
They'd have to announce it to the kingdom before the kingdom ended up finding out through a never ending gossip chain.
But first, let me finish the chicken, Mal thought. After all, the press could wait until she was done eating and if they couldn't, well then they'd be denied access to the Royal Family until they could learn to be patient.
And no, Mal didn't think she was being unreasonable thank you!