Descendants: A Jay Love Story

The Beginning

"I gave you a second chance," Belle interjected, holding Adam back with a firm, but gentle hand in the crook of his arm. She asked Ben, "Who are their parents?"

Ben smiled at his mother, glad for her support. He took a deep breath and replied, "Cruella De Vil... Jafar... Evil Queen... And Maleficent."

The room fell silent, everyone was in utter disbelief that Ben would propose such a thing. But Ben remained firm. "Maleficent!" Adam bellowed. The tailor bowed in respect before leaving the room to give the royals their much-needed privacy.

Adam was beyond aggravated, but mostly, he was scared of what could happen if Ben went through with this. He didn't want anyone, especially his son and wife to get hurt. "She is the worst villain in the land!"

"Dad, just hear me out here!"

The king shook his head with vigor. "I won't hear of it. They are guilty of unspeakable crimes."

"Dad, their children are innocent," Ben stated. Then, in a calmer tone, he asked, "Don't you think they deserve a shot at a normal life?"

Adam contemplated his son's proposal and the reasoning behind it. After a moment, Ben's reasoning began to make sense despite his reservations. Adam sighed. "I suppose their children are innocent."

Ben smiled brightly at the fact that his father agreed and it didn't take a fight like it usually did. He and his father were very alike when it came to their tempers. The only difference being, it took Ben longer to get completely heated thanks to his mother's calm and level-headed nature.

Belle stepped towards her son and fixed his suit jacket. "Well, well done," she said proudly, patting his chest. Then, she turned back to her husband. "Shall we?" She asked as she slid her hand into the crook of his elbow. The lovely couple left Ben alone in his room. And the young prince found himself gliding towards the windows, gazing out to the Isle longingly. He wanted to believe whole-heartedly that this plan was a good one and that it'll work. He knew in his heart that the children deserved a chance to prove that they weren't their parents. Auradon was the perfect place for them to do just that. The only problem was, he knew the rest of Auradon may not be open to the idea.

Ben looked down at his ring and nervously twirled it around his finger as if it would give him the confidence he needed to pull this off. It must have worked because a confident smile spread across his face as he looked back up at the Isle.

"Ow! Darn it!" Ben turned, hearing the voice of one of his best friends. He couldn't help but chuckle, knowing what was wrong. Erin, Queen Ariel and King Eric's daughter, wasn't the most graceful of princesses. Like her older sister, Melody, Erin was a bit of a klutz and was better in water than on land. Though, Melody seemed to grow out of it.

"Come in!" Ben called. An amused smile still played on his face as she peeked her head through the door, her bright red hair splayed over her shoulder. "What'd you trip on this time?"

Erin gave him an unamused look as she entered the room fully. As usual, Erin opted to wear pants and her white lace flats instead of a dress like the other princesses. This made sense considering Erin's ungraceful nature. "I don't know what you're talking about," she said, feigning innocence. Ignoring his comment and his wide amused grin, Erin asked, "So, how'd it go?"

Of course Ben told Erin about his proclamation. They'd been best friends all their lives. Their mothers were best friends. And Erin was an amazing party and event planner. Still smiling, Ben replied, "A little shaky at first, but it worked."

"Aaah!" Erin squealed. "That's great! 'Cause, I had a few questions about the welcoming committee you wanted."

"What is it?"

Erin's initial excitement faded into tentativeness, and she began to nervously fiddle with her fingers. "Do you think a big welcoming committee is such a good idea? The band, the banners, the confetti cannons. Don't you think it's a bit much? It could be overwhelming for them."

Ben's smile faltered as he thought about it. Then, in a flash, his smile was back, knowing what he wanted to do. "No, it's perfect. I want this to be special. Is it ready?"

Erin sighed in defeat. She felt this was going to be too much, but Ben had his mind set. "Almost. Some of the band members are a little nervous about villain kids being here. Most students are for that matter. It took a lot of convincing. But a lot of students are excited and are helping with the banners."

"That's great! This is going to be awesome. Don't worry."

Erin gave him her most convincing smile, knowing Ben was not about to change his mind. He was as stubborn as both his parents, maybe more so. "Thanks, Rin."

They hugged. "Anytime, Ben." Erin smiled at her friend and left the room to finish preparing for the new arrivals. On her way down the hall, a bump in the carpet caused Erin to trip and fall to the ground. "Ow!"

"You okay?!" Ben called from his room. Erin could hear the amusement in his voice, and she couldn't help but chuckle. "I'm good!" She called back, just as amused.

Ben chuckled. Erin brushed herself off and walked away with her head held high. She had a lot of work to do.