#shippy writes

Thus, she sat at the nook in her bay window, gazing out into the courtyard as she tapped out odd rhythms on her notebook with her pencil's eraser.

While she wanted to make the holiday special, Evie couldn't rely on her normal flair; Mal wasn't one to fare well when put in the spotlight or at the receiving end of a grand gesture, and the last thing Evie wanted to do on a date was to make Mal so uncomfortable that they couldn't enjoy themselves.

She had to find something meaningful yet simple. Unfortunately, Evie's mind like to turn things grander than they needed to be, and it was difficult to turn that part of her brain off.

Which brought her to her bay window nook, getting lost at nature's wonder.

"Evie?"

Evie blinked, turning to the voice that interrupted her very productive brainstorming session.

"What's got you all frowny faced?" Jay said as he sat opposite her, gaze flickering over her notebook. He blinked, undoubtedly reading the title of the list she made. "Christmas Date Wonderland?" he read aloud, skeptical.

"Help me out," Evie pleaded, scratching out the entire list — not that there was much there to begin with.

Jay raised an eyebrow. "You want me to help plan out a date?"

"Not just a date, an appropriate Christmas gift as well! I'm desperate," she said as she tore out the page, crumpling it for good measure.

"Thanks," Jay said dryly, propping his chin on his hand as he leaned on the table. "Why don't you go ask Ben or Lonnie or someone?"

As if I hadn't considered that, she thought as she flicked the paper toward him. "I can't approach this with an Auradon perspective!"

"Good point…" Jay conceded, wincing a fraction. "Why don't you just, I don't know, do whatever you'd like?"

Evie bit her lip, head in her hands. "Because what I like tends to veer into Auradon territory." She glanced at him, feeling shy for no particular reason. "And I want to make this special for Mal."

Jay remained silent for a moment, fiddling with the crumpled up paper, rolling it to and fro lazily, and his eyes never left Evie, gaze soft but still intent. After taking a little breath, he finally said, "I think you're overthinking it."

A huff escaped her before she could help it. "Have you met me?"

The corner of his lips twitching upward, Jay nodded. "Yeah, which is why I'm saying out loud, to your face, that you're overthinking things. Just breathe."

Blinking, Evie nodded. She closed her eyes and took several breaths, slow and even, and the nerves that had been buzzing throughout her gradually settled. When she opened her eyes, she found Jay smiling at her.

"Feel better?" he asked, his smile telling Evie he didn't need to hear her answer.

She answered anyway. "Yeah," she breathed out, lighter. "Thanks, Jay. I'll think of something, but I won't let it get to me again."

Jay nodded, a huff of amusement leaving him as he got up. "Yeah, I'll believe that when I see it. C'mon, princess, let's make some brownies or some shit to take your mind off things; do you some good."

Shaking her head, Evie followed Jay's lead, knowing that despite his cavalier attitude he was right about these things more often than he wasn't.

Besides, baking might let her come up with some ideas.

If Jay didn't completely distract her, of course.

———

Evie did her best not to pace as she waited for Mal to arrive.

She had made a simple, three course meal, had only set up a single candle between their place settings, had put nothing out that was overly romantic or flamboyant.

The only things she set out were a single red tulip placed upon Mal's plate and the plainly wrapped box placed on the edge of the table.

It was quiet, it was quaint, it was intimate, and Evie hoped Mal would like it.

"Something on your mind?"

Evie jumped, spinning around to face Mal, her surprise melting into affection as she took in Mal's soft, near smirk of a smile.

"When did you get here?" Evie asked as Mal moved to her side.

"A bit ago," Mal answered, leaning in to kiss her cheek. Her eyes flickered to the table, and her smile got softer. "A gift to go with the meal?"

"In a way," Evie said, heart fluttering as she saw Mal's gaze shift from the table's contents to Evie herself. "Do you want to sit?"

"Sure," Mal said, drawing out the word a fraction, and she reached over to pick up the tulip. "Maybe not here, though."

Confused, Evie opened her mouth, but her words stalled as Mal brought the tulip to her lips.

"My princess," Mal began, a glint to her eyes, "will you close your eyes for me?"

Heart skipping a beat, Evie tried to subtly swallow before she spoke. "Is this so you can prank me or something?" She said, tone teasing even as she complied with the request.

Mal let out a snort. "Nah, that's later. For now, just take my hand and follow me."

A thrill sparked up her spine when Mal gently took her hand, tugging slightly, not forcing but waiting for Evie to move, letting the decision to follow rest squarely at her feet.

And so Evie took a step forward.

There was a thin static in the air, gentle and short, just long enough for Evie to realize that Mal had performed magic as she led Evie away from the dining table, and a giddiness settled over her at what Mal had planned.

It was a short trek that took them outside, and Evie's intrigue only increased.

Mal led her out a little farther before stopping, and that thin static returned. "Okay. Open your eyes."

As she opened her eyes, Evie's breath hitched.

Fresh snow blanketed everything in her courtyard except her garden table and chairs, and the white of the snow sparkled almost silver due to several floating, faintly glowing orbs of warm light. The garden table, which sat pristine as if on a spring day, had a bouquet of pink and white roses and tulips in its center.

Mal stood by the table, the dinner Evie had prepared floating beside her into the warming trays next to the table, and all the while, Mal held the single tulip that Evie had given her close to her chest.

"Mal…" Evie breathed out, not quite able to actually use words yet.

"Merry Christmas," Mal said, her eyes firmly trained on Evie's face. "Do you want your gift now or after dinner?"

Her heart skipped another beat. "This isn't it?" she asked lamely.

An amused smile gracing her lips, Mal shook her head. "No, this is the lead up." She led Evie to the table, pulling out her chair so she could sit. "Besides, if you open yours, I can open mine." She produced the plainly wrapped box as she, too, sat.

A hiccup of a laugh escaped her as Evie took note of the thin box wrapped in silver leaning on the vase of flowers in the middle of the table. "For me?" she asked, just to make sure, as she reached for it.

"No one else but you," Mal said in reply, and though the softness was still in her features, a nervousness began to appear in her edges.

Willing her hands steady, Evie carefully opened the gift, peeling off the wrapping and removing the lid of the box, and a golden chained necklace lay before her, its golden, oval pendant covered in purple scales.

Evie stared, her fingers ghosting over the scales, the familiar static of Mal's magic faint but very much present.

"So that I can always be with you and protect you," Mal said, soft, hesitant, but filled with affection.

The amount of effort, the amount of focus on her magic, the extravagance and the romance… "Thank you," Evie whispered, bringing the pendant close to her chest, practically hugging it.

Mal smiled, and her gaze focused on the box in her own hands.

As Mal opened it, Evie held what little breath she possessed.

Mal held up a plain, golden tiara, expression puzzled before her eyebrows rose, the recognition alighting her face as she glanced from the tiara to Evie. "This is—"

"My first tiara," Evie confirmed with a small smile, clutching the pendant tighter a fraction.

It was poorly made, by the standards of their current day wardrobe and accessories, but it was real gold, and it had represented status and a title that Maleficent had hated. Once upon a time, Mal had been tasked with stealing it, with showing through brute force that Evie was nothing in Maleficent's eyes, that she wasn't worth Mal's attention outside of the meager treasure.

And now it was in Mal's hands, to do with what she liked.

"This was all you had," Mal said quietly. "You guarded it so fiercely."

"Yes," Evie said as she squeezed the pendant briefly before donning it, "and I don't need to anymore."

A smile slowly formed on Mal's lips. "I'll do my best to guard it well." She leaned in, smiling wider as Evie mirrored her movement, and pressed a chaste kiss to Evie's lips. "Merry Christmas, Evie."

Dipper hated how he couldn't say no to his sibling, and he hated how overprotective Stan was and how Ford agreed. They both agreed to put him into JROTC during his highschool years, his sister had taken it her first year and fell in love with it. She bragged to their uncles and it seemed they thought Dipper needed that extra push, so the beginning of the school year he found himself in the classroom full of other cadets. The entirety of the first week was covered by the handbook, then a little bit about the uniforms they'd be issued the following week and finally the chain of command at the core. Luckily, his school offered the Air Force, easily the best of the branches or at least he thought so. The brunette's eyes scanned the list of names and ranks he didn't understand quite yet, hoping to remember something, what he could understand was Core Commander: Bill Cipher. The highest rank and the one who held most authority over all cadets, favored by the principal for the title. He was told he'd meet all the leaders, or were they commanders too? He wasn't sure.

Mabel, being an AS-2, meant she wasn't in his class- or flight, as they called it- and he was alone. Well except for Pacficia but they didn't really talk, more like sat next to each other for the comfort and security it caused, easing some of the anxiety they both felt. The first official task was to learn the entire 30 drill count, not the movements but simply the order in which to call them in, it was a written test. One he easily passed. Next came the first 10 commands, which were fairly easy considering they were all stationary, he and Pacifica picked them up without any struggles. The weeks seemed to fly by, he signed up for service projects and got over his expected hours, and uniforms were issued out. He was instructed on the proper way to wear everything, from the shoes and socks to the buttons and ties, only when he gathered ribbons and badges did he need to learn more. Passing inspections were easy it seemed.

The first time he'd met Bill was unexpected. Dipper was writing down some notes about the current lesson on the Air Force development when the sudden booming voice of his flight commander interrupt his train of thoughts, calling them all to attention as someone entered the room. Immediately all cadets snapped to the rightful position, standing upright with their arms pinned to their sides, expression neutral and cold as they stared dead ahead. Then they were dismissed and everyone was left wondering about the sudden command and new playful blonde that waltzed into the room and plopped themselves down in one of the instructor's chairs. Keyhole, the flight's commander, smiled wide. Usually he hated interruptions whenever he was teaching, but here he was, joking and grinning with the newcomer.

"Cadets, I'd like you all to meet someone special!" Keyhole gestured to the strange blonde, said man sat crossed legged in the chair with an impossibly bright grin on his face. "This is your Core Commander, you will treat him with respect. You will listen to what he tells you and will not argue back, cadets who do will serve detention and be thrown out of here with a failing grade. When you see him in the hallways during uniform days, you will salute him. Cadets who don't will be warned then issued detention. Am I clear?"

"Yes, sir." Came the in unison reply, each person etching the memory of Bill into their minds to not forget. The brunette must admit, he wasn't bad looking at all. Wavy blonde hair with faded black sides, mysterious eyepatch that seemed to belong on his face, infectious if not alluring smile, luscious lashes and a toned structure. His presence radiated dominance and called for respect and obedience, almost daring anyone to challenge his authority, all the while appearing friendly.

"Tomorrow's your first uniform inspection." Bill started out flatly, eyeing each person with a smug smile, owning the room by just his voice. "Some mistakes and errors will be expected, no points will be taken off your score. Next week we expect them to be fixed or lessened in amount, the week after will the grades start to drop. I'll be making an appearance by the entrance of the school so you can't get out of saluting me, and I'll be watching you all. If you break a rule and I, specifically, don't catch you, I have 200 other cadets who will." Dipper locked eyes with the blonde, gulping at the clear subtle threat that loomed over their heads like thick dark clouds. He felt something akin to nervousness float down his sides and nestle in his gut the longer Cipher held his gaze on him, then in a moment's relief it shifted over to Pacifica.

Afterwards, the lesson continued on with Bill there. Maybe twice Keyhole had stopped to joke or mess around with the blonde, it was obvious of the friendship they had, he even gave the reigns to Bill without the boy even asking. Their interactions eased the class, the tension and anxiety melting off as they all chuckled here and there at some of the words spoken or horsing around their 'professional' leaders did all the while teaching. Maybe things weren't as bad as he had imagined.

------

Mabel woke him up a bit earlier that morning, insisting he needed the extra time to get ready and dressed. He groaned but agreed, throwing on his pants and shirt before pausing. Which way did the belt go again?

"Uh, Mabs," Dipper called out. At least he had a sibling who had a year's worth of experience and knowledge to help him out, upon hearing her name, Mabel jumped out of the bathroom. Her long brown hair was tied in a tight, neat ponytail.

"Yeah, bro-bro?" She raised a brow at him, quickly wrapping the length of her hair around the base, tying the band around it and glancing in the mirror. It was the perfect bun, completely in regulation. Mabel always ranted about how easy the boys had it, he silently agreed. Buns seemed so...difficult. He wasn't sure how his sister did it every Wednesday.

"Which way does the belt go for guys again?" He gestured towards his belt, confusion written plain as day across his face as he spared a few looks at Mabel's.

"Opposite of girls, so left. Oh! Make sure you shine your shoes really well! And no pen marks on your hands!"

"I know, I know! They covered this, thanks Miss Cadet Guide." He sarcastically responded, a soft smile etched across his face at his sister's worry. He appreciated Mabel and all she did, all her support and encouragement, her eagerness to help, he was thankful they were so close. He'd always be thankful to have her around. His sibling merely gave him a grin before disappearing back into the bathroom to fix anything un-centered.

Departing the house, the twins put their flight caps on to their heads before walking to their bus. The ride was full of Mabel going over anything he might forget, tips, pointers, they were really helpful and he made sure to remember them once they parted ways. Once off the bus, the twins proudly marched on to school ground, other cadets matching the blue hues and shushing his internal worries. Dipper felt quite plain compared to his sister who was decked out with an insignia, ribbons, even a badge! And he had nothing but a name tag. Pitiful. It was only when the officers came into view did he feel anxious. Their uniforms had twice as many ribbons, their signias were different and insanely professional, black shoulder cuffs, badges and wings, some even had a stripe down their pant leg and different caps. Mabel quickly whispered who was who: In the middle was Bill, to his left was some girl named Pyronica, next to her was some kid with a nickname of EightBall, and to Bill's right was a boy nicknamed Teeth. She further explained how Pyronica was the Drill commander and EightBall one of the P.T leaders, Teeth was in charge of a club within the core. He saw the women's eye turn on them, and the other's followed her gaze, all eyes on the twins. Dipper felt his heart stop when sharp irises bore into his figure, he could've sworn they glowed under the shining sun along with that head of beautiful blonde hair. Mabel gave him a pat on the shoulder to calm him as they walked past, both paused to salute.

"Good morning, sir!" Mabel chirped happily, and Dipper mumbled the same comment albeit softer and full of silent fear. Bill raised his hand in his own salute, dropping it as did the twins. The female twin began to stalk off with her brother in tow when a voice made them both freeze.

"Cadets."

Mabel turned and politely walked back, a pleasant and warm smile greeting the officers while her brother seemingly hid behind her stature. "Yes, sir?"

Pyronica beamed, motioning Dipper forward. Obediently he stepped towards her, looking uncertain and wondering what he did wrong. Was it his salute? Did he accidentally disrespect them? Was his uniform not good enough? Was something wrong?

"Everything seems to be in order, good job Mabel, it's nice to finally meet you Dipper! Glad to put a name with a face." The brunette was positive his figure visibly deflated at the remark, a sign of relief gracing his tensed features. His sister responded, he gave a soft reply of his own before they were off again. He gave a moment's glance back in time to see Bill being saluted by another cadet, he looked dangerous in an intimidating way but alluring, powerful, and yet so bubbly and open.

"So, are they all friends or..?" Dipper questioned, straightening his posture before continuing to look ahead. He felt envious of all their achievements, he wanted to look just as good as Mabel, maybe even better. He wanted to be recognized, he wanted that same level of respect, what if Bill noticed him? Could they be friends? Oh god, the thought made his stomach twist.

"Pretty much, yeah! I've heard during their first year they were all incredibly close with one another, they all listened to Bill too! Crazy how everyone now does as well and he controls everything. Seriously! All his friends are in charge of something in the core, it's both amazing and kinda suspicious. Like they, ya know, planned it." She giggled, waving to some other cadets and friends as they walked by.

"Yeah, heh, strange." He found himself mumbling trying to imagine what Bill would look like fresh and young, he just couldn't picture it. He wanted to know more about this mysteriously enticing boy.

"Oh-Sorry, Dippin-Dots! I promised Paz I'd help her with her bun before first period! Just make sure you don't scuff your shoes or lose your cap, okay? Cool, bye!" Without another word Mabel left him alone. Throughout the day, he'd see Bill walk and talk to someone but he was never spotted or seen which entitled him to not do anything, Dipper was incredibly grateful for it.

The weeks passed by without any real struggles, and Dipper was growing accustomed to saluting and the flow of the flight. Bill came and went in his flight, sometimes dropped in and gave a lecture when the cadets are bad or something happened in the school, but he rarely interacted with the blonde. But today was their PT day, and everyone had to participate in a competition, and said blonde boy had come up with the idea.

"Everyone get a partner! This is a two person activity- and before you ask no you can't get out of this or go to the nurse or use the bathroom or any other excuse you might use." Some groaned, others beamed with excitement, and few were stuck between choosing which one to do. Bill only carried on unbothered. 

"Everyone knows what the 'wheelbarrel' exercise is, right? Good. We're going to make the person on their hands plank while the person standing squats, whoever holds it the longest wins a prize. And you will be switching out."

That riffled the cadets up, partners were chosen and Pacifica looked towards him in silent question, he nodded. It was an agreement never really spoken out loud that they would be there for each other, not that they were close or friends, but because they didn't particularly like anybody. Or rather, didn't want to get to know anyone else. It was agreed that Dipper would plank first. Everyone found a spot on the mats, laying on the floor with their partners loosely holding their ankle in wait. Then the "Go!" Was given. Dipper felt his lower half rise slightly as he pushed his upper torso up on his arms. Around him he could hear Keyhole's and Bill's voice snicker and correct others.

"You're not low enough, squat down more."

"Keep that butt down, cadet."

"Push up! Push up! C'mon we only just started! Tough out!"

"Hold it, hold it."

And it went on.

 People groaned and grunted, some thumps were heard as teams gave up. The seconds passed like half asleep snails, minutes ticked by at the speed of Earth's rotations, he could feel his muscles tightening and his arms trembled at the strain. Another glance around him and he saw they were one of the few surviving teams. He exchanged short words of encouragement with Pacifica, Keyhole coming over to cheer them on. Another minute. Another thump, another wave of strain, another gulp of air, the stronger his arms shook and his body ached- and he fell. Before anybody could switch positions a cadet spoke up.

"Cipher, sir, I bet I could beat you!" No one knew who this newly arrived cadet was, when had they walked in? How long had they watched? Why where they even here? Bill only smirked, Keyhole shaking his head in pure amusement as the rest of the cadets watched in astonishment and confusion.

"Krytpos, scram. I'm training a class here. Can't have you wasting my time." Bill sneered, writing down individual times and the team who had won. The new boy seemed persistent, obviously this was a sort of routine between the two.

"What? Afraid I'll finally best you!? Hah! You're chicken!" Kryptos laughed, a little too loud and a little too long, which earned an eye roll from the blonde. He clicked his pen before sighing, looking both amused and annoyed. It was clear he wasn't going to relent. 

"Oh- whaat? C'mon please! You can't seriously be backing out on a challenge!! Keyhole, help me out here."

"Hey, don't bring me into this." There was a short pause, smile stretching wide across the commander's face. "But- I would like to see you get your butt handed to you, Kryptos."

"Wha-No!"

"Bill, why don't you just do it? Show these cadets how it's done! Scorn this poser," Keyhole gestured towards the offended Kryptos. Who, in turn, gaped. Bill still looked disinterested before he finally agreed to it making everyone cheer. The chance to see a rivalry between their very core commander and some guy? Of course they'd be excited. Dipper especially.

"Anyone's welcome to join us, matter of fact, you're all joining us! Switch with your partners!" Bill's voice rose over the roar of kids, instantly silencing them as team members knelt down and got ready to go. The adrenaline ebbed the pain away, this actually wasn't so bad, almost fun even. And now it had gotten ten times more interesting and enjoyable.

"Keyhole's my partner! Bill you're gonna have to get a rookie." The newcomer boasted proudly, throwing an arm around his flight commander's shoulders before dragging him to the mat and taking up the plank position. Said blonde reluctantly agreed and looked around for someone to pick, a captivating golden eye landed on him and suddenly Bill was walking over. Dipper paled, nervousness pumping through his veins almost as quick as his own blood.

"Aren't you the other Pines twin?" Dipper nodded solemnly, a little sad that his name wasn't remembered. He wasn't that insignificant. "To avoid confusion, I'm addressing you as Pinetree now, your sister's Shooting Star. Now you're my partner, try not to buckle under pressure. Kay? I'm here to win." Bill flashed him a smirk, showing off perfectly white teeth before he crouched down and laid stomach down on the mat.

Dipper took in a deep breath and sighed heavily moving to hold Bill's legs as he waited for the signal to begin. He definitely did not want to be the reason the core commander lost, he was jealous that Pacifica got to get a partner that wasn't entirely powerful and intimidating. What if he couldn't last as long? Would Bill be mad at him, would he become a target, would he leave a horrid first impression? His mind raced and he desperately wished Mabel could be here to take his place or scream supportive words that ripped him out of his thoughts.

"Go! Everybody up!"

Dipper raised Bill's legs up, squatted down and watched as the blonde easily hoisted his torso up and held it. This time, people dropped faster, he guessed it was due to the previous round's aches and tiredness. Pacifica toughed it out, one glance at Keyhole and Kryptos told him they were determined to win, other teams held the same fire in their eyes. Dipper felt himself grow discouraged, legs started to tremble under the heavy pressure, there was no way he could do this! Bill was going to despise him afterwards- Perfect. The head of commander out for his blood, just fantastic. Right when he felt like giving up, he heard his new appointed 'partner' speak up.

"Hey, Pinetree, how you holding up hm? Not thinking about giving up are you?" Bill sounded incredibly normal, not affected at all by the plank he was holding. His voice sounded light and friendly, completely void of all previous smugness and competitive edge. Why was he starting up conversation now, of all times?

"Uh- No, no sir, of course n-not." The brunette stuttered a bit breathless, readjusting his grip on the other's legs to get a firmer hold as if to solidify his resolve. Against his better judgement, he decided to respond, Mabel would've wanted him to not be so 'nerdy'. "You're not thinking of, uh, giving up either, huh?"

Hearing the comment, Bill snickered, turning his head over his shoulder to look at the twin with a grin. "Me? Oh, never! I don't give up, kid. Such a pleasure to finally get to know Star's infamous brother." Bill turned to spare Kryptos a look, mocking him from across the room once he spotted the obvious strain on his face. Keyhole was whispering desperately for him to tough it out, hold on, last a little longer, and the blonde only snorted.

"That's the second time I've heard that. Does," He paused. Swallowing whatever worries or anxieties gnawing at his heart in turn of speaking casually. "Does Mabel talk about me a lot?"

"Every now and then yeah, don't worry, it's all good things!" Dipper felt the other shift on his arms, hands instinctively securing his legs. During the conversation the aching in his abdomen and thighs lessened as if forgotten in the mist of the words and actions. "Py and Star seem to get along quite well, and it's only natural I'd make sure she's hanging with the right crowd. Glad to have you in the core, kid."

A thump and a groan was heard, momentarily distracting them, teams were starting to drop quicker then ever. Soon it was only the two, Krytpos vs Bill. Cadets were picking sides, cheering them on and trying to dishearten the other side. Dipper shot a worried look at Pacifica who in turn gave him a thumbs up, he huffed and wondered how the hell anyone managed for this long. He was positive a century passed and his legs were beginning to reveal the earlier ache he'd forgotten during his conversation, after another minute Kryptos fell. Keyhole and him turned the blame on one another, while Bill taunted them with a victorious laugh. Dipper was grateful they had dropped, he wasn't sure if he could've lasted another minute or two. Taking in a greedy gulp of air he forced his voice to steady as he spoke up. "S-Sir? Can I drop you now?"

"Aw, can't you last any longer?" Bill pouted, he glanced back at the twin and saw he was utterly spent and barely hanging on. He forgot how weak the new ones were but considering how long the brunette actually lasted he decided to relent, he had won. That was all that really mattered in the moment. "Alright Pinetree, you can drop me." He felt his lower body gently drop and Bill rested himself on the floor briefly before pushing up and standing. Shifting he looked at the twin, he seemed exhausted. The blonde decided to squat down, giving the boy a pat on the back. "Not bad, kid, not bad at all. Ever considered joining the PT team?”

“Uhh- gave it some thought, sir, why?” Came the exhausted mumble, his eyes glancing to meet the stare of the other’s captivating golden hue. He could feel his heart fluttering- and this time not from the exercise.

 “I think you’d be an excellent member of the team, you should try out!” When Bill was met without a response, really the kid didn’t look to excited to hear the words ‘tryouts’, so he decided to offer the twin a deal. Besides- if his sister was an excellent cadet, he should be too. “I’ll tell ya what, If you want to join the team. I’ll put you in, no questions asked. And if not, don’t sweat it.”

Dipper looked up to meet the warm grin of the commander, he was thankful that his cheeks were already red from the challenge because then his blush would’ve been so painfully obvious. “Y-You’d really, do that for, well for a first-year like me?”

“I’m the Core commander, I can do whatever I want, plus I’m in charge of the team! So yes, I think you have what it takes and your sister would nag me, the offer is open.”

The chance at seeing the blonde in action made adrenaline course throughout his veins, he was definitely curious as to what Bill looked like rugged. It’s not like he wasn’t insanely attractive when giving orders so naturally he jumped at the chance to be closer with the man, he might be able to impress him if he tried hard enough! With Mabel’s help, he was positive he could. “Sure I’ll join the team!”

It wasn’t long after his answer did Kyrptos and Keyhole surround the higher-up and basically drag him to the front of the classroom, the winners were given free gatorades and won bragging rights, there was a very short lecture about staying determined and whatnot but he wasn’t paying much attention to it. He couldn’t keep his eyes off Bill and how he easily styled his hair back into it’s proper place. Dipper could feel himself gushing in his seat at all the thoughts flying in and out of his head, there was so much he had to tell Mabel about later today. 

He knew that for all the bravado and swagger he performed, Jay was actually quiet and subtle. The brashness present sometimes was just an act, a learned defense thanks to the island's environment and living with Jafar. It was a tactic Jay used to hide the soft edges of himself, to mask how reflective and astute he could be.

Not to say that he wasn't confident. Jay's confidence didn't need to be showboated or faked or bolstered. Jay's confidence simply was.

Carlos knew the flirting was a front as well, just another method of getting people to let their guard down or to relax around him, because in reality, Jay was rarely free with his touches. He leaned into people's spaces, sure, made them think he was comfortable near them, but he rarely actually touched. And if someone touched him, he'd find a way to distance himself with the person none the wiser.

Not to say that Jay never touched anyone. He was more free around Mal, Evie, and Carlos than he was with anyone else, leaning against them or wrapping an arm around their shoulders. The four of them were islanders, had been around each other longer than anyone else in Auradon, so of course it was easier for Jay to be openly tactile with them.

Carlos liked to think that he knew Jay pretty well.

He'd even go as far as to think he knew Jay the best.

So he had it on good authority that Jay was acting strange.

He just had no idea why.

It was subtle at first.

Fitting, as that was Jay's way when it came to something important.

It was subtle, the way Jay grew quieter, just little moments, gone as quick as they began. But then those little moments grew. Gone was the flashiness, replaced by something akin to introspection.

And when his quietness settled, Jay's flirting began disappearing as well. He smiled, was still attentive, but he no longer leaned in, no longer gave anyone looks, and he definitely found ways to dodge touches altogether.

The changes drove Carlos crazy, both the fact that they were happening at all and the fact that Jay hadn't come talk to him about any of it.

They were pretty open with each other.

And yet.

And yet Jay didn't come to him.

And that made Carlos sick.

What if something terrible was happening to Jay? What if it was something no one could help with?

He'd been debating with himself for the last two days, worrying over whether he should just confront Jay himself, and he'd seen less and less of Jay, so much so that Carlos had taken to just hanging around Mal whenever she took the time to fill several pages of her notebook with sketches.

"Jay's acting weird," Carlos finally said when he couldn't hold it in any longer.

"As opposed to?" Mal asked, not even looking up from her notebook.

"As opposed to himself," Carlos said. He made a face. "Well, the himself he puts on for other people."

Mal glanced up at him. "Have you slept?"

Carlos rolled his eyes. "This isn't about me."

"Uh huh," Mal drawled, her focus back on her notebook, "and you're here instead of talking to Jay because…?"

Carlos sighed. "Maybe I was hoping his oldest friend could offer some insight."

Nodding, Mal said, "Reasonable. But this oldest friend of his hasn't noticed anything off."

"How could you not! It's practically in your face."

Mal put down her pencil and closed her notebook, causing Carlos to sit straighter. She eyed him, gaze not exactly critical but not exactly soft either, and she leaned back in her chair.

They sat in silence for a few moments longer than Carlos liked.

"Why are you paying so close attention to Jay?"

Carlos blinked, unprepared for the question, unprepared for the unusual seriousness in Mal's features.

Why are all his friends acting so weird?

Mal quirked an eyebrow, waiting.

Giving himself a minute shake, Carlos said, "He's my friend. It's natural to notice when he's acting weird."

Letting out a small huff, Mal said, "Seems to me you're thinking too much." She opened her notebook again. "If something was going on, Jay would tell you about it." She resumed her sketching.

"Would he?" Carlos asked quietly, and that was the other thing eating at him. What if Jay didn't trust him with whatever was going on?

"Well, he definitely wouldn't come to me; he knows I'll just call him an idiot. Don't think he'd go to Evie, either. I love her, but she likes to get too involved with things."

Carlos refrained from snorting.

"Which leaves you," Mal finished as she shaded in whatever she was drawing. "Unless you think he'd go to someone else."

Carlos blinked.

He hadn't thought that Jay would go to someone outside of their little circle if he had any problems, and the more he thought about it, the more he was sure Jay wouldn't. If Jay didn't feel comfortable being tactile with someone, it should stand to reason he wouldn't feel comfortable confiding in them either.

"Just go talk to Jay," Mal said through a huff. "You overthinking things is giving me a headache."

"Ha ha," Carlos deadpanned, but he did get up to leave.

He had been debating with himself, and it seemed that Mal was the final push he needed.

Not that he'd tell her that.

—

Carlos had been on his way to talk to Jay.

In fact, he had found Jay and had been about to call out to him.

Until he noticed that Jay was talking to Ben.

Until he noticed that Ben had his hand on Jay's shoulder.

Until he noticed that Jay had actually leaned into Ben, the both of them smiling.

Carlos had been on his way to talk to Jay.

But then he'd felt so sick that he had to retreat to his room, unable to get what he'd witnessed out of his head.

—

Carlos felt like an idiot.

How could he have missed something so obvious?

The reason Jay had been acting so weird was because he had a crush on Ben.

It made total sense, the quietness and introspection and no longer being flirty and open.

He could even understand why Jay hadn't come to him about his little situation. Carlos didn't have a good track record when it came to dating advice; he didn't really have much of a record at all.

Still, he'd be lying if he said he wasn't a little hurt that Jay hadn't trusted him enough to talk about it.

Maybe Ben doesn't want anyone to know about them, Carlos thought, knowing it was both irrational and ridiculous to think, and yet that was the only explanation he could think of for Jay not talking about it to anyone.

And so Carlos got it in his head that he needed to confront Ben.

He needed to make sure Jay was being treated well, after all.

"You've been hanging around Jay a lot," Carlos said as casually as he could when he found Ben alone.

Ben raised an eyebrow. "Technically, I think Jay's the one who's been hanging around me."

Trying not to frown, Carlos shrugged. "Still, you've been spending a lot of time with each other lately." He paused, realizing that he didn't really have a game plan for this conversation.

"Yes, and?" Ben prompted, curious.

"Because you're dating, right?" Carlos blurted out, freezing when Ben stared at him with wide eyes.

Then Ben laughed.

"Hey, you could do worse than Jay," Carlos said, offended on Jay's behalf.

"No doubt," Ben said, amusement still plain on his features, "but we're not dating."

Oh crap, had Jay not asked him out yet, did I just blow things for him, Carlos thought, growing sicker by the moment.

"Carlos," Ben said, pulling him out of his mental spiral. "Can you go stand under the great oak behind the library?"

"Why?"

"Trust me, all the answers are there."

Carlos could only nod, trusting Ben despite everything, and abruptly left, following the instruction.

—

Ben had said all the answers would be there, but so far, Carlos had no idea what he was doing, standing there under the great oak like a fool.

"Carlos."

Carlos jumped, blinking at Jay. "Jay," he said lamely, searching Jay's face.

Jay merely stared at him a few, long seconds before he sighed. "First you tell Mal I'm weird, and then ask Ben if he's dating me?"

Embarrassment warming his cheeks, Carlos huffed. "Well, yeah, I guess, but they weren't supposed to tell you."

Jay snorted. "Actually, they weren't supposed to tell you."

Carlos blinked. "Tell me what?"

"The reason I'm weird," Jay said, quirking an eyebrow at Carlos, and he smiled as Carlos squirmed. "I've been acting weird because I've been trying to figure out how to tell you how I feel about you."

Carlos blinked. He blinked again. And a third time. And then Jay's words clicked in his head. "Wait, you like me?"

The changes in Jay were because of him? The one Jay liked was him? Jay went to Ben for advice because of him?

"You know," Jay began, smile soft even as his eyes gleamed, "for someone so smart, you sure are dumb sometimes."

Carlos opened his mouth to argue because, one, he was definitely not dumb, he just overthought things sometimes, and two, Jay apparently had the ability to make his rationality jump out the window, so he couldn't really be blamed for his line of thinking.

Before he could form any words, though, Jay pulled him closer and kissed him.

Carlos liked to think that he knew Jay pretty well.

"It's totally a honeymoon," she practically sing-songed, "you're doing exactly what Ben and me are doing. In fact, you're doing it for longer."

Because a king can't exactly be away for longer, Jay thought, knowing that they both knew that. "Except the whole marriage thing," he said instead, questioning why he was even entertaining the conversation yet again.

"Don't sweat the small stuff."

"Oh, so now marriage is small stuff?"

"You decided to take a gap year to travel the world with Gil, how is that not like a whirlwind marriage?"

Jay sighed. "Do I need to throw you out?"

"Oh, I'm sorry, am I distracting you from something important?"

"Nah, you're just being annoying, as usual."

She swatted his shoulder. "Rude, I am a delight."

Raising an eyebrow to hide his amusement, he said, "That's not the word I'd use."

Mal gasped, moving her hand to her chest in mock-shock. "How dare you, sir! Just for that I'm leaving." She made a show of huffing as she stomped toward the door.

"Oh no, what will I do now," Jay said, deadpan, focused once more on his rucksack.

"Just for that, I won't give you any romantic advice," she warned as she crossed the doorway, her hand on the doorknob, as if she was waiting for the perfect time to slam it shut.

Her threat pulled a laugh out from him, despite himself. "As if I'd ever ask you for that."

Mal opened her mouth but paused. She blinked. "You know what, that's fair," she said, but a grin formed as she began to close the door. "But I'll take that as admission that you need some. Bye, Jay, have fun!" The rush of her words were punctuated by the door clicking closed.

Jay stared at the door.

He then sighed.

Mal's really harping on this, he thought, wondering why she was so fixated on the idea. Though, in the grand scheme of things, he supposed it wouldn't hurt anything if he just let her continue thinking the trip had a deeper meaning than just an excuse to go exploring.

After all, he'd been in Auradon for some time now, but he hadn't actually seen anything. Why shouldn't he take the opportunity that Gil had presented?

Never mind that it had been his own idea.

Sighing again, Jay continued packing, trying not to let Mal's words get under his skin.

—

They hadn't been on their hike long, their pace leisurely if excited, when Gil stopped short, a gasp leaving him.

"The leaves are different colors!" Gil said, practically bouncing on the heels of his feet.

Jay blinked, and he looked around. "Yeah, the colors change with the season. We're in Fall now."

"Amazing," Gil said, voice soft as he stared out at the different trees. "Do they become, like, every color?"

Jay opened his mouth, but he paused, glancing from the different types of trees to the awe on Gil's face. "You know what, I don't know," he said, truthful and unashamed. He hadn't been outside in forests all that often, and he certainly hadn't been everywhere.

Maybe trees could be every color.

"I wanna see every color possible," Gil said, eyes gleaming as he continued staring, determination now dancing across his features, mixing with his excitement so much that he almost glowed.

"We'll keep our eyes open," Jay said even as his gaze stayed on Gil.

Even when he first arrived in Auradon, he hadn't been half as excited as Gil currently was.

When Gil turned to smile at him, Jay found himself smiling back.

—

They had decided to each keep a journal of their findings — the different colored leaves, types of animals, flowers, plants, rocks, anything and everything new and interesting — so Jay was writing about a funky type of mushroom when Gil grabbed his wrist.

Alarmed, Jay looked up, and his nerves braced for a threat until he took in the astonishment on Gil's face. Blinking, he followed Gil's gaze until he landed on a blue-gray and white bird perched on a tree's upper branch.

Brow creasing, Jay asked, "Gil?"

"Shh!" Gil squeezed Jay's wrist briefly. "I think—" He gasped as the bird spread its wings and took to the sky.

The both of them watched the bird fly for as long as they could before it disappeared completely in the foliage.

"That was an actual bird," Gil said at length, tone soft even as he squeezed Jay's wrist again, "and it was actually flying!"

A small laugh left Jay, unbidden. "Yeah, man. I think it was a hawk," he said, but the longer he watched Gil stare after the bird, the more he realized that the island had very little birds, let alone ones healthy enough to actually fly. "Maybe we'll see more. Like an owl or something."

"An owl?" Gil asked as he finally tore his eyes away from the canopy.

"Yeah, but they probably come out after dark."

"Dude, why are we sleeping after dark instead of exploring more!"

"Because we want to stay alive, dude," Jay reminded him.

Gil pouted. "Fine."

Amused, Jay said, "Maybe one night we can just chill outside our tents by the fire. See if we can see anything."

Instantly, Gil brightened. He pulled Jay close — and it was then that Jay realized that Gil had never released his wrist — and said, "Deal!"

Jay collided with Gil with a small grunt, the one arm hug a little awkward because Gil still held his wrist, but Jay simply let Gil manhandle him as he said, "Deal."

Gil hadn't released him right away, but when he did, he was smiling wide.

Despite the chill in the air, Jay felt warm.

—

"It's getting colder," Gil said one day after he had climbed up and down yet another tree.

"Yeah," Jay agreed absently, focusing on building a fire; the sun would be setting soon, and they hadn't properly set up camp yet.

"And it's usually even colder at night," Gil continued, playing with the bit of bark in his hands.

"Yup," Jay agreed again as he got up, satisfied with the fire enough that he decided to start on pitching up their tents.

"So why don't we just sleep together?"

Jay nearly tripped over his own two feet as he spread one of the footprints down on the ground. He stood straight, staring at Gil. "What?"

"I mean," Gil began, tilting his head to the side, "why use two tents when one is big enough for both of us?"

"Ah," Jay said lamely, and he glanced down at the tent he was currently setting up and then glanced at the other still packed away. They weren't huge tents, but one could definitely fit the both of them; though, it wouldn't be roomy. "I guess that's fine," he said when he realized Gil was still waiting on his answer.

"And we'll be warmer!" Gil said triumphantly.

"Seeing as we'll nearly be on top of each other, definitely," Jay said, amused, as he continued setting up.

"That's fine," Gil said pleasantly, sitting by the fire and watching Jay work. "I like to cuddle anyway."

Feeling himself grow warm, Jay did his best to focus on the task at hand. "Lucky me…" His cheeks grew warmer as Gil laughed.

Luckily for him, Gil busied himself with his journal, so Jay was able to pitch up the tent and ready the inside without any more distractions. Even dinner came and went without anything remarkable happening.

It was only as they cleaned up to get ready for bed that Jay began to grow nervous. Which was silly. What did he have to be nervous about?

He stretched lightly, trying to calm himself, and as he did, he found himself looking up at the night sky. For a moment, he forgot himself, taken by the vastness above and the multitude of stars. He remembered the first time he saw stars in Auradon; they had taken his breath away then as they did now.

Had they taken Gil's breath away yet?

"Jay, what're you— whoa!"

Jay blinked.

Gil had knocked into him, and they had both tumbled to the ground, Gil on his back and Jay on top of him, with Gil's hands on Jay's hips to steady him as Jay braced his hands on either side of Gil's head. They stared at each other.

Before Jay could say anything, Gil's breath hitched, a glint to his eyes. "Beautiful…"

Jay blinked again, his stomach fluttering before he remembered the stars above him. He tried to will away the warmth he had felt. "The stars?" he guessed lamely.

Gil blinked, his gaze flickering past Jay for a few seconds before settling back on him. "Yeah, they're pretty, but I meant you."

Jay stared, heart skipping a beat. "Me?"

With a soft smile settling on his lips, Gil nodded. "Yeah, you." And with that, he leaned up and placed a chaste kiss to Jay's lips.

And though it was chaste, it sent a spark through Jay, and he found himself leaning into the kiss.

Well, crap. Mal had been right.

He was so not looking forward to her gloating.

Still, as Gil pulled back, looking up at him with that soft smile, Jay figured he could endure Mal's smugness.

"Wait… what." Duncan said in an almost breathless way. "I- how can you put that in MY contract?"

Chris laughed in an almost, evilly pleasured way. "You have to cheat on Courtney, dude. Unless you want to be an intern and uh I promise you don't want that." He said "and hey Gwen's hot. You'll live, bad boy."

The contract stipulated that if he was to form a relationship, commited or otherwise, that he specifically would have to cheat on her or him.

"I'll be an intern, Courtney and I have come too far to be seperated because of your stupid drama." He said firmly.

"It's your funeral."

Courtney and Duncan had had time in between season two to work it out. He found out about her severe anxiety disorder and a lot of other things.. She told him in no uncertain terms that TD was destroying her mental health and during Action she was having a prolonged mental breakdown.

He CHOSE to forgive her. He CHOSE to not let her actions during her lowest point ruin them.

So everything about him leaving was staged and ready. He hated making Courtney think he was mad at her, but it was well.. Better.

There was a slight break taking place for the cast, so Chris was planning on testing out some challenges.

"Man this bi-" mid complaint he looked up. "Chris what the hell man." He said as he saw him sitting in a chair beside a rotator.

"Get in, it's part of an obstacle course challenge we are thinking of." He said with a laugh.

Duncan sighed and climbed in. They spun him for fifteen minutes, FIFTEEN. Then..

"Chris!" He yelled faintly. Covered in his own puke and tears.

They left him there for ten hours, and when they came back he was passed out and had to be rushed to the ER. His stomach was pumped and he nearly died.

It was late at night, and he looked out the window. "I'm.. I'm sorry Courtney.." He groaned.

So he agreed, he'd cheat on Courtney so he wouldn't be subjected to another near death experience.

He was brought back the minute he recovered, for the filming of "I see London.."

He scaled down a wall and the first thing he heard..

"Duncan!"

Courtney..

She had raced into his arms and he embraced her, knowing it would be the last for a while.

"I missed you.." She said in an almost purr.

Duncan held her back. "I missed you too." He saw Chris and he got a thumbs up, he saw Gwen looking at them and he looked back. He felt sick.

Later that day..

Chris had pulled him aside after all the challenges, he tried to spend his last moments with Courtney but it was.. Practically impossible.

"Gwen's in the confessional. Go get 'em tiger!"

Duncan looked at him "I won't let you get away with this, I just want you to know that McClean." He said before walking in.

"Uh.. A little busy." She said, looking at him. Duncan put on a faux smirk. "Hey uh today I felt like we had a real connection y'know?"

Gwen looked at him. "I mean.. I thought you were flirting with me.." Duncan approached, she walked in too. And they.. They kissed.

And in the back, Tyler saw.

Several days later..

Duncan felt awful. Like pure shit. And then, Alejandro started. "Tell Courtney, now."

"I saw Duncan and Gwen kissing!!!"

Everyone gasped.

Courtney looked at him then her. "H.. How COULD YOU!?!?" She was held back "Gwen I thought we were friends, Duncan you lying motherfucker you said you'd accept me!" She screamed, she was clearly having a panic attack. It hurt.. So bad.

Duncan feigned an uncaring attitude but in reality he was ready to cry. He couldn't help it. He. He loved her.

The rest of the season was.. Hellish. He couldn't just avoid Gwen so he faked it all the way through.

When he got booted off he was honestly relieved. He didn't care enough about the final but he was there anyway.

Seeing Courtney hurt too. But he just. Ignored it. He felt like a coward. He hated himself.

Sometime after season three..

He stayed with Gwen for a bit but.. When he heard Chris was arrested. Oh god. He dumped her without hesitation. He got in contact with a lawyer and well..

He was going to find her.

It had taken a few months to get everything together but he did.

He was at her doorstep. He inhaled and knocked on the door.

"He- YOU!" Oh god she was pissed.

"YOU FILTHY LYING SON OF A MOTHERFUCKER, HOW COULD YOU!?" Tears started welling and she hit her head. "You.. You said you loved me. You said you.."

"Courtney, I do love you. I love you so much. Just."

Courtney was looking at him, holding herself.

"Chris forced me to do it."

"Yeah sure Duncan. Is that really all you wanna say?"

"I can prove it." He pulled out a paper and handed it to her.

She started reading it.

' Duncan Jackson will, if getting into a relationship, serious or otherwise, will cheat on said partner for entertainment purposes or he shall be made to do intern work for as long as the show airs. '

Courtney looked at him then re-read it. "I want to speak to your lawyer.." She said faintly. She, she didn't know what to think.

They sat on the porch and called up the lawyer who confirmed everything.

Courtney looked up to him. "So.. You really tried to intern.. For me?"

"Yeah princess.. I would have kept doing it too if he wouldn't have nearly killed me on the first day." He said with a sigh.

"Dunkie.. I."

Duncan cupped her cheek and they kissed.