Secret Love

Chapter 9

Sorry that I've been gone for a while. I was sick so, you know... rest and recovery. But I'm back now.

Read, enjoy, vote, and comment, if you wish.

Mal was putting on her purple jacket and fixing her belongings, preparing to head to Lady Tremaine's Curl Up and Dye with Evie.

"Hey."

Mal turns around and sees Carlos leaning against the wall.

"Shouldn't you be heading back to Auradon with Jay?" Mal said, crossing her arms. "Ben's life is in danger."

"I know," said Carlos. "But I couldn't just leave knowing that your head's not 100% intact."

"Excuse me?" Mal reacted.

"Your head's not completely in the game," said Carlos. "I know, because you still have that look on your face before you knew about Ben."

"We can talk about this after Ben is safe and back in his kingdom," said Mal.

"Mal, he came back here for you," reminded Carlos.

"I know that," said Mal.

"No, you don't," said Carlos. "What you know is that he came back here because he wants you to be his Lady of the Court. You don't fully understand how much and why he wants you back."

"What makes you think so?" asked Mal.

"Because you don't fully understand why I'm here either," said Carlos.

Mal paused herself. She takes a good look at Carlos' face. He appeared to be more than just a concerned friend. There was something else. Something familiar.

"Then tell me," said Mal. "Help me understand."

Carlos walks closer towards Mal. First, he grabs her bag and places it down on her bed. Next, he holds both her hands with his own and stared into her green eyes.

"I can help you understand if you help me understand," said Carlos. "Why? Why did you want me to stay? There's more to it than just not wanting to be alone."

"I... I guess it's... it's the Isle, Carlos," said Mal, tears building up in her eyes. "Coming back here, it's doing so many things to me. Besides making me feel free, it's making me feel something else. When I saw you for the first time since I returned, something in me sparked."

"What is it?" asked Carlos.

"I love you," said Mal all of a sudden.

Carlos' eyes widened for a few seconds, clearly shocked.

"Now, you," said Mal. "Why did you really come back for me?"

"Same reason as you," said Carlos. "At first, I thought it was because I was worried about what would happen to you, but when I saw you for the first time since coming back here, something in me sparked. A voice telling me of my true reason for being here."

"Does that mean you'll stay?" asked Mal, leaning closer as she tightens her grip on Carlos' hands.

Instead of answering, Carlos walks Mal towards the couch. He sits down, and she follows. To Mal's surprise, Carlos started singing a tune.

Carlos

So lately, I've been wondering
Who will be there to take my place
When I'm gone, you'll need love
To light the shadows on your face

If a great wave shall fall
It would fall upon us all
And between the sand and stone
Could you make it on your own?

Mal was astonished. She had heard him sing before, but this was different. His low tone showcased the smooth, wonderful sound of his voice, which she adored.

Carlos

If I could, then I would
I'll go wherever you will go
Way up high or down low
I'll go wherever you will go

Mal's smile grew wider with every second she listens to Carlos' singing.

Mal

And maybe I'll work out
A way to make it back someday
Towards you, to guide you
Through the darkest of your days

If a great wave shall fall
It would fall upon us all
Well I hope there's someone out there
Who can bring me back to you

Carlos smiled as he listened. Mal had never been one to appreciate her own voice, but the people in her life, especially Carlos, appreciate how beautiful she sounds when she breaks into song.

Mal and Carlos passionately held each other's hands, leaning closer as they blend their voices together.

Mal/Carlos

If I could, then I would
I'll go wherever you will go
Way up high or down low
I'll go wherever you will go

If I can make you mine
I'll go wherever you will go
If I could turn back time
I'll go wherever you will go
I'll go wherever you will go

They leaned closer until their foreheads pressed against each other. Their noses brushed against one another. Mal suddenly plants her lips on Carlos', catching him in a kiss. Carlos didn't retreat. He kissed her back.

After the kiss, Carlos looked a little stunned while Mal smiled.

"I'm sorry, but I had to," she said.

"You know I never minded," said Carlos. "You're an amazing kisser."

Mal smiled and blushed. Carlos was smiling because he was happy to see her smiling.

"Ahem!"

Mal and Carlos turn their heads to see Evie, wearing her blue sleeved leather jacket. Her arms were crossed and she looked like a parent who caught her children doing something not good.

"Am I interrupting something?" asked Evie.

"N-Not at all," Mal lied. "C'mon, let's go to Dizzy's."

Mal gets up and immediately grabs her bag, grabbing Evie's arm and dragging her away as well. Carlos sat down on the couch with a smile on his face.

"Hey, dude."

Jay comes walking into the room.

"Time to go," he said.

"Oh, right," said Carlos, trying to snap himself out of what he was feeling a while ago.

"Dude, you okay?" asked Jay. "You look like you just swiped someone's wallet and felt guilty about it."

"Ben's life is in danger," reminded Carlos. "We have to go."

Carlos started walking downstairs. Jay shrugged his shoulders, confused, as he followed.

Have you tried imagining the scenario in your mind? Trust me. It makes it all the more beautiful.