So I figured I should start cross posting my stories at the same time... This is my current WIP so will update in line with AO3.

I don't know if I can call this a slow burn when they kiss by the end of chapter 3, but they take their sweet ass time getting their act together. The majority of this is Ben's POV, with some Mal chapters sprinkled in throughout for balance.


Ben.

(Nearly) Twenty Five. Present Day.

"I'll be gone when you wake up."

Ben tried to let Mal's whispered admission slide. Tried not to hold her tighter. Nipped her collarbone so she wouldn't see the frown he struggled to suppress or the Beast that flashed behind his eyes.

Shifted his weight so that he was pushing her further into the mattress. Focused on the way she leant into his touch. The way she clawed at his arms as she tried to anchor herself to him.

One roll of his hips was all it ever took to distract her from thinking about after. Was all it took for him to pretend he didn't care.

Just like every other time since they were eighteen, he pretended her words didn't hurt him.

He focused on the present. Because, with Mal, that's all that was ever guaranteed.

She was here with him now.

And one of these days, he'd make her stay.

Earlier that day.

Unconventional.

It was the best description Ben could come up with.

How else could you describe a relationship that had been going on for almost a decade, yet they'd never put a label on it?

A relationship where she was always leaving, but, after that first time, he'd never actually asked her to stay?

A dynamic where they could act like co-workers in the Council Chamber, but as soon as the session broke for lunch he'd have her against the wall in the next room?

It was not normal.

It was not healthy.

And he didn't want anything else.

Didn't want anyone else.

He knew it. His friends knew it.

His family and his staff...they knew, but they were still hoping for something that secured the line of succession.

Which was how he'd ended up in this position.

Ben was sitting at his desk watching Cogsworth, Lumiere and Doug argue over the plans for his twenty fifth birthday ball. Auradon may be a relatively new kingdom, but the member kingdoms were hundreds of years old. Their traditions were etched in stone.

His first quarter century was apparently a 'big deal'.

So there would be a televised ball. And dancing. And a cake that would most likely be taller than him. Thousands of guests.

It all sounded so harmless on paper.

Unfortunately, one of those things had the potential to plunge them back into the Old Days, where vengeful fairies burst into celebrations and cursed helpless princesses.

His should-be girlfriend had anger issues.

Your majesty, we have to adhere to tradition. You don't have to marry anyone right now, but you need to look like you're at least open to courting.

Please, let's not be stupid. He isn't single. It's just a long-distance, emotionally-charged...extremely unconventional relationship.

This isn't just about Ben, it's about securing the line.

Sire, you need an heir and a spare on the horizon by your thirtieth birthday or the wolves will be at the door, so to speak. You might as well find someone you can tolerate and work with. Have a mistress on the side. Plenty of people do it.

No. Not a chance. Like fuck are we doing the eligible bachelor thing at your ball. Do you want to see Mal channel her mother? I don't. I choose life.

Ben let Doug have the argument with Cogsworth.

He didn't even have the energy to pretend that he wanted this party.

He didn't.

Especially not if it involved dancing with every eligible maiden from the ages of eighteen to thirty.

The only maiden he wanted...didn't want him.

Not permanently at least.

It had been almost nine years.

Nine years since sixteen year old Ben shook hands with Mal outside Auradon Prep, welcoming her into his world.

Nine years since he'd begun noticing the inherent privilege in his world. The way the cards were stacked in favour of those with royal blood.

Nine years since he made friends with the bad girl. When that friendship caused his break up with Audrey.

Nine years since he kissed her outside the art classroom, naively thinking a stolen kiss in the corridors would get her out of his system.

Nine years since Mal of the Isle stole his heart.

Nine years since she'd looked him in the eye and refused to give it back.

And if Mal doesn't turn into a dragon and kill us all, I still have to go home to Evie. And she will set me on fire the old fashioned way. No. It's not happening. I enjoy not being dead.