He doesn't even have the chance to open the door yet when he feels his phone vibrate in his pocket. He punches in the code for the security system as he fishes it out, bringing to his ear. As he unlocks the door with his key he answers and his mother's voice is heard.

"Carlos? Sweetie, you made it home safely, yes?"

"I did, Mama. You're at the office still?"

"Yes. But I'm not as busy as I thought I would be. I want your input on some things. Do you mind coming over?"

He thinks it over. He knows his mother wants his opinion on some things for the show and he wouldn't say no to it. He doesn't have much homework to do. In fact, none at all since school just started. So, why not?

"Not at all, Mama. I'll just freshened up."

"Alright. I'll be sending Horace over to pick you up. He should be there in a good hour or so."

"I'll see you then."

"See you then, sweetie."

The call ends there just as he makes it to his room. He drops his bag onto his bed and chucks off his shoes before heading to his closet to put them away. He turns on his light of the walk-in closet, eyeing the clothes. Most of them are the signature colors of the de Vil family. Shades of red, black, white with hints of silver and greys. Not all though, some being blues, greens, purples and other colors. He doesn't wear them as much, given his fondness for the former colors. After a few moments, he chooses a simple pair of red jeans and a white tee with black spots all over. Just to be extra though, he chooses a matching fedora.

He showers for a few and after he's done and just leaving the bathroom, he hears his phone ping. He quickly slips on his clothes before picking up the cell and seeing he got two messages.

One's from Evie.

E👑💙: 2 things! i'll b c-ing u at the office! Auntie wants my input 2! thought u might want to come with me later 2 get some things after?

He answers back in seconds.

C: i'll c u then! and yes! u know i'm always up 4 ur antics, E!

E👑💙: because u love me

C: true but u shouldn't say it

E👑💙: 😆

The second text is from Ben. When he sees so, his heart does a dance and it just continues on when he sees what the Prince texts him.

Ben: hope you made it home safe! kinda missing u right now.

It's bold and heartwarming. He doesn't hesitate to answer back.

C: I did, thank u! hope u did too!

He stops, wondering if...

C: kinda missing u 2

He sends it and he goes into panic mode. "Oh, my gosh, why did I send that?!", he questions himself, flopping onto the bed and grabbing a pillow. He convinces himself that he just means it on friendly terms. That's all. He's crushing on the prince something fierce, something he became aware after sitting with him at lunch today. But! He just means he misses his company on platonic terms.

He hears his phone ping again.

Ben: are u doing anything right now?

C: just waiting to b picked up

C: my mom wants me 2 help her out with some things for her fashion show probably

Ben: i can talk to u later if you'll be busy

C: no, that's fine! right now i'm pretty lonely anyways, so... i don't mind talking 2 u

Ben: honestly, same

Ben: my parents are in a meeting and some of the staff is running errands

Ben: i have no homework and i'm not much into a reading mood right now

C: well, i guess that means we're talking to each other right now

Ben: i see no problem with that

And he definitely doesn't either. He sends another text to Ben before jumping out his bed and getting his shoes. He makes sure he has his keys and wallet in his small bag he chooses to take with him before leaving his room with his phone in one hand and shoes in the other. He heads downstairs to the living room, taking a spot on the couch before he sends a text to Jay.

C: guess who im talking 2 right now

He waits on Jay's reply and sees Ben sent another text.

Ben: so your mom has a fashion show coming up right?

C: in a few weeks yeah. I'm excited for it!

Ben: I haven't actually been to one but Audrey always goes and she enjoys them a lot. maybe I should this year

C: i would love 2 have u there

C: she wouldn't mind n i'll ask her if u want me 2

Ben: i would like that yes

C: i'll let u know when she gives the go-ahead

Jay then decides to answer. When Carlos reads his message he can hear his laughter through it.

Bestie🐍💛: let me guess, it's ur prince Ben, isn't it?

C: careful with the teasing, J. i'm not the only one with a prince going 4 me, remember that

Bestie🐍💛: what ever do u speak of?

C: u know

C: Aziz seems a little 2 friendly with u

Bestie🐍💛: no he doesn't

C: i beg 2 differ

He goes back to Ben.

C: so you're just chilling at home in ur room or something?

Ben: actually my friends just invited me out with them 2 hang but i'm still staying in touch with u

C: u sure? i wouldn't want 2 take ur attention away from them

Ben: they wouldn't mind one bit, trust me

Ben: they like u a lot

Ben: it should be obvious enough with Audrey with how she fawned over u during lunch today

Now that he thinks about it, the princess did play nice with him. Has been since day one. It wasn't even faked, he could tell. He knows when someone's faking nice, he's been around Mal long enough. Audrey wanted to be his friend because she chooses to be. He doesn't mind it. He likes it.

C: she's good company, kinda surprised u 2 aren't dating with how close u 2 seem

Ben: well we were at one time but we realized we were better as friends and she's been my partner in crime since

Ben: besides we're attracted to other people

That catches his interest. He recalls, on the first day, Ben mentioning before about crushing on someone. Is it another royal? Maybe a commoner? Someone that goes to their school? The thought gets a pout out of him. Ben is attracted to someone and what if it's not him? He'll be hurt for sure because he swears the prince has been sending him flirty signals here and there. Which just helped increase his attraction to Ben. So it would suck if it turns out Ben likes someone else. Hurt so much when they shared, not one, but two romantic dances together.

C: oh? mind telling me who?

Ben: no can do right now

Ben: but u'll know soon

C: well, is it a royal?

Ben: not by blood but he might as well be

C: goes 2 our school?

Ben: yep

C: Ben

Ben: i'm not telling right now

Ben: i'll tell u at the end of this week after school if u accept to hang out with me that day

No way in hell he was saying no to that.

C: i accept!

Ben: great

👑👑👑

"That's my boy!"

He blushes, regretting telling Audrey what he did, but doesn't at the same time because the support is nice. He felt oddly brave and bold enough to do such a thing.

"Finally! Only two days and our golden prince here will nab that cutie!", Lonnie encourages, too, as she, Jane, Audrey and him pile out Audrey's car. "Make my ship sail, please!"

"Alright, alright." He exhales, feeling his heart was going 360 on him. He couldn't help it though.

"I still think it's a little rushed.", Jane admits, a little shyly. "Sure, you've known him for almost for a week and you danced with him at the party beforehand, but... it's still such a short time."

He gets why Jane was probably so paranoid about this. He's a prince, for one thing. Anything could trip up his image. Then there's age. He was still so young. Sure, there's a history of their previous princesses and princes falling in love and getting married so young. It was almost like tradition. Oddly enough, not every prince and princess were like this. His parents fell in love still young, but didn't get married until years after. It was the same for Aziz's parents.

Ben really wasn't setting his heart to marry Carlos... not right away at least. Right now, his primary goal was to date the slightly younger and be boyfriends. He wants a romantic cuddle partner like now.

"Jane, it's good. I promise you, I'm still thinking with a young mind. I'm not looking to marry him... yet."

"You said 'yet'!", she accused, pointing a finger at him in which made him blush.

"Anyways! I need some help.", Audrey decided to interject, saving her bestie. "I want to impress Uma tomorrow and I want to get her to really notice me-notice me."

"You probably still have clothes you haven't worn yet.", Lonnie teased as they entered the mall. Immediately, they were recognized and people started to fawn over them. They didn't pay mind to them though, used to the attention.

Audrey flipped her hair, her steps with a little more bounce to them. "True, but you shouldn't say it. And I'm not shopping for new clothes. I want to do something with my hair." She ran her perfect manicured fingers through the chocolate brown locks once. "Something that really catches her attention, yet still speaks me, you know? Something 'I'm Princess Audrey Rose and I want you to notice me'."

Ben gave her a look over. "What? You think Uma doesn't find you attractive as you are?"

She blushed, puffing her cheeks out. "I know in my gut that she might be feeling me, too, but I'm just... I'm just not sure, okay?! Regardless, I want to do something with my hair." She hummed in thought, head tilted. "You know, I always wondered what I would look like blonde like my mom. Ooh! I can't just stop there! Blonde with pink and blue streaks!"

"You really like blue and pink, huh?", Ben joked, following the girls up the escalator. He had fished out his phone again, having felt a vibration in his pocket. He got giddy thinking it was Carlos again but was disappointed to see it was just his mother, Belle. Not that he didn't like his mother. He just adores Carlos, okay?

"Oh, like you can talk, Mr. I Wear Nothing But Blue and Yellow."

"They're my parents' colors and I wear other colors."

"Hm."

"I do!"

His phone vibrates again and he smiles it was Carlos.

Carlos ❤🖤: so where do u want 2 hang out after school Fri?

B: there's this new diner that opened up. thought to try that out

Carlos❤🖤: sounds like fun!

"You seriously have hearts by his name? You. Are. Smitten."

Ben swatted Lonnie away who just laughed before she followed Jane into the salon. "I couldn't help myself. I adore him."

"We are all aware."

"Hey, Benny-boo! You should totally do something with your hair!"

The prince was quick to shut that down.

👑👑👑

If there's one thing she could say about her only child was that she never seen this look on his face before. It's only been an hour since he arrived. He has already put in his input on a few things. Color schemes, seating arrangements, food, lighting, anything. However, through it all, she noticed how he was seemingly distracted. Not in a bad way though, so she wasn't worried. It was just a couple of times, he would take out his phone and whatever or whoever he was paying focus to would raise a ting of pink on his freckled cheeks and his eyes gleamed.

She was curious, but didn't mind it. She liked seeing her son happy.

However, she was still a mother.

"Sweetie, mind telling mommy what's so entertaining about your phone?", she questioned, hands settling on his shoulders from behind. She held it a chuckle when he shivered and quickly pocketed his phone away.

"Nothing.", Carlos tries. He clears his throat and mocks a pose with his hip cocked to the side and his arms crossed. "You know, I was thinking that the chairs should---"

"Don't try to change ths subject, young man.", Cruella scowled heartedly, poking his nose. She doesn't miss the smirk Evie is sporting. She had a feeling the daughter of her best friend knew what was up. "Carlos.", she coos, trying to coax him to spill the beans.

He pouts. "It's really nothing. Just... funny things..."

"From a certain someone, no doubt.", Evie speaks up and the way Carlos growls in her direction proves the blue haired diva is on the money.

This peaks Cruella's interest even more. A certain someone, hm? Well, she knows it's not one of Carlos' usual friends. This person had to be someone her son really, really likes.

"Evie!"

"A certain prince, maybe?"

A prince? A prince?!

Cruella pondered on that. A prince. She has been getting wind on how the son of King Adam and Queen Belle might have something going on with her child since the prince's birthday. When she first heard about it, she wasn't upset nor was she overly enthusiastic about it. She honestly didn't think it was much of a big deal and just another scandal people were trying to twist into something for their own entertainment. Be damned though, if this prince is having a romance with her baby she was going mama wolf. She doesn't want Carlos hurt anymore than he has been before. She wants him happy. Now, if this prince does have such intentions to please Carlos she'd let him. Anyone would could make her son smile gets on her good side. Besides, she heard that the boy was probably the sweetest person ever to live.

"Hm. Carlos, could this be the prince? What was his name? Prince Benjamin, I believe?"

Carlos had let out the loudest whine ever, covering his hands in shame.

Yep.

It was Prince Benjamin Beast of Auradon.

"I'll take that as a 'yes'. So what's the tea? Are you two dating?", she asked. She took hold of Carlos' hand and lead him to one of the tables. She coaxed him to sit down, Evie taking his other side. "Come on, tell Mama everything."

She waited a while, smiling. Carlos slowly uncovered his face, doing a few breathing exercises to calm his pacing heart. When he was calm enough, he spoke.

"Alright. It is Prince Ben and no, we're not dating."

"Yet.", Evie pipes up. She doesn't flinch when Carlos pinched her thigh.

"I see. Do you like him in that way?" She fears it, but she also accepts it if Carlos does. He's human. She won't take part in who he chooses to date unless otherwise. Right now, she doesn't see the harm in it.

"I... I do. He's been nothing but sweet to me since we officially met. Yeah, I know everyone says he's the 'golden child' and the ideal dream guy. But... I don't know... he just gives these... these vibes."

"Truth be told, Auntie Ella, Ben's been a sweetheart with all of us. But I've got a really sharp eye and I can tell you this. It's a completely different story with Carlos here. He smiles differently with Carlos. He laughs differently. His eyes get this twinkle in them. With Carlos, he's more..." Evie sits back, tapping the tip of her finger on her lips as she thinks. "... How should I put this? It's like he's really at his happiest. He's more relaxed. He easily gravitated to Carlos on our first day of school. Since then every time he comes on the scene he looks for Carlos first."

"In other words, he likes Carlos? Romantically?"

Evie gives a nod and Carlos decides his jacket makes the perfect face mask.

Cruella chuckles and squeezes him in her embrace.

"Aaaaawwww. My baby is growing up! He has a secret romance!"

"Mama!" His phone pings and it catches their attention in a second. Both females on his sides grin and he just glares at them. "You know what? I'm just going to pretend this right here didn't happen.", he sasses, getting up and walking away.

Both of them laugh, watching him disappear around the corner and dodging a man carrying a plant.

"Mmm. But seriously, both of them like each other. Just a little too scared to admit it yet.", Evie states, relaxing in her chair. She looks up at Cruella. "You approve?"

She nods. She pats Evie's knee. "I do. Of course, I do. I want him smiling and even if a crush does it, I allow it. I'm trying to be a good parent here. All of us are. We want you kids to live better lives than we did."

Evie understands what she means. "I know you do, Auntie. Really, I think you're doing a better job than you-know-who. Carlos told about him wanting to see him. Well, more like demanding to see him."

"Yep. Right now, he's the only thing stressing me out." Cruella groans and rubs at her temples. "If I could, I would erase that bastard from existence."

"Mommy feels the same about the other-you-know-who, too." She hugs Cruella which helps. "Carlos and I appreciate you both."

"Thank you, sweetie."

She sighs in the hug. She sees why Grimhilde holds Evie high. The girl has so much potential and a big heart.

"So are you and Carlos stopping by Hades' studio later? He also has something to talk to you kids about."

Evie nods just as Carlos returns. He's munching on a donut that he most likely got from the building's cafe. "Yep. I can't believe you're entrusting us this year for that."

"Well, we have faith in you. We want you to be more involved in our work anyways."

"And that's why we're doing our best to impress you.", Carlos adds. "Speaking of the fashion show, you think it's okay if we allow a couple of people backstage passes?", he asks shyly.

Cruella smirks, crossing both her legs and arms. "Hm. As in, your prince?"

"And his friends! Like... seven of them."

"Hm. I don't see why not."

"Ah, you're the best!" He kisses her cheek before he grabs Evie's wrist. "I'll see you later, Mama. Evie and I are gonna check out the music and then run a few more errands."

"Alright, Carlos. Be careful now."

He gives one more response before he and Evie leave.

Cruella went on to busy herself to finish up the preparations. Time had passed, only a few minutes, an assistant or two coming to her to show her the designs and schedules for the upcoming show. Her mind was so focused she didn't realize a visitor coming into the room until she heard one of her employees.

"Um, sir! You cannot just waltz in here without an appointment or---"

"I assure you, I'm well qualified to walk in here as I please."

His voice sent instant disgust in the pit of her stomach. She was quick to turn around, dismissing her assistant away as well as everyone else.

"And I say you don't. This is my company and you will respect that and my employees here. Now, what do you want?"

👑👑👑

Audrey's hair change had been an ultimate success. She decided to settle for a few colored streaks, rose pink and blue jay blue. The colors blended in nicely with her naturally dark hair. She had been marveling proudly her curls for the past hour or so since they left the salon. Right now, the group were seated in a booth at a cute little diner. Ben just just sent a text to Carlos when he looked up to see Audrey taking selfies and posting the pictures on her social media.

"It is a nice look on you.", he had commented his best friend for the third time, a smiling paired as usual on his lips. "How'd you think Uma would like it?" He couldn't help but to tease. Audrey's cheeks immediately coated with pink.

"Shush, Benny-boo. Be more concerned about your crush. Who you've been texting non-stop.", she taunted back before a quick slurp of her smoothie. "Speaking of, how's the cutie?"

"He's doing great from what he's told me. He's with his mom right now probably." Ben took a bite of his fry, catching Lonnie stealing another from his plate. She had eaten hers already. "By the way, did you ever get Uma's number?"

Audrey's eyes suddenly went wide before she pouted and groaned, heading thumping on the table in defeat. "It slipped my mind to ask...", she mumbled. Jane had taken to rubbing her back to comfort her.

"I'll ask Carlos for it.", Ben offered, having mercy.

"Thank you!" She stood up and rounded the table to his side, hugging him tightly in appreciation. "What would I do without you?"

"Suffer."

"You're funny."

👑👑👑

"So what do you kids think?", Hades had asked, shutting off the song and eyeing at Evie, Uma and Carlos. Uma was also there, sitting on the sofa with Carlos. She had hitched a ride with Evie and him since they had passed her home on the way to Hades' studio. She was the first to speak up about the song.

"I love it for sure. Already I'm formulating a few moves to go along with it."

"Same.", Carlos agreed, feeling his phone vibrate in his pocket. He took it out, but kept his attention on the blue haired musician. "We just need lyrics to go with it."

"And I have those already written out.", the older proudly exclaimed, waving a metallic blue folder. "You kids can look them over and give your input later this week. No rush."

"I'm sure they're already perfect, Uncle Hades.", Evie complimented, taking the papers he passed to her.

"Well, I'm flattered, Evelyn."

"Hey, Uma, you so owe me after this.", Carlos suddenly chuckled, smirking at the girl.

Uma blinked, Evie chuckling at her expression. Hades didn't comment, although curious and amused. He decided to leave the room for the teens to converse among themselves.

Just as the door closed, Uma felt her phone vibrate in her jacket pocket. She took it out, finding it suspicious she got a message just after Carlos' cryptic words were spoken.

Unknown: Hi! This is Audrey!

"Audrey texted me. Audrey texted me!", Uma gasped, standing up. "How'd she...?" Her eyes met with Carlos' sparkling browns. "You."

"Ben may have asked for your number so Audrey can have it. Being the great friend I am, I gave it."

"That and you wouldn't been able to resist Ben's puppy eyes.", Evie teased. She laughed at the playful swing Carlos aimed at her. "Oh I'm right!"

"I can't believe this!"

"Text her back!"

"I am! I am!"

Uma didn't hesitate to save Audrey's number and texting her back.

U: hey, princess. wasn't to hear from u so soon

Audrey: hope u didn't mind, I asked Ben to ask Carlos 4 ur number

U: not at all I don't mind

Carlos beamed with pride seeing how Uma practically swooned with her eyes glued to her phone screen.

👑👑👑

"I can't believe you had the absolute gall to show up at my office and then start demanding everything like you have the right.", she hissed. He didn't flinch, instead brushing off her anger like it was dust on his pants.

"I only came to see you and ask---"

"About my son. Who doesn't want to see or talk to you.", Cruella interrupted, arms crossing. "Now leave."

He sighed, easily getting frustrated with her. "Cruella---"

"Jean, he doesn't want to see you! He has every human right not to! And if you think you can just come and demand anything from him, you have another thing coming!" Her hands had slammed onto her desk and her chair had fell back to the ground with a nasty thud. "You weren't there for neither of us! You get to just come around like everything is fucking dandy! That fling will stay a fling! That's it! You and I have nothing to discuss on any personal levels and the same goes for Carlos de Vil! If he wants to have anything to do with you then he will say so! However, as I am concerned, he doesn't! Now leave my damn office!"

Jean growled, turning on his heel to leave. He had stopped at the door, fingers clenched tightly on the handle. "This isn't over, Cruella. I swear to you it isn't."

She calmly sat down in her chair after picking it up, as if she didn't just have a major outburst. "Well, I'll be waiting here for whatever you're planning, Jean-Pierre Le Pelt. Just keep in mind I'm not easily giving in and neither is my son. Bye." She watched him leave, feeling a headache coming.