Loopholes and Lost Treasure

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"Let's bring it in, boys. Let's bring it in," Jay urged. On their way to the gym, Erin and Jay bumped into Taylor- literally. After the pixie dust settled, Taylor realized who she fluttered into and captured Erin in a bone-crushing hug. They exchanged words of relief as happy tears streamed down their faces. Then Taylor practically tackled Jay with the same grip, knocking the wind out of him. He chuckled and hugged her back, listening to how grateful she was that he brought her best friend back safely. The couple decided it would be best to leave out Erin's imprisonment- for now at least. Arm-in-arm, the three of them walked to the gym for Jay's last-minute practice. He was ready to truly be himself, bringing his views from the Isle over to Auradon. Taylor and Erin watched from above on the balcony as the team huddled around Jay, anticipating what he was going to say. He hadn't told the girls what he was planning to do, but Erin had nothing but faith in him.

Jay sighed, bracing himself for the imminent backlash. "All right. You all know I come from the Isle, right, where things are pretty whack."

The team chuckled, and Erin and Taylor shared a knowing smile. Jay's laughter subsided, and he continued, "No, but there is one thing the Isle's got on Auradon. If you're strong, we want you by our side... girl or boy."

Knowing where Jay was going with this, Chad scoffed and pushed forward. "Hey, Jay, hold on here. We don't... We don't break the rules here in Auradon. That's over on the Isle."

"'The team shall be comprised of a captain and eight men'," Jay quoted the rule book. "So, uh... give it up for your new team captain."

Jay hollered and clapped as Lonnie jogged into the room. The rest of the team clapped as well, having no problem with the change. Chad was a different story.

"Whoa! What?!"

Lonnie laughed and jokingly bowed as the team welcomed her. "Thank you."

"Fine," Chad scoffed, throwing his hands in the air.

Lonnie blew her whistle, and Erin and Taylor covered their ears at the shrill sound. "Give me ten! Come on, guys."

The boys dropped to the floor and began to do push-ups. "1, 2..." Lonnie counted off before slamming her foot down on Chad's back. "Pick it up, Chad."

"3, 4..." she continued as Chad struggled under her foot. On the other hand, Jay's form was flawless, and Erin couldn't help but bite her lip as she admired her boyfriend.

"Nice form, Jay."

Jay smiled up at her before catching Erin's eyes and sending her a wink, never faltering in his exercise. "6, 7, 8, 9, 10."

"You're drooling," Taylor giggled. Erin blinked out of her stupor and wiped her mouth only to find nothing there. She glared at Taylor, who giggled more at her little joke. Rolling her eyes, Erin looked back down at the practice while Taylor linked their arms, a sign of good faith.

Lonnie blew her whistle again, and the boys released exerted breaths while getting off the floor. "Okay, practice is over. Get out of here. Go get ready for Cotillion."

As the rest of the team piled out, Erin and Taylor left the balcony to meet up with Jay. The couple's eyes met, and they captured each other in a loving embrace. Erin was so unbelievably proud of Jay for being himself. It took a lot of courage.

"I'm so proud of you," Erin whispered in his ear.

Jay smiled and kissed the side of her head.

"Hey, Jay," Lonnie chimed.

Removing an arm from Erin and holding her to his side, Jay faced Lonnie. "Yeah?"

"Wait until I tell my mom."

Erin and Taylor squealed and captured Lonnie in a group hug. The girls laughed and jumped around while Jay looked on with an amused grin.

"Ladies," he called over their girlish laughter. "When you're ready, Cotillion awaits."

A few more giggles escaped their mouths before the three of them followed Jay out of the gym.

During their trek, Erin ended up snuggled into Jay's side- naturally- and his arm was draped over her shoulders. Taylor and Lonnie walked arm-in-arm, chatting about what the night would bring. They couldn't wait to see all the beautiful dresses and sharp suits. And they couldn't wait to see Mal become Lady of the Court.

Erin and Jay shared a nervous look.

"It's gonna be okay," Jay whispered for only Erin to hear. "Everything's gonna work out."

The redhead wasn't convinced. Of course, Jay noticed this. 

After clearing his throat, he changed the subject. "I can't wait to see your dress."

Erin very well knew what Jay's angle was, and she was grateful for him. "I can't either. Evie and Taylor wanted to surprise me... More importantly, I can't wait to see your suit. You're going to look so great."

"But nobody will be able to take their eyes off of you. You're gonna look absolutely gorgeous- as always."

Erin giggled as a blush rose to her cheeks. "You flatter me, kind sir."

Jay grasped her hand, kissing the back. "It's the truth. Since we started dating, I've never lied."

"I know. You've been through so much and grown that much more. You deserve nothing but happiness."

"You are my happiness."

Erin smiled and brought Jay down to peck his lips. "And you're mine."

"Which reminds me..." Jay trailed off as he dug in his back pocket. Curiosity graced Erin's beautiful features, but she gasped with delight when Jay presented her prized possession: the ring he had given her before Ben's coronation all those months ago. Jay smiled at her reaction, elated that she still wanted to wear it after everything she'd been through. It was further proof that she still loved him. And as he slipped the ring on her right ring finger- its rightful place- Jay knew that he loved her.

"I love you, Erin. I always will."

"I love you too, Jay. Always."

After walking through the quad, the main entrance, and up a flight of stairs, the group arrived at Taylor and Erin's dorm. Lonnie had asked if they could get ready together, and Taylor couldn't wait to do her hair and makeup.

"All right, ladies. I'll see you soon," Jay stated.

Lonnie and Taylor teasingly leaned into each other and sang, "Bye, Jay."

He chuckled and smiled at Erin only to see her grinning at him. "Bye," she mouthed.

"See you."

They shared a short kiss, rolling their eyes and breaking apart when their audience decided to coo at them. Jay pecked Erin's lips once more before leaving the girls to get ready.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Who's ready for Cotillion??!! Are y'all excited to see Erin's dress?

I cannot wait until the next chapter! And I'm writing it!

That's all for now. I appreciate you all more than you know.

Love,

KK

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