A Dog Boy's Heart (Carlos X Oc) (Editing)

The Beast and The Shrimp

On the streets of the Isle, the group continued their walk until they reached an alley. A large fence wall protected a set of rusty stairs. A sign above them said, "Beware Flying Rocks". This statement becomes true when Evie picks up a small stone and throws it, hitting the sign and opening the entrance to the stairway.

"Wish me luck." Ben sighs, looking up at the number of stairs between him and the love of his life.

"All the way up." Jay gestures to the stairs as Ben starts his climb.

"Good luck." Alex says as she leans against the wall next to Carlos, who is sitting on a barrel. They all waited for Ben to come back, hopefully with Mal.

At the top of the stairs, there was a room. Sort of like a former clubhouse for the VKs. Alex spent the most time here when her mom was having one of her episodes. For the VKs, this place was home, and Mal had turned it into an art studio. Spray paint artwork covers the wall, one of the VKs, one of Ben, and one with Alex and her new friends from Auradon.

"At least I don't see a picture of me with horns and a pitchfork." Ben laughs as he approaches Mal from behind.

"Ben..." Mal trails of stopping from spraying any more paint.

"Mal, I'm so sorry about our fight. It was all my fault. It-- Please come home." Ben pleads, stepping closer to the girl.

"Ben, I am home." Mal scoffs, gesturing to the room around her, full of broken-down furniture and hints of mold everywhere.

"I brought the limo. It's a sweet ride." Ben laughs, trying to offplay Mal's rejection

"I don't fit in, Ben. I really gave it my best shot. And if you think that I can change, I think you're wrong." Mal sighs, putting down the can of spray paint and walking closer to Ben.

"Then I'll change. I'll skip school and have more fun. You know, I-I'll blow off some of my responsibilities." Ben pleads, walking closer to Mal, who steps back and holds her hand up, blocking him from getting any closer.

"No, no! See? I'm such a terrible influence. It's only a matter of time before I do something so messed up that not only does the kingdom turn on me, but they turn on you." Mal huffs, turning away from Ben, almost pacing the room.

"Don't quit us, Mal. The people love you. I love you. Don't you love me?" Ben pleaded looking that the purpled-haired girl.

" I have to take myself out of the picture because it's what's best for you, and it's what's best for Auradon." Mal sighs looking conflicted by the fact that she has to leave Ben for the good of Auradon.

"Mal, no, please." Ben pleads walking closer to Mal.

"Mm. Ben... I can't do this. You should go, Ben. Ben, please go. Please leave." Mal forces Ben to stop walking. She leaves the room while Ben stands there heartbroken. Slowly he starts to make his way down the stairs.

While Ben is upstairs, the VKs are waiting for him and watching for any unwelcome company. Carlos was sitting on a nearby box that Jay was leaning against. Alex was sitting on the dusty ground next to said box, poking Carlos's foot every once in a while. The three watched as Evie paces back and forth kicking up a bit of dust. They all wanted Mal to come back with them, but they knew how stubborn she was. Ben was also pretty bad at convincing her to do anything too.

"Does anyone else think that we should've gone up there with him." Alex questions looking around at the others.

"He'll be fine... Probably." Carlos mutters, shifting on the box slightly. He watches as the girl draws shapes in the dirt.

"He better hurry this up cause if I have to stay on this stupid isle for much longer I'm gonna lose my mind." Alex scowls, scratching out her dirt drawing. Carlos nudges her with his foot and gives her a reassuring smile, when she looks up at him.