Charming || Descendants

TWO - TWO

"Hi, Garret. Hey, Garret. What's up?" girls called out as the VKs walked past them.

"Hey," Garret replied with a smirk, flashing his usual charm.

"Why do you torture them? Just pick someone to take to Cotillion already," Carlos said, rolling his eyes.

"I already got my Cotillion date," Garret said smugly.

"Ah! You're the expert," Carlos sighed.

"Except, of course, someone hasn't quite mustered the courage to ask her yet," Cleo purred with a sly smile as she glided over to Evie and Mal. 

She flipped her hair back with a practiced flick, drawing the attention of a group of guys who whistled appreciatively from behind. Without missing a beat, she threw them a seductive wink, clearly relishing the attention.

"Uh, Garret... if you were gonna ask Cleo, what's the best way to go?" Carlos asked, looking desperate for advice.

"Listen, all you gotta do is look like me," Garret said confidently, causing Cleo to roll her eyes at his arrogance but smirking nonetheless.

"Oh, ha-ha," Carlos muttered.

"Mal, Cleo," Jane called as she approached, her face lighting up as she saw them.

"Hey, Jane," Carlos said nervously.

"Hey," Jane greeted with a bright smile.

"I was wondering...uh... if you liked the... carrot cake last night," Carlos stuttered out awkwardly.

"I had the pumpkin pie," Jane replied, confused but still smiling.

"Oh, cool. Um, uh..." Carlos started, his face turning a shade of pink, clearly flustered.

"Smooth," Garret says with a smirk as he pulls Carlos away, his hand resting possessively on Cleo's waist. Cleo, Mal, and Evie all share a smile.

"I have an opening for a fitting at 3:00," Evie announces as Lonnie approaches. "Who wants it?"

"Me!" Lonnie replies eagerly, turning to Jane with an apologetic look. "Sorry."

"Perfect. I'll take you later," Evie says, and she and Lonnie head off.

"Mal? Cleo?" Jane calls out.

"Yes?" Cleo responds with a hint of sarcasm in her voice, her eyes glinting as she leans into Garret's protective hold.

"I hate to keep bugging you both, but the decorating committee still needs more answers. So, as much as I hate to, um... you know, um..." Jane trails off, glancing at Mal.

"Bug us?" Mal offers.

"Right," Jane confirms.

"Yeah, Jane, I'd love to help. I just have to get to class," Mal says, attempting to walk away, but Jane stops her.

"You know, just nod if you like it," Jane instructs.

"Okay," Mal replies with a sigh.

"Chair swags. Entry banner. Twinkle lights. Napkin design. Table bunting. And you still haven't picked the party favors yet," Jane lists off. Cleo stretches out a languid arm, her gaze unwavering as she responds.

"Honestly, Jane, you know I'm all for your vision, but I'm more interested in seeing how well Garret's protective instinct keeps the event in line," Cleo says with a teasing smile, glancing up at Garret who tightens his grip slightly.

Garret's gaze softens as he looks down at Cleo, his protective stance evident in every move.

"I mean, we can do chains, key charms, pen toppers. I kind of love the pen toppers, but we can do all three," Jane rambles quickly, stressing Mal out. This causes Mal's eyes to flash green.