Marlos

Love Pt.4

The first rays of dawn peeked through the curtains, stirring Mal from her peaceful slumber. She stretched languidly, a soft smile gracing her lips as she recalled the events of the previous evening. She glanced over at Carlos, still fast asleep, his face relaxed and peaceful. Carefully, so as not to wake him, she disentangled herself from his embrace and slipped out of bed.

Padding softly across the room, Mal gathered her scattered belongings. She paused by the window, gazing out at the rising sun, a sense of contentment washing over her.

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The sun was shining, birds were singing, and Mal and Evie were strolling through the manicured gardens of Auradon Prep, just like any other day. "So," Evie began, "have you seen the new girl, Kayla? She seems...nice."

Mal scoffed, kicking a stray pebble down the path. "Nice? That's one word for it. I'd use a few others."

Evie raised a perfectly sculpted eyebrow. "Oh? And what words would those be?"

"Let's just say she has a very keen interest in...certain people," Mal said, her voice laced with a hint of annoyance.

"And by certain people, you mean..." Evie trailed off, a knowing smirk playing on her lips.

"Carlos," Mal stated flatly. "She's been practically glued to his side since she got here. It's ridiculous."

Evie chuckled. "Oh, come on, Mal. You know Carlos is completely smitten with you. He wouldn't look twice at anyone else."

"That's not the point," Mal huffed, though a small smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. "It's the principle of the thing. She waltzes in here, all sweetness and light, trying to steal my boyfriend. It's just rude."

"Maybe she's just trying to make friends," Evie suggested, though her tone was teasing.

"Friends don't try to monopolize someone's time and shower them with compliments they don't mean," Mal retorted.

Evie burst out laughing. "Oh, Mal. You're so protective."

"I'm not protective," Mal protested, though she knew she was fighting a losing battle. "I'm just...observant. And I don't like seeing people try to exploit Carlos's sweet nature."

Suddenly, Kayla appeared on the path in front of them, a wide, almost predatory grin plastered on her face. "Well, well, well," she drawled, her eyes flicking between Mal and Evie. "Fancy meeting you two here. Such a lovely day for a stroll... or for discussing me, perhaps?"

Mal's eyes narrowed. "Kayla. What do you want?"

Kayla shrugged, her grin widening. "Just wanted to let you know, Mal, that I'm not done yet. Carlos is a cute guy, and I appreciate a good challenge. Consider this... round one." She winked, the gesture somehow more menacing than playful, and then turned and sauntered away.

Something snapped in Mal. Before Kayla could take more than a few steps, Mal surged forward, grabbing Kayla's arm and spinning her around to face her. Her usual playful demeanor was gone, replaced by a fierce intensity. "Listen here, Kayla," Mal said, her voice low and dangerous. "Carlos is my boyfriend. Mine. And I don't appreciate you slithering around him, trying to weasel your way into his affections. He's not a game, and he's not a challenge. So, back off. Consider this your  only warning." Mal's grip tightened on Kayla's arm for a moment, just enough to make her point, before she released her. "Round one? Honey, this game is over before it even began."

Evie, who had watched the exchange with a mixture of amusement and concern, stepped forward and placed a hand on Mal's arm. "Okay, Mal, deep breaths," she said gently, pulling Mal back slightly. "I know she's annoying, but you made your point. "Don't let her get to you." She's trying to provoke a reaction." Evie gave Mal a reassuring smile. "Carlos knows who he wants to be with. Kayla's little games aren't going to change that."

Just then, as if on cue, Carlos and Jay rounded the corner, walking towards them with easy smiles. "Hey, ladies," Carlos greeted, his eyes immediately finding Mal. He walked over and pulled her into a warm hug, kissing her briefly on the lips. "Everything okay here? We heard some yelling."

Jay, equally attuned to the atmosphere, gave Evie a quick, questioning glance before wrapping his arm around her shoulders in a comforting squeeze. "What's up?" he asked, his gaze lingering on Kayla's retreating.

Mal, still slightly flushed from her confrontation, leaned into Carlos's embrace. "Just a little... misunderstanding," she said, shooting a pointed look in Kayla's direction.

Evie, ever the diplomat, smoothed things over. "Yeah, just some friendly girl talk," she said with a light laugh, though her eyes held a silent message for Jay. She hugged Jay back, a small, reassuring smile on her face. The arrival of their boyfriends seemed to diffuse the tension, and the group continued their stroll through the gardens.

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The sun had begun to set, casting long shadows across the manicured lawns of Auradon Prep. The earlier tension of the day had completely dissipated, replaced by the comfortable quiet of the evening. In the privacy of Mal's dorm room, the air was filled with the soft glow of fairy lights and the gentle sound of music playing softly in the background.

Mal and Carlos were curled up on her bed, a mountain of pillows providing a cozy nest. Carlos had his arm draped across Mal's shoulders, his fingers absently tracing patterns on her arm. Mal leaned against him, her head resting on his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. They were wrapped in a soft blanket, a comfortable silence settling between them.

Mal sighed contentedly, closing her eyes. "Today was... eventful," she murmured, a small smile playing on her lips.

Carlos chuckled softly. "You could say that. Kayla seems... determined."

"Determined to be annoying," Mal corrected, though there was no real heat in her voice. She knew Carlos was completely devoted to her, and Kayla's attempts to flirt with him were more of a nuisance than a genuine threat. "But you handled it well," she added, nuzzling closer to him.

"I had a good example to follow," Carlos replied, kissing the top of her head. "You were pretty fierce back there."

Mal laughed lightly. "Just protecting what's mine," she said, her voice laced with affection. She lifted her head slightly and looked up at Carlos, her eyes sparkling in the soft light. "Thank you," she whispered, "for being you and for being mine."

Carlos smiled, his heart swelling with warmth. "Anytime, Mal," he said softly. He leaned down and gently kissed her, the world outside their little bubble fading away.