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The Engagement

Okay, so here's a series of one shots that happen before, during, and after "A Journey into the Past," which will eventually become a series. I am accepting requests, but don't panic if I don't get to your request right away, as I have other stories to work on.

TIme: After Descendants 3, 20 years before A Journey into the Past

Mal was just finishing up with the arrangements regarding a visit from Agrabah royalty when her phone rang. Wondering who it could be so close to lunch time, she picked up the phone

"Hello?" she asked.

"Hi Mal," Ben said over the phone.

Mal smiled when she heard her boyfriend's voice. She was supposed to meet him for breakfast, but his parents said he left early in the morning to do something, and he hadn't been seen since. She couldn't help but be relieved. "Hi Ben."

"Listen, I have something important to talk to you about, but it can't be over the phone."

Mal was confused. "What do you mean?"

"Just come down to the Enchanted Lake, and we'll talk about it, okay?"

Mal hesitated. Ben had been acting weird lately. He was always somewhere, always on his phone, and every time he looked at her, he seemed to get nervous, even though he tries to hide it. She couldn't help but wonder that there was something wrong with them. None the less, she agreed to come. "Sure, I'll be there in a few minutes."

"Great, see you then."

"You too," Mal said.

"Bye."

"Bye." Mal hung up after that, and walked down to the Enchanted Lake. Along the way, she couldn't help but worry about Ben. What did he want to talk about? Was it urgent? Well, if he wanted her to discuss it with her of course it was urgent. But with the way he was acting lately, was he... no, he wouldn't break up with her. They had been through so much together. But then, why did he act so nervous?

The Enchanted Lake was looking even more beautiful than usual today, but Mal had no time to spare for the dappled sunlight gilding the trees or for the deep green of its mirrored waters. She had come so quickly that she was out of breath, and all she could think of was finding Ben. Her mouth dropped open as she looked at the ruins. There was a picnic blanket spread out, and a picnic basket on top of it, just like in their first date, but with a lot more food.

Ben sat in the middle of the blanket with a smile on his face and gestures to the scene around him. "Do you like it?"

Mal grinned as she walked over. "Ben, I love it! Thank you!"

"And don't worry, I didn't forget the strawberries," Ben added as Mal sat down.

"Yeah, but you forgot the napkins ." Mal reached into the basket, but instead of finding napkins, she grabbed something that felt like a velvet box. She pulled it out. It was a velvet box alright, a purple one at that. "Ben, what..."

Ben quickly took the box. "Uh... I can explain..." Mal bit her lip. Ben was acting nervous again. Was this the end? Ben too a deep breath. "Mal, you've saved me, and Auradon, more times than I can ever count." Ben adjusted his position so that he was on bended knee. "And I love you." He held out the case. "Lady Mal Bertha, will you do the honor of becoming my wife?"

Ben didn't have to wait twice for Mal's answer. "Yes! Yes, Ben, I will marry you!" She threw her arms around her now fiancé. Ben stumbled a little when she did so, but hugged her back anyways. After a little while, they pulled away from each other, with Mal smirking. "So that's why you've been acting so weird."

"Good thing you weren't here earlier then," Ben replied with a chuckle. "I had to practice on Evie to get my nerves down." Then he paused. "I know it sounds kind of silly, but I was afraid you'd say no, even though I was sure you were going to say yes."

Mal raised an eyebrow. "How come?"

Ben rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, I guess guys get nervous when proposing no matter what."

"I guess that's understandable ." Mal them kissed Ben's cheek. "I just have one question: Can we eat while we start planning the wedding?"

Ben chuckled. "I thought you'd never ask."