Stained Glass Breaks and So Do Hearts

You and Me

"You work it, man," Lumiere said to Carlos. He couldn't help but chuckle a bit at the former candlestick holder's complement. Mal descended the stairs before him and waited with Evie and Jay. Carlos was dressed in a more Auradon meets Isle suit that was white with red and black accents and his typical bones on the back. He looked the best he had ever looked, and everyone was staring. He came down the stairs and Belle took his hand.

"Hi. Ben is on his way, you look absolutely dashing tonight." With the Beast seeming to agree. "I know we were shocked at first, but you-- you are exactly what Ben needs." Belle's smile was so beautiful and genuine. You both hugged like way back when this all started. It felt nice to be hugged and it finally hit him that she is why Ben is such a good hugger.

"And lucky for me, she doesn't go by first impressions." They all shared a little laugh before Carlos made his way down the final stairs. His heart was in his throat and so was his stomach.

"Hi" Evie took his trembling hands comfortingly.

"Hi" He couldn't help fidgeting nervously. Where was Ben?

"How are you?"

"I sorta feel like I'm gonna throw up." His nervous laughter a little worrying.

"It's okay, that's okay. We are right here with you 'los" Mal added at the end.

"King Benjamin!" Lumiere drew everyone's attention and Carlos looked on lovingly as Ben came into view before descending the stairs.

"Go get him, tiger!" Jay nudged, giving him a wink. Ben and Carlos met at the bottom of the stairs. They both bowed to one another but the nervous look on Ben's face made the lump in his throat worse.

"'los I wish I had time to explain," Ben said as a girl with chocolate skin and a teal dress appeared at the top of the stairs. Uma. Carlos suddenly couldn't breathe. He felt every muscle in his body tense and "Crack" his heart almost audibly breaking inside of him, shattering to pieces. His body was washed in a sick numbness from it all.

"Hi" Ben chuckled to Uma.

"Hi," She said in her best giddy voice.

"This is all happening so fast." Carlos choked out, looking genuinely like he might faint from the lack of breath.

"Something happened when I was on the Isle, a connection. She helped me understand the people of the Isle are my people as well". Carlos couldn't fight the tears in his eyes. He just turned and Mal hugged him, holding him closely.

"We're with you, Carlos. Lonnie said as everyone had begun to rally behind me. Ben and Uma had begun to dance right in front of them. Uma's grin was too much, and Carlos sobbed into Mal. He could feel her bristle with anger.

"Let's get out of here" Jay commanded. Everyone started to leave until Jane sprinted up to Lumiere.

"Honey, we're so sorry. We had no idea." Belle said gently grabbing Carlos' hand with a firm squeeze, reminding him to breathe.

"I'm gonna talk to him." The beast said looking less than happy about this himself.

"Lumiere, unveil the gift. They need to see it!" Jane begged of Lumiere who nodded, clearing his voice to announce.

"And now for the unveiling of King Ben's masterpiece, designed especially for his lord." They all turned around to see a cover pulled of a stained-glass window depicting Carlos and Ben in the Garden, Ben catching Carlos. They both looked like princes. Carlos whimpered at his broken heart aching.

"Ben did that?"

"Yeah, he did," Evie said attempting to comfort the heartbroken pup. "He loves the real you."

"Cover that backup!" Uma hissed, her evil showing through.

"I will not!" Lumiere replied with dignity.

"Um, uh-- why don't you tell everyone the present you have for me, Ben?" She said looking nervous from the angry stares but she kept up her little charade.

"I have an announcement! Uma will be joining the court tonight as my lady.

"Son..." Beast said in a worried tone.

"Not now, Dad! The... Uh, so as my gift to her, I'm bringing down the barrier once and for all!" Ben had both yelled at his father and wasn't acting like himself. Auradon's protection meant everything to Ben. Even though he wanted to save VKs he wasn't crazy enough to bring the whole barrier down.

"Fairy Godmother. Bring down the barrier." Ben was being righteous as if this was the obvious answer all along. Despite the pain in his chest, Carlos felt the idea forming in his mind. Something wasn't right with Ben, his Ben.

"I most certainly will not." Fairy Godmother was completely taken aback by such a request.

"I am your king!" Ben yelled again, just making everyone seem more and more lost.

"Obey him," Uma said anger tinged in her sugared voice.

"Ben has been spelled." Carlos finally realized seeing Mal's spell book tucked away. "true love's kiss..." Carlos said going down to Ben and Uma who seemed to be having complications.

"Ben, Ben. Fight it. It's me... Your pup. This isn't your first time being spelled. Fight it for me, like you did last time." Ben and Carlos leaned in for a kiss. It was a soft and nervous kiss that turned to recognition before they gently separated a bit, still close.

"Car-los?" Ben said with a small smile, as the spell wore off. Everyone was suddenly pulled out of the tender moment by the sound of shattering glass. Ben and Carlos looked to see Uma, fist right through the window that had been made for Carlos. Everyone gasped but Ben growled. Uma knew she didn't have a fighting chance this way. She ran to the edge of the boat. Before anyone could stop her, she threw herself overboard. Once again there was a wave of gasps as the water churned and bubbled. Uma reappeared, this time sporting tentacles.

"True love won't defeat this!" She called mockingly. Carlos knew there was nothing he could do. However, out of the corner of his eye, he could see it starting. Mal was huffing and her eyes were glowing. She was really going evil right now?! His thoughts were interrupted by the purple smoke that enveloped her. She transformed into a dragon and leaped into the air. This fight had always been between Uma and Mal, not Ben and Carlos. They were collateral damage that Uma was pleased with. "Let's end this once and for all Mal" There were waves, tentacles and fire breathing torrents.

Ben had enough and threw himself overboard with a bestial cry of rage. He swam between the two and they stopped fighting. "Mal, Uma! Stop! Back down!"

"What are you gonna do, Ben? Splash me?" Uma's taunting fell on deaf ears.

"That's enough! It's got to stop! This isn't the answer! The fighting has got to stop! Nobody wins this way! We have to listen to and respect each other. It won't be easy, but let's be brave enough to try. Uma, I know you want what is best for the Isle. Help me make a difference." Uma returned Ben's ring after a moment before disappearing into the sea. Both Mal and Ben returned to the ship.

Ben slipped the ring onto Carlos' finger and kissed him. Jay pulled him off a bit. "alright lover boy, give it a rest." Jay said. Ben nodded and properly bowed to Carlos, who did it as well. Before they could start dancing, fairy godmother cleared her voice, saying clearly. "Bippidy Boppidy Boo!" The Stained-glass window repaired itself. They finally began their dance. They danced in the water-logged top of the ship nearly all night. Once almost everyone was gone, Carlos could feel Ben nip at the tender spot on his collar bone, immediately making his breath hitch. "B-ben" He teased Carlos a little bit.

"You" He kissed his neck, "Me" another kiss. "tomorrow" one more kiss, "date". Ben's hands caressing the outside of his hips. Carlos could only nod leaning into him. "Good... and tonight you stay in my bed. All mine now." Ben gave him a hickey right there with guards watching. They didn't seem to care. It wasn't their business. Carlos was picked up and carried bridal style to the Limo, heading back to the Castle.