Rotten to the Core

Did I Mention?

   A few minutes later, the group was mixing up the ingredients for a love potion. "We have a problem." Merlin said. "We need a tear of human sadness and we don't cry."
   "Can't we just cut up some onions?" Elsa asked.
   "No. It has to follow the recipe exactly." Gideon said. "If it says genuine tear of human sadness, that's what we need to put in it."
    "Great. Where are we gonna find one of those?" Ruby asked, a bit annoyed.
    At that moment, there was a knock at the door. "Quick!" Merlin whisper-shouted. "Hide the spell book!"
   Someone dropped a towel over the book just as someone walked in the door. "Hey, I couldn't sleep and I saw your light on."
   The person got close enough for Merlin to make out who it was. "Kiara, don't you know it's rude to come in someone's room uninvited?"
   "Sorry. Usually, when one of us can't sleep, we'll find someone else who can't either and hang out for awhile. I used to do it with Rose all the time." She shrugged. "Ooh making a midnight snack? Whatcha making?"
    "Just some cookies." Ruby said quickly.
    "Ooh I love cookies!" Kiara dipped her finger in the bowl and all four of the VKs shouted, "No!" "Chill out, guys! I'm not gonna double dip!"
    "Does it seem like it's missing anything?" Merlin asked, checking to see if the love potion was in effect.
    Kiara thought for a moment. "Chips."
    "Chips?"
    "Yea. Chocolate chips. My dad used to make chocolate chip cookies for me when I was sad." She explained as she took a bag out the mini fridge and emptied the contents into the mixture. "Didn't your parents ever make you cookies?"
    She looked around expectantly, only to see everyone looking anywhere but at her, each with sad expressions on their faces. Ruby remembered the many times her father had threatened to eat her. Elsa knew her mother cared, at least some but she couldn't show it around others and risk her reputation. Gideon shuddered as he thought of the things his own mother had done in her quest for power. And Merlin just thought, for the first time, just how his own mother had treated him and the things she had involved him in.
   "Things are different on the Isle."
   "It's just...I thought even villains loved their kids!"
   When no one moved from their positions, Kiara looked like she wanted to cry. Merlin managed to catch a stray tear, quickly flicking it into the batter.
   "Well, we're tired, K. We have to get some sleep before we start cramming for finals."
    Kiara smiled. "Of course. And, guys, I'm sorry for how your parents treat you. If they can't see how amazing you are, you don't need them. Family's about who loves you, not who birthed you." With that, she ran off.
   The group went back to making the snacks, but, deep down, each one of them thought about what Kiara had said.
                            * * * * *
   The next day, Merlin made his way over to where he knew Rose to be. She was with Karayan, who was griping at her for something.
   Gideon and Ruby were getting dressed for the Tourney game, one to play, one to cheer, and Elsa was off somewhere. Merlin turned his attention to the girls whose hair he'd fixed up.
   While he chatted with them, Karayan and Audrey gave Rose a look. "You see? He's using magic!"
   Rose raised an eyebrow. "So? It's harmless."
   "It's gateway magic!"
   "K's right, Rose." Audrey added. "First it's the hair, then the makeup and outfits, then everyone's getting nosejobs. Then everyone will be prettier than me!" She coughed. "I mean, you."
   "I don't care who's prettier, Aura!"
   "That's right." Karayan agreed. "The real problem is that Merlin will take all our girls and what will I be left with?"
   "You do remember who you're dating, right?" Rose said. "Y'know what? Forget it! You're a selfish jerk! I'm done with you!"
   With that, she stomped off, Karayan sighing before turning and going the other way, Audrey following. Merlin pretended he hadn't heard anything, waving to the girls when Rose walked over, looking upset.
   "Hey, Rose. You ok?"
   "Yea, I guess so."
   "What happened?"
   "Karayan's a selfish jerk!" Rose said. "I know I made the right decision, but it's still gonna hurt for awhile."
   Merlin felt real anger build up inside him. "I'm gonna kill him!"
   Rose grabbed ahold of his shoulder. "Don't. Merlin, while I appreciate you being a good friend and trying to help, I don't want you to get in trouble because of me."
   "I don't care if I get in trouble. But if letting it go will make you happy, I will." Rose smiled. "Oh, by the way, my friends and I made some cookies last night and I saved you one."
   Merlin pulled out the Ziploc bag. "Thanks, Merl!" She said, taking the cookie and eating it all in two bites. She noticed Merlin staring intently at her. "What? Do I have chocolate on my face?"
   "Do you feel anything?"
   Rose was quiet for a second then a dreamy look crossed her face. "You're so handsome, Merl, and sweet! Have you always had those little gold flakes in your eyes? I could stare into those eyes all day!"
   Merlin smiled. The plan was working.
                           * * * * * 
   The Tourney game had already started by the time that Merlin and his gang had taken their places. Merlin and Elsa were chilling in the bleachers while Gideon had joined Percival, Karayan, and several others in the game. Ruby was with the cheerleaders which Rose was leading in a cheer as the game began. Rose kept waving and blowing kisses to Merlin.
  The game went on for over an hour until Gideon set up a shot for Percival to take. He took it and scored the final goal. The crowd went wild.
   At that moment, Rose stole the microphone from the coach, saying, "Everyone, I have something I'd like to say. Girls, new cheer! Give me a M-E-R!" The girls repeated it. "Give me a L-I-N!" This was also repeated. "Who's that spell?"
   "Merlin!" Everyone shouted.
   "I love you, Merl! Did I mention that?" She shouted to him. "Now I have a song I wanna dedicate to you! Hit it!"

Did I mention
That I'm in love with you?
And did I mention
There's nothing I can do?
And did I happen to say
I dream of you everyday?
Well let me shout it out loud
If that's ok
Hey hey
If that's ok
I met this guy that rocked my world
Like it's never been rocked
And now I'm living just for him
And I won't ever stop
I never thought that it could happen
To a girl like me
But now look at what you've done
Ya got me down on my knees
Cuz my love for you is ridiculous
I never knew
Who knew?
That it could be like this
My love for you is ridiculous
My love is R-I-D-I-C-U-L-O-U-S
R-I-D-I-C-U-L-O-U-S
It's
Ridiculous!
Just
Ridiculous!
And I would give my kingdom for just one kiss
Well did I mention
That I'm in love with you?
And did I mention
There's nothing I can do?
And did I happen to say
I dream of you everyday?
Well let me shout it out loud
If that's ok
Hey hey
Yayyy
If that's ok
I gotta know which way to go
C'mon give me a sign
You gotta show me that you're only ever gonna be mine
Don't wanna go another minute living without you
Cuz if your heart just isn't in it
I don't know what I'd do
Cuz my love for you is ridiculous
never knew
Who knew?
That it could be like this
My love for you is ridiculous
My love is R-I-D-I-C-U-L-O-U-S
R-I-D-I-C-U-L-O-U-S
It's
Ridiculous!
Just
Ridiculous!
And I would give my kingdom for just one kiss
C'mon now!

   "I love ya, Merl! Did I mention that?" Rose said as she appeared next to Merlin. "Will you be my date to the coronation?"
   "Of course I will!"
   With that, they embraced as everyone cheered.