Secret in the Heart ||Descendants|| (♡Ben)

21

As Kara walks into the kitchen, Remy greets her with a grin. "Look who it is," he says, doing a little jazz hands of his own. Kara laughs and asks, "So? Did you do it?"

Remy steps aside and points at a picnic basket. "Every single item of food that stood on the list is in there."

Kara's eyes widen, and she runs over to hug him. "Ow, Remy. You really didn't have to make everything," she says, grateful for his help.

"I know," Remy replies with a smile. Kara looks at the basket, noting how it's perfectly packed with everything she'll need: plates, cutlery, napkins, and of course, the food. "Why do you know me so well?" she asks.

Remy shrugs, both amused and modest. "I guess I just get you."

"Thank you, Remy. Seriously," Kara says as she walks toward the basket.

"Thank you all," she adds to the cooks, who all respond with warm smiles and "You're welcome."

"Well, what are you waiting for?" Remy prompts.

Kara nods and places the book in the basket, lifts it with a grateful sigh, and heads toward the door. Before she leaves, she turns back around. "Thank you, guys," she says.

"Go!" they all shout in unison, and Kara exits the kitchen, laughing.

Outside, she approaches the scooter Ben gave her and places the basket between her feet. After putting on her helmet, she mutters, "How hard can it be?" She starts the scooter and begins to drive, feeling surprisingly confident. As she navigates through the grounds, she spots a bridge and decides to investigate.

She stops at the bridge and notices it leads to a charming gazebo with a table and two chairs already set up. Excited, she races back to her scooter, grabs the basket, and returns to the gazebo. She carefully unpacks everything: the tablecloth, plates, cutlery, and all the delicious food.

Her phone vibrates, and she checks it to find a message from Ben asking where she is. She sends him her location and pockets her phone. Kara looks out over the serene lake, taking in a deep breath, feeling the anticipation of a perfect picnic with Ben.

After a while, she hears someone calling her name and turns to see Ben standing at the entrance of the gazebo. "Ben!" she exclaims, running towards him. She throws her arms around him in a big hug, and he laughs. When they pull away, he takes in the beautiful setting. "This is a really beautiful spot."

"Yes, it is," Kara agrees, gesturing for him to sit. "Please, take a seat."

Ben sits down, and Kara takes the opportunity to offer him some hot hors d'oeuvres. "Would you like a hot hors d'oeuvre?" she asks, presenting him with a plate.

"Yes, please," he replies with a big smile. Kara holds out the hors d'oeuvre, and Ben leans forward to eat it. After tasting it, he closes his eyes and smiles. "Mmm, this is the best thing I've ever had."

"So you like it?" Kara asks with a grin.

"I more than like it," Ben says, reaching for another. "I, uh... Double like it." He takes a bite and sits back down, visibly satisfied.

Kara chuckles at his reaction. "Is this beef ragout?" Ben asks.

"Yeah," Kara confirms.

"This is amazing," Ben says, impressed. "Did I surprise you?" he asks, looking at her.

"Oh, yeah, you surprised me," Ben confirms. Kara beams, pleased that her efforts have made an impact. After all the surprises Ben has given her, she wanted to return the favor, even if she didn't make the food herself.