An idea that popped into my head while I was trying to sleep. I've never tried writing an OT3 story before, I've always done single pair or general. So I'm experimenting with something new I've never done. Also I can't remember if there is a story with the Ben/Mal/Evie pairing on here.

Enjoy.

The time following Ben's coronation was more than a little chaotic. Between classes, ruling a kingdom, and council meetings, he didn't have much time to spend with Mal. She kept telling him it was alright, he did have a whole kingdom to worry about. But that didn't make Ben feel any better about it.

In fact, the only date they ever had was the one at the enchanted lake. Both had a mutual agreement to not count it as a real one because of the circumstances.

Ben was so frustrated from his schedule he was this close to issuing a royal decree so he could get some breathing room to see his girlfriend. It took a lot of work, and maybe a few muffled growls and veiled threats, but he got what he had wanted for so long.

No meetings of the council, nobody needing his attention, a kingdom that could rule itself for a bit. This day was one Ben was long looking forward to.

A whole day to spend with Mal.

The end of the world couldn't have wiped the smile from the young king's face. Since Mal had enjoyed their first 'date' so much, Ben opted to go for something similar. Definitely away from the lake lest they have a repeat of when Mal almost drowned herself. Instead of the lake, he set it up in the gardens of his family estate. A spread of sweets alongside other things to eat, he even included some of his father's beloved cream cakes. Everyone loved the things but Mal had yet to try one.

Ben made absolute sure Mal's favorite food was in attendance, strawberries. The fairy would probably zap him into a frog if he forgot them. He doubted she would but better safe than sorry. The fact that Ben loved the way Mal's face lit up when she ate them was irrelevant.

His parents were thankfully off on their vacation trip so they weren't going to be an issue. Ben could tell they were still getting accustomed to their son dating a former villain. The servants wouldn't be a problem either, Mal was hailed as a hero by some after defeating Maleficent during the coronation.

It was something Ben never brought up to the girl, the woman was her mother whether anyone liked it or not. Hero or villain, good or evil, family was family.

Checking his watch for the sixth time in the last ten minutes, Ben took a deep breath. Mal was supposed to show up any second now. He just wished his nerves would calm down. This was Mal, she would like anything he did for her. She had no other experience with dating. But at the same time he wanted to make it special for her first real dating experience...

"Argh!" Ben snarled under his breath, a little bit of the beast in him coming out unintentionally. He really needed to stop thinking and just go with it like Mal had once told him. Easier said than done.

Just then, Ben heard the sound of approaching footsteps.

Finally! Maybe once Mal was actually here, her presence would calm his fraying nerves. Even before the love potion she always had that effect on him. It reminded Ben of how his mother had such an easy time of calming his father.

Ben turned to greet his girlfriend with a smile, but his smile slipped a little when he noticed something obviously out of place.

Mal was not alone.

The other person at Mal's side was easily recognizable, if not because her sapphire locks but because only one person had an apple shaped necklace hanging from their neck.

Mal's best friend, Evie.

Ben's first thought was that Evie was escorting her friend to her date before leaving to go on one of her own. Considering how close the two girls were, Ben wouldn't have been surprised to find that was the case. This was instantly proved wrong when the human girl made no move to leave.

Both girls were dressed and done up to look nice, as if they were both going on a date. What seemed odd was they were looking a bit skittish, which was uncharacteristic for Mal but she was hiding it a lot better than Evie was. The latter was fidgeting constantly while Mal threw Ben a wave with a small smile, it might have fooled many others but Ben knew her better. Something was eating at her just like it was Evie.

Considering Mal knew how hard Ben had to work to get them this free day, he knew she wouldn't have brought Evie on their date if it wasn't very important so he dismissed his worries for now. The two were nervous, not panicked. If being around Mal had taught Ben anything, it was that if there was something bothering one of the group from the isle, they would come around on their own. Pressing would only make them shrink back.

With that in mind, Ben motioned for the two to have a seat on the blanket with a smile. "Hello Mal, hi Evie." Both returned the greeting before sitting, quite close to each other Ben observed.

Ben was still unsure how to treat this situation. Much like his and Mal's first date, they started out simple. Talking about how school was going, things about themselves, and how running the kingdom was going for Ben. Mal had relaxed since they started actually interacting, Ben didn't miss how Evie loosened up when Mal did.

The cream cakes didn't receive all that good a reception by Mal but Evie's eyes sparked just like Mal's did when she had her first strawberry. Ben and Mal each had a good laugh at the sight.

There was still a tenseness in the air, Ben could feel it. There was something Mal and Evie wanted to talk about but every time one started, the other would change topics. Ben had been puzzled at first but held tightly to his motto regarding the four, let them come to you.

"Ben... we need to talk." Mal began, her eyes looking down at the blanket.

Panic flashed on Evie's face. She opened her mouth to no doubt change topics yet again but a look from Mal stopped her cold. "E, shut up." Evie closed her mouth but opened it again, only to be silenced by the fairy a second time. "Yes, I've thought hard about it, no more running."

Mal sounded almost... scared. Ben couldn't remember a time he heard the self confident Mal speak like this.

It was a strange sight, Mal was speaking for her and Evie together but her own face was blank. It betrayed no trace of emotion, Maleficent's daughter indeed. Evie on the other hand had enough expression for both of them. She was a terrible mixture of fright, dread, and anxiety. Ben may not know the girl all that well but the view chilled him to the bone.

Ben put down the sandwich he was eating to make sure Mal knew she had his full attention. Whatever she was about to tell him was tearing both girls up on the inside. So much so that Ben saw in her eyes Mal was close to falling apart over it.

"Ben... you once said..." Mal sucked in a breath. "I need to hear you say it now that I know for absolute sure you're free from the spell. Do you love me?" Her voice tinged with clear nervousness.

"I do." Ben's reply was automatic. Not because he was lying to himself in any way. Ben was just that sure of his feelings for the lavender haired wonder. She was unlike any other girl in all of Auradon. Nothing like the prissy princesses he spent his whole life around. No, Mal was a tough as nails, snarky, exotic beauty that Ben thanked his lucky stars every day he had the pleasure of meeting.

The sight of Mal like this was making Ben more worried by the second.

"Somehow, I knew you'd say that." Mal bit her lip. "E?"

"I told you M, what I think doesn't matter, it's his choice." Evie answered the invisible question between the two.

Ben looked back and forth between the girls at a complete loss. "Forgive me for being rude but can someone please enlighten me what's going on?"

"Ben, we're a package deal." Mal spoke with a determination she had lacked thus far. Ben could see the fire return to her gaze. "Me and Evie both."

The words threw Ben for a loop. "Wait, hold on a sec..."

"We've been together since before we came to Auradon." Mal explained, taking Evie's hand in hers. "We put things on hold while we were here but promised to resume when everything was over."

"But we never thought one of us would find another." Evie continued where Mal left off. "So this is what we're offering..." Evie had changed just like Mal did, she was drawing strength from Mal's touch. "Me and Mal both, two girlfriends."

Ben arched an eyebrow at their directness. He certainly hadn't seen this coming when his mind was whirling with all the possibilities of this date.

"But if sharing isn't something you want to do..." Mal hesitated. "I'm still yours either way, me and Evie will go our separate ways if that's what you want."

Ben was about to ask something but Mal didn't give him the opportunity. "Look, I know I want you, you make me feel... special. Like I'm more than Maleficent's daughter, you actually cared enough to look below the surface. The only other person to ever do that was Evie here." At this, the daughter of the Evil Queen sent a warm smile Mal's way. "I know I don't know what love feels like as much as you do but I do love you, I love Evie too." Mal groaned loudly and held her head in her hand.

"She can't choose me or you Ben." Evie did Mal a favor and stopped the fairy's speech and spoke in her place. "You have to make the choice for her. It's simple, will I be part of your relationship or not. She trusts you enough to make the decision."

Trust was a touchy subject for Mal and the others whom spent their whole lives being told they couldn't trust anyone save themselves. Considering where they grew up, Ben couldn't blame them. Mal leaving such an important call to him spoke volumes about what she thought of the young king.

This was what had Evie so spooked the entire time. She was afraid Ben was going to take Mal away but she wouldn't stop the girl from leaving if that was the final decision, Evie loved her so much that she was willing to let her go if it made her happy.

Ben looked hard at Mal. She was turned away but Ben didn't miss the way she subconsciously leaned close to Evie. Without her, Mal would be beyond devastated. Sure Ben would be there for her and provide comfort but he would be no substitute for Evie. No matter how hard he tried, it wouldn't be the same.

Ben couldn't bear the thought of doing that to her.

"Alright." Ben said simply.

"Alright?" Evie's jaw dropped partially. Mal looked just as astonished.

"Alright." Ben repeated. "This is a little new to me but I'm willing to try for Mal's sake." Of all the things he things he had imagined after becoming king, this was nowhere near being on that list.

Evie and Mal shared a look before turning back to Ben with the biggest smiles he'd ever seen on their faces. Ben wondered for a moment just what he was getting himself into with the two girls.

The date went on like it did before Mal brought up their relationship. Only now the girls couldn't stop grinning and Mal held Ben and Evie's hands with each of her own.

It might be prudent to seek out some help. Hmm... maybe he could try to have a talk with Doug about Snow White, or better yet Snow White herself when he next got the chance. Her relationship with the dwarves was all pure rumor but it was worth checking out at least.

Something occurred to Ben just then...

If his parents were uneasy about him dating an ex villain, he wondered how they would react to hear he was dating two.

Normally I prefer Mal/Ben and Evie/Doug but as I said, I'm trying something new I've never done before. Depending on reception and my inspiration, I might do some follow-ups.

I have little to no idea what I'm doing with this subject matter. Like it or hate it I would really like to know.