A/N: songs to set the scenes:

- Adore You by Harry Styles

- Break This Down by Dove Cameron, Sofia Carson, Cameron Boyce, Booboo Stewart, China Anne McClain, Thomas Doherty, Dylan Playfair, Jadah Anne, Mitchell Hope, Breann D'Amico, Zachary Gibson, Sarah Jeffery

- Bom Bidi Bom by Nick Jonas, Nicki Minaj (shower scene at end of chapter)

________________________________________________________________________________

AJ's POV

Last night couldn't have gone better. I was amazed at how well Sarah and I's extracurricular activities went with me having this fucking cast on. Luckily, my left hand works just as well. Since Kenny wants the cast to focus on perfecting the movie's final musical number, the rest of the week will be heavy for Sarah and light for me. I actually think I'm going to figure out if I can weasel my way into learning the dance number and being in the final product. Because it's only rehearsals and no filming, Kenny is allowing the cast a bit of a later start than usually filming days.

With the luxury of going in later, I appreciate the body cuddled up to my side. Sarah and I don't get many moments of cuddling in bed, especially naked, and I'm going to admire every second of it. Feeling her slow and even breaths tickling my neck a bit, I ignore it and gently rub my left hand up and down the soft skin of her back. I move up and start twirling her slightly curly hair. Sarah's natural hair with the defined curls is beautiful, and I always love when she lets it be that curly. Unfortunately, in today's world of television and movies, letting someone with an African American background express themselves is rare and I can only imagine it's harder for Sarah since she has such a diverse background. Many people mistake her for being Hispanic or Latin, which is one of the reasons she got the role in Charmed, but I would never tell her that. The casting directors I worked with wanted someone who could fit into their box and Sarah had the look they wanted. I thought she was just talented and could really give that younger sister vibe we needed.

As I continue drawing slow, soft shapes on Sarah's bare back, I hear hums coming from the sleeping beauty on my chest. I reach to kiss her forehead and she instantly moves more of her body on top of mine. I chuckle a bit at the slight whine leaving her throat. "Good morning, baby," I whisper going to kiss her forehead again. Sarah slowly lifts her head up to look at me and gives me a sleepy smile, "Good morning."

I return her smile and bend down to peck her lips. I lay back down, and Sarah readjusts her body to hover over mine. "What are you doing?" I let out a nervous laugh at her devilish smile. "I want to return the favor from last night," Sarah continues to readjust so she is now straddling my lap with her hands on either side of my head. I rest my left hand on her hip and rub it, "We have to be at the soundstage soon, darling." I remind her that we still have work. She slumps forward laying on top of me, "I just want to stay in bed with you all day."

I smile at her words, "Me too, baby, but we gotta make sure you know this choreography like the back of your hand." I suddenly feel her lips leaving open mouthed kisses. A low moan leaves my body as her lips go over the spot under my ear. "I think I can make you feel good, and we get ready with plenty of time to get to work," Sarah's muffles into my neck starting to suck and bite a few spots around my neck. The feeling is too good to stop her.

~~

After we continued last night's activities in the shower, we had to hurry to get ready, so we weren't late. I glance down at my phone and see that Cameron and China both tried calling me earlier. "China and Cameron tried calling me. Should I call back and say that you made us late?" I smirk and hold up my phone. Sarah keeps her eyes on the road, "It didn't sound like you were complaining earlier when we were taking part in said activities." My smirk slowly turns into a small pout and Sarah laughs at my new expression. "Oh, I'm sorry. Did I burst someone's bubble?" Sarah reaches over for my hand and intertwines our fingers. I pull them up to kiss her hand.

With Sarah now holding my hand and my other hand being in a cast, I choose to watch the passing scenery as we get closer to the studio's parking lot. "Do you know what you want to do when we get back?" Sarah asks as we wait to turn into the lot. "I don't know yet. Reading over some of the emails from CW executives about Charmed, I might not have a job when we get back. They're looking at bring in a bunch of new blood even though the show hasn't been up and running for that long," I shrug and try to keep the emotion in my voice at bay. "I'm sure Kenny would put a good word in for you with the Walt Disney Company. That's your ultimate goal still, right? Maybe if Descendants 3 is a big hit, you can work on soundtracks for upcoming projects. Or you can try opening that photography studio you've been talking about since forever," Sarah turns us into the parking lot, and I mull over her suggestions.

"Yeah, we'll see. Who knows what'll happen in the next few months," I undo my seat belt and leaves the car. I go into the backseat and grab my duffle bag with some extra clothes. Hopefully Kenny lets me join in on rehearsals. What Sarah doesn't know is that her family are here with her Frenchie, Monty.

"Why do you have a bag?" Sarah points to the duffle on my shoulder. "I was hoping to join rehearsals today. The doctor only said to take it easy on my arm and dancing is done with my feet so," I hold the 'so' out a bit. "I swear if you hurt yourself further, Alex-" "You better not full name drop me, Sarah," I cut Sarah off and point my finger at her. "And if I do? What's gonna happen?" Sarah tests me and raises her eyebrows. "I won't do that thing with my tongue you liked so much last night," my words stop her dead in her tracks. I slowly turn and raise an eyebrow smirking at my possible victory. "You wouldn't?" She crosses her arms. "Oh, I would. Even though I loved the noises that it made come out of your mouth," I smirk seeing her cave into my victory.

"But seriously, please be careful. I know how much you, Cameron and Booboo like to flip and do crazy shit," Sarah finally relaxes and takes my hand as we walk into the building. "I promise. Nothing crazy," I take her hand and kiss it.

~~

Two hours into rehearsals and we're all gasping for air. Kenny approved of me joining in and said that I could be an Auradon kid. I'm not too thrilled because the costuming for Auradon kids is not my usual style, but I'll manage. I don't get to dance with anyone special, like China, Sofia or Sarah. Sarah was so excited to see her parents and sisters here when we had walked inside. Even though they had seen each other not too long ago, she loves when they make the time to see her and vice versa. I know that Sarah's family wasn't super close when I first met her, but I've noticed that they are trying to see each other as often as possible nowadays. I support it, and hope that my family will mesh well with hers. Whoa! Am I already thinking about my family and her family meeting? Slow down AJ!

"AJ, what do you think of this move for the dance break?" Cameron calls me over from my spot on the ground. He does his usual jump into a split like he did in the opening number. "I mean I think its Carlos's signature move now. You made it apart of the character, so you have to do it," I gesture to the empty space he just did the move. "That's very true!" He excitedly yells. I feel weight on my shoulder and glance to my left. Sofia is leaning against me with her forearm on my shoulder. "May I help you, princess?" I inquiry at her leaning on me. "You looked comfortable, so I took the opportunity," she smiles and pokes me with her free hand. "I guess I'll allow it," I swat her hand away as she tries to poke me again. I reach over to try poking her with my casted hand and she accidentally makes contact swatting it away. "Ow!" I take my cast and hold it against my body.

"Oh my god, AJ! I'm so sorry!" Sofia covers her mouth and hurriedly starts looking over my cast making sure I'm okay. I glance at Cameron and start laughing, "It didn't hurt. I was just joking." Sofia pushes my shoulders and huffs at my antics. "That's not funny. I thought I actually hurt you," I see sadness across her face and instantly feel bad. "I'm sorry, princess. I shouldn't have done that," I reach for her and pull her into a hug. "I've missed this," Sofia whispers into my ear while we hug. "I've missed these too," I whisper back inhaling the hint of her perfume.

We pull away as Cameron clears his throat, "No one was looking, but you gotta be careful." Cameron wasn't super supportive of Sarah's idea of Sofia and I not being allowed to hang out alone together. He just wants everyone to get along and be happy, and that's why I love being around the kid. His energy is contagious, and I don't think any of us would know what to do if he wasn't here. "Oh, Paulina is flying in on Thursday night, and I was wondering if you two could come with me to get her?" Sofia looks at the two of us. "I mean AJ is the only one with a rental, so if she comes, I'll be down. You know I love your sister," Cameron's answer makes my brain spin a bit. I didn't realize Cameron and Paulina were close at all, but I've also missed out on a bit over these past five years. Sofia turns her attention back towards me, "You know I have to run it past Sarah first. I'll let her know it'll be the three of us picking up your sister, and that we won't be left alone together." All three of us roll our eyes at the last part since we know I would never do anything to jeopardize Sarah and I's relationship. Maybe the Sofia at the beginning of filming would think that, but the Sofia now doesn't, especially since we've talked about everything.

"Okay, just keep me posted. She's bringing her new puppy, and I'm so excited!" Sofia says with a big grin on her face. "That's awesome! I miss Axel so much, and wish he were here," I pout a bit thinking about my buddy back home. "Sarah's family were kind enough to make the drive down to get Sarah's Frenchie, Monty. They actually brought him by today so we can take him back to the cabin," my pout changes into a small, closed lip smile. "It's still not the same. Axel is everyone's best friend and wants to play twenty-four, seven," Cameron states. "I know, but I don't know how I'd get him up here. He's flown before, but I don't know how he'd do with someone else other than me," I shrug looking at Cameron. "Would you be comfortable with Paulina flying with him?" Sofia throws the suggestion out there and I think about it. I mean Axel cozied up to Sofia in a matter of minutes.

I can only imagine he'd be the same with Pau. "I don't want to burden her with another dog. A puppy is a handful enough," Sofia waves me off. "Don't worry about it. If you want me to ask, I'll call her today after our next break. If she says yes, just let Melonie know that Paulina will be by Thursday afternoon to get him and whatever belongings he requires," Sofia's words instantly bring a smile to my face. She always wants others around her to be happy, and I love that about her. She still wants to see me happy, even if that means her sister has to bring my dog here to Canada with her new puppy.

"Alright folks! Let's get back to work!" Kenny signals for everyone to get back on the floor. The dance routine for "Break This Down" is high-energy and fun. It's honestly my second favorite song of the whole movie. The VKs and AKs will finally come together and Auradon will be open to everyone. It's a great ending to a franchise that has helped kids learn that no matter our differences, we can work together and look past unfortunate pasts we might've been born into.

While I make my way over to Sarah, Brenna, and Zachary, my eyes catch Sofia's, and we share a small smile. I forgot what it felt like to miss her. Now that we have mended everything, and our friendship is back I'm feeling just how much I love having her in my life every day. I hear someone clearing their throat and before I can see who it was, I completely walk into Sarah. I wrap my arms around her waist and stop us both from falling. "I'm sorry. I should've been paying attention," I straighten us both up and step back. "It's okay. Are you alright?" Sarah gestures to my casted hand. "Yeah, yeah. I'm good. No pain!" I reassure her.

"Okay everyone, I want us to go over the choreography for the larger group number when everyone is walking over the bridge between the Isle of the Lost and Auradon. Remember you start off with your people and eventually end up dancing with someone from the other side," Kenny makes air quotes around people. Lucky for me, I stand off to the side for most of the number as the VKs' make their way towards Auradon. Once they've entered Auradon, I dance with one of the very talented dancers who does this for a living. I also got tasked with doing a flip, which Sarah was not thrilled with when Kenny mentioned when we came in this morning.

~~

After a long day of repeating the choreography, my feet are killing me, and I can't remember the last time I had such a high intensity day. I did realize that I miss dancing a lot and want to pick it back up. I lay on the ground and close my eyes hoping to ease my aching legs. "Someone's showing their age," I smirk at the slightly rude, but joking comment. "Not all of us do this for a living, princess," I open my eyes and see Sofia looking down at me. I put my hand up to get help to get off the ground. I grunt like an old person whose body is betraying them. "Jesus AJ, how are you in so much pain when you work out so much?" I shrug at Sofia's question and bend down to get my water bottle. "You know, I ask myself that question every morning when my knees feel like jello," we both laugh, and I take a sip of my water.

"You looked great out there, by the way," I gesture towards the dance floor. "I know I said the same thing after we shot the opening number last week but it's true. The rhythm your body picks up and just moves with is mesmerizing," Sofia's cheeks have a tint of pink. "Should you really be sweet talking me?" I shrug and just smile. "Compliments don't have to have double meanings, Sofia. I just thought you looked great today, and just really proud of how far you've come from those crazy days doing multiple auditions a day. You're living your dreams, Sof," I give her a big smile and she gives me this soft, adoring look with the smallest smile gracing her lips. "I'm really proud of you too, Alex. You worked just as hard to get here, and I wouldn't be here if it weren't for your support during those crazy days," I pull Sofia into a hug and squeeze her like we've been apart for years. We break apart and both start wiping tears away from our eyes. I laugh, "Who knew we'd be so emotional today?" I wipe more at my eyes. "Yeah, you'd think this would've happened back in Florida," Sofia wipes under her eye and lets out a laugh.

"Hey you two, what's going on over here?" Sarah asks as her and Dove come walking up. As much as Dove and I had been butting heads before coming to Canada, and for a bit once we started filming, we've started being more civil. Same for her and Sofia. Sofia let me know that Dove apologized this past Friday before they went out, and things have gotten better between the two. "I was just telling AJ that she's acting like she's fifty years old," I shove Sofia and we all laugh. "I do not act like I'm an old lady. I just haven't done something so strenuous like this for a long time," my eyes look at the three girls in front of me. A small smirk falling on Dove's lips that make me tilt my head in confusion. "Seems like someone needs to spice things up a bit," she nudges Sarah's arm and I roll my eyes. "Alright! We will see you both tomorrow," I pull Sarah away and grab my bag as we make our way towards the doors.

"Your family leave already?" I ask while we walk towards the car. "They actually headed to the cabin. They've been driving all day and were exhausted," I wrap my arm around her shoulders and kiss the top of her head. "Good, they seemed a bit tired when we first said hi to them. You happy to have Monty with us?" I glance down at her and see her smile grow. "Yes, I've missed him so much. I hope it's okay they brought him. I know you've been missing Axel based off the many pictures Melonie has been sending," she gives me a sympathetic look and I wave her off. "It's okay! You know I love Monty, even if he prefers his mama over me," I shove her hip with mine. "He knows who feeds him," I laugh at her remark. "You do feed him, but you also do crazy shit around him all the time. I'm surprised he loves you so much." Sarah slaps my stomach and I just laugh, "I'll have you sleep on the couch and Monty will get your entire side of the bed." I pout and give her puppy dog eyes. "Okay, you know I can't say no to that face," she pinches my cheek.

~~

After having dinner and hanging out with Sarah's parents and sisters for a few hours, they decided it was time for them to make the drive home. We offered them to stay the night so they could just leave in the morning, but Theresa, Sarah's mom, told us she was missing her bed. I laughed when both Hannah and Nyla agreed with her. "Are you sure we can't get you to stay until the morning?" I ask as I hug Lee, Sarah's dad. "We appreciate the offer, but we gotta get home. You both still coming to the house this weekend?" Theresa looks at Sarah as she comes over to hug me again. "We'll still be there. Plan is to leave Friday night at the latest depending on how rehearsals go," Sarah stands next to her sisters by the door. "Good, we'll see you both this weekend then," Theresa kisses her middle daughter again and I laugh with her sisters. "Mom! You act like you haven't seen me in forever," Sarah whines making her way over to me after wiggling out of her mom's grasp.

I put my arm around her shoulders holding her close as everyone makes their way out the door. Sarah puts her arm around my waist, and we step out onto the porch as her family get into the car. "Take care of my daughter, AJ!" Lee shouts as he unlocks the car. "Always do, sir," I smile and wave feeling Sarah squeeze my side a bit. They pull out of the long driveway, and we wave them goodbye.

I turn and kiss Sarah's temple, "So Monty still taking my spot in bed tonight?" We make our way back inside and I lock the door. "I haven't decided yet," Sarah picks Monty up, holding him close. I scratch his head while Sarah puts her face into his neck. "You missed him, didn't you?" I pull Sarah into my side and feel her weight lean against me. "I did, and I just wish his brother was here with him," I raise my eyebrows at her statement. "His brother?" I ask and hear Sarah giggle. "Did you get another dog without me noticing?" I ask another question before she answers. "Axel is Monty's brother, isn't he? Or he eventually will, right?" I smile down at her before she looks up at me. "Of course, Axel and Monty are brothers from other mothers. I'd love nothing more," I kiss her forehead and feel Sarah shift more weight against my body.

"You two ready for bed?" I pull Sarah closer and feel her nod her head. "Head upstairs, and I'll make sure everything is locked up," I kiss her forehead again and smack her ass. She yelps a bit and turns narrowing her eyes at me, "You did not just smack my ass." "I think I just did. Your hands are a bit full though so seems you can't retaliate," I give her a devilish smirk and she rolls her eyes. "That's what you think. Hurry up down here. I want cuddles asap," she slowly makes her way up the staircase still holding my gaze. "Yes ma'am," I give a two-finger salute and walk backwards towards the kitchen.

~~

I finish locking up everything and head upstairs. When I get to the bedroom, the door is closed but a bit of light is seeping out from the bottom of the door. I put my ear against the door and hear the ceiling fan but nothing else. I slowly open the door and peek in to only see Monty on the bed. "Hey Monty," I coo at the pup as he stands up and stretches his limbs. "Where's your mama?" I walk in and scratch behind his ears. My ears perk up at the faint sound of the shower and I make my way towards the bathroom door that was left ajar.

I'm hit with the warm steam filling the room. I quickly start stripping and quietly open the shower. Sarah doesn't notice me stepping in to join her, and I just stand back and admire her naked body. I gradually make my way towards her and place my hands on her hips. At first she jumps at my touch but instantly relaxes her back to my front and leans her head back onto my shoulder. "Hi," she hums as I rub my thumbs over her hip bones. "Hi," I whisper back kissing her cheek. "Showers together twice in one day, who are we?" Sarah breaths out as I continue to kiss down her jawline. "I don't know, but I'm not complaining," she giggles and turns around in my arms.

We hold each other's stares for a few minutes, enjoying the stillness around us. "Should you be getting that wet?" Sarah pulls us from our staring contest tapping my casted hand. "It's a waterproof cast, babe. Also, not the first shower I've taken since having it," I tap her nose and she adorably scrunches it up. "Very true. Guess I was too preoccupied earlier to notice," she kisses my cheek and lays her head against my chest. "What were you, Sofia and Cameron talking about during rehearsals today?" Sarah asks as we both just enjoy the hot water. "Sofia was asking us if we could come with her to the airport Thursday night to pick up Paulina and her new puppy. I told her I'd, of course, ask you if it were alright, and Cameron said if I go then he'd be down to go too," I look down at Sarah and she's oddly quiet. I can tell she's deeply thinking about whether she wants me to go or not.

After another minute of silence, Sarah finally looks up at me searching my eyes. "I don't see why not. I'm sure you'd be a big help since I don't think many of the cast have a rental car with them," I smile at her and she quickly returns it. "Thank you. You don't understand how much I appreciate you saying it's okay," I kiss her forehead. "And," I draw out the word, "Sofia is going to see if Paulina wouldn't mind bringing Axel with her too. He's flown before, so I'm not worried about him. I'll understand if she doesn't want to though because of the new puppy," I excitedly ramble on and Sarah giggles at my excited demeanor. I pause and look at her still giggling frame, "What's so funny?" "You're cute when you ramble," she pulls me to her lips. What starts off as a sweet, sensual kiss slowly turns to one of passion and need.

My body fills with heat under her touch as she pushes me against the cold tile wall. Before our heated make-out session goes any further, we pull apart and rest our foreheads together trying to catch our breaths. "Wow," I barely get out due to the lack of oxygen. "I agree," Sarah's eyes still closed trying to calm her breathing. "We should finish showering before we become pruney," I rub my nose against Sarah's, who still has her eyes closed. "Yeah, we should," Sarah smiles and opens her eyes. Pupils still blown out look deep into mine. I move a strand of her hair and plant one more kiss on her lips before we let each other finish showering.

~~

We were finally settling into bed after what felt like two days combined. Monty was resting his head on my lap while Sarah had her head on my chest. We were mindlessly petting him both deep in thought. I have no idea what she could be thinking about, and I hope she's not second guessing me going with Sofia Thursday night to pick Paulina up. "Penny for your thoughts?" I rub her forehead and hear a sleepy hum. "Just tired and thinking about having both Monty and Axel in bed with us. Good thing this bed is big otherwise we'd be in trouble," I laugh at her thinking ahead. "You know Axel never sleeps in bed with me if you're around. Also, he might not even be coming with Paulina so no need to even dwell on it," I continue staring up at the ceiling.

"What if I was thinking of when we get back to LA?" I feel Sarah prop her head up on my chest. "What do you mean?" I turn my attention to her. "I'm not suggesting either of us move-in with the other yet, although I think we've been very domestic since being here and have enjoyed sharing this space with you. I just think we should stay over at each other's places more often. Change it from only staying over on the weekends. I told you Alex, you're who I want. I know we're still fresh into this relationship having only been together about a year and a half, but I love you. I want this," she gestures to our current cuddle pile, "forever." I smile at her words and feel butterflies swarming in my stomach, "I'd love nothing more than to spend more time together once we get back, and actually get into our daily routines trying to be a part of each other's normal routines. As long as you want it, I want it too."

We resettle into the bed smiles plastered on our faces. The darkness of the room consumes my sight and I start thinking about the future. Sarah and I have been talking about the future more and more recently. It scares me but excites me at the same time. She's still young and navigating this crazy life we live. If she's ready to be more all-in then I am too. I glance down at the sleeping beauty and pup on my stomach and chest. I smile at them and kiss Sarah's hairline once more. "Forever."