#tristan padil | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

gayashelljatp · 3 months ago

Text

Prince Charming x James Hook | Trophy Boy ChapteR

Tags :Sorta Enemies to Lovers Fake/Pretend Relationship Not Canon Compliant, Inspired by Cinderella (1997), I Wrote This Instead of Sleeping, Prince Charming is a Bi-King, Prince Charming Is Filipino, Because the actor is and I also am one so yeah, Prince Charming gets a lot of bitches but no love, Merlin Academy (Disney), James Hook is gay, Other Additional Tags to Be Added, I don't know how to tag in this fandom, No Beta Like Not Going To Castlecoming

Summary:

Charming had himself caught up in a pretty little lie, telling his parents he had a date for his birthday ball. Desperate to stop their meddling in his love life, he came up with a plan: show up with someone who’d make the court gasp—a notorious pirate at school, James Hook. It was supposed to be a quick fix: fake a romance, cause a stir, and be free from the royal matchmakers forever. But the more time Charming spent with Hook—as a person, the sharp banter—the more complicated things got. This wasn’t just about pretending anymore. He was starting to get hooked. Or The sorta enemies to fake dating to lovers between Hook and Charming no one asked for.

Content Rating: Teen and Up.

Wordcount: 5,931

Notes (Same On AO3):

Hi, I'm Ace. But I'm here posting and writing more gay shit for the Descendants fandom.

I'm one for a crack ship and these two don't even interact in the movie so you may be wondering what made me do this. Three things actually:

I'm in the Descendants editing community and I saw this edit by @jewishvarian. Hook's actor Josh pretty much showing his support to this ship has made we want to do this.

The second inspiration is Once Upon A Time ship Captain Charming my sister had a Once Upon A Time phase so I know quite a bit about them. The third thing the catalyst for this is the fanfic Stage Call by Montythecrow. (The first chapter is really good can't wait for more. Also R.I.P. DBD I never got to make a DBD fic before it got cancelled *sighs in JATP*)

Let's do some housekeeping and explain the lore because this fic grabs from fifty million things.

- The Brandy Cinderella movie or Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella (1997) as it's also known are major inspirations. I pulled the characterization of Charming from this film and the new Descendants film and I pulled the whole of Charming's parents and his butler Lionel from this movie. (Pls watch this movie. It's really fun, campy and entertaining.)

- I also took from various Prince Charming media from Cinderella movies from Disney to non-Disney. Charming (2018)'s Trophy Boy by Avril Lavigne, Ashely Tisdale and G.E.M. is where the title of this fic comes from. It's a bad movie but this song is legendary and pop perfection. A K-pop star, a Disney star, and a rock star all in one song is crazy.

- This fic has multiple POV's for Charming focused parts 👑 emojis are used on the other hook if it's James it's this emoji 🪝.

- Finally, this isn't a GayashellJATP fic without a playlist of songs I have on that help immerse you in the universe. Spotify playlist here!!!

Now that we are done with some housekeeping. Enjoy the fic & Remember to give feedback!!! It is always appreciated.

Notes (Tumblr):

I'm trying to do better on posting on here and being on time. With being a cross platform author. I still don't know how Tumblr works pls help me. Once again I suggest you read on AO3 my formatting is way better on that.

Chapter 1: Before The Ball

👑

Charming was so screwed.

He'd been excused from class by royal summons, which only meant one of two things: either bad news or... well, worse news. Lionel, the family’s loyal servant and his assigned guardian at the academy, was jittery, practically fidgeting as he escorted the skateboarding teen to the castle.

Lionel’s nervousness only heightened Charming's suspicion—did he tattle on him sneaking out of the academy for a late-night date? Again? Or worse—had he forgotten some royal obligation that would now come back to bite him?

Despite the comfortable life he'd been born into, Charming had a talent for getting into situations that made it... uncomfortable. Usually of his own making.

The moment they arrived at the vast, gilded throne room, the knot in his stomach twisted tighter. His mother stood. Not good. Queen Constantina only stood when something serious—truly serious—was about to be discussed. Lionel cleared his throat and began the ceremonial introduction.

“Your Royal Highness, Prince Charming—”

The Queen interrupted with a sharp glance. “Prince Christopher Rupert Windermere Vladimir—”

“Mom,” Charming sighed, cutting Lionel off. “He doesn’t have to say it every time.” The poor man practically bowed in relief when Charming gestured for him to be seated. The full name was ridiculously wordy, one of the many reasons why "Prince Charming" stuck much more easily.

“Son, you didn’t need to dismiss him,” King Maximilian spoke up from beside the queen, kissing his wife’s hand. Charming had to resist the urge to roll his eyes.

His parents were constantly doing that—displaying affection as if they were still teenagers in love. Any love hater would have gagged, but Charming simply tried to suppress a smirk. Even he couldn't deny they were a good match, for better or worse.

“Mom. Dad. What is it this time?” Charming asked, his voice strained but trying not to sound too impatient.

“Watch your tone, Junior,” his father said, though not harshly.

Charming forced a deep breath. “Fine. What’s the big news?” he said, layering on enthusiasm that was just short of sarcasm.

The Queen exchanged a meaningful glance with her husband before turning to her son, her posture regal and dramatic all at once. "Your eighteenth birthday in two days."

“I thought—” his father began, but a sharp elbow from his wife stopped him. “We thought it would be appropriate to throw a birthday ball.”

Charming's heart sank. "A ball?" His voice came out strained. "Father, is that really necessary?"

Queen Constantina's eyes glistened with an air of theatrics as she responded, “You haven’t shown any of your potential picks for marriage. You are two years overdue for at least a partner!” Her voice hitched as though it were a tragedy in itself.

Charming had tried, of course. He'd gone on more first dates than he cared to count, but none had led to anything serious. His royal reputation for being “charming” only went so far, especially when he wasn’t charmed by anyone.

“I’m working on it,” he muttered, running a hand through his hair. “But Mom, I don’t think a ball for my birthday is necessary.”

“Necessary?” His mother’s voice shot up an octave, her hand flying dramatically to her chest as if she were about to swoon. “Is it necessary that I should die knowing my only son will be a lonely king?!”

Charming’s eyes widened. “Mom, please. You’re not going to—"

“I might!” she countered, her voice trembling as if the mere thought of his supposed future loneliness was too much to bear. “The idea of you being all alone without a wife or family—oh! How tragic it would be!”

Charming rubbed the back of his neck, suppressing a groan. He loved his mom, truly, but sometimes her dramatics were... a lot. “Okay, fine. I get it. But… I have someone. Already. A partner.”

The words were out of his mouth before he had a chance to think them through. His heart nearly stopped as both his parents' faces lit up.

“You do?!” his father exclaimed, clapping his hands together in glee.

The Queen looked like she was about to burst into tears of joy. “Oh, my darling boy! You’ve found someone! You’ve—”

Charming quickly nodded, feeling his stomach churn with regret. “Yep. Found someone. Really great.”

His father beamed. “That’s fantastic news, son! We were beginning to wonder if you'd ever—"

“But the ball,” Queen Constantina interjected with a flourish of her hand. “The ball must still happen! After all, it’s been paid for, and all the preparations have already been made.”

Charming’s shoulders slumped. “Of course it has…”

His mother took his hands, her eyes sparkling. “Oh, darling, I can’t wait to meet this special someone of yours. Bring her to the ball!”

"Yeah. Absolutely," Charming forced a grin, though inside, his mind raced. He was so, so screwed. Not only was the ball happening no matter what, but now he had to show up with a date—someone bad enough to stop his parents from meddling in his love life ever again.

Where on Earth was he going to find that?

👑

Charming zoomed through the academy gates on his skateboard, the wind whipping through his hair as his thoughts churned. Why had he lied? It gnawed at him, the weight of a falsehood pressing on his conscience. Lies weren’t really his thing. Now, he’d have to turn that lie into reality, or it would eat him alive.

As he skated through the courtyard, his gaze caught Fay, a fairy in training and his hexalogy class partner, sitting cross-legged on the grass, her nose buried in a spellbook. She was mumbling under her breath, waving her wand with exaggerated movements as sparks of magic fizzled in the air.

“Hey, Fay,” he called, slowing down as he rolled over.

Fay glanced up, her wide eyes narrowing with playful frustration. “Charming, where were you?” she asked, tapping her wand against her open book. “Do you have any idea how hard it is to hex yourself and then unhex yourself without your partner? I nearly turned myself into a frog!”

“Royal duties,” Charming shrugged, offering an apologetic smile.

Fay’s expression softened immediately. She knew all too well the burden his title carried. “What did the queen say this time?” she asked, her tone light but sympathetic.

Charming rubbed the back of his neck. “We’re throwing another ball.”

Fay’s face lit up. “A ball? Isn’t that fantastic—” she paused, noticing the scowl creeping over Charming's face, “—ally… impossible to enjoy?” She attempted to course-correct, her enthusiasm dimming as she realized how much the idea clearly weighed on him. Fay wasn’t the best at being negative, but she tried.

“But I’ll make it up to you. I’ll be there for the next class.”

“You better be,” Fay huffed, but her tone was forgiving.

“The whole kingdom’s invited. Maybe I’ll catch you at the ball?”

“Nah, I doubt it. I’ll be here practicing my spells,” she said with a shy smile, already inching back toward her book. Fay wasn’t one for social events—she always seemed to vanish from them, though Charming never asked why.

“Well, I’ll see you later,” Charming said, giving her a quick wave.

“Later, skater!” Fay called, attempting to sound cool, which earned a chuckle from Charming. She couldn’t help but laugh at herself as he rolled away.

But as Charming skated off, Fay accidentally mispronounced her next spell. Instead of reciting "double the bubbles," she muttered "double the wobbles" under her breath. Without realizing it, she had casted a spell on Charming’s skateboard, causing it to take on a life of its own.

Charming, an experienced skater, didn’t notice anything at first. But as he glided past the group of notorious students hanging out by the courtyard's edge, the board beneath his feet began to wobble violently, as though possessed.

His body lurched forward, trying to steady himself, but the board had other ideas. It veered, zigzagging uncontrollably, and before Charming could react, it shot straight toward a cluster of students.

In a blur of motion, Charming collided with none other than Captain James Hook—his pirate classmate, and perhaps the academy’s most infamous heartthrob after Charming himself. With a loud thud, both boys went crashing to the ground, Hook's shiny golden hook clattering against the stone courtyard as they tumbled in a tangle of limbs.

Charming groaned, disentangling himself. “I’m so sorry!” he blurted, scrambling to his feet. His skateboard had spun off and smacked into a nearby tree, finally bringing the spell to a halt.

Hook stood up slowly, glaring down at Charming with narrowed eyes. His gaze was sharp and menacing, but there was a flicker of something else—jealousy? Amusement? It was hard to tell.

“You really are a royal asshole, aren’t you?” Hook growled, dusting off his crimson blazer. His voice dripped with venom, but there was something undeniably captivating about the way he spoke. “Gunning for me, were you?”

“No! No, I swear. I didn’t mean to—I lost control of the board.”

Hook didn’t seem convinced. He stepped closer, his imposing presence casting a shadow over Charming. “You were heading straight toward me, mate,” Hook said, his tone dangerously low. His golden hook gleamed as he pointed it directly at Charming’s perfect face. “That doesn’t seem like much of an accident.”

Charming’s heart pounded as his eyes flicked from Hook’s face to the hook hovering too close for comfort. He held up his hands in surrender, his voice calm and soothing. “Whoa, easy,” he said, gently grabbing Hook’s wrist and pushing the hook away from his face. For a brief second, his fingers brushed against Hook’s skin.

For just a moment, Charming couldn’t help but notice Hook. The sharp features, the dark, windswept hair, the way his crimson blazer framed his broad shoulders. And those eyes—intense, narrowed in suspicion, but undeniably alluring.

Charming blinked, snapping out of it. He was in trouble, not admiring the guy who was about to gut him like a fish.

Hook, however, seemed to notice Charming’s lingering gaze. His eyes flashed with something almost wild, and a wicked smirk curled on his lips. “What’s the matter, Prince? Distracted?”

“Uh, no. Not at all. Just… don’t want to get impaled, that’s all.”

Hook raised an eyebrow, amused but not backing down. “Right.” He clicked his tongue, his hook gleaming in the sunlight as he let it fall to his side. “You’re lucky I’m in a good mood today. Or else…” He let the threat hang in the air, his eyes still burning into Charming’s.

“Right, yeah. Lucky,” Charming muttered, his pulse still racing. He wasn’t sure if it was from the near-death experience or the fact that Hook was standing way too close. He hadn’t expected Hook to be so—well, so much. Why was he noticing that now?

Hook’s smirk lingered as he stepped back, finally giving Charming some space. “Try not to skate into any more of your classmates, mate. Especially not me or my crew got it?.” He turned, flipping his collar with an air of superiority, though there was a glint in his eye as he strode away.

Charming watched him leave, shaking his head. Hook was dangerous—and not just because of the hook. There was something else there. Something he really needed to avoid.

But as he glanced back at his skateboard lying against the tree, the thought struck him: maybe, just maybe, Hook was exactly the kind of problem he needed.

If he could bring Hook to the ball, that would surely get his parents off his back. Right?

How would he ever get Hook to agree to that? He was really, really screwed.

🪝

Hook was seething. What a clueless little prince, he thought, his jaw clenched as he stormed through the academy's halls. Charming had to be the most oblivious royal he'd ever met. For someone so poised and charming, the prince had no idea how to navigate the real world.

Not that Hook expected much more from royals—they were all so privileged, so sheltered, so painfully clueless. That’s what made them easy marks. Their money, their fine clothes, their trinkets—it was all just there for the taking, practically begging to be lifted.

But this? This was different. Hook’s pride was bruised more than anything. Charming had made him collide with the earth, of all things, and Hook wasn’t going to forgive the little prince for sullying his pristine, mint-condition vintage blazer. He cast a quick glance at the fabric—no visible damage, but that didn’t matter. The fact that it had touched the ground at all was an unforgivable offense.

And worse, Hook knew his crew would never let him live this down if they found out. His reputation couldn’t take a hit like that, not when he had spent so much time cultivating it. He had to get his revenge. Teach the prince a lesson.

So, during storybook history class, Hook slipped out unnoticed. He snuck across the academy grounds to the royal dormitory— Full of one bed and customized rooms, unlike less privileged students. They weren’t allowed to deface their rooms and they had a roommate system. But Hook wasn’t complaining his roommate was pretty great.

But he wasn’t here to brood. No, he was here to act.

Charming’s dorm was up ahead, and Hook was relieved to see no sign of that bothersome butler Lionel. Of course, the little prince needs a servant to wait on him hand and foot, Hook thought, rolling his eyes. He always found it odd—off-putting, even—that Charming couldn’t go anywhere without a personal attendant. How soft and pampered could you get?

Hook approached Charming’s door, a sly grin spreading across his face. With a quick glance down the hallway, he slipped his golden hook into the lock, working it with practiced ease. Today, he was wearing his favorite hook—the golden one that added a touch of class to his ensemble. He’d have to be careful not to scratch it. The lock gave way with a soft click, and Hook pushed the door open, slipping inside.

The room smelled of expensive cologne, and everything was arranged perfectly. Typical royal. Hook sneered. He moved to the wardrobe, his eyes scanning the rows of pristine clothes.

Charming had quite the collection—mostly royal-styled barongs and beige outfits, which made Hook wrinkle his nose. Beige? Ugh, he thought with disdain. Not his color at all. Where was the flair, the vibrancy? Not a single dark or deep color in sight. Charming had such a boring taste in clothes for someone so well-dressed.

Still, a theft was a theft. Hook rifled through the clothes, trying to find something worth taking. Surely the prince won’t miss a few pieces, he thought, tossing aside a particularly dull-looking beige tunic.

What Hook didn’t realize was how much time he’d spent browsing

But time had gotten away from him, and Hook hadn’t realized how long he’d been sifting through the prince’s belongings until he heard the unmistakable sound of the door opening behind him.

“Looking for something?” came a voice that was far too calm for Hook’s liking.

Hook froze, hand halfway through a drawer of silk cravats. Slowly, he turned around, his heart sinking as he locked eyes with Prince Charming standing in the doorway with a smirk, arms crossed over his chest. He hadn’t expected to get caught—he never got caught.

Hook blinked, trying to regain his composure. “Ah skater boy,” he began, straightening up and smoothing his jacket. “This… is not what it looks like.”

Charming raised an eyebrow, amusement flickering in his eyes. “Really? Because it looks like you’re in my room rifling through my wardrobe.”

Hook swallowed, his mind racing for an excuse. He’d been in tight spots before, but this? This was a mess. “I was, uh… inspecting your clothing choices. Offering a little… constructive criticism, you might say,” Hook replied, flashing a crooked grin, but it didn’t reach his eyes. He wasn’t used to feeling this off-kilter. “No offense, mate, but 50 shades of tan and beige? Really?”

Charming’s expression remained neutral, though there was a glint of something unreadable in his eyes. “And you thought breaking into my room was the best way to offer fashion advice?”

Before Hook could answer, Lionel appeared in the doorway, eyes wide as they flickered between the pirate and the prince. “Am I interrupting, sir? I didn’t expect a guest,” Lionel said, his voice a touch too polite, suspicion creeping in.

Charming, without losing his cool, glanced slightly over his shoulder at Lionel but didn’t shift his focus from Hook. “It’s fine, Lionel. Could you give us a moment?” His tone was dismissive but not unkind, the sort of royal command that left no room for argument.

"Of course, Your Highness," Lionel replied, a touch too formal as he bowed and quickly excused himself, but not without one last curious glance, probably wondering if he had just witnessed the beginnings of some lovers' quarrel. The door closed softly behind him.

The moment Lionel left, Hook let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. He eyed Charming warily, wondering how much trouble he was in. He hated the feeling of being cornered, especially by a royal.

“So…” Hook began, his voice dripping with false confidence. “No need to make this a big deal, yeah? You’re not going to go crying to Merlin, are you?”

Charming’s lips curled into a small smile. “I’m not planning on it, no.”

Sweet relief washed over Hook, but it was short-lived as Charming took a step closer, his tone turning just a shade more serious. “But I can’t just let this slide either, can I?”

Hook swallowed, his bravado faltering for a moment. “I only did this after our little incident,” he blurted out, trying to regain control of the conversation. He gestured vaguely between them, referencing their earlier collision.

Charming tilted his head slightly, as if considering Hook’s words. “And you thought breaking into my room and raiding my wardrobe was the right way to even the score?”

Hook’s mind scrambled for a sweet escape. “Look you don’t need to turn me in,” he said, practically begging now.

Charming considered this for a moment, his gaze flicking over Hook’s disheveled form and the mess of clothes scattered around his room. Then, almost as if a thought occurred to him, his smile returned—this time, sharper. “Actually, I think I might have an idea. Meet me by the castleteria at dinner time.”

“A dinner? You’re not going to tell anyone about this?”

“No, not yet,” Charming replied, his voice smooth but tinged with mischief. “But if you don’t show up, then maybe we’ll reconsider the whole punishment thing.”

Hook’s stomach twisted. He hated feeling like he was at someone’s mercy, especially Charming’s. But something in the prince’s eyes told him this wasn’t just about revenge—it was about leverage. Hook didn’t know what Charming had in mind, but whatever it was, it couldn’t be good.

Still, he nodded, trying to regain his bravado. “Alright, Prince. Dinner date it is.”

Charming smirked, stepping aside to let Hook pass.

Hook left the room, heart still pounding, cursing himself under his breath. He’d been caught, and now, somehow, he was in too deep.

🪝

“Hook, what bullshit did you get into?” Uliana’s voice cut through the room like a whip, her tone sharp with irritation as she lounged on Morgie’s bed, her tentacles subtly shifting.

The five of them were crammed into Hook and Morgie’s shared dorm room, a small space that felt even smaller with Uliana’s dramatic presence filling the air. Hook, on the other hand, was sprawled lazily across his bed, legs crossed like he had not a care in the world, but deep down, his stomach churned with unease.

Hook glanced at Uliana, who was tapping her nails against her belt buckle.. “Relax, Uliana. It’s nothing I can’t handle.”

“Is it a date?” Morgie piped up, his eyes wide with genuine curiosity as he fiddled with a piece of parchment,

Hook scoffed. “Really, wizard-oo? That’s your question?” The brunnete pirate shot back, but he didn’t quite meet Morgie’s gaze, a flicker of discomfort crossing his face. “It’s not a date, you idiot.”

“You didn’t deny it, Hook, so that means you’re going on a date with that royal eyesore,” Maleficent added with a sly smirk, reclining against the wall. She twirled a strand of dark hair between her fingers.

Hook sat up, trying to regain his composure, his golden hook glinting as he gestured wildly. “He’s got a little rebel streak in him, sure, but a date? With me?” Hook forced a laugh, but it came out a little too harsh. “He’s too soft for that.”

Hades, who had been lounging in the corner, arms folded and his fiery blue hair flickering lazily, chimed in with a smirk of his own. “I dunno, mate. You see those blue streaks he’s rocking these days? Kid’s got a little fire in him. You pick them well, James.”

What did the prince have in mind for him? Why had Charming asked him to meet at dinner? He was good at handling himself, but this was different. Royals had a way of twisting things to their advantage, and he wasn’t sure he’d come out on top this time.

Uliana’s tentacles flexed, her eyes narrowing. “This better not blow back on us, Hook. You get tangled up with that prince, and we’re all screwed. I’ve got enough on my plate without cleaning up your messes.”

Morgie, ever the optimist, gave Hook a hopeful smile. “Maybe it won’t be so bad? You two could, you know... find common ground?” He shrugged, completely oblivious to the heavy glares that Uliana shot his way.

Hook grimaced, rubbing the back of his neck. “Trust me, I don’t belive in common ground I’m a pirate after all. The seas are what matter,” he muttered, but even as he said it, he couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that Charming wasn’t as simple as he’d like to believe. Whatever the prince had planned, Hook had no choice but to play along—for now.

👑

Lionel watched as Charming��s fencing movements faltered, his usual grace replaced by distracted, half-hearted parries. The clanging of their swords echoed through the gymnasium, but the prince’s mind was clearly somewhere else.

“Sir—I mean, Christopher, what’s the worry face for?” Lionel asked, lowering his sword slightly, his tone a mix of concern with playful scolding. “Your mother would say frowning is terrible for the face.”

Charming winced and laughed, “Ouch. Thanks for that reminder, Lionel.”

Lionel tilted his head, eyeing the prince with the same scrutiny one might give a misbehaving child. “Having love problems, are we?”

Charming hesitated mid-lunge. “Sorta… kinda... undetermined.” He shrugged, trying to mask the uncertainty in his voice with nonchalance.

“I’ll try to make sense of that, sir,”

Charming straightened up, tossing his sword onto the nearby rack. “I do have a problem,”

“And what may that be, Your Highness?”

“I lied to my parents,” Charming confessed, running a hand through his streaked hair. “I told them I had someone to bring them for the ball, but... I have no one.”

Lionel gasped theatrically, hand flying to his chest in mock horror. “Oh dear! The end of the world!”

Charming grinned, though the smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Don’t panic. I’ve got it under control. I think…”

“Is that why there was a handsome pirate rummaging through your wardrobe this morning?” he asked with a pointed look. “Is he part of your grand plan?”

Charming blinked, caught off guard. “He’s not that handsome,” he blurted out, the words leaving his mouth before he could stop them. Lionel’s amused smirk only deepened. Charming’s cheeks flushed. “I mean—he’s alright,” he backpedaled quickly, though Lionel’s knowing look said it all.

Lionel chuckled softly, tapping the flat of his sword against the ground. “What would your parents think of him, then? A pirate at the royal ball?”

“They did say every suitor in the kingdom that doesn’t exclude male or pirates. But they’d be terrified,”

“And here I thought you were planning to bring a princess,” Lionel mused, shaking his head with fond exasperation.

“Well, ‘pirate’ does start with a P,” Charming quipped, unable to suppress his grin. “Might be close enough. Don’t ask for permission ask for forgiveness.”

“The ball’s happening no matter what, Christopher. Your parents are set on it,” Lionel reminded him, though there was no judgment in his voice. He was used to the prince’s antics by now.

Charming nodded, tossing his fencing jacket aside. “Yeah, well, might as well make it a little more exciting.”

“If I’m going down, I’m going down singing.” The prince sang.

Lionel chuckled, stepping forward to ruffle the prince’s hair. “You’re always causing trouble. But… you're going to be fine, you always are.”

Charming laughed, a bit of the tension easing from his shoulders. “Thanks, Lionel.”

"Just... try not to start a royal scandal this time,"

"Can't make any promises," Charming shot back with a grin.

👑

The night had settled over Merlin Academy, and the castleteria was buzzing. On the lower level, students from various backgrounds sat together, some attempting to eat in peace while others whispered and laughed in tight-knit groups.

The second level, however, was a different story entirely—a separate, glass-enclosed space designed for royal students, a consequence of the infamous "Ariel incident" from freshman year. Uliana, the sea witch, had stirred up a food fight with the sophomore Little Mermaid herself, (A girl her older sister bullied aswell)

which ended with food flying and a lot of egos bruised. Now, extra security stood guard, and Charming hated it.

It drained his social battery to be so isolated. He used to enjoy mingling, making polite conversation with his peers, but now he found himself perched in this sterile room, looking down at the rest of the academy through the glass window like he was in some kind of fishbowl.

It didn’t help that Lionel, who usually provided some form of company, was off handling royal duties whenever it was mealtime. So Charming sat alone, poking at his food, waiting.

Well, not exactly alone. He was expecting someone. Or rather, a pirate . The word "victim" had crossed his mind, but that sounded too cruel, and blackmailee was just unpleasant. So, pirate it was.

Charming’s thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a scuffle outside the door. Voices—loud, irritated voices—drifted in, and he didn’t need to guess who it was.

“Let go of me! Easy on the coat!” came the familiar accent, sharp and indignant.

The guards were clearly manhandling Hook. Charming sighed, standing up from his seat and making his way to the door. He opened it just in time to see one of the guards tugging on Hook’s crimson coat, and Hook, true to form, looking royally pissed off.

“Stop it!” Charming barked, a little more forcefully than usual. “Let him go. He's with me.”

The two guards immediately released Hook, straightening up as they realized their mistake. One of them, the taller one with a stern face, glanced at Charming apologetically. “Apologies, Your Highness. We didn’t know he was—”

“Yeah, clearly,” Hook cut in, brushing off his coat like he’d just been dragged through the mud. “A real fine welcome, I must say.”

The other guard, younger and more nervous, muttered, “We thought he might’ve been here to, uh… cause trouble, Your Highness.”

Charming sighed, rubbing his temples. “He’s not here to cause trouble. I invited him.” He shot a look at Hook. “Sorry about the mix-up.”

Hook crossed his arms, glaring at the guards. “Way to go, Prince. You invite me, then forget to tell your people I’m coming. Real nice lad, aren’t you?”

Charming gave him a sheepish look, stepping forward and placing a hand on Hook’s shoulder—more of a placating gesture than anything. “I said I was sorry.”

Hook immediately shrugged off his hand, the familiar click of his hook against Charming's wrist. “Easy on the coat. You and your lot have already helped it deteriorate faster than it should.”

“Shall we?” he said, gesturing toward the table.

Hook huffed in response but said nothing, striding past the prince and into the dining area. His eyes scanned the lavish room, taking in the gleaming chandeliers, the velvet-lined chairs, and the royal setup. For a moment, Charming saw a flicker of appreciation cross his face—just for a second—before Hook’s usual facade of nonchalance slipped back into place.

“Nice place you’ve got here,” Hook said, though the casual tone didn’t quite match the look in his eyes. “Bit excessive for a meal, don’t you think?”

Charming smirked, crossing his arms as he followed Hook inside. He could see through the pirate’s act. “If it hadn’t been for that food fight with Ariel and your friend during freshman year, none of this would’ve happened.”

“Yeah, well, she was pretty awesome for that.”

Charming rolled his eyes, though a small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Right. Let’s just sit and eat before you start a revolution in here too.”

They settled into their seats, a tense silence hanging between them. Charming could feel the weight of Hook’s gaze, sharp and calculating. This wasn’t some casual dinner. Both of them knew it, even if neither wanted to admit it.

The dinner had been silent for too long. Hook, never one to let tension sit without poking at it, decided to break it “So, what are your intentions, Your Highness? You’re a popular bloke around here. Getting lonely?”

Charming’s fork paused mid-air before he set it down, carefully. “I have friends.” His mind flickered to Aladdin and Jasmine, who often joined him for meals, bringing stories of their magic carpets adventures.

Then there were Ella and Bridget, after the two got together they always found time to drop by with baked treats—often enchanted with strange, unpredictable side effects, like turning his hair fully blue or making him float for a few minutes.

Zelly, ever the life of the party, would bring her chameleon Pascal, and they’d all end up doing karaoke. After all, the royal dining area inexplicably had a karaoke machine tucked in the corner.

“So it’s not loneliness or complete boredom, why have me here?” Hook pressed.

Charming hesitated, trying to maintain a mysterious air. He knew Hook was too clever to show his cards too early. “I have something to ask,” was all he said, keeping his tone casual.

Hook leaned back, a smirk playing on his lips as he lounged in the velvet chair, clearly amused by the prince’s attempt at suspense. “What’s this all about, then? A royal invitation for little old me? You're not planning on throwing me in the dungeons after dessert, are you?”

Charming chuckled, though there was a hint of nervousness behind it. “No dungeons. Just… an arrangement.” He felt Hook’s guard go up instantly, the pirate’s smirk hardening into something more defensive.

“Arrangement?” Hook’s brow arched in mock curiosity, though there was no mistaking the sharpness in his tone. “What sort of arrangement would a prince want from moi ?”

“I need you to be my date,” Charming said, the words slipping out before he could fully gather his nerve. He paused, seeing Hook’s expression shift, and hurried to clarify, “Not in the traditional sense.”

Hook’s face didn’t change much. He leaned in slightly, his gaze sharp, like he was toying with a fish on a hook. “You went to so much trouble to impress me,” Hook said with snobbish amusement, “I’m flattered, but you’re not my type.”

Charming felt his face flush but pushed on. “My parents are throwing me this stupid ball, and I hate it. It’s all about me, and I just—” He suddenly found himself unraveling, words tumbling out in a rush. “I blurted out that I had a date, thinking it would stop them from pressuring me, but now it’s just worse, and I don’t know how to—”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold your horses, Prince,” Hook interrupted with a bemused smirk, holding up his hand. “That’s a lot of whining for me.”

Charming blinked, startled by Hook’s bluntness. Somehow, those few words snapped him out of his spiraling rant. He let out an embarrassed laugh, the tension easing from his shoulders. For a second, he found himself thinking Hook looked oddly…kinda hot.

The pirate, for all his snark, had an air of control about him that made Charming’s stomach twist in a way he didn’t quite understand.

But Hook was getting up, clearly looking like he was about to leave. He couldn’t let him just walk out, not after coming this far. Desperation flickered in his chest, and he scrambled for a last-ditch effort.

“Wait!” Charming stood quickly, his hand brushing against Hook’s arm as he reached out. “I haven’t told you the benefits yet.”

Hook paused, turning halfway with a knowing gleam in his eyes. “Alright. I’m listening.”

Charming exhaled, thinking quickly. “You’ll get lots of opportunities being seen with me. The ball is in two days. You won’t have to pretend for long. You’ll get to live lavishly, and you don’t have to worry about me telling anyone about your… thieving incident.”

Hook’s eyes flickered, but instead of biting, he turned fully away, stepping toward the door. Charming felt his heart sink. He'd blown it. This was going to be harder than he thought—time for Plan B, whatever that was.

Then, Hook stopped, glancing over his shoulder with a smirk that made Charming’s pulse quicken. “I’ll do it.”

“What?”

“I said I’ll do it,” Hook repeated, turning fully now, his expression unreadable. “I’ll be your boyfriend. For rent, of course.”

Charming bristled slightly. “That doesn’t sound very nice.”

“Well, that’s the reality, babe,” Hook teased, the last word slipping off his tongue like a taunt. The prince stiffened at the word. He didn’t like the way it sounded coming from Hook’s mouth. Or maybe he liked it too much, and that was the problem.

“Fine, we’ll talk tomorrow, lay down the ground rules. We can discuss everything over breakfast.”

“Blah, blah, so boring. You don’t need so many pleasantries to fake-date me, you know. We’re not writing a treaty.”

Charming stepped closer, his face inching into Hook’s space. “I’ll pick you up in the morning. We’ll discuss the plan then.”

Hook gave him a mocking grin, eyes flicking down between them before meeting Charming’s gaze again. “You just love a good scheme and a meal, don’t you? That’s pathetic—and kinda cute, actually.”

Something inside Charming snapped at that last line. “Who are you calling pathetic?” he growled, stepping even closer until they were face to face.

Hook’s eyes danced with amusement, but there was something else beneath the surface, something unreadable. For a brief moment, they stood there in awkward silence, close enough to feel each other’s breaths, their hands grazing.

The bell rang suddenly, cutting through the moment and pulling them back to reality. Charming took a step back, clearing his throat. “I’ll see you tomorrow?” He asked, his princely demeanor slipping back into place, though his voice was quieter than before.

Hook smirked, already slipping toward the door. “You know where to find me, Your Highness .”

Charming was still screwed how was he going to pull this sham? But he did make some progress he just hoped the pirate didn’t cause too much trouble.

👑

Notes:

Hope you enjoy the fic & Remember to give feedback!!! It is always appreciated. The fate of this fic is in y'alls hands its up to all of you whether this continues. (And if you reading this on tumblr. Thank you so much for giving this a read.) Request go here on my tumblr.

11 notes · View notes

thepermanentrainpress · 5 months ago

Text

youtube

The Permanent Rain Press Interview with Morgan Dudley. (Watch in HD)

Morgan Dudley discusses her role as Ella in Descendants: The Rise of Red, including shaping her teenaged Cinderella, apprehension towards royalty, relationships with Bridget and Charming, and the positive response from fans.

She also chats about her move to New York to pursue the arts, upcoming original music, and overcoming bullying while having healthy outlets of expression.

13 notes · View notes

geekpopnews · 5 months ago

Text

Descendentes: A Ascensão de Copas conquista audiência recorde de estreia na Disney+

O novo filme da franquia Descendentes atinge números impressionantes e se torna a maior estreia do Disney+ em 2024. #DescendentesAAscensaodeCopas #Descendentes #DisneyPlus

O novo filme da franquia Descendentes, A Ascensão de Copas, alcançou mais de 6,7 milhões de visualizações em apenas três dias na Disney+. Segundo a própria Disney, o longa se tornou a maior estreia de uma produção original na plataforma de streaming. O sucesso imediato de A Ascensão de Copas Desde a estreia em 12 de julho, a audiência tem recebido bem o filme, que continua as histórias dos…

1 note · View note

shadow-tumbler · 2 months ago

Text

Moonstruck love

Summary:

Everest and Layla have been best friends their entire lives and they did everything together but there's one thing about them.......their werewolves and when their families are found by hunters they are forced to run for their lives and have lived in this decent sized cabin that thanks to Everest's magic was amazing. now starting their new lives at merlin academy after years of just having eachother their right away seen as villains but they are used to that, what they were not expecting was to find that one thing all werewolves crave, their mates.

Cast list:

Ruby Rose Turner as Bridget

Morgan Duey as Ella

Dara Reneé as Uliana

Anthony pyatt as Hades

Mars as Maleficent

Tristan padil as teen charming

Kylie Cantrall as red

Malia Baker as chloe

Joshua Colley as James Hook

Madison Reyes as Layla

Peder Lindell as Morgie Le Fay

Hailey Seinfeld as Everest

#original character #morgie le fay #james hook #fanfic #rise of red #decendants #decendants rise of red

7 notes · View notes

deadlinecom · 2 years ago

Text

0 notes

that-random-outsider · 1 month ago

Text

The cast of Ror if they were in SIX

Morgan- Catherin Parr Malia- Jane Seymore Ruby- Anne Boleyn Kylie- Katherine Howard Dara- Catalina de Aragon hear me out Joshua ( or Mars I lowkey feel like they'd eat with this)- Anna Von Cleves Peder and Tristan Would be the main ones screaming House of Holbein

#descendants rise of red #six #six the musical #rise of red #morgan dudley #malia baker #ruby rose turner #kylie cantrall #dara renee #mars #peder lindell #tristan padil #joshua colley

11 notes · View notes

crowpickingss · 4 months ago

Note

could you do like a jealous charming fic maybe someone close to charming tries to get with the reader

Jealous

charming x gn! royalty reader

summary: charmings rival tries to ask you out on a date so you go to him for suggestions and he does something that makes you reconsider the date

warnings: none

a/n: tysm for the request! love me a good jealousy fic maybe I should do one for hook

—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—

You and Charming had always been close, you had been friends since childhood as your dads were great friends. You were content being just friends but he wanted something more.

He yearned to one day hold you in his arms and take you on small dates around the kingdom but for now he was your friend and you were pretty happy with that.

Somehow wind of his crush made its way to Charming’s rival Prince Phillip. When Phillip found out he was in hysterics. He had made it his mission to get with you to piss Charming off.

The next day he made is way to where you were sitting and sat down next to you “Hey y/n” You looked over to him “Oh hey Phillip” He snaked his arm up your back and over your shoulder “I was wondering if you wanted to go on a date with me” You smiled “Yeah sure, I would love too”

Charming watched the whole conversation and froze. Why was Phillip so interested in you now and why was he asking you on a date. He clenched his fist angry with himself for not acting upon his crush sooner.

That night you burst into his room asking a million questions about first dates “Woah, woah calm down it’s a first date not a meeting with the king” He patted your back as you took a couple deep breathes “But I’ve never been on a date” Another wave of jealousy hit Charming, Phillip was taking away your first date ever.

Henry was so overcome with jealousy and anger because of Phillip having the audacity to ask you out and try and steal you from him. In the best of the moment he grabbed your top and pulled you into a kiss. You were surprised but couldn’t break off something about his lips made you never want to leave.

He broke off after releasing what he had done “y/n I’m so sorry, I don’t know what came over me” You hugged Charming tight “It’s alright, honestly Phillip isn’t my type I only said yes because I didn’t want to embarrass him” Charming laughed at that statement “So, how about I take you on your first date” Your cheeks turned a soft pink “I would love that, now I know where you get your name from you really are…charming”

—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—

#crowpickingss #fypシ #fyp #fanfic #fics #viral #fypage #gn reader #my fic #rise of red #young charming #prince charming #descendants 4 #descendants #tumblr fyp #my fics #fiction #tristan padil

13 notes · View notes

leoisbabygirl · 5 months ago

Text

I'm not normal y'all 😭

#prince charming #tristan padil #descendants 4 #the rise of red #ror #kasi speaks

15 notes · View notes

gayashelljatp · 1 day ago

Text

Prince Charming x James Hook | Trophy Boy Chapter 6

Content Rating: Teen and Up.

Summary:

Charming had himself caught up in a pretty little lie, telling his parents he had a date for his birthday ball. Desperate to stop their meddling in his love life, he came up with a plan: show up with someone who’d make the court gasp—a notorious pirate at school, James Hook. It was supposed to be a quick fix: fake a romance, cause a stir, and be free from the royal matchmakers forever. But the more time Charming spent with Hook—as a person, the sharp banter—the more complicated things got. This wasn’t just about pretending anymore. He was starting to get hooked. Or The enemies to fake dating to lovers between Hook and Charming no one asked for.

Notes:

Can y'all applaud me. Yes I updated on Tumblr on time what a mircale!!! I do appreciate all of y'all who read on this platform. This is honestly a passion project I do to escape reality for a minute or two.

Had to update y'all at least one more time before the holidays. This chapter was very out of my comfort zone writing I don't do much drama I'm more a romance fluff writer. So here is some drama that I've been setting up since the very beginning. This is the family breakfast (brunch) and the day of the actual ball. Don't worry cute stuff happens before I hurt y'all.

A few housekeeping reminders: - This fic has multiple POVs for Charming focused parts 👑 emojis are used on the other hook if it's James it's this emoji 🪝. - It wouldn't be a GayashellJATP fic without a playlist of songs I have on that help immerse you,

Chapter 6: Pre-Ball Discord

👑

Charming felt the breeze rush past him as he watched Hook effortlessly skate down the castle’s steps. For once, Hook was trying out the skater-boy style.

A tight black shirt that clung to his chest in ways that should’ve been illegal, paired with some very shredded, loose jeans that only emphasized his already toned legs. He looked almost too good to be true.

The skateboard seemed to float like water beneath him, the wheels barely made sound on the pristine marble.

Hook glanced back over his shoulder. The sunlight caught his hook and the chain around his neck. His dark windswept hair was tousled just enough to look careless but perfect. He flipped it with a casual toss of his head like it was a weapon and he knew how to use it, “Keep up, Princey.”

The way he said it was enough to light a fire in Charming’s chest. It made him want to scream. Or tackle him. Maybe both.

“I could skate circles around you, I was just going easy on you,” Charming shouted, picking up his pace.

“Oh, easy ?”

Charming groaned, half from frustration at how insufferably smug Hook looked, and half because, damn it, he was ridiculously hot. Suddenly, the skateboards were gone, leaving them standing toe-to-toe in the castle courtyard. Hook was now all up in his face, his smirk replaced by something darker yet soft.

He reached out, grabbing Charming by the front of his shirt. His fingers curled just enough to pull the prince closer, the warmth of his hand radiating through the fabric. And the coldness of his Hook sent shivers down his neck.

The pirate leaned in, his breath brushing against Charming’s ear as he whispered something that made his ears burn, words he couldn’t quite make out but that left his stomach flipping in ways it definitely shouldn’t have. But before he could respond—

“Sir, you should wake up.”

The sharp voice of Lionel cut through and reality had set back in. Charming’s eyes flew open, waking up rudely dragged him away from the borderline wet dream he was enjoying.

He blinked, disoriented, only to realize he was still half-asleep and clinging to Hook like a lifeboat. His arm was wrapped snugly around the pirate’s waist, his hand resting on the flat plane of Hook’s stomach.

For one fleeting, awful moment, he considered leaving his arm there. Just a little longer. But no—no, that would be wrong. Was Hook uncomfortable with this? Did he do this all night? Fuck Is this weird? Of course, it’s weird. Did I just fucking curse in my head? He quickly shifted his arms away, careful not to wake the brunette.

“Morning Lioenel,” Charming croaked in his deep morning voice.

“Happy birthday, Christopher. I see you’ve gotten quite comfortable with your… friend there.”

“It was because of the magic string.”

“Ah, yes, the cupcake magic. Then why are you wearing that very specific shirt you made during Spell and Stitch class,” Lionel noted, his tone practically dripping with insinuation. “A curious choice for sleepwear.”

He looked down at the old, glorified rag of a shirt. He knew damn well it would be too tight and the fabric too flimsy for his build now, and he’d secretly hoped Hook might… notice. Damn, Lionel for being right.

“Don’t read into it,” Charming muttered, pushing past Lionel and towards his morning routine.

“Perish the thought, sir,” Lionel said, deadpan. “Though I must say, it does seem very convenient.”

Charming scowled as he put his running shoes on. “My only concern right now is trying not to lose my mind, at family breakfast.”

After his princely routine a grueling jog, some obligatory bench presses, and Lionel droning on about greeting cards from neighboring kingdoms.

The Prince found himself distracted. Every now and then, his thoughts wandered back to the pirate still sprawled out in his bed. He doubted Hook even knew how peaceful he looked when he wasn’t sneering or smirking or being Hook .

“Should I wake him up, sir?” Lionel asked, breaking into Charming’s reverie.

Charming hesitated, glancing back toward the bed. Hook was still there, one hand loosely gripping the sheets, his hair a complete mess. He looks cuddly, which was a word he never thought he’d associate with him.

“Nah,” Charming said finally, his voice quieter than before. “Let him sleep in for a little more. He looks like he needs it.”

“Ah,” Lionel said, the picture of mock solemnity. “You probably tired him out. Cuddling him all night. How was being the big spoon?”

Charming nearly choked. “Nope, I’m not doing this.” He said as he grabbed his towel and escaped to the bathroom.

“I’ll see you at the palace, Sir,” Lionel said before heading out. “One last thing, don’t be late,”

Charming just glanced at the bathroom mirror, his chest tightening for reasons he didn’t want to name. “Happy birthday to me,” he muttered under his breath, dragging a hand through his hair.

Charming then started his shower musical. He’d been belting out tunes with abandon, knowing full well this was his last chance at solitude before his obligations descended like a royal army.

By the time he emerged, a towel slung loosely around his hips, the steam swirling out behind him, he felt rejuvenated until he noticed the sun had risen and so had Hook, looking unusually alert.

Hook’s piercing eyes were fixed on him, though they lacked the typical dark smudges of eyeliner that usually made his glare extra sharp. Instead, he looked softer, more human, which was almost unsettling.

“Guess who finally woke up?” The dark haired teen asked, leaning casually against the doorframe, pretending his heart wasn’t pounding.

“Only because of your bloody singing,” Hook replied, his voice dry but laced with amusement. “You’ve got pipes, though. Bet you had singing lessons growing up.”

Charming ran a hand through his damp hair. “I did. Mandatory, not by choice.”

“Figures,” Hook said, inspecting his nails as if he wasn’t already planning his next jab. “Though you were a bit pitchy in the chorus. Add that to your ever-growing list of mistakes, right up there with your bear-hugging—”

Charming groaned, pushing off the doorframe. “I didn’t mean to do that. I swear—”

“Doesn’t matter,” Hook cut in with a gleam in his eye. “I mean, I get it. I am properly fit, but you don’t need to make excuses to get your hands all over me.”

“Oh, for the love of—”

“Speaking of fit,” Hook cut him off, his gaze dropping just enough to make the prince self-conscious, “You’re quite the show off this morning. Did you workout?”

It took a second too long to realize what Hook was talking about. When it hit, his face turned beet red as he registered his current state of undress—nothing but a towel clinging dangerously low on his hips. He crossed his arms over his chest instinctively, trying to appear unaffected, but the heat crawling up his neck betrayed him.

Hook, predictably, looked delighted. “Don’t cover up on my account,” he teased, his grin wicked. “This is quality entertainment.”

“Can you not?”

“Come on, Princey. Don’t act like you’re shy. You’re the one who can’t keep your eyes off me half of the time.”

“Is that what you tell yourself to sleep at night?”

“Nah,” Hook said with a wink. “I don’t need to. Knowing you’re think of me is enough.”

“We’re still meeting your folks, right?” Hook finally asked.

Charming nodded, grateful for the change in topic.

Hook finally got up, stretching leisurely as if the world itself moved at his pace. “Yeah, yeah. I’ll get ready at my place.” He glanced down at his empty wrist before fastening his hook on with practiced ease. “Pick me up.”

Then Hook bolted straight for the door.

“Wait,” Charming blurted, reaching for Hook’s hand before he realized he didn’t actually have anything to say.

“Make it quick, Princey. We don’t have all day,” Charming’s mouth opened, but his mind had gone blank. Hook’s gaze was too much. Too sharp yet somehow too warm, like he could see straight through him. It was the kind of look that they write songs about.

“Maybe…” Charming finally managed, his voice quieter now, “Maybe try buttoning up all your buttons this time. I’m not trying to change your style, but, you know…”

Hook tilted his head, smirking as he let the words hang. “Oh, you don’t like it when I do all of that? Should I take more clothes off then maybe that’d make you happier?”

“Just…Try for me. For my sake and my parents”

Hook leaned in slightly, just enough to close the space between them. “Only if you promise to keep the towel.”

“James!”

As the door closed behind him, Charming knew this was only the beginning. He made a mental note to keep a spare shirt nearby next time—just in case.

👑

The hallways were a blur of "Happy Birthday!" and enthusiastic waves, but Charming hardly acknowledged them as he skated past, focused on his destination.

He was already bracing himself for whatever mood Hook might be in, but when he arrived at the pirate’s door, he was caught off guard.

For once, Hook was punctual. Not only that, but he looked… different.

Gone were the flowy pirate blouses and loose button-ups that Charming had grown accustomed to. Instead, Hook wore a tailored white shirt that clung to his frame in all the right ways, tucked neatly into navy denim jeans that looked suspiciously new.

Charming hadn’t even realized Hook owned jeans; he'd always assumed the pirate was permanently ingrained in his dramatic, swashbuckling wardrobe. But no, Hook had denim. And it looked nice.

To top it off, Hook was wearing Charming’s varsity jacket.

The royal crest never looked so good. On Hook, It looked both completely out of place and yet ridiculously good at the same time.

When Hook spotted Charming skating toward him, those dark, kohl-rimmed eyes glinted with mischief. The look said more than words ever could: Caught you staring, Princey.

“You clean up pretty nice,” Charming managed, his voice a little tighter than he intended.

“And you wear the same outfit,” Hook shot back, his tone teasing. “I think I’ve seen a paper with you wearing that exact getup from head to toe.”

Charming winced slightly, glancing down at his brown barong shirt and black cargo pants. On second thought, maybe he should’ve worn something different for today. Something that didn’t feel so… predictable.

“You read the papers? The Asian prince asked, almost gasping. He straightened up and raised an eyebrow. “More importantly, what have you read about me?”

Hook didn’t bother replying, just gave him a look that practically screamed, Do you really want me to answer that?

Before Charming could press further, Hook shifted, plucking at the varsity jacket as though suddenly remembering he had it on. “Oh, and I thought I’d return this,” Hook said nonchalantly, starting to shrug out of the jacket. “I even got Morgs to do a quick laundry spell on it, so no need to complain—”

“No,” Charming interrupted quickly, stepping forward and stopping him mid-motion. “Keep it on.”

Hook paused, blinking in surprise. His eyebrows raised slightly, and for a brief moment, he almost looked unsure of himself. “If you say so,” He said lightly, settling the jacket back over his shoulders.

“It looks nice on you,” The Prince added, quieter this time, his gaze lingering a second too long before snapping back to the hallway.

“Let’s go,” Charming said, clearing his throat and rolling his board onto the ground.

Normally, he’d let the pirate trail behind him something about making sure Hook understood who was leading but this time, he slowed his pace.

As Charming skated leisurely down the path, Hook walked alongside him, the rhythm of his steps keeping time with the quiet hum of the wheels. Neither of them said much, but the silence felt strangely comfortable.

🪝

The castle was a smug fucking thing, wasn’t it? All glinting spires and pristine stonework, like it had never seen a speck of dirt in its entire existence.

It made Hook itch. He swore he could feel the walls silently judging him as they arrived at the feet of the stairs.

This was not his world, and every fiber of his being was telling him to turn around before it was too late.

But then there was Charming, skating along like he had no cares in the world, the ridiculous good boy turned bad image fully intact. Well, it's time to tarnish that image a little.

“You ready?” Charming asked, hopping off his board with a practiced ease that Hook found entirely too irritating.

Hook tilted his head, trying for nonchalance. “And what about it? You nervous ‘bout lying to your parents?” His words dripped with his usual sarcasm, though his accent made “bout” sound more like a soft jab than a sneer.

“Is it bad if I say I’m actually nervous?”

“And here I thought you’d be an expert at it. I heard you were in a rebel without a cause stage, so I assumed you had lying in the bag.”

“Just teenage rebellion tendencies,”

“Well, you’ve got nothing to be nervous about,” Hook said before taking a pause. “Your butler already thinks we’re damn near engaged. Playing a fiddle is as easy as your parents.”

“That doesn’t sound right,” Charming muttered, his voice breaking with a wave of nerves. Hook just responded with a shrug,

When they finally made it to the fucking top of the stairs. Hook looked at Charming with an unsure look, as a knot was starting to form in his chest.

The grand entrance loomed ahead, its gilded doors polished. As the guards pushed the massive doors open, a wave of noise hit him.

Charming’s home, his very busy, very lavish home was alive. Maids whisked by with trays of what looked like champagne glasses (at this hour?), a butler directed a pair of footmen carrying an elaborate floral arrangement, and somewhere in the distance, the faint hum of a string quartet drifted through the air.

Charming greeted the staff with a practiced smile and steady politeness, his voice warm and cordial in that maddeningly princely way. Hook could almost see the mask sliding into place.

“So, this is where you grew up. Bit much, don’t you think?”

Charming glanced at him, distracted, but managed a half-hearted smile. “It’s home.”

“Home,” Hook repeated dryly, his gaze skimming over the chandeliers, the intricate crown moldings, and the floors that gleamed like they’d never known a speck of dust. “You’ve got a very different definition of the word.”

Charming, however, didn’t retort. Not even his usual speeches. Just plain silence. The life got sucked out of him, replaced with a stiffness Hook wasn’t used to seeing. It was… unsettling.

“What’s the matter? When did you learn to shut up?”

“Nothing is—” Charming stopped, shaking his head. “I’m fine.”

“You’re not,” Hook pressed. “If you were, you’d be a confident schmuck. But you’re not, and it’s throwing me off.”

Charming sighed, running a hand through his hair. “It’s just…my parents. They’ll have questions. They are a lot. And you’re…” He gestured vaguely at Hook, his cheeks flushing.

“I’m what?” Hook asked, narrowing his eyes. “Not a princess? A pirate? A little bit too dramatic?”

“I didn’t say anything.” Charming’s voice was tired. “It’s just… They’re not going to understand this. Us.”

“There is no us,” Hook reminded, his voice sharp but quieter than he intended. He glanced over his shoulder at the line of gawking staff before leaning in closer. “You wanted a fake date, and you got one. So pull yourself together, Your Highness, and stop bloody looking at me like you don’t want to be here.”

Charming didn’t respond, his jaw tightening as they approached another set of doors.

Then a familiar figure stepped into their path: Lionel, the ever-watchful butler-slash-life coach-slash-unpaid babysitter of Prince Charming. His posture was immaculate, his expression a perfect blend of disapproval and exhaustion.

“Ah, Your Highness,” Lionel said smoothly, his gaze flicking between the two teens with just a hint of amusement. “How kind of you to finally grace us with your presence. Shall I tell the Queen you’ll join her for brunch after all?”

“Good to see you too, Lionel,” Hook drawled, his smirk too apparent.

“You might want to wipe that grin off your face, Mr. James Hook. Did you forget to prep him on manners?”

Charming shifted beside him, his shoulders visibly tensing. “Are you alright, Your Highness?”

“I’m fine,” The Prince replied quickly, too quickly.

“Look,” The pirate lowered his tone. “Let’s just get this over with. Sit, smile, nod. Do whatever it is you do at these things, and we’ll be out of here in no time.”

Lionel cleared his throat. “That might work for you, Mr. Hook, but His Highness doesn’t have the luxury of disappearing when things get uncomfortable. And he has a schedule to follow.”

“Cheers for the pep talk,” Hook muttered, rolling his eyes.

But Lionel wasn’t done. He turned to Charming. “Christopher, whatever’s bothering you, we’ll talk about it after breakfast. Just go in there and be you.”

Charming nodded, but the tension in his jaw didn’t ease. He glanced at Hook, his expression unreadable.

“Can you give us a minute Lionel?” Hook asked rather politely.

Lionel entered the dining hall not questioning anything. Hook on the other hand (hook) had a plan. He stepped close to Charming and pressed the golden metal on his hand against his cheek.

The prince froze, stared wide-eyed, and for a second, Hook wondered if he’d gone too far. But there was no turning back now.

“Get your act together, we can do this,” Hook whispered, his voice too soft for his liking. “You can squeeze my hand if you need me to come save you.”

Where the hell had that come from? The old him would have gagged at the idea of Charming touching him, let alone willingly offering himself up for emotional support.

But here he was, pitying the guy or at least that’s what he told himself. Definitely not because he was getting used to those big brown stupidly honest eyes or the way Charming looked at him like he wasn’t a total piece of ship.

Charming blinked, nodding stiffly as if he couldn’t believe what Hook had just said either. “Thanks,” he whispered, his voice nearly inaudible.

Hook stepped back, yanking his hand down before it betrayed him again. “Don’t mention it,” he muttered, turning back to the door. “Let’s just get this over with.”

The dining hall was nothing short of obnoxiously, unnecessarily big. Who needed ceilings that high? Or light fixtures the size of boats? Hook barely stopped himself from gawking at the sheer excess of it all, his eyes narrowing at the four plates laid out: two for them and two for Charming’s parents. Thankfully, the royal couple wasn’t here yet. Thank the sea gods for small mercies.

Once the two were seated, Hook couldn’t help but notice the Prince next to him had all the life sucked out of him. Charming looked pale and was one lost breath away from falling apart.

Hook blinked. Was he trembling? This wasn’t supposed to happen—if anyone should’ve been shitting themselves right now, it was Hook.

“Hey, My Knight in Shining Armour, I thought my little pep talk worked” Hook muttered under his breath, stepping closer.

Before he could say anything else, Charming grabbed his hand, fingers ice-cold and gripping far too tightly. Bloody hell. Hook glanced around, as though someone might burst in and see this very unprincely display of nerves. No one yet.

Hook sighed, squeezing Charming’s hand back, though his voice kept its edge. “You already squeezing my hand your parents aren't even here. Way to use this feature way too early.”

Charming shot him a glare that screamed not helping. Hook bit back a smirk.

There was one way to fix this. Time to put these genetics to good use. Hook took a purposeful scooched closer, so much so that Charming startled and blinked up at him.

Hook tilted his head down and then looked up through his lashes, making sure his hair fell in just the right tousled way to frame his face. The piercing gaze he hit Charming with could’ve stopped time and space.

He’d perfected this look in countless flirtationships, on countless nights in the mirror, but this was the first time it was actually for a prince.

Charming stilled. Completely. His hand went slack in Hook’s.

Hook smirked, satisfaction curling in his chest. “There there. Calm as a dead fish.”

Charming didn’t say anything for a moment, just stared back at Hook like he’d forgotten how to breathe. “I hate you,” he mumbled finally, though there wasn’t a shred of bite in his voice.

Hook grinned, releasing his hand with a flourish. “You’re welcome, Princey.”

They barely had time to share another word before the loud, booming voice of Lionel cut through the moment.

“ Their Majesties, King Maximilian and Queen Constantina! ”

Hook startled, snapping his head toward the doors just as they swung open. And there they were. The king strode in first, while the queen glided in behind him.

The Queen’s gaze immediately landed on Hook.

She gasped, clutching her pearls—literally. Hook resisted the urge to walk out. He’d been on the receiving end of many reactions in his life like horror, anger, and misplaced lust but this one? This was a uppity in a new level.

Hook forced himself to stand straighter, every muscle in his body tensed. It took every bit of restraint not tug on the jacket.

“Happy birthday, my precious Prince Christopher Rupert Windermere Vladimir Carl Alexander François Reginald Lancelot Herman Gregory James,” Queen Constantina said in one impossibly long breath.

Hook bit his tongue to stop the smirk that tugged at his lips. Someone was more dramatic than him, and it hurt.

“Good to see you too, Mom,” Charming muttered, clearly trying not to look too mortified.

Queen Constantina’s sharp eyes flicked back to Hook like she was zeroing in on prey. “And might you introduce this lovely individual sitting next to you?”

Hook coughed, already regretting agreeing to all this bullshit.

Charming plastered on the fakest smile Hook had ever seen on him all day. “This lovely individual is my partner, the one I was talking about. I'm bringing him to the ball” Charming rambled. “James Hook. Of Neverland. I think. And these are my parents.”

Hook shot him a what the hell look but nodded smoothly, “Lovely to meet you both,” he said, his accent extra posh.

He stood up, offering his hand for a shake, despite the laughable distance between him and the royals.

Queen Constantina stared at his hand like he’d just offered her a live snake. Hook tried not to let his confidence crack, though he swore his smirk was starting to feel brittle.

King Maximilian, at least, gave him a polite nod, though his lips were twitching like he was trying to hold back a laugh.

The Queen didn’t sit immediately. Oh no. She glided down the table until she stood entirely too close to the pirate. Guess she and her son we’re experts at invading personal space.

“James Hook,” She said, the syllables of his name pronounced like an uncurerable disease. “Such an... interesting choice for company, Christopher. How come I’ve never heard of him before.”

Hook arched a brow, but Charming cut in swiftly, his voice tense. “I wanted to keep things private. Mom, please step back, you’re too close to him.”

Queen Constantina didn’t budge, her sharp gaze still roaming Hook like she was deciding whether to take him out back and hose him off. Instead, her eyes snagged on the royal varsity jacket draped over Hook’s shoulders.

“Oh, I’m just admiring the jacket. It looks so nice on him.” Her tone was saccharine, but Hook didn’t miss the undercurrent—like she couldn’t decide whether the jacket belonged on him or in a donation bin.

Hook cleared his throat, resisting the urge to tug at the lapel. Right, he thought bitterly. Wearing Princey’s clothes. Did not help win brownie points.

“Thanks, Mom,” Charming said a little too quickly. “I let him borrow it because he looked so good in it.”

Hook glanced sideways at Charming, just in time to see him flash an unconvincing grin. Hook rolled his eyes. Smooth fabricated retelling of a story that never happened .

“Honey, maybe step away from the boy,” King Maximilian added lightly, though his voice carried a hint of wariness, like he was trying to keep his wife from poking the bear too hard.

But before more could be said, attention quickly diverted to the table as servants swooped in to lay out the food.

Or well—attempted food.

Hook stared at the absurd portions placed before them. A single baby pancake perched at the center of Charming’s plate, flanked by eggs that looked like someone had taken a quarter of a quarter and called it a serving.

Hook’s own plate held what appeared to be a microscopic sliver of toast and some “fruit”—and by fruit, he meant a single grape cut in half.

Oh. It all made sense now: Charming’s borderline torturous morning workout routines at the academy, all the extracurricular physical activities.

Hook had always wondered if the boy was just some over-enthusiastic fitness freak, but no. Apparently, the Prince was on a diet .

“That explains why you eat like a bloody horse back at the academy,” Hook muttered with an amused smirk, spearing his miserable excuse for a piece of egg.

Charming snorted quietly into his glass of water.

Before Charming could reply, King Maximilian cleared his throat, his voice deep but easygoing. “So, Junior, how’s your day going so far?”

Charming perked up like someone had flipped a switch. “Going pretty amazing, ” he said brightly, though he squeezed Hook’s hand under the table like a lifeline. “I can’t tell you why, though.”

Hook shot him a look that said What’s that supposed to mean? Charming just grinned mysteriously.

The King chuckled, clearly entertained by the whole thing. “Oh? Keeping secrets already?”

Before Charming could answer, Queen Constantina took the conversational reins, her smile sugar-coated but still unnervingly sharp. “ I’m so curious—tell me, how did you two meet?”

The pirate teen stiffened. Charming’s hand snuck under the table, finding Hook’s in a silent plea for help. Hook barely refrained from rolling his eyes. Of course he had to answer.

He hadn’t exactly been focused when Charming droned on about their fabricated backstory yesterday, but he’d caught enough to make shit up.

“We’re schoolmates, Your Majesty,” Hook said smoothly, slipping into his most pleasing tone.

“Your son’s quite the heartthrob, you know. Couldn’t go anywhere without people swooning over him.” He shot Charming a sly grin before continuing. “He fell for me—quite literally—when he was skateboarding. Crashed right into me, knocked us both flat. You could say he fell for me at first sight.”

King Maximilian barked out a laugh. “Accident-prone? Sounds like my boy.”

Queen Constantina’s smile stayed plastered in place, though her expression remained unreadable. “ Quite the story,” she replied, her voice a shade too light to be genuine. But she wasn’t done

“Forgive me if this is personal, James, but I must ask. How did you come to… acquire that?” She gestured vaguely at the hook. “Your hand, I mean.”

He’d been through this song and dance plenty of times before—curiosity wrapped in condescension, pity disguised as politeness. But it was the way she said it like it was a nuisance that hurt.

“A croc took it,” Hook replied casually, though his tone was clipped. “Big bastard. I survived, though, so I’d say I got the better end of the deal. It matches with my last name.”

Queen Constantina blinked, clearly unprepared for his bluntness. “Oh, how… harrowing. It must be such a challenge to—well, you know.”

Hook’s eyes narrowed, and the smile he shot her was anything but kind. “Past is past. Your Majesty. Doesn’t stop me from living my life, just going to school like a normal teenager.”

Charming’s voice cut in, sharper than before. “If you're asking me, I like the Hook.”

Hook blinked, startled. Charming’s words were sweet, but there was a protective edge to them that hadn’t been there before. He glanced sideways at the prince, who met his gaze with a resolute nod.

Queen Constantina seemed equally taken aback, her lips twitching. “Well, I suppose that’s what matters.”

“See, Constantina? This lad’s tougher than half the men in the kingdom.” King Maximilian leaned back in his chair, grinning. “I like him.”

Queen Constantina didn’t respond immediately. She turned her attention back to Charming, her voice dripping with maternal concern. “Well, I just hope you know what you’re doing, Christopher. I’m sure someone like Mr. Hook lives quite an adventurous lifestyle. I wouldn’t want you getting caught up.”

Hook’s jaw tightened, and before he could snap back with something cutting, Charming’s voice rang out, firm and clear.

“With all due respect, Mom, I can decide for myself what’s good for me. You said you wanted to meet my partner and here he is.”

The Queen stared at him, her smile frozen. Hook nearly choked on his shock. He must be dreaming. Did Princey just stand up for him?

“Oh, Constantina, let the boy have his fun. It’s his birthday, after all!” King Maximilian boomed, He turned his attention to Hook with a wide grin. “Now, any skateboarding story James? are you any good?”

“Oh, I don't your majesty. I’ve fought sea monsters, sailed ships but I have not skated any boards yet.”

King Maximilian barked another laugh, slapping the table lightly. “And son no need to call me your majesty, Dad would do.”

“You don’t need to call him Dad if you don’t want to,” Charming whispered.

Hook snorted under his breath, but before anyone could comment, Queen Constantina leaned forward “So, James, tell me—are you the jealous type?”

Hook let out a short breathy chuckle, the question catching him off guard. “Jealous?”

“Well,” she said smoothly, her tone as sharp as the edge of a dagger. “It’s just that tonight, Christopher will have quite the lineup of dancing partners. It’s customary, you see. He’ll be dancing with a lot of suitress. Lovely ones.”

Hook froze, his grin flickering for half a second before he schooled his features into something resembling indifference. Charming stiffened beside him, his fork clattering lightly against his plate.

“Comes with the territory, doesn’t it?” Queen Constantina continued, voice cool. “I know it’s hard to understand but I’m sure Christopher can explain.”

There it was. A carefully veiled jab, one that Hook knew wasn’t just about the dancing. It crashed like waves on the shore.

Hook leaned back in his chair, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “No need to worry, Your Majesty. I’ve never been the possessive type. Can’t be jealous if I don’t bloody care.” His tone was flippant as he tried his best to lie through his teeth. He was a pirate after all, being possessive came with the hat and the job description.

Charming shot him a look, somewhere between apologetic, hurt, and worried, but Hook didn’t meet his gaze.

“Oh, good,” Queen Constantina said, her smile tightening. “Because Christopher has always been so popular. I’ve heard you're quite popular for things too.”

Hook gripped the edge of the table. He knew a loaded comment when he heard one. What made it sting more was that it wasn’t even the same old barbs, wrapped in prettier packaging. The message was clear: you don’t belong here.

And Hook was fucking sick of it.

The rest of the hour blurred into white noise. His thoughts high as in the stratosphere, checking out completely as the conversation droned on. The clinking of silverware, the hum of idle chatter, it all faded into a low buzz in his ears.

He sat there because he had to. Because this was what he’d come here for, wasn’t it? To shake things up. To cause a scene. He was a pirate at the royal table, and they’d never let him forget it.

Somewhere in that haze, he missed Queen Constantina’s voice softening as she glanced at Charming.

“I’m only looking out for you, Christopher,” she murmured. “And I’m sorry if I came off a bit… harsh earlier.”

Hook didn’t hear it. He didn’t hear any of it. His mind was already halfway out the door.

Finally, the longest hour of his life came to an end. Servants began clearing plates, and Hook decided he’d had enough. He pushed his chair back abruptly, the screech of wood against marble cutting through the room like a knife.

“Right. I think I’ve overstayed my welcome.” His voice was sharp and loud enough to draw everyone’s attention.

“James, what are you doing?”

But Hook didn’t care. He was already on his feet, shoving his hand and hook into the pockets of Charmings jacket. “Thanks for the breakfast, Your Majesties. It was a delight meeting both of you.” His words dripped with sarcasm, but his smirk was nowhere to be found.

“Charming, I can't do this . I’m sorry ” His voice was quieter this time, but no less sharp. And with that, he turned on his heel and strode out of the dining hall, not sparing a single glance back.

The heavy doors closed behind him with a resounding thud, and Hook let out a shaky breath.

He didn’t know where he was going, but he sure as hell wasn’t sticking around.

👑

Charming hesitated at the table, his fingers tapping nervously against his plate. His mother’s pointed questions and his father’s strained attempts to mediate played on a loop in his mind.

He should stay, keep up appearances— But every second he spent sitting there while Hook stormed off felt like a weight crushing his chest. Finally, with a sharp inhale, Charming stood abruptly.

“Excuse me,” he said, his voice clipped and tight. He didn’t even glance at his parents.

“Christopher, where are you—”

“I’ll be back.” His tone carried enough edge to make even his mom pause.

He strode toward the door, ignoring Lionel’s raised brow as he intercepted him in the hallway.

“Christopher, you have other obligations,” Lionel reminded him, ever the composed observer.

“They can wait,” Charming snapped, brushing past him.

“They can handle being late, right?” he added over his shoulder, more to himself than Lionel. He didn’t wait for a response as he hurried up the grand staircase.

Hook was at the top of the stairs, shoulders hunched and back turned, but before he could slip away, Charming reached out and grabbed his wrist—his left wrist.

The cold curve of the metal hook pressed against Charming’s palm, and Hook flinched like he’d been burned.

“You were good in there,” Charming said, trying for a grin but faltering. “You caused a scene, just like we planned.”

“Is that supposed to make me feel better?”

Charming wavered. “I mean... I thought you knew coming into this wasn’t going to be fun.”

Hook’s laugh was bitter, almost hollow. “I didn’t agree to any of this. I only went along with it because you caught me red-handed, remember?” His voice dropped. “Don’t act like I had a choice.”

Charming winced. “That’s not fair. I didn’t blackmail you—”

“But you didn’t exactly give me any fucking options, did you?” Hook interrupted, his voice rising.

“I don’t have much time, but I’ll see you later—”

“No, you won’t.” Hook’s voice cut through the air. “I meant what I said. I can’t do this anymore.” His words felt hollow, but the look in his eyes made them hit like a slap.

Charming stepped closer, desperate now. “Hook, can we just talk about this? I thought you wouldn’t care what they said about you. You said it yourself—there’s no us.”

“But I didn’t know, okay?” Hook snapped, his voice cracking slightly. “I didn’t know it’d get to me.” He exhaled sharply, shaking his head. “I always cared. I just didn’t let it show. And it got to me because—”

“Because what?”

Hook shook his head again, jerking free of Charming’s grip. “Because nothing. It doesn’t matter.” He turned, starting down the stairs.

“James, wait up!” Charming called after him, following. “I need you.”

Hook froze for a moment but didn’t turn around. His voice, when he spoke, was low and brittle. “You don’t need me. You’ve known me for bloody a day and some hours.”

The prince reached for him again. “James, please, let’s just—”

“No!” Hook snapped, taking a step back. “You don’t get it, do you? I let you see me— all of me. Dancing with you without the hook. You were wearing my clothes. Do you know how hard that was for me?” He let out a bitter laugh, blinking rapidly. “It’s too much. I can’t—I’m sorry.”

Hook’s voice cracked on the last word, and for a moment, Charming thought he saw tears glistening along with the dark brim of his eyes, but Hook turned too quickly for him to be sure.

“James…”

“No.” Hook’s voice was sword-sharp, slicing through Charming’s protests. He didn’t turn around, but when he spoke again, his words came fast and furious, as though he’d been holding them in for too long.

“You’re not listening. You never do.” Hook finally spun around, his eyes full of hurt. “You walk around like the world bends to your fucking will because it always has. You’ve never had to fight for anything real, have you? You sit there playing the perfect prince while the rest of us—normal people—are fighting just to keep our heads above water!”

Charming tried to interrupt, but Hook’s voice only grew louder, angrier. “Do you know what it’s like to walk into a room and know— know —that you’ll never belong? That no matter what you say, or how hard you try, people like your mother will always look at me like I’m the dirt on their fucking shoes? And you—you brought me here! You put me in that room! And for what? To use me to make a point? To piss off your mummy and daddy because you’re too much of a coward to stand up to them yourself?”

“That’s not fair—” Charming started, his voice weak.

“Not fair?” Hook laughed, bitter and hollow. “You want to talk about fair? What’s fair about putting me through this circus act just so you can have your little rebellion? What’s fair about pretending like you care—like you actually see me—when all you care about is what I can do for you ? You don’t give a shit about me. I’m just a guy you’ll use and throw away when you’re done.”

“That’s not true,” Charming said, his voice cracking.

“Isn’t it?” Hook’s lips curled into a sneer. “Tell me this, Charming—when was the last time you actually thought about what I wanted? About how I felt? You didn’t. You don’t. Because that’s not who you are. You’re a spoiled, entitled asshole.”

Charming’s throat felt tight, his mind scrambling for something—anything—to say. But Hook didn’t give him the chance.

“I let you in,” Hook said, his voice breaking now, anger giving way to something raw and vulnerable. “I let you see parts of me I don’t show anyone. And you took it all, didn’t you? You took and took and took, and now I’m the one left standing here feeling like a fool. Well, congratulations, Your Highness. You win. I hope it was worth it.”

Hook stepped back, his chest heaving, tears shining in his eyes, though he quickly blinked them away.

“Happy fucking birthday, Christopher,” he spat, his voice dripping with venom. “Hope you enjoy it, because I’m done. I’m so done. ”

He turned and stormed down the stairs, his boots echoing against the marble.

Charming watched him go, frozen in place, his mind racing and his heart pounding.

He ran a hand through his hair, his thoughts swirling in a mess of guilt and confusion. Hook’s words replayed in his head, each one a punch to the gut.

Happy fucking birthday.

Charming let out a shaky breath, his hand gripping the banister as he sank onto the stairs.

He’d thought he had everything under control. He’d thought he could handle this. But now, sitting there alone, he realized just how wrong he’d been.

He was back to square one.

Charming was someohow even more screwed than before.

🪝

Notes:

Hope you enjoy the fic & Remember to give feedback!!! It is always appreciated. I am so sorry for making you read that.

2 notes · View notes

gayashelljatp · 10 days ago

Text

Prince Charming x James Hook | Trophy Boy Chapter 4 + 5

Content Rating: Teen and Up.

Wordcount: 12,847

Summary:

Charming had himself caught up in a pretty little lie, telling his parents he had a date for his birthday ball. Desperate to stop their meddling in his love life, he came up with a plan: show up with someone who’d make the court gasp—a notorious pirate at school, James Hook. It was supposed to be a quick fix: fake a romance, cause a stir, and be free from the royal matchmakers forever. But the more time Charming spent with Hook—as a person, the sharp banter—the more complicated things got. This wasn’t just about pretending anymore. He was starting to get hooked. Or The enemies to fake dating to lovers between Hook and Charming no one asked for.

Notes:

I sorta forgot to upload on Tumblr. Sorry about that. Y'all missed two chapters my apologies. I do appreciate all of y'all who read on this platform. Thank you so much. These two chapters your getting you are going to get a lot more development.

In the fourth chapter, Hook gets vulnerable, magic cupcakes finally take effect, and this is a Charming focused one. But Hook gets some development.

The fifth chapter is a Hook-focused chapter all Hook for this one, Morgie is back for some fun roommate antics, there is one bed (Not fully that trope), Hook tries not to steal something for the first time, and Lionel is a Charming parent at this point.

Chapter 4: Night Fall Before The Ball

🪝

Hook couldn't believe he was here, huddled under a narrow awning, avoiding the rain with none other than Merlin Academy’s Golden Boy. This was not his idea of a good time.

The drizzle had gone from a light patter to a full downpour, stranding them side by side in far too close quarters. The space barely fit the two teenage guys, so close he could see the positive energy practically radiating off Charming.

Yeah, this afternoon hadn’t been horrible, but close quarters with the princeling? He might rethink that statement.

What did surprise him this afternoon, though, was that Charming had bolted the second those royal guards showed up. Hook had expected him to march over, announce himself, and happily be dragged back. But, no, Charming had turned on his heel, grabbed Hook by the wrist (with a grip far too strong for his taste), and the two of them had sprinted like a pair of outlaws across half the square.

Hook swore the prince was on a bit of a rebel streak lately, from the streaks in his hair to whatever rumors had been spreading about him around the school.

It had made for entertaining reading material when Hook was bored—before his roommate inevitably swiped the papers to make more of those damn paper boats.

Charming broke the silence first, of course. “So, should I start asking questions then?”

"Charming, you talk too much for your own good," Hook drawled, tilting his head with a mock sigh, “But go on.”

“Why do you go by Hook?”

Hook blinked, then raised an eyebrow. Really? He’d saved his first question for that ? But two could play that game. Hook smirked and fired back, “And why do you not go by Christopher Rupert Windermere Vladimir Carl Alexander François Reginald Lancelot Herman Gregory James?”

He watched, absolutely fucking delighted, as Charming stammered, his big brown eyes widening like he’d just seen a sunrise by the sea for the first time.

“You… How— How did you memorize all that?”

“Oh, Princey. Impressed?” Hook leaned in just a fraction, soaking up the stunned expression. Damn, he wished he could paint a quick portrait of it.

“Fine, fair. You made your point. Answer the question.”

James lifted his hook, giving it a quick flick for emphasis. “It’s this. Bloody croc took my hand and it’s also my last name… as simple as that.”

“Wait—that was real? I thought it was just some rumor.”

“Oh, getting my hand bit off by a crocodile is where you draw the line?” Hook scoffed, giving him an exasperated look. “We literally go to a magic school.”

Charming shrugged, looking mildly chastised. “Fair.” He straightened up, meeting Hook’s gaze. “Your turn, then. Ask me something.”

Hook leaned back, considering. There were plenty of questions he could throw at Charming, little digs meant to get under his skin, or details he could demand just to watch him squirm. He had a hundred of those lined up. But then…Morgie. The conversation he’d had with his roommate flickered back to mind, and he hesitated. This was stupid. Beyond stupid. But, what the hell he was gonna ask.

“Since I’m your date for this whole ball thing,” he started, testing the waters. “Can I ask for a favor?”

Charming’s gaze softened, almost too genuine for Hook to handle. “As long as it’s not life-threatening or…you know, too illegal.”

“I was wondering if one of my friends could attend the ball. And before you get all princely on me, he’s harmless, truly.” In reality his sorcerer best friend was more of a threat to himself than anyone else.

Hook looked away, trying to shrug off the odd weight in his chest. But he continued, “Truth be told, he just wants a nice night out. Deserves it, honestly.”

There was something in Charming’s expression that softened, his usual polishness replaced with another genuine, easy smile, one that had no business making Hook’s drowned heart gasp for air. “I didn’t know you were such a good friend,” Charming said, sounding impressed. “And you’re talking about your roommate Le Fay, right?

“Yeah. He’s been buzzing bout’ one of these since he heard about it, but… well, he’s definitely blacklisted. His mom, you know, is public enemy number one with the neighboring kingdoms, and they won’t let him anywhere near any palace.” He shifted uncomfortably “Anyway, I thought maybe you could pull some strings. He doesn’t even have to enter through the entrance or anything—you could sneak him in.”

As the words left his mouth, Hook felt the urge to clamp his mouth shut and walk away into the rain. He hadn’t planned to share any of this, and the vulnerability settling into his voice made him itch with discomfort.

Since when did he start being a pirate who shares things? And yet, something in Charming’s look like he wasn’t mocking, just listening it made it harder to keep his guard up.

Hook cleared his throat again, forcing a smirk to hide whatever bizarre sentiment had crept in. “So? Think you can manage that, Princey?”

“And you say I talk too much.”

“Just answer the damn question,”

“Of course, it’s a small price. After all, you’re playing my boyfriend for the night.” Charming’s lips curved into a grin that was just a touch too real, the word "boyfriend" hanging in the stratosphere like his ship once did. Hook’s heart felt like it was sinking, and for one horrified second, he swore Charming actually meant it.

Charming didn’t give him a moment to dwell on it before asking, “Why do they call you Captain Hook?”

Hook scoffed, a laugh bubbling up. Charming was asking the most basic of questions, the kind anyone might know if they had half a brain. “Oh, Princey ,” Hook cooed, laying on his accent thick, “I am captain of a ship and I have a pirate crew. That’s it. Not that complicated.”

Charming laughed, his face lighting up in that aggravatingly bright way. “Fair. I feel stupid for asking now.”

Hook felt his face heat up ever so slightly, and internally he wanted to scream at Charming to wipe that damned smile off his face. That painstakingly, blinding grin was going to be the death of him. Yet somehow, instead of snapping at him, Hook found himself laughing along. Just a soft chuckle, but it slipped out too easily, betraying him.

The two traded questions, each answer tugging them a little closer like a game of tug of wars. Hook found himself asking about Charming’s actual hobbies (apparently, the prince wasn’t all horses, archery,—he played guitar too, of all things and of course skateboarding) and about his god awful taste in hair dye (which Hook ruthlessly mocked, If Charming was going to rebel why dye your hair to the royal colors? But somewhere deep down, he kind of liked it on him).

In turn, Charming asked about Hook’s coat collection, his fencing style, and even managed to get a story or two out of him. They exchanged tales from their childhood and near-miss detentions, stories Hook usually kept tucked away. Somehow, bit by bit, he let Charming in.

The rain had kept them pinned under the damn narrow awning, but a minute had turned into an hour, the conversation carrying them through, as if time were the last thing they cared about. Dark was settling around them, night creeping in without a sign of the rain letting up, but Hook wasn’t half as bothered as he ought to be.

“I swear it’s always sunny in this kingdom,” Charming grumbled, looking out at the rain.

The eyeliner-wearing teen let out a short laugh. “How unlucky for you to go on an outing with me. Seems like I bring the storms.” He hesitated, then took a slow breath, hating himself for what he was about to say. “Can I ask a… sort of touchy question?”

Charming’s face softened. “Well, we’re practically joined at the hip right now. Go on.”

Hook could barely meet his eyes. “Why me?”

“Sorry, what?”

“Why me ,” Hook repeated, heat creeping up his neck. He was all too aware of how ridiculous he was sounding, but he wanted to ask this question since last night. “I mean, out of your endless list of admirers—people absolutely dying to go to an actual ball with you—why drag me into this mess?”

Charming’s cheeks pinked a little, but he chuckled. “Well, I figured you’re not interested in me. We could ‘break up’ without any messy feelings. Wouldn’t want to hurt someone who actually had… you know, feelings for me.”

“And the timing was just right. Next time try not to get caught or try to steal from me ever,” Charming added.

“Oh.” It was all Hook could manage, and the word lodged itself in his throat, thick and bitter. It was like a knife twisted in his chest, and he cursed himself for it. Of course Charming thought he wasn’t interested, and of course Hook wasn’t actually interested.

But something about the reminder, about how temporary and fake all this was, made him feel gutted like a fish. Just another reminder that once this ridiculous charade was over, they’d go back to strangers. And a few hours ago, Hook would’ve cheered at the idea. But now? It felt like someone had just punched him in the gut.

And, hell, if they weren’t close now. Too close. He could see the faintest hope in Charming’s eyes, the way his hair had started to curl from the dampness in the air. He could even see that damned smirk hovering on Charming’s lips, that stupidly easy charm (of course his namesake) that he both hated and…

Fuck.

Before Hook could decide how he was going to shove that thought back down where it belonged, but then a shout pierced the quiet, breaking the moment. “ Christopher! ”

The two of them separated so fast, Hook almost hit his head on the awning.

The pair gave each other more space, then turned to see Lionel striding through the rain, looking absolutely livid, his perfect posture stiff and furious. “You were supposed to be back by four! It’s nearly half-six!”

“Ah, Lionel.” The Asian teen straightened, slipping back into his princely facade as easily as putting on a fresh pair of clothes. “I apologize. We got, uh... caught up.”

Lionel’s eyes narrowed, looking from Charming to Hook with obvious disapproval. “Caught up?”

“Very caught up with each other,” Hook muttered under his breath, but Charming must’ve heard him because he stifled a laugh.

“We’ll discuss this back at the academy,” Lionel huffed, holding out an umbrella. “Both of you let’s go.”

Charming waved the umbrella away with a dismissive grin, reaching over to pluck another from Lionel’s hand. “Actually, I’ll take this one.” And before Hook could react, Charming had opened it over both their heads, slinging an arm around Hook’s shoulders like they’d done this a thousand times.

“Hey, what the hell are you—”

“What? It’s the least I can do for you, Captain. Thanks for the clothes and for actually talking to me.”

Hook still couldn’t believe he was here. The pirate wasn’t supposed to like this—not the warmth of Prince’s shoulder against his, not the way he was looking at him, nor the absurd way his pulse raced. But he was already in too deep, he knew it and he hated it.

👑

Hook had headed back to his dorm, claiming he needed some "studying time." Maybe he was actually hitting the books, but Charming doubted it. If he were Hook, he’d probably be doing the same thing after dealing with… well, himself all day.

Who knew, maybe he’d gone for a smoke break, though Charming hadn’t actually seen Hook light up before. Charming filed the thought away for later, not that he planned on asking. Maybe he’d catch him at it one of these times.

But he barely had time to muse on it because he knew he was about to get an earful from Lionel. Charming’s royal butler/life coach/assistant/general babysitter was usually pretty cool about his rebellious streak, as long as he kept Lionel informed of his whereabouts. Today was a different storybook.

He’d left the school grounds and the tailor without so much as a word, and he could practically feel Lionel’s judgment the whole walk to the academy.

“What were you thinking, Christopher?”

The Prince held up his hands, trying to laugh it off. “I swear it’s not that bad.”

“Not that bad? The guards have been looking for you for hours. We thought something awful might have happened. Birthdays always bring either luck or misfortune, you know that.” Lionel chided, arms crossed.

Charming winced. “Do Mom and Dad know?”

“No, not yet. The guards and I have managed to withhold information for now,” Lionel replied, but his face softened a little, seeing the hint of dread in Charming’s eyes. “But who’s to say if they’ll stay in the dark for long?”

Charming exhaled in sweet relief. “Phew! That means I’m off the hook, right?” He chuckled to himself, already mentally filing that joke away for the next time he was around the pirate. The way Hook would scoff and roll his eyes? It’d be priceless.

“Not so fast.” Lionel’s gaze was sharp. “Tomorrow, your schedule is packed from dawn till dusk, birthday or not.”

Charming groaned, rubbing his temples. “What, more formalities?”

Lionel nodded, his tone dry. “Breakfast with your parents, signing letters of goodwill, thanking your loyal subjects at lunch, the works. And then, of course, preparing for the entire celebration. I’ll be right by your side for all of it.”

Charming managed to keep a straight face until Lionel added, “And, I almost forgot—your parents want to get to know your date. They’ve asked you to bring this person to breakfast.”

Charming’s face turned about ten shades of pink. (Worse then Bridget’sFabolous Flamingo Cupcakes), “ Already? I have to make Hook meet them? Lying to their faces is hard enough without my fake date sitting there.”

Lionel’s expression softened, his eyebrows lifting in a way that suggested he knew far more than he was letting on. “Just, how long exactly do you plan to keep this ‘act’ going, Your Highness?”

Charming felt heat rise in his cheeks. “Oh, come on. It’s an act for the ball, Lionel, nothing more. I mean, he’s a school heartthrob —I needed someone uninvested. It was easy. Besides, do you think I’d be interested in someone like him?”

Lionel tilted his head, watching him with that knowing look that made Charming want to squirm. “You’re well aware, I’ve known you since you were in the cradle, Your Highness. You’ve always liked a challenge.” Lionel’s gaze softened a bit, assessing. “And, if I may say, he doesn’t seem the type to let someone get to know him easily. It’s just peculiar that he’s letting you.”

Charming swallowed hard, feeling his pulse quicken despite himself. “Hook is dangerous” He said, calling back to what Ella told him. “He’s not exactly the Charming type—well, he is, but not like—” He trailed off, unable to keep the tangled thoughts straight. (Charming you are not that straight - Author 🏳️‍🌈)

Lionel raised an eyebrow. “We could certainly pull up a few of his detention records, just to confirm if he’s that dangerous. Or perhaps you’re finding the pirate ‘rough-around-the-edges’ look a bi5 captivating?”

Charming’s voice pitched higher than intended. “Captivating? Lionel, you’re reading way too far into this. And really, I don’t think it’s wise to pull up James’ school record.” He cleared his throat, eyes darting to the nearest clock on the wall. “Oh, would you look at that, it’s already dinner time. You can head back to the palace—I’ll just grab something at the Castletaria. Catch you later!”

With that, he made a hasty exit, leaving Lionel chuckling to himself, already knowing that tomorrow would bring plenty more revelations even if Charming still thought he could run from them.

Get it together, he told himself. Captain James Hook was just a fake date to a ball. Nothing more.

🪝

Hook was, in fact, not lighting anything except his own sense of self-preservation as he lay sprawled in bed, wrapped like some forsaken sushi roll in his stolen, imported sheets, today had been something. And, because fate apparently had it out for him, he knew it was far from over. So, he decided to do the only sane thing: curl up in his luxurious cocoon and hide from the world, maybe foreva.

But his glorious self-imposed exile was shattered when his roommate tackled him with all the grace of a puppy on a sugar high.

“James!” Morgie chirped, practically vibrating with excitement. “You’re back!” Morgie’s voice was a little loud for Hook’s sulking. “How was your hot date ?”

“Reminder pretend-date,” Hook grumbled, voice muffled by the fortress of sheets he’d buried himself in. “And before you start, I didn’t deny his hotness. He’s… not that hot.”

“Oh, really?” Morgie asked, raising an eyebrow as he scanned the room, landing on a very incriminating pile of clothes on the floor. “Then why are his clothes scattered around like you’ve just—oh my god, James Hook !”

Hook groaned, burying himself deeper. Oh, right. Charming was still parading around in his clothes, and his own were littered across the floor in a distinctly less-than-tidy manner. The Prince hadn’t folded a single piece. Typical.

“No, no, we didn’t— nothing happened,” he protested, voice muffled by the sheets. “We were just out and about. You know. Around.”

“Oh, I know.”

“And where might you have heard that, exactly?”

“Diablo, of course! Practicing my animal speaking skills,” Morgie replied proudly, looking every bit the delighted student. Maleficent’s blasted raven familiar. Hook made a mental note to wring the neck of that smug bird. But he had to admit that bird was useful for getting info.

“Just leave me alone!” Hook said dramatically, flopping back into the sheets. “I’m dying here, and I’d prefer to die alone.”

Morgie chuckled, shaking his head. “Oh, no, no, you’re not pulling the dying alone card on me. C’mon, James, out of the cocoon.” He gave Hook a few good pokes until Hook, with a final groan, unwound himself from his makeshift tomb.

“There, was that so hard?” Morgie teased, plopping himself beside him.

“Like hell, it wasn’t,” Hook muttered. “I’d rather face a Kraken.”

Morgie nudged him. “You seem a bit distressed . Wanna talk about it? Just two people talking about, oh I don’t know your feelings for the prince?”

“I have nothing to say about him , alright? Just a big-mouthed, holier-than-thou royal who thinks the world revolves around him.”

“Oh?” Morgie said, grinning mischievously. “Are you sure about that? You seem too bothered when he’s around.”

“Bothered?” Hook scoffed, but his voice wavered a bit. “Please, he’s an egotistical prat with a hero complex. And he’s stubborn. Annoying. Insufferably charming. But that doesn’t mean anything.”

“Insufferably charming is his name. And you said you had nothing but somehow said you said a lot.’” Morgie echoed with a grin, nudging him again. “Okay, not that hot, but insufferably charming. Got it.” Hook hated how good Morgie was getting to copy his accent.

“Stop twisting my words. I don’t like being around him.”

“Sure, sure, you just like loaning him your clothes for fun?” Morgie chuckled, clearly enjoying every second of this. “I don’t even get to borrow socks from you!”

“It was a one-time thing and it was a timesaver,”

Morgie looked ready to tease him again when Hook, eager to change the subject, turned to him. “Enough about me. How was your day?”

“Awful. Terrible. Dreadful, as usual,” Morgie sighed dramatically, throwing his hands up. “Though, I did make an origami lilly that somehow emitted real flower’s smell. I don’t even know how. It was an accident.”

“What, another one of those Morgie Specials ?”

Morgie shrugged, his face brightening slightly at the acknowledgment, and Hook decided to drop his own little bombshell. To hopefully brighten up his roommates day.

“Actually, I got a surprise for you,” Hook said, leaning back on the headboard with a smug smile.

“Ooh, la la!” Morgie said, gasping in surprise. “Tell me, Sea Man!”

Hook shot him a horrified look. “Don’t ever call me Sea Man again.”

Morgie laughed, poking him for the fifteen millionth time. “Fine, fine, just spill it!”

“Well, guess who’s going to the ball, huh?”

Morgie’s face fell. “Duh, you’re his date. You’re going to the ball. I knew that already…”

Hook rolled his eyes, chuckling. “No, dumbass—you’re going too.”

For a moment, Morgie just blinked, as if the words hadn’t quite registered. Then, his eyes lit up like stars, and he nearly toppled Hook over in his excitement. “Wait, you’re serious? Me ? Going to the ball?”

Hook couldn’t help but grin at the genuine joy on his friend’s face. “Yeah, you. Come on, you think I’d joke about that?”

“Oh, me, oh my!” Morgie clapped his hands, practically bouncing. “Thank you, thank you, thank you! I finally get to see what happens in a palace! You’re the bestest friend eva!”

Hook smirked, shrugging off the praise. “I mean, it’s probably boring as hell, but hey, whateva makes you happy.”

“Oh, it’s perfect!” Morgie was beaming. “And I’ll get to see everything! The people, the decorations, the—”

“Don’t thank me, thank the prince,”

“You should totally marry him!” Morgie giggled, his excitement spiking.

The second he said it, a burst of dark magic was released from Morgie and all the lights in the room flickered off with a jarring pop, plunging them into darkness.

Hook rolled his eyes, exasperated. “Welp, that’s a sign if I ever saw one. Let’s get out of here.” He started picking up the Prince’s discarded clothes, handling them with an unusual gentleness, though he’d never admit it. “Before you blow up the whole dorm wing,”

👑

Charming couldn’t help but feel something missing as he picked at his dinner, there was a certain pirate-shaped hole was left. The same pirate who had snark and sarcasm feels oddly necessary now. His eyes drifted over the rows of students in colorful outfits, not totally looking for a flash of crimson in the crowd. It was Friday, pizza-and-ice-cream night. He’s going to try to enjoy it.

His gaze eventually landed on the metallic pink cloche in front of him. Bridget’s cupcakes, still untouched, waited there. Being friends with Bridget ultimately meant you were her test taste subject (Not that he was complaining about the free treat but come on their magical). Just as he glanced up again, a familiar figure lounged against the doorway.

“What, miss me already?” Hook leaned in, arms crossed, a smirk plastered on his face that said he knew exactly what he was doing.

“And what if I did, Captain?” Charming countered, meeting Hook’s smirk with one of his own. Two could play this game.

He could see the faintest stumble in Hook’s serious expression; he covered it up with a snort. “Just thought you’d need some company for dessert.” Hook lifted an eyebrow. “No visits from royal friends tonight?”

“Nope, just me, you, these cupcakes, and a small army of guards outside the door.” The Prince said before taking a pause, “The palace must be short-staffed at this point.” He added, rolling his eyes. Ever since that incident this afternoon, it felt like security had multiplied tenfold around him.

“Well, thank god they didn’t get all handsy with me this time,” Hook muttered, “Oh, by the way—I think you’re forgetting these.” In a flash, Hook held up a neat stack of folded clothes in one hand, with Charming’s shoes dangling from his other.

“Oh, I didn’t realize I was still in full pirate attire,” Charming said as he brushed a hand over the collar.

“Careful, wear it much longer and people’ll think you’re actually starting to enjoy the pirate life,”

“Thank you, again.”

For a second, Hook looked like he wasn’t quite sure what to do with that, glancing away before setting the clothes aside. “Right. Now, shall we get to dessert before you start waxing poetic on me?”

“Fine, fine.” Charming reached forward pulling the pink cloche off. Inside sat two cupcakes, iced in royal blue (Bridget loves a color theme) with what looked like a silvery, lace-like drizzle running across the top. A delicate, glittering white decoration perched on each one. It was like a butterfly or a bug of some sorts.

Charming had hoped it wasn’t an actual bug and it was just a design. But knowing Bridget it probably is some Wonderlandian creature or meant to look like one.

Hook leaned forward, inspecting the label under the lid. “‘Lacewing Lure Cupcakes.” (Bridget loves alliteration) He read it aloud, his brow quirking. “Not ominous at all.”

“You’re the one who wanted dessert, remember?” Charming’s grin widened. “Let’s see you eat it, Captain Courageous.”

“You first, Princey. ”

“Oh no, we’re doing this at the same time,”

“Princey, there’s a lot of things we can do at the same time,” Hook said, wiggling his eyebrows in an exaggerated manner.

Charming rolled his eyes, but he couldn't help a laugh. Hook grabbed his own cupcake, giving it a casual sniff.

“Alright,” Charming said, holding his cupcake up. “One, two—”

“Oh, you really have to count?” Hook cut in“Just eat the damn thing.”

They bit into the cupcakes simultaneously. The vanilla filling burst onto Charming’s tongue. It was a familiar flavor: safe, even nostalgic. It was the taste of birthdays and family breakfast occasions, although it was a safe and predictable choice.

Hook eyed Charming as he took a bite of the cupcake, and Charming returned the look with equal suspicion. These enchanted treats usually took effect immediately . Bridget’s magic never wasted time.

But there was no sudden rush, no bizarre side effects. Hook’s hair hadn’t turned pink, and Charming’s vision wasn’t swirling like it had last time she’d given him her rainbow roon cookies. She’d used Wonderland water in those, leaving him seeing colors that didn’t even exist .

“Maybe Bridget didn’t make this one... you know, magical, ” Hook said, frowning slightly.

“Doubt it. She owns every enchanted cookbook ever printed. I’m not even sure she knows how to bake anything non-magical, ”

“Fair point,”

Then the bell rang, signaling it was time to leave the castleteria. Lately, that bell always seemed to come at the most convenient or inconvenient times.

“Want me to walk you to your dorm?” Charming asked, a bit more hopeful than he meant to sound.

Hook raised an eyebrow, his accent somehow more exaggeratedly posh. “What a gentlemanly offer!” he exclaimed, letting out an overly dramatic laugh that sounded like some duchess at high tea. “Yeah, no—I can totally handle walking to my room myself.”

“Not even a ‘thank you’ for the offer?” Charming shot back, feigning offense.

“Thanking people is a privilege, and I won’t let you have that. You’re privileged enough as it is,” Hook smirked, giving Charming a teasing nudge. “But go on, royalty first,” he added with a flourish.

Hook chuckled, trailing close behind. “We didn’t even do anything worth being ashamed of. Yet, so cool it with the shame, Princey Babe, ” Hook said, the nickname slipping out with a bit of mischief.

“Princey Babe? That’s… new.” Charming tried to keep his composure, his cheeks went pink he tried to hide it with a cough. Hook’s odd behaviour had a way of pushing all the wrong buttons or maybe the right ones.

Just as he opened his mouth to say something, a faint, silvery thread shimmered into existence, almost like a ghostly, metallic tether glimmering between them. Before he could react, the silver string gave a sudden, powerful tug, yanking them together.

“Ouch! Shit!”

“First time I’ve heard you curse, Princey. Didn’t know that proper mouth of yours could spit out such filth.”

“What the hell was that?”

“Only one way to find out.” The eyeliner-wearing pirate took a couple of steps away, only to be violently pulled back, crashing headfirst into Charming.

They hit with a dull thud.

“ Oof! Well, that was fun,” Hook said, feigning nonchalance. “Bridget really knows how to keep things interesting, doesn’t she?”

“James, get off me, ” Charming snapped, using Hook’s first name in annoyance.

“ Christopher, you first,” Hook replied, shooting him a devilish grin as he stood up, brushing the dust from his coat and making no move to help Charming up.

As Charming pushed himself to his feet, they exchanged another glare, only for the silvery tether to glint brightly between them. When they tried stepping in opposite directions, they barely made it a foot apart before the string pulled taut, yanking them back together and nearly knocking them both off balance again.

Charming groaned, rubbing his temples. “I’m going to kill Bridget for this.”

“A little miffed at your bestie? Can’t say I’m surprised. I think she just wants us to bond, I think she’s onto something…”

“ This is not funny!” Charming huffed, trying again to put a few inches of space between them, only to be drawn right back, their heads knocking together once more. “Ow—seriously?”

“C’mon, Princey, loosen up.” Hook grinned, clearly enjoying the proximity far more than he was letting on. “You could at least pretend to like being close to me.”

“I know someone who could maybe help with this.”

“Or we could just wait till this wears off.”

“No we’re going,” Charming insisted, raising his chin a bit, not willing to give Hook the lead so easily.

“Always so bossy, ” Hook teased, leaning into the Prince with a grin. “Alright, then. Lead on, Princey. Chop chop.”

👑

Charming adjusted his jacket, his regular ensemble back in place after the frankly impossible task of changing while tethered to a pirate. Every attempt to move apart ended with them smacking into one another like two magnets with no sense of personal space.

Hook hadn’t made it any easier with his helpful commentary, most of it falling somewhere between insufferable and suggestive.

“Honestly, Princey, you could’ve just let me help you. Would’ve been faster,” Hook had said with a wink that made Charming want to fling the nearest shoe at him.

“Letting you help would’ve ended with you somehow making it worse,”

Now, they stood outside Fay’s dorm room, Hook bouncing his foot impatiently as they waited. Fay was, naturally, nowhere to be found. Being friends with a fairy specializing in wish magic had its perks, but patience-testing moments like this weren’t one of them. Fay was still a fairy in training: clumsy, easily distracted, and often too ambitious for her own good.

Fay was more than Charming’; they were partners in their hexology class, a subject neither excelled in. Fay’s spells often went awry, while Charming contributed little beyond his status and good looks.

Despite not being royal herself, Fay somehow managed to secure a room in the royal dormitory, which was the only reason they were both standing here now, waiting for her questionable magical expertise to save the day.

“Should we just pick the lock? We’ve been waiting for half an hour,” Hook groaned, eyeing the door like it personally offended him.

Charming crossed his arms, leveling a glare at him. “We shouldn’t, because that’s an invasion of privacy.” He paused, narrowing his eyes. “Oh wait, you broke into my room yesterday, so you clearly don’t understand the concept of privacy. ”

“No need to dwell on the past,” Hook replied breezily, waving his hook in a dismissive gesture. “Forgive and forget, right?”

Before Charming could respond, Hook involuntarily took a few steps back, and the enchanted thread activated again, yanking them forward until they collided with a sharp thud.

“ Can you not? ” Charming snapped, rubbing his shoulder from the impact.

Hook shrugged, entirely unapologetic. “I told you, we can just deal with this. Be patient, Princey. You can’t get everything with a flick of a wand.”

“ Skater boy! ” A cheerful voice called down the hall. Fay finally appeared, her pastel bows sparkling, result of either a spell gone beautifully right or horribly wrong. Judging by the trail of glitter in her wake, Charming guessed the latter.

“ No, we’re as fresh as daisies,” Charming replied quickly, shooting a glare at Hook, who mouthed smooth. “We need your help.”

Fay looked intrigued, though clearly confused. “Brought some company with you,” she said, her eyes flicking over to Hook, who merely offered a mock bow.

“Well,” Fay said, clutching her books tighter. “What’s the issue?”

Without a word, Hook stepped away again, only for the string to yank them together with the force of a slingshot. Their heads collided again.

“ Could you have been gentler, PIRATE? ” Charming snapped, rubbing his forehead.

“Not my fault you’re so bloody fragile,” Hook retorted, flashing Fay a grin as if nothing had happened.

“Let me guess—It’s another one of Bridge’s baked goods?”

“You know it,” Charming said with a sigh. “You’ve been studying Wonderland magic for a class right? Maybe you’ve come across something that can undo this?”

“Or at least make it stop dragging us together like a pair of marionettes,” Hook added with a smirk. “Not that I mind, of course. Spending quality time with royalty has been riveting. ”

Fay ushered them into her dorm. The walls were painted soft pink and blue, with fairy lights strung up around shelves filled with books and glittery knickknacks.

“This,” Hook said, voice dripping with disdain, “is exactly what I imagined a sugar-fueled fever dream would look like.”

“It’s charming,”

“It’s revolting,” Hook shot back, his gaze landing on a particularly egregious sight: a pillow on the window seat. Specifically, a pillow with Charming’s face embroidered on it, complete with his trademark princely grin.

Hook blinked, then turned to Charming with an incredulous look. “Alright, what in the seven seas is that? ”

Charming’s ears turned red as he gestured weakly at the pillow. “That? Oh, uh… Fay made that for a school project.”

Fay glanced over her shoulder, already digging through her spellbooks. “Extra credit! And what better muse than the kingdom’s favorite royal?”

Hook leaned in close, his voice low and teasing. “ Oh , favorite royal.”

“Shut up,” Charming muttered, trying to ignore the heat crawling up his neck.

“So... what exactly happened?”

“We ate a cupcake. I thought it was gonna change my hair or make flowers talk like last time,” Charming explained, ignoring Hook, who was pretending to examine the Charming-themed pillow with exaggerated interest.

“They were called lacewing something,”

“You two ate a Wonderlandian bug!” Fay said in disbelief, getting a good laugh out of it. The pirate and the royal however did not look amused at this revelation.

“Alright, I’ve got a spells here that might work. Stand still, and don’t interrupt me. We only get one shot cause this is the last dip of Wonderland water I have.” Fay warned she said dipping her wand into the rainbow liquid.

“Oh, wonderful. Our fate’s in the hands of a wand-wielding amateur. Super amazing.” Hook whispered to Charming.

“Don’t be rude. She’s my friend and she’s doing her best.”

She took a deep breath, adjusting her stance. “Okay, here goes nothing.” Fay said closing her eyes shut, “ Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo!”

A spark of magic crackled in the air, a burst of glitter came in the pair's direction and then Hook’s off-white lacey blouse disappeared in a blink of an eye.

There was a beat of silence.

“Didn’t realize you did this type of magic,” Hook drawled, glancing down at his now-bare chest. “Though I’m flattered you wanted to see more of me.”

“Oh, hex!” Fay’s hands flew to her mouth. “I was reciting the spell right why didn’t it come out right.” Her voice was high-pitched and panicked. “I’m so sorry! I’ll fix it!”

Charming was not looking. Absolutely not. He was focused on the floor, the wall but his resolve wavered when his gaze betrayed him, flickering briefly toward Hook. Just a glance

And then another.

Oh no.

He hadn’t expected… that. Hook’s shirts always hung loose, hinting at a lean frame but never quite revealing the details. Now there they were biceps, toned and defined, leading to forearms that looked like they could command a ship just the sight of them.

The curve of his shoulders was sharper than the swords he wielded, absolutely not looking at the chest again he had already caught a glimpse this morning.

But the arms? Those weren’t a crime, right? Focus on the arms. Just the arms. The way the muscles shifted as Hook crossed them casually over his chest as if he wasn’t standing there being a distraction.

“Take your time,” Hook said lazily, clearly enjoying himself. “I’m comfortable.”

“You are not comfortable,” Charming coughed, struggling to maintain composure. “Here,” he said hastily, shrugging off his beige varsity jacket with gold detailings holding it out. “Take this.”

Hook raised an eyebrow, taking the jacket and inspecting it. The royal crest gleamed on the front, a stark contrast to Hook’s usual style. “Really leaning into the whole knight-in-shining-armor shtick, aren’t you?.”

“Just put it on,” Charming muttered, refusing to look directly at him.

Hook draped the jacket over his shoulders with a dramatic flourish, looking down at it with a mix of amusement and distaste. “Not my usual color palette, but it’ll do. For now.”

“This lining of this feels divine though,” Hook somehow added an “O” in the pronunciation of “vine”. (DIVOINEEEE.)

While the two bantered, The fairy in front of them was frantically flipping through her her guide. “I’ll find the right spell, I promise!” she said, waving her wand in the air. “Just... uh, don’t kill each other in the meantime.”

“As long as I get that shirt back.”

“She’s trying.”

“I’m trying!” Fay echoed, pulling out a third book and muttering a spell to speed-read through the pages. The glow of her wand illuminated her increasingly frazzled expression.

Hook leaned closer to Charming, lowering his voice again. “Bet you didn’t think you’d see me shirtless for the second time today, eh, Aren’t you so lucky? Not that I blame you for looking.”

“I wasn’t looking!” Charming hissed, his face somehow growing even redder than it was all day.

“Oh, you were definitely looking.”

Fay glanced up from her book, noticing the tension but thinking nothing of it. “I’ll figure this out, I swear. Magic’s just… complicated sometimes.” After a few minutes.

After looking at the clock, Charming sighed, softening his tone. “You’ve done your best, Fay. It’s almost time for curfew.”

“We can try again after the ball. Right Hook?” Charming added, Hook looked like he was about protest but before the pirate could, Charming grabbed his hand and squeezed it, shutting the pirate up.

“No!” Fay protested, her brow furrowing in determination. “You two aren’t leaving until I fix this. I caused it, so I’ll fix it!”

“Good night Fay,” Charming said walking out the door hand in hand with Hook. He was practically dragging him out before a brawl between Hook and over a blouse.

Charming groaned. This was going to be a long night.

👑

Chapter 5: A Very Long & Late Night Before The Ball

🪝

Hook buttoned up the varsity jacket Charming had lent him, though he made a point of leaving the top few undone. He wasn’t about to let the prince drag him all over Merlin Academy looking like a complete damn fool — just a partial one.

The open collar was enough to show off a sliver of skin, which he added just the right amount of flair the ensemble was missing.

Not that he wanted to admit it, but the jacket wasn’t half bad. The blue and gold royal crest stitched on the front screamed I’m a Prince! LOVE ME! The fabric practically reeked of fruity scents (lemon and bergamot). But it was warm, soft, and the right amount of oversized. He looked good in it, and he bloody well knew it.

But if Hook thought this forced proximity nonsense couldn’t get more unbearable, Charming was going to prove him wrong. Hook found himself strung—literally—alongside the royal teen as they careened through the dormitories.

They were now pushing curfew, which Hook pointed out with no small amount of irritation, but Charming ignored him in favor of fucking harassing his friends for solutions.

First stop? Aladdin (Former thief, soon to be royalty), Charming knocked on their door hoping his genie could help. But alas, no one was home. Apparently, he was off somewhere on a date night with Princess Jasmine on a magic carpet ride. The mere thought made Hook gag. Miles above the air and under the stars? A disaster waiting to happen.

Then there was Zellie, that sheltered tower princess who nearly brained him with a frying pan when he entered the room. “Did she just try to pan me?!” he hissed as Charming apologized profusely on her behalf. “Do I look like a fucking omelet?” Thank the sea gods Charming had intervened, or Hook’s face—his precious visage—would’ve been ruined forever.

He could forgive a lot of things, but a frying pan dent? Never. Of course, her magic rainbow curls were useless for their predicament. Hook had never trusted the whole “singing and healing” shtick anyway.

By the time they made it to the courtyard, Hook’s feet were killing him. He collapsed onto the edge of the fountain with an exaggerated groan, leaning back against the cool stone and glaring up at the stars.

“Princey,” Hook said, his tone dripping with exasperation, “As much as I hate to stop your tour, maybe we should call it a night, yeah?”

“No, we can’t,”

“We could and we should, ” Hook retorted, leaning forward. “Offering me this jacket was chivalrous enough. Honestly, we don’t have to fix this—it’s only been an hour, and you said the magic will wear off soon, right? We can tough it through.”

Wow. Was he being… reasonable for once? That was unsettling. Maybe it was the jacket talking, or the faint scent of expensive cologne messing with his head.

Charming’s expression shifted, though, and Hook regretted his moment of logic. “What about…” the prince began, trailing off awkwardly, “You know… the sleeping situation?”

Hook blinked. “The sleeping situation,” he repeated, like the words themselves offended him. “I hadn’t thought of that.” He sighed dramatically. “We both need beauty rest. I can’t show up tomorrow looking like a haggard sea witch.” He smirked, then quickly added, “No offense to my bestie Uli, though—she rocks it.”

Charming looked genuinely distressed, which only made Hook enjoy this more. “So, we’re sleeping in whose room?” The prince asked, fumbling for clarity. “Do you want to sleep at yours? Or mine?”

“Do you really want to sleep at my dorm after the sight of it?”

“It has its own charm,” Charming said, his tone warm, “Kinda like you.”

That grin. That damn grin. Hook’s face muscles betrayed him, twitching at the corners of his mouth. Stop it, he ordered himself. You’re going to get wicked witch wrinkles.

“Well,” Charming continued, like his flattery hadn’t just broken down his wall “We could check it out, see if it’s comfortable enough?”

Hook rolled his eyes but stood up, brushing invisible dust from the jacket. “If you insist. But when you inevitably tap out, I’m grabbing my pyjamas, and we’re heading straight to your obnoxiously large royal suite.”

“Deal,” Charming said, looking entirely too pleased with himself.

Hook gave him a side-eye as they headed back into the dormitory. He wasn’t sure if he was more annoyed at Charming for making him walk in boots all day or the fact that he didn’t mind this whole arrangement nearly as much as he should.

🪝

“Hello there, Hook’s husband ,” Morgie chirped in a tiny, squeaky voice. Hook couldn’t see where the noise source was, then he looked up to see Morgie hanging upside down like some magical ornament.

Hook wanted to strangle Morgie—not literally, of course, but the little green bat flapping around his ceiling with a long scroll dragging down to the floor was testing his patience. Still, no matter how much Morgie embarrassed him, Hook could never actually hurt his best friend.

Charming blinked, his princely smile unwavering. “What a pleasure to see you, too,”

Before Hook could speak again, Morgie shifted back into his human form mid-air, landing unceremoniously in a pile of Hook’s carefully folded clothes. “It’s okay! I’m okay!” Morgie declared, one hand emerging triumphantly from the fabric chaos like some victorious knight.

Hook pinched the bridge of his nose and leaned toward Charming, muttering, “Do you see this? This is the shit I have to deal with on a daily basis.”

Charming didn’t miss a beat. “Don’t lie. You love all this sweet, sweet chaos,” he said, attempting—and failing miserably—to mimic Hook’s accent.

Hook shot him a glare, his lips twitching in betrayal at the effort it took not to laugh. “Yeah, no. Don’t ever try that again, Princey. You sound like a parrot drunk off his ass.”

Meanwhile, Morgie popped his head up from the mountain of clothes, looking oddly pleased. “Thanks for dropping my roommate off. That’s so nice of you,” he chirped, entirely too chipper for Hook’s liking.

“Actually,” Hook cut in sharply, folding his arms over the borrowed varsity jacket, “He’s sleeping here.”

“Nice joke, James,” Morgie said without missing a beat, brushing lint off one of Hook’s jackets.

“Oh, you think I’m joking?”

“Wait, you’re being serious? Why are you bringing a literal prince back here?”

Charming, ever the diplomat, gave a polite cough. “Actually, I think it’s charming. Your room has… character.”

Hook groaned. “Can you stop saying charming to describe everything?”

But Morgie was already on a roll. “So, what exactly does he do for you, Your Majesty?” he asked, eyeing Lionel, who had been standing silently by the door with his usual air of practiced patience.

“That’s Lionel. He’s Princey’s glorified babysitter. Feel free to come up with your own job description—it’s probably accurate.”

“Should I, like, bow or something?” Morgie asked Lionel, trying to look serious but failing miserably as he extended a clumsy hand for a handshake.

Lionel, unfazed, shook Morgie’s hand with a polite nod. “No bowing necessary. A simple ‘hello’ will do.”

Morgie waved enthusiastically. Lionel waved back, his expression unreadable but faintly amused.

“Anyway,” Morgie said, turning back to Hook, “We need to talk. It’s urgent. Private roommate stuff. You know, just us.” He eyed Princey and then gestured toward the corner of the room.

“Yeah, no can do,” Hook replied flatly, demonstrating the glowing thread linking him and Charming. “See this? Magic leash. Where I go, Princey goes.”

Morgie raised an eyebrow. “Wait… Wonderland? Lacewing? As In the Wonderlandian bug.”

“Bingo! This is Princess of Hearts’ doing—she’s a delight, by the way.”

“How do you even know that?” Charming asked, his curiosity piqued.

“I dabble,” Morgie said with a proud shrug. “Read a couple of Wonderlandian things here and there.”

But Morgie wasn’t done being Morgie. He shot Charming a sly look. “By the way, thanks for letting me go to the ball. Real nice of you to stick your neck out for Morgana Le Fay’s son.”

Charming smiled warmly. “It was no trouble. I thought you deserved a chance to enjoy yourself. It was James’s idea anyways.” The way his eyes flicked to the pirate. The eyes of longing perhaps or maybe loathing who knows?

Hook, however, turned red. “Oh, for fuck’s sake, Morgie, don’t get all sentimental—he’s not adopting you.”

Morgie smirked, eyes gleaming with mischief. “Oh, I love that you think you’re embarrassed by me, James. It’s adorable. And you’re blushing, by the way.”

“I’m not blushing,” Hook snapped, but his face was definitely still a little red.

Morgie and Charming exchanged a look, one amused, the other clearly charmed, and Hook groaned again, muttering something about this being the worst night of his life as he slumped onto his bed.

Once Charming and Hook were settled in, Hook was lying down on his bed, legs crossed and the Prince was on an ottoman in front of Hook’s bed. Without a word, The two villain kid roommates locked eyes. It was time. They didn’t need words for this.

Years of practicing for eventual emergencies on pirate voyages and avoiding trouble had taught them a special form of communication: Pirate Morse Code. Hook’s fingers began to drum on the desk in sharp, precise taps. Morgie’s hand brushed the floor in response, knocking lightly against the wall.

Get him out.How much chaos do you want?Mild. Maybe medium. Don’t overdo it.Medium. Got it.And don’t blow anything up.No promises.

Morgie grinned wickedly, clapped his hands together, and stood. “Well, since you’re my guest s tonight, I think it’s only fair that I provide some entertainment. ”

“Morgie, don’t,” Hook said flatly, though he didn’t even bother getting up.

��Oh, come on, James. It’ll be fun!” Morgie waved his hand dramatically, summoning a small, glowing orb of green light that hovered above his palm. “Let’s start with ambiance.”

The lights flickered, and then— pop —the room plunged into darkness, save for the green glow of Morgie’s orb. “Oops,” Morgie said in a clueless tone. “Guess I’ll need to fix that… eventually.”

“It’s fine,” Charming said, his voice tight, his princely composure slipping just the tiniest bit. That was not Princey’s real smile. Too tight, too forced.

What the fuck do you mean real smile? Hook thought, shaking the idea away.

Morgie wasn’t done though. He flitted around the room like a hyper puppy, pulling out jars of mysterious ingredients and muttering nonsense spells under his breath. “Don’t mind me,” he said cheerfully. “Just a little late-night potion brewing. Totally normal roommate stuff. Right Hook?”

Hook didn’t bother nodding. It was all too familiar for him. Morgie was usually more careful and gentle when it was only the two of them. But right now he was the loudest person in the kingdom.

He uncorked a bottle, and the room was immediately filled with a smell that could only be described as wet dog meets burnt cabbage. Charming coughed, his princely mask cracking just a bit further.

“Still fine?” Hook asked, his tone dripping with mockery.

“Completely,” Charming said through gritted teeth.

Hook leaned back, arms folded, enjoying the show far more than he should. Morgie started making animal noises—random bursts of hoots, squawks, and growls. At one point, a particularly loud and accurate wolf howl startled Charming so badly he nearly fell off the bed.

“Morgie,” Charming said, his voice a strained attempt at politeness, “Do you… need to do this now?”

“Absolutely,” Morgie replied with a bright grin. “Creativity doesn’t wait, Your Highness.”

Hook snorted. Morgie was laying it on thick.

The grand finale came when Morgie started blasting sea shanties from his magically enchanted gramophone. Hook of course enjoyed a good tune so he hummed along. Charming on the other hand did his best impression of what? I’m fine look. Hook swore he saw the prince twitch.

“Really sets the mood, doesn’t it?”

“Hook,” Charming said, his voice clipped but still polite, “I think it might be better if we… shall we go back to my place?”

“Oh, you think so?” Hook drawled, feigning surprise. “I thought you said it was fine. ”

“It is fine,” Charming said, though his forced smile was more of a grimace now.

Hook finally stood, gesturing grandly toward the door. “Well, if you insist, Princey. Let’s go. Morgie, don’t set anything on fire while I’m gone.”

Morgie gave them a mock salute, already fiddling with another potion. “No promises. Have fun, You stay safe too!”

Hook rolled his eyes, ushering Charming out. As they left, Hook couldn’t help but glance at the prince. He looked frazzled, trying desperately to maintain his composure. And yet, Hook noticed the faintest twitch of a real smile tugging at the corner of Charming’s mouth.

Fuck. There it is again. Stop noticing his damn smile, James.

🪝

“Home sweet home,” Charming announced, sweeping a hand around the room as though unveiling some masterpiece. The room smelled like expensive cologne, with every piece of furniture arranged with surgical precision. It was clean, elegant, and utterly lifeless. There was not a hint of personality. (Apart from skateboards and gear, which were perfectly displayed, too)

“More like Home steal home, ” Hook shot back, smirking as he tossed his bag onto a chair with deliberate carelessness, instantly ruining the room’s perfect symmetry.

“How do you never run out of ways to be so… clever with me?”

“Natural talent,” Hook quipped, brushing imaginary lint from his sleeve. “Though I suppose it’s easy when I’ve got such a walking target to work with.”

“Careful, James,” Charming said with a lazy smile. “You’re starting to sound obsessed with me.”

“Obsessed?” Hook coughed, suddenly losing his footing in the banter. He waved a hand toward Lionel, who stood silently observing the exchange like a somewhat supportive parent figure.

Hook straightened, his smirk softening into something a little too tame, almost like he was trying to look serious. “Uh, can I go to the bathroom, or is there a form I need to fill out?”

Charming laughed. “Go ahead. I hope it’s to your liking, though you’ll probably hate the decor.”

“Shocking,” Hook deadpanned, rolling his eyes as he made his way to the bathroom.

The string binding them tugged slightly as Hook moved, pulling Charming a few steps closer before stopping just short of the door. Hook paused and glanced over his shoulder with an exaggerated sigh. “Right. Forgot about this thing. Just… lean against the door or something. I don’t really care.”

Charming rolled his eyes but complied, pressing his back against the bathroom door. “You’re lucky I’m such a gentleman.”

Hook barked a laugh. “Gentleman? Please. You just don’t have a choice.”

Once inside, Hook wasted no time setting up his arsenal of skincare products. He pulled out a black satin bag brimming with small jars and bottles, placing them gently. Like it was all precious loot to him.

His daily multichapter-length routine commenced: cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, all methodically applied in their sacred order. He wiped off his heavy eyeliner with a practiced hook, sighing as he looked at his reflection.

Barefaced, he felt exposed, raw in a way that made him not want to admire himself. But he’d be damned if anyone saw him like this outside these walls. Tomorrow, the eyeliner would return, sharp and unyielding, just like him.

“How much longer are you going to take?” Charming asked, sounding like he was trying very hard not to whine.

“As long as it take. Be patient—or don’t. Either way, I’m in no rush.”

“Guess I’ll be standing here forever,” Charming muttered. “This string thing isn’t exactly comfortable, you know.”

“Good. Maybe it’ll teach you some humility and patience.”

After finishing his routine, he splashed cool water on his face, letting it shock him back to reality. He stared at himself in the mirror, whispering a mantra under his breath. “Get your act together. This isn’t real.”

The thought lingered too long, so he shoved it down into the mental box where all his unwanted feelings lived. Thinking was overrated, anyway

With a deep breath, he tied his signature red fuzzy robe around himself, the black tank top underneath barely visible. Paired with red-and-black striped boxers. Instead of an eye patch he had under-eye patches clung to his skin, completing the look.

He looked like a pirate in the middle of a spa day. Before he opened the door, he gave his reflection one last sardonic grin and praised, “I am so hot. "

Charming then stumbled forward from where he’d been leaning. Hook raised an eyebrow, looking down at him. “Well, aren’t you eager?”

“A warning would be nice next time you open the–” Charming straightened and blinked at Hook, his mouth opening slightly. “Wow. You look… so different.”

“Okay.” Hook’s deadpan response was all he offered before sauntering past him.

Lionel coughed pointedly from the corner, a noise so deliberate it might as well have been a speech. Charming flushed, turning away quickly.

“I’ll, uh, go get ready for bed,” Charming mumbled, retreating toward the bathroom. The string tugged him back, forcing him to pause. “Oh, for—just… lean against the door or something, okay?”

“Your wish is my command, Princey.”

Lionel, to Hook’s surprise, didn’t follow Charming. Instead, he stayed put, his watchful gaze landing on Hook.

“I’ll be leaving for the night soon. Planning His Highness’s birthday ball is proving to be a greater challenge than anticipated.”

“Birthday ball? What birthday ball?”

“Surely you’ve heard about it by now? Your his date to the event”

Hook hesitated, realizing he’d been so busy ignoring Charming at the start of this charade that he’d missed the memo on the birthday part. “Oh, yeah. Totally. I was just… making sure you’re on top of it.”

“You don’t stay here the whole night?” Hook said changing the topic.

“Not anymore,” Lionel replied smoothly. “I think he can manage putting on pajamas and laying in bed without supervision.”

“Hmm,” Hook mused, eyeing Lionel with faint amusement. “You’re surprisingly calm about leaving him in a room with someone like me.”

Lionel offered a small, knowing smile. “If I worried about every questionable decision His Highness made, I wouldn’t sleep at all.”

“Fair point. Must be exhausting.”

“But I’m glad to see you and the prince are… getting along.”

Hook scoffed, though it lacked his usual venom. “ Getting along is a strong phrase. I’m tolerating him. He’s tolerating me. It’s mutual tolerate-irritation, really.”

“Is that what you call it now?” Lionel asked, arching a brow.

Hook narrowed his eyes. “What are you implying?”

Lionel’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly, but the faint smile lingered. “Is that all you need from me tonight, sir?” he called toward the bathroom.

The muffled sound of Charming’s voice came from the other side of the door. “Yeah, you can go. Thanks, Lionel.”

“Good night to both of you,” Lionel said, gathering his things. He paused in the doorway, casting one last look back. “And no funny business.”

Hook smirked. “You wound me, Lionel. I’m the picture of decorum.”

Charming emerged moments later, his face redder than his Hook’s robe. “He didn’t mean it like that!”

“Oh, didn’t he?” Hook teased, thoroughly enjoying the prince’s embarrassment. “Good to know you’ve got a babysitter who cares.”

Charming rolled his eyes, clearly trying to recover his composure. “Just… don’t make this any more awkward than it already is.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Hook replied, his smirk practically glowing.

The pirate finally got a good look at the royal’s nightwear, and he couldn’t decide if this was intentional or not. Charming’s blue shorts were adorned with little golden crowns, which were absurdly on-brand.

But the pièce de résistance was his tank top— It looked like the thinnest, flimsiest beige fabric in the entire kingdom, practically transparent. Hook would bet his last stolen jewel that the thread count was in the single digits. It was like Charming was begging for Hook to stare at him.

Not that Hook did. Well, not for long.

Then came the real problem: the bed.

The two of them stood on opposite sides of the enormous, plush bed, staring at it like it was a riddle neither of them could solve.

“This blasted thing should’ve worn off by now,” Hook grumbled, crossing his arms.

“You take my bed, and I’ll take the floor. The carpet’s nice,” Charming offered. It wasn’t so much an offer as it was a royal decree, his tone brooking no argument.

Hook snorted, leaning back against the nightstand. “No way I’m letting you sleep on the floor, Your Highness. ” He popped off his hook with a flourish, setting it on the nightstand next to a small portrait of Charming himself. “Obsessed much?” Hook muttered, glancing at the photo.

Charming didn’t rise to the bait. “But you’re my guest,” he said, frowning slightly.

“And as the guest, you should listen to me,”

“Oh yeah?” Charming stepped closer, his brows raised in challenge. “Then make me listen.”

Hook didn’t hesitate. He grabbed Charming’s tank top in frustration, yanking him closer. “Oh, sorry—I didn’t mean to—” Hook started, only to have Charming grin and, in one fluid motion, fall backward onto the bed. Hook stumbled forward, landing squarely on top of him.

For a moment, everything stopped.

Charming’s hair, slightly tied back, was disheveled from the fall, this imperfection made him look even more maddeningly perfect. His smirk widened, revealing those blindingly white teeth that had no right to exist.

“Comfortable?” Charming asked, voice low and teasing.

Hook sputtered, trying to find his footing—physically and metaphorically—but Charming wasn’t done yet. With an infuriating ease, he flipped them over, pinning Hook beneath him.

“So,” Charming said, voice low and maddeningly calm. “Where are we sleeping?”

Charming knew exactly what he was doing, and Hook cursed him for it. Hook’s blush crept up from his neck to his ears, burning hotter than a pirate ship set ablaze.

“You’re lucky I don’t have my hook right now,” Hook growled, trying to sound threatening despite how much of a vulnerable position he was in. “Or I’d have pried you open like an oyster.”

Charming chuckled, leaning just a little closer. “Good thing for me you’re unarmed, ”

Hook’s breathing hitched. This wasn’t the same playful banter they’d exchanged before. This was different—closer, more intense. Too intense.

Hook shoved at Charming’s chest, muttering, “Get off me, you royal pain in the ass!”

Charming rolled off with a laugh, flopping onto his side of the bed. “You’re the one who pulled me in, remember? Don’t start what you can’t finish.”

Hook sat up, rubbing the back of his neck. His smirk had vanished, replaced by something quieter, almost vulnerable. “This isn’t gonna happen. We’re not doing this whole… sleeping arrangement thing. I’ll take the floor.”

Charming raised a brow, propping himself up on one elbow. “Don’t be ridiculous. The bed’s big enough for both of us. We can just… stay on our own sides.”

Hook hesitated, eyeing the bed like it was a trap. Sharing a bed felt... real. Too real. Hook could handle taunts and touching. Those were part of the game. But sleeping next to someone? Feeling their breath, hearing them shift in the quiet? That was intimate. Vulnerable. Terrifying.

“I don’t—” Hook started, but Charming cut him off with a softer tone than usual.

“Look, it’s just one night. No one’s asking you to cuddle. You stay on your side, I’ll stay on mine. Deal?”

Hook sighed, his shoulders slumping in reluctant defeat. “Fine. But if you so much as breathe near me, I’m pushing you off the bed.”

“Deal,” Charming said with a smirk, but there was something gentler in his expression now.

Hook climbed in, lying as close to the edge as possible without falling off. Charming settled in on the opposite side, leaving a comically large gap between them.

As Hook stared up at the ceiling, he could feel the weight of it all pressing down—the shared space, the vulnerability, the knowledge that there was someone barely a foot away who could see past his walls if he wasn’t careful.

“Good night fake date,” Charming said, his voice soft as the pillows Hook’s head rested on.

Instead of just staring out onto Charming’s balcony and watching the moon for the rest of the night. Hook closed his eyes, forcing himself to relax. “Yeah. Good night, fake date.”

It wasn’t comfortable, but it was bearable. For now.

🪝

Hook had expected to wake to sunlight filtering through the balcony doors, warming the room. Instead, when he rolled over, his sleep was interrupted by the unfamiliar stillness. The bed was far too empty. Somehow, he’d drifted into the middle, and when he opened his eyes, it was still dark outside.

More importantly, Charming was nowhere to be found.

Hook squinted at the empty room, his heart giving a weird lurch he wasn’t ready to unpack. The cupcake spell had worn off by now—of course it had—so their invisible tether was gone. Still, his first instinct was to find Charming.

Not because he wanted to. No. It was just a matter of… practicality. What if someone had snatched the princely idiot while Hook slept? That would’ve been a very pirate thing to do, and Hook knew firsthand how effective kidnappings were.

He rolled out of bed without checking the time and made his way to the balcony. The doors were slightly ajar, letting in the cool night breeze. And there Charming sat on the edge of the stone railing with his feet dangling, silhouetted against a sea of stars.

He was staring off into the distance, his dark chin-length hair catching in the breeze like something out of a painting. Hook hated how… perfect he looked. No one should look that composed at this hour.

For the first time, Hook hesitated. He didn’t want to disturb Charming’s peace—it felt sacred , almost.

The pirate leaned on the doorframe, arms folded, debating whether to let the prince have his moment and go back to bed. But Charming, ever the perceptive one, spoke before Hook could make a decision.

“Didn’t know you were up,” Charming said, his voice slightly muffled by the closed door. “Did I wake you?”

Fuck. Why did he have to be so considerate? Hook groaned internally. There was no way he was going back to bed now, not with Mr. Perfect sitting out there like some tragic romance lead. His conscience—what little remained of it—wouldn’t let him.

Hook opened the balcony door, stepping out into the cool night air. It was chilly, the kind of cold that seeped into your skin but wasn’t quite uncomfortable. Above them, the stars scattered like spilled jewels, the moon shining brighter than Hook liked. Too much good lighting.

“Why are you awake?”

“I could ask you the same thing,” Charming countered without looking over. “But if you must know, I couldn’t sleep because you were on my side of the bed.”

Hook narrowed his eyes. He wasn’t an expert, but he could smell bullshit when it wafted in his direction.

“Is that so?” Hook asked, he tried his best not to sound baffled.

Charming finally turned to face him, the moonlight catching his smirk. “You heard me.”

“Well, since this whole lacewing cupcake nonsense is done,” Hook said, straightening up, “ I’m gonna go, Your Highness.” He made a show of turning, ready to leave.

“No, wait—” Charming said quickly, his hand shooting out to catch Hook’s wrist. The touch was light, hesitant. “You can… stay if you want to.”

Hook froze. He glanced down at the prince’s hand, his mouth opening to deliver some sarcastic retort, but none came. He sighed instead, giving in. “Okay. If you insist.” Hook joined the other teen and sat down on the edge.

The silence that followed wasn’t tense. It wasn’t awkward. It was something closer to… peace.

“The reason I, Christopher, am still up at eleven or—” Charming paused, glancing at the stars, “—Whatever ungodly hour it is, is because I stay up until midnight every year before my birthday. Go ahead, call me a sentimental dork.”

Hook tilted his head, studying him. For once, he didn’t feel the urge to mock him. Charming looked soft, almost fragile in the moonlight. “That’s… adorable… happy early birthday,” he said, and to his surprise, the words weren’t laced with his usual sarcasm.

Charming glanced at him, startled by the sincerity. “You do know it’s unlucky to wish someone a happy birthday early, right?”

“Please,” Hook said, rolling his eyes. “You’ve already got bad luck—what with me chained to you magically and non-magically for the last 24 hours. The worst thing that could happen now is you falling off this balcony.”

Then broke the silence “Ah!” Charming yelped, flailing his arms.

“Charming!” Hook barked, lunging forward, his heart pounding in his chest. He grabbed for him, only to find Charming laughing as he straightened up.

“That’s not funny, you absolute asshole!” Hook snapped, his hands shaking slightly.

Charming doubled over laughing, completely unbothered by the near heart attack he’d just caused. “Just giving you a taste of your own medicine.”

Hook glared, but his heart was still hammering. “You’re the worst person I’ve ever met, you know that right?”

“Hmm.” Charming leaned back. “And yet you’re still here, my fake date. You know, most people would’ve dipped by now—or, I don’t know, fallen in love with me already. I appreciate your commitment.”

The bell’s deafening chime tore through the quiet night, making Hook jolt slightly where he sat beside Charming, their feet dangling over the edge of the balcony. The royal dormitory side of the campus always got the brunt of its sound, loud enough to rattle windows and likely wake half the school.

It was midnight.

“Woohoo, I’m eighteen now!” Charming yelled, his voice carrying across the courtyard below.

Hook winced, running a hand through his already messy hair. “For fuck’s sake, do royals not get noise complaints?”

“Come on! Yell with me!” Charming urged, practically bouncing in place.

Hook groaned but eventually gave in, throwing his head back to let out a halfhearted shout into the night. Of course, Charming’s enthusiastic hollering continued until Hook finally slapped a hand over the prince’s mouth.

“That’s enough, Princey. You’ve made your point.” Hook hissed, glaring. But there was no real venom in it. In fact, he was struggling not to laugh.

For the second time with Charming, he felt uncharacteristically free. Just two teenagers yelling into the night sky like the world wasn’t watching.

“Come on,” Charming said, stepping off the rail and holding out his hand in an overly dramatic gesture. It was like he was asking for Hook’s hand in marriage or some other absurd royal nonsense. “Join me.”

Hook stared at the outstretched hand, rolling his eyes. “You’re not dragging me into some sentimental ritual, Princey.”

But Charming didn’t drop his hand. He just waited, all dreamy eyes and ridiculous charm. Against his better judgment Hook grabbed his hand.

The royal led him back toward the open space inside, “I always dance alone on my birthday. It’s tradition. I go until I’m too tired to stand.”

“That’s… possibly the most tragic thing I’ve ever heard,”

“Dance with me?” Charming tone wavered between pleading to downright begging.

Hook sighed dramatically, throwing up his hands. “As I said at lunch, this pirate doesn’t dance. No, thank you.”

“It’s my birthday,” Charming replied, his tone bordering on a whine.

“And why should I care?”

“Because I’m adorable, and you can’t say no to me,” Charming said with a wink. “Come on, don’t be such a Debbie Downer.”

Charming clapped his hands once, and the tiny piano on his dresser sprang to life, its keys moving on their own to play a soft, lilting melody. “Come on, I’ll teach you.”

Hook raised an incredulous brow. “You’re joking. You think I know how to waltz?”

“Is the exact reason you need lessons,” Charming interrupted, smirking. “What If I ask to dance with you at the ball? You can’t exactly stomp around and call it a day.”

Hook hesitated, his bravado faltering for a fraction of a second. The truth was, he’d never danced with anyone before. Not seriously, at least. It was a skill he’d never had a use for, and now here was Charming, insisting like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Reluctantly, Hook let himself be pulled into position. “Fine, anything to make the birthday boy happy.”

The first few steps were awkward, and Hook’s movements were stiff. Charming chuckled under his breath. “Relax. You’re actually a fast learner. Just follow my lead.”

“Of course I am,” Hook replied, his confident smirk slipping into place. It was easier to lean into the facade than admit how nervous he felt being this close to him.

Just as he was starting to find a rhythm, Hook accidentally stepped on Charming’s foot. Hard.

“Oops. Did that on purpose,” Hook said quickly, trying to mask his embarrassment.

Charming just laughed. “Sure you did.” He didn’t even flinch, letting it slide like it was nothing.

Then came the slow dance.

As the piano shifted into a softer melody, Hook froze, his heart stuttering when Charming grabbed his right hand. Then his left. His gaze dropped to where Charming’s fingers lightly brushed against his wrist, where his hook usually sat. A flicker of discomfort crossed his face.

“Nope. Absolutely not. This is where I draw the line,” Hook said, his voice sharp with forced bravado. He tugged his hand back, but Charming held on, his grip firm without being forceful.

“You don’t need the hook for this, you know,” Charming said gently, his voice calm but insistent.

Hook’s jaw tightened as he looked at his empty wrist. “Yeah, well, I like having two hands. Or whatever this counts as,”

Charming’s gaze didn’t waver. “You don’t need it,” he repeated, softer now. “Just trust me.”

Hook hesitated, his instincts screaming at him to pull away. Without the hook, the clothes or the eyeliner he felt exposed, incomplete, like he wasn’t himself. But Charming didn’t treat him like he was missing something. He treated him like he was whole. And fuck that’s terrifying.

After a long beat, Hook swallowed hard and nodded, reluctantly letting Charming guide his left hand to his shoulder.

Their movements were slow and cautious, almost awkward. Hook could feel his heart pounding, each beat hammering against his ribs like a warning. This was too close. Too real.

“You’re not half-bad at this,” Charming teased, a small, amused smile tugging at his lips.

“Shut up,” Hook muttered, aiming for annoyed but landing somewhere closer to flustered. The bite was missing, and they both knew it.

The song ended before Hook could die of embarrassment, and they collapsed onto the bed, exhausted from the impromptu lesson. Hook sprawled out on one side, his arm slung over his face, while Charming lay on the other, grinning like he’d just won a battle.

“See?” Charming said, his voice soft and teasing. “That wasn’t so bad.”

Hook huffed a laugh, his chest rising and falling with deep breaths. He turned his head slightly, just enough to see Charming out of the corner of his eye. The moonlight highlighted the prince’s annoyingly perfect features, making him look even more unattainable than usual.

For the first time, Hook considered stealing a kiss. The thought hit him like a rogue wave, and he cursed himself silently. Don’t even think about it, you idiot. But his gaze lingered anyway, his resolve weakening before he finally tore his eyes away.

“You know,” Charming started, his voice soft and tinged with drowsiness, “You’re not bad company… for a pirate.”

“High praise coming from Mr. Perfect.”

Charming chuckled, the sound low and warm. “Not perfect,” he muttered, his eyelids drooping.

“Oh, please,” Hook teased, his voice quieter now. “You’ve got the face and the body of a Greek God, teeth whiter than snow, and a bloody personality that would charm a crocodile who bit me.” Hook said letting his mouth run a little too much.

“You’d be surprised.”

Hook didn’t know what to say to that, so he said nothing. Instead, he watched as Charming’s head tilted slightly toward him, his eyes barely open.

“I mean it, though,” Charming murmured. “James Hook you’re not as bad as people you are”

“Really?”

“Dunno,” Charming admitted, his words slurring as sleep pulled at him. “You just… don’t care you just follow the wind like a sailboat.”

Hook swallowed, his throat suddenly dry. “Yeah, well… it’s not all it’s cracked up to be.”

Charming hummed, his head lolling slightly to the side. “Still… you’re kind of…” His words trailed off, and for a moment, Hook thought he’d finally fallen asleep.

“Kind of what?” Hook prompted, his voice softer than he intended.

Charming’s lips twitched into a lazy smile. “Kind of great.”

Hook blinked, stunned into silence. Before he could think of a response, Charming let out a soft sigh and closed his eyes fully, his breathing evening out.

“Idiot,” Hook muttered under his breath, his chest tight for reasons he didn’t want to analyze.

Hook lay there for what felt like hours, his mind racing. He was gonna look so tired tommorow but it was worth it.

Then, out of nowhere, Charming shifted closer. His arm draped over Hook in a loose, unconscious hug, his breath soft and steady against the back of Hook’s neck.

Hook stiffened, instinctively shrugging him off. But Charming, in his sleep, just mumbled something incoherent and shifted closer again.

“Bloody hell,” Hook whispered, shaking him off a second time.

It happened a third time, and Hook finally gave up, letting Charming’s big arms stay. His lips twitched into the faintest smile as sleep finally claimed him, the warmth of the prince’s embrace breaking through the last of his defenses.

🪝

Notes:

Hope you enjoy the fic & Remember to give feedback!!! It is always appreciated. The next chapter will be the day of the ball. Are you ready for some hijinx? More banter and sad/fluffy shit in coming.

6 notes · View notes

gayashelljatp · 2 months ago

Text

Prince Charming x James Hook | Trophy Boy Chapter 3.

Content Rating: Teen and Up.

Wordcount: 5946

Summary:

Charming had himself caught up in a pretty little lie, telling his parents he had a date for his birthday ball. Desperate to stop their meddling in his love life, he came up with a plan: show up with someone who’d make the court gasp—a notorious pirate at school, James Hook. It was supposed to be a quick fix: fake a romance, cause a stir, and be free from the royal matchmakers forever. But the more time Charming spent with Hook—as a person, the sharp banter—the more complicated things got. This wasn’t just about pretending anymore. He was starting to get hooked. Or The enemies to fake dating to lovers between Hook and Charming no one asked for.

Notes (Same On AO3):

The other chapters of this fic is up on my tumblr please go support!!! My Tumblr.

Well hello there, the third part is finally!!! This part got too long again and I had to edit it down to around 5000 words and I'm deciding the next part of this will be up in the weekend. Thank you so much for the support you truly don't understand how much that means to me.

This chapter the boys are finally developing their feelings. Y'all get to see Charming and Ella's convo while Hook and Bridget are talking. Once again Hook is too gay for Charming. Charming is to head over crown for Hook.

A few housekeeping reminders:

- This fic has multiple POVs for Charming focused parts 👑 emojis are used on the other hook if it's James it's this emoji 🪝.

- The whole town square scene is inspired by the Cinderella (1997) Film. The outfit Charming is forced to wear by Hook is a look Prince Charming of that film wore in the scene he was pretending to be a commoner to Brandy's Cinderella. Here is said outfit!!!

- It wouldn't be a GayashellJATP fic without a playlist of songs I have on that help immerse you in the universe.

Notes (Tumblr):

Thank you for reading this over here. For the first time I'm uploading a Chapter thesame day as on AO3. I love my Tumblr readers.

Chapter 3: An Afternoon Before The Ball

👑

Truth be told. Charming and Ella had no projects of any sort to discuss.

It was just a convenient excuse—Charming had noticed Ella’s discomfort, and he could use a break himself from the whole pirate charade he had been playing all morning.

He could tell she was trying to keep things cool for Bridget's sake, but the slight tightness around her eyes, the way she crossed her arms just a little too tightly, said enough. And if there was anyone who understood the need for a distraction from awkward royal obligations, it was Ella.

“Charlie, why’d you lie to my girlfriend like that? You know damn well we don’t have any projects together and you know she’s gullible.” Ella’s voice cut through blunt and unreadable, though an edge of protectiveness was present.

Charming, caught off guard, blinked. “Why do you keep calling me Charlie? I literally have the longest name in this kingdom, and none of those names were nickname-worthy enough for you?” He feigned mock offense, waving his hand dramatically.

Why did he blurt things out without thinking? His mouth seemed to have a knack for getting him into trouble lately. And his attempt to change the topic didn’t seem to be working. Judging by Ella’s raised eyebrow.

“I think Charlie is better than calling you Charming . That’s not even a name—it’s just an adjective.”

Charming was going to open his mouth and steer this conversation in another direction but Ella cut him off.

“Stop changing the topic,” Ella said flatly, bringing him back to the original issue.

Charming scratched the back of his head, looking sheepish. “Well…”

“Well, what?”

“You, uh, sorta looked really uncomfortable back there, and I thought maybe you needed saving,” Charming admitted, his voice trailing off.

Ella rolled her eyes, her lips curling into the barest hint of a smirk. “I don’t need to save from that conversation. Thank you very much.” She tilted her head slightly. “But thanks to your savior complex, here we are.”

Charming chuckled, rolling his eyes. “You’re welcome, my damsel in distress.”

Ella shot him a look, unimpressed but not entirely unamused. “As much as I’m not ready to leave the kingdom or, you know, break the news to my stepmother that I’m vanishing into Wonderland for Bridget’s quote-unquote ‘day trip through a rabbit hole,’ it’s happening.”

“Not excited to meet her people?”

Ella crossed her arms tighter, a sarcastic smile tugging at her lips. “First of all, can we not call them her people ? I am one of your people. Just because I’m dating a princess doesn’t mean I’m suddenly not a regular citizen.” She paused, then added, “But that’s beside the point.”

Charming grinned, leaning back in his chair. “Would you prefer to call them your loyal subjects then?” His voice took on an exaggerated posh accent—almost unconsciously mimicking a certain pirates’ distinctive British drawl.

“I hate you,” Ella shot back, but her tone lacked any real venom.

“No, you don’t,”

Ella sighed, her expression softening. “It’s just... I’m not used to this whole royal schtick, you know?”

“Hey! This royal schtick is literally our life. You fell for a princess who bakes, so that’s kinda on you.”

Ella rolled her eyes, but the corners of her mouth twitched upward, betraying the tiniest of smiles. “Yeah, well, I didn’t sign up for Wonderland field trips.”

She paused, noticing the way Charming’s gaze had drifted across the room. He was staring over at a certain pirate in red, who was currently locked in conversation with a princess in pink—well, mostly listening as Bridget did what she did best: talk. Hook, for once, seemed to be playing along, his usual sharp edges softened in the presence of the bubbly princess.

“What’s your deal with the pirate?”

Charming blinked, snapping back to attention. “What?” He had zoned out completely, his mind wandering as he watched Hook.

“He looks like bad news,”

Charming sighed, leaning forward on the table. “He is bad news,” he muttered, more to himself than to Ella.

“So, you like hanging out with pirates now?”

Charming chuckled under his breath. “I guess,” he admitted. “But he is exhausting.”

A sly smile spread across Ella’s face, a knowing glint in her eyes. “I didn’t know you liked the bad ones, Charming.”

He opened his mouth to retort, but the words caught in his throat. He hesitated, unsure how to respond.

Ella’s grin widened. “I think you like him,” she teased, her tone sing-song.

“Well, duh, I’m bringing him to the ball,” Charming said, his tone light, but there was something else there—something that even he wasn’t sure how to explain.

Ella’s eyes narrowed, her smirk fading into a more serious expression. “Don’t play with me Charming. You two are obviously not together. Am I right or am I wrong?”

Charming hesitated, his heart doing that weird, uncomfortable thing of beating too fast, especially lately whenever Hook was a topic. “Well, yes, but—”

“No buts. It’s obvious to me,” Ella interrupted. “I was racking my brain. How did my prince friend finally settle, and settle for one of my old tormentors, at that?” Her voice was sharp, but there was a care there too—almost like she was looking out for him, even as she teased.

Charming sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I know how to settle down,” he muttered, a little defensively. “I just... haven’t found the one yet.”

Ella softened slightly, but her expression remained firm. “All I’m saying is, be careful. His crew were the ones making fun of me and Bridget a semester ago. He may look dreamy to you, but you gotta remember who you’re dealing with.”

Charming glanced back over at Hook, who was now laughing at something Bridget had said. He couldn’t deny that there was something about the pirate that drew him in, something that made him want to know more, even if Hook’s past and present self were less than stellar.

“Yeah,” Charming said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. “I know.”

Ella studied his face for a moment, her expression softening. “Just... don’t get hurt, okay?”

Charming smiled, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I won’t,” he said, though he wasn’t entirely sure if he believed it.

The prince knew that the pirate had too much of an upper hand on him. He should probably do something about it eventually. Get on an even playing field.

The bell finally rang, signaling the end of yet another awkward meal. As Hook and Bridget approached, the two were laughing— actually laughing —and it was... weird. Charming raised a brow. Hook, of all people, getting along with Bridget? It felt unexpected, almost unnatural, it’s like Hook caught the wonderland or something.

“We gotta go, but it was so nice meeting you, Hook, outside of Uliana and your crew. Tell her I said hi,” Bridget chirped, her bubbly energy unshakable.

“I will,” Hook replied smoothly, lying through his teeth. Even if Charming had only briefly met Uliana, he knew the sea witch wasn’t exactly the nicest sea creature in the ocean. The thought of her hearing anything cheerful from Bridget was laughable.

“Just give one of the card guards the cloche,” Bridget said, smiling. “And enjoy the cupcakes!”

Hook nodded, flashing his signature grin. “I will, lass.”

Charming chuckled. “I’ll see you after your trip, Princess Ella .”

Ella, already halfway out the door, scoffed. “ Princess Ella doesn’t sound right.” The pair disappeared down the hallway, and Charming caught a glimpse of Ella asking Bridget if she was really okay with Hook. Bridget, to his surprise, seemed to genuinely enjoy his company.

That left Charming and Hook, once again, in the now-empty room, back to awkwardly tolerating each other’s presence.

"You seemed to enjoy Bridget’s company more than mine,” Charming remarked, his tone more keen than he intended.

“Oh, I’m sorry, your royal highness . Should I have valued your company more?” Hook shot back, sarcasm dripping from his words, reminding Charming exactly who he was dealing with.

Charming sighed, rubbing his temple. He wanted this to end already, but a small part of him secretly enjoyed this. It kept things interesting, even if Hook’s smugness was starting to get old.

“Let’s just eat the damn cupcakes,” Hook said suddenly, flipping open the metallic pink cloche to reveal two cupcakes with blue icing.

Charming eyed them warily. “Are you sure about that? These things have… effects. To say the least.”

Hook grinned, that playful glint in his eye back in full force. “Oh, come on, where’s your edge, Charming?” he teased.

“And trust me, I’m well aware of their effects . Remember when Uliana got turned into a flamingo after eating too many of Bridget’s Flamingo Feather cupcakes?” He laughed, clearly relishing the memory. “Highlight of my life.”

Charming still stared at the cupcake, his stomach doing flips. “So… what do these do? Did you ask her?”

“Who knows?” Hook shrugged, already lifting one and inspecting it like it was a simple trinket.

"We’ll save those for later," The Prince muttered, still feeling cautious.

Hook raised an eyebrow. “Where’s your adventure, Princey?”

Charming ignored the comment, shifting the conversation. “We should get going. The tailor is expecting us soon.” He straightened his jacket, hoping to change the subject and focus on anything other than whatever Bridget's cupcakes could potentially do. He wasn’t ready for whatever wonder came with them.

“The royal tailor, right”

“I’m surprised you still remember. I thought you were too bored out of your mind to even notice things.”

“I always notice things.” Surprisingly, Hook just responded in a normal manner, his expression more civil than usual. No snarky retort, no sarcastic quip. Just… agreement.

Charming felt a flicker of opportunity in Hook’s vulnerability. If Hook wanted to play games, he could too. He took a calculated breath and decided to up the ante. “Can I ask you for a favor?” He asked testing out the waters.

Hook raised an eyebrow, giving him a half-amused look. “This whole fake dating thing is already a favor, but sure.” His voice wasn’t nearly as irritated as it usually was, which only fueled Charming’s newfound confidence.

Charming took a step closer, his smirk widening just enough to be noticed. “Let’s go to your dorm.”

Hook blinked, taken aback. “Why exactly?” He is cocked slightly to the left, his skepticism showing. “You don’t seem to like it there. I could tell by your judgy eyes.”

“I don’t have judgy eyes,” Charming retorted with mock offense. Hook shot him a look that screamed ‘Yeah, right’ but before he could comment, Charming continued. “Let’s just say I need something from you.”

Hook crossed his arms, the pirate’s suspicious gaze locking onto Charming’s. “What do you want, Princey?”

Charming shrugged nonchalantly, stepping around Hook as if the question didn’t bother him. “Do you trust me or not?” he asked, casting a glance over his shoulder with an innocent smile—knowing full well Hook hated not having control of the situation.

Hook’s eyes narrowed, suspicion growing, but he didn’t object. “Fine,” Hook said, voice clipped. “Let’s go, Your Royal Highness,”

Charming gave a small nod, satisfied. “Lead the way, Captain.” The word captain slipped smoothly out of his mouth for the first time. But he saw how Hook tensed up.

He could feel Hook’s growing frustration, he kinda felt bad but in some twisted way enjoyed it. Just this once, Charming was going to tease Hook a little.

Uno reverse.

🪝

The walk to Hook’s dorm was filled with an almost painful silence. Hook, for the first time in his life, was genuinely trying to read someone and failing miserably. He was always the one with the upper hook (hand), always the one to toy with others—yet here he was, feeling entirely clueless.

The silence was unnerving, to say the least. It’s almost like Princey has something planned. He’s just going to have to fuck around and find out on his own.

Once they arrived at Hook’s door, instead of using his keys like a normal person, Hook lazily used his hook to pick the lock. It was just easier. Plus, the rusty silver hook he wore today still got the job done.

The pirate had a sixth sense when it came to bitches judging him. And those senses were tingling: He could feel Charming’s judging eyes on him, though Hook turned around, shooting him a glare.

“What?” Hook asked, turning to catch Charming mid-smirk. “Don’t judge me. This is more convenient.”

“I’m not judging. I finally got the answer to how you got into my room yesterday,” Charming said, the smile growing, a little too smug for Hook’s liking.

The smugness in his tone irritated Hook more than usual. Yeah, he was starting to see what was happening here. Something about Charming had changed, and it was driving him fucking nuts.

“Alright, you got what you wanted. Now, care to explain why you’re so eager to get into my room? What’s your royal agenda here?” Hook raised an eyebrow, trying to regain some of the upper hand.

“I usually borrow Lionel’s clothes when I need to… blend in,” Charming said, trailing off with a slight grin that Hook recognized too well. The pirate's heart sank, realizing what the prince was implying.

Oh, no. Absolutely not.

Hook’s expression immediately soured. “Absolutely not! There is no way in hell you’re borrowing my clothes.” Those were his babies—every piece was carefully curated, either thrifted or swiped from the best shops in the land.

Not even Morgie, his best friend, got to touch them. There was no way he was letting some royal prance around in them.

Charming, however, was not dissuaded. “I don’t like drawing attention to myself. If I wear my usual clothes, I’ll have guards on my ass within seconds. Your clothes are my best chance at blending in.”

Hook wanted to call him out— when has Prince Pretty ever not drawn attention to himself? —but he refrained, another moment of silence stretching between them. And then, like always, Hook couldn’t help himself.

“As if a disguise could hide that pretty face of yours,” Hook shot back, the words spilling out of him too quickly for him to realize what he was saying.

Charming froze for a second, and Hook mentally kicked himself. Had he really just said that? He waited for Charming to turn into a stuttering mess, but the prince stayed calm, unnervingly so.

Hook, refusing to let his slip-up show, smirked. “What? You think I don’t recognize a handsome face when I see one?” He was trying to play it off, but something about this interaction felt different.

Charming didn’t miss a beat. “So… is that a yes?”

Hook groaned internally, forcing his usual bravado back into his voice. “Fine. But I’ll pirate you up into something decent. Be careful with them, or else…” He gestured with his hook, though they both knew the threat held no weight anymore.

The pirate turned to rummage through his precious pile of clothes. As he did, he felt the prince’s eyes on him, and it made his skin crawl. Why was Charming staring so hard? He knew he was hot, but this was bordering on uncomfortable.

Trying to shake off the feeling, He grabbed a short-sleeved, button-up shirt that, admittedly, would look damn good on Charming. Compromising with Charming’s love of the color beige, the shirt was brown with a slight reddish tone.

It would look so good if Charming unbuttoned a few of the top buttons. The thought made Hook pause, eyes narrowing as his mind briefly drifted to the idea of Charming wearing the shirt. It would show off his chest—wait, why was he thinking about that?

Focus, Hook.

He tossed a pair of matching trousers onto the bed, simple but fitted enough to make an impression. Maybe a little tight on Charming’s build. They’d show off the prince’s—STOP. Hook mentally slapped himself. Why was he having these thoughts?

He turned, handing the clothes to Charming. “Here. These should fit you.”

“Thanks,” Charming said, the politeness in his tone almost too sugary sweet. Then, with a deliberately innocent expression, the prince added, “Your bathroom looks a bit cramped. Mind if I get changed here? You can turn around, of course.”

Hook felt his face heat up. Oh, he’s doing this on purpose. “Yes, super fine,” Hook muttered, turning his back to the prince. “And I’m sorry the bathroom is not up to your royal standards.”

“I’m just a big guy, Hook,” Charming said lightly, his tone betraying a hint of playfulness. “Can’t possibly fit in there.”

Hook rolled his eyes but stayed focused on the pile of clothes in front of him, pretending to organize them as if that would help distract him from what was happening behind him. But he wasn’t fooling anyone—not even himself. He was going to peek. He couldn’t help it. Hook was a pirate, after all.

Slowly, he turned his head just enough to catch a glimpse, and what he saw—well, let’s just say it was better than any treasure (booty) he’d ever stolen.

Charming, mid-change, revealing toned abs, broad shoulders, and thighs that were way too distracting. Hook’s breath hitched, and his heart raced. Is he a Greek statue? No, maybe a mermen. All Hook knew that Charming was a wet dream come to life.

Meanwhile, Charming took his sweet precious fucking time putting on the clothes like he knew exactly what he was doing

He quickly snapped his eyes back to the pile of clothes, his mind spinning. Stay focused, stay level-headed. Just clothes, just the prince—wait, not “just the prince,” that’s the problem. Hook cursed under his breath.

Charming casually brushed his hands down the front of the blouse, a smug smile tugging at his lips. “Well? Ready to go?” he asked, his voice all too smooth.

Hook swallowed hard, forcing a cocky smirk even though his insides were screaming. “Yeah. Let’s get out of here before you make yourself too comfortable.”

But in that moment, Hook realized something dangerous—Charming was starting to get to him, and worse, the prince knew it.

👑

Charming never should have been here in the Town Square, it was practically a royal crime for him to walk around unsupervised, but that’s exactly why he liked doing it. He couldn’t help it.

The thrill of sneaking out, throwing on some normal clothes (or whatever Hook had decided was "normal" today), and pretending he was just a regular guy? It was invigorating. Plus, it amused him to see how easily people missed who he really was with just a change of clothes.

Today, he was walking around with Hook, dressed in Hook’s clothes made him feel a bit too exposed. The reddish-brown shirt with a few unbuttoned buttons on the top felt like it was practically inviting people to stare.

And the boots he borrowed last minute—oh, these boots. How the hell does Hook run around in these all day? Charming grumbled internally, trying to adjust his footing in the heavy leather monstrosities.

He stole a glance at Hook, who was casually strolling down the cobblestone road, looking completely at ease. His dark hair fell across his face with every step, and his jewelry clinked gently against his skin as he moved.

Hook looked like he belonged here, carefree and ‘laxed, not a worry in the world. Charming, on the other hand, felt like he was still trying to fit into a role. Dressing up as a pirate trying to act like he belongs… ridiculous.

Maybe if he loosened up a bit, it’d help. He was in disguise, after all. Charming tried mimicking Hook’s relaxed gait, but he still felt stiff, overly aware of everything even down to the boots digging into his heels.

"You go downtown a lot?"

Hook shrugged, still eyeing the shops around them. “I just wander around for a few hours. Grab a fresh loaf of bread, maybe eavesdrop on the town gossip. Usually, it’s all about you royals.”

Charming couldn’t help but smirk at that. “There’s a great spot for food around here if you’re into that sort of thing,” he added, glancing sideways at Hook.

"You're the only prince I’ve ever heard mention eating outside the palace," Hook replied, sounding genuinely amused.

“I’m the only Prince you know, right?” “Mhm, only you,”

"I promise I don’t fit into the prince stereotypes," Hook snorted. “We’ll see about that.”

The bell clanged loudly as Charming and Hook walked into the tailor shop. The smell of fresh fabric and wood polish hit him immediately, bringing back memories of his mother dragging him here for fittings.

The shop was smaller than he remembered, and a new face was behind the desk—a woman with a tight-lipped expression and a sharp gaze.

She barely glanced at Charming, but her eyes lingered on Hook a little too long, her face twisting with something he can only describe as disdain.

“Can I help you?” she asked, her tone flat and disinterested.

Charming didn’t like the way she was looking at Hook. He didn’t like it at all.

“We’re here to see the tailor,” Charming said, trying to keep his voice light. “I’ve got a, uh, who needs some adjustments for the ball.”

The woman arched an eyebrow, her eyes still glued to Hook. “I see. And we don’t usually get… customers like you here. The royal tailor doesn’t deal with just anyone.”

Charming’s jaw tightened, but Hook remained unfazed, casually leaning against the counter, his hook tapping rhythmically on the wood. “Well, lucky for you, darling, I’m not just any regular pirate,” Hook said, flashing her his signature smirk.

The woman let out a low, unimpressed chuckle. “Is that right? And who might you be?”

Charming felt a pang of frustration. He could already see where this was going, and it was grating on him. For someone who was easily bothered when it came to Charming, Hook was remarkably calm, but that only made Charming angrier on his behalf.

“I’m James Hook,” Hook said, his voice smooth. “And this is—”

“ Your partner,” Charming interrupted, suddenly feeling a sharp need to protect him. He didn’t even know why, but there it was. “And miss that there is no way to speak to a paying customer.”

The woman blinked, clearly not expecting the shift in Charming’s tone. “Who is this partner?” she repeated, a little incredulously. “Well what do you troublemakers want?” She gestured vaguely in Hook’s direction, as if his very presence was some kind of mistake.

Charming could feel his blood pressure rising. How could anyone just— He took a breath. Normally, he’d brush off something like this, but this? No. This was different.

“Yeah, him ,” Charming replied, stepping closer to Hook. “And I’d appreciate it if you didn’t talk to him like that. In fact…” He glanced over at Hook, who gave him a curious look in return. “You know what? Let’s make this easier.”

Charming reached up, fiddling with the hem of his shirt, almost distractedly. “Did no one teach you basic customer service?”

The woman blinked again. “What?”

“I said…” Charming pulled his shirt collar just enough to reveal the unmistakable royal crest on his necklace. “You were too busy judging to notice I’m your Prince,” he said, voice loud and clear, like it was the most obvious thing in the world. “And this—” he gestured dramatically to Hook “—is my partner, James Hook.”

The woman’s face went from confusion to panic in the span of about three seconds.

“Your Highness, I didn’t—oh my—I am so sorry! I didn’t recognize” she sputtered, tripping over her words as she tried to backtrack.

Her face flushed a deep shade of red. It was almost as a deep color as Hook’s blazer. “I had no idea—please, forgive me, Your Highness, I didn’t mean—”

“Yeah, I’m sure,” Charming muttered, barely resisting the urge to roll his eyes. He wasn’t used to pushing the royal angle, but sometimes… sometimes it felt like the only way to get people to stop being complete assholes.

Hook, meanwhile, looked like he was enjoying the show. His lips twitched into a barely concealed smirk, but there was something softer in his eyes when he glanced at Charming.

“Guess you’re saving me now, eh, Prince?” Hook teased, but his voice held a note of appreciation that didn’t go unnoticed.

Charming shot him a quick grin. “Can’t help myself,” he said. “I’ve got a thing for rescuing people.”

“Yeah, well, next time, maybe don’t use my government name in front of assholes.”

Charming let out a low chuckle. “Sorry, couldn’t resist.”

Before either of them could say anything else, the door to the back of the shop swung open, and an older, dignified woman stepped out. Her eyes immediately landed on Charming, and then Hook, and she quickly dropped everything for him.

“Your Highness!” the woman exclaimed, quickly bowing. “I’m terribly sorry for any inconvenience! Please, forgive my tardiness. I hope my assistant filled you in on everything.”

Charming waved her off, still standing close to Hook. “It’s fine we have a few things about your service to talk about,” he said, though his tone suggested otherwise. “Just tell her next time to focus on her job. And apologize to my friend here.”

The assistant, still flustered, mumbled another hurried apology, this time directly to Hook. “I-I’m sorry, Sir Prince’s partner, I really didn’t mean—”

“Don’t worry about it,” Hook said smoothly, lying through his teeth. His eyes flicked to Charming with a nod that said ‘please move on’.

The royal tailor, eager to fix the situation, stepped forward. “Please, allow me to personally assist you both. I’ll make sure everything is handled perfectly as usual and we have a lot of catching up to do.”

Charming gave her a short nod, finally letting the tension in his shoulders ease. He glanced at Hook, who looked more relaxed now, though there was still a flicker of something unreadable in his gaze.

For a moment, Charming just stood there, trying to process what had just happened. He’d always thought life outside the palace walls was easier, freer, somehow. He only just realized why Hook was always on attack mode.

“Well,” Charming said, exhaling deeply and sitting down. “That was fun.”

Hook chuckled, clapping him on the shoulder. “Next time, you should pull out the crown, yeah?”

👑

The fitting went about as smoothly as Charming expected—tight suits, high collars, and a lot of standing still while the royal tailor tugged and measured. The suit his mother had chosen for him was immaculate, of course.

White fabric with gold detailing, a light blue undershirt peeking out from under the stiffest collar in existence. Queen Constantina had outdone herself as she always did.

Charming caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror and sighed. It looked good, but god , was it uncomfortable. He couldn’t help but tug at the collar, trying to loosen it just a bit. If only he was able to just wear his regular barong to the ball.

“Lookin’ good,” Hook’s voice broke in, a teasing lilt to his words. “See? You don’t need to wear beige all the time. You’re capable of wearing other colors, Princey.”

Charming narrowed his eyes at him. “Very funny,” he shot back. “No need to judge my fashion sense since you’re the one who broke into my closet in the first place.”

Hook shrugged, completely unbothered by the mention of the whole breaking entering of yesterday's past. “What can I say? I reckon you look better in this than in my clothes anyway. That’s a very difficult bar to surpass.”

Charming felt a small flush creep up his neck. “You never told me I looked good in your clothes,” he said, aiming for casualness but hearing his own voice wobble slightly. Was he messing with Hook? Maybe. Was his heart pounding? Definitely.

Hook, suddenly looking a little flustered, cleared his throat. “Can I see my options for the ball?” he asked, turning to the tailor and steering the conversation away from whatever tension had crept between them.

Charming was grateful for the distraction, though as the fitting went on, he caught Hook sneaking glances in the mirror. His eyeliner-wearing, smirking pirate pretend date was definitely checking him out, and though Charming pretended not to notice, a part of him was thrilled by his attention.

The problem was, nothing seemed to work for Hook. The suits were either too stiff, too fancy, or just plain wrong . Hook looked uncomfortable in all of them, like dressing up wasn’t something he did by choice.

They walked out of the tailor shop with nothing for Hook, the cobblestones slick under their feet as they strolled down the road.

“Shame you didn’t like anything I tried on,” Hook said, sounding a bit too casual and friendly for Charming’s liking. “I had a whole fashion show just for you. You’re a lucky man, Charming.”

Charming laughed, shaking his head. “Yeah, but none of them were you . It didn’t feel right.”

“Not my usual gig, this whole ball thing,” Hook admitted, glancing around at the streets now dimly lit by the overcast sky. He ran a hand through his hair, and Charming caught himself watching the way his locks fell messily over his face.

“Yeah, well, I don’t like it either,” Charming said, even though he was a prince and balls were pretty much in his job description. “I mean, I’m not the biggest fan of the whole ‘stuffy outfits and finding love part, although dancing is fun.”

Hook’s grin widened, but before they could delve deeper into their not-so-great love for formalities, Charming noticed a group of royal guards walking their way. His stomach flipped—word must’ve gotten out that the Prince was at the tailor.

They walked right past him, not even giving him a second glance, but he knew it was only a matter of time before they figured it out.

“Two words—let’s run,” Charming whispered, grabbing Hook’s arm and taking off down the street before Hook could protest.

“Wait—what—Princey!” Hook yelled, but he followed, the two of them darting through the streets, weaving between market stalls and ducking under awnings as the sky started to drizzle.

Charming could feel his pulse racing, not just from running but from the thrill of it all. When was the last time he did something like this? Something completely against palace rules? Hook was laughing beside him, the sound of it oddly infectious.

They ended up in a strange little alley, seeking refuge in front of a small library tucked between two shops. The entrance had a tiny overhang, but it was barely enough to keep the rain off.

Hook was breathing heavily, grinning like a madman as he leaned against the wall, while Charming stood beside him, still catching his breath.

“Well, that was interesting,” Hook said, his voice laced with sarcasm as the rain started coming down harder.

“Except for the part where we're, I'm about to get soaked in this outfit,” Charming said, glancing at him still in the rain. “At least you’re dryer than me.” He said moving the damp and floppy hair away from his face.

Hook huffed and then, without warning, grabbed Charming by the collar and pulled him under the tiny roof with him.

“Are you out of your mind?” Hook scolded, his voice soft but stern. “You’ll catch your death before the ball. And my clothes don’t deserve a wash day with you in them.” He said it like a joke, but his hands lingered on Charming’s collar a moment longer than necessary.

He wasn’t aware that Hook was capable of giving a damn about anyone else but himself.

I’m fine,” The Asian teen insisted, though he couldn’t ignore the warmth of Hook’s hand still gripping his shirt. “You tried knocking?” he asked, nodding toward the closed library door.

Hook rolled his eyes. “Yes, Princey, I’ve tried knocking countless times. It’s locked. You’d think a library would be open in the middle of a downpour.”

Charming stared at the frosted glass, his heart still racing from the run—or maybe from something else entirely. Standing this close to Hook, with the rain pounding around them and the narrow roof barely covering them, felt strangely intimate. The tension between them hung in the air, palpable and heavy, but neither of them made a move to break it.

“You know,” Charming muttered, glancing sideways at Hook, “This isn’t the kind of getting comfortable with each other I had planned.”

“Yeah, well, I didn’t plan on hiding in an alley with you, either. But here we are,”

“Wanna talk the rain out,” “Since we are basically stranded till this stops you can air your list of grievances and inquiries with me,” Charming falling back into the formal speaking thing he did when he was nervous and he was nervous all the time with Hook.

“Well, where do I even start?”

👑

Hope you enjoy the fic & Remember to give feedback!!! It is always appreciated. Had to leave y'all on a cliffhanger hope y'all are excited for the next part. The boys are about to get all up close vunerable.(And if you reading this on Tumblr. Thank you so much for giving this a read.)

Request go here on my tumblr.

3 notes · View notes