What was meant to be

Hiding

Bridget and James had been dating for several weeks, their relationship a well-guarded secret. The two of them shared many stolen moments, whispering sweet nothings in hidden corners of Castle Coming and sneaking off to spend time together in the enchanting woods surrounding Merlin Academy.

Their relationship was a beautiful contrast. Bridget, with her affinity for all things pink and her gentle, kind-hearted nature, was the perfect balance to James's rebellious, daring demeanor. Their bond was deepening, and despite the secrecy, they found joy and comfort in each other's company.

One afternoon, Bridget was sitting in her room, surrounded by pink cushions, plush toys, and posters of her favorite characters, including Pinkie Pie from My Little Pony. She was sketching a new design for her latest fashion project when her phone buzzed.

**James:** *Meet me in our spot in the woods?*

Bridget smiled, her heart skipping a beat.

**Bridget:** *Be there in 10!*

She quickly gathered her things and slipped out of the castle, making her way to their secret spot. The woods were their sanctuary, a place where they could be themselves without the fear of being discovered.

James was already there when she arrived, leaning against a tree with his signature smirk. He looked up and his expression softened when he saw her.

"Hey, Pinky," he teased gently, using the nickname he'd given her after seeing her room.

Bridget rolled her eyes playfully. "Hey, James."

They embraced, and Bridget felt the familiar warmth and safety of being in his arms. They sat down on the grass, their fingers entwined, and began to talk about their day.

"I've been thinking," Bridget said, her voice hesitant. "Maybe we should tell people about us. I'm tired of hiding."

James frowned, concern etched on his face. "You know how people will react, especially my friends. They're not exactly... kind-hearted."

"I know," Bridget said, squeezing his hand. "But I don't care what they think. I'm proud to be with you."

James smiled, touched by her words. "You're amazing, you know that?"

Before Bridget could respond, they heard a rustling in the bushes. They both turned to see four figures emerging from the shadows—Uliana, Maleficent, Hades, and Morgi, James's friends and fellow villains.

"Well, well, well," Uliana sneered, crossing her arms. "What do we have here?"

James stood up quickly, pulling Bridget behind him. "None of your business, Uliana."

Maleficent laughed, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Oh, but it is our business, Hook. We've been wondering where you've been sneaking off to."

Hades stepped forward, his expression a mix of curiosity and amusement. "Didn't know you had a thing for pink, mate. What's next? Tea parties and tiaras?"

Bridget felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment, but she held her ground, standing tall beside James.

"Leave her out of this," James growled, his protective instinct kicking in.

Morgi raised an eyebrow. "Relax, Hook. We're just having a bit of fun. Never thought you'd go for someone so... different."

Maleficent smirked. "Yeah, she's like a walking candy store. Everything pink and sweet."

Uliana snickered. "More like you're dating Pinkie Pie from My Little Pony." <—— *Yes a Deadpool reference*

The group burst into laughter, and Bridget felt her cheeks burning with a mix of embarrassment and anger. But she held her ground, standing tall beside James.

"Yes, I love pink, and yes, I adore sweet things," she said, her voice strong. "But that doesn't make me any less of a person. And it certainly doesn't make me any less deserving of love and respect."

The villains exchanged glances, their smirks fading slightly. Bridget's confidence and courage caught them off guard.

Hades shrugged, a hint of respect in his eyes. "Fair enough, Princess. You're braver than most."

Uliana rolled her eyes but didn't say anything more. Maleficent, however, looked at James with a grin.

"Guess you're full of surprises, Hook," she said in a snarky tone. "Didn't think you had it in you to date a princess."

James relaxed slightly, his protective stance softening. "Yeah, well, she's special."

Bridget smiled up at him, her heart swelling with love. Despite the teasing and the secrecy, she knew they were strong enough to face anything together.

"Come on," James said, taking her hand. "Let's get out of here."

They walked away, leaving the villains behind. As they made their way back to the castle, Bridget felt a sense of relief and triumph. They had faced their first challenge together and come out stronger for it.

Back in the castle, they found a quiet corner and sat down, their fingers still intertwined.

"Thank you for standing up for me," Bridget said softly. "It means a lot."

James smiled, his eyes filled with affection. "Always, Pinky. I'll always protect you."

They leaned in and kissed, a sweet and tender moment that solidified their bond. As they pulled away, Bridget felt a sense of certainty and peace.

"We'll tell people when we're ready," she said. "But for now, let's just enjoy our time together."

James nodded, his thumb tracing circles on her hand. "Agreed. And no matter what, we'll face everything together."

Bridget rested her head on his shoulder, feeling content and happy. They might have been from different worlds, but their love was strong enough to bridge any gap. And as they sat there, wrapped in each other's embrace, they knew that their journey was just beginning.

The next few days passed in a blur of stolen kisses, shared laughter, and whispered secrets. Bridget and James found joy in their moments together, their bond growing deeper with each passing day. They met in their secret spot in the woods whenever they could, finding solace in each other's presence.

One evening, James invited Bridget to his dorm room for a quiet night in. Bridget was excited, her heart racing as she made her way to his room. When she arrived, she was greeted by the sight of James standing at the door, a warm smile on his face.

"Hey, Pinky," he said, pulling her into a hug.

"Hey, James," Bridget replied, smiling up at him.

They entered his room, which was surprisingly cozy for someone with a bad boy reputation. James had set up a small picnic on the floor with blankets, pillows, and a spread of food. Bridget felt a surge of affection for him; he always found ways to make her feel special.

"This looks amazing," Bridget said, sitting down on the blankets.

"I wanted to do something nice for you," James said, sitting beside her. "You deserve it."

They spent the evening talking, laughing, and enjoying the food. James opened up about his past, sharing stories of his life before Merlin Academy and the struggles he had faced. Bridget listened intently, her heart aching for him.

"You've been through so much," she said softly, reaching out to take his hand.

James nodded, a distant look in his eyes. "Yeah, but I've learned to cope. And now I have you, which makes everything better."

Bridget felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes. "I'm so glad we found each other."

James smiled, pulling her into his arms. "Me too, Bridget. Me too."

They spent the rest of the evening cuddled up together, talking about their hopes and dreams for the future. Bridget felt a deep sense of contentment, knowing that she had found someone who understood and cared for her deeply.

As the night drew to a close, they shared a sweet, lingering kiss before saying goodnight. Bridget made her way back to her room, her heart full of love and hope for the future.