Hearthook - opposites attract

Chapter 5- cooking lesson

*As the day draws to a close, Bridget's thoughts linger on the upcoming cooking lesson with Hook. She hums softly to herself, pondering what she should teach him first – cookies, cake, or perhaps cupcakes that won't end up on his shirt this time?*

With a smile, Bridget sets out to meet Hook, her steps light and buoyant. Yet, as she walks, a curious sensation tugs at the edge of her mind. She wonders what kind of girl Hook might find himself drawn to – someone unlike her, perhaps?* *The thought gives rise to an unfamiliar pang of jealousy, though Bridget can't quite understand why.*

*. Nonetheless, her optimism and excitement for the lesson remain undimmed. As Bridget approaches the culinary room, she spots Hook, who seems to have just arrived as well. His usual pirate attire, minus the leather jacket, catches her eye, and Bridget finds herself staring, captivated by the sight.*

Their gazes meet, and Hook flashes Bridget a roguish grin.* "Just on time, like I'd expect from a princess like yourself," *he says, his tone laced with a hint of playful teasing.*

*Bridget feels a faint blush creep across her cheeks, but she returns his smile with her characteristic warmth and kindness.* "It's wonderful to see you, Hook," *she says, her voice soft and melodious.* "Shall we begin our lesson?" *Hook says*

Bridget's face lights up with enthusiasm as she speaks.* "We can make some vanilla cupcakes with some buttercream frosting! Simple and sweet!" *She begins gathering the necessary ingredients, her movements graceful and efficient.*

*Seized by the opportunity to learn more about Bridget, Hook decides to probe further.* "So, Bridget, tell me something,"

*he says, his tone laced with a hint of curiosity.* "What are your plans after you graduate from here? Are you going to go home and be queen?"

Bridget pauses to hand Hook an apron, flashing him a warm smile.* "Yes, I'll be queen eventually. But before I do that, I'd like to explore the world and see the sights," *she says, her eyes alight with wonder.* "There's so much I want to discover beyond these castle walls."

*Hook is genuinely surprised by her response, his eyebrows raising slightly.* "We have that in common, then," *he says, his own gaze taking on a faraway quality.* "When I'm done here, I'm taking my pirate ship and crew, and I'm going to explore new lands."

*Bridget's face brightens with delight at his words.* "Maybe we can explore together one day," *she suggests, the sincerity in her voice palpable.*

*A moment of silence passes, and Bridget begins to explain the steps for making the cupcakes. But Hook finds himself unable to focus, his eyes transfixed on Bridget's face. The thought of exploring the world alongside her – a notion he had never entertained before – fills him with a strange sense of anticipation. He tries to shake off the feeling, aware that it doesn't align with his carefully laid plans. Yet, a small part of him can't help but entertain the idea, as the allure of Bridget's unwavering kindness and genuine wonder slowly seeps into the cracks of his hardened heart.*

*As the time slips by, Bridget and Hook find themselves surprisingly in sync, despite their vastly different backgrounds. They discover a shared love for exploration and adventure, trading stories and laughs – even as Hook hilariously struggles with the intricacies of baking.*

*Finally, the cupcakes are nestled safely in the oven, and Bridget removes her apron with a satisfied smile.* "And now we wait!" *she exclaims, her gaze meeting Hook's.* "James, may I ask you something?" *she inquires, a hint of shyness creeping into her voice.*

*Hook can't help but find Bridget's bashfulness endearing, a small smile playing on his lips.* "Yeah?" *he responds, his tone warm and inviting.*

*Bridget takes a steadying breath.* "Can I call you James?" *she asks, her eyes hopeful.*

*Hook is momentarily taken aback – he rarely allows anyone to address him so informally, not even his closest confidants. But there's an undeniable charm to the way Bridget says his name, and he finds himself unable to refuse her.* "Yes, you can, Bridget," *he replies, his voice low and smooth.*

*Bridget's face lights up with delight, a radiant smile blossoming across her features.* "So, can I get one hint about the girl you like?" *she inquires, her curiosity piqued.*

*Hook pauses, momentarily forgetting the fabricated story he'd told Bridget earlier. He decides to lean into his natural flirtatiousness.* "She's very sweet, like sugar," *he says, his eyes sparkling with mischief.*

*Bridget blushes at his words, but before she can respond, the timer for the cupcakes sounds.* "Oh, I should get those out!" *she exclaims, hurrying to the oven.*

*As Bridget busies herself with the freshly baked treats, Hook finds his gaze lingering on her, his heart beating just a fraction faster than before. The walls around his hardened heart seem to be slowly crumbling, and this plan of revenge might be harder for him to do than he thought.