HEARTHOOK- I hate the way I love you

Chapter six- cards

I shuffle the cards with practiced ease, the familiar motions calming my nerves as I prepare to show off my skills. James watches intently, his eyes narrowed in concentration as I deftly manipulate the deck.

"Impressed, Hook?" I murmur, a playful glint in my eye as I flip the cards through my fingers with effortless grace.

He scoffs, though I can't help but notice the way his gaze lingers on my hands. "Please, I've seen better card tricks from a traveling carnival performer," he quips, the familiar bravado creeping back into his voice.

I raise a brow, undeterred by his thinly veiled attempt to rattle me. "Is that so? Well then, allow me to change your mind."

With a flourish, I begin cycling through a series of intricate card tricks, my fingers moving with lightning speed as I make the cards disappear, reappear, and seemingly defy the laws of physics. James watches, his expression shifting from skepticism to genuine intrigue as I continue to impress him.

"Not bad, princess," he admits, a hint of begrudging respect in his tone. "I must say, I'm rather taken with your...dexterity."

I roll my eyes, though I can't help the small smile that tugs at my lips. "You're not so bad yourself, Hook. Maybe there's more to you than meets the eye."

For a moment, the tension between us seems to dissipate, and I find myself actually...enjoying his company. The banter, the  jabs - it's a dance we've perfected over the school year, and in this moment, it almost feels comfortable, familiar.

But then, as if remembering himself, James clears his throat and leans back, the distance between us once again palpable. "Well, as much as I'm enjoying this little...display, I'm afraid I have better things to do than sit here and watch you play with cards all day," he says, his voice tinged with something that almost sounds like regret.

I nod, trying to ignore the strange twinge of disappointment I feel at his words. "Suit yourself, Hook," I reply, shuffling the cards back into the deck. "I'll be here if you change your mind."

As he stands to leave, I can't help but wonder what's really going on behind those guarded eyes of his. Is he truly as heartless and arrogant as he leads everyone to believe? Or is there more to James Hook than meets the eye?

Only time will tell, I suppose.

________________________________

The next few days pass in a blur, our usual banter-filled interactions punctuated by moments of unexpected civility. It's as if a subtle shift has occurred in the delicate balance of our relationship, and I can't help but find myself drawn to this softer, more introspective side of James.

As I sit in the courtyard one afternoon, absently shuffling my cards, I catch a glimpse of him across the way. He's alone, as he often seems to be these days, his gaze fixed on some distant point. Hesitating for only a moment, I gather my courage and make my way over to where he's seated.

"Mind if I join you?" I ask, my voice tentative but not entirely unwelcome.

James glances up, a flicker of surprise crossing his features before he settles into his usual mask of indifference. "Well, if it isn't the princess herself," he quips, but there's a distinct lack of venom in his tone.

"The one and only," I retort, lowering myself to the ground beside him. "You know, I never did get a chance to properly thank you for the other day."

He arches a brow, his expression unreadable. "Whatever for?"

I shrug, absently shuffling the cards in my hands. "For listening, I suppose. Or at least, for not telling me to piss off when I intruded on your brooding session."

A hint of a smile tugs at the corners of his lips. "Don't get too sentimental on me now, Bridget," he warns, but there's a softness in his gaze that belies his words. And that's first time I've heard him say my name. I don't know why but I rather like it. "Only you would apologize for checking up on someone when they are down" *He says smirking*

We fall into a comfortable silence for a moment, the only sound the quiet rustling of the cards as I continue to shuffle them. Finally, James clears his throat, his eyes fixed on the intricate patterns I'm weaving.

"You know, I've always been rather impressed by your card tricks," he admits, a faint flush creeping across his cheeks. "Perhaps you could teach me a thing or two."

I can't help but grin, delighted by this unexpected turn of events. "I thought you'd never ask," I reply, already sorting through the deck in search of the perfect tricks to start him off.

As I launch into an impromptu lesson, I can't help but marvel at the way James seems to hang on my every word, his brow furrowed in concentration as he attempts to mimic my movements. It's a far cry from the arrogant, dismissive persona he so often projects, and I find myself captivated by this glimpse of the real James Hook.

Perhaps, just perhaps, there's more to our relationship than endless bickering and mutual disdain. Maybe, just maybe, we can find a way to coexist, to even...dare I say it, become friends.

It's a thought that both excites and terrifies me, but as I watch the light of genuine interest and wonder flicker in James' eyes, I can't help but feel a strange sense of hope blooming in my chest.

.