𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬 ❥ 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘹 𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘬

𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠?

~*🪝*~

Through the next few weeks, a transformation began to unfold for Hook. The mischievous, impulsive pirate started to become a better student, surprising even himself. At first, it was a gradual shift; finishing homework assignments that Bridget had nagged him about, arriving on time to lessons instead of dashing in at the last second, and paying attention in class instead of daydreaming about being on the Jolly Roger.

Bridget's influence on him was undeniable. She was patient, consistent, and her tutoring sessions quickly became the highlight of his day. 

He started treating the people around him differently, too. Where before he'd sneer or make a sarcastic comment, now he'd nod and maybe even throw in a smile every now and then. His snarky demeanour around others still remained, but softened around Bridget. He'd strike up conversations with her, listen to her stories, and genuinely be a really good friend. He even found himself taking a different sort of liking to her, which surprised him.

They started spending more time together outside of studying, too. Bridget would drag him to the Academy's gardens, insisting they take a break from books and enjoy some fresh air. She'd bring out her favorite novels, reading passages aloud while Hook pretended not to care but secretly loved every moment. Hook, in turn, introduced her to the wild thrill of adventure; taking her out on his huge pirate ship, showing her how to read maps and navigate by the stars. 

Despite the growing closeness, Hook couldn't help but feel a little conflicted. This new life at the Academy, this new version of himself, was so different from the person he'd been before. Could he really change for good, or was this just a temporary phase? Would the villain in him resurface eventually, bringing chaos and destruction to everything he'd built?

Bridget, however, never doubted him. She saw the good in Hook, even when he didn't see it in himself. "People can change, Hook," she told him once, as they sat under a large tree in the gardens. "You're not just Uliana's lackey anymore. You're the James Hook, and you have a chance to be whoever you want to be here."

Those words stuck with him. James. It was rare that anyone called him by his real name, but when Bridget said it, it sounded right. It felt like maybe, just maybe, he was more than just his father's shadow.

~*~

Castlecoming was just around the corner, and the excitement buzzed throughout Merlin Academy. Students were busy preparing for the grand event, trying on outfits, practicing dances, and nervously planning who to ask as their date. Hook had never been one for school dances or formal events. Back home, he would've scoffed at the idea of getting dressed up and attending some fancy ball. But things were different now, and he couldn't deny that this particular event had been on his mind a lot lately.

More specifically, Bridget had been on his mind.

It had been weeks since they'd started studying together, and their friendship had only deepened. Hook found himself looking forward to their time together more and more, even beyond the classroom. He realized he genuinely liked being around her. Bridget made him laugh, pushed him to be better, and somehow always knew how to calm the storm that often raged inside him.

But asking her to Castlecoming? That was a different challenge altogether. Hook wasn't used to being vulnerable like this. Asking her out felt so different to when he asked Hilde out. Maybe it was because he actually had real feelings for her this time

He'd been pacing around his dorm for what felt like hours, practicing the words in his head. How hard could it be? He was Captain Hook, after all. He could duel with a sword, command a pirate ship, and navigate treacherous waters—but this? Asking someone to a dance? He felt more nervous than he ever had.

Finally, he threw on his signature red jacket and made his way to the library where he knew Bridget would be. She was seated at her usual spot, surrounded by a stack of books. Her pink hair caught the light streaming through the tall windows, and for a moment, Hook just stood there, watching her. She looked so calm, so focused, and for a second, he hesitated.

What if she said no?

But then Bridget glanced up, spotting him standing there awkwardly by the door, and her face broke into that warm, welcoming smile that always made his heart do a little flip.

"Hey, James!" she called, waving him over. "I was just about to take a break. Come join me!"

Hook cleared his throat, forcing himself to walk over and sit down across from her. His mind raced, searching for the right words to say, but all that came out was, "So... uh, Castlecoming's coming up."

Bridget raised an eyebrow, her smile widening. "It is. Are you excited for it?"

"Excited?" Hook let out a nervous laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. "I don't really do... dances. You know, not my thing."

"I figured," she said, chuckling softly. "But it's a big event. Everyone's talking about it. You've got to go, right? It's tradition."

"Yeah, well, I've been thinking," Hook began, his voice a little shaky. "Maybe it wouldn't be so bad... if I went with someone."

Bridget tilted her head slightly, curiosity lighting up her eyes. "Oh? Do you have someone in mind?"

He swallowed hard, trying to keep his cool. "Yeah. Actually, I do."

There was a pause, and Bridget looked at him, waiting for him to say more. Hook could feel his palms sweating. This was it. He had to just say it.

"I was thinking," he said, looking her directly in the eye, "if you're not already going with someone, maybe we could go... together. To Castlecoming. You and me."

For a moment, Bridget didn't say anything, and Hook's heart hammered in his chest. He could feel the weight of her silence, and he braced himself for whatever came next.

But then Bridget's smile grew, soft and genuine. "You're asking me to Castlecoming?"

Hook nodded, trying to play it cool, though his nerves were still buzzing. "Yeah. I mean, why not, right? We've been spending so much time together, and... I think it'd be fun. Unless, you know, you already have a date or something."

Bridget laughed softly, shaking her head. "No, I don't have a date. And you know what? I think it'd be fun too." Her eyes twinkled with amusement. "So yes, I'd love to go with you, James."

Hook blinked, surprised at how easily she'd agreed. "You would?"

"Of course!" she said, her smile never wavering. "Actually, I was also thinking of asking you to go to Castlecoming with me," She giggled.

He felt a wave of relief wash over him, and he let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. "Well, in that case, I'll pick you up at your dorm before the dance. I mean, if we're doing this, might as well do it properly."

"That sounds perfect," Bridget squealed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She was already so excited to tell Ella about what just happened.

~*🧁*~