Anchored • Harry Hook ✔

o t t e

"He was otherwordly"

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FOR the first time ever, after six miserable months, my eyes met his crystallized ones. I was in a daze. He was looking at me with that same worshipping gaze and a little bit of craziness on the side. A smile slowly etched on my face while I brushed the wet lock that has fallen on his handsome face. I never wanted to wake up in this dream. He gave me that same smile that makes those butterflies in my stomach go crazy as he gripped my waist closer to his body. Our faces were inches from one another. I look at his red plump lips, my throat going dry at how kissable they are. I can't believe this is happening. Poseidon! Please, don't wake me up.

I bit my lip when he inched closer to me, the sound of rushing water filled the air along with our heavy breathing. "Erina..." he whispered longingly, looking at me with hooded eyes. My eyes widened when I heard my name leave his lips. My mouth dropped when I heard the splashing of water.

Oh, Poseidon!

I pushed him away, realizing that this is definitely not a dream. He staggered backwards in confusion as I brushed my hair. Laughing nervously, I wade towards the shore, ignoring his piercing gaze behind my back. I cannot believe I almost kissed him! After everything! Get yourself together, Erina!

I internally screamed as I settled on a dry surface, watching as he walked toward me. He sat beside me, our shoulders rubbing with each other. And with every passing second, I can feel my face growing hotter and hotter.

"I didn't think your lovely face can grow any redder, baby doll" he whispered in my ear. His statement only made my blushing face redder. I shot him an annoyed glance as I place my cold hands on my cheeks willing for them to stop. I look like a tomato! He only laughed louder at my action. He is deliberately making you blush, idiot. I ignored him, my gaze falling towards the piece of fabric on my waist, my eyes growing in confusion when I didn't feel any sign of pain or bruise on my body.

"Ho- how did I heal?" I questioned him. My hand gliding on the smooth skin of my side. "The water. It's magical, ey?"

My eyes snapped to meet his crystallized ones before they travelled toward the small lake in the centre of the cave floor. My eyes went upwards where the source of water cascaded down the cave floor. My mouth formed an 'o' in amazement.

"Amazing, ey? Should've seen my face when I first saw it, princess" he said beside me. My eyes snapped towards him, narrowing at the damn nickname. "Don't call me that" I hissed in return. He only laughed maniacally, leaning his head towards mine.

"Or what?" he challenged me in that annoying yet sultry tone. "You're gonna kiss me? Go on, I won't mind" he nudges my nose with his. My cheeks flamed at his words before pushing him away. I stood up abruptly, brushing my shirt as I walked a few feet away from him. I can hear his chuckles echoing inside the cave.

"Where are ya going, darling?" he shouted behind me, but I ignored him. My eyes furrowed in confusion as I wade towards the water until it reached my waist. I closed my eyes in frustration but still, nothing happened. I scowled in frustration when I heard splashing beside me. I ignored his towering figure beside me as I continued to mutter lowly.

"What are you doin', love?"

"I can't transform" I simply stated, staring at the water blankly. "Maybe, it's like the Isle?"

"Yes, but then I can still change in my tail or use my magic" I muttered lowly. "Well, if you didn't know, only dark magic can't work in the Isle, eh?"

"Oh" is the only thing that I can say. "C'mon, let's get dry. I can feel the water grabbing my buttocks down there, heh" he chuckled, nudging my shoulder as I let out a giggle of my own. Shaking my head, I gave him a smile, staring deep into his eyes. My body froze, not wanting to move as I stared at his crystallized eyes. His face softened, and I can feel his palm caressing my cheek softly.

"Whatever happened to us, Erina?" he whispered. His face contorted in pain. My eyebrows furrowed before I stepped backwards. Away from him. My labour breaths deepened as I shoot him a hateful glare.

"I think you know what you've done, pirate" I hissed in return. Gritting my teeth, I walked back to my seat, slumping myself on the cold, hard ground. My eyes fixed on his lone figure, his head bowing down, shoulders slumped forward as the water drops from his hair to the lake. My jaw clenched, stopping myself from walking toward him as I lay down on the hard ground. My hands clenched as I closed my eyes, willing the darkness to take me away, for once.

My breaths lightened, and my body relaxed when suddenly, I feel his familiar figure beside me. I can practically feel his crystallized eyes searching my face, his hand brushing my hair.
"I still love you, Erina" my heart stopped beating. I willed myself to stay calm.

"I – I'm so-sor – Goddamit!" I almost jumped at his outburst. A small smile quirked on my lip when I heard him groan behind me before a slight thump echoed in my ear, signalling that he slumped down beside me. I can feel his warm breath cascading behind my ear, I wipe the smile on my face immediately.

"What are you doin' to me, Erina? I've never felt any of this before. I-I know how bad I am. I belonged to the Isle, where all the evil creatures are. While you, you belonged here in Auradon, where you're safe. I just – I tried to change for you. That time at the festival, when I saw that bloody smile on your face. it was enchanting, and for the first time ever, I found myself wanting to make you smile every damn second, just so I can hear that enchanting laughter escaping your lovely lips. But I can't. It's deep in my bones, princess. I'm rotten inside and I can't change it. But, I-I still love you, dammit! Bloody hell! I love you to the depths of the Pacific Ocean. Even if you hated me now" his voice was a mere whisper in the end. Then, I felt something soft touching my forehead as silence enveloped us. A few moments later, I can hear his slight snore beside me. His strong arms managed to pull me closer to his body until there was no space left. I turn around to face him. Memorizing every inch of his features, from his long eyelashes to his soft, pink lips.

"I never wanted you to change, Harry. I loved you just the way you are"

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Edited [06/14/22]