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When Ben had heard that a boy had been found on one of the supply boats leaving the Isle, he’d just had to meet him.
He’d been dying to go over to the Isle. Everyone was always talking about it and it sounded so exciting and different to Auradon, but he was always being told it was far too dangerous for him to go. He didn’t think that was very fair, but his dad always got angry when he asked too many questions about why so he’d learned to contain his curiosity.
Maybe this boy was the answer. Maybe he could tell Ben all about the Isle and why it was so scary and dangerous when it sounded so cool and exciting. Maybe he could tell Ben all about the interesting— but very naughty— people who lived there. It could be just like Ben had gone himself but he wouldn’t get shouted at for breaking the rules.
When the boy reached Auradon he was unconscious and wet. Apparently, he’d fallen overboard in his attempts to escape being caught by the crew and had hit his head on something below the water.
Ben found him in the medical bay easily enough. He was the only person in there. The fairies had fixed him up and dried him off and he was sleeping it off now. He would be quite well soon enough and once he woke up Ben’s dad would decide what to do with him.
Ben wasn’t supposed to visit him, his dad had told him he wasn’t allowed because the boy might be dangerous, but when Ben peaked around the curtain that separated him from the rest of the room Ben immediately noticed he had been handcuffed to the bed. How could he hurt anyone if he was handcuffed?
The boy wore strange clothes that were dirty and full of holes, they appeared to be made of leather but had been patched up several times with whatever material happened to be laying around at the time. He was very skinny and pale, it made his dark brown hair appear almost black. He was very interesting to look at.
With no other choice but to wait until the boy had woken up since he didn’t know when he’d next get the chance to visit, Ben climbed up onto the end of the boy’s bed and got comfortable with a book.
It was a few hours later and Ben had started to get quite into his book. He hadn’t even realised the boy had woken up until the bed shook beneath him as he attempted to move suddenly and found himself unable to thanks to his restraints.
“Careful!” Ben cried, putting down the book. “You’ll hurt yourself.” The boy glared at him with icy blue eyes that were filled with anger.
“Like ye care.” He snapped. Ben startled. He hadn’t expected the boy to be so rude.
“You talk funny,” Ben noted. The boy scowled.
“Ye smell funny.” He countered.
Ben gave a small huff of annoyance. Why was this boy being so mean to him? They’d only just met, he couldn’t possibly have done anything to upset him.
“It’s called being clean.” The boy blinked, taken aback. Maybe that was a bit too mean. It wasn’t the boy's fault he came from a dirty, smelly, prison island. Ben should try being extra nice to him, maybe then he’ll be nice back.
He pulled the chocolate bar that Mrs Potts had given him earlier—once he’d promised not to tell his parents about the treat of course— from his pocket and opened it up. He carefully broke it in half and offered the boy some. He eyed it cautiously, his suspicion clear on his face.
“Go on.” Ben encouraged. “It’s really good.” The boy continued to stare at it sceptically and Ben sighed. “Trust me.” He said, moving further up the Ben until he was kneeling beside the boy. He took a bite of his own half and grinned. “Chocolate’s the best.”
Apparently deciding to take a chance, the boy opened his mouth. It took Ben a moment to remember that the boy couldn’t use his hands, and he blushed as he carefully placed the treat in the boy’s mouth.
Ben watched as he chewed slowly, hesitantly curious at first. Then his eyes lit up with pure delight and he made a small delighted noise, savouring every molecule.
“It’s good, right?” Ben giggled. The boy nodded enthusiastically.
“Wha' did ye say it were called again?”
“Chocolate.” The boy eyed Ben hopefully.
“Go' any more?” Ben shook his head, hating the way the boy’s face fell.
“I’m Ben.” He offered as he adjusted himself to sit in a cross-legged position. The boy continued to eye him wearily.
“Harry.” He said finally though he didn’t look too pleased to be giving out information.
“Did you run away? Is that how you ended up on the boat?” Harry glared once more, pale eyes narrowing.
“Wha’s it ter ye?” Ben just gave a shrug.
“What’s the Isle like?” Harry frowned.
“Ye ask a lo' of questions.”
Ben pouted, drawing his knees up to his chest and resting his chin on them. “No one tells me anything.” He muttered bitterly. Harry’s head cocked to the side curiously. “How come?” Ben gave a sigh.
“It’s always grown-up talk that I’m too young to hear.” He frowned as Harry snorted.
“So yer a baby.”
“Am not!”
“Ye totally are!”
“Am not!” Ben glowered at him in annoyance. He couldn’t help but wonder if everyone on the Isle was this annoying and mean.
“I know stuff,” Harry smirked at him, eyes filled with mischief.
“Aye? Like wha'?” Ben gave him an unimpressed look.
“Why should I tell you when you won’t tell me anything?” Harry stuck his tongue out at him in response and Ben found himself doing it straight back. His etiquette teacher would be furious.
“What if we play a game.” He suggested. Intrigue flashed in Harry’s eyes despite his attempt to look uninterested.
“Wha' kinda game?” He asked.
“You tell me something, then I’ll tell you something.” Harry frowned.
“Ye mean like truth or dare?” Ben nodded excitedly, glad to hear that the Isle had something in common with Auradon, even if it was just a kid's game. “Yeah, except without the dares since you can’t move right now.” Harry seemed to consider it a moment before giving a shrug.
“A’igh'.”
A few hours passed in the blink of an eye and Ben found himself learning all about the other boy and the island he called home. He was a pirate, he had two sisters, and his best friends were called Uma and Gil.
He’d originally gone to Goblin Wharf in an attempt to find the best hiding place during a game of hide and seek but had discovered it was delivery day for the supply boats. He’d snuck on board when no one was looking on a whim.
He’d spent his whole life dreaming of escaping so he could sail the seas and have adventures like a real pirate.
He’d been found below deck when the crew were on their way back to Auradon and they’d threatened to turn the ship around and bring him back. In a desperate attempt to stay free, he’d made a break for it, hoping to swim to shore. He’d ended up hitting his head on the anchor on his way down.
The pair were giggling over the story of the time Harry had attempted to get his hand bitten off by a crocodile when they were finally disturbed.
“Why would you want to have your hand bitten off?!” Ben asked incredulously between fits of giggles.
“So ah c’uld be a real pirate like me da!” Harry defended like that made any sense whatsoever. “Then ah c’uld have a hook an’ everythin’.” Ben shook his head, his cheeks hurt from all the smiling. “Not all pirates have hooks you know!” Harry sent him a challenging look.
“Wha' w’uld ye know abou' i'?” He asked defiantly.
“I studied pirates in history class,” Ben said proudly. “Blackbeard didn’t have a hook and neither did Jack Sparrow.”
“Benjamin!” Both boys jumped at the new voice and Ben’s head snapped to the side to find his parents standing at the foot of the bed. Neither of them looked very happy to see him there.
“Hi Mommy, Daddy.” He said awkwardly, scratching at the back of his neck.
“What are you doing in here?” His daddy asked. He was very angry but Ben didn’t really understand why.
“Making a friend.”
His mommy’s hand came up to cover her mouth and she looked like she was trying not to laugh. His daddy just looked confused and still very angry.
“Darling, why don’t we go and see if Mrs Potts has any treats.” His mommy suggested, holding out her hand to him. Ben crossed his arms defiantly. “No.” Both his parents blinked in surprise. Ben never said ‘no’ to them.
“No?” She asked, acting like she hadn’t heard him properly.
“No.” He repeated. “Not if Daddy’s going to start shouting at Harry.”
Harry stared at him with wide eyes as Ben continued to stare defiantly at his shocked parents. No one had ever defended him like that before.
The king sighed, blowing a long breath out of his mouth. “Ben.” He was very clearly trying not to shout. “I’m not going to shout at him. I just want to ask him some questions.” Ben considered this a moment before nodding.
“Okay. You can ask them with us here.”
His daddy pursed his lips before exchanging a look with his mommy. It was like they were talking to each other without words. Mrs Potts said it was part of finding your true love. Ben hoped to find out one day.
“Fine.” He said, though he didn’t look very happy about it. Ben smiled at Harry in triumph. He smiled shyly back, still surprised by the situation.
“Why are you here?” The king asked, his tone authoritative and a little scary. Harry’s eyes immediately narrowed.
“Ah woke up here.” He said, his tone filled with annoyance. “I’s no' like ah c’uld go anywhere.” He lifted his hands a little to indicate his restraints. Ben wanted to laugh but he could tell his daddy wasn’t happy with that answer and he didn’t want to make things worse.
“I mean, why are you in Auradon?” Harry shrugged, his face unimpressed.
“Ah dinnae wan’ ter be. They brough' me here.” The king frowned.
“If you didn’t want to come to Auradon then why were you hiding on the supply ship?”
“Duh, ah’m a pirate. Ah wan’ ta go on an adventure, no' be stuck on tha' horrid island. Ah havenae even had the chance ter do anythin’ bad enough ta be there.”
Ben couldn’t help but think that was very unfair. If Harry hadn’t done anything bad then he shouldn’t be on the Isle. It was for bad people, that’s why his daddy made it.
“He should stay,” Ben said decisively. The king and queen stared at him with wide eyes, completely taken by surprise. “He hasn’t done anything bad and the Isle of the Lost is for bad people so he should stay here in Auradon with the rest of the good people. Unless he does something bad of course.” His daddy did not look happy with Ben’s idea, though Ben couldn’t see why.
“Benjamin, it is not that simple.” He tried to reason.
“Why not? If we don’t give people the chance to be good then how can they be anything but bad? It’s all that’s left for them.” His mommy chuckled, reaching over and ruffling his hair. “He does make a good point, dear.” She said, sending his daddy a look.
They were all quiet for a long moment before the king sighed. “Fine. He can stay.” Ben squealed with delight and Harry stared at him with wide eyes. “But you are going to have to be responsible for him.” His daddy said, serious as ever. “That means you have to teach him what’s right and wrong and what’s good and bad. If he does anything bad it’s down to you, do you understand?” Ben nodded enthusiastically, still grinning.
“Thank you!” He cried, crawling across the bed and wrapping his small arms around his father’s middle, pressing his face into his scratchy blue suit jacket. He felt his father sigh softly before he felt his hands on his back. “You’re welcome, Ben.”
*Ten Years Later*
“So I told my parents about our plan.” Harry looked up from where he was lying on the floor, homework spread out around him.
“The VK repatriation plan?” He sat up as Ben turn his desk chair fully so he was facing him. He nodded.
“Yeah. Dad wasn’t too happy about it but he didn’t say no so.” Harry couldn’t help but laugh.
“We both know that’s as good as yer gonna get outta him.” Ben hummed thoughtfully.
“I don’t think I’ll ever understand what his problem is.” Ben frowned, leaning back in his chair as he pouted. “I mean, you’ve been here for years.” Harry snorted, sending Ben a grin. “Aye, an’ I’m a real paragon of Auradonian society.” Ben couldn’t help but laugh at that.
After ten years in Auradon Harry was still very much a controversial figure. He’d made a point of not fitting in with the polite society he was immersed in. He never lost touch with his Isle routes, still dressing in ripped clothes and sleeveless shirts that made the older nobles gasp and mutter in dismay, still had his thick accent and dropped letters— though not nearly as much as when he’d first arrived, he made crude jokes and caused trouble— not enough to get him sent back to the Isle of course. He kept Ben on his toes and helped him see the world in a fresh light. For better or worse he was Ben’s best friend and he wasn’t going anywhere.
“What does Audrey think of it?” Ben sent him a warning look and Harry sent him his most innocent one in return. He may not like the girl but she was Ben’s girlfriend so he tried to be polite about it. “She had some concerns about safety and how we would go about providing for them but once I put her mind at rest she was very supportive.” Harry barely managed not to roll his eyes.
“I’m sure she was.”
“Harry.” Ben sighed.
“I didnae say anything!”
“You didn’t have to.”
Abandoning his homework, Ben slipped off his chair and down onto the floor so he was opposite Harry. How very unprincely. Harry wanted to laugh.
“I know you don’t like her,” Ben said softly. This time Harry did roll his eyes.
“Neither d' ye! Yer only dating her because of the arrangement between yer parents. An' it’s not as if she likes ye either, all she wants is ter be queen!” Ben gave a frustrated sigh.
“You think I don’t know that?” He groaned.
“Yer going ter be king in a month,” Harry said firmly. “Ye don’t have ter do this. Ye have the power ter choose what’s right fer ye.” Ben sighed softly, he wished Harry were right.
“It’s not like I have many other options.” He said dryly. “I don’t have people fawning all over me like they do you.” Harry rolled his eyes so hard that Ben was sure it had to have hurt. “People don’t like me. They want ter have fun with me because I’m dangerous an' exciting. I’m the bad boy from the Isle an' I make them curious. Yer the king, people try ter act all civilised around ye because yer the ultimate goal, the grand prize. They dinnae want ter look easy, they want ter impress ye. Ye could have anyone ye wanted.” Ben rolled his eyes.
“Not anyone.” He tried to reason.
“Anyone,” Harry confirmed.
A heavy silence fell between them and Ben chewed on his bottom lip, hesitant and thoughtful. “What?” Harry asked, eyebrows creasing as he watched him. "Nothing,” Ben said, Harry immediately rolled his eyes again.
“Ben.” Harry sighed. “We’ve known each other fer ten years, I know when something’s up." Sometimes Ben wished he was a better liar.
“It’s nothing, really.”
“Yer full of shit.” Harry laughed.
Ben stuck his tongue out at him the way he had done since he was a child whenever Harry annoyed him. As he always did, Harry stuck his out right back.
“Seriously.” The former pirate sighed, schooling his expression. “Talk to me.” Ben hesitated a moment before nodding with a sigh. After all, it was Harry, his best friend. He wouldn’t judge him and he certainly wouldn’t tell anyone about the conversation. What was the worst that could happen?
“Have you ever… have you ever wondered what it would be like to kiss another boy?” Harry blinked, surprised. It wasn’t often that Ben managed to catch him off guard so he couldn’t help but feel a little bit of triumph. “Uh, I mean, I don’t have ter wonder.” He said, scratching at the back of his neck. It took Ben a minute to realise what Harry was saying. “Oh…”
They sat in awkward silence for a moment before Ben’s curiosity got the better of him. “How was it?” Harry smirked, giving a shrug.
“It’s not really any different ter kissing a girl. Lips on lips. It feels just as good. I mean sometimes ye get a bit of scratching from stubble if someone hasn’t shaved an' that’s different I guess…” He trailed off with another shrug. Ben stared at him in awe. He was impressed with his complete indifference on the matter.
“How many have you kissed?” He asked, tone hushed. Harry gave a shrug.
“A few?” He offered, still slightly tense.
“Wow.” Harry snorted at Ben’s attitude.
“Ye make it sound like I did something impressive.” As far as Ben was concerned he had.
“Who was it?” He asked. As far as he knew, everyone in Auradon was painfully heterosexual. It was why he’d been so nervous to bring it up in the first place. “Now, now Benjamin. I’m not one ter kiss an' tell.” Ben sent him an unimpressed look.
“Since when?” Harry laughed.
“Since I was dragged ter Auradon, the land of clandestine noble debauchery.” Ben rolled his eyes. He was positive that wasn’t true.
“So the good Prince Benny wants ter kiss a guy?” Harry teased causing Ben to flush scarlet.
“I didn’t say that.” He argued despite it being true. Harry smirked at him and Ben’s cheeks only darkened. “So what if I do?” He huffed, folding his arms across his chest. Harry just shrugged. “Nae, it’s good. Healthy even. Ye gotta experiment an' try things.” Ben was caught between relief at the fact that he wasn’t alone in his desires and embarrassment about longing for something so taboo by Auradon’s standards.
“Is there anyone, in particular, you wanna smooch?” Harry asked, eyes sparkling with amusement but his smile was genuine and warm. Not the razor-sharp cocky smirk everyone else got to see. Ben blushed at the question. “No…” Harry laughed, shaking his head.
“Alright then, be that way.”
“I mean it.” Ben sighed. “I’ve never really allowed myself to think about it too much. Never thought about an actual person like that. It’s always just been a concept.”
Harry seemed to consider that a moment before, shrugging. “I’ll kiss ye if ye want.” Ben blinked.
“What?” He couldn’t possibly have heard that right.
“It’s not a big deal, right? Just a kiss. Let ye experience it without involving anyone ye shouldn’t.”
Ben was surprised to find he was considering it. Harry was his best friend and he was offering to help him out, to do him a favour so he could do this without it becoming a huge scandal or something. It made sense. It was the only way.
“Okay.” He said finally. Harry startled, he definitely hadn’t expected Ben to agree. If anything he’d expected Ben to panic and thought he’d have to laugh it off as a joke. “Yeah?” Ben nodded, swallowing his nerves.
“Yeah.”
They sat staring at each other for a long moment before Harry shifted, moving closer. “Ye’ve kissed someone before right?” He asked. Ben huffed and rolled his eyes. “Yes.” He may not be particularly interested in Audrey but she was still his girlfriend. They had done some stuff.
“Just checking,” Harry said, not even a little bit sorry.
He leaned in a little bit closer and Ben took a deep breath, suddenly nervous. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea.
“Last chance ter change yer mind.” Harry kept his tone light but his eyes were serious, telling Ben everything he needed to know. This was his decision, he could change his mind if he wanted and it was okay. He immediately felt a lot calmer. It was just Harry he reminded himself.
Ben lent in a little closer, not quite closing the distance but making it clear he wasn’t going anywhere. With a slight smirk, Harry nodded and leaned in the rest of the way.
It was a quick brush of lips, soft and warm and barely there. It was innocent and friendly but enough to leave a slight tingling behind. Ben found himself a little disappointed.
Harry pulled back and raised an expectant eyebrow and Ben smirked. “Surely you can do better than that.” Harry barked out a surprised laugh, shaking his head. “Well, I wouldnae want ter steal yer innocence.” He teased. Ben rolled his eyes.
“I’m really not as innocent as everyone thinks I am.”
“Sure yer not princey.”
Determined to not only prove a point but get the most out of the situation, Ben closed the gap this time. He kissed Harry harder, firmer, putting his everything into it. Their lips moulded and moved together like they were made to perfectly fit one another’s mouths. Kissing Harry felt so natural, so right, it left him a little dizzy.
His body began to move entirely of its own accord, following pure instinct as he gripped onto Harry’s t-shirt tightly as he pressed himself closer. Harry seemed more than happy to oblige, pulling the prince into his lap.
His tongue gently traced the outline of Ben’s lips before he nipped at his lower one causing him to release a delicious whimper. It only spurred the pirate boy on, his grip tightening and his tongue deepening the kiss. He tasted like coffee and sunshine.
Ben was pretty sure he was on fire. His whole body burned with something he couldn’t quite put into words and he could feel an unfamiliar ache in his bones. It was intoxicating and he found himself eagerly chasing more.
His grip tightened further and he arched against Harry’s firm torso. He craved the closeness, craved his scorching touch, craved the caress of his nimble fingers as they slowly ran over his body. It made him feel alive in a way he’d never felt before.
He pulled back utterly breathless and found that at some point he’d pushed Harry backwards and they were now laid out on the floor, bodies completely flush. When did that happen?
He found himself staring down at Harry with wide eyes. His dark hair was mussed, though Ben didn’t remember touching it, and his blue eyes were almost entirely black where his pupils had swallowed the iris’. His parted lips were cherry red and shining, a little swollen. It made Ben want to kiss them all over again.
“I take it back,” Harry said, his voice low and a little husky. “Yer not so innocent after all.”
Ben was nervous. The limousine was pulling up with the first four children from the Isle of the Lost. The first official members of the repatriation initiative. This was it, it was finally happening.
Audrey stood on one side of him, clinging onto him like she feared that someone would steal him from her if she let him go for even a second. Harry was standing on his other side wearing an expression that very clearly showed how much he wished to be anywhere else. He hated all the ceremony that came with being a part of the royal court and he made sure everyone knew it.
Fairy Godmother kept shooting the former pirate a look of disdain but Ben suspected that was more to do with his outfit choice than his lack of desire to be part of the welcoming party. He was wearing black ripped skinny jeans and a white shirt that Ben knew didn’t have sleeves. He was wearing a red blazer— something Ben had had to force him to buy when it had reached a point where there were no longer any excuses left for him to use to not attend social events with him— but he’d decorated it with studs and chains. His piercing blue eyes looked even more enchanting thanks to the black rim of eyeliner.
Not that Ben noticed Harry’s eyes, or any other part of him really. At least, no more than he noticed anyone else. Just a totally normal amount of noticing. Yeah. Normal. Totally.
Ben forced himself to smile and focus, he had more important things to think about than the weird new feelings he’d been noticing more and more around his friend. His friend who he’d kissed. A lot. Some might even call it making out.
The car door opened and the four VKs came quite literally tumbling out. The band’s music came to a rather abrupt stop and the people who’d come to watch started to whisper amongst themselves. He heard Harry snort beside him as Audrey scoffed and Ben had to fight hard against the sudden urge to laugh.
Thankfully Fairy Godmother chose that moment to step in and take control of the situation. She made the appropriate introductions— with Audrey’s unhelpful comments squeezed in— before leaving the trio to give them the tour.
“Harry Hook, as I live and breathe,” Mal said, eyeing the pirate boy with a mix of surprise and distaste. He sent her a cocky smirk. The arrogant pirate smile as Ben liked to call it in his head. “Mal, long time nae see.” Mal did not look impressed and neither did any of her friends.
“As a former resident of the Isle, Harry will be your first point of contact should you have any questions or problems assimilating to city life. Of course, we’re all here to help with anything you need. Please don’t hesitate to ask.” Audrey didn’t seem too pleased to be volunteered as a point of help.
“On with the tour.”
Harry followed silently as Ben showed off his father's statue and gave them all the boring facts about the school that he knew none of them cared about. He was lucky he was cute because the prince was not so great at reading the room.
“So do you guys have a lot of magic here in Auradon? Like wands and things like that?” Harry barely managed not to roll his eyes. Mal was not being subtle. “Yeah, it exists of course, but it’s pretty much retired.”
The pirate watched with amusement as Audrey started getting territorial. She had good instincts not trusting the purple-haired fairy girl, she was just worrying about the wrong things. Though he wouldn’t put it past Mal to try and get close to Ben if it got her closer to what she wanted.
They left Harry to show them to their dorms with the promise that Doug would come around with their schedules and school supplies later. He had not signed up to play escort but he had promised Ben he’d play nice.
“So what’s your deal Hook?” Harry raised an eyebrow at Jay’s question.
“I’m sure I don’t know what yer talking about.” He said airily. Jay rolled his eyes and Mal snorted.
“Oh come on. You’re the only person to ever escape from the Isle, you didn’t seriously waste your freedom becoming the prince's lapdog?”
Harry scoffed, rolling his eyes at the insinuation. “Sometimes, Mal, ye have ter play the game ter get what ye want.” She sent him a confused look and he snorted, shaking his head. “The prince considers me a friend, he trusts me. I have his favour an' his ear. Ye think that happened overnight?” Mal rolled her eyes. “Who needs the prince's ear when all it takes is a little force and planning and you could have the whole kingdom?” Harry chuckled darkly at Mal’s defiance. She really thought she could pull something that big off.
“Yer rooms.” He said, indicating the two doors. “Good luck.”
After dropping off the VKs Harry went to his own room to get changed into something more comfortable before going off in search of Ben. He was probably still with Audrey, who hated Harry even more than Mal did, but he had to check-in. See how he was feeling now his grand plan had come to fruition.
To his surprise, Ben was in his room, alone. He was lying on his bed staring blankly up at the canopy. His tie and blazer had been thrown haphazardly across the room and Harry smirked softly.
“Shouldn’t ye be celebrating or something?” He called as he came and joined Ben on the bed. Ben gave a sigh, rubbing his hand over his face. “Audrey already hates them. Demanded I send them back.” Harry couldn’t say he was all that surprised.
“What do you think?” He asked, turning his head slightly so his big hazel eyes were trained on Harry’s face.
“I’m pretty sure Mal’s planning on trying ter steal Fairy Godmother’s wand.” Ben blinked in shock.
“She told you that?” Harry shrugged.
“Nae, but why else would she keep asking about it? There’s nae way Maleficent would have sent her here without some sort of revenge plan an' she hinted that she was up ter something when she asked me what I was up ter.”
Ben frowned with obvious confusion. “What do you mean what you’re up to?” Harry gave a shrug.
“I’m a villain kid, of course, I’m up ter something.” He said dryly causing Ben to snort.
“Oh yeah, you’re an evil mastermind.” Harry laughed, lying down beside him.
“Tricked ye into being my friend, didn’t I?” Ben rolled his eyes and chuckled again.
“Sure.”
“I’ll talk to dad about having the security at the museum tightened,” Ben said after a moment of silence. “I trust your judgement.” Harry smiled softly at that. “Nice ter know someone does.”
Ben frowned, rolling onto his stomach and propping himself up on his elbows so he could get a better look at the pirate. “What’s up?” Harry debated saying he was fine but Ben knew him too well for that. “I saw the way everyone looked at the others today. The thinly veiled disgust an' hatred. After ten years they still look at me like that. They blame us fer our parent's actions an' they expect us ter behave like animals, like criminals. Then Mal basically accused me of getting close ter ye as part of a plan an' I just… I guess it got me thinking. We expect just as little from ourselves an' each other as Auradon does. It’s not just Auradon’s view of the Isle that needs ter change, it’s the Isle’s view of itself too.”
To his surprise, Ben smiled. “You and me, Harry. We’re gonna figure it out. We’re gonna change the world for the better.” He smiled fondly at Ben before pulling him down into a tight hug. He really was the best friend Harry could ask for.
“Do you think she’d like to go on a bike ride?” Harry rolled his eyes.
“Oh aye, windswept an' helmet hair. Just what every girl wants from a first date.” Ben pulled a face over his shoulder.
“I didn’t think of that.”
Harry felt like he had whiplash. Not a day ago he’d been trying, and as far as he knew failing, to talk Ben out of dating Audrey. Now Ben was professing his undying love for Mal. Harry had missed the impromptu song and dance number he’d performed for her after the tourney game, but by all accounts, it had been quite a spectacle. Harry couldn’t help but feel suspicious.
“Tell me again how this happened?” He asked as Ben threw almost the entirety of his wardrobe on the floor looking for something to wear.
“I love her so I asked her on a date. I really don’t know what else you want me to say. I thought you’d be happy for me.” He shot Harry a pointed look and Harry gave a frustrated sigh. “I’m just surprised. Ye were adamant that ye were going to stay with Audrey an' ye’ve never mentioned Mal like that before.” Ben gave a dreamy sigh, a dorky smile spread firm across his lips.
“Mal is just… perfect. I can’t deny it any more. I never loved Audrey, you know that.” Well, that was certainly true enough.
Despite the twisting in his stomach that told him something was very wrong with this situation, Harry took pity on the other boy and got to his feet, helping him pick out an outfit. “Take her on a picnic.” He said finally, though he wanted nothing to do with the situation. “Get to know each other.” Ben’s eyes lit up at the idea and he grinned, gripping Harry’s shoulder and squeezing. “Thanks, man, you’re a genius!” Harry had to force a smile in response.
As soon as he left Ben’s room Harry set out to do something he’d never imagined he’d want to do. He went looking for Audrey.
She wasn’t hard to find, sitting out the front of the school with her little princess posse doting on her after her humiliation and Chad hanging off her every word as always. She didn’t appear to be hurting too badly, though Harry suspected that was intentional. While she’d be more than happy to play the victim she’d never want to be pitied. She’d want people to think she was brave and strong and facing the day despite the wicked prince’s actions and his evil girlfriend.
“Audrey!” He called as he approached. The group turned to stare at him in unison, it was a little unnerving. “Can I have a word?” She pulled a face of obvious distaste and Harry expected her to make some comment about being too good to talk to the likes of him. She did, however, deign to get up and come over to him.
“What do you want?” She asked sourly. Harry was suddenly unsure how best to approach this.
“Are ye okay?” She scoffed.
“Oh please, don’t pretend you care. You’ve never liked me.” Harry gave a shrug. He wouldn’t deny it.
“Maybe not but I like Mal even less an' I definitely didn’t want Ben getting involved with her.” She raised a perfectly plucked eyebrow.
“I thought you’d be ecstatic getting one of your own in with the crown.” Harry rolled his eyes.
“We may have both been born on the Isle but that doesn’t make us the same. I don’t trust her.” Audrey snorted derisively.
“Well, I don’t trust any of you. Regardless, it’s not my problem any more.” Harry couldn’t exactly argue with that.
“How’d it even happen?” Audrey gave a shrug. Harry suspected it was supposed to appear nonchalant though it came across defeated and frustrated. “I don’t know. Things seemed fine when we were talking by his locker before my dress fitting. Then the game ended and he was claiming to love her and performing for her. He didn’t even have the decency to break up with me beforehand.” Harry blinked in surprise. That didn’t sound like Ben at all.
“Fer what it’s worth I’m sorry. No one deserves that.” She had a pinched expression as she looked at him, he’d surprised her and she clearly didn’t know what to do with that. He decided to leave it at that, walking off with a nod. He had a lot to think about.
Harry was sitting on Ben’s bed when he returned from his date. He walked in, smiling from ear to ear, his eyes shining with joy. He was utterly besotted. It was sickening.
“Date go well then?” Ben laughed as he dropped down onto the bed beside him.
“It was perfect. She’s incredible Harry, I can’t believe I didn’t see it before. She is the most wonderful creature to walk the earth. I adore her.” Harry made a gagging noise and Ben shoved at his shoulder, a pout on his face.
“Ben you’ve barely known her a few weeks, how can you possibly be talking like this?” Ben just gave a shrug and sighed dreamily.
“I guess when it’s true it just gets you out of nowhere.” Harry pursed his lips. Ben thought this was true love. It made the uncomfortably knotting sensation in his stomach worse. This couldn’t possibly be right.
There was a party in the dorms. Harry wasn’t entirely sure who was throwing it but Jane had dragged him along to keep her company since she was still getting used to being ‘cool’ thanks to Mal’s little hair spell and needed some moral support.
Ben was there too, with Mal of course. He didn’t spend a second without her these days. It was unnerving. He completely doted on the fairy girl, fetching her whatever she wanted whenever she wanted, devoting himself entirely to her happiness. Wearing the same sickly-sweet adoring smile that made Harry so inexplicably furious that he wanted to punch it off his best friend's face. It was nauseating.
“Ben really must love her. He hasn’t been himself for weeks.” Jane mused as they watched the pair from across the room. Harry hummed in response. He was trying not to let his feelings show. As his best friend, he really should be happy for the prince.
“Neither have you.” Harry blinked, startled by her bluntness. She was smirking at him from behind her cup.
“What is that supposed ter mean?” He huffed in annoyance. Jane giggled.
“It’s okay to admit you're jealous. Everyone develops feelings at some point you know.” Harry glowered at her but she didn’t even flinch. Apparently, he was losing his touch. “Don’t look at me like that, you know I’m right.” Harry didn't dignify her with a response.
Jealous. How ridiculous. He was not jealous of Ben. Good god, he would never develop feelings for Mal. Ever. Well, unless you counted pure, unbridled hatred, he felt plenty of that. He’d also never be so utterly obsessive and repulsive with his feelings as Ben was if he ever did make the mistake of developing them. Not that he had. He’d know if he had.
“You should talk to him,” Jane said nonchalantly though it was clear she was fishing about for information.
“An' what is it exactly that ye think I need ter say ter him?” Harry asked, refusing to give anything away. Not that there was anything to give.
“Tell him you’re in love with him.”
Harry promptly choked on his drink. He really had not expected that to come out of Jane’s mouth, ever. She thumped him hard on the back as he coughed hard, attempting to help him clear his throat.
“Sorry.” She smirked. “Was no one supposed to know?” Harry glared at her through watery eyes.
“What are ye talking about?” He croaked, completely in shock. She sent him a sympathetic smile.
“I see the way you look at him. I always kind of figured you two would end up together, you’ve always been so in sync, so perfect for each other. I mean, it could still happen. I know he seems all loved up right now but that doesn’t mean anything, they happened so suddenly, it could always change again."
“I am begging ye ter stop talking,” Harry said, he felt slightly feint at the thought.
He wasn’t in love with Ben. He couldn’t possibly be in love with Ben. Ben was his best friend, he’d seen the kid eat dirt for evil’s sake. They’d grown up together, seen the best and worse of each other. There was no way he was in love with Ben. He’d know if he was in love with Ben. Right?
Jane was still watching him expectantly and it occurred to him that she was waiting for a response. “Yer wrong.” He said, though he didn’t sound so sure. She smiled at him, reaching over and squeezing his hand. “It’s okay, Harry.” He was positive it was not.
He was able to survive about an hour before his internal panic became a full-blown external disaster.
He had just refreshed his drink when he felt a hand on his wrist. “Harry!” It was Ben, he wasn’t sure if he was drunk or just loopy from excessive dopamine but his eyes were bright and he was grinning idiotically. “Hey, Ben.” He forced a smile, doing his best not to overreact because of Jane’s frankly ridiculous idea now forcing its way into his mind.
“We’re gonna play spin the bottle! You should join!” Harry couldn’t help but pull a face.
“I don’t think so.” He had no interest in kissing any of these prissy idiots tonight, thanks.
“Oh go on!” He wheedled, pouting at him with puppy eyes. “It’ll be fun.” Harry groaned, unable to say no to Ben when he looked at him like that. “Urgh, fine.” He sighed. What was the worst that could happen?
He took his place in the circle, sitting beside Ben at the prince’s insistence. For once no one was paying Harry any attention, too busy gawking at the other VKs who still hadn’t really figured out how to behave in a way that didn’t draw attention to themselves. It was a relief really, a chance to breathe.
He sat back and watched as the game began, as supposedly innocent AKs shared chaste brushes of lips, blushing and giggling the entire time. It was amusing really, the way they all pretended to be so pure when Harry knew for a fact that at least half the room had done much more than kiss without batting an eyelid. The future leaders of the kingdoms of Auradon were no more virtuous than a pirate from the Isle.
The bottle finally came to a stop on Ben and a great cheer went up. Chad wolf whistled causing Ben to blush at the sudden attention. He leaned forward, taking the bottle purposefully in hand and spinning it. Everyone watched excitedly as the bottle rotated, eagerly waiting to see who would get to kiss the future king.
The bottle slowed and to Harry’s horror, it came to a stop pointing square at him. Surely the Ak’s wouldn’t allow this? Surely it was too undignified for a public event?
Lonnie let out a scandalised squeal and riotous laughter sounded all around them. “Get in there Hook!” Chad crowed. The other VKs looked just as surprised as Harry at the reaction. The only person who didn’t look happy about it was Audrey though that wasn’t much of a surprise.
Ben shifted beside him and Harry glanced at him nervously. He was surprised to find that Ben didn’t look remotely fazed. Well, Harry thought. It’s not like it’s the first time we’ve done this. He swallowed hard before forcing himself to move a little closer.
Ben moved into his space a determined look on his face that had Harry surrendering to the situation. He would not make this into a big deal, especially since Ben was so willing to participate. To say no would only make things unnecessarily weird. It would only succeed in drawing attention to things Harry didn’t want nosey spectators looking too closely at.
Their lips met, soft and sweet. It was nothing like the heated exchanges they’d shared before, but it was no less exhilarating for it. Ben released a soft gasp and Harry barely managed to stop himself from bringing his hand up to grip the back of his head. He was suddenly desperate to pull Ben closer, to tangle his fingers in his hair and tug just to see how the prince would react, what other noises he might make. Fuck.
Ben jerked back suddenly, almost toppling over thanks to the momentum. Harry just managed to steady him, an awkward laugh falling from his lips in an effort to keep things as normal as possible. “Careful.” He was honestly pretty impressed with his unaffected he managed to sound.
Ben released a soft whine, his hand coming up to his head. His eyes had a glassy, far-away look and he had visibly paled. “Ben?”
“I think I’m going to be sick.”
Ben was on his feet and stumbling out of the dorm's door at surprising speed as people laughed and jeered around them. Harry hadn’t even registered getting to his feet until he was in the hallway looking at Ben’s retreating figure. “Don’t feel bad Hook.” Someone called. “Not everyone can be a good kisser.” They were very lucky he had other things to focus on right now.
He followed Ben until he dropped to his knees not too far from the main school building. “Deep breaths,” Harry called as he carefully took a seat beside him. “It’ll pass.”
Ben shakily shook his head, his whole body trembling from head to toe. “Harry.” He gasped, his voice sounding a little horse. “Harry, what have I done?” Harry frowned, baffled by the question.
“What d' ye mean?” He asked as gently as he could.
“Mal…”
Harry was rocked by a stab of irrational annoyance as the sound of her name. Of course, Ben would want his girlfriend’s comfort when he wasn’t feeling well. Who wouldn’t? That didn’t mean he had to like it of course. Still, he wouldn’t get in the way, even if it physically hurt him to do so.
“I can go get her.”
“No!” Harry frowned, arrested mid-motion in his quest to stand up and retrieve the girl in question.
“Nae?” He repeated, even more confused. Ben shook his head vigorously. Nothing was making sense right now.
“I think…” Ben started slowly like he barely dared to say the words. “I think she spelled me.” Harry blinked slowly.
“She spelled ye?” He felt like an idiot. He’d never seen the effects of a love spell before but he’d heard tell of it back on the Isle. That made so much sense. “A love spell.” Ben continued, echoing Harry’s thoughts. “That’s why I’ve been acting so… obsessive and odd.” So. Much. Sense.
“Why would she do that?” Harry asked, a deep frown taking over his face as he tried to figure out the girl's plan. “An' why would she remove it now?” It didn’t make sense, what could she had gained? Ben shrugged helplessly.
“I don’t know.”
There was the sound of footsteps on the gravel and they both turned to find Mal approaching, looking both amused and concerned. Harry was immediately on his feet, blocking Ben from view.
“Everything okay?” She called, looking puzzled.
“That’s close enough.” Harry snapped, glaring at her with all the fiery fury of the lost souls trapped in Davy Jones’s locker. She held up her hands in surrender, her steps stalling. “Easy there guppy.” She cooed dryly. Harry continued to glare.
“How could you?!” Ben fumed, getting to his feet.
He seemed sturdier than he had before but that didn’t make Harry any less concerned. Especially since he couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen Ben this angry. Not that he didn’t have every right to be. Harry would have gutted her where she stood if it were him. He still might.
“Why would you make me fall in love with you?” Mal’s eyes widened in shock, apparently, she hadn’t expected Ben to figure it out.
“How long have you known?” She asked, her voice surprisingly timid.
“How long's it been since ye lifted the curse?” Harry snorted. He refused to fall for her tricks and he certainly wouldn’t let Ben either. She frowned. “But I didn’t…” She trailed off, her eyes widening in understanding. “True loves kiss.” She whispered softly.
Harry blinked in confusion as Ben released a strangled “what?”. Amusement sparked in Mal’s eyes as she glanced between them.
“True love’s kiss. Works every time. It can break any curse.”
Harry felt himself go pale as Mal took a step back. “I’ll leave you two to talk that one over.” She smirked. “I’ll be back at the party when you’re done if you wanna yell at me some more your highness.”
A heavy silence fell over them as Harry watched Mal’s retreating figure. He had no idea what to say, what to think. It all seemed so distant. Perhaps he was in shock.
“Harry,” Ben said quietly. When the pirate didn’t respond he gently took hold of his wrist. Slowly Harry turned to face him, his shock and bewilderment clear on his face. “She… she said…”
“I know,” Ben said calmly. He felt like a weight had lifted from his shoulders. As far as he was concerned it made perfect sense.
“But how can that be possible?” Harry said, his eyes widening in panic. “We’ve been best friends forever! Yer the only reason I was allowed to stay!” Ben stepped forward and took both Harry’s hands in his own. “Harry breathe. It’s okay.” He watched as the slightly taller boy took a deep, shaky breath, his eyes still filled with fear. It made Ben want to fight all the monsters to keep him safe.
They both just stood staring at each other for a long moment before Ben pulled him into a tight hug, pressing his face against his shoulder. After a moment of hesitation, he felt Harry’s arms tighten around him, returning the hug. He let out a breath, relaxing a little. They’d be okay, they’d figure it out.
As he pulled back he pressed a swift kiss to Harry’s lips, startling the pirate into silence. “How about we forget about the whole true love thing and just go on a date and see what happens? No pressure or expectation.” Harry’s eyes widened in shock.
“Ye wanna go on a date?” Ben shrugged.
“I know I like you.” He admitted, blushing. “And I really like kissing you. So why not give it a go?” Harry seemed to consider it a moment before chuckling softly. “Okay. Let’s go on a date." What was the worst that could happen?