Chapter 10 - Girl Talk and Acorns
(A/N) This chapter was edited by the lovely Ashara Lynn. Many thanks! :)
Also, some of the divider lines aren't working for some reason. I've been having issues with them for a few chapters now. Sorry about that! I'll keep trying to fix them!
Disclaimer: I do not own Descendants or any of the characters. *Mumbles* If I did they would have interacted more in the movie. Just one proper scene. Just one! *Breaks into fangirl sobbing* If only...
After a week of dwelling on it, Evie had come to her decision. Her nerves begged her to put it off but Evie had decided that she couldn't leave Harry waiting any longer. She planned on giving him his answer today, as soon as the right moment presented itself.
Lost in thought, Evie walked up the winding foot path that would take her to Misery Rock. This fencing lesson would be the first time she had seen Harry since his confession under a twilight sky. Time had passed by far too quickly, seemingly in a hurry to bring about her next meeting with the pirate.
"I'm sure she's on her way ye overgrown weed!"
Evie couldn't help but smile at the sound of Harry's voice snapping at Hauntie in the distance. When she came around the bend and Misery Rock came into view, she found the haunted tree looming over the pirate, two branches like gnarly arms with talon like fingers slowly creeping towards the boy. Its face was contorted into its usual, intimidating glare and the noise it was making sounded like a gravelly growl. Harry was scowling up at the creature, raising his hook threateningly.
I better get over there before they kill each other.
Meaning no offence to Harry, she would place her money on Hauntie winning that fight - as he had several times already.
Evie shook her head and hurried along the rope bridge that led to their fencing practice area. It was a normal grim and grey day, a light breeze churning the sea. Thankfully, the wind wasn't too strong and the decaying bridge didn't sway too much as she crossed it.
"Harry, I hope you're not picking on poor Hauntie," Evie scolded, placing her hands on her hips.
Hauntie and Harry's attention turned to the approaching girl. Instantly, Hauntie's foul mood improved, something resembling a frightful smile appearing on its trunk. Harry glowered at her, his mouth dropping open in disbelief.
"Poor Hauntie? That waste wood-"
Hauntie snapped his gaze back to Harry, leering over him and snarling again. Evie rolled her eyes. She wondered if those two would ever get along or if they would ever even want to get along. Harry's constant name calling of the tree certainly wasn't going to win him any poison apple points with it.
Evie made her way over to Harry, gently placing a hand on his shoulder and leaning in close so Hauntie couldn't hear.
"I'm only teasing, Harry," Evie said, smiling coyly.
Harry lowered his hook but kept glaring at the tree.
"So, ready for our lesson?" Evie asked, rubbing her hands.
Hauntie let out another snarl.
"And that would be reason two why the glorified twig is angry," Harry said, taking a few steps away from the hissing tree. "I was wondering if ye wouldn't mind if we leave the lesson for today. There's something I need to tell ye."
Evie eyed Harry cagily, not liking the sinking feeling in her chest.
"Uma and Gil want to meet you."
Evie blinked, taking a bewildered step back. Uma and Gil... wanted to meet her? Why in her mother's name would they-
"They know," Evie realized. "How did they find out?"
"Gil saw us in town a few weeks ago and both he and Uma saw me making sure ye weren't at the party when all hell broke loose," Harry explained. "They want to call a truce. Only between ye and them though. The offer doesn't extend to the rest of the VK's."
"Weren't they angry at you?" Evie asked worriedly.
"Uma was a wee bit... surprised," Harry said cryptically. "But she was fine with it once I talked it over with her. She wants to try and make amends with ye so she's invited us down to the chip shop for a chat."
Evie was astonished that Harry's friends had been so quick to accept the situation. It sounded too good to be true. Uma and her crew extending the hand of friendship that easily? No bitterness over past wrong doings? It almost sounded like a trap.
"I really don't know about this, Harry."
Evie wasn't in a hurry to meet Uma. The first time that Evie had met Uma had been when she had slipped onto the Lost Revenge to steal back her tiara from Harry. Before that, she had only ever seen Uma briefly hanging about in town. It was only because Jay had pointed her out that she even knew what Uma looked like. Jay had warned her that if she was ever out with Mal and saw Uma that it was her job to prevent the two girls from running into each other - unless she wanted to see a titanic battle.
"They won't try anything, Evie. They just want to talk," Harry assured her.
Harry took her hand in his, a small attempt at comfort. Evie looked up at him, the uncertainty shining in her eyes.
Even though she disliked it greatly, Evie didn't feel there was any other option but to go. Uma and her crew knew about them now and it had to be dealt with. At the very least she could try and come to some understanding with them, build a bridge of some kind.
"Okay... when do we need to-"
A shadow fell over them. Harry looked up just in time to narrowly avoid being thwacked across the head by Hauntie's branch.
"Hauntie!" Evie shouted, stomping her foot.
"Ack, ignore him," Harry muttered. "He's just upset that he isn't getting to spend the day with ye. Well, we better get going."
Harry made his way over to the bridge, pausing when he noticed Evie wasn't following.
"I'll meet you around the bend. I just need to have a quick word with Hauntie," Evie called out to him.
Harry nodded, casting one final glower towards the tree before crossing the bridge and disappearing around the bend. Evie turned to Hauntie, her hands on her hip and a disappointed look on her face.
"I thought we agreed that you were going to stop picking on him! You're lucky he hasn't taken an axe to you yet," Evie chastised. "Now, I have a favour to ask you."
Once Hauntie accepted her favour, Evie scurried after Harry. Together they made the long trek back to Goblin Warf, all the while Evie fretted over how this meeting would turn out. She was hoping that it would go well. If it did go off without a hitch, and it turned out that it was true that Uma and Gil had put aside their differences with her and accepted her and Harry, then it gave her room to wonder.
If Harry's friends are accepting... maybe mine will be too...
Harry and Evie arrived at Ursula's Fish and Chip shop an hour later.
The shop was nestled into the corner of a dock and looked to be undergoing major renovations. The windows were smeared with Windolene, obscuring the view of inside. There was a wobbly-looking scaffolding attached to the side of the building, white sheets draping over different parts. Lined up beside the walls were stacks of crates, pots of paints, piles of wood and the shop's sign, which was decorated with the upper half of Ursula's face and the shop's name.
"Are you sure this is where they said to meet?" Evie asked, tiptoeing over some work tools. "It doesn't look like this place is open."
"They're closed for renovations, but Uma, Gil and I still come here for food," Harry explained, putting a hand on her back and gently guiding her through the swing doors. "Kitchen's always open to us. A perk of being a crew member."
The inside didn't look much better. There were only a few tables set, all the others were stacked to one side of the room along with most of the chairs. There were paint pots and boxes of decorations scattered everywhere. Some of the walls had been left partly painted while others were still covered in patches of old wallpaper waiting to be scrapped off. Evie pitied the poor unfortunate souls that had to try and fix up the place.
"When is it this place is supposed to be re-opening?" Evie asked as she looked around.
"Hmm, about a week, I think," Harry replied. A wicked glint lit up in his eyes, a mock expression of worry accompanying it. "Though it looks like they have their work cut out for them. I don't think Ursula will be very happy if they don't get it done in time."
"You got that right," Uma's voice came from across the room.
Two swing doors burst open, revealing the sea witch's daughter. Gil trailed in behind her, waving happily to Evie and Harry, calling out a quick hello.
"You took your sweet time getting here, Harry, I was beginning to wonder if you were gonna show up," Uma said as she strutted towards them. She turned to Evie, scrutinising her from head to toe with one long look. "And you must be Evie. We didn't really have a proper introduction last time we met."
Well, you were a little busy trying to feed me to the sharks, Evie thought bitterly. She refrained from saying so. If she wanted this meeting to go well then she would need to bite back any scathing and bitter comments. Be civil, Evie.
Evie wasn't happy about having to be pleasant to Uma. She did have plenty of reasons to dislike the girl, after all. Uma was a long-standing rival of Mal's, she had been one of the pirates clamouring for Evie to be tossed overboard to the sharks and she had been the mastermind in sabotaging Carlo's party.
However, those reasons were twisted with the fact that Harry had also helped in those deeds. If she could look past those transgressions for Harry, then she could - in theory - look past Uma's role in it too. She didn't have to forgive Uma and she could still be angry about it all, but if she wanted to keep things amicable between her and Uma's crew, for the sake of her friendship with Harry, then she had to be willing to grit her teeth and deal with it.
She could tell Uma's feelings were similar. Despite her friendly demeanour, there was an undercurrent of bitterness in the girl's body language and words towards her. It would seem Uma hadn't forgiven her for wrecking The Lost Revenge.
"No, we didn't," Evie replied, forcing a friendly smile onto her face. She shrugged her shoulders, putting on as nonchalant an air as she could. "As my friend always says, the past is past, forgive forget."
Both girls laughed politely, neither meaning it at all.
"So, this is the girl you've been crushing on!" Gil said loudly with a grin, pointing at Evie. "Right, I can see why you like her."
Uma, Harry and Evie slowly turned around to look at the boy in disbelief. Gil grinned back at them, completely oblivious to the awkwardness he had just created.
Does that boy have no social skills? Evie thought irritably, trying her best not to let her embarrassment show.
To break the tension Uma cleared her throat loudly and put on a winning smile. She clapped her hands, giving everyone a quick glance. "Anyway, how about some drinks? Harry, Gil, why don't you two gentlemen go and get us all some refreshments?"
"I don't recall gettin hired to work here," Harry said with a scowl, looking unimpressed.
"Why do you need the two of us?" Gil asked, sounding confused.
"Because, Gil, I don't trust you to be in the kitchen alone without hurting yourself or setting the place on fire, again," Uma retorted snidely. "Now hurry up before we all die of thirst."
Gil shrugged and made to leave, not picking up on the real reason he and Harry were being sentenced to the kitchen. For whatever reason, Uma wanted a moment alone with Evie. Harry had picked up on this and before he walked through the swing doors he paused, casting a concerned glance over his shoulders towards Evie. Evie scowled at his back as he left, silently cursing him for leaving her alone with Uma.
"Well, you've certainly got them under your thumb," Evie commented.
"It's a gift," Uma said with a smile. "Let's go have a seat, shall we?"
Much to Evie's discomfort, Uma looped her arm with hers and gave her a quick flash of a smile. Evie allowed Uma to lead her over to a table by one of the windows, near the front door. If any outsiders had looked in and seen them at that moment, they would have been forgiven for thinking that the girls were friends. They both had charming smiles on their faces, their closeness suggesting a comfort around one another. What they wouldn't have known was it was all a pretence, both girls skilled at the art of deception. Neither liked the other, but due to the circumstances, found themselves having to put on an act.
"So, you and Harry, huh? How long have you two been a thing?"
"We're just friends," Evie replied, sounding as casual as she could. "Have been for a while now."
"Just friends?" Uma asked lightly, the hint of a smirk at the corner of her lips.
Evie nodded.
Uma grinned, finally releasing Evie's arm and offering her a seat. Evie sat down, one leg crossed over the other and her hands clasped neatly. Uma slid into a seat across from her, leaning back with her arms crossed.
"I have to say, when I found out you two were friends, I wasn't best impressed," Uma admitted, tossing her braids over her shoulder.
I bet you weren't, Evie mused.
"What upset me most though was that Harry didn't feel he could trust us. We're supposed to be a crew. And crews have no place for lies and secrets," Uma continued. "But I'm sure you know all about that. I take it Mal, Jay and Carlos already know about you two?"
Evie couldn't help but narrow her eyes slightly, knowing she was being baited. She was positive Uma already knew the whole situation, Harry having filled her in.
"No, they don't."
"No? Hmm, well I can't say I blame you there. Mal never was the most understanding of friends," Uma replied dryly.
Evie didn't even try to hide her scowl, glaring the other girl down. She didn't come here to have Uma insult her friends. Uma noticed the hostility creeping into Evie's body language and held her hands up in surrender, giving her an apologetic look.
"Look, I know you two are friends and all but as her former bestie, trust me, I know."
Evie had known that Mal and Uma had once been best friends. What she didn't know was why the relationship had soured. Mal always brushed it off as something silly whenever she was asked about it, claiming it was all down to Uma being a drama Queen.
"What is it that happened between you two?" Evie asked carefully.
She wouldn't deny that she was curious. A few months ago she had never really bothered about it, but now that the rivalry between Uma and Mal was interfering so greatly with her life she wanted answers. She didn't think that there was anything she could do to mend the burnt bridge between them, there was too much bad blood for that now, but she still wanted to know. Whatever had happened between the two girls was the source of much of Evie's dilemmas today.
"I don't suppose you've heard the name... Shrimpy... being tossed around." Uma said the word with utter disdain, her body tensing in displeasure.
Evie shook her head.
Truthfully, she had. Mal had used it to refer to Uma on numerous occasions, but she had never elaborated on how Uma had come to earn the nickname. Evie was sure it was not a name of endearment and decided to play ignorant on the subject.
"Well, it's a... charming little nickname that I got thanks to Mal," Uma said, her voice sickly sweet. "A few years ago she tried to pull off a prank and mucked it up. It was funny, I laughed. And despite being best friends, Mal decided that she needed to get back at me for that. So she poured a bucket of shrimps over my head and started calling me Shrimpy. The name stuck. Helped along with her gossiping tongue."
"Just because you laughed at her?" Evie asked dubiously.
"She held a grudge against you for ten years because you didn't invite her to a party," Uma countered, quirking an eyebrow. "Do you really think she wouldn't hold a grudge against me for laughing at her screw up?"
Touche. Evie would give her that. Mal had certainly inherited her mother's love for revenge and vendettas, that she knew.
"I'm surprised you didn't already know about that. It was widely spread a few years ago," Uma muttered. Her face suddenly lit up with understanding. "Oh, that's right. I forgot. You and your mother were banished for nearly a decade by Mal's mother. No, you wouldn't have heard about it."
Evie flinched at the reminder of that decade locked away. She didn't notice the flicker of a smile on Uma's face at her reaction.
"You know, you and me, we're not all that different," Uma said, leaning forward, her arms folded on the table top.
"Oh really? And how's that?" Evie asked, eyeing the other girl warily.
"We're both victims of a Maleficent's overreacting," Uma elaborated. "You didn't deserve to be locked up in a castle for ten years or stuffed in a booby trapped filled wardrobe. And I didn't deserve to be made a fool out of."
"Mal and I are friends now, all that doesn't matter anymore," Evie said harshly, all pretences of friendliness having been melted away.
"Not big on revenge then?" Uma asked lightly.
"I'm up for it now and then. As I'm sure you'll remember," Evie replied sweetly.
The remainder of Evie's role in the destruction of The Lost Revenge did not sit well with Uma. The girl's face contorted into a scowl, her hands clenching. Evie smirked, pleased that the barb had hit home.
Evie hadn't intended to antagonize Uma at this meeting, but the girl's line of conversations wasn't sitting well with her at all. She wasn't stupid, despite what many people on the Isle thought, and she could tell when someone was spinning a web. Uma could put on a friendly attitude and give her all the fake smiles she wanted, but Evie wasn't buying it. She knew the girl didn't like her, still bitter over past wrong doings. Evie knew this because it was the same boat that she was in.
Coming here to this meeting they were supposed to be putting their resentments aside. It seemed Uma had other plans. Whether Uma was just trying to rile her up, make a point, or play a game, Evie wasn't sure. But there was no way she was going to sit idly by and let the girl trample over her friend's names behind their back.
Uma took in a deep, calming breath, plastering on a fake smile.
"Well, just some friendly advice, if I was you, I'd watch my back around Mal. At the end of the day, that girl only cares about herself," Uma said darkly.
The sound of shattering glass caught both girls attention. The noise had come from the kitchen and was quickly followed by a frustrated growl from Harry.
"Gil, ye blithering ejit!"
There was the sound of something metal thwacking against a wall, followed by a large thump.
Uma rolled her eyes.
"Honestly, can't leave those two alone for two minutes," Uma sighed, resting a hand on her head.
Harry waltzed into the room, the doors to the kitchen swinging shut on Gil's face, nearly causing the boy to stumble backwards. Gil barely managed to save himself from falling by slamming his back against the doorframe, the drinks spilling over slightly. He hurried over to the table, dishing them out to everyone before taking a seat. Harry decided not to sit down, instead leaning against the wall beside Evie.
"So, what was it you wanted me here for?" Evie asked, her friendly mood activated again.
Behind her Harry gave Uma a stern look, having picked up the remnants of the tension that had occurred between the girls a few moments before. Uma gave him an innocent smile.
"To call a truce. Gil and I wanted to make it clear that we're cool with you and Harry being friends," Uma replied. "I thought a little get together would be a good way to break the ice."
Uma lifted her glass into the air.
"To new friends."
Evie stood outside Ursula's Fish and Chip Shop, waiting for Harry to come out. They had spent a few hours in the company of Uma and Gil and were now about to head over to Harry's place, at his request. He had asked her to wait out here while he went back inside to get something.
Putting aside the tense girl talk she had had with Uma, Evie had rather enjoyed the day. They had all laughed and talked, all cautious to avoid any topics that could lead to bickering. Gil had occasionally, albeit innocently, brought up some potentially awkward and trouble stirring conversation starters. After glares, scowls and finally threats from Uma and Harry, Gil had taken the hint and kept mostly quiet.
They also had come to an agreement not to tell anyone about Harry and Evie's friendship, which Evie was thankful for. The whole affair had left her hopeful that maybe, just maybe, her friends might be more open to her and Harry than she originally thought.
After a few moments, Uma exited the shop, minus one Harry.
"Harry's just coming," Uma said, crossing her arms and leaning against the wall. "Before you go there's one more thing I'd like to say to you."
"And that is?" Evie asked, tilting her head.
"If you ever find yourself in Mal's bad books again, my doors, are always open."
Before Evie could respond the doors to the shop creaked open and out came Harry, a plastic carrier bag in hand.
"Consider this an olive branch," Uma said, gesturing to the bag of food. "Dinner, on the house."
Evie smiled, nodding her head in silent thanks. Harry tilted his hat and gave Uma a small bow.
"Well, Uma," Harry said, "I'll see ye tomorrow at-"
Two small children shoved their way through the trio, snatching Harry's hook from his hand. They quickly darted down the dock, laughing and jeering as they went.
"Hey!" Uma snarled.
"Come back here ye little runts!" Harry shouted.
Harry and Uma bolted after them. Evie made to follow but someone grabbed her wrist. She swirled around, readying to slap whoever had a hold of her.
"Let me-" Evie's eyes widened, her breath feeling like it had been knocked out of her. "Jay?"
"Shhh! Now let's go before they come back!" Jay hissed. He began running, pulling Evie along with him as he ran down a nearby alleyway. They didn't get far before Evie ground her heels into the road, gritting them to a stop. "Evie, what are you doing? You're kinda making the whole rescue thing a little hard."
"Rescue?"
"From Uma and her crew! I saw Harry pushing you into Ursula's shop," Jay said, looking at her in bewilderment. "Just wait till Mal hears about this. Uma and her crew are not going to get away with this! Are you alright? You're not hurt are you?"
Oh dear...
Jay thought she had been held hostage by Uma, Harry and Gil. How in Evil's name could she tell him the truth? That she had gone there willing to try and come to an understanding about her friendship with Harry.
Any hopes that she had that telling Jay and the others the truth would go down well, went up in smoke. He was going to be furious.
Of all the people who could have found her... why did it have to be Jay? And under this kind of misunderstanding! Lying wasn't going to save her now. If she played along with Jay's misinterpretation, then it would lead to a full out battle between her friends and Harry's.
Oh, what was that tacky saying that heroes had? Oh right, the truth will set you free. Somehow, she doubted it.
"Jay, they didn't kidnap me. I went there willingly."
Startled, Jay let go of her wrist, looking at her in puzzlement. "What do you mean you went there willingly?"
There was no easy way to say this, nothing she could do to lessen the blow.
"Jay I'm..." She took in a deep breath and braced herself. "I'm friends with Harry."
There, I admitted it, Evie thought, shutting her eyes and waiting for her reckoning to come.
Several seconds passed and Jay said nothing. Timidly, Evie opened her eyes. Jay was still standing across from her, staring at her blankly.
"You're friends... with Harry. As in... Harry Hook?" Jay finally spoke.
"Yeah," Evie started nervously, wincing. "We became friends a few months ago."
"You're kidding, right?" Jay crossed his arms, scoffing under his breath.
The subtle look of guilt on her face confirmed her admission. Jay gasped, looking at her in utter bewilderment.
"You're not kidding. You're serious! Evie, what are you thinking? This is Harry Hook! Uma's first mate! Our enemy! Did you forget we're at war with them? That he helped ruin Mal's art? What they did to Carlos?"
Jay ran a hand irritably through over his head, pulling back at his hat. He kicked a nearby trash can over, letting out an angry grunt. Evie flinched and cast her eyes away from him.
"It just happened, Jay. I didn't mean for it to happen," Evie said quietly.
"Evie, he's a low life, manipulative, crazy pirate! He's either toying with you or using you," Jay snapped, grimacing at her. "This is just another way to attack our gang! How can you be so stupid?"
Evie looked up at him, her eyes narrowing. "I'm not stupid, Jay."
"Then why are you-" Jay narrowed his eyes, taking a step away from her. "Wait a second. Carlos. The party. That's how they knew... isn't it? Harry found out from you."
The accusation was as good as a slap to the face. Evie let out a harsh breath, her eyes widening in stunned wonder. Jay couldn't believe that. How could he think she would betray them like that? Carlos was her friend, one of her oldest and dearest friends. He was always there for her when she needed him. She would never betray him like that, to set him up for such a vicious prank!
"How dare you!" Evie snarled, her hands tightening into fists.
"How dare I?" Jay retorted. "Then explain why it was you were safe outside when everything was going down? Quite the coincidence, don't you think?"
"I didn't know that was going to happen!" Evie shouted back furiously. "I was outside because Harry showed up! He took me outside to make sure I wasn't in there when The Queen of Hearts arrived. If I had known what was going to happen I would have warned everyone! I would have tried to stop it!"
"Then how did they find out?"
"I don't know!"
Jay took another step back at her furious outburst. Evie stood there panting hard, her hands clutching the edges of her long sleeves tightly. She was livid and hurt. How dare Jay think she would have any part in that prank against them. How dare he! She could feel hot tears prickling in her eyes. With an angry scoff, she rubbed her eyes dry. Villains did not cry.
"Look, Jay, I know I shouldn't be friends with Harry, but I am not a traitor. I'm not in their crew. I'm not helping them. I wouldn't backstab you all like that," Evie said. "You're my friends."
Jay sighed angrily, looking away from her to stare intently at the ground. "Does Mal and Carlos know about this?"
"No, they don't. And I'd rather they didn't. Just... not now," Evie said quietly.
"You expect me not to tell Mal about this? Evie-"
"Jay, if Mal finds out I'm going to be kicked out the group! I'll be a target of the VK's pranks! I'll be banish-" Evie stopped her panicked rambling, clearing her throat. She lowered her head, biting her lip. "She wouldn't understand."
I don't think you understand either...
"Evie, you can't trust Uma and her crew-"
"You can't trust Uma and her crew," a mocking voice echoed from behind Evie.
Evie and Jay spun around to find Harry walking towards them, his hook once again in his hand, glinting dangerously like a sword in the dim alleyway.
As if this couldn't get any worse...
"And who exactly are ye to judge, Jay?" Harry asked, a menacing grin on his face. "I take it those rascals stealing ma hook was yer doing."
"I don't know what you're up to Harry," Jay spat, growling at the pirate, "but I swear you're not getting away with it!"
Jay shot forward, ready to launch a fist into Harry's face. Before the two boys could start fighting Evie threw herself in between them, a hand outstretched on either of their chests, keeping them separated. She gave the both boys a warning glare.
"Don't even start this, guys!" Evie snapped.
Jay moved back but kept glaring at Harry. The pirate grinned back, running a finger down the length of his hook.
"I don't believe this," Jay muttered.
"Jay, just hear me out," Evie begged, reaching out for him.
Jay shrugged her off, shaking his head. He walked by Evie, bumping his shoulder roughly into Harry as he passed him.
"Mature as always as Jay," Harry called back to him.
When Jay paused a few feet away Evie thought he was going to turn around and try to fight Harry again. Instead, he took in a deep breath and left the alley, never once looking back. Evie lowered her head into her hands, trying with all her might not to let her emotions get the better of her. She could feel those pesky tears threatening to spill free again.
"Well, that went well," Harry muttered.
"This is so not what I needed right now," Evie mumbled.
Harry looked at her and saw how upset she was. He reached out and put a comforting arm around her shoulder.
"Come on, no use loitering around here."
Evie was awestruck when she caught sight of the Jolly Roger sitting at the harbour. The ship was a magnificent, classical pirate ship, with six billowing white sails tied up to three masts and one black flag with white skulls and crossbones fluttering on the main mast. There were rows of black canons peeking out through ports holes in the lower section of the ship. The main deck was thriving with life, pirates scurrying around doing chores, fishing, and climbing the shrouds.
"Wow," Evie marvelled.
"I'll give ye a tour of the whole ship after dinner," He promised.
Evie stayed close to Harry as he led her onto the ship, taking her down through a series of staircases and corridors until finally reaching his room. When they entered Harry's cabin room Evie's hand flew up to her mouth.
"Oh my evil!" Evie gasped.
Startled, Harry turned to her. "What is it?"
"Your room is actually clean!"
Not to mention surprisingly fancy...
"Har har," Harry replied blandly, slowly crossing his arms. "Me Da's quite strict when it comes to ma room."
Harry's room on The Jolly Roger was immaculate, such a stark contrast to his room on The Lost Revenge. The wooden floors were polished and gleaming, much like the glass in the three large portholes. There was a cabin bed over by one of the walls, the cherry coloured bed sheets and pillows tucked in and fluffed. Underneath the bed, there was a built in book case filled with books and the odd ornament. There were thick red curtains at the beds head board, tied neatly with a golden cord. At the other end of the room sat a grand piano, a small table with three stools surrounding it nearby. What was most striking of all was the intricate carvings in the walls and ceilings, beautiful etchings of ships, boats, islands, fairies and pirates.
"I can't believe this is your room!" Evie said, stunned.
Harry walked over to one of the cupboards on the wall and pulled out cutlery, plates and condiments. He busied himself with setting the table as Evie explored his room.
Over by the corner, Evie spied two doors that she guessed was his closet. Curious to see if this closet was as a chaotic a mess as his other one, Evie crept over to it, casting a quick peep over her shoulder to make sure Harry wasn't watching before pulling the doors open. Her eyes widened at the sight she saw. Never had she seen such an organized closet! Even hers wasn't as bad as this and that was saying something!
On either side of the closet were two rails filled with jackets, vests, shirts, trousers and other clothes, all hung in order of colours, darkest to light. Below the rails were many shoes, all polished and lined up tidily. There was a small set of drawers at the back of the closet and after inspecting it Evie found it filled with accessories, all arranged neatly.
"Havin fun there, Princess?"
Evie turned around to find Harry leaning against the closet doors, blocking the exit. She smiled innocently at him, gesturing to the space around her.
"I didn't think you were capable of keeping everything so neat and tidy," Evie giggled. "I thought I was bad, but wow, my organizing skills have nothing on this."
"My da's very insistent on keeping his ship in ship shape." Harry rolled his eyes, looking less than pleased about that. "And that includes ma room. The auld codfish is a stickler for it."
Evie supposed this room reflected Captain Hook's personality more than it did his son. Harry was far too wild for such organization.
"Well, dinners served," Harry said, heading back to the table. Evie followed him and took a seat at the table. "Bon appétite! Fish suppers."
They both dug into their meals, each taking a drastically different approach to table etiquette. Evie placed a napkin over her lap and made sure her elbows never touched the table. She used her cutlery, cutting her food into manageable chunks. Harry, on the other hand, neglected to use his fork and knife and instead eat his food with his fingers, taking monstrously sized bites.
Evie quirked an eyebrow at his outrageous table manners, thoroughly unimpressed.
Hmmm, dinner at my castle is so off the menu, Evie mused, thinking about how her mother would react to such a lack of manners.
"This food is really nice," Evie said as she sliced her second fish into smaller pieces.
"I'm sure Uma will be glad to hear that," Harry replied, picking up his battered fish with his fingers and ripping a bite out of it. "She's the one who made it for us."
"That was... nice." And suspicious. "It's a little late now but this isn't poisoned, is it?"
Harry laughed, wiping his mouth with his sleeve.
"Poisoned treats are yer forte, Princess. This is Uma trying to build bridges."
Evie nodded. She began shoving her food about the plate with her fork, no longer hungry.
Harry was quite lucky that Uma and Gil were accepting and understanding of the situation. Jay's reaction had not gone well and she had no idea if he would tell Mal and Carlos. He had been so angry... surely Mal would be even worse...
Harry noticed the glumness setting on Evie's features.
"I know yer worried about Jay and the other VK's, Evie," He said softly. "Ye shouldn't be. If they were yer real friends they'd try to understand."
Evie sighed, pulling her hair behind her ear.
"Ye know," Harry said quietly, "if ye wanted ye could always join my crew."
"Very funny," Evie said with a laugh, rather amused by the notion.
"What makes ye think am joking?" Harry asked, tilting his head.
"Seriously? Uma hates me." It was a mutual feeling. "And besides, I'm already part of the VK's." Uncomfortable with his joke, Evie tried to change the topic, not wanting to think of the VK's or Uma's crew. When her eyes landed on the piano inspiration struck. "Anyway, the real question here is... can you play that piano over there?"
Harry smirked, "let's find out, shall we?"
Harry grabbed his hook from the table and moved over to the piano, taking a seat down on the long bench. Evie followed him over, leaning against the side of the piano, her hands behind her back. She watched as he lifted the piano's cover and experimentally played a quick glissando, low to high.
"Wait, you can play the piano with your hook still on?" Evie asked.
"Of course," Harry said with a grin, playing a few of the higher notes. "And tonight yer lucky enough to get a private performance."
The first tune he played was a lively one, very fitting for a grand adventure at sea. It made her think of daring voyages and plucky pirates narrowly escaping capture by soldiers. Evie was impressed to see Harry play such a complex tune with such ease, considering he was doing it with his hook in his hand, using its tip like a finger. She could tell he was enjoying himself, his face brightened by the wicked smile on his face.
"Was it your father who taught you how to play the piano?"
"Aye. He taught me when I was a wee yin," Harry explained.
While Harry played for her, Evie decided to continue her exploration of his room. She made her way over to the bookcase under the cabin bed, her finger lightly trailing along the shelves. There were books on astrology, navigation, sea mythology, sailing, pirate laws, history of pirates, pirates of the Caribbean, and many others, including some fiction classics like Treasure Planet and Treasure Island.
"Do you like to read a lot?" Evie inquired.
"I do," Harry answered. "My da always made sure me and my sisters had the best books available on the Isle. And the best tutors. He wanted us to have as good as an education as we could get here. He hopes that one day we'll follow in his footsteps and be the most fearsome Captains that sailed the seven seas. After him, that it."
"Sounds like you've got quite the legacy to live up to," Evie observed.
"We both do," Harry replied, looking over at her as he finished off the last notes of the song. "Yer mother has her dreams for ye and ma da has his dreams for me."
Harry began playing another song, this one like an eerie sea lullaby, that made her think of longing and sadness. Evie took a seat on the bench beside him, watching his fingers and hook slowly move along the keyboard.
"Is that something you want to be one day? A Captain of your own ship?"
"I think one day... I would. Though that'll have to wait till we get rid of the barrier," Harry said thoughtfully. "When that day comes maybe ye'll join me in a big auld adventure across the sea?"
"Hmmm, stuck with you on a long sea voyage?" Evie smiled teasingly. She leaned her head against his shoulder. "I don't know about that."
Harry nudged her with his shoulder in response, causing Eve to snigger.
"I'm joking. I don't think being stuck with you would be that bad," Evie snickered. "You're certainly a good piano player."
"See, what did I tell you? Give it a few weeks and ye'd be singing ma praises," Harry said, giving her a cheeky wink.
Evie closed her eyes, her head still resting against Harry's shoulder. The song lulled on for another few moments, resounding around the walls of the cabin. Evie could very easily have fallen asleep there while listening to that haunting melody. Before that could happen, Harry drew the song to an end.
Evie cast a glance at the boy she was leaning on, her heart aching a little as those misty grey eyes met hers.
She decided that now was as good a time as any to give him an answer to a question he had asked her a week ago. Jay having found out about their friendship had given her pause about doing it today, but she didn't want to keep Harry hanging in limbo over it any longer. He deserved an answer.
"Harry, I have something to give you," Evie murmured.
Harry turned to her expectantly.
Evie reached into her pocket and handed him a red handkerchief with golden embroidery, something small hidden inside. Harry placed down his hook and took the offering from her. He ran a finger over the hand-stitched, golden initials of his name and smiled.
"Did ye make this?"
Evie nodded, smiling.
Harry unfolded the small bundle and looked inside. What he saw caused confusion to appear on his face. He picked up the object, holding it up to his face to examine it.
"Ye got me an... acorn?"
Evie nodded again, her smile getting bigger.
"This is from that moss-ridden tree menace, isn't it?" Harry reckoned. "If ye think I'm plantin this and having a mini version of that horror sittin about ma room, ye have another thing comin, Princess."
Evie laughed, putting a hand on his arm.
"Actually, I have another acorn to give you."
Harry gave her an incredulous look.
"Oh, so not one but two of em? If this is yer way of trying to do me in, Princess, I think I'd rather have one of yer poison apples," Harry commented dryly.
"You'd be the first person to take an apple from me," Evie reflected.
"I wonder why that is?"
Harry put out his hand for the second acorn. Evie looked at his hand, a mischievous sparkle in her eyes. The only thing she placed in his hand was her own hand before clasping her fingers with his. Harry gave her a questioning look. Evie simply smiled and leaned forward, placing a tender kiss on his lips. She felt Harry still, his breath hitching. When she pulled away he had a wondrous look on his face.
"That... was not an acorn," Harry whispered.
"Depends on your definition of an acorn," Evie replied just as quietly, a wistful smile on her face. "And according to a story book I was reading about flying boys, pirates and fairies, it can represent a kiss too. A bit like a thimble."
Harry's eyes seemed to light up as he realised what she meant. He looked at her cautiously, gingerly lifting his free hand to rest against the side of her face. Evie leaned forward, resting her forehead against his.
"Evie?" Harry whispered.
"I don't think us as a couple will be easy... but I do know... that I really like you, Harry. Even though you're an insufferable, cocky, cheeky, rotten-"
Harry moved a finger to her lips, silencing her rant.
"Ye don't need to flatter me so much," Harry spoke blandly but she could tell he was trying hard to hide an amused smirk. "Ye sorta ruined the moment a wee bit there, I have to say."
Evie smiled and gave him another quick kiss.
"On second thought," Harry whispered against her lips, "consider it fixed."
Harry suddenly laughed and the next moment he was standing, pulling Evie to her feet. He put his arms around her waist, lifting her up and spinning her around. Evie flung her arms around his neck, letting out an embarrassing yelp. When he put her back down she swatted his arm, glaring up at him. Harry just kept grinning, resting his forehead back against hers. Evie found herself unable to maintain her frown, a smile blossoming on her face at the overjoyed pirate.
Her mother always told her to follow her head, no matter what. And Evie did. She always thought everything out before she acted, perhaps far more than she should. But sometimes, the heart simply wouldn't allow itself to be overruled. Evie didn't know what the future held for her and Harry, but she hoped it was a happily ever after.
(A/N) Evie's kiss parallels Harry's. Sorry if that seemed repetitive, I just really like parallels XD The tune Harry is playing at first is Pirate of The Caribean theme tune then he goes onto play Davy Jones theme piano version. Wee bit of a Marvel reference to Groot there. Can you imagine a mini Hauntie living with Harry? Poor boy wouldn't last a day.
So, Uma and her crew's interactions with Evie are quite underhanded here. Gil seems genuinely cool with it. Uma is putting up with it at this point for Harry and so she can get back at Mal. Harry genuinely wants Evie on his crew and is well intentioned in that desire. But he's also playing games like Uma is with subtly trying to make Evie question whether or not she wants to stay friends with the VK's while also presenting her with his group as an alternative. It's sneaky and manipulative buuuuut they're villains. It's what they do. The question is... will they get away with it? Or will Evie see through it? Ooooor something else? Any theories?
What will Jay do now that he knows?
If anyone has any questions that they reeeeeally need answered before the next update feel free to drop me a PM or even an ask my tumblr, eviarry. xx
Review Replies
StormRocker: Thanks :) Don't worry, no plans to end it there. Hope you enjoyed the chapter!
Guest: Thank you :) You were right, she said yes! They're officially a couple! Mal hasn't found out yet... but she will... or will she? *cue dramatic music*
starflight34: She did say yes! Woohoo! Thanks!
courtneeyoung18: Glad you liked the chapter! Uma definitely is walking on thin ice. It could all backfire quite spectacularly if she's not careful.
TLilyMay: She said yes! XD Glad you liked Dizzy and Evie's interactions. That scene took me ages to write for some reason. Uma's an opportunist, there was no way she could resist trying to turn the situation to her advantage. How Mal finds out - if she finds out - we'll have to wait and see *wink wink*. You were right about the handkerchief, she finally got to give him it! I think you're right with Carlos being more accepting, especially since it's Evie and the two of them are quite close. Thank you! Hope you enjoyed the chapter! :)
TLilyMay Part 2: Evie's such a friendly and charming character I think she could befriend the whole Isle if she put her mind to it XD We'll have to wait and see if she does become friends with them or not.
dancergymnast2003: I'm glad you liked the chapter! And now they're officially dating~* Evie just might accept Uma's offer. In this chapter, Uma and Harry have been playing a few mind games, trying to cast doubts in Evie's mind about her friends while showing her that their group is a better alternative. And now with how Jay's reacted it might make her feel like that is the best option, especially depending on what he does next. Will he tell Mal? Or do something else? Mevie friendship is beautiful! And I love it so much and I feel really bad writing about the doubts Evie has about Mal, and writing about how mean Mal was before Auradon, but it's interesting stuff I want to explore. Hopefully, the two will make it through! ... or not.. we'll find out soon XD Evie said yes!
Random: She said yes~* Hope it was worth the wait! It's taken ages to get to this part! XD I wish they had had more interactions too! I was gutted when they didn't have many - well, any really - in the movie. Sigh... at least we have fanficiton.
C. DeVil: I'm so glad! And I'm really happy you mentioned the Barbossa picture! It's nice to see the little details being noticed XD Thank you for your advice in regards to submitting a character request for Harry. I did it and now we have Harry. H on the list of characters! It makes it soooo much easier to find stories with him in it now!
T. F. Crosby: She said yes! At long last! They're a couple! Only took 10 chapters XD Thank you! Glad you liked the chapter! I love Gil too! He honestly reminds me of a wee puppy XD Hmmm the VK's - minus Jay - might discover Evie and Harry by seeing them kiss. It would be quite the dramatic way of finding out, I have to say lol. Unless Jay tells them first. I'm glad the chapter was worth the wait! I've not had a chance to read the Peter Pan book yet, but I've been watching all the movies for inspiration. Peter really is a little devil, isn't he? XD Oh! Is that why he did it? :O Right, that makes a bit more sense. I've always wondered why he did it XD I feel cutting off Hook's hand was a bit over kill. Though in the movies he doesn't seem overly fussed about it - at least in the 1953 version - it was more so throwing it to Tick Tock who then hunts him down relentlessly. But very good point, the heroes aren't always so good as they'd like to make themselves out to be.
Guest: Evie said yes~* Will Mal see them kissing? Hmmmmm... we'll have to wait and see...
Guest: Bingo on the first part XD If Evie does become friends with the rest of Uma's crew it will definitely lead to conflict with the other VK's. That's them officially a couple! I toyed with leaving it for another chapter or so but I don't think Evie would want to leave Harry waiting for an answer to long. Interesting theory! It could happen, we'll just have to wait and see :) Thank you for your review! Hope you enjoyed this chapter!
Guest: It can be interpreted that way :D In that chapter though it was mainly referring to them moving on from friendship to romantic partners. :) Though um... haha... if everything goes as I have planned there's definitely something happening in the distant-ish future for these two.
Guest: Right on the mark! That's the book she checked and how she learned about the acorn kisses for this chapter. She said yes XD With how Hauntie feels towards Harry I think it'll be Harry getting thrown off the cliff XD I think the best way I've had a reviewer describe their relations was this: "-It's like a fight between a favourite pet and boyfriend for attention." This will probably get worse when Hauntie realises they're dating lol.
Guest: At the start of the Descendants movie it didn't feel like Evie and Mal were very close, so that makes sense. It was during the movie that they grew closer and we got our kick-ass friendship XD I think before Auradon Evie was much closer to Carlos.
Hessian304: I'm glad you like the story! Mal's reaction - if she finds out - isn't going to be... well... good, to say the least XD I really wanted to have Captain Hook in the story as I love his character. I was holding off until Descendants 2 came out in hopes that he was in there and I could get a feel for their interpretation of the character. I was so disappointed that he wasn't in it T-T He may make an appearance in the next chapter, it just depends on how it goes. If I do add him it'll most likely be the Captain Hook from the 1953 movie, as I feel that version of Hook would fit in more comfortably in the Descendants world. However, Evil Queen will be making an appearance in the story again. Thank you! :D
Sunshine: Yipe, that was her goal. Harry wasn't fond of Mal to begin with, especially when he found out about Cruella's wardrobe incident, now he has even more reasons to dislike her. And your right, it's another reason for Evie to join Uma's crew, one that they're subtly trying to use to lure her to their side. Hmmm maybe, maybe not. We'll have to wait and see how they all react :3
Guest: I'm not gonna lie... I forgot Evie was grounded for that part XD Oh my stars... *cringes* I'll fix that later. For now, the excuse is her mother let her out the house because it was a beauty thing. She's officially ungrounded now as a week has passed. And she said yeeeeesss~* Interesting theory. Maybe, maybe not *wink wink* Teehee, I can't wait for that part either. I have a really sweet idea of how we first find out he's in love with her :3 That would be really cool, might happen, might not ;)
Guest: And now they're officially bf/gf! XD
mrscharlesbingley: High five my fellow 22-year-old! We're never too old for loving Disney things, especially something as wicked as Descendants! Thank you for your lovely review! I feel it would be spoiling to say whether they get a happy ending or not so I won't say anything there. Though I do love a happy ending :3
Guest: Thank you! Here's an update for you and I hope you enjoy it!
Guest: I really hope the ship gets more popular! I love them so much. I honestly could do back-flips whenever I see new stories with them! :D
Kaat16 . luv3s: I'm glad you like the story! And I hope this chapter was worth the wait! :D
Pinklizardqueen: Glad you like the chapter! Yes, he was jealous in the chapter Boyfriend! Glad you picked up on that XD It was a subtle hint he was starting to feel more deeply for Evie. No need to scream, she said yesss! 3 Hmmm, I liked what I saw but I wish we'd seen more of his character. I feel he was really unexplored. I know there's only so much time in the movie and he wasn't a main character but I think he had potential to be so much more than what he was. He should have been witty though, his Dad was always quite witty and a very intelligent man, so I'm surprised that didn't rub off on him. I'm going to pretend that the chewing gum thing never happened though... that was a side of Harry that I didn't need to see... Loved his theme music though XD What was your overall opinion of the new movie? I quite liked it but in the same breath, I don't know... I feel a lot of things weren't tied off properly at the end and I didn't like that we didn't get to see the new villain kids parents.
Me: Thanks!
Wow: The movie was quite good. I loved some of the songs like Going Down, What's My Name, and Ways To Be Wicked. Evie's outfits were amazing! I wasn't so hot on the ending, I have to say. It just felt rushed, incomplete and too easy. Too many questions weren't answered.
Lucky to find: Thanks! The details are what makes the chapters take so long to write, but I hope they're worth it. :D
Love it: Mwhahahahaha~* Not telling. You'll have to wait and see in the next few chapters. Though a good place to look for spoilers is always in the review reply section. I tend to ramble XD
Ashara Lynn: Evie as part of Uma's crew is quite the move by Uma. For now, Evie won't be apart of Uma's crew, seeing as she's declined. She wasn't really taking Harry's proposal seriously though. Harry won't give up about it though and there's still time for her to change her mind :3 We'll have to wait and see~* She does like him! Took her a while to figure it out lol! But finally, they're a couple! And thank you very much for editing this chapter! :D
BigSisDanielle: Today! :D I try to update at least once a week, if not then sooner.
YellowPixieDust: Love the name! I'm glad you like the story! Thank you for the lovely review! Hope you enjoy future chapters!
Please answer: Good question. Uma didn't pay for the beverages. She made Harry pay for them to make up for the whole Evie situation. That's her petty revenge for now XD
KateGT: I'm glad you like the story! When it comes to shipping I stick with the philosophy of ship all the ships XD Yipe, Hevie seems to be the accepted name for the ship. Thanks for the lovely review!
Hi: Hey there :D That would be an interesting story! Only thing is I already have the other chapters mapped out so I wouldn't be able to add this in. But it would be a wicked cool story!
Hey: You're welcome. Glad you like the story and thank you for the major compliment! :D Hopefully, we'll see much more Harry x Evie stories!
so: Oh stars! A fellow jelsa shipper! :D It's great to see you on this ship too! And to hear that you've read some my old jelsa stories. This has to be fate ;) I'm sorry I never got around to finishing Forbidden Match. Thank you for your lovely review!
Hey: Updated! I'll try and update it weekly, if not sooner. xx
Sorry if I missed any reviews! Thank you, everyone, for all your support!