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Chapter Text

The ambiance of the headmaster's office was nothing more than patronizing. 

Decorated with picture frames dedicated to the heroin stories of generations before, all with a sprinkle of pirate memorabilia to remind the scarlet-haired girl just exactly who she was sitting before at this very moment. And despite the uncomfortable silence, or the even more uncomfortable velvety armchair she was sitting in, Red knew better than to make any sudden moves- or noises, for that matter. 

She was smart enough to know she was already testing her luck not coming in tearful disarray. Although her cousin's suggestion seemed reasonable, Red was adept at feigning sincerity when there was no other way out.

Growing up under her mother’s dictatorship had taught her a few hard truths:

1. Never let your guard down.
2. Love is never the answer.
3. Deny, deny, deny.

The whimsical hell that was Wonderland taught Red that in moments like these, it’s best to remain calm and deny, deny, deny. 

“One would assume you already know why you’ve been called here,” a stern voice echoed ever so slightly along the walls. With the swift movement of her aquatic throne, there she sat, ever so determined- Headmaster Uma. 

Headmaster Uma's stern gaze pierced through Red as she sat across the desk, the weight of her recent mischief hanging heavily in the air. 

"You've been practising that dramatic chair spin, haven't you?", despite the fact that she knew she was already testing her luck just by speaking, it was never like Red to miss an opportunity to crack a joke when she felt necessary. 

“Princess,” The title stung Red’s cheeks and crimson colour. She had assumed that at Auradon Prep that title would have been left back at Wonderland. 

“Now is not the time for cracking jokes…despite how right you may, or may not be.” Uma shuns and Red resists the urge to let out a snicker of laughter, choosing to keep it inside for later. 

“My apologies, Headmaster. It’s just- well, I’m not exactly sure why I’ve been called here.” Red begins, despite an initial eyebrow raise from Uma. “I was merely just continuing my academic prowess when-” 

Uma lifts her pointer finger, eyes sealed shut with a subtle grin on her lips.

“Hold it right there,” the Headmaster interjected, cutting off Red before she could weave another slippery tale. “I know you’re accustomed to lying your way out of situations back in Wonderland, Your Highness. But here, you're on my turf.” She chuckled, a menacing glint in her eye. “You have two choices: tell me the truth, or consider your tongue as good as gone. Choose wisely.”

And with that, Red chooses to remain silent. 

There was no lie to tangle herself in if she refused to speak. Her eyes pierced through Uma’s, searching for any hope of a bluff beyond those menacing orbs. There wasn’t. And with that, Red finds herself in an mildly intense staring contest that seems to last forever. If only her mother could see her now. The Queen would merely scoff at such an act of weakness and it stings Red’s mind beyond control. There was so much more the girl could be spending her Tuesday afternoon on. Sure, maybe it was the extracurricular activities that got her into this mess but maybe that was Auradons fault for preaching about embracing your interest…or whatever their motto was. 

Uma sighs, the realisation that she wasn’t going to get through the first-year seemed to be an already known fact. “You know Red, you remind me a lot of myself when I was your age.” The former vigilante began. 

Red rolled her eyes dramatically, letting them drift to the back of her head. Slowly sinking into her chair, she braced herself for what she assumed would be a long-winded speech prepared by Uma. She might as well get comfortable.

“Angry at everyone who ever did me wrong. Frustrated by the leftovers I had been dealt by those who wouldn’t dare to give me a second thought. Confused on where I belonged in this world, and who I wanted to become.” Uma lifts herself from her chair, reaching for a stack of lightly tanned paper along the edge of her desk. Directly beside them lay a Fairy GodMother bobble head figure, charming- yet tacky. 

The Headmaster circled around her desk, stopping in front of Red. Tan-coloured sheets dangled loosely from her nimble fingers. "I craved my own freedom," she began, her voice heavy with emotion. "But slowly and surely, whenever I looked in the mirror, all I could see was my mother staring back at me."

Uma hands the tanned paper over to Red who was a bit too reluctant to grab it so willy-nilly. She had expected another detention slip, or maybe a letter of disobedience she would just get Maddox to forge pretending to be her mother. This was merely standard protocol and Red knew that as soon as she turned that paper she would know exactly how to get her way out of this. 

A letter of expulsion...

Her heart sank. 

There was no doubt her past actions may have garnered some sort of punishment but this- this was beyond anything she could have fathomed. 

“You're heading down a path of destruction, Red. No matter how many times Fairy GodMother has tried, it seems there is only one option left for you. You will return back to your mother in Wonderland-” 

“All this for some stupid vandalism?!” The fury grows within the scarlet-haired girl as her voice echoes along the office walls. She rises from her chair facing Uma head on, disregarding any thoughts of overstepping boundaries. There was no way she was being sent back to Wonderland. Not after how long it took her to finally escape after all those years. 

Uma chuckles. “Oh, you and I both know it was a little more than petty vandalism.” 

“But that gives you no right to just kick me out like this! I deserve a second chance just like everyone else here! Just like you.” Red voice begins to crack from how loud it becomes. It was weak to show the tears that were beginning to well in her eyes but lord knows she couldn’t help it, even if she tried. 

The amber wood of the desk creaks when Uma rests herself upon it, looking at Red with a stare that borders the lines of mischief and amusement. “You’re right. Would have been nice to get to that part of the speech if I wasn’t so rudely interrupted…twice” The blue haired woman raises an eyebrow, prompting her junior to return back to her sitting position. “Do you know how long it took me to prepare how this was going to go. Should have known you’d put up such a fight given your track record.” 

“Listen, Red," the Headmaster said, her tone softening. "If I kicked out every student who ever made a mistake, committed a misdeed, or caused chaos, we'd have another Isle of the Lost just for the expelled. I want to give you another chance because I believe in your potential. If there's anyone here who thinks you can do good, it's me."

Red’s gaze is turned to the side, remaining any type of eye contact in this moment might warrant more emotions than needed. The vigilantes' eyes trail along the pictures of the VK’s and Uma, their stories of redemption and change. Sappy- yet mildly endearing. 

Red wouldn’t consider herself to be a bad person or a bad kid. What was so bad about expressing oneself? If it breaks the code of conduct, so be it. But maybe it was that mentality that landed her in this position right now. Teary-eyed and faced with an ultimatum she has yet to hear. 

“Trust me when I say being away from my mother has granted me the freedom I had craved for years. And I know you’re in a similar situation, which is why I’m giving you your own sort of freedom. The freedom to choose your fate.” Uma hums for a moment as she turns herself around, aiming for another tanned piece of paper that layed. 

“Making a name for yourself doesn’t always have to be destructive. Being a first-year, I wouldn’t assume you’re familiar with our school's annual Ball?” 

Red swiftly turns around, faced with a vibrantly coloured poster. “You can say I’ve heard of it.” She grabs the flyer and Uma smiles. “Lovely. I would like for you to join the Balls planning committee.” 

Pause….What? 

“Oh you have got to be kidding.” Red scoffs in her chair. She was being pranked it seemed. 

“Oh, but I’m not” Uma’s eyes widened. “It seems with your recent acts of defacing school property you want to make a name for yourself. I’m giving you that chance. Let yourself be known as the first-year who set up the most extravagant Ball this school has ever seen. I promise you that will get your further than where you’re headed-”

“Yeah no, I highly doubt that.” Red scoffs, lifting herself from her seating. Okay, so this wasn’t a prank. Just a really sick joke. Ball committee for a bunch of preppy private school kids? Hard pass. 

“Listen, it was really nice chatting with your Headmaster but this entire mentor conversation of yours is beyond my interest. Well, it has been from the start but I’ve really been trying to be nice here” Red stands up, both her expulsion paper and flyer in her grasp, clenched together by the determination that she would be able to get Uma to change her mind about this ridiculous ultimatum. If one could even call it an ultimatum. 

Uma shrugs. “The choice is yours, Princess. You either take my offer or it's a carriage ride straight back to Wonderland…with your mother”A grin grows along her lips with those final words. “If you’re smart, you’ll take my offer.” 

“But knowing you, and knowing myself, let’s just say you have until tomorrow to make your final decision.” 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

They say first-year potion-making classes are so easy that even a baby could pass. What could be simpler than reading instructions and mixing ingredients in a pot? Most of Mr. Thorn's students would agree that this class was as easy as a breeze on a light summer day. But for Chloe and Bridget, maybe it was a different story.

“How many cups of frog bile were we supposed to add again?” Chloe’s nose is deep within her assigned spell book, refusing to let herself anywhere near the disaster that was Bridget and her cauldron of improper ingredients. “Uhm, I thought you said three? Are you not the one with the spell book?” Bridget questions, mixing whatever concoction the two had been making for the past half hour. It was safe to say that maybe Chloe was just not meant for potion making, or maybe it was a safer bet to say that Chloe may or may not need some glasses. Whichever one gets her to figure out if it’s three cups of frog bile or five. 

The blue haired princess sighs into her spell book, her bright blue locks of hair masking the shame painted across her face. “I think we added too much.” Turns out it was in fact three cups, not five. 

Her voice had mumbled beneath the pages of her book, barely above a whisper as to not let her other peers hear of her miscalculation. How embarrassing that would be. If a baby was capable of doing this, Chloe might as well consider herself a zygote how underdeveloped she felt. 

Bridget smiles, removing herself from the cauldron to pat her friend across her back in an attempt to make her feel better about possibly creating a fire bomb. Small mistakes that future Bridget and Chloe would have to deal with. 

“It’s going to take a while for the potion to set anyway. At least no one will know how bad you are at this until the potion is set.” 

Chloe lifts her head, “Says the girl who’s taking this class for the second year in a row. Didn’t anyone tell you this was a first-year class?” 

Bridget's pink hair accentuates the redness of her cheeks. “How rude,” she states, “We both know I’m only here for the love potion tutorials from cupid. I could have easily just left you alone with whatever that concoction is with some other Auradon Prep snob” Bridget points towards the steamy potion across their desk, illuminating a dark green liquid as opposed to the light purple coming from their peers. 

“I’m sorry,” Chloe groans, “It’s just…everyone here already knows what they’re doing. Their potions are so vibrant and controlled and-” 

"Are we still talking about potions?" Bridget asked, her voice tinged with doubt. Chloe sighed, the effort to mask her true feelings seeming pointless now. "Everyone here is so good at what they do," she confessed. "Back home, I thought I was good at everything too. Not that there was much competition from my brother, but even he made a name for himself in his first year. I just feel like I’m falling behind."

Being the youngest child of the famed Queen Cinderella came with its perks as well as its challenges. Chloe considered herself a good person, but how far could that take her when, since the moment she entered Auradon Prep, she has only been referred to as 'Cinderella’s Daughter' or 'Chad's younger sister'? She loved her family dearly, but it was time to create her own identity at this school. It had always been her mother's dream for Chloe to write her own story at Auradon, and Chloe was determined not to let her mother down.

There's a comfortable silence between the two girls as Bridget wraps her arm around the shoulder of her sulking friend. “You’ll have lots of opportunities to make a name for yourself around the school, you’ve only just begun. Do you know how long it took me to finally get my name out there?” her honey sweet tone causes Chloe to sulk even harder, not wanting to be a burden on her ever so sweet friend. 

“But that’s just the thing. You already knew what you were good at. Your pink flamingo cupcakes are always the talk of the town,” Chloe continues on her tangent, to the dismay of her friend who quite frankly, would rather focus on their miss coloured potion that looked like it was about to overflow. But it’s the look on Chloe’s face, one that has taken over her free will since the two had first fatedly met during the first day of potion making 101. 

Bridgets arm moves from Chloe's shoulder as cups her hand along the younger girl's chin. Chloe's puppy dog eyes of sorrow become too much to bear. 

“Comparing yourself to others is pointless, especially to me," Bridget said. "The reason everyone seems so good at what they do is because they've found their passion. When you find what you're good at, like I did with baking, you'll stop comparing yourself to others.”

For the first time, Chloe felt Bridget's words resonate with her. Despite their potion now overflowing and filling the room with a froggy aroma, Chloe knew deep down that her friend was right. She just had to wait and see.

“But,” Bridget continued, a sly smile forming on her lips, “if you want my honest opinion, the real reason I discovered my talent for baking was by working on the planning committee for the Ball.”

Chloe’s ears perked up with interest. “You mean the annual Enchanted Ball?”

Bridget chuckled softly. “Mhm. Sure, there were only a few of us, but we made it work. Trying out an array of new things helped me discover what I love.”

“Wait, really?” Chloe asked, her curiosity piqued.

“Yeah. I’m pretty sure the first meeting is after hours today. I wasn’t really planning on stopping by, but—”

“Take me with you!” Chloe interrupted, gripping Bridget’s shoulders with all her might. The excitement in her voice drew the attention of their classmates, prompting Chloe to tone down her enthusiasm just a bit. Her cheeks flushed a deep red as she realized the scene she had caused.

Bridget let out a small giggle at the sight of her flustered friend. “Alright, alright. I’ll take you with me,” she said, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “Who knows? Maybe you’ll find something you’re passionate about too.”

Chloe’s heart raced with anticipation. The idea of being part of the committee and possibly discovering her own hidden talents filled her with a renewed sense of hope. She had always admired the grandeur and magic of the Enchanted Ball, and now she had a chance to contribute to it. The thought was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking, but she was ready to take the leap. 

“But first, we need to clean up this froggy-bile mess we’ve made.” Bridget points Chloe's direction towards her now flaming cauldron. How did that happen? One might never know. 

Needless to say, Chloe was now a firm believer that potions 101 was NOT meant for babies.

Chapter Text

Auradon Prep's ‘enchanted’ garden was much to be desired. With all the funding the school seemed to receive, Red was sure this place would be a bit more…vibrant. Maybe the ban on gateway magic also meant a ban on non-wilting flowers as well.

Whatever the reasoning, Red was not anticipating what this meeting had to offer. It had seemed Headmaster Uma failed to mention that the first meeting of the committee was taking place the same day of her ultimatum, but maybe that was her tactic to make sure Red got there in a timely order- you know, by following right behind her. 

“Shabby, isn’t it?” The headmaster chimes from behind. Red felt a shiver go down her spine when she begrudgingly realised she was not alone and probably wouldn’t be for the next half hour or so. There was no escaping and however much Uma thought bringing her to this place would make her not return to Wonderland, Red was seriously considering.

She wasn’t meant for some dumb planning committee. 

Uma stepped around her, positioning herself to take in the scenic view of wilting roses and the enchanted, green-tinged water from the bridge's ledge. "When I finally made it to Auradon, I realised I wasn't missing much on the Isle. It was like, 'I saved your lives for this?'" The headmaster laughed at the remark, but Red found it hard to find anything amusing at the moment.

With Red's lack of response, Uma shifts her attention. Maybe pouting might have worked with her mother but Uma was unfazed, “What? Still giving me the silent treatment?” 

Red sighs, her facade easily broken. “No… but you can agree this still feels real- “ 

“Stupid? I know it does right now but I’m sure it can do you some good.”

Red found that hard to believe. What good could come from this? Back in Wonderland, there were no Enchanted Balls or gatherings that weren’t orchestrated by her mother for light amusement, which often ended in a bloodbath. Maybe it was the ambiance of the garden or the blazing sun above the clouds, but Red slowly felt a headache overcoming her senses. Was it too late to choose the other option?

“Enchanted balls are for pretty pink princesses and snobby stuck-up royals,” the red-haired girl countered. “The only good this committee can do is tell me who to avoid even more.” Red pointed toward the practically empty garden. It seemed the committee would become more of a one-woman job—well, maybe not if Red was brave enough to choose her other option.

Just as the girl assumed she would be safe and secure on her own, two figures in the distance caught her eye. One because of their eccentrically bright outfits, which could signal from a mile away, and two because she knew exactly who was heading toward her just by the sound of her nagging. 

“And here comes one of those pretty pink princesses right now.” 

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Chloe! Will you slow down?" Bridget yelled, struggling to keep up with the eccentric girl racing ahead. Chloe's speed was astonishing; if Bridget knew any better, she would swear Chloe had a hidden talent for track and field.

Chloe huffed but slowed her pace to a light jog. "Fairy GodMother says that punctuality is the key to success," she announced, her eyes sparkling with a mix of determination and excitement.

Bridget felt the urge to roll her eyes but found herself distracted by the surrounding shrubbery. The dense greenery seemed almost painful to the eyes, especially with how bright Auradon usually is.

"Ah," Chloe exclaimed, her eyes widening with recognition. "I see Headmaster Uma ahead. Let's go." Without waiting for a response, she clasped Bridget's arm and tugged her forward, propelling them both toward the bridge where Headmaster Uma stood a stern yet welcoming figure.

The bridge was decorated with intricate carvings and vibrant fabrics that shimmered in the blazing sunlight. Headmaster Uma awaited their noisy arrival with an air of patient expectation. Her presence commanded respect, and Bridget felt a shiver of nervous anticipation. But it wasn't just the Headmaster who stood there. Beside her stood another. Bridget's heart skipped a beat. She would’ve never expected to see anyone like her in a setting like this; not even if her life depended on it. 

Little did Bridget know her assumptions were not too far from the truth. 

“Headmaster Uma, how pleasant it is to see you this lovely afternoon.” Chloe’s voice is vibrant as she approaches. Red felt her spine shiver at just how hard the girl was trying, cringing internally. Okay, maybe a bit externally too. 

Uma smiles as she makes her way towards the two newcomers, some of the only ones to show up for the committee it seemed. “Charming, it’s pleasant to see you this afternoon as well.” Uma continues, “You as well, Ms. Heart.”  

 Chloe’s wide smile could blind an ongoing bypasser by the way it shimmered and shined. Red took a mental note to ask her for her dental plans later. But that's beside the point, she needed answers to another dire question. How was this blue-haired girl and why was she with her cousin? 

“We heard today was the sign-up meeting for the Enchanted Ball committee. E.B.C, if I’m not mistaken.” The blue-haired girl was also very persistent, Red noted as well as if she were about to explode just by the amount of anticipation she was emitting by herself. Perfect for Bridget, she thought.

It wasn’t to say Uma was not as equally enamoured. “Right, you would be. Though it seems you three girls are the only ones who have cared to join”

Bridget burst into laughter, uncontrollable despite her quiet surroundings. “I’m sorry to interrupt but you’re going to sit here and tell me that she of all people chose to do this willingly?” Bridget points towards Red, almost accusingly. 

“Maybe I’ve had a change of heart. What’s it to you anyway?” Red's cheeks blare a vibrant colour as she defends herself. Chloe had been so caught up in her own motives she had barely noticed the scarlet-haired girl…or how red her cheeks got when frustrated. Uma chuckles, placing an arm onto Red's shoulder, calming the fiery fumes that were begging to steam from her ears. “Let’s just say this is Red's opportunity to right a couple of her misdeeds these past couple of weeks.” she began, “I thought joining the committee would be a good step in the right direction for her. You of all people would know Ms. Heart. Especially as committee leader last year.” 

Bridget hums in agreement. “It might take a lot more than streamers to get through to this one.” She points to Red who smoulders at the action. 

“Let’s hope some added balloons will do the trick.” Uma ruffles the girl's shoulder almost like an embarrassing parent trying to show their kid off. Red felt as if every inch of herself was on display at this very moment. Additionally, it was embarrassing when making eye contact with the blue-haired girl. Her intense staring would have caused some sort of retaliation but Red had bigger squid to fry.

"Well, I'd love to witness that, but I'm afraid I have other matters to attend to," Bridget said, her voice cutting through Chloe's confused trance.

"Wait… what do you mean you have other things to do?" Chloe asked, her brows furrowing in concern.

Bridget's smile faded, and her pink curls cascaded over her shoulders as she reached for Chloe's hand. "Sweetheart, I would love to join you, but I have my own enchanted plans," she said softly, her voice gentle yet firm. Leaning closer to Chloe's ear, she whispered, "Plus, I'd rather not be stuck here with my cousin—"

“Cousin?!” Chloe jumps back, turning to face Red who gives her a dead stare. 

“You don’t catch on very quickly, do you?” Red questions but Chloe is too astonished to take offence. “You never told me you have a cousin that goes here.” Chloe loudly exclaims, leaving Red to wonder why she had just blatantly ignored her rather rhetorical question. 

Bridget sighed, running her fingers along the edge of her eyebrows. "It wasn’t intentional. Who can truly find a convenient time to mention their cousin is the 'Scarlet Ripper'?"

"Scarlet Tagger," Red interjected, somewhat redundant.

Chloe's mouth hung open in shock. The flood of lore she had received in the past half hour had sent her mind into overdrive, painting her thoughts in all shades of pink and red. Chloe has a cousin, her cousin is the infamous Scarlet Tagger, and most importantly—wait, there was a bigger question that needed addressing.

"But, why didn't you tell me any of this sooner?" Chloe asked, her voice tinged with a mixture of confusion and frustration.

Bridget looked away, her expression conflicted. "I didn't want to burden you with my family's history. It's not something I'm proud of, and I didn't want it to affect our friendship." Red rolls her eyes to the back of their sockets. Chloe turns her head from side to side, not knowing what she should ask next but she does somehow manage to settle on Red. 

“Hold on, you were the one who spray-painted King Ben’s statue?” 

“Possibly,” 

“And replaced all of the communal shampoo with red hair dye?” 

“Innocent until proven guilty.” Red smiles. 

Chloe remembers that day vividly. Staying up all night to perfect her potion notes had worked in her favour that day when she had woken up late afternoon to the reddest fiasco she had ever seen. Bright red hair…everywhere. There had been rumours of a non-reformed VK on the loose but Chloe doubted it for a second. The colour red had become so synonymous with the Scarlet Tagger that she wondered why it had taken her so long to realise who it was from the moment she laid eyes on her. 

Needless to say, she found it kind of badass. 

But Auradon Prep students don’t think that way. That prank was wrong…even if she found it amusing to see Fairy GodMother shimmer like a vibrant tomato. 

“How…tasteless.” Chloe holds her chin up high as to make herself seem above Red’s misdemeanours. It doesn’t get her much in return besides a very hard eye roll from the girl in front of her. 

If her patience wasn't a virtue before, it sure was not. “Welp looks like this is a bust. Can’t have a committee with only two people.” Red lowers herself from the bridge, getting ready to head back to her dormitory, take a nice nap and think of other ways to spread her red seed around the school. “Now, if you’ll excuse me-” 

“Of Course, we can!” 

Uma interrupts, stopping Red right before she can walk past Chloe and Bridget. She turns around slowly, not willing to believe Uma would actually go through with this.“Two is more than enough actually. There was a moment I was sure this would all be up to you, Red” 

Chloe can’t believe her ears either. Two people to plan one Ball? That was blasphemous. 

“Sorry to interrupt Headmaster but I think I may agree. Isn’t that just a bit unrealistic?” The princess questions. 

Bridget counters, “Not really. Last year it was only Charming, Ella and I. If we could make it work I’m sure you two girls can”. Red wants to strangle her cousin at this very moment in time. The only person who could possibly save her from this hell is actively running her chances of freedom. Very much in character for her actually… 

“Then it’s settled.” Uma grabs the attention of all three girls. “You two will be tasked with planning this year's enchanted ball. You can pick up a checklist from Fairy GodMother near the foyer.” Red groans at the mention of Fairy GodMothers name, as if today couldn’t get any more preppy and annoying. 

Chloe’s face is a mix of excitement and worry. On one hand, she’s been given a gateway ticket to finding her one special thing but on the other hand, she was now going to be stuck with someone she barely knew. 

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“How delightful it is to see the tradition of the Enchanted Ball stay alive. You know, when I was your age, I was actually head of the planning committee as well. What a swell time…the good old days.” Fairy GodMother rambles in the open space of the foyer. Her voice echoes along the walls of mahogany that surrounded all of those who were present. 

The walk to the foyer was in complete silence- Chloe not daring to say a word to the ever so infamous Red Tagger and Red who would rather not hear Chloe speak any more than she already had. The faster the two could get their list done, the easier it would be to get things done and over with. 

“That sounds wonderful, GodMother,” even Chloe was starting to feel every ounce of optimism drain from her body the more Fairy GodMother began to speak. It was at times like this she wondered how Red had managed all those instances of being sent to her office. Maybe that could be a great conversation starter. 

Fairy GodMother gleams, “Did you also know that it originally wasn't even called the Enchanted Ball? You see back in my day-” 

“Okay. That’s enough for now.” Red interrupts the older woman in her spiel. Chloe mentally thanks the other girl and lets out a sigh, “Uhm, yeah. We really only came here for the checklist and time sure is running out. As you said, it’s always good to be punctual” Chloe continues. 

“Oh, heavens you’re right. It is only a couple of weeks away.” The older woman fetches the list from her pocket and hands it over to Chloe, deliberately avoiding Red who was right in front of her. “I trust you to keep this safe,” Chloe receives the list with a wide smile, one that Red has arguably been blinded by way too often for just one day.  

"Okay, we're done here. Great," Red said abruptly, turning on her heel and leaving Chloe behind.

"Uhm, farewell?" Chloe called after her, quickly following before Red could disappear. But just as she was about to catch up, Fairy GodMother gently grabbed her wrist.

"Before you go, a word of caution. That one can be a bit of a tyrant," she warned.

Chloe smiled, trying to appear confident. "I'm sure I'll be fine. I just need to get through to her."

But as she watched Red's retreating figure, Chloe couldn't help but wonder how she was going to do that. The challenge of reaching Red seemed more daunting with every step she took.

Chapter Text

"Your full name isn't actually 'Thee Red Tagger,' right?"

Red walked briskly, unsure of her exact destination but desperate to escape the situation and everything associated with it, including Chloe. It wasn't personal; the whirlwind of recent events left her no choice but to find another way out. If there even was one at this point. 

“When Bridget mentioned you two were cousins it really did catch me by surprise. Who knew Wonderland could produce such differing personalities” Chloe chuckles to herself, a bit saddened by the lack of response from Red. But it seemed her words were enough for Red to slow down in her tracks, placing the two girls somewhere in the West dormitory, a place synonymous with where most first-year students resided. 

Red turns to face Chloe and those impeccably bright teeth of hers. “Listen, Princess.” 

“It’s Chloe.” 

“Yeah, noted.” Red scoffs, “I know it’s ingrained in you Auradon kids to act as nice as possible before stabbing someone in the back so I’m just letting you know from now this isn’t exactly how I’d like to spend my Tuesday afternoon either.” 

Chloe can’t find many words to say, simply nodding her head slowly with a tightly closed mouth. Red reaches her hand out vigilantly, “So, I’m not going to waste your time. You can just hand me the list and I’ll get things in order. You can take the majority of the credit, blah, blah, blah, Fairy GodMother will probably give you a pat on the back and you can go back to whatever castle Bridget sent you from.” Red finishes wavering in hand in search of the list that was planted in Chloe’s grasp. The blue-haired girl was a bit too taken aback to truly process what she had just heard. It had all gone by so fast. 

“Hello? Anyone in there” Red moves her hand to wave in Chloe's view, removing the girl from whatever trance she placed herself in. “Oh, my apologies, I do that sometimes. Uhm…I think you’re a bit mistaken…this is a duo project.” 

“Yeah, yeah sure it is. I know you’re just itching to do this aren’t you?” Red’s tone is sarcastic. 

Chloe is taken aback by Red’s demeaning nature. Not like she hadn’t gotten a taste of it already but more daunting one-on-one.“I am actually.” Chloe stands her ground. 

Red refuses to believe whatever she’s hearing, attempting to reach for the to-do list forcefully but is thwarted by Chloe’s fast reflexes. “Some of us have to do this for a reason. I’m not here to play games with you, Princess.” Red grunts, reaching for the list again but is chased away by Chloe’s reflexes once more, this time placing the list on the opposite hand.

"I'm here for a reason too. And again, it's Chloe," she insisted, her voice firm.

Red, indifferent to the plea, reached for the opposite hand. Chloe, refusing to give up, raised her arm above her head. Though the blue-haired girl only had an inch on her, Red was determined not to jump like a stray dog in front of any princess.

"Look, I don't have time for this," Red snapped, her frustration evident. "If you have something to say, say it now. Otherwise, I’ll be needing that list."

“This ball is one of the only ways I can make a true name for myself. Unlike you, I’d actually like something positive attached to my name.” The good girl persona was gone. Well, not really. As Chloe stood strong with her words, she slowly began to cower when Red moved closer. Their bodies were inches apart as Red gazed menacingly into her orbs. Chloe could feel the sweat perspiring on her palms but her stance was clear, she kept the list above her head with all of her might. 

“What more of a name for yourself would you need exactly? You’re a princess.” Red questions, voice low and sombre. 

“That's exactly the point! I am way more than just Princess Charming and I need others to know that too. I just, well, haven't figured that part out yet” Chloe huffs, hard enough to wisp some of the other girls' hair out of her face. 

“And you expect the ball to do that for you? You’ll always be a royal princess, why run away from that?” 

“I’m not running away it’s just- it would be nice if people like you would actually acknowledge me for me. Not once have you addressed me by my actual name!” Chloe huffs, standing her ground once again. Her arm was growing tired by the second but she was not about to let her guard down with someone as boisterous as the girl in front of her. 

Red, on the other hand, was growing rather tired of the entire subject matter. “Neither have you, if we’re playing that game” Red believes she has the upper hand in the argument but is left with a blank stare from Chloe. Then it hit her, right, she hadn’t shared her name yet. 

The scarlet-haired girl groans, lobbying her head back in exaggeration. “It’s Red.” 

“Well, Red..since you’re so enthusiastic to have the list, here.” Chloe lowers her hand, her arm on the verge of numbing, “But whatever idea you have for this ball is going to have to involve me as well. This is a two-person job, if you don’t like that, I suggest you take things up with Uma'' 

Red surveys her options. She wants to reach for the list but just getting to this point had already been such a fight. “Fine, so be it.” She shrugs. Just as Chloe had thought she had actually gotten through to the girl, Red makes a 180, heading down the exact same path she had led them on. 

Tired of chasing, Chloe chooses to stand still, watching Red before she’s just about to turn the corner. 

“Wait, where are you going?!” She shouts across the hall. 

"Where else would I be going?" Red retorted before disappearing from view.

Chloe sighed, her heart already racing. She had assumed this would be a walk in the park, but dealing with someone like Red was proving to be more challenging than she had anticipated. Realizing she might have to tackle this on her own, she decided it was best to figure out what to do with the list.

She unfolded the crumpled piece of paper, scanning the tasks that lay ahead. The burden of working alone weighed heavily on her shoulders, but she knew she couldn't let that stop her. Taking a deep breath, Chloe resolved to tackle each task one step at a time, determined to prove herself capable, with or without Red's help.

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It’s late at night when Red hears a knock on her door. After a failed attempt to contact her headmaster, Red had used the rest of the day to get a good nap before she could find something worthy of her mischief in the night. This entire committee felt beneath her but with Chloe’s persistent nature, everything just felt more like a waste of her time. If Chloe was so desperate to work together it was going to take a lot more than some aspirational dream of hers. Red’s dream was for everyone to just leave her be. Sometimes wishes don’t come true. Like in this moment right now.

The knocking continues, a lot harder than the ones previous. It was unusual for anyone to visit her dorm. The last time she had anyone over was when her former roommate came to collect her belongings after deciding to switch rooms. Not like Red was complaining, having a room all to herself was one of the few pleasurable things she found here at Auradon. 

The knocking doesn't stop and despite the setting Red is in right now, dressed in her ‘nighttime mischief’ outfit, packing a couple of her spray cans for another nightly spree, she had hoped it was Uma at the door, finally coming to speak after ghosting her all day. 

“Just a moment,” Red huffs, packing the last of her things in a duffle bag before quickly stashing it under her bed. She reaches for the door handle, fully expecting to see the blue-ish green braids of her headmaster but is shocked to see pink instead. 

It was Bridget. Her hands were occupied with cupcakes the same colour as her flamingo pink hair, dressed with a wide smile. “Heyyy, how’s my favourite cousin doing?” 

And instead of answering, Red comes up with a better solution to this pesky problem of hers. She begins to close the door. Bridget wedged herself between the gap before the door could fully close and Red would rather not slam a large wooden door on someone not worthy of her hatred. 

“Guess who made you some cupcakes?” Bridget's tone is as honey-sweet as ever once she leads her way into her cousin's dorm. She places the desserts on a nearby desk whilst Red finds a spot on her bed to sit, far, far away from where her cousin is sitting. 

“I hate sweets. You know this.” Red states, “Well, how would you know? Not like you’ve made any effort to visit me here, or for the past three weeks.” 

Bridget's smile slowly fades into a deep sigh, “Still salty about that, are we?” 

“Maybe, maybe not. Not like either of us would care anyway. I’d rather you cut to the chase than waste my time” Red crosses her arms over her chest. She watched the shimmering night sky call her name but those plans were going to be shelved for a while it seemed.

“Uma told me about your situation and I think it’s in your best interest to take this offer,” Bridget states, leaning herself along that same desk and helping herself to the delectable treats she had spent time making. Red scoffs, “Or maybe it’s in your best interest. Keep me preoccupied so you can continue to ignore my existence here.” 

Bridget rolls her eyes, “Well it’s not like you’ve given me much of a choice, Red. The first day of school you run a muck and expect me to let my reputation falter because of that?”. Red wouldn’t necessarily call the first day of school a ‘muck’. If letting off a fiery red smoke bomb during the welcoming ceremony was a muck then her cousin truly had yet to see what she was capable of. Still, the hypocrisy from the other party put a potent taste in her mouth. 

“Oh, I’m sure nobody here will think of you as any less of the pretty pink princess that you already are” 

“We both know this is one place we can escape from Wonderland. How can you shame me for wanting my own freedom when you do the exact same? Don’t think I don’t see the bag right beneath your legs, Red this is exactly what got you sent here in the first place.” Bridget points towards the duffle bag on the floor and Red goes silent. She really did think she hid those better…

Bridget signs. It’s often she forgets that even with their one-year age gap, Red was still her baby cousin that she had left all those years ago. She removes herself from the distant desk and travels to Red’s bed, sitting beside the girl who flops herself backwards. She follows suit and the two spend a moment staring at the white ceiling above them. 

“You know you’re really ruining my evening plans right now.” The younger girl's static voice causes more silence between the two. 

“I really am sorry for not visiting you all this time.” It was rare to hear an apology from Bridget, especially directed towards Red but it's one of the rare victories she’s had today, so she’ll take it nonetheless. “We both know how tyrannical your mother can be. I assumed that maybe if I avoided you I could just pretend I came from somewhere else. Not Wonderland…” 

“You’re not your mom, Red.” 

“Oh trust me, I know that,” Red chuckles. Her mother was a beast, Red couldn’t imagine doing the things her mother did during her prime. As much as she found creating chaos to be amusing, there was really nothing more she could do to pass the time. 

Bridget turns her head towards Red and the younger girl does the same. “Then join the committee for good. Your self-expression could be used on so much more and I’d hate to see it sheltered again if you were to get sent back home.” Her voice is sincere but it’s truly the last thing Red wants to hear. Being sappy just wasn’t her style.

“I know you’re only saying this because you want me to work with that Princess friend of yours.” Red quickly corrects herself. “Chloe, I mean.” 

“She could be good for you, Red,” Bridget counters. 

“You’re funny. The last thing that’ll be good for me is some Auradon goody-two-shoes telling me about her dreams and aspirations.” 

Bridget smiles, “She’s a lot more than some goody-two-shoes. She has a reason to do this just like you. Maybe it was by choice but you two are both in need of some self-discovery and I’d hate to see her work alone.” 

“She doesn’t have to work at all actually. I don’t know why she’s so determined to make this harder for herself when I could just get this done a lot quicker.” 

“And how do you expect to do that?” 

The silence that falls after is more telling than any words that would have been uttered from Red's mouth. And that causes her to sigh, “What’s in it for me anyways? Street-cred? I already have that.” 

Bridget takes that question as a challenge like she does most things. “Respectability, leadership skills, long-lasting friendships…” 

Red’s expression is unimpressed. 

“Freedom from your mother…” 

Red’s eyes widened, right, she had almost forgotten that part of the ultimatum. Looks like if she wanted to maintain her peace she was going to have to fraternize with the one person keeping that away from her. 

“I hate it when you’re right.” 

Chapter Text

A trail of papers stretched from the front of Chloe's door all the way to the foot of her bed. And there she sat, at the edge of her bed, dissecting every item on the meticulous bucket list now laid out before her. Each task felt heavier than the last, especially now that she realised she’d have to tackle them on her own.

In the beginning, her hopes had been high, but as she stared down the list, optimism was becoming harder to hold onto, especially given her circumstances. Maybe, she thought, things were better this way—but the sinking feeling in her chest suggested otherwise.

“Jeez, how does Bridget do this?” Chloe groans, flopping onto her bed. It was times like this when she hoped her roommate wasn’t such a social butterfly. While Chloe spent her time after classes drowning in her school work, Bridget was at club meetings, volunteering, and maybe solving world hunger for all Chloe knows. 

But what she does know right now is that doing this alone is going to take a lot more than optimism. If only Fairy GodMother could hear her prayers right now, she would send Bridget straight to her to help with all of this planning. And although Chloe expects her wishes to fall on deaf ears– a knock rings through the dorm. 

It’s enough to send Chloe flying from her bed. Of course, Fairy Godmother would give her a solid, family tradition that she was meant to live on. She rushes to her door, almost tripping over the long list lying in the process before grasping onto her doorknob for dear life, opening the door to be faced with…Red? 

“Sup.” Red’s smirk is subtle but it’s enough to make Chloe’s eyes twitch. 

Red, the same girl who left her to accomplish this on her own, was now leant up against her dorm's door with such a smug expression. Chloe feels the heat rise to her cheeks, slowly but surely. It was one thing for Red to just show up to her room but it was another thing to be so casual about it. 

Chloe can’t help but chuckle, “Sup? Sup isn’t going to cut it”, her voice is filled with malice and Red raises an eyebrow, now standing up straight. 

“Okay then. Nice night we’re having?” She tries once more. 

“Try again.” Chloe counters. 

What more could she say? Red found it rather redundant to spend her time sharing casualties. So, she assumed that may be not what Chloe wanted to hear and tried one last time.  

Red crossed her arms, staring Chloe up and down, “I like your pyjamas.” 

“Are you that stubborn that you can’t apologise?! Also, stop looking at my pyjamas…” Chloe would rather not have the scarlet-haired girl stare at her blue fluffy pyjamas, decorated with golden crowns. It was embarrassing, doubly so by the way Red continued to stare her up and down, her cheeks flushed even redder at the realisation. 

Red rolls her eyes, “I’m here now aren’t I? That’s worth something.” 

Red was determined to hold her ground and not apologise. As her mother often said, “Apologies are for the weak.” Though Red occasionally found herself apologising, she was too stubborn to utter a single word this time, especially considering she was being generous enough to actually show up and help Chloe after all this time.

“Yeah you’re here, an entire day after you left me alone with this ginormous list!” Chloe barricades even further, her face beginning to flush for an entirely different reason. Red can’t find a way to sombre the other girl's frustration because even if she was being stubborn she couldn't help but agree. Maybe that was a crappy thing for her to do. 

“Well, you’re not doing it alone anymore.” Red tries her hardest to get on Chloe’s good side without starting another disagreement like yesterday. Chloe gives a blank stare, a bit befuddled by how Red was managing to joke about such a dire matter. 

Red clears her throat, a bit uncomfortable, “So, can I come in or…?” 

Chloe shakes herself out of her own trance. She could easily say no, close the door and send Red back to whatever dark cave she emerged from but the feeling of paper nustling beneath her feet made her realise that this was something she couldn’t do alone, whether she wanted to or not. Maybe Red could become more of a help than she had been so far. Maybe Chloe’s expectations were a bit too low. 

Chloe turned around with a quiet sigh, allowing Red to follow her in. Red stepped inside and closed the door softly behind her, making sure anyone lingering in the halls wouldn’t catch a glimpse of her entering. Not that she planned to do anything about it, but at least it wouldn’t give off the wrong impression.

“I know this is the last thing you want to do. And I’m sure Uma probably gave you some speech to get you here today.” Chloe goes back to sitting on her bed, dragging the list closer to herself in the process. The intimidation begins to dawn on Red as she watches the list flow beneath her feet. 

"Let’s just say it was an anonymous source and leave it at that," Red states, her tone flat but pointed. "She said you might be good for me. So here I am, seeing for myself." She stood in the middle of the two-person dorm, watching Chloe process the blunt admission. It wasn't exactly a declaration that she thought Chloe could be a good influence, but it was close enough.

Chloe grinned at the semi-compliment. "Duly noted. You can sit; that’s Bridget's bed over there."

Red turned her gaze to the other side of the room, her vision fixed on a bright bed decorated with an impressive array of hot pink and salmon." Really? Couldn't tell with all the pink... everything.", she shrieks, “My god, is that bed an eyesore” 

Chloe burst out laughing. "Yeah, well, if her bed didn't glow like a cotton candy factory exploded, I might have disagreed with you.” She quickly covers her mouth, “You didn’t hear me say that.” 

Now it’s Red’s turn to laugh, watching as Chloe scrambled to cover her mouth as if Bridget was in the walls watching them. 

Instead of subjecting herself to the claimed ‘cotton candy factory disaster’ of a bed that Bridget slept on, Red opts to hop onto the windowsill right beside Chloe’s bed. And although in other instances Chloe would dismiss such behaviour, she’d rather not ruin the moment. 

“Trust me, I won’t snitch. Bridget doesn’t really take criticism well.” Red settles herself along the windowsill, directly behind Chloe. The blue-haired girl turns to face Red, along with the list that trails behind her. 

“I guess that’s one thing you guys have in common.” The blue-haired girl says under her breath but after years of sneaking around she should have known better than to say it infront of Red, her hearing unmatched. She chooses to ignore it, rebutting would just prove Chloe's point even further. 

“I still can’t believe you guys are cousins, let alone related at all. But I guess you two are kind of…” Chloe begins, her voice trailing off.

“Different?” Red interjects, but Chloe shakes her head.

“I was gonna say similar, ” Chloe finishes, glancing back at Red. The redhead raises an eyebrow, letting out a light laugh, more of an exhale than anything. “Nope, definitely not.

Chloe raises an eyebrow, undeterred.

“Oh really? How so?” Red challenges.

“Well, for one, you both have a thing for red,” Chloe points out and red scoffs with a roll of the eyes to follow. 

“We’re both from Wonderland, it’s kind of mandatory over there.”

“But it’s more than that,” Chloe presses. “You’re both incredibly stubborn, especially when things don’t go your way.” 

Red opens her mouth to argue, but something about Chloe’s words rings true.

“And,” Chloe adds, her voice softening, “you both have this deep-seated hatred for Wonderland. The only reason you’re doing all this is to avoid being sent back. What, is the Queen really that much of a tyrannical—”

“I’d rather you not speak about my mother,” Red cuts her off, her tone suddenly sharp, her expression daunting.

Chloe pauses, realising she’s touched a nerve. “Sorry,” she says quietly. The tension hangs between the two for a moment as Chloe looks down towards the list. Although Red doesn’t blame the girl, she assumes now was the time to set some boundaries. 

“Chloe,” She begins, the blue-haired girl whipping her attention back up as if to apologise over and over again. “I know we’re going to be working on this together for a while but I think it’s pretty clear that I don’t do friends.” 

There’s a silence that follows but Chloe nods her head nonetheless. “What we do for this Ball is strictly business. That way when we're done I can just go on my way and you can go on yours. Does that work for you?” 

Chloe nods once more, “Yeah. I feel the exact same.”. Although she was against lying, it was in her nature to do so just to not feel the embarrassment of actually believing that she and Red had a chance of getting along. 

“Cool.” Red states, a bit blunt for the jokes the two were cracking not even thirty seconds earlier. “So…the list?” Red tries to take Chloe out of another one of her trances. Chloe shakes herself, her cheeks flushing a bit as she begins to roll the list closer to herself. 

“Yeah, uh, funny thing. I may have been exaggerating a bit earlier at the door. We really only need to oversee five crucial parts of the Ball; the rest of the list is just Fairy Godmother's overly detailed explanation about everything,” Chloe admits with a sheepish grin. “She isn’t a ‘less is more’ kind of gal.” 

“Oh trust me I know.” Red groans just at the thought of the woman. “So what exactly do we need to do? Short version only please, it’s been a really long day.” Red sighs, laying her head back on the window. 

“Really what classes do you have?” Chloe questions, a bit too enthusiastically. Red gives her a half-lidded stare that says a lot more than words and it causes the blue-haired girl to retract her statement. Instead, she hands the list over to Red to lightly glaze over everything. 

1. Desserts and Catering
2. Decorations
3. Promotion
4. Music
5. Social Events 

“Okay, this is tame. Nothing I couldn’t have done on my own” Red hands the list back to Chloe who doesn’t seem too impressed by the other girls comment. “Well you’re not doing it on your own. So, let’s figure out how this’ll plan out tomorrow. If we each do 50/50 or just go through each one by one” 

Red nods in agreement. “I mean desserts and catering seem fairly easy to figure out. We could start with discussing things with the baking club.” 

“Yea! Bridgets the president, we could start with that tomorrow.”

Red hums before the realization dawns on her, “Speaking of which, where is she?”

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bridget hovered over a bowl of chocolate chip cookie dough, her gaze fixed on the silver bowl in front of her. Technically, she wasn’t supposed to be in the school kitchen after hours, but this was an urgent matter. 

What kind of cookies would Prince Charming like? She had followed the recipe to the letter, but there was still a nagging feeling that something was missing. She sighed, her thoughts a tangled mess of ingredients and expectations. To her luck, her assistant Ella was by her side, blissfully unaware of the culinary crisis unfolding next to her.

“It’s missing something…” Bridget hums, her fingers grazing over the edge of her chin. 

“Like what?” Ella questions, watching as her friend dissects every nook and cranny of the bowl in front of her. From this angle, Bridget looks adorable. Maybe even more adorable with the matching apron she had bought with Ella a couple of weeks prior. Being the Vice president of the baking club, Ella and Bridget found it of utmost importance to be up to code (even if they never bought matching clothes for the rest of the club). 

Bridget huffed in frustration, leaning closer to the counter as she scrutinised the cookie dough. Her pink curls dangled dangerously close to the mixing bowl, threatening contamination, but Ella was quick to sweep them back with a practised hand. It was no secret that Bridget was utterly smitten with the ever-so-popular Prince of Auradon Prep. From the moment she had laid eyes on him, there was no denying the one-sided infatuation that had bloomed within her.

But it wasn’t just Bridget’s unspoken crush that filled the room; there was another unacknowledged tension. It was no surprise to anyone that Ella harboured feelings for Bridget, feelings that extended beyond the simple hierarchy of their shared baking club. Their chemistry was undeniable, even if it had been quietly one-sided for the past year, simmering just below the surface as they worked side by side.

“You’ve known Charming your whole life. What more could I do?” Bridget questions and Ella feels put on the spot. There was no other place she wanted to be than with Bridget, especially when knowing what awaited her back home but the entire subject matter of the night left Ella in a sour position. 

“I’ve told you plain chocolate is more than fine. Charming likes everything,” Ella sighs. 

“Yeah, but I need him to like me! Are we not getting the mission here, Ella?” Bridget is frantic and it takes everything in Ella’s power not to take her best-friend by the shoulders and shake her just as frantically to knock some sense into her. “I do get the mission, I just find it a tad bit silly. I’m sure Charming will love these and love you just like everyone else.” 

Ella’s words fall on deaf ears. 

Bridget lifts herself from the counter opening her mouth to probably frantically ramble once more but the kitchen door opening cuts off any utter. 

“Duck!” Bridget loudly whispers, grabbing Ella’s forearm and dragging the two down below a nearby stove. The creaking sounds of the Kitchen door closing was followed by slow footsteps and Ella hears her heart beat into her chest. Why did she choose to do this again? 

But it's the way Bridget clings on to her arm ever so tightly that reminds her just exactly how easily she can be swindled. The footsteps pause for a moment and Bridget is sure she’s been caught but when she opens her tightly shut eyes she is met with the light blue shoes of someone familiar. 

“This is pathetic…and hilarious. Good to know I’d find you here but I did expect more from you, Bridget.” Chloe laughs to herself, watching as both girls before her scramble to their feet. Chloe is tackled with a tight hug from Bridget, one that takes the air from her lungs and causes her to stumble back a bit. “Oh thank god it’s just you, please don’t ever scare me like that again.” The Pink-haired girl sighs. 

“I promise but you kind of did this to yourself. What are you two even doing in here anyway?” Chloe questions but instantly regrets it once Bridget faces her with those bright eyes of hers. “Oh my gosh, I've needed a consultant. So I’m making these cookies right and–” 

“Are these the ones for Charming?” Chloe questions and although Bridget is reluctant to answer, Chloe can see Ella lightly nod her head from behind. “Yeah, no. Leave me out of this. I do not want to give any intel on your straight romance issues with my cousin. No offence…” 

Chloe and Charming might be second cousins, but if there was one thing Chloe had learned, even with their close relationship, it was to keep her distance when it came to his love life—or Bridgets, for that matter.

Bridget removes herself from the tight embrace she had on Chloe, “None taken. I don’t think I’ll be getting any help from anyone any time soon.” Bridget takes a glance at Ella, throwing shade in ways Chloe had never thought possible. 

“Anyway, what brings you down here so late? Looking for me?” Bridget asked, her tone neutral but curious. Chloe felt a twinge of tension rise as she stammered, “Oh, um, yeah. I mean, I was hoping to find you alone, but—”

“Oh, I can leave,” Ella offered, stepping in from behind.

“No, it’s okay,” Chloe quickly responded, trying to dismiss the interruption. “It’s just….”

Chloe struggled to find the right words, feeling her thoughts become jumbled. She was overthinking, but she hoped the words would come out naturally, even if it felt like she was about to experience a full-on case of word vomit.

“How can I get through to Red? Like, as co-workers…” she starts, “Sometimes I feel like we’re totally on the same wavelength and then boom things get awkward and I’m wondering why I’m trying to be nice to her in the first place.” Chloe huffs after the long speech she lets out. Her lungs are just as fiery as her cheeks. 

Bridget digests the words for a moment, thinks about each point very clearly and then laughs. Loudly at that, as if all three girls weren’t up past regulated curfew or in a Kitchen that was off limits after hours. Chloe finds herself a bit embarrassed before Bridget extends a hand to her shoulder, “Oh, sweetheart, there is no getting through to Red. Well, unless you force it.” 

Chloe groans, her head falling back in the process. “You’ve got to be kidding me.” 

“Why would you want to in the first place?” Ella questions from afar.

“We’re working on the Enchanted Ball together and she came up to my room to talk about plans, right after she practically quit on me yesterday, like she had a change of heart.” 

Bridget did not mention the real reason as to why Red had such a quick change of heart. Especially since she had been sworn by Red not to do so. In other circumstances, she would have gladly told Choe this was all her doing but this time around she was just going to have to keep her mouth shut. 

“Then she just stands in my doorway, all nonchalant like ‘cute pyjamas’, just checking me out unprovoked!” Chloe finds herself rambling. 

“In your crown pyjamas you got half off at the merchant boutique?” Bridget interjects, a smirk begging to graze her lips. 

“Exactly, she totally noticed my complex vibe!” 

 Bridget and Ella both exchange a look that Chloe misses, too caught up in whatever frantic story was spewing from her lips. It was at a time like this Bridget regretted not spending her night back in her dorm. 

“And then we’re going through the list, cracking jokes about your ugly bed covers–” 

“Hey!” Bridget grasps on to her chest, “You said they looked nice...” 

“I’m sorry, that kind of just slipped out.” Chloe says softly, watching as Ella comforts her friend after the devastating news that had just been shared with her. 

“It’s fine, just continue…traitor”

“Well, after that I was talking about how you guys are so similar, and I might have accidentally mentioned the Queen, things got quiet and now we’re back to where we started.” Chloe finishes off her rant. 

“Well that was your first issue. Never mention the Queen in front of Red unless you're willing to endure all of the negatives that come with it.” Bridget sighs, letting herself get caught up in the conversation she had with Red just last night. Despite her words, the same could be said for Bridget, mentioning the Queen was a dangerous deal. 

Chloe crosses her arms, “But why? You’ve told me the Queen isn’t easy to deal with but all rulers are strict sometimes.” 

“The Queen of Hearts is a lot more than just strict, Chloe. She’s vile, ruthless…I don’t blame Red for choosing this as her only way out, I think maybe you should start giving her some grace for it.” Bridget finishes off her spiel but Chloe seems harder to get through than usual. Maybe it was how things ended with Red that night, her frustration growing every time she was reminded of how one word caused such tension. 

Ella noticed the dilemma and stepped forward, facing Chloe head-on. Even though the two weren’t particularly close, Ella felt that maybe now was the time to change that. “Maybe you should start by showing her that you’re really trying,” Ella suggested, her voice gentle but firm.

Chloe furrowed her brow, pondering the idea. “Like, make her something?”

Bridget perked up, thinking she caught on. “Oh! Like cookies?” 

“No, I mean showing her that you’re trying to find a middle ground,” Ella clarified. “Something you both have in common that can bring you closer together.”

Both girls paused, considering her words. Chloe still seemed a bit uncertain. “But what could we possibly have in common?”

Ella shrugged lightly. “That’s for you to figure out.”

Chapter Text

“So, what’s this I hear about you snapping at Chloe yesterday?” 

Bridget is frantic. Like usual. 

Although the horizon had welcomed a peaceful Thursday morning for the rest of Auradon Prep, the only thing the morning had welcomed Bridget with was an overwhelming sense of anxiety. After the chocolate chip fiasco that was last night, Bridget decided to settle on adding a couple more ingredients to make sure everything was up to the standards she knew would make Charming fall deeply for her.

The only issue being what outfit would she wear to give them to him? Even if her wardrobe only consisted of an array of different pinks, reds, and whites, it’s not to say she wasn’t open to switching things up from time to time. Maybe magenta would do her some justice?

As the pink-haired girl frantically tossed her belongings across the dormitory, not caring where they landed, Red lay sprawled on her bed, watching the chaos unfold. Aligning with her words from the night before, the obnoxious amount of pink became more of an eyesore when bleached with the morning sunlight. She would just have to suffer until Chloe would return from, well, wherever she was. If Red actually cared, she would propose the concern of being late for morning classes. It was safe to say Red’s concern to get out of this dorm came from both Bridget and the thought of missing classes. Not to say potions 101 was something to worry about, a baby could easily figure out a simple potion. 

So, although Red came to the conclusion that Mr. Thorns class would just have to wait, it didn’t mean she was any more open to hearing Bridget’s muffled voice from her bedroom drawers. Especially when the topic of conversation was about the night prior. 

“I didn’t snap at her. Where’d you hear that?” Red mumbles, eyes closed as Bridget takes her away from the last component of slumber– silence. 

Bridget flings a skirt behind her head to get a closer look into her drawer, just barely missing Red’s head in the process. “Well, one moment you’re calling her pyjamas cute–” 

“I said I liked them. Stop exaggerating.” 

“Her words not mine,” Bridget flails her arms to prove innocence, “I just wanted to know what made things so awkward. Was the joke she made about your mom that bad?”

Red groans, her slumber having to wait for another time. She lifts herself from the bed, opting to sit up instead, though Bridget seemed too preoccupied to face the girl, nose deep in clothing. “She didn’t say much actually. I mean not anything anyone hasn’t said about my mother before it’s just–” Red choked on her words for a moment. 

Bridget halts her activities once she senses the tension within the air, she turns to face Red with concern. 

“Mother sent a letter over yesterday.” Red admitted quietly, “I don’t know if she sensed what’s been going on over here but…it scared me Bridget.” 

There’s a silence that follows after and Red tries to compose herself in the best way possible. 

“I couldn’t even find the strength to read it,” she continued. “It just ruined my whole vibe that day. But then again it also did remind me I needed to see Chloe.” 

Bridget wants to tell Red she should open the letter, that she shouldn’t be afraid of what her mother has to say, seeing that they’re both safe here. But she doesn’t. It was already a tough enough task just getting Red to mention her mother at all. So, she chooses another path of conversation. 

“And did you apologise for practically ditching her the night prior? Or did you try and charm your way back into her good graces?” Bridget questions, quickly going back to her clothing search. 

Red scoffs at the idea of ever trying to get into Chloe’s good graces, “Bold of you to assume I would ever want to get into the good graces of your preppy friend.”. It takes Bridget’s silence to make Red realise that maybe she was being a tad bit cruel, even yesterday, “Okay, maybe I did kind of snap at her yesterday…but it just sort of came out. Maybe you should tell your friend to grow tougher skin.” 

Bridget sighs, “Red, she really is trying.” 

“Yeah, I can tell.” 

“So, then why are you so guarded? Also, Magenta or Maroon for today?” Bridget questions, holding up two different skirts that aren’t quite different in style. Red would easily find this as the perfect opportunity to hit her cousin with a witty comeback but the subject matter seemed more important to her. 

“I’m not guarded, I’m just not interested. Also, Maroon” Red answers, a bit of a guarded response in itself. 

Bridget ignored her cousin’s choice, opting for the magenta skirt instead. “If you’re not interested, then why are you here right now?” she asked, catching Red in a moment of hesitation. She was here to meet Chloe, like they’d planned. She was even partially on time. And she did care.

Red groans, flopping onto her back, “Okay, fine. You caught me, I actually do want to make things work. Are you going to arrest me for not wanting to become a total outcast by throwing a lame Ball?” 

Bridget lets out a quiet snort, getting together the rest of her things to head out of the door. She hadn’t expected things to pan out this way but it’s not to say she wasn’t hoping. “No, but I will say I’m always right. Trust me Red, you and Chloe will be great…acquaintances.” Bridget wasn't exactly sure if ‘friend’ was the right word to use.  

“Acquaintances?” Red questions, eyebrows furrowed in the process. 

“Sometimes a girl just has a feeling.” Bridget shrugs. “Don’t mess up anything while I’m gone.” She gathers the rest of her things before heading straight for the door. Surely her teachers would excuse her tardiness just for today. 

Red looks around the state of the dorm, an array of pink coloured clothes everywhere. She hums, “Your room is in safe hands.” 

Bridget flashed a bright smile before closing the door behind her. Red sighed, sinking deeper into the bed sheets as the sunlight filtered through the window, casting a warm glow across her face. She hadn’t even asked Bridget what had her so frantic, but in the end, it didn’t matter—she just didn’t care. Still, she found herself appreciating the comfort of having someone to talk to at Auradon. It had been so long since she’d felt this kind of connection. The silence that followed was peaceful, almost therapeutic, as she let herself relax into the rare sense of companionship that Bridget had unknowingly provided.

Red should have known that most good things don’t last very long when the sound of the door chimed in her eras. Probably Bridget forgetting to bring one of her many pins and bows with her on whatever journey she was on. 

Red gets up from her lying position, eyes still closed as she faces the door. 

“That’s a record, usually it takes you a couple minutes to realise you’ve left something–” 

A heavy silence fell over the room as Red watched the front door creak open. Standing in the doorway was Chloe, but not the polished, composed version Red was used to seeing. This Chloe was wrapped in a fluffy bathrobe, its pale colour contrasting with her damp skin, and her usually immaculate blue hair was tucked under a shower cap that struggled to contain the wet strands. 

Chloe jumped for a moment at the sight before her. But after that reaction she just stood there, her eyes wide with surprise, clearly not expecting to be seen in such a state. The moment hung in the air, heavy with the unspoken tension of their last encounter. Red was getting a kick out of this either way and Chloe sure as hell knew it. 

“You must really love those little crowns…” Red snickers to herself at the sight of Chloe’s robe that was identical to her pyjamas. The same ones she’s supposedly called ‘cute’. 

Chloe huffs, a wet strand of her flowing from her face in the process. “Is there a reason why you’re here and why this room is so…y’know what, Bridget is another topic.” Chloe moves herself past the mountain of pink clothes that decorated her dorm floor. 

“I thought you wanted to meet early in the morning? Y’know, to consult with the baking club.” Red questions, turning her attention over to the damp girl. “Yeah, like seven sharp, not almost twelve in the afternoon.” 

“Must’ve been lost in translation.” Red shrugs. 

“You’re lucky I just finished gym and have a spare for the rest of the day.” Chloe huffs even harder. Red takes this as a sign to maybe tone down her charm and try to get through to Chloe in a different way. 

"Hey, uh…" Red began hesitantly, her voice trailing off as she caught sight of Chloe's expression. Chloe glanced up, momentarily pausing before making a quick, confusing gesture with her hands. Red stared at her, puzzled, until she noticed Chloe's clothes laid out on the bed. Realising what Chloe was signalling, Red quickly turned her back, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she understood Chloe needed privacy to change.

"About yesterday… I didn’t mean to come at you like that. I'm usually only a bitch to people that deserve it." Red cleared her throat, focusing intently on the wall in front of her, determined not to accidentally catch a glimpse of Chloe changing.

"Apology partially accepted," Chloe replied, her tone light but with an underlying sincerity. Although Red wouldn’t exactly call her own words an apology, she decided to let it slide—there was a genuine note in Chloe’s voice that hinted it might have been.

"I was out of line speaking about your mother. I don’t know her, and I especially don’t know you." Chloe hesitated, the words "But I want to" lingering on the tip of her tongue, but she couldn’t quite bring herself to say them.

"Well, if we’re going to make this work, I guess we should be more open with each other. You know, so we don’t have any more issues." Red turned around with a soft smile, forgetting for a moment that Chloe was still in the middle of changing.

"Eyes forward!" Chloe yelped, and Red immediately whipped her head back around, her face burning with renewed embarrassment.

"Yeah, sorry," Red mumbled, awkwardly staring at the wall again. "Maybe not that open."

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Ella, I need you to be completely honest with me. Are the cookies a bit overkill?" Bridget whispered to her best friend, her voice low and anxious. It was a typical day in the baking club, with students focused on the icing work Bridget had assigned.

"No, the cookies aren’t overkill. But you missing half the school day to pick out an outfit definitely is," Ella whispered back, her eyes scanning the room where everyone was quietly absorbed in their tasks. As the club's president, Bridget clearly had other things on her mind, and Ella knew she had little choice but to go along with it. 

Bridget huffed softly, her frustration barely contained. "You try having my cousin as your fashion consultant. It's like she's allergic to good decisions."

"Oh yeah, I haven't met this cousin of yours yet—Red, right?" Ella asked, steering the conversation in a new direction as she kept an eye on their peers.

They sat at a table positioned at the head of the kitchen, with a clear view of the students working diligently. But despite the bustling atmosphere, Bridget’s thoughts were elsewhere, focused on someone who was noticeably absent—the person she’d been thinking about all day.

“You’ll meet her today. We have other pressing issues here Ella, where is Charming?” Bridget extends her arm out to face the princeless classroom.

Ella rolls her eyes, a bit closely in line of Bridget's sight. She just couldn't help herself. “I don’t know Bridget. If I could keep tabs on him, he’d walk in right now.” Ella shrugs her shoulders, letting her head rest on the table below. She knew she was going to be in for another round of Bridget's complaining but by the grace of Fairy GodMother, the kitchen door burst open. And who is more likely to be in a rush than Charming himself…

“Oh Ella, you’re a miracle worker.” Bridget squeals under her breath as she watches the prince scramble across the room to the back. She grips onto the other girl's hand in anticipation and the warmth sends a spike through Ella’s spine, now she is starting to feel the anxiety get to her. 

“Guys I am so sorry I’m late,” Charming almost trips on his way to the table, “But I do have a valid excuse this time.”. He slams his bag onto the same rummaging through its contents before pulling out a pile of shimmering stones. They glistened under the artificial light of the kitchen, practically blinding the sight of the girls in front of them. 

“Found them near the enchanted lake after Turney practice, and thought they’d be perfect for my two favourite girls.” He hands a stone to each of the girls before him. Bridget, obviously swooned by the gesture and Ella, partially just as much. Maybe there was a reason behind why his name was so accurate to his character. 

Ella accepted the small stone, slipping it into her pocket. "Thanks, but this is the fourth time this term you’ve been late. Your tardiness is practically begging for expulsion from the club," she said, crossing her arms and giving Charming the familiar you can do better look. Charming understood the unspoken message and hung his head, a sheepish smile on his face.

"Oh, don’t be silly, Ella. We could never replace you, Charming," Bridget interjected, her smile bright and wide. It was enough to coax a matching grin from the prince. As the club’s treasurer, Charming often got away with his tardiness, thanks to Bridget’s soft spot for him—something Ella wasn’t as lenient about.

Bridget couldn’t pinpoint the exact moment she’d fallen for Charming, but the story was etched into her memory like a cherished keepsake. It was during first-year orientation, when the excitement of finally being free from the grasp of Wonderland had left her eager to explore everything Auradon had to offer, especially new friendships. Meeting Ella and Charming on that very first day had felt like fate. Ella, with her kind spirit and wisdom, always knew how to make Bridget smile. And then there was Charming, with his very, very handsome face and a personality that lived up to his name.

The three of them had clicked instantly, forming a bond that felt as if it had been meant to be. But while Ella had become a cherished confidante, Charming had become something more—a crush that Bridget couldn’t quite shake, even if she wasn’t ready to admit it out loud.

"See, someone here appreciates my presence," Charming shot back at Ella with a playful smirk.

"Surprisingly," Ella replied, her tone teasing as she watched him stick out his tongue at her.

Bridget found herself laughing at the exchange, though her laughter was a bit awkward, betraying the nervousness she felt. Ella noticed the subtle signs—Bridget’s hand was slightly clammy, her laughter a little too forced. Glancing at her friend's face, Ella could tell that Bridget had something on her mind, words she couldn’t quite bring herself to say. As much as Ella preferred not to meddle in her friend's love life, especially with Charming being the other party, she hated seeing Bridget so anxious.

"Oh, speaking of which, Bridget, wasn’t there something you wanted to show Charming?" Ella asked casually, her eyes sparkling with intent.

Bridget snapped out of her awkward trance, quickly pulling her hand away from Ella’s. Though Ella missed the warmth of her friend's touch, she found a new warmth in watching Bridget's face light up.

Bridget turned around, leaving Charming momentarily puzzled, and rummaged under the table. After a brief moment, she pulled out a bag of freshly baked chocolate caramel cookies, dyed pink and shaped like hearts.

"I’m so ditzy, I completely forgot. These are for you," Bridget said, extending the zip-locked bag toward Charming, who accepted it eagerly—his open arms matched by an open mouth. It didn’t take long before the cookies disappeared into his mouth, as if he were a starving kitten.

"I was just in the kitchen last night, thinking about plans for the Ball, and I whipped them up. I didn’t even realise I made them heart-shaped, aha," Bridget laughed again, her awkwardness more evident this time. The cookies must have been good, judging by how quickly Charming devoured them.

"Sorry, I skipped breakfast," Charming explained sheepishly, noticing the reactions of his friends. Bridget was practically head over heels, while Ella looked a bit disgusted by the chocolate crumbs on his cheeks.

"Speaking of the Ball," Charming said, swallowing the last of his cookie, "are you guys going this year?"

"After the time we had last year, hell yeah!" Ella cheered, a bit too loudly for the other students still diligently working on their icing. "I bet you're planning to go with all fifty of your dates," she added with a playful grin.

"No, no, not this year. I think I’ll stick to just one this time," Charming muttered under his breath, but loud enough for Bridget to hear. Internally, she squealed with excitement, a feeling so strong that Ella almost heard it too.

"Really wish we could have worked on the committee like last year," Charming continued, "I hope it’s in good hands this time around."

Bridget and Ella exchanged a knowing look, causing Charming to raise his eyebrows in curiosity.

"It is in good hands…right, guys?" he asked, suddenly uncertain.

—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The walk to the kitchen was enveloped in an uncomfortable silence, the morning’s awkward encounter lingering between Chloe and Red like an unspoken secret. Neither wanted to address what they had seen or said. Chloe was still surprised by Red’s unexpected apology. Meanwhile, Red was struggling to banish the image of Chloe from her mind—the way she had looked that morning kept resurfacing, like a stubborn thought she couldn’t shake. It wasn’t that Chloe was unattractive; it was the exact opposite, and that realisation left Red feeling more flustered than she cared to admit. Though she would rather not admit that. And Chloe would rather not admit that Red’s words had stuck with her too. She actually wanted to make an effort for the Ball and was actually showing it. Now all she had to do was keep her mouth shut in order to not stop the momentum from going. 

“Is that a Red pin in your hair?” 

The silence is broken. 

It is enough to take Chloe out of another one of her self-induced trances. “Oh this old thing…I uh, thought I would try something new.” Chloe moves to touch the hair pin that was keeping her curls from her face. Maybe it was a bit of a lie, it was a pin stolen from Bridget's chaotic side of the dorm but Red didn’t need to know that. Taking Ella’s advice from the night prior, Chloe was almost determined to show Red how much she was willing to get through to her.

“It totally clashes with your outfit.” Red chuckles to herself. Chloe would have been more offended by the matter but the chromatic blue she often dressed in wasn’t much of a complement to the vibrant red piece atop of her hair. Chloe looks away for a moment, a bit embarrassed by the whole ordeal but when she turns to face Red again, trying her hardest to think of a witty comeback, the red-haired girl is already staring at her. 

Red smirked, her eyes gleaming with a hint of mischief. "But you still manage to pull it off," she said, tone hinted with the tiniest hint of sincerity. Red could easily see what Chloe was trying to do, not matter much of the facade she put up. That’s one thing Red seemed to catch onto very quickly. Chloe is as easy to read as a book. And although the pin really didn’t go with her outfit, Red appreciated the effort nonetheless. One of the rare times someone was actually taking the effort to get her. 

“Too bad you can’t beat the original.” Red shrugs. Even if she appreciated the effort she still had to let one joke through. 

Chloe gasps, now officially offended. “Who said you were the original to begin with? You can’t own a colour.” 

“That’s a signature Wonderland Red. I’m pretty sure we do own that colour.” Red protest. Neither of the girls were necessarily historians but it wasn’t to say that Chloe wasn’t familiar with the signature red colour. She mentally sighs at the thought of Red knowing she probably didn’t own the pin, “Gosh, just because you’ve got a colour named after you doesn’t mean you get to claim it every time someone else wears it."

She paused, giving Red a pointed look. "Besides, I can totally rock red just as well as you do."

The comment takes Red back a bit. Chloe thinks she rocks the colour red? And as much as Red would have loved to retaliate with another snarky comment, they had already made it to the kitchen where they were meant to meet with the baking club. More specifically, Bridget, Ella and Charming. The two swing through the kitchen door, interrupting a rather lively conversation between the trio.

“Great you two finally made it.” Bridget smiles, waving the girls over to where they were. “You can save me from not missing out on my beauty sleep…Chloe is that my hair pin–?” 

“Not the topic of conversation, Bridget.” Chloe is quick to interrupt her friend, especially when she hears the snickers of Red behind her. How patronising… 

“You’re right. Ella, Charming, these two are this year’s planning committee. Chloe and Red.” Bridget waves her arms out to introduce the four to one another, though it seems a tad but pointless. 

Charming laughs, “I’m sure I won’t need an introduction to my cousin.” 

Red is taken aback by the comment. Chloe and Charming were cousins? Actually, no, that did make a lot of sense to Red. “And well, The Scarlet Tagger needs no introduction. I’m a huge fan of your work.” Charming continues, extending a hand to shake with Red. Red stares at the stray hand, reluctant to shake it. Charming chuckles as he removes his hand, opting to quaff his hair instead, a bit awkward. 

“I hope the Ball is in good hands and that you two can work well together.” Ella could have been more subtle with her words but Chloe appreciates the effort nonetheless. Once introductions are over, Chloe would rather cut to the chase. “Okay, so our list calls for an array of different desserts. Are we sure your team can manage the workload in two weeks?” The princess questions. 

Bridget hums, “You bet. We received Fairy GodMother’s list ahead of time. All five pages of it…” There’s an eye twitch that follows. 

Chloe and Red hum in unison, both familiar with the strenuous list GodMother was prone to producing. Almost as if she didn’t have any other things to spend her time on. “And have you accounted for the dietary restrictions?” Red questions. 

“No peanuts, no dairy, no eggs. Already one step ahead.” Charming replies.

“How about colour coordination?” Chloe puzzles. 

“We have all the set dyes created in Mr. Thorn's potion class.” Ella is quick to answer once again. 

“And how about the–”

“Okay, that’s enough for now. You’re going to send them into overdrive. How about we just bring in the list of what we’ve planned.” Bridget is quick to interrupt the Q&A that was going to take ages by the way Chloe and Red were so persistent. It was nice to see the two finally on the same page but gosh, was it exhausting. Bridget would rather skip the small talk and move on to the main picture. “It’s just in the other room. In the meantime, we had our students make some icing, so check them out and pick your top three.” 

Bridget motioned for her two friends to follow her as they made their way out of the kitchen. Chloe and Red watched as the trio left, moving a bit too quickly for people who were supposedly eager to help with baking plans. Their sudden departure left Chloe and Red alone, surrounded by bowls of icing, each of them positioned on opposite sides of the kitchen.

Despite the distance, Red couldn’t help but steal glances at Chloe whenever she could. And Chloe, despite herself, was doing the same. As she looked down at the icing in front of her, Chloe caught a glimpse of her reflection in a silver bowl. The red hairpin was still perched atop her blue hair. Embarrassed, Chloe quickly reached up to remove it, but not before Red noticed.

“Not fit for the Red life, it seems.” She says subtly, under her breath. Even if it was meant to be a hushed comment, it was still loud enough for Chloe to hear and acknowledge. “I guess not. Silly me trying to come close to matching Thee Red Tagger” 

“Match me? I thought you were against me, Princess.” Red smirks but quickly realises a mistake of hers. Chloe raises an eyebrow for a moment at the name but chooses to move on, “It’s the opposite, actually.” Now it was Red’s turn to raise an eyebrow. 

“My cousin and I aren’t too different it seems cause I’m a huge fan of your work as well. I think it’s pretty…badass.” 

If Red’s jaw could touch the floor it would at this moment. The picture-perfect-Auradon-student Chloe had just complimented her work and wasn’t being sarcastic about it. There were a lot of surprises that seemed to come on this particular day. “But in front of Uma you said–”

“You’re going to blame me for faking my sincerity to get a job? I thought you would have caught on just a little bit.” Chloe chuckles, moving closer to the other side of the room. Red’s expression doesn’t falter when showing her shock but also her dumbfounded nature. Maybe she was too quick to judge Chloe’s character. Still, she couldn’t get all sentimental that quickly. 

“Cute to see I have fans.” Red finds herself moving even closer. Chloe examines a bowl of buttercream before letting out a wholehearted laugh. “In your dreams–” The girl moves her hands to flail them but accidentally knocks over the bowl in the process, covering the bottom half of Red’s skirt in a white, sugary mess. 

Chloe's eyes widened in shock as she saw the results of her impulsive action. The splatter of bright pink icing across the counter was only the beginning. Red let out a scoff, clearly trying to rein in her frustration and maybe, just maybe, stop herself from throttling Chloe on the spot.

"I am so sorry, it really was an accident—" Chloe started to apologise, but her words were cut off by a splatter of buttercream that hit her cheek with a soft plop . If Chloe had been shocked before, her surprise now skyrocketed. She slowly turned to face Red, her expression a mix of disbelief and fury.

"That was an accident too. You, uh, have something right there," Red said with a wicked grin, motioning to her own cheek as she laughed—a laugh that only fueled Chloe’s rising temper.

Chloe, without another word, spun on her heel, eyes scanning the counter for another weapon. She found a bowl of cream cheese frosting and, with a quick flick of her wrist, launched a barrage of the creamy substance directly into Red’s hair.

In that instant, an unspoken war was declared. Each girl staked out her side of the kitchen as their battlefield, the air thick with tension and the scent of sugary sweetness. Red retaliated with a handful of whipped cream, aiming for Chloe’s shoulder but catching her square in the face instead. Chloe shrieked, more out of surprise than anger, and scooped up another dollop of frosting, launching it with precision.

Icing splattered across cheeks, hair, and even into mouths, laughter mingling with shouts as the battle escalated. Chloe’s perfect blue hair was now streaked with pink and white, while Red’s fiery locks dripped with cream and buttercream.

As the sugary storm raged on, Red realised something important—she really did, in fact, hate sweets.

Just as Red was about to fire a ball of ganache directly at Chloe’s side of the station, the sound of the kitchen door opening stopped her plans. As both girls were covered with frosting, seeing Bridget, Ella and Charming walk through the door was not as welcoming as the first time around. 

Bridged looks around the dirtied kitchen, clothes and faces of the two guilty girls. Unlike this morning, Red now knew to cover her ears because boy, was she in for an earful.  

Chapter Text

Even after a few days, the Enchanted Garden still left much to be desired. Sure, the flowers weren’t as wilted, and the moss had taken on a more vibrant green, shedding its former swampy hue, but that was just optimism talking. Chloe, full of that optimism today, seemed determined to see the beauty in it all. Red, however, wasn’t quite as enthusiastic.

Since the kitchen incident, Red had made it a point to steer clear of Bridget, which inevitably led to spending more time with Chloe. They were co-workers after all, and Red had expected this. What she hadn’t expected, though, was actually enjoying her time with Chloe.

Despite the mess and chaos that had ensued in the kitchen, Red found herself appreciating Chloe’s company. She’d never admit it, but having Chloe by her side made the planning committee less of a chore. The girl’s infectious energy and determination to make the garden beautiful had a way of rubbing off on Red, even if she tried to resist it. And with a few days since the icing battle, it was clear that Chloe wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

“It just gets worse every time I come back” Red shudders, the cold wind not as vipering as the sight in front of her eyes. With a broom and rag in hand, it seemed the two would now have to conquer the second part of their to-do list, decorations. But without a clean ground to lay anything on, it seemed that two girls would have to take that into their own hands. 

“Well, at least we’re not alone. Bridget, Ella and Charming said they would join us later to help with streamers and well, cleaning too.” Chloe gleams despite the nerves already getting to her. 

Red sighs. “You really invited them?”, She turns to face Chloe, her expression determined in contrast to the other girl. 

“After the little icing incident, Bridget has been really keen on making sure everything is in order…she technically invited herself” Chloe chuckles and Red lets out a small scoff, “We are in order. We’re almost halfway through the list, aren’t we?” 

“Somewhat,” Chloe replies. Red would rather not let out another sigh. If her cousin wanted to help, so be it. Less work for her to do anyway. 

“Okay, so, I take the right, and you take the left?” Chloe questions and without a response, Red takes the left side of the garden to start her work. Chloe would have rebuddled but she’s grown to learn that sometimes Red’s silence was just her being nice. And Chloe found it quite rewarding to see she was slowly getting through to Red one day at a time. The blue-haired girl, true to her words, takes the right side of the garden to begin her work. Enveloped around a giant pond, Chloe’s mop seemed rather unfitting for the trail she would have to clean up. 

As the two got to their cleaning, the silence Chloe once appreciated before was becoming awkward. The urge to say something took over her senses. “I bet Wonderland isn’t as mossy as this.” She states. 

Chloe looks to the other side of the garden where Red stops her sweeping. It’s at that moment she realises she’s broken the golden rule of not mentioning wonderland. 

But Red’s pause isn’t one of anger but, even if she would rather not talk, it’s not to say Chloe’s curiosity didn’t seem slightly endearing. “Beyond the Kingdom, maybe…I rarely ever saw it though.” Red’s tone is sombre. 

When Chloe assumes the coast is clear, she continues mopping, “Guess it’s good you’re here then. As shabby as this place can be.” 

Red chuckles at the comment, “I call it shabby but it’s nice to see something more than…red. All the greens, yellows, blues, like a breath of fresh air.”. Red stops her sweeping to admire the blues of the morning sky, a tinted colour of grey due to the rather chilly weather. Chloe notices the other girl staring at the sky with a type of wonder she has never seen before. It was warming to see.

“Are you guys good on clean up? Or are you going to start throwing vines at one another?!” 

A voice is heard in the distance.

If Red were lucky, the voice would belong to anyone but her cousin but she knew better than to test her luck with anything recently. Bridget and her pink curls skipped along the trail to the enchanted garden with Charming and Ella following behind, a bounty of supplies in hand. 

“Hilarious.” Red manages to say once her cousin approaches her, her sarcasm as present as ever. 

“Like always.” Bridget shrugs her shoulders. All three visitors examine their surroundings and it doesn’t take long before Charming and Ella begin to regret what they signed up for. The vines that surrounded their feet, the moss that left a slimy trail from the pond, the un-lively flowers, it was all too much for them to handle, especially Charming. 

“The garden could not have been this bad last year…” Charming shudders, looking at his surroundings with a newfound horror. If he didn’t know any better, he swore those vines surrounding him were moving. 

“You’re not scared, are you?” Chloe comes up from behind, placing a hand on her cousin's shoulder. She lets out a giggle when she can feel Charming's heartbeat just from a simple touch. “Never.” Charming gulps, trying his hardest not to let the nerves get to him. It was only a couple of days ago he was searching the enchanted lake for stones, he should be fearless by now. 

“Hope you guys aren’t too scared to help us,” Red states, facing Ella and Bridget. However, it doesn’t take long before Bridget bursts into laughter. Red wasn’t exactly sure what was funny about her words until Bridget spelt it out for her. 

“Oh, there is no way in hell I am touching any of this.” Bridget smiles, “ This green totally contrasts with my outfit” 

Red feels her eyes twitch at the comment, “So then why are you here?” 

“Color coordinate the streamers, figure out where food and drinks go, make sure you guys are not trying to kill one another,” Bridget whispers the last part of her comment as to make sure Chloe doesn't hear as she’s deep in conversion with Charming. Red rolls her eyes, “We have never tried to kill one another.” 

“Not yet.” Bridget continues. 

Red doesn’t have the energy within her to continue arguing with her cousin and was gearing up to give in before Chloe interrupted her thoughts. “Uh, Bridget, is it okay if Charming takes over decorations and you and Ella take over his cleaning job? Those vines are really spooking him out.” 

“Ha!” Red laughs, she knew her cousins wouldn’t dare argue with Charmings wishes and watched as the smirk she had before melted away. This was perfect. 

Ella wraps her arm around Bridgets with a wide smile, already spotting the dilemma on her best friend's face. “Of Course. We’ll take the left and you and Red can take the right.” Ella smiles and Chloe nods in agreement. 

Red and her alone once again.  Looks like this was the new norm. 

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There’s another wave of silence that is accented by the sounds of mopping and sweeping. Despite the fact that moping a trail seemed pointless in Chloe’s eyes, Fairy GodMother had insisted it was a mandatory procedure towards cleanliness. Whatever that meant. 

The silence was enjoyable to Red in the beginning but once she had heard the lively conversations of Ella, Bridget and Charming from afar, she assumed Chloe felt the disconnect. It was usually out of character for Red to ever care about anyone’s feelings but maybe with Chloe things were different. Unlike conversations with Bridget, Red at least assumed that the blue-haired girl would be able to keep a steady conversation that wasn’t always about herself. 

Red thinks of a conversation starter, looking at Chloe who diligently examined the pond in front of her, it’s hues of greens and blues. 

What on earth could they talk about? How do people even make small talk that isn’t at the depreciation of the person they’re talking about? Red’s been able to start conversations with Chloe before but things somehow felt different today. Maybe it was the outdoor setting, the bummy task work, or maybe it was Chloe’s distracting nature–

“You’ve been staring for a while. I hope I don’t have something on my face.” 

Red shakes her head to jog back her consciousness. Had she zoned out? 

“And here I thought I zoned out often.” Chloe laughs and it’s the first time Red truly feels the heat rush to her cheeks from embarrassment. This wasn’t very rebellious of her but she'll just have to deal with the repercussions of that later. “Something on your mind?” 

Right. Red had forgotten to think of that stupid conversation starter. Looked like Chloe beat her to it just by noticing Red was staring at her, something more embarrassing to think about really. By the graces of Fairy GodMother, Red hears Charming squeal in the distance. To the left of both of the girls, Red could spot Ella chasing Charming around with a vine the size of a green bean. It was amusing to watch and it gave Red the perfect conversation starter. 

“Has your cousin always been this much of a chicken?” She asks, giving herself a mental high-five for coming up with something so quickly.

Chloe chuckles at the question. She had assumed Charming’s always been a bit different but that’s just the way he was. Whether tripping on his own two feet, being late to everything or well, being scared of anything that looked out of the ordinary. “Yes, I suppose so. Even when we were kids, he was way too scared to join me and Chad for fencing practice. Said the sabre looked too sharp.” 

“You fence!?” Red questions, although her shock may have been a bit too loud. Chloe giggles at the obvious embarrassment from Red's side of the pond, opting to move closer to the girl in order to remove the distance they’ve created between them. It was nice seeing Red actually taking an interest in Chloe, as opposed to the other way around. Again, that warming feeling filled inside. 

“Mhm. Been taking classes since I was four. I still practise, even when I’m far from home.”

Red scoffs, still processing the idea of Chloe fencing. “Never spotted any gear on your side of the room. It’s so princessy over there.”

Chloe raises an eyebrow, her smile turning into a smirk, and Red realises too late that her words might have come out wrong. She feels a blush creeping up her cheeks. “Not that I was looking…” Red quickly adds, her voice trailing off, but the damage is done.

Chloe’s smirk doesn’t waver. “Oh, really? I wouldn’t have guessed you were the type to peek.” Her tone is teasing, but there’s a glint in her eyes that makes Red shift uncomfortably. “I just meant, for someone who talks so much about fencing, you don’t really show it.”

“Uh huh.” Chloe grins, “Well, I’ll have you know I keep my equipment under my bed. Your cousin also seems to have a fear of pointy objects.” 

“Being in the royal castle doesn’t do much for exposure.” Red shrugs her shoulders, noticing every moment Chloe lets out another one of her giggles. She slowly felt them becoming contagious.

“I guess that’s where Wonderland and Cinderellasburg find their differences. ” Chloe states and by the look Red gives her, she was now privy to explaining herself even further. “Anything bad that happens in Auradon, my parents are on it. It’s like the law of the United Kingdoms. So, Chad, Charming and I take fencing to make sure that when we're in charge we can help Auradon the best we can.” 

Red digests the words slowly and by the way Chloe’s smile fades over time she garners up another question, this one not so premeditated. “Do you ever find that pressuring?” 

It’s a question Chloe’s never heard before. Maybe being heir to the throne came with its tasks but it was for the greater good of Auradon. It wasn’t a matter of pressure, it was a matter of right and obligation. Chloe’s purpose is to serve her people, even when they barely know who she is…

"Fencing? No. The fate of the kingdom resting in my hands someday? Maybe..." Chloe shrugged off Red's comment as if it were a mere speck of dust. Red had never imagined that anyone outside of Wonderland could have real issues, let alone ones that didn’t involve picking out the perfect cardigan for the day. But Chloe’s determination wasn’t about trying to be different—it was simply how she was raised. And slowly, one day at a time, Red was starting to understand that.

“Never expected someone as lame as you to be able to do something as cool as fencing,” Red quipped, her signature sarcasm cutting through the moment. Chloe’s dramatic gasp in response was almost as satisfying as the witty remark itself.

“Rude. I’ll have you know I can kick your butt any day, Princess,” Chloe shot back, her voice full of playful defiance.

The word "Princess" felt like an alarm going off in Red's head. A challenge had been issued, and there was no way she was going to let it slide. Red could feel her determination rising within her. There was no way she was going to let someone else call her “Princess”—especially not Chloe.

“I’d like to see you try,” Red retorted, her eyes narrowing as a competitive spark flickered between them.

Chloe looked around the pond, her eyes locking onto a mop not too far away. Sensing the impending battle, Red tightened her grip on her broom, watching as Chloe dashed forward. In a swift move, Chloe grabbed the mop, pointing its long wooden handle towards Red with a playful smirk.

“En garde?” Chloe taunted, raising an eyebrow.

“You’re on,” Red responded without missing a beat.

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bridget sighed, feeling the weight of exhaustion as she waded through the knee-deep vines and thick grass. The overgrown garden was a mess, but her frustration wasn’t just about the tangled greenery. It was the sight of Charming in the distance, his brow furrowed in concentration as he debated between two nearly identical shades of purple for the garden's borders.

She watched him, her thoughts swirling with a mix of admiration and impatience. He was focused, lost in the task of perfecting the garden’s aesthetics, but Bridget couldn’t help feeling a pang of annoyance. Here she was, grappling with the physical labour of taming the wild garden, while Charming was caught up in the finer details of colour coordination.

It doesn’t take long for Ella to notice Bridget’s frustration, given that she’s usually good at being able to notice when Bridget's going through a tough time. It was just in her nature. 

“You know you can just go and help him. You don’t have to stay with me the entire time.” Ella says softly. Bridget turns towards her friend, a pout evidently present on her face. 

“I shouldn't be the one chasing, Ella,” Bridget whines, getting back to plucking the weeds within the grass. It was really the only thing that could distract her from the impending doom that was confronting her issues. “But you’ve been doing that the entire time.” Ella retorts,mumbled under her breath. 

Yes, Charming had accepted the cookies with open arms but that was merely it. His arms were left open and Bridget's heart was the same. If heart-shaped cookies couldn’t elicit a total love confession, Bridget wasn’t sure what could anymore. 

“Exactly! If I chase anymore my legs will be dust by the time the Ball rolls around.” Bridget whines even louder. And although the burned feeling of jealousy fills the pit of Ella’s heart, she can’t help but want to take away Bridget's sorrows. Even if it did mean losing her in the process. 

“What if I meddle?” The idea is proposed. 

Bridget’s ears perked up in surprise, not entirely sure what Ella was getting at. “Charming tells me everything. Maybe if I steer him in the right direction, he’ll—”

“Actually have the guts to ask me out! Ella, you’re a genius!” Bridget exclaimed, throwing an arm around her in a side hug. Despite the cramped space on the ground, Ella couldn’t deny that she wished this moment could last a little longer. “I wouldn’t go that far, but I’m pretty close,” Ella replied with a teasing smile.

“Don’t sell yourself short. You’re more than you know,” Bridget said, resting her head on Ella’s shoulder. Her eyes were still fixed on Charming, deep in thought. If only she had the courage to approach him one-on-one…

“Thanks,” Ella murmured, trying to keep her blush from spreading across her face. She decided a little break might be in order. “Uh, do you want to keep staring, or…” she asked playfully, though a hint of vulnerability lingered beneath her words.

Bridget sighed, finally tearing her gaze away from Charming. “Nah, it can wait. I think a plan like this also needs some consulting from Chloe.”

Ella glanced around, noticing the unusual silence. “Those two have been awfully quiet,” she remarked, and Bridget knew it could only mean one thing: trouble.

“Let’s go find them before they accidentally burn down the garden,” Bridget said with a wry smile, nudging Ella to her feet. The two girls brushed off the grass and vines from their clothes and set off to track down their mischievous friends, hoping whatever they found wouldn’t be too chaotic.

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The garden, once a peaceful retreat, now became an impromptu arena. Chloe and Red circled each other, mops and brooms brandished like swords. The air filled with laughter and the soft thud of wood against wood as they clashed, neither willing to back down. Chloe’s mop swung through the air with surprising agility, but Red parried each attempt, her own broom slicing through the space between them.

They moved around the garden, the sound of their mock battle mingling with the rustling leaves and the distant chirping of birds. Every so often, Chloe would land a playful “hit,” prompting exaggerated gasps and dramatic flourishes. So it turned out Chloe was a pro at this but that didn’t stop Red from sneaking beneath the cracks herself, promoting a tie between them. Chloe’s hair whipped around as she spun and lunged, while Red’s eyes gleamed with the thrill of the duel.

For a moment, the enchanted garden was filled with nothing but their laughter and the spirit of friendly competition. Yeah, you could say the two considered one another friends. 

Still, this was war and Chloe now had Red trapped right before the edge of the pond. “You’ve met your doom, Heart.”  

“How could you be so sure, Charming?” Red says, trying to contain her laughter. All it would take is one tap of Chloe’s mop stick to end the game but Red was determined not to lose, with all of her might. The more Chloe approached, the further Red would step back, still trying to figure out her escape. Though her time was running out and Chloe had assumed the girl would forfeit. However, that forfeit wasn’t coming any time soon. 

Chloe felt her nerves spike once Red approached closer to the edge of the pond. “I’d just give up now if I were you.” Chloe’s voice is shaky as Red get’s dangerously closer. Red scoffs, continuing back. The red-haired girl is a bit confused when Chloe lowers her mop ever so slightly, not even noticing the lagoon she was about to immerse herself in. 

“And why would I do that–” Red feels the heel of her foot empty beneath the grass, her balance a ticking time bomb as she tries to steady herself back onto the grass. Everything was moving so fast and as she closed her eyes, waiting for the impact of whatever was waiting for her beneath her feet, it never came. Instead, a pair of arms warped themselves around her torso. 

Red opened her eyes slowly, her vision gradually clearing to reveal Chloe’s pale blue hair cascading gently over her face. Chloe’s smug expression was met with a dazed look from Red, who was still trying to process what had just happened. Chloe’s hand was firmly gripping Red’s waist, and though Red usually would have wriggled out of it with a sarcastic retort, she found herself frozen, unable to move.

“Because that might happen. I win,” Chloe declared triumphantly, her smile wide and confident.

Red stared up at Chloe, her witty comeback somehow lost in the swirl of emotions that had suddenly taken hold of her. The tight grip, the warmth, the way Chloe’s smile seemed to light up the entire garden—it all left her feeling more vulnerable than she ever thought possible.

“I- uh, I guess you do,” Red finally stammered, her voice soft, almost hesitant. There was no room for her usual sarcasm; she was truly swept off her feet, both literally and figuratively.

Their moment was interrupted by the familiar sound of Bridget’s voice approaching them from a distance. “We’ve been here for three hours, and you guys do nothing!?” she exclaimed, exasperation clear in her tone.

Chloe and Red sighed in unison. 

“If you calm down Bridget can we call this even?” Chloe asked, a hint of mischief still lingering in her voice. Red nodded silently. 

Chapter Text

“Can you guys not make out here while I’m gone. I would rather not traumatise my stuffed animals.” Bridget shudders, going through her dresser of clothes. Once again, she’s frantic. 

Nowadays, Red would be considered a regular visitor of Chloe and Bridgets dorm, usually camping before or after classes to meet up and plan for the Ball. It beat being alone in her room but it didn’t help that Bridget was often always present while Chloe took a shower or did her morning errands. 

“For the last time, Bridget,” Red groans, rolling over on Chloe’s bed this time around, “Chloe and I were not making out at the pond.”. It had been a couple of days since the pond incident and to say Bridget was shocked to see Red and Chloe at such a close proximity was an understatement. 

“I saw what I saw,” Bridget hums to herself, skimming through her dresser. 

“She saved me from drowning in a pond.” 

“It’s two feet deep,” Bridget rolls her eyes, “You would’ve survived a bit of water damage.”  

“She was just being Chloe. She would’ve beat herself up if she let me fall.” 

Bridget paused, turning to face Red with an all-knowing grin. "But she didn’t. She held you in her arms, and you enjoyed it."

"Did not, you perv!" Red shot up from the bed, her cheeks flushing an even deeper shade of red.

Bridget laughed, delighted by the reaction she’d provoked. The tint in Red’s cheeks and the slight tremor in her voice told Bridget everything she needed to know. Teasing Red had become a guilty pleasure, and watching her squirm was just too entertaining to resist.

“I’m just teasing. Just surprised I was actually right, you guys are getting along. ” Bridget continues the search through her drawers as Red is left fuming. Maybe she was being a bit immature but she couldn’t help it. Bridget was accusing her of crimes against humanity. Enjoying being held in Chloe’s arms? Blasphemous. 

"You’re impossible," Red sighed, letting herself sink deeper into Chloe’s bed. The soft sheets smelled like daisies and enchanted grass, a soothing contrast to the overwhelming floral perfume Bridget had doused herself in that morning. 

"And you’re soft," Bridget retorted with a teasing grin. Red shot her cousin a look, mouth open to fire back, but the sound of the door creaking open made her words catch in her throat. Chloe had arrived, and the girl always had something to say.

"Could you please stop torturing Red? I’m sure you have other friends to bug, not mine," Chloe chimed in, her voice carrying a mix of amusement and annoyance as she entered the room. The heavy stack of books she was balancing in her arms landed with a soft thud on the nearby desk.

The fact that Chloe had called Red her friend wasn’t lost on either of them. Chloe had been referring to Red as a friend for days now, and while Red would never admit it out loud, she had started to feel the same way. It was an odd, unexpected development in their dynamic, but not an unwelcome one.

Red sat up a little straighter, her previous irritation dissolving into something more like curiosity. "You think I’m your friend now?" she asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

Chloe glanced over her shoulder, a small, genuine smile playing on her lips. "Either that or you’re one of Bridget’s hostages. I guess you’re both."

Bridget watched the exchange with a knowing smile, her earlier teasing forgotten. She could sense the subtle shift in the atmosphere, the way Chloe and Red were slowly starting to orbit around each other in a way that felt natural, and comfortable. Maybe all the teasing was starting to pay off, or maybe this was just the way things were meant to be.

"You two can save your banter for later," Bridget conceded with a playful roll of her eyes. “I still need help figuring out what to wear today. Ella’s gonna ask Charming the big question.”

Chloe chuckled, heading towards Bridget's bed and laying herself there. "Why don’t you just let Red pick something for you? She’s got a good eye for this stuff."

The compliment didn’t go unnoticed by Red, and as much as she had a witty comment brewing within her, Bridget's groans were way louder than her thoughts. “You really think the girl who wears the same monochrome outfit every day has a good eye for outfits?” Bridget questions with an arched brow. 

Both Chloe and Red nodded in unison, their silent agreement only fueling Bridget’s frustration. She quickly realised that whatever bond these two had formed was stronger than any teasing she could throw their way. It was enough to make her shudder.

“I’m heading over to Ella’s dorm,” Bridget huffed, gathering her belongings with a dramatic sigh. It didn’t take long for both Chloe and Red to burst into laughter, their amusement echoing through the room. Bridget didn’t stick around to witness it, swiftly grabbing her things and making a beeline for the door. As the door closed behind her, the laughter slowly faded, leaving Chloe and Red in a comfortable silence. 

“Do you ever go to your morning classes?” Chloe breaks the ice, sliding herself off of Birdgets bed to clean the reminisce of her clothes sprawled across the floor. For a girl who preached cleanliness, Bridget was sure a walking tornado. 

Red hums, “When we’re not planning for the Ball, yes.” 

“You can’t exceed more than 15 absences, Red. Uma will have your head.” Chloe’s tone is stern and authoritative. 

“I’ll be fine, no need to worry Ms. Start Student.” 

Chloe chuckles, “Please, I’m far from it. Mr. Thorn said I’m one bad potion away from failing the course.” 

Red’s ears perk up at the familiar name, “You’re failing potions class? A baby could pass—”. Red words are cut off when Chloe stares her down, biting the inside of her cheek so as to not cuss her out. Must have struck a nerve. 

"Ha, nevermind." Red cleared her throat, trying to recover. "We all have our weaknesses... yours just so happens to be the baby course—" Red's words were abruptly cut off as one of Bridget's skirts flew onto her face, engulfing her vision in a blur of pink. Chloe's laughter filled the room, making the situation even more frustrating.

"You were saying?" Chloe smirked as Red peeled the fabric off, her hair now slightly dishevelled.

"You're a child," Red grunted, feeling the sting of her own thwarted jab.

"I guess that makes both of us," Chloe hummed, putting away the rest of Bridget's clothes before sitting down beside Red on the bed. The two sat shoulder to shoulder, and Red found it increasingly difficult to muster the same biting comebacks she used to.

"Whatever. What's the plan for today?" Red asked, knowing Chloe usually had the day mapped out. According to Chloe, Red was often "too vague" and "irrational"—whatever that meant.

"According to Fairy GodMother, ticket sales are low this year. The third task on our list is promotion, so I guess she predicted this would happen. We just need to find a way to get more people interested," Chloe explained.

"What, are the fifty posters around the school, not enough promotion? Or the ads that pop up on every school website?"

"Promotion is more than posters and poorly made Instagram posts," Chloe huffed. "We need to relate to the students on a deeper level. Give them something they'll love that will make them want to go."

Red rolled her eyes, already feeling the exhaustion set in. "Well, I'm not very well-versed in what the losers here like. What's something that can get them to hand over their money?"

Chloe began to scheme, thinking through the possibilities. A guest appearance from King Ben? Unattainable. Larger posters? Too much work. They needed something that would genuinely excite the students of Auradon Prep.

It isn’t until Chloe’s eyes land on Reds, that an idea pops into her head. “Maybe it’s not a ‘what’ but a ‘who’” 

It takes a while before Red gets the memo and shakes her head. There was no way she was going to risk getting caught doing the same thing that got her into this stupid situation in the first place. No way. 

“Haven’t you heard? I’m retired.” Red scoffs, lifting herself from the bed to the dismay of Chloe. 

“Come on Red, the people love you. The Scarlet Tagger is a staple here, if they know you’re going they’ll want to come.” 

"And what if I get caught, Chloe? You’ll really be on your own then." Red crossed her arms, clearly unimpressed by Chloe’s latest spontaneous idea.

Chloe got up from her bed and faced Red, her eyes pleading, practically begging for her to agree. But Red wasn’t showing any sympathy; there had to be another way to get the others on board. Then an idea sparked in Chloe’s mind.

“What if it wasn’t The Scarlet Tagger at all?” Chloe suggested, causing Red to raise an eyebrow in confusion. “You’re gonna have to elaborate on that one,” She replied skeptically.

“I mean, what if it was me instead? We tag a wall, I take the fall for it. They can’t stop you then, and everyone will still want to come.”

“You want to deface school property?” Red questioned, a smirk creeping onto her lips. Chloe’s cheeks flushed a brazen red, and she stumbled over her words, trying to defend herself.

“I—I mean, if it gets people to come, then…”

Red chuckled at Chloe’s nervousness. The idea that Chloe actually wanted to do something rebellious was almost too good to be true. Even Fairy GodMother wouldn’t have seen this coming.

“No need to explain yourself, Charming,” Red said with a grin. “I’d be delighted to give you your first lesson in delinquency.”

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It’s the middle of the night when Chloe finds herself in front of Red's dorm room. The hallways are dimly lit and the only sounds to be heard are the whistling branches outside. Red’s room being directly near the front foyer of the dormitory must have done her great justice when sneaking out at night, Chloe assumed. Now it was Chloe’s turn to sneak out for the first time. Sure, she had been prone to sneaking into the kitchen after hours but if Bridget could do it, who’s to say she wasn’t privy to as well. Still, sneaking out of the dorms at night was a different kind of bad. One that would surely land anyone in detention. Chloe would die if she was ever in detention, what would her mother think? And Chad would never let her live it down. So many scary possibilities to think of. 

Yet, here she was. Dressed in all black (minus her blue sneakers), Chloe stood at Red’s door, hesitating before knocking. She was about to turn back when the door swung open. Red stood there, dressed in black leather with her hair in a half-up ponytail. Chloe was dumbfounded. Not only was this the coolest Red had ever looked, but it also left Chloe speechless.

“Are you going to come in or..?” Red questions, taking Chloe out of her one-sided staring contest. “I could hear your heavy breathing from outside the door. Scared much?” 

“Partially,” Chloe answers before slipping past Red into her room. It was spacious but maybe it was because Red was the only one living there. And it showed. Graffitied walls, bright red hearts everywhere and a pitch-black bed that balanced it all. Chloe couldn’t hide her shock, she wasn’t used to seeing any colours other than pink and blue. She had never realised how cotton candy-themed her room had been up until this moment. 

“Guess it runs in the Charming family then,” Red says before closing her room door. “Spray cans are on the bed, choose wisely.” 

Chloe looks towards the pitch-black bed with an array of spray cans decorating every corner. So many colours, so many choices. But even with the countless options in front of her, it doesn’t stop Chloe’s eyes from wandering beyond Red’s nightstand. Not only was the heat-shaped lamp and alarm clock adorable but so was the heart-shaped letter beneath it. The letter had caught Chloe’s eyes beyond anything else when she read where it had been addressed. It was from Wonderland. And not only that but had been sent from the Queen herself. Chloe wondered if Red had opened it—

“Chose something yet?” Red questions and Chloe jumps back a bit, feeling as if she got caught doing something she wasn’t supposed to. Hurriedly Chloe chooses the only colour she feels speaks to her, blue. Because what other colour was she really going to pick? 

“Classy,” Red jokes, moving to her bed to pick up one of the bright red spray cans. “You ready to go?” 

Chloe nods, “How do you get past the guards at the front though?” 

Red finds herself laughing a bit too hard. She had assumed Chloe was joking but by the confusion on her face, it seemed Red had some explaining to do. 

“First lesson of delinquency, there is no front door. Only windows.” 

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was well past curfew, and the halls of Auradon Prep were bathed in the dim glow of the moonlight filtering through the hall windows. The silence was only broken by the faint rustling of leaves outside and the hushed whispers of two figures sneaking through the corridors. Bridget’s grip on Ella’s arm was firm, her excitement evident in the way she pulled her friend along.

“This is ridiculous,” Ella muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. “I can talk to Charming in the morning. Who knows if he’s even awake right now?”

Bridget’s pace didn’t falter, her determination unwavering. “But what if he isn’t?” she replied, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm. “What if he’s up, thinking about the Ball? Or maybe he’s working on the decorations? This could be the perfect chance!”

Ella sighed, she had assumed if she put off talking to Charming, Bridget would have just forgotten about her enchanted plans. But she’s known Bridget long enough to realise that was not going to be the case. “I personally feel like this is the perfect chance for me to go back to bed.” The blue-haired girl complained. 

"Ridiculous, sleep is for the weak," Bridget jokes.

"Is this Wonderland Bridget talking or Auradon Bridget talking?" Ella questioned, trying to mask her growing anxiety with humour. She began to recognize the hallways they were entering, reserved for male students—meaning they were getting close to Charming's dorm.

"Both. You can crash in my dorm after we're done," Bridget replied confidently as they reached Charming's door. Ella raised an eyebrow, slightly confused by her friend's nonchalance.

"Chloe's out with Red tonight," Bridget continued, "I didn’t ask what they were up to—now, go ahead and knock on that door." Her tone was enthusiastic, almost too enthusiastic, as she nudged Ella in front of Charming's door.

Ella hesitated, her eyes scanning the door decorated with an array of skater stickers. The sight gave a stark reminder that despite his charm, Charming was still very much a typical teenage boy. Her palms began to sweat, and the tension was palpable. What was she thinking? Here she was, helping Bridget get closer to Charming, but at what cost? The thought of losing the one person she had feelings for gnawed at her, making this moment even more nerve-wracking.

Bridget noticed Ella's hesitation and gave her a gentle, encouraging smile. "Come on, Ella. What's the worst that could happen?". Bridget shoves her friend's shoulder to give her some encouragement, “I’ll just be around the corner anyway,” 

“Bridget, I really don’t think you should be here. I’ll just tell you everything when I get back–” 

“Too late!” It feels like the moment is played in slow motion. Bridget knocks on Charmings door, loud enough to alert anyone within their vicinity. The echo ripples and so does Ella’s heart rate as she watches her friend flee down the corner. 

“Good luck,” Bridget whispers, heading towards the end of the hall and hugging onto the corner, far enough so Charming wouldn’t be able to spot her. “You’re insane” Ella whispers back but all she gets in return is an air kiss from Bridget. Sure, it warms her heart but that warmth is short-lived because as soon as Charmings door swings open, her blood turns cold. 

Maybe it ran in the Charming family, but Bridget couldn’t find anything more adorable than seeing Charming in his blue crown pyjamas and matching sleeping cap. Ella, on the other hand, thought it was absurd.

“You look ridiculous,” Ella said, not holding back her blunt opinion. 

Charming yawned, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he removed his sleeping cap. The faint light from the hallway cast a soft glow over his rosy cheeks, adding to the endearing sight of his dishevelled bedhead. Bridget could barely contain her glee at the sight, feeling like she was witnessing something truly special—the man of her dreams in the cutest state she’d ever seen.

“Sorry I didn’t have time to put on something more presentable,” Charming said, his voice still thick with sleep. “Wasn’t expecting any visitors tonight, but I assume this is important if you’re interrupting my beauty sleep.”

Ella felt her eyes roll to the back of her head. Maybe Charming and Bridget really were meant to be.

“I guess you could say this is important,” Ella replied, her voice steady as she turned her head toward the end of the hall. Even though Bridget wasn’t in plain sight, the silhouette of her figure flickered under the hallway’s dim lighting. Ella could easily imagine her best friend standing there, holding a thumbs up, offering silent encouragement just like she always did. The thought made her feel both comforted and a bit anxious.

“I wanted to ask…” Ella starts, trailing off a bit. Charming is too tired to press any further questions onto Ella but once he senses her subtle distress he doesn’t hesitate to reach his hand over and lightly grab onto her shoulder. It was comforting to feel from a friend since Bridget seemed so far away. 

“Is there anyone you were planning on taking to the enchanted Ball?” Ella’s eyes are closed shut when she finally asks the question but when she opens them, Charmings white smile is all she sees. 

“There actually is,” Charming smiles even further. 

His grip on Ella’s shoulder was firm as ever. Oh thank goodness, Ella could just rip off the bandage and get this done sooner than later. “Great because I believe that Bridget–” 

“It’s you, Ella.” 

Oh no. 

Ella feels her breath hitch in her throat. The sweat that was on her palms returned as she felt her face turn pale and her heart rate stop. She wasn’t hearing this correctly, there was no way she was hearing this correctly. 

“Sorry, I cut you off, you were saying?” Charming chuckles. His face is a deeper shade of pink than it was before once he removes his hand to scratch the back of his nape. His embarrassment doesn’t come close to the feeling of shock Ella has pulsing through her core. When Ella can’t find the words to respond, Charming takes the lead, moving forward and closing the door behind him so as to not let his roommates hear. 

“I’ve been trying to plan this big gesture for you all this time. I thought the enchanted rocks might have been a good enough hint for what I was planning, but then I thought, ‘Maybe go bigger,’ and well—it’s been a long work in progress,” Charming said, his voice warm with excitement. But Ella barely heard him; every word that came from his mouth was muffled by the roaring tide of her own thoughts. This couldn’t be happening.

“Charming, I—” she tried to interject, her heart pounding in her chest.

“But I’m so glad you made the first move. I may be Charming with most people, but you always manage to keep me humble—”

“Charming, I can’t!” Ella’s voice rang out, louder than she intended. She quickly covered her mouth, eyes wide with alarm. Charming stared back at her, equally stunned. The dissonance between them was palpable, and for the first time, the ever-confident prince looked genuinely confused.

“I’m a bit confused. I thought the reason you asked was because you wanted to go with me.”

Ella had known Charming longer than she could remember. Growing up on the outskirts of Cinderellasburg, he had always been by her side, their closeness often mistaken for something more. But Ella had never seen Charming that way. Romance wasn’t what she felt for him—it was something else. She hadn’t fully understood what true romance was until she came to Auradon. It wasn’t until she met Bridget, with her boundless charm, optimism, and care, that Ella finally knew what that feeling was.

She turned her head to where Bridget had been standing, the comforting shadow at the end of the hall now conspicuously absent. Bridget had left. Ella felt a pang in her chest.

With a heavy sigh, Ella met Charming’s eyes. “I think we have a lot to talk about.”

Charming nodded silently. 

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Even your graffiti has that same goody-two-shoes vibe as you."

Red and Chloe stood beneath the night sky, the cool breeze rustling the leaves as they gazed up at Chloe’s first-ever act of vandalism. The once pristine welcome sign at the dormitories now bore a bold, blue and red graffiti piece, glowing faintly under the moonlight. It had taken them over an hour to complete, an hour filled with Chloe’s endless questions on how to properly use a spray can and hesitant steps as she climbed onto the pillars to reach the higher points. At one point, much to Chloe’s amusement and Red’s dismay, Red had to hoist her up on her shoulders to get the job done.

Normally, Red’s graffiti was edgier, often featuring messages that were suggestive enough to make Fairy GodMother’s hair stand on end. But Chloe’s work was different, much different. In big, bold blue letters, Chloe had carefully sprayed the words: “Enchanted Ball, Be There or Be Square.”

Red had opposed the idea at first, arguing for something with more bite, something that would really catch people’s attention. But Chloe, with her relentless and almost endearing persistence, had insisted. She had this knack for making things happen her way, and this time was no different. The slogan stayed.

Chloe crossed her arms, feigning offence but unable to hide the amused grin spreading across her face. “Goody-two-shoes? I prefer to think of it as ‘creatively responsible.’”

As Red stared up at the final result, she couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at her lips. There was something so distinctly Chloe about it. It wasn’t what Red would have done, but that’s exactly what made it perfect. It was cute. 

Red rolled her eyes. “Creatively responsible? Or just a fancy way of saying boring.”

“Hey! Just because it doesn’t scream rebellion doesn’t mean it’s boring,” Chloe shot back, nudging Red with her elbow. “It’s effective, and it’ll get people talking. Besides, sometimes subtlety works better than shock value.”

“Subtlety? You literally wrote ‘Be There or Be Square.’” Red smirked, shaking her head. “That’s not subtle, it’s… well, it’s kind of adorable. But it’s missing something…” 

Chloe feels her cheeks burn at the comment. Adorable? This was really hard-core for her. Sneaking out late, defacing school property, and willingly being associated with Red, there were a lot of hard-core things going on today. “Like what?” Chloe questions, expecting a typical blunt response from Red but receives something different.

“What’s your tagger name?” The question from Red is genuine. 

Chloe examines her work for a moment, not exactly sure what qualified as a ‘good’ tagger name. “The Blue Tagger?” The girl proposes.  

“Too similar to mine. You wanna be me so badly don’t you, Charming?” Red’s tone is sleazy and it gets her another shove from Chloe in the process. “Do not. I’m just not good with these kinds of things, that's all.” 

Red hums, “Just think of something that speaks to you. It’s not brain science. What makes you, you?” 

The question had stumped Chloe far beyond anything she had anticipated. What made Chloe who she was and how the hell was she supposed to make that a tagger name? Luckily, Red was there to help her out a bit. 

“If you were to ask me it would make sense to tie it back to who you are. A princess, a fencer, obnoxious–” 

“Don’t test your luck,” Chloe is quick to cut Red off. “Obnoxiously determined. There’s a compliment somewhere in there.” Red is quick to defend herself but there was something about her words that got Chloe thinking. Before Red could describe her any further, Chloe shakes her spray can and begins writing. She would assume she was a pro by now due to all of the lessons she had gotten from Red and if the red-haired girl were to admit it she would agree that Chloe was indeed a fast learner. 

It doesn’t take long before Chloe finishes her work with a signature at the bottom. There’s a proud smile on her face as she turns towards Red who examines it with an even bigger smile. “The Sapphire Knight…not too bad.”

“Is it as good as The Scarlet Tagger?” Chloe questions. 

“Ha, you wish.” Red smirks. She shakes her own can before moving herself right beside Chloe’s name and spray-painting a red heart right beside it. “But let's just say it’s pretty close.” 

Chloe raises an eyebrow at the gesture. A heart right beside her name could mean anything and let’s just say Chloe has a lot of ideas. “Gotta let people know this was a co-project,” Red smiles once she’s done. Of Course, that’s what the heart meant. Not whatever fantasies Chloe had within her mind. She wonders where those stemmed from. 

“I have to say I’m proud of you. For your first time you did…not bad.” The serenity of Red's words shocks Chloe and once Red sees the shock, she retorts her words, just a bit. “Slogan is still pretty lame though.” 

Chloe lets out a soft laugh. That was the bluntness and sarcasm she had been waiting for this entire time. At this moment, with Red under the stars, Chloe feels herself appreciating all that delinquency has to offer. There was something about being with Red in this moment that filled her heart with something she had trouble finding a word to describe. 

“Red,” Chloe begins and Red's attention is focused. “I had so much fun tonight. Seriously,” She says, her voice unexpectedly soft.

Red wasn’t prepared for the sincerity in Chloe’s words. She had assumed that someone like Chloe, straight from the pristine halls of Auradon, would disapprove of her rebellious hobbies. Yet, here Chloe was, not just accepting, but enjoying the experience. Red could feel the heat creeping up her cheeks, despite the cold wind, and it didn’t help that Chloe looked so captivating under the moonlight. Her blue hair contrasted beautifully with her black clothing, and the subtle blush on her cheeks made Red want to capture this moment, to save it for later.

“For real?” was all Red could manage. What was wrong with her? She had a million things she wanted to say, but somehow, the words were trapped behind her usual tough exterior.

“Yeah... I can see why you do this so often. It’s so freeing to just be out here.”

“Well, it helps to have someone by your side too. Kinda feels nice not doing this alone.” Red wasn’t quite sure what was happening to her, but the way Chloe was responding, made her want to prolong this moment. Chloe’s smile wasn’t just infectious—it was magnetic.

“Maybe we can do this again sometime. You know, not for business,” Chloe suggested, her tone hopeful. Before Red could respond, the sound of rustling in the distance caught their attention. The guards must be making their rounds.

“Maybe we should get going,” Chloe whispered. “Bridget’s probably wondering why I’m not back yet.”

Red nodded in agreement. “I’ll walk you back to your dorm. It’s not safe to walk alone.”

“You’d do that?” Chloe asked, her eyes widening with surprise. Red felt the heat in her cheeks intensify. What was it about that dorm that made everyone in it so impossible to manage?

“Don’t make it weird,” Red grumbled, rolling her eyes. “I can’t have my co-worker getting busted.” 

“Hold my hand on the way there?” Chloe teased, batting her eyes playfully.

Red didn’t bother replying, already heading back to Bridget’s dorm. Chloe quickly fell into step beside her, the teasing smile still on her face. The walk back was filled with easy conversation, more than they’d ever had before. Red wasn’t usually one to believe anything Bridget said, but maybe, just maybe, she could admit that she didn’t mind Chloe’s company at all.

Chapter Text

“How does everyone here manage being bland 24/7?” 

Red's complaints never go unnoticed, especially when she's around Chloe. The two girls lay sprawled on Chloe's bed, scrolling through a seemingly endless playlist of student song suggestions for the Ball. After their successful stunt to boost ticket sales, they were now buried in the consequences. Chloe felt like she could drown in the never-ending list, while Red was certain her ears might bleed if she had to do one more profanity check. After all, this was Auradon—what kind of profanity could these students even be listening to?

Chloe giggles, “Come on, it’s not that bad.” She turns to face Red whose pout is as prominent as ever. Nowadays Chloe would say that Reds' reluctant attitude had faded away, slowly but surely. At least with her. It seemed every time the two would hang out it felt voluntary and not like a chore Red would have to commit to. 

“Every single song has been the same generic pop mess. No more pop songs, please” Red's pleas are as desperate as ever as she stops one of the tracks playing at the moment. Chloe sighs, sitting up straight to scroll through the list even further. “Well, according to Fairy GodMother,” 

“Here we go…” Red sighs immediately, matching Chloe and sitting up straight beside her. 

Chloe scanned the playlist intently, her fingers gliding over the screen as she meticulously reviewed the song selections. “We need an equal balance of dance-pop, rock, and slow-dancing songs,” she read aloud, her voice thoughtful. “We could move on to rock now if you’d like?”

Red exhaled deeply, trying to let the lingering silence soothe her ears. “I think I’d rather give my ears a break for now.”

“So… slow jams then?” Chloe suggested. Red’s lack of response seemed to confirm her assumption, and she nodded, resigned to the inevitable. She stood up for a moment, scrolling through the list, her eyes narrowing as she examined the songs she’d already marked off. It wasn’t that she had been working ahead before Red arrived that morning, but… well, that was exactly what she’d been doing.

Chloe knew Red had a specific taste in music—something more edgy and electrifying, like the electro-bass tracks she had them listening to during their graffiti spree not too long ago. But the slow songs on this list? They weren’t even close.

As Chloe scrolled through the options, nothing seemed to fit. Red was right; the students of Auradon did tend to have a rather generic taste. But that same thought sparked an idea in Chloe’s mind.

“What kind of students would suggest slow songs, anyway?” Red mused. 

“You’d be surprised,” Chloe replied as Red handed over the music player, her voice carrying a note of scepticism.

Chloe took the device and began playing a song. Red sat back, ready to endure another generic ballad about enchanted love or fated romance. But when the song started, what she wasn’t expecting was Chloe to start humming along with the melody, her voice soft and sweet.

The way Chloe swayed her head gently to the rhythm, her smile widening with each note, made Red realise there was something different about this song. It wasn’t just another slow jam—it had a deeper meaning, something personal to Chloe.

As the sun streamed through the window, casting a warm glow over Chloe’s blue hair and delicate features, Red couldn’t help but notice how serene and… soft she looked. Chloe quickly reached over, raising the volume just a touch. She stood there, looking at Red with a mix of shyness and something else—something unspoken.

“This song… it’s my own suggestion,” Chloe confessed, her cheeks dusted with a light pink. There was a vulnerability in her voice that caught Red off guard, leaving her momentarily speechless. But something—an instinct, perhaps—told her to stand up as well. She rose to her feet, her eyes locked with Chloe’s.

“Why this song?” Red asked softly.

Chloe smiled. The kind that reached her eyes and made her look even more radiant. “It reminds me of…the people I care about.”. The silence continues and both girls are left in a bit of an intimate staring contest before Red feels a question bubble inside of her. “Can I ask who?” 

Chloe chuckles, her cheeks turning an even deeper shade of pink. “Maybe,” She teases and Red rolls her eyes ever so slightly. There was something about teasing Red that gave Chloe such a thrill. The blue-haired girl extends her hand towards Red, the morning sunlight cascading over it ever so slightly. Red stares at her hand, puzzled for a moment. 

“Care to dance first?” 

Red can’t help but laugh, this was single handedly the most corny Chloe has ever been with her and yet she couldn't help but cherish every second of it. It was moments like these, trying something new with one another that made hanging out with Chloe that perfect moment, every single time. She wasn’t quite sure why the beat of her heart had become so prominent when she extended her hand to return the gesture but maybe it was because this was something new for her. Red didn’t know the first thing about slow dancing. Where do you put your hands? Who leads? So many questions left to be answered. Still, she was willing to let them be answered if she just let Chloe take her hand. 

“Could you guys do this somewhere else?” 

The moment was abruptly interrupted by the sombre, soggy voice of someone else in the room. Muffled noises came from underneath a pile of blankets on the far left, and both Red and Chloe froze, startled by the sudden intrusion.

As the blankets shifted, a pink-haired head peeked out—Bridget, her hair a tangled mess, with a box of tissues nestled beside her. Her eyes were puffy, and it was clear she hadn’t been having the best of days. 

The girl had been sick for the past week or so, still unsure as to where the sickness had come from, Chloe was her confidant. 

"My god, you’re still here?" Chloe asked, rushing to Bridget’s side. She had assumed the older girl had gone down to the cafeteria for some soup, but it turned out she had been there all along, tucked away under the covers.

"I’ve been here all along," Bridget replied, her voice slightly hoarse. "And I've been here long enough to say I do not want to see you guys slow dancing right now."

Red felt her cheeks flush with heat. The idea that her cousin had almost witnessed her slow dancing—of all things—with Chloe was too mortifying to handle. This was not something she could stick around for.

"I’ll catch you guys later," Red muttered, quickly gathering her things. She darted for the door before Chloe could even respond.

"Wait, Red, I—" But the door shut with a soft click, leaving Chloe standing there, feeling the echo of the moment that had just been shattered. Red usually never goes to morning classes, but maybe this was urgent. 

"I guess I’ll see you after classes," Chloe sighed, turning back to Bridget, who was now staring up at her with a mixture of guilt and amusement. “Sorry for ruining the moment.” Bridget sniffles as she watches Chloe turn off the music with a sour expression. 

“What moment? We were just dancing.” Chloe smiles, her cheeks still that rosy pink colour from before. Bridget squints her eyes, sceptical. Maybe it was the sickness making her a bit delirious, or maybe it was her intense need to be right all of the time but there was something Bridget saw that neither Chloe nor Red had caught onto just yet. 

“You know, a couple of weeks ago I told Red to give you a chance,” Bridget admits and as Chloe was barely listening before, her ears perked up. “Is that so?” Chloe questioned, trying her hardest not to feed into whatever nonsense Bridget was about to tell her. Maybe her fever was on the rise again.

 “Despite how obnoxious you can be–”

“Harsh,” Chloe rebuttals. 

“I told Red to not give up on you because I knew you could be good for her. And she is for you too…in a way.” Bridget's words hold a weight, one she isn’t quite aware of in this delirious state of hers. Chloe had always assumed Red’s change of heart came from Uma, but to find out it came from Bridget was something she had never expected. The fact that Red listened was something she had never expected…

“Well, I guess you were right. As stubborn as you both can be…Red does make a really good friend,” Chloe mused, moving away from Bridget's sanctuary to start getting her things ready for the day.

“Just a friend?” Bridget’s voice, though still a bit raspy from her cold, held a teasing lilt. Chloe paused mid-step, turning back to raise an eyebrow at her.

“Uhm, yeah. Why say it like that?” Chloe asked, watching as Bridget slowly sat up in bed. She was clearly still woozy, probably a bit out of her mind, which only made the moment more amusing.

“I know I can be a bit talkative, determined, maybe even delusional sometimes,” Bridget began, her expression serious despite the slight wobble in her words.

“Sometimes?” Chloe teased, but Bridget shushed her quickly, waving a hand as if to brush the comment aside.

“But all that to say, I am rarely ever wrong when it comes to my observations. And if there’s one thing my brain has been telling me these past couple of days, it’s that you, Chloe Charming…have a crush.”

Chloe blinked, taken aback. "What? I do not!" she protested, her cheeks warming slightly. Bridget really must have been sickly because the words that were coming from her mouth were nothing more than blasphemous.  

Chloe crossed her arms, trying to look stern but failing miserably as the blush deepened. “You’re delusional,” she retorted, but the playful edge in her voice betrayed her. 

“And you’re adorable when you’re flustered,” Bridget quipped, clearly enjoying herself. The pink-haired girl lay on her pillows, amused by how frantic her friends had become by a couple of simple words. Chloe rolled her eyes, turning back to gather her things, “You’re impossible,” she muttered.

“See!” Bridget is quick to jump, “That is such a Red response. She’s rubbing off on you already. The eyes don’t lie, Chloe, you two complement one another so well,” Bridget swoons and Chloe can’t help the smile that forms on her lips. This entire conversation made her flustered. Her have a crush on Red? Maybe when dogs fly. 

“I’m going to ask Ella to drop you off some soup so that when you wake up from your well-needed rest you’ll be back to normal.” With her backpack equipped, Chloe turns to pat Bridget on the head, despite her reluctant pouting. 

“Don’t bother. I’m not talking to that traitor.” 

Chloe hums for a moment, opting to sit on the foot of Bridget's bed so as to not catch whatever her friend had. If she ever became that delusional, lord knows what she would do with herself. Probably something more crazy than spray-painting a wall with one of her friends. 

“You still haven’t told me what happened that night,” Chloe prodded, her curiosity piqued. “I expected a full ‘Bridget expose,’ but instead you were all quiet. If you hadn’t woken up sick the next day, I would’ve assumed you’d be bursting to tell me all about how Charming wants you as his date–”

“He wants to take Ella,” Bridget interrupted. 

Chloe took a moment to process the words, her mind racing. But there was something Chloe knew, something she wasn’t sure Bridget had realised yet. “And how exactly does that make her a traitor?” she asked gently.

“Because, Chloe,” Bridget sighed, the weight of her emotions seeping into her words, “we were supposed to be in this together. Now she’s going to go with Charming, and I’ll be left alone. I don’t even care if Charming doesn’t want me, it’s just... the thought of her going with him makes me feel… not good.”

Despite her friend's serious nature, Chloe couldn’t help but burst into laughter, pulling a classic Bridget move. “You know, for someone who just preached about noticing everything, you sure are clueless when someone has a crush on you.”

Bridget blinked, a bit confused. “But I already told you, Charming doesn't want me.”

Chloe sighed, reaching over to take her friend’s cold hand, and offering a warm smile. “I’m talking about Ella.”

Bridget stared at her, puzzled. “There’s no way you're serious,” she said, giving Chloe a playful push.

“Oh, but I am,” Chloe replied, pushing her shoulder back. “Who else has been there for you constantly, helping you with this whole plan, even when things didn’t go right?”

“But that’s because Ella is nice and sweet. She would do it for anyone...” Bridget’s voice trailed off, uncertainty creeping in as she noticed the all-knowing look Chloe was giving her. Maybe she needed to rethink her words. The realisation began to dawn on her, a mix of surprise and something else she couldn’t quite identify. Could Chloe be right? Had she been so focused on Charming that she missed something right in front of her?

As the pieces slowly started to fall into place, Bridget’s heart skipped a beat, leaving her with a fluttering feeling she wasn’t quite sure how to process. Maybe, just maybe, she needed to see things from a different perspective.

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As the hours dragged on and day faded into night, Red lay on her bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. Usually, she'd be out scouring the night, finding peace in the quiet chaos of the city. But tonight, something weighed heavier on her mind.

She had finally opened her mother's letter, and to say it had left an impact would be an understatement.

The words were sparse, almost calculated, but they carried a weight that pressed down on her chest like a boulder. Her mother, tyrannical, merciless, and unforgiving—had written something that, despite its brevity, spoke volumes. It wasn’t just the content that haunted her; it was the fact that this letter even existed, that her mother had felt the need to write to her at all.

Red’s thoughts spiralled, tangled in the meaning behind each line, each word. The ceiling above became a canvas for her fears, her doubts, and her unanswered questions. She was left to her solitude, confined in a mental maze she couldn’t escape, desperately trying to understand what it all meant, and what her mother was trying to say without really saying it.

The letter was brief, almost cold in its precision, but every word felt like it was etched into Red's mind.

"Red, 

You have shown resilience, a strength that cannot be ignored. Your methods may be unconventional, but they yield results. In a world of order, you have carved your own path, and for that, I am...satisfied. Continue to prove yourself, Red and don’t let anyone see your weakness. The world is yours to conquer.

• Mother” 

She was satisfied with her. Words Red never believed to have seen in a million years, let alone seen it written out. Sure, the handwriting had most obviously come from her guards but it was purely the thought that mattered. 

Red wasn’t usually one for tears, but the rims of her eyes stung with warmth and whatever was meant to happen would just have to happen. And as the solitude of the moment brazed over, there was a soft knock at the door that took her out of the headspace in an instant. With a sigh and a wipe of the eyes, Red walks towards her door before she swings it open. And there Chloe stood before her, preoccupied with whatever was on her device. 

“Hey I was wondering if you wanted to keep working on the playlist– are you crying?” Chloe stops in her tracks once she sees the state that Red was in. Eyes slightly pink and hair a lot more dishevelled than usual. It’s when Chloe looks beyond Red to see the open letter on her bed that everything makes much more sense. She had finally read what her mother had sent and from her expression, it didn’t look like things were very good. 

“Nope,” Red replies, wiping the reminisce of whatever was in her eyes. She didn’t want to deter Chloe away but she wasn’t sure if she would be able to handle having her in the room with the presence of the letter there as well. “And yeah, we can work on the playlist.” 

Red turned to walk back into her room, trying to maintain her usual nonchalance, but was stopped by the gentle pressure of a hand on her shoulder. She turned around, surprised to see Chloe standing there, her expression unlike anything Red had ever seen before. It was as if Chloe could see right through her. The vulnerability of the moment made Red’s insides churn with uncertainty.

Chloe, with her enchanting eyes and warm, inviting smile, asked softly, “Do you want… do you need a hug?”

Red hesitated, the simple question throwing her off balance. Was this even allowed? It felt almost forbidden like admitting her need for comfort was a betrayal of the tough exterior she’d carefully crafted. But there was something about Chloe’s presence that made it impossible to lie. So, Red gave a small, almost imperceptible nod.

The moment she did, Chloe pulled her into a hug, wrapping her in a warmth that Red hadn’t realised she craved. Red could feel the steady rhythm of Chloe’s heartbeat, and to her surprise, it matched the rapid pace of her own. For a moment, everything else faded away—their surroundings, the expectations, the worries. It was just them.

When Chloe finally pulled back, Red felt a strange mix of emotions—comfort, confusion, a flicker of something she couldn’t quite name. Chloe looked deep into her eyes, and Red found herself holding her breath. 

Everything felt so wrong yet so right. If someone were to see them, what would they say? But as the seconds ticked by, Red realised she didn’t care. For once, Red allowed herself to be present at the moment, to feel whatever it was she was feeling—no walls, no defences, just the raw, unfiltered truth of the connection between them.

“Can I take you somewhere?” Red asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Chloe looked at her, curiosity piqued. “Will it make you feel better?”

Red hesitated for a moment, then nodded, though there was a vulnerability in her eyes that Chloe had rarely seen. “I think it can make us both feel better.”

Chloe smiled softly, sensing the importance of the offer. “Lead the way, then.”

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It’s the same sunset that Bridget sees through her windows that makes her wish she was spending more of her time outside, and not in the solitude of her own dorms. After a six-hour nap, or coma, whichever it was, Bridget found herself in a better state than she had been that morning. 

Even though the cold had made her senses a bit hazy, Chloe’s words lingered in Bridget's mind. Ella liked her. It was as plain as day, and even if Bridget didn’t want to admit it, she should have seen it from a mile away. The guilt gnawed at her, occasionally overwhelming her thoughts. To distract herself, she sat at the base of her bed, reading a book, hoping that the words of fated romance might drown out the burning feeling inside.

But even the most captivating story couldn't fully hold her attention. The unease persisted until a soft knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. The gentle tap was unmistakable—it had to be Chloe. Bridget sighed with a bit of relief and lowered her book, grateful for the distraction.

“There’s no need to knock Chloe, you live here. The door is already open.” Bridget announces and watches as the mahogany wood opens up to reveal blue hair– just not Chloe’s blue hair. 

It was Ella. Well, Ella with a hefty bowl of soup in the palm of her left hand. 

Bridget felt herself stiffen. She couldn’t find the words to say after ghosting someone for so long. There wasn't much to say really, but it was taking everything within her to just not scream an apology and run into her friend's arms. Being sick made it hard to be her usual self, there were so many restrictions. 

“Not Chloe but definitely someone who was sent by her.” Ella jokes before placing the soup on a nearby desk. Ella has her back to the now closed door, simply staring at Bridget who is still sitting on her bed, without a sound. 

“I figured you weren’t coming to classes to avoid me but Chloe just told me that you’re sick and that makes a lot more sense…” Ella's voice is soft. 

“You could say it was a mix of both.” Bridget shuns, her arms slowly crossing over her chest. 

Ella finds herself stuck between a rock and a hard place. She couldn’t find many words to say but with Bridget's stubborn silence, it looked like she would have to think of something quick. 

“I hope you know I’m not going to the Ball with Charming. Never in a million years.” Ella states very quickly. 

“I figured as much.” Bridget's response is static. 

Ella bites the inside of her cheek. Getting to Bridget was going to take a lot more time and it seems that maybe now wasn’t the greatest. The piles of tissues surrounding her, the reminisce of cough medicine on her dresser…she really was a walking tornado. Still, Ella knew that before she left, she had to share what truly was on her mind. 

“All that to say…Charming’s a fool for not taking you to the dance.” Ella’s words echo around the room like a silent whisper. Bridget's expression softens as she lets her arms fall to her side, there was so much heart to Ella’s words that it was almost impossible to keep her guard up. 

“You deserve to go with someone who gives you the same care, energy and passion that you instill onto others. You deserve to be with someone who loves every part of you, Bridget.” The blue-haired girl continues and Bridget can’t help but feel her heart melt. Everything she was hearing was the right words but communicating that to Ella felt scarce. 

“You uh, don’t have to say anything.” Ella cleared her throat, “I just wanted to make sure you got what you needed.” The girl turns around to exit. Bridget wants to scream, tell Ella to come back and return to her open arms but the sting in her throat is too much to bear. 

“Goodnight, Bridget. Hope you get better soon.” 

And as Ella disappears into the night, Bridget feels her throat close even tighter. Now all that's left with her is the silence of the moment and the hot soup on the table, its bowl decorated with hearts and thorns. 

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Auradon Prep had never looked more beautiful to Chloe. The golden hues of the sunset bathed the school buildings in a warm, serene light, making the campus feel almost magical. As she took in the breathtaking view from the rooftop, she felt a weight lift off her shoulders. She had expected Red to take her to one of her usual hideouts, but the rooftop was a surprise—a hidden gem with a view that made every rocky climb up the fire escape worth every step.

They had settled on a blanket, surrounded by the soft glow of the setting sun and the gentle hum of slow music playing from Chloe's music player. Red had even brought out a stash of snacks, though some had clearly been lost to the wild animals that frequented her secret spot. Chloe tried to soak in the moment, savouring the peace and quiet, but her attention kept drifting back to Red.

Red hadn’t spoken much since they arrived, and while the silence was starting to weigh on Chloe, she knew better than to push. Red would open up when she was ready. So Chloe sat quietly beside her, sneaking glances every now and then to make sure Red wasn't lost in her own discomfort or sadness. The sunset painted their world in shades of orange and yellow, and Chloe hoped that, in its warmth, Red might find a little bit of comfort too.

“I come up here whenever I want to clear my head.” Red finally speaks and Chloe is quick to whip her head around. Thank goodness. If there was any more silence she might have died a bit on the inside. 

“I can see why…it’s gorgeous up here.” Chloe basks in the sunlight even more and Red can’t help but watch as the wind gently pushes her blue curls back. She finds herself staring more than usual lately but she has to jog herself out of it once Chloe turns to face her. 

“You can’t tell anyone else about this. It took me centuries to fight the birds for a spot up here.” Red warns but it prompts nothing more than a giggle from Chloe, still as soft as ever. “Your secret is safe with me.” 

Red nods slowly letting the ambiance take her away as well. “I think I feel better now.” She had completely forgotten what she had come up there to do in the first place. A part of mind had simply tricked itself into believing this was just another hang-out with Chloe to get their task work done. 

“That’s good to hear…” Chloe sighed, letting herself fall back onto the blanket to look up at the stars that were about to give their welcome. Red decided to lay down as well and with the small surface area of the blanket, Red found it hard not to jump back when the two’s shoulders touched. 

“I guess you could already tell who the letter was from,” Red began, her voice carrying the weight of something that had been held back for too long. It seemed that tonight, there wasn’t much room left for secrets.

“Oh, I didn’t—” Chloe started, but Red cut her off gently.

“It’s okay, Chloe. I may be stubborn, but I’m not dumb. I saw you glance at the letter that day we went spray painting. It just took me a while to finally open it.”

Chloe rolled over onto her side, facing Red, her eyes shining softly under the now dark sky. “I didn’t mean to intrude, really. Bridget told me a bit about how things are for you back home, and it made me realise—you’re a lot stronger than I think even you know.”

Red looked at Chloe, feeling a warmth that was unfamiliar yet comforting. “I don’t always feel strong. Especially not after reading that letter.”

Chloe’s expression softened even more, and she reached out, placing a hand on Red’s arm. “Strength isn’t just about being tough all the time. It’s about facing things, even when they scare you. And opening that letter? That’s strength.”

“Maybe you’re right. It’s just...complicated.” Red flips over on her side to face Chloe, flattered by the words she had just shared. “You know what the funny thing is. She said she was satisfied with me. That’s like the nicest thing she’s ever said to me” Red laughs and Chloe can’t help but pout in response. 

“Red, that’s like– really sad.” Chloe pouts even further when she sees Red laugh. 

“That’s just the way things are over there. Showing love is showing weakness, I think this is the most I’ll get out of her for a while. I don’t know what Uma told her about my committee work but it must have been really nice.” Red’s laughing softens a bit once she sees Chloe’s intense stare. The stars above accented her eyes in a way that made Red fall deeper into them than when the sunset had hit them not too long ago. Under this blue light, Chloe looks ravishing. 

“Why wouldn’t she say something good? Your committee work has been amazing, Red” Chloe comments but Red is quick to interject. “That’s bold coming from you. You’re the whole reason this entire Ball hasn’t turned to complete garbage, as annoyingly determined as you can be. The committee wouldn’t be what it is without you.” 

“I’m going to ignore that one snarky comment in there” Chloe raises an eyebrow. “What can I say, it just flows out sometimes.” Red shrugs and it’s one of the first times she sees Chloe roll her eyes, similar to how she does. 

“But thank you, Red.” Chloe feels her cheeks burn, “Honestly, that wall we tagged got my name out there way before the ball did. I’m surprised they haven’t caught me yet.” 

“You’re a first-time offender, give it a while” Red states with an all-knowing tone and it causes both of the girls to laugh. 

“Seriously, Red. You’re the reason this committee wasn’t a total bust. You’re like the coolest person there is, half the people here would’ve never been interested if we hadn’t tagged that wall.” Chloe’s words are sincere and it causes Red to blush under the cold moonlight, “Guess you could say it’s my specialty.” 

“What would be my specialty?” Chloe questions, watching as Red stumbles for a moment. There’s a ton of things she could say. Planning, fencing, being one of the most gorgeous girls she had ever seen under the moonlight– Red was losing track, this was not the time. 

After countless internal dilemmas, Red finally comes up with an answer. “Just being yourself.” 

“Boo, that's a cop-out.” Chloe taunts but Red quickly defends herself. 

“I’m serious, your specialty is just being Chloe. Always knowing what to do, or say. You’re lame but that’s what makes you so cool.” Red rambles and she fears her words don’t make much sense but with the look Chloe gives her, the message has been heard. Thankfully. 

As Chloe was about to respond, the sound of the music reaching its end caught the attention of both girls. The two had failed to remember that they were still indeed working on the Ball. Getting caught up in the moment with one another had almost made time feel still, but the sound of silence had quickly reminded them there was still a long way to go for planning. But with the thought of the moment still lingering in their mind, it gives Chloe an idea. One she hadn’t entertained since the morning. 

“You said this is how you clear your head?” Chloe stands up, reaching for the music player and fiddling with it, “Wanna guess my way?” 

“Fencing?” Red guesses and Chloe hums, finding just the right song. “Correct,” The blue-haired girl replied, hitting play. 

“But the second is dancing.” It had been the same slow song from the morning prior. Red sat up and watched as Chloe fixed her hair and unruffled her clothing before reaching out a hand to Red on the ground. 

"Care to join me?... Again?" Chloe's voice was soft, but there was a playful challenge in her eyes. The moonlight wrapped around her like a silver halo, turning the moment into something out of a dream. Red hesitated for just a second, her usual guard slipping in the quiet, star-lit night. There was no one else around, no expectations, no judgments—just her and Chloe. For once, Red felt she could let her defences down.

With a nod, she took Chloe’s outstretched hand, only to be pulled in with a surprising strength that nearly made her stumble. Chloe caught her with ease, their bodies close, and Red couldn’t help but smile at the unexpected twist.

“Is now a good time to mention I don’t know how to slow dance?” Red confessed, her usual bluntness cutting through the moment.

Chloe’s laughter rang out, light and full of warmth. "It’s fine, I’ll teach you," she replied, her voice reassuring and teasing all at once.

Chloe placed Red’s hand on her shoulder and brought the other to rest on her waist. For a moment, they simply stood there, swaying gently under the moonlit sky. Red felt the unfamiliar rhythm of the dance slowly start to sync with her heartbeat, the music of the night blending with their quiet breaths.

As they moved, Chloe guided her with patience, their movements becoming more fluid, more natural. Red found herself focusing less on the steps and more on the way Chloe’s eyes sparkled in the dim light, the way her smile never seemed to fade.

“You’re a quick learner,” Chloe whispered, her voice carrying a hint of pride.

Red shook her head, a small smirk tugging at her lips. “Nah, you’re just a good teacher.”

The night stretched on, but for once, Red didn’t mind. She let herself be in the moment, let herself enjoy the simplicity of being with Chloe. There were no worries, no thoughts of the letter or her mother’s expectations—just the quiet, the stars, and the steady rhythm of their slow dance. 

"You know," Chloe began once again, her voice barely above a whisper, "I never expected to feel so... safe with you. Like I can be myself and not worry about anything." 

Red felt her heart swell at the words, and before she could second-guess herself, she and Chloe were face to face. Such a close proximity and yet neither of them retreated, just staring deeply into one another eyes under the moonlight. 

"I feel the same," Red admitted quietly, her eyes locking with Chloe’s. "You make me want to be better, as corny and 'Bridget-like' as that sounds." 

Chloe smiled, and it was like the stars above were reflected in her eyes. "I’m glad," she said, her voice full of sincerity and warmth. 

Once the song ended, so did Chloe and Red’s dance. Red wanted to savour the moment, to bask in the small victory of trying something new and not completely failing at it, but the persistent, rapid thudding of her heart wouldn’t let her. She wasn’t entirely sure why. Maybe it was nerves from being up so high, or perhaps the thrill of stepping out of her comfort zone. But deep down, she suspected it was something else entirely.

“I didn’t get to say it earlier but you look really nice tonight,” Chloe said, her voice soft and sincere.

Red felt her heart skip a beat, her mind racing. It wasn’t just the compliment; it was the way Chloe looked at her when she said it like she really meant it. A warmth spread through Red’s chest, a feeling that was both exhilarating and terrifying all at once. Oh god, she thought, this could only mean one thing.

She was falling for Chloe.

Chapter Text

As the months turned into weeks, and the weeks turned into days, it had seemed the deadline for the Enchanted Ball was approaching– fast at that. With only three days left until the big night, there was no room for error or mistakes or any sort of mishap. All the work that Chloe and Red had spent countless hours on was now going to pay off in their favour. If all worked out well, the two would finally be able to receive what their hearts desired. It was now officially game time and there was no room for fooling around. 

Contrary to that plan– this morning seemed to be spent chasing Bridget around instead. 

“Bridget! Be careful! We need to let the glue dry!” Chloe shouted, her frustration evident as she chased the pink-haired girl around Red’s dorm.

After Bridget’s recent bout with illness—or her semi-coma, whichever it was—the state of the dorm had become a whirlwind of tissues and soup bowls. The sight of the cluttered room made Red shiver, and it didn’t take much convincing to move the crown-making operation to her single dorm. Having so many people in her small space was overwhelming, but it was the new feelings she had for a certain blue-haired princess that truly had her mind in a whirl. After that night of dancing under the stars, Red found herself unable to think of anything but Chloe, her feelings growing stronger and more confusing by the day. 

“Can’t you let a girl live her dreams? Just this once!” Bridget squealed, trying to evade Chloe while balancing the half-finished Ball-Queen crown precariously on her head. Chloe and Red had spent hours crafting it from scratch, and Bridget’s antics were putting all their hard work at risk. 

“Bridget! Please be sane for once,” Chloe continued chasing. 

“Tell me who the Ball King and Queen are and maybe I'll consider it.” Bridget smiled. 

“You know I can’t do that. It’s top secret, Fairy GodMother’s orders.” 

Bridget groaned. “Well, have a nice time catching me then.” 

Bridget was quick. It was something neither Chloe or Red could deny. How a girl who spent most of her time eating sweets managed to be so athletic was a burning question for the both of them. 

Chloe huffed, finally collapsing onto Red’s bed in exhaustion. She sat beside Red, who had been unusually quiet throughout the chaos. “Red, can you please tell your cousin not to mess with the prized possessions?”

Red’s gaze met Chloe’s flushed face, her cheeks tinged with a rosy colour from the exertion. Seeing Chloe so worn out stirred something in Red, and she found herself unable to focus on anything other than the way Chloe looked next to her.

“Bridget, can you at least stop before you ruin everything?” Red finally spoke up, her voice soft but firm. Bridget sighed, giving up her momentum once the exhaustion had taken over her system as well. 

“Fine, take it.” Bridget throws the crown towards both girls. It takes everything within Chloe not to kill her friend right then and there but she was too preoccupied catching her well made crown to throw any pushes. “You guys are boring.” Bridget huffs, taking a seat on the floor to give Chloe and Red their space. The last thing she needed today was being a third wheel, whether Chloe admitted it or not. 

“Bridget, sweetheart,” Chloe chimes with a rather bitter smile, “Don’t you have other friends to bless with your presence?” Her words are sarcastic. Bridget assumes it’s another trait she’s adapted from Red and rolls her eyes at the thought. 

“Being here with you two is like sharing my presence with those who need it.” Bridget smiles wide. However, she was against third wheeling before it was worth it seeing Chloe’s face burn at the teasing. But maybe there was still some truth to her words. She was still reluctant to talk to Ella or face Charming in any way, the thought of facing either of them was way too embarrassing. But still, there were always going to be those days she missed Ella by her side, comforting, sweet Ella. And even if Charming was nothing more than a pretty face, his warm personality always made their hangouts that much better. She missed them. 

Chloe sighed, understanding that she was definitely not getting rid of Bridget any time soon. “I’m going to get some more glue since someone here tilted the jewels,” Chloe’s side-eye doesn’t go unnoticed when she lifts herself from Red's bed. 

“Wanna come with?” Chloe questions Red but without a peep, the girl simply shakes her head. Chloe would be the one to question why the host of this rather chaotic night was so quiet but she had other matters to attend to. 

“Alright…I’ll be back in a bit,” Chloe hums, a bit sceptical before she leaves through the front door. Once the sound of the click chimes within the room, Red lets out a sigh, feeling as if her heart had been on fire for the past hour. 

“Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed today, am I right?” Bridget jokes from the floor, messing around with some supplies that are laid around but when Red is seemingly quiet, without a blunt response, it leaves her puzzled. If Bridget knew her cousin well, then that meant that something was wrong. “Hey…Red, is everything alright–”

“I think I like Chloe!” Red shouts, quick enough to let it ring before she tapes her hands around her mouth. She really shouldn’t have said that but god did it feel good to finally get out.

“Aww, look at you finally embracing friendship.” Bridget smiles but Red’s face turns a bit pale. She takes another deep breath, “No, Bridget…I think I like-like her.” 

Bridget's eyes become as wide as saucers and Red awaits the squeal that was about to emit from her. And in a matter of seconds, it comes at her, tenfold. Red moves her hands from her mouth to her ears but it's no use when Bridget comes straight at her, tackling her onto the bed in a suffocating hug. This was new and this was weird but Red couldn’t help but giggle at the tickle that Bridget’s pink locks cascading over her face brought. 

“Red! Are you serious right now? Please don’t tell me you're joking, that would be the cruellest joke imaginable after the week I’ve been having.” Bridget pleads with her cousin and all Red can do is roll her eyes. She really should have kept this to herself. 

“I’m not joking, and could you get off me, you barbarian?” Red grumbled, pushing her cousin away with a bit of irritation. Bridget, unfazed, simply plopped down beside her cousin instead, her excitement undeterred.

“You have to understand, this is the most exciting news I’ve gotten in a while! I don’t know what to do with myself without friends to gossip with. Oh my god, that could be our thing now!” Bridget squealed, grabbing onto Red’s shoulder, her enthusiasm palpable despite Red’s obvious discomfort. 

“Hard pass,” Red retorted bluntly, shutting down the idea without hesitation.

Bridget groaned. “Guess that’s two people who woke up on the wrong side of the bed today. You two really are made for each other—”

Red’s hand shot out to cover Bridget’s mouth, eyes wide with panic. “You can’t say stuff like that out loud! What if someone hears?”

“Like who?” Bridget’s muffled voice came through Red’s hand. “You’re starting to act more delusional than me. And that’s saying a lot.”

Red sighed, letting her hand drop. “I know, but everything’s so new. I don’t want to jump ahead too quickly or get caught talking about—”

“Your crush?” Bridget interjected a mischievous glint in her eyes that set Red off all over again.

“Could you not?” Red snapped, her face flushing. “It’s not a crush. It’s just…complicated.”

Bridget leaned back, a satisfied grin on her face. “Complicated, sure. But it’s still cute. You’re allowed to feel things, you know. This isn’t Wonderland, you can let your heart get as mushy as you want.”

Red huffed, crossing her arms. “Yeah, noted. I’m still figuring it out. And I don’t need you turning it into the latest gossip topic.”

Bridget held up her hands in mock surrender. “Okay, okay, I’ll keep it under wraps—for now. But you know I’m here if you ever want to talk about it. Or, you know, obsess over every little detail.”

Red scoffed even harder, “Yeah, like that’ll ever happen.” 

Bridget hummed softly, the gleam in her eyes revealing her enjoyment in stirring the pot. “Fine, I’ll just have to get my info from Chloe, then. Maybe you two can slow dance under the stars at the Ball as well.”

Red’s eyes widened, caught off guard by the sudden revelation. Chloe had told Bridget. Chloe told Bridget about her clumsy slow dancing. “Chloe told you about that?” Red asked, a mix of surprise and confusion in her voice. Why would Chloe share that moment with Bridget if it was just a simple hang-out?

“Maybe, maybe not. But maybe if you did something about it, I wouldn’t have to snoop around,” Bridget teased, her grin widening.

“Again, hard pass,” Red retorted, immediately shutting down the thought of ever confessing her feelings to Chloe. How was she, the cool, edgy, and reclusive Red, supposed to be any of those things when she had a crush on the one girl who thought she was cooler than anything? And there she went again, thinking about Chloe…

“Come on, what’s the worst that could happen?” Bridget nudged, her tone softening just a bit.

Red hummed, her thoughts swirling. “Oh, I don’t know, maybe she could not like me back! Or worse, she could like me back!”

“And what’s so wrong with that?” Bridget asked, her tone sincere, almost challenging.

Red couldn’t find an answer right away. Everything was slowly becoming too much to handle, too intense, too real. The idea of Chloe liking her back felt like stepping into uncharted territory, where her cool, edgy persona might not be enough to protect her from the vulnerability that came with it. She sighed, the weight of it all pressing down on her. “It’s just… scary,” she admitted quietly.

Bridget’s playful demeanour softened as she placed a reassuring hand on Red’s shoulder. “Yeah, it is. But maybe it’s also worth it. What if she’s in the same position you are right now?”

Red goes silent. There was no way Chloe felt the same way and if she did then maybe it was her loss. But those thoughts are short lived when Chloe comes crashing in through the front door of the room, more flustered than she had been before. 

"Okay, good news and bad news," Chloe huffed, catching her breath as she reentered the room.

Red raised an eyebrow, already anticipating the follow-up. "Alright, what's the good news?"

"I found more glue," Chloe announced, holding up the bottle like a trophy.

"And the bad news?" Red pressed.

Chloe hesitated for a moment, her usually confident posture faltering just a bit. "I think I just saw my brother."

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Red wasn’t one for first impressions—or any kind of introductions, really. So when Chad Charming, the Chad Charming, swept in with a warm and rather suffocating hug, Red couldn’t help but hold back a smile. She was kind of a big fan, though she’d rather not admit that to Chloe…or anyone, really.

"My sister tells me so much about you," Chad began with a teasing grin, "Bridget, right?"

The atmosphere in the hallway shifted instantly as Chloe pushed her brother’s shoulder, sending him stumbling back with a light shove. "Chad, that’s not funny," she whispered harshly, watching as he burst into a fit of laughter.

“I apologise, my sister can be a bit of a buzzkill sometimes.” 

“Am not!” Chloe hits her brother with another shove. It was such an odd experience seeing Chloe act anything but stoic and calculated. In this moment with Chad she’s nothing more than an immature teenage girl and it's one of the most amusing things Red has ever laid her eyes on. 

“She can be sometimes but it’s usually always for the right reasons.” Red replies and the smile Chloe gave her sent chills down her spine. These next couple of days were going to be torture if she had to see that smile over and over again.. 

“Spoken like a true survivor. I assume you had your fair share of her planning the Ball?” 

“I have her room memorized like the back of my hand.” Red and Chad’s banter is charming, ironic to say the least. Chloe can’t help but watch the two get along with pierced eyes but the smile on Red’s lips is genuine and it’s enough to throw all animosity out of the window. That smile that she rarely ever got to see, what a treasure it was. God, she was losing track, this was not the point of the conversation. 

“Why are you here exactly?” Chloe asks with crossed arms. 

“What? A brother can’t visit his little sister when he misses her?” Chad pouts, ruffling his sister's hair. “Send a postcard or something. Not show up from college unannounced.” Chloe huffs. 

“Whatever,” Chad frowns, digging in his pocket for a crystal letter before handing it over to his sister.  It shined as bright as Chad’s teeth and red wasn’t sure how that was possible. “Mom’s coming to visit. Something about checking up on you and something about talking with Fairy GodMother about…taxes?”  

Chloe takes the letter with a sceptical look, “You opened it already?” 

“It was a long ride from campus. I needed some form of entertainment.” Typical of Chad, he shrugs in response. Without much of a need to hear more from her man-child of a brother, Chloe stuffs the letter within her pocket, opting to read it not in front of Red. 

“Welp, it was nice meeting you, Red. I can’t tell you how much this little one over here mentions you.” Charming shakes Red’s hand with a grin and it’s enough to make Red return to the moment she had zoned out from a while ago. Chloe mentioned her often. How on earth was she going to deal with that fact? 

Chloe’s cheeks turn pink before she hits her brother with another shot to the arm, “Get out of here before I call campus security.” 

“Fine. I wanted to talk to Charming before I left though, any idea where I could find him?” Chad questions. 

"I don't know, he's probably somewhere baking. Just get out of here, please," Chloe huffed, exasperation clear in her voice. Chad shrugged, unfazed, and sauntered off, leaving the girls behind.

Red watched him turn the corner, her curiosity piqued. "He's not going to leave anytime soon, is he?" she asked, genuinely wondering.

Chloe sighed deeply, already feeling the beginnings of a headache. "Definitely not," 

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

True to Chloe’s words, Charming is exactly where she said he would be, baking in the kitchen whilst listening to whatever smooth jazz played from his device. He jumped and danced around, awaiting the cookies he had just placed in the oven for the baking club. He had assumed with the Ball rolling around, it was only necessary to treat the club for all of their hard work. A charming action indeed. 

As the prince swayed and swung around, caught up in the music, he hadn’t even noticed the door of the kitchen swing open. 

Bridget, already knowing that any interaction with Chad was bound for chaos, had sprung to get an early start on organising the baking club. As the president, being sick for the past week had sent her back on countless amounts of work but by the looks of things (Charming doing the electric-slide to blue-jazz), the club seemed to be in good hands. 

“I think this is the most ‘charming’ you’ve ever looked,” Bridget chimes in quietly from behind the counter. Her voice is soft but sincere, and it’s enough to snap Charming out of his dance moves. He stops, a warm smile spreading across his face as he turns around to see who interrupted his little solo. Seeing Bridget there, he can’t help but feel a mix of surprise and delight.

“Well, this apron was half-off at the merchant boutique.” Charming bows. He was currently dressed in a flour-stained apron that was decorated with little crowns, a Charming family classic. 

“Oh, I can tell. That entire outfit just screams ‘Chloe’.” There’s a laugh that's shared between the two but silence follows right after. The distance between the counters feels like a bridged gap. One that Bridget doesn’t seem to mind all that much until Charmings expression turns serious.

“I’m uhm–” He choked, “I’m glad you’re feeling better. Chloe told me you were in some sort of coma–” 

“Hypothetical coma,” Bridget interjects. 

“Yeah, that’s exactly what she said.” Charming lets out a laugh that sends static to Bridget's heart but not like it did before. Before, in a moment like this, alone with Charming, Bridget would have been over the moon but all she could find herself thinking about was Ella, and why she wasn’t here. 

“I’m guessing you're looking for Ella?” Charming guesses correct on his first try. It’s enough to make Bridget believe he’s some sort of mind reader but it truly wasn’t hard to tell she missed her best friend and desperately needed to say she was sorry. But that wasn’t to say Charming didn’t deserve his own form of closure as well.

“I was looking for both of you, actually.” Charming raises an eyebrow but watches as Bridget takes her time, collecting her words together. 

“I spent this past month trying to figure out how to get you to ask me to the Ball, and, well, as you can see, I wasn’t very successful,” Bridget starts, feeling the weight of her words.

Charming feels his palms begin to sweat, “Bridget, I’m really sorry—”

“No, Charming, I’m the one who should be apologising,” Bridget interrupts gently. “I spent so much time trying to create this perfect night, to fill a void from missing out last year and all the years before that in Wonderland. I was so focused on the idea of having you as my date that I lost sight of the fact that you’re your own person, with your own feelings. Honestly, I’m not even sure if I liked you in that way at all…” She pauses, letting the truth settle between them.

“Well, I’m glad to hear you finally see me as more than a pretty face.” Charming smile and it’s almost as if a ding goes off once the light of his bright teeth shine into Bridget's eyes. “Get over yourself.” Bridget retorts, feeling the weight of the moment lift off of her shoulders already. 

“Get over me first.” Charming replies, a teasing glint in his eyes. 

Bridget huffs, “Trust me, I already have. A week-long coma will do that to a girl.” 

“You know, I’m not supposed to be telling you this but..” Charming moves closer to the counter, leaning into Bridget's ear to whisper. “We won the Ball King and Queen. But if you don’t want to dance with me I totally get it.” 

Bridget's eyes widened, “Oh my gosh, no wonder Chloe refused to tell me. That little scammer.” Bridget clears her throat to compose herself for a moment, “But uhm, I could say the same thing. I’m sure you’d rather dance with someone else?” 

“My playing field is wide open. I think I'll dance with everyone.” Charmings words are usually always true but the legitimacy of that claim is enough to make Bridget raise an eyebrow. 

“But I’m sure there'll be tons of people wanting to dance with you. In fact, I think I know a certain blue-haired civilian from Cinderellasburg who might be interested.” Charming wiggles his eyebrows in a way that gives Bridget this ick in an instant. She really had a crush on this cornball? An insane thought to even think about really. But even with his gestures, Bridget couldn’t help but blush at the mention of Ella. 

“I don’t even think Ella wants to see my face, let alone dance with me.” 

Charming hums, “I highly doubt that…Do you think that maybe you might like her back?” He questions and Bridget wants to question where he got that conclusion from but all signs, most of the time, lead back to Chloe and her nightly rants. 

Bridget digests the question carefully. She had been thinking about it over the past couple of days but every single thought led her back to the same question. Was Ella willing to let her like her back? Stupid question really, but one that Bridget really couldn’t shake off for the life of her. 

“I think this entire experience has definitely opened my eyes but I’d rather work on our friendship than think about anything romantic right now.” 

“That’s fair.” Charming hums. Now there was a comfortable silence. After all this time, Bridget had forgotten that when she wasn’t nervous around him, Charming made a pretty good friend. And a really great confidant. “I’m sure she’d love to hear from you but she’s not joining today's meeting. Or any of the preparation meetings before the Ball.” 

“She must’ve heard I’m feeling better and decided to avoid me.” Bridget sighs, slumping onto the countertop with a pout upon her lips. 

“Or, she just needs her space. Remember, there’s always the Ball, and there’s no backing out now because we already went dress shopping like three months ago.” Charming jokes once again and the two share a laugh louder and more authentic than they ever have before. 

“Thanks, Charming” Bridget sighs but suddenly a certain smell enters her nose. 

“No problem,” Charming smiles but suddenly smells a familiar aroma fill the kitchen. Bridget sighs, watching as Charming frantically heads to the oven and pulls out a batch of smokey, tar-coloured cookies. 

“I wouldn’t suppose you like your cookies on the well-done side?” Charming asks with a sheepish grin, glancing at the slightly overcooked batch he’s just pulled from the oven. For someone so clumsy, Bridget thought, he was very fortunate to be handsome—in the most platonic way she could muster, of course.

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chloe stares up at the ceiling, gazing above it as if there were stars above to distract her from the tears rimming her eyes. The night had turned into day rather quickly and after all the work that had been done today, Chloe had assumed that now would be the right time to open the letter from her mother. Big mistake. 

Her mother was coming to visit. The night of the Ball. After all the work she had done to get her name out there, and create a separate name for herself, here comes her mother to steal her spotlight once again. It wasn’t fair. It was cruel almost as if seeing Chad visit wasn’t enough of a headache for the day. 

There’s a knock at the door. Typical for her brother to still be present because only Chad would knock as softly as that. Chloe huffs, wiping her eyes in a nearby mirror to not seem like she had been crying. Her hand aligns with the door and as she had expected the blond hair of her brother, it was anyone but him at the door. It was Red. 

“Since when do you knock so gently?” Chloe questions, letting the girl in without any questioning. If there was one thing she needed right now it was a friend. 

“Since I heard your sniffles from down the hall…” Red isn’t blunt with her response, despite it being the perfect moment, her voice is filled with concern. Chloe freezes a bit in her tracks. These walls were practically soundproof, it was the only reason Bridget was so loud, so often. It must have meant that Red had been standing out there for a while. The embarrassment washes over Chloe at the thought.

“I uh, think you heard wrong.” Chloe smiles shyly, taking a seat on her bed and swiftly moving the open letter to her nightstand. 

Red hums, realising that Chloe is having a moment, similar to her when she opens the letter from her mother. If there was anything Red knew, it was that the only way for Chloe to truly open up was to be in a space where she could let herself go. 

“I see.” Red turns to the other girl with a warming smile, “Wanna head up to the roof with me?” 

Chloe raises an eyebrow. Red had glossed over the subject matter entirely but maybe that was just what she needed. A way to escape whatever she was feeling. “Sure,” 

“Make sure to bring your fencing gear too.” 

—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It hadn’t been too long since Chloe’s last visit but the way she had missed the view made it seem like centuries had passed. 

The two sat on a blanket, surrounded by Red’s new stash of snacks that, thankfully, hadn’t been confiscated by the wildlife that often came around. Red was always on alert; it was just mandatory in her world. But even with the scenic view before her, she found herself more entranced by the shimmer in Chloe’s eyes than anything else. Maybe it had to do with the fact that Chloe’s eyes were still glossy from crying, but Red liked to think they always sparkled like that.

“Stare any longer, and you’ll have to take me out to dinner too,” Chloe teased, her voice breaking through Red’s daze.

Red blinked, realising she’d been caught zoning out, and the laugh that followed from Chloe made her feel even more self-conscious. “What? Are my chips and gummies not good enough for you, Charming?” she shot back, trying to mask her flustered state with a playful tone.

Chloe can’t help but laugh once more, letting herself sigh into the air. “They’re perfect,” She says, though there's some uncertainty within her tone. 

“But?” Red questions. 

Chloe sighed, “But…I don’t think this is as relaxing as it was last time.”

“Well, duh. This is my way to relax. You already told me yours,” Red replied, getting up from the blanket. She headed toward the bag of fencing gear she’d asked Chloe to bring along. Normally, fencing gear was meant for protection, but Red seemed unfazed, grabbing a sabre and offering another to Chloe.

“Now,” Red extended the sabre to her friend still sitting on the ground, “Pick up a sabre and stop pouting.”

Chloe’s smile widened, tears forming in her eyes for a different reason now. She took the sabre, standing up to face Red, feeling a mix of emotions she couldn’t quite place.

“I want to make you feel better. So, go as hard as you’d like, I can take it,” Red said with a shy smile, and for a moment, time seemed to stop. Chloe wasn’t sure why, but in that instant, under the moonlight with the world’s chaos far below them, she felt something new and strange. Oh god, could Bridget have been right about this?

“I don’t think you’ll like the way I give it to you,” Chloe teased, trying to brush off her thoughts as she readied herself for the sparring match. But the rapid beating of her heart was too loud to ignore, making it hard to focus. What on earth was happening to her?

“En garde?” Red called out, and without a second thought, Chloe was thrust into action.

Red moved with a swift elegance, her strikes precise and calculated. Chloe countered, her reflexes kicking in as their sabres clashed with sharp metallic sounds that echoed through the night air. Each swing from Red was measured, her usual stoic demeanour cracking just enough to reveal a spark of enjoyment in her eyes. Chloe matched her intensity, but she could feel her heart racing not from exertion, but from something deeper, something unfamiliar yet thrilling.

Red lunged forward, aiming for a clean strike, but Chloe parried just in time, stepping to the side and launching a counterattack. Red dodged gracefully, her movements fluid like water, and for a moment, they were caught in a dance of blades, each trying to outmanoeuvre the other.

“Not bad, Charming,” Red smirked, the tension between them shifting from playful to something more charged.

“Just wait,” Chloe grinned back, feeling a surge of adrenaline and something else she couldn’t name. She advanced, her strikes growing bolder, fueled by the intensity of the moment.

Their sabres met in a final clash, both girls pushing against each other, faces close, eyes locked. Chloe could feel Red’s breath against her skin, and for a split second, the world seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them, suspended in that moment of connection and unspoken emotion.

Red pulled back first, lowering her sabre with a soft chuckle. “You’ve got potential, but you still have a lot to learn.” She was joking obviously, but it was something about the comment that made Chloe stop for a moment as reality hit her. 

“My dad used to say that all the time.” Chloe laughs, dropping her sabre beneath her waist and as her hand ruffles itself within her hair. “Gosh, what am I doing..?” All the emotions from before come flooding and the tears start to form again.

“We can keep fencing. I may let you win this time.”

Chloe laughs at Red's poor attempt to cheer her up. It was sweet, but any thoughts like that brought nothing more than warmth. At this moment, on a rather chilly night, Red of all people gave Chloe the warmth she needed. It was finally time to shed her walls and come through with the truth, one she had been hiding for a while. 

“No, the fencing is fine, it's just that, I don’t know why I was so upset earlier.” Chloe sighs, falling back onto the blanket. Red watches, letting her sabre fall and moving to sit next to Chloe.

She hadn’t expected much contact but like a magnet, Chloe’s head is resting on her shoulder. Red feels stiff but sucks up enough courage to ask a burning question. “Did it have to do with your mother's letter?” 

“How could you tell?” Chloe scoffs. 

"Sometimes mothers can bring out the worst in us. But I wouldn't expect your mom to be anything like mine," Red begins, her voice soft under the twilight. "So, I guess this is my way of finally asking you about your home life."

Chloe feels the weight of the moment, the vulnerability hanging between them. Red is someone she can trust, and under the vast, starry sky, there are no secrets to be kept. She takes a deep breath, letting the truth flow. "All my life, I've been in my family's shadow. Especially my mother's," Chloe starts, her words slow and deliberate. "I thought that once I attended Auradon, I'd be my own person. Not just another Charming, but Chloe. I love my family, but it feels like I can never escape their shadow."

Red listens intently, her eyes locked on Chloe's. She struggles to find the right words, but she knows she has to say something. "It was the same for me when I got here, too," she admits quietly.

Chloe's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? But you're The Scarlet Tagger, that's one heck of a shadow to cast."

Red laughs, a soft, almost shy sound. "I mean, yeah, but that was my way of escaping my mother's shadow. If everyone thought I was as wicked and tyrannical as my mother, why not show them how much different I am? I could’ve easily transformed myself into a Bridget 2.0, but that’s just not who I am…”

Chloe lifts her head, her eyes finding Red’s in the dim light. A small smile tugs at her lips as she reaches for Red’s hand, seeking that connection, that reassurance. "Well, it's good that you stuck to who you are. One Bridget is more than enough," she teases lightly, her smile growing warmer. "And I can speak for everyone here when I say that we wouldn't want you any other way."

Red feels her face flush at Chloe's words, the heat creeping up her neck. Everything about this moment is overwhelming, yet it feels so right. "I could say the same for you. You think you're in everyone’s shadow, but no Charming has ever shown such dedication and work ethic as you have. You're making a name for yourself just by planning this Ball. Who isn't going to know who Chloe Charming is after this?"

Chloe's smile falters slightly, doubt creeping into her eyes. "How can you be so sure? My mom offered to chaperone the Ball, and it felt like all my hard work had just gone down the drain. Who would remember a princess when a queen is around?"

Red’s grip tightens slightly around Chloe's hand, her voice firm and steady. "I’m sure because I know you. You’ve put everything you have into this Ball, and it shows. No one will forget what you’ve done here, not even with your mom around. You’re more than just a princess—you’re Chloe Charming, and that means something."

Chloe looks into Red’s eyes, searching for any sign of doubt but finding none. The words sink in, wrapping around her heart like a warm embrace. For the first time in a long while, she feels seen—not as just another Charming, but as Chloe, the girl who dared to step out of the shadows. The girl might just be falling for someone who sees her for who she truly is.

“If that Ball doesn’t let others recognize just how awesome you are, I don’t think these are the people who are worth your time.” Red’s expression is soft, one that is genuine beyond her control. There are so many ways she could portray herself right now in this moment with Chloe, but she’d rather be genuine than anything else. The comfort she’s feeling right now is nothing more than genuine.  

"You think I’m awesome?" Chloe teases, a playful glint in her eyes.

Red immediately rolls her eyes, trying to downplay the moment. "I wouldn’t go that far, but—"

"There’s no need to explain yourself, Red," Chloe interrupts, her smile warm and sincere. "I think you’re pretty awesome too. Beyond anything that I could ever be. Thank you for sticking around…and helping me cheer up."

Red smiles back, though she quickly looks away, hoping to hide the blush creeping up her cheeks. "It’s the least I could do," she says, her voice softer, almost shy.

Chloe watches Red’s smile, noticing how rare and genuine it is. A thought slips out before she can catch it. "Pretty."

Red’s attention snaps back to Chloe, her expression a mix of surprise and confusion. "What?"

Chloe feels her heart skip a beat. She hadn’t meant to say that out loud, but now that it’s out there, she feels a strange sense of clarity. In this moment, under the moonlight, with Red looking as pretty as the stars above, Chloe realises something she hadn’t fully understood until now. Bridget was right. Chloe did have a crush on Red. A really big one, in fact. She just hadn’t noticed until this very moment.

"I said you look pretty. You always do," Chloe repeats, her voice gaining confidence.

The two girls aren’t far apart, and the air between them feels charged with something new and electric. Chloe’s mind races with memories of the countless rom-coms she’d watched with Chad as a kid. This was one of those moments—the perfect time to "kiss the girl," as they would say. But how? So many questions swirl in her mind, but it’s Red who takes the lead.

Red leans in slightly, her movements careful, testing the waters. Chloe’s heart pounds in her chest, and she closes her eyes, bracing for what she hopes will be a kiss. The world around her seems to fade away, the only thing that matters is this moment.

But instead of the expected kiss, Chloe feels a light brush against her shoulder. Her eyes flutter open, and she sees Red, still close, but now focused on something else entirely. Red swipes at Chloe’s shoulder, her expression a bit awkward. "You, uhm—you had something there."

Chloe blinks, her heart sinking a little with disappointment. "Oh, thanks…" she mumbles, feeling a bit foolish for letting her imagination run away with her. So much for her rom-com moment under the stars.

Just when Chloe thought she might have a moment alone with Red, the sound of movement below shattered the silence. Both girls turned their attention to the commotion, and Chloe instantly recognized the figure below.

"Chloe! There you are! I missed my bus and need a place to sleep tonight, but Bridget won’t let me in!" Chad's voice echoed up to them, his blond hair shining under the moonlight as he waved his arms frantically as if she couldn't already see him.

Red giggled, and Chloe let out a sigh, the tension between them deflating with the interruption. This was going to be a long night.

Chapter Text

“And then I thought she was going in for a kiss! A kiss! Of all things! I’m so fucking stupid.” 

Chloe was pacing around her dorm room, her movements quick and erratic, as if the walls were closing in on her. Her hands were tangled in her curls, tugging at them as if they might help her untangle the mess of thoughts running through her mind. Her face was flushed, a deep shade of red that rivalled even the tomatoes served at the school cafeteria. 

And Bridget was enjoying every second of it. 

Red would coin what Chloe was going through right now as a ‘Bridget Moment’. Stressed over something that probably wasn’t as consequential as the other pile of worries within her life, or the world around her. And with the subject matter at hand, Chloe was glad Red had been taking her sweet time to visit that day. 

After that interruption, the walk back to the dorm between the two was silent. Tension between the two seemed to be as thick as wood before Chad’s constant whining caused Red to call it quits for the night. 

It was officially the day before the big night and to say Red’s silence was slowly driving Chloe crazy would be an understatement. It was hard not to overthink when all she could think about was Red. 

It’s why at this moment, early on a Thursday morning, Chloe finally confesses what happened a couple nights prior and Bridget is more than happy to hear. She was right, afterall, what’s more exciting than hearing that? 

Bridget is sprawled out comfortably on Chloe's bed with a bag of chips in hand.  Her eyes sparkled with amusement as she watched her friend’s dramatics unfold.  “First of all, no swearing in the dorm. Do you kiss princesses with that potty mouth?” she quipped. 

Chloe shot her a glare, though the effect was lessened by the way her cheeks puffed out in frustration. “Bridget, this isn’t funny! I made a complete fool of myself, and now Red probably thinks I’m insane..or a pervert.”

Bridget raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. “Oh, please. If anything, Red's type is insane. I’m sure she’s into you either way.”

As much as Bridget would find great joy in shaking Chloe’s shoulders and telling her just how much Red really did like her, she had an oath to stick by. She was going to have to keep this to herself, no matter how much it was killing her.  

Chloe’s face somehow managed to turn even redder at the comment. “But she’s not into me.” she protested, her voice taking on a higher pitch. “And even if she was, I blew it by acting like a complete idiot…” 

“I mean maybe if you just acknowledged your feelings for her earlier–”  

Chloe groaned, flopping onto the bed beside her. “Bridget, this isn’t the time for jokes. I’m serious! I thought she was going to kiss me, and I was ready for it! But then she just… wiped something off my shoulder.”

Bridget softened slightly, reaching over to pat Chloe’s shoulder. “Look, I get it. You were caught up in the moment. But freaking out about it isn’t going to help. Maybe Red was just as nervous as you were?”

Chloe buried her face in her hands, her voice muffled. “I don’t know what to do, Bridget. I can’t stop thinking about her, and now I’ve probably ruined everything. We haven't talked in like a day, and that’s a lot for us.”

“I’m sure she’ll come around.” Bridget sighs. If this is what Ella had to go through during her meltdowns she seriously owed that girl an even bigger apology than she had already created. 

“It’s the night before the Ball anyway, not like she can avoid you forever.” 

Chloe lifted her head from the bed, hair tousled and messy. “I really do hope you’re right.”

Bridget smiled confidently. “I usually am. I mean, I was right about you having a crush, wasn’t I?”

Chloe scoffed, feeling a bit over the whole process of admitting her feelings. “I still don’t know how you figured it out before I did.”

Bridget shrugged, reaching for another chip. “The eyes never lie,” she said through a mouthful of food, causing Chloe to smile despite herself. “Yet you couldn’t tell Ella’s had a thing for you this entire time?”

Chloe’s comment was meant as a light tease, but the shift in Bridget’s demeanour was immediate. The cheerfulness faded, replaced by a more sombre expression. Chloe realised she’d hit a nerve. “Bridget, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to—”

“No, you’re right,” Bridget interrupted, forcing a smile. “She was right there in front of me, always there…and I was too caught up in my own world to notice.”

Chloe nodded the weight of their shared situations settling between them. “I guess we can both be idiots sometimes.”

Bridget sighed, her voice softening. “Yeah….”

—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Red was frantic. Frantic about her hair, frantic about her outfit, frantic about what she was going to give. 

This was indeed a total ‘Bridget Moment’. She had become her worst enemy… 

Red had been pacing outside Bridget and Chloe’s dorm room for the past five minutes, torn between knocking and bolting back to her room. She had no real reason to be so conflicted, except for the fact that she had totally chickened out of kissing Chloe when she had the chance. 

It had been eating at her all day, leaving her distracted and distant during their much-needed break from planning the ball. What was she supposed to say? Sorry for not kissing you under the starlight, but you really did have something on your shoulder? It sounded so ridiculous in her head, just wordy and redundant. And Red wasn’t one for words, especially when it came to talking about her feelings.

Still, she needed to speak with Chloe. One, because it was the night before the Ball and she couldn’t hide from her forever and two, she missed her. But that second part did not need to be heard by anyone else. 

However, words seemed to be a bit too much for now. So instead, Red made a letter. A small one but enough to get her point across. She aligns herself with the door, taking a deep breath, in and out. All she had to do was knock and hand over the letter–

“Are you going to open that any time soon? I need to retrieve my hairbrush,” 

Red jumps back from her thoughts, turning around to be faced with none other than Chad Charming. Red felt her face flush from embarrassment. He had palpably seen her entire dilemma from a mile away. 

“I was, it’s just I was a bit–” 

“Nervous?” Chad raises an eyebrow, “I can smell the worry radiating off of you. Total contrast on how Chloe described you. It’s kind of giving Bridget right now.” Chad continues, a hint of sass within his words and it’s then that Red remembers this was the same Chad who interrupted her moment with Chloe. One she had sort of already ruined before he had arrived anyway…

“That is the harshest thing anyone has ever said to me.” Red sighs, “You could say I am a bit worried right now.” 

Chad hums, a puzzled yet mischievous look painting his face. “Worried about the Ball tomorrow or worried about making a fool out of yourself in front of my sister?” 

Red’s eyes widen and her throat turns dry. Chad had seen right through her and if she was mildly worried before, that comment elevated her worry in an instant. Chad knew? Her crush's brother knew she had a crush on his sister. Red was getting wordy again, her nerves began to spike. She couldn’t find any words to say, choking on anything that dared to come. 

Chad let out a quiet laugh, pulling Red away from the door so as to not have any stray listeners. “Listen, I may be blond but don’t let this gorgeous mane of hair take you away from this beautiful brain, okay?” Red can’t help but nod wordlessly. 

“I see the way you look at my sister. I saw the way you looked at her that night on the roof too. Totally gross seeing you almost kiss my little sister, by the way.” Chad raises his arms up in defence and even if Red was dying on the inside, she could tell from a mile away that this was indeed Chad’s way of cheering her up. 

“In my defence she really did have something on her shoulder!” Red finds herself playfully defensive. There was some doubt in her mind that Chloe even liked her back but by Chad’s words, it had seemed her doubt had been debunked. And that just scared her even more. “But enough about that, what are you still doing here? It’s almost been like, two whole days.” 

Chad sighed dramatically, “Turns out Mommy couldn’t chaperone the Ball after all, so guess who’s in charge now? Me! I told her, ‘Mom, I have a paper due tomorrow!’ but she just said I don’t do my work anyway—wait a minute, you’re changing the subject, aren’t you?” 

Chad’s gaze sharpened, zeroing in on Red with unexpected focus. So much for trying to distract him with the one thing he cared about most: himself.

“Innocent until proven guilty” Red shrugs. 

“Well played, really I’m impressed.” Chad sighs, “But I can’t let you date my sister until you work through these avoidant issues of yours.” 

Red feels her face burn up, “Woah, who said I wanted to date her?!” 

“The fact that you almost kissed her last night. Unless you’re just playing with her heart because in that case you have another thing coming for you.” The prince crosses his arms over his chest with a pout. Red can’t help but feel the need to come clean, Chad was just too amusing to lie to. In some wicked way, this was almost like reverse psychology. If reverse psychology even worked that way. 

“It’s not like that, I swear. I like Chloe, I really do, it's just– I’m…scared.” 

Chad yawns dramatically, “Everything's scary, you’re going to need a better excuse.” He rolls his eyes once he sees Red’s puzzled expression, “Look, do you think I didn’t shower today because I saw a spider in the communal bathroom? No. I contemplated it but I faced my fears and showered with pride.” 

“Dude that’s kind of a T.M.I–” 

“All that to say, I got past my hurdles to get what I truly desired. A nice warm shower. And right now, I need to pass this hurdle,” Chad points towards Red, “in order to get my lovely hairbrush.” 

Despite the fact that Chad was speaking mostly nonsense, there was some truth to his words. Whatever was stopping Red from tackling her feelings for Chloe was irrational, just like Chad's fear of spiders. This dilemma of hers really did feel silly. Chloe likes her back, so what on earth was stopping her now? 

“Chad.” Red starts.

“Yes, future sister-in-law?” Chad retorts and Red can’t help but roll her eyes. 

“You may be a man-child but I can’t help but admit that you’re right.” Red replies and Chad flashes a warm smile, one that shines brighter than the hallway light. Was this like a Charming family thing only? Why were their smiles so bright?

“Now that’s the Red that Chloe told me about.” 

Red blinked, trying to process Chad's words. “Me?”

Chad nodded, his grin still in place, but his tone more sincere now. “She may never admit it, but Chloe writes to me a lot. Lately, she’s been writing to me about this ‘friend’. At first, it was just complaints—how stubborn, obnoxious, and lazy they seemed. But over time, those letters changed. She started talking about how much she admired their determination, how she found something special in them that no one else saw. She mentioned you more and more in each letter, and now that I’ve met you, I get it.”

Red felt her heart skip a beat. Chloe had been writing about her? This whole time?

Chad leaned in slightly, his expression softening. “Look, my sister really likes you, and that’s not something I take lightly. But until you’re willing to be honest with her, to show her who you really are, you don’t have my blessing.”

He paused for a moment before breaking into a more familiar smile. “Seriously though, Red. Stop worrying so much and just go for what you want. You might be surprised at how things turn out.”

Red stared at Chad, his words sinking in. Chloe liked her, and it wasn’t just a passing thing. Maybe it was time to stop holding back and finally be honest—with Chloe and with herself.

Red can’t help but chuckle, a light pink dusting her cheeks. Those words had rung truth into her ears and as she remembers, the note within her hand, she decided now it was time to make a decision for herself. “Could you give this to her then?” She extends her arm out and Chad warmly accepts the letter, “Can’t guarantee I won’t read it but yes, I will. Now, get out of here before she sees you.” 

“Good call.” Red nods, “Guess I’ll be seeing you tomorrow night?” The girl is already on her way when she asks the question and as Chad approaches the door he nods, “Sadly, I will!” He says a bit louder once he sees Red disappear, just as he opens the door and barges in without welcome. 

“Chad! This is private girl talk,” Bridget scolds and Chad can’t help but roll his eyes as he lets the door close behind him.

“Yeah, yea, whatever.” Chad moves over to Chloe’s bed, placing the letter in his sister's hands. “Just making a delivery for Ms. Charming over here. It’s from a certain red-haired princess.”  

Chloe's hands trembled slightly as she held the letter, her eyes scanning the words over and over as if they might change. Red had written her a letter—an actual, heartfelt letter—and it wasn't just some casual note on the back of a worksheet. This was serious, thoughtful, and more personal than anything she'd ever expected.

Chloe's heart pounded as she processed the words. That last line— The Scarlet Tagger —it was so very Red, bold and mysterious, yet filled with a vulnerability that made Chloe's heart ache.

Bridget, noticing Chloe's expression, leaned in, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "So, what does it say?"

Chloe swallowed, her voice a little shaky as she read the letter aloud,

“The Ball is tomorrow, and even if today is supposed to be our day off, I can’t help but wonder what’ll become of our friendship after tomorrow. Whatever the future holds, I’m hoping we could have another moment under the stars if you promise to save me a dance tomorrow night. 

• The Scarlet Tagger.”

Chloe’s cheeks flushed as she finished reading. The room seemed to grow warmer, her heart feeling like it was ready to burst. Red had laid it all out there, asking for a dance, a moment under the stars, and maybe something more.

It was enough to make the blue-haired girl's heart melt. 

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“And you’re sure you have everything under control?” Bridget questions, leaving the kitchen as Charming follows, behind. 

The day had turned into night and as Chloe and Red spent their time resting, the baking club still had to finish some minor details before the big night. Bridget and Charming had spent a couple of minutes figuring out last minute recipes, placement and everything they could distract themselves with. Well, it was mostly Bridget looking for a distraction whilst Charming had no clue. 

Either way, Bridget's work was done and all that was left for Charming to do was a simple favour he had organised with the pink-haired girl. A simple batch of heart shaped chocolate chip cookies for a certain blue-haired girl that had been on her mind. She had trusted Charming with making sure the baking process went smooth but with the prince's recent track record, she was still a bit sceptical. 

“Yes, I do. Now enjoy your night. I’m going to need some consulting on which tie to wear tomorrow.” Charming practically pushes Bridget out of the door, much to her dismay. 

“Can’t exactly enjoy my night just yet. I need to do a favour for your cousin.” Bridget sighs, holding up a letter, simply addressed to none other than Red. Charming grins, “Those two are so–” 

“Insufferable?” Bridget questions, already agreeing with her statement. 

“I was going to say adorable. I think some sleep might help that bitterness of yours,” Charming pushes Bridget forward down the hall and although the girl would love to retaliate, she couldn’t deny that Charming was right. She needed sleep, immediately. Though it would have to wait because of a certain roommate of hers that was too scared to deliver a letter. 

Bridget would usually be one to judge, but she knew she wasn’t in a position to. She had her own fears when it came to talking to a certain someone. After meeting with Red, she had planned to head over to her friend's dorm, but it seemed that interaction would happen sooner than expected when she spotted a familiar figure heading toward the kitchen.

Bridget froze. Ella had stopped in her tracks too, the moment she noticed her. Bridget tried to find the right words, but nothing came out. Instead, she started moving closer. Ella, on the other hand, seemed to be searching for a way to escape the situation, but it was too late. Bridget was already speed-walking down the dormitory hall with a determination she rarely displayed.

When she finally reached Ella, she didn’t offer an apology or awkwardly say her name. Instead, she smiled warmly, knowing Ella had nowhere to hide.

"Charming's in the kitchen, probably burning something to the sound of smooth jazz," Bridget commented, now standing face-to-face with the blue-haired girl, whose jaw seemed locked in place. "I know you're probably not heading there, so just know I have a surprise for you tomorrow."

Ella wanted to say something, but it was hard after nearly a week of silence between them. There wasn’t much left unsaid, but Bridget seemed okay with that.

"I’ve got to go, but if you haven’t given up on me already, I’d like to talk with you in the morning. Is that okay with you?" Bridget asked, her voice gentle.

Ella nodded slowly, her gaze softening.

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Red sits anxiously at her desk, pen wobbling between her fingers as she stares at the blank paper in front of her. After what Chad had shared with her that morning, Red decided now was the time to take action. Twas the night before the Ball and if there was one thing Red knew it was that she was not going to ruin her chances with Chloe over her fears. 

So, here she was. Struggling to write a letter…

Maybe it was going to take longer than a couple of hours to work on but it was the effort that mattered, she assumed. “How the hell does someone do this?” The girl had mumbled to herself, feeling the pressure of the ticking clock beside her. If this was anything like graffiti she might have had an easier time getting her feelings across, but writing it out was strenuous. 

Red tried to imagine herself as someone else, like Bridget who always had something to text about, or Chad who always had something to say, or Chloe who always had everything planned out in her pretty brain– Red was getting distracted. 

But what came as even more distracting was the knock on her dorm door. Had she summoned Chloe just by her thoughts? 

If she saw her in a state like this, Red might just die on the spot. Despite making fun of Chloe for barely passing a baby-course like potions 101, barely being able to write a letter was then times more embarrassing. 

Red quickly got up from her chair, fixing her hair before opening her dorm door.

“Sup,” Bridget grins once she sees her cousin's disappointed face. “I’ve been working on my impressions of you since you’ve been missing today.” Bridget welcomes herself in and all Red can do is head back to her desk with a sigh. 

“Sorry, I’m not Chloe but I do have something from her that you might want.” Bridget moves beside Red’s desk, placing the letter adjacent to her alarm clock. 

Bridget was never the type to ask Red about anything homework related. She had learned that lesson years ago in Wonderland. But at this moment with Red, staring at a blank piece of paper with such intensity is when she realises it’s not homework at all. 

Red paused, staring at the blank paper in front of her. Her mind wandered back to the letter Chloe had given her. She picked it up, fingers hesitating over the seal before finally peeling it open.

Before she could start reading, she looked up at Bridget. “Chad didn’t read the letter I sent this morning, did he?”

Bridget hummed, “No,” and Red let out a relieved sigh as she unfolded Chloe’s letter. The thought of Chad knowing her feelings was mortifying.

Then Bridget added, “Well, Chloe did. Out loud. To all of us.”

Red’s head dropped to the desk with a thud. “Why would you even tell me that?” she groaned, laughter mingling with her embarrassment. The idea of Chloe reading her carefully crafted words, with all her friends listening in, was almost too much.

“Seriously, Red. I never knew you could be so... down bad,” Bridget teased, giving her cousin a playful pat on the back.

Red lifted her head, a small pout on her lips. “I am not down bad. Watch your mouth before I make you leave.”

Bridget grinned, shrugging off the threat. “Yeah, whatever. Just open the letter. Do you know how hard it was not to read that on the way here?”

Red rolled her eyes but couldn’t resist smiling. She carefully unfolded Chloe’s letter, her heart thumping in her chest.

The letter was simple but beautifully written, capturing Chloe’s thoughtful nature. Chloe had mentioned how much she valued their friendship, and how much she cherished their moments together. And at the end, she had added a small sketch—a crescent moon and stars, a nod to the night they almost kissed.

The warmth of Chloe’s words filled Red with a strange mix of excitement and nervousness. This was far more articulate than anything she could have ever put together.

She looked up at Bridget, who was watching her closely. “It’s... nice,” Red mumbled, feeling the blush creeping up her neck.

Bridget raised an eyebrow, smirking. “Just nice?”

Red folded the letter carefully, tucking it back into its envelope. “Shut up, you’re lucky I even shared it with you.” 

Deep down Red knew it was more than that. Chloe’s words had touched her deeply, and now all she could think about was what the Ball might bring, and if they’d find that moment under the stars again. How Chloe managed to curate such words made Red envious because here she was struggling to even write a sentence. 

“I don’t know how Chloe does it. Just writing a couple of sentences to her took so much energy. I don’t know how I’m going to do this?” Red sighs, staring back at the blank piece of paper that was staring back at her, taunting her every move. 

Bridget raises an eyebrow. So, she was right. It wasn’t homework but a letter instead. “Are you writing back to her? Like Romeo and Juliet style?” She questions.

Red goes a bit quiet wondering if now is the right time to be vulnerable. She thinks back to Chad's words from the morning once again, realising that not being open at this moment with Bridget was holding her back. Not being open had been holding her back this entire time. She finally cracked the code. 

“I’m trying to write to my mother.” 

Bridget feels herself freeze up a bit. She had heard about the letter Red had received and even if Bridget wasn’t the type to mention Wonderland at all, this meant a lot to her cousin. And by proxy, it meant a lot to her as well. 

Bridget hums, “So, I’m guessing you need some help?” She moves to the other side of Reds’ desk, sitting atop it and grabbing a pen. 

“How could you tell?” Red mumbles. 

"Just a hunch," Bridget said, handing the pen back to Red with a smile. Over the past month, their relationship had grown stronger, a far cry from the rough patch they had at the beginning of the semester. Once, Bridget had been ashamed to be associated with Red. But she soon realised that as her only family outside of Wonderland, she had to stick by her. In vulnerable moments like these, all they had was each other.

"You could start with who this is addressed to—unless you're too badass to leave a name," Bridget jokes. Red considered shoving her off the desk but decided against it, unable to hide her amusement at the comment.

Twas the night before the Ball, and neither girl would have imagined they'd end up in a situation like this—laughing and joking until the stars faded, both eager for the day ahead when they could finally talk to the most important blue-haired girls in their lives.

Chapter Text

It’s finally the big night. 

Well, it’s six hours before the big night. But when you’re a part of the planning committee or E.B.C., as Chloe likes to call it, crunch time is prime time. And although Chloe and Red should be working to finalise the plans for the big night, they had other matters to attend to. 

“Are you sure my curls are right? This side looks less even than the other,” Bridget whines. If it wasn’t the heat from the curling irons, or the blazing sun piercing through the windows, Bridget would assume she was nervous by the way her pace elevated, and her palms began to sweat. 

“Not my fault. Don’t think I’ve ever touched a curling iron let alone used one” Chloe sighs, trying to compare her work to the red-haired girl beside her. 

The morning had been quiet to begin, but it was hard to be quiet with Bridget's constant panic. Red had arrived to the girls early, prepped with a speech in mind about all the things she couldn’t tell Chloe face to face but those plans had to be halted. As soon as she opened the door she had been met with frantic planning, not for the Ball, but Bridget's plans. 

“Get on my level, Charming. I’ve been doing this for years,” Red teases, adding the finishing touches to Bridget's hair before dropping the curling iron on the nearby dresser. Chloe shoves the other girl's shoulder and the two share a quick laugh and glance that lasts longer than necessary. And in any other moment, Bridget would be analysing every second through the mirror she currently sat in front of, but today, there was no time to waste on Chloe and Red’s too-long-for-comfort staring contest.  

“Guys,” Bridget snaps, “Focus okay? You two can flirt all you want when I’m gone just– help me pick out a bow.” Bridget scrambles, looking around for a coloured bow to match her bright pink dress. One that flowed beyond the chair she sat on, and one that Chloe was sure cost a fortune by the intricate details of sparkles and sprinkle-looking sparkles. 

Both Chloe and Red can feel their faces flush at the comment. There was no need to rebuttal, neither girl could deny there was some tension between the two of them that needed to be addressed but that would have to wait for later–

“Or,” Chloe drops her curling iron, placing her hands gently against Bridget's shoulders to stop. “You could take a breather? I know you’re always frantic but even this goes beyond a ‘Bridget-Moment’” Bridget sighs, letting her curls drape over her face. 

Red usually wasn’t the type for girl talk. Back home she had always avoided such topics with Bridget, which may have directly led to their divide later in life. But there’s something about this moment, seeing her cousin the most worried she’s ever been, that gets Red concerned enough to intervene. “Are you too scared to face Ella?”

Bridget’s face was hidden behind a curtain of pink strands, her fingers absentmindedly twisting them as she spoke in a muffled voice, “I just can’t tell.” She sighed heavily. “Things seemed fine yesterday, but even then…she didn’t speak a word.” The sombre tone in her voice caused both girls beside her to pause, their previous tasks forgotten as they turned their full attention to her.

“You could say I’m just worried she won’t accept my apology…or my gesture. It’s tough, realising you were wrong. I wonder how you manage to do it all the time, Red.”

Red let out a small sigh, a smile tugging at her lips. “You make it really hard to want to help you, you know that?”

“The feeling is mutual,” Bridget replied, a faint smile playing on her lips, though it was clear she was trying to deflect from her earlier concerns.

Chloe, who had been quietly observing, noticed the shift in Bridget’s demeanour. Without saying a word, she reached for a bow from the dresser below, a soft pink one adorned with elegant swirls to match Bridget’s dress. As she picked it up, she glanced over at Red, who gave her an encouraging nod.

Chloe moved closer to Bridget, gently brushing the pink strands of hair away from her face. “I think whatever apology or gesture you have in mind, Ella will appreciate it. And if she doesn’t…maybe she’s just not worth your time tonight.” Her voice was soft but firm. 

Bridget looked up, meeting Chloe’s gaze in the mirror. She watched as Chloe carefully placed the bow in her hair, adjusting it slightly so it sat perfectly. The simple yet thoughtful gesture made Bridget smile.

“You really think so?” Bridget asked, her voice tinged with both hope and doubt. She reached up to touch the bow, her fingers tracing the delicate swirls.

“I know so,” Chloe reassured her, stepping back to admire her handiwork. “You’re putting in the effort, and that’s what counts. Ella will see that.”

Red chimed in, her voice warm with support. “And if she doesn’t, then Chloe’s right. You’ve done all you can. The rest is up to her.”

Bridget took a deep breath, her fingers still lingering on the bow. “You guys are right, for once. I don’t want to lose her over something stupid.”

Chloe gave her a gentle squeeze on the shoulder. “You won’t. Ella cares about you. Just be honest with her and the rest will just flow on its own.”

Bridget looked between the two of them, feeling a surge of gratitude. “Thanks, both of you. I’d never admit it but you guys have been such a great help. I don’t know what I’d do without the most insufferable people in my life.” 

Red smirked, crossing her arms. “Probably flounder around like a fish out of water.”

Chloe chuckled, adding, “Or end up with a hair disaster...Actually that might happen with us around too,” 

“Speak for yourself. My skills are up to par” Red rebuttals with a huff. 

Bridget laughed softly, her spirits lifted by their teasing. She could tell just by the way Chloe and Red continued to joke with one another that she might have been overstaying her welcome (despite her being one of the inhabitants of the dorm). She knew nothing serious was going to happen if she were around and planned accordingly. “Alright, alright. I get it. I’ll go talk to Ella. But if this doesn’t go well, I’m holding both of you accountable.”

“Innocent until proven guilty,” Red says and although Bridget would roll her eyes to the back of her head, it was the big night, there was zero time for that. 

Chloe nodded, her expression serious but kind. “You’ve got this, Bridget. Just be yourself.”

Bridget nodded, a sense of clarity washing over her. After all the hours she’d spent perfecting her look, she realised it didn’t matter. Ella liked her for who she was, not for the image she was trying to create. With determination fueling her, Bridget rose from her seat, her resolve stronger than ever. She walked to the door, her head held high, each step filled with purpose. As she opened the door and stepped out into the morning sun, she felt ready to face whatever lay ahead, confident in herself and in the connection she shared with Ella.

“How long before she realises she’s lost something?” Red whispers over, despite there only being one more person present in the room. Chloe hums in response, cleaning up the remainder of whatever Bridget had left behind, “Three minutes, tops. But with the way she’s determined, I highly doubt she’ll be coming back any time soon.” 

“Can you believe we get to skip classes just to plan the Ball? Today is seriously a dream come true,” Red exclaims, flopping onto Chloe’s bed with a wide smile. The scent of daisies and enchanted grass filled her nose, a scent so familiar she had begun to love it. 

"Ah, not so fast there," Chloe warned, hovering over Red's relaxed body, her arms crossed and a teasing smirk playing on her lips. From this angle, Red looked so adorably carefree that it was hard for Chloe to resist the urge to just give in, but she knew they had work to do. "We still have a lot of work to do today and—"

Before Chloe could finish, she felt a sudden force pulling her forward. Red, with a mischievous glint in her eyes, had grabbed Chloe by the shoulders, tugging her down beside her on the bed. Chloe let out a surprised yelp as she landed next to Red, quickly followed by giggles that she couldn’t hold back. Red flashed her a cheesy smile, and Chloe couldn't help but roll her eyes, though her heart fluttered at the sight. Red had been smiling more often lately, and Chloe found herself wanting nothing more than to keep that smile on her face forever.

"Can’t we just enjoy the moment? Just for a second before all of the chaos?" Red asked, her voice soft and coaxing as she turned on her side, facing Chloe with a playful smirk. The way the sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow on Red’s tousled hair and lightly flushed cheeks, made her look almost ethereal. Chloe’s resolve wavered as she met Red’s gaze, those deep, inviting eyes pulling her in.

"Red, we can’t…" Chloe whined, though even she could hear the lack of conviction in her voice. She wanted to protest, to remind them both of the long to-do list waiting for them, but the words died on her lips as Red moved closer, inch by inch, the air between them thickening with every breath.

"But why not?" Red’s voice was a hushed murmur, her face now so close that Chloe could feel the warmth of her breath. The question hung in the air, loaded with unspoken feelings and desires that neither of them could ignore any longer. Chloe’s heart raced, her mind spinning with thoughts of all the reasons she should resist.

Red reached out, gently brushing a strand of Chloe’s blue hair away from her face, her fingers lingering on Chloe’s cheek. Chloe’s breath hitched, her eyes fluttering shut as Red’s touch sent shivers down her spine. The world outside, with all its chaos and responsibilities, faded into the background, leaving only the two of them in this stolen moment of tranquillity.

Chloe opened her eyes, finding Red’s gaze locked onto hers, full of warmth and something deeper—something that made Chloe’s chest tighten with a mix of fear and exhilaration. But as both girls learned very quickly, there was no room for peace in this dorm. 

Three knocks rang at the door simultaneously, one after the other as they rang throughout the dorm. Chloe and Red jumped from the bed, flustered at the thought of someone catching them in such a position. 

Chloe cursed in her head, wanting to scream within her pillow at the thought of being interrupted once again. 

“Bridget? Are you in there? I still can’t decide what tie I want to wear tonight!” Charming’s voice rang from outside the door. Chloe felt her eye twitch at the interruption but Red wasn’t too far behind, closing her hand onto her shoulder. 

“You’re right, maybe the break can wait for later.” Red smiles. Although Chloe was fuming, Red’s smile was enough to make it melt away. 

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bridget isn’t one to hide from most things, but today is the day she finds herself more timid than a hermit crab. As the baking club headed out for the Enchanted Garden, supplies and sweet confections in hand, Bridget opted to stay behind, waiting for a chance to be alone with a certain someone.

“Make sure everything runs smoothly. I’m counting on you treasurer,” Bridget pushes Charming out of the door, her face flush with the amount of internal worrying she had been doing. Ella had finally shown up to help with the final set up of the Ball but every moment the two would make eye contact, Bridget would look away. It wasn’t to say she was nervous but that’s exactly what she was saying.  

Charming scoffs, “Worry about me? I’m worried about you.” He whispers over to Bridget. Ella stays back, cleaning up the remaining chaos in the kitchen but Charming still feels the need to whisper. “You’re as red as a tomato,” 

“I know. I’m seriously trying not to sweat my makeup off right now.” Bridget smiled, looking back to watch as Ella continued her cleaning, diligently but just as quiet. Charming notices the girl staring and taps her shoulder to bring her back to reality. “I told Chloe to give the Queen and King crown to someone else. I’m sure there is someone else who would enjoy that crown more than me.” 

“Charming, you didn’t have to do that.” Bridget sighs, a warm smile painting her lips. 

“But I wanted to,” Charming said, his tone softening as he reflected on the past few days. 

“Despite my feelings being hurt when Chloe cursed me out, at least now I can dance with everyone. Including the two of you.” He shrugged, then placed his hands firmly on Bridget's shoulders. 

“Now, go get your girl.” With that, he gave her a gentle but forceful push toward the kitchen, causing Bridget to stumble slightly, almost tripping over her own feet. The sudden entrance startled Ella, who was sweeping. She froze mid-motion, her attention fully drawn to the pink-haired girl standing awkwardly at the door.

Bridget’s face flushed, but she quickly shook off her nerves. This was just Ella—her best friend, her confidante. There was nothing to be afraid of.

“Are you ready for the big night?” Bridget asked, trying to sound casual, though her heart was pounding in her chest. Ella smiled, her midnight-blue dress shimmering under the kitchen lights, a striking contrast to Bridget's bright pink gown. Bridget moved closer, leaning casually against the counter, trying not to seem too obvious.

“I could ask you the same question,” Ella replied, her voice calm, almost too calm for Bridget’s liking. There was a hint of something unspoken in her tone, something that made Bridget’s stomach flutter. “I heard you and Charming won King and Queen of the Ball. Chloe isn’t exactly one for keeping secrets.”

Bridget grumbled, feeling a twinge of annoyance. “Well, maybe not with you guys,” she muttered under her breath, mentally cursing her roommate for spilling the beans. But that wasn’t what mattered right now. She had a mission, and nothing was going to distract her from it. “But that’s not important. Charming and I forfeited our crowns, anyway.”

Ella turned to face her, confusion etched on her features. “But why? Isn’t that what you’ve wanted all along? A dance with Charming?”

The two girls stood in a comfortable silence, the only sounds coming from the bustling preparations outside and the gentle hum of the kitchen appliances. Ella took a step closer, sensing that there was more to Bridget’s decision than she was letting on. Despite the physical distance still between them, it felt like Ella was being drawn toward Bridget, a magnetic pull that was impossible to resist.

“For a long time, I thought so too,” Bridget admitted with a small chuckle. They were now on opposite sides of the counter, their eyes locked in a deep connection that had been there all along, though Bridget had failed to see it until now. “But I’ve come to realise that what I’ve been craving all this time is a sense of belonging.” She paused, then laughed softly. “Wow, that kind of rhymed.”

Ella chuckled too, and Bridget couldn’t help but feel her heart melt at the sight. At this moment, Ella looked perfect—more than perfect, really. She looked like everything Bridget had been searching for, and she wanted nothing more than to tell her that.

“Ella, I’m sorry,” Bridget began, her voice earnest. “I’m sorry it took me so long to realise how selfish I’ve been, and I’m sorry it took me even longer to admit it. I had no right to be mad at you. You’ve done nothing wrong… in fact, you do everything right.”

Ella’s stone-cold persona softened, a genuine smile spreading across her face as she closed the distance between them. “I accept your apology,” she said warmly. “Safe to say that soup worked, didn’t it?”

Bridget laughed, her tension easing. “Not just the soup, but everything else you’ve done. The late-night talks, helping me with Charming, and… well, the cookies too.” Bridget paused, then ducked down to open a drawer at the bottom of the counter. It was an odd place to hide her surprise, but she had managed to keep it a secret, and that’s all that mattered.

“I’m also sorry for not acknowledging your feelings sooner,” Bridget continued, pulling out a plate of pink sugar cookies, each one cut in the shape of a heart. “I’m so clumsy, they kind of just became hearts before my eyes,” she joked, playfully recalling the time she had done the same thing for Charming.

Ella’s eyes widened, she couldn’t believe her eyes. “Bridget I–” 

“I don’t want to lose you, Ella!” Bridget shouts, a bit too loud for the small distance the two shared. Bridget quickly covers her mouth at the revelation and Ella can’t help but burst out laughing. “You could never lose me, Bridget,” 

Bridget nodded, her heart pounding as she held out the plate. “I just wanted to make something that showed how much you mean to me. You’ve been there for me through everything, and I’ve been too blind to see it. But I see it now, Ella. And I don’t want to lose you.”

Ella’s gaze softened, her hand reaching out to take one of the cookies. “You won’t lose me, Bridget,” she says, voice gentle. “Even if you don’t feel the same way…”

“But what if I think I do?” Bridget questions, her voice more determined than ever. 

Ella reaches for a cookie, without a word, biting into it with a burgundy tint on her cheeks. There was no need to answer, the response was obvious. 

Bridget felt a weight lift off her shoulders as she watched Ella take a bite of the cookie, a small smile playing on her lips. In that moment, everything felt right. She had finally said what she needed to say, and Ella had accepted it. The fear, the doubt, the worry—it all melted away, leaving only the warmth of their shared connection.

As the sounds of the preparations outside continued, the two girls stood there, side by side, sharing cookies and quiet laughter. The Ball might be just around the corner, but for now, this moment belonged to them, and them alone.

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“So… how’s my favourite sister doing?”

Chloe huffed, sensing the familiar presence behind her without even needing to turn around. She was in the middle of tying up the last of the streamers in the Enchanted Garden, ensuring that every detail was perfect as guests began to arrive. The checklist had been followed to the letter, but in hindsight, maybe she should have included something in there to keep her brother distracted.

“Chad, I’m your only sister,” Chloe shot back, her tone sharp as she tugged a bit too hard on the streamer, almost tearing it. She quickly caught herself, taking a deep breath to calm down. The last thing she needed was for her meticulous work to be ruined because of Chad's untimely interruption.

“Which is exactly why you’re my favourite,” Chad said with a grin, unfazed by her irritation. He leaned against a nearby table, arms crossed as he watched her work with a mix of amusement and admiration. “You know, you’re really in your element here. Who knew little sis could pull off something like this?”

"Maybe if you and Mom didn’t overshadow me so much, you might have noticed a lot sooner," Chloe muttered under her breath, her hands still fidgeting with the last of the streamers. She hadn’t meant for Chad to hear it, but the words slipped out before she could stop them.

Chad’s expression softened, and for a moment, the usual playful glint in his eyes was replaced with something more serious. He felt a pang of guilt and knew he needed to address it. “I know… It’s actually the reason I told her not to come tonight.”

Chloe looked up, confused. “But you said she couldn’t make it. I thought you didn’t want to chaperone.”

Chad sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I didn’t want to, but it’s what I had to do.” He stepped closer, placing a hand on his sister's shoulder with a gentle squeeze. “Chloe, tonight is your night. Not Mom’s, not mine, and not anyone else’s. You’ve worked so hard to make a name for yourself, I couldn’t let Mom’s appearance take that away from you.”

Chloe blinked, unsure how to process what he was saying. She had expected Chad to be annoyed or dismissive, but here he was, acknowledging her feelings in a way she hadn’t anticipated.

“Listen, I may be your goofy older brother, but my observation skills are top-notch,” Chad continued, trying to lighten the mood with a small smile. “If you were feeling this way, why didn’t you say anything?”

Chloe hesitated, her gaze dropping to the floor. “I guess… I was too scared to. I didn’t want to hurt your feelings.”

Chad chuckled, shaking his head. “Chloe, you could push me down a cliff, and I’d still forgive you.” He leaned in, wrapping his arms around her in a warm, comforting hug. Chloe stiffened for a moment, surprised by the sudden affection, but then she melted into the embrace, resting her head on his shoulder.

“Don’t give me any ideas,” she mumbled into his shoulder, trying to hold back a smile.

“What—” Chad pulled back slightly, a look of mock horror on his face, but it quickly dissolved into laughter as he saw the smile creeping onto Chloe’s lips. “I’m kidding, for now.” 

And even though Chad was going to rebuttal once more, his thoughts of concern for his personal safety were interrupted by the sound of a mic cutting through the music. Both siblings turned around to face the main bridge of the garden, where the DJ had resided. There stood Red, mic in hand. 

If it wasn’t for the way Red’s ruby dress shimmered under the young moonlight, Chloe might have been more focused. Everything about her was alluring and Chloe couldn’t help but stare, eyes wide open and mouth even wider. 

“Good evening Auradon snobs– I mean Auradon prep!” Red is quick to trip over her words but Chloe knew right from the jump that it was intentional. Regardless, the forming crowd roars at the sight of Red. Despite not being much of a people pleaser or a people person, Red had quite a bit of status at the school, one Chloe was only mildly aware of when the two had first met. 

“Let tonight be one to remember for years to come. And please be mindful of your garbage, I am on clean-up duty tonight,” 

As Red continued her speech, Chloe couldn't help but notice how meticulously she scanned the crowd, her eyes sharp and focused, but when those eyes found Chloe’s, the sharpness softened into a warm smile. Chloe's heart fluttered, beating faster than it had all morning. She felt a flush creep up her cheeks, and Chad, ever the observant brother, was quick to pick up on his sister’s sudden stillness.

“Needless to say, this night wouldn’t have been possible without all of our club organisers, students, and staff, especially the head of the E.B.C…Chloe Charming,” Red announced, her voice steady and clear, yet laced with something personal that only Chloe could detect.

Chloe’s ears perked up at the sound of her name. Suddenly, all eyes were on her, and for a moment, she felt like she was floating, watching herself from above as the crowd turned its attention toward her. The applause began—a rolling wave of sound that grew louder and louder until it seemed to echo throughout the entire enchanted garden.

“None of this would have been possible without her. Everyone, please give her a round of applause,” Red continued, her voice full of genuine admiration.

As the cheers for Red doubled in intensity, they swelled even further when directed at Chloe. It was overwhelming but in the best way possible. Chloe had never dreamed of receiving such recognition, and the knowledge that Red had orchestrated this moment just for her made her heart swell with emotion. She wanted to find Red, to tell her how much this meant to her, but before she could act, the music kicked back in, reminding her there was still work to be done.

“Now, enjoy the night! But not too hard—” Red joked, her voice light and teasing as she hopped off the mic and disappeared into the sea of partygoers.

Chloe was left standing there, speechless and deeply touched. Such a simple gesture from Red had gone a long way in making her feel valued and appreciated. She had always known Red to be thoughtful, but this was something else entirely.

Chad’s voice broke through her thoughts, his tone playful yet curious. “Have you guys hung out at all tonight?” he asked, raising an eyebrow in interest. “Charming told you me he caught you guys making out this morning,” 

Chloe’s face flashed a bright red, “He did not! That liar.” 

“Just teasing. But seriously, are you guys gonna do something alone?” 

Chloe sighed, turning to face her brother with a pout. “We’ve been on opposite sides of the dance floor all night. I’m not sure we’ll ever get time alone,” she admitted, a hint of frustration seeping into her voice.

Chad hummed thoughtfully, his expression shifting into one of sly encouragement. “I wouldn’t give up so soon. Who knows what the night may bring?”

Chloe looked at him, a spark of hope kindling in her chest. Maybe he was right. Maybe, just maybe, there was still time for a special moment between her and Red.

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“If you’re going to scold me about going off script there was no way I wasn’t going to give Chloe and shout-out.” Red is quick to put her defences up once she is faced with Uma. 

After giving her speech, Red had been bombarded with tasks. Turns out her duties weren’t all but done just yet. 

She had at least wanted to spend some time with Chloe but as the hours passed on, the two had been on opposite sides of the dance floor, caught up in things beyond their control. It sucked but even if Red wanted to leave her duties behind, she knew Chloe would want her to keep working. 

Uma, dressed in the nicest attire Red has ever seen her in, raises an eyebrow. A smirk paints her lips that could entail anything but this time around Red was ready for it. 

“I’m not here to scold you, Red.” Uma begins, “I’m here to congratulate you. And to tell you that I’m proud.” 

Red raised an eyebrow, questioning almost every word she had heard muttered. Uma was proud of her? This didn’t feel like anything close to reality. Maybe this was all a detailed dream. 

Uma looks towards the crown of students dancing to their cheesy pop music and Red does the same. It was the first time she had fully embraced the atmosphere around her, bustling laughter, smiles all around and an amazing setting to complete it all. She and Chloe did all that…

Red couldn't help but let out a relieved laugh, the weight of the past few weeks lifting from her shoulders. "Does this mean I’m not up for expulsion?" she asked, her eyes wide with a mixture of hope and disbelief. The question had been gnawing at her ever since that letter from her mother arrived, bringing with it a whirlwind of doubts and fears.

Uma's laughter was soft but reassuring, her eyes twinkling as she looked at Red. “Yes, Red. This means you’re not up for expulsion,” she confirmed, watching with amusement as Red nearly jumped out of her skin with excitement.

Red’s joy was uncontainable, bubbling over as she tried to keep her cool. But tonight wasn’t a night for keeping up appearances. It was too important, too monumental to suppress how she felt. 

But then, Uma’s words brought her back to reality, stopping her celebration short. “Though, you never really were to begin with,” she added with a knowing smile.

Red blinked, her mind racing to catch up. “Wait… what?” she managed to stammer out, the confusion evident in her voice.

Uma nodded, her expression softening as she placed a hand on Red’s shoulder. “My purpose here at Auradon Prep is to give students like you a second chance, just as those before did for me. I saw the potential in you from the very beginning, Red. So did everyone else. You just needed the right push to realise it yourself, and tonight you proved us all right. You planned a fantastic Ball.”

Red felt a warmth spread through her chest, something unfamiliar and overwhelming. Affection from a guardian was not something she was accustomed to, and receiving it from Uma made the moment even more surreal. The emotions began to well up inside her, and she could feel tears threatening to spill over.

“Aww, don’t cry on me now,” Uma teased gently, her voice laced with warmth.

Red quickly wiped at her eyes, trying to maintain some semblance of composure. “I’m not crying. It’s just some pixie dust in my eyes,” she quipped, her tone sarcastic enough to draw a laugh from Uma. It was the kind of deflection Red had mastered, but even now, she knew it was only a temporary shield against the emotions bubbling up inside her.

“My mother would hate to see this. Uma, what have you turned me into?” Red mused, shaking her head in disbelief. She felt as though she had broken every rule she’d ever lived by in Wonderland—rules that had been her armour for so long.

“Never let your guard down. Love is never the answer. Deny, deny, deny,” Red listed mentally. But now, with Uma’s comforting presence and the truth of the night sinking in, those rules seemed so distant, so irrelevant.

Uma chuckled, her eyes sparkling with understanding. “A human being, perhaps? But don’t worry, the letters I send your mother will never mention anything like this. Even my own mother would scoff at what I’ve become. I’ve learned the hard way that their expectations don’t define us. Who you choose to be is far more important.”

Red couldn’t help but smile through the last of her tears as Uma wiped them away. The gesture was tender, almost maternal, and it tickled, making Red laugh softly. It was strange but she was willing to grow to like it. 

“Thank you, Uma,” Red sighed, her voice filled with gratitude. “If it wasn’t for you, I’d probably still be that stuck-up girl with no friends, vandalizing walls instead of standing here right now.”

Uma grinned, the warmth in her eyes matched by a playful glint. “Oh, don’t think I didn’t notice your latest work above the welcome sign. You and your partner will be cleaning it off this coming week,” she said, trying to sound stern but failing as Red burst into laughter.

“Trust me, Chloe and I will be on it,” Red promised, still laughing. “I highly doubt she wants that on her record.”

Uma’s expression softened once more as she observed Red, her gaze filled with quiet pride. “How come you two haven’t enjoyed the night? It’s about to end in the next hour or so.”

Red sighed, her thoughts drifting to Chloe, who had looked breathtaking when Red was on stage. That baby blue dress had outshone everyone else in the room, making Red stumble over her words and sending her heart into a wild, uncontrollable rhythm. She wanted nothing more than to be by Chloe’s side, to share this night with her.

“We just haven’t had the time. Duty calls, am I right?” Red replied with a smile, though her thoughts were far from the duties she’d been preoccupied with all night.

Uma gave her a knowing look. “Don’t be afraid to have some fun, Red. It’s the one thing I ask of you tonight.”

Red nodded the weight of Uma’s words sinking in. The night was far from over, and Red knew exactly where she needed to be. With a renewed sense of determination, she agreed. Tonight, she would let herself be free, to enjoy the moment with Chloe, and to embrace everything that this enchanted evening had to offer.

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Thank you for coming, everyone! And have an Enchanted rest of the night, in your respective dorms, please and thank you.” Fairy GodMother’s words close off the night. A night in which Red and Chloe could only describe as exhausting.

As all the staff and students left the garden, the only people left were Chloe, Red and the rest of the baking club, but even they seemed to have partied enough for the night. The stars were still shimmering and the dance floor was as vibrant and colourful as ever but the reminisce of a party was evident and it seemed that Chloe and Red had a lot waiting for them. 

Chad had opted to leave the party earlier than expected, promising to write Chloe as soon as he got back to school, meanwhile, Bridget, Charming and Ella, all seemed to have their reasons for getting out of cleaning duty. 

“You see, I would help but this dress was super expensive and–” 

“Just go, Bridget. No need to give a bad excuse, I’m sure your date is waiting for you anyway,” Chloe whispers over to her roommate as Ella and Charming were having a conversation behind them. Bridget smiles, her cheeks feeling warmer at the mention of Ella but seeing Red work diligently behind Chloe gave Bridget her own advice to share. 

“I’m sure your date is waiting for you as well,” Bridget teases and Chloe is quick to roll her eyes. “I don’t know why but I’m still so nervous. We’ve almost kissed like twice and yet I can barely look her in the eyes without becoming a mess,” 

Bridget hums, pulling Chloe in even closer, “Don’t overthink it, Chloe. Think of what brings you comfort and watch as all your worries will just melt away. Trust me when I say Red has been waiting for you all night.” 

“Wait, are you serious?” Chloe’s voice is weary and Bridget can’t help but laugh as she pushes her friend away. “I don’t know, am I?” Bridget shrugs, manically laughing before turning back to her friends. 

“You’re insufferable!” Chloe shouts, watching as the trio leaves the garden. Well, not without some teasing kissy faces thrown in Chloe’s direction first. The princess felt her face flush for an entirely different reason but she’d have to deal with those three later, there were other matters she had to attend to. 

Red’s ears perk up as soon as she hears Chloe’s shout and from behind her back she can see the kissy faces the baking club throws her way. It’s enough to make her face flush, but it’s also enough to give her the perfect idea to end the night. Red slips past Chloe, rushing to the DJ table that was just Chloe’s phone Bluetooth to two loudspeakers. Wasn’t much for the budget that year it seemed. But that didn’t matter, because Red’s plan went beyond any budget the dance did or didn’t have. 

“Oh yeah, we should probably start by disassembling the music system first.” Chloe chimes in, watching as Red diligently typed onto her phone. 

Red smirks to herself before hitting play on a song, “I didn’t exactly have that in mind just yet.” The red-haired quickly finds her way off the bridge, trying to be as elegant as possible. She wasn’t. But that didn’t matter because her hurry is enough to make Chloe smile from ear to ear once the two were close. 

“So what do you have in mind, exactly?” As the first notes of the song filled the air, Chloe's heart skipped a beat. The memory of that night came rushing back with a vividness that made her chest tighten. Red was already standing in front of her, a small, shy smile playing on her lips as she extended her hand, a silent invitation that Chloe couldn't resist.

Chloe hesitated for only a moment, feeling a familiar rush of nerves, but then she took Red’s hand, feeling the warmth and security it offered. The world around them seemed to blur, the music drowning out the chatter of the other students still milling about. It was just the two of them now, as it had been that night, and nothing else mattered.

Red gently pulled Chloe closer, their bodies swaying in time to the music. Chloe's mind raced with thoughts of how often they had come close to this moment—so many almost-kisses, stolen glances, and missed opportunities. But here they were, finally together, the moment so perfect it almost felt like a dream.

"I didn’t think you remembered this song," Chloe said softly, her voice almost drowned out by the music.

Red's smile widened, her grip on Chloe's hand tightening ever so slightly. "How could I forget? You taught me how to slow dance. That night meant everything to me. Just like tonight does."

Chloe felt a rush of warmth spread through her chest, her nerves beginning to melt away just as Bridget had predicted. Being with Red, in this moment, brought her a kind of comfort she rarely experienced—like everything was finally falling into place.

The two swayed together under the stars, the night air cool against their skin but not enough to break the warmth between them. Chloe could feel her heart pounding, each beat syncing with the rhythm of the song, and with every passing second, the distance between them seemed to close.

“Looks like I am a pretty good teacher.” Chloe hums softly, the weight of the night causing her to rest her head on Red’s shoulder. Red could feel Chloe’s heartbeat and in a moment like this, it’s all she wants to hear. “You’re way more than that. A good organiser, friend, partner in crime. Speaking of which, Uma wants us to clean that graffiti up by next week.” 

Chloe giggles, swaying further into the rhythm of the song. “Noted. I knew we would have been caught one of these days. I’m just glad I got to experience it with you.” 

Red’s heart skipped a beat at Chloe’s words, and she felt a warmth spread through her that had nothing to do with the physical closeness. It was more than just being together—it was the feeling of knowing that no matter what came next, they’d face it side by side.

“Same here. You’ve taught me a lot more than just slow dancing. You’ve shown me how to open up,” Red said, her voice softening as she met Chloe’s eyes. “Did you know I cried in front of Uma?”

Chloe’s eyes widened in playful shock. “No way! The tough and fearless Scarlet Tagger, crying in front of Uma?” she gasped dramatically. They both burst into laughter, the sound echoing around them in the stillness of the night. The fact that no one else was around made it feel like they were in their own little world, a place where they could be completely themselves.

Red shook her head, still smiling. “I think the Scarlet Tagger might be retired for good. Maybe it’s time I stick to being the real me—open, honest… and maybe just a little less rebellious.”

Chloe’s expression softened as she twirled in Red’s arms, the movement light and effortless. “You’ve taught me to be my authentic self too,” she admitted, her voice carrying the weight of the realisation. “I’ve spent so much time trying to make a name for myself, to be who everyone expected me to be, that I forgot to figure out who I really was. But now… I know what I like. I like graffiti, I like planning Balls, and… I really like hanging out with you.”

Red’s heart swelled at Chloe’s words, her smile growing wider. “Well, I like hanging out with you too. And I think we’re pretty great at figuring this out together.”

Chloe nodded, her smile matching Red’s. “Yeah, we are. We make a pretty good team.”

They continued to sway to the fading music, wrapped up in the warmth of each other’s presence. The pressures of the night, the expectations, and the worries all seemed to melt away, leaving only the simple joy of being together. In that moment, under the stars and with their walls down, they both knew that this was the start of something real—something worth holding onto.

The song began to wind down, but neither of them made a move to pull away. Red could feel the steady rhythm of Chloe’s heartbeat against her own, and in that moment, she realised that this was all she ever really wanted—someone who made the mischief worthwhile. 

As the two pulled away, their gazes never wavered, and Chloe felt the weight of the moment settle between them. It was as if time had slowed, and in that suspended moment, everything became clear.

“This was the song my parents first danced to when they fell in love,” Chloe confessed, her voice soft and filled with a mix of nostalgia and vulnerability. Red felt her heart skip a beat, her cheeks flushing as she let out a small, nervous laugh.

“And here we are, dancing to it almost three times already,” Red replied, her smile reflecting the warmth she felt deep within. But as the laughter faded, the air between them grew charged with something else—something electric and undeniable.

Chloe and Red’s eyes locked, the world around them fading into the background. All that mattered was this moment, the unspoken connection that had been building between them for so long. Chloe could feel her heart pounding in her chest, a rhythm that matched the fluttering in her stomach. Red’s gaze was intense, filled with a mix of emotions—affection, longing, and a touch of uncertainty.

Red hesitated for just a fraction of a second, searching Chloe’s eyes for any sign of doubt. But all she found was the same yearning she felt inside. Slowly, almost as if drawn by an invisible force, Red leaned in closer. Chloe’s breath hitched, her heart racing as she tilted her head slightly, closing the small gap between them.

And then, it happened.

Their lips met in a gentle, tentative kiss, a soft brush of warmth and tenderness. It was sweet and slow, like the first sip of something intoxicating. The kiss was everything they had both been too scared to admit, a culmination of all the stolen glances, the lingering touches, and the moments where words had failed them.

As the kiss deepened, Red brought a hand up to cradle Chloe’s face, her thumb gently brushing against Chloe’s cheek. Chloe’s hands found their way to Red’s shoulders, pulling her closer as if afraid that this moment might slip away if she let go. The world around them disappeared completely, leaving only the sensation of each other’s lips, the softness, the warmth, the undeniable connection.

When they finally pulled back, breathless and a little dazed, their foreheads rested against each other. Chloe’s eyes fluttered open to meet Red’s, and the look they shared was one of pure understanding and affection.

“Wow,” Chloe whispered, a shy smile tugging at her lips.

“Yeah,” Red breathed out, her smile mirroring Chloe’s. 

“Finally! I’ve been waiting to do that for so long!” Chloe sighs in relief, and Red can’t help but let out a matching exhale. All the tension between them seemed to melt away, leaving behind just two teenage girls who had been caught up in their nerves.

“You have no idea how hard it was not to wipe something off your shoulder again,” Red confesses with a grin. Chloe’s eyes widen as she lets out a surprised laugh.

“So you were going to kiss me that night!” Chloe giggles, clutching onto Red, who can’t help but laugh along with her.

“Your brother was taunting me about chickening out, but I was just so nervous,” Red admits, only to be cut off by the sweet press of Chloe’s lips against hers.

“Are you nervous now?” Chloe asks, a teasing smile playing on her lips.

“Not sure. Maybe another kiss might confirm,” Red replies, her voice playful but filled with sincerity.

“Don’t test your luck, Princess,” Chloe warns, raising an eyebrow, though her serious expression quickly gives way to a soft smile.

“But I’m more than happy to oblige,” she adds, and as the next song begins to play, Chloe and Red spend the rest of the night under the stars, wrapped in each other’s embrace. At that moment, Red couldn’t imagine a more perfect night. 

The ambiance of the night was perfect. 

Chapter Text

“I would seriously rather spend my day doing anything else.” Bridget sighs, grabbing a sponge and wringing it out with malice. 

It had been weeks since the Ball and ever since that night, Chloe and Red had been avoiding their chore of cleaning up their graffiti. Turns out neither of them could get out of doing it because graffiti for ‘promotional reasons’ isn’t a real thing, according to Fairy GodMother. 

Especially since it had been a month since the Ball, the promotion seemed rather unnecessary at that point. 

So, here they were, accompanied by Ella, Charming and Bridget (against her will),  to clean up the graffiti from the welcome sign. How fun. 

“The sooner you hush the faster we’ll finish” Chloe sighs, already knee-deep in blue graffiti. “Agreed,” Red chimes in from behind Chloe, tying the girl's hair back to prevent it from getting stained by her work. 

Bridget huffs, more exaggerated than the ten times she had done it before. “You’re only agreeing because that’s your girlfriend. You sell-out” Bridget curses and both Chloe and Red can’t help but giggle. 

After the Ball, neither Chloe nor Red had officially put a label on their relationship for the first few weeks. But with countless kisses and more-than-flirty banter, it was easy to see the direction they were heading. And so here they were—dating and in love. Bridget, however, was beginning to hate every second of it. 

“Cut them some slack, Bridget. Since when were you against young love?” Ella asked, gently taking the sponge from Bridget’s hand so she wouldn’t have to do any work. Bridget smiled, knowing that Ella would never make her do anything she didn’t want to.

Charming, on the other hand, was less forgiving. “Yeah, if anything, we should let it flourish,” the prince chimed in, handing Bridget another sponge to her dismay. “Now, get to scrubbing!” he barked, mimicking a drill sergeant.

Bridget sighed dramatically, shoving his shoulder in mock annoyance before getting back to work. This blue was definitely going to clash with the outfit she’d carefully chosen for the day.

“Can you believe those three?” Chloe questions, continuing to scrub alongside her girlfriend. It was so weird to think about yet freeing at the exact same time. Red was her girlfriend, they were dating. It was as if everything fell into place exactly how she had wanted it to. 

Red smiles, “Just be glad we weren’t put in a committee with those dorks.” She continues to scrub with diligence, “You’re the only dork I’d work with willingly anyways,” 

Chloe wants to rebuttal but simply rolls her eyes instead, “Red from a couple of months ago would not have agreed with that.” 

“Probably not. But what does she know? She’s missing out on having the best, and dorkiest girlfriend someone could ask for.” Red turns her head to kiss Chloe’s cheek, and it tickles the blue-haired girl enough to giggle in response. 

“I guess you’re right.” Chloe smiles.

“Guess? I know I’m right,” Red rebuttals, turning to look for the bucket of water the ring her sponge out. 

Chloe and Red shared a playful exchange, both smiling at the lighthearted banter. Chloe shook her head, watching as Red reached for the bucket of water to wring out her sponge.

"You're so confident, aren't you?" Chloe teased, leaning in closer to Red as she finished with the sponge.

Red smirked, glancing over her shoulder at Chloe. "Confidence is key, Charming. You should know that by now."

Chloe rolled her eyes, but her grin widened as she leaned against the bucket, her hand casually dipping into the water. "You know, you talk a big game, but let's see how confident you are when—"

Before Red could react, Chloe flicked her fingers, sending a small splash of soapy water at Red’s face. Red froze for a moment, water dripping from her cheek, and then she slowly turned to face Chloe, an incredulous look on her face.

“Oh, you did not just do that,” Red said, her voice low and playful, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Chloe giggled, taking a step back. “What if I did?”

Red didn’t respond with words. Instead, she grabbed her own sponge, soaking it in the soapy water before flinging it toward Chloe. The sponge hit Chloe’s arm with a satisfying splat, and she gasped in mock outrage.

“You’re on,” Chloe shouted, grabbing her own sponge and launching it at Red, who quickly dodged, laughing all the while.

The commotion caught the attention of Bridget, Ella, and Charming, who were almost done on their side of the wall. Bridget raised an eyebrow as she watched Chloe and Red dodge and duck around each other, throwing soapy sponges like they were snowballs.

“What in the world are you two doing?” Bridget called out, trying to suppress her concern.

Charming, always eager to join in on some fun, didn’t need an invitation. He grabbed a sponge from his own bucket and hurled it toward Chloe, hitting her square on the back. “I think it’s a soap battle!” he declared, grinning as Chloe turned to him with mock indignation.

“That doesn’t mean you join them,” Bridget whined, watching as the chaos soon unfolded before her eyes. 

Ella, not one to be left out, picked up her own sponge, soaking it thoroughly before tossing it at Red, who barely managed to dodge it. “You seriously need to work on that aim of yours!” Red shouted, grabbing another sponge and tossing it back at Ella.

Soon enough, the whole group was involved, flinging soapy sponges and splashing water at each other with reckless abandon. Laughter echoed through the empty doorway as they ducked behind buckets, dodged incoming sponges, and tried to catch each other off guard.

Bridget, at first hesitant to join in, found herself swept up in the fun. She grabbed a sponge and aimed it at Charming, who was busy trying to outmanoeuvre Ella. The sponge hit him square in the face, leaving him momentarily stunned as the rest of the group burst into laughter.

“Nice shot, Bridget!” Chloe called out. Bridget wasn’t one for any kind of sports so to see her with such a sharp aim was incredible. 

Bridget shrugged with a grin. “Guess I’m not so bad at this after all,”

The battle raged on, with no one safe from the onslaught of soapy projectiles. Red and Chloe ended up cornered together, laughing as they tried to fend off attacks from both sides. They exchanged a glance, and in a silent agreement, they both turned their sponges on Charming, who was momentarily distracted by Ella.

“Attack!” Chloe shouted, and she and Red bombarded Charming with soapy water, leaving him drenched but laughing.

Ella joined in, and soon, the four of them had Charming cornered, all laughing too hard to aim properly. Bridget, watching from a safe distance, couldn’t help but laugh at the sight of her friends covered in soap suds and water, their faces bright with joy.

Eventually, the chaos died down, and the group found themselves leaning against the walls, out of breath and soaked to the bone. The walkway was a mess, with water and soap everywhere, but none of them cared. It had been worth it.

Chloe looked at Red, both of them grinning from ear to ear. “I think we made a bigger mess than we cleaned up,” Chloe said, still trying to catch her breath.

Red shrugged, a playful glint in her eye. “Totally worth it.”

Charming, dripping wet but smiling nonetheless, nodded in agreement. “Absolutely worth it. But… who’s going to clean all this up?”

The group exchanged glances, and for a moment, it seemed like no one was going to volunteer. Then, all at once, they burst into laughter again, knowing that they’d probably end up cleaning together—just like they’d made the mess together.