Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Uma had never been the type of person to go out and have fun, so she had no clue why she had agreed to do so tonight. Maybe it was because she’d passed a hard biology test earlier today. Maybe it was because she didn’t want to sit at home worrying about a swim meet next week. Maybe it was because Gil had begged her so he had someone to go with. Whatever the reason was, she was here now and couldn’t get out of it if she tried.

Gil had a light hold on her wrist and was practically dragging her down the busy street, heading towards this restaurant bar type place called The Lost Revenge. Uma had rolled her eyes initially when Gil grabbed her wrist but she was definitely thankful for it now or she would have gotten lost five blocks ago, the streets were packed as hell, bodies shoving passed each other at every turn. Who knew there’d be so many people out on a Friday night? Certainly not her. 

After what felt like an eternity, they finally made it to the right building and Gil held open the door for her. “You first, captain,” he said, a smile planted playfully on his lips. Captain was an inside joke between them. Uma was captain of her college’s swim team and after she’d said being called captain made her feel like a badass pirate, he’d started calling her that all the time. She thanked him and walked in, him following quickly.

Due to her opinion of going out, Uma had never actually been to The Lost Revenge, despite it being recommended to her many times. It was a nice place, small but not cramped by any means. It was dark. There were lights hung throughout but they were a dim yellow. It made the honey-colored walls feel warm and welcoming. To the left a woman with long brown curls stood behind the bar, wiping down glasses and chatting up the customers. There were red tables and booths littered throughout the restaurant, most of which were full of people with drinks in their hands and laughs on their faces. In the back of the bar there was a raised section that acted as a stage, with a few microphone stands and instruments against the wall. Also on the stage was a boy, a guitar was in his hands and he was strumming it lightly while talking quietly to the group seated at the table closest to the stage. Uma looked to see who was at that table and groaned. It was Mal and her stupid friends. Uma and Mal had grown up together and had been good friends before high school when Mal got popular and threw Uma to the sand. Not to mention the wicked prank Mal had pulled on her junior year.

Uma shook her head away from the table and walked over to the bar where Gil had just sat down. She sat next to him and gave him an annoyed look. “Mal and her posey are here. If she comes over here I can’t promise I won’t knock her teeth in.”

Gil only laughed, “Still mad about the shrimpy thing? Look, I’ll keep her out of your way, promise,” he held out his hand to her, pinky raised just to make a point. She rolled her eyes and Gil smiled before turning his attention to the woman behind the bar. “Hey Harriet! This is my friend Uma I told you about. Uma, this is Harriet Hook, she went to Auradon university too, graduated our freshman year.”

Uma looked at the woman, Harriet, and held out her hand as a greeting. “It’s nice to meet you.”

Harriet smiled widely and returned the handshake. “You too! I’ve heard so much about you and the swim team. I tried it my freshman year but the management was horrendous, I’m glad it’s in better hands now.” She let go and turned to grab a pad and pen before spinning back to face them, her hair whipping behind her with an audible woosh. “Now, what will you two be having on this fine evening?” 

They ordered and Harriet wrote it down before leaving through a door behind her, most likely to the kitchen. While waiting for the food Gil ordered a margarita while Uma decided to stick to something non alcoholic and chose a coke. The food arrived shortly and Uma gladly ate some of the fries, “Oh my god these are so good,” she said in between handfuls of fries, “Why have I never come here before?”

“Because you’re more stubborn than a- uhh- you’re stubborn,” Gil finished after failing to come up with a single stubborn animal. Uma laughed in response and picked up her drink, about to take a sip but stopping when she heard a voice.

It was the boy on the stage. He had a microphone standing in front of him and was singing into it. Wow, he had a nice voice, so nice it had stopped Uma in her tracks. His voice was sweet, the words seeming to dance from his mouth. The guitar was still in his hands, the melody perfectly complimenting the vocals. There was an accent to his voice, one she couldn’t quite pinpoint but beautiful nonetheless. It was mesmerizing to listen to. It seemed she wasn't the only one entrapped by the tone, most of the bar had quieted down and even Gil let out a quiet “damn.” Uma agreed. Damn. 

She tried to turn her attention back to her burger and fries but couldn’t stop looking back to the stage, to him. There were additional lights on now, pointed to the stage, allowing her to see him better. He had light skin and short brown hair with a slight wave to it. He had Icy blue eyes that popped violently against the dark eyeshadow and eyeliner that painted his face. Though he was singing a slow love song, the mischievous quirk in his smile made her wonder if he was as lovey dovey as the song made him out to be. He was wearing a plain red tank top and Uma could see the hint of a tattoo on his wrist and hand but couldn’t make out what it was behind the bracelets that covered it. He wore black jeans that were ripped in several places and adorned with a chain through the belt loops. To summarize, he was very attractive, Uma thought. His eyes met hers and there seemed to almost be a pause in his song. She couldn’t be sure, for he quickly picked up where he’d left off and turned away from her. 

Uma, regretfully, turned her gaze away from the beautiful boy and looked at Gil, who was paying attention only to his burger. She chuckled to herself and ate her food before it got too cold. The live music ended and was replaced by speaker tunes. She snuck a quick peek to the stage but the boy wasn’t up there, he was standing at Mal’s table, chatting up a storm. Uma involuntarily rolled her eyes. 

Gil got up beside her and put a hand on her shoulder. “I’m going to the bathroom, you better not still be making goo goo eyes at him when I get back, it’s creepy.” Uma opened her mouth to argue that she was not making goo goo eyes but Gil had already walked away, leaving her alone at the bar. 

A few minutes later someone sat to her right, the barstool creaking as it spun. Uma looked over, expecting Gil but was shocked when she saw the boy sat there instead. He had a water bottle in one hand while the other rested on the bar, fingers lightly drumming against the wood. Since the tattoo was on his left hand she could see it clearly now. It was a chain wrapping around his wrist with the end attached to a hook that sat on the top of his hand. It was done nicely, the lines very clear and the shading beautiful. Behind him, she could see Gil walk out of the bathroom and he smirked when he saw Uma talking to the boy. He went to a different table and started talking to the people there instead. Uma almost felt bad, but knew those people were also Gil’s friends.

Harriet walked over and a smile spread across the boy's face. “Harriet! Could you please make me a sandwich?” He asked, battering his eyelashes at her. She just rolled her eyes and handed him a plate with an already made sandwich on it. Apparently she knew his order.

“Oh you’re the best.” He happily took the plate from her and set it down, picking up the sandwich.

“I spit in it,” she answered cheerfully before walking away.

He frowned, the sandwich only inches from his mouth. He met Uma’s watchful eyes, looked at his sandwich before looking back at her, raising his eyebrows. This got a chuckle out of her.

“I’m sure she didn’t actually spit in it,” Uma insisted, though she had no idea what their relationship was with one another or if Harriet disliked him enough to do that.

“Oh I wouldn’t be so sure, she’s my sister,” he explained as he examined his sandwich thoroughly. His accent was Scottish, much more pronounced in his speech than in his singing. Now that she thought about it, Harriet had a Scottish accent too. He seemingly made up his mind that the sandwich was fine and took a bite out of it. 

“Is that why you have a tattoo of a hook? Harriet’s last name is Hook i think,” She blurted out and immediately regretted it. Great, now if he didn’t already notice her staring he definitely knew now, she prayed he wouldn’t be weirded out.

If he was weirded out he didn’t show it, he just nodded, “mhmm, my name's Harry Hook. Harry, Harriet, very similar names. It's annoying. What’s your name?” He looked at her, his eyes bright in the light. Uma opened her mouth to answer but was cut off.

“Shrimpy, her name’s Shrimpy,” Mal said, appearing out of fucking no where. Her sudden appearance made Uma jump a little and she glared at Mal, who paid no mind, eyes on Harry. “Why are you sitting over here? Come back to my table, it's more fun than here I'm sure.”

Harry ignored her question, basically ignored Mal entirely. His eyes were still on Uma. “Shrimpy? That's gotta suck to have as a name. You got a nickname or do you just go by that?”

“My name’s not Shrimpy, it's Uma.” Her eyes didn’t leave Mal, glaring into her skull hoping she’d just ignite in flame. Fucking Mal, why did she have to ruin everything? Couldn’t Uma have one nice night talking to a guy without Mal sticking her stupid face in her business?

Mal just pouted playfully at Uma. “Is it? I mean everyone in highschool called you Shrimpy, I'm pretty sure it's Shrimpy.”

Uma stood up, grabbing a knife from her plate that she’d used to cut her burger and pointed it at Mal. “Don’t think I won't cut your tongue out of your face to make you shut up.”

Harry got up and stood in between them. He grabbed the knife from Uma’s hand and set it back on the bar, noticeably out of her reach. “Okay how about we just calm down eh? no one needs to fight.”

Gil walked over and stood by Uma, placing a hand on her shoulder. Whether it was to comfort her or stop her from lunging at Mal, she couldn’t be sure. At the same time, Mal’s group of Evie, Jay, Carlos, and a few other people she didn’t know came to stand beside her, all tense for a fight. Uma was outnumbered for sure but she didn’t care, she could take them. 

Harry’s eyebrows raised. “Actually on second thought, let's leave.” He ushered Gil and Uma out the door before anyone could start throwing anything. Mal said something but Uma couldn't hear, she was too busy cursing under her breath about what a witch she was. 

To her surprise, instead of just closing the door, Harry walked out with them. He ran a hand through his hair and sighed. “Well that was something wasn't it? Sorry, I didn’t know you two didn’t like each other, I would’ve told Mal to leave us alone if I did.” 

Gil shook his head. “It’s my fault, I told Uma that I’d make sure Mal stayed out of her way but I got distracted. Sorry to drag you into this Harry.” Apparently they knew each other, she didn’t know that.

Harry just shrugged. “It’s all good, I’ve worked here long enough to see tons of fights, I’m just glad it didn’t turn into a hospital visit.”

“You work here? I thought you just sang,” Uma finally chimed in. She had her arms crossed, still fuming about what just occurred but the calm outside was helping.

“Yeah Harriet got me the job. I work at the bar most of the time but she lets me sing because it attracts more business.” He took a step toward Uma “I really am sorry about Mal, is there anything I can do to make it up to you? Buy you a drink, get you some food?” Wow he really was sorry, Uma hadn’t expected him to be. She’d been worried he’d take Mal’s side since they seemed to be friends and all. 

She put her finger to her lips, a common habit that she did when she was thinking. “I’m free tomorrow, we could get something to eat,” Uma smiled a little as she said this. She had to admit, she wanted to spend more time with him. Even if it was only because he felt guilty, it was still free food, and free food to a college student is basically a million dollars. 

Harry smiled back at her, “Cool, you could give me your number and we can text about the details. I need to get back before Harriet comes looking for me, I’m still technically on the clock.”

They exchanged numbers and goodbyes, Harry walked inside while Uma and Gil made their way down the streets towards their apartments. Gil chuckled as they walked, “At least going out wasn’t completely terrible, I got you a new friend, maybe a new date if you don’t mess this up. You should really be thanking me.”

Uma rolled her eyes and gave him a light shove but she was smiling. She’d never admit it outloud, but she was very happy she went out tonight.

Chapter Text

Uma had always liked the park that was a few blocks from her apartment. It was called Fairytale Gardens and was incredibly beautiful, especially in the fall. Leaves of all colors painted the trees as well as the ground below. There were birds hopping from the branches that held bird feeders, no doubt filling up before their soon migration. The left side of the park was a playground full of color. There were many tables near the playground for people to sit and eat the food that the forever rotating groups of food trucks brought. Though it wasn’t visible she knew there was a pool and a basketball court beyond. The right side was more quiet and nature-like, with trails spiraling around bushes of flowers. There were a few benches scattered around this area as well, which is where Uma was, her phone and an open notebook seated in her lap.

She paused the video she was watching and checked the time on her phone. 2:28. She and Harry had texted this morning and decided to get some food from the food trucks here at 2:30. She had gotten here an hour or so early since she liked to do homework here, as it was quite peaceful. Uma unpaused the video and continued scribbling down notes,

A few minutes later a shadow fell over her notes and she looked up to see Harry standing next to her, hands resting lightly on the armrest closest to her. She quickly paused the video and took her headphones out, beginning to pack her stuff in a light purple messenger bag sat beside her. 

“Hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long,” Harry said as he held out a hand for Uma, which she gladly accepted once she was done getting her stuff together.

“Oh not at all, I came early so I could get some work done,” She explained as they began walking towards where the food trucks were, stomach already growling. “Have you been here before?”

Harry followed quickly, hands in the pockets of the black leather jacket he was wearing. The jacket had made Uma smile since she was also wearing one, just brown. “Nope,  had no idea they even had food trucks here. If it’s good I will definitely be back though, it’s very pretty here,” He looked around as he spoke, paying attention to everything except what was in front of him. 

Uma had to grab his shoulder a few times to stop him from running into various children that were racing around, but they eventually made it to the food trucks. They chose one at random and ordered. He decided on nachos while she got fish tacos. Once they got their food they sat down at a table off to the side by a tree full of red leaves. 

“So you and Mal, are you friends?” Uma asked as she picked up one of her tacos.

“Eh, not exactly, she holds a lot of parties and invites me. I’m always up for parties so of course I say yes, sometimes I play music there. I’m guessing you two are on less good terms?” He raised an eyebrow. Though a good amount of his attention was on his food, he seemed genuinely curious about what she’d answer.

Uma made a face. “Definitely not good terms. She’s such a witch, acts like she’s so much better than everyone else cause her boo is rich as shit.” Her boyfriend Ben was loaded , his parents founded the university. Honestly, Ben wasn’t terrible, he had always been nice to Uma whenever their paths crossed. 

Harry chuckled, “Can’t argue with you there, she can be self centered. That money does mean great alcohol at the parties though.”

It was Uma’s turn to raise an eyebrow. “You work at a bar, can’t you get all the free drinks you want there?” 

He pouted, “I wish! Harriet doesn’t like wasting liquor, especially not on letting workers have free drinks. I do get a discount though.” His voice seemed to always soften when talking about his sister, it was obvious he cared about her a great deal. Uma didn’t have any siblings, so she wasn't sure what having one was like. Probably great, it would’ve been nice having someone with her in her childhood. It had been very lonely since her father had left before she was born and her mother didn’t even deserve the title with how little she acted like one.

“Harriet seems really responsible, is she your only sibling?”

He shook his head. “Nah, I have a little sister too, CJ, she’s 18. Harriet is the responsible one for sure, she basically raised me and CJ since our mom died and our dad… well he won’t be winning any ‘good parent’ awards.” His voice had gotten quieter as he spoke, despite trying to make a joke at the end. Uma was surprised how well she could sympathize with him.

“I’m sorry about your mom. I grew up with one parent too, she wouldn’t win any awards either.” Uma was curious to know more about his past but she wouldn’t dare pry, she knew how painful memories could be. She wouldn’t force him to dig them up just so she could learn more about him.

He smiled at her and held up his cup of water playfully. “A toast, to terrible parents.”

She rolled her eyes, but tapped her cup to his.

They finished up their food and started walking, ending up by the pool, the basketball court and a tennis court next to it. Uma knew this pool very well, she went to it whenever she didn’t want to go to the college pool as it was further away from her apartment than the park was. 

Harry looked at the pool then back at her. “You swim right? Gil mentioned it to me and Harriet once.”

She nodded. “Yeah, I’ve been swimming since I was born.” Uma leaned against the fence that surrounded the pool as she talked, arms crossed lightly.

Harry leaned his shoulder on the fence, facing her. A smile seemed to always be on his lips. “Well remind me to never challenge you to a swimming race, I’d lose for sure. I bet I could beat you in a ground race though,” He challenged playfully.

A mischievous smile spread across her lips. She was always up for a challenge, and was extremely competitive. “In your dreams, Hook. I could beat you, easy.”

“Oh yeah? You’re on, first one to the end of the tennis court and back wins.”

The way the park had laid this area out was a long straight sidewalk, with smaller paths venturing off to the entrances to each area to the right. The pool was first, further down the basketball court, then finally the tennis court. The sidewalk went farther beyond to where Uma knew some bathrooms were. They'd race to the agreed upon line on the sidewalk that corresponded with the end of the tennis court, then back to where the path to the pool was. Harry and Uma lined up next to each other on the sidewalk, beside the path that led to the pool entrance. Harry looked at her and winked. 

“3”

“2”

“1!”

They took off running. Harry was just barely in front of her, a smirk on his face. He picked up speed but Uma stayed close behind.They made it past the basketball court, Uma was beside him now. They looked at each other, both speeding up, neither wanting to lose. They neared the end of the tennis court. He was sloppy with the turn and she took her chance, she turned lightning fast and raced back towards the pool, now in front of him. He followed close behind but didn’t manage to catch up in time. She hit the finish line a second before him and whooped in celebration. 

Harry let out a shaky laugh and sat on the sidewalk, trying to catch his breath. “Okay you win.”

She laughed and sat down next to him, crossing her legs, lightly playing with the rips in her jeans. “I always do,” she joked, “You’re pretty good too I guess.”

Harry rubbed his eye, not so subtly using only his middle finger to do so. He was smiling though and ran his hand through his hair, fixing it after the race had messed it up. “I can’t imagine how fast you are in the water after that, you are fast .”

She shrugged, “I have a swim meet soon, you could see me swim then if you like?”

He smiled, “I’d like that.”

Uma retrieved her bag from where shed sat it at the pool entrance and grabbed her phone, checking the time. Holy crap it was almost 6. She got up and walked over to Harry, holding out a hand to help him up. “I should get back home before it gets dark.”

He nodded and got up with the help of her hand. “I should probably get back too, I have work soon. Text me when that swim meet is though, I’ll be your personal cheerleader,” He held up his hands, shaking imaginary pom poms. 

They said goodbye and Uma made it back to her apartment, tossing her bag lightly onto her floor and falling onto her bed. A smile hadn’t left her face the whole way home and wasn’t daring to budge now. Curse that Harry Hook.