30 | LIVIN' AS A ROYAL

SONNY White and Ben had always been close as both of them were no doubt some of the kindest souls you would come across. At one point it had actually been their own little competition, who could be kinder? Daughter of Snow White or son of Belle.

Winter and Sonny got along as well, though Winter was not all that close to Sonny as Winter pushed people away. But alike to how Ben did, Sonny White had constantly tried to befriend the girl on a closer level when she attended Auradon Prep.

It got Winter to thinking about how much she had already changed since the VKs arrived. Now she had more friends outside of just Jonah—something that she was actually grateful for. As scared as she was of her own powers, Winter had to admit that she liked having people to lean on.

"Oh my goodness!" Sonny squealed in delight, pulling Ben into a hug.

Ben eagerly hugged her back, Mal raising a brow at the two with a "what the hell?" sort of expression on her face. She also looked annoyed at her fiancé hugging some unnamed chick, something that Winter did not blame her for.

The two pulled away and before Winter could blink she was being pulled into a warm hug by the girl. Winter stiffened—feeling the warmth of the girl seep into her icy interior—but she awkwardly hugged her back. As much as Winter liked warm hugs, she was still awkward about any physical contact with anyone in Auradon.

Sonny did not seem to mind; however, only pulling away from the slightly chilly girl with a lovely smile.

"I did not expect to see you guys here," she beamed, looking at Winter with a gleam in her eye, "and you look magnificent as always, Winter," leave it to Sonny to be the one to toss a compliment your way.

If Winter did not know any better, she would say that Sonny's voice was so musical she could entrance anyone.

"Thanks," Winter nodded as Ben stepped closer.

"Sonny, this mall is quite a while away from Dynasty Academy, what are you doing here?" The King questioned her.

Sonny shrugged, "I missed this mall, so me and a few friends decided to make the long drive up here. You know Aziz—Jasmine and Aladdin's son, right?" Ben nodded in reply. "Well, he is here somewhere along with Jordan—she's the Genie's daughter. Melody—Ariel's daughter came, so did Tommy—Tiana and Naveen's son, he's probably off dancing with Zellie—Rapunzel's daughter or something," Winter rose a brow at the mention of her second-cousin.

Yes, Rapunzel was the cousin of Elsa and Anna. It came from King Agnarr's side as Rapunzel's mother had been his sister. Zellie and her were not all that close, but they were extremely friendly with each other when they saw each other. It was the same with Soren and Sitara.

Sonny continued, "Then Merida's twins—Marcellus and Marissa are no doubt causing havoc somewhere..." Sonny trailed off, playing with a long strand of curly raven-colored hair.

"Yeah, they were all curious to see if we'd see any villain kids, you know, cause like Dynasty isn't anywhere near where the barrier was and all that," Sonny explained.

Ben and Winter nodded, expecting some of the Dynasty Academy kids to become curious. Dynasty Academy was not quite as big as Auradon Prep, but a few more royal children of the kingdoms attended Dynasty than Auradon. While most students from the two schools had origin stories that involved heroes or villains—the true royals one were determined as the children who were meant to take their parents' place as the head of their respective kingdoms.

The children who would one day form the council of Auradon with Ben as the head.

Mal, on the other hand, had enough of being left out. In a confident manner, she walked slightly in front of Ben in an almost possessive manner and crossed her arms. Sonny looked momentarily surprised as though just noticing Mal's presence while sized her up and down.

"And you would be—?" Mal's words were anything but friendly and yet Sonny suddenly grinned.

Mal looked taken aback as Sonny jumped up and down in excitement, looking nothing less than a pixie on speed.

"You are so much prettier in real life!" Sonny squealed with a laugh.

"Uhm," Mal shifted uncomfortably, unsure of how to take that, "thanks? I think..."

"Oh, how rude of me, sorry," Sonny calmed herself down with a clear of her throat, "I am Sonny White, daughter of—"

"Snow White," Mal realized causing Sonny to nod ecstatically.

So, this was the famous Sonny White who Mal and the others had heard about. The girl who had apparently been pulled from Auradon Prep because of Evie coming. Mal could not help but turn her nose up at the girl slightly—knowing just how bad Evie felt after learning about her.

It was not uncommon as now when the VKs, especially the new arrivals, came into contact with the daughters and sons of their parents' enemies—they could not help but feel bad about their parent's actions.

"Right, indeed," she giggled, "I have been dying to meet you, see the girl who finally captured Ben's heart! I knew he and Audrey would not last, as much as I love her, she and Ben were definitely not suited for each other," Winter rose a brow at Sonny's rambling, but did not judge as she knew she could be just as bad, "...and I would love to meet Evie, Doug has told me so much about her and her outfits are just to die for...!"

Mal slowly nodded along, obviously getting lost in the girl's fast-paced words. However, one thing ran clear, Doug was not lying when he said Sonny was just a ball of sunshine. Mal almost felt sick from the sweetness oozing out of her.

Winter and Ben shared a look, both knowing that Sonny could be a little much when you first met her. Especially to the VKs who were not as accustomed to sugary sweet personalities like Sonny White.

Before either could step in (Harry and Uma momentarily forgotten), another member entered the conversation. Most VKs would be overloaded by Sonny's natural sunshine, but there was one VK who could easily keep up. And his name was Gil—the youngest son of Gaston.

"Hey guys, I think I want these jeans and this shirt—" Gil came from the dressing room, earning the attention of Mal, Winter, Ben, and most of all, Sonny.

The blond who had his hair pulled back into a ponytail stopped short upon meeting the caramel gaze of Sonny White. Gil's breath was literally knocked away as he set eyes upon the most beautiful girl he had ever seen.

When his father, Gaston, met Belle—he was obsessed. Gaston believed that only someone as handsome as he should end up with someone as beautiful as Belle. And growing up, that was all Gil had heard from his father: stories of how to reel in a woman as he had tried with Belle.

While his older twin brothers ate this up, Gil was much different. He had never particularly taken a fancy to anybody, but he knew the way to somebody's heart was not through the self-absorbed methods his father tried to engrain in his head.

And even though he had never so much as had a word with the girl in front of him (he didn't even know her name!) that if he ever got the chance, Gil would treat her as though she was a gift sent straight from Heaven itself. As though she were the divine light.

Gil actually dropped the t-shirt and jeans, Sonny's eyes widening at the handsome broad boy in front of her.

Gil gasped, opening and closing his mouth like a fish before one single word fell from his lips, "...beautiful..."

Sonny immediately blushed, nervously bouncing on her toes and twirling her hair harshly. Winter, Ben, and Mal all gave each other knowing looks—Winter beginning to smirk. Her inner hopeless-romantic matchmaking nature was coming into full swing. Mal subtly gave her nod, as though telling her she was wholeheartedly on board with this new ship.

Ben glanced between the two in a questioning manner, looking innocently confused.

However, Winter and Mal officially had a new goal in mind for this afternoon. Operation get Gil, son of Gaston and Sonny, daughter of Snow White was A-go.

Oh yes, Winter shipped this hardcore.

"Oh, well, uhm," Sonny was flustered, blushing brightly but grinning all the same, "th-thank you! Oh gosh look, I'm blushing—I probably look like a tomato—"

"A cute tomato," Gil said sweetly causing Sonny to squeal and smile so bright that the four surrounding her thought she could actually rival the sun.

"You are so sweet!" Sonny was sighing in a dreamy manner, looking absolutely smitten, "Gosh, where are my manners today?" Sonny shook herself out of it, widening her eyes and taking a deep breath before giving Gil such a charming smile he nearly passed out. "Hello, I am Sonny White, it is very nice to meet you," she held out her hand.

Gil swallowed but eagerly took her soft hand within his grasp, his larger one easily covering hers. Shivers rolled down his spine at how soft her skin was. He was even more taken when Sonny bowed her head and performed a low curtsy with only the utmost elegance.

Gil smiled, holding onto her hand just a little more tightly. He had no clue what to do after she came back up and rather than be upset that Gil did not bow back, Sonny thought it was entirely cute and giggled. Gil decided he loved the sound of her laugh, and despite them having no real reason, they continued to hold hands simply gazing in each other's eyes.

"Wow," Mal piped from next to Winter who nodded, "how long has it been?"

Winter tilted her head at the newfound duo, feeling as though Gil and Sonny White were the absolute perfect match. Winter really wished Sonny still attended Auradon Prep now.

"They met exactly two minutes ago," Winter said with a small laugh, still entranced by the true love the two were showcasing.

Ben smiled as well, now catching on to what was happening. Subconsciously, Winter felt a small pulse in her chest and looked back toward Harry. She smiled at the sight of the pirate but that smile was wiped off her face when she saw him and Uma carelessly looking through random jewelry pieces and throwing them to the floor.

She bit her lip, nudging Mal and jerking her head in the direction of the two cackling lunatics. Mal sighed at the sight gaining Ben's attention as well.

"Okay, I think it's time to leave this store," Winter said.

"Oh, I wholeheartedly agree," Ben nodded.

"Mal, go grab those two and I will take Gil to pay for his things, we'll meet outside the store?" Winter said causing Mal to nod and walk toward Harry and Uma, cringing at the dark looks the workers were throwing at her.

"We'll talk to them out there," Ben suggested.

"For sure," Winter agreed, before looking to Gil who was still holding Sonny's hand, "let's go pay for that, Gil, we'll meet them out there,"

Gil nodded, giving Sonny one last smile before following Winter off to the check-out register. Mal was pushing Harry and Uma out the door while Ben and Sonny followed on their heels. Winter briefly wondered how the meeting between Harry, Uma, and Sonny would go but was unable to ponder as she was asked to hand-over her credit card by a more than disgruntled worker.

"So, do you like Sonny?" Winter gave Gil a knowing smile, the blond boy nodding eagerly.

"Of course, she's perfect," Gil sighed dreamily earning an eyebrow raise from Winter.

The attraction between the two was so quick it nearly gave her whiplash. Then again, that was how most romances in Auradon worked by some strange miraculous circumstances.

"Maybe she'll come shopping with us and you can get to know her better," Winter stated as Gil's eyes lit up at her words.

"I sure hope so! I wonder what she likes...?" Gil was pondering as the worker bagged up the jeans and shirt before practically shoving them at her.

Winter's mind came up with an immediate conclusion. "Sonny likes animals—no, loves animals..."

Gil face nearly split in half from how happy he was. So did he.

Unlike Gaston, Gil was unable to kill game as his father so wished he could. Hunting was a favorite past time for his father and brothers, but not him—no Gil loved animals. Gaston hated that factor and tried to make Gil a hunter, but he never succeeded.

"I love animals too!" Gil excitedly shouted, grabbing Winter's hand as soon as she got back her credit card and basically dragged her toward the doors of the store.

Winter was stumbling with the heels, but quickly got her balance and made sure her card was securely in her purse before handing the clothes bag to Gil. From where they were, Winter could see Ben introducing Uma and Harry to Sonny—the girl easily chatting away as she always did. Mal, Uma, and Harry all looked completely lost by the sunny personality—Ben keeping up as he had always been able to do with her.

Looking at her now, Gil was convinced that Sonny truly was the fairest of them all.

Sonny looked much like her mother—the only difference being her long curly hair versus her mother's straight bob-cut. Sonny received the curls from her father along with his nose, and that was about it. Alike to her mother, she was tiny and dainty—much smaller than Gil.

Winter and Gil could hear her voice from where they were, it was so bell-like that it carried—almost making her sound as though she sang everything she spoke. Even though it was a known fact that princesses were musically inclined, Sonny was one of the more gifted singers—she absolutely loved singing.

It was because of this along with her gravitating looks that many girls were jealous of Sonny. But she never let that get her down, she continued on with her head high. It was something that Winter very much admired, sometimes she wished she could be more like Sonny.

"Sonny, would you like to join us in shopping?" Winter announced her and Gil's oncoming presence once they were just outside the store.

The group turned to them, Sonny basically bounding up to Gil. Winter took a small step away from the couple, watching with wide-eyes as the two got lost in each other's gaze.

"Of course!" Sonny cheered.

Uma and Harry turned to each other in shock, both not believing what they were seeing. As far as they were concerned (which was a lot because the three were inseparable) Gil had not once shown affection nor received any from the female population.

Harry's jaw was slack, the pirates turning back to Gil who was still staring at Sonny as though she were the prettiest thing in the world. Mal nodded toward Winter who subtly glanced back at her. Winter had a feeling that Sonny was like her mother in the sense that she was "go hard or go home" in terms of love.

From what Winter remembered, Sonny had always been keen on waiting for the one. Well, apparently the one came in the form of Gil for her.

Harry continued to look as though he was not believing what he was seeing, but slowly he began clapping causing all eyes to fall on him. Uma shook her head at him, but Harry did not cease in his clapping as a wild grin fell on his face.

Winter tilted her head, amused at Harry's antics.

"Congratulations, Gil! I didn't know ya' had in ye!" He exclaimed, his heavily accented voice showing just how astonished he really was. "And she's quite the looker too!" Harry looked Sonny up and down—something that made Winter's chest constrict slightly.

She frowned at the odd feeling, remembering this is exactly how she felt when Evie told her Harry danced with Audrey way back before the first day of school. It was that slimy green feeling that was called jealousy, a feeling Winter decided that she officially hated.

Normally, Harry Hook had nearly all his attention on her when she was around. It was overbearing, but secretly Winter loved it. She had been spoiled with his attention for the past few weeks now, that much had become clear suddenly as Harry looked at Sonny.

In retrospect, it should not have been a surprise as Sonny White was the definition of beautiful. Every person who laid on eyes on her was rarely able to take their gaze away, but Sonny had never shown any interest back.

Except to Gil that was.

And like that, Winter felt almost stupid standing there in her expensive outfit when Harry clearly only had eyes for Sonny White like every other guy. Gil did not even acknowledge Harry's praise, only smiling at Sonny further.

Both of them were such rays of sunshine that it made Winter want to puke, especially with this newfound ball of jealousy. Mal and Uma shared nervous glances, both fully aware of the annoyance Winter was feeling by the look on the pale girl's face.

Huffing, Winter pushed her sunglasses back over her eyes, realizing that the jealousy was probably showing in her gaze.

Unfortunately, also alike to last time Winter was even the slightest bit jealous, the air around them dropped in temperature. It was now crisp and much chillier—many people in the mall beginning to shiver slightly.

Mal nestled into Ben's side while Uma forcefully grabbed Harry (efficiently taking his attention off of Gil and Sonny) and dug her way into his side. It was a small attempt to warm herself up, and unlike with Sonny, Winter was not jealous in the slightest at their interaction.

Winter knew that Harry and Uma had a close friendship and even then Winter had zero right to be jealous of them. Uma and Harry were as thick as thieves.

Now, on the other hand, Winter felt as though she had the perfect excuse to be irritated at Sonny.

Seriously, he was trying to win her over, right? Well, checking out other girls was not the right way to do it, Hook. Winter was only going to make his attempts that much harder from here on out.

"We should get on with shopping," Winter's voice cut across like ice, showing just how frosty she could be.

Harry finally looked at her, raising a brow at the sour look across her face. Looks like his tactic worked then.

Mal sent a worried look to Ben before following after Winter who set a brisk pace toward the next store.

Harry snickered, happy that his natural flirtatious nature worked as he wanted, but Uma slapped his shoulder.

"Idiot," she hissed, "you probably just put yourself back like ten steps!" Harry frowned at her words, his wild eyes gaining a worried look.

One glance at Winter told him that Uma was right. "Shit," his shoulders slumped when he realized his captain was correct.

Gil and Sonny were happily oblivious in their own little world, both chatting excitedly to each other. Sonny had linked their arms, the two looking as though they were on nothing less than a date.

"You two cannot act like how you did in the previous store in this next one," Winter said flatly, not caring all that much anymore.

Mal winced along with Ben while Uma and Harry appeared surprised at her boldness.

"S'cuse me, duckling,"

Winter rolled her eyes from under her sunglasses, stopping and spinning around.

It caused the entire group to stop, all looking at her in a questioning manner. Well, Ben and Mal were more gaping, but Winter honestly was too upset to care. She truly did not know why she was acting so dramatically about this, she normally was not this dramatic at all.

Perhaps she was PMSing? Yes, that had to be it.

"What do ye mean?" Harry continued his previous statement causing Winter to cross her arms.

Ben got the sense that Winter was about to say something harsh, so he quickly cut her off, "What she means is maybe..." he scratched the back of his head sheepishly, "smile more?"

"Smile?" Uma deadpanned while Harry narrowed his eyes.

"Yeah, and be more thoughtful," Mal added causing Harry to scoff.

"Thoughtful?" Harry echoed, as though it were a foreign word.

"Oh yeah, and always be kind!" Sonny suggested causing Gil to giggle slightly, giving her an almost loopy smile.

"Kind!" Harry and Uma practically shouted in unison.

Harry clenched his fist, pointing an accusing digit at the King and his girlfriend. "Aye, yer beginning to sound like the old bat in them goody classes!"

By the "old bat", they all knew Harry meant the Fairy Godmother.

"Maybe that is not such a bad thing," Winter snapped in a chillingly calm tone, once again causing everybody to look at her in surprise.

Harry's eyebrows shot up, really not expecting her to give him such a look of disdain. Though a small sadistic Isle part of him was eating this up—he found it hilarious how jealous she could get. A new discovery that he put at the back of his mind.

However, Harry realized that now was really not the time to be egging her on. He really had to be earning her forgiveness, especially if he wanted to see her in those panties he was promised.

"Duckling—" Harry was not able to get anything further out as Winter looked him up and down.

She moved her glasses to the edge of her nose while doing so, bringing her warm eyes up and briefly meeting Harry's own gaze. However, she soon had her glasses back in place.

"You guys know better than I do that the Isle of the Lost and Auradon—especially here in the capital are two completely different worlds. Mal learned it, Evie learned it, Carlos learned it, and Jay learned it. Now, it's your guys' turn to learn it. You don't need to change your true self, but ripping stuff that you haven't bought yet is a big no-no," Winter chided as Mal nodded along.

"It's hard but it's necessary," Mal stated causing Harry and Uma to scowl.

Winter narrowed her eyes at Harry, wasting no time in walking over to him. Harry jumped at her quickly approaching figure, but smirked anyway.

"Aye, ye want a kiss—?" Harry let out an embarrassingly high-pitched yelp when Winter placed a hand between his shoulder blades and pressed in—forcing him to stand up straight.

Uma laughed loudly, taking a step back and covering her mouth from how hard she was snickering. Gil was laughing as well, leaning against Sonny who looked amused too. Mal was dying with Uma while Ben desperately tried to keep his own cackles at bay.

Harry growled, looking down at Winter with a dangerous flare in his eye. He did not think himself actually capable of hurting her, but he sure could warn her off. It was even easier when she was acting like this toward him—more angry than her usual gentle and flushed nature. Anger tended to make Harry far more aggressive, perhaps that is what drew him to Winter so much.

Her calm and soothing nature. However, he wouldn't lie when he said he was excited about this new angry spark he had erupted from within her.

"What do ye think yer—?"

"You need to stand up straight as a board, perfect posture," Winter once again corrected his posture, her hands surprising strong for being so small.

It caused Harry to hiss in annoyance and his back already hurt from standing in such a manner. He had never stood so straight in his life.

Mal cringed, rubbing her own neck remembering how painful the lessons on "proper posture 101" were at first. Eventually, she had gotten used to it, but sometimes pain still flared up in her back. Luckily, Ben was an excellent massager.

Whirling around, Winter stood in the middle of Ben and Sonny. The three royals were sizing the Sea Three up and Ben could not help but gain a sense familiarity—this reminded him of the time Jay, Evie, and Carlos taught him how to act on the Isle.

Ben was glad it was finally his turn to be the teacher of someone to the ways of Auradon.

Mal stood off to the side, refusing to get in on this. She was Isle and Auradon now, she could not pick a side.

Harry, Uma, and Gil delivered unsure looks—Harry slowly growing more annoyed. His back was already killing him so he once again went back into his usual standing position causing Winter scowl.

"Look," Winter deadpanned, "here's the truth, the people here in the capital can be quite... critical. If you don't listen to us you are all going to get kicked out,"

"But Ben is King, can't he just use his kingly power—?"

"Not the point,"

"And as you will be part of the council with Harry and Gil as your two sides, this is all stuff you will need to understand," Ben piped with his gleaming smile.

Sonny practically danced around the Sea Three—Gil watching her with his normal dreamy manner. Winter noticed with a raised brow that Harry did not seem the least bit interested as before, now he was only looking at Sonny because she was spinning around them.

People who were walking through the mall easily got out of the groups way, not even blinking at the scene. Auradon was weird like that.

"It's just a few simple things really—always smile, be thoughtful, be kind...!"

"Head held high, exert go-lucky confidence," Ben explained.

"Perfect posture and you need to strut when you walk—that is how you live like a royal," Winter advised the three while Sonny giggled.

"Ooh, living like a royal? I like it," she spoke, humming to herself as Winter and Ben cast sideways glances at her.

Sonny may have been too go-lucky for her own good sometimes.

Gil was grinning, nodding at them while Uma and Harry grimaced. Uma looked as though she wanted to rip her hair out while Harry appeared ready to scream and throw a fit. Before either of them could say something against it, Winter decided it was better to force them to the next store.

"With that in mind, let's go," Winter stated as Mal came from the side to stand next to her.

Sonny once again grabbed Gil's hand, pulling him with her as they all walked toward the next store.

For the next few stores, Uma and Harry while they were glowering—were also much better behaved. Throughout this, Harry had made it a point to barely even glance at Sonny and instead focused all of his being on Winter. Winter could not even count how many times Harry tried getting her attention, flirting, or even just speaking to her.

It may have been extremely petty, but she ignored him every time. Winter really disliked that she was being so petty but she could not stop the sour taste that came every time she thought about Harry even feeling the slightest bit of attraction to Sonny.

It mostly bothered her because it made sense, Sonny was pretty and kind and everything that Winter wishes she could be. As compassionate as Winter was capable of being, it was nothing compared to the selfless nature that was Sonny White. Even then, Sonny was not cursed with uncontrollable powers of the cold and dark.

Sure, Winter loved her powers when she was at home or in Arendelle—in her comfort zone. But here in the capital of Auradon, not so much. She hated doing everything she had just suggested Uma, Harry, and Gil to do, she loathed living like a royal. In Auradon though, it was their way of surviving. On the Isle, you may have had to get your hands dirty and physically fight to stay alive, but here in Auradon—it was all about appearance and wealth. If you did not act the part then you would be a goner.

Maybe it was for the better if Harry put his attentions on someone other than herself. Winter had momentarily forgotten her reason for pushing people away, but she was reminded now. Her powers were uncontrollable, she had a swirling storm within her own being. Her powers had beauty in them, but there was also a great danger—how could she live with herself if Harry was a victim to the swirling storm inside?

The scar on her waist burned at her thoughts causing Winter to wince. Oh yeah, the most important factor in this whole equation had slipped her mind. Ignoring Harry may just be impossible seeing as he was her damn soulmate.

"Felicite's Secret?" Winter looked over at Uma who was staring at the store the group was about to walk into.

They had already been to quite a few other stores such as Evermore 23, Lilo's Beach Wear, Auradon Raven, and Lucy Lemons. Harry, Uma, Mal, and Gil had been particularly fond of Versarchery the archery store and Swordsmen Craft, the sword shop. Uma and Harry bought three news blades each—Harry claiming that these were the nicest swords he had ever had. Uma agreed with her first mate on that.

They were items that Harry already cherished and despite his attempts at thanking Winter (because that's what you did on Auradon, you thanked people) she managed to evade him.

But Harry was not giving up, he was more so debating on how to sway her from being so upset at him.

"I love Felicite's Secret!" Sonny exclaimed, Gil suddenly nodding his head excitedly at her.

They were quite a funny pair in Winter's eyes. Funny but somehow perfect for each other.

"What is it?" Uma rose a brow, holding her beg of three swords almost protectively.

Harry was holding his bag in a similar manner, except his eyes were firmly locked onto Winter. Winter sucked in her cheeks—clearly able to feel Harry's intense look, but she was willing herself to not even glance in his direction.

"A lingerie store," Mal answered with a smirk causing Uma to snort.

However, they were not smirking because they were excited to shop for bras and underwear (well, secretly were, but neither would ever admit that) but because this was a great opportunity to force Winter and Harry to get over this stupid little spout.

Ben coughed awkwardly, looking to Harry and Gil.

"Perhaps we should visit somewhere else while they shop—?" Ben, ever the gentleman, suggested.

But Harry was having none of it and waved him off before the King could even finish his statement.

"Absolutely not! I was promised a panty show—" Winter turned to Harry so abruptly he nearly jumped.

This was the first time she addressing him since telling him to stand straighter (something he entirely ignored and Winter did not have the energy to fix him again).

"You were promised nothing, Harold," Winter said coolly causing Harry to growl, "I simply said I needed some new knickers..."

Harry frantically thought back to the entire conversation and cursed when he realized she was more than right. He had been promised nothing, Winter had not even said she would show him what she was planning to buy. She had barely said she needed to buy some new ones before Harry was agreeing to come.

Sometimes Harry really hated his impulsive nature.

"Oh, ye is really clever, duckling—" Harry was about to step forward but Winter took a noticeable step back, motioning to Sonny who was chatting to Gil—both of them off in their own little world.

Again, Winter wondered why love and such could not be that easy for her. How did Sonny do it?

"Don't worry, I am sure Sonny here will be more than willing to show you her taste in underwear—maybe even model," Winter smiled in a sarcastic manner causing Harry to sputter and Sonny to be ripped out of her conversation.

Sonny looked shocked but soon an eager smile graced her lips. "Sure! C' mon, Gil!" Mal, Uma, and Ben wanted to laugh when Sonny pulled the flushed son of Gaston into the panty store.

For Harry though, this was the first time in forever that he actually was not interested in seeing some other girl in panties. No, he did not want to see Sonny model some skimpy lingerie, he wanted to see Winter!

Without warning, Winter gave one last sarcastic smile before turning on her heel and walking inside.

"Dude, you are so in the dog house," Uma snorted while Ben mockingly patted his back.

He glared at both of them.

"Come on, sailor," Mal sighed, trotting into the store, "let's go fix this mess."

When she walked in she saw Gil wearing a red bra on his head making Sonny laugh loudly. Winter smiled at the scene, watching as Sonny shook her head and pulled the bra off of his blond head and set it over her arm.

Moving to the other side of the large shop, Winter started looking through a small neat pile of push-up bras. She was deciding between a plain white one or a black one. Just as she went for the black, a voice spoke up from behind her.

Winter froze when she felt Harry's front ghost over her back, his arm brushing over her as he reached for a lacey pink push up bra. Grabbing it, the pirate brought directly in front of Winter, leaning down allowing his breath to fan over her ear.

He was trying to work his charm to its maximum, hoping to soften her up.

"Personally, I like this one," his breath massaged her ear, the pirate moving his hands to rub down her arms.

Winter shivered slightly as she felt the rough leather of his gloves the sharpness of his multiple rings through the clothing of her jacket.

Steeling herself up, Winter turned around only to come face-to-face with Harry's blue eyes. He looked down at her intensely, trapping her between him and the counter of undergarments.

"Glad to know, can you move please, Harold?" Winter averted her gaze to their feet.

"Duckling," Harry grabbed Winter's chin, tilting her head up and forcing her to look at him. She scowled but was left breathless at the look Harry was throwing her. "Yer the prettiest thin' I done ever come across—I thought lookin' at Sonny tha' way might make ye jealous," Harry admitted causing Winter to flush brightly.

However, she glared even harder, suddenly upset that she had played right into him. She realized how ridiculous she had been acting toward him. Huffing, Winter calmed by breathing through her nose.

"You are so—"

"—Stupid, I know," Harry chuckled while Winter shook her head, any ill feelings she had toward the pirate fading away like dust in the wind.

Shaking her head, Winter gave him a small smile, turning around and grabbing the lacey bra he had chosen. Snatching a matching pair of panties, she laughed at Harry's dazed expression. The pirate looked up, giving her a pleading look through his eyeliner coated eyes.

"Please, can I see what my pick looks like on ye?" He just about fell to his knees to beg her.

But Winter only gave a mischievous smile, biting her lip in a near seductive fashion. Winter, despite her nerves and fluttering heart, was determined to make Harry pay just a little more. She narrowed her eyes at his messy hair, and on impulse, she reached up and tugged lightly on the dark strands.

If there was one thing that made Harry weak, it was whenever someone played with his hair. He was a total wreck and could be made into putty when someone just tugged on his strands. In a responsive manner, Harry released a loud moan-like noise that caused Winter to gasp and immediately let go of his hair.

His eyes were half-lidded in delight, the pirate wanting nothing more for her to play with his hair once more. Then again, if she did so, she might just actually make Harry fall to his knees.

Clearing her throat, Winter blushed when a few people threw them look. Two of them being Mal and Uma who smirked. There were not too many people in the store at the moment, something that Winter was grateful for.

"Sorry, Harold, no guys in the girl's dressing room," Winter said with a smile, turning and walking away.

Harry watched her go with a longing look. As soon as she was out of his sight, the pirate turned to the racks of bras—silently remembering what size she had picked.

34 C.

Harry smirked at the thought, not having any issues with his more than perverted mind on imagining grabbing a nice handful. With that thought, Harry was picking many different bras and underwear before shoving them at Mal and ordering her to give them to Winter.