Into the Woods
Request for Shifter
A/N: I decided to set it in Auradon, because Red Riding Hood is technically the hero of her story, so her daughter wouldn't live on the Isle.
"Daughter of red riding hood, kind of dark and always sticks with the group. Likes wolves, ironically. She catches Harry’s eye because she’s never seen without the scarlet cape, and one day he follows her into the woods to find out why. Then you can just put some fluff and a kiss."
Harry sat at his usual lunch table beside Gil and Uma. He picked at the meat on his tray, still unaccustomed to eating meals that were full of flavor. Food on the Isle tasted like cardboard and mold, and though Harry was grateful for the chance of a better life, he wasn't used to the kindness or accommodation that permeated Auradon.
His ocean colored eyes scanned the cafeteria, sneering at the bright smiles and chipper attitudes that littered the room. A flash of deep scarlet caught his eye and his head snapped around to find the source - red was his favorite color, after all.
His gaze settled upon a (h/c) haired girl, her back turned to him as she sauntered out of the room. Behind her flowed a long, hooded, blood-red velvet cape. Harry couldn't look away as the mystery girl shuffled out of view, leaving him desperate to know all he could about her.
Tugging your cloak tighter around your body, you made your way outside. The wind had a slight chill, encouraging you to pull the thick hook over your head. Looking around to ensure that no one was paying you enough attention to try and stop you, you sauntered across the tourney field, heading towards the woods that lined Auradon Prep.
Your mother, the famous Red Riding Hood, had always warned you not to go into the woods alone, and never at night. You had heard the story of your mother and the big bad wolf so many times that you could recite it back to her, word for word.
Despite her fears and warnings, you'd been fascinated by wolves ever since you were little. You mused that it was because of your mother's rules and desperate attempts to keep you away from the wild canines that they took up so much space in your mind. How could you not be curious about them? They were all your mother talked about.
Early on into your high school years, you'd befriended a lone wolf that wandered the woods just outside the school grounds. Periodically throughout the day, when you didn't have class, you would sneak out to the woods, bringing food to the hound.
Your secluded trips outside were the only times you were seen alone. Otherwise, you were inseparable from the Core Four. You being an outcast, having a darker personality than the children of princes and princesses, caught their attention, and they quickly welcomed you into their group as though you'd grown up with them.
Harry knew better than to mention his attraction to you to Uma or Gil. Uma would scream his ear off for even looking in the Core Four's- well, Five's- direction, and Gil would forget it was a secret and accidentally let it slip around Uma. So Harry kept his fascination to himself, telling himself that he was absolutely not jealous of Mal and friends for spending so much time with you.
The wet grass squished beneath your boots as you sauntered outside, scarlet cape flowing gracefully behind you. In your hand was a basket of snacks you'd snagged from the cafeteria, both for yourself and your four legged friend.
Ocean blue eyes watched your every movement, making sure you were distracted before trudging along behind you. Harry couldn't help himself - he had to know why you sneaked off every day. He had to know why you always went into the woods. He had to know if you would go on a date with him.
"Pretty far from campus, aren't ye, princess?"
The Scottish accent caught you off guard, and you spun on your heel to face the former pirate, mouth agape.
"I'm not a princess," you corrected, "and you're pretty far from campus yourself."
He smirked. "You intrigue me, lass. Always running off after lunch, always sneaking out to the woods."
You raised a brow. "You've been following me?"
"Only today," he countered. "But I pay attention."
"Why?"
"As I said - you intrigue me."
A growl sounded from your right. Both you and Harry turned towards the sound, and a large grey wolf came into view.
Harry raised a brow. "This is what ye've been doing?"
You nodded. "I befriended him a long time ago. I always come out to feed him and make sure he's alright."
"I'm gonna take a guess what yer mother has no idea."
Your eyes widened and your head snapped around to look at him. "You can't tell her! You can't tell anyone!"
He raised his hands in surrender. "Don't worry, lass. Yer secret's safe with me..." A grin split his lips. "For a price."
Your eyes narrowed. "What do you want?"
"A date," he replied with a soft shrug.
You blinked, staring at him as though you weren't sure you'd heard correctly. "A date?"
"Aye. Let me take ye on a date Friday night."
"Did you think of that on the spot, or were you planning it?"
His smirk morphed into a grin. "Both."
Your heart fluttered. You'd been harboring a crush on the former pirate since he came to Auradon, but you weren't going to let anyone in on that dirty little secret.
"Deal," you replied, your voice exposing more excitement than you wanted Harry to be aware of.
He reached out, taking your hand in his. He lifted it to his lips and pressed a kiss to the back of it. "Until then, lass." He then sauntered away, and you were certain that the seductive sway of his hips was intentional.
It turned out that Harry's idea of a date was to lead you out to the woods and befriend your furry bodyguard. As soon as Harry came into view, the wolf bared his teeth and snarled, hunching his shoulders menacingly.
"Easy," you murmured, holding your hand out to the wolf. He nuzzled your palm, visibly calming but still very untrusting of Harry.
"Slowly step forward," you instructed. Harry had informed you that if the wolf was so important to you, that he should try and befriend it, so that he could better understand you. Your heart swelled at the idea, and you'd happily agreed.
Harry complied, shuffling forward as submissive as he could.
"Hold out your hand," you continued.
Harry did as told, extending his right hand, palm out, to the wolf. The wolf seemed taken back by the gesture, sniffing Harry's hand in acceptance. He then dipped his head, nudging forward.
You beamed. "He likes you. He'll let you pet him now."
A soft smile tugged at the pirate's lips as he ran his hand over the wolf's head. "I can see why ye like him so much."
"You're the only person that knows about him," you stated.
Harry glanced at you. "Not even your Isle friends?"
You shook your head. "No one understands the peace and serenity I feel when I'm out here with him. And don't want to risk the word getting back to my mom."
He nodded in understanding. He stepped towards you, taking your hands in his. "I swear I'll never tell anyone."
You glanced up at him, batting your (E/c) eyes. "Thank you."
He raised a hand to rest it on your cheek, drawing you in close. He tilted his head, and as his breath ghosted over your lips, your eyes fluttered closed of their own accord.
Warm lips enveloped yours and you melted. Your arms wound around his neck, his hands coming to rest on your lower back. He hummed against your lips, tugging at your lower lip to deepen the kiss.
You pulled back for a breath, staring up at him in adoration. He gazed back at you, ocean eyes filled with awe and a desperate need to be close to you.
"Can I come out with you tomorrow?" he asked softly.
You smiled brightly, kissing his lips. "I'd love that."