i need someone more exciting

“Bridgette,” he said softly, almost with an air of trepidation. Yes he’d said her name aloud before, but it was almost like learning it for the first time. This time he couldn’t stop his cheeks from burning. “I’m sorry, I wasnae sure if it would be appropriate for me to call ye by yer first name.” Back home he almost exclusively referred to the lords and ladies of the clans by their titles and last names. He wasn’t sure if he knew the actual names of the lords’ sons. Maybe it was too formal but it was how he’d been raised. Still, when she corrected him, he felt a sense of relief. He didn’t like the formalities of the royal courts and he’d secretly hoped to become someone a little more intimate with her, even if it just meant getting to know her beyond surface level. Of course that would depend heavily on if he could get past the anxiety that rose within him whenever she came in close proximity to him. Her reaction to his compliment had caused a tinge of confidence to spark within him. Cal had been so sure he’d made an absolute fool of himself, but it seemed this interaction was not going as poorly as he perceived the one on Halloween. “I dinnae think there’s a wrong choice. I’m sure no matter which dress ye chose ye’d look… Magnificent.” He glanced down at himself a moment, a bout of shyness creeping in. He had not been complimented tonight - the stares he’d been receiving were the exact opposite of praise - but even if he had Callum was sure no compliment could move him like one from her. “Well I took yer criticism to heart, obviously. Didnae wanna disappoint ye again. I guess I succeeded. And thank ye as well. It’s nice to ken at least one person out there can appreciate Highland dress without gawking.”

If you had asked him a day ago if he’d make an attempt to speak with Bridgette Charming, Callum would laugh in your face. Even if she’d somehow managed to capture his heart and have a grip on it for a few years now, he just wasn’t the type to go out of his way or to really put himself out there. He’d been so brusque and uncomfortable at the Halloween party, he was certain he blew his chance. But here and now… he supposed maybe he was doing something right. At least something right enough that she seemed interested enough to strike a conversation with him. Maybe he wasn’t the boldest or outgoing prince - that much was true… But maybe tonight he wouldn’t walk away full of regret. “I guess it’s a preference thing. Auradonian food is fine, really, but it’s times like this I miss the cuisine from back home. And I’m just generally nae a sweets kind of guy, so I was never gonna be blown away by the spread.” He took a sip of his drink when she questioned it. Glancing at the liquid remaining, he shrugged a shoulder in response. “I’m Scottish, we drink,” he said, and his tone had finally lost the ridged and awkwardness. “No, I’m just nae a big fan of… this,” he motioned around them. “I’m nae good at social gatherings, nae without a bit of liquid courage anyway.” In truth, he was sorrowful, almost perpetually so, but that was not a secret he was ready to willingly part with. Not even to the one he’d been so infatuated with. The reality of his predicament - of the tension back home and the homesickness that’s seeped into his bones and gripped his soul - was only divulged to the glass in his hand, and that was how it would be. “What about ye? Nae trying to flush yer demons with endless free drinks?”

Her brows furrowed when he said he wasn’t sure if it was appropriate to use her name or not. “Well it’s my name, so please use it. I’m not the biggest fan of pet names.” She found them degrading, and there was no one in her life who she liked enough to allow her to call her anything other then her name or variations of it. Once, in elementary school some girl tried to call her bubbles and Bridgette retaliated by cutting off one of her pigtails during play time. She’d convinced the teacher they were playing hair salon and she didn’t mean to cut her hair, the girl had moved at the last minute and it was an accident. So, long story short, just call her by her name. “Unless you were going to call me by my official title, which while always lovely to hear, isn’t necessary. I know I’m a Princess, no need to say it whenever you talk to me.” She took a long sip from her glass then, corner of her lips curving upwards while she drank. Her blue eyes continued to take in his taller form and the craftsmanship of his outfit. She was curious to see if the rest of the men back in Scotland looked this put together in a kilt, but she gathered the answer was no. The image of dad bods and beer belly’s hanging over the waistband alone made her want to gag. “You most certainly succeeded. Honestly I wish more of the men took some time and effort when it came to fashion. I’m sick of all these pastel suits. I want something rich. Also, would it kill someone to wear a boot. Just once, for me?”

“And as for your previous statement. I absolutely looked magnificent in all options, but I think that’s just because the Gods were kind and granted me with my mother’s looks. The dress however, was not cute. I understand there are plenty of young, up and coming designers out there looking to get their looks recognized, but I have a very specific brand of aesthetic and there are just some things i will not be caught dead in. An entire dress made of white lace that makes me look like my grandmother’s fabric doily? Not an options. Anyway,” she had gone off on a tangent, but fashion was important so how could anyone blame her for doing such? “How about we get back on the topic of why we’re both so desperate to drink. You say you don’t like social gatherings. So is it the fact that we’re in a room of a bunch of stuffy nobles or just the fact that we’re in a room with a bunch of people? I’ll give you my answer. It’s the stuffy nobles. How the heck is a girl supposed to have fun with her girlfriends when her parents are in the corner watching her every move. One of the only good things about these events is the camera’s aren’t allowed past the red carpets,” which means she could usually let go a little. “but I’d rather have a bunch of camera’s here than my dad.” His scrutinizing glare was too much at times, and while she could generally talk her way out of any situation, having to listen to him tell her over and over again what is expected of her and what her actions say about the family is at the bottom of her fun list. “You know the doors to the back garden are open. If you like, need a moment or something.”

@joshgaston​

@princerose

@beatricefae​

It was inevitable that Callum would be left alone with nothing but a glass of whisky for company. He wouldn’t keep Aleena all night - unlike him she had other friends, people who wanted to spend time with her. So he excused himself from her and soon found himself where he had usually resided - at the edge of the room, isolated from the throng, an outsider to the merriment happening before him. He had no dance partner, no real connections. Unlike most of the royals, he did not have parents or family in attendance. It was in a moment like this that it had dawned on him, just how truly alone he was in Auradon society. And so he found a solace there in the corner, sulking in the shadows, drinking and observing the crowd with mild interest. He didn’t care when their gazes wandered in his direction, when their curious glances, laced in disapproval of his formal attire, met his weary glance. He’d learned to brush off their judging looks, and to stay stoic and detached emotionally. He used to think it was an act, but the longer he’d stayed in this country the more he found himself thinking he really was severing the part of him that could feel. With a scoff, he wiped the thoughts from his mind and attempted to banish them completely with a long sip of his drink. This was a ball - wasn’t this supposed to be the highlight of every royal’s year?

As he brooded in the corner, Callum had not noticed Bridgette Charming nearby. Odd, given the fact his gaze had practically been trained to find her any time they occupied the same space. Nothing would come of his deep infatuation with the princess, that much he knew, but the Scot couldn’t ignore the pull of his heartstrings whenever she was near him. But this was far from his thoughts. Callum was silently plotting his quiet exit from the ball. Lena would be the only one to notice his disappearance, but then he knew it wouldn’t matter. She knew him well enough by now to know he wouldn’t stay long. Nobody else would really care if he stayed or went, so there was no point in delaying the inevitable. He had pushed off the wall to follow through with his plan until a voice fluttered through the air towards him, causing him to pause and look in its direction. First thing he noticed was how truly stunning she looked, and for a moment he forgot what he’d been doing or thinking. When he’d finally processed that she was speaking to him, his brow furrowed. Kent Clark…. Did she mean Clark Kent? He opened his mouth to speak and yet nothing came out. He hadn’t the heart to correct her, so instead his expression melted into something different. Maybe the slightest hint… of a smile? “Princess,” he greeted in response, though the word sounded awkward on his tongue. They weren’t really acquainted. Was it okay to call her by her first name? He wasn’t sure.

Her comment on his attire had initially gone over his head, until he’d remembered their last meeting. He fought against the blush threatening to creep over his cheeks, opting to glance down at his Braemar jacket and kilt set. “I can dress appropriately when I want to,” he quipped, shifting his glance to meet hers. “But ye,” he paused, the words escaping him. His mind reeled, seeking the right ways to eloquently explain what he was thinking as he took her in. “Ye look… breathtaking.” He closed his eyes, sucking in a quiet breath. “That is to say that ye look nice.” He opted to ignore his own vocal blunder and instead focused on her questions, eyes shifting to the table of desserts. “I’ve not much of a sweet tooth, but the cheesecake was good and there’s nae many ways ye can get chocolate wrong, so I suppose any of those are recommendable.” He swirled his drink, having almost forgotten about his sole true companion of the night. “I’m afraid the food hasn’t been the best of the night, though,” he commented before taking a sip, focusing on the burn of the liquid instead of the way his heart rate spiked when she stood so close by.

She saw the slight furrow of his brows when she sent the nickname his way, and she wondered if for a moment he had forgotten the reference. But there was a sudden soft upturn of his lips and she knew that he got it. Good, she was not in the mood to look like an idiot right now. Tipsy or not, she still had to play her part of perfect princess and daughter to the Charming family. As he used the title to address her, her brows rose. It’s not like she’d ever tell someone to stop calling her a princess, because she was one and she liked to be reminded of it, but it sounded so formal. Too stuffy. “Bridgette, actually, is what most people tend to call me.” She giggled slightly, because how strange that had felt. However when he complimented her, called her breathtaking, it was almost like something had clicked within her. Oh this boy... he was interested in her. Maybe not emotionally, maybe not mentally, but Bridgette knew when a boy thought she was pretty. And it was just oh so fun to play with. “How sweet. I almost went with another dress but you just proved I made the right choice. And I must say, I appreciate you following the dress code tonight. A much improved step up from the last event, and the fabric just accentuates your rugged looks.” 

As his gaze moved towards the dessert table and he began to answer her previous question about what to eat, she listened as she leaned in to grab one of the small cheesecake bites off the table. Biting into it, she moaned softly at the taste. The tart flavor that came from the cheesecake, but the ribbons of raspberry within had a sweetness that made her tastebuds so very happy. “Please explain to me how the food hasn’t been the best thing you’ve had tonight.” Because she had not been disappointed yet. In fact, the food and the free drinks were probably the only things that had kept her here right now. “Are you drowning your sorrows in alcohol too? Gods, there are too many people doing that tonight.” Her sister and King Mitchell were enough to deal with. “What’s got you so down, Kent?” She smiled at the nickname, knowing it was definitely going to stick.

In all honesty, Triss had been hitting the champagne a little harder than she usually would at a Ball. Actually, she had a pretty strict rule about not drinking at all during events. You never knew what kind of trouble you would get yourself in to. But tonight she needed it. She needed something to take the edge off. Standing in the bathroom she looked at herself in the mirror before she downed the most current glass of golden liquid she had. A heavy sigh slipping from her lips as her free hand idly tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. She tensed a bit when she heard the door open. Relaxing a bit when her sister came in to view. “Hello, Beautiful,” she chimed. Though her words lacked their usual sparkle. “I love the dress, you look amazing as always.” was added a she turned herself in her place, leaning against the counter as she spoke. “Did you come with a date?” @bridgettecharming​

Bridgette had been watching her older sister incredibly closely tonight. While she knew that this was what was best for Triss, obviously, she knew that her sister was probably having a hard time right now. This was all happening in a very public place, and she had to give up a relationship to a guy she might’ve loved for this. Duty before love, it was like a mantra all royals seemed to live by. But still, she could imagine this might be hard for Triss. If it wasn’t obvious by the numerous drinks she had been sneaking throughout the night. So when she snuck off to the bathrooms, Bridgette excused herself to follow after. When she entered the bathroom, she was greeted by a compliment from Triss, and it caused the corner of her lips to turn upwards. “I do, don’t I?” She said, looking at herself in the mirror. At the question of a date, the blonde rolled her eyes. “Gods no. There aren’t any men worth my time.” That wasn’t true, she knew there was probably a few out there who could entertain her for the evening. But nothing about spending hours upon hours with a boy was appealing right now. They’d probably just step on her dress and that was not an option. “How about we talk about your date. How are you doing? You’re drinking, that never happens at an event.” She asked, leaning forward to push down any stray hairs and fix her make up.

tapping her fingers against the delicate stem of her champagne flute, Adelaide eyed the room. the entire night had been a little more eventful than she had thought it would be. it almost made her giddy. slightly confused but most certainly giddy. smiling brightly, she turned to saunter up to her buddy for the night. the divine Bridgette Charming. leaning in close so she could whisper softly she brushed her own hair over her shoulder, “we’re happy about her and Mitch right?” she questioned, her accent curling around her words, knowing that the two of them were close. Triss and Birdie that was. “my default is happy because a: weddin’ and b: yaya people i like havin’ a weddin’. but i gotta make sure this is what we are supportin’.” was added as she sipped her drink, looking pointedly in her companions direction. @bridgettecharming​

Bridgette smiled as she felt Adelaide’s presence next to her, turning just slightly so she was facing her friend a bit more as they both eyed her sister and her newly betrothed. “Oh totes.” She murmured. While she knew that this wasn’t ideal for Triss, that she might’ve had serious feelings about her now ex-boyfriend, this was a way to get her father to finally, publicly announce her to the world. And oh would Bridgette love to stop pretending that Triss wasn’t her sister. “I think we both know the King is a step up from who she was with before.” Trash, was who Triss was dating before. It was no secret to those who were close to Bridgette that she disliked the kids from the Isle. She didn’t think they belonged here, and she definitely didn’t think one of them belonged in her sister’s bed. “I know she’s going through it now, but soon she’ll see this was the best thing that could’ve happened to her.” Flipping her blonde locks behind her hair, the blonde finally tore her attention away from Triss and focused on Ade. “You think we could sneak a bottle of that champagne out without my dad seeing? I’m so over this ball and we can have a much better time somewhere else.”

She had come into the bathroom to settle her emotions, she should have known that the place would be filled to the brim with ladies who were fixing their hair or make up, or even just socializing. So, she waited in the stall until she could hear it clear out before she emerged. Nope. She was not that person who would get caught crying in the event bathroom. So taking in a large breath, she adjusted the collar of her shirt, smoothed out her dress pants and grabbed her champagne flute of water just in time for another girl to waltz in and collide with her in the door frame.

“Oh my gods, are you ok?” Andie immediately concerned, not about the small amount of water that has sloshed from above the rim of her cup onto her dress, but instead that the impact would have hurt the other girl, who now that she looked up to meet her eyes, was Bridge. Shit. This was the last person she wanted to see right now, second only to Amelia herself.  But she couldn’t very well walk away, so she backed up and grabbed one of the pristine linen towels and handed it to the blonde. “It’s only water, it shouldn’t leave a stain or anything.” She tried to reassure her.  @bridgettecharming​

Bridgette may have had one too many drinks throughout the night, which also mean that a few hours into the ball her bladder was filled to the brim with liquid and it needed to be released. She had been trying not to go, you know ‘once you break the seal you’re screwed for the rest of the night’, but she had at least five drinks worth in her right now, on top of the water she had drank earlier in the day, and she knew she wasn’t going to be able to wait any longer. Excusing herself from the boring convo she was having, the blonde escaped to the little girls room. Moving towards the door, she gasped out when it opened from the inside and she ran right into a girl. “Zeus!” She cursed, feeling the liquid on her skin before she saw what was in Andie’s cup. “I’m fine. Maybe watch where you’re going next time!” She growled, need to pee immediately forgotten as she ran over to the sink, snatched the towel from Anie and tried to blot whatever drink had fallen on her very expensive gown.

“You better hope it doesn’t stain. This try cleaning bill is not going to be cheap.” She spat out, letting out a huff when she realized it truly was just water and there wasn’t much to worry about right now. Looking back towards Andie, Bridgette noticed how blotchy her face had gotten. Her red eyes and nose. “What’s got you crying in the bathroom?” She held up a hand, stopping any potential excuses that might come out of the demi god’s mouth. “And don’t even try to lie to me.”

While Bridgette was often good at keeping her composure, it was when she was a few glasses in that the sweet tooth kicked in. And so she made her way over to the dessert table, blue eyes trained on the most delectable looking chocolate covered strawberry, when she caught sight of a familiar boy in a skirt. Her brows furrowed as she took in the outfit, realizing she was mistaken and it was actually a kilt. Head falling to the side, she found herself appreciating the look. The outfit was somehow rugged, most likely due to the dark, thick wool it seemed to be made out of. but it also had a sense of sophistication to it. Well done. Looking back at her father and seeing the way his eyes glared at Callum’s attire, Bridgette knew she just had to talk to him. “Why if it isn’t Kent Clark.” She spoke, as she approached him. Obviously referencing one of the many costume’s she had suggested for him on Halloween night. “I’m happy to see you dressed for the occasion this time.” No half assed shirt shoved into a pair of slacks. Or gods forbid a clip on tie. She had seen it once from a classmate, and it was horrendous. “Tell me. What have you tried? What is awful, and what should I take two portions of?” She questioned, motioning towards the pastries and sweet treats.

@calofdunbroch​

Andie couldn’t even be offended by Bridgette’s analysis because… well, she was right. The two were like oil and water, on levels much deeper than just surface appearance. Still, she was a part of Amelia’s life and inner circle and… maybe they just hadn’t found a common middle ground they would relate on, if by some twist of fate, there was one. “I get it, but we don’t really know each other apart from this” Andie then mimicked the blonde’s motion back at her in what was 2 seconds of sheer boldness before immediately feeling like she was taunting a mountain lion. The brunette could lift a semi-truck and survive a building collapse on top of her but the thought of ever going toe to toe with the Queen B caused a genuine fear to creep into her stomach. 

“Look I don’t want to keep you… I just thought” she debated mentioning the text and then immediately abandoned that thought for her own safety.  “Amelia’s back, but she never really got a proper welcome. I’m not really good at the whole… party planning thing but I was thinking maybe we could do a small girls thing.” Actually it had been a fleeting thought she hadn’t fully developed but now that she was verbalizing it she figured it would be a good opportunity to bridge this gap while also helping distract Amelia from her heartbreak. “Like, she’s living in that huge apartment with Emerald and we could invite Adelaide and do those facemask things. Paint… each others nails. Cocktails” God she was really plugging this. “What I’m saying is, I could really use your help. Since you’re good with all that stuff.”

Bridgette saw the way Andie motioned towards her and immediately the blonde’s jaw clenched at the motion. She didn’t know if Andie was trying to play some kind of game, but this was not the day for that. Bridgette might be a significant number of inches shorter than Andie, and much weaker, but she was definitely the alpha right now, and she was sure her stare would have Andie submitting shortly. She didn’t want to play this game, not when Bridgette was out for blood. Ready to tear anyone apart that dared to speak to her. “And we’re not going to. This isn’t wicked. I’m not about to give you some make over and become besties in one night. I mean, seriously, what do you see us bonding over? Boys?” She had to snort at the idea.

She was ready to leave, to just head off to the gym and forget about Andie for the next week, but as she spoke, her words trailing off, Bridgette paused. She looked back towards the girl, her blue eyes saying ‘chose your words carefully’. If she brought up that text, oh she would feel all of Bridgette Charming’s wrath. The words that came out of her mouth was surprising though, not what the princess was expecting. “You want me to plan a sleepover?” She asked, her voice deadpan at the thought. Wasn’t that the most basic thing to plan for? Didn’t girls do that from birth? “You know all you have to do is send a group text, right? Not hard.” Thinking of Amelia though, and the way she’d probably light up at the idea of her girlfriends all coming together to throw her a banging welcome back girls night, she sighed and let the harsh exterior drop. “Then again, might be too much for you to handle. Just leave it to me and I’ll come up with everything.”

it was easy to tell that her friend got exactly the message she was laying down with so few words. smiling softly she purchased the dress while leaning on the counter. flirting slightly with the girl, oh her hair looked so pretty, she winked at the girl before turning back to her main focus with a soft nod. “obviously.” she agreed like she hadn’t even missed a beat. “i could definitely use a snack.” motioning for her to lead the way. she followed along with her two reusable bags on her arms as she made her way down the sidewalk. mentally she ran over all of the various options. there were so many options they could go with. but no matter what she ended up choosing, they had to be smart about it. none of that blatant shit. 

sliding into a seat, she flipped her hair over her shoulder and leaned against the table. the excitement on her face practically pouring out of her. “oh please tell me.” she began before the waitress came over with tea. sending are an easy smile she waited for her to leave before focusing back on Bridgette. “i am dying here.” was whispered before taking a sip of her drink. listening, practically enraptured, she nodded her head while the potential plan was explained. glorious. she knew the exact earrings she was talking. gorgeous drop earrings that were practically irreplaceable. “oh sugar,” she started leaning forward intently. “i am so in.” she exclaimed, her tone hushed, with a grin. “we just need a good idea and flawless execution.” her accent think as the words flowed out and the smile on her face turned scheming. “with the three of us. there is no doubt it will perfect.” 

Bridgette could feel the waves of approval coming off the blonde as she explained her fabulous plan. A large smile slipped on her face in response, and she took Ade’s hand across the table and squeezed it tightly in excitement. “Glad I could count on you, babes.” Pulling her hand back to pick up her cup of tea and take a long sip, she flicked her hair over her shoulder once the cup was back on the saucer. It was back to buisness. Leaning in, she lowered her voice as much as possible with Adelaide still being able to hear. “Now, next we need to make a plan. Figure out how to not only distract the harlot but also how to get such a valuable item amongst her things. Should we drop them in her purse and just hope she doesn’t find them before she gets caught... or sneak into her room somehow and hide them within there...”

Her head tipped to the side as she thought, chin resting on her hand while she considered all the options. “If we sneak into a room, we’ll definitely need someone to keep her busy while the other drops off the earrings. Unfortunately I can’t be anywhere near her or her place while this is all happening. No, I need to be in a very public place, preferably with a large amount of attention to make sure there’s no reason to suspect me. I have a presentation this week in my buisness class, that might have to be when this all happens. Which means I’m going to lean on you and Amelia the most. So if you feel any hesitation or have any concerns you need to speak up now.”

Ally: I'll drop it off! No worries. Sorry I hope I didn't bother you at all...

Bridgette: You'll bother me if you continue to apologize.