JUST FRIENDS…RIGHT?
the things the VKs do so casually that make you question… your relationship
squeaky and squirmy Smee | max hatter | hazel hook | felix facilier | gn!reader |
wc. 2.6k total [ est. 700 words each ] | fluff - suggestive content [ no nsfw ]
a/n | recently hung out with some friends at the movies and the experience was … something so i wrote this to get my feelings out! hope you enjoy!
divider by @/bbyg4rlhelps
→ Felix Facilier
Felix Facilier has always had a watchful eye.
It's something that comes naturally to Villain Kids, but there's something about the way he does it that you've started noticing more and more.
Felix has a natural habit of spotting the things everyone else misses and acting on them without a second thought.
You remember the first time you saw it in action.
Squirmy, one of the Smee twins, was about to give a presentation in class. It was after lunch, so naturally the poor boy had managed to get something on his face.
By the time you or Hazel reached for a napkin, Felix already had one in his hand.
Another time, Red was searching for something while everyone was hanging out in her room at the Queen of Hearts' Castle.
She looked everywhere.
Under cushions. Inside drawers. Even beneath one of the tables.
She was so focused on finding her missing jewelry that she wasn't paying attention to where she was going.
Luckily that wasn't a problem with Felix around.
Without missing a beat, he quietly stepped closer and rested a hand beneath the edge of the table, directly above Red's head.
Almost as if he already knew what was about to happen.
"Found it!"
Red sprang upright in triumph only for her forehead to bump harmlessly into Felix's waiting hand instead of the underside of the table.
The impact isn't hard, but she still winces.
"Sorry!"
Felix simply shrugs.
"I just have an eye for things."
That's all he ever says.
And you believe him.
It's nice that he's so observant of the people he cares about.
It's just lately…
…you aren't sure what to think anymore.
Don't get it wrong, you have nothing against Felix.
He's genuinely just being nice.
But lately — when it comes to you — it feels like something more.
You love dressing up. Fashion is your favorite form of self-expression.
All of the VKs know that, so they're always happy to offer opinions.
"Tilt the hat a little."
"Lose the jacket."
"Those boots work better."
Usually, it's nothing more than casual advice.
Not Felix.
No.
When Felix notices something that could be improved, he simply fixes it himself.
He's buttoned your cuffs. He's undone the top button of your collar. He's straightened your hat. He's tucked in your shirt.
The list goes on.
Once, he even slipped one of the rings from his own hand onto yours.
"Looks better on you."
He'd said it so casually.
Like it wasn't enough to leave your heart doing somersaults.
You try not to think too much about it.
But every day he makes it a little harder.
Especially after he develops the habit of fixing your necklaces.
The pendant has been sitting crooked against your shirt all afternoon. No matter how many times you adjust it, the chain keeps twisting itself out of place.
You’re close to giving up, but then, another pair of hands gently stills yours.
Felix steps behind you before you can protest, gently turning you toward the nearest mirror.
"Hold still."
His hands are warm against the back of your neck as he carefully unclasps the necklace.
With practiced ease, he untangles the chain before fastening it again, making sure the gemstone rests perfectly in the center of your chest.
His eyes stay fixed on your reflection, checking every tiny detail.
The attention makes your face warm. You instinctively glance away.
Felix notices.
Of course he does.
He gently places a thumb beneath your chin, guiding your face back toward the mirror.
His hand lingers there for just a moment.
Your eyes meet through the reflection.
A familiar, toothy grin spreads across his face as he gives your appearance one final once-over.
“There we go.”
A beat. Felix smiles wider.
"You're perfect."
Your breath catches.
Your eyes widen.
Meanwhile, Felix doesn't seem to think he's said anything unusual.
Satisfied with his work, he gives your shoulders two gentle pats before wandering off to play cards with Luis...
...leaving you standing there, completely malfunctioning.
→ Hazel Hook
Hazel Hook has a habit of holding eye contact.
Given that Harry Hook is the man who raised her, you aren't surprised by it.
It suits her personality. She has the confidence to meet every encounter head-on, never once shying away.
It's what keeps the Smee twins in line.
You've seen the scoldings she gives the boys. Even though they tower over her, Hazel has no problem reminding them of their manners.
Still, she doesn't reserve that famous Hook stare just for them.
On more than one occasion, you've caught it fixed squarely on you. Usually, it happens when everyone is together.
Your usual group is spending the afternoon in Wonderland when Robbie somehow manages to get himself ensnared by an enchanted flower.
The VKs had already warned him not to get too close.
And yet there he is.
You meet Hazel's eyes as Luis and Chloe struggle to pry the vine away from Robbie. Hazel raises a single eyebrow at the scene.
You can immediately tell she finds the whole situation amusing. You can't stop yourself from laughing.
Of course, you still help by distracting the enchanted plant but that's when you begin to notice something.
Whenever something happens around the two of you, Hazel always looks your way.
Whether she's checking your reaction — or silently sharing her own — the two of you always seem to have a brief moment of understanding.
It's… nice.
From the exhausted look she gives you during a class assignment you both know will keep you awake all night...
...to the look of utter disbelief when an Enchantments teacher expects two descendants without magic to make a book fly...
...Hazel is almost always looking at you.
You've grown so used to having her silently on your side that you've started expecting it.
The habit isn't romantic.
Not really.
Though, it does feel strangely intimate.
Especially once she starts using it as a way to check on you.
Today has been long for everyone.
Late to class.
Group detention.
A soda spilled down the front of your clothes.
The VKs are now stuck inside a classroom, ordered to remain as quiet as mice.
You feel miserable.
Though, honestly it could be worse.
Hazel strolls over and drops into the seat beside you. Without warning, she hooks one foot around the leg of your chair and gently drags it closer to hers.
The sudden movement catches you completely off guard.
You stare at her with wide eyes.
Hazel says nothing. Detention’s rule.
Instead, she tilts her head slightly and looks directly into your eyes.
You already know what she's asking.
Are you okay?
No words. No grand gesture.
Just one silent question.
It's such a small thing.
Just a friendly check-in.
...
So why does it make your heart race?
Her unwavering gaze makes you feel impossibly warm.
Seen. Understood.
You quickly nod, trying your hardest not to let your flustered expression give you away.
Hazel gives one satisfied nod in return.
Good.
Question answered.
She settles comfortably beside you, draping an arm across the back of your chair.
A moment later, the familiar tap... tap... tap... of her hook echoes against the tabletop.
Without even looking at them, she's already warning the Smee twins to knock off whatever they're doing.
You're just grateful her attention has shifted elsewhere.
Otherwise...
...you have a feeling she'd notice exactly how hard you're trying to keep your thoughts in order.
→ Max Hatter
It all started because Max Hatter has always been soft-spoken.
Having grown up exiled on the Isle of the Lost alongside his father — and carrying the blame for things that were never truly his fault — Max didn't begin finding his confidence until he was older.
Although he's much more outspoken now, he still prefers being close when he talks.
It simply makes communicating easier.
So naturally, you've noticed…
Whenever Max walks over to talk with someone, he always ends up standing much closer than most people normally would.
You've watched it happen countless times.
He'll begin telling a story or explaining something that happened during his day.
Then, little by little...
...he drifts toward the center of the group.
His voice gradually lowers back into its naturally soft register.
Before anyone realizes what's happening, everyone has unconsciously leaned in around him just to hear what he's saying.
The group ends up packed together in a tiny huddle.
It's only when Pink — currently squished between Robbie and Luis — finally laughs and complains about the lack of breathing room that Max realizes what he's done.
"Oh- sorry!"
He immediately takes a step back and raises his voice a little.
It's a habit you've come to recognize. One he only seems to fall into when he's comfortable.
So you never point it out. You never ask him to give you space. It isn't like he bothers you.
If anything you find it rather sweet.
Unfortunately, that creates another problem.
Personal bubbles don't seem to exist in Max's world once he is comfortable with someone
The common room is especially crowded today.
Keeping a conversation going takes a little effort.
Max wants to finish telling you a story, so without thinking, he simply moves closer. You're already leaning against the stone wall when he casually steps into your space.
One hand comes to rest beside your head against the wall as he continues talking, completely oblivious to how close he is. As though this is the most natural thing in the world.
Then there's the Charming gala.
The AKs are busy making snide comments about you and the other VKs when Max suddenly appears at your side.
The unexpected movement startles you.
You jump. Instinctively, Max catches you by the waist to steady you before you can stumble.
"You alright?" he asks before leaning closer to whisper a sarcastic remark about the AKs.
You can't help laughing.
Though most of your attention is focused on the warmth of his hand still resting against your side.
Or the time you're halfway across the courtyard before Max catches you by one of your belt loops.
With one gentle tug, you're pulled against his side.
"Where're you going?"
"I forgot my homework."
He nods.
"Oh."
Then he lets go and carries on with his day as though nothing unusual happened.
Meanwhile you're left standing there, questioning absolutely everything.
You're just good friends.
Really good friends.
So there isn't anything to worry about.
...
...Right?
Lately, though, your heart doesn't seem convinced.
Then Luis and Max start working out together.
Good for Max. Not so great for you.
Especially not one random afternoon when your study group is gathered in your dorm.
Max wanders in late, still fresh from his workout.
He glances around the room.
Every seat is taken.
You assume he'll simply squeeze in beside Felix or sit on the edge of your bed.
Instead he walks over to you.
Without the slightest bit of effort, he slips an arm beneath yours, lifts you clean out of your beanbag chair, sits down in your place and settles you comfortably back down on his lap.
Your entire brain promptly stops functioning.
Meanwhile, Max doesn't seem to notice anything out of the ordinary.
“There.” He says, opening his textbook so casually.
"What chapter are we on?"
He really will be the death of you.
→ Smee Twins
The Smee twins are foodies through and through.
You didn't think Hazel was serious when she told you they needed to be fed every couple of hours. Then you actually started spending time with them.
She wasn't exaggerating.
Every time you see the twins, they're snacking on something.
And somehow, they always make it look like the greatest thing anyone has ever tasted.
It could be nothing more than bread and jam. Or a simple candy bar. Yet the pure bliss on their faces after the first bite is so euphoric that you'd think Queen Tiana herself had baked it.
They also take snack time very seriously.
Felix learned that the hard way.
One afternoon, he thought it'd be funny to hide one of their bags of chips.
You had never heard Felix Facilier scream quite so loudly. Nor had you ever seen the Smee twins look quite so… dangerous.
Fortunately, the chips were returned.
The twins immediately went back to happily munching away as though nothing had happened.
That day, you made a mental note.
Never interfere with snack time. Ever.
The Smee twins don't share food.
With anyone.
However, you seem to be a special case.
It happened during class.
You'd skipped most of breakfast, and it would still be a while before lunch.
Your stomach chose the absolute worst moment to remind you. The quiet growl echoed through the classroom.
You immediately wrapped your arms around your middle, hoping nobody had noticed.
Then you heard the unmistakable rustling of a snack bag beside you.
You glance over.
Squeaky quietly hands something to Squirmy.
Without saying a word, Squirmy places a granola bar on your desk.
You blink.
The twins simply give you matching thumbs-ups before happily returning to their own snacks.
You ask Hazel about it after class.
She only smirks.
"You must be special."
That's all she says.
From then on, you begin noticing it more and more.
Every chocolate bar is broken neatly into thirds. Every bottle of banana milk is bought in sets of three. Every snack they buy for themselves somehow comes with an extra portion… just for you.
You try telling yourself they're just being nice.
But Hazel's words refuse to leave your mind.
You must be special.
Special how?
You do your best not to dwell on it.
Really, you do.
But it's difficult when they only ever act this way around you.
It's even harder when ice cream is involved.
The twins' favorite dessert comes in a single bowl with two spoons.
The three of you are relaxing outside on a warm summer afternoon. The others are farther down by the water while you quietly read your book beneath the shade.
Without warning, a spoon appears in front of your face.
You look up.
Then blink.
Because it isn't just one spoon.
It's two. One held out by each twin.
Both of them patiently waiting for you to take a bite.
Refusing seems impossible.
So you lean forward and awkwardly accept both spoonfuls. Unfortunately, the ice cream has already begun melting.
Trying to eat from two spoons at once isn't exactly graceful.
Before long,melted ice cream has found its way onto your face.
You instinctively look around for a napkin.
The twins are faster.
"Oops! Sorry! Here—"
You assume Squeaky is offering you a napkin.
He isn't.
Before you can react, he casually wipes the melted ice cream from the corner of you mouth with his thumb then absentmindedly licks it clean.
"Sweet!" He grins.
Your brain completely stops working. Squirmy watches his brother for exactly one second.
“Makes sense.”
Before you can contemplate what he said or stop him, he does exactly the same thing as his brother.
His thumb brushes gently across your chin before disappearing into his mouth.
His eyes immediately light up.
Squirmy nods enthusiastically.
"That is good!"
Silence.
"What..."
You stare between the twins.
"...was that?"
They stare right back.
Looking just as confused as you are.
As if you were the crazy one.
“It would've gone to waste," Squeaky adds with a shrug.
"Mhm," Squirmy agrees with a firm nod.
Neither of them seems to think there's anything remotely unusual about what just happened.
After another beat of silence, they simply pull out two straws and happily finish the now-melted ice cream together...
...while you sit there quietly reconsidering your entire existence.
