Meanwhile, on the Isle, Harry found himself standing on the deck of the ship, his hands gripping the railings. He had always loved the sea, the way it could change so much and yet stay the same. The way the waves crashed against the ship and the wind blew through his hair. He breathed in the salty air, letting it fill his lungs. It was moments like this when he could forget about his worries and troubles. When he could just be.

As he looked up at the stars in the night sky, they reminded him of Elisa's eyes. How they shined so bright, even in the darkness. He missed her, more than he would ever admit. He couldn't help but think about the way her skin felt against his, or the way her lips tasted. The way her body moved with his, the passion and the desire between them. The way they fit together, like two pieces of a puzzle. He had been angry when he learned she had left the Isle for Auradon, abandoning him and their home. Though he realized this was never her home in the first place. She had been banished here, forced to live on the Isle. But despite his anger, he couldn't help but miss her. And when he had seen her again earlier, it was like time had stopped. Like no time had passed between them at all. He had missed her and he couldn't deny it, even if he tried.

He shook his head and sighed, pushing the thoughts aside. He needed to focus. His loyalty was to Uma and the pirates, not to a princess who left him behind. But even as he said the words to himself, he knew that part of him would always belong to Elisa. And he wasn't sure if he could ever let go of her, even if he wanted to try, even if he knew that would be best for him. Only time would tell, and for now, he would just have to wait and see.

****

Elisa was left alone at the hideout. Mal went out for a walk, saying she needed some time to clear her head. Elisa didn't mind, she was happy to have some time to herself. She had a lot on her mind, and she wanted to try to process everything. Being back on the Isle was overwhelming, and it was bringing up a lot of emotions she wasn't prepared for.

She leaned back on the couch and closed her eyes, trying to calm her racing thoughts. But her mind kept going back to the one person she was trying to avoid. Harry Hook. His smirk and his teasing words. His scent and his touch. The passion and the desire between them. He was like a drug, and she couldn't get enough of him. She hated that he still had such an effect on her, but she couldn't deny it.

"Stupid pirate." She muttered, sighing and opening her eyes. She couldn't stop thinking about him, and it was driving her crazy.

Just then, she heard footsteps approaching the hideout. Thinking it was Mal, she didn't bother to freak out or get defensive. "Mal, back already?"

"It's me, Princess."

At the familiar voice, Elisa's eyes widen and she immediately sits up, her body tense. There, standing at the entrance of the hideout, was Harry. That same stupid smirk on his lips. "How did you find this place?" Elisa snapped, narrowing her eyes at him. She couldn't believe he found her. And she couldn't believe she had been foolish enough to let her guard down.

"A little birdie told me." Harry replies with a shrug. "Can't really trust anyone on this island."

"You shouldn't be here." Elisa stated, her gaze not wavering.

"Why not? Afraid of being alone with me, Princess?" Harry mocked, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"I'm not afraid of you, Harry." Elisa retorts, crossing her arms across her chest. "You're the one who should be afraid."

Harry laughs, a deep laugh that sends shivers down Elisa's spine. "I'd like to see you try, darling."

He starts walking towards her and Elisa stands up, her body tense. "I'm serious, Harry. You need to leave." She doesn't want to hurt him, but she will if she has to. She has to protect herself.

"Make me." He dared, stopping just inches away from her.

The tension between them is palpable, the air thick with anticipation. Elisa is frozen in place, her heart racing and her mind whirling. She can feel the heat of his body, the warmth radiating off him. She can smell the sea and leather on him, a scent she once loved but now only serves to remind her of everything she's lost. But most of all, she can see the desire in his eyes, the longing and the need. It's a look she's seen many times before, and it never fails to make her knees weak. Though she snapped out of her daze, grabbing his arm and twisting it behind his back as she pushed him against the wall. He grunted in surprise, but there's a smirk playing on his lips, as if he's enjoying the challenge. 

Elisa glares at him, her grip firm and unwavering. "I warned you, Harry. Don't push me."

Harry's laughter echoes against the walls of the hideout, his eyes sparkling with amusement even as he winces slightly from the pressure on his arm. "Feisty as ever, aren't you, Princess. You wouldn't hurt me. You're not that kind of girl."

Elisa grits her teeth, torn between frustration and the undeniable attraction she feels towards him. She leans in closer, her grip tightening slightly on his arm. "Try me."

For a moment, they lock eyes, a battle of wills passing between them. Harry's gaze softened just a fraction, a hint of something more vulnerable beneath his usual bravado. Elisa hesitated, caught off guard by the complexity of emotions swirling within her. She knows she should push him away, assert her dominance, but the memories of their past encounters flood her mind, clouding her judgment.

Before she can decide on her next move, Harry suddenly shifted his weight, spinning around and reversing their positions in a swift, practiced motion. Now it's Elisa who finds herself pressed against the wall, Harry's arm holding hers firmly above her head. She gasped as her back hit the wall with a thud, startled by the sudden turn of events.

"Admit it, Princess," Harry murmurs, his voice husky. "You missed me."

Elisa's heart pounds in her chest as she meets his intense gaze, unable to deny the truth in his words. There's a dangerous allure to him, a magnetic pull that draws her in despite her better judgment. She exhales shakily, her voice barely a whisper. "Maybe I did."

Harry's expression softens, a flicker of something akin to tenderness passing through his eyes. He leans in closer, his breath mingling with hers, creating an intoxicating closeness between them. His voice lowers to a whisper, tinged with both sincerity and a hint of playfulness, "I missed you too, Elisa." Her heart raced even faster at his confession, conflicting emotions swirling within her. She wanted to resist, to push him away, but his presence ignited a fire within her that she struggles to contain. Their past rushes back, the moments of passion and connection that seem impossible to forget.

Harry's gaze softens further, his grip on her arm loosening slightly as if sensing her inner turmoil. "We've never been good at staying away from each other, have we?"

"Harry, you shouldn't be here. And you know I'm with Ben." She felt like she needed to remind him of that boundary, but her voice faltered, betraying her uncertainty.

Harry's expression darkens for a fleeting moment before he regained his composure, his thumb gently tracing the curve of her jaw. "I know, Elisa. But we both know there's something between us that neither of us can deny."

Elisa's breath caught at his touch, her resolve weakening despite her efforts to stay strong. "That doesn't change anything. I can't...I won't betray him. Harry, I love him...I still do love you just not in that way-"

Harry interrupts softly, "I know, Elisa. I know things are different now." His voice carries a mix of understanding and a trace of sorrow. "But being here, with you, it's like no time has passed at all. All those feelings...They're still here."

Elisa's conflicted expression softened as she listened to Harry, her defenses momentarily wavering. She could feel his sincerity, the weight of their shared history pulling at her heartstrings. "Harry..." She began, her voice hesitant yet tinged with longing.

He gently brushes a stray strand of hair from her face, his touch tender yet tinged with a hint of sadness. "I never stopped caring about you, Elisa." He admitted quietly, his gaze searching hers for any sign of understanding.

She closes her eyes briefly, trying to collect her thoughts amidst the tumult of emotions. "I haven't either, Harry. But I love Ben and I can't betray him. I don't want to betray him." Elisa confessed, her voice filled with determination despite the ache in her heart.

Harry's expression softens further, his hand dropping to his side as he took a step back, respecting her boundaries. "I understand," He said quietly, a mixture of resignation and lingering affection in his eyes. "I never wanted to make things more complicated for you. I just...I needed to see you again, to know if what we had was truly over."

Elisa nods solemnly, touched by Harry's honesty and vulnerability. "It's not over, Harry. But it's different now. We're different."

Harry sighs, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah, I know. A lot has changed."

Silence settled between them once more, heavy with unspoken thoughts and unfinished conversations. Elisa felt a pang of sadness mingled with relief that Harry understood her position, even if it meant they couldn't be together.

"I still want to be friends with you, I still want you in my life." Elisa said softly, breaking the silence that hung between them like a heavy fog.

Harry looks at her with a mix of surprise and hopefulness. "Friends?" He repeated, as if testing the word on his tongue.

Elisa nods, her gaze steady. "Yes, Harry. Despite everything, I value what we had. I value you."

Harry's expression softens, a genuine smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I'd like that, Elisa. I'd like to still have you in my life, even if it's just as friends."

They stood there, the tension slowly dissipating as they found a tentative peace in each other's presence. The weight of their past seemed to lift slightly, replaced by a newfound understanding and acceptance.

"I'm sorry for showing up like this," Harry said after a moment, his voice tinged with regret. "I know it wasn't fair to put you in that position."

Elisa nods, her expression softening. "It's okay, Harry. I needed to see you too, to sort things out in my own head."

"I'll respect your boundaries, Elisa. I promise." He reassured her. 

"Thank you, I appreciate it." She replied sincerely.

They stood in silence for a moment longer, both lost in their thoughts. Despite the complexities of their feelings and the challenges they faced, there was a sense of relief in having confronted their emotions openly.

"I should probably get going," Harry finally says, breaking the silence. "Uma will be wondering where I've disappeared to."

Elisa gave him a small smile and nods in understanding, grateful for the closure their conversation had brought. "Take care, Harry." 

He returns the smile, a genuine warmth in his eyes. "You too, Elisa. And...If you ever need anything, you know where to find me."

With a nod, Harry turned to leave the hideout, his footsteps echoing faintly as he disappeared into the night. Elisa remained standing by the wall, her thoughts swirling with the remnants o their conversation and the emotions that still lingered in the air. As she processed everything,  she couldn't help but feel a sense of relief mingled with sadness. Seeing Harry again had stirred up memories and feelings she thought she had left behind. Yet, confronting those emotions had also brought clarity. Mal would be back soon, and Elisa knew she needed to find some peace before facing her friend. The complexities of her emotions were like a tangled knot, and she needed some clarity to unravel them.

Elisa went to her area in the hideout, sitting down on the bed with a heavy sigh. She ran her hands down her face, brushing her hair that had fell in front of her face back behind her ear. When she noticed a familiar journal, she picked up a small, weathered journal from the nightstand by the table, the pages yellowed with time. It was her old journal from the Isle, filled with thoughts and memories, some too painful to revisit. She flipped through the pages, stopping at a page where she had written about Harry, about their nights under the stars, their laughter, and their dreams. The words were scribbled in her own handwriting, a stark reminder of the girl she used to be.

The words in the journal seemed to jump off the page, each sentence a reminder of the love and passion that had once consumed her. The memories were so vivid that she could almost feel Harry's touch, hear his laughter, and see the sparkle in his eyes. But with those memories also came the pain of their separation and the reality of their current lives. She gently closed the journal, setting it back on the coffee table, and took a deep breath.

Her heart felt heavy, yet there was also a sense of closure. Seeing Harry again had been a confrontation with her past that she hadn't realized she needed. It had been a necessary step to fully embrace her future, a future that included Ben and the life they were building together. Elisa knew she needed to focus on the present and what was important to her now. She stood up, her resolve strengthening with each passing moment. She loved Ben, and she was determined to make things work with him. But she also acknowledged that her past with Harry was a part of who she was, and it had shaped her in ways she couldn't deny.

Just as she was about to walk towards the door, it swung open, and Mal stepped in, her expression curious. "Hey, you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost."

Elisa smiles, shaking her head. "No ghosts, just...Memories. Harry was here."

Mal's eyes widens in surprise. "Harry? What did he want?"

"Closure, I think. We both needed it," Elisa said softly, her voice tinged with the complexity of the emotions she had just confronted. "We talked about the past, about what we had, and where we are now. It was hard, but I think it was something we both needed."

Mal studies her friend's face, seeing the mixture of sadness and relief. She walks over and sat down next to Elisa, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Do you feel better now?"

Elisa nods, a small, bittersweet smile forming on her lips. "Yeah, I do. It's strange, but seeing him again, talking things out...It gave me some clarity. I know where I stand now. With Harry, with Ben, with everything."

Mal squeezes her shoulder reassuringly. "That's good. You deserve to be happy, Elisa. And if Ben makes you happy, then that's what matters."

Elisa looks at Mal, grateful for her friend's support. "Thanks, Mal. It means a lot to hear you say that."

Mal smiles warmly. "We're in this together, remember? No matter what."

Elisa nods, feeling a sense of peace settle over her. "I know. And I'm thankful for that." It meant a lot to her to have Mal with her as she navigated these complicated emotions and relationships.

The two friends sat in silence for a while, the weight of the conversation settling into a comfortable quiet. The tension and unresolved feelings had lifted, leaving room for a newfound understanding and acceptance.

"Let's get some rest," Mal suggests, breaking the silence. "Tomorrow's a new day, and we've got a lot to do."

Elisa agrees, feeling a sense of calm wash over her. "You're right. Thanks, Mal. For everything."

"I'm always here for you, Elisa," Mal replies, her voice filled with sincerity as she reaches over to squeeze her shoulder. "No matter what happens, you can count on me."

Elisa nodded gratefully, feeling a sense of reassurance in Mal's words. The two friends shared a brief, understanding glance before they both got up and went to their separate area in the hideout to get ready for the night. Seeing Harry again had stirred up a whirlwind of emotions within her, but confronting those feelings had given Elisa a sense of closure and clarity.

As the night settled over the Isle, Elisa found herself reflecting deeply on the unexpected encounter with Harry. His presence had stirred up a whirlwind of emotions within her, dredging up memories of their passionate past. Despite her initial resolve to stay strong and loyal to Ben, she couldn't deny the lingering feelings she still harbored for Harry. Their connection had been intense and undeniable, a complex mix of love, desire, and regret.

Elisa settled into her makeshift bed, the quiet sounds of the night on the Isle providing a soothing backdrop to her thoughts. Her mind replayed the conversation with Harry, the intensity of his gaze, and the sincerity in his voice when he confessed he missed her. It was a lot to process, but amidst the turmoil, she felt a strange sense of peace. The memories of their past were now out in the open, no longer hidden in the shadows of her mind. It was a step towards healing, towards understanding her own heart.

She closed her eyes, letting the fatigue of the day wash over her. As she drifted into sleep, her thoughts wandered to Ben, the man she loved and the future they were building together. Her resolve to be with him grew stronger, fortified by the clarity she had gained from her encounter with Harry. She knew that her heart had room for the memories of her past, but it was firmly anchored in the present and the love she had for Ben. While she loves Ben, the expectations, pressures and fear of losing her powers often clouded her thoughts. She felt the weight of those fears, yet she knew she had to find a balance. Her powers were a part of her, just as much as her love for Ben was. She couldn't afford to lose herself in the process of trying to hold onto both.

But sometimes it was hard to navigate the delicate balance between her powers and her relationship with Ben. The Isle had a way of amplifying her fears and doubts, making it challenging to stay focused on the path she wanted to take. The encounter with Harry had served as a stark reminder of how the past could easily bleed into the present, complicating her emotions and decisions.

As she lay in bed, Elisa couldn't help but think about the future. The Isle held many memories, both good and bad, but it was a part of who she was. She had grown and changed since her time here, and now she faced new challenges and responsibilities. Being with Ben meant embracing a future full of promise and potential, but it also meant confronting her fears head-on and making difficult choices about her powers.

Elisa turned over, glancing at the small window that allowed a sliver of moonlight to filter into the room. The soft glow illuminated the space, casting gentle shadows on the walls. She found a strange comfort in the quiet of the night, a moment of solitude to reflect and find some inner peace. Her gaze fell on the nightstand by bed, noticing a small, weathered journal resting there. It was her old journal from the Isle, filled with memories and thoughts she had penned down over the years. Elisa hesitated for a moment, then reached out and picked it up. She opened it to a random page, her eyes scanning the familiar handwriting.

The entries were a mix of reflections on life on the Isle, her hopes, fears, and moments of vulnerability. As she read, memories flooded back — of friendships forged in adversity, of dreams she once had, and of Harry, whose name appeared frequently on the pages. Ben was mentioned in the journal more than once, maybe even more than Harry indicating his significant impact on her life. The journal chronicled her struggles and growth, revealing the depth of her emotions and the complexity of her relationships. Elisa paused as she read through the pages, feeling a mix of nostalgia and introspection wash over her. Each entry painted a vivid picture of her journey, capturing the highs and lows of her time on the Isle and beyond.

As Elisa continued to read, she found herself drawn to passages where she had poured out her heart about Harry — moments of joy under the stars, hidden feelings, and the intensity of their connection. These memories tugged at her heart, reminding her of a time when everything seemed simpler, yet infinitely more complicated emotionally. Closing the journal softly, Elisa took a deep breath, feeling a sense of melancholy mingled with gratitude for the experiences that had shaped her. She placed the journal back on the nightstand as she cherished the memories of her past while embracing the present with Ben. The journey ahead was uncertain, marked by challenges and choices that would shape her path. Yet, she felt a newfound confidence in her ability to navigate the complexities of her heart, guided by the lessons she had learned and the relationships she held dear.

With a sense of peace settling over her, Elisa allowed herself to drift into a restful sleep, grateful for the clarity and closure that the night had brought. Tomorrow would bring new beginnings, and she was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead with strength and determination.