Chapter Text
It’s a new day in Ever After High. Summer break is just a few months away, and the students can’t wait!
Briar Beauty is one of these students, walking to the cafeteria with her two best friends forever after, Apple White and Ashlynn Ella. The three stand in line for food, having an usual chat before the day begins.
“Seriously, why does everyone refuse to tell me who woke me up? I’m going mad.” Apple White had tried her best to not annoy anyone with this question when she first realized everyone was keeping it a secret from her, but there were times with Ashlynn and Briar that she just couldn’t contain herself.
“We’ve already went through this with you, Apple. The only way you’ll find out is if the person that woke you up tells you themself.” Ashlynn said while yawning, obviously not awake enough to deal with this.
“It’s not so bad, Apple! Let’s change topic, what do you guys think about everyone beginning to write their own destinies now?” The girls went to sit down at a table, while Briar instigated the conversation.
The truth is, Briar was more than happy that she could write her own destiny. The only thing she was anxious over, is her BFFA’s approval. She pretty much expected Ashlynn to be hexcited about this, not like Briar, but still happy about it. But with Apple, she wasn’t sure how she responded to all this, which made her worried about voicing her own thoughts about the topic.
As they sat down, Apple began to speak; “I’m not really sure.. as of before, I knew my exact thoughts on that, “rebelling” as we’re much more familiar with calling it, but honestly I’ve come to the realization that it was more of my mother’s thoughts than my own.” Briar tried to remember to at least eat her food, while trying to catch everything Apple was saying. Ashlynn paid mind to the conversation, but was also way more focused on eating her breakfast in attempt to properly wake up.
“But if I’m being honest, I think this is what’s for the best. I mean, many people were feeling trapped with their destinies, many were going to suffer so much if they followed through..” Apple said, obviously thinking about Raven. “And let’s not forget that there’s so many more things we can do now! Like dating, relationships, I’m truly happy for that part.” Apple was showing true feelings and happiness, for the most part directed at Ashlynn, her relationship with Hunter was still going, and Apple had learned to accept them, and even began to adore seeing them together! Ashlynn was feeling more awake now and gave Apple a small smile before returning to her food.
”Well, I personally, agree with Apple. I feel, and I’m sure many other’s as well, more free and at peace than ever.” Ashlynn said between the chewing.
Briar sighed a sigh of relief, she was so relieved that both of them reflected like this on the situation, she couldn’t be more happy.
Apple however, wasn’t stupid. She knew Briar had asked this, with a purpose. The girl throwing the book down the well was obviously not forgotten. She also saw how focused Briar was when she and Ashlynn had voiced their opinions, so Apple decided to do what any good friend would do.
”You know guys, honestly no matter what any of you decide to do with your stories now, I’ll support you every step of the way.” Apple watched as she finished talking, seeing Briar crack a soft smile, followed by Ashlynn.
“Honestly that’s so refreshing to hear, because I’ve decided that my story begins here. None of that sleeping for a century stuff, I want to live normally, with you guys.” Briar felt a weight being lifted off her shoulders, finally having gotten out what was on her heart for so long.
”That’s amazing Briar! But just one thing, do you think the villain of your story feels the same way?” Ashlynn spoke up.
Right, Faybelle Thorn.
Faybelle. The dark fairy destined to make Briar sleep for a 100 years.
Faybelle which never showed any sign of not wanting to follow her destiny, maybe the one that had even less problems with her destiny than past Apple White.
In truth, this thought had never crossed Briars mind.
”I’m sure she’ll manage somehow, but maybe talking to her would be beneficial!” Apple suggested, noticing this question made Briars mood sink. Ashlynn also picked up on this and wanted to change the mood by asking a new question, preferably directed at someone else.
”So Apple, what will you do when you find out who your prince charming is?” Briar immediately began grinning at Ashlynn, also having questioned this before.
Apple had remained a neutral face, the question not really being important to her. “Well, frankly I don’t care all that much who it might be. It’s mostly my mum eager to know who will be ‘ruling by my side’ after we graduate. My story is considered completed, sure it would be nice for my prince to merge out of the shadows, but I can’t imagine myself being interested in any boy at this school just because of destiny, at least not anymore.”
“That’s because you’re a full on raging lesbian.” Briar said, making Ashlynn nod in agreement.
Apple flushed a bit of embarrassment, wishing this would not be brought up in such a public space. “As if you’re any better yourself, Briar.” She scoffed.
”Well, at least I’m not keeping up a straight facade!”
“Yeah because I said I’m not entirely sure yet!! Maybe a guy will enter my life one day, that I’ll actually fall for!” Apple knew she was lying, she knew deep down that she was only interested in girls.
“You’re both raging, hopeless, lesbians.” Ashlynn stated. “What would you do if your prince ended up as a princess anyways?” She was being bold asking this question, but she knew this information would only help Apple’s ‘prince’ charming.
”Are you saying the one that saved me, is actually a girl?” Apple said, raising a brow.
”No, she’s not as stupid as you to be asking such an obvious question. She’s asking because it’s truly a good question for your lesbian ass.” Briar butted in, finally eating her now cold breakfast.
”Oh, shut up. Either way, I think maybe I’ll be more open to it being a girl. I also don’t think my mother could care any less, as long as it’s a charming and someone fit to rule the kingdom with me. But that still doesn’t mean I’ll fall for them just because they’re my destiny.” Apple pondered around her own response, as long as it’s a charming.. like Darling Charming..?
Apple immediately shook this thought away, returning to the conversation with her friends. “Apple White truly has changed, not caring even if it’s her destiny, huh? That’s new.” Ashlynn said, satisfied with her answer.
”As long as it’s a Charming, that means she’ll accept like, Darling?” Briar said, still stirring the soup. “Yeah, I guess so. But Darling’s such a good friend of mine, I couldn’t imagine us in that kind of relationship.” That was a lie. She definitely could.
”Sure!” Ashlynn exclaimed, not actually paying attention anymore since the bell had rung.
The three of them had the same class, so naturally they walked together. On the way Apple had been lost in her own thoughts while Briar and Ashlynn were talking.
“Apple! Watch out!” A voice behind the girls called out, however Apple had only gotten time to turn around before the one and only Darling Charming had fell right on top of her!
It was a loud thud, behind Darling was Kitty, Maddie and Raven laughing their asses off. But Apple couldn’t really focus on the girls behind them, or her own two friends, Ashlynn and Briar, having loud and audible gasps, making Apple realize.
”God, Apple! I’m so so so so sorry, I was late to damsel in distress class, so Raven had put a spell on my legs, making them run uncontrollably fast! And I just couldn’t stop, I’m extremely sorry, I should have yelled your name much earlier, I-“
Apple, with her completely flushed face had interrupted Darling. “Darling, p-please.. I’m okay, may you please get off me?” Darling were soon to notice how Apple was on the ground, being seemingly pinned down by Darling, with Darlings right knee between Apple’s legs, and both arms on each side of Apple’s head.
Darling couldn’t contain her blush, and immediately went pink. As she got up as fast as possible, reaching out a hand to help Apple up while her other hand was doing a miserable attempt at hiding her blush.
”I apologize Apple, I hope you’re not hurt.” Darling said as formal as she could, looking back at Kitty, Maddie and Raven, shooting death glares at the three laughing hyenas winking at Darling.
”I-it’s fine, I’m fine. I should get to class, bye Darling.” Apple said quick, not wanting to stay a second more. She took the fastest 180° anyone had ever seen, resuming her walk back to class.
Darling just stared at Apple walking away, before looking at Ashlynn and Briar, now also laughing.
“You two shut up and go with her to class for fucks sake.” Darling thought she was going to die on the spot.
”Oh sure prince charming. Way to make your princess really fall for you.” Briar smirked, having Ashlynn absolutely gasping desperately for air.
”GO AWAY” Darling screamed, completely flustered. The two girls stopped the teasing, going to catch up again with Apple, with laughs in their throats.
Kitty, Maddie and Raven had walked up behind Darling, still laughing. ”I hate all of you. She probably thinks I’m a clumsy idiot now!” Darling groaned with hands on her face.
“That was hilarious, Darling. Truly made my day purrfect.” Kitty said in between laughs.
”Well Darling, you can’t say you didn’t enjoy those faint seconds!” Raven teased even more. Darling thought she was going to die.
”I’m never trusting you again, dickhead. I can’t go to class anymore, I have the same as Apple, I’ll die.” Darling said dramatically, but still dead serious.
”You can always skip with me. I’ll be by the bleachers, anyways.” Kitty purred, flashing one of her popular Cheshire smiles.
“You’re fucking gay and are only going to watch Cerise run. But sure, I’ll tag along on your gay fantasies.” Darling shot at Kitty, now smirking.
This comment made Maddie and Raven laugh as well, completely wiping Kitty’s smile away.
“I’m sorry dear friend! But I agree with this disaster knight! I herby you, gay, Kitty!” Maddie announced, laughing madly.
”I appreciate the bullying of gay people, seriously Kitty, you stalk poor Cerise all the time, how long are you gonna claim it’s because you wanna collect dirt on her?” Raven added.
”If you guys want to skip with me as well, that will be delightful. Let’s go, Darling.” Kitty put on an angry smile, showing them that she’s ignoring their comments.
The three girls, Ashlynn, Briar and Apple were at that time walking to the classroom.
Apple was still red and flustered, but either way, acting like nothing had happened. “So.. are you just going to ignore how you completely glowed with blush having Darling, the white knight herself, on top of you?” Briar said laughing hysterically.
”Yes. Just like I ignored you staring at Faybelle with lust when Ashlynn mentioned her name at breakfast.” Apple said firmly.
”That was not lust! I was stressed, thinking about if she’s really okay with me dropping my story-“ Briar protested, full on honesty in her voice. Briar didn’t view Faybelle as that, what the fuck?
”I’m just joking.” Apple sighed, she had tensed her shoulders since Darling had bumped into her. “Anyone would be flustered in that position, and also, I like girls, how the hex do you expect me to react with one on top of me?!” Apple whisper-yelled.
Ashlynn was between the two, as they were right in front of the classroom door, they stepped in, in silence, as the second bell rang, announcing that class had officially begun.
The day was finally over. Apple was exhausted, wanting nothing more than to return to her room and take a long, deserved nap. She had waved goodbye to Ashlynn and Briar, which she had spent the entire school day with.
As she walked up to her room, she ended up meeting Darling Charming on her way. It had been the only time she had seen her after she had fell on her. Darling hadn’t shown up to any of her classes after that, Apple wondered if it was because she was too embarrassed. Either way, Apple of course ended up stopping up to say hi.
”Hi, Darling!” Apple had said, making Darling stop in her tracks, right in front of Apple, with just a few inches apart.
”Hello, Apple. Going back to your room I see?”
”Indeed, today was very tiring. Speaking of today, I didn’t see you in any of my classes today? And we kind of have the same schedule today.”
Darling fiddled with one of her platinum curls. What was she supposed to say? Oh I was a scared gay train wreck that didn’t have the courage to face you after experiencing the most fucking embarrassing moment of my life, even tho I’m literally a knight!
Yeah, that wouldn’t work.
”Oh, I wasn’t feeling well, so I kind of just skipped my classes along with Kitty.”
Apple smirked at her. “Ahh, so it’s not because you were too embarrassed to look at me after we were in that lewd looking position?” She was bold. Way too bold. When did Apple become this flirtatious person? What was happening? What was Darling supposed to answer to that?
Apple noticed Darling was at a loss of words, becoming pink from head to toe. “Oh no, I apologize! I didn’t mean to say it like that, pardon.” Apple couldn’t believe what she had said, when the fuck had she ever publicly actually flirted with a girl? And Darling Charming herself?
”No, no, no, don’t apologize. You’re right, I was too embarrassed.. but I got over it! Look at me, here I am talking to Apple White herself.” Darling didn’t know what the hex she was saying. She wanted this conversation to end, just as much as she wanted it to keep going just to hear Apple’s voice even more.
”You’re adorable, Darling.” Apple said while fluttering her eyelashes and blowing Darling a kiss before continuing walking to her room.
Darling couldn’t be more thankful for Apple leaving, because if she saw how pink she had turned, she would’ve though Darling had caught a fever..
Was Apple really flirting with her, or was this just as friends? Was she even into girls?
She’ll have to ask Briar and Ashlynn about this later, right now she thought she was going to heat up if she didn’t take a cold shower right away.
Why did I say that? What’s wrong with me? What level have I stooped to?
Apple thought she had lost it. She didn’t look at Darling that way. She was pretty sure Darling liked girls, but that didn’t matter! I have to stop this behavior. Apple kept thinking to herself, before this turns more serious than a joke.
The blonde was to but it mildly, very tired. She took off her makeup, undid her hair, and put on a set of comfortable pajama's ready to sleep for the rest of the day.
Meanwhile we find our own Briar Beauty, hanging out with Ashlynn Ella. She was to tired to go anywhere special and just wanted to relax and talk with Ashlynn, so Ashlynn had brought her to the enchanted forest, in one of the places that Hunter had brought her for one of their first dates.
”Seriously Ash! I didn’t even consider Faybelle’s feelings towards me just dropping my destiny.. what will I do if she refuses?? Just follow through and drop it either way?” Briar was stressing, and had of course come to Ashlynn for help.
”Calm down. I’m sure it’s not as bad as you think, have you even tried talking to her? When was the last time you had an actual conversation with her?”
”Actually.. a proper while ago. When we went to save Crystal’s parents and stuff..” Briar started to groan even more, she hadn’t talked to Faybelle in MONTHS. Ashlynn couldn’t contain her laughter at the hopeless girl in front of her.
”Seriously, Bri. You’re making me laugh. You haven’t thought about Faybelle once, not even for a second, to consider her feelings towards this? It’s her story too, you know!” Ashlynn kept laughing, snorting even.
”It’s not entirely my fault! After we shared that dream when everyone went into a slumber, she’s been avoiding me the second we got back to Ever After High!”
”Avoiding? You shared a dream?”
”Yeah. I was about to touch the spindle, and Faybelle was above it, waiting for me to prick my finger, but right before I touched it she took my hand away and then blew up the spindle, turning it into flower petals.” This was the first time Briar had even looked back at that dream, she never really thought it was important.
”Briar. Does it really seem weird that she’s been avoiding you? If you shared that dream, that must mean Faybelle doesn’t want to follow her destiny either! And she’s probably scared of that fact.” Briar was looking at Ashlynn with an O-shaped mouth, finally realizing.
”Ohhhhhh, that makes so much more sense!”
”Are you serious?” The shoe enthusiast was dumbfounded by her friend’s intelligence. How could someone be this stupid?
”Well then, I should probably go talk to Faybelle!” She beamed with happiness, happy to know that not wanting to follow her destiny, was like minded.
”Don’t you think you should wait until tomorrow? If I’m guessing right, I’d say Faybelle’s with Duchess Swan right now. Would be quite rude to interrupt, don’t you think?” Ashlynn was making an awful lot of sense today, so Briar listened and decided she would head back to her room and sleep on it.
Tomorrow, she would definitely talk this out with her.
Meanwhile, Darling Charming was getting out of her cold shower. She had managed to cool down and was prepared to sleep and call it a day. But the second she stepped out of the shower, her roommate Rosabella, and dearest older brother, Daring, was all over the place.
”You need some space?” Darling said to Rosabella, furrowing her eyebrows.
”I’m so sorry Darling, I didn’t know you were here!-“ Rosabella was prepared to leave the dorm and take Daring with her, but Darling stopped them.
Darling sighed. “No, it’s fine. I’m heading to the library anyways, enjoy yourselves.” She winked at them before grabbing a few books and leaving, closing the door shut.
Honestly, Darling thought a study session would be nice, she had a few tests coming up either way.
Once she sat down, she could feel her consciousness betraying her. Before she knew it, she was asleep between a huge pile of books.
Apple White wasn’t able to sleep for more than 30 minutes. Something kept bothering her, but she did as her mother had advised from a young age. Grab a few books to study. If she first wasn’t able to sleep, she could at least spend this time improving her grades.
(As if its possible to improve perfect grades.)
Her roommate Raven wasn’t back yet, so she headed out to the library. When she arrived, there was barely anyone there. She saw Cerise Hood, trying to study. Followed by Kitty Cheshire herself, annoying her every step of the way. This scene made Apple smile, they were cute together. By now, everyone was convinced Kitty had a crush on Cerise anyways.
Apple didn’t want to disturb the lovebirds, so she sought for the deepest, most quiet corner in the library. When she approached she noticed a pile of books on the desk. There was a chair there, so Apple could tell there was someone there. She could also hear very, very quiet snoring.
Apple approached the chair next to the pile of books, as she sat down she noticed Darling Charming sleeping. She was surrounded by the books, in a peaceful slumber. Apple didn’t feel like waking her up and disturbing her peace, so she started studying with a sleeping Charming next to her.
After an hour, Apple was done studying and Darling was still sleeping.
”Psst, Darling.. you need to wake up.” Apple pricked her finger on Darlings head in attempt to wake her up.
”Ah.. huh.. what..?” Darling groaned as she lifted her head up while yawning.
”Apple?” Darling was stretching out her arms, barely able to keep her eyes open.
”Hello, sleep well?” Apple flashed Darling one of her heartwarming smiles, Darling could see much clearer now and a faint blush appeared on her cheeks.
”Yeah. How long have I been sleeping?”
”Ever since I got here, so for over an hour.” She laughed, how could the knight be so lost?
”Oh grim.. Thank you so much for waking me up, were you just finishing studying?” Darling was very relaxed by now, she was talking to Apple with ease. It was nice.
”Yeah, I was studying next to you sleeping. I didn’t want to wake you up, but I’m done now. You heading back to your room as well?”
”I guess so, want to head back together?”
”That would be lovely, I think it’s best if we give the lovebirds of the library some peace anyways!”
”Lovebirds?” Darling questioned as they walked out of the library corner, making Apple stop up and point at Cerise and Kitty. Now having Cerise leaning against a bookshelf, reading a book while Kitty was sound asleep between her legs, head on her chest.
“Wow, way to go Cerise!” Darling whisper shouted, minding that they were in a library and the sleeping Kitty.
This earned a deathly stare from Cerise, followed by a bit of blush she hid with her hood.
”You too, Darling.” She smirked back, whispering just as loud.
Darling started to heat up, realizing she was walking with Apple, and had come out of the library corner with her as well.
Apple just chuckled innocently, waving bye to Cerise while grabbing Darlings hand out of the library.
Darling smiled soft at Apple, completely forgetting Cerise.
As they left the library, still holding hands, Darling noticed Apple struggling to hold her books with just one hand.
”Here, give them to me, I’ll stack them on top of my own.” Darling offered, “You’re a real savior.” Apple smiled, and gave Darling her books, keeping their hands holding each other.
Darling followed Apple to her room, they walked in a peaceful silence. Darling was heating up holding Apples hand, but tried not to mind it as Apple didn’t pay any special attention to this herself.
As they arrived outside Apple and Ravens dorm, Darling followed the blonde inside to place her books. As they walked in, Darling was completely focused on Apple, not paying attention to anything else in the room.
”There you are Apple, and Darling.” Ravens voice was hard to forget. Darling turned to Raven, sitting on her bed, having tea with Maddie.
”Hello Raven and Maddie!” Apple greeted, completely oblivious to their playful stares.
”Hey guys.” Darling said quickly, walking over to Apple’s desk to separate her books from her own.
“What are the wonderful odds of you two being together?” Maddie asked, sipping her tea joyfully.
Darling did not have the energy needed for this, and wanted nothing more than to leave.
“We happened to be at the library at the same time, that's all.” Apple replied, smiling, but tired.
“Well Apple, I won't stay here any longer than I have to, goodnight. You too Raven and Maddie.” Darling said not a second after, waving and heading for the door. Apple followed after, stopping at the door frame.
“Goodnight, Darling.” Apple had managed to say before Darling left, hugging her and receiving a hug back.
Darling didn't have time to reply before Apple had closed the door slowly, so she sighed and began walking to her own room. Hoping Rosabella and Daring were finished with whatever they were doing.
“Apple, be honest now.” Raven said while Apple was washing her face in the bathroom. “What?” She had replied, entering the room while tying her hair in one simple braid.
“Do you have feelings for Darling.. romantically-?” Raven knew it seemed highly unlikely, but Darling is her true love so it would make sense for Apple to fall for her, aware of the truth or not.
“What? No! Raven, and Maddie, me and Darling are just really good friends! Seriously, why does everyone keep implying that.” Apple was irritated, she couldn't understand why everyone was suddenly claiming Darling and her as a thing.
“Uhm, you sure? It's just that you talk a lot, always blush around each other, and you're pretty cute together..” The Evil Queens daughter tried to be as discreet as possible, not wanting to raise suspicions.
“I admit I do blush a lot around Darling, but most of the time it's because I'm intentionally flirting with her, so it's to be expected.”
“You intentionally flirt with her?” Maddie looked puzzled, how did Apple White not like this girl, when she was flirting with her, no problem!? Maddie didn't even know Apple was capable of flirting! Raven look at Maddie with a look saying ‘I seriously think she's stupid.’
“Yeah, but just as friends, of course.” Apple said innocently, grim, could you be more oblivious?
“Uh huh.. and you're sure Darling looks at you flirting with her as ‘just friends’?” Raven said, now a bit scared for her friend, Darling. She was afraid Apple's obliviousness would hurt Darling's feelings.
“Seriously you guys, I'm sure. I have a Prince Charming destined for me somewhere at this school, and Darling is well aware of that- I know I said I wouldn't fall for whoever woke me up just because of destiny, but that doesn't mean I'll start dating and looking up girls like Darling, before I've at least met my true love.” Apple was straight forward and firm, this answer obviously setting the conversation to an end.
Maddie and Raven just nodded, returning to their tea. Apple was used to Maddie spending time at their dorm, at any hour really, so this wasn’t something new or uncommon. She did what she usually did, and just went to sleep as if no one were there.
Darling Charming had also returned to her room, thankfully Daring was nowhere to be seen, and Rosabella was reading a book on her bed.
”So, you had fun at the library?” Rosabella peaked up from her book as Darling closed the door behind her.
Darling couldn’t contain her beaming happiness anymore, she was almost on the verge of thanking Rosabella for having her brother over, making her go some place else, like the library!
Rosabella, of course, noticed this and put down her book. “Wanna tell me about your day? I’m all ears.” Darling loved that about Rosabella, always so kind and understanding and an amazing friend.
”Oh my grim, Rosa! Seriously you won’t believe it, Apple was in the library, and then..-“
Darling had already started to ramble on as the night went by, smiling from ear to ear.
Our other friends at Ever After have also long gone to sleep. Briar Beauty and Ashlynn Ella were sound asleep in their room. Kitty Cheshire and Cerise Hood had eventually woken up, and said their goodbyes pretending like nothing had happened and headed for their rooms. Maddie had also returned to her dorm, listening to Kitty go on and on about Cerise.
Every single student at Ever After High had finished their day, in their rooms either sleeping, studying or just enjoying the night.
Everyone, except one.
Faybelle Thorn, the one and only.
The dark fairy was pacing around her room, actually careful not to wake up Bunny.
For these past few months, there had been one thing occupying her mind everyday. Or one person.
Briar Beauty.
She had suddenly received a text an hour ago from Briar, after months of effort put into avoiding her, the text had said to meet her tomorrow after school, in her and Ashlynn Ellas room. Saying that they should ‘talk’.
As much as the dark fairy never had admit this out loud, (to anyone else but Duchess Swan), she knew very well what she thought about the princess on a deeper level.
Faybelle Thorn had been madly in love with Briar Beauty for months now, and didn’t know how to deal with it.
Anxious for tomorrow and for what Briar wanted, she would just have to wait and see.