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Darling knew they were slightly obvious about being into their roommate, which might’ve been why they threw themselves into their extracurriculars and grades. A solid plan for the most part seeing as Rosabella mainly did the same, seeing as she spent almost all of her time at the animal shelter.
But she wasn’t expecting Apple to point it out, looking to be at her wits end right outside of the dorms. Darling was trying to go get food, why did a simple food run have to go so far out of left turn? It was like those old fairytales where people would get their toes chopped off just to try and get with a prince.
“You, you like Rosabella right?”
“Apple, what the hell.” Apples hand was gripping onto Darling’s shirt for dear life. At no point did Darling try to run away so Apple continued after that.
“As we know, I’m into your brother, but there’s an issue with us getting together, rosabella.” As if that was making any sense at all, why couldn’t they have just sent Chase to get food? Fuck their life.
“Uhm, Apple, why does this involve me and my roommate?” They’d seen their friend at some of the most questionable points in her history, but this was a new low for Apple.
“They’re dating, so to counteract, we will fake date, they’ll get jealous, your brother will come to his senses, you’ll maybe get a girlfriend, and we’ll all be happy.” Apple explains with perfect calmness, like it was the simplest thing in the world. Making darling completely fly over the fact that she said that they were dating.
“Uhm, Apple, has your mother made you break?” Finally being free from Apples grip as she crinkles her nose at the statement, looking bewildered at the thought of the statement. “I’ve got to go get food, I’ll be back though.”
“Darling, just think about it.” Walking beside Darling, having to catch up slightly with them. “There’s no chance it’ll fail.” Walking over to the pickup station at the subway just off the corner that looks like it’d be haunted.
After that, however they just walk in silence until they get to Darling’s dorm, Apple going to give them a hug, telling them to think about it before skipping off. So, seeing as Apple definitely wasn’t okay at the current moment, agreed. It’s not like they’d have to go the full length, maybe a date at most to make it seem realistic.
“Was that Apple?” Chase mumbled, not expecting an answer as he rushed to get his food.
“Why are you in the end, I left for five minutes and you killed the ender dragon?!” Darling gasped, looking at him in scrutiny as they pull the bag away, rummaging for their own food.
“No, I’m exploring, give me my food.” Taking the bag as Darling gets a text from Apple, saying she made plans for something special. Darling already was regretting their decision. Especially when she got a call maybe 10 minutes after they did in fact kill the ender dragon.
Life was a son of a gun.
“So, before we continue, I have 3 rules so we can maximize our chances of this succeeding, 1. No falling in love,” getting a laugh “I’m being serious! Have you never watched any romcoms? 2. Don’t make it obvious 3. Be at my dorm this morning.” Darling letting that settle for a second to process everything.
“So, what should I be expecting from you in the morning?”
“We have our first class together silly, you’re walking me.” Acting like it was common knowledge, which Darling wasn’t staring at the people beside them so why would they know.
“Okay, bye apple.” Going to sleep, hoping apple had rethought her decision to pretend to date. But, starting at 6:30 she was at Apples door, about to knock. Raven opened the door first, blinking three times as comically as possible before Apple ran past, pulling darling into a hug, planting a kiss on Darling’s cheek.
“Apple, what happened?” Raven almost grimaced at the sight, more so in concern than anything.
“We’re dating, isn’t it obvious?” Her hand drawing small circles under Darling’s oversized Henley, making them go slightly stiff.
“Yes but why?”
“Wow, raven!” Apple looked as offended as she possibly could get, slipping her hand away from Darling’s shirt and to hold hands. Raven only blinking and shutting the door behind them. “You are handsome by the way, just not my type. I can’t believe she’d say that.”
“You literally said just yesterday that it was obvious I had a crush on someone else, that’s probably where her concern lies.” Apple nodding, accepting that thought as they change the topic to the class. Seeing as there wasn’t assigned seats, she plopped down in the spot beside mine. Mr.Rumplestiltskin walked in and teaching a few minutes prior to the bell ringing because that’s just how he was.
It must’ve been against policy somehow but he never got in trouble for it so people stopped caring. Rosabella and daring walking in together, Rosabella giving me an odd look as they noticed apple beside me. So like normal, she sits on my left, daring dabbing up five guys on his way in and talking to them.
“Rosabella, did you do the essay yet?” Darling asked, trying to feel some sort of normalcy after dealing with Apple’s antics.
“No, you?” Glancing behind darlings shoulder as she said it, looking slightly disgruntled at something as a hand slammed down on the teachers desk, a common sign he didn’t understand the computer.
“Yeah, last night, sorry Chase was over for so long, how was being out?” Trying to make their remorse obvious. He was only supposed to be there an hour, even if rosabella had stayed out later.
“Good, good.” As if reminding herself of something, fidgeting with her pencil as she shifts to stare at Daring. So, darling shifted back to doing their work, being the perfect student.
“C’mon babe.” Darling freezing a bit at the nickname, but tried to play it off, slipping their bag over their shoulder and trying not to glance back at daring awkwardly holding rosabella’s hand. It was weird, seeing either of them date someone. But, Apple played her role with maybe too much enthusiasm, squeezing Darling’s arm a bit too hard when they did look back.
“This is where we part I guess, bye apple.” Trying to sound as little awkward as possible. At that moment the question came through their mind if they should’ve taken acting classes as a kid but it’s too late for that. Apples touch lingered for a bit before Cupid started walking past, leading to a debate on some fundraiser Apple was helping out with.
Differing schedules continued to put a break in Apples plan, who chose to as conspicuously as possible bring up some plan she had for after school. So, when the time came, Darling patiently awaited their girlfriend. Roses in one hand, hoping that was the right move seeing as it was most likely a date.
And when Apple opened the door, they were proven correct, apple inspecting the flowers with a sense of awe before setting them down and walking out. She was definitely dressed nicer than she normally did, her hair somewhat.
“What’s with the staring?” Apple said airily, pushing her hair back behind her ear.
“You look nice is all.” Darling mumbled out, spinning their rings around in an attempt to nullify their existence. What a cliché this day had been, wow. But they’d been friends for forever so it’s not like this was much different aside from the fact Apple looked a bit more in shock at the compliment.
“Would’ve thought you’d be more confident while in a relationship.” She commented before starting to walk away, not giving any more context on what that meant. “Follow me.” She groans, noticing Darling standing there.
So, as they go down the familiar route, following Apple off campus to some place she seemed acquainted with. Darling didn’t even know it existed before today, mainly since it was on the edge of town or maybe since they never really went out.
“Are you not good at bowling?” Apple says with a glint of pride, walking through the door that Darling was holding open.
“I’m amazing at bowling.” Which might’ve been a bit overzealous for them to say as the last time they went bowling it was against Dexter who needed bumpers. It couldn’t be all that different with Apple, but knowing apple she’d be perfect at it.
Which she was, every single time, smiling at Darling as innocently as possible before making a strike. Not to say Darling was bad but it was clear there was a reason apple had chosen this place.
So, after that complete fail, the only way Darling thought to make up for it was winning Apple a prize. Scampering over to a nearby claw machine as Apple looks off, face scrunched before realization hit. Putting in a dollar and figuring out how to grab the, rather large, dog plush that was partially buried, pressed the button. 5 dollars later they had gotten it, at this point, Apple had made it to their side, waiting for Darling so they can get beaten again at bowling.
Which, 2 rounds of bowling later only solidified the fact that Apple may have chosen to go into a professional bowling team instead of choosing to fake date them. Apple taking more than enough photos of them winning as well as the plush that was sitting in her arms, most likely for her story.
Proven correct as they saw her post them while they were leaving, the employee looking half asleep, scrolling on their phone as they’d been the only people there that day.
“Food and movie?” Apple asked, seemingly trying to get as many photos of them being the perfect couple. Or maybe it was in a friendly way.
“Yeah, sounds good.” Apple already scouring the vicinity for something before landing on pizza, which inconveniently was the same plan as Daring and Rosabella who were sitting at a table. He was waving and smiling at them while rosabella had a look that was a mix of dismay and something else.
“I’ll get the food.” Apple said before asking as Daring asks about if they were taking after him, joking he could give Darling some pointers about girls if they needed them. Which, frankly, darling would never ask for more out of embarrassment than him being untrustworthy or anything. After the food was ordered, Apple sticks to Darling’s side, laying her head on their shoulder as Daring continued to talk about how the school’s team was doing, completely ignorant to Apple’s approach.
That was most likely the reason they left as soon as the food was ready, Darling and apple getting back to her dorm slightly later than planned. Raven didn’t comment, only joining them for a movie, grabbing the remote for the tv and playing a horror movie. Then, not even falling asleep 20 minutes into the movie.
“Bye Apple.” Who only glanced sadly at Darling leaving. What Darling wasn’t expecting after walking down the hall to their dorm was their roommate, standing near the doorway with her hair twisting around her fingers.
“Darling, I need to talk to you.”
“About what?” Darling had a feeling about what it could be, or well who. Which they were proven right as Rosabella started talking.
“Apple, well she’s selfish and only does things to make herself look better. She’s using you, I don’t know why she would be but she is. Darling, you can do better than her.” Rosabella says flatly, as if it was common knowledge, a weird way to do an intervention but Darling wasn’t really focused on that.
“We’ve been friends since we were like 2, and sure she’s selfish at times but everyone is. Can you really judge when you’re dating my brother.” A low blow but Darling didn’t have time to deal with this, it was already 7 and they had homework to do. Rosabella only standing there as Darling went to their room.
Rushing their hand through their hair worriedly, hoping this wouldn’t have an effect on their relationship. They really needed to cut their hair, they’d do it soon. Probably.
Finishing a portion of the pile, leaving the rest to be done in the morning as they go to take a shower. Waking up, thinking the last 2 days had been a dream. A text from Chase asking if they were still going to hang out later or if they were too busy having a girlfriend now.
Sending a quick text back, they start to get ready, not expecting Rosabella to pretend nothing happened the night before, asking if Darling had finished the book they’d lent them. Seeing as they had, went to grab it as they hear a knock at the door. Dropping off the book onto Rosabella’s bed before going to open the door, Apple standing awkwardly waiting for them. Rosabella waving them goodbye with the fakest smile they could muster.
“Wow, she really hates us. Perhaps she’s homophobic.” Apple grumbled, slipping their hands together as she scrolled with her other one, pretending she wasn’t glancing back at Darling.
“Our whole friend group is gay Apple.” Apple just shrugging and looking like she took it somewhat into account. “You ready for his class?”
“Always.” Her confidence was to be expected, making it to the door only 2 minutes later. Darling quickly grabbing it as Apple walks in to the partially empty classroom. The only people there were kitty, cerise, duchess, and Sparrow who was drumming 2 wooden pencils against the desk until one of them snapped. Duchess grabbing the other pencil before he could start up again.
“Hey Darling.” Duchess mumbled, looking between them and Apple with a smile. “So, got any plans for later.” Only saying it for a reaction before hitting Sparrow upside the head for trying to steal the pencil back as Rumplestiltskin was loudly grading the papers from Friday.
“Yes, with me.” Apple said, a smile across her face as she pulled Darling closer. Even if they didn’t actually have plans, apple probably had the next month planned out.
Maybe that was a good thing for Darling. Rosabella only glanced over to see what was happening, Apple using those opportunities to fidget with Darling’s hand or lean on them.
Although, it made Darling have a bit less focus on the actual lesson at hand. When she asked for apples notes, Apple just smirked and didn’t really notify them of what that meant.
Classes went on as usual, until lunch when a brick hit Darling in the face.
“My wonderful siblings, do you need a ride to Mom and Dad’s house tonight?” Daring asked, reminding them they did in fact have to go to their parents. Not that that was inherently a bad thing, it’s just, Darling hadn’t seen them for awhile for a reason.
“Yeah, I think we do.” Dexter said, although not sounding as confident as he probably should’ve after getting asked that question. Darling only nodding along, noticing Rosabella staring off at the siblings. Probably because Raven and Apple had yet to make it to their table.
“I’ll text you, now have a fair day my dear family.” Smiling brightly before walking away, it’s unclear if he meant it as a way to be ironic or that was just him. Rosabella just shaking her head with a sigh before following beside him as he made some joke that couldn’t have been all that much better than a dad joke.
“Hey babe.” Apples hand brushing Darling’s shoulder as she leaned down to kiss their cheek before sitting down beside them. Dexter looked on, a bit in disbelief before Raven moved to sit beside him. The whole lunch period as everyone talked, Darling thought about how their visit with their parents would go.
Dexter eventually bringing it up in conversation, Apple looking between the two twins and having a sense of realization at the mention of their parents. Raven looking between the three of them with a look of confusion, trying to decide if asking the question would be okay or not.
“Text me if it’s bad.” Apple offered before leaving to go with Blondie to their next class period, leaving Dexter to walk with them like normal.
“It’s still weird seeing her like that with you.” Dexter said, looking back at apple before turning to their sibling. In all honesty, as long as Apple wasn’t brought up, or how Darling wasn’t their “sweet little girl” anymore it could be bearable. They’d probably spend it talking about Daring the whole time.
“Why does everyone keep saying that? You’re so dramatic.” Walking quicker and trying to get to class without leaving him behind. Walking into the class only a minute before the bell rings. Someone however dropped a bottle of axe leading to it to become a study hall. The rest of the day going on as more or less normal until going back to their dorm to get ready, waiting for their brothers to be ready as well.
Dexter and Daring texting that they were ready only 5 minutes later. The drive being more or less silent aside from Daring taking over aux, playing Clairo and tapping on the steering wheel off beat at best.
“How long until we get there?” Dexter asks, gritting his teeth together.
“Only 10 minutes.” Those ended up being the longest 10 minutes of the drive. Both of their parents greeting Daring with a bear hug which he awkwardly accepts, granting the twins a smile.
“How’s school been going for you two?” Their dad asked, not quite sure of what to say. Both of them just gritting out a ‘good’ as they walk through the house to the dining room, moving to an empty seat.
Moving through the dinner like normal, not expecting that Darling would be called out by their father. “You start dating a fellow yet? I’m guessing not with the way you dress.” Laughing after saying it like it was one of the funniest jokes he’s heard.
Daring and Dexter looking at him with a mixture of disgust and disappointment.
“Daring, did you ever end up with Apple?” Their mother asks, trying to ease some of the tension she noticed, but only making it worse.
“No, uhm she’s dating someone else and so am I.” Trying to go back to his drink so it wouldn’t lead to any of the follow up questions.
“Wow, surprised she found someone else, maybe she’s blind son.” Their father says, chuckling a bit as Daring and dexter turn towards Darling, waiting for a response. He notices their shift, a little bit of confusion before he puts the two things together. He blubbered something before saying “So, she’s one of those? Oh.”
Daring looked like he wanted to say something, gritting his teeth before their father really rubbed it in.
“This is what I get for letting you go to that school, why couldn’t you have just stayed my sweet little girl.” Letting out a sigh as he said it.
“Cause I’m not Dad, stop being a dick for once in your life. You didn’t raise any of us and expect us to come out like what you wanted, fuck off.” Darling said with some unknown confidence, standing up and walking off to roam the halls, Daring following shortly behind with Dexter.
“Welp, could’ve been worse.” Dexter states, trying to cheer them up but it doesn’t seem to work all that well.
“So, time to dip?” Daring asked, swinging the keys around his finger before pressing the unlock button.
“What are the chances they’ll try to buy our love back?” Darling scoffed, slipping into the front seat the moment he unlocked the door.
“I’m not that good at math but I’d say the odds are high.” Daring joked, grabbing the aux and continuing to play Olivia Rodrigo because he was preparing for her new album drop. Getting back to their dorm, all they wanted to do is shower and go to sleep. By the time they flopped on their bed, Apple had left 3 texts, 2 of which just consisting of sad face emojis.
Darling didn’t have to go over there, but it seemed a lot better than when Rosabella got there, Daring probably already having told her. Knocking three times before Apple opened the door, glasses slightly skewed as she looks Darling up and down before pulling them into a hug.
“I’m so sorry.”
“I didn’t even tell you anything.” Shutting the door behind them as they finally make it through the doorway. “It wasn’t even that bad, comparatively to their other times.” Apples face dropping more at that, still holding them tightly and Darling not going to let go.
“Do you want to talk about it or movie?” Apple asks after a moment.
“They weren’t all too happy I started dating you.” They didn’t expect it to come out as quiet as it did “but if I were like dexter, they’d be over the moon.” Apple knew what they meant, knew it completely, pushing Darling’s hair back from their face.
“So, I’ll take that as no romcoms?” Trying to joke as they slowly started shifting over to Apples bed, dropping down. Apple grabbing her IPad and sifting through the movies until landing on one. She then moved the ipad to sit between them, her head now laying on Darling’s chest as they watched it.
Darling fell asleep maybe 10 minutes in, Apple only realizing when they finished, going to ask what they thought. Setting their ipad on the bedside table and moving to go to sleep herself.
It was all too easy, too peaceful, to be with Darling. Sure they’d been friends for forever but it was different now.
“You think really loudly babe.” Darling was probably not really conscious enough to have thought of their wording. But Apple couldn’t get that out of their head. Even when they woke up in the morning, now having Darling laying partially on top of them, their head buried into Apple’s neck. It was still early, even by Apple’s standards, Raven still asleep on her side of the room.
Grabbing her phone and scrolling while playing with Darling’s hair subconsciously. Well that was until 20 minutes in and Raven woke up, taking a photo but forgetting to turn their flash off.
“Raven!” She whisper yelled, although Darling definitely didn’t seem to be waking up anytime soon.
“What? You do the same whenever I’m with Dexter.” Going back to whatever she’d been doing prior, so, so did Apple. Apple really hadn’t thought about how much they really do act like a couple, especially seeing as Daring didn’t seem to care all too much about them being together. Rosabella did but it was unclear to Apple why she cared so much.
Apple knew Darling was charming, it was their namesake. But she didn’t expect to view it past that. It was too early in the morning for her to be thinking about this.
“Hmph.” Darling sighed, shifting to look over at Apple “Morning.” Her hand immediately retracting from their hair. “What time is it?” Going to check their phone which after figuring it was at five percent placed it back down with a sigh. Apple handing over the charger and continuing on scrolling as Darling watched over their shoulder “I should probably go get ready.” Darling groaned, getting ready to move as Raven yelps in excitement.
“Rumplestiltskin fell down a flight of stairs earlier this morning, no class.” Raven explained, trying to not look as happy as she was.
“Wow Raven.” Darling still deciding to move, kissing Apple on the forehead before slipping on their slippers.
“I’m going to get breakfast, do you guys want anything?” Darling asked as their hand met the handle, Raven shaking their head.
“I’ll text you my order.” Remembering right as they walk out that they’d left their phone on the nightstand.
“Apple, Apple, apple.” Raven sighed, clicking her tongue in between words. “Oh how the mighty have fallen.”
“What does that mean.”
“Well, until like a week ago your whole thing was being the perfect girl at school and now you’ve been well,” gesturing to Apple’s general vicinity “just wasn’t expecting you to be super for couple stuff, I mean you always kinda acted like that with Darling.”
“I wasn’t always like that with Darling !” Apple tries to argue as Raven raises an eyebrow and brings up how only 2 months ago when Apple was doing a paper for the school, Darling was the first one to volunteer to help with the research. Example after example until a knock on the door, signaling that they were back.
Apple scurries up to open the door and get out of this conversation, hoping that they wouldn’t have to deal with the sudden realization that she may have viewed Darling as more than a friend for a bit more than this whole period of fake dating.
“Uh, so I forgot my phone, but, I remembered your order, and got you a chocolate croissant?” Waiting for a response to signify that that was the right thing.
“Yes, it is, thank you, and thank you for the croissant.” Grabbing the drink and recognizing the familiar taste. Turning towards Raven who had a ‘see??’ Look on her face. Darling taking their own drink and sitting in an empty chair.
“So, what led to the whole sleepover, Apple that clingy?” Raven just trying to get her point across.
“Dinner went bad, surprised Dexter isn’t over here.” Darling answered, finishing their drink with a sad look before they threw away the cup.
“He’s busy with something.” Sounding suspicious but not annoyed. This reminding Darling that they had yet to have planned out a date for them and Apple.
“I got to go get ready for next class, I’ll see you guys at lunch?” Both of them nodding as Darling finally leaves.
“You basically had heart eyes when they walked through with your order.”
“I just really like the drink okay?”
“You can admit you like your partner it’s okay.” Raven scoffed, standing up to get ready herself as Darling finally managed to make their way through their door, keys and phone secured onto their person, immediately getting greeted by Rosabella.
“You okay? I heard you guys had to leave early cause of your parents.” Grabbing Darling’s hand so they couldn’t walk off, sliding their thumb across it to ease them into it if it was really that bad.
“Apparently being me is enough to cause an argument, also shouldn’t you be getting ready for class?” Her face dropping at the subject.
“Y’know it doesn’t matter what they think? I’m so sorry.”
“They’ll be stuck in their old ways all they want.” Slipping out of Rosabella’s hand and going to their room, picking the first thing they find in their closet and going to the bathroom to get ready as Rosabella stood there, stuck with that same frown on her face. Rolling up their sleeves and slipping their bag over their neck they wait for Rosabella to finish getting ready in their room.
“C’mon, our classes are right beside each other.” Darling reminds, leading to Rosabella following them in more or less silence aside from the occasional hum or whistle. It wasn’t an awkward silence, but it wasn’t a nice one either. Anything was better than nothing.
Slipping into their seats as the teacher starts his lecture about how important this class will be in their future. All they could think about was topping bowling, which inherently was a stupid thought process, not because you can’t get better than bowling but because they weren’t actually dating. Not that Darling wouldn’t date apple it’s just that Apple was little miss perfect. Maybe their parents really were right.
Finishing the work within the 10 minutes given and letting Duchess copy quickly before the bell rang.
The rest of the day went normally, aside from at lunch when Dexter saw their sibling for the first time since the night before and continued to side eye them as they were looking for places in the town. Apple side eyeing them the whole time trying to figure out what they were doing so conspicuously.
“Are you free after school?” Darling whispers as Apple immediately shifts all their interest into what they were saying.
“Yes, why?”
“No reason.” Darling answered, trying to zone into everyone else’s conversation as Apple continued to try and think of what they were planning. Apple having the abhorrent thought of Darling ending it, which would’ve been inconceivable at the current moment. Especially as Apple was currently grappling with the realization that she’s in love with her childhood best friend.
Darling finally figured out what to do in their last class, texting Apple to be ready at 5, leaving Darling 3 hours to get everything ready. Scouting out the area but first running into the fact they have time for a haircut. However rash it may have been they went in to the mainly empty building, everyone’s held snapping towards them like a horror movie.
So, only 40 minutes later and a much less hair, they left to wander. They didn’t just want to get sweets or a pizza seeing as that wouldn’t work with a scenic place as well. Finally, finding everything they needed food wise and place wise, going back to their dorm to get ready.
Knocking three times and apple opening the door on the third, leaving Darling’s fist to hang in the air before they put it back to their side.
“So, ready for our date?” Darling putting their arm out for Apple to grab, intertwining their arm as they make the trek to pick up the preordered food and start the slightly long walk, talking on the way until they made it to the hill. A bench sat on top, overlooking the sunset and the lake that reflected it.
Opening the basket of food and grabbing one of the two Gatorades they bought for themselves.
“Your haircut, it looks nice.” Grabbing the drink that was designated for them and a pastry.
“Thanks. You look nice, I mean you always you look nice but, you get what I mean.” Apple only smiling back at them like they understood, which Darling was really hoping they did and that the date wasn’t messed up already. Eating their food with talk about how excited briar was for her party later this week. “Let’s hope Grimm doesn’t find out again, remember when Sparrow caused a noise complaint?”
“Yeah, all because he wasn’t invited it.” Apple huffed, taking a glance up at the sky which was now almost completely different shades of purple, stars speckled it with constellations they weren’t completely familiar with.
“Weird how few constellations you can see.” Darling looking up and looking at the sky to try and read it before saying “you ever think about the first person to love stars enough to notice the patterns.”
“The moon sure is beautiful tonight.” Apple looking away from the stars (and Darling) at that moment as they continue to close the basket, moving to lay their head on Darling shoulder as they lift their arm to wrap around Apple and pull them closer. Apple hadn’t taken any photos, hadn’t had any evidence of the scene at hand. They didn’t have an excuse for the touch like Darling did. Darling was doing this all to make another girl jealous. “And next time you take me to a make out spot, I expect to be made out with.”
“There’s no way this is a make out spot, some old guy probably feed birds here on the weekend.” Darling counters until Rosabella appeared with a very perplexed looking Saint Bernard. Although the dog had no information relating to the situation, Apple had a sense it knew something which was probably false for a number of reasons but you never really know.
“Oh hey Rosabella.” Darling greeted, but Apple didn’t slip away, only turning to look at Rosabella. Rosabella looked annoyed to say the least.
“Hey darling, y’all have fun.” Scurrying off with the dog down the dirt path.
“That was odd.” Darling comments, completely oblivious to what was happening at that moment, not expecting it to lead to a week straight of almost no interactions with their roommate. But at the moment, they were enjoying their date with their fake girlfriend.
And so, there week fell into this new pattern, Darling waking up and getting ready before going to Apple’s dorm to walk with her and then going to class together and spending the afternoon studying, normally together in silence. All leading up to that next Friday when Briar was having that party. Throwing on a t-shirt and baggy jeans, praying that someone doesn’t throw up on the ground again, leading to a fight and other injuries that Grimm has still yet to figure out about.
Apple however, was looking just as pretty as she normally looked, which was way too pretty not to be a model, or at least that’s how Darling viewed it. Apple putting her hand out, waiting for Darling to hold it as Raven follows shortly behind, watching the scene take place after watching Apple scrounge around for the perfect shirt and necklace for the past 10 minutes.
Getting to the party, it was still fresh in the night, although someone had already started throwing up in a bush. It was weird to be in the Airbnb someone had rented, unclear who but most likely Ashlynn who was having a vibrant looking conversation with Briar. Apple rushing up to both of them to greet them, Darling standing awkwardly to the side as she did so.
“Wow Apple, don’t mess it up with Darling.” Ashlynn jokes, although Darling was expecting the joke to go the other way as Apple turned around to look at them like that was the craziest statement they’d ever heard.
“Well they’re stuck with me.” Pulling on their belt loop to close the short gap between Darling and Apple.
Everyone started flooding in soon after, drinking games commencing as Darling stands off to the side, hoping that Apple didn’t get too drunk. So, after only a round of drinking whatever toxin was concocted by Ramona for truth or dare, they brought Apple to an empty room. Darling didn’t expect Apple to be a light weight but maybe those drinks were strong because their girlfriend seemed a bit more than tipsy sitting on that bed.
“I love you Darling, like not just as a friend. I think I have for awhile.” A few breaths between words as if trying to keep up with themselves. “I don’t know if I was ever into Daring.” Almost in a whisper that time, as she started to cry while Darling moved to sit beside her on the queen sized bed, letting them cry without saying anything. “I broke the rule.” She wasn’t sure if Darling heard that part, but they did.
“How much did you drink?” Darling almost laughs, not knowing how to take this confession. Their face shifting as Apple goes to continue, trying not to frown.
“Enough to know I’m serious about this Darling, and I know, I know you’re not into me which is fair. But, I just wanted you to know, we can break it off now if you want.”
“Apple.” Darling realizing what that meant and trying to tell if they’d been feeling the same for this time. “We’re going back to your dorm, c’mon, you need to sleep and get whatever Ramona had out of your system.” Scooping them up and seeing if they could stand fine, shifting their arm to be behind Darling’s neck. “Plus, I’m pretty sure Sparrow is going to come back for round two, or beer pong and both are equally bad options.” Slipping out of the party more or less easily because of all the people just crowding in the middle of a room, not noticing their surroundings.
Fidgeting with Apple’s keys and eventually making it into their dorm, slipping her into their own bed and grabbing a glass of water and something to take. Handing it over Apple gulps down the water and Darling goes to get more but Apple is asleep by the time they get home. Darling thought of going back to the party but going back to a party where Chase was going on a rant about how cars 2 is the best movie ever made and why it is at it great as it is.
So instead Darling went home and flopped down on the slightly oversized chair, falling asleep like that and not in their bed. Only getting woken up when Rosabella walked in.
“I told you it would happen. She broke up with you over something stupid.” Rosabella almost looked like they were about to cry.
“What are you talking about?”
“She led you into a room and broke up with you, Duchess was talking about it.”
“Duchess is praying on my downfall every five seconds. Also, since when did you care? I liked you for 2 years straight and the one time, the one fucking time I like someone else you wanna act like my ex.”
“I care about you Darling! You know how Apple is at times, growth doesn’t change that.” Rosabella reasoned as Darling tried to slowly get out of this conversation.
“Like you don’t know what parental pressures do to someone? I see how it is.” Flipping back down on the chair as Rosabella walks off towards her bed, texting Raven to see if she was back with Apple.
She was, and now that Apple had sobered up realizing she broke the rule, and possibly their oldest friendship. And when in doubt, Apple plans an event.
She called the nicest place she could find that’s within the area that was actually justifiable in its price and started pacing, thinking about what to wear and just bought a dress. It just had to be just right. Now she was sounding like Blondie, who she couldn’t call. Rumors had already started circulating apparently.
Finally getting a reservation, she texts Darling to be ready at five o’clock. which was left with no context aside from that. But, Darling would not see that text for another hour with them sleeping, waking up slightly past one p.m. following the text with question marks.
“Dress nice!” She sent back, which wasn’t inherently negative. Trying to relax, Darling started to watch New Girl in hopes that would help. But episode after episode leading to 4 when they were supposed to get ready. Even after the shower their thoughts were still clouded.
They slipped on the outfit that they ironed for this, hoping it really wasn’t a break up as they loosely tied a tie. A knock on their door, three times as Darling goes to grab the handle, not expecting Apple to look like how she did. However cartoonish it may have been, Darling’s jaw dropped.
“Well, are we going to go or not babe?” Darling sighed at the nickname, hoping that wasn’t just Apple trying to ease them into this. Sure, they remembered that Apple admitted to liking them first but that wasn’t how her story was supposed to go and everyone knew it apparently.
Apple ordered a Uber, looking worriedly over at Darling as they reapplied their lipstick. Thankfully the driver didn’t ask question or glance back much, neither of them really knew how to answer.
“For Apple white?” Apple said as Darling tried not to look out of place, getting led to their table.
“Darling,” apple started, once they were in the more or less “I know when we got into this, it was just for jealously in all honestly. But, it definitely became more than that.” Saying the last half in a hushed whisper.
“Apple…” trying to go about calming them down enough to admit they broke the rule too. “Here I was worrying you’d break it off.” Scoffing at the slight ridiculousness of the situation. Apple looked shock at the realization, taking a deep breath.
“Okay, I’m glad.” The waiter coming over and asking them the basic questions as they continue through the night, small talk about anything and everything.
“Uhm Rosabella is mad at me about last night, so can I stay over?” As Apple grabs the check the moment the waiter left.
“Of course.” Her smile filled with a glint of something else. Slipping out of the restaurant as quickly as they can, waiting for their uber and giggling like it was the easiest thing in the world. And at that the time, it was. Funnily enough the driver was the same as last time, a glint of a smile on their face before they start driving, continuing to not say anything for the rest of the ride.
Apple opening the door and guiding them in by their tie, Raven gone, probably because she knew about the date.
“Uhm, I have a spare pair of pajamas if you need them?” Darling nodded as Apple was already reaching for the pair, going to the bathroom to change. Folding their clothes as neatly as possible after and dropping them on the seemingly always empty chair. Apple walking out a good 10 minutes after, finishing her nighttime routine while Darling had already slipped into bed, half asleep.
“Wait, so how long have you liked me?” Apple ends up asking right as Darling was on the brink of sleep.
“Uh, I don’t know, probably years, but you seemed super straight so I guess I never thought about you like that.” Slipping their arms around Apple’s waist and trying to bury themselves into the crook of their neck.
“Wow.” Gently pushing them as Darling scoffs before moving back into place, finally falling asleep like that.
Darling waking up to seeing Raven startling, the door still slightly ajar from them walking in.
“Oh my god.” Looking between the pile of clothes and the pajamas Darling was currently wearing as they sat up, the implications dawning on both of them at the same time.
“It’s not what it looks like.” Apple’s eyes blinking open as Darling said that, looking between Raven and their now not fake dating partner.
“Morning babe.” Planting a kiss on Darling’s neck instead of shifting upwards to their cheek.
“No, I don’t wanna know, just glad I stayed the night with Maddie.” Their eyes bulging slightly as Apple continued to have that sweet sleepy smile, Raven closing the door.
Only later did Apple specify to Darling that she’d been awake that whole interaction, commenting she wished Raven was right. Which, wasn’t what Darling was expecting.
Even a month later, sprawled out on Darling’s bed, she still made comments about it as Rosabella had accepted Apple sometime between then and now. Darling themself wasn’t even sure of the timeline when it came to that.