Ever after high (ApplexDarling)

Coming out

Darling Charming POV

I woke up, feeling unusually energized. And then it hit me.

I was going to try to win over Apple White.

Okay, to be fair, I knew she loved my brother, and I knew my brother Daring was much more appealing in every way, and I knew that I was betraying him. I also knew she probably had zero interest in me, despite some tension I felt in the forest the day before, and that I shouldn't get my hopes up.

And yet.

There was this feeling when I was around Apple. It would be cliche to say it felt like fate, but I felt whole around her. I just wanted to know if she felt it to.

I stumbled out of bed, exhausted from having comforted Raven all night. I glanced at Rosabella's bed and realized she had probably gone down to breakfast already, though it was the weekend so I was in no rush. I entered the bathroom, taking a quick shower and pulling on a matching white skirt and crop top.

I left the bathroom drying my hair with a towel while scrolling through my phone, when I realized Apple was still in my room. I had completely forgotten she had slept on the couch to give Raven some space last night.

I stared at her sleeping, trying my best not to be too creepy. She just looked so cute. Her blond hair fell over her, straight and natural without the stiff curls she ironed every morning. Her eyelashes fluttered softly and and light shone on her from the window. She looked so peaceful and lovely, and something curled tight in my chest, a feeling of protection.

I could hear her start to stir, and I turned away with a blush.

"Darling.." Apple mumbled, sitting up and looking at me sleepily. "Did I fall asleep on your couch?" I giggled and nodded.

"That's a little embarrassing, " Apple groaned. "I didn't even ask officially. What if you had really wanted to sleep on the couch last night?" I laughed loudly and shook my head, still pleased she had slept in my dorm.

"Yeah you were passed out when I got back from Raven's." At the mention of Raven, Apple's eyes widened in concern and I shook my head quickly.

"Raven's fine Apple, promise." Apple sighed in relief and looked down.

"That's good. I didn't... I felt like I was doing more harm than good in that room. Raven was stressing about her destiny, and I'm the one person who's pushing her the most to follow it ." Apple scrubbed her face softy, and I sat down next to her and put my hand on her shoulder. "I just feel... I feel like such a bad person. I can't believe I contributed to making my friend feel that way."

I didn't say anything, because I didn't think Apple was looking for an answer. I didn't want to give her empty and meaningless words of comfort, and I don't think she wanted that either. She raised her head, and I could see the gears shifting in her brain. I poked her, pulling her out of her own head.

She turned to me, a smile working across her face again. "Thanks for saving me, yet again, with Raven I mean." She pauses and looked down. "And... I'm sorry if my comment on you being a knight hurt your feelings the other day after the forest. You don't have to tell me why, but I won't bring it up again if you don't like it."

The compassion and intelligence in her made my heart swell, and I impulsively grabbed her into a hug. She was surprised, but melted into it, and I smiled against her shoulder.

"Thanks Apple. No matter how you may feel, I don't doubt you have a good heart." Apple grinned and shoved me playfully.

"Your a Charming, Darling. All of you guys spew that crap about maidens having a good heart."

"I'm pretty sure that's how Dexter managed to get Raven to like him back." Apple laughed and started to get up.

"I think I'm going back to my room to get changed. Thanks again Darling." I stood up next to her, not wanting her to leave yet.

"You can come over anytime Apple. If you ever need anything... or you just want to hang out."

She smiled and abruptly pulled me into another hug. This one felt different. Charged with a different kind of energy. I pulled my head back and looked into her eyes. My breathing got quicker, and I was so tempted to kiss her. A minute passed of us looking at each other. I could see a blush on her face, and I leaned in just a bit—-

At that moment Rosabella barged in, yawning as she munched a croissant. Me and Apple quickly separated, and Apple awkwardly smiled and said goodbye, giving a quick wave to Rosabella.

Once the room was empty, Rosabella turned to me eyebrows raised. "What was that about?" She asked, a smirk growing on her face.

I couldn't look at her all of a sudden and my face felt hot. I didn't know how to tell her I was gay, much less in love with Apple.

"Darling, do you want to come get coffee with me and Raven? Maybe we can just talk a bit." I smiled and nodded, and we went to collect Raven. We found her in the cafeteria, and made our way into the town.

We stopped at a cute coffee place and chatted a bit, gossiping and laughing together. We sat down on a secluded bench outside a park, and were giggling about Dexter being a nervous wreck around Raven.

I looked at my two friends, who I loved and trusted, and decided it was time.

"Guys.. I have something I want to tell you. I just don't want this to change the way you see me." Raven and Rosabella looked up interested.

I took a breath and forged through. "I'm gay. And... I like Apple."

There was a short silence before they both smiled. "I'm so happy you told us," Raven said, leaning her head on my shoulder. "I mean—Apple! I get it though, she's pretty awesome when she's not so focused on destiny. And honestly—I think you and her would be a good match."

Rosabella slid her arm around me and gave me a quick side hug. "I always kind of suspected. But know that we still love you, all the more for being honest."

I felt myself tear up a bit and hugged them both. We finished our coffees, and went back to school. I felt as though a weight had been lifted, and I could finally breathe.