DarApple oneshots

True Love?

If anyone had ever asked who was the person most dedicated to their destiny was, I'm sure I would've been nominated right away. Apple White: most beautiful, most kind, most intelligent future ruler, with her perfect future husband, and their wonderful relationship. I was the textbook perfect Snow White. And yet... I wasn't.

For one thing, I didn't love Daring. And he didn't love me back. That much I knew. We had met when we were very young, already forced together, though at the time we didn't know why. We immediately clicked, and became close, but never in the way our parents wanted. Where I saw a best friend, my parents saw a husband. Where I saw a goofy and slightly self obsessed boy, my parents saw a ruler. And then we grew older, and we realized what we were together. Or what we should have been. But being together romantically felt off, like trying to be with a family member. And yet, we had a duty to uphold. They were breeding us, two perfect lineages, the ideal match, to make perfect royal babies, and we couldn't do anything to stop it.

And there was Daring, passing by in the halls, and I caught his eye, smiling lightly. He grinned back, white teeth gleaming, crown in place, clothes spotless, all thanks to the wonderful grooming of his family. He walked past me, and as I turned my head, I saw him approach a group of girls, all giggling with unfortunate amounts of badly applied makeup and style. Godmother, I hated when Daring hung out with girls. It wasn't goddamn fair! I had to remain faithful to a relationship we hadn't even started, because Snow White was supposed to have eyes only for her prince and remain pure for him. I couldn't be with other boys in any romantic way, even though I wasn't with Daring, because that would make me a flirt and a temptress, and we couldn't have me poisoning the Snow White line.

But Daring, he could hang out with as many girls he wanted to, because princes needed to have admirers and experiences. I hated how much fun he had, with Lizzie Hearts and Cerise Hood, dating them and flirting and being a teenager, while I had to remain faithful to a boy I didn't even want.

I felt my mood sour as my eyes teared slightly, and gritting my teeth, I walked into mathemagics, hoping to get it over with quick.

When my class was over, I realized I had lunch, and my stomach dropped a bit. I had to sit with Daring. I was still in a mood, and I honestly didn't feel like feebly attempting to catch his eye, all while not even wanting to. It was so much work, and I was tired, and I just needed some peace.

So I dropped by the cafeteria, grabbed a sandwich and an orange, and I went outside, walking a little bit. I caught sight of the Fountain of Purity, a nice marble fountain near the edge of the forest, with marble benches surrounding it. It was a nice spot, and I decided to sit on a bench, munching quietly on my sandwich. It was a gorgeous day out, all blue skies and bright sun, and I sat comfortably on my bench, and without even noticing it, I began humming softly. It was a sad song my father used to sing to me, of two lovers who lost each other. I began to sing the words softly, pausing only slightly to eat my food. I was so lost in thought, I didn't even notice the person sitting a few benches away.

"Nice song," someone called out, a hint of amusement in their voice. My head snapped up from my daze and I blushed, embarrassed had been caught unaware. I looked up to find a girl smiling softly, and for a second my mind blanked on her name. She looked familiar, that nose, those eyes.... Oh. Daring's sister. It wasn't very obvious, but I knew Daring so well, and I had seen this girl in many of the family dinners and get togethers our families had. Darling Charming.

She was pretty, light blond hair, almost white in the sun, that reached down to her lower back, with light blue eyes, pale skin, and a kind face. She had a navy dress on and white flats, small simple sliver jewelry, a much more natural look compared to most of the girls in school.

I quickly remembered she had spoken to me, and it was impolite to just stare, so I smiled, looking at her in the eyes.

"Thanks," I said still a bit embarrassed. "My dad taught it to me. It's a tragedy, two lovers who lost each other, and never found each other again. A bit dark, but I like it. Originality and all." She nodded her head lightly, smiling at me.

There was silence again, and I was more aware of her, and I could hear a quiet scratching noise that lead me to believe she was drawing. I sat still, peeling my orange and continuing to hum, before Darling spoke up again. "So what are you doing at the fountain? Shouldn't you be with your friends in the Castleteria?" She asked, tapping her pen lightly on her sketch pad.

I shook my head, "No, I wasn't really in the mood for the Castleteria today. And it's so nice outside; why not, right?" She nodded and spoke up again. "I get it. I wanted to get out a bit, breath some fresh air, come and daydream, draw a bit."

My ears perked up at her comment on drawing, and I couldn't help myself. "You draw?" She nodded, patting her sketch book softly, before tucking the pen behind her ear. "Yeah, I've been taking some lessons, just for a few months. You'll never guess from who though," she said, a spark of mischief in her eyes.

"Who?" I asked not aware any of our teachers had artistic ability.

She giggled quickly before shaking her head and saying, "Professor Badwolf." At this I burst into laughter, imagining the gruff mean werewolf, teaching this girl how to draw, of all things.

When I had finished laughing, I was curious how good of an art teacher Badwolf was, and how good of a student Darling was. "Darling, would it be alright if I saw some of your drawings?" She nodded her head and mentioned for me to come scoot on to her bench, which I did.

As soon as I sat down near her, I realized a few things. She smelled like lilacs and honey, and her hair had soft streaks of light blue and pink, and her eyes were blue. Like, completely light blue, with small hints of grey. As she looked at me, talking about the tedious classes she had to take with Badwolf, how impatient but surprisingly talented he was, I took a peek in her sketch book. It was the fountain, the water done beautifully and realistically, and on one of the farther benches, a small figure with long hair and a small ball gown. Me. I blushed, surprised how real I looked, she had caught my solemn expression as I sang my song. She saw me looking and immediately a dark flush creeped up her neck and on to her cheeks.

"I'm sorry I drew you, I know its really creepy. I don't know- you just looked so peaceful-and I really wanted to, but I know it was rude and yeah." She stammered, and I laughed, placing my hand on her shoulder. She jumped a bit at the touch, before relaxing.

"It's fine Darling. It's beautiful, and I can always appreciate beautiful art." She smiled again and proceeded to show me the rest of her drawings. They were all beautiful, especially the most recent ones, and I found myself growing a bit jealous at how natural she was at it. I had no talents, nothing impressive or special. Just my stupid face and my stupid legacy and my stupid boyfriend. And... now stop feeling sorry for yourself Apple White. Godmother, I was being selfish. I was very lucky to have the life I did with all the opportunities I had.

Darling interrupted my thinking by lightly putting her hand on my arm. I shivered lightly, and I swore my skin felt electric. Her hand was soft, but I felt some callouses on her palm.

"Apple, I think lunch is over." She mentioned to the doors of the school, the students rushing out to their next classes. "But this was a lot of fun." I smiled again, nodding.

"Yeah it was. We should do it again. It was nice to finally get to know you Darling." She nodded and got up, waving goodbye to me. I stared at her back, long blond hair waving slightly in the wind, and I sighed.

If only she were a Prince...