Second Chances & a Party Gone Wrong
Darling melted into Apple’s embrace, heart hammering against her ribs. She could feel Apple’s warmth, the steady rhythm of her breathing, the way she hesitated for just a second before squeezing tighter.
It wasn’t perfect. It wasn’t a grand fairytale ending.
But it was real.
Apple pulled back slightly, still holding onto Darling’s arms. “You’re not going to push me away again, are you?”
Darling swallowed. “No. I swear.”
Apple tilted her head, studying her. Then, with a small, teasing smirk, she said, “You’re going to have to prove it.”
Darling blinked. “How?”
Apple shrugged, her golden curls catching the moonlight. “That’s for you to figure out.”
And with that, she turned on her heel and walked back inside.
Darling was left standing there, speechless.
From behind her, Rosabella’s voice rang out. “You’re going to have to work for this, you know.”
Darling sighed, running a hand through her hair. “I know.”
The Proving of Feelings (and Embarrassment)
Darling spent the next few days trying to prove it.
The problem?
She had no idea how.
Big romantic gestures weren’t exactly her thing. That was Daring’s expertise, and the last thing she wanted was his advice.
So she settled for the small things.
Carrying Apple’s books? Easy.
Bringing her favourite apple pastries from the school bakery? Simple.
Complimenting her every chance she got? Dangerous, but manageable.
The real issue?
Apple was having way too much fun watching her suffer.
“You’re spoiling me, Darling,” Apple hummed one afternoon as Darling handed her a cup of tea.
Darling crossed her arms. “I owe you.”
Apple took a sip, smiling behind her cup. “Oh? And how long do you plan on making it up to me?”
Darling hesitated. “Forever?”
Apple choked on her tea.
Darling panicked. “I mean—not that I assume anything—”
Apple coughed, cheeks tinged pink. “You really don’t know how to stop talking, do you?”
Darling groaned. “No.”
Apple giggled. “It’s cute.”
Darling nearly died on the spot.
A Not-So-Helpful Brother
Daring found out.
Which meant everyone found out.
“I knew it,” he declared loudly in the middle of the library. “I knew my little sister had it in her.”
Darling smacked a book against her forehead.
Dexter smirked. “I don’t know. I think Apple’s making her work for it.”
Daring gasped, dramatically clutching his chest. “As she should! If my sister is going to court royalty, she must suffer for it!”
Darling glared. “I hate you.”
Dexter nodded. “Sure you do.”
The Grand Gesture (Again, But Better)
Eventually, Darling realised Apple was waiting for her to make a move.
And if there was one thing Darling was, it was stubborn.
Which is how she ended up storming into Apple’s dorm one evening, completely unannounced.
Apple, sitting on her bed, looked up in surprise. “Darling?”
Darling exhaled sharply. “I like you.”
Apple blinked. “…I know.”
“No, but I really like you.”
Apple bit her lip, clearly amused. “Darling, you’ve been spoiling me all week. I got the message.”
“No, but I—I want to do this. Properly.” Darling stepped forward, gathering every ounce of courage she had. “Apple White, will you go out with me?”
Apple’s lips parted slightly.
Then she grinned.
“Took you long enough.”
Darling barely had time to react before Apple tugged her forward by the collar of her tunic and kissed her.
And for the first time in forever, Darling let herself have this.
Happily Ever After (Or Something Like It)
By the next morning, the entire school knew.
Briar threw confetti in the halls.
Dexter handed Darling a “Finally” badge.
Rosabella just smirked.
Daring, of course, made a dramatic speech about true love prevailing against all odds.
But the only reaction that mattered was Apple’s.
And when Darling saw her that morning, waiting by her locker with a soft smile, all the teasing in the world couldn’t take that moment away.
“So,” Apple said as Darling approached. “What’s next?”
Darling laced their fingers together.
“Whatever you want.”
Apple’s smile turned radiant.
And just like that—
Darling finally believed she was enough.