Dexter's hand trembled, and the tiny vial slipped from his not really tight grip.
The reddish liquid spilled over the table. None of that substance got into the tea the Charming has prepared for Raven.
"Clean that up." A harsh voice behind him said.
Dexter whipped around to see... None other than Madeline Xylophone Hatter.
"Maddie? Whatcha doing here?" The prince asked quietly trying to ignore the previous tone of Maddie's voice.
"I'm looking out for my best friend, dumbass." Maddie rolled her eyes, and suddenly Dexter realized that he has never seen the Hatter's daughter in a bad mood.
"Something happened to Raven?" The Charming blinked.
"No. And nothing will." Maddie whispered with a peculiar smile. "Clean that up, won't ya?"
"Right." Dexter moved to grab a few napkins as Maddie continued watching his every move.
He was starting feel slightly creeped out.
Suddenly Madeline reached out and grabbed the small vial. She sighed.
"Well, that's disappointing." Said Maddie louder. " Really Dex? A love potion?"
"I... I don't know what you're t-talking about."
"Whatever you say." Maddie said as she threw the vial in the trash can. "It's not like it would have worked anyway."
"Mm-hmm?"
"Love potions don't work if the person you're using it on is already in love."
At first the Charming felt deep disappointment. But then...Relief.
"Raven's in love with me?"
"What? No. That's not what I said." Maddie smiled widely. "Check your phone dummy."
Dexter's hand slowly moved to his pocket and he took out his mirror phone.
Hey Dex? Apple just texted me. I'm gonna have to ditch hanging out with ya. Srry.
Dexter put his phone on the table.
"So... Apple and Raven?"
"Yep. Raven just doesn't know it yet."
So... He still had a chance?
"Nope. Sorry buddy. Raven's whipped. And after that trick..." Maddie gestured to the still wet table, "I don't think I'll let you out of my sight any time soon."
And now the Charming felt dread. Maddie was known to be overprotective of her friends.
And he tried to mess with her BFFA.
Yikes.
Meanwhile at Raven's and Apple's dorm.
"APPLE? Apple are you okay?" Raven yelled as she finally opened the damn door. "I just got your text..."
She stopped at the end of the corridor as she caught the sight of Apple White who was beaming at her from her bed.
"Stay where you are."
Raven froze.
Faster than Cerise could run Apple was in front of her.
Raven blinked.
"You can't escape all traditions dear." Apple smirked. "At least not this one."
As Raven stared at her uncomprehending. Apple pointed her index finger up.
The Evil Queen's daughter looked up and saw a mistletoe.
Before Raven could process what's happening, Apple's lips were upon hers.
And it felt like heaven.
And she loved it.
A lot.
...
"I wasn't even going to try to."