Welcome back readers to the land of Ever After. As we continue the story we left Apple just as she woke up for a new day. A question lingers in the air for Apple and only she can answer it. Is Apple White ready to face Raven Queen? It is never easy to face a person that has a crush on you. Especially when you find out by accident. Now a new day has arrived and Apple must face her concerns head on. Can Apple find the courage within herself to talk to Raven? Will Ashlynn and Briar be able to help Apple? Or will Apple find help in another friend? One that is known to always help those in need when it comes to the heart.

"Okay Apple, it's time to get your game face on."

Apple, Ashlynn and Briar were in the cafeteria. After a full morning of princess lessons it was time for lunch. Apple was able to avoid Raven throughout the morning thanks to their school schedules'. It was decided that lunch would be the time that Apple would finally confront Raven. Apple still didn't know what to do about Raven. Should she just forget what she heard and continue her school life in ignorant bliss? Or should Apple tell Raven what she heard? Let her know that a relationship between the two of them will never be….'just right' as Blondie would say.

Briar was giving Apple a pep talk, trying to boost her confidence before Raven arrived. Ashlynn was messaging Apple's shoulders, releasing the tension built up in Apple. To the other fairy tales it looked like Apple was getting ready to fight. It looked like Briar was on a roll with her pep talk. She was saying everything that came to mind.

"When Raven gets here you go straight up to her and tell her what you need to say. You've rejected plenty of guys before knowing you and Daring are perfect for each other. Yet those other guys still adore you. Raven isn't any different. Except...she's also a girl...and your roommate...plus the villain of your story….oh hex now I'm getting nervous."

"Not helping Briar!"

Ashlynn looked at Briar with a stern look. They were there to support Apple, not give her cold feet. She looked down at Apple, making sure what Briar said didn't get to Apple. Apple however did not even bat an eye. She didn't even hear what Briar said. Apple was too focused on what happened in her dream from last night. Sandy's words kept repeating in Apple's head.

"My dad told me once that dreams try to send a message to us. Usually when someone has a big decision to make. The dream will try and steer the person in the right direction."

Even if Sandy said her dream wasn't sending a message that doesn't mean she was right. Sandy missed the beginning. A very...exhausting beginning. The dream was telling Apple something; something about Raven and herself. It was all so confusing. Raven was following her destiny in the beginning; in a Lizzie Hearts over the top way. Then she flipped the script and became sweet and loving. Not that Apple never appreciates kindness, it was weird coming from Raven. It felt...natural for Raven to be concerned about Apple. Apple didn't tell her friends about the dream last night. As much as she appreciated Ashlynn and Briar support, Apple felt that sharing her dream was a bit personal.

Apple felt weird about not sharing her dream. Throughout her whole life Apple would talk about her dreams with all of her friends and family. She was absolutely fascinated by them. As the future Snow White, Apple would be poisoned and fall into an endless sleep until true love woke her up. It is true that Briar was considered the sleeping princess, and Apple would only be asleep for only a couple hours at least. Still, it intrigued Apple to think about what she'll dream about once she consumed the poison.

Before Apple could think of a reason why she didn't tell her friends about the dream, she felt a couple of taps on her right shoulder. Apple looks up and to her right to see Ashlynn looking in the direction of the cafeterias arch way. Following Ashlynn's gaze, Apple spots Raven walking towards the food line. Raven was with Maddie who stopped for a moment to look up at the ceiling. Maddie shows a big smile while she waves at the ceiling.

Now why would Maddie stop and….oh.

Yes Maddie it is a lovely day….Yes the tea will be tea-riffic today. It's Earl Grey's favourite, Green Tea with a hint of Jasmine. Now if you don't mind I got to continue the story...No nothing bad will happen to Raven...yet...This is Apple's P.O.V so of course you can't be heard right now. Now move along Apple is staring at you weirdly….Well of course she's staring! Apple can't hear me like all Wonderians can….Thank you. Have a nice day. Now, where were we? Oh yes!

As soon as Apple spotted Raven, a knot began to form in her stomach. Apple, for the first time in her life, felt nervous to do something. Catching Briar's concerned look, Apple stands from the table and makes her way over to Raven. It's as if time itself was slowing down around Apple. Each step towards Raven felt like forever after. Quite the opposite from what was happening in Apple's head. Question after question bombarded Apple. Every scenario played in her head of what might happen when she confronted Raven Queen. Then, as quick as Kitty would disappear, one thought brought Apple back to reality. A dangerous thought for Apple.

What if you two dated?

Everything froze for Apple. Everything became normal while Apple stared off into space. Before she realized where she was, Raven noticed Apple right beside her. An outline of a smile appeared on Raven's face.

"Oh, Apple? Good to see you're up and out of bed. Would have thought having a sleepover with Briar would make you sleep in. Did you have a good time last night?"

Apple's mind was completely blank, still trying to catch up on where she was. That one question was still in the back of her mind. Her mouth was opening and closing, trying to form a sentence. Apple had no choice; she went into autopilot mode.

"Oh you know. the usual princess stuff. It was 'hex-celent'. Still, I just came by to say thank you."

"Thank you? For what?"

"For giving Briar my shampoo bottle. It helps me get the fairest in the land look."

"It's no big deal. Just helping a friend."

"I'll catch you later Raven. Just a quick thank you. Busy day today."

"Sure. I'll see you back in our room then?"

"Of course."

Apple turns to walk away. She was screaming on the inside. All that effort to talk to Raven, wasted talking about shampoo. Before Apple could take a couple of steps, Raven calls back to her.

"Apple! Just wanted to let you know that you always look great. Even without the need of your favourite shampoo. That's my opinion anyway."

"Oh….Thanks Raven. I'll….keep that in mind."

As fast as her feet could go, Apple makes her way out of the cafeteria. All Ashlynn and Briar could do was stare in shock. They have no idea what Apple and Raven talked about. It didn't seem like a long conversation. When Apple left in hurry they both got a bad feeling it didn't go the way they planned. With no hesitation both of them chase after Apple.

A blonde blur could be seen running through the hallways. Apple ran fast, with no clue on where she was going. She didn't care as long as she got far away from the cafeteria. Apple wasn't sure what exactly she was running from. She could have been running from Raven, not fully accepting the fact that she couldn't speak her mind. Or the fact that she was thinking of dating Raven. Even if it was for a moment, Apple couldn't understand why she had that thought.

Apple started to slow down. She was out of breath, never sprinting that fast and hard before. Apple supported herself by leaning against one of the school lockers. Apple felt flustered and sweaty. Before Apple could continue on with her problems, she needed to look decent. Apple opens her purse to take out her mirror. It just wasn't the same as her mirror back in her room, but it would do in a pinch for Apple. It takes a couple of minutes for Apple to finish. Before she closes the mirror, Apple notices a sign in the reflection. It was the sign for the Library.

Apple was walking among the books by herself in the Library. She didn't know why, but Apple felt the quiet will help her think. As Apple look among the books, she walks into the study room. In the far corner she notices Cupid doing some homework.

….Cupid! Apple snaps her fingers in 'hex-citement'. Unfortunately the two Evil Step Librarians appeared behind Apple. They gave both of Apple's ears a good shush.

"Quiet in the Library!" both said in perfect unison.

The yell from the Evil Step Librarians caught Cupids attention. She looked up and smiled at Apple. She waved her over, pointing to a chair next to her. Apple walked straight over, knowing exactly what to ask Cupid.

"Apple. How's it going?"

"It's been good."

Cupid continued to smile at Apple, urging her to continue.

"...No, everything is not good. I need your advice Cupid."

So Apple tried her best to explain everything to Cupid. Making sure not to let Cupid know that it was Raven who had a crush on her. Cupid didn't say anything through Apple's speech. Her hands were folded together in front of her mouth. Her eyes were shining with interest and concentration. Finally after a moment of silence Cupid brought her hands down to the table.

"So you found out about this crush by accident.."

"Yes."

"And you don't know how to confront this person."

"That's correct."

"You've also been having weird thoughts and dreams."

"Apparently."

"...Apple, from what I learned from my father's teachings and helping other students out, it seems like you want to try and have a date with this person."

Apple's jaw drops.

"I wanna do what now?"

"Go on a date with the fairytale that has a crush on you. They obviously made an impression on you."

"Bu-But Cupid I can't do that! I'm destined to be with Daring! It's part of my story."

"Apple...you must realize that being with Daring in your story is years away. We're at Ever After High right now. We still have our school years ahead of us. If you believe that what you have between you and Daring is true love than all the more power to you. No harm would come if you went on one date with someone else. Think of it this way, you get some practice in for you and Daring, and you will get rid of these weird thoughts and dreams. It's win-win for you Apple."

Apple didn't know how to reply. Daring and herself were known as the cutest couple at school. The problem with that is they were never officially a couple. Apple always told herself that there was plenty of time for romance between them during their story. She never considered herself available because of her story. Apple wouldn't be having such a difficult decision with Cupid's advice if it wasn't for the fact that it was Raven Queen that liked Apple. While in thought, Cupid leans towards Apple and lightly holds her hand.

"Apple, I'm just an advice person. A...counselor of love so to speak. There's only so much I can do to help. I can get you to the spot where you need to be. To actually achieve true love is ultimately up to the person. It seems you have a lot to think about. Hopefully I gave you more answers than questions. For now I think talking with your most trusted friends will bring you closer to your answer. Remember what I told you. Make your decision with your friends."

"...Thank you Cupid. I'm gonna reflect on your words now."

"Of course"

"...Oh and Apple."

"Yes, Cupid?"

"Just remember love has a strange way bringing loved ones together. It can work in mysterious ways."

Cupid gives Apple a good luck wink before returning to her studies, leaving Apple to wonder just how much Cupid figured out on her own.

Cupid really dropped the bomb on Apple. To figure out her feelings, Apple must go on a date with Raven. Apple prides herself in being a respectable princess. Even if she did accept the fact that she has to go on a date with Raven, would she be the one to ask Raven out? Or will her pride keep her waiting for Raven? Maybe the next chapter will give us some answers.

Author's Note

Hey guys. Here it is the next chapter. Just a bit of an update for you guys. If you haven't gone to my profile page then I'll let you know that I want to practice writing. If you have a shipping couple in mind (F/F, F/M or M/M) p.m me and I'll try my best to create a one-shot around the pairing. As of right now I have done one one-shot and I have 3 more suggestions. I will be going back and force between True Heart Desire and a one-shot till I run out of one-shots. So my next story update will be a one-shot.

Now then, I have a question for you guys. My story will obviously end with Apple and Raven being together. My question to you is, who do you want to see Daring paired up with; Cerise or Lizzie? I love both ships so either works for me. In case you are wondering, I'm gonna mention Dex/Cupid pairing in her too.

Have a great day everyone,

Morantis