The poll is now over for the Daring pairing. Thank you to everyone who voted. After looking over the votes, and reviews the winner has been chosen. To find out who won please read on. To the viewers that didn't get their pairing as a faith of good will I will write a one-shot for that pair at a later time. Thank you once again and enjoy the chapter.
A day has passed in the land of Ever After High. Progress was made yesterday as Apple let go of her pride and decided to ask Raven Queen out on a date. There is much work to do before Apple is ready. However, it seems Apple has forgotten about one person; a young prince that Apple had fallen in love with because it was their destiny. There is also the fact that Apple is still a stubborn girl. She has not given up the thought of believing that she knows what Raven wants. Maddie will have to correct Apple on what she thinks is best. What has Daring been up to since Legacy Day? Will the news shock Apple? Will Apple listen to Maddie or will her stubbornness take control when planning the date? Before the date can even happen though, Apple has to ask Raven out. Distractions may prevent Apple in going through with her plan to ask Raven out. Hopefully nothing will stop Apple from proposing the question.
...Has anyone seen our feline friend?
Apple let a loud yawn as she sat up in her bed. It has been awhile since she had a good night sleep. She looked across the room to see the reason why she had many restless nights before; Raven Queen. Apple stared at Raven as she slept peacefully. She couldn't help but smile as she hugged her legs close to her chest. Only a week ago Apple only considered Raven as a friend, roommate and her future villain. Now she was preparing to ask Raven out on a date.
Apple was shaken out of her thoughts when she heard some chirping from the window. Getting out of the comfort of her bed, Apple walks over to see a couple of birds on the perch. She goes closer but they fly away, either startled by Apple or just wanting to fly off. Apple leans out the window, taking in a breath of fresh morning air. Apple was always a morning girl. The way the sunrise would wake up the world and show off everything beautiful appealed to Apple. Staring across the Enchanted Forest Apple felt the urge to sing. Ever since Legacy Day Apple lost the desire to sing. Now the turmoil inside of her had subsided. She was ready to sing.
Apple's voice carried across the school and the forest. The woodland creatures were bustling with excitement at finally hearing Apple's voice once again. The students and faculty of Ever After High that were already up smiled in delight, getting the feeling that today would a good day. The students who were asleep started to wake up, not in annoyance but in glee, for Apple's voice was a far better wake up call than their usual alarms. Except for a couple of students who were destined to be evil, everyone was happy to hear Apple's voice. Raven Queen awoke with that feeling of joy. It had been awhile since Apple sang. Raven enjoyed Apple's singing. It was one of the few things Raven absolutely enjoyed. As a music fan Raven could always appreciate good singing. She had deeply missed Apple's singing.
After minutes of blissful singing Apple stopped, satisfied that she wasn't rusty after a week of no singing. She turned around to see Raven staring at her.
"Good morning Apple. Thanks for the wake up call. It was hex-celent."
"Good morning to you too Raven. Thank you for the compliment. It felt so good to finally sing again."
A slight frown appeared on Raven's face. "Yeah it has been awhile since you sang. Is everything okay? Did this have anything to do with getting the courage to ask about my father?"
"Thank you for your concern Raven, but everything is fine now. This had nothing to do with my inability to ask about your father." Apple said with a sly smile that went unnoticed by Raven. "I just needed to accept some things. Everything is working out."
Raven was still unsure. "Okay but if you ever need to talk I'm always there for you Apple."
"I know Raven. I appreciate that you'll be there for me."
Before the conversation could continue, Apple's phone went off. Walking back to her bedside, Apple was curious at who would text her so early. She picked up the phone and saw that it was Briar that texted her. Knowing Briar, she wanted to meet up.
Heard you were up. Meet in front of my room before you head down for breakfast. We got so much to work to do before your date with you know who!
While Apple was focused on her phone she didn't notice Raven walking behind her to go to the washroom. Raven wasn't one to peep but she caught a glance of Briar's text.
"A date huh?"
Apple was so startled by Raven that she juggled her phone in the air. Apple was able to catch her phone and slowly place it back down on her night stand. She was breathing heavily, panic was easily seen on her face.
"Ra-Raven! What were you doing behind me?"
"I was on my way to the washroom. Are you sure everything is okay Apple? I've never seen you this jumpy before."
"Sorry it's just I didn't hear you behind me." Apple said while slowly decreasing her rapid breathing. "So...how much did you read?"
"Just something about a date. I guess it's finally happening huh?"
Panic was replaced by confusion on Apple's face.
"What's happening?"
"You're finally going on a date with Daring."
"Wha-Oh! Oh yeah! It's finally happening."
"That's good. Better keep it a secret from Blondie before she blows up the story. Guess you wanted it to be official with Daring after hearing the rumours."
"Haha Blondie means well but she does tend to...Rumours? What rumours?"
Raven was surprised at the question. "You haven't heard about the rumours about Daring and Lizzie? Being so social I would have thought you heard about it?"
Panic was beginning to be a constant guest for Apple. "What are these rumours Raven?"
"I don't think that will be such a goo-"
"What..is the rumour?"
There was no room for argument shown in Apple's eyes. She stood firm, using every ounce of her training to be a stern queen if a reason should ever arise. She figured now was a good time as any to be stern. Raven just let out as a heavy sigh. She was afraid of how Apple would react.
"...I heard that Daring asked Lizzie out on a date. She denied him the first few times but she eventually said yes. I've been told that the two of them have been hanging out alot more recently. No one can confirm if they've been on more than one date but the first date has been confirmed. I thought you knew. I'm sorry Apple."
Apple just stared at Raven. Her face was completely neutral. So many emotions should be raging inside Apple; sadness, anger, uncertainty, confusion. Every negative emotion should be conflicting inside Apple, but she felt nothing about what she heard. Apple should have been at least mad at Daring for asking out Lizzie. Yet, she felt nothing.
Raven began to worry. Apple hasn't moved or said anything since she told Apple about the rumour.
"Apple? Are you okay?" Raven asked, her voice full with concern. Apple blinked once, then twice.
"I'm going to use the washroom first." Apple said in a calm voice. "That is if you don't mind Raven?"
Raven couldn't tell if Apple brushing off the news about Daring was a good or bad thing.
"No, I don't mind if you go first."
Apple gives a nod of thanks and without another word walks to the washroom to get ready for the day, leaving a concerned Raven behind.
"I'm so confused right now. I should be feeling something about Daring asking out Lizzie, but I don't feel anything."
Apple was currently in the cafeteria waiting in line with Ashlynn and Briar. She left her room and met up with her two friends in front of their dorm room telling them they needed to talk. The urgency in Apple's voice troubled Ashlynn and Briar. Once Apple told them that it had nothing to do with asking Raven out, their concern lessened. The two girls weren't sure how to act when they heard about what Daring did. Just like Apple, they were focused on the 'Raven situation' and had no idea that Daring asked Lizzie out.
"I can't believe Daring would do that." Briar quietly said. "I mean, we all know he can be a flirt with other girls but that's because it's who he is. Daring is a Charming so he was just being charming to the girls. He's always held a special spot for you."
"Lets worry about why Daring did it after we figure out why Apple doesn't have negative emotions for this. Do you think it's because you were going to ask…" Ashlynn looked around to make sure no one was listening. "...Raven out?" Ashlynn asked in a whisper.
"I don't know..."
The girls were silent, unsure of what to say next. Should they continue with creating a date for Apple and Raven or should they focus on Daring and Apple's lack of dismissive emotion? the silence continued as the girls finally got their breakfast and made their way to an unoccupied table. Apple sat alone on one side as Ashlynn and Briar sat on the opposite side. The three of them would usually have a nice conversation about their plans for the day while they ate. Instead each of them were too deep in thought about what to do.
Why has my life become so complicated? For such a long time I was always so concerned with how my future with Daring would go. Now I'm getting ready to ask Raven out on a date and for some reason don't care that Daring went on a date with Lizzie Hearts! Is my feelings for Raven making me lose my feelings for Daring? If so was my love for Daring so fickle that I forgot about him in just one night? Is this date really worth losing my first love?
What can I do to help my BFFA? I want to go yell at Daring for being such a toad (sorry Hopper) but Apple isn't mad. She should be so angry with Daring! So why isn't she? Is this because of Raven? I admit that it was weird at first that Raven had a crush on Apple; I mean I've never even heard of a villain asking the hero/heroine out on a date. Yet, the more I thought about it the more I began to like the idea of Apple and Raven being a couple. Why do I care about it so much? It goes against their stories! Am I such a romantic that I love this forbidden love? I want to support Apple no matter what, but will this whole Daring situation change everything?
Poor Apple. So much is changing for her.I don't know what I can do to help her. Should I tell her to forget Daring and focus on the date with Raven or should I tell her to forget the date and figure out her emotions for Daring? I can't even imagine the position Apple is in. Can Briar and I help Apple or will we need more help? I wish I could talk to Hunter about this. He always had a weird way of showing the answer to complicated questions...Should I consider telling them about Hunter? He might be helpful but I'm not sure how they will react to this secret I've been keeping from them.
The three princesses, so absentminded, didn't realize that someone sat beside Apple. Confusion etched on their face as to why the three girls were just staring at their food, not talking to each other.
"I guess I'm missing something new 'cause I've never seen three of my friends so interested in their breakfast."
Brought out of their thoughts, Ashlynn, Apple and Briar turned their heads to see who spoke. They saw that it was Cupid. Glad that they weren't staring at their food anymore Cupid gave them a great big smile.
"Oh, hey Cupid. When did you get here?" asked Briar.
"About five minutes ago. I was looking for a place to eat when I saw you three. You all had this concerned and confused look on your faces. You didn't even notice me when I sat down next to Apple."
"Sorry. Just a lot on our mind." Apple said to Cupid.
"Does it have anything to do with what we talked about the other day?"
"...Yes and no. I am taking your advice and asking the person out on a date-"
"That's great!"
"-but something else came up. I suppose you heard about the Daring and Lizzie rumour?"
Cupid became slightly nervous. "I might have." she said. Cupid couldn't meet Apple in the eye at the moment. In truth she was the one that pushed Daring into actually going on more than one date with Lizzie. As a helper of love, Cupid hides the identities of her clients. She always has to answer to the best of her ability. If Daring wanted to date Lizzie, there was nothing that Cupid could do to stop him.
"Why do you wanna know?" Cupid asked with a hint of nervousness still in her voice. Thankfully none of the girls noticed Cupid's nervousness.
"Well...I don't feel angry at Daring. I already told Briar and Ashlynn. It's strange, you would think I would feel something about this. So why do I not care about Daring dating Lizzie? You must know something about why I'm like this."
"Woah there. I may be an expert on love, but that doesn't mean I know every other emotion connected to love. Have you considered it's because you are doing the same thing?"
"I'm not sure. This whole date thing with Raven shouldn't be this complicated."
"Yeah I understand. Love can be….Did you just say Raven?"
While Cupid was unsure if she heard Apple right, the three girls were now fully focused on what just happened. Apple just unintentionally slipped out Raven's name. Ashlynn and Briar's eyes were wide in shock; their mouths were opening and closing, hesitant in saying anything that could get Cupid to forget what she heard. Apple, while shocked, didn't move a muscle. Her eyes just staring at Cupid, apprehensive of what Cupid would say. Fear was the first feeling for Apple. Fear of losing her reputation as the unofficial Royal leader. Fear that everyone that knew her would look at her in shame. The fear of rejection.
That feeling of fear, although strong, left after just a moment. The fear of rejection was soon replaced by courage and confidence. Why should she be afraid of rejection? Apple figured out yesterday that asking Raven out is the right thing to do. Why should she care what others would think about? As long as she had her friends backing her up, Apple would get through this. Apple was a popular and likable girl. People would get around to accepting this just like most of them accepted the fact that she had golden blond hair instead of ebony black like her mothers. Apple knew there was no turning back now. Eventually everyone would have heard about the future date.
"Yes...Yes I did say Raven. That was the person I told you that had a crush on me the other day."
Apple tried to get a sense of Cupid's reaction. After Apple admitted it was Raven, the young goddess of love's face became neutral. What seemed like forever after, a great big smile appeared of Cupid's face.
"Oh...My...GHOUL! That is so hex-cellent!"
"Oh my ghoul?" The three princesses said at the same time. They never heard of that saying before.
"Oh. Sorry." Cupid said as a small blush appeared on her cheeks. "It's an old saying back from my old school. I just got so hex-cited about what you said. This is such great news!"
"It is?" asked Ashlynn.
"Uh...it is because, uhm, I always consider people confessing their feelings good news! You know me! Can't help but feel happy when people are falling in love."
Cupid forgot for a moment that the three girls in front of her didn't know about her crush on Dexter, son of King Charming, and Daring's brother. Cupid found Dexter so cute and amazing. She never felt this way about any other guy before. Unfortunately for her, Dexter didn't see Cupid that way. He was infatuated with Raven Queen. Cupid was heartbroken about that, but now could be a chance to change that. It might be a little selfish of Cupid but she can't control how other people feel. If Raven had a crush on Apple and Apple was willing to return the feeling, who was she to stop love from happening. It would hurt her to see Dexter in pain in losing Raven, but as a friend she'll be there to help him. She wouldn't be a rebound, no that just wasn't her style. She could wait, and until Dexter was ready, she would be by his side.
At the moment, the girls seemed to believe Cupids half-truth answer. All three were relieved that Cupid was happy with the fact that Ravne liked Apple.
"So that makes a total of five people knowing about this secret. Can this still be considered a secret now?" asked Briar.
"Five? Who is the other person?" inquired Cupid.
Briar was about to answer when a loud whistling interrupted her. The four girls turned to see Maddie taking her tea pot off of mini stove. Maddie poured her drink into two cups, unaware of the fact that the four girls were staring at her.
"Time for tea Earl Grey! It is always the most important drink of the day!"
As soon as Maddie called for her pet mouse, the hat wearing pet came out of Maddie's hair and jumped jumped into the air. It took out a small umbrella, opened it up and started a slow decent into one of the cups of tea that Maddie had just set up. Apple figured it was a good time as any to find out when Maddie arrived at the table.
"I came just as you told Cupid about Raven. Tea anyone?" Maddie asked as she held out several cups, all different sizes and colours.
"What? How did you know I was going to ask you that?" questioned Apple.
"I knew because the-"
"Narrator said so. Figured that would be your answer." Briar said cutting off Maddie.
Maddie didn't even seemed mad, which is strange in itself, that Briar cut her off. Instead she was happy.
"Hat-tastic Briar! You understand now!"
Briar just gave a sigh of defeat, but nonetheless smiled at Maddie's antics. There was just no way to get around the madness of Madeline Hatter.
"So now that Cupid knows about everything, are you guys ready to start the actual planning of the date?"
"What? What about all that planning yesterday at your dad's tea shoppe?" Ashlynn questioned.
"Also we are kind of in a middle of something that involves Daring. I would have thought the Narrator, person- thing would have told you about that." Briar pointed out.
"You silly mice, yesterday was just to get those brains ready. Did you actually think I would use a chart to make a plan? That would be mad, even for me. I threw them away as soon as you guys left yesterday." Maddie explained as she finished off with a giggle.
"Also, just because I can hear the Narrator speak does not mean I listen all the time. It gets annoying to have to listen to him or her, sometimes even both, drone on and on. Where's the fun in a story when you know what is going on all the time? So I tune them, he, she, it, whatever you prefer, out most of the time."
To Maddie it was such a simple answer. Nothing needed more to explain, but to the other four the answer just made more questions pop up. The first to recover was Apple. She decided to forget the whole Narrator part and focus on what Maddie said before her explanation.
"You threw away all of the date plans?"
Maddie was unable to answer Apple's question right away. The bell rang throughout the school, signaling students that the school day was about to begin. Agreeing to meet up after the school day was done the girls went to their classes. Through out the day one of them would explain to Maddie what Apple learned about Daring and Lizzie. Ashlynn was the one to finish off explaining to Maddie what happened. She noticed that Maddie was confused but Ashlynn was wrong about why Maddie was confused.
"I don't get why this is such a big deal? If Apple doesn't have any hard feelings towards Daring and Lizzie why should be concerned about it? It just means that Apple cares about Daring, just not in a romantic way anymore. I don't think they even had any feelings for each other. From what I heard they weren't even a couple and never pushed the boundary of just being friends. I thought it was obvious? And you all say I'm the crazy one. Oh wait, I am! Hahaha!"
Ashlynn was stunned that Maddie thought Apple didn't have any more feelings for Daring. Ashlynn was quiet for the rest of the class contemplating what Maddie said. What Maddie said was true. Apple and Daring never went past being friends officially. All they did was make verbal announcements that they would be together after E.A.H. Maybe Apple was just worrying over nothing. Maybe this was the best scenario for Apple.
"Why is it that whenever anything complicated comes up Maddie is one to figure out the answer?" Apple asked with her head leaning against her hand. The school day was done and the five girls decided to take advantage of the good weather and go up to one of the balconies overlooking the land. Apple was at the ledge, leaning against it while facing away from the others. Cupid and Briar were standing close to Apple while Maddie and Ashlynn were sitting on the bench. None of them seemed to know the answer except for Maddie. She was just sipping some tea again.
"Okay so what I'm getting is that I have never loved Daring, I only believed I was in love because I was told we were destined to be together no matter what."
Maddie nodded her head enthusiastically. "Pretty much."
"Alright. My next question is why am I accepting that answer? It should not be simple!"
"But what if it is that simple?"
"What if it isn't?"
"What if it is?"
"What if it isn't?"
"Guys! That's not helping. You two are just going back forth." Cupid interjected.
"Wow major deja vu!" Maddie giggled as she remembered the conversation she had with Raven. "But Apple, it's true that there are complicated answers to complicated questions. But this is just a simple matter of what the heart says. Now tell us, what is your heart saying?"
Apple had to think for a moment. Was she able to know what her heart was telling her? The answer was yes, she can tell what she wanted. What was deluded by promises of her future and what she would become has now become cleared.
"My heart is telling me that I want to give Raven a chance. I might have been wanting to do this to move on with my life but that won't change how I feel. I don't know if this relationship will work, or if it will grow into something great. What I do know is that I'm willing to try." Apple finished off with a smile.
The rest of the girls cheered at Apple's speech. It was short and sweet but it said a lot about how much Apple grew.
"My heart is also telling me that I have the greatest friends in all of Ever After High."
Not being able to help themselves the girls opened up their arms and gave Apple a big group hug. The moment showed just how much they all cared for each other. Maddie was the first to break out of the hug.
"Hat-tastic! Now that that's over we can get back to planning the date."
"Thank you Maddie, I appreciate everything that you have done but I think I want to plan this on my own now."
Everyone was silent, apprehensive of why Apple wanted to do this by herself. Noticing the stares, Apple realized she needed to be more clear.
"I want to set up the date myself. I'm gonna need help to pick out an outfit and everything but this is something special, not only for me but for Raven as well."
Ashlynn, Cupid and Briar were able to see where Apple was coming from with her request. It made sense that Apple wanted to do this. The least they could do was pick out a wicked outfit for Apple to wear. Maddie, however, was hesitant.
"...That shouldn't be a problem but the least I could do is tell you more about Raven. Her likes and dislikes and everything inbetween." Maddie offered.
"I think I got that covered Maddie. I am her roommate so I should be fine in what Raven likes."
"But I'm her BFFA. You only know a small part of what she shows, not with what she hides."
Back and forth Apple and Maddie argued. Cupid, Briar and Ashlynn could only stare as the two girls bickered, not sure if they should interrupt. While Apple had grown her stubbornness of knowing others was beginning to show. It might have gone on for awhile if Maddie wasn't interrupted by her phone going off.
"Pause!"
Before Apple could get another word in Maddie began digging through her hat, trying to find where she placed her phone. Apple huffed in annoyance, she felt she was winning the argument.
"Why does Maddie think I can't do this? I may not be Raven's closest friend, but I know enough to plan a date around it. I should be able to go to Raven right now, ask her on a date and everything would be fine." Apple thought to herself.
An idea popped into Apple's head. She smiled as she knew what she wanted to do.
"Ashlynn, Cupid, Briar?"
The mentioned girls turned in Apple's direction. They were huddled together. They were waiting on the sidelines still, talking amongst themselves. They walked together towards Apple.
"What do you need hun?" Ashlynn asked.
"I gotta go use the little princess room. I'll be right back. Let Maddie know after she's done trying to find her phone."
All four turned to see that a large pile had formed behind Maddie. Some of the items even surprised the girls. How could all of those items fit in such a tiny hat?
Yeah we'll let her know." Briar said.
"Good see you in a few."
It seemed as soon as Apple left, Maddie had found her phone.
"There we go! Now lets see who it was."
As Maddie read the text her face changed from joy, to confusion to panic.
"Oh peas and crackers! Apple we have a- Where is Apple?"
"She left for the washroom just a moment ago." Cupid said. "What's wrong?"
"Something even I didn't see coming!"
Apple had lied about going to the washroom. She was actually on her way back to her dorm room. She felt she was ready to ask Raven out. She knew Maddie meant well, but she felt she could do this. She arrived at her room and heard music playing inside. That meant Raven was in the room. Apple opened the door and spotted Raven at her desk doing her homework. Her foot was slightly moving up and down in beat to the music. She had a big smile on her face. Raven spotted Apple at the corner of her eye. She used her magic to pause her music.
"Hey Apple. You feeling okay?"
"Yeah I'm fine. Why do you ask?"
"Just worried. You didn't act the way I thought you would when I told you about Daring this morning."
"Oh that. Yeah everything is fine now."
"That's good. Oh hey I got some big news and you are not gonna believe it."
"What is it?" Apple asked.
As much as Apple wanted to just ask Raven out she can be patient for just a couple more minutes. Whatever Raven wanted to tell Apple seemed exciting. She was eager to know what Raven knew. Her eagerness was soon destroyed as Raven told her the news.
"Kitty just asked me out!"
….Wow I did not see that coming. So that was what Kitty was up to. She got to Raven before Apple! So many questions have now been answered, but just as many have now appeared! Does Kitty actually have feelings for Raven or is this just one big elaborate prank? How will Apple deal with this news? Raven actually sounded excited. So much has just happened. How much more can Apple take? The only way to know is in the next chapter.
A 5000 chapter update. 5000! Unbelievable! Can you believe that?! I didn't think I was capable of doing that! This is by far my favourite chapter so far! I feel like I've improved so much. What do you guys think?
So yeah the story. Didn't see that one coming did yeah muahahaha! There was so much in there. I debated about splitting it but there would be so much missing if I just ended it before that big surprise. Please don't hate me. Don't worry this will all work out in the end. So Lizzie was the winner for Daring. Sorry for Derise fans. Like I said before I promise I'll do a one-shot.
There is an author that I would like to give a shout out too. This person is an amazing writer, he has helped me with an idea for a future project and they are an all around great person. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you, Creaturemaster! This person is amazing. Go check out their stories especially their We're all Monsters story. It is a Ben 10/Monster High crossover. Don't knock it till you try it, it is so good. Warning there are lemon(y) chapters later on. If you don't like it then just ignore that part of the chapter and read everything else.
In other news, what did you guys think of Spring Unsprung? I for one loved it, especially Alistair and Bunny. To those of you who were hoping for Maddie/Alistair canon pairing, I'm sorry for your loss. Still, that's why we have Fanfiction! I am predicting so many Alistair/Bunny and Alistair/Maddie fics in the upcoming future. Such good character development for Kitty. Did anyone else see the Cheshire Cat being female? Oh what do you think of the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts? Loved them!
That's my little rant for now. Until next chapter,
Morantis
