I do not own Kamen Rider Ryuki or Ever After High. They belong to their respective creators and not me. I am not writing this for profit, only for fun.
Knights of the Otherworld
By Ten-Faced Paladin
Chapter 15: True Hearts Day Part 2
Where we last left our tale, Cupid was inspired by her own secret love's discovery to organize a True Hearts Day celebration for the students of Ever After High.
Still, all was not well. Scout Huntsman, Hunter's less amicable cousin, discovered his and Ashlynn's secret, threatening to expose them unless he surrendered the Huntsman destiny to him.
Jerk got some payback though! Humiliated when he couldn't even scratch a Mirror Monster where the Beast Knight took it down in a heartbeat!
Yes, quite. Now onto the next part of this tale.
Ever After High
Gossip was a funny thing in any school, much less Ever After High. Anyone can focus on any topic, or everyone can get swept up in the craze of some big event. The True Hearts Day dance was a secret, but everyone in the school knew about it and couldn't help but talk even if they were supposed to keep it a secret. Inversely, a new wave of gossip came with how the Beast Knight, Tiger, had saved the day when a Mirror Monster seemingly went on a rampage in Book End. Well, that and the humiliation of Scout Huntsman when he tried to fight it, and then complained at Tiger for stealing his quarry.
But as the nature of gossip was fickle, any new ripple would cause a new wave of it.
And there was a big one coming.
Hunter and Ashlynn stood before the huge doors of Ever After High. They were nervous but they needed to do this. The time for secrets was over.
"You ready?" Hunter asked Ashlynn and she took his hand.
"With you, always," Ashlynn smiled.
"Alright, here we go." They pushed the doors open and entered the halls of Ever After High, hand-in-hand.
As soon as they entered, everyone gasped.
"Hey, what's everyone's gasping about?" Duchess wondered, trying to get a view of what everyone was looking at.
"I think that's it," Kyle pointed and the Swan Princess gasped as she saw Ashlynn and Hunter come into the school, holding hands. Everyone was speechless. "Hm, never knew they were dating. Guess Kevin's off the hook now."
"Oh, my Godmother!" Blondie held her MirrorPad out to film this. "This is huge news!"
"I don't get it," Gabe frowned next to Holly. "So Ashlynn and Hunter are dating. Big deal."
"One's a Royal and the other's a Rebel," Max explained. "You know, star-crossed lovers like Romeo and Juliet."
"Um...but aren't we doing that by dating our princesses?" Gabe scratched his head in confusion, not seeing what the big deal was.
"People are still not sure if we're Royals or Rebels, Gabe," Max answered. "Our stories are a little obscure."
Kevin watched them, smiling proudly. The secret couple had decided to keep their secret relationship a secret no longer.
Watching from his locker, scowling, was Scout as his blackmail had just become worthless.
"Ashlynn?" Apple asked, surprised when she saw Hunter and Ashlynn holding hands.
"Apple..."
"You and Hunter are-are dating?" Apple looked at them holding hands. "But Ashlynn, you're a Royal, and he's a Rebel." Ashlynn did not know what to say when the bell rang.
"Um..." Ashlynn felt awkward. "I'll see you later, OK, Apple?"
As the new couple made tracks to get out of the limelight, Blondie started looking for interviews or to at least get reactions. As she eyed several faces, she saw Kevin looking, well, proud. Her reporter instincts quickly caught onto that as she ran for the Gazelle Knight.
"Kevin Bray, you seem to look most comfortable with this revelation," Blondie suddenly spoke up, catching his attention. "As the one rumored to be Ashlynn's prince, how can you be so calm seeing her in the arms of someone else?"
"I'm just glad they finally decided to come clean about their relationship. Now people can stop talking about my relationship with Faybelle," Kevin answered. "Those two are truly in love and I can't help but applaud them."
Ever After High - Front walk
Blondie Lockes stood outside Ever After High with Dexter holding her MirrorPad as her cameraman, ready to give a report.
"So, Ever After High. This is Blondie Lockes giving you the reactions for the royally rebellious romance of Ashlynn Ella and Hunter Huntsman," Blondie reported. "These will be the honest and unedited comments of our fellow students on the newest relationship shocker since Raven Queen and Arthur Pendragon!"
(-)
Arthur scratched his cheek as Blondie and her crew came up to him, "I don't really think I'm one to talk. I mean, I'm dating Raven Queen. Why is Ashlynn dating Hunter so strange? I think if they do love each other, feel free to date. I'll give them a king's support."
(-)
In another segment, Lance had his arms crossed, "What do I think? I say way to go! Who cares if Ashlynn's Royal and Hunter's Rebel? Ashlynn wants him to be her Prince Charming like Apple chose me. Who cares about the little details if they're happy? Isn't that what everyone wants? Happily Ever After?"
(-)
"Best match," Gawain said, showing two thumbs-up while cute little critters crowded around him.
(-)
"I don't really care, you know? They can date whoever they want to date," Max said as he was in the middle of an experiment in the Home Evil-nomics lab. He mixed a couple of potions together and the cauldron began to bubble violently. "OK, that's not good. Curses, run!"
(-)
"As someone who receives grief over my choice of a girlfriend, Hunter and Ashlynn are really brave to finally be open about their relationship, even if many do not approve," Rex said, arms crossed. His impact may have been diminished since he was in the Cooking Class-ic classroom, wearing an apron and oven mitts. Ginger was giggling in the background.
(-)
"I think it's hexcellent," Raven admitted. "Ashlynn and Hunter decided to write their own destinies. What's wrong with that?" Behind Raven, Apple threw herself onto her own bed and sobbed.
(-)
"I feel for them," Cerise said sympathetically as she ate lunch. "I mean, keeping secrets is hard." As she spoke, Ramona snuck up behind her and snatched her food. "Hey!"
(-)
"I want to be happy for them, I do. I'm just worried about them. If they don't follow their destinies, then their books could close forever," Apple said worriedly.
Ever After High - Princessology
"A quiz on tiara size and future neck problems?" Gwen asked as he got up from her seat. "Seriously?"
"Don't worry. I'll help you study for it," Darling reassured her.
Princessology class just ended and the students were heading out. They had been assigned a quiz that Gwen found completely ridiculous even if Darling seemed to take it seriously. Apple walked morosely out behind them, her mind not on her lessons and instead on the whirlwind of a revelation which had been dropped on her that morning. Her mind was so bogged down, she didn't notice the source of that confusion approaching her.
"Apple, can we talk?" Ashlynn asked.
Apple blinked and looked to her friend and sighed, "Ash, this is hard for me and I usually handle things so very well."
"I know."
"I'm just surprised you didn't trust me enough to tell me," Apple pouted, showing it wasn't so much the dating that hurt, but one of her closest friends not trusting her.
Ashlynn winced, "I was afraid you wouldn't understand."
"I guess I don't. It just doesn't make sense to me. I know I may have chosen Lance instead of Daring but that's because I feel like he's my destiny. I just don't want anything bad to happen to the people I love." Apple sighed. "My story says I get woken up by True Love's Kiss so I have some wiggle room, but yours says it's Prince Charming who makes you Happily Ever After. I don't want one of my BFFA's to disappear!"
"I don't see it that way," Ashlynn shook her head. "I mean...I can't help but feel the way I do about Hunter. So much about him just makes my heart sing. He felt the same way and we couldn't help but want to get together. Besides, when you explained your idea for dating Lance, I looked into my own story."
"And?" Apple winced. She wasn't sure how she felt. She hoped Ashlynn had a loophole in her story like she did so there would be less risk of her story vanishing.
"Mom fell in love with dad before he found her glass slipper," Ashlynn answered. "So, maybe, since I love Hunter, when the time comes, he can find my slipper and come find me to fit it."
Apple nibbled on her finger. As a Royal, she should have dismissed that as impossible, but wasn't she doing the same with Lance? Fitting him into her story? As Ashlynn's BFFA though, she wanted to believe it could work, "I...I hope it works."
"I hope so too," Ashlynn nodded. "Apple, can...can you forgive me for not telling you?"
Apple wilted again, "I...I think I need some space for a bit."
Ashlynn frowned sadly, "Okay."
With a half-hearted wave, Apple left her BFFA behind. Ashlynn just hoped it would not be for forever after.
Ever After High - School Grounds
Ashlynn and Hunter, for when they weren't in class, sequestered themselves away to just try and adjust to the fact they weren't hiding their secret anymore. Blondie was quick to spread the word, but the overwhelming support they were getting from most of the student body helped relieve some of their stress. Ashlynn was slightly hurt that Apple didn't seem to support them, but she feared/expected that with Apple's pro-destiny fixation even if she had chosen a different prince instead of Daring like everyone expected.
So the two just cuddled up together in a private corner of the school. No sports fields around, no lunch areas, no reason for them to be intruded on.
"Today's been tough," Hunter sighed, hugging Ashlynn close. The guys have been asking him about his relationship with Ashlynn. Some were nice, just curious as to how it started. Others weren't so nice, claiming she was above his station.
"Yes," Ashlynn agreed, taking solace in his company. "But it helps to know we have good friends that support us."
"Yeah," Hunter smiled.
They knew it wasn't going to be entirely easy, but seeing they had so much support from so many of the students did help ease the stress of it all. Some time by themselves, not having to really hide it anymore, did feel nice. Both looked out to the scenery, just taking solace in how they didn't have to hide anymore. Sadly though, it was quickly ruined when a familiar face stormed onto the scene.
"Scout," the couple scowled when they saw Hunter's cousin.
"I hope you both are happy," Scout stomped on over to them. How had he found them? Likely his tracking skills. "Now everyone knows about your forbidden romance."
"Scout, what do you want?" Hunter demanded.
"How is it that you're not in trouble for this? What about Cinderella? What about Uncle and Auntie?" Scout questioned, incredulous. "You're going against your destinies and it's all over the MirrorNet! They should be forcing you two to break up!"
"Mom and Dad are shocked, but they trust my judgment," Hunter frowned, letting go of Ashlynn so they could both stand up "Just like when I said I was vegan and just like when I said I didn't want to trap animals. They may not be happy, but they respect my decisions."
"And my mother finds it amusing, like a reversal of her own story," Ashlynn added with a frown. Her mother may have liked Kevin, but she was at least willing to give Hunter a chance. After all, the story of Cinderella was all about being rebellious so she had no complaints.
Scout turned red into his face, his supposed perfect plan crumbling like so much dust, "Gah! How can they still stand behind you as the Huntsman! I'm the better hunter! I'm more chivalrous! I'm more handsome!"
"It's called compassion and common sense, Scout!" Hunter stepped up to his cousin. "The Huntsman didn't stand up to the Evil Queen just to be manly and he didn't fight the Big Bad Wolf for a trophy. He saw something wrong and did something about it! You just brag and brag about anything you do like it's your story and forget there are people involved who get hurt with antics like that!"
"As opposed to you who runs away from your destiny to chase princesses?" Scout snarled back.
"I won't turn away from my duty or doing what's right. Being with Ashlynn is what I consider right and I'm not going to abandon her just because some book says so!" Hunter snapped back.
"You'll regret this, Hunter," Scout warned as he walked away. "You'll regret this just like that stablehand will regret crossing me."
"Says the guy who couldn't even hurt a Mirror Monster and expects to beat a Knight of the Round Table!" Ashlynn got the last word in as Scout stormed off. "What a jerk!"
"Yeah, and I had to grow up with him," Hunter agreed.
Ever After High - Halls
Scout grumbled as he entered the halls. How dare that beansprout continue to deny him, the obviously better Huntsman, his destiny? His mind mulled over thoughts of revenge, a way to get back at Hunter and somehow make him pay for his actions. In that dark desire for revenge, he remembered the True Hearts Day dance and that it was supposed to be a secret.
"I wonder what Headmaster Grimm will do if he finds out there's an unsanctioned party going on without his permission?" Scout asked himself. He did not realize that he was overheard by Kevin and Faybelle who happened to be nearby.
"I don't like the sound of that," Kevin said to his girlfriend.
"Let me take care of it, babe," Faybelle winked at Kevin then strutted up to Scout. "Hey, Scout!"
"What?" Scout turned and saw Faybelle before recomposing himself. She may be the Dark Faerie's daughter but she was still pretty hot. "Ah, Faybelle Thorn. Have you decided to ask me to go to the dance with you?"
"Oh, yeah, the dance," Faybelle smiled flirtatiously. "How about we go talk someplace private?" Scout smiled and allowed Faybelle to lead him away until they reached the janitor's closet.
Scout cocked an eyebrow as she opened the door for them, "The closet?"
"It's nice and cozy," Faybelle smirked. "Perfect for you." Magic danced along her fingertips and she cast a spell on Scout which instantly knocked him out. She then pushed him into the closet, slammed the door, and used her magic to lock it before finally dusting off her hands. "There, problem solved."
"Did you just cast a spell on him?" Kevin asked when he saw Faybelle shove Scout into the janitor's closet.
"A sleep spell. I am my mother's daughter, after all," Faybelle said proudly. "Don't worry, babe. He'll be fine. He'll just wake up with a mild headache. By then, the party will be over." She put her arms around his neck. "Now nothing will ruin our True Hearts Day."
Kevin felt a pleasant shudder rush up his spine whenever Faybelle looked at him like that. What a woman.
Dorms - Kitchen
"Oh, these are perfect!" Cupid squealed as she inspected the treats Ginger made for the dance. There were heart-shaped cookies, heart-shaped cakes, heart-shaped tarts, and even pies and cupcakes with decorations befitting the romantic theme. "So beautiful! I love it!"
"Well, I did have help," Ginger winked at Rex. "And they're made with love."
"Love and hard work," Rex added. "It took us hours but it was worth it."
"OK, now all we have to do is to get these to the venue," Cupid said.
Rex took out his phone, "Allow us to handle transportation. You girls just worry about getting ready."
"How are you going to move all this?" asked Cupid.
"The same way Harry got the supplies to the venue without needing to take them out into public," Rex answered. "Mirror World Express."
A downside to Book End was that it was a close community so when something happened, say a large shipment of party supplies, or in this case, a huge supply of True Hearts Day pastries being moved, everyone noticed. With trying to keep it a secret from Headmaster Grimm, they couldn't afford such leaks and risk ruining the dance.
To that end, Harry had an idea. With the use of their warhorses, the Riders would take the supplies through the gap between the Real World and the Mirror World straight to the venue. It worked beautifully with Briar's supplies, although it shocked the staff at the venue. The important thing was that it worked and Grimm remained none the wiser as to what the students were planning.
As soon as the sun set, the students of Ever After High were getting ready to head out of school to attend the secret True Hearts' Day dance. They had to make sure that they would not get caught by Headmaster Grimm or else he would shut the party down and give them all detentions until they graduated.
One hurdle to the plan was that the school watched the exit to the dorms at night, especially now with the Headmaster getting so strict. So to deal with that, the students who wanted to attend were going to have to sneak out. For the Riders, it was easy since they had the ability to travel through the Mirror World. For everyone else...it was a little more difficult.
"O Princess Holly, my Holly, let down your long hair," Gabe called out to Holly's window.
"Dude, really?" Tristan asked as he stood beside Gabe to pick up their dates.
"Rapunzel's daughter."
"I know. You're not going to actually climb her hair, are you?" Tristain asked, ready to stop his excitable friend if it came to that.
"No, of course not. I'd never do anything to ruin my princess' lovely long hair," Gabe huffed as if it was obvious.
The window opened and Holly poked her hair out to her beloved knight who happily waved back.
"You guys are so sweet that I'm going to need to see the Tooth Fairy for my cavities," Tristan deadpanned. Yes, the Tooth Fairy was real. She was a dentist in Book End.
The twins tossed out a rope of tied together bed sheets before starting to climb down, somehow keeping their outfits from getting messed up. From other windows in the dorms, several such ropes were being cast out as students, those who didn't have some trick to fly, began climbing down like espionage agents.
"Oooh, I'm so hexcited!" Holly giggled, hugging Gabe. "Is everyone ready?"
"Got the invitations," Poppy lifted the heart-shaped invites. They had been secretly passed around since the Red Shoes Dance Club was going to have a bouncer that night to make sure only students with invitations could get in.
"Then what the hex are we waiting for?" Gabe asked. "Let's go!"
Red Shoes Dance Club
The male troll was working as a bouncer and greeter, allowing only students with the invitations to come in while one of the Billy Goats worked at the coat collection counter. Inside, the club was decorated with heart-shaped decorations hanging from the ceiling with perfect mood lighting that cast a dark pink glow. There was a buffet table covered in True Hearts Day treats, courtesy of Ginger Breadhouse.
"You know, for a party we threw on such short notice, it's pretty good!" Harry said to Briar as they sat at the bar where an ogre student was giving out drinks.
"Yeah!" Briar agreed over the music.
"Remind me, who you got to DJ?" Harry asked.
"Melody Piper of course," Briar answered.
"Daughter of the Pied Piper. Nice."
Dexter arrived at the party, looking for Cupid and then spotted her sitting alone at a table. For a moment, he hesitated but caught himself. He reminded himself he couldn't wait or hesitate with this. Cupid never said anything for his sake, so now he would speak up for hers. He straightened his shoulders and marched up to her.
"Hey, is this seat taken?" Dexter asked.
"Oh, Dexter," Cupid smiled and Dexter sat down beside her.
"Why the long face?" Dexter asked.
"Oh, the boy I liked didn't ask me to go to the dance with him," she answered.
"Oh, I'm sorry," Dexter apologized.
"It's fine. It's not your fault, Dexter."
"No, it is. I'm sorry I didn't ask you to come as my date."
Now, C.A. Cupid wondered if Dexter had said what she thought he had said. She was sure he did, but she also knew he wouldn't have. He had his heart set on Raven and as much as Cupid would have liked it, he couldn't have just up and forgotten the sorceress for Cupid, could he?
"Come again?" she asked, wanting him to clarify.
"I'm sorry I didn't ask you to come as my date. I wanted to write a poem but everything I wrote was garbage," Dexter apologized.
"Hold on, you were going to ask me to come with you to this dance?" Cupid asked, shock written upon her features. "You and me?"
"Yes, Cupid." Dexter took her hand in his. "And I know."
"You know? Know what? What do you know?"
"I know you have a crush on me."
Cupid's face was so red that she could've been mistaken for an apple.
"Ah." Cupid's brain just rebooted after he said that.
"Yeah, took me a while to realize it too. I'm sorry. Listen, I don't know how good of a boyfriend I can be, but I'm willing to give you a chance if you give me one. How does that sound?"
Cupid's heart could have jumped out of her chest and she immediately took Dexter by the hand and pulled him onto the dance floor.
As the two danced, Dexter caught Harry watching and the Stingray Knight gave his friend a thumbs-up, a gesture which Dexter returned.
"What was that about?" Briar asked.
"I decided to play cupid for our friends," Harry answered. "And I think I just won the pot."
Ever After High - Halls
Milton Grimm strolled down the halls of his school, keeping an eye out for trouble, or perhaps whatever the students were attempting to hide. He worked with teenagers for years and knew the signs when they were planning something. Usually a party or some kind of event which wasn't school-sanctioned. Perhaps in the past he would have let it go, but these days with their destinies so badly in question, Milton was ready to crack down on any Rebel activity, even if it was happening outside of school hours.
*WHAM! WHAM!* "Hey! Let me out, curse it!"
"What on earth?" Milton frowned. Following the noise, he came upon a janitor's supply closet and the door was visibly shaking from someone slamming into it. Now knowing something was up, he produced his master key and started working on the lock. The door slammed open, revealing a disheveled Scout Huntsman. "Mr. Huntsman, what on earth is going on?"
"The Rebels are throwing a big True Hearts Day party," Scout huffed. "I was going to go tell you when Faybelle used a spell on me and locked me in here to keep me from talking!"
Milton gasped in shock, but then frowned seriously, "Tell me more."
Red Shoes Dance Club
Hunter and Ashlynn came to the dance together and Cinderella's daughter spotted Apple sitting alone. She looked like she was enjoying the atmosphere, but it was clear to Ashlynn that Apple had a lot on her mind. Deciding to brave the unknown one more time, Ashlynn prepared herself.
"Excuse me," Ashlynn said to Hunter and went to speak to her friend. "Apple."
Snow White's daughter perked up, seeing her friend, "Ashlynn. Did you come with Hunter?"
Ashlynn nodded, "I did. What about you? Did you come alone?"
"No, I came with Lance. He's getting us some punch." Apple shook her head. "So, it's a very nice party. Briar's got a talent for throwing them."
"She does," Ashlynn nodded. Nibbling on her lip, she pressed forward. "So...Apple...about today. Are we still okay?"
Apple was silent for a moment, making Ashlynn fear the worst, but then she went and hugged her best friend. "Once upon a time, I was worried about you throwing your destiny away but my time with Lance has taught me that we can still reach our destinies even if the path changes a bit."
Ashlynn smiled and hugged Apple back as Hunter watched.
"Hey, I got the punch," Lance arrived and saw the two princesses having a moment. Blinking, he glanced at Hunter, "Hey, did I miss something?"
"BFFA stuff," Hunter explained. Lance nodded. That indeed explained it all.
(-)
The music stopped for a moment as Cupid, waving to Dexter who was at the front, took the stage to begin her speech. She of course thanked everyone who came to the party and wished to tell everyone just what True Hearts Day was all about.
The tradition started with the Heart Tree, a large tree that still grew outside of Book End. No matter how harsh the winter was, the tree would always bloom without fail and produce heart fruit, a pink and red fruit in the shape of a heart which was so sweet one could almost fall in love with it.
Whenever the fruit would bloom, fairy tales would collect one, just one, and bring it to someone they loved, baring their heart to that special someone. To travel so far to get a fruit symbolized that love would always find a way, even if it was not always easy.
As a bit of flair, Cupid gave a whistle and suddenly numerous faeries, all holding a heart fruit, came swooping into the room and tossing them to the students below. Everyone caught one and felt the warm fruit, but also felt the symbol they represented when Cupid told her story. Many couples quickly began to exchange them as Cupid smiled at the sight. Even better, many who were single began using them to confess to someone they liked, which made it all the more magical to Cupid. It left her feeling like she had done something so good for her friends and school.
(-)
Arthur Pendragon kept his guard up the entire time at the dance. His gaze constantly shifted to the reflective surfaces in the club, expecting a Mirror Monster to emerge. It was a feeling which got stronger as the night went on. Some might call him a bit paranoid but he could not help it. There was always a pattern to these things. It seemed whenever they deviated somehow from their daily routine, a monster would pop up.
"They make a great couple, don't you think?" Raven asked.
"Huh? What?" Arthur blinked, snapping his attention back to his girlfriend.
"Cupid and Dexter. They look so cute together," Raven replied, pointing to the dance floor.
Arthur relaxed and looked to where the new couple was dancing. Cupid looked positively radiant as she held onto Dexter, "Oh, right. Yeah, they do."
Raven could tell her boyfriend was distracted, "Arthur, is something wrong?"
He shook his head, "Sorry, it's just that I'm expecting a Mirror Monster to attack the dance at any moment. Knowing our luck, that usually happens while everyone is enjoying themselves."
Raven rolled her eyes, taking her boyfriend's hand, "Arthur, you need to relax. Now, c'mon. Let's dance."
"So we just leave our fruit here? Oh, alright." Arthur didn't have much time to think before Raven pulled him out onto the dance floor. Once they were among the other couples, he found his arms around Raven and started to sway to the music.
"Relax, Arthur," Raven smiled. "Just enjoy the dance, okay? I want to share a night like this with my boyfriend."
"Heh well, if you insist," Arthur smiled, resting his forehead against Raven's. She immediately felt the tension leave his body as they danced. He forgot his duties for the moment and she forgot the Destiny Conflict. Right now, they were just one couple among many who were enjoying a dance that celebrated love.
(-)
Gwen turned down the 5th boy who offered her the heart fruit. It seemed that being the famous Swan Princess Knight, she had fanboys like Apple did. Unfortunately, she just wasn't interested in them. The ones who seemed like they plucked up the courage to do such, she turned down gently and at least tried to make them feel better in the fact that they tried. Princessology was surprisingly useful for that. The ones who were a little pushier about it, well, she made her answer plain as day.
Still, it also meant that Gwen had her own fruit to give and her date had disappeared.
"Come on, where did my princess go?" she wondered.
At moments like this, Darling liked to play through her wits and tease Gwen a little. It was little games like this that Gwen felt helped keep things exciting in ways beyond just dates or kisses. They got to tease and have fun. Still, at the moment, Gwen was getting impatient and wanted to share the True Hearts Day spirit with her girlfriend. It was their first holiday together as a couple.
Passing by the booths, she felt someone take her hand and Gwen was pulled into it. She yelped but was immediately reassured when a pair of warm and familiar lips met hers. Sighing softly, Gwen returned it before breaking away to see Darling's impish smile.
"You found me, my dashing knight," Darling smiled. She lifted her heart fruit for Gwen, "As such, I shall reward you with my heart."
"So long as you take mine," Gwen smiled.
Both girls exchanged their fruit and settled in to kiss and cuddle, celebrating their own relationship among the many couples who were doing the same. Gwen hadn't really considered shooting for romance and hadn't really thought about what it might feel like. There at that moment with Darling though, Gwen realized what she had been missing out on.
(-)
"Hmmm, so wonderlandiful," Maddie smiled as she held her fruit close. She didn't have anyone to give it to per se, but she could of course appreciate the sentiment behind it. She'd just share it with her friends later to show just how much they meant to her.
So many of her friends and classmates were exchanging fruit with their significant others: Rex with Ginger, Rob with Nina, Ben with Meeshell, Max with Ramona, the list went on. Kitty wasn't even up to her usual mischief either, just enjoying the night like everyone else.
Walking around to maybe see how her other friends were doing, she stopped when she spotted Lizzie Hearts just softly nuzzling her fruit.
"Wow Lizzie. I thought as the next Queen of Hearts you'd be doing the rounds and collecting as many of these as you could," Maddie remarked.
"I should, but I'm not," Lizzie sighed happily. As per her mother's teachings, she should have tried to cement her authority and collect all the hearts she could. Right now though, she just didn't care. "The most important heart of all is here in my hands. The one belonging to my wonderful twisty knight."
"And he has yours?" Maddie grinned.
"Of course," Lizzie nodded. "As is right and proper."
"Where is he anyway?" asked Maddie, looking around.
Lizzie pointed next to her in her booth. Partially hidden by the table was Darren, swirly-eyed and with a goofy smile on his lips. His face was covered in red kiss marks which matched Lizzie's shade. Nestled in the crook of his neck was another heart fruit, presumably the one he swapped with Lizzie.
"Oooogaboogablumpfulwumpytwistiefweeze?"
"Oh Beloved, such sweet nonsense you whisper," Lizzie tittered.
(-)
Cerise held her heart fruit, a little conflicted. She really only came for the party and didn't consider actually having a date. With her secret, dating was kind of hard. Nibbling on her lip, she glanced around at the other couples exchanging fruit and starting to pair up as even random confessions were made.
To be honest, she was a little envious. Maybe not so much if it happened in the past, but since Ramona started dating Max and going full throttle on everything lovey-dovey, it made Cerise start to wonder if she could find that special kind of person too. Her dad might howl a fit, but it remained a tempting thought all the same. Being able to find someone to trust, let her guard down for, and get ear scratches sounded like a pretty happily forever awesome deal to her.
The only problem was the only guy she remotely thought she might like to try that with was clearly taken. Gawain was sitting next to Rosabella at one of the tables, both munching on the fruit that they had given each other. They talked amicably with the Three Billy Goats who were having a break and getting to enjoy the party too. Of course, Rosabella was tucked under Gawain's arm, looking so content she may drift off to sleep.
Cerise sighed sadly. Gawain had plenty of what she wanted in a guy. Someone patient, a lover of animals, and he was just an all-around good person. Being handsome certainly helped. He fully supported Ashlynn and Hunter when they came out so he wouldn't have had any problems knowing who her parents were. He probably would even go so far as to say her ears were cute.
"Maybe I should just share it with Mom and Dad or something. Cerise muttered.
(-)
"Here," Duchess offered her fruit to Kyle. "Don't say I never gave you anything."
"Thanks, Duchess," Kyle smiled as he accepted then handed his fruit to her. "And here you go, Swan Princess."
The two acted completely casual with each other, at first seemingly just playing along with the others in the room before they went on their merry way. Once they were sure the other was out of sight, they quickly hoarded the fruit away. Duchess wasn't going to let a knight's favor out of her reach so easily and Kyle wasn't going to simply ignore what the fruit symbolized from Duchess.
Once the fruits were tucked away, they looked up and saw each other as the partiers moved. They stared for a moment, but then feigned indifference and kept going, glancing at each other when they thought the other was not looking.
Enchanted Forest
Scout led Headmaster Grimm through the back paths and sky-blocking trees of the Enchanted Forest. He was sure the dance was being held in that direction. He couldn't wait to see everyone's faces when the headmaster came storming into their little party. Disrespect him? Take his glorius hunts? Then they should see their little party crash and burn! Better yet, it would be his revenge on Hunter for ruining his blackmail plan.
"How far is this place?" Milton demanded.
"Not too far, sir," Scout reassured him. They soon found an abandoned building, the perfect venue for a secret unsanctioned party. "The party is there."
Milton nodded, straightening his jacket,"Good job, Mr. Huntsman. Now, let's see how many students will serve detention after this."
The two threw the door open and were surprised to see Merlin and Mira having tea together.
"Oh, Milton," Merlin waved. "Would you like a spot of tea?"
Headmaster Grimm turned on Scout who just gaped in shock.
"Mr. Huntsman, what is the meaning of this?" Milton demanded.
"I don't understand, sir! This is where the party's supposed to be! I'm sure of it!" Scout pleaded. "Please, believe me!"
"Mr. Huntsman, you will be serving weekend detention for this stunt," Headmaster Grimm told him before he marched off.
Red Shoes Dance Club
Once the majority of people swapped or ate their fruit, they continued dancing, but perhaps in more pairs than before. Couples were slow dancing in the middle of the dancefloor.
Due to their difference in height, Gabe's head was rested against Holly's chest, not that she minded. She loved cuddling Gabe like that and this was one of their special moments. Height really didn't matter all that much.
And then there were Dexter and Cupid who were dancing together, a bit awkwardly, but it didn't matter. Nothing mattered except for this moment. Cupid was almost glowing, but it made sense considering she was a being of love who got to experience it.
Not everyone was on the dance floor. Other couples, new and old were using the booths for a chance to talk and cuddle. Others were filled with groups of friends who just wanted a fun night out.
"So, Scout was trying to ruin the party by telling Headmaster Grimm about it," Kevin told Hunter and Ashlynn after he joined them at their table with Faybelle.
"That's when I charmed him and then stuffed him in a closet after putting him to sleep," Faybelle boasted. "He'll be asleep until the dance is over."
"What if he wakes up earlier?" Hunter asked, worried his cousin would be out for blood when he woke up. If he was still at the school, he could spill everything to the headmaster!
"Even if Scout somehow did wake up early, he would forget where the dance was taking place and take Headmaster Grimm to the wrong venue," Faybelle bragged. "I made sure to cover all my bases."
"Have I ever told you how much I love you?" Kevin questioned.
"Tell me again. I like the way it sounds," Faybelle smirked.
Ever After High - Dorms
Harry walked Briar back to the dorms once the dance was over. They still had an after-party high but Briar was exhausted and was ready to turn in.
"So, hopefully after this, True Hearts Day will be spellebrated every year," Harry said.
"Yeah," Briar smiled. "Thanks again for your help. I really appreciate it."
"It's what friends are for, Briar."
The two stood there for a moment in comfortable silence. Were they just friends, though? Harry had acknowledged his feelings for Briar during his meeting with Sleeping Beauty. He just wasn't sure if Briar felt the same way about him. He tossed the fruit back and forth in his hands. For a moment, he hesitated, but then reminded himself if low-confidence Dexter could go for Cupid, he could ask Briar a few questions.
"Hey, Briar, could I ask you something?" He finally spoke.
"Hm?" Briar looked at him.
"Ever since...we met your mother. We've...just been kind of drifting together, haven't we?" Harry asked plainly. "I admitted I cared and you were outed to being enthusiastic about me. We end up sitting together at lunch or extra periods. Often I end up playing pillow to you. Is there...could there...be something more?"
Briar was silent, softly nibbling on her lip as she tried to think, "I...when you and the others first appeared, I gushed like Apple did. You're all hexciting and really just complete gentlemen. I won't lie and say I wasn't looking for my Prince Charming just like Apple was."
"Perfectly understandable," Harry snickered. Their first days at Ever After High had plenty of princesses playing coy while eyeing them up for potential princes to their stories.
"I guess…" Briar hesitated, playing with her hair. "I guess it changed...that first time I fell asleep and you caught me. I've been caught before, but I just woke up somewhere or got woken up. In the castleteria, when I fell asleep passing you an invitation...I had a dream."
Harry raised an eyebrow, "A dream?"
"Weird huh? I sleep all the time, but this is the first time I dreamed during one of those blips," Briar smiled weakly. "The dream...I was on top of a soft and warm cloud. It was just squishy enough to feel comfy and it was just so...warm. So warm I could snuggle in and drift away. And when I woke up, I realized I must have fallen asleep on you."
"At an awkward angle too," Harry nodded, remembering that tumble.
"Sorry about that," Briar smiled. "But, I woke up feeling so refreshed and ready to face the world again. Knowing you gave me that feeling, it's part of why I asked you to escort me to the beach party."
"Like my cloudiness?" Harry smiled.
Briar snorted, "At first. Then I got to know you. You're...a nice guy. Not a prince looking for an easy princess to wake up, not hunting for his story, and certainly not taking advantage of his reputation or destiny like other princes I've met do. You're someone I can relax around and not have to worry about pressures with my story. I guess that's why I sleep so much around you."
"Glad to know I'm a safe one," Harry smiled.
"So safe I want to keep coming back," Briar added in agreement. "And I keep seeing more I like in you. Your kind of responsible charm, how your brother annoys you, how seriously you take any duty you have. But in the end, you don't see me as the next Sleeping Beauty, a princess to try and win over, or a popular girl to try and suck up to. You just see me as Briar Beauty. I guess it's all that I just had to gush to my mother about."
Harry smiled, liking how Briar thought so highly of him. "Well, I do admit I like Briar Beauty best. Energetic and not afraid to try something new. Always willing to spellebrate something with her friends, be it little or big. It can be a challenge sometimes keeping up with you, but it's always fun. Plus...you have the cutest sleeping face."
Said face began to blush as she nibbled on her lip. They continued to walk for a few moments before Briar finally huffed, "Oh, hex it!" She grabbed Harry by his face and kissed him deeply on his lips. Harry was taken aback, nearly losing his balance as Briar slammed her lips against his.
When they finally broke the kiss, Briar panted, "I want to swap fruits now. Please be mine?"
Harry huffed, "Only if you'll be mine too."
"I do. Now gimme," Briar nodded, clumsily swapping her heart fruit with Harry's. Once she had it, she pulled him back in for another kiss in the moonlight.
Not a bad way to end the night at all.
*Eeeeeeeeeeee!*
"Sounds like duty calls," Harry winced as he heard the shrill signal.
"Another monster?" Briar asked.
"Yeah."
"Then here's one last kiss for good luck." Briar pecked him lightly on the lips. "Now, go get em, Sir Raia."
Jogging up to a window, Harry held his Advent Deck up to the reflection and summoned his belt.
"Henshin!"
Sliding the deck into his V-Buckle, Harry transformed into Kamen Rider Raia. She always appreciated seeing him in armor. Only a real man could look cool in pink. He nodded at Briar who nodded back before he jumped into the Mirror World to confront another monster.
Briar smiled and went up to her room to get to bed. Tomorrow, she'd see Harry again and maybe plan a proper date for them.
Book End Library
"Alright, alright," Merlin said to the gathered Riders. "Now, we are all here to decide who won the pot. Now, each of you made a bet on when Dexter and Cupid will finally get together." There was a board behind him and everyone had written their names with possible dates beside them.
"No one bet on True Hearts Day. We didn't even know about it until a few days ago," Rob complained.
"True, so we'll go to who bet on the day closest to this one," Merlin admitted. His finger trailed across the dates until he calculated which day was closest, "And the winner is...hey, it's Gawain!"
"Say what?!" Harry cried. Looking at the dates chosen, he saw that Gawain's was the closest. It was exactly one day sooner than Harry's guess which was the second closest. "Oh come on! One day?"
"Spring. Instinct," Gawain replied, taking his bag of gold.
"So, what will you do with all that gold, buddy?" Lance asked.
"Present for Rosabella," Gawain shrugged. "Saving up." It would be something special that could help the animals that they cared for.
Ever After High -Dorms
Scout entered his dorm room, grumbling in frustration. He felt humiliated and also robbed. He couldn't ruin the dance and he also missed the dance. Hunter and Ashlynn were likely closer together and now everyone had accepted them.
It was just so unfair.
Well, nothing to do but prepare for bed.
As he went to his bed, he found something lying on the sheet.
"What's this then?"
It was a metallic, rectangular case. He picked it up and found a seam on the side. He drew out a card and studied it. It was blank and marked with the word 'CONTRACT' on top. As soon as he did, his phone got a hext message alert. Taking it out, he read the message and his lips curled into an evil smirk.
*Eeeeeeeeeeee!*
Whu…? Wait! Where did THAT come from!?
I'm not sure, but I certainly don't like it.
This doesn't bode well to me.
A/N: And here is the conclusion to True Hearts Day. The webisodes had it split in three, but it just seemed to make two chapters. We see Harry and Briar take a big step and Scout's humiliation again. Unfortunately, it seems someone gave him a present.