VIII. Side-Effects (Part I) [Side-A: Apple]
A/N: Missed me?
WARNING/S:
-This story has LGBT+ characters in it. Both the main characters in this fic is bisexual so if you can't stomach that, scoot!
-Internalized homophobia. Because our dearest Apple White grew up in a… conservative… environment.
-Snow White being a terrible parent. The original draft actually showcased her as a kind and doting mother… and then I rewatched Dragon Games and thought 'lmao nope'.
-Self-harm. Mark my words, I do not glorify self-harm. If you do this, please seek help and/or reach out to your most closest. There are people out there who care for you, even if it feels otherwise.
The days after Legacy Day were no less hectic. In fact, with the practices gone, there's nothing else barring them from being overloaded by work. At least, that's how it feels to Apple- who takes it all in stride.
Then again, she IS the future president of the student council. So, it's hexpected that her workload is more… abundant than others. She's not complaining, no siree! In fact, she sees this as a challenge! A test to see if she's worthy of being a High Queen as good as her mom. Her kingdom deserves the best ever after!
So, with a weary but content sigh of another day well-spent, she stepped into her room and-
Is that moaning?
She tensed, staying still so she may clarify. Another resounding moan echoed faintly from within her room. A deep blush quickly bloomed on her features.
'What in Fairy Godmother is going on here!?' She thought, scandalized, as she stomped in. She wished she didn't. The moans should've given her a hint as to what's royally going on.
On Corvus's bed is Corvus and the Charming he's usually seen with- Rakish, if memory serves correctly- locked in… Uh…
Rakish is straddling Corvus, gripping his two buttons-undone shirt. His head is hovering over Corvus's uncovering chest. Meanwhile, Corvus has his hands gripping Rakish's… hind- tightly based on how sunken his fingers and palm are in Rakish's jeans. Corvus has his mouth slightly open, loudly panting and-
Both boys sprung away from each other. Looking at anywhere but her. From their new angle, Apple can see the red marks on Corvus's chest. Her blush deepened. She stepped back, swallowing.
Oh. My. Fairy. Godmother.
What did she just walk into…!?
"Oh, boy," Rakish's husky voice is in a fairy fake-chipper tone, "would you look at the time!"
He gracefully rolled off the bed, pulling his pants higher. With practiced ease, he buckled his belt and zipped up his pants, all the while making his way over his shoe. Corvus seemed to transfer his gaze from her to his… boyfriend?
"I gotta go." Rakish continued, putting his shoes on. As he walked backwards to the door, he combed his hair back while sending Apple finger guns. "Best keep this between us, eh, White?" Then, without another word, he turned and left.
Apple slowly turned to Corvus, mouth agape. He shifted, swinging his right hip over his left, clearly covering his… well…
She turned her gaze away, her blush deepening. "I- I- I didn't know you're, uh, gay." She stammered. Quickly, it took all of her to hold off the urge to smack herself in the face.
'Nice going, White!' She mentally chided herself. 'Now Corvus is going to be ashamed of himself!'
The thought of being attracted with the same gender kind of confuses her. She looks at other girls and appreciates their beauty, yes. Often times, she can stare at them too long- but that's because they're so pretty! Sometimes, her throat gets tied up watching Darling laugh at other's jokes. Sometimes, Briar's hexcited grin makes her heart flip. Sometimes, when the lighting hits right, she thinks Raven's eyes might be a gorgeous shade of lilac.
But that's because she's just appreciating beauty!
In an aesthetic view!
She's not attracted to girls, no!
Besides, it's HIGHLY unbecoming of a princess to marry other princesses! In Blondie's own words, it's just not right! No fairytale has a prince end up with another prince and a princess with another princess ever-after! How would they even continue their bloodline!?
"I'm not." Corvus denied with a husky voice that belies his lust. "I'm- I'm bisexual."
Say what now?
"Uh, what?" Apple can't help but dumbly ask. "What… hexactly is bisexual…?"
"I'm attracted to both boys and girls." He clarified, pulling his blankets over him until his abdomen. His blush abated. "I'm… so fucking sorry." He pressed his knees over his chest. His hands over his face. "I didn't mean for you to… well, with the elections and all that… I thought you'd be gone for long…"
Apparently it's a thing. To be attracted to both genders at once. Huh.
'I guess…' she eyed Corvus, shifting uncomfortably on her feet, 'there's a chance of his bloodline continuing.' Relief swept through her. 'My future daughter won't have to worry about not having a villain! Hopefully. He is still attracted to boys-'
"Are you done gawking?" He sniped, glaring at her through the corner of his eyes. Just as quickly, she saw guilt bloom through his features. Corvus looked away. "I- look, Apple, if it's going to bother you that I'm into boys and girls-"
"It doesn't!" She threw her hands at chest level. Sort of, she refuses to add. "I just… I didn't know that… that hexists."
"Well, it does." Again, he sniped.
Apple can't help but feel confused, and slightly hurt. She isn't judging him for his sexuality! Honest to goodness! So why is he being snippy at her?
Actually, looking back, ever-after since Legacy Day, Corvus has reverted back to his attitude before they were roomies. He started avoiding her, even going so far as to wake up royally early to use the bathroom and leave! Apple knows this because she rises with the sun! Every time she comes to check on him, she finds his bed empty! At first, she thought it's because he's dedicated to being her villain. But now? In the solace of their dorm, he's always kind to her.
Maybe, she's just overreacting. She did just catch him in an embarrassing position.
"It does…" Apple uncertainly echoed. She looked at him, brows furrowed. "Are you alright, Corvus?" Better let this air out now than later. "Is… Is everything okay?"
He clenched his jaw and shut his eyes. She's never-after seen him angry before. Frustrated and disappointed, yes. Not angry. Never-after angry.
"I'm fine." He bit out. He pressed the balls of his palm on his forehead. His whimpers are loud enough to reach her ears.
She swallowed, clenching her jaw. "You're not!" She strode over to him. At her quick footsteps, Corvus flinched- actually flinched- from her. She stopped a meter or two away from his bed, looking hurt. "I… Corvus, what's going on?"
He shook his head, panic in his eyes. "Nothing! Nothing's- Nothing's going on!" He rolled off his bed, hastily buttoning his shirt. He walked past her, making sure to swerve away- as though she's a disease- and walked out their room. The door opened and closed with a echoing 'thud' with his force.
Her throat closed up and she can feel tears prick at her eyes. Apple sniffled, reaching out to wipe her tears away.
'He doesn't have to be so unfairest!' She thought, bitterly, as she made her way to her bed. As she lay down her soft mattress, she clutched her pillow close to her chest. 'Perhaps he's just ashamed he got caught in a compromising position,' she mentally reasoned, 'he just needs some space.'
Apple gave him his desired wide berth.
Maddie Hatter decided to run against her as president.
The elections came and went.
She gained a co-president.
Corvus remained cold and aloof.
Ever After's castle-teria was bustling that lunch, more so than usual, when Apple and her friends entered. Waiting in the long line was enough to make one's thoughts wander.
She made a mental checklist to see if she's done her essays, research papers, and throneworks. Most of them have to be passed next week but one can't be too prepared! Besides, it gives her the spare time to do her co-student body president duties. Oh, that reminds her! She still has to sort through the ridiculously tall stack of papers containing the requests of the other students. Clubs, activities, club activities…
Not to mention, there's also the late-newcomers she has to guide around as part of the Welcoming Committee. Headmaster Grimm assigned someone named C.A. Cupid to her just yester-chapter. She's supposed to arrive next week from a far away kingdom too…
"Apple!" Briar's voice pulled her from her thoughts. Apple blinked, focusing on her BFFA's questioning eyes. "I asked your opinion on the venue?"
"Uhm," Apple cleared her throat, slightly ashamed, "venue for what, hexactly?"
Briar sighed, mildly miffed. "For the party I'm throwing this weekend, duh!" She lifted her MirrorPhone, showing her a picture of a high-end looking club with neon violet lights and a generous size for a dance floor. "It's either this or this." She swiped the screen and the second photo shows the familiar photo of Briar's go-to venue for her page-ripper parties. The Bubbly Cauldron. More humble than the first picture but they serve killer cocktails… according to Briar.
"How big is this party anyways?" Apple asked. "Why do you need to change locations? What does Ashlynn think?" She looked at the girl in question, lining up behind Briar.
Ashlynn shrugged lightly, a sweet smile on her face. "I'm not hexactly one to ask for these matters." She honestly spoke, then looked pensive. "Although… for purposes of familiarity, the Bubbly Cauldron sounds like a good place."
Briar looked around conspiratorially. "I heard some people from Fairytale's University is going to drop by." She looked positively giddy. "This is where we can mingle with college students, you guys! The Bubbly Cauldron's good and all but the Fae's Grounds are where it's royally at!"
Apple smiled at her. "I think you have your answer there, Bri." She replied. "The Fae's Grounds this weekend?" She asked, though her gaze was caught by a familiar looming figure in trench coat.
"Corvus!" She called, waving her hand. He spared her a glance before turning away, his mouth pursed. She lowered her hand, brows furrowing in hurt. "Is he still mad…?" She whispered.
Beside her, Briar tittered, a frown on her face. "Maybe he's having a bad time?" Ashlynn offered, eyeing Corvus as he takes a seat alone. "That's odd… he's usually with his friends."
Apple looked at her questioningly. "You notice him?"
Ashlynn sent her a pointed look. "He's taller than most boys and wears a coat that makes him look larger than he is." She reasons. "People like that are fairy noticeable."
"True…" Apple assented, although she didn't add in 'he's already that large, coat or no.'
"He doesn't have the right to treat you so meanly." Briar firmly said. She leveled Apple and severe gaze. "Is he treating you terribly in your rooms? If he is, we have to tell Headmaster!"
Apple feels touched by her worry, truly. "No," she shook her head, "he's actually quite…" sweet "friendly when we're alone."
Briar huffed, clearly not convinced but relenting. Apple only swallowed, looking away. "I think it's because I may have caught him and his… lover… in a fairy compromising position." She hears both her friends gasp. "N-Not as bad as you think. They were… kissing." The sound of their moans echoed in her mind. She blushed lightly. "Heavily."
"Is… she somebody we know?" Ashlynn asked.
"She's…" Apple paused. She's not even a she, to begin with. "She's not. Someone we know, I mean." She hastily added. "I thought he'd gotten over it. Apparently not."
"That doesn't give him the right to be such an unfairest jerk!" Briar insisted, shaking her head.
Corvus used to head to the kitchen to heat up milk right as he enters their room. Apple is used to hearing the clicks of the stove as the flames jump to life. She's used to hearing the gentle collision of metals as Corvus places the pot. The soft sounds of the fridge's magnet is to be hexpected afterwards. After, Corvus will call out from the kitchen to ask if she wants some. She'll always refuse, of course.
Now, when Corvus enters their room- if he even enters- he'd go straight for his side, change clothes, then head back outside. All the while ignoring her. Not even a nod or a small, whispered "hello" sent her way.
Apple royally tries not to be hurt by this. She royally does. Corvus used to be so friendly and now… well, now he's showing his true colors, she supposes.
"I don't know what to do, mom," she admitted during a call with her mother one night- it's close to nine p.m., "Corvus used to be so fairy friendly with me in this room but now he won't even look at me!" She held back her tears. She didn't know the hextent of her hurt, it seems. Mildly, she's frustrated that she allowed him to be close. Mildly, she's angry at herself for making Headmaster Grimm grant them this room. "I understand that it's our destiny to be the worst of enemies ever after but I just didn't hexpect-!" She cut herself off, swallowed her sob.
"Oh, Apple pie," her mother- High Queen Snow White- sighed, "his mother used to be the same. Although she was never-after friendly with me. She was bluntly honest with her distaste for me, that Narcissa. So, I don't understand why her son is so… amicable with you." She frowned, although still looking beautiful even as her brows are furrowed. "He shouldn't be so friendly ever after! Was there anything that drove him away? Anything at all?"
Apple pursed her lips, shaking her head. Only for her to still. "There… There was one time." She swallowed, heat creeping up her face as she recalls the scene. "I, uh, walked in on him and his, uh, lover… on his bed." At her mother's wide eyes, she waved her hands. "They're not naked! They- he- they're just kissing…" She groaned into her hands. "But it's been a little over a week and he never-after made any mention of it to me!"
Her mother seemed to mull this over. "I… see." She took a deep breath. "Dearest, has he made… threats?" Apple's eyes widened at her mother's words. "Because if he is, don't be afraid and Milton will have him-"
"No, no, no!" She repeated, waving her hands in frantic rebuttal. For a moment, Snow White looked disappointed, though it must just be a trick of the light. "He only avoids me. He doesn't talk to me. And when our eyes meet, he always looks away." She calmed, shoulders slumping eyes cast downward. "He just… used to be so kind to me. Now…" She hugged herself, hands gripping her arms tightly.
"Perhaps it's for the best." Her mother supplied. Apple looked at her. She's beaming. "He is your villain, after all. Maybe he's setting up boundaries because of your destinies."
"He should've told me." She bitterly replied, glaring at the space beside her. After a moment of silence, she sighed, shaking her head.
"Remember, Apple," Snow White began gravely, "Corvus is not there to be your friend. He's there to be your rival- and, hopefully, your enemy." She giggled, clearly reminiscing. "Why, I remember it when Narcissa and I are going toe-to-toe with everything. All eyes are upon us with bated breath… Oh, how the people looked at me with adoration…"
Apple listened as her mother recounted a few stories from her youth. About how she would act queenly and stoic to all of the Evil Queen's antics, making her look mature and above it all. Snow White also says that, even if it's hard, Apple has to withstand Corvus's cruelties because it will make her look better than him. Whites must always look better than Queens.
"Oh, this is hexciting!" Snow White gushed. Apple wishes she matches her mother's enthusiasm but her thoughts were far too jumbled to actually be anything but confused and hurt. "You better give me updates of this recent development, Apple of my eye!"
Apple gave her a tight smile. "Y-Yes, I will."
"Hmmm." Her mother eyed her critically and for a moment Apple feels dread. Here comes the criticisms. "You should get some Z's, dear. Eye bags does not match well with snow white complexion." Apple didn't answer, only nodding. "Ta-ta, dear!"
The call ended and she turned down her MirrorPad, the same emptiness filled her. It's now nine p.m. and Corvus still hasn't arrive. By this hour, she could faintly hear magic and pen-on-paper on his side of the room. Today, as well as the previous days, there's only deafening silence.
An echoing ping resounded from her MirrorPhone. Startled, she reached out to it. Opening it, she saw that it's just Briar's Snapchant showing her latest partying. She opened it up and saw her BFFA surrounded by plenty of other people- most of which came from Ever After.
"[Wooo!]"Briar hollered. She isn't shown on screen but rather the crowd on the dance floor is. "[Who's ready for more shots!?]" The crowd around her cheered. With her left hand, Briar is holding up a halfway finished bottle of clear liquor.
With fond hexasperation, she hexited the app. 'She's going to ask for my thronework tomorrow, that's for sure.' Apple thought. She was about to lock her phone when her gaze went to the Call App at the corner of her phone.
"Well, if you're feeling like you just haven't had enough of the Village of Book-End after curfew, then call me." Corvus's smile had been warm. Inviting and friendly.
Apple hesitated. Her fingers hovering over the app. On one hand, calling him to go out to an impromptu friendly date in the middle of the night isn't ideal. It's a Tuesday. A school night. On another hand, she needs answers.
So she dialed him.
Her phone rang once. Twice. Thrice. It kept ringing and ringing until his voice answered.
"[Corvus here.]" His familiar voice gruffly crackled through her small phone speakers. "[Unless you're Raven or dad or Cook, don't leave a message.]" Whatever-after joy she had came crashing down. Voice mail. Of course. "[Get bent and get fucked. Hext me if it's royally important.]"
Beep.
She sighed through her nose. The hand that held her MirrorPhone fell limp on the mattress. Tears gathered at her eyes. She cradled her knees close to her chest. She clenched her jaw and pressed her face on her knees. Despite trying to control her breathing, she can feel her skin dampen because of her tears.
Dozens of cans and bottles of energy drinks are littered around Corvus's side of the room. His trash can is overflowing with it and, earlier when she opened it, Apple found that the fridge is also filled with the stuff. On his tables are bottles and can half-filled but never-after to be finished. And there's the caffeine shots currently filling their kitchen trash can…
She inhaled deeply, gathering her wits about her. Apple shook her head. She royally needs to talk to Corvus about this. It's now starting to be unhealthy! She understands needing caffeine to wake yourself up for the day. To need this much caffeine, however-after? No, it's not normal.
'Does he even get sleep nowadays!?' She thought, blood freezing.
Caffeine isn't meant to keep the human body awake for days at a time. A buzz to keep yourself awake for your daily activities, yes, but to keep yourself awake for more than a week? That's practically suicide!
The door opened and closed with a soft click. Apple blinked, whirling around only to be met by Corvus, who's gaze turned to her like he hadn't expected her to be there at all. They both stood there, frozen and wide-eyed. Unsure of what to do- of what to say.
"You're here…" Apple slowly said.
"I am." Corvus uncertainly replied, eyeing her warily.
Indignation surged through her, filling her heart and lungs with flickering rage. Not once has she attempted to do anything untoward to him. Still, he's eyeing her with such caution reserved only for cornered animals!
She sighed angrily. "We need to talk." She began. Clearly, that was a mistake, seeing the panic bloom in his eyes. Still, he remained rooted in his spot, though his grip on the door handle tightened. "Corvus, I'm worried-"
"What's there to worry about…!?" Corvus defensively lashed out. "N-Nothing- I-!"
"Have you been sleeping?" Apple interjected. A part of her mentally kicked herself. Interrupting other isn't something a princess would do, much less a High Queen. Still, the majority of her agrees with it. If she allowed him to keep babbling on, he might find this as an opportunity to flee. "Corvus, when was the last time you've had a good night's rest?"
"Last night!"
A lie. His usually darkened olive skintone gained a sickly pallor. There are even bags hanging under his eyes. His entire frame couldn't seem to support itself upright, mildly swaying here and there. His eyes are unfocused- as if he's halfway through disassociating but he's forcing himself not to.
"Corvus." Apple firmly said. "What's going on? I'd like to help you, so please just allow me!"
He went silent, staring at her blankly and unfocused. He looked at the ground, opening and closing his mouth. This continued for agonizingly long seconds. In the end, his shoulders tensed and a snarl grew on his mouth. His inhalations dragged on, much like a dragon before a torrent of flames burst out from its snout.
He hexhaled, slowly looking at her. In his eyes are a fury unlike anything Apple has ever-after seen before.
"What if you can't?" He slowly said, beginning to circle her. Apple swallowed, panic rising within her. This… has never-after happened before. She forced her feet to match his movements, circling him as well. "What if you can't help me?"
"That's not for you to decide." She bit out. "How can I decide for myself if you just won't tell me what's wrong with you!"
Corvus was in front of her.
One second, he was a good five feet before her, the next he's right there. The only hints of his magic is the fading green smoke emitting from his arms and shoulders. She staggered back, the wind cutting off from her with shock and fear.
"Corvus…?" She uncertainly said. He slowly raised a hand to hold her chin with his forefinger and thumb. She swallowed, eyes hardening at him. She slapped his hand away, only for his other hand to catch it in time. Too close. He's too close. "What are you doing?" She demanded, trying to keep up a bravado.
He cracked a grin, showing more teeth than necessary. "I was just inspecting you."
"For what, hexactly?"She asked. Corvus hummed, not answering. Apple shifted on her feet. "Corvus, you're scaring me." She whimpered, letting out the first sign of distress she has.
Corvus stepped away from her like she's encased in fire.
(In the future, she'd muse about this moment and think that; 'No, it was him on fire the entire time… and he's simply trying his best not to scorch me.')
"I-I-" He stammered, staggering back. Guilt is evident on his scrunched up face. "I didn't- I- I'm- I'm sorry."
He turned and fled. With reflexes born from adrenaline, Apple caught him by his wrist. He whirled back at her, eyes wild and almost animalistic. They softened, however, when she only gazed at him pleadingly.
"Corvus, please, let me help." She said. His tense shoulders melted away. His eyes, now softened from their desperation, looked… lost.
Vulnerable.
Corvus Queen is openly showing her this sudden vulnerability and, all of a sudden, she's unsure of how to continue.
"How?" He sprung on her before her thoughts just caught up with the situation. She blinked, tilting her head up to look at him. "How can you help me!? Can you stop-!?" He groaned, clutching at his head with his free hand.
"I think you need a good night's fairest sleep." Apple hurriedly said, letting go of his wrist. Then, she gently led him to his side of the room by placing a hand on his back and clutching on his arm with another.
He squirmed away from her grasp. Once they're at a distance from each other, Corvus held a hand up at her, like he's about to cast a spell.
"I don't want…" He trailed off, looking pained.
Apple released a sound of a cross between a snort and a scoff. "You need to sleep, Corvus. Your body can't sustain itself on caffeine alone."
He began walked backwards, keeping an eye on her like she's a lioness about to eat him. "I'm sorry." He said, opening the door from behind him and staggering out.
She tried to follow after him. "Corvus-!"
The door closed shut, leaving her in the room. Alone and hurt and confused and-
"I just wanted to help…" She muttered to nobody.
It was a few days after her short conversation with him that Apple saw Corvus once again in their shared room. Once again, he came through the balcony- like the night he came in drunk, the weekend before Legacy Day. It seems that night is one repeat because he's stumbled in, drunk.
She blinked, slipping her glasses of her face and settling them on top of her Crownculus homework. "Corvus…?" She tentatively called out.
He whirled around, eyes wide and blinking. His shoulders tensed, ready for a fight. It's been so long since she last saw his face this close. He usually gives her a royally wide berth nowadays. His face was flustered from the alcohol he took in. There's now a light stubble growing on the underside of his face. Heavy, darkened eye bags now hung low under his eyes. His hair is a mess, unlike the cared-for look it used to have.
She frowned. "Are… you alright?" She asked. Curiously, her eyes strayed to his torso, checking for injuries. His white shirt doesn't have blood stains, thank Fairy Godmother.
"Apple." His voice was raspy- like he screamed himself hoarse. His stance relaxed, scratching at the back of his head. "You're awake…"
She looked at the clock. It's now ten in the evening.
She turned back to Corvus. "I… am." She frowned. Now that she's sure that he's alright and just drunk, she'll have her answers. "Corvus-"
He moved closer. She blinked, shocked at his sudden movement, stepping back. Still, his stride was far too wide for her flinch to actually avoid. At this close proximity, his six feet height is more apparent compared to her five feet two. Hex, he's probably taller than that! She's gazing up at him, confused and mildly worried. His gaze down on her is black and half-lidded. Sleepy, she realizes.
He lifted his left hand. She tenses, unsure of his intentions. Then, he- ever-so-gently- cupped her right cheek. Apple's shoulders slumped, more from confusion than relief. He muttered something- something that caused her to squint her eyes and strain to hear those words.
"… Clear northern skies." His voice registered in her head. She blinked, now even more confused. He continued, his voice a smidge louder- barely above a whisper. "Your eyes. They… they remind me of beautiful northern skies."
Apple stammered, blushing heavily. She wrenched herself free from his grasp- though he didn't make an effort to keep her close. She turned away, hugging herself and took deep, steady breaths. Trying to calm her traitorous heart down as its tandem doubled.
"W-What is wrong with you!?" She demanded, turning to him. She blinked once, seeing that he's half-way gone to his side of the room. "Hey! I asked you a-"
From within the inner pockets of his coat, he pulled out a butterfly knife. Apple gasped, pressing a hand to her mouth. Her mind quickly went through all the school rules he's violating right this fairy instant. However, what he did next caused it go blank immediately.
She watched, with wide eyes and an agape mouth, as he dragged a good portion of the blade down the back of his arm. She watched, frozen, as ruby red liquid- blood, she realizes- hexited the self-inflicted wound. She watched as it dripped down to the floor, each impact echoing in her ears.
She lurched forward. "Corvus-!"
A barrier rose between them, glowing ominously. She flinched, falling on her hind with a grunt. She craned her head upwards and saw that this barrier reached until the ceiling. This translucent, green barrier.
"Corvus!" She stood, striding over to bang her fists on it. Solid at marble walls. "Corvus, please, stop!"
Corvus jerked, turning to her. He blinked, as if seeing her there for the first time. "Shit," she hears him swear, "Apple!?"
"What in Fairy Godmother's name are you doing, Corvus!?" She demanded, tears prickling at her eyes. He looked at the wound on his arm, still bleeding, and the blade in his hand- the same hand that cupped her face so fairy gently.
His jaw clenched. "Erecting a barrier."
"Why!?" Her voice cracked. "If you wanted privacy, I would've- I would've listened!"
He looked like he wanted to protest, only for him to press his bloodied hand on his head. A terrible grimace settled on his face, almost like a snarl. He looked at her, with that grimace, and spoke.
"Don't tell anybody of this, please." He begged, voice rough like gravel. "This is for your own sake."
He held his other hand up and the barrier solidified, barring her from seeing within. She swallowed, hating the feeling of helplessness rise within her.
'How hexactly is this for me!?' She thought, not at all hysterical, no. She is not hysterical about this. She refuses to be. She clenched her fists and bit her lower lip 'til her own blood came out. 'Answer me!' She wanted to yell and cry. 'HOW!?'
Blood magic is frowned upon- some kingdoms straight up making it illegal. The act of using blood- a living being's lifeline- to conjure spells has always been despicable. The thought of using somebody's life force to power up magic is sickening to Apple. To have somebody perform it in front of her- her villain, no less- causes her gut to tighten and bile to rise to her sternum.
Instead, she took a deep breath and released a shuddering hexhale. A part of her- the good, loyal student- wishes to rush for Headmaster Grimm's office and report this. The other half is just… hexhausted. This issue with Corvus is… more than enough to make her want to scream herself hoarse until her throat bled.
'He's only being evil.' A voice in her head whispered. 'Isn't that what you wanted?'
She hexhaled deeply, seeing reason in that. Instead of listening to actual, logical reason, she turned around and headed to bed.
(In the future, she will lament about this course of action. For days on end, she will blame herself for what happens next. She's been duly warned, yet she chose not to take action.)
The next day, when she woke up, the barrier is gone.
So is Corvus.
It happened on a day like any other.
Apple woke up, went to the comfort room to get fairest for the day. (She stopped looking at Corvus's side of the room. She hears he's still going to his classes. That's enough.) She went to classes. (She also stopped looking around the hallways for his distinctive silhouette. On the off chance she sees a large, overcoat with thick feathers on the shoulders, she'd look away.) She attended student-body hearings with Maddie, a hot chocolate in hand. (She sometimes wondered, during the lull of the hearings, if Corvus will ever-after get out of his funk and continue his routine in the room.)
The amount of load work that Apple had prevented her from noticing anything further from Corvus. Frankly, she's too hexhausted with him to deal with it. So, instead, she chose to keep her mouth shut about his blood magic and his issues. If he wishes to be evil, she will just take a page from her mother's book and rise above it. If she ignores his frustrating antics, she will be hailed as mature. Not hexactly nice, but Apple's done being nice with him.
Last she heard, he was stirring up trouble with Kitty Cheshire. Alright. Fine. If he wishes to spend the rest of his senior year wreaking havoc with pranks and hijinks; alright, he can do it. He's going to be her villain in the end, anyways. Not her friend!
She was in the middle of studying Science and Sorcery as well as writing a few papers on Poison Fruit Theory when a knock resounded on her door.
She frowned, glancing at it. She's sure that her BFFA's are busy. Ashlynn has her part time job in the Village of Book-End and Briar has an appointment with the DJ that will manage the music for her next party. Apple also doesn't remember Blondie asking for an interview.
She was ready to dismiss what she heard as a tall tale when it happened again, this time more urgent.
'Ah,' she thought, standing up from her desk, with mild annoyance, 'it must be a teacher.'
A soon as she's a feet away from the door, she inhaled deeply, steeling herself. She plastered on a smile and opened the door wide.
"Hello, how may I help… you…?" Her smile dropped from her face when she saw who stood in front of her. Dark hair with purple streaks. Lilac-gray eyes. "Raven?"
Raven Queen stood there, hugging herself, with a worried hexpression. "Hey, uhm, Apple." She began. "Has… Has Corvus come home?"
And that was when Apple White knew that she messed up.
Replies to:
Zarsla: That… will be explained in the next chapter.
traceypinks: Aww. I'm so very glad you like it! I'll strive more to meet your expectations!
A/N: Thirty-eight favorites and forty-three follows…
WHERE THE HELL DID YOU GUYS COME FROM!?
GOD DAMN! WELCOME TO THE CREW THEN!
I am deeply sorry for not updating for so long! School just… jujitsu'd my ass to hell and back and college is not friendly to anybody!
I actually have both chapters IX and X in the works, and I planned to publish all three in a sort of continuous set but it's been literal months since I last updated! So, I gotta let this one out or else!
Go check out this story's Spotify playlist. Link is in my profile!
Reviews and comments are appreciated, guys! (Even if you just private message me the comment, it'll be well-appreciated.)
edited: 7/21/2021
