Chapter Text
Apollo sat alone in chemistry class. His lab partner, Darcy Graves, was late as usual. Not that Apollo wasn't used to this, but he did hope she showed up. It was 3 weeks until prom, and the tension hung over Blackmore Academy like a dark cloud, the weight of expectation heavy on Apollo’s shoulders. He knew he was expected to find a date, but there was only really one person he could see himself going with. And that one person was late.
Graves showed up to class 15 minutes after she was supposed to. She sat down next to Apollo, picking up on the tension in his shoulders.
“Whats got you all stressed” she asked
“Youll never guess” Apollo replied, his tone dripping with sarcasm
“I really don't see why you care about prom that much, it's just some stupid dance”
“Ill have you know I rather enjoy stupid dances,” Apollo scoffed, “and I haven't had the chance to attend a proper ball in years”
“Uh huh,” Graves nodded, her voice flat, “and the school golden boy can't get a date”
“More like there's no one else worth bringing,” Apollo mumbled, trying not to be overheard by the rest of the class.
“I hear that,” Graves smirked, “mind you I don't really get the typical high school crush experience, so i cant say im surprised.”
“Really?” Apollo said in surprise.
“It's weird, I don't really get crushes like most people do, I've gotta like the person as a person before I get any of those… squishy feelings.”
“Thats honestly quite on brand for you.
“I'm aware,” Graves replied, “it's gotta be different for you though right?”
“Somewhat,” Apollo answered, “half the girls who ask me only ask for the status, then the other half are, for lack of better words, not my type.”
“And pray tell, what is your type?” Graves teased, “Tall ixian women with massive-”
“Gods, Darcy, how shallow do you think I am?” Apollo laughed, “no, i like women who are sure of themselves. The type that don't care about what other people think”
“Really?” This time it was Grave’s turn to be surprised.
“Well if you spend enough time in ixian high society, you figure out why that is very quickly.”
Graves nodded, unsure how to respond. She really wished she'd paid attention in ixian history.
“We could always go together,” Apollo mentioned offhandedly, “as friends I mean.”
“Wouldnt that be something, the school golden boy and the social reject.”
She glanced at Apollo, seeing the sincerity in his face. Her tone switched immediately, deflecting the request. “No, you should find a real date, not someone you're only taking out of pity.”
A few weeks passed, and Apollo was at Grave’s penthouse, as the pair studied. Prom was a week away, though they still had an assignment to turn in before then. The two worked in silence, pencils scratching against paper, before Graves began to speak
“So, have you found a date to prom yet?”
“Not yet,” Apollo confessed, "I've been asked, sure, but not by anyone I'd actually consider taking.”
“Seriously?” Graves seemed shocked, "I heard Angelica Winters asked you, you rejected her?”
“Oh gods don't get me started on Angelica Winters,” Apollo sighed, "I really don't understand the appeal, the woman has no backbone.”
“Shes gorgeous, golden boy," Graves chuckled, “prettiest girl in school and you turned her down.”
Apollo shrugged, “I really don't see the appeal, beauty standards must be different here than in ixia”
“Really.” Graves gave a half hearted chuckle.
“Im serious,” Apollo defended, “you know you'd do quite well back home yourself.”
“Really?” Grave’s tone turned questioning as she processed the notion that the most revered boy at Blackmore considered her attractive.
“Really,” Apollo answered, "you'd have suitors lined up for miles.”
Graves blushed, hiding behind her hair. She'd always been insecure about her appearance, aware that she didn't exactly meet the standards of high society. She held herself together long enough to keep the redness in her face to a minimum. “I don't know if I believe you on that one.”
“Ill have to show you sometime” Apollo replied
“After your dateless prom,” Graves teased, "you're going to have to take me by this point.”
“You say that like it's a bad thing,” Apollo shrugged, “besides, it's that or take someone who only wants me for status.”
“Wait, are you seriously asking me out?” Graves asked incredulously.
“Why not,” Apollo answered, his tone shifting to something approaching softness, “Darcey Graves, would you like to go to prom with me?”
“I-” the words could barely leave Grave’s mouth. She looked at the boy in front of her, his eyes sincere, his tail swaying. He looked equal parts happy and nervous.
“Sure, why not,” she finally said