A/N - for those of you still waiting on the next chapter of Itchy Feet, fear not, I'm still working on it. Unfortunately the plot bunnies saw fit to give me a fabulous ending, so now I just to work out how to get there! In the meantime I've written a little drabble to satisfy my need to escape the crummy day I had at work.
Standard disclaimer applies - although I will own the DVD as soon as it comes out!
It was only the second time she had had a meal with her real family. The food was all new and tasted amazing and she wanted to try it all at the same time. The result of her experiments was a plate full of mostly crumbs and smaller morsels. Rapunzel hated to waste any food, especially delicious food, but then she had an idea.
Taking a slice of bread, she gathered all the remnants into the middle of the plate and placed the bread carefully over the pile. She pressed down gently and was rewarded, when she lifted the slice again, to see it had all stuck. Rapunzel folded the slice in half and took a big bite.
She was so engrossed in the taste of all her new favourite foods together that she hadn't noticed the background conversation between her parents and Eugene had stumbled into silence as they stared in some confusion at her antics.
Eugene felt a huge grin slide across his face, watching her sigh happily as she chewed enthusiastically. The grin turned into a full laugh as he noticed the King and Queen staring at their daughter with open mouths. Rapunzel looked up at the sound and smiled a little sheepishly. She wiped her mouth with her napkin and held out the rest of the improvised sandwich.
"You should try this!" she said. The King and Queen exchanged glances, unsure of how best to handle the situation, but Eugene had no such formal hang ups. He took the proffered slice and took a bite. Rapunzel watched anxiously, waiting for Eugene's approval. She needn't have worried; to Eugene's surprise all the flavours mixed together into a very delectable mouthful. He nodded at her and swallowed.
"When you're right, you're right, 'Punzel," he said.
That was sufficient for the Queen. Noticing that she too had crumbs on her plate, she copied Rapunzel's experiment, with rather more delicacy and finesse, until she took her first bite and then her face lit up in delight and she encouraged her husband to try the new menu.
It was only the second time she had had a meal with her real family, but it was one they would all remember. The Muddle Sandwich – as Rapunzel named it – was a huge success and became a required part of most of their future meals.
A/N - the above was inspired in its intirety by an experience I had at my parents when I watched my mum do exactly what Rapunzel does here at a buffet. It was quite bizarre to see, but she did end up with quite a tasty meal from quite an eclectic mix of ingredients. I'd recommend trying it!