Once in a Blue Moon

Rapunzel giggled as she ducked beneath a low branch, her calloused feet making it all too easy to ignore the stray branches and rocks that littered the ground. This was freedom, she had to remind herself; this was the epitome of self-fulfillment.

She took a deep breath, the scents of nature all melting together into a single, pure entity. From her tower, she was never able to enjoy them to such an extent – from her tower, she was deprived of such niceties.

"Oi, blondie. Where are we going?"

Rapunzel frowned as she turned around, and it was then that she noticed something was off. Jack, who usually was upbeat and curious when she offered to show him new wonders, who was often freezing the ground where he walked without intending to when he was excited—

Well. He wasn't any of that.

"Are…" She swallowed thickly when Jack didn't meet her gaze; instead, he kept his eyes trained on the ground in front of him, his brow furrowed. "Are you okay?"

"Huh?" Jack glanced up at her and shook his head, as if trying to clear his vision. "Ah, yeah. 'M fine. It's just hot."

Was it? Rapunzel crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow at him, but if he noticed, he paid her no mind. "So, where're we going?" he asked again, stopping next to her.

"…" Rapunzel gave Jack a light shove. He yelped and fell over, crashing against the ground with a groan.

She knew he wasn't feeling well. Rapunzel sighed and knelt next to him, and when his eyes fluttered open, she gave him a stern, reproachful look.

"I know you're more sensitive to the heat than I am, Jack," she said, brushing a loose strand of hair out of her face, "so you can go ahead and say something if it's getting to you."

"No, it's not…" Jack grumbled – he let Rapunzel help him sit up, and then he shook his head. "I'm just not usually here right now."

Rapunzel tilted her head. "Here?" she repeated, confused. "What do you mean?"

"It's the summer solstice." Jack leaned back, propping himself up by his hands alone. "I get really weak on this day every year – so I like to avoid it by going to the southern hemisphere about halfway through spring. Of course, I haven't exactly had the opportunity to leave just yet…"

Rapunzel felt guilt gnaw at her heart, and she plopped onto her knees next to him. "I'm sorry, Jack," she said, playing with the edges of her dress. "I didn't know – I mean, you can go if you want…"

But if he left now, she wouldn't see him again for a while, now, would she? And neither would Hiccup or Merida, because while they both could command large fleets of ships, they wouldn't be able to sail them themselves to visit Jack, even if they did know where he was. How long would she have to wait? Four months? Five? How terrible that their friendship was restricted by the seasons.

Jack must have seen the morose look on her face, for suddenly he grinned and pulled her long hair over her eyes.

"H-hey!"

"Stop looking so down!" he said with a laugh. "Just for you, Rapunzel, I won't leave until tomorrow. I mean, I'm only around on the summer solstice, uh, once in a blue moon? That's the phrase, right?"

She nodded, and smiled shyly as he ruffled her hair, letting it drop.

"The summer spirit doesn't like me much," he said, almost as if sharing some deep, dark secret with her. "So, since we might as well make the most of his terrible attitude, we're going to have to play some serious hide-and-seek today. Can the spot you're taking me help with that?"

"Oh, you bet!" Rapunzel replied with a giggle. "It's perfect, and it's cooler than the forest is. You should feel a little better there, at least."

"Awesome!" Jack laughed and slid to his feet, allowing the wind to carry him up – he must be so light, Rapunzel observed without meaning to, for the wind to be able to do that – and when he held out his hand to help her up, she took it gladly.

"Lead the way, princess," Jack said as his fingers lingered on hers, only for a moment, and then he took a step back in order to properly perform a mock bow. Rapunzel rolled her eyes and scoffed, before she turned and continued down the forest's path.

What a perfect day for good-byes, Rapunzel thought as she glanced up to the blazing sun above. But, no matter what the summer spirit would say, those good-byes would have to wait. For now, there were places to see and games to be played and laughs to be had.

The summer spirit would just have to be patient.

Elsa's Notes: And so begins Jackunzel week... sigh. I've only just finished Day 2. I'll try to update once a day but cut me some slack, you guys. .A. I'll try my hardest though, I promise! Day 2 is actually a LOT longer than this!

Reviews, flames, and all other forms of feedback are welcome!

(Crystal's Notes: Hee hee hee hee...I feel so sneaky. xD But I also wanted to SHAMELESSLY PLUG how AWESOME Day 2's piece is that my dear Elsa has written. Look forward to it, because it's a beauty! x3 And I'm not just saying that just to say it and be nice. Ladies and gentleman, I truly, truly love what Elsa has prepared for you next. 8D So I know you will as well. SO FOLLOW. FOLLOW SO THAT YOU'LL KNOW WHEN SHE PUTS IT UP. DO IT. DO IT NAOW. Thank you. 8D)