The ultimate battle was at hand. From all the books she had read and stories given to her by her mother as a child, Rapunzel had never seen two people face one another with such intensity it could warm the cool air around them. The two opponents in question were in a locked stare; both calculating, trying to outsmart their opposite foe with advantages and achieve victory. Observing the face-off curiously, the teenager was currently holding a broom and stopped in the middle of sweeping to see the next move. This battle was not one of swords or spears, of wagons or ships, of knights and dragons. This was a contest of wit and strategy, a game that can easily mislead one and take their defenses down and leave them vulnerable for the taking. The tension within the tower was apparent. Both spirit and chameleon glared hard at one another until one made their move.
And so one did. Jack smiled slyly and slowly, for more dramatic effect, moved a piece. Folding his arms back confidently, the winter boy looked smugly at his opponent. "Your move, rainbow skin."
Pascal didn't look fazed at the possibility of losing, and stared at the board hard in concentration. Yes, the game the spirit of winter and the chameleon were challenging the other with...
Was chess.
The idea alone sounded amusing in her head; Rapunzel never thought for a minute Jack would ever consider let alone play a game like this against anyone. No offence on his part, but Jack Frost didn't strike her as the kind of person who would enjoy a patient thought-provoking game like chess. He had declined a challenge against Rapunzel earlier, saying he wasn't cut out for "slow boring games". That didn't dis-encourage Pascal, however, from being persistent and eventually making the impish boy relent after provoking with a handful of tongue-pulling and colour changing. Why her little friend wanted to play a game like chess against Jack, she had no idea. Why Jack would rather play against a chameleon then another human, as well, she had no clue. Rapunzel didn't mind, though, she had chores to do anyway. They had begun their game while Rapunzel carried out her morning routines.
That was ten minutes ago.
Not one game has been won or lost yet, the patience they were using surprised her. Though Jack did make some rash decisions in his moves, as Rapunzel was quick to point out by a single glance, offering to give advice now and again, which the spirit of winter declined with evident frustration at the thought of being bested by Pascal. Yep, she played this game for many years now. Rapunzel enjoyed chess; it was a fun, relaxing game that gave you time to take a breath and thinking carefully on how to win and how it will be executed. It was a great way of waking up the brain in the morning, and for that reason became a morning routine for her to play against Pascal to help wake them both up. Maybe with Jack living here he'll have this routine for him before he goes off to spread winter to the world.
Living here... it has been almost three weeks now since the winter spirit accepted her offer and made himself at home here. Time flies when you're having fun, mother once said. And it was true; all the times spending with the impish teenager and Pascal, playing together and having so much fun, had gone by so quick it was almost as though Rapunzel simply blinked and it was already two weeks. Jack's stay here had been a pleasant and great change, removing any shred of regret or worry she had at the start since the mess he left in her room. Mother meant it when she said she wasn't staying for the night, so Jack being here lifted away her disappointment a little. While she welcomed him in with open arms, despite that incident, her best friend Pascal was, she had noticed, more wary of the spirit. Rapunzel at first thought this was cute; that her small friend might be jealous of having another person in their lives. Even now, the chameleon, even if he tried to hide it from the friend he grew up with, still harbored some form of doubts and suspicion to their new housemate. Rapunzel was certain, however, that he will eventually warm up to the impish teenager just as she did. Mother would be appalled at the trust she was giving to a person she knew only for a couple of weeks. She would have to give Rapunzel some credit though; at least she hadn't told Jack her great secret.
Several of the chess pieces, many of them the "soldiers", had been removed from both players sides during the funny heated game. After a short moment, Pascal finally made his move; his tail pushing his piece and knocking down one of Jack's own. This time the chameleon smirked back at his opponent, and Rapunzel knew why; if Jack didn't make a smart move now, there will be inevitable checkmate against him. Another turn, and Pascal would win.
Jack seemed unfazed by the cocky look the other player was giving him, looking at the board confidently. Deciding to leave them to it, Rapunzel shook her head with a smile and proceeded sweeping the dust around the area away.
Mother told her once that the opposite gender had this thing with challenging one another, with pride always encouraging them to. Truthfully, Rapunzel still didn't understand why. She'll have to ask Jack about this thirst for competition later. Not wanting to disrupt the others game, Rapunzel hummed as quietly as possible while carrying out her chore. It's quiet moments like these that sometimes Rapunzel can't stand. If she was doing something in the meantime, that was fine. But when there is silence and nothing for her to do, she just does nothing but look out of the tower and dream of going out and see the world. The descriptions the books had and Jack provided of outside were helpful, but not enough to sate her dream. The persistence the spirit of winter had, as she glanced at the back of his head, to try and convince her to come outside with only made her feel hesitant and guilty; for denying Jack's determination to help her and for disobeying mother should Rapunzel ever agree with the spirit in the end. What were the chances of the latter happening anyway? Sighing softly, the teenager returned to her work and stamped out the negative feelings.
"Wait, what?!" The sudden outburst from the table caused Rapunzel to spin her head to face the other two, her look of surprise turning to confusion and eventual realization and humor as the spirit of winter had stood up abruptly and blinking down at the chess board in shock. Pascal calmly held his tongue out at Jack with a look of triumph. Well, guess he didn't make the right move after all.
"What's wrong?" Rapunzel asked curiously, halting in the current dust she was getting rid of and walking over to the table. She had a suspicion of the answer. And from her glance she was correct: checkmate.
Jack seemed to have lost his voice for a moment, looking at Rapunzel in bewildered disbelief. When he could speak again, it sounded croaked. "I... lost... I lost to a lizard?"
"Chameleon." She corrected quickly, looking at the board with eyes taking in the set of pieces fastly, pointing out. "You left your queen vulnerable. If you moved your knight there, you would have had a chance to take out the bishop." It was interesting whenever Jack was caught off-guard by something. But losing to someone smaller than him must be a blow to his pride. Just how much pride did boys have anyway?
"I lost."
"Everyone loses sometimes, Jackie."
"To a lizard."
Rapunzel giggled, not bothering to correct her friend again as it was futile, and smiled at Pascal, who had his own smug look. "Pascal is a great player at this game. Even I lose to him sometimes... well a few times anyway." The honesty made the chameleon give her a "very funny" expression. Then the teenager placed a hand on the spirit's shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze, speaking reassuringly and looking in slight concern at Jack's downcast expression. "There's always next time, you know."
The words made his head snap back up, glaring at the chameleon with vigor. "Which will be now." The spirit sat down suddenly, almost making Rapunzel lose but regain her balance. Well, at least he doesn't give up easily. "Bring it, bug breath."
The insult, though she was sure it wasn't meant to be, turned Pascal's smirk into a scowl, accepting the challenge with a "bring it" gesture from his paw. They were quick to reorganize their pieces, Jack using white and Pascal having black. No surprise on the other teenager's part. The determination and how quick they were making their moves in the new game amused Rapunzel. Really, it's just a game. She doesn't remember Pascal being totally devoted to this game, either. Must be a boy thing.
Time passed, Rapunzel returning to her work. Silence overtook the tower again, occasionally being broken with every outburst of triumph or disbelief the winter spirit let out during his game with Pascal. She enjoyed the noise; at least the stale air of boredom wouldn't be around every time she heard something going on in her tower. As the teenager began sweeping the bottom of the steps, she glanced at the clock attached to the far-off wall. Eight fifty-four AM. With this speed she'll have her morning chores finished a few hours before noon. Really, there's no rush. There really isn't much to do on the weekends. Granted there were a lot of activities Rapunzel can do, but usually she'd spend these days with her mother, who was out there for reasons she didn't explain. Guess she'll have to improvise until mother gets back. With Jack around, he could entertain Rapunzel in the meantime. Normally on the weekends there would be no chores for her to do except for the mornings, having been told from her mother that she wants to see how loyal and love Rapunzel has for her; the chores showing this. And she was glad to show her love for the woman who raised her in every way.
Sometimes, though, she wished mother would do the same. Rapunzel sighed quietly, while sweeping from each step. Mother had always shown complete love to her in every degree... except for one. While her parent can sometimes be a little... mad at her, there was the occasional snapping or emotion close to anger whenever Rapunzel asked of ever going outside if she kept being persistent. It was understandable that mother cared deeply for her daughter, and wanted what was best for her, but how can she want what was best when she was denying the best thing her daughter wanted? By her mothers either flat or outburst refusals, Rapunzel would always feel either worry for overstepping her bounds a little, regret for not being persuasive enough or guilt for trying too hard on the only parent she had. Luckily, her parent was always forgiving straight after, and both pretended the topic never happened. This has been going on countless times now, and despite all her tries, it becomes futile in the end. Well, her own stubbornness won't let go just like that. All of the refusals won't break her resolve. One day she will go outside, and nothing will prevent her otherwise! Even mother will have to let her out eventually.
Rapunzel glanced at the clock again. Six months. Six months until an important part of her life will come. Her birthday. She will be turning eighteen when that day arrives, and the teenager has been patient and will continue to be so until then. She has less doubt now that mother will surely let her out then; Rapunzel will finally be mature enough to go out and see the world for herself. The thought about her brought a smile to her features as she swept the top of the stairs, checking every angle to make sure no dust will be in the middle. No dirt hiding in the corners of every step? Check. Enough for Pascal to help put away? Check. Now for the landing. It comes as no surprise to the teenager, but it would amaze anyone how much dirt this tower can get in just one day, which is why Rapunzel constantly sweeps and cleans the floor every morning. The tower was clearly aged, and to be honest if it weren't for all the hard work she had done, it might have collapsed on the inside already. If not, well she didn't know how this tall structure is still standing. She never presumed to ask. Finishing up, Rapunzel leaned the broom on the wall and checked the landing. All swept, the dirt piled up and ready to be getting rid of. Perfect.
Easy as always, she thought with a smile of satisfaction.
"You missed a spot." The sudden voice of the spirit behind her startled the teenager, facing him with blinking eyes before shaking her head slowly and sighing. She should be use to this by now, but Jack always manages to surprise her.
"You'll never stop doing that will you?"
"Nope." Her friend grinned at the rhetorical question. "Too much fun I'm afraid, Punzie." Rapunzel smiled. The aura of fun Jack always carried around was intoxicating. He gestured to a spot with his staff. "Like I said: you missed a spot." And so she has; quickly sweeping up the left-out dirt to the rest and then pleased with the results.
"Thanks." Rapunzel said honestly, placing the broom against the landing wall. "Now it's Pascal's turn to finish up." She glanced at her taller friend. "You two have finished your game?"
"Yep." Jack smirked, twirling his staff around idly.
"Won or lost like earlier?"
"Don't remind me." Jack muttered with a groan, inciting a small laugh from Rapunzel. "No, I won this time. That chameleon didn't know what hit him." She raised a brow at him. Hit him? "Oh I didn't mean literally hit him; I meant by beating him at the game." Oh it was a metaphor. A loud squeak had Rapunzel look over the landing wall, peering to see Pascal was still by the chess board... with his paws looking stuck to the board itself, small glinting of ice visible. She heard Jack beside him saying sheepishly. "Okay maybe the ice helped a little."
He cheated... somehow that wasn't at all a big surprise. Rapunzel bumped her friend's shoulder softly, smiling in exasperation and amusement. "Glad you had fun. That ice will melt right?"
Jack shrugged, but answered when Rapunzel raised a brow at him expectantly. "Probably will." Two raised brows. "More likely than not." Her smile disappeared. "Yes it'll melt." The smile returned and Rapunzel looked at the clock, nine o'clock, while Jack sighed in false-disappointment. "Way to spoil my fun Punzie."
"Speaking of fun: next chore!" Rapunzel exclaimed enthusiastically, heading into her room to get the next equipment. The stuff she needed were piled neatly in her small private bathroom within her bedroom, which she took out under the sink cabinet and was already heading out, hearing behind her Jack's amused matter-of-fact voice calling out. "I sometimes wonder if you know the proper definition of fun, Punzie." Oh, this will definitely change his mind. Maybe their ideas of having a great time were a little different; Jack growing up by free-spirit and mischief and Rapunzel raised by rules. But they did have some things in common in terms of their entertainment: both enjoyed the snow, for one thing. Just because they were raised differently didn't mean they couldn`t have the same sense of amusement, joy and most important of all: fun.
"This one is especially fun, Jackie, I promise." Exiting the bedroom, Rapunzel held up the two pairs of hand scrubbers with a smirk mirroring her friend's, who was polite enough not to go into the room without permission (which is occasionally rare). "So, wanna help me with cleaning the floor?"
It was Jack's turn to have his bafflement morphed into entertainment.
"Stay still Jack!" Rapunzel laughed blissfully, chasing after the spirit who avoided her attempts to catch him.
"It won't be that easy, Punzie!" Jack smirked smugly, jumping out of the way as her hands almost reached him.
Chores weren't fun, huh? Well Rapunzel certainly showed him otherwise. There was no other perfect way to complete a chore while playing at the same time. Both had attached their feet to the scrubbers used to clean the floor, the handles of the equipment fitting perfectly with the bottom of their limbs. Though it looked like, to her, Jack`s bare feet were a little too big for the handles to fit on. He doesn't seem to be complaining, though. No, it was Rapunzel who was admittedly making a commotion how quick and agile Jack was at dodging her and her hair.
"How are you so fast?!" Rapunzel asked, enjoying the game but wanting to catch Jack.
"Maybe you're just slow!" The spirit of winter winked at her playfully, making her flush but mock-mad at the jibe.
It was a game of both tag and cleaning.
"Yeah well... I still say we call this game 'Cleaning tag'!" The teenager commented, almost grabbing the mischievous boy but hands grasping nothing but the cool air left behind from the retreating spirit. Pascal was joining in the fun as well; riding on a hand scrubber of his own and enjoying himself immensely with the other two. The competitive nature the spirit and Pascal had earlier over chess was long-forgotten already. I brought a full grin to Rapunzel's right features how much they were all getting along. It was as though already Jack had been a resident of the tower for a long time. Hopefully he will be around for a long time.
"Tch, you really need to learn about originality, Punzie." The impish spirit, tapping his nose while jumping over a long strand of Rapunzel's hair, replied, taking as much delight in the game as she was, obviously not meaning the jab. Rapunzel grinned, her hand reaching down and almost grabbing Pascal, who dodged with a playful squeak and slid off to the other side of the room. By now the whole floor of the main area of the tower would be clean, but they were already having so much fun. Mother wouldn't approve of how much water was being wasted to clean the floor. She was certain Jack would reply that the 'old bat' had no idea on the concept of fun, explaining that mother never had any entertainment when she was a child. Now Rapunzel wouldn't tolerate any jab against her single parent like that, regardless if they were intentional or not. Jack learned that immediately, Rapunzel hoped.
"You can't do that!" Rapunzel exclaimed and laughed in disbelief. She doesn't remember that being a part of the new game!
His reply was teasing. "There weren't any rules that suggested otherwise, you know. Not that I would listen to any anyway!" Well, he won't get away so easily, Rapunzel was flexible and acrobatic from spending her whole life in this tower. If her hands can't get him, her hair will! He'll have to tire out, she'll catch the evading spirit sooner or later!
"And how about this for original: if I win I get to play with your staff." Rapunzel said smugly, hands clutching midair again as Jack dodged... by flying!
"...Alright, but if I win, a free kiss for yours truly." Jack smirked playfully.
Rapunzel's eyes widened, feeling her heart suddenly skip a beat and found herself losing her balance suddenly. Did he just say-? Giving a yelp of surprise as she slipped with both feet leaving the ground, her eyes met Jack's blue upside-down surprised ones before closing her own and bracing herself for the impact of her face meeting the cold wet wooden floor.
It never came.
She felt something cold, but not the kind of coolness she expected to meet. Hesitantly opening her eyes, she met the blue concerned ones of her friend, looking down at her with worry. "Are you alright?" Jack asked sincerely, and she slowly nodded, before her eyes widened in realization of their position. Head resting on his chest, both arms of hers wrapped around him in an embrace to keep her from falling, both of hers around his neck while his own holding her back. Just like some of those romantic novels she read... Immediately she felt her face burn up and her heart beating loudly. What were these feelings...? Whatever they were Rapunzel didn't know what to make of them. It was similar to those feelings she felt weeks ago when she and Jack accidentally... shaking her head mentally, the teenager smiled nervously and said shyly. "Thanks..." Jack nodded back, relieved to hear it by the looks of it. Pascal watched the scene, relieved as well, but smirking at the position the two were in. Rapunzel coughed, wanting to get out of this awkward moment. The winter spirit seemed to have grasped onto this as well, eyes widened in shock as he helped Rapunzel stand up.
Another moment passed by. "Um... Jack... you can let go now." Rapunzel said shyly, and Jack quickly released her, almost causing to Rapunzel to fall over again but Jack grabbed her arm gently. "I got you." He said with an amused smile. Releasing her again and both making sure she won't slip over. She folded her arms behind her nervously, eyes looking at anywhere but him. What was she suppose to say or do now when that happened. Rapunzel was almost sure it was worse than that accidental kiss. But... was this situation unintentional? It was unlikely, but Jack was a mischievous person; maybe he knew his playful teasing would cause that reaction and moment to happen. She didn't know. Glancing and seeing the spirit scratch the back of his head in embarrassment and avoiding eye contact too, Rapunzel sighed. Maybe that wasn't on purpose.
"Sorry about that."
"I'm sorry for doing that."
Both spoke at the same time, blinking at one another for it and both immediately laughing afterwards. The tension already dropping from a different source of embarrassment. "You first." Jack said with a smile.
"You go first." Rapunzel replied, and Pascal rolled his eyes at the incoming banter.
"I insist: ladies first."
"Spirits first."
"Since when was that a thing?"
"Since I started it." Rapunzel folded her arms, smirking.
Jack chuckled. "Whatever you say Punzie." He looked around the room. "Well, I can say we've cleaned the entire floor without missing a single spot."
Rapunzel looked around and hummed in agreement, casting a sly smile. "So you admit you had fun with a chore."
"I never said that."
"You don't need to, Jackie; I already know so."
The winter spirit scoffed, saying matter-of-fact. "Maybe I did have fun, maybe because it was you I was enjoying myself with."
And the heat building up in her cheeks returns while she glares at his smirk.
"And Jack?"
"Hmm?"
Rapunzel tapped the spirit's shoulder with a smirk and voice of triumph. "Tag. I win."
"-and then the guy fell down like a walrus as soon as the snowball made contact; his face squashed up against the floor it left a mark on his face!" Jack exclaimed, chuckling at his story. Rapunzel was sitting by the table, watching with chin resting on her hands as the spirit told one of his many tales of spreading winter and what happens when they does to people. He had taken the liberty of standing on the table while he talks about these adventures. "He never saw it coming. His huge mustache was messed up everywhere when he stood up again." His features were so cheerful Rapunzel had never seen him this enthusiastic before. It was refreshing and enjoyable to listen to these tales of the outside world from him. "And I haven't even got to the best part yet. You ready for this? His pants suddenly fell downwards in front of a crowd!" Jack grinned at the memory. "The look on everyone's faces."
"In front of a crowd and on its own." Rapunzel raised a brow expectantly with a suspicious smile. "Nothing of your doing then?"
"Of course not!" The impish boy replied affronted... before chuckling with her. "Okay maybe I helped a little... okay I un-clipped the guy's belt. Happy?"
Rapunzel giggled in disbelief. "How did you even accomplish that?" She was slightly sure she didn't want the answer.
"I can do many things, Punzie, things you might not even believe." Jack replied vaguely, while twirling his staff for emphasis on how.
"I can imagine." Rapunzel said with amusement. "So then what happened?"
"They all had a great laugh, and I left."
"..."
"...Fine. WE had a great laugh (save for the man with his pants down), then I left. The end."
Rapunzel nodded, smiling at the spirit, then tilted her head. "Is that all that happened that day?"
"Well no." Jack chuckled, looking up fondly. "The fun is never once done in a single day Rapunzel."
"What else happened?" The teenage girl asked curiously, the need for more knowledge of the outside world never satisfied. But she carefully made sure it wouldn't be too much to bother anyone.
Jack cocked his head thoughtfully. "Well..."
And it went on like this for a while, morning chores having been completed earlier. It was early in the afternoon now, and mother still hadn't returned, which means more time to spend with Jack and Pascal, and the three of them didn't bored of each other. While Rapunzel still felt disappointed, her spirits were lifted by the literal spirit, who suggested, well insisted, to take this opportunity and spend every minute of free time with one another. As such they use the hours to play and entertain. The whole accident earlier was forgotten, but still lingered at the back of Rapunzel's mind. The only thing right now keeping her from dwelling on the new feelings she felt then were the impish spirit's tales of his times spreading winter and fun all around the world everyday. In turn the teenage girl would tell her stories of her many adventures throughout the tower. By much, though, there wasn't really much to tell, but Jack kept insisting she share some stories of her life in the aged structure, shared by enthusiastic nods from Pascal, who didn't want the attention to be just focused on the spirit who sat on his own staff listening to his friend.
"Mother didn't approve, of course, well that was is an understatement." Rapunzel shrugged. "And I couldn't blame her; I was fifteen at the time, in my defense, so it wasn't really my fault. Sticking my head in the washing frightened her, but I think I almost gave her a heart attack when I made the mistake first when I was thirteen." She looked at the ceiling, frowning thoughtfully. "Or was I fourteen? I think I was fourteen. I can't remember how old I was when that happened. Funny huh? Though I think I tried to forget about it for scaring mother back then; you know how much she means to me and I don't want her to be so frightened because of my own foolish mistakes-" Rapunzel blinked in realization and coughed politely, smiling sheepishly at her taller friend. "Sorry, got carried away again, didn't I?" She really hated when she talked someones ear off.
He didn't seem to mind though. "Nah, keep talking." Jack smiled welcoming. "I like hearing your voice." She felt her cheeks heat up again. Was he doing this on purpose? Not knowing what to make of that comment, Rapunzel continued while grinning in appreciation.
Front left step. Right back step. Twirl.
As she performed another move from the training book, she heard the supportive "You're doing great Rapunzel! Just mind your hair!" from the spirit behind as she practiced her ballet.
Dancing was something anyone may do if they have lived in an enclosed place all their life, and it was something she loved regardless. It was second only to loving her painting habit. Other had given her books years ago on how to train on and master such an artful form of dancing, and aside from the occasional missteps, tripping and twirling her whole body into her hair unintentionally, Rapunzel thinks she's got it. Mother sometimes disagrees, whenever her daughter was practicing or presenting her dancing she would say usually "That's nice Rapunzel. Not as good as I when I was your age, but enough to entertain a few children I guess. Oh I'm only teasing dear." or "Honestly my clumsy flower you keep falling over your own hair. We may have to stop your practicing or cut your hair, and we know we can't have the latter can we?". Admittedly not very... heartwarming comments, but Rapunzel was sure her mother would never be crude in her words. The only other one who gave his opinions on her ballet skills was Pascal, and his were surprisingly more enthusiastic than mothers. Now they have one more to share thoughts on her practices.
Front left step. Right back step. Twirl. Front left step. Right back step. Twirl. And two spins.
Her eyes closed in rhythm to the dance, her feet elegantly sidestepping and landing on their toes as though she were a graceful swan. Well, that's how the book described it, the movements, anyway. Jack had snorted at those words and called them obnoxious, which cast a small smile on Rapunzel's face. Here though, her face was blank as she put on a performance from her years of training in the skill of ballet.
Finishing her last spin by a leap and landing on one foot by her toes, Rapunzel almost lost her balence, her arms failing for a second before regaining composure. Opening her eyes, she smiled brightly as Jack clapped at her with an impressed look, Pascal clapping beside him with the book underneath him and a paw thumbs-up. Rapunzel bowed gracefully at the applause, standing on two feet again.
And she almost tripped, again, as her hair was everywhere from the dancing and a pile in front of her as she took a step forward. Thankfully Jack was quick, catching her arms and steadying her again, looking at her amusingly. "Thanks." Rapunzel said sheepishly as he released her. That was twice today she was saved by her friend.
Jack chuckled. "It's as if you're falling for me, Punzie." Rapunzel tilted her head at those choice of words. What did he mean by that? Shaking his own head suddenly, the winter spirit glanced behind him and cast a glare at a smirking Pascal for some reason.
"...So how I'd do?" Rapunzel asked, getting in-between the stare off and eager to hear their answers.
"It wasn't good..." Rapunzel felt like she got stabbed in the chest a little. "...It was great." Jack grinned at her, which he was given one in return in appreciation. Pascal nodded approvingly. They both liked it! Two people who enjoyed her performance was almost hard to believe!
"You both liked it?" Rapunzel asked in joyful excitement.
"I... we loved it, Rapunzel. You were incredible, honestly the best ballet dance I've ever seen! Baking, painting, dancing, is there anything you can't do?" The praise from the sincere voice of the spirit overloaded her insides with joy. "I may not know much about dancing, but I know one born for it when I see one." She looked at Pascal who nodded in confirmation. They loved it! The disappointment of mother not being around today left her completely, replaced by total happiness at two people who enjoyed her hard work. Oh yeah, she almost forgot about Jack's question.
"Some things..." Rapunzel replied, attempting to be vague while subconsciously side-glancing at the wide window. As the winter spirit followed her gaze, her eyes widened in her mistake as she laughed with concealed nervousness. "So, what about you Jackie?"
Jack turned to her in confusion. "Have you ever practiced with ballet? If not, I can teach you how?"
The look on his face made both teenage girl and chameleon laugh loudly.
"So the only other spirit you ever talk to... is a bunny?" Rapunzel asked, both hands grasped around and warmed by the hot cup of tea she made for her self, as she sat across Jack with a mug of hot chocolate made for him.
"You make it sound so ridiculed, Punzie." Jack wagged a finger at her playfully before taking a sip. Pascal was meanwhile munching on a plate of biscuits for him.
Well who can blame her? "A flying person who can make snow and ice whenever he wants, sure. A man in the moon, I can believe. There being other spirits out there who control different environments to help the cycle of the world, doesn't sound too far fetched. But a walking talking invisible bunny..." Rapunzel tilted her head. "It sounds almost more... made-up than the rest." It was now almost three o'clock PM, and not one inch of boredom has made its slithery way into the tower. Right now they were discussing other spirits Jack was telling both her and Pascal that were out there maintaining world order. His descriptions on various ones she asked about were vague, as he explained he never met a single one of them. Except for one, and right now Rapunzel was sure her friend's trickster side was showing in this.
He seemed to deny as such. "Trust me, Punzie I wish he was made up." Jack muttered and rolled his eyes, making Rapunzel tilt her head curiously. So not only does this 'Bunnymund' appear to be a walking bunny taller than the both of them, but her friend doesn't look to be thinking fondly of this character. Were they rivals?
"It just seems more imaginary, that's all." Rapunzel replied with a shrug, taking a sip of her own (still warm, just how she liked it) while Pascal nodded. Even the chameleon found the idea of this talking bunny well... ridiculous. And this Bunnymund almost carried two spinning weapons and and has an Australian accent? Can anyone else really not side with her in thinking that sounds more far fetched than the rest? "And if you don't mind my observation... but it sounds more like he's more of an annoyance than a friend."
Jack snorted loudly, making Rapunzel blink in surprise. Looking at her, the winter spirit gave a slight smile. "Sorry, but the idea of me and Bunny being friends is more ridiculous than the idea of his existence." Wow, Jack must really dislike this character.
"Why not?" Rapunzel asked. If he doesn't answer or becomes vague about it, she won't pry.
The spirit shook his head. "We were made to be more as... people who can annoy one another, that's all."
"But you still visit him anyway."
"Yeah..." Jack grinned faintly, glancing upwards. "Despite our differences, despite the insults, banter and snowballs reaching with bullseye at the back of his furry head... he was the only one who was ever there for me in my time of loneliness..."
...There was something there, even if Jack knew it or not. Despite his denials on ever having a friend before her, Rapunzel now knew he did have someone to talk to and befriended with, whether it was intentional or not. He knew that look in his clear softened eyes... those were the same ones she saw whenever she looked into the mirror. "...Jack?" Rapunzel asked quietly, reaching over to place a hand on top of his own. But was halted by the stretched out tail of Pascal, who shook his head at her and gave an expression she understood: let him have his moment. So the teenager retreated her hand and waited patiently, taking another with her eyes fixed on the spirit, who looked lost in his own thoughts. If he ever wanted to talk about it, well he can talk to her about anything. Rapunzel can wait; she always waits.
After a moment the spirit of winter seemed to regain himself, looking at Rapunzel with those cheerful eyes she adored... wait what? "Sorry, where were we?"
"...Other spirits out there?" Rapunzel replied, shaking her head out of her previous thought.
Jack nodded, taking another sip. So civilized for a winter spirit, it was cute watching him do that. "There are a lot of spirits out there, some rarely ever seen by few, even by others of the same kind. The only ones most noticed of are the Guardians, but that's understandable with all the things they do."
"...The guardians?" Rapunzel asked curiously. She had never heard of a group of spirits called that before. Was it a special group of beings, protecting the man in the moon?
"Yeah." Jack nodded, commenting as though they weren't all that special. "They're arguably the most seen and duty-committed group of spirits ever."
"Why? Who are they? Do they guard the moon or other spirits or people or the world?" The topic of these 'guardians' already fascinated Rapunzel.
The winter spirit chuckled for some reason. "I don't know that much about them, I'm afraid." He sighed in amusement at Rapunzel's pleading eyes. She wanted to know more. "Alright: I'll tell you everything I know about them." She knew he would. Rapunzel grinned like a child, adjusting her seat a little to feel more comfortable. "The Guardians, what I know about them anyway, are a group chosen by one another to guard the children of the world... or so I'm told." He shrugged, not appearing at all that interested about them, but Rapunzel thought the idea very fascinating, leaning forward at the story. "They comprise of St. Nicholas, you'll be delighted to hear. The Sandman, no surprise there. Bunny, not much to my enthusiasm... and the latest one the Tooth Fairy, who joined them a century earlier, around some time since I was born, I think."
"How are they chosen?" Do they select one another or...?
"I just assume they choose each other, who they think is the best of the best, truthfully." Jack said, clearly having no idea how its done himself while drinking from his mug.
"...Maybe the moon chooses them?" Rapunzel suggested, finding the idea plausible. If the man in the moon is the one who brings spirits to life, maybe he chooses the ones who go out and protect all the children through the whole world? She guessed so.
Jack, to her surprise, scoffed at the idea, saying in bitter quietness while staring at the surface of his drink. "Then lucky them, if the Man in the Moon speaks to them and finds them more special..." Her eyes saddened at that, knowing how unfair it sounded if the moon picks spirits it- he to speak to and finds acceptable and more important than the rest. It's not right to pick favorites about anyone. Rapunzel treats her two friends equally.
"Sorry... for suggesting an idea like that." Rapunzel said honestly, feeling bad for bringing up unwanted sadness within her friend. She asked then hesitantly. "Are you... alright?"
Silence enveloped them for a short moment, before Jack shook his head and smiled reassuringly at Rapunzel, though it looked a little forced to her. "I'll be fine, Punzie, really. You never have to worry about offending me, if that's what it is." She can't help it, really. The idea of upsetting her new friend so much it might make him leave the tower and never come back clung at the pit of her stomach. She didn't have a great idea how boys think (mother always calling them 'greedy savages') so Rapunzel was just being careful.
Rapunzel sighed in relief anyway, smiling and taking a gulp of the tea. She then looked at the spirit expectantly. "So, what should we do next?"
Jack blinked before shrugging. "Your tower, Punzie-"
"OUR tower, Jackie."
He shook his head. "If that was the case: the whole place would be decorated in snow. And we- well you, don't want that anyway." Rapunzel felt a little downcast at that. He didn't feel like this was a home to him? Did Jack feel as though he was merely a guest here? Rapunzel thought otherwise; to her, he was a resident of the tower as much as she, mother and Pascal were. Maybe if he stuck around for a few months, then maybe the spirit will feel truly at home? She certainly hoped so.
Rapunzel smirked. "Well then..."
"You're holding it way by the middle, Punzie." Jack said right next to her, grabbing his staff by the curved point. "Like I said: it's best to hold onto it by the top straight or near the end."
Rapunzel nodded, her smaller hand grasping the bottom of the stick while her other hand was placed below Jack's near the curved end. The victory prize of their game of cleaning tag earlier was now happening; Rapunzel getting to play with the large staff her friend always carried around with him. She already regretted it; the terms of her winning were thought of on the spot, wanting to have captured Jack as soon as possible. But they still went through with it anyway, after putting away the empty cups of their drinks. The winter spirit was hesitant, a little too hesitant, at first, before gently handing over the staff to Rapunzel, who had held it with both hands and studying the wood. She was going to give it back immediately after seeing the quick look of worry on his face, but the teenage boy held up his hand and insisted she try it out anyway. To be honest, it was the first time she ever saw a stick up close. This one was well designed and crafted perfectly. She wasn't that good with anything wood-related, but she knew art when she one. Inquiring Jack who made it, who answered to Rapunzel it was just lying in front of him during his first steps into life. It was apparent the staff was something the spirit held very dear to him, and Rapunzel had vowed to make sure she doesn't accidentally break it.
"Like this?" Rapunzel asked, holding it in a position that appeared as though she was defending herself.
"If you're using it to defend yourself, sure." Jack chuckled, but she detected a layer of worry in his voice. It was, honestly, quite cute to see him be so concerned over something like this. He let go of the staff gently.
And suddenly the staff turned completely brown, the blue part of it disappearing so quickly it almost made Rapunzel drop it, but the spirit was one step ahead and grabbed it before she did so.
"Easy, Rapunzel." Jack said, looking at his staff in relief. "It's not a toy... when I'm not using it anyway."
Rapunzel giggled a little. "Your tone makes it sound like it's a delicate piece of work, Jack."
"It is!" Jack replied objectively, making her giggle even more. "I said so before; it's the only thing channeling my powers and preventing them from spreading like wildfire. You want out of control snow and ice, go to Antartica."
"Sorry Jack." Rapunzel said while smiling in amusement. "Maybe I should have thought of a different prize."
"Maybe we should have went with mine..." What?! Rapunzel snapped her head at him and felt her face heating up again. He can't seriously mean that... can he? Seeing her face, Jack smirked before laughing in good nature. "I'm kidding, Punzie. But seeing your face like that; I'll have to joke like that more often." Oh... he was kidding. For some reason Rapunzel had the smallest layer of disappointment. Why?
"Well... don't." The teenage girl simply stated blankly, before shaking her head at his expression and looking at the staff, getting an idea for payback. "Now... do you think it might break if it gets thrown out the window?"
It was her turn to laugh at his, this time, horrified expression.
"'...For there never was a story of more woe than this of Juliet and her Romeo'." Rapunzel finished, already rubbing her own eyes out of tiredness. It was now the late afternoon, and she and Jack were currently sitting atop the rafters with their backs leaning against the same support beam keeping the roof of the tower intact. Pascal was resting and full asleep on one of the rafters himself. She was just reading one of her favorite romantic novels, read to her by mother when she was a child. Romeo and Juliet was a very beautiful and heartbreaking book, and she enjoyed reading it when in her spare time with all the other books she had. Now Rapunzel had just finished reading out loud the whole thing to Jack, who was listening next to her. Now she felt like taking a nap, as though the energy today was already catching up to her. Well, maybe having one won't be too bad, but that may be just the tiredness talking.
"I never heard the whole thing before." Jack commented beside her, glancing at the novel she had now closed and put to rest on her lap. "Sounded boring to me really when I first heard about it. Then again, most books do."
Rapunzel smirked. "I can imagine." She looked at him curiously. "So what do you think?"
"Of the book? Tragic. I can see why so many people love it. But for me... it's okay I guess." He smiled at her. Well, at least he didn't hate it. She suggested reading a book while they wait for mother to come home, and she chose the first one that caught her eye on the shelves. She was surprised to learn Jack had never read the book before in his life.
She returned the smile, glad he enjoyed it. "Yeah, very tragic..." Rapunzel said softly, looking up to the small window where the sun was already setting beautifully, speaking more to herself than her friend in contemplation. "I sometimes wonder if romances in real life can be as saddening as this... do you think so?"
"...I don't really pry into peoples personal lives truthfully, Rapunzel." She looked at him, listening intently. "But every person and their partner have differences in all their relationships. They can be tragic but they can be wonderful. Love is, so I heard, what makes the world go round."
Who was he and what did he do with the real Jack Frost? Rapunzel giggled. "That's deep of you, Jack. And here I thought you didn't have much of an idea about love."
"Oh I have a few..." Jack replied vaguely, and Rapunzel tilted her head at him tiredly. What did he mean?
"...Well, I'm sure we can both agree on is that falling in love at first sight is a little silly." Rapunzel said, referring to the fact Romeo and Juliet did just that in the book.
"Tell me about it." The winter spirit rolled his eyes. "I heard some of the kingdoms in this world had their own heirs fall in love at first sight, if you can believe it."
"Seriously?" Rapunzel giggled at the idea while Jack chuckled. In a book, it was understandable sure. But in real life? It was ludicrous! Rapunzel would like to meet these princesses and princes that have done as such and ask how and why they have done that.
"Yeah." Was Jack's simple amused reply while Rapunzel shook her head at the thought. It was ridiculous for something like that to happen.
She'll think about all that later though, as the teenager suddenly yawned tiredly and her eyes were already drooping. What was with this sudden exhaustion?
"Tired?" She heard Jack say, and she nodded with emphasis. Perhaps a quick nap will do, she needed to be rested when mother comes back. And Rapunzel was positive she will. Her head leaned on the support beam, shifting into a more comfortable position where the sun wasn't hitting her face. "Well, sweet dreams Punzie." She heard her friend say, and she smiled tiredly. And the words that came out of her mouth were more talking from her brain than her tuckered out common sense.
"Jackie...?" She said with closed eyes. She heard a small grunt of acknowledgement, and the remains of her amusement were there. "Have you ever fallen in love... in your... life?" Her voice turned softer with every word. "It'd be... funny... if you... had..."
Whether he had an answer or not, she never heard it; sleep overtook her and Rapunzel welcomed it with full embrace.
"Are you sure you didn't mind me waking you?" Mother said in concern, glancing at her daughter who stretched a little, while the parent was taking out some vegetables and ingredients for dinner. "It sounds as though you've had a long day, surprisingly without me in fact."
"It's fine, like always mother." The teenage girl smiled, before placing her palm on her bare back to calm the slight ache. "I just feel a little stiff, that's all."
"Well, that's what happens when you sleep on the rafters, my dear." Her parent smirked, patting her on the head, Rapunzel admitted, albeit roughly. "I'm sure dinner will any strain you feel, though. My food is the best, after all." Mother chortled. Maybe it was some hidden joke of hers, but her daughter was still happy all the same.
Mother had returned a short while ago, when Rapunzel was still napping atop the rafters, truth be told she was surprised some of the support beams didn't fall down from her chubbiness, mother had said. She was sure she didn't mean that as an insult, she would never insult her own daughter. Suffice to say: Rapunzel was estactic, as always, to see her mother come home. Waking up to her parent pulling at her hair a little, Rapunzel yawned at first before breaking into a full smile and an exclaim of "Mother!", falling down her hair to the open arms of her loving parent. Of course there were questions on her long absence, but mother had only smiled tiredly before waving off the inquiry, instead asking Rapunzel to pull out a chair for her tired mother, which she obliged happily as always. Jack and Pascal meanwhile were watching above the rafters with blank expressions, but they let out slight smiles when the teenage girl glanced at them. Yeah... maybe they weren't fond for mother as she was for whatever reason, but she let it slide as usual. They would never attack her parent anyway... well she wasn't sure as much about Jack.
"So you're staying for tonight? For real?" Rapunzel asked hopefully to her parent.
"Of course I am." Mother said with her back to her, setting the ingredients on the kitchen side. "I said so yesterday I would be staying tonight, didn't I?" The question sounded rhetorical, but nonetheless joy took over Rapunzel as she grinned and clasped her hands in excitement. "Now, go wash your hands my flower. Dinner will be prepared as soon as possible. Oh, and you should have seen yourself, by the way." She added as Rapunzel walked up to turn on the sink. "Call me old-fashioned, though I'd rather you didn't, your positing during your nap looked a little off, my dear."
The teenager tilted her head. Off? "What do you mean?"
"Well, unless my eyes deceived me Rapunzel, but it almost looked as though your head was resting on midair, almost like it was on someones shoulder. Isn't that funny? ...Rapunzel, is something the matter, your face is all red. Maybe the chubbiness is getting to you...?"
Owls hooted and crickets chirped from who-knows-where. Darkness enveloped almost the whole tower, moonlight peering in from the small edges of the windows, most of the residents fast asleep for tomorrow. Yes, Rapunzel can't wait, like all weekends, to spend quality time with her mother; who was sleeping in her room reserved only for her, untouched and un-entered but only for her. The teenager, meanwhile, in her light pink gown, was at the top of the staircase, her eyes looking around and footsteps making minimum noise as possible. No silhouettes as far as she could see. It was forbidden, as told by her mother, to be up past ten o'clock PM, weekend-wise anyway. The others days of the week she had to retire to her room at nine o'clock PM. And right now it was well past ten. But she had a good reason, not that that would stop mother from blowing a gasket and yelling at her to return her to her room should she be spotted. But thankfully the older adult had her bedroom door closed; as she trusted Rapunzel years ago not to sneak off from her room in the dead of night. She felt a little guilty at disobeying her mother like this, but she'll immediately go back to bed after she is done with one particular task.
"Jack?" Rapunzel whispered, hoping he can hear her quiet words calling out to him. "Can you hear me?" Looking upwards she saw no silhouette on the rafters, or anything for that matter. If the winter spirit went to sleep, she couldn't blame him. Either that or he has gone out to spread snow on some far-off continent. She will admit it did disappoint when she woke up and didn't find Jack anywhere in the morning. His reasons for going out and coming back after a few days to a week or so are understandable, Rapunzel will never hold that against him. Hands rested on the edge wall, she peered over and squinted into the inky darkness, finding nothing. "Jack?" She tried again. No answer. Oh well. Maybe she'll speak to him tomorrow or so. The teenage girl got up earlier more than Jack had since his stays here. Maybe the same thing will happen tomorrow.
As Rapunzel turned around, the sudden quiet voice of her friend made her jump in surprise and spun around quickly. "Hey."
The teenager planted her hand on her chest to calm herself down, a taller figure (she recognized the height) standing right in front of her, the moonlight above resting and revealing only a bright line from the winter spirit's shoulder down to his waist. She couldn't see his face at all, but the silhouette of his figure was all she needed to see for now. "At midnight, Jack? Really?" She whispered with a cracked smile.
She swore the figure shrugged. "It's still hilarious to see you jump, Punzie. Even in the middle of the night." His voice sounded well-rested anyway. Maybe it'll take him a while to sleep after her. That probably explains why she usually gets up before him. Do spirits take late to get a good nights rest? She'll have to ask in the morning? "So," He continued whispering when he had no reason. "What's up?"
"I just wanted to thank you for the great day we had today." Rapunzel replied honestly. It was a fantastic day they had together, despite mother not being there! She hoped it'll be just the same tomorrow.
His tone suggested incredulity. "You make it sound like we'll never have a fun day like that again." Jack chuckled. "I'm glad you had fun Punzie."
"Thanks." Rapunzel smiled brightly, and she had the suspicion Jack smiled with her. "And really, I mean it, thank you for having such a great day with me. I hope tomorrow will be just as fun." She really appreciated the fun day she had with him, and already can't wait for what tomorrow brings.
"No prob, Rapunzel." It looked as though the figure was scratching the back of his head in embarrassment, though Rapunzel wasn't sure she was that astute. "Well, I'll see you tomorrow Punzie. Just wake me up before your mom, alright?" She nodded, amused. "Thanks, good night Punzie." He sounded both relieved and humored at the same time. Before she knew the silhouette had already disappeared into the vast darkness, the moonlight now touching her. Hearing the sounds of creaked wood from above and assumed her new friend was resting above the rafters, Rapunzel turned around and faced her bedroom, face lit up like a light at the prospect of tomorrow. If it goes like this every time Jack was around, adding to the days spent with mother and playing with Pascal, at least she'll have something else to rely on in case something goes wrong with the other two, but she doubted they ever will. Yawning, Rapunzel rested one hand on the doorway and looked up behind her, a smile of appreciation on her petite features. Whether Jack Frost knew it or not, he was now already important to Rapunzel. Nothing can prevent that otherwise. Now, to get back to bed before mother suddenly gets up for the bathroom and sees her daughter staring up at the ceiling for no reason. "Good night... Jackie..." And Rapunzel returned to her room and welcomed the overtaking sleepiness, her thoughts on her frosty friend drifting away peacefully.
So many things I was going to say on here... but I forgot them.
So yeah, what do you think? Rapunzel's perspective. Back to our two favorite characters again... with a little Pascal thrown in. And we'll have that again next time. Over nine thousand words this time. Fancy that. Like, review, whatever you please my friends. Next chapter will come out next month or before then, if I'm even lucky.
Hope you enjoyed!