"Dude could you like, not choke me?" Jack coughed as Hiccup attempted to get Jack's bright blue tie right.

"Sorry!" Hiccup muttered shakily, letting go.

"Will you relax?" Jack laughed as he did it himself, observing his reflection in the mirror. He normally hated wearing suits, but damn did he look good. He wanted to wink at himself in the mirror but not with Hiccup in the room, fidgeting in his light copper colored suit. Jack almost laughed when he saw his best friend come in with the thing, considering it looked almost like gold, but the look on Hiccup's face told Jack he needed to boost his confidence, not ruin it. Both of them could hear Stoick, Gobber, and North all booming with laughter below them in North's kitchen. Flynn was getting ready in his room and had to leave early because he was on Homecoming Court. Jack finally figured out he was taking a girl in his acapella group, but Jack didn't really know her.

Jack turned and straightened the black suit jacket, making sure the turquoise vest was even and the tie was perfect. He'd thought about wearing completely black but talked himself out of it. Rapunzel didn't have on just black; she'd said black and blue and bling. So he considered the white dress shirt bling enough.

"I still can't believe you're wearing your converse." Hiccup muttered as he finished buttoning up his suit. It was a little large on him and Jack almost felt bad because Hiccup hated being considered scrawny, but for goodness sakes, couldn't the tailor have made a few more adjustments to get it just right so it didn't look like he was a mannequin?

"Beats the Wizard of Oz shoes you got on there." Jack chuckled.

"For the last time!" Hiccup spat, "They are not gold they are cream colored! And Dorothy had ruby slippers, dumbass."

"Crème…" Jack snickered in a mocking voice, making a face at Hiccup.

Hiccup sighed and finally straightened out the suit and stared at himself and moaned, "God I look like King Mitus…"

"Who?" Jack asked, "No seriously was he like a pimp or something?" he laughed.

Hiccup rolled his eyes and muttered, "She's gonna laugh at me."

"No she won't!" Jack told him firmly as he grabbed his shoulders, "Hiccup, I am telling you this as a close friend. Yes you look crazy in gold, but Merida is going to love it. Now will you please not flake out on me?"

Hiccup finally grinned and took off his glasses.

"Going with contacts tonight?" Jack smiled, "That's the way to win the ladies!"

"Hey! Some chicks dig glasses!" Hiccup told him as he quickly applied the clear little discs like a pro, "And Merida told me she likes them."

"Oooh!" Jack teased, pinching Hiccup's cheeks, "And I bet the freckles make her hot too!"

Hiccup turned red and straightened his tie nervously.

Jack ruffled his white hair that he'd touched up, including his roots at the bottom so he didn't look so out of place. He made sure he only wore his eyebrow and lip piercing but kept his ears stud free for the night. He didn't want to make that bad of an impression; the converse did plenty on that front.

"You boys done yet?!" Stoick yelled up the stairs at them.

Hiccup chuckled and nodded to Jack who nodded back, "Let's do this."

They walked out and noticed Flynn come out of his room. His silver suit fit him snugly and the purple tie was knotted just the right way. His hair was spick and span and Jack seriously wondered if the guy was born from a Greek god or something he was almost too good looking for his own good.

He smirked and nodded at the boys approvingly, "Nicely done, bro!"

"Whatever. You too." Jack huffed, rolling his eyes.

"Make it quick Dad! I'm running late!" Flynn yelled as he decided to rush past the boys at the bottom of the stairs.

"Pictures!" North said happily, "Don't forget your sash and the corsage!"

Flynn turned red but looked excited as he put the Homecoming Court sash over his head and then posed in front of the window while North took nearly a dozen photographs.

"Okay!" North smiled, "Now Jack! Get in there!"

Jack rolled his eyes and stood next to his brother who put an arm around his shoulder.

"My two handsome boys!" North said proudly.

Jack and Flynn looked embarrassed but couldn't deny the gladness they felt knowing North loved them and was proud of them.

"Alright, Flynn, I'll see you there! Best of luck, son!"

"Thanks Dad." Flynn said as North pulled him into a big bear hug, doing his best not to wrinkle his suit, "I'm proud of you."

Flynn couldn't hide the joy in his eyes as he broke from his dad and nodded, "I'll see you later."

He left and then it was Stoick's turn to embarrass Hiccup. He picked up Hiccup excitedly hugging him, "My son!" He shouted as he squeezed Hiccup tightly, "I couldn't be more proud!"

"Air…Dad!" Hiccup gasped.

Stoick put him down and Gobber helped fix up his suit, "You look good, lad."

"Thanks." Hiccup smiled as he looked up at his two fathers.

"Alright, hurry for pictures! We have to pick up the girls!" North exclaimed and Hiccup was shoved over to stand next to Jack while Gobber went to get the corsages for the boys.

Jack was sick of smiling already and Hiccup was turning red as both fathers gushed about how great their sons looked.

"Let's go get the ladies then!" Gobber cheered as Jack picked up the plastic container holding simple white and blue flowers on it. The black strap had rhinestones on it that he knew would match the designs on Rapunzel's dress. At least that's what North had promised him since Jack hadn't even seen her dress yet.

He looked over to admire Hiccup's corsage that was mostly gold ribbon with gold glittered leaves and small white flowers peeking out in between the loops.

Hiccup was still shaking nervously and Jack suddenly felt himself quaking. Pretty soon they would see the girls and go out to dinner. As exciting as it was, he couldn't help but feel nervous. This was Rapunzel's first dance ever and this was his first dance with someone. He really wanted it to be special for them both and just couldn't stop praying that he could make tonight the best night ever. He knew he shouldn't expect it…but what if Rapunzel let him kiss her? What if tonight their relationship would turn into something more? God how he wanted nothing more but a part of him knew to not expect the best. That was his past coming back to haunt him, telling him how he was no good; that he lost everything he loved because he was such a failure. But after years of coming to terms with everything and finally finding someone he cared about more than anyone on the planet, someone he felt close to…he was ready to change his way of thinking. Just one magical night at a time at this point.

…..

"Almost…done…there!" Merida whispered excitedly and gasped at how amazing she was at doing makeup, "Wow…oh Rapunzel…you have to see yourself. You look so good!"

Rapunzel was a little nervous and had to admit all the new sensations of the heavy makeup on her face made her cringe a little wondering why she ever wanted to wear it in the first place but decided to at least see what Merida had done. She turned and gasped at her reflection.

Her now colored hair had glittering blue and white barrettes in it that held back her hair so her face could be seen more clearly. Merida hadn't really done much; Rapunzel's face was practically flawless. But she did add some color to her pale cheeks and put concealer under her eyes so her bags didn't show. Not only that, but her eyes had been colored with light blue and gold to bring out her green eyes and match her dress. She was wearing eye liner and mascara as well and realized just how bright and vividly big her eyes were. Her lips were rouged just slightly and had much more shape to them now.

Her eyes then roved down to the necklace that MK had made for her and smiled. A sapphire pendant sat in between some snowy rhinestones was held together by a silver chain.

She stood up awkwardly at first in her new black heels. She'd worn them around her room the past week for a bit in private so she could practice walking in them. She liked how much they looked like simple black dress shoes simply with a heel and a strap around her ankle kept her feet from slipping out. She finally found Merida's wall length mirror and smiled at her reflection; she looked beautiful. There were no voices telling her otherwise tonight, she'd make sure of that! She never knew she could look so happy and beautiful. She wished the cast were off but she'd managed to figure out how to deal with it by painting it black and putting small rhinestones on it in a snowflake design.

She turned, grinning to Merida excitedly. There were no words to describe how excited she was. All she could do was look at Merida and compliment her instead, "You look really pretty Merida."

"I think we both look great! I hope the heels were a good choice." Merida chuckled.

Rapunzel could spot those gold glittery heels a mile away. And the gold necklace that had flowers with diamonds in the middle was perfect as it accented her neck nicely. Her flaming red hair was curly and put in a half-do with small braids going around her head and gold little flowers accenting it randomly. She'd also found a gold ribbon to tie twice around her crown to give it a Greek look. She was absolutely stunning!

They could hear the doorbell and both smiled knowingly at the other. Rapunzel was a frazzled bag of nerves and was honestly surprised to see how nervous Merida looked, her blue eyes staring out the window as though wondering what to do. But she took a breath, grabbed Rapunzel's hand and her small green purse and pulled her out to the hallway where many, many male voices were heard shaking the very foundations of the house. Rapunzel was not surprised to see Elinor again, but when a very large man, almost the size of North came bumbling in holding three matching red-headed triplets to greet her she truly wondered if there was something in the water here that made all the men huge.

"We're coming down now! Just get the blasted cameras ready so you don't have to take it again when we get down there!" Merida shouted just as loudly as the men below them.

"Oh…I really hope I don't fall…" Rapunzel moaned to herself as she descended the stairs, hoping she looked as graceful as Merida.

They heard nothing but complete silence and oohs and awes from the parents. That and the clicking of camera's going off constantly.

Rapunzel was relieved to reach the bottom; she didn't even dare look up for fear of tripping. She was stunned when it was Merida who slipped a little and caught herself on the railing. Rapunzel reached out to help her and almost slipped herself.

"Tis why I never wear heels." Gobber noted loudly.

"Shush!" Elinor scolded, "Oh…you ladies look so lovely! My daughter!" she cried happily as she ran forward to grab Merida's face in her hands and kiss her.

"Moooom!" Merida whined, looking embarrassed.

"I'm sorry, there are gentlemen present!" Elinor laughed and looked over.

Rapunzel stepped forward and North was booming with pride, hands on his hips, "Rapunzel you look beautiful!"

"Thank you." She said weakly, looking up shyly with a smile. She almost didn't see Jack or Hiccup who were practically dwarves next to the giant men surrounding them. Hiccup was pushed forward by his dad to give Merida her corsage where Jack couldn't seem to move an inch as he looked at Rapunzel. For once in his life, he was speechless.

"Rapunzel I brought the boutonniere as well, I got you both matching ones." North said proudly as he tapped Jack on the arm to get him out of his trance.

Jack shook his head quickly and put a smile on, walking forward and taking out the flowers.

Rapunzel beamed, "Do I get to keep these later? I want to paint them!"

Jack chuckled as he put the sparkling corsage on her left wrist and then helped her pin his boutonniere on which he was glad was simply a blue and white flower with no bling on it. He didn't want her to prick her fingers so was glad to help, considering she had only one hand to use.

North was snapping pictures and Jack was doing his best to not turn red and glare at him for invading his moment. He wanted to say something to Rapunzel, something great, something she'd never forget to start her night out with and for the life of him he couldn't find the perfect words.

"There." Rapunzel said happily as she took her hands away and grinned up at him, "You match my dress!" she said excitedly, "I really hoped you'd like it. I know you like wearing blue and black so-"

"You look amazing." He said suddenly, then felt bad for interrupting and hoped to fix it. Man he was a screw up already, "I mean…you do…you look great and…I love it."

She smiled and bounced a little excitedly.

"Pictures! Hurry!" Elinor said happily once Hiccup had managed to control his shaking and put the corsage on Merida. He was relieved she had good aim with sharp objects because had he tried to pin the boutonniere on himself he'd have impaled his chest and ruined a perfectly good suit. Merida couldn't stop staring at the beautiful gold ribbons that practically matched her hair and was actually amazed that Hiccup didn't go traditional with roses or anything.

"Hiccup…this is wonderful…" she said softly, "How'd you pick it out and where did you even find it?"

Hiccup rubbed the back of his neck nervously and straightened his tie as he practically stuttered, "I…I know you aren't…all that into flowers…and…all that so…s-so…I found that and took out the flowers so it would look a little cooler."

"I love it!" she smiled, "I hope you don't mind…I just sort of went with a white rose…but it does have some gold on the leaves!"

"Merida…it looks great." Hiccup smiled.

They were both practically shoved into the living room to pose for pictures; Jack and Rapunzel were already standing next to one another and Jack was making sure his hand never went past her waist. She was glad she could hide her cast behind his back as she finally found she could smile for a picture she knew she'd be keeping!

Merida and Hiccup took some pictures together, Hiccup doing his best to keep his face from turning red. He stood straight and Merida finally bumped him with her hip to get him to relax a little.

Then the girls got a picture together before everyone decided to let them get to dinner.

"Alright! To the van, lovelies!" Elinor said cheerfully.

"Ah! I need to get to the school." North grumbled as he came over quickly to hug Jack and Rapunzel, "You two look wonderful! Be safe and have good time."

"We will." Jack smiled, nodding as he put his hand on Rapunzel's back to lead her out, following Merida and Hiccup.

Rapunzel officially hated her shoes the minute she tried stepping down the porch steps and tripped. Thank God Jack held tight to her middle and merely smiled at her as he helped get her to the car. They all climbed in and as the door closed Rapunzel couldn't help but feel giddy about tonight. This was no dream! It was real and she was experiencing it; a dance with friends, dinner with a boy, and looking like a ravishing princess all in one night!

…..

Dinner had been wonderful and…surprisingly awkward. All four sat at a round table at a very nice restaurant and although they were friends who spoke every day, talking as dates to the other seemed a little hard for them that night. For a while as they waited for their food, no one said a word and looks passed strangely between all of them. It wasn't until Jack finally broke the ice, not being one for boring, silent dinners really. After that, it had been a little easier to get into a conversation and forget that for the night they were dressed up fancy and eating at a classy joint but rather, they were friends having a good time together.

Elinor picked them up once they were done and all of them came to the school and stared as others filed in, looking just as dressed up and beautiful as they did. Rapunzel admired all the different colors and styles of dresses. She wished she had her canvas and paintbrush right now, but all she could do was capture it in her mind and hope it stuck for later.

"Let me guess…" Jack grinned as he took her hand again, this time linking their fingers together, "You wish you could paint right now?"

She giggled and looked up at him shyly, "Is that bad?"

"Nah…nerdy maybe but…not bad." He told her as they walked inside.

She walked a little slowly he noticed so he squeezed her hand and smiled at her, "Don't worry, I won't let you fall, 'kay?"

She nodded gratefully and took a breath as they walked through the doors. It was strange seeing the hallways dark and lit up with bright Christmas lights lining the halls and ceilings, leading the way to the spruced up cafeteria. It was also dark but lit up with Christmas lights and glitter. Round tables were scattered around, all with nice table clothes and candles. She could hear music playing in the gymnasium and across the cafeteria a photo booth was set up and students were already getting pictures taken.

"I don't see any of the others." Hiccup noticed.

"They might be dancing already." Merida commented, "Let's go!" she said excitedly pulling Hiccup's arm. He laughed and followed her inside.

Rapunzel looked nervously at all the bright flashing lights through the doorway and couldn't lie the loud music scared her a little but it couldn't be different from Mavis' party.

Jack held her hand firmly much like he always did and pulled her inside.

Different colored lights flashed across the dance floor and Christmas lights hung down from the ceiling and across the walls. A disco ball hung up in the middle of the ceiling, and across the gym was a DJ playing music. A stage was set up with two crowns placed on a pedestal. That must be where the Homecoming King and Queen were chosen.

All around people were milling about and dancing to the music. It did remind Rapunzel of Mavis' party but in a less spooky setting.

"Rapunzel!"

She turned and smiled when she saw Miss Ana come up to her, wearing a very pretty green gown that went past her knees. She wore a purple scarf to accent it and her hair was done up with barrettes in different colors to match her streaks. She quickly hugged Rapunzel and gushed, "You look so beautiful! Look at you! And Jack! Oh…my goodness!"

She held Rapunzel's face in her hands much like Merida's mother did and smiled happily before kissing her forehead, "Don't tell anyone else, but you have to be the most beautiful girl in this room."

"Hey!" Jack teased, "I thought I was the most beautiful one!"

Ana rolled her eyes at him and finally hugged Rapunzel one more time, speaking gently in her ear, "You have fun tonight, okay?"

"I will." Rapunzel smiled into her shoulder, wishing she didn't have to let go really. Ana's hugs were infectious to her and tonight it just felt so right to have someone like her telling her how beautiful she looked. It almost hurt her knowing her mother would never get to see Rapunzel dressed up and looking so happy. She longed to have her mother smile at her and tell her how wonderful she looked, to hold her face in her hands with a loving expression and pride in her eyes. It almost wasn't fair.

They let go and Ana nodded to Jack, putting a hand on his shoulder and gave him a knowing smile, "You behave now, young man."

"Oh come on Tooth! Have a little faith!" he joked as she walked away laughed. She smiled back at Rapunzel once more before Jack tugged her arm to the dance floor. She tugged back nervously and shook her head. She knew Ana had never meant it, but hugging her really brought back how unlucky she was, knowing she may never have gotten to come dressed up with a boy to dance with her friends. It made her sad.

"Rapunzel?" Jack asked her softly, looking concerned.

She shook her head and looked away quickly and nervously.

"Hey." He soothed as he came closer, "Don't be sad, you don't have to dance if you don't want to."

"No! I do…just…give me a second…" she mumbled pitifully.

He put his hands on her shoulders and looked at her sadly, "Did you need to talk about it? You can tell me anything, I'm not judging you."

She looked up at him, hoping she wouldn't cry and ruin her makeup, "It's just…I never dreamed any of this would happen…and…here I am…it's just so…it's so much better than I thought it would be."

Jack smiled at her.

"Thank you for bringing me tonight Jack." She finally said as she looked him in the eyes, "I'm really glad I came!"

"I'm glad I asked you." He smiled.

He really wanted nothing more than to just wrap his arms around her and kiss her senseless so she'd never feel self-conscious again…but that image might look better in his head than in real life with teachers and parents watching.

"Slow song." He noticed, "Come on."

She nodded, taking his hand once more and letting him lead her towards the dance floor where young couples were dancing slowly, swaying back and forth to the music.

Rapunzel tried mimicking the girls by putting her arms around Jack's neck, but her bulky cast made it hard so she moved it down his shoulder a bit. He put his arms around her waist and brought her closer to him and both started swaying.

It was weird at first and she was almost scared to make eye contact with him. She instead looked around at other couples wishing she could be as bold as they were, talking and smiling at one another, some kissing and staring lovingly into each other's eyes.

She managed to finally look up at Jack who couldn't seem to take his eyes off of her and she felt bad that she'd ignored him. Her eyes found his and neither could look away for what felt like an eternity.

Was it just her or was he getting closer…? And was it just her or did she want him to keep coming…?

"Rapunzel! Jack!"

Both jumped and looked over to see Heather and Snotlout. Snotlout was practically smirking at Jack as if to ask if they'd interrupted something.

Jack merely glared back and rolled his eyes.

Rapunzel hugged Heather who was gushing over her dress.

"I love your shoes!" Rapunzel cried excitedly, "The bows on them are so cute!"

"Thank you! Come on! We're all getting a group picture! Let's go!"

She tugged her arm and Jack followed, still looking disgruntled. But he couldn't give up hope yet. The night was still young and only just beginning. He had plenty of time to make something amazing happen…

Or so he thought.

The rest of the night passed with everyone dancing, taking pictures, and having a great time. Fishleg's, Tuff, Hiccup and even Flynn had asked Rapunzel for a dance, and Jack of course had to have a dance with Merida, Ruff and even Heather at one point, just to piss off Snotlout.

Jack was starting to get worried as the night wore on and the Homecoming King and Queen were announced. He was happy to see his brother get the crown and dance with the queen who was a senior and a varsity cheerleader on Heather's team.

North looked as proud as could be as he watched his son dance on stage and hear the applause. Flynn, who had been through so much in his life, was finally getting recognition for things he did that were wonderful. He was a good kid who was destined for greatness.

Even Jack couldn't hide his smile as he watched how happy Flynn looked. He knew he could never measure up to his brother but was proud all the same. They had their ups and downs but tonight he could only give a thumbs up to his brother and shout out, "That's my bro!" excitedly.

The only problem once Flynn got the crown was that Homecoming night was almost over. Jack only had so much time to make it count. He glared at everyone who tried to interrupt them, even the girls, who'd finally gotten the hint that Jack wanted alone time with Rapunzel.

She looked winded and was much more relaxed than before as they danced to another slow song. He was anxious as he felt her relax into him. Her eyes closed and she leaned into him as she swayed, hugging him around the neck.

"Um…Rapunzel?" he asked softly.

"Hmm?" she breathed, smiling into his chest with her eyes closed.

"I…I…"

She looked up at him suddenly and didn't think she'd ever see the day Jack Frost Overland looked sweaty, nervous, and would have nothing to say.

"I…" he tried again.

"Rapunzel?"

She looked over to see Fishlegs smiling at her, his jacket over his shoulder, "I'm actually about to leave soon, but I wanted to ask you something."

"Okay." She smiled kindly.

He looked nervously at Jack who glared but let Rapunzel walk over.

"I found the Alfred Hitchcock version of 'Rebecca'. I was wondering if later this week you wanted to watch it at my place."

"Really? Oh that sounds amazing!" she smiled, "Yes!"

"Great!" he smiled happily, "I'll see you later. Bye Jack!"

"Bye." Jack muttered bitterly as Fishlegs walked away.

Rapunzel came back over and yawned. Jack looked disappointed but smiled nonetheless.

"Why don't we head home…maybe we can watch a movie or something." He suggested.

She nodded and he chuckled as he led her out. Sometimes she could be a real dead weight when she was tired.

North found them and smiled, "You two ready to leave."

"Yeah." Jack sighed.

Rapunzel yawned again and nodded.

"Alright, let's go."

Jack took off his jacket and put it over Rapunzel's shoulders, knowing she'd probably freeze once they got outside.

Jack turned around to suddenly see Hiccup looking upset and alone at a table.

"Hey North go ahead, I'll catch up." Jack said as he walked towards Hiccup, "Hey." He chuckled, "You look like the life of the party over here." He teased.

Hiccup looked up sadly and shook his head, "Not now, Jack."

"Hey!" Jack said defensively, "Don't need to get snippy…what's wrong?"

Hiccup sighed and rubbed his face, "I asked Merida if…if we could go out and…and she turned me down."

Jack suddenly sat down, looking concerned, "Well…did she say why at least?"

"She said that I'm too good for her and…and that she's such a mess she doesn't want to hurt me."

Jack sighed, "I'm sorry, Hic."

"Don't be…you have your own worries I know."

"No…really…I know how you've always felt about her…and it took guts to ask her tonight." Jack nodded.

Hiccup smiled sadly, "Maybe she has it wrong…maybe I'm no good for her." he said pitifully.

"No. Knowing Merida she's…she just really cares about you and…she's going through a lot with her rehab…I bet that really just made her self-conscious is all."

"Could be." Hiccup shrugged.

"I think that maybe if you just…take it slow with her, she might come around." Jack tried, "Hang out with her like you used to…but don't ask her out or anything. Maybe things will change. You'll see."

Hiccup took another breath and nodded, "I guess I should find her and…maybe see if I can't get her to at least let me take her home."

"Go." Jack nodded.

"Jack…" Hiccup smiled.

"Yeah?"

"Good luck." Hiccup winked as he picked up his jacket and walked away.

Jack grinned and finally rushed out to find North who was waiting in the hallway with Rapunzel. She was leaning into North now and looking quite content. North looked ecstatic considering this was the first time she'd really just relaxed against him comfortably.

He let Jack take her hand and all three headed to his car.

…

Jack was glad to be out of the confining tux and wearing his blue plaid pajama bottoms and white undershirt. Rapunzel was wearing lilac pajama pants with a matching long sleeved top. She still had some makeup on her face as she sat next to Jack on the sofa watching a movie. He didn't care what they were watching, considering both were tired, but at least he was with her. She was so relaxed under the soft red throw blanket covering both of them he couldn't contain his excitement when she leaned into his side. He put his arm around her as he wrapped the blanket tighter around them both and let his head rest against hers.

He could hear her soft breathing. He turned down the volume of the movie and looked down at her as she snoozed peacefully against him.

"I really wanted to tell you something tonight…make something amazing happen." He whispered quietly, knowing she probably couldn't hear him, "Cause…I don't think I've ever felt this way about anyone in my life, ever."

He turned his head and kissed her softly on the forehead. He felt her arms around him tighten and she mumbled sleepily. He smiled and kissed her forehead again, this time letting it linger. It wasn't much…but at least he got a kiss tonight. For that, he was grateful as he fell asleep holding Rapunzel.