"Ready for this Punzie?" Jack asked with a wide grin, barely able to conceal his emotions for the oncoming reaction on Rapunzel's face.
The teenage girl, in return, nodded enthusiastically, holding an excited grin of her own, prepared to see what the spirit had spent a handful of minutes doing.
The week had progressed so shockingly fast they barely had time to blink. The three of them, Jack, Rapunzel and Pascal had so much fun that time eluded them until Sunday arrived.
On Thursday, it was all the same fun and games, after Rapunzel's chores were fully completed in time and her mother leaves the castle. They played in the magical snow along with hide-and-seek, chase, chess and everything else they thought of spending time together with for the full day. The three loved it just like the last.
Although Jack had appeared, to the confused teenage girl, surprisingly somber and more laid back than usual, like there was something on his mind. When Rapunzel asked in amusement if her friend was alright, if the healed shoulder wasn't acting up, the winter spirit quickly composed himself and assured her everything was fine. She raised a doubtful eyebrow, knowing exactly whenever something was bothering her best friend, and Jack chuckled at the unfooled teenager, and informed Rapunzel that there wasn't anything wrong, just something that occurred to him last night.
She dropped it then, despite having the slightest suspicion there was more to what her love was saying. This time, surprisingly as Rapunzel thought that word, there was only a faint pink hue on her cheek than normally.
On the next day, Friday, though the new mood Jack was in had dampened considerably since yesterday, the teenage boy was still more quiet than usual. This time when the concerned young woman asked, Jack simply shook his head and stated that something was just on his mind, obviously, that was all.
Again; they completed Rapunzel's chores, Pascal mentally plotting to use Jack for pranks against the mother, and continued with fun and activities, enjoying themselves like the last.
Saturday had then arrived, and it was the rinse and repeat. Jack's toned down behaviour had lowered back to being as energetic and playful as he was back on Tuesday. When Rapunzel inquired again what was with the sudden changes in mood, Jack simply shrugged and insisted with a grin they have a heap tons of fun this day, and Rapunzel, with a bemused raised eyebrow, didn't protest at all, loving the energy her friend was giving off.
And at the end of the day before the sunset hit, Jack requested to his best friend that she doesn't look out of the window for a moment, saying he has something planned for her. Rapunzel was immediately excited, grinning at the thought of the man she loved doing something for her. When she asked what, Jack waggled his finger in mock condescending and told her she had to wait, the spirit will let his best friend know when he opens the window where her mother usually entered and left.
By curiosity and bubbling excitement, Rapunzel honoured that request, despite a little worried with Jack going outside before the end of the week. But she trusted him.
"Ya sure?"
More positive determined nodding. And with just that reinforced confirmation, the winter spirit slowly opened the large windows wide and stepped away for his best friend to view. And immediately Rapunzel slowly moved forward in awe, leaning her elbows on the edge as she watched the magnificent sight before her widened mystified eyes.
Rapunzel had seen snow before; all the time whenever Jack was around, and throughout all these months she still loved seeing the white majestic flakes. But this time, this was different, this was more spectacular than Rapunzel had ever seen the snow before. Beside her, Jack leaned against the side and observed his own handiwork proudly.
Thousands and thousands of beautiful snowflakes slowly falling from the heavens, glittering peacefully against the glowing sunset in pure harmony, the flakes reflecting the light and spreading everywhere, even to the darkest parts of the valley the sun couldn't reach. All around her tower, she imagined. And Jack made all of this for her? It was the most beautiful sight Rapunzel had ever witnessed since the floating nights on her birthday. On her left, Pascal watched the spectacle with a dropped jaw, admittedly impressed with the sight; Jack must have been timing this.
Was it worth the wait?
Definitely is an understatement.
"Hey, why don't you look down...?" Jack was the first to speak at this point, and to Rapunzel it sounded like that toned-down voice he had since Thursday, but to Pascal it had traces of nervousness in it, and anticipation?
Rapunzel, having been staring up at the sight, happily obliged and glanced downwards, a shocked gasp leaving her parted lips.
Upon the white covered grassland and waters below, in rather slightly messy writing, were large words in clear blue reflective ice dug into the snow, wide and clear enough for Rapunzel to read from up here. And beside the surprised teenager, Jack kept rubbing the back of his head in sudden anxiousness, partly resisting the urge to cover his head with his hood, hoping Rapunzel doesn't take what the words say the wrong way. Said girl's expression continued shell-shocked at the six words below that Pascal thought were so ridiculously cheesy even for the spirit.
Always for you. My dear Punzie.
As Rapunzel said nothing for a long time, the falling graceful snow still happening, Jack sighed a little and commented in attempt to hide the anxiety from his voice, "I thought about adding in your full name to rhyme with 'you', but I don't think it matters if it still means the same thing-" Pascal turned and smirked at the sight right next to him now, rather fitting with the view outside.
Jack, once again, found himself unprepared by the teenage girl as Rapunzel unexpectedly tackled his chest once again, resting her chin on his previously injured shoulder, arms wrapped around him in pure appreciation. Honestly, the spirit rolled his eyes mentally to himself, Jack should have seen this coming; too caught up in his own worries. By instinct the spirit returned the embrace, taking in the warmth this angel always gave to him without knowing it. That was then he heard a sniffle on his shoulder, and stiffened. Oh no... she wasn't crying, was she? "Punzie...? Cheer up, it isn't that bad is it..."
"No, not at all. It's so... magical. Thank you; I love it, Jack, this is the best gift anyone has ever given to me." Rapunzel said sincerely, refusing to move away from the coldness and finding the beauty within it. "That's the sweetest thing you've ever done for me... I don't even deserve it."
"Hey, don't say that." Was Jack's immediate reply, softly stroking his friend's golden hair absent-mindedly. "It's me who doesn't deserve to be in the presence of a such a beautiful girl..." Well, neither of them were holding back now, were they?
Rapunzel smiled gently in reply, and the two were now in the position standing side-by-side, staring out into the breathtaking snowing sunset, heads resting aginst each other in pure innocent bliss, hands intertwined for this moment neither of them will ever forget. This was probably the most romantic thing they've done yet, Pascal noted with a satisfied smile.
Unbeknownst to the three, a small fairy hiding within one of the few flower pots untouched by the snow watched with awe and joy.
And the rest of the evening before the sun completely departed was them enjoying the snow reflecting the light all around them, and Jack making a mental note to get rid of it all before the next morning, feeling slightly disappointed that he won't get a reaction out of Rapunzel's mother for it, but it is what his best friend would have wanted.
All of this was for the simple reason of the overheard confession from Wednesday. Everything inside the spirit then had stopped completely frozen for a long time, Jack barely able to process that Rapunzel returned the feelings he shared with her.
Rapunzel was in love with him.
With him.
Then an immediate flood of joy and happiness that Jack flying and spinning around the main area inside the tower for who knows how long. The reality of it kept the spirit, for the next few days, in a silent mood, debating what to do now with them, and finding himself inadvertently arkward around the teenage girl until today, continuously assuring Punzie that everything was alright, in the meantime devising a way to shoe he shread the same feelings in a grand display deserving of the love of his life.
This was all that he could think of, in the end. A showcase of his powers reflecting the resting sunlight. Not the best, but the days had flown by so fast with so much fun Jack barely had the time to think of something bigger.
But obviously, right now, it was worth it.
The biggest smile Jack had ever conjured on his expression was there.
Now, was it the right moment to tell Rapunzel the meaning behind the word planted on the snowy ground? Ws this how it went with other couples at a moment like this? Were confessions much more effective and rewarding at a time such as now? Would Rapunzel react in the way Jack truly hoped she would?
Well, Jack thought, No time like the present. He was about to open his mouth before shutting it, a different soft voice breaking out in a sudden simple honest statement, "Jack... Tomorrow... I'm going out there."
"Absolutely not," Was Gothel's firm immediate reply, stare fixed on her determined daughter, "Rapunzel, we've had this discussion again and again, have we not? No matter how many times you ask my answer will remain the same."
Sunday morning was when the teenage girl decided to finally stand her ground and attempt to persuade her mother to give her permission to go outside, telling Jack as much last night. The spirit was completely in shock to say the least; not at all expecting his best friend to be this resolved about leaving the tower so soon. Sure Jack commented to Rapunzel days ago he knew she would eventually decide to finally leave, and Rapunzel also stated she would leave on her eighteenth birthday, with or without her mother's wishes... or knowledge. This sudden change of mind had Jack wonder if he was responsible and was finally encouraging the teenage girl to make a stand.
Of course, even if her mother said yes or no, the two were only going to venture around the meadow, Rapunzel told him yesterday.
Resisting the urge to twiddle her fingers and swallowed her nervousness, Rapunzel said in a gentle tone to reassure her obviously annoyed parent, "Mother, I know you have every intention to keep me safe from the outside world. But I'm not going anywhere-" Not yet anyway. "- I just want to explore the meadow surrounding the tower, that's all. Where's the harm in that?"
"The harm here, my flower, is your naivety to the danger out there, no matter the location." The parent rolled her eyes as though her daughter was simply sprouting nonsense.
"Somehow I don't think she'll give in." Jack commented, a trace of irritation behind his tone. It was amusing at first to listen to this patronizing parent, but now it bothered the winter spirit to no end how she was treating Rapunzel like this. The teenage girl internally nodded in agreement, somber to admit her other plan will have to be used instead if she can't convince mother enough.
"I really wish you would see things my way by now, child," Gothel continued, shaking her head in sadness. Pascal's eyes narrowed from his hiding spot; here it comes, the inevitable attempt to make her daughter feel guilty, which unfortunately, the chameleon won't lie, usually works. "And here I thought when I've finally gotten through to you, this whole matter would drop. And yet, here you stand before me, badgering your poor dear mother with pointless desires to go outside..."
For a moment, a flash of guilt crossed Rapunzel's features, never ever wanting to upset her mother like this. But a quick glance at the spirit beside her, nodding at her to keep trying, replaced her look with even more resolve, with a soft touch to her voice, "I understand that you want to keep me safe mother, but don't you see? I have to- I need to go out there, and see the world for myself. Surely you know it'll happen one day? But I know not right now, just for today, I'm begging you, let me look around the valley. That's all I'm asking. It wouldn't even have to be long, I promise."
"You may not even hear me, but Punzie does deserve to go outside and have a look around." Jack said outloud, sticking up for his friend even if it was unneeded, "And you wouldn't have to worry about her safety at all; I'll be there to protect her." Rapunzel flashed him a quick grateful smile when mother was looking away, and Pascal briefly thought in amusement that the winter spirit being a source of protection was debatable.
Gothel had sighed and looked away. Despite re-energized by the power of her daughter's magical hair, the faintest traces of oldness was present on her features, no thanks to the irritating brat she called a daughter behind her. Honestly, when will Rapunzel learn? She was hers and hers alone; no one else deserved that power that always belonged to Gothel. Not even that infuriating spirit of mischief evidently boosting her flower's bravery... or that dark creature she interacted with years ago.
No, Rapunzel was hers, and the centuries old witch will be damned if the girl ever discovers the truth! Gothel vowed it will never be so, until the rest of time itself.
"I believed by now I have stamped out this insane dream of yours to ever go out there..." The older woman finally said, turning to her child with a clear expression of disappointment, glancing her black eyes down at the wooden clean floor, washed by Rapunzel as always. At least the obedience of those pointless chores Gothel had tasked her daughter proved she can still listen to reason. "But it is clear to me how wrong I have been..."
"Mother I-"
"No no my flower, I understand." The parent sighed more deeply and glanced at her daughter with sadness in her black orbs, and internally was pleased to see the child wavering at the feigned depression. "Your wishes far exceed of the importance of protection and concern of your mother. It's perfectly clear for all to see."
"Oh you've gotta be kidding me..." Jack whispered in disbelief, not buying it at all, irritation clear on his pale expression how this obvious fake display of sadness was exaggerated... and that it looked to be working! He knew when expressions were either fake or forced; living for a century can teach you some things. Like strings to a puppet. The spirit glanced in worry at his friend, "Rapunzel... it's obvious she's not meaning any of that. Don't break your resolve, keep fighting."
But the teenage girl looked to be at a standstill, glancing between her disheartened mother and encouraging friend with a mental war suddenly waging within her. Was Jack right? Rapunzel couldn't believe for a minute her own mother would ever try to play around with her own daughter's feelings. What parent would do that?
Certainly not her mother...
"It can't hurt to just look around for five minutes though, right?" Rapunzel then asked rather meekly, still determined to do this, but not at the expense of upsetting her only parent.
Gothel eyed her daughter, mentally cursing the young brat for her persistence and refusing to allow the matter to drop. And that childish spirit beside her was to blame too! A quick flash of disdain passed by the older woman's features at the resolve. This courage her flower was showing had to be stamped out immediately.
"It's not a matter of how long you venture out there, my dear." The parent said instead slowly, and Jack's eyes narrowed at the patronizing tone again, "It's a matter of keeping you safe from the vile world. I understand Rapunzel, I really do, if this bothers you to no end, but the outside world is nothing but pure evil, unchecked by the flicker of goodness that lives within this tower. Say you do go outside, even for a single minute, whose to say ruffians or thugs take you by surprise and steal you away from me? We can't risk that."
The teenager frowned, "But mother, didn't you say the inside of the valley has never been discovered by anyone but the both of us? So there shouldn't be any ruffians or thugs out there around the tower." Jack smirked at the contradiction the older woman had made against herself. Your move.
Was it them, or did the mother's eye just twitch a little? "We're done with this conversation Rapunzel." There was a tone of finality, to Jack's growing annoyance. Never has there been someone in the history of his life that has got on his nerves like this before. "We will not talk about this again."
"But-"
"No 'buts' Rapunzel. We are done with this now."
"Why can't you just-?"
"Why can't you just take my word for it, my child? The world is cruel and wicked to the core."
"It can't all be-!"
"Enough with going outside Rapunzel! You are NEVER leaving this tower, EVER!"
Rapunzel blinked and instinctively took a step back from the furious outburst, watching her mother fuming with a reddened face. Jack blinked too and raised an eyebrow, seeing the extent of the temper this older woman had. Pascal meanwhile shook his head at Gothel, mentally cursing the stubbornness and downright refusal she had by never allowing her only child happiness.
Glaring at her nervous daughter with clear irritation and distaste, the mother finally breathed in and out a sigh of calmness, looking away and shook her head in disappointment. "Wonderful, now I look like the villain here-" Jack refrained from snorting in agreement "- All because of you." Okay, now that was it. Jack's eyes narrowed in dislike, taking a step forward, ready to mess with the witch for blaming the love of his life. But he felt a soft hand on his arm and glanced at the teenage girl, looking at him in gentle reassurance. The spirit paused before reluctantly stepping back for his friend to patch things up with the tempered woman.
"Mother, I'm sorry... I stepped out of li-"
"Please, my flower, stop talking." Gothel gritted out while still looking away, deciding something for a moment before moving away and picking up the usual things she had when going out. Looked like she was leaving already. "I have to go out to town today. I trust you will obey your mother and stay wihin these walls? Good girl." She said before Rapunzel could answer.
And a few minutes later Gothel was already descending from the tower by the long hair, having muttered a "Goodbye" to her daughter while grumbling like a sourpuss. Jack was torn between amusement and disbelief by what had transpired here. So much for asking. No matter how many times; that woman was stern with keeping Rapunzel from ever having an adventure outside. The spirit now wanted to just mess with the old woman when she was walking across the meadow; have the wind fly her cloak over her head or something more funny.
Of course, that would do nothing to help Rapunzel's dour mood.
"You okay?" Jack asked gently, placing a cold hand on her shoulder in hopes it might cheer her up somewhat.
The teenage girl pulled the rest of her seventy-feet of hair back up without answering, instead staring out there with her green eyes concentrating on her leaving parent. As mother finally left through that wall of vines keeping anyone from seeing the inside of the valley, Rapunzel waited for a moment before finally turning to the concerned love of her life. "You ready?" She asked with a serious tone.
Jack blinked in confusion, and when the teenage girl nudged her head in the direction of the window his blue eyes widened. "Really, ya sure? After that little tantrum from your hot-headed mother you still want to go out there?"
"It's only out in the meadow." Rapunzel glanced behind her, as though slightly unsure about this still, before feeling the welcoming sunlight on her back and nodding at the winter spirit who has encouraged her to do this. "Besides, since when did you care what mother thought to begin with? A long as she doesn't find out, we're fine right?" There was a smirk on her face quite unlike Jack had ever seen on her before.
She was just full of surprises, wasn't she? And the winter spirit loved them every time.
Jack couldn't resist the grin of excitement on his face, the saddened atmosphere then replaced by their positivity. "You bet." He had absolutely no intention to complain. "I'm always ready. You?"
Rapunzel nodded again in that resolve, throwing her hair over that hook attached to the large window used to take people up and down the tower, the rest oft he yellow trail falling downwards in preparation. The spirit stepped out of the way and gestured like a classy person. "After you, mi'lady."
The teenage girl giggled a little, "You are quite the gentleman if need be, Jackie." Before slowly stepping onto the edge, grasping her hair tightly as Rapunzel stared down in wonder and the slightest trace of fear. Suddenly hints of doubt creeped into her mind. Could she do this? "Can I...? Maybe another ti- no. No, I have to do this." Looking back at the smiling spirit, who was nodding to her encouragingly, blue eyes sparkling in his own hope that Rapunzel will finally do what she always wanted, she looked back and took a deep breath, slowly exhaling and looking sown at the patches of grass again. "Well, live and learn..." She said.
And stepped off the platform of the window, sliding downwards at a fast pace.
Jack watched with anticipation at his best friend looking down at the grassy land below, no doubt feeling nervous about it. His mischievous side conjured up the thought of gently nudging Rapunzel off the edge as a boost. Of course that would be dangerously reckless even for him. He sent her a smile and nodding that might help her. Her green eyes were lit in hope and worry, and Jack himself hoped he can persuade to do this now. Though if she didn't want to, the spirit won't force her. He would never do that.
There was no need of that, however, as the teenage girl suddenly walked off the edge of the wood holding the pots of flowers and descended down in a sudden blur.
Blue eyes widened, Jack quickly took off past the remaining hair after her, not realizing the chameleon tucked inside his opened hood. Flying out the tower and spinning around quickly, Jack observed with concern and then relief as Rapunzel flew downwards with the biggest smile she could muster, before suddenly halting in midair about a foot away from the ground. The spirit couldn't wipe the grin of excitement from his face, satisfied and completely happy for his friend, who was about to see one thing that was great about the outside world.
Jack's grin only widened when Rapunzel slowly lowered her bare left foot down to touch the grass. And leaped around in joy that mirrored her own.
My apologies for this late one; writer's block and college are both irritating and hard things to come by. And also Halloween... not that I was enthusiastic about that particular holiday, to be honest. Hope you enjoyed this one like the last if not more. I had decided to just skip ahead with this one to the end of the week for our beloved pairing. Next time: Rapunzel will venture around the grass and taste all positive things about nature. And Jack has another surprise for her, only he has almost forgotten but will be reminded in the next chapter.
Please review, all criticism welcome. Please also answer the poll for the sequel name of the saga if you have the time; current leading title "Black Snow". Until next time friends!