A/N: A small fight happens later in the chapter, so be aware of violence. Other than that, it's a pretty cute chapter!
Rapunzel felt relief as she and Jack finished their presentation for history, a skit depicting the making of the American flag. She had to admit that she had felt much better having Jack help her finally receive an A for public speaking. She did feel a little more confident as the classroom clapped for them and Mr. Mulch praised their hard work.
The bell rang and Rapunzel sighed as she waited for Jack to catch up to her at the front of the room.
"Told you we'd get an A." he grinned cockily at her.
She rolled her eyes and giggled, "Ugh, my good mood is officially ruined with science."
"Don't blame you. At least I'll see you in gym." Jack smiled as they found the hallway where they would have to separate to go to their next classes. She gave him a sad look but smiled as he leaned down to give her a quick kiss. He could tell that the word 'gym' wasn't exactly going to improve her mood, considering that today was the day…
"Relax," he told her confidently as he put a hand on her back, "you're gonna be fine."
"Yeah…" she gulped.
He wanted to stay with her but knew they needed to get to class so all he could do was sigh and nod encouragingly, "Don't sweat it okay?"
"Okay." She nodded and managed a small smile as he kissed her forehead and took off. She did the same, not wanting to be late for Mildew's class. He truly was horrid if anyone was late and she wasn't in the mood.
She luckily made it just as the bell rang and plopped down next to Heather and Merida.
Heather grinned at her suddenly and put something on her desk before Mr. Mildew started. Rapunzel stared at it curiously as she opened her notes and then realized what it was:
Cheerleading Tryouts
Monday-Wednesday March 5-7
5:30-7:00 pm
Berk Academy Gymnasium
Call Backs on Thursday by appointment
RSVP by February 28 to Coach Calhoun
Rapunzel stared at Heather in shock who only smiled at her encouragingly and mouthed, you should do it!
Rapunzel sighed and shrugged, putting it in her bag and then mouthed back to Heather that they'd talk about it later. Heather nodded, obviously holding her to it.
….
Heather was apparently holding her to it because the minute the bell rang after class she was on Rapunzel quicker than a jack rabbit.
"I'm serious Rapunzel, you have the look, I know you're flexible because of gymnastics day in class, and you have the greatest smile. You would be so awesome at it!" Heather encouraged her.
"I just…I don't know…" Rapunzel admitted, "I'm not really that pretty and I'm not as spunky-"
"That's what cheerleading does, help you find that spunk. It's so much fun, please! Please think about it! At least ask your mom or Jack. I bet you they'd say yes!" Heather pleaded.
Rapunzel couldn't deny that the thought of Jack seeing her in a cheerleading uniform and drooling over her did appeal in some way. Not to mention how many more friends she might get because of it. And it was totally something she'd never tried before.
"Okay…" she said before she could change her mind, "I'll ask Mom and some other people what they think."
"YESS!" Heather cheered excitedly as Rapunzel opened her locker to get changed.
Oh that's right, they were in gym class now and were fighting what everyone called 'the suits'. In actuality, the officers were merely putting on protective gear so when they 'attacked' the girls the girls would be able to fight back as hard as possible and get away using the techniques they'd learned through the week without hurting the officers. Rapunzel was still extremely nervous.
As she put her hair in a braid on the side of her head she frowned. Heather seemed to sense her anxiety and tried her best to comfort her friend, "Relax, all you have to do is just break away from them and you'll be done." Heather smiled, "You can watch me first and see how I do it. It's totally easy."
"I'm just…I just know I'm gonna freeze up." Rapunzel admitted sadly.
Heather sighed, "I'll cheer you on, okay, just listen to me or Ruff okay? We'll get you back in the zone."
"Thanks." Rapunzel smiled weakly as they headed out where the officers were already getting their foam-like outfits on. They looked like that game where the red and blue robot face off, but Rapunzel wasn't laughing. She noticed the guys were already warming up since they had to wrestle again today. Some were looking as green as Rapunzel.
She heard the whistle blow and jumped, rushing with Heather to the mats. Ruff went first when the officer wearing the blue gear attacked her from behind. She was obviously a 'fight' kind of person because she immediately got out of his hold and delivered a few nice blows at the same time, looking proud of herself.
Rapunzel waited, getting shakier by the minute. She could see the boys taking turns as well, some were watching the wrestling match and some were watching the girls fight. She caught Jack's eye who nodded to her and gave her a hopeful grin. She tried to smile back but all she could do was wave shakily.
She looked up as Heather went up looking determined. Her 'attacker' told her to lay on her back so she did. He got on top of her and immediately put all of his weight on her. She struggled for a bit but managed to remember what to do and used her knees to lift him over her and roll away, getting up and rushing off the mat before he could reach for her.
She smiled, catching her breath and went up to Rapunzel who was hoping class would end by the time she had to go. She tried thinking about a few days earlier when she had to punch an officers glove and yell 'no!' or just plain yell in general as she did. It was actually quite liberating but she was still very scared.
"You want to go?" one of the officers wearing red asked her suddenly. She looked up nervously and gulped. Heather pushed her forward and she felt every pair of eyes on her. She heard a few whispering and knew they were talking about her…her past and how this had to be very hard for her.
"You got this Rapunzel!" Heather clapped.
Some girls joined in but Rapunzel didn't hear them as she stood frozen on the mat looking everywhere but at the officers eyes.
"Don't be scared, get mad at me okay?" he suggested, "Remember, I'm going to do everything in my power to hold you against your will, so you have to do everything in your power to get away from me. That's all you have to do."
She nodded nervously and gulped, finally meeting his eyes. He stared kindly back at her, like he understood why this might be scary for her. But immediately he sharpened his gaze and she knew his kindly attitude was being replaced with a dead set job to do, like an attacker. He came at her and she stiffened and as his hand reached out she flinched, screaming, holding her hands up in front of her face.
"Rapunzel! It's okay!" Heather cried out.
"Come on Rapunzel, you can do it!" more girls yelled.
She started crying as he grabbed her wrist and held her in a tight grip around her middle, trapping her hands.
"Fight me. Don't think about the past, fight back now! And don't show me any mercy." He instructed her sternly.
"Get him Rapunzel!" A male voice shouted and she knew it was Jack yelling across the gymnasium, "You got this!"
She panted and felt claustrophobic as he held her tightly, "Times running out, act now." He instructed.
She took a deep breath like Ana and Elsa taught her and thought of her mother's face in court, how disgusting she was and that's when she really got angry.
She roared as she kicked her legs, "GET OFF ME!" She managed to get her arms loose and punch with the heel of her hand into the guy's nose. He was luckily protected by the gear, but he still had a hold on her so she delivered the foulest kick into his crotch that she could and he finally released her. With that, she bolted off the mat and into the locker rooms where she managed to find a bathroom stall and sink down into it, shaking like a leaf and crying.
"Rapunzel!" Heather cried as she ran into the locker room, "Rapunzel!"
"H-here…" she whimpered weakly. The door opened and Heather stood there staring down at her before kneeling before her and smiling, "You did it!" she smiled.
Rapunzel couldn't say anything, all she could do was shake her head, "I froze…"
"You did but then you fought back! You should have seen everyone's face! Like you actually almost hurt he guy! He was even pretty shocked." She laughed, "Seriously, you did amazing."
"I ran…" she mumbled pitifully.
"Well, yeah, you're supposed to." Heather shrugged.
"I mean I just…ran here like a baby."
"No…I mean, for all we know they think you really had to pee or something." Heather chuckled.
That made Rapunzel break into a small smile and she had no clue what was worse, being seen as a PTSD freak running away or a girl with a very weak bladder.
"It's okay, you passed though. You fought him off and you got away. You did amazing."
Rapunzel nodded and finally got herself up, wiping her face and rubbing her arms, "Can you tell them I need a minute and…I'll come back out I just…I think I'll call Mom."
"Okay, take your time."
Rapunzel blew out a breath and found her phone in her locker. She was about to close it when she heard a females voice behind her that she didn't recognize. She turned to see a very butch female with pixie cut blonde hair grinning at her. She wore a coach's uniform and had her arms crossed, staring at her.
"Uh…I'm sorry, I'm just calling my mom real fast, she's Miss Ana and-"
"Those were some killer instincts out there." The lady said in a tough-sounding voice.
"Wh-oh…" Rapunzel mumbled, biting her lip and turning red.
"I came in here because Alvin wanted me to check on you. He said he was afraid you'd be pretty upset but from what I saw you really nailed it." She smiled.
"I wish I'd known that years ago…" Rapunzel muttered and then stared with embarrassment at the woman, "I'm sorry I'm just-"
"Trust me, not a teacher in this school doesn't know what you've been through. From what I saw, you did a hellava job."
"Thanks…" Rapunzel said, smiling weakly, "I think…"
The lady laughed, "Heather told me to expect you at tryouts. I better indeed see you." She said as she turned, "Holding you to it Tuffy."
"O-okay…" Rapunzel said, staring quizzically at the disappearing woman.
"And put that phone away and get out here, you have a round of applause waiting." The lady ordered.
"S-sure, ma'am." Rapunzel sputtered quickly putting her phone back in her locker and rushing to the door before she got a detention.
"Call me Coach Calhoun." The lady smiled pushing Rapunzel out the door where a bunch of girls were waiting to cheer for her. Alvin gave her a thumbs up and she saw he'd written on a sheet of paper and was holding it up for her to see. He'd given her an A.
…
"What were you feeling when you finally started fighting back?" Elsa asked Rapunzel on their Saturday session. She'd told her all about her successful project in history and then about her fighting in gym class and then about cheerleading tryouts coming up. She'd had a pretty intense week with a lot of questions but Elsa was all smiles and all answers.
"I saw Gothel's face and I just…I got so angry again, like when I'd thrown that paint everywhere. I didn't hear anything or see anything I just…fought…it was a little…" she tried finding the right word and then Elsa winked, helping her out.
"Exhilarating?"
"Yeah!" Rapunzel smiled, "And everyone practically celebrated me as a hero after that! Everyone!"
"You are getting quite the good reputation." Elsa nodded, "Much better than being invisible, huh."
"I kind of liked being invisible, but…I also really like how people high-five me in the hallway or say hi to me. Like I exist!"
Elsa nodded at that and leaned forward, "Rapunzel I am extremely pleased by how far along you've come. You should be very proud of yourself."
Rapunzel smiled a little, "I have a lot of people to thank for that." She admitted.
Elsa smiled, "True, but that's because you let them in."
Rapunzel frowned and began picking at her school hoodie she was wearing absentmindedly. It technically was Jack's but he'd given it to her to keep so she wore it when she wanted something warm and big to wear. And since she was going to the track meet after this it worked well.
"I think back a lot to what I was this time last year." She admitted to Elsa, "I really don't like what I see."
"It'll take time to adjust, but you are doing excellent." Elsa reminded her, "And I'm pleased to say that we only need to see each other once every other week now." She smiled.
Rapunzel stared up at her. A couple of weeks ago it was once a week, now it was every other week, "Really?" she gasped.
Elsa nodded, looking proud, "My favorite part of therapy is knowing that a person is doing so well that they don't need me so much anymore. I'm glad to tell you that you are now one of those success stories I can be proud of."
"But…what if-"
"I am always a phone call away." Elsa finished for her, "But something tells me you have plenty of people surrounding you to help you no matter what."
"I do…" Rapunzel nodded, feeling glad, "Thank you Miss Elsa."
Elsa stood up, "So. Same time on the Saturday after next. Sound good?"
"Yeah." Rapunzel smiled, getting up as well.
Elsa led her out and then winked, "You have fun tonight."
"I will." Rapunzel said cheerfully, "Jack, Hiccup, Merida and I are gonna go get bubble tea after the meet. I've never had it before and they wanna show me downtown after hours." She chuckled.
"Be careful and have fun!" Elsa told her as she saw Ana waiting in the other room for Rapunzel.
Ana got up and smiled at them, "We set for next week?" she asked Elsa.
"Actually, I was just telling Rapunzel that I will now only need to see her every other week." Elsa beamed at Ana who was looking ecstatic. As a fellow counselor she knew just what that meant.
"Have a good night, both of you." Elsa grinned as she walked back to her office, her light blue dress swaying as she moved.
"You hear that?" Ana cheered as she walked Rapunzel to her car, "You are just on a roll this week!"
Rapunzel felt excited as she walked to the car, mostly because she was about to have a fun evening with her friends but also because her new mother was just so proud of her.
"I'm glad I make you proud…that I don't disappoint you." Rapunzel told her.
"You could never disappoint me unless you told me you hated art." Ana told her as she drove them towards the school to drop her off.
"I could never hate art!" Rapunzel gasped.
"Then you could never disappoint me." Ana grinned.
"Do you think I could be a good cheerleader?" Rapunzel asked her new mom.
"I think you'd have a lot of fun and I could definitely see you up there smiling and cheering." Ana gushed, "Calhoun can be a little intimidating, but she understands what it's like to go through something really tough. She loves all her cheerleaders like family and I know you'd be in good hands with her."
"She seemed nice when I met her…" Rapunzel said, nearly laughing.
"She has a tendency to sneak up on people." Ana chuckled, "I nearly threw an art easel at her when I first met her she just popped up."
"How come I never met her until now?" Rapunzel asked curiously.
"She's been around, she just stays to the shadows." Ana chuckled again, "She also teaches different periods so it makes sense you never really saw her until this week."
Rapunzel nodded and then smiled when she saw Jack talking to Merida outside the school building. They waved when they saw Ana's car.
Rapunzel leaned over to hug her mom and got out quickly.
"You have your money? Phone?" Ana asked as Rapunzel walked around the car.
She nodded in answer and then Ana turned to the other two, "All of you be safe! Text me when you go into town, okay?" she pointed at Rapunzel, "And Jack!" Jack looked up with a grin, "Make good choices!" she teased as she rolled up her window. Jack saluted her and she drove off already missing her little Monet as she liked to call her.
Rapunzel on the other hand, was thrilled to be with her friends. They were obviously waiting for Hiccup was managed to pull up a little later looking apologetic. His dad smiled at them all and waved to Hiccup, "Call me if you need anything!" he barked out of the car at Hiccup who turned red. He wasn't used to his dad fawning over him so much even though he liked it at times.
Merida waved at him and all were relieved knowing their parents were finally out of sight so they could enjoy the evening parent-free.
"I don't know why we decided to come here first!" Merida complained, "We aren't even stayin' that long!"
"Just enough to see our friends compete." Hiccup told her, "They aren't that boring."
"They are if you're just watching!" she retorted.
"Why didn't you join?" he asked her with an eyebrow raised.
She turned a little red and grumbled, "Mum said I couldn't do track with barrel racing or show jumping."
"What?" Rapunzel laughed.
"Horses." Hiccup informed her.
"Aye, this is the season where most of the competitions happen." Merida nodded, "I'm actually leaving for a fair down south next weekend. Angus is going to get me that trophy for sure!"
"She also has archery practice every weekend." Hiccup told Rapunzel.
"And soon shooting!" Merida said proudly, "Dad said once I turn eighteen he'll let me shoot a gun with him."
Rapunzel stared at her and Hiccup groaned with Jack.
"Yeah I'll move to Mexico when you do." Jack teased.
"Shut it!" she laughed, shoving him.
"I already know how to shoot." Hiccup said a little too proudly.
They all stared at him.
He nodded, "Dad totally didn't care how old I was, he just wanted me to be manly in some way. So yeah…he just handed me this glock he used on duty and told me to take out some cans and squirrels and then let me go to town." He laughed.
"No fair." Merida grumbled.
"Do you still shoot?" Rapunzel asked him.
Hiccup shook his head, "Nah. I mean I managed to take out a few leaves and maybe an airplane but I didn't really care for it so much."
Merida rolled her eyes and he elbowed her playfully.
"Wow, starting already." Jack noted as they got into the stadium where a ton of students and coaches were warming up or already competing. There was a lot of noise going on and people milling around. It seemed busier than the football game she'd gone to a few times in the past.
"Does anyone even watch the meet?" she asked Jack as they made their way towards the bleachers that were already crowded with people who were just talking.
"Yeah, I'm sure some do." Jack shrugged, "Mostly people come to socialize." He admitted to her as they began looking around for seats. They weren't having much luck and Rapunzel jumped when she heard gun shots and cheering.
"It wasn't me!" Hiccup teased her as they watched a group of boys already sprinting around the track. On the field, someone was pole-vaulting.
"I don't think we're gonna have much luck you lot." Merida noted as they stayed on the ground trying not to get run over by people milling around.
"We could just chill in the grass by the bleachers." Jack commented.
"Or we could leave!" Merida told them, "I mean we're not gonna be able to see much."
They couldn't argue with that and eventually decided to stay near the front gates on the hilly grass side so they could leave whenever. Jack laid his coat down and had he and Rapunzel sit down and Hiccup had been smart enough to bring a couple of blankets to lay down for him and Merida. He offered one to Rapunzel and Jack and then he and Merida snuggled up.
"Honestly it's too bloody cold for this." Merida shivered, "I don't know how they do it."
"They're working up a sweat and surprisingly it's not too cold." Jack commented as he bundled up himself and Rapunzel in the fleece blanket. She leaned into him and smiled when she saw Hiccup holding Merida close. She giggled when he whispered something in her ear, obviously taking away her bad mood.
"I missed this." Jack whispered to Rapunzel, his breath warm against her cold cheek. His lip piercing tickled her a little but she was used to it by now.
"Me too." She told him as she sighed contentedly and leaned even more into him.
She caught Hiccup and Merida stealing a kiss from one another briefly and grinned. They looked so content and happy. Just how she felt.
Jack's arm around her felt so warm and she swore if she could she would just fall asleep right there in his arms. He seemed to be thinking the same thing as he smiled contentedly and put his chin her head to rest. Apparently no one was really watching the meet but no one seemed to care.
"So…Rapunzel have you gotten your prom dress yet?" Merida asked her.
Jack looked down curiously to see if Rapunzel had answered yet.
"Not yet." She sighed, "Mom said she's taking me in April to find one. I told her I wanted pink this time." She grinned mischievously.
Jack groaned to himself while Rapunzel laughed at his expense.
"I have mine!" Merida sang and Hiccup looked at her excitedly, "And I'm sayin' nothin'!' she boasted and caused Hiccup's face to fall and for him to pout.
"Hey guys I think we've wasted a good hour sitting here in the freezing cold." Jack announced as he finally took note of his watch, "I say we find a warmer place downtown."
"You said it." Merida said gruffly as she sat up and stretched. Jack helped Rapunzel up before getting up himself and then bending down to help Hiccup. Merida shook out the blankets and then all four of them headed out past the school parking lot. It wasn't very late, considering it wasn't even four yet, but they didn't really care. Jack kept his arm around Rapunzel while Hiccup and Merida linked hands, a slight bounce in their step.
The air started to pick up but it was still a fairly sunny day for February. Spring must be approaching early and Rapunzel was glad for it. She always liked spring time the way flowers started growing and everything began spouting all sorts of colors.
She admired all the houses and neighborhoods they passed, glad they avoided her old neighborhood. She always wondered how she got into the prestigious academy but all she could really care about was that it was at this place she met the most amazing people and got a brand new life.
Houses started turning into buildings, little shopping plazas, and restaurants. She looked around and saw the park from a distance. It was quaint with a small pond and a gazebo with some picnic tables and chairs for sitting. The Christmas lights that had surrounded it were taken down but with spring approaching, the little scene looked adorable.
"There it is!" Merida sighed with relief, "You okay Hiccup?" she asked him with concern, knowing sometimes the cold affected his leg.
"I'm okay." He smiled, "I brought some pain meds." He reassured them.
She nodded but was glad that pretty soon they could sit where it was warm finally. Poor Rapunzel was red faced and shaking and Jack was stoically trying to feign the fact that he was freezing.
"So what is bubble tea?" Rapunzel asked as they waited in line.
Hiccup grinned at her, "It's sort of like a cold coffee drink with-"
"It's totally bubbles mixed with tea." Jack teased, interrupting his friend.
Rapunzel shook her head and leaned over to hear Hiccup better.
"As I was saying…" Hiccup glared at Jack, "Bubble tea is just a coffee drink that has tapioca bubbles in it. You know tapioca pudding?" he asked her.
She nodded.
"Well, the bubbles are huge. But it's actually kind of cool." Hiccup grinned.
"Great for shooting actually." Jack grinned and Merida actually nodded at that.
Hiccup groaned. Merida and Jack had a habit of getting the stuff and shooting the bubbles through their straws to see how far they'd go. He wouldn't be surprised if the pond at the park was filled with the stuff.
They ordered and Rapunzel stared at the concoction and took a sip, nearly choking as a bubble nearly lodged itself in her throat, "Oh my goodness!" she giggled, "That is so weird!"
They managed to find a seat at a table near the window and relax for a while. They all watched quietly as people passed by, obviously still tired from the cold.
"I like doing this." Rapunzel said aloud accidently. She jumped when everyone looked at her and smiled.
"Well, we can all hang out more often if you want." Merida said to her.
Rapunzel turned red but nodded. It was true, she'd never before had friends to do anything with, and it was a great feeling. Her whole life was changing for the better, almost like the years of abuse were completely wiped from her memory.
It seemed that Jack was getting bored because he decided to challenge Merida to a bubble shooting match to which she agreed.
Rapunzel and Hiccup both followed them out, Hiccup looking embarrassed and Rapunzel looking puzzled as they made their way to the pond in the middle of the park.
"Five bucks says I get it farther this time." Jack teased.
"You're on metal face." Merida challenged.
Both sucked up a bubble through their giant straws, aimed, and then blew as hard as they could, shooting the bubble straight ahead.
Hiccup and Rapunzel watched to see who might win. It was hard to tell but the furthest splash that they could see was Merida's.
"I still got it." She boasted as Jack grumbled and got out a five dollar bill for her.
They heard a honking sound and all turned to see Gobber waving at Hiccup, "You two ready yet?"
"Yeah!" Hiccup called back and then took Merida's hand, "We'll have to hang out again soon, you guys. Maybe we'll do something for prom?"
Rapunzel nodded and Jack grinned, "I'll call you and we'll make plans." He agreed.
Merida quickly hugged Rapunzel before rushing with Hiccup to his car.
"Is it really getting to be that late?" Jack asked as he checked his cell phone number.
"It is getting kind of dark now." Rapunzel noted as they both sat down on a bench. He put his arm around her and sighed, "What time did you need to be home?" he asked her.
"Mom said that eight was the curfew, but to call her in case."
"Yeah, Dad's the same." Jack nodded, "We could take a walk or check out some stores or something." He suggested.
"I like it here." She stated calmly as she put her head on his shoulder.
He grinned happily and watched as the clouds began covering the setting sun reflecting on the pond in front of them. Yeah, just sitting here was fine with him.
He was about to close his eyes in contentment when both heard a snickering behind them.
Jack opened his eyes and turned sharply towards a face he was in no mood to see.
"You two look comfy!" the deranged sneer of none other than Dagur said as he took a drag of a cigarette in his hand.
"Dagur." Jack grumbled as he put his arm protectively around Rapunzel. He could tell she'd stiffened and gotten nervous.
"Overland." Dagur grumbled back, then his attention turned to Rapunzel.
She didn't like the way he looked at her one bit. And even though she was covered with her white knit cap and pink coat, she still didn't feel safe.
"I still don't understand why you'd pick such a loser." He sighed, "But then again, maybe that just means you're a loser too. I saw you flinch in gym class." He laughed, "Like some coward."
"Piss off Dagur!" Jack yelled angrily, finally standing up to face him, putting himself between Dagur and Rapunzel.
"Jack, no!" Rapunzel gasped.
"I'm giving you to the count of five, Dagur." Jack threatened, "Leave now."
"Or what?" he laughed, "You gonna stop me?" he taunted as he threw his cigarette on the ground and stomped on it.
Rapunzel grew nervous when she heard his knuckles crack dangerously. Jack didn't move once.
"Rapunzel, run, go to the coffee shop and call your mom." Jack ordered.
Rapunzel was too afraid to move.
"Like I said." Dagur laughed as he stared at the frozen form of Rapunzel clutching the bench she sat on, "Coward. She couldn't even stand up to her own mom, let alone a cop in a fat suit."
Jack had had enough as he slammed his fist right into Dagur's nose.
Rapunzel jumped as Dagur wheeled right around, blood coating his nose, and retaliated with a kick to Jack's gut.
Jack grunted and landed on the ground in a heap. He probably should have anticipated that.
"Rapunzel, just run!" Jack coughed as Dagur kicked him over and over again.
Rapunzel stood up, shaking, watching the scene in horror. She was reminded painfully of her mother doing the same to her, and a part of her also knew Jack had suffered the same treatment at the hands of his own parents. Now Dagur was doing it.
"STOP!" she screamed, "Please, STOP!"
Dagur looked up and smiled as he realized she was still there, "No one's gonna protect you now." He sneered.
She gulped and backed up a bit. She saw Jack grunting painfully on the ground, coughing up blood. The blood on Dagur's face only made him more menacing as he stepped towards her dangerously.
"I don't hear you telling me no." he chuckled darkly and she realized what he was actually going to do. She screamed as Jack made a lunge for Dagur's leg to stop him, only to get kicked in the face.
Rapunzel had had enough as he roared, tackling Dagur from behind and clawing his eyes out with her fingernails…just like the cops had shown her.
"Leave. Him. ALONE!" she roared angrily as he howled in pain.
He pushed her off and she grunted when she hit the ground. He advanced on her again and she managed a swift kick in the shins and finally to the groin where he doubled over.
She scurried up and ran to Jack who was clutching his side and his face which was covered in blood and dirt.
She panted, hoping to get him up before Dagur did.
She yelped in pain when she felt someone pull her hair roughly back. She almost tripped over her own feet as she was pulled back.
"You think you can just do that and get away with it?" Dagur hissed menacingly in her ear.
She yelled angrily again and did her best to remember what she'd learned in class. She grabbed his fingers that were in her hair and began tugging them apart.
He yelled in pain as she twisted her body, never ceasing the pulling. He kicked her in her stomach to get her off of him and she landed on top of Jack, her breath halting as she did.
Jack grunted as she scrambled off of him and stood up to face Dagur.
He gave her a murderous stare but was surprised she wasn't backing down. Protecting Jack became her number one instinct now. She may not be able to protect herself but she would do everything she could to protect him.
Just as he was about to grab her, he froze and Rapunzel shrieked as a fist collided with his face and a kick to his chest sent him rolling towards the pond.
Rapunzel stared in shock as Flynn walked angrily towards her and Jack.
"You guys okay?" he asked, looking more frantic than anything. She realized he was most likely angry at Dagur than anything.
She nodded shakily, "Yeah…"
"Jack!" he yelled nervously as he got down to help his groaning brother, "Jack, you okay?"
Rapunzel knelt down, feeling scared for Jack.
"We'll get him to the hospital. Call your mom." He ordered as he helped heave Jack up carefully. Jack winced and cried out in pain but with Flynn helping her, Rapunzel managed to get Jack to the car and turn in time to see Dagur stalking away, looking angry and defeated. He gave her a murderous glare which she returned.
"I'm coming for you, bitch!" Dagur yelled at her.
"Just try you scumbag!" she yelled back and then got in the car. She was still on edge and in protective mode as she held Jack's head in her lap. As she got out her phone and watched as Dagur ran off, she decided to see what her mother would tell her to do before she made any more crazy decisions today.
…..
Ana hugged Rapunzel in the hospital, not wanting to let go of her. Poor North was looking upset and appeared to be shaking. He was talking with Flynn and the police, whom Rapunzel had also given a statement to. Her mother convinced her to report Dagur and get him arrested.
It reminded Rapunzel of her mother in some ways, but this time, she had her friends to worry about, not just herself. She felt more justified and as her mother calmly explained to her that Dagur needed help. Rapunzel didn't care anymore so long as she never had to see him again.
Rapunzel felt relief seeing the doctor come out, smiling reassuringly, "He's fine. He's actually very lucky he only broke one rib, but the rest are pretty banged up. He did lose a tooth, but honestly, he mostly just came away with some bruises. He should be good to go by tomorrow. Make sure he gets plenty of rest."
North actually let out a billowing breath he'd been holding and Flynn plopped down in a chair to hold his head in his hands. Rapunzel indeed counted themselves lucky. She only came away with some bruising but she'd heal. And had Flynn not shown up when he did…she didn't want to think about it.
"Okay, I want him to check you now." Ana said sternly as she ushered the doctor over.
"Mom, I'm okay!" Rapunzel tried to reassure her.
Ana shook her head, "I just want to make sure. Humor me." She smiled through the seriousness.
Rapunzel sighed and let the doctor lead her down the hallway. She wondered if Jack's room was nearby.
"He's actually the last door on the left." The doctor smiled at her, reading her mind, "When we're done I'll let you see him very quickly, but don't tell anyone."
She smiled thankfully at the man and decided not to put up a fuss just so she could see Jack.
As she figured, the nurses found no broken bones, but some pretty obvious bruises. She appeared fine and with that she made her way quickly to Jack's room.
She was a little surprised when she found he wasn't alone…
A tiny, little ebony-haired girl looked over at her curiously with the biggest brown eyes she'd ever seen. The girl was wearing a hospital gown and socks, but her face showed no signs of any illness that Rapunzel could see.
"Umm…" Rapunzel mumbled, not sure if she should find a nurse for the little lost girl.
"Who are you?" the girl started, giving her a suspicious look.
"Me?" Rapunzel gasped, "I'm…this is Jack's room I thought…" she whispered to herself.
"This is Jack's room…but I asked for your name." the girl said, crossing her arms, "You can't see my big brother until I know you're a friend." She warned.
It suddenly dawned on Rapunzel who she was looking at and she smiled brightly, "You're Vanellope!"
The girl sighed, "I asked for your NAME! Do you have one?" she spat.
"I'm sorry…I…I'm Rapunzel…Jack's girlfriend…" she said quickly, still in shock that she was seeing the new addition to North's household in the flesh.
The girl stared at her for a while and then nodded, "He would have a girlfriend…but I didn't think she'd be blonde and goody-goody…" she giggled mercilessly.
"Me neither." Rapunzel sighed, causing the girl to laugh at her.
"You're silly."
"Thanks…I think." Rapunzel chuckled weakly.
"Jack got beat up." She stated bluntly.
"Yeah…I know." Rapunzel said, her mirth disappearing as she came closer to see her bruised up boyfriend lying on the bed, obviously sleeping from pain medicine.
"You got beat up too, didn't you?" Vanellope asked her.
Rapunzel nodded, biting her lip, "I get that a lot."
Vanellope nodded sadly at that, "You should learn to fight back."
"I have…it just…doesn't always work the way I want it to when I need it to." Rapunzel sighed.
"Then practice! Here, I'll punch you and you punch me back!" Vanellope said very suddenly as she got into a dramatic fighting stance.
Rapunzel held out her arms, "I don't think that's a good idea." She chuckled a little, "Maybe at Jack's house sometime." She substituted.
"Okay! You aren't as goody-goody as I thought you were. That's good. I don't like it when older girls try to make me girly." Vanellope stated.
"I won't do that. I think you're very pretty." Rapunzel told her.
"Really?" she gasped as though she'd never heard another human being tell her she was pretty before, "But I have bald spots…"
"So…I have a black eye." Rapunzel shrugged, grinning at her.
Vanellope grinned back, "Okay, you can date my brother."
"That's good." Rapunzel giggled as she smiled down and took Jack's hand gently in her own. As if he had killer reflexes, he gently squeezed her hand and mumbled in his sleep. Not caring that Vanellope was watching she leaned down and kissed his forehead, "Thank you for protecting me."
"Did you protect him too?" Vanellope asked as she got in between them, obviously wanting more time from Rapunzel and not caring that she eavesdropped.
"I tried…it didn't do much good but-"
"You're very brave!" Vanellope cheered.
"No…I'm not." Rapunzel said sadly as she walked towards the door.
"I get told I'm brave a lot too." Vanellope said, walking beside her, "I don't think I am…I mean, all I do is get seizures and try not to wet myself."
Rapunzel looked down at her sadly.
"But I don't really know the definition of brave so I figure since so many people told me I'm brave, then I must be. I bet people tell you you're brave a lot, huh?"
Rapunzel nodded at that and raised her eyebrows, "They sure do."
"Well, then you must be brave." Vanellope smiled, "Sometimes I think we don't realize we're brave because everybody tells us we are…we're too busy trying to find out what it is to be brave we don't realize we are." She stated boldly.
As confusing as it was, Rapunzel understood her meaning and found herself smiling, "Then I guess we're both brave then."
"Good…now can you watch my back while I sneak back to the fifth floor?" she whispered deviously.
Rapunzel rolled her eyes and took her hand, "I'll take you there myself."
"Okay, but act natural." Vanellope warned her.
As they took the elevator, Rapunzel could feel the little girl bouncing beside her, obviously happy to have made a new friend.
As the fifth floor door opened, Vanellope rushed out and dragged Rapunzel with her, "Come see my room!"
"VANELLOPE!" a nurse shouted.
"Uh oh…" Vanellope gasped and released Rapunzel's hand, "We better split. I'll see you at my new home!" she called as she rushed off.
Rapunzel put her hand to her mouth as the girl caused the biggest commotion in history. She decided to find her mother before she herself caused an uproar as well.
She couldn't stop the giggles as the door closed to the sound of something crashing in the hallways.