Chapter 1: The Start
Summary: (AU) Rapunzel Braun, a 16 year old, is finally able to go to school but there's a catch: it's already her senior year. The death of her parents left her in the hands of her abusive Aunt, Gothel Weber. Gothel, being such a caring guardian, locked Rapunzel in her house and forced her to study for hours and hours, deeming it as "homeschooling". This led to Rapunzel becoming well versed in all the core subjects for school. Finally, after lots of convincing alongside a lot of pleading, she got Gothel to allow her to go to a school. Rapunzel's first, and last, year of school. What is there for her to experience in this cruel, new world?
A/N: Hello everyone, welcome to my new fanfiction! To be honest with everyone here, I did a Zootopia fanfiction a while back and let me just say this: it was cringe. It was so angsty and filled with writing from someone who wanted to be mature. I guess that's what we do when we're younger huh… even though I'm not that much older. I'm hopeful my writing has at least somewhat improved, being through most of high school and all. By the way, I deleted the Zootopia fanfiction so no one will ever find it!
This will be rated M for violence, language, possible reference to drug abuse, and smut later on.
Anyways~! I hope you guys enjoy the first chapter. Please follow, favorite, or review! Reviews will especially help me since I'm not that much of a writer.
I do not own Tangled (Sadly)
Without further ado, I present to you: A Tangled Final Year
BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BE-
A little pale hand gently pressed the snooze button down. Sun beams cut through the tiny slit between the curtains, casting a shadow of a petite figure onto a nearby wall. The frail girl sat there slouching, letting out a small yawn.
"Rapunzel" a voice called from outside her door.
"Yes mother…" the girl replied sheepishly, rubbing her eyes.
"You brainless girl, did you forget already? It's your first day and you already forgot. How are you even going to get through this year," the women ridiculed.
Rapunzel let out a long sigh, slowly getting out of her bed. The room was very empty, only having a bed, dresser, and desk. She had a big stack of textbooks in the corner of her room. Standing there quietly, it finally clicked. She finally understood why her aunt had mocked her earlier.
It's her first day of school!
Finally realizing the occasion, Rapunzel tumbled towards the dresser. She yanked the drawers open, throwing out different types of dresses, shirts, and skirts. She needed to find an outfit for her special day. She threw on some jeans and a plain pink t-shirt. Too plain Rapunzel frowned. Putting on a black skirt and a shirt that was just a little too small for her, she looked back at the mirror. She played with her exposed stomach a bit. Much too revealing. For what felt like an eternity, she tried on outfit after outfit, finally settling on a lavender dress with a jean jacket. About the dash out the room, she looked back at the mirror, horrified. Her hair was a mess! She quickly brushes her long blonde hair, trying to get all the tangles out. She winced as she pulled a little too hard. More and more minutes went by, but finally she brushed all her hair. Her hair was long, like really long. It went all the down to her butt. Her aunt made her keep it that way, saying it made her, well, not as ugly.
Opening the door she was met with a long hallway, a door right in front of her, and another right to the left. The hallway extended into a larger room to the right, where she quickly, but quietly, walked to. She peeked around one of the corners, peering into the kitchen area. Her aunt was sitting at a small table, sipping her morning coffee, as she usually did. Rapunzel tip toed towards the book bag that lay on a couch that was a distance away from the table. Quietly picking it up, she slipped on a pair of purple Crocs and dashed for the door.
"Rapunzel~" her aunt called in a sweet, yet somewhat wicked voice.
Rapunzel cringed, slowly turning back to her Aunt, "Yes, mother?"
"You're just going to leave without saying goodbye?" her aunt raised an eyebrow.
"I'm sorry Mother Gothel, maybe I was a bit too jumpy," Rapunzel apologized, rubbing her head innocently.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk. Whatever am I going to do with you," Gothel sighed, "Alright, go on your way then. Be safe, and remember what I said about the real world." Gothel smirked and opened her arms. Rapunzel hugged her quickly, and bolted out the door.
What did she say about the real world again Rapunzel questioned in her head, slowing down to a walk as she reached a fair distance from her house. Oh yeah! There's all kinds of scary people out there, especially men. Give them an inch and they'll go a mile, I think that's what she said. Also something along the lines of there being monsters everywhere? Rapunzel shuddered at the thought of this, feeling like she had made the wrong choice. Maybe she shouldn't have gone out and stayed with her Aunt. Maybe she shouldn't have gone to school. Maybe… No! I can't be thinking about things like this. Stay positive! You are finally free from that prison. She smiled to herself and nodded her head. She was finally free.
Her neighborhood had a mixture of different house types. There were some single stories, like her own, but it mainly consisted of two floor housing. Green grass filled everyone's yards, alongside some bushes and trees. The sidewalks and road were well paved. Peaceful chirping could be heard throughout the neighbourhood, trees only allowing a little bit of light onto the sidewalk. It was very serene.
Rapunzel scratched her head a bit. She couldn't remember the way to school. The week before school actually started, Gothel took her outside, for the first time, ever. She was amazed by everything around her. The smell of the grass, the feel of that summer breeze, even the little bugs and animals that were all around her. It felt like a whole new world to Rapunzel, and she loved it. She loved everything that was around her. Gothel showed her the route to her new school, which was only around ten minutes away, about twenty times. Gothel was tired from that, and complained all day afterwards to Rapunzel. Putting her hand on her chin, she rubbed it, trying to remember if it was right or left. She sat there, puzzled for a while.
"Hey," a voice called out behind her, "what are you doing?"
Rapunzel spun around, book bag in hand, ready to swing. Before her was a short male, crossing his arm. She tilted her head slightly. "Hello!"
The man laughed a little, "So… as I said before, what are you doing?"
"I'm on my way to school!" She replied chirpily.
"Uh-huh… you seemed a little lost. What school do you go to?" He smiled at her.
"Corona-High," she smiled back.
"Oh wow, the same one was me. Alright, I can see you there if you want me to," the man offered. Rapunzle nodded quickly, and followed him as he walked along. He was quite short, although she didn't say that to him. He stood at around Rapunzel's height, and had a tint of green dye on his bangs. He wore a green shirt that sported a chameleon on it alongside some ripped blue jeans. He didn't look that scary. He didn't have pointy teeth, or a horrendous face, or anything that her aunt had told her about. She stared at him for a while, but he didn't mind.
"So… what's your name? I haven't seen you around here," the man suddenly asked.
"My name's Rapunzel Braun!"
"Interesting name… your mother likes fairy tales?"
"Uhhh, I don't really know. I never met them," she shrugged.
The man's face darkened, "I'm sorry."
"For what" Rapunzel tilted her head.
"Nevermind. Anyways, my name's Pascal Bauer," he said, offering her a hand shake. Why's he holding his hand out like that she thought as she looked at him in confusion. Pascal awkwardly pulled his hand away after about a minute. The two walked in silence as they made their way towards school. Rapunzel didn't pay much attention to Pascal, as she was mainly focused on trying to remember the path to school. She would look at the things that surrounded the area, such as shops and other landmarks. Pascal, on the other hand, was very intrigued by this girl. Not only has he never seen her, but she seems to lack a bit of common sense. He scratched his head where in the world did she come from?
Minutes passed, and they finally reached the school building. "Alright, we're here. Don't get lost again!" He ran off to another group of people, patting them on the back.
Rapunzel stood there, breathing in the fresh air. A fresh start she thought as she walked through the gates to the school. There were all kinds of people huddled in the yard. Some had some odd jackets on, that sported the school letters and colors. Others just had some normal clothes on, while others were a little, daring. There was chatter everywhere, people trying to catch up with another, or just some small talk. She took in this new sight, a little overwhelmed. It all seemed so unreal to her. Her breathing became a little erratic, it was exciting yet, horrifying. She was scared. She tried to calm herself down. This is what I wanted for all my life, I can't just back down now due to a little fear.
Suddenly, she heard a bell ring off in the distance. She perked her head up, trying to find the source of the noise. Everyone started heading into the building, so she followed in suit. Walking in, she gasped. The halls were huge. There was a room that was at least a hundred feet tall (at least, that's what she thought) and people were everywhere. She somehow managed to get to the side of the halls, where she pulled out a binder from her brown, satchel like book bag. My first class is… Calculus BC… she examined the paper that was tucked into the binder. The room number was A115 (This means Hall A, Room 115). She had a bit of trouble getting there, but thanks to all the signs, she somehow made it, albeit a little late. She breathed in sharply, then exhaling all the air in her little lungs. This is where my life begins she thought as she opened the door slowly, trying not to draw attention to herself. She walked in, and her ears were filled with the noise of chatter, laughing, and yelling. Phew… no one was looking at me. She sighed a sigh of relief. She quickly found an empty seat in the very corner of the room, and plopped herself down. She nervously waited for the class to start, glancing at the clock over and over.
"Nervous are we, Blondie?" a rough voice came from next to her. Blondie? Rapunzel looked to her right, and saw a tall man with brown hair and hazel eyes standing there. He had a scruffy goatee. He was dressed in a white button up, the top three buttons not connected, revealing a part of his chest. He wore a leather belt that held up some grey, striped dress pants. He finished off his looks with some leather Allen Edmonds sneakers. He stood there, smirking at her.
"Hehe, a little," she giggled as she answered, playing with her hair. He doesn't look scary at all, he's actually kind of handsome.
"I can see that," he gave her his signature smile. "I haven't seen you around, you new here?"
"Y-yeah" she stuttered, recollecting herself from the earlier thought. A tiny blush appeared on her face.
"Mmmm, thought so" he remarked, sitting in the seat next to hers. "Where ya from?"
"I've lived here my whole life" she smiled at him.
"What school did you go to before, because I've never seen you… anywhere I guess," the man shrugged.
"I never been to school before," she rubbed the back of her head, letting out a small laugh.
"Homeschooled huh… well, I can be your first friend" he offered, holding out his hand with a smirk, "the name's Flynn Rider." She stared at his hand. The guy earlier did this, what do I do? Flynn looked at her, raising an eyebrow. He shrugged and put his hand down.
"My name's Rapunzel Braun," she finally replied with a beaming smile, "nice to meet you Flynn!" Flynn nodded his head, returning the smile.
The classroom door suddenly swung open, a woman stumbling in. The woman was dressed with a purple button up, tucked into black dress pants. She wore a pair of brown leather shoes, and a black belt. She seemed to be somewhere in her thirties.
"Sorry class! I got caught up in traffic." The classroom laughed a bit, mainly at her. The woman didn't seem to mind and positioned herself in front of the whiteboard. "Hello everyone, my name is Arianna, and I will be your Calculus BC teacher this year."
Arianna stared at the class, and they stared back. "Alright, let's start with introductions shall we?" she finally said, clapping her hands together. Everyone stood up, introduced themselves along with hobbies or dreams or whatever they wanted to say. It got to Flynn, and we slowly rose from his seat.
"I'm Flynn Rider," he introduced as we flashed his white teeth, "the most handsome man alive." That got a good laugh from everyone in the class
"Sit down Rider! We all know you were held back."
"Yeah! Stop being such a clown" remarks like these were thrown around, but playfully.
Flynn let out a good chuckle, "Alright everyone, let's have another great year!" Rapunzel stared at him, a bit puzzled. What kind of person was he.
It was finally Rapunzel's turn. "H-hello everyone," she said as she stumbled a bit out of her seat, "I'm Rapunzel Braun, and I like to paint." The class got quiet, and everyone looked at her.
"Rapunzel? Like the fairytale?" a voice yelled from the other side of the classroom
"What an interesting name," another person said.
"What's with your hair? It's so long!" a girl called out.
"I've never seen you before, are you a new student?" All kinds of questions and comments were sprouted out, overwhelming Rapunzel. She felt a little light headed, and quickly seated herself again.
"Alright everyone, lets calm down and start class," Arianna suggested. Everyone groaned, but eventually they all sat there, ready to learn. "Now, does anyone remember anything from last year?"
"I don't remember anything I learned in the past twelve, no thirteen years I've been in school," Flynn yelled out from the back, a grin on his face.
"Yes, yes Mr Rider, you've said that to me almost every year," Arianna rolled her eyes with a slight smile on her face. Every year? Rapunzel questioned in her mind. "So, anyone else want to answer?" Arianna continued.
Rapunzel sat there, contemplating whether to answer or not. Finally, she made her choice. "I remember derivatives and the power rule." Everyone looked over to Rapunzel, surprise over most of their faces. They never thought that someone who looked so young would know more than them.
Arianna clapped her hands together, "That's great Rapunzel! Where'd you learn those?"
"From one of my books at home" Rapunzel replied shyly with a small giggle, looking down at her feet. More shock filled everyone's face. She was home schooled?! And she already knew that?
"Wow Blondie, never knew you were so smart," Flynn gave her a big grin with a little thumbs up. A small smile escaped Rapunzel's face.
"Alright, since no one else wants to speak up, let's start our first lesson" Arianna said while her students groaned. The class went smoothly, with Rapunzel not really learning anything new. She already knew almost everything her teacher taught, so she sat there a little bored.
Finally the bell rang, dismissing the class. "Hey Blondie, what class you got next?" Flynn called out, seeing Rapunzel walk out the door.
"I have a name you know," Rapunzel said, a little irritated. He had been calling her that all class, and it was starting to hit a nerve.
"Sorry… Punzel" he said, a smirk on his face.
"Please don't call me that ever again" she retorted, as they both walked down the hallway.
"Anyway, where are you off to?"
"I'm going to my english class, AP Lang," she replied with a sigh.
"Wow no way, I'm going there too," Flynn followed her, and they eventually reached the classroom. In front of the door was a familiar figure for Rapunzel. Oh hey! It's the boy with the greenish tints in his hair. I think his name was Pascal. Rapunzel walked over to him, greeting him.
"Hey Rapun-" Pascal stopped his words. He looked over to the person next to her. "Rider…" he said, glaring at him.
"Who are you?" Flynn raised an eyebrow.
"Oh no one. Everyone knows who you are," Pascal seemed to become defensive. Flynn shrugged and looked at the emerald eyes that were staring at him.
Flynn threw his arm over Rapunzel's shoulder, "Apparently everyone knows who I am Blondie."
"You stay away from her," Pascal swatted his arm off her "she's new and she doesn't need a friend like you."
"Whatever you say, Mr…"
"Pascal."
"Whatever you say, Mr. Pascal. You do what you want, I'm out of here anyways," Flynn said nonchalantly, walking away.
"Wai-" Rapunzel tried to call out, but was tugged into the classroom by Pascal. They walked in and took a seat next to each other. "What's wrong with Flynn?" Rapunzel asked innocently.
"He's a bad, bad person," Pascal sighed.
"Why?" Rapunzel looked puzzled.
"Well first of all, he's a playboy."
"A what?"
"A playboy, a player, a womanizer, a man whore," Pascal listed off many more synonyms, trying to get his point across.
Rapunzel still didn't understand, "And…?"
"It means he has sex with tons of girls!" Pascal finally yelled, a little too loud. Some eyes turned to him, his cheeks turning a little red. Rapunzel also had the same reaction, but not to the same thing. Her cheeks were a deep crimson.
"Sex?" she asked quietly, shuddering a bit.
"Yes," Pascal sighed, "He plays with their feelings, making them think they have a chance. Then poof, he's gone like that. He leaves them hurting and questioning."
"Why would he do that?" Rapunzel frowned.
"Only God knows," Pascal solemnly said. This painted Flynn in a different light for Rapunzel. Her aunt had told her alot about sex, mainly how painful it is. She would say how the women wouldn't feel pleasure no matter what, and you can even bleed. Gothel deemed it as a savage act that Rapunzel did not need in her life. Rapunzel feared sex.
"That's not even everything" Pascal said, surprise covering Rapunzel's face. "He gets into a lot of fights, steals things from others, smokes, drinks, and apparently he's been to jail." Rapunzel was very surprised to hear all this. He looked so normal too, even a little charming… Rapunzel sighed. "Make sure to avoid him," Pascal said. Rapunzel nodded.
The class went on as normal. Rapunzel learned more about Pascal, like how his favorite color is green, and his favorite animal is a chameleon. He also learned that he was quite intelligent. He was almost the top of his class, placing behind someone else. Rapunzel was wowed by this, and wanted to stick around him more. Maybe he can be a good influence on me! She thought as they walked out into the hall. They parted ways, having different classes at that time. The halls were crowded as usual, but Rapunzel was able to make it to her class with relative ease.
Her next class was art, something she had been passionate about since a young age. She was excited to finally experience something that was interesting to her. There were little stools everywhere, all facing towards the middle. Canvas stands stood all around a little table, that held a small potted flower. Rapunzel plopped herself down onto the chair, and stared at the potted plant.
"Alright class, let's get started," the teacher said. "Today, we will be painting this plant here. I know, sounds easy right? Well, it could be, and it could not be," the teacher said, being very vague. The students looked at him weirdly.
"So, why do you want us to paint something so simple?" a student asked.
"I want to gauge the skill level in my class, and teach accordingly," the old man smiled at them. The students understood this, and started trying their best. This isn't too hard Rapunzel thought as she quickly set up her base. Her brush strokes were clean and concise, leaving out no small detail. She quickly finished, roughly thirty minutes before the end of class. "Well that was easy," she whispered to herself, looking around the room for something to paint. While looking around, an idea popped up in her head.
The old man walked behind Rapunzel, and marveled at her painting. Not only did she paint the flower, but also the other painters alongside the background. Very impressive.
"Hello young miss," the teacher greeted.
"Ah~" Rapunzel jumped a bit, "you scared me sir."
The man let out a hearty chuckle, "You are quite talented. Say, do you paint a lot?"
Rapunzel nodded "Yeah, I painted almost everyday since I was young!"
"It's good to see someone so interested in art, keep up the good work," the teacher let out a smile. Rapunzel also smiled at him, a happy feeling filling her chest. School is pretty fun!
Lunch time soon rolled around and she unwillingly left the art classroom. Rapunzel had forgotten to pack anything, so she just sat in the courtyard under a tree. "Hey Blondie," a familiar voice called out. Rapunzel freaked out a bit, seeing Flynn standing over her, leaning on the tree.
"Uh, uh… Hi?" She somehow got out. He's dangerous, don't let him close to you! She yelled at herself. She awkwardly shifted away a couple inches.
"What's wrong?" He asked, raising an eyebrow.
"N-nothing…" She avoided his eyes.
Something struck Flynn. "What did that Pascal guy say to you?"
"Who's Pascal? I mean-" Rapunzel stuttered over herself, "He said nothing." Her eyes darted everywhere, obviously hiding something. She tried to stand up and escape, but he trapped her between him and the tree. Too close! Too close! Rapunzel panicked.
"Nothing huh…" Flynn didn't buy it. "What. Did. He. Say?" He slowly said, a smirk forming on his face. He stared deeply into her eyes.
Rapunzel cracked under the pressure. "He told me how you're a bad person and you have sex with every girl and that you're a big bully and-" she quickly covered her mouth, widening her eyes a bit. Uh-oh…
Flynn backed off a bit, crossing his arm. He grinned at her, "And you really believe that?" Rapunzel nodded. The two stood there in silence.
"Is it true?" She finally asked.
"For the most part, yes," Flynn sighed.
"W-why?" Rapunzel looked at him, and she could see a glint of sadness upon his eyes. He stood there looking at her.
"I'm sorry, but I don't do backstories" Flynn finally replied, turning his back to her. He walked off, swinging his keys in his fingers. He slipped through the gate, and Rapunzel never saw him again that day.
Why did he seem so sad Rapunzel thought, as she sat in one of her boring classes. Why did he not answer? What's up with him. Why do I keep thinking about him? Rapunzel's mind was bombarded with questions, with no answers. She felt a little dizzy, placing her head down on the desk.
The school day was finally over. Rapunzel walked out the gates, the sun still brightly shining. She decided not to go home first, and went out looking for Flynn. I'll find him and ask him. Ask him why he seemed so sad. Ask him why he did all those things. Rapunzel needed answers.
Walking through the streets, she saw all kinds of things she's never seen before. All kinds of stores were around her. Food places, clothing shops, and even something called a bar. What is a bar? She thought. Rapunzel was about to pass it when she saw someone… Flynn! Flynn was walking in through the front door into the bar. Rapunzel followed in suite, but was quickly stopped by the bouncer. A man with a hook for a hand stood out front, meancily.
"ID Card please," the man said roughly.
"Uhhh…" Rapunzel searched her pockets, trying to find her ID. She finally pulled it out, and handed it to the man.
"Only sixteen? You're not allowed in here, sweetheart." The man crossed his arms.
"Please?" She begged, "I need to talk to Flynn."
"Flynn huh?" the man contemplated for a little bit Alright fine, but didn't let anyone know you were here." Rapunzel quickly nodded. "Enjoy your time here," the man smiled a little wickedly.
"Thanks!" Rapuunzel replied happily.
End of Chapter 1
A/N: How was it? Please tell me if I'm doing anything that you find wrong! I'll try and fix it. Most chapters will be around this length, and will be updated at least once every week or two. Ya know, school and work and stuff. Leave a favorite and a follow if you liked it! See you next chapter.