Chapter 2: New Experiences

A/N: Not much to say in this Author's Note. I'm glad I got two reviews and I'm glad to reply to them here!

UnicornOfTheSun: I'm glad you liked the first chapter! I am planning on trying to write every week or two, because I still have school and work, and those take up a lot of my time. I was inspired by the big four modern A/U's to write this, and hopefully it can live up to them!

Guest: Pascal isn't a teacher, he is a student just like Rapunzel. I left out the detail that he was waiting outside the class because the teacher wasn't there, sorry for the confusion! Also, I would like to add Cassandra but I'll have to see if I can fit her with the story. I also don't know much about her character, so I'll see.

Warning: Mentions of [Smoking], [Under-aged Drinking] (it's not that bad, don't fret!) and [Abuse].

Anyways, as always, review, favorite and follow!

I do not own Tangled ):

The bouncer swung the door open, Rapunzel inhaling the smell of cigarettes and alcohol. The bar was dimly lit, being only somewhat bright near the bars and restroom signs. Rapunzel blinked a bit, adjusting her eyes to the dark. The people around her looked like ruffians. Almost all of them had tattoos covering their whole bodies, their faces always appearing to have some sort of hostile look. No one really paid attention to the frail girl who was just standing there in the entrance way. Rapunzel tried making her way to a table, but accidentally bumped into one of the men.

"Got a problem, missy?" the man snorted, looking back at her. The man was herroundlsy ugly. His nose was just too large for his face and he had such an obvious goiter. It didn't help that his proportions were just, off, for his whole body.

"N-no sir," Rapunzel replied nervously, "I was just looking for my friend."

"Your friend huh? You look a little too young to be in this joint," the man replied, glaring at her.

"Uh…" Rapunzel stood there, a little dumbfounded. She had no idea what to say to the man.

"I'm just pulling your leg," the man gave a hearty chuckle. "So, who's your friend?"

"Flynn Rider!" She replied with a nervous laugh.

"Rider huh… one of his newest girls?" the man raised an eyebrow suggestively.

"What does that mean?" Rapunzel tilted her head. Does that mean what I think it does? She blushed a little.

"I'll take that as a yes missy. He's over by the bar," he pointed to the bar. Rapunzel thanked him, and turned to the bar.

"Go get em' tiger!" another man yelled as she walked away. Rapunzel's cheeks were a deep crimson now. She tried her best not to pay any attention to their words, but it just stuck in her head. She shook her head quickly, making her way to the bar. There was a long line of seats that were almost all filled up. She sat herself down on the empiter side, which happened to be right on the edge.

The bartender approached her, "Hello young miss, what would you like to drink this fine evening?"

"Do you guys serve orange juice here?" Rapunzel asked innocently.

"Yeah we do," the man looked at her a little confused. "Want anything else in there?" Rapunzel shook her head, and the man shrugged. He slid a glass of orange juice over to her, and went back to the other customers. She sipped on the orange juice through a red straw, looking for Flynn. She looked down the bar, finally spotting him a couple people down. She tried to wave to get his attention, but his back was facing her. She pouted a bit. What is he doing? She asked herself as she stood up from the stool. She made her way all the way over to Flynn. Before she got to him, she spotted another lady sitting in the stool next to him. So pretty… Rapunzel thought, staring at the girl. She had shoulder length brown hair, and the face of a goddess. Her body was exquisite, cuving where it needed to. Rapunzel looked down at her own body. She could not see her own figure under her loose dress, leaving her a little dissatisfied. What was this emotion she felt. Jealously? Envy? She had no idea. She braced herself and approached Flynn.

"And so, tha-" Flynn was about to finish, but then was suddenly tapped on his shoulder. A bit irritated, he turned around. "What is it pu-" He froze, his eyes meeting those emerald ones. Surprise spread across his face. "Blondie, what are you doing here?" he stressed his words.

"Uh well," she was a little embarrassed, "I went looking for you." She played with her hair a bit, looking down at her feet. Why was I looking for him again? Wasn't he a bad person?

"So I can see. Well, you found me, so you off on your merry way now okay?" he shooed her away. Rapunzel didn't leave like he motioned. She stood there, looking at the two.

"Who's she?" the other girl asked with hostility in her voice.

"Oh, she's just someone from school I know," Flynn said nervously. Think Rider, what can you say to clear suspicion from you.

"Oh really? You two seem really close. You sure she's not one of your side hoes?" Rapunzel tilted her head from this comment. What does that even mean?

"N-no sweetie, she's really just someone from school," Flynn tried to explain.

"Nope, I think I'm ending this here," the women got up and left, leaving the bar stool open. Rapunzel sat down next to the now sulking Rider.

"What was that all about?" questioned Rapunzel, turning her seat to him.

"I was about to get with that bombshell" Flynn sighed as he looked over at Rapunzel, "till you came along and ruined it."

"I'm sorry Flynn," Rapunzel said, not really understanding what he meant by that either. I really have to find out what some of these things means Rapunzel noted to herself.

"Nah, it's alright. I get to hang out with you now!" Flynn said, putting up a smile.

"You really mean that?" Rapunzel asked happily. Flynn nodded, pulling out a white rectangular box with a bit of red. Rapunzel looked puzzled. "What's that?"

Flynn pulled out a slim, cylinder object. Orange at the top and all the rest white. "It's a cigarette, Blondie. It's like you lived inside for all your life," Flynn said, lighting the cig.

"Yeah, inside all my life" Rapunzel laughed nervously. "So what do you do with these cigarettes?" she asked, air quoting cigarettes.

"You smoke them," he placed it up against his lips, "like so." He proceeded to take a big puff, blowing out a dark grey smoke. Rapunzel swatted the smoke away.

"What's it like?" she asked, looking at him curiously.

"It's quite relaxing, well, until you get too far deep into them. Then it just becomes a need I guess," he shrugged, taking another smoke.

"Can I try?"

Flynn looked at her, smiling a bit. Was she really asking if she could have a smoke? Her parents must have been so protective he thought, handing her the cigarette. "Sure, why not?"

Rapunzel placed it between her lips, inhaling the smoke, and then soon erupting into a coughing fit. Flynn patted and rubbed her back, comforting her, telling her how that's usually how it is. Rapunzel's coughing fit ended, and she looked back at Flynn with glossy eyes.

"That was terrible and awful! It felt like my lungs were on fire, and I could barely breathe," she complained to him, a pout appearing on her face.

"First time for everything," he shrugged.

"First and last time, ever." This got a chuckle out from Flynn.

"So Blondie, ever try alcohol before?" He asked.

"Nope. Au- I mean Mother told me how awful it is for you. She says it makes you an easy target for danger, and that terrible men use it to get women," she shuddered a bit. I wonder why she still drinks it though.

"I wouldn't do that to you Blondie," You aren't really my type. "Also, your mom is crazy," he added, rolling his eyes.

"Don't call her that!" Rapunzel retorted, glaring at him a bit.

"My bad, my bad. But anyways, you should try it. First time for everything, right?"

"I don't know… what if Mother finds out?" She looked around nervously, like her Aunt was actually watching her every move.

"You'll be fine. You can just come to my place if you're that worried," Flynn suggested.

"I don't think Mother will be too happy about that."

"This is part of growing up: a little rebellion, a little adventure!" Flynn smirked at her, "that's good, healthy even."

"Maybe you're right," she tried convincing herself. Mother does drink a lot, so there must be some sort of reason behind it. "I'll try some!"

"Now that's the spirit! Bring me your strongest ale!" Flynn called out to the bartender. "On the rocks please," he added with a wink. The bartender smiled at him, bringing out a bottle of Royale Grenadian Rum. The bartender placed two glass cups down, a couple of ice cubes floating around in a dark brown liquid. Flynn smiled, handing one of the cups to Rapunzel. She sniffed it a bit, somewhat enjoying the sweetish smell. Flynn sipped on the drink, watching her examine it.

"It's not poison, just take a sip," he nudged her. She frowned a little, but eventually put the cup up to her mouth. The taste of fruit hit her first, but with a bit of bite. There was this lingering bitterness that lingered in her mouth as she tasted it. It was sweet, and quite good.

"I feel a bit warm," she blinked slowly, "and kind of dizzy. Is this normal"

"Such a lightweight," sighed, talking to himself. "Yeah, it's pretty normal. You're such a small girl." He patted her head a bit.

Rapunzel pouted, "Don't treat me like a kid!" she swatted away his hand.

"Ooo! Someone's a little feisty," Flynn decided to have a little bit of fun. Rapuinzel was hiccuping, still sipping on the drink. Her cheeks flushed, giving it that cherry color again. She liked the taste of it, and it made her feel warm. So this is why Mother drinks… her mind wandered off.

"Rapunzel~" Flynn called out, standing up from the stool. "Lets go dance!"

"I (hic) love dancing," she called out, trying to regain balance as she hopped off the stool. Flynn laughed a bit, grabbing onto her hand. Rapunzel grinned a bit, looking down at Flynn's hand. What is this feeling? She questioned as he pulled her towards the dance floor. They finally reached the floor, and the music was blasting.

"It's too loud!" Rapunzel groaned.

"Just bear with it Punzie."

"I said don't call me that," Rapunzel shouted, her voice drowned out by the music. Flynn laughed and ran around while dancing, Rapunzel chasing him. The two kept this up for a bit, until a slower song started playing. Flynn bowed somewhat respectfully, offering his hand to the lady. Rapunzel smiled at him, taking his hand. They waltzed around a bit, ending it off while Flynn leaning her backwards. The onlookers watched them, clapping at the end. Both doing a bow, they scurried out of the bar.

Rapunzel stumbled out the entrance and saw that it was dark outside already. Cars passed by on the road, their lights illuminating the somewhat dark street. Rapunzel clumsily pulled out her phone, seeing lots of missed messages and calls. It was obvious her Mother was worried about her. With her head spinning, she messaged her back to the best of her abilities

[Imm out wit a frend right now! I dont think I'll maek it houme tonite]

She pressed enter, shoving her phone back into her pocket. Her mind was not clear enough to fear her Mother's wraith awaiting her. She stumbled towards Flynn, clinging onto him for support.

"So Blondie, have fun?" Flynn asked, holding her steady.

"Yeah (hic) I did (hic) have lots of (hic) fun." she tried her best to stay composed while saying it.

"Alright, let's get you back home," Flynn said, ushering her towards his car.

"No! I don't wanna go home!" She pouted, like a kid being forced to leave the toy store.

Flynn raised an eyebrow, "Why not? Don't you have a caring family at home?"

"Well… not really," she shrugged, smiling at him.

"What do you mean by that Blondie?" he interrogated her. Is there something going on at her house? Flynn formed speculations and theories, but didn't dwell on them too long as his thoughts were sooned interrupted by the sounds of puking. Flynn sighed, knowing exactly what happened. He arched her back for her, allowing her airways to open up. He rubbed her back, comforting her once again.

"Everything is going to be fine. Let's just go back to my place and call it a night," he suggested. Rapunzel replied with a smile. After the whole puking fiasco, they got into his car and he drove off to his apartment. The headlights seemed too bright to Rapunzel. Her head was spinning, and the dizziness was being amplified.

"Flynn I don't feel so good…" she muttered.

"Yeah I know" he laughed, "that's usually how it is."

"How much longer till (hic) we get there?" she pouted a bit.

"A couple more minutes," he replied, speeding up a bit. His apartment wasn't too far, lying between the bar and the school. They arrived, and he parked in the communal parking area. The apartment wasn't shabby, but it wasn't the highest end. It was a bland, tan color and a reasonable size. He got out of his car and walked to Rapunzel's side. Opening the door, he motioned her out.

"What a gentleman," she said as she stumbled out of the color, clinging onto Flynn for support. The two approached the stairs and began their ascent.

"C'mon Blondie, halfway there," Flynn talked low, not wanting to make a racket outside. It took awhile for him to get Rapunzel up safely. Unlocking the door, he gestured to her to go in. Rapunzel smiled at him and waltzed in. Locking the door, Flynn guided her to the couch. She sure is messed up after one drink. What a lightweight Flynn sighed.

"Thanks for tonight," Rapunzel plopped herself down on the couch. Flynn made his way to the kitchen, disappearing for a bit. Rapunzel looked around, seeing all kinds of things. The apartment was a one person living room. One bedroom, one restroom, and a kitchen that connected to the living room. Rapunzel found something interesting: a guitar! Does he like playing?

Rapunzel propped herself up, waltzing around the room, looking at everything. She came across a picture with a young looking Flynn. Awww… he was so cute! He was between a man and a woman who were smiling. Flynn, on the other hand, had a scowl. How peculiar...

Rapunzel wandered around before lying down on the couch. Right as she was about to doze off, an aroma filled her nose. Something smells good… She heard the sizzling of something. She smiled and sat up. A few minutes later, Flynn came out with a plate of shrimp fried rice and a tall glass of cold water.

"Here you go Blondie" he said as he placed it on the table, "you should eat something before you sleep. You'll regret it in the morning if you don't."

Rapunzel stared at the food. "Why are you so nice to me?" she asked, picking up the spoon.

"Is there something wrong with being nice?" Flynn questioned as he sat down beside her.

"No… it's not that… it's just, well…" she couldn't seem to give him a straight answer.

"If you must know, it's because you're interesting."

"In what way?" Rapunzel asked with a mouthful of rice.

"Well, first of all, I've never seen you here in Corona, like ever. Secondly, you have such long blonde hair and you barely know anything about the world."

"It's not my fault my Mother kept me inside my whole life!" Rapunzel snapped at him, her eyes glossing with water.

"Woah, calm down. Did I strike a chord?" What an emotional drunk. Then it hit him. "Wait… did you just say you stayed inside your house, for your whole life? Like your whole life?" Not looking at him, Rapunzel nodded.

Flynn sat there looking at her in disbelief. He was examining her face, trying to see if she was lying, if it was some sort of joke. He just couldn't see it. All he could see is a sense of sadness, isolation even. "You aren't joking," he said quietly.

"I'm not."

Flynn faced down, trying to process everything, but he just couldn't. Her own mother kept her inside all her life. No wonder I've never met her before. But how could her mother do that to her?

"Don't worry too much about it Flynn," she placed a hand on his thigh, "she did it so she could protect me." Flynn looked up to see a weak smile on her face.

"No, that's not what she did it for. I hate to assume things, but I think she's just obsessed with you. There's something wrong with that woman."

"No!" She shouted loudly. Flynn was a little surprised and displeased.

"So, you really believe it was to protect you?" He intently looked at her.

"I-I don't know. I've always thought that, it's hard to change, you know?" She looked down. Her jean jacket slipped a bit off her shoulder, revealing something to Eugene. In front of him was a large blotch of hideous purple-and-black, covering her shoulder and upper arm. He stared at it, horrified. He turned Rapunzel to him, and the other shoulder of the jean jacket slipped, exposing even more bruising. He felt disgusted. Her eyes were watery. It seemed like that dam holding back the tears could break at any moment,

"Blondie! What the hell is all this?" He confronted her. Rapunzel looked a little confused. She felt a breeze hit her shoulders and she then realized what he was talking about. She quickly tried to hide it, pulling up her jacket.

"That- I- She-" she tried to explain but just couldn't. She calmed herself down a bit. "I thought everyone's parents did that." She said, her voice quaking.

"No, no one's fucking parents should do this," his voice trembled in anger. He was trying his best to not swear, but just couldn't hold it. "This is so fucked," he said, holding his head.

"Mother told me to cover it because it would cause trouble… and I don't want to cause trouble for her. I mean, she's done so much for me."

"She's done so much for you? Yeah, a little too much maybe," Flynn sighed, slipping off her jean jacket. He looked at the bruises. The purple and black next to her already pale skin made him sick. He gently rubbed them.

Rapunzel winced, "That hurts."

"I know it does," he sighed. The two sat there in silence looking at one another. Flynn just couldn't believe what was happening, and Rapunzel didn't know what to say. She was confused and overwhelmed. It felt like an eternity as the two just sat there.

"So…" Flynn finally started, "when did she begin doing this?" Rapunzel avoided his eyes, keeping quiet. "Ever since you were young?" he asked gently. She nodded, small tears dripping from her eyes.

"Yes… ever since I was young. Whenever I messed up or did something bad, she would hit me. It was hard to handle at first, but…" she sniffled and smiled at him, "it's not too bad now." This pierced Flynn's soul. He was looking at someone broken, someone who has never actually lived a day in their life.

"And you never told anyone about this?"

Rapunzel shook her head, "She never let me outside. She said it's dangerous out there, and that I will be eaten up alive if she let me out."

"So how did you convince her to let you go to school?" He asked.

"I begged and begged, and showed her how well I could do in my studies. I stayed up almost every night learning and reading textbooks. I just…" she paused for a bit, "I just wanted to make her happy."

"Why? Why would you want to make someone like her happy? What has she ever done for you?" anger and frustration rose in Flynn's voice. Rapunzel flinched a bit, falling back into a defensive position. She looked so scared. She looked so sad. Flynn scooted closer to her, holding her in an embrace. He gently petted her head. "Hey, everythings fine okay? I'm not going to hurt you. I'll be right here." Rapunzel couldn't hold it in anymore, and the tears flowed from her eyes. She clung to his shirt, her face against his chest.

"I (sniff) was so (sniff) scared. I never knew (sniff) when she would hit me again. I hated myself! I felt that I wasn't a good daughter, that I was useless and a parasite that fed off her." Tears continually fell out her eyes, wetting Flynn's shirt. "I just wanted to live a happy life, but I couldn't…"

"I know, I know," he tried to comfort her, rubbing her head and back. "Just let it all out." She cried for a while, finally calming down. She was quiet, still leaning up against Flynn's chest. A voice spoke to Flynn in his mind.

Do it now! She's so vulnerable right now!

No! I'm not going to take advantage of someone in so much pain. Flynn pushed this voice away.

Why not? Why's she so special? Haven't you done this to so many girls before?

Fuck off! Flynn yelled in his mind. Still hugging her, he was lost in thought. Why am I like this with her? This pain in my heart, it's horrible. I want to take a smoke, or even a drink, but I just can't. I don't think that will help. Why am I helping her anyways? So many questions filled his head. He just couldn't wrap his head around why he wanted to protect her.

Flynn let out a long sigh, peering over at the clock.

2:32 AM

It was really late. They arrived at Flynn's apartment at around midnight. Time had passed so fast. He let out another sigh, and looked down to Rapunzel. Her breathing was steady and quiet. She seemed to have dozed off. Her eyes were puffy, and dried tears covered her face. She seemed so peaceful right now. Much more peaceful then before. Laying her down, he sat on the other edge of the couch she didn't take up. He pulled out a cigarette and glanced back at her. He smiled, and broke the cig in half. It has been a long night, I've gotta get some rest. He went to his bedroom and looked back at her, staring at her for a while.

Yup, can't let her sleep there.

Picking her up princess style, he carried her to his bedroom. He laid her down on his bed, covering her with the sheets. He walked towards the door and looked at her. Odd, usually I'd be in that bed with them. Flynn just couldn't bring himself to do something like that to her. She was so innocent. He was about to leave when he heard her mumble a it,

"Mother… please don't." She seemed terrified, her face in lots of discomfort. He sighed and made his way over to the side of the bed. He sat down, next to hear, gripping her hand.

"Hey Blondie, it'll be alright. You'll be fine. I'm right here for you," he whispered, laying his head down on the side of the bed. He closed his eyes, recalling everything that had happened that day. He met a new, weird girl at school. He was intrigued by her, but not in a sexual way. She showed up at a bar, like a bar out of all the places. How did she even get it? Then they had fun, dancing, drinking, and just talking. They went back to his place, and then he learned more about her. He learned about her horrible past, her horrible mother. He wanted to protect her. That's when he made up in his mind that no matter what, he would try his best to be there for her, no matter what happened.

Flynn felt a wave of exhaustion finally hit him, and he fell asleep, Rapunzel's hand in his.

End of Chapter 2

A/N: Honestly I feel it's a little fast, but I just kind of write from the top of my head. I have a plan on how to write each chapter, but some details I make up along the way. I write for fun, and this is fun, so I'll keep doing this unless it gets real bad. Honestly I don't know how to write about abuse too well, mainly because I don't have that personal expirence. I hope I did okay. I also hope you all enjoyed the chapter. I can't want to write the aftermath of this chapter, so stay tuned!

Remember to review, favorite and follow!