Chapter 10: Drinking, Decisions, and the Future
"Congratulations on your speedy recovery!" A large crowd gathered around Eugene, giving him hard pats on the back. Clapping and other cheering filled the air.
Rapunzel had been planning this surprise party for Eugene, all by herself. Well, maybe not all by herself. She got a little help from the workers and Snuggly Duckling, as well as some people from their usual bar. Oddly enough, the owners of the Snuggly Duckling also owned that bar. The bar didn't look like it's usual self. Banners and streamers hung around the room. The floors were all clean, and the tables organized neatly. A variety of finger foods and dishes were littered around on the table. On another small table, a black and white tiered cake and other desserts lay. A red beer bucket was filled with sodas and different types of alcohol. It sure was a party.
"Thanks everyone," Eugene laughed as he stood in the middle of everyone, "this means a lot to me."
"Don't thank us, thank your girl," Hooken yelled out.
"Yeah thank her! We wouldn't have done this for you and you know that," Vlad let out a hearty laugh.
Over their months of dating, Rapunzel had befriended the usual bar goers. At first Eugene was scared that they would be too much to handle for her, but boy did she prove him wrong. Turns out they were all big softies. At least towards Rapunzel. Hooken was an excellent piano player, which surprised Euegne. He learned that Vlad collects ceramic unicorns, oddly enough, and that Gunther was the one who decorated the bar and Snuggly Duckling. The one that surprised Eugene the most was Banet. Even if he wasn't the prettiest person in the world, with his large nose and unproportional face, was quite the romantic; he wrote poems and just wanted love. They all had their little quirky hobbies. Although they liked Rapunzel, they were still a little on-and-off about Eugene. Eugene was pretty infamous for being a player, leading them to be a little protective of Rapunzel. Rapunzel made sure to clear all their suspicions.
"M-Me?" Rapunzel stuttered, everyone looking at her, "No, it wasn't me just." It was obvious she was embarrassed. She tried to hide herself in the crowd, but got pushed out into the circle.
"No need to be humble," Hooken patted her back, pushing her towards Eugene. She stumbled forward, right into Eugene's arms. Pulling her into him, Eugene glared at Hooken. Hooken shrugged while laughing, going back into the crowd.
"Is it true Blondie? You're the one who did all this for me?" Eugene raised an eyebrow.
"Y-Yeah… I just wanted to throw you a little party. You've done so much for me. Please don't be mad," she sulked.
"Why would I be mad? This is the best thing someone has done for me. Thank you Rapunzel, I love you," Eugene said, planting a long kiss on her lips. They held the kiss for what felt like an eternity. The crowd had mixed reactions, some cheering them on while others not. Rapunzel blushed even harder, hiding her face in Eugene's chest.
"No, but seriously guys, thanks for showing up. It really means a lot to me," Eugene had a genuine smile on his face, something the bar thugs didn't see often.
"If it makes Rapunzel happy, we'll be glad to do it," Attila said, coming out of the back with a tray of cupcakes.
"Ooo, cupcakes!" Rapunzel skipped over and took one from the tray. Eugene shook his head. "C'mon Eugene, Attila's cupcakes are to die for," she grinned, a bit of frosting on her face.
"Yes yes, I know sweetheart," Eugene laughed, followed by everyone else. "Alright, let's get this party started!" Eugene announced, lifting his fist into the air. Cheers filled the air, and the party had begun. Eugene walked around, greeting everyone. He found Max and Pascal in the crowd, surprised that they were even here.
"Let me guess, Rapunzel's invitation?" Eugene asked.
"You guessed right," Max replied while Pascal gae a nod.
"Have you two ever been in a bar before?"
"You know the answer to that," Max winked.
"No, and I'd probably never set foot in again after this," Pascal looked around. It wasn't that bad looking, just a little smelly. Maybe a little was an understatement. It still reeked of alcohol and cigarettes, and made his crinkle.
"Yeah, this doesn't seem like a place for you," Rapunzel joined in, popping her head into their little group.
"Right back at you," Pascal looked at Rapunzel. Rapunzel grinned goofily, handing Eugene a cupcake. The group went around, eating and socializing. As it got later into the night and everything was more laxed, Eugene decided a couple of beers wouldn't hurt. He reached for in the tub, grabbing the cool glass.
"Hey, aren't you underaged? Alcohol kills your brain," Pascal scolded him.
"Buzz off Pascal. A beer or two didn't kill anyone," he threw one over to Max. Cracking it open, the two took a swig. Pascal looked at them in pure disgusting, grabbing himself a soda can. Rapunzel looked at the drinks, wondering what she should didn't like soda, because it always tasted too artificial for her. She didn't particularly like beer either because she drank it a couple times with Eugene, so she didn't mind it she didn't drink often she really liked Mojitos. Rapunzel liked the refreshing minty feeling she got after drinking it, paired with the little warmth from the vodka. It was her go to order whenever they went to a bar that Eugene snuck them into. Rapunzel decided to go with an apple juice box, and was happily slurping away.
Eugene looked at the juice box, raising an eyebrow. "Blondie, I know you can do better than that." He leaned over to Max and whispered something.
"I see… a-huh… really?" Max wore an amused expression as he looked at Rapunzel.
"Eugene!" Rapunzel smacked Eugene while he just laughed. Pascal sighed. Eugene really was a bad influence on her.
"What Blondie, everyone here knows you drink," Eugene shrugged, "even if you are a lightweight."
The night grew older and older, eventually hitting 1:30am. Pascal bid his goodbyes, and Max decided it was a night as well. For the couple and bar thugs though, the night was still young! They had held back on drinking in respect of Pascal, but now that he was gone, they let loose. The thugs chugged down beers and other beverages, while Rapunzel and Eugene were more mellow with their drinks. Rapunzel wanted something fruity and went with a blueberry Truly while Eugene sipped on a Corona negra. They sat at the bar, secluded from the party and noise.
"Eugene~" Rapunzel called out, supporting herself on the bar. She stared at Eugene, her freckles popping out because of her reddened face.
"Drunk already?" Eugene smirked at her.
"N-No (hic) I'm not…" Rapunzel's hand slipped off the bar, landing on Eugene's lap, "maybe a little…"
"A little?" Eugene cupped his hand over hers, "For some reason I can not believe that." Rapunzel gave him a goofy grin. Eugene's heart fluttered as he stared at her in the bar light. This is where their relationship first started. If Rapunzel never came to the bar, they would've never struck up their conversation, never gone back to Eugene's apartment, and learned more about each other. They probably wouldn't be where they were if it wasn't for that fateful night.
"You've had enough to drink missy," Eugene pushed her drink away from her. Rapunzel pouted and reached for it, but Eugene swooped her off her feet. "Let's get you home." Being carried princess style, Rapunzel rested her head on his chest and closed her eyes.
"Okay…" a smile appeared on her face.
They slipped out of the bar without anyone noticing. Eugene carried her to the car. She was already asleep, but he made sure to carefully place her onto her seat. He buckled her seat belt and she shifted around, trying to get comfortable. Sighing, Eugene drove back to his apartment. There weren't many cars on the road, considering the time. A couple cars passed by. The car was quiet. The radio wasn't playing. Rapunzel's light breaths were the only noticeable noise in the car. She seemed so peaceful.
Right as they reached the apartment, Rapunzel opened her eyes slowly. "Sorry honey, did I wake you up?" Eugene asked, parking in front of the apartment. Rapunzel shook her head and rubbed her eyes.
"No, you're (hic) fine," Rapunzel gave him her drunken smile. It was a goofy grin, but Eugene loved it. She was just too cute.
"Alrighty!" Eugene said, sweeping her off her feet once again. She yelped but calmed down quickly. Euigene carried her up the stairs and somehow opened up his apartment door. Placing her down on the bed, he sat down beside her. He crossed his legs and looked down at the small girl beside him. She returned the gaze, biting her bottom lip.
"E-Eugene?" Rapunzel whispered.
"What is it, love?"
Rapunzel bit her lip harder, hesitating. "Can we try it?" She finally let out.
Eugene was taken aback, processing what she said. "What do you mean by 'it'?"
"You know what I mean! Don't make me repeat myself. You meanie! Your brute!" She turned as red as a tomato, stuffing her face into a pillow. She obviously was embarrassed by what she just asked.
"You don't mean…" Eugene looked at her playfully, pretending to not know.
"Copulation! Fornication! Intercourse!" She took a deep breath, "S-Sex!" Rapuinzel stared into his eyes, noticing his wink. She couldn't believe he made her say that. He grinned at start petting her head.
Eugene's face suddenly got serious. "Are you sure Rapunzel? Personally I want our first time together to be on some better terms. Mainly when we are both sober," Eugene gave her a weak smile. "I just want you to experience it to its fullest. You only get it once, after all."
"I-I don't know Eugene. I don't want to keep you waiting. I've talked with some of the girls at school and they say they've done it multiple times already, and that men don't like waiting for this kind of thing," she confessed. Eugene shook his head. She really is an angel.
"It's alright Rapunzel, I can wait. I'll wait as long as I need. I want you to be ready for it," Eugene comforted her, laying down next to her. They were face to face.
"I'm just not thinking straight," Rapunzel sighed, turning her back to him. Eugene pulled her closer to him, their bodies touching one another. The warmth ran through their bodies, filling them with comfort.
"It's alright, it's alright," Eugene repeated, hugging her tightly. He planted light kisses on her neck and head, calming her down.
"Maybe I'll just wait…" Rapunzel mumbled.
"That's fine, Blondie. I'll still love you, even if I can't get in your pants."
"Don't say it like that!" Rapunzel scolded, trying to squirm out of his grip. She almost wiggled out, but Eugene suddenly flipped on top of her, pinning her down. They stared into each other's eyes, a stupid grin on Eugene's face. Rapuinzel shuddered as Eugene started planting kisses all over her body. Even if they decided to not do it yet, Eugene still wanted to have a little fun. Rapunzel let out little moans and squeals, still trying to break free.
"Stop Eugene! That tickles!"
"Sorry princess, but this is what you get," Eugene smiled evilly. He held both her arms up, pinning down her wrists with one hand. He moved his hands to her sides, moving his fingers around. She laughed and laughed. She squirmed and squirmed but just couldn't overpower Eugene. She was being tortured! Death by tickling!
Eugene eventually stopped, looking down at her. Her hair was all over the place, short strands covering her face. Her green emerald eyes were glossed over with tears that formed from the laughter. She panted for air, staring deeply into Eugene's eyes. She was a mess. A beautiful mess.
Eugene leaned it, placing his lips against hers. She closed her eyes slowly, getting into the rhythm. Over the past few months, she became quite the kisser. She was inexperienced at first, and their kisses were usually led by Eugene, but now she could fight back. Their mouths fought fiercely with one another, each trying to establish their dominance. Eugene however won control. A few light moans escaped Rapunzel's mouth. Eugene was usually never this rough, but Rapunzel didn't mind. She actually quite enjoyed this. It was something new.
Separating their mouths, a thin trail of saliva connected them. Eugene looked down at Rapunzel's flushed face, a greedy smile flashing on his face. "You're so beautiful. I'm glad you're all mine."
Rapunzel panted, trying to get her breath back. She was silent, just staring back at Eugene. Eugene lightened his grip on her wrists.
"Woah!" Eugene cried out as he was flipped onto his back, facing up at Rapunzel. She wore a mischievous look on her face, running her hands down his chest. Eugene smiled, happy that Rapunzel wanted to take the lead. Eugene just layed there, letting her do what she wanted. She slowly unbuttoned his shirt, revealing his toned chest and slight abs. Eugene was proud of his body, considering he barely worked out. She swirled circles on his chest, tempting him even more. She was quite the seducer.
"So what are you going to do now?" Eugene growled playfully.
"I-I actually don't know what to do next," She said quietly, hiding her face.. She's just too cute! Eegene thought, tempted to consume her right then and there. He held himself back though.
"Just go with the flow Punzie. Do whatever makes you comfortable," Eugene guided her.
Rapunzel sat on his stomach for a bit, thinking of what to do next. She decided to just lay on his bare chest, her ear against his heart. She closed her eyes and just listened to her heart. She was silent for a while.
"What's up Blondie?" Eugene was confused.
"Nothing, just making sure."
"Making sure of?"
Rapunzel stayed silent, just leaving him there. Eugene didn't mind though. He looked down at her face. She was beautiful. Beautiful in all of her ways. "Have I ever told you how beautiful you are?" Eugene asked.
"Almost everyday, my love," Rapunzel replied laughing.
"Have I ever told you how sexy you are?" Eugene stepped it up.
"I-" she was speechless. He had never said that to her before, even in their months of dating. She didn't mind it at all, it was just a bit weird to hear. "Sexy?" she looked up at Eugene.
"Yeah… sooo sexy. Seductive, one could say," the words smoothly flowed out of his mouth.
"W-Well… That's a little…" She was obviously embarrassed, snuggling herself deeper into his chest. Eugene rubbed the back of her head laughing.
"Just know that it's true."
They lay there in silence. Rapunzel's steady breathing signified that she had fallen asleep. Sighing, Eugene closed his eyes as well. It had already been a couple weeks since he got stabbed, but he still has nightmares about it. He's scared he's going to lose Rapunzel. He could also tell Rapunzel has nightmares from the event. She calls out his name softly while looking distraught, and then jolts awake, fear in her eyes. Eugene knew that they'd have to do something about this soon, or else they're going to live the rest of their lives paranoid and in fear. Eugene thought and thought, eventually drifting off to sleep.
Rapunzel felt a sharp pain in her head as she slowly opened her eyes. Sunlight bled through the cracks in the blinds, landing right beside her. She felt something under here. It was soft and smooth, and felt like skin. She looks down to see a shirtless Eugene drooling.
"Awww… he's so cute," she said to herself as she stared at his face. She loved his nose, which he always claimed was perfect. She loved his little goatee and the way he groomed his eyebrows. He had nice facial features so she just couldn't help but admire them almost everyday. She gently lifted herself off of Eugene, she made her way to the kitchen, leaving Eugene alone in the bed.
Eugene woke up to the smell of pancakes and bacon. He smiled, his eyes still closed. He imagined Rapunzel clusilmy flipping the pancakes while carefully watching the bacon. He knew, however, that Rapuinzel was a great cook and did everything perfectly. She was very systematic in her cooking, but still spiced it up a bit sometimes. She would flip the pancakes high up and catch them perfectly somehow, which still amazed Eugene. He lifted himself out of bed, wanting to see her flip them once again. He peeked out the door and tip-toed out, making sure not to alert Rapunzel. He looked into the kitchen and saw her flipping the pancakes, the bacon already laid out a plate. Eugene suddenly had an idea.
He made his way sneakily behind her. When she finished flipping her lat pancake, he grabbed her hips and pulled her close to him. She let out a yelp, almost dropping the spatula.
"Eugene!" she laughed as he hugged her close.
"Yes, sunshine?" He whispered into her eyes.
"What do you think you are doing?" she said in a fake mad tone.
"Just showing my affection and appreciation to my girlfriend that's all," he replied innocently. Rapunzel rolled her eyes, placing down the spatula. She placed her hands of his, which were cupped on her stomach.
"Whatever you say Eugene," Rapunzel smiled. Eugene's stomach suddenly rumbled, and he looked down to the noise.
"Alright, well… I guess it's time to eat," He smirked.
"Good idea," Rapunzel took the plates as Eugene released her from his grasps. Rapunzel placed the plates on their table and they started to chow down.
"These are delicious as always," Eugene winked at her.
"Thank you!" Rapunzel said, her smile beaming. She was always proud of her cooking since she always cooked for Gothel. Gothel basically forced her to do it though, but she enjoyed cooking enough to keep doing it. She read cookbooks and tried all kinds of recipes but always tried them herself. But now she had Eugene to be her test rat!
"You know Rapunzel, you get better at cooking everyday," pointing his pancake filled fork at her, his mouth still full from eating.
"It's because I have you now! You always eat my food and critique it, and that helps a lot," she placed her sucessuss on him.
"No, Blondie, it's because you're a natural!" Eugene shot back.
"Nope! It's because you're here," Rapunzel argued. The two looked at each other and laughed at their silly interaction. THey argued over the stupidest things sometimes, but that's what made their relationship so fun. They were serious about each other, but still had their goofy sides. After a few more laughs, Eugene shifted his facial expressions to something more serious.
"Rapunzel, if we want a future together," Eugene started.
"If?" Rapunzel was a little uneasy.
Eugene rolled his eyes. "You know what I mean Rapunzel. We will have a future together, I promise," he cupped her hands over hers, "I'm just saying that if we want it to be the best it can be, we're going to have to deal with your mother. I think we should seriously start talking about this like, now."
Rapunzel sighed. She had been putting off confronting Gothel for Eugene's whole recovery. She would always dodge his questions about it, or change the subject when Eugene brought it up, but she knew they would have to do something eventually. They couldn't live on the run and in fear all their lives. They wanted to live peaceful lives with one another, but that meant dealing with Gothel.
"But how are we going to do it?" Rapunzel seemed dejected.
"We'll think of something of course, don't you worry sweetie," he lifted her head up. "I'm thinking we can just go sit down and talk to her, with some protection of course."
"Who would protect us?"
"I could call Max and Pascal and ask them to wait outside. Max is always alert anyways, he'll be fine for the job. Then if things get hairy, they could always call the police," Eugene suggested.
"That sounds good…" Rapunzel bit her lip.
"Or…" Eugene started.
"Or?"
"We could run away from this city and go somewhere else, just you and me," Eugene winked at her.
"No! I don't want to leave my friends here," Rapunzel frowned, thinking how sad she'd be and how the others would react. Rapunzel would hate leaving some of her first friends behind. She hated that idea so much.
"That's what I thought you'd say," Eugene sighed, "But if that really is our only choice, we'll have to look into it. I know you don't want Rapunzel, and believe me I don't either, but I just love you too much to not be with you."
"O-Okay Eugene… I'll think about it when the time comes, but we should at least try and talk to my mother first," Rapunzel smiled at him.
"Alright, that sounds good Rapunzel," Eugene plopped another pancake piece into his mouth, "but like, what are we going to say to her?"
"I don't know… Maybe we could try and convince her that you're not a bad person? Or maybe that I'm not as gullible and naive?"
Eugene raised an eyebrow, thinking back at how she was before. She barely knew anything of the world, but that was to be expected. She had been locked away for almost sixteen years. Although she learned a lot about the world, she was still a little naive and a little too optimistic.
"Look I said convince her! I know I'm not the brightest in social rules and stuff but I'm getting better," Rapunzel pouted.
"I'm kidding Blondie, kidding," Eugene laughed, patting her shoulder. "That sounds good. Should we go to her house or invite her somewhere nice?
"I think somewhere private would be better, so probably just my house," Rapunzel shrugged.
"Yeah, now that I think about it what if she goes psycho and pulls some sort of crazy stunt… no wait Blondie, I think it would be to do this in public. If we can get the public on our side, then she would probably feel pressured to let you go," Eugene's sly side started kicking in.
"I don't want to do that to her!" Rapunzel shook her head, thinking about how embarrassed she'd be.
"Really? After everything she's done to you?" Eugene eyed her shoulders.
"Look… I know she isn't the best mother, but she's the only family I have. I don't want to do something so cruel to her."
"Rapunzel, I think this is the best shot we have of getting her to agree. I know you don't want to do that either, but this is the only leverage we really have on her, besides your past," Eugene mentioned vaguely, not wanting to bring up those painful memories.
"Okay fine... " She reluctantly agreed, "but we have to do it somewhere there aren't a lot of people, just enough to cover for us."
"Is that your only condition, sunshine?" Rapunzel nodded, getting the green light from Eugene. They decided to text Gothel from Rapunzel's phone, but held back on it for a bit. They still had to plan everything out. Once they had everything ready, they would contact her.
"I'm a little jittery just thinking about it," Rapunzel was obviously nervous already.
"Don't worry Rapunzel, I'll protect you from anything," Eugene comforted her, hugging her closely to him. Eugene peered over to the clock, and quickly got out of his seat.
"We have to get to school Rapunzel!" Rapunzel looked at him with wide eyes and went to quickly gather her stuff and get herself ready. Still brushing her short hair, Eugene grabbed her hand, and they bolted out the door.
Hand in hand, they went together to face the future ahead of them.
End of Chapter 10
A/N: Okay, this chapter is a little messy, not going to lie. But now we finally have the confrontation coming up! Let's see how this plays out :)
Anyways, I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter, even if it is a bit messy. Leave a review or something!
Until next time, ciao.