Chapter 11: Confrontation and Resolution

Tell pascal/max about it, time skip to the day, confront Gothel, gothel holds rapunzel hostage, police show up, shoot rapunzel and eugene, arrested, hospital again!

A/N: Sorry for the small delay between the chapters, I was lacking a bit of motivation but now I'm back! Here comes some drama hehe :)

Enjoy the chapter!

I do not own Tangled

Ding dong~!

A bell rang throughout the halls, signifying the end of the dreadful day. Students slouched around, groans and moans coming all around. Everyone was tired and ready to just leave for the holiday.

It was the Friday before Thanksgiving week, and Corona high was kind enough to give them the whole week off! Students rushed out the front doors and gates, making their ways to the variety of cars and buses around the campus. Eugene leaned against his car, looking into the ocean of people spilling out. A smile filled his face as he spotted a small brunette who began running at him.

"Oof!" Eugene was winded by the small girl who had just crashed into his stomach. She buried her face into his coat, rubbing herself all over him. "What's this all about Blondie?" he asked as she pulled her face back.

"Nothing! Nothing at all," she smiled.

Eugene shook his head as he looked up to see Pascal and Max coming over. They were all bundled up. November's weather had not been kind, and it was usually no higher than forty degrees. Hugging their arms to their chests, they waddled over to the couple.

"R-Rapunzel, how a-are you able to be like that in this w-weather?" Pascal said, shivering.

"I don't know! Maybe I'm just a warm person," Rapunzel smiled at him, hugging onto Eugene.

"I can confirm this indeed," Eugene winked at the two, causing Pascal to gag. He still wasn't used to PDA, even if it was just hugging. He just didn't like it, but the two don't care too much. Max laughed and looked at the two. He smiled at them and looked at them in silence.

"Sooo you may be wondering why we called you guys here today," Eugene looked at the two of them. They looked back at him.

"Yeah, I was wondering ever since you texted me," Pascal rolled his eyes.

"Sorry but let's talk somewhere warmer," Eugene smirked as he opened the car door, "meet us at the Snuggly Duckling?" Pascal rolled his eyes as he walked away to Max's car.

"Alright, see you guys there," Max followed Pascal. Rapunzel waved at the two as they walked away. Watching them disappear behind the crowd, she opened the car dar, a gust of hot air hitting her body. Rapunzel plopped herself into the car seat, swinging her legs in the car.

"Aren't you an excited one," Eugene looked at her childish grin.

"Well today's the day! We're finally going to tell them the plan," She swirled her fingers in her hair.

"I thought you'd be a bit more nervous, considering what we're going to be doing," Eugene twisted his car keys.

"I am nervous Eugene, but I just try not to show it" Rapunzel sighed, hanging her head a bit.

"I'm nervous too, Blondie," he said as he squeezed her hand, "but we'll be fine, everything will be just fine. I mean, what's the worst that could happen?" Rapunzel shuddered, thinking back on that horrible memory.

"Okay look, I know she already tried to kill me, but we have Max and Pascal on stand by this time! We'll be fine, I promise."

"I trust you Eugene. I just don't want you to get hurt," Rapunzel wore a weak smile.

"I'll try my hardest sweetheart, but no promises."

They drove down the familiar streets and arrived at their usual cafe. It still looked the same, except there was a little wooden turkey hanging from the door. "I guess they're the Snuggly Turkey now, huh?" Eugene joked, earning him an elbow to his side.

"That was bad Eugene," Rapunzel shook her head.

Getting out of the car, the cool air hit their skin, causing them to shiver. It was quite cold even for late November, even if they were bundled up. Rapuinzel hugged Eugene as they walked towards the door. As they opened the door, they were greeted by a bell and gust of warm air. The two walked in, their bodies starting to warm up.

"Hey you two, schools out?" Hooken looked up from the counter in the back.

"No, we're ditching," Eugene winked, earning him yet another nudge.

"Eugene is lying Hooken," Rapunzel said. Hooken let out a laugh as he grabbed some menus from under the counter.

"We're going to need four," Eugene said as he sat down in one of the four people booths.

"Finally bring some more people here?" Hooken asked, grabbing an additional two menus.

"Yeah, we have some business to discuss," Rapunzel added.

"Thanks for bringing them here," Hooken gave a toothy smile.

"Of course bud, always looking out for ya," Eugene smiled back.

Sitting down, the two opened the menu. They already knew basically everything, but they still liked looking at it. They ordered their usual snacks, a couple of cookies and muffins alongside a glass of milk for Rapunzel and some coffee for Eugene. Ever since Rapunzel found out about cookies and milks, it had been her favorite snack. Gothel barley let her eat cookies, and she had never drank milk before. Eugene said that she had a sad childhood, which she promptly agreed. The two chatted for a little, trying to figure out how to tell the two of their plan. Finally the bell hanging above the door rang, signifying someone else had entered the cafe.

"Hey you two!" Max called out, rubbing his arms. It was cold even in all of his jackets.

"It's freezing, why didn't you warm up your car?" Pascal shivered as he walked in behind Max.

"Sorry, sorry. Forgot," Max laughed as he sat down next to Eugene, "So, what did you two wanna talk about?" he asked as he looked through the menu. Eugene and Rapunzel glanced at each other, wondering who should talk. After a little silence, they finally decide.

Eugene grabbed Rapunzel's hand and squeezed tightly. "So basically Rapunzel and I…"

"Are getting married?!" Pascal cut in, "Don't you think it's a little early for that?"

"No Pascal!" Rapunzel yelled out, red spreading throughout her cheeks.

"Pascal, just listen," Eugene groaned.

"S-Sorry… It just seemed like it was going that way with what you were saying," Pascal smiled innocently. Eugene rolled his eyes and continued.

"So basically the two of us want to confront Rapunzel's mother. We want to just talk to her, but we're a little scared of what she'll do, considering what already happened," Eugene cringed.

"Oh yeah… Does your side still hurt?" Max looked concerned.

"Only if I exert myself too much, but I'm fine overall," Eugene shrugged.

"So what does that have to do with us?" Pascal questioned.

"Geez Pascal, let me finish," Eugene groaned. "Basically I want you two to be waiting outside just in case something happens to the two of us," Eugene hugged Rapunzel close, "I would hate for anything to happen to her."

"Quit the flirting," Pascal rolled his eyes.

"We can do that," Max chimed in, "Just tell us what we need to do."

"Okay, so basically…" the four gathered close together, their whispers filling up the room.

"Thanks for coming today guys. Make sure to remember the plan!" Rapunzel smiled and waved goodbye to the two as they walked away. Pascal waved back as Max just held his hand up. The sky was red and orange as the day had passed. Lots of cars filled the streets, all going home from work. It was already late.

"Well that went well," Eugene said as he walked out of the cafe.

"Sure did! I hope everything goes well…"

"It will Blondie, don't worry. We have Pascal and Max with us, and don't forget you have these guns!" Eugene flexed his arm.

"Whatever you say Eugene," Rapunzel playfully rolled her eyes as she made her way to the car.

"No honestly Rapunzel, we'll be fine. Let's go home and get some rest, tomrrows going to be a long day for sure," Eugene followed her.

"Yeah, that sounds good," Rapunzel smiled.

They had planned to do it tomorrow. The sooner the better is what Eugene said, and they were all free tomorrow so it just worked itself out. Tomorrow was the fateful day, good versus evil one could say. The two were anxious. What if something happened? What if things didn't go according to plan? There were so many possibilities.

Rapunzel contacted Gothel, arranging them to meet at a small cafe on the far side of town. They did this so there wouldn't be too many people but still some bystanders to testify for them. It was better safe than sorry. Gothel agreed almost instantly which startled Rapunzel. She almost never answered instantly, leaving her on read most of the time.

The drive back was quiet. The atmosphere was heavy as their minds were filled with all kinds of thoughts. Fear, anxiety, happiness, and other emotions welled inside the two. Although happiness was the odd one out, it was still there. If they succeeded in this, they wouldn't have to live in fear of Gothel. They could do what they want and finally be released from her chains. Arriving at the apartment, they walked up the stairs to the apartment door.

"Eugene…"

"Yes, Rapunzel?" Eugene tilted his head as he looked at her.

"What if she separates us somehow? Or worse, what if she…" she paused, tears welling in her eyes, "what if she hurts you again?"

"No Rapunzel, baby, listen," Eugene left the keys in the hole and hugged her tightly, "I'll make sure she doesn't do anything to hurt us. I'll never leave you, and if she somehow did separate use, just know that I'll chase you to the end of the Earth."

"I know you would Eugene, but I just can't bear to think about it."

"Then don't Rapunzel, just think about me. Don't think about things like that," Eugene pet the back of her head, still embracing her.

The two stood at the front of Eugene's apartment, stuck in an embrace. Luckily no one was there to witness their mushy moment, or else even they would be embarrassed. Eugene and Rapunzel were already used to being like this in public, but they heard that it makes others feel a little sick. They stood there for a little while in silence, comforted by each other's company.

Eventually their legs got tired from just standing there, and they decided to go back inside. Rapunzel was still anxious, but not as much as before. She seemed a little more chirpy than she was earlier. It was still a little early for bed, so they decided to just wind down and relax for a bit. The big day was tomorrow and they didn't want to exert themselves right now.

"What would you like to eat, Punzie?" Eugene called from the kitchen.

"Anything is fine my Gee-Bug."

"Ugh Rapunzel, I told you to stop calling me that," he groaned as he rummaged through the fridge.

"Then don't call me Punzie," she called back sweetly.

This was a rather common occurrence. Ever since Eugene started calling her Punzie, she would retort with her own nickname. Eugene would always express his disgust for it, but she just kept doing it. Eugene didn't mind it much anymore, but it would ruin his reputation, not that he had much of that anymore. Ever since he started dating Rapujnzel, he changed his ways obviously, and his persona slowly faded away. Everyone learned that he was rather sweet and very caring, at least towards his friends and lover. Eugene went from being a cold player to a sweetheart, which was quite a drastic change.

"Aww c'mon Blondie, it's cute," Eugene whipped out the pans and spatula.

"And I think Gee-bug is cute too."

"No it's not Rapunzel," Eugene cracked two eggs into the heated pan.

"Yes it is!"

"Nope, never will be," Eugene replied.

They playfully bickered back and forth until Eugene was finished cooking. They called it a draw and sat down together at the dinner table. Eugene had decided to cook some chicken egg fried rice, as it was easy, comforting, and filling. Rapjunzel set out the plates as Eugene transferred the food to a bowl. The table was all set, and they began to eat.

"Yummy as always my love," Rapunzel smiled as she chewed.

"Don't talk with your mouth full, sweetheart," Eugene scolded her.

"I'm not a child anymore!" Rapunzel frowned, still eating.

"Yes, yes, now keep eating," Eugene laughed a bit.

The two ate till they were content and decided they should sleep soon. They decided to meet Gothel a little early, at around 11:00AM. It was already 8:30PM which wasn't considered too late for them as they usually stayed up till 1:00AM, but they just felt a little more tired than usual. They got ready for bed and laid down next to each other, looking up at the ceiling, hand-in-hand. The ceiling fan was off, and the heater was blasting warm air in. The room was quite chilly at first, but they warmed each other up through their contact.

"Hey Eugene, you love me right?" Rapunzel suddenly asked.

"What brought this on Blondie?" Eugene looked over at her.

"It's nothing really… I just feel all warm inside when you say it," Rapunzel said with a slight blush.

"You're too cute," Eugene hugged her tight, causing her to yelp, "and yes, I do love you. I love you so much." Rapunzel squirmed around, trying to break out of his grasps, but eventually stopped due to his overwhelming strength.

"Eugene, I love you too. I just really hope everything goes well," Rapunzel said in a quiet voice.

"Yes, I do too. I know I keep saying everything will be fine, but I can't be 100% sure about that. I don't want to lie to you and say everything will be fine, but I'm not going to say things will go bad. I just want us to be prepared for everyone," Eugene's voice was weak but resolute. He was ready for whatever the future held for them.

"I'm glad you're honest about it Eugene. I know everything won't go smoothly. The only thing we can do is hope for the best, right?

"That's right sweetheart, that is the only thing we can do."

Rapunzel nodded her head in silence as she snuggled into Eugene, her back hitting his stomach. Closing her eyes, she lost herself in thought about tomorrow. She was worried but also somewhat excited. She was finally going to talk to her "mother" again. She knew she wasn't her real mother, but she still thought of Gothel as her mom. The odd thing is that Gothel never talked about Rapunzel's real parents. She didn't have any pictures and whenever Rapunzel brought it up, she would always dodge her question.

Rapunzel didn't know anything about her family and barely anything about Gothel. She was basically clueless about her heritage, and it always scared her to lose Gothel because she was the only person she knew. But now it was different. She had Max and Pascal. She had Arianna and all the other teachers, and even some of her peers at school. Most importantly of all, she had Eugene. Eugene loved her for who she was, and she loved him back. She now knew Gothel wasn't a good person, and felt no need to be connected to her anymore. She wanted to cut ties with her finally, after realizing Gothel had robbed her of her life.

They laid there in comfortable silence, relaxing their bodies into each other. Rapunzel could feel Eugene's breathing on her neck, causing her to giggle silently. Eugene was already knocked out, his light snores starting to leak out. Rapunzel smiled and felt the warmth of Eugene's arms around her, eventually falling asleep herself.

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BE-

An alarm rang through the apartment, signifying it was time to awaken. Eugene kept his eyes shut, a groan escaping his mouth as he hit the snooze button. He felt a small figure on top of one of his arms. He smiled as he slowly opened his eyes to see Rapunzel's.

"Mornin' Punize," he smirked.

"Good morning Gee-Bug," Rapunzel grinned back.

The two let out quiet laughs as they sat up in the bed. They were well rested and ready to take on the day. It was a big day ahead of them, and they had to be prepared. They decide to wake up a little earlier than usual, waking up at 9:00am. On weekends Eugene would usually sleep in till noon while Rapunzel got up early. Rapunzel's habit of an early awakening never really faded, but she likes sleeping in with Eugene sometimes. Rapunzel would usually cook breakfast and clean while Eugene slept, but since both of them were up Eugene decided to cook breakfast this time.

"No Eugene! You cooked dinner last night," Rapunzel tried to stop him, pulling on his shirt.

"No can do Blondie. You usually do it anyways, let me show you my skills," He said as he pulled up his sleeves. He kept walking, dragging her with him.

"No!" She insisted.

"How about we cook breakfast together?" Eugene said, not wanting to argue first thing in the morning.

Rapunzel rubbed her chin, considering that option. "Okay, fine," she finally agreed, still a little hesitant. She knew that Eugene was usually groggy in the morning, so she didn't want him to be uncomfortable, but if this was the only compromise then she just had to agree. They went on to cook a satisfying breakfast consisting of scrambled eggs, bacon, and french toast. Rapuzel always liked cooking and baking, she tackled the french toast while Eugene flipped the eggs and bacon. It was rare for them to cook together, but it was something they always enjoyed. After eating, they decided to get ready for their meeting. It was already 10:05, and they wanted to be there ready. Rapunzel wore a purple sundress alongside her purple slip-on Vans while Eugene went with a white button up with some casual dress pants. Tucking in his shirt, he wore a black leather belt and some black Vans. They made their way out of the apartment and headed to the cafe.

They arrived at 10:35 and decided to wait around for Max and Pascal. They arrived ten minutes later, parking in front of the cafe to stay close just in case something happened. Max got out and greeted the two, confirmed the plan, and went back to his car. His car had tinted windows, allowing them to sit there and watch through the cafe's large front window. Rapunzel and Eugene decide to sit there after going to the counter and ordering.

The fated time came, and Gothel walked in. She wore a casual crismon dress with a black leather jacket on top. She had long, lucious, black hair. She looked youthful, with smooth flawless skin. Her body was rather voluptuous compared to some older woman. She was quite beautiful indeed. Spotting Rapunzel, Gothel's face morphed into a wicked smile.

"Oh my flower, how are you?" She spoke in a disgusting sweet voice.

"I'm doing alright, Mother," Rapunzel wore a fake smile.

"And who is this?" Gothel looked at Eugene with a scowl.

"This is my boyfriend, Eugene," Rapunzel answered.

"Nice to meet you ma'am" He reached out his hand, which Gothel just ignored and sat down across from the two. Gothel glared at Eugene, causing him to smile back awkwardly.

"So Rapunzel, have you realized the mistake you've made by leaving me?" Gothel picked at her nails, not looking up at the two.

"No mother, actually the opposite," Rapunzel looked at her face and Gothel looked up at her, causing their eyes to meet, "I realized how much of a mistake I made staying with you for all those years."

"A mistake? You really are a naive Rapunzel. Do you know who he is?" Gothel looked at Eugene.

"Yes he's-"

"A the player, the heartbreaker, the fuck boy," she began to get a little vulgar, "The Flynn Rider."

"No mother let me talk!" Rapunzel slammed the table, surprising both Eugene and Gothel, "He's changed mother, he's changed just for me!"

"Oh really? You think he really changed just for you? You really are a stupid girl" Gothel practically spat at them.

"If I may ma'am," Eugene politely butted in, "I actually have changed. I go by Eugene now, and I haven't laid my eyes on any other woman besides your daughter ever since I met her." Gothel scoffed and looked at him with disdain. She obviously didn't believe anything he said.

"Once a player always a player," Gothel shrugged, looking away from the two.

"Mother, no, Gothel. I will say this one time and one time only. Please. Leave. Us. Alone." Rapunzel basically pleaded with her.

"What do you mean leave you two alone? I haven't even done anything yet," Gothel rolled her eyes.

"Don't you pull that bullshit with me," Eugene scoffed, "I know you sent the Stabbington after me. They said your name when they attacked me."

"Hah! You think that was me? You have no proof," Gothel still pretended to be innocent, inwardly cursing those two brothers.

"Whatever you say Gothel. I know what I heard, and I know you won't stop until you get Rapunzel back, but she's not happy with you! She hated living with you, and I know you even abused her," Eugene glared at Gothel, starting to get fired up from her provocation.

"Oh really? And did you strip her down to see that? I bet you took advantage of her the first day you met her. I know she was drunk through that text, I bet she already has a baby growing in her stomach and that's why she won't leave you!" Gothel fired back, fed up with the couple.

"I can't believe you would say that mother!" Rapunzel retreated back into Eugene's arms.

"You despicable bitch!" Eugene yelled, catching the attention of the people around them, "I'll have you know that I have yet to lay a hand on her. I'll wait till she's ready. I'm glad I found her that first day of school, or else she'd still be with you. You call her names and abuse her, both physically and mentally, and you even kept her from the amazing world for sixteen years!" People were starting to stare at the trio, gasps and whispers coming out. Rapunzel hid herself behind Eugene, embarrassed by what he just yelled.

"Oh really now? That's a lie. I know she's a slut. She's a skank, a whore, a bitch!" Gothel went to slap Rapunzel, but was intercepted by Eugene hand's.

"Don't. You. Lay. A. Hand. On. Her." Fury filled Eugene's face, and it looked as if he would hit her back.

"Get your hands off me," Gothel shook her arm, and Eugene let go.

"I didn't want it to turn out like this, but I knew you would attack her. Just leave us alone, or the police will get involved," Eugene threatened.

"Police? Please, you stole her from me. I'm still her guardian," Gothel smiled.

"Oh really now? And If I told the police you abused her and kept her inside for sixteen years, who'll be the bad guy?" Eugene was quick witted, coming up with a rebuttal. Gothel stood there, all the bystanders staring at her. Rage filled her face as she grabbed her bag, pulling something out. Everyone went wide eyed as they stared at what had just been pulled.

A pistol. She pulled out a Glock-18, pointing it at Eugene and Rapunzel. She glared at the two, pointing it at Eugene. "She's coming with me, or you'll never see daylight again," she threatened, "I didn't want to do this but you made me. I can't believe I'm the bad guy now."

Eugene put his arms around Rapunzel and braced himself for the best. Max and Pascal saw the whole thing and dialed the police quickly, giving them directions and telling them the situation.

After a brief call, they hung up and devised a plan.

"You distract her somehow, and I'll try and tackle her," Max said.

"How will I distract her?" Pascal panicked.

"Here, throw this at the window on my signal," he handed Pascal a baseball he had in his car, "then I'll take that opportunity to get her to the ground."

"O-Okay, let's do this," Pascal found some courage, and walked out the car, legs shaking.

"I said let go of her! I will shoot you, don't think I won't," Gothel smirked. Eugene knew she wasn't lying by the look of her eyes. Eugene still held tight, while the other on-lookers stayed on the ground, frozen, scared for their own lives.

"Y-You're crazy you know, this will land you jail for sure," Eugene was still brave enough to make some smart remarks.

"Hah! Like they could catch me. I'll give you five seconds," she started the count.

"5… 4… 3…"

"You're so crazy. I'm glad I met Rapunzel and took her from you" Eugene said in the middle of her counting

"2… 1…" her finger gripped the trigger, "Goodbye, bastard," Gothel smiled. Eugene squeezed his eyes shut, preparing for the worst.

A large crash interrupted them, causing them all to look at the large window. It was broken, and a baseball rolled in. Outside was Pascal, ducking down behind the car. The door swung open and Max charged in, tackling Mother Gothel to the ground. The pistol flew out her hand and hit the floor. An ear deafening blast came from the pistol. Max looked down to his side to see red. Red poured down his shirt, staining his clothes. Gothel seemed to have been knocked out due to the hit, and Max smiled up at Rapunzel and Eugene.

"Hey guys, I came to save you but I guess I'll need some saving," Max fell to the side, his breathing erratic, "I'm glad I met you guys," Max wore a smile before he lost consciousness. Eugene ran over to him and lifted him up.

"Max? Max? MAXXXX!?" His deafening screams and cries filled the entire cafe.

End of Chapter 11

A/N: I'm sorry for the long wait guys, but as I said before I had no motivation before. I grinded this chapter out but I hope it's still fine. I'm thankful for my new followers and favorites as well. I thank you guys so much for reading the story!

I'm sorry for another cliffhanger but the story is nearing its end. I'm thinking of starting up another one, maybe about a zombie apocalypse but with the Tangled crew! Let me know what yall think. I have some other ideas as well, but I need to flesh them out a bit.

Anyway, hope you enjoyed the chapter!

Ciao.