Chapter 3

***Trigger Warning: situations of child abuse, sexual child abuse implications, grief/loss, and drug use.

Jack started cleaning his workspace with a smile on his face. He just got done with another client who had requested a very detailed looking cross on her arm. The wood structure had to really pop and the thorns for the crown also had to look sharp and poignant. He always enjoyed the details, it gave him a chance to add hints of his style, especially when color was involved.

He was almost done and ready to prepare for his next client when his boss, Viggo, came around the corner. Jack was always surprised at how polite the guy sounded, considering all he ever wore were dark sleeveless leather outfits, his tattoos of violence covered his arm and his dark facial hair gave him this mean look. But whenever he spoke, he had an air of smoothness and silk that could calm anyone in a room.

"Jack." Viggo said with a small smile.

"Viggo." Jack smiled back, "Nice to see you."

"Likewise. I thought I'd check in after hearing some good news brought to my attention."

Jack looked at him and wondered which good news he meant. He couldn't remember if he'd told everyone at his work about himself and Rapunzel.

Viggo quickly cleared that up, "It's my understanding that you've been doubling your client list very nicely."

Jack seemed surprised, but nodded, "It's awesome; I had a couple clients do some referrals. So far I've had some real winners."

"I have to say I'm a little worried though, all those clients?" Viggo admitted.

"It's nothing," Jack shrugged as he finished wiping his chair, "besides I could use the extra money right now."

"Oh?" Viggo asked, intrigued.

"Yeah." Jack beamed, "Rapunzel and I are getting ready for our wedding."

"How delightful!" Viggo nodded a small gleam in his eye, "Then I'm glad it's picking up for you."

"Thanks!" Jack agreed, "It couldn't come at a better time."

"Good, good. So," He clapped his hands together, "that is perfect as I was hoping you could help to gather some potential pieces of art for the next convention, not a lot, just enough pieces that could really get us noticed here, you know, catch the eye of some very important people."

"What are you thinking?" Jack asked intrigued, crossing his arms thoughtfully.

"Well, we have done a spectacular job with portraits, piercings, and detail, but, I'm wanting more color."

"You've come to the right guy." Jack smiled, "I've been doing a ton of those lately."

"Excellent, I knew I could count on you." Viggo grinned, "Send some pictures to me by Saturday."

"When's the convention?" Jack asked, wondering if this time Viggo wouldn't go behind his back and include Jack for sure.

"Not for another two months," Viggo clarified, obviously not forgetting their past conflict, "I predict that if we plan well enough in advance, we could easily take first prize this year, maybe even further."

"States?" Jack nearly gasped. They'd only ever won local competitions. Very rarely did a shop in his town get that far.

"Nationals." Viggo clarified.

"Viggo, that's…"

"Impossible? Nonsense. What with all the work you're doing, I do believe we will get there, lad."

Jack felt a little nervous now. If Viggo really wanted to get to the top, then he had to represent the best way he could. It was a lot of pressure but at the same time, what if it got him more recognition? Maybe one day his own shop?

"You won't be disappointed." Jack nodded.

"Wonderful!" Viggo said, patting Jack on the shoulder, "Saturday then?"

"Saturday." Jack nodded. Sure, it was Tuesday, but he had a lot of ideas stored away at home. He was bound to find something that would work and add more to it.

He couldn't wait to tell Rapunzel, maybe this year she'd go with him to the convention. He knew she had been wanting a very nice piece for her back. He had a feeling she'd help him out with that no problem.

He checked his watch and knew he had to press a little for time to meet Hiccup for drinks later. Luckily the next piece was small and easy to do. He just had to be sure to be careful. Sometimes the smaller they were the harder they were.

Jack couldn't shake his happiness off the rest of day, even after his last client left and he hopped on his motorcycle to get to the local bar where he met Hiccup every week. He felt like for once things were finally going his way. Maybe Viggo had come around and this could be it for Jack, a shot at the top. He kept that thought with him as he parked and found their usual spot in the corner. He quickly ordered his usual and texted Rapunzel that he'd made it to the bar and would be home in at least a couple of hours. Not that she minded, with Hiccup and Jack hanging out it only meant Merida and Rapunzel could talk wedding stuff. He remembered Rapunzel say something about color schemes and knew he would have to decide with her soon. He had to admit that was probably the hardest part, picking what they wanted without going overboard. They had so many ideas and it was nearly impossible to just pick one thing and let it go.

Hiccup walked in and shrugged off his brown leather jacket and came over to Jack. He too looked like he'd had a good day but also had something on his mind. The crease between his brows seemed evident enough.

"Merida just made it to your place." Hiccup said as he sat down, "I guess that means we'll finally know what the colors are." He laughed.

"We wish." Jack snorted as he took a swig of his drink.

"So, busy day, I take it?" Hiccup asked as soon as he'd ordered his usual and waited.

"Three in a row." Jack nodded, "Plus a visit from Viggo."

Hiccup looked at him curiously, "What did he want?"

Jack smiled a little, not being able to contain it any longer. Without hesitating he told Hiccup about what he and Viggo had discussed. Hiccup's eyes widened a little, "National level!" He could barely keep his drink down it was so insane, "Jack, that'd be amazing but-"

"I know." Jack nodded, "Insane as well."

"This could be a great thing for you." Hiccup agreed.

"Right? And to think I always assumed Viggo didn't care for my work or anything." Jack nodded as he downed the last of his first draft.

"Just be careful, man. Remember what he did to you in the past." Hiccup pointed out as he gulped his drink.

"I know," Jack agreed, "but the fact that he told me about it and wants me involved, maybe this will be different." Jack said with hope, "Hiccup this could be it."

Hiccup still looked nervous about it but couldn't help but smile, "It could be. Just imagine Jack, your own tattoo business."

"It's almost too good to be true." Jack agreed, "But, I really feel that things are starting to look up. Like it's all falling into place. Me and Rapunzel, you and Merida, my job and her school."

Hiccup had to agree with him but Jack once again noticed the crease between his brows, "Hey, can I ask you something?" Hiccup suddenly blurted out.

"Sure." Jack laughed as he ordered another drink.

Hiccup genuinely looked nervous and Jack had to wonder why. He put down his drink and Jack could see his hands shake a little.

"I know that right now, it's about you and Rapunzel," Hiccup started, "but there's something…"

Jack leaned in, even more curious than before.

"Jack, I want to do it. I want to ask her." Hiccup finally spat out.

Jack's eyes widened, "You mean…"

Hiccup nodded, "My dad polished and resized my mom's ring. I had Elinor help figure out her ring size for me. Jack, I want to ask Merida to marry me."

Jack nearly dropped his beer as he pulled Hiccup in for a hug, "Hiccup! Holy shit!"

Hiccup was smiling and reached into his pocket to show Jack. It was a beautiful ring, a simple silver band that had a knot design in the middle and a tiny diamond in the middle of the knot.

"Hiccup, this is…this is so amazing." Jack nodded, "She's going to love it."

"I know, I just don't know when." Hiccup sighed, pocketing the ring.

"You could totally propose at the wedding shower, or our wedding." Jack offered.

"No, Merida would kill me." Hiccup laughed, "She's the maid of honor, she's going to be barking out orders and going nuts."

Jack had to agree with that, "So, do you know what you might do?"

"I actually think I do." Hiccup nodded, picking up his drink and taking another long gulp.

Jack nodded in expectation, "What is it?"

"Don't laugh." Hiccup warned.

"You know I won't." Jack teased.

Hiccup paused a minute and then nodded, "I'm going to ask her at Group."

Jack almost did laugh, "What?"

"I know it sounds very weird but…but Group was when we finally started to be friends again, me and her. It got us both talking again and because of Group, I fell in love with her all over again." He paused and looked to Jack, "Group was with our friends and people we cared about, you know? It's always been like that."

"Hiccup, that's actually a really good idea." Jack nodded.

"Plus," Hiccup added as he pocketed the ring, "I really think the kids would enjoy seeing Merida turn the color of her hair when I ask her." He snorted.

Jack couldn't deny it was kind of brilliant, at least way better than his engagement.

He shuddered as he thought about it; poor Rapunzel had been stressed out about school and work. He too had been stressed, mostly because he was wanting everything to be perfect that night. He had taken her out to dinner at some fancy place trying to be romantic, only both were dirt poor and couldn't really buy anything. He barely spoke two words to her until she broke down crying and ran to the bathroom thinking he was breaking up with her.

It had a happy ending at least but he knew it could have been way better, so compared to Jack's proposal, Hiccup's was damn beautiful.

"Do it." Jack finally spoke, "Hiccup she's going to love it."

Hiccup looked up and brightened, "You really think so?"

"I know so. Honestly, I wish I'd thought of that for my proposal." Jack admitted.

Hiccup cringed a little at the memory of when Jack had told him. He and Rapunzel still act like it never happened, as if she suddenly had a ring on her finger and the engagement was on for no real reason. He shook his head slightly and then breathed out a sigh of relief, "Thanks Jack."

"You know she'll say yes, right?" Jack chuckled.

"I know, maybe add a curse word in there too and we'd be on track." Hiccup laughed.

Both toasted to their luck and Jack had a feeling that things would go smoothly. Everyone he loved was happy; hell, even Flynn was doing well in New York, finally getting some acting gigs on Broadway.

He decided it was high time he go home to Rapunzel and tell her all the good news, except the part about Hiccup proposing; that had to be a surprise. And if Jack knew anything at all it was that Rapunzel loved surprises.

….

Jack winced and grit his teeth as the belt stung his back for the twelfth time in a row. He bit his lip so hard in the beginning he could taste copper in his mouth. He stood there, bracing for each blow and tried his hardest not to cry out. He knew crying out only made it worse. He managed to open his eyes for a second and saw Emma looking down the stairway at him, tears coating her cheeks with a shimmer in the light. It was another beating he gladly took for her and she knew it. He could only meet her eyes and nod quickly before his dad or mom noticed.

Jack then peeked a glance at his mother sitting on the couch smoking a cigarette and watching TV in the other room. He could see beer cans and liquor bottles litter the floor. He smelled the gut wrenching odor of stale cigarettes. He even saw the tiny pricks in his mother's arm from where she put the needles in to shoot up.

This was his father's favorite past time he was sure of it; strip Jack down to his boxers and beat him senseless. Sometimes if that wasn't enough Jack was their designated literal punching bag. But Jack suffered through it. He had to for Emma's sake.

It wasn't long before their friends would be over, more drug dealing and drinking. That meant Jack had to high tail it upstairs fast before anyone came over.

"Will you keep it the fuck down!" His mother roared at his dad, "It's obvious a whooping doesn't do it no more, just bring him here."

His dad lowered the belt and Jack cringed as his dad shoved him forward where his mother grabbed his arm and then stung him without a second thought with her cigarette butt. Jack clenched his teeth and tears began to fall. He couldn't scream, wouldn't scream.

"There." She barked, letting him go so he could hold his arm tightly, "That'll teach you to fucking clean up after yourself. Now get the hell upstairs and stay there."

Jack did as told, rushing past his dad who was adjusting his belt and snorting like he had gunk in his mouth, most likely chewing tobacco.

He saw Emma at the top of the stairs and nodded to her to quickly go. She got up and both ran swiftly to his room where he shut the door and ushered her to bed.

"Jack…" she sniffled.

"I'm fine, Em," he smiled, "Just a little burn that's all."

He helped tuck her into bed and found her favorite toy, a dirty old teddy bear. He quickly kissed her forehead and promised to come back soon. He needed to wash his burn, it really did hurt.

He opened the door and peeked out carefully. He could hear guests already arriving, bottles were being passed around, and people were laughing and joking. He could smell more tobacco and stale beer, but he was used to it at this point.

He saw his chance and ran to the bathroom to clean his arm. He didn't dare look in the mirror for fear of what he'd see; a broken, battered little kid, at least that's what he always saw when he looked in the mirror.

He rubbed his eyes and then decided he needed to get back to Emma. As he crept down the hall he suddenly heard Emma's name and froze.

"She isn't old enough." He heard his dad tell someone, "Try Martin's kid, she's at least fifteen."

"Doesn't matter, the younger they are the more they don't remember." The other guy laughed and then Jack heard a snort…the white stuff, they sniffed it up. Jack always thought that was the creepiest thing. He hated when water got in his nose so why would anyone sniff up a bunch of stuff purposefully?

"Nah, when she's older, I won't give a damn." His dad said gruffly.

"You know you're going to have to pay up sometime." The guy told him, "She'll do for the time being might as well buy you some time."

"I told you, I'll get the money. But if you want her that bad, ask her mother, I don't give two shits."

Jack's stomach dropped. What did they want with his sister? He couldn't help it, he crept closer to the stairs, careful to stay out of sight as much as possible. Besides he didn't want to look, he just needed to hear.

Before he knew it, he heard his mom cackling, "Fuck, I don't care, I was like, what, six or something? She won't even remember it, just be quick."

Jack heard footsteps and his heart pounded in his chest. He backed up but not fast enough. He looked to see one of his parents' frequent visitors with pale dirty skin, sunken eyes, shaggy blonde hair, and teeth so rotten Jack wasn't sure if they were even real anymore. He looked down at Jack and smiled a toothy grin, "Hey little man. Where's your sister?"

Jack swallowed thickly.

"Relax, I won't tell them you're up." He chuckled, "Hell I used to stay up all the time and listen to my parents."

"Y-you can t-take me…" Jack suddenly blurted out.

"What?" The guy asked, looking puzzled.

"I can…Emma isn't good enough anyways…take me instead."

The guy stared at Jack a long while then tilted his head a little, "What in God's name you talking about?"

"You don't want Emma…I'm better." Jack tried, "I'm older, and my parents don't care…please, you can take me."

"Hell, I ain't taking your sister." The guy laughed, "I just want to have a little fun with her is all."

"What?" Jack asked in confusion.

"You know, play a little." He added with a wink.

Jack stared at him in confusion and terror.

"You don't know much do you." The guy shook his head with a small laugh.

"I…well…"

"You want to find out?" he asked.

"What?"

"You want to see what I really mean? You might as well learn now, you're old enough I'd say."

"O…Ok, but…Emma's asleep, she'll scream. I can be quiet though." Jack said quickly, "The bathroom, no one hears us there."

"You really want to do this?"

"Yeah, you don't want to do anything to Emma, she'll scream a lot. Mom and dad will be pissed. I don't cry." Jack told him.

To be honest, Jack had no clue what the man or his parents were talking about. All he wanted was to make sure no one went into his sister's room, he didn't want anyone to touch her, to hit her, or to take her from him. He was so naïve but had good intentions, always, for his sister. He could hardly make out the hallway, the bathroom, at that point it got fuzzy for him. And little did he know what he had set himself up for, all for his sister…

…

"Jack? Jack!" Rapunzel screamed.

Jack awoke with a gasp and shot out of bed, clutching his chest. His throat hurt, and his face felt hot and sweaty. He stood there, his legs buckling. He shook, but not from the cold.

Rapunzel got slowly out of bed and came to him, "Jack…Jack what is it?"

Jack didn't even know what to say or do, he could barely breathe right.

"Jack please talk to me." Rapunzel said with tears in her eyes, she reached out slowly to him and he finally lowered his eyelids and opened them to see her in front of him, looking terrified and sad at the same time. He'd never done this. He had night terrors, sure, they both did. But he never acted this way when he woke from a dream.

"I-I'm…I'm fine." Jack's teeth chattered, and he shook violently. He slowly relaxed and Rapunzel finally came over to him to put her arms around him, "Jack…" she breathed.

"I'm sorry." Jack managed to move his arms around her to embrace her tightly, "I'm so sorry."

"What happened?" she asked him, moving back slightly and pushing his sweaty hair from his eyes.

"I…" Jack started, but for some reason, he couldn't finish. He looked deep into Rapunzel's eyes, wondering if he should tell her. This was something he never told anyone; not North, not Ana, not Hiccup, not Flynn…no one. He had pushed it so far back, he'd almost convinced himself that it was all a nightmare, all of it.

"I don't know." he lied, looking down and unable to meet her gaze. What in the world would she think of him knowing that he'd been through that and never told anyone? He knew it wasn't right, but he was so happy now, so happy to just let it all go. So, no way was he going to rehash it. It was over now, and no one needed to know.

"I don't know." He repeated and shook his head, "Just…a lot…" he tried.

She looked at him sadly, her hands on his face, caressing his cheeks softly, "Jack you sounded so scared."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you." He told her, trying his hardest to push it all away in his mind before he broke down, "I'm okay now, just…need some water is all."

She nodded, "Let me get it for you- "

"No, it's okay." He rushed, carefully pushing her away and walking out of the room, "I think I need to walk anyways."

He left her standing there and felt like such a terrible person. He'd practically mortified her and now he was hiding his darkest secret from her. Hell, it was so hidden, not even Emma knew about it before she died. But he knew the minute he opened that door…no, he had so much good in his life now, it had to stay shut.

He went to the bathroom and splashed water on his face and on his neck. He took at least five deep breaths before looking up and opening his eyes.

A little boy, dirty and beaten, with deep brown eyes and shaggy brown hair stared back at him. Behind him in the mirror, a toothy grin stared back.

Jack closed his eyes and shook his head. Never again…

…

Jack attempted to bury his secret once more into the deepest recesses of his brain and managed to act like nothing happened the next day. Rapunzel didn't bring it up again but he had a feeling she still had questions and was only giving him space. Both had learned, mostly him, that sometimes it was best to give the other one time before jumping them with questions. He remembered Ana and North telling him that multiple times when all he wanted to do was help Rapunzel. What was good about this practice was that now he had time to come up with something to tell her and then move on.

He felt glad his work kept him busy all day and the thought of becoming a well known tattoo artist with the help of Viggo was a plus. By the time he was headed to the school for his mentoring he had his usual smile plastered on his face and felt ten times better than the night before.

He walked in and remembered that Merida, Rapunzel nor Nod could make it that day. Not to mention Hiro and Sherman were away at an academic tournament. That didn't mean things couldn't go on as usual for the group. He smiled at the new kid, Arlo, who still looked terrified but was settling in and talking to Riley who obviously had a wonderous affect on his anxiety.

He was happy to see them both laugh at something she had said and he could tell he was starting to come out of his shell bit by bit.

"Hi Jack!" Moana said as she came up behind him, carrying a mountain of books.

Jack reached out and helped her out by taking some from her and putting them on a table nearby, "How are you, Miss Bookworm?" he teased.

She sighed, looking somewhat flustered, "I have a big exam next weekend, I think I made a mistake signing up for early SAT's and ACT's."

Jack cringed for her, he was terrible at tests, "I have a strong feeling you're going to be amazing!" he said supportively.

She smiled gratefully at him, "Thanks Jack. I'm sad Rapunzel couldn't make it today." She admitted as they walked towards the circle of chairs.

"She told me to tell you she is wishing you well and thinking of you." He told her, "We can buddy up today, my mentee is trying to get his grades up at the tournament."

Moana giggled, "I heard him and Sherman arguing yesterday before the bus came to get them."

Jack chuckled and shook his head, "I hope they didn't put those two in a room together."

"Tell me about it." Hiccup suddenly said from behind them. He was panting like he'd been racing to get there on time even though he was technically early. He brushed his shaggy hair away from his eyes and sat down with a huff next to Jack.

"Somebody got caught up at work." Jack teased him.

Hiccup rolled his eyes and then smiled over at the others who were coming in, "Hey Arlo." He called over, "You and I are teaming up today since Sherman's not here."

Arlo looked like he'd won a magical prize as his eyes lit up, "Really?"

Hiccup tried not to laugh, "Yeah, come on over." He smiled warmly.

Riley smiled at him encouragingly as he came and sat next to Hiccup who extended his hand to shake Arlo's, "I'm Hiccup by the way."

Arlo shook his hand and nodded shyly.

Ana came in just then and gathered everyone to sit. Jack noticed Vanellope had snuck up on him and grabbed his neck for a hug. He laughed and touseled her hair, "You nut." He teased.

She giggled and went to sit next to Moana, "You want to be my partner today?" she asked them, "Nod isn't coming."

"Sorry, no sister's allowed." Jack teased.

She stuck his tongue out at him and Moana laughed.

MK had come in and sat down by Vanellope, "Looks like its you, me and Riley today." She smiled.

"Where's Tip?" Vanellope asked.

MK looked down sadly but then smiled, "She's feeling pretty sick today, so she went home early."

"Bummer, but at least now I don't have to deal with my dumb older brother." Vanellope laughed.

"Love you too." Jack smiled proudly.

"Alright!" Miss Ana said with a smile, "While I'm sad some of our crew couldn't make it today, I'm glad for those of you who could."

They all nodded and Ana continued, "Today we'll just keep it low key and review a crowd favorite; cognitive distortions!"

A few of the group members groaned and Ana laughed, "I know, it's a hard topic but I for one would love to see where you all have landed when it comes to your own personal cognitive distortions."

Moana suddenly raised her hand, "I do have something!" she smiled.

"Alright then, Moana, take it away!" Ana smiled fondly.

"Okay, so…" Moana began, "I remember one of the cognitive distortions that I had was should statements."

"Let's remind the group what that is exactly." Miss Ana encouraged.

Moana nodded, "So, should statements are like the idea that you have to be this way or you should be doing something, there's no in between, it's like, right and wrong."

"Very good." Miss Ana nodded, "And how did you tackle that one recently?"

"Well, at the beginning of the year, I remember I kept telling my family that I should only go to a school in Hawaii because I had to be with my family and help out there. Everyone kept telling me I didn't have to but I just kept saying that I should and I did have to, even though I really didn't need to feel that way."

"Why did you feel like you had to go back home and help?" Ana asked her.

"At first, it was mostly for my grandmother, I was worried about not seeing her or not being there for her when she died, but…it happened and it made me hate myself for not doing what I felt I should have done."

She took a breath and put on a smile, "But after coming here and talking to everyone in my family, I realized that, my grandmother wouldn't want me to miss out on everything just for her. She would want me to explore and I don't have to do anything out of a sense of duty but more what I feel is right for me."

"That's wonderful, Moana." Ana smiled, "By processing your grief and talking to your family and friends, you found a sense of purpose that you never knew you had in you."

Moana nodded, "I did, and now I'm studying for different colleges. I don't know where I'll end up but it's okay cause it's more fun than feeling like I 'should' be somewhere."

"Excellent, does anyone else have some progress they wanted to share? Or maybe a challenge?"

Riley sighed loudly and raised her hand, "I'm still 'mind-reading'." She admitted.

"Let's explore that then." Ana said encouragingly.

Riley straightened herself and began, "So, I was going to try out for a local hockey team and I completely bombed it."

"What happened?" Ana asked with sympathy.

"I just…it's like everything I ever knew about the sport was tossed in the trash or something. All those other girls were so much better than me and when they called my name I just felt like they were staring at me and thinking I sucked. Well, turns out they were right." She grumbled in disappointment.

MK rubbed her shoulder comfortingly.

"It sounds like more than one cognitive distortion got in your way that day, huh?" Miss Ana commented.

Riley nodded, "Yeah, I don't know why I thought they hated me, I don't even know them. And I just got so mad I left without saying anything."

"It's easy to get frustrated when you feel you lose control over your own emotions and thoughts." Ana nodded.

"Miss Ana?" Arlo asked timidly, "Umm, you said she had another distortion and I don't really know those."

Miss Ana nodded understandingly, "Of course, thank you for asking Arlo and what a good observation you made! Yes, Riley, can you find the other distortion you used that day?"

Riley thought for a minute, "Was it discounting or disqualifying the positive?"

"Yes and there's actually another one!" Miss Ana nodded, "You made a comment about the other girls being better than you so that meant that you were not as good as them. You're right in disqualifying the positive because by trying out for a hockey team, that alone makes you talented enough, but then, you dabbled in fortune telling and then mind reading which only made your worries lose control."

Riley nodded, "Yeah, I did."

"Can you try out again?" Moana asked Riley.

Riley nodded, "Mom convinced me to give it another go, but I'm still not sure."

"Hey," Jack finally cut in, "I used to think like that a lot, I still do, but when I finally just told myself that I was good enough, it really made a difference. Even if I had to fake it, the confidence became real."

"Really?" Riley asked him, "How did you do that?"

Jack grinned and chuckled a little, "Good example was I told myself that I could practically fly on the field and I didn't hate the people on my team. After that tryout, I made an excellent lacrosse player."

Riley smiled at him, "So if I tell myself that I'm a great hockey player, then…"

Jack nodded encouragingly, "Sometimes it's okay to believe we can be more than we think. That confidence gets us through and we don't even realize it until it's over."

Riley smiled at him, "Yeah. You're right. I'm going to try out again."

A few of the members cheered for her.

"Now you're tackling those distortions, Riley." Miss Ana clapped.

Riley sat back, feeling better and nodding to herself.

Arlo raised his hand nervously again and Miss Ana motioned for him to speak.

"So, these distortions, are they bad if you have them?" he asked timidly.

"Oh no," Miss Ana confirmed, "Everyone has them and sometimes they are there for a reason, it doesn't mean you're bad or that they're bad. It's more of a challenge to tackle when you feel you are being held back by your own negative thoughts and feelings."

"So," Arlo tried, "When I get scared, like, when I'm alone in the dark, I feel like something bad is going to happen and that's when things go very bad for me. What is that?"

"Can anyone guess?"

"Sounds like magnifying glass," Vanellope said aloud, "Am I right?"

Miss Ana grinned, "Magnifying, yes, that is a good catch, Vanellope."

"What is that?" Arlo asked in a worried voice.

"It just means that something like being alone in the dark conjures up a bigger and more terrifying image to you, making the problem bigger than it actually is." She explained.

"Oh," Arlo nodded, "Yeah, like what Vanellope said about the magnifying glass, like a small bug made to look bigger and scarier."

"Exactly." Miss Ana smiled.

"So how can I stop it?" Arlo asked in a hopeful voice.

"It's not about stopping it," She explained patiently, "It's more about you gradually conquering smaller fears and being able to tell yourself that the small things can't hurt you and eventually you can work on the bigger things that scare you. Over time and with a lot of support and practice, you can learn to tell yourself when and how to respond to fear in a way that doesn't hold you back."

Arlo smiled and for a moment he didn't look scared, it looked like someone had just held a book in front of his face and showed him the way. He had hope in his eyes as he looked up at Miss Ana, "I want to try. I want to be brave."

Miss Ana smiled back, "You will, Arlo, but remember to take your time, don't do this on your own, and be patient with yourself."

He nodded, "I will…Papa…Papa will be so proud." He said with tears in his eyes.

"We all are." Miss Ana told him.

Everyone nodded and Jack remembered a time when he too felt helpless, now look where he was. For a minute his vision blurred and a sinking pit came to his stomach and he nearly gagged at the feeling. He wasn't sure what happened but it was almost like something stopped his breathing and punched him in the stomach. He coughed loudly, causing everyone to look at him.

"Jack?" Hiccup asked him quietly, "You okay?"

"Yeah…" Jack choked out, pushing the feeling away as quickly as he could, "Yeah." he took a shuddering breath. He plastered a smile on his face and looked up, "I did that dumb thing where you swallow wrong and tear your throat to shreds."

Hiccup shook his head with a laugh and Miss Ana glanced at him briefly with a look of doubt but quickly smiled at him and nodded.

Jack avoided everyone's eyes but felt glad they were back to applauding Arlo. It was about him anyways. It was about all these kids. His story was over and no one needed to know. He had to get back to normal and fast.

He finally looked up to see Arlo being hugged by Moana and Riley and felt his heart lift at the sight. This was what it was about; group. It was about these kids coming together and finding their voice, just like he had. He hoped Arlo would conquer his fears and live a meaningful life full of adventure. He knew he had a long way to go but felt confident that with everyone around him, Arlo could do it.

…

Jack walked in the door and automatically knew that Rapunzel had had a rough day. Her bag and books were scattered on the table and in his heart he knew she was suffering. He'd been with her long enough to know when he needed to go to her.

He wondered for a moment where she was but it didn't take him long to go to the closet he'd set up for them. Sure enough, she was in there with a washcloth over her eyes, trying her hardest to relax under the little Christmas lights and glow in the dark stars.

He carefully settled in next to her and brought her to him gently.

"Rough day?" he asked her.

She took off the washcloth to reveal puffy and red eyes. She wrapped her arms around his middle and nodded sadly.

He kissed her head and held her tighter, "What's up?"

She released a shaky breath and broke from him to relax against the pillows, "I don't think I can do this." She admitted in a pitiful voice.

He relaxed opposite her and listened patiently.

She rubbed her eyes again, "I had to leave class early." she told him, "They were talking about trauma and all I could think about was group and feeling horrible I left Moana there alone today and how I couldn't handle dealing with any of this stuff."

Jack watched her sadly.

She continued as a tear fell down her cheek, "I told the teacher I had a headache and she was nice about it, but, what if I keep doing this and end up failing? What does that say about me as a counselor?"

Jack took her hand in his, "You know as well as I do that it's easy to feel like a failure on the first try."

She looked over at him as he continued, "Talk to your mom tomorrow and maybe she can help give you some pointers for how to work through this stuff. But you will be amazing when it's all over. I believe you will."

She wiped her cheek.

"And as for group, a lot of people were out today, you, Merida, Nod, Tip, Hiro and Sherman," He explained, "So me and Moana teamed up and it worked out. Yeah she missed you but it's understandable. We all have lives and she knows you love her."

She heaved a shuddering breath and nodded, "I know you're right, I just got to my own head again and I hate how I feel about myself."

He brought her in for another hug and rubbed her back, "It's going to be alright. And I'll be sure the both of us keep going."

"You shouldn't have to do this on your own," She argued, "You have things too that can get to you and I should be able to step up when you need me."

"Hey, I'm Jack Overland." He boasted, "I can overcome anything as long as I have you."

She smiled finally as he leaned down to kiss her.

"Let's grab a bite to eat," he said, taking her hand and leading her out of the closet, "My treat."

She allowed him to get her out of the closet and both hugged eachother for a moment, just standing there together in the darkened room, "Hey, don't worry about me, okay?" he whispered to her, "You know I'm always here for you."

"I know, Jack. I love you so much." She breathed, sounding better than before, "And you're right, I'll talk to mom tomorrow about school. I think it will be nice to just see her for a bit."

"I should go visit Dad while I'm thinking about it." Jack chuckled, "He's probably needing some emotional support with Vanellope."

"I'm sure she's doing just fine." Rapunzel giggled.

Just then, Jack's phone rang and he groaned playfully as he answered it, "Hey Flynn."

Authors Note:

I guess you've figured out by now what Jack's story will entail. Once again, please contact someone who can help if you or anyone you know is in danger. And in case anyone asks, yes, Arlo will get a new mentor and I'm curious to hear your guesses!

Also for anyone who doesn't know, the character, Viggo, is from Dragons Race to the Edge on Netflix-highly recommend!