You slam your shot glass down on the bar, feeling the burning sensation of the alcohol spread its way through your body. You signal the bartender, silently pointing to your glass. He gets the hint and makes his way over to you, bottle in hand. As he refills the glass, he looks at you with concerned eyes. You catch his gaze and feel yourself starting to talk, as if he asked you something. Maybe he did, to be honest you have had quite a few shots and the world around you is starting to look hazier by the second.

''He was my friend, at least I think he was.'' You mumble, looking down at your fidgeting hands. ''It's a bit of a gray area. I said some things and he got mad and then I almost burned his house down and he got even madder. And I have no idea how to fix this royal mess I've made of myself.'' You heave a sigh and catch your head in your hands, feeling it pounding against your palms.

The bartender musters a smile. ''that's rough kid. Maybe you should talk things through, get a grip on how he's feeling and all that.'' You're quit for a moment, trying to process what he said, after a second or two of silence; you nod and thank him for his advice. You slam back the shot, figuring you might as well drink it and after leaving a tip for the bartender, you make your way into the casino.

You can almost feel the energy of it all, the anxious people, the noise of the machines and the inaudible sound of hearts around you beating faster. You wobble through the casino and steady yourself on one of the slot machines, starting to doubt whether that last shot was such a good idea. Nevertheless, you keep walking through the maze of machines and people, looking around for the Willy Wonka slot machine, the place where you know Rapunzel is wasting her money. After a bit of searching and pushing yourself through the crowds, you find her standing in front of the machine. She isn't alone though, she's flailing her arms around, like she always does when she tries to prove a point. Across from her you see the frail body of Hiccup, hunched over a bit. He looks like he's beyond exhausted and at the point of caving in to whatever the long haired blonde across from him is making him do. You try to catch bits and pieces of their conversation without getting involved. Too bad Rapunzel has spotted you already and in one fluid movement, she drags you over.

You are now standing at arms length from Hiccup, who looks every bit as uncomfortable as you at the sudden development of actions. You comb your hand through your hair, resting it in your neck as you smile sheepishly at Hiccup. Before things can get any more uncomfortable, Rapunzel speaks up.

''Jack, tell Hicc that he needs to loosen up, have an ALCOHOLIC drink and get the stick out of his ass!'' She swings her arms around wildly, putting emphasis on the alcoholic part. She looks up at you expectantly, jabbing her elbow in your side.

You turn to her ''Punz, I don't think I-''

Hiccup interrupts you mid-sentence. ''Why would you bring him in? I told you I'm not drinking any alcohol and bringing snow white over here into the conversation won't change that!'' He argues pointing an accusing finger in your direction whilst glaring at her.

It seems that your arrival has riled Hiccup up, seeing as he is standing up straight again and is screaming at Rapunzel, full of new-found determination.

You hold your hands up in the air defensively ''I don't want to be in this conversation either'' Hiccup turns to you, still glaring, and you look away. You pinch the bridge of your nose, closing your eyes; all this screaming isn't helping the pounding in your head.

Before Hiccup can shout at you or Rapunzel again, she marches in the opposite direction, dragging you with her. You see Hiccup mutter something and he turns around, disappearing into the crowd.

You turn back to Rapunzel and dig your heel in the casino carpet, making her stop in her tracks. She looks up at you, eyebrows scrunched, cheeks flaming red and steam practically blowing out her ears.

''What the fuck was that all about?'' you ask her, making eye contact.

''I told you!'' she screams, swinging the arm that isn't clenching yours to pulp around.

''No, you didn't. You know Hiccup never drinks and you haven't gotten mad before, now tell me why you're really mad'' you explain in a calm voice while prying your hand from Rapunzel's death grip.

Rapunzel lets go of your hand, and buries them in her hair. She sits down on one of the nearby bar chairs and her hands droop to her sides. She sighs and looks down at the floor. ''I don't know, I mean, I'm getting married tomorrow Jack. Married. And Hiccup hasn't had a date in forever.'' She looks up at you, tears brimming in her green eyes. ''I just want him to be happy'' her voice is barely audible. You crouch down, locking eyes with her. Cupping her cheek, you wipe away the tears threatening to spill. ''Listen to me Punz, he will be happy. He just needs a little more time, not a mother. Just let him find his own way, okay?'' She thinks for a moment, and then she nods. She wraps her hands around your neck, pulling you into a tight embrace. ''Thank you Jack'' She sniffles, before burying herself deeper into your hoodie. You pet the back of her hair affectionately. She pulls away from the hug.

''What now?'' she asks, green eyes staring up into your blue ones. ''I'll talk to Hiccup'' You tell her, knowing you're probably the last person he wants to see. ''You are going to freshen up and then play with Emma, I left her with Flynn, promising you would come over later'' She nods, getting out of the chair and hugging you again. You chuckle and hug her back before waving her off to her room. Now all that's left to do is find Hiccup.

This is going to be fun.

Yoooo, would you just look at that, another chapter.

So after reading back my previous update i realised it fucking sucked.

So this is to make up for it i guess?

Also, i havent had internet for like two days so i had plenty time to write; next chapter will follow directly hereafter.

Im kinda proud of this one and the next. Looks decent for a change, even without beta.

Faisyah (my beta) if youre reading this, sorry im not making these go through you, didnt know if you still wanted to be my beta...