Hello all. Its been a minute I know and I appreciate your patience with me. I've been thinking about this story and its direction all summer. My head is like four chapters ahead while I'm not in writing. Lol But I've had this chapter done or some time and think I'm far enough in writing to upload.

Thank you all for your loving and helpful reviews your words help keep me writing. So here's chapter 31, enjoy.

Don't forget to Read and Review on.

Agi out.

Chapter 31: Words and Pianos

Jack didn't go to the shop after school, he actually headed home instead. Making his way into the apartment he took a quick shower and called his mom. "Hello, Jack?" His mother's voice rang in his ear instantly calming him down. He sighed, "Hi mom," and winced for the tongue lashing he was about to get. His eyes widened in surprise to hear a sigh of relief and a smile in her voice, "Well I'm glad to see you're feeling better." He was at a loss of words for a moment, "You. You're not… You're not mad, that I haven't called you in weeks?" He asked utterly confused. "Well believe me my wrath was coming after the second day, but Pitch called and told us you were going through a bit of a slump with your friends. I thought it was all the more reason to call and talk to you, but he suggested it best to give you some alone time," She explained. Jack plopped on the couch, "He did? Huh…" He was silent for a moment and a chuckle escaped his lips. "Guess Pitch is looking out for me," He smiled softly.

"Of course he is. Why do you think we asked him to watch over you," His mother asked. "Because Uncle Bunny was too busy," He joked. "I heard that! Ya little show pony! Keep talkin like that and I'll be down there in a bloody heart beat!" He heard clear as day in the back. Jack laughed again, "As a quick as bunny huh Uncle K." His mother blocked out the ranted Bunnymund had for the teen, "Enough you two. You'll have plenty of time to rough house when your home for the holidays." They stopped but Jack couldn't help, but snicker at the grumbles from his uncle in the back. "Now Jack, I know you didn't call just play silly games on the phone," His mother chimed. He grew silent, remembering his reasons for calling. "Yeah, I… I wanted to apologize for not calling lately. I know I worry you guys sick even when I talk to you, and_"

His mother interrupted, "Now that's enough mister. Pitch explained and you were already forgiven. After all it's not the first time you've closed yourself off to us. You always do that when you're in trouble, or something doesn't go right, or your sister and you have a silly fight, or break something that isn't really important… I miss you son." She said softly. Jack heard the sadness in her voice, "I miss you too mom. I miss all of you guys… How's Emma?" He asked feeling his chest swell. "Doing well," She replied, "Missing you like mad. Asking why haven't you called and when will you call. The only reason she didn't answer the phone is because she's at ice skating practice. Look for a phone call tonight. I'm giving her ample time to talk your ear off young man." Jack smiled, "Well she's in luck my ears are strong enough for her to try." He felt his heart leap when hearing his mother's laughter. "Well if you're that strong, I'm to assume you've made up with your friends," She questioned. He replied "I'm ready too," with a reassuring smile. "You mean haven't already!? Get to it Mister, go, go!" He couldn't practically feel her shooing him away. Jack laughed and found himself smiling "Ok. Thanks mom." He could hear her smiling as well, "Your welcome son. I love you." He replied with, "I love you too," Before hanging up.

After a quick 30 minute meditation session Jack stood and took a deep breath, and told himself, "Can't keep running Jack. You'll be lost forever if you do." Making his way up the stairs and down the hall he talked out ways to apologize, but he never found the right way to do by the time he knocked on the door.

Pascal heard the door, while Rapunzel had fallen asleep when doing her homework. He scurried over and climbed up the door to look in the peep hole. He squeaked and jump back at the sight of Jack. He hit ground and clumsily hurried over to Rapunzel. Pulling and tugging at her blonde hair seemed to have no effect, neither did the sound of another knock. Pascal had a miniature fit of panic as he tried to wake the girl up. He took a deep breath and his tongue shot out into her ear. Rapunzel's head jumped up with a shout as she covered her ear. "Pascal?! Wha_" she stopped hearing the knocking at her door. "Oh… uh coming," She replied walking to the door. Standing on her toes, she asked, "Who is…" She went silent and opened the door. Jack stiffened and stood straight. "Jack,' Rapunzel said a small state of awe.

"Uh… yeah… hi," He replied nervously.

"Hi," Rapunzel said softly.

Both avoided eye contact as they stood in the doorway. "I_" Both said and stopped in unison. "Ah… you go first," They said together. "No," they repeated at the same time, making eye contact. Jack's eyes followed her voice and Rapunzel found herself looking straight into icy, bright, blue eyes. She quickly looked away again and tugged her hair, taking a deep breath she turned and looked at him with a determined expression. "I'm SORRY!" They both exclaimed. Jack's eyes widened as did Rapunzel, as silence filled the air. "What? Why, why are you sorry," Jack asked arching an eyebrow. "I… I thought you were avoiding me because of Dagger, and if you are, I totally understand I'd hate me too! That's why I kept my distance I thought_" She was silenced but Jack's finger pressed against her lips.

The air was quit again.

"You shouldn't be apologizing. I was avoiding you out of guilt. I made you feel this way because I was too much of a coward to face you, knowing I couldn't keep my promise. I told you I'd stay safe, that I'd keep out of trouble…. I didn't keep that promise, and in turn made you worry and stress yourself out because of my recklessness. I made the choice to protect you, you didn't ask. And I didn't think of what would happen if I did that. I don't regret it, I don't blame you for anything, and I know you don't blame me for something I couldn't control. But just for the sack of my sanity can I ask for your forgiveness for being a dumbass?" He chuckled at the last part out. He was met with an awkward silence and his weak smile began to fade. Before any words could come out he felt arms wrap around his neck and the pressure of a head resting on his shoulder. He stood there for a moment wide eyed and blinking in confusion.

"Only if you let me say sorry too. For not trying harder to talk to you and fix this whole thing," Rapunzel spoke hopefully and let go of him. Jack chuckled, "Alright, but I can't blame you I'm a master of staying out of sight". Rapunzel laughed and shook her head, happy to have the weight that pushed on her shoulders for weeks, lifted. Jack felt the same and even released a deep sigh of relief he felt he'd been holding for days. Rapunzel's eyes widened, when she came to a realization at that moment, "Oh! Hey now that we've cleared this up we can tell Hiccup and Merida! Everyone can be back together again! I'll call_"

"No," Jack quickly and calmly interrupted her. "What? Why?" she asked with a frown. "Everything was just a big misunderstanding. We can tell them, they'll understand. Hiccup will probably be relieved after it. He felt the same way I did, like you were avoiding us because of the fight. If we just tell him what really happened, I'm sure it'll work out." She finished breathless, from talking so fast. "I know that's what you think, and part of it is true, but it's not as easy with Hiccup. It's not his fault, but there are deeper reasons I can't really talk to him… right now. Just trust me on this," He tried to explain and gave a pleading smile. She looked at him with questionable wide eyes, however it didn't take long for her to come a conclusion. "Alright. But we have to fix this one way or another Jack. You're our friend and we want you a part of our lives. Friends don't keep secrets. Talk to Hiccup," She said in a motherly tone. Jack chuckled and nodded, "Yes ma'am."

The blonde gave a sunny smile, "Good! Now get in here," and took Jack's hand, pulling him inside. "Wha? What? Why?" He asked, being lead into a new place so suddenly took him by surprise. "Because it's been three in a half weeks since we hung out and your scars stills haven't healed after this long." She explained simply. Jack blinked a bit embarrassed and asked, "Wait you can still see my scars?" Rapunzel rolled her eyes with a smile, "Of course Jack. Your face is white as snow. Scars aren't hard to see on you." He gave a slight frown at the realization with an unsettling, "Oh." The blonde laughed sitting him down on the living room couch, "But don't worry about that. I've got just the thing to clear it up." Her voice became distant as she walked away from him.

During his seconds alone Jack took the time to feel the soft comforting cushion under him. The sun crest pattern that repeated in a horizontal line made his skin feel warm. He found a smile forming on his face and looked up in the direction she was coming from as she returned. She paused at the sight of him smiling at her and felt a weak blush formed on her cheeks.

She cleared her throat and continued down the last step, "Well here we go, just what the doctor ordered." She said sitting down beside him. In her hand she held a small, but wide glass of golden sap like liquid, and a large golden flower. She sat both items on the coffee table in front of them. "What is it," He asked smelling a sweet fragrance. "It's a special flower that only grows back home in Corona. Doctors use it as medicine there. This plant actually saved my mother and me when she was pregnant. She was very sick and the doctors predicted that if they couldn't find a cure as soon as possible, my mother and I would die. "An old doctor suggested they use the flower's nectar as soothing medicine to calm my mother's fever. Magically the flower somehow saved her and me, turning my hair blonde in the process. I'm actually a brunet," She whispered with her hand blocking her lips. "We thought there was only one flower, but after some exploring by my uncles, we discovered fields full of them. Every year we have a festival in the summer to celebrate their growth and bring health to the land." She picked up the flower and handed to him. "Here. You can smell it," She smiled as he took it gently in his hand.

The sweet fragrance filled his nose and warmed his insides. He could feel springs of life tickling his skin, and a fuzzy feeling inside his chest. The smell was breath taking and so unique, but also familiar. He tried to pin point the familiar smell while Rapunzel continued talking, "We plant the seed of the flowers in our personal gardens back home for the winter, and allow them to grow wild in the forest for the spring. My home is constantly shooing away tradesmen from other countries trying to get the flower. I brought some to Berk with me when I was little. I use to use their sap to make paint, now I've also learned how to make the medicine we use back him. My aunt took most of my medicine sap and used it for her facial cream productions calling it her "secret recipe." She shook her head and gave a hopeless look up to the sky. "Luckily I keep a special of batch hidden, in case of emergencies." She chuckled opening the jar. "Does it hurt," Jack asked hearing the sound of the cork pop off. She giggled, "No, but it does tingle. Now close your eyes, keep your face steal, and relax," She ordered before applying the smooth substance. She gently rubbed her finger tips on each side of his face and covered all of his scars, with bandages. "My face feels really warm," Jack thought out loud. "That means it's working," Rapunzel smiled. She stopped and put the cap back on the jar, "We let that sit for the rest of the night and you take it off in the morning, and I guarantee not only will your scars disappear, but your skin'll be as smooth as snow," She said confidently. Jack couldn't help but chuckle, "I'll take your word for it. Thanks Punzie."

She gave a careless shrug, "It's what friends do for each." He gave a soft laughed and nodded, "Yeah. Yeah it is. I'll talk to Hiccup… when the times right." "Just like you did for me," Rapunzel noted, surprising Jack, who also nodded. "Will you at least tell me, why you can't talk to him," She asked her voice hopeful and uneasy. Jack sighed and slouched on the back of the couch, "Let's just say. Hiccup's dad doesn't take to kindly to me. And him being the landowner of everything here, going against him could cause some serious living problems for me." Rapunzel gasped, "Oh my gosh Jack! You have to tell Hiccup," she said passionately. "I will, but not now… just give me time. I'll think of something…" He assured her and stood. "That being said I better go start doing some thinking. I'll see you later Punzie," He stated using his staff to walk to the door. He stopped hearing, "Jack! ... I know I don't have to say it, but… I'm sorry…and thank you for everything." He turned and gave her his signature smile, "It's what friends do Punzie." She gave him one more hug and he returned it, before taking his leave.

The next morning Jack woke up to usual routine of a morning workout and meditation. His mind felt more at ease then it had in weeks and his body motions were smoother and fluid. Although, his mind was still racing slightly on how to deal with the Mayor, the the walk to Pitch's shop helped easily calmed him down. "Good Morning Jack!" Emily smiled with a chipper voice. "Morning," Jack smiled pulling down his soggy hood. "Out for a rainy morning stroll," She asked smiling at his wet hair, and handing him a towel. "Yeah right. Is Pitch in? If I remember correctly today is the unveiling of a new piano right?" He asked placing his staff to the side of the counter and drying his hair. "You remembered correctly and father is currently doting over the antique now. I can hardly get him away from it to set up," She shrugged, shaking her head with smile. "Pitch. Doting? Really?" He arched an eyebrow and smirked at her. Emily merely nodded her head and rolled her eyes walking to the display area. There behind the curtain sat Pitch polishing the wooden beauty as if it were his own child. "I swear he's fallen in love with that thing," Emily frowned. Jack smirked walking beside her, "Jealous much, Emily?" The ravenet scoffed and crossed her arms, "I'd never. It's a piano. Father's made a living off them, it's not surprising he cares for them so much….

Just wish he didn't drool over them. Maybe if he spent as much time pampering pianos as he did finding a girlfriend I wouldn't mind," She grumbled under her breath. Jack chuckled, "Soo you're trying play to match maker?" "She's been trying play match maker for over 5 years now, and my passion for pianos is not what derails me from finding a possible love interest. "Then what does," Jack and Emily asked at the same time. Pitch was silent for a moment, at a loss of words to answer the question.

He cleared his throat and stated bluntly, "I simply haven't the time." "Yeah right," they stated as both looked at him with unimpressed expressions at his excuse. "Shouldn't you be preparing the stand for the display. The auction starts in 10 minutes" Pitch nagged looking at his daughter. She simply smirked and the hint of blush rising from her father's cheeks. "Of course father," Her voice rang sarcastically as she left the two. "And you," Pitch looked at Jack. "What are you wearing," he asked with a frown. Jack felt the fabric on his body, "Uh… Clothes," he answered in a confused tone. "Clothes that are not appropriate for a performance," He threw the boy a dress shirt, tie, and black pressed pants. "Change into those quickly and be seated here in 5 minutes," Pitch ordered before walking away. "Whoa hey! Nobody said anything about me playing?" Jack exclaimed following the older man's footsteps. "You wanted to pay me back for helping you right? Well this is a prefect start," Pitch smirked. "Uh ok… wait start!?" Jack exclaimed before being pushed into the restroom. "4 minutes Jack," Pitch reminded and left the boy to change.

Grumbling like a child he did as told and came out in a fresh white shirt and black pants. He was struggling with his tie when he heard a gasp. "Oh my you really have grown into a handsome specimen," Emily cooed rushed to hug him. "Uh, thank you," Jack stated a bit taken back by the hug. "If you look this nice in something so simply. You'll make ladies drop at your school dance," She said with a giddy smile as she straighten out his tie. "How do you know about the dance," he asked, arching an eyebrow. "Oh it's all over the town dear, there's been signs, posters, and even a few billboards, here and there. Quite a big thing in this city," She explained and finished his tie. "There dashing as ever," She smiled. "Thanks, "Jack smiled feeling the smooth tie.

"2 minutes till showing! Jack!" Pitch's voice echoed through the shop. "Duty called, "Jack smirked. "Break a leg," Emily whispered before going the opposite way to let the standing crowd outside in. "Welcome. The performance is about to begin, and the after that auction will commence," She explained with a smile as the people piled in.

"This is so exciting," Rapunzel squealed softly walking in with Hiccup and Merida. "Calm her britches lass," Merida laughed walking beside her. She looked to her boyfriend and asked, "So Hiccup what was tha reason ya brought us here again." The tall brunet was reading the auction pamphlet and glanced up at her. "Oh it's the unveiling of a grand square piano. They'll be showing and explaining the schematics of the inside and how it was built." He explained with a smile. "Of course," Merida sighed with a smile. "We ask what you want to do for the weekend and of all the things ya think of is the showing of what's inside some old dusty piano," She rolled her eyes. Hiccup shrugged, "Hey what can I say I like to tinker. Beside Ms. Emily gave me free tickets to come. I wasn't going to turn them down."

Pitch introduced the antique piano and the sound of music could be heard playing as he spoke on. The curtain was unveiled and Jack was seen playing. Many people paid no mind to him per-say, but more to his playing. The old instrument sounded beautiful as he played it like a pro. As the song went on Pitch explained the inside working of the piano with passion and excitement, easily grabbing the interest of the viewers. As the song came to an end as did the presentation. "Everyone please gave our musician a round of applause," Pitch presented Jack, who bowing politely with a smile.

When the clapping came to an end Jack took his leave and the auction began. Hiccup and was quick to get up to catch up with the other male, but was stopped by Merida. "Hiccup wait were are ya going," She asked a bit franticly. "I'm going to talk Jack. Figure out why he's been avoiding us," He quickly explain a bit of anger in his voice. The teen had let it slide the first few days, that Jack didn't talk to him. But when he began avoiding Rapunzel as well and purposefully tuning him out when he'd called his name in the hall, Hiccup began feeling his anger flare.

Merida gripped his shirt sleeve a bit desperately. She looked at him with pleading and slightly ashamed eyes, "Before you… I mean….I," She sighed and looked to the ground, quickly looking up. "We need to talk," She said bluntly the brunet looked back in confusion at her.

Rapunzel slipped away from her two friends seeing that they needed some space to talk. She hoped everything was alright as she leaned on the front counter of the shop. She nearly jumped out of her skin and squeaked at the cold hand that gripped her shoulder. Jack laughed at her reaction from behind the counter. She pouted at him, "That wasn't funny Jack!" He settled his laughter and smiled at her, "I'm sorry, but it was pretty funny, Punzie," He laughed out. The blonde crossed her arms and puffed out her cheeks, only to stomp her feet at him, "No it wasn't!" She tried to hold her ground, but only found her frown breaking into a smile and bursting into a fit of laughter.

They shared a good laugh together as quietly as they could while nearly turning red. When they finally calmed down Jack wiped his eyes. "Again I'm sorry. It's just been awhile since I've sneaked up on anybody. I use to do it all the time to my little sis back home." He explained and Rapunzel waved him off, "It's fine. It was fun," She giggled a little more. "What's all this laughing about," A voice behind them asked. Both teens took note of Emily walking up to them. Rapunzel quickly gasped and covered her mouth, "Sorry ma'am. Were we being too loud?" Emily waved her worry away, "Of course not love. Just wanted to find something fun to do. Cause that's certainly not the life of the party, "She said motioning to the auction in the front. "Shouldn't you be helping Pitch with that "party"," Jack asked with an arch eyebrow. "Oh god forbid I try to help, with his darling piano. I may break it," She said dramatically. Both teens laughed at her acting and she gave them a grin.

"YOU WHAT!?" Someone shouted a few feet from them.

Rapunzel became alarmed at the voice. "Was that Hiccup," Jack asked with an arched eyebrow. He started to get up and head over the noise, but paused when Rapunzel took his arm. "Wait! I'll go see. You stay. Probably for the best ya know," She shrugged and Jack was silent for a moment. His stiff body poster relaxed and he sighed, "Ok. You go check it out, but if you need any help." She gave his hand a reassuring grip, "You'll be the first I call." He nodded and let her go. The sound of the rain outside became more apparent with her gone. Emily cleared her throat getting his attention. She smiled, "She seems nice." Jack didn't face her, just point a finger, "Don't start." The women just laughed as he made his way to the back storage rooms.

"I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU MER!" Hiccup exclaimed.

Rapunzel found her two best friends in a heated argument and never felt more lost. "Hiccup I was try'n ta help! Ya've gotten in enough trouble as is with him around and I… I didn't want to lose ya!" Merida replied. "Lose me to what!? A new friend!? I jumped into the fight on my own!" He defended. "And what about the hiking accident?" She noted. "By the Gods are you serious!?" He exclaimed face palming and ruffling it through his hair, in frustration. "That was an accident! That was my fault if anyone's! I didn't bring the climbing gear! Accidents happen Merida! That doesn't mean Jack or anyone is to be blamed! And you, you can't just tell someone to stay away from your friends, without even talking to your friends! I mean, who does that?! Who just tells a guy that's been nothing but cool to us to just leave us alone from one little mistake? That he didn't even make! And, and how do you think Rapunzel would feel if she knew, that Jack was avoiding her because of you!? HUH?! DID YOU EVEN THINK OF US!? Of what WE might want?" He took another breath to continue, but stopped at the sound of her name.

"Merida?"

Both teens paused and looked at the shocked blonde, in front of them. "Is…that true," She asked. "Was Jack avoiding me… because you told him too," She asked slowly

. Merida was silent and looked very close to crying. "YES! OK! YES! I told him to stay away from you, away from US! I… I didn't want you to get hurt cause of some pretty boy and I didn't want Hiccup to get any more trouble than he already was! I just wanted things to go back to normal!" She exclaimed and broke out into a run leaving the shop. "Merida wait!" Rapunzel called out to her and was about to following, only to have Hiccup gently stop her. "I'll get her," He said hoarsely and kept his head down following her out. Rapunzel stood there by the window and watched the rain fall. A moment of realization hit and she went running out after them into the rain, only to stop and see them arguing a block down. She reached for them and stopped half way only to see her hand trembling. She couldn't tell when she'd began crying while the rain drenched her, until the light burning of her eyes became apparent.

Jack stood at the counter facing the window feeling a combination of things, the argument was clear but after the running and shouting it all stopped abruptly. He heard the sound of footsteps stopping beside him. "You confronted your friends, when you broke apart. Now it's time for them to do the same." Pitch explained to the teen. Jack turned to him, "I can't just do nothing can I?" He asked. "I mean their fighting because of me." "Yes, but it's not your fight. However, I didn't say do nothing. A little comfort is always helpful, right?" Pitch asked leaning slightly on a black umbrella. Jack felt a bop on his head. "Go, take her home," Pitch ordered. Jack turned to him, "But don't you need help_" He was bopped again, "Go," Pitch ordered giving him the designer umbrella.

Walking out Jack lifted the smooth wooden hook and opened the umbrella. Rapunzel blinked a few tears away at the halt of rain fall. She looked to she see Jack with his hoodie up and standing in the rain, keeping the umbrella over her.

"They… They've never fought like this before…" She sniffled and gripped her soaked sweater with trembling hands. Jack didn't speak, but felt Rapunzel's trembling fingers grip the tail of his hoodie. They made their way home in silence.

Pitch looked at the two leave from the window, as Emily walked up beside him to see the two. She smirked at her father, "Now whose playing match maker?" She teased. Pitch rolled his eyes, "Have you finished the sale?" He asked her and she shrugged it off, "Of course. Their packing it up in the back now." Pitch straightened he jacket and nodded, "Good. See to it that you call him in an hour, and make sure they got home." He stated before leaving to help the loading. Emily leaned her back on the counter and watched her father leave and looked back the window, she sighed with a smile "Teenagers. Have all the fun."

So? What you think? Dramatic enough? Let me know.

I'll see you guys next update!

Review and Read on.

Agi out!