03

[hairflyingheartpounding]

[A: Action; Early Morning; 917 Bilko Boulevard]

[Rapunzel's been having as good a time one can have in Mayfield, so far. But last night, being away from home so long finally caught up with her. She had the guiltiest nightmares about home; Eugene, Pascal... Mostly Mother.

Since before the sun rose she's been outside, just to look at the sky and try not to think.]

[B: Action; Afternoon; The Library]

[She couldn't find it on Mothers' Day, but Rapunzel is <em>determined</em> to find  that story about the girl with her name and, apparently, hair and living situation. The problem is... She can't get her hands on the right book, no matter how hard she looks.]

Where is it?

[C: Phone; Evening]

I know it's already been a while, but how did everyone enjoy prom?

Also, does anyone want to get together and do some baking some day soon? I have all these chances to try my hobbies with other people now...

Comments

[hairflyingheartpounding]

[She quirks a brow at that, but makes no comment.]

...I just feel bad. I-I've been too happy here. I haven't been thinking about how upset Pascal and Mother and-- How upset they must be.

[truffulacide]

...You should never feel bad about being happy. Everyone deserves a shot at happiness; especially the ones that are long overdue for theirs.

[he clasps his hands together, lacing his fingers as he looks back at the lawn.]

If Pascal knew how you were feeling, he'd understand. About as much as a lizard can, which is to say I have no idea, but...he's a smart little guy, right? So, yeah.

[notice how he's careful to leave out her mother.]

[hairflyingheartpounding]

[That... Does help a bit. She nods.]

Very smart. I guess... He knows I wouldn't have left him on purpose.

...And my mother?

[truffulacide]

If anything, he's probably worried. Not that that's any better, but...it's at least something, right?

[he doesn't answer her for a while. he looks up at her.]

Why are you always so worried about her?

[it's not said in a snide or mean way. it's neutral and genuinely curious.]

[hairflyingheartpounding]

...Mmmm. Maybe... Maybe he'll come here, right? I mean... Some people have pets, don't they?

[...Ah, that is not an easy question. And yet, when she really thinks about it, there's only one answer.]

She's my mother. She's always taken care of me and protected me. Sometimes she criti-- teases me, but... It's because she's looking out for me. She... She knows so much, even if she was wrong about some of it... She trusts me, and I let her down.

[truffulacide]

Yeah. If he's your friend, I wouldn't mind having him around. He could help keep the bugs away.

[this is all starting to become dangerously familiar. he tries not to swallow too much as he listens to her; it's just going to make the dry lump in his throat more apparent.]

She's taken care of you, I'll give her that. But putting food on your plate sounds like all she's done. She's kept you locked up for your entire life. If anything, from the sound of things, she's let you down.

[hairflyingheartpounding]

She loves me.

[truffulacide]

I never said she didn't. [- but she sounds too much like his mom for that to slide. he's still grappling with his own feelings on the issue in regards to how much of hers were genuine, so it's not like he can judge Rapunzel right now. he's just concerned.]

But be honest with me - if she were to show up here tomorrow, do you think she'd let you keep doing...this? Going outside, making friends? Or would it just be a repeat performance of what you get back home?

[hairflyingheartpounding]

I don't kn--

[A deep breath.]

Honestly? No.

[truffulacide]

And you still miss her, knowing that?

[hairflyingheartpounding]

I... I should miss her.

I don't know if I do, though. I just know I feel bad leaving her.

[truffulacide]

That's normal. I should know; I feel the same way about my mom, too.

But...like I told you at prom, I'm happy she isn't here. If she was, I know I'd feel a gazillion times worse than I already do. Listening to this right now, I get the feeling that it's the same with you and yours.

[hairflyingheartpounding]

...That's true. I didn't think of that with Mother.... But you're right, I think...

[truffulacide]

I'd like to think I am, but that's beside the point. What's really important is that you stop beating yourself up over how you feel. If she's like the lizard, she'd want you to be happy, too. And if she didn't...

[he trails off and glances down at the railing. he hadn't realized it before, but he's digging his fingers into the wood. so THAT explains the aching, huh...]

...I'd just really hate to meet her, that's all.

[hairflyingheartpounding]

That's... Sweet, Once-ler. Thank you.

[She gently bumps her shoulder against his arm.]

His name's Pascal, by the way. I'd love for you to meet him, even if he wouldn't like you.

[truffulacide]

It's the truth. [said like there's a big difference.]

You already know that he wouldn't like me? Jeeze.

[hairflyingheartpounding]

Don't worry, I don't think he likes anyone besides me...

[truffulacide]

Not even that Flynn guy? I thought he was your friend, too.

[hairflyingheartpounding]

Especially not Flynn.

[truffulacide]

Someone who's an even bigger jerk than I am? Awesome.

[hairflyingheartpounding]

I don't know about bigger. You can be pretty bad sometimes, you know. But so was Flynn. I guess you guys are just different kinds of jerks.

[She shakes her head. She should maybe start questioning the company she keeps.]

[truffulacide]

Yep, always bigger. Here's a fun fact about me: I've always put in a good effort at being the biggest and best at everything. Anything less... Well, it just isn't good enough. I guess you could say biggering's my specialty.

[being a jerk is no expectation. the main difference here is that it actually came naturally. that's the worst of all.

he looks over at her and sighs.]

You need to find better friends.

[hairflyingheartpounding]

[She's all ready to tease him about that, and then he says his last. It takes her by surprise. Despite what she was just thinking...]

I don't want better friends. Not if they're going to replace anyone.

...Besides, you may be a pain a lot of the time, but I couldn't find a better friend than you.

[truffulacide]

You're too nice to me. Actually, the more I think about it, you're too nice for your own good. Has anyone ever told you that? I bet they haven't.

[he slumps down, leaning his head against his arm.]

I think I should tell you more often; maybe it'd make you smile. I don't typically meet people who're this...sunshiny. It's such a change of pace from what I'm used to. [a beat.] I like it.

[hairflyingheartpounding]

You can't be too nice.

...It would. Make me smile. [She glances at him, blushing very lightly.] I'm glad you like it. I've never met anyone as clever and creative as you. I like that.