Chapter One: A Cup of Tea and Wine

Rapunzel looked out the small oval window, having chosen to deliberately stow her body towards the wall of the airplane to avoid any unneeded conversation. Lately, however, the generation occupying the 21st century tended to be far too private, unwilling to extend any interest aside from themselves.

Beyond the thick glass pane, an open field of concrete and grass are all shared by a multitude of other aircrafts. By the belly of the plane, men in bright orange coats halfheartedly throw luggage into a conveyor belt sloped into the back.

Inside, families and single passengers shuffle down the aisle to get to their seats. Some chirped in excitement while many others remained silent with yellow crust still tucked in the corner of their eyes.

Soft humming from the awakened engine filled the air, matched with the gentle hiss of oxygen being split into the cabin.

Despite aviation being available to the public for nearly 100 years, Rapunzel was still amazed by the advancement of technology. She had been part of the crowd that watched the Wright brothers raise their wooden plane off the ground, and now, planes have adapted to become large metal and plastic machines that have the capacity to carry over 500 people plus luggage.

Their seats were wrapped in velvet and cloth, unlike the plastic lawn chairs that once were bolted to the floor, with screens attached to the back. Also, there was food catering and restrooms. 230 years ago, no one would have conceived this a reality (aside from Leonardo Di Vinci).

If only her family were here to see -

"Hey." A presence hovered to her left as they took their seat beside her.

She turned, acknowledging him with a forced smile. "Hello."

He was a fairly handsome young man, somewhere just past his 30's with an attractive smile, all emphasized by his dark blue eyes. His hair is groomed like a teenager, however, short bangs swept to the side in front of his forehead. His dark brown beard was a mismatch to his blond tuff.

"I'm Charlie," He said with a light European accent and extended a hand.

She raised a brow. It had been a long while since anybody had been this forward and friendly. "I'm Rapunzel." This time, a genuine smile replaced her previous mask as she shook his hand. A fragment of the past's mannerism had casted a spell of comfort, feeling more open to engage in a conversation that she had previously wanted to avoid.

"Rapunzel?" He asked, stressing each syllable, like he had misheard or was given a fake name.

She chortled, finding no offense from the very common reaction. Due to this, she had gone by different alias' throughout her long life. "Yup, Rapunzel." She confirmed with a slight ring at the end.

"No bloody way, I demand to see some kind of ID."

"Well, you'll be surprised then." She handed him a passport, without a care for the possible repercussions. She had enough underground connections to whip up any kind of document in case he chose to steal it - which she doubted.

He examined the portrait and typeface carefully, before giving it back.

"Don't go stalking me now." She teased, placing her American passport right beside her Canadian one, deep in her purse.

"Ohh... not too sure," He joked, scratching his chin as his eyes wandered to the ceiling, acting like he was contemplating whether he actually should or not. Eventually, he joined her laughter and retracted what he said with, "I can't remember a bloody phone number. Besides, New York is way too damn big, I'd give up within an hour." He winked, eliciting another laugh. "But, really, my family and I are just here for a connecting flight to LA." He motioned to the seats on his left, across the aisle. "You know, for a Rapunzel, I imagined her more as a blonde." He scanned her long brown hair held together by a single band.

"I'm actually thinking of dying it blonde." She said, combing it over her shoulder. With each generation, she'd often switch between her natural brown and dyed blonde, with a fitting haircut that could keep her blended with those forgotten by history. Occasionally she'd dabble in the 'unnatural' colours of black, red, or grey.

"That way, you'd look just like the Disney princess! My wife and daughter love watching it. We even got it on Blu-Ray." He leaned back to reveal a woman helping her children into their seats. "Hey Claire," He called out, waiting for a flight attendant to pass by before patting his wife's shoulder.

Claire turned around, flashing a bright pair of blue eyes that sparkled brilliantly, her heart shaped face framed by curly blonde hair.

"Look who I found, you won't believe it, this girl's name is Rapunzel."

She gawped. "No way."

"It's true, the name's Rapunzel."

"My daughter Lizzie and I love Tangled! I'm sure you've seen it?"

"Surprisingly, no, I haven't." But she had a fair idea of where the movie was headed, after all, she had told Walt the story face to face. Besides, it'd just unearth a lot of old memories she was determined to bury.

"Oh, you have to watch it." Claire ogled, repeating a phrase Rapunzel heard too often once the movie released. "It's absolutely amazing. I'm sure Lizzie would love to talk but she's sleeping and when kids fall asleep..."

Rapunzel nodded, understanding the mother's dilemma completely. After all, she had been a mother once... "It's fine! I totally get it."

The intercom scratched, halting any distractions, and a feminine voice kindly asked for their attention. Other flight attendants spread across the aisle, their actions in sync with the instructional video. They extended their arms, pointed at the exits, emergency kits, signals, pamphlets, seat belt instructions and repeated in francais before shuffling to their seats to buckle up.

The engine roared into life as it backed out of the building towards the long runway, forcing the few that wanted to continue their conversation to raise their voices. As it reached the front of the clear driveway, the plane growled loudly as it picked up speed, forcing its passengers into their seats.

After a few initial seconds, they soon leveled, hovering above the concrete and gradually ascended into the sky until each city building turned into grey specks. Cluster of blocks organized into subsections were veiled behind fluffy clouds, disappearing underneath their feet.

It was unnatural to be so high off the ground, and like a warning, her ears clogged. Quickly remembering a remedy, she pinched her nose and blew hard until they popped clean. Mumbled words of reassurances had drawn Rapunzel to glance at the source and saw Charlie rubbing his wife's shoulder. Closer to the window on the opposite side, a little boy eagerly looked out.

"Flights make her nervous?"

"Yeah, it's a really long story." He simpered. "Really bad turbulence between Sydney and LA." His cliche intro triggered Rapunzel into rumination. Really long story, is what she'd been acclimated to telling people whenever they got too curious. Her protracted and tumultuous life had led her to many made-up backstories, too many to keep track of, so she'd just regurgitate that three word phrase until they stopped asking. In turn, intimacy with another human had been near impossible, forcing her into extreme loneliness.

She tried animal companions but their innocent lives ended faster, resulting in constant anguish, making it unbearable. Ultimately she concluded that she couldn't replace her best friend chameleon, Pascal.

Speaking of stories, she'd have to rehearse her backstory before landing in the quieter parts of New York. She had settled on working for a quaint bookstore - almost always desolate. Information she made sure her companions looked into before pulling the strings needed for her hiring. The motive of her occupation would be saving money for tuition as an English major, when in reality, during her off days, she'd mostly volunteer wherever her heart desired.

Then she'll keep up this rouse until the lack of aging becomes noticeable, and moving becomes the only option left. Where? She hadn't decided yet, she hadn't even planned that far out.

She had just come from the northern parts of Canada in a cabin secluded by thick forests, snow covered mountains, winding rivers and fresh lakes. To get to town, it would require a long ride, so she'd stock up and make it her quest to not come by unless necessary. It was a 20 year period of seclusion, painting whatever she could to eventually be sold under various fake names by her manager. Her manager, whoever it was, (she preferred not to know, and neither do they know her) never really questioned her identity especially with the kind of money she paid them.

By the time the small populated Canadian Town began gossiping about her, she decided to pack up and go. The option of New York had been rivaled with another cottage she owned in Iceland but she figured she'd reacquaint with the world she missed for over two decades before falling too far behind in history.

Eventually, New York seemed to be an answer after the death of an elderly couple who previously rented her property. Their relatives had packed everything and left the condo vacant for at least a week - the perfect amount of time for her friends to organize the space.

Her... 'friend' Avner Narkis was part of a Jewish family she hid during WWII while the Germans (her own people) swept through the country, capturing anyone not of the aryan race. It broke her heart to know such devastation and destruction could be conspired in a human's heart and she was determined to prove that humanity was still alive and well, as a German woman who once was in leadership.

During that time, Rapunzel had made quite a name for herself, a noblewoman who owned many properties, including farms that luckily sustained her and those who remained loyal to her. When the war ended, she supplied all the families and their children with money and education.

Avner had grown up to be an accountant and later came back, insisting to become Rapunzel's own financial adviser, confidant and counselor. She hardly bothered him knowing he was busy managing her businesses, stock markets, investments and archiving news for her to later read. Inevitably, they built a strong relationship and she was able to open parts of herself that she normally wouldn't've. Thus resulting in sharing her most sacred secret - the flower from the sun that kept her alive for centuries.

She couldn't believe he was retiring, he was already 73 and she had known him since he was 7. Bonding with people was the most painful part of her life. To grow old with someone was an impossible trait for her, death was a rite of passage, but one she wasn't privy to.

Pain was nothing more than an alcoholic becoming accustomed to a shot of bitter whiskey - it takes more to knock you out. In a sick way, pain was the only stimulant in her overdrawn life that reminded her that she was still alive. But even then, apathy had ways to soothe and drown her.

She sighed.

Avner had told her he was training a young man to take over his responsibilities when he passes... in the future. The future, an ineffable concept connected to time, and carried with it, life and death. Which was a swift and haunting acquaintance that didn't show up in a black cloak and a reaper. Sometimes death hovered for a long while, a peaceful end of suffering, and sometimes barreled in unannounced and uninvited. Either way, it was one that Rapunzel had known too well yet it refused to shake hands with her.

All these thoughts weighed too much, so she sought a futile mercy by closing her eyes and falling asleep. It was brief and always left her disorientated with many questions. What year was it? Who was alive? What was happening? Where is she? Is Eugene here?

The voice that coaxed her from her slumber was of a lower pitch, enough for her to skew it into her dead lover's suave tone. But the person persisted, tapping her awake, until she could no longer dream. All her questions were whisked away at the sight of Charlie and his announcement, "we've arrived!"

As the plane parked and allowed the passengers to leave, Charlie insisted that Rapunzel go ahead while his family stayed behind to unpack without the hassle of maneuvering through the many. "It was nice meeting you, Rapunzel." He said as they parted. "Hopefully New York's everything you wished for."

"Thank you, safe travels to you on your quest to LA." She responded, waving goodbye as she towed her carry-on. Down the hall filled with shops, past luggage claim, border control, and near the exit, she saw a familiar weathered man with a toothy grin. His thick gray hair now thinned, threatening to expose his shiny head, and his droopy nose emphasized the large pores and sunspots scattered across it.

He held a sign saying, "Mrs. Fitzherbert," and beside him was an impressionable young relative who blushed when their eyes met.

"Oh, Avner." She sighed contently and opened her arms for a hug. "How I've missed you."

"And I to you." He chuckled, caressing her back. When they parted, he introduced the handsome fellow beside him, an afterimage of when Avner was in his transition to young adult. "This is my grandson Gedaliah."

"Ah, the youngest out of the five?" She recalled their many conversations, few birthday parties, and mails.

"That's the one!" He exclaimed, patting Ged's back, encouraging him to step forward.

"H-hello, Miss!" He said with an enthusiastic bow while also raising a hand for a shake.

"Choose one, boy, not both." Avner corrected, and Ged immediately straightened his posture, the boy's face redder than before.

Giggling, Rapunzel took his hand and affirmed him with a wink. "Don't worry, Gedaliah, this old age hasn't turned me into an old witch... yet. I'm not that scary, or I'd like to think so. Had I gotten scary, Avner?" She turned to the older man when she released her grip on Ged.

"Not at all, miss, you're still as radiant as the sun."

The corner of her lips wavered but she stuck through, turning back to Ged. "We'll have plenty of time to get to know each other, though I will admit, I'll miss your grandfather very much." She wrapped her arm over Avner's shoulder, accepting the peck on the cheek.

"Well, off we go." Avner said, motioning his grandson to take the luggage as he led her to the black Cadillac parked outside.

1234

Jack Frost had been a recent name spread amongst the children.

He raced down the streets of New York, freezing wherever his path led him. As he weaved in between each person courteously (as an invisible entity it wasn't required, per say, to avoid humans), he made sure to greet each child that had gotten a sneak of him. The delightful bewilderment on their faces whenever he responded was the best.

Life was much easier now that he wasn't alone. Despite his complaints of E, he enjoyed that bunny's company, although he'd never confess that out loud.

As he flew past a crowded intersection filled with crossing pedestrians, he brought with him a draft of wind that nearly swept people off their feet, before bolting up the face of a building, bringing a wave of frost over each window pane. Their patterns infected the skyscrapers beside them, collectively forming a triangle, as the tip followed Jack all the way to the rooftop. When he reached the summit, he stood, waiting for the ice to touch the brim, perfectly filling all the skyscrapers.

He let out a heavy breath, placing two hands on his sides, very impressed with his work before he placed one foot from the building and dove. He hollered out a boisterous shout as he twisted and twirled midair, and stopped just shy of hitting the cement floor. With another burst of energy, he swiveled through each neighborhood, including the famous Central Park.

Once he finished gracing fresh snow over the city, he perched on the highest building, the Empire State. He leaned against his staff and observed the indulgent citizens bundled in layers of clothing below. There were glittery puffy streamers festooned on every corner, wreaths hung on every door, colourful lights draining energy on every block. As per winter season, there was ice rinks with gaudy decor nearby, whether it was a large evergreen with reflective shiny ornaments, sculpture installations of Santa, reindeer, elves, or the nativity.

He stepped off, floating onto the ground like a delicate snowflake until he blended in with the masses. That was one thing he loved about the big city, everyone ignored everyone, including him. In these moments, he indulged the fantasy of being alive, and as an added bonus, there were children that acknowledged his existence.

Delicious aromas from pastries shops enticed him for a quick pit stop. He grabbed a donut, without much notice and exchanged it for a few gold coins. Not sure of the value rate, he concluded that he probably over gave - a trait that his friends instilled in him to do, especially as a Guardian.

To a normal eye, it looked like a floating donut slowly disappeared with each big bite, but with everyone always needing to get somewhere, there was never a double take. Maybe except for one man, who gawped and couldn't tell anyone else when Jack finished. Instead, the single witness was given chastises and peculiar stares for delaying the traffic on the sidewalk.

What should he do now?

An idea popped in his head and he wandered the city, looking for the funniest Santa impersonators. Most were inaccurate beyond belief, seeing as no one really expected Nicholas to be a sword dueling brawny athlete in Russian gear. As a yearly pastime, he'd take pictures and send it to a few elves and yetis'. For the really outlandish costumes, he'd save them for the Guardians.

At one point, he hadn't realized his feet were leading him to an overpopulated amount of children that instantly started to notice, causing fusses in the long line waiting to take a traditional picture with the mascot of Christmas. Hastily, Jack raised his hood, and flew away until he was far from the animated squeals of agitated children.

"Sorry." He grinned, clasping his hands together, as he apologized to the parents from a distance.

"Miss, are you alright?" A gruff voice said, drawing Jack from his engagement and looked around. He had stopped right in front of a fancy condominium, the entrance was crowned by a grand marble staircase covered in a red rug. It led to the street, where a black Cadillac was parked, and with it, a brunette had just stepped out.

She appeared to have stopped midway of exiting her car, their eyes dead set on one another, but she shrugged it off and said, "Yes, sorry Avener, just had something on my mind." She continued past Jack into the building.

His gaze remained on her until she disappeared, her green eyes replaying in his mind. Jack was stunned, having stood there for indeterminable seconds before he snapped out of it. Did she just-? No way. An adult? An adult saw him? But it wasn't those initial speculations that had him paralyzed, it was the fact that she looked familiar. Extremely familiar, but he couldn't put a finger on it.

He couldn't have remembered her solely on his raw attraction, there were many beautiful women on earth so what was it? Perhaps she was a granddaughter of someone famous and carried strikingly similar physical traits?

He pondered, brows knitted downwards, before someone walked past him and exalted a loud sneeze. He glanced over his shoulder, apologizing vainly, and hopped up the stairs, two at a time. As a being existing in the non physical realm, he slipped passed the closed door, the doorhop completely oblivious.

Inside the chandelier illuminated foyer, he looked around. Across the pretentious art and furniture, he finally spotted her with two men on either side, waiting for the elevator.

"Jack!" He heard a voice and ducked behind a table, just shy of being spotted by the woman who turned around. Jack found the source of the voice, a child by her mother, waiting in the seating lounge. He waved and placed a finger in front of his mouth, and she covered her giggle with chubby hands, nodding.

"Elle, what are you doing?" Her mother coddled but instead, the little girl simply refused to speak. Shaking her head with a sly grin.

He peeked just as the elevator doors closed, and watched the screen indicate which floor it would stop on. Soon, it settled at 21.

He stood, spun into the air, and flew through the ceiling and counted each floor until he was in the hallway of floor 21. On his left and right, there was no sight of her so he honed his senses until he heard faint chatter that stopped altogether after, what he assumed was, the door closing. Having a faint idea where she could be, he dashed forth and was lead to the end of the hall.

Two doors but which one?

He pressed his ear against the door to the right, no sound, so he moved to the other.

"Rapunzel, Ged will take you around the city in evening. The lights are far more spectacular then." Avner suggested.

"Thanks, Ave, Ged, sounds good to me." A feminine voice responded, most likely belonging to 'Rapunzel'.

"Oh, uhm, Mrs. Fitzherbert. Are you sure you don't need help unpacking?"

"No, I'm alright, Ged."

"Call us if you need anything, we'll be right back with fresh produce. If you get hungry, there's canned goods and the like." Avner informed, shuffling towards the door.

Jack stepped back, looking for a place to hide and ultimately dashed towards the window and floated by the uniform white bricks that formed this luxury living. He glided towards her lot, staring into her apartment through the floor to ceiling tall windows. The silk curtains were pushed all the way to the side, allowing him access to, what would otherwise be, a private area.

It was tidy, empty and brimming with muted colours.

Closest to the windows was a slightly lowered area that housed the living room accessed by two quick steps down. Long sofas faced the scenic skyline, a plasma TV stationed on the side to avoid blocking the coveted view.

Behind the living room, was a dining room stowed to the right, in front of the open concept kitchen that dripped in quartz and marble. Straight across from where he stood was the foyer, on the left were two other doors.
On the utmost corner on the right closer to the glass windows, Rapunzel knelt beside an empty bookshelf and pulled out an old leather journal from her bag. Curious Jack, knowing he was being... off putting, ignored his conscience and entered, hovering over her shoulder.

She lingered, peeling the cover and ran a hand along the engraved french phrase. "Plus est en vous", followed by, "Love Mother." She sighed, closed it and situated it on the shelf before prying a large album from the Roots brand travel bag.

Unlike the flexible leather of the previous one, this was bounded by a hard material inscripted with ornate designs that protected the delicate yellowed pages. As she placed it away, a flimsy page had slipped out and Jack saw that it was a letter from someone named Eugene... telling her how much he missed her while he was on a hunting trip with her father (his in-law). Another threatened to fall, forcing Rapunzel to open the book to rearrange the loose papers. There was a sketch of a handsome man with a blonde that looked... just like her.

"Can I help you?" Rapunzel asked, placing the pages in its proper place before closing the book.

The directed question caused him to tumble over, his hood fell from his white locks, surprised by her interrogation. Was she talking to him? She had to have been but - "Yes, you, Jack with the staff. Otherwise known as the Father of Winter?" She hadn't looked at him as she emptied the bag of her most personal belongings and displayed them on the shelf that was situated next to a short hallway.

"Y-you can see me?"

"Well, when you come around my age after seeing things that shouldn't exist, you'll start to believe almost anything. And besides, why wouldn't I remember the man who saved me?" After that, she glanced over her shoulder, green eyes found his blue pair.

"I saved you?" He took a cautious step forward, trying to think of anything that would trigger a memory.

"Yup, it was... around 1960 in New Orleans Louisiana? A bunch of men tried to rob me but winter blew out of nowhere?"

"Oh! Wait, so, you're-?" He couldn't find the right words to translate the flurry of thoughts that barreled through his head. "And that sketch-" He pointed at the recently filled bookshelf.

"Yup, I'm still alive and kicking." Although her tone was of momentous joy, her eyes said otherwise. They looked downcast onto the wooden floors, her pupils filled with fatigue.

"But, how? You're not a wandering spirit like I used to be, are you? Were you chosen by the moon or some kind of ethereal divine being?"

She scoffed, "The moon? No... more like the sun."

"And humans can see you?"

"Yes because, technically, I still am human."

"...but you're... young." He stuttered, scratching his head in confusion.

"My mother had complications while she was pregnant with me so out of desperation, my father had heard of a magical flower from the sun. When the soldiers found it, they used it on my mom and ever since, it's been part of me." She sighed, looking at her hands as she clasped it closed. "It's kept me alive for..." Another sigh followed by a pause as she summoned the courage to look at him for the next few words. "It doesn't want me to die." Her whisper was accompanied by a melancholy smile.

"Oh." He was at a loss for words, averting her painful gaze that bore into his soul. It sucked the energy out of him and she stood, patting the dust from her skirt and faced him.

"Nice to meet you officially, Jack." She extended a hand, and he simply stared before he reached out and took her hand, surprised that he could even touch her. Their contact was brief but...warm, a kind of warmth that transcended body heat. When she released her grip, he couldn't help but look at his palm, wanting to retain the odd yet welcomed sensation until he was called into the kitchen.

He drifted past the floor and into the tiled kitchen where Rapunzel leaned against the counter, waiting for the water to boil.

"Is tea fine?" She asked, opening the cabinet that stocked a plethora of bagged herbs.

"Uhm, yeah." He neared her, seeing that she had difficulties reaching the contents on the top shelf. He darted for the tin can, inadvertently wrapping his larger hand around hers that had managed to grab it also. A jolt of electricity ran through his body, starting from his hand, and traveled through his nonphysical frame in a flash. Yet his clasp remained, and their gaze soon found each other, holding onto the connection they unknowingly sought for.

He looked away, handing her the can, his blushing cheeks a foreign shade. He sat on the bar stool facing the kitchen counter, telling himself to stop acting like a little schoolboy.

"So," She said, breaking the silence. "What's your story?" She planted a clean mug beside the kettle that erupted with gurgles. Plumes of vapour spitted from the outlet, before a sharp click signaled it was done. She took the handle and poured.

"Erm, the long version?" He asked, thanking her as she placed it in front of him. Green colours spiraled out of the bag, spreading throughout the liquid, rippling into a mesmerizing pattern. His trance was broken when she placed a spoon into the cup.

"Yes, the long version." She repeated with a light chuckle and quickly added, "please."

He expected her to sit beside him but instead, she rummaged through the cabinet for a wine glass and a bottle. "Well," He began as she uncorked the wooden lid and poured the red liquid into the goblet. It swished around, splashing along the curved walls before settling. "I wandered the afterlife without knowing who I was for years." He grumbled, taking a sip of the warm liquid. "I always felt like I had a connection to the moon and I think it told me my name was Jack. But my purpose remained unknown so I did whatever I could for entertainment."

She took her glass and sat beside him, crossing her legs over the other, before savouring the red liquid as she listened.

"Lo and behold, I was suddenly called a Guardian. There I met the others - the other Guardians." He added and listed them out. "E. Aster Bunnymund, the spirit of Easter; Toothiana, the tooth fairy; Sandman, who gives children good dreams; and Nicholas St. North AKA Santa. According to our job description," he snickered, "we're called to protect children and their innocence.

"So when an evil man named Pitch Black threatened those children, we were called to war. He had the ability to give nightmares, and he thrived off kids' fears. By exploiting the innocent, the little ones started to loose faith and no longer believed in us, drying us of our energy. Hope seemed lost but there was one last believer."

"Last believer?" She raised a brow.

"Yup," He grinned. "The collected belief of children is our life source, it's what keeps us alive."

"Oh," She mumbled behind her cup. "Whatever indicator you used must've been broken because I'm sure I still believed."

He coughed into his, now, clammy hands, stifling a chuckle. The way she pouted was adorable. "Long story short, I didn't want to be a guardian. I only really agreed so I could find my lost memories which happened to pop up at my lowest point. It was then, I found faith, and accepted the role I was given. You see, I learned that I died protecting my sister. She fell into an icy lake and through that sacrifice, I was chosen."

"Wow."

"Ha, yeah." He ran a finger under his nose before wrapping his palms around the warm ceramic, staring at his reflection. "We ended up winning against Pitch and I've been living a purpose driven life ever since. And that purpose is to protect those who believe, including you." He sheepishly grinned at Rapunzel, his cheeks a flush of pink from his declaration. Eventually, he cleared his throat and asked, "what about you?"

She ruminated, wondering where she ought to start, and drank a fair amount of the sweet nectar before saying, "It's a terribly long story."

Jack didn't move an inch, instead, his eyes widened in eagerness. Seeing his puppy-like loyalty, she was encouraged to speak. "Well... I was born in a kingdom known as Corona located in Germany..." Her tale evolved into a kidnapping and captivity, her uncanny hero, the floating lanterns, her revealed royal identity, her 'mother' dying, learning her duties as a princess, her adventures with Eugene and Cassandra, her wedding, her children... the fleeting days as Eugene aged, her children aging as well. Soon, she became a folklore to the citizens and left her country, wandering Europe and Asia, in search for more. Ultimately, after the World Wars, she traveled to America where she encountered many people - including Walter Disney.

When she finished her story, she dragged a finger along the rim of the empty glass, half expecting Jack to have fallen asleep. When she looked up, his eyes were attentive, not have a sheen of glaze over it from possible boredom, instead he meditated over what he received.

"I can't fathom the trauma you've dealt with in your lifetime. One lifetime is enough but many...?" His commentary came out as a whisper.

"Its painful, I'm sure you know." She said. "Let me carelessly admit to a practical stranger that I've tried ending my life multiple times, hoping to escape this laborious existence I was cursed to, but again, this damn flower won't let me."

At a loss for words, he placed his hand on top of hers, eliciting a response that made his heart beat quickly. The corner of her lips curled upwards as an unconscious reaction of appreciation.

However, a shuffle of keys propelled his hand away, as if he had done something he shouldn't have. They turned towards the door where Avner and Gedaliah walked in with bags full of groceries.

"Rapunzel?" Avner asked, peering at the two cups in front of her. "Tea and wine?"

Jack froze, straightening his back, awkwardly there.

"I had a guest." She said, winking at Jack, who was clearly not seen by the two.

"Oh?" He said, dropping the bags onto the island counter, closest to the fridge before he started to fill it with the help of his grandson. The younger of the two kept his mouth pursed but was utterly confused over what Rapunzel had just said, seeing as there were no sign of the mentioned guest.

"Neighbours already getting friendly?" Ged asked.

She shrugged, "Yeah, I guess so."

"I'd like to visit you again." Jack said, speaking over Avner who went into a recollection of some event in the past. Jack wanted, part of him knew, and needed to protect whatever happiness was left in her. So he could see her smile as she did when she was retelling the tale of how she and her husband met. Determination drove him to speak boldly, saying, "This week, I'd like to take you out somewhere, on Christmas day." His cheeks burned, like he was asking her out on a date.

Was this appropriate? She didn't look appalled but appeared curious.

"I-it's because I won't be around. I'm bringing snow and Christmas is my day off."

She raised a brow, "You sound awfully busy, Jack."

"I'll make it. I promise."

Her expression softened and she nodded, accepting the offer.

His heart beated quicked, rattling in his chest, after the approval he wasn't expecting to receive. Withholding his childlike joy, he bit his lip, slipping from the seat and was prepared to leave.

"Wait." She said, earning an unwarranted response from the others.

"Yes?" Avener asked.

"Sorry, Avner, I just have to get something." She walked out of the kitchen, towards the bag she left behind in front of the shelves. She retrieved an object, the item concealed by her fingers as she approached him, extending her other hand.

Confused, he studied her, but all she did was nudge her hand, asking for his. So he allowed her to cradle his, palm facing upwards, and watched as she tucked the present in his. When she pulled away, he saw that it was a small glass bottle with a thin leather strap wrapped around it.

"They're my tears." She said, folding her arms behind her back. "They heal anything." She explained as the bewilderment spread across his pale face. "Thanks for listening... I had forgotten what it was like to have someone there for you." She approached him, leaning forward and hesitantly pecked his cheek as an extra show of gratitude. "Bye," she said into his ear and stepped back.

It was then, Jack had fallen through the floor, passing each level until he abruptly stopped his freefall before descending below the underground parking. He floated with his back facing the cement. With a deep breath, he examined the liquid inside the bottle. "Rapunzel." He whispered, gripping it tightly.

He beamed, unable to withhold the surge of bliss and valour, determined to give her purpose just like how he was given his a long time ago. Her reserved and diminutive posture was a painful reflection of what he once was. He knew what it was like, living on earth alone, in contrast to the exciting company of immortal friends.

Next stop was the North Pole, he'd have to inform Mrs. North that there will be a plus one for their yearly holiday dinner.

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Yes I updated the writing, lol.

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This is a short short story! With only three chapters, so two more! Just a nice break between my Zelink story.

God bless : )