Arendelle Academy [high school AU mericcup jelsa RotBTFD Big 8]

Chapter 32: Flynn

We stood in front of the rickety sign for a long time.

I felt a sense of nostalgia wash over me.

The truth is, I've been here before.

Plenty of times, as a kid, I came all alone.

It was before I got accepted into the academy of course, but I'll never forget staring up at all those rugged faces. Shouting with glee when I found random treasures in their beards.

These people raised me.

When no else would.

"Um, Flynn, are you sure we have the ri-"

"Yup!"

I swiftly began walking ahead of her.

If my old caretakers we're anything like I remember, it was probably best to keep her behind me.

We heard the bouncy pub music leaking through the thin walls.

This is it, I thought.

If Rapunzel really wants to get to know me, I guess this is where I'll start.

She fidgeted with her hair as I reached both ways to put my hand on the small of her back and open the door at the same time.

"Garcon," I shouted, "your finest table please!"

Meanwhile, Rapunzel had gasped in surprise at the appearance of the pub regulars and cautiously thrust her frying pan in front of her for protection.

I led her forward with one hand on her middle back and walked on with her.

I felt a smile coming up but kept it hidden.

I haven't seen these people in years!

They all look the same.

My eyes were watering but I held the unnecessary tears back.

"You smell that? Take a deep breath through the nose. Really let that seep in."

She attempted to back up and hide behind me, but I pushed her forward in encouragement.

"What are you getting? Because to me, that's part man smell and the other part is really bad smell. I don't know why, but overall it just smells like the color brown. Your thoughts?"

Abruptly, Rapunzel sucked in a high-pitched gasp and halted in front of me.

We back-tracked to find one of the men whose face I actually remember letting her golden locks slide through his humongous calloused hands.

"That's a lot of hair," he commented.

I smiled wide.

"She's growing it out," I replied.

Then I saw a something that really made me feel at home.

"Is that blood in your mustache? Goldie, look at this. Look at all the blood in his mustache. That, sir, that's a lot of blood!"

I turned back to Rapunzel but saw her beautiful green eyes wild and panicked. She was holding the frying pan in front like it could do anything to these guys. I guess, for her own sanity, she forced herself to believe that it could.

"Hey, you don't look so good, blondie. Maybe we should get you a home. Call it a day."

I saw her expression relax and decided to poke a little fun as we headed toward the worn down door.

"Probably be better off. This is a five-star joint after all, and if you can't handle this place, well, maybe you should be back at the academy."

In my mind, it sounded like a mischievous dare, but out loud it sounded more like a sarcastic jab.