Guardians and Angels

Chapter 25: Jack

After returning home from dropping off Rapunzel, I sat in my car and tried to rid my face of the goofy smile plastered on it. Three minutes later I had to give up because it was pointless to continue trying.

North and Emma were waiting for me, sitting on the couch, though Emma was sleeping. Her head was laid on North's lap and he was looking at some spreadsheets for work. "How was your date?"

"It was fun."

North looked up from his spreadsheets, his left eyebrow raised. "'Fun?' That's it?"

"We had a great time. We went to the Funplex and played glow-in-the-dark mini golf."

"Did you kiss her?" Emma's sleepy voice mumbled.

I laughed at her and shook my head. "No kiss, but I did get a second date with her."

"How'd you manage that?" North chuckled.

"I won a bet."

"So, technically she's being forced into a date with you?"

"I see it more as a negotiation that benefits both of us. I get another date and she gets to paint me like the Greek god I am," I corrected.

Emma snorted and sat up from North's lap. "You're the god of dorks, if anything."

I jumped next to Emma on the couch and relentlessly tickled her. She laughed and squealed in delight while North chuckled at us, amusedly. After we all calmed down, Emma started to yawn and her head was drooping.

"'Kay, shortstuff, time for bed."

She lifted up her arms and expected me to carry up. "Please? I'm too tired to walk up the stairs."

"You heard her, Jack. She's too tired to walk up the stairs."

I playfully glared at North and picked up my sister to carry up the stairs. North followed close behind, also looking a little tired. We walked into Emma's bright, pink room and I set her down gently and tucked her in.

"Night, Emms."

"Nighty-night."

North gave her a kiss on the forehead and we both walked out into the hallway. "So in all seriousness, how was your date?"

"It was great, really. We had lots and lots of fun and I'm excited for Monday cause that's when we have our next date."

"Are you going to ask her to be your girlfriend?"

His question threw me for a loop. I mean sure, I've thought of Rapunzel being my girlfriend... a lot, but I don't want to rush her. I'd rather take things slow and build with her after everything she's been through. But the thought has always lingered in my mind.

"I'm not sure she's ready for that yet. But I'm hoping that'll change soon," I answered. "After what happened with her last boyfriend, I don't know when or if she'll ever be ready for that. It took a lot for her to agree on going on a date with me in the first place and I definitely don't want her to feel uncomfortable."

"I get it. I'm proud of you for being good to her. She deserves it."

I chuckled. "You think so?"

"I mean it. You treat her very well and I couldn't be prouder. After all I've seen her go through, I'm glad that you've been such a good thing for her."

I couldn't help but smile at that. I liked knowing that North was proud of me, and I liked being praised for spending time with a girl like Rapunzel. I never really thought much of it, but now that I am, I'm glad to be considered a good thing in her life. "Thanks, North."