Rapunzel <J. Valeska>

2.6

Jerome makes sure that he's fully dressed this time before he goes to find Daisy. Don't wanna start something again.

Surprisingly, he finds the girl staring out the window. He slinks up behind her, wrapping his arms around her shoulders.

"Whatcha lookin at, babygirl?" Jerome asks, peering over her shoulder.

Daisy wordlessly points at a fox eating something off the forest floor. When he realizes what it is, Jerome gently tugs her away from the windowsill.

"C'mere, princess, Daddy's gotta talk to you," he coaxes her.

She allows herself to be moved away, turning to face her daddy with furrowed brows. All Jerome can do is sigh at the confused look on her face. He knows he's probably going to break her heart with this. It may only be a few days, but with the knowledge of Pepper's death still looming at the forefront of her mind, Jerome fears what may happen if Daisy is left alone.

The situation can easily be misconstrued as abandonment on his part, and with Daisy so vulnerable, she will likely be devastated at the news alone, not to mention how she may react to being left solitary for an extended period of time. She already has nightmares, flashbacks, and panic attacks. What if she thinks I'm not coming back? That I've left her? What if she has another attack and I'm not here to calm her down?

Jerome himself is on the verge of panic, and he's not the one in emotional turmoil. Mental instability he can understand, as well as feeling alone in the world. Neither are things he wants his precious girl to experience. But I can't really help my absence, so best just to get it over with. The sooner I go, the sooner I'm back, right?

"Here, sit on the couch for a second, Flower," he suggests.

Daisy follows his lead, sinking into the couch cushions as he crouches before her, taking her hands in his. The position actually forces Jerome to be the one to look up, for once.

"Listen, baby, I know you're in a really rough place right now. I understand it, it's normal, and I want to be here to support you through it," he begins, sighing. "Thing is, I've been called into work. Since I've been with you so much, we're kind of behind schedule and I need to go help them catch up. I tried to get out of it, and if I could skip it I would, but I made them a promise that I'd see this project through, at least."

Daisy looks defeated, tears welling as she realizes what he's trying to say. Jerome tuts, shushing and cooing at her as he swipes the tears away.

"I really want to be here with you, princess, but Daddy's gotta go. And it's kind of a long one. I'll be back in about three days time. But, after that, I only have to go out for work one more time, and then I'm done! No more leaving you, just Daddy and his princess until the end of time," Jerome soothes. "I know it seems like forever, and to me, it most certainly will feel that way, because I will just miss your sweet self far too much. I promise you, I'll be back here in three days, and I'll smother you with kisses when I get here."

She's still struggling with the idea when Jerome gets up on the couch next to her, tugging the small girl into the safe embrace of his lap. Daisy easily curls into his chest as his sturdy arms wrap around her, holding her close to him.

"I won't lie to you, baby, it's gonna suck. Big time. But I think you're big enough to take care of yourself for a couple days, and then let Daddy spoil you when he gets back. There's stuff to make sandwiches here, and fruit, and you know how to use the oven, right? Just don't burn the house down," Jerome chuckles. "This might be good to prove to you that you are strong enough to make it alone for a little while. Though I love to take care of you, and plan to always do it, you've been dependent on others for a large part of your life, and you deserve to see that you are brave and smart enough to keep yourself going. Be the big strong girl I know you can be and this will go by so quick."

Despite the fact that she's still shaking a bit in his arms, Jerome knows that Daisy will be more than capable of taking care of herself for a few days. After all, she did it while Pepper was gone, so she can definitely do it now. It's more her mental and emotional state that he's worried about. Physically, she should hold up just fine while he's gone. The other aspects he really can't be sure about until he goes and comes back.

Jerome tightens his grip a little when Daisy pulls back to look him in the eyes, holding up three fingers in question.

"Yup, only three days, princess, and that includes today. I hate to leave you, but the sooner I go, the sooner I can get back. And trust me, I am already dying to get back home to you and your cuddles," he says, booping her nose.

The faintest of smiles tugs at her lips, and Jerome lets an easy grin flood his face. "God, I am going to miss you so damn much. Nobody makes me feel the way you do. No one ever has."

At this, Daisy blushes, overwhelmed at the display of love and admiration. She sheepishly points at herself before holding up two fingers. Me too.

"I love that smile so much, babygirl. Daddy wants to see it all the time," he gushes. "Alright, I gotta head out now or I'm never going to be able to leave, sweetness. Can Daddy have a kiss goodbye?"

Daisy briefly considers trying to beg him to stay or making him feel bad, but that's not necessary. He's right—she's a big girl, she can take care of herself for a few days. And it's not his fault that she crawled into his life and made him get in trouble at work.

Her daddy made a promise to people, and that's more important than her trivial feelings. Promises are sacred, and meant to be kept. It would be selfish of her to demand he break a promise to his friends and his boss just so she wouldn't be lonely for a couple of days.

So, Daisy leans in and gives him a lingering kiss. While chaste, it's tender and sensual, and she hopes it communicates all that she wishes she could say.

I believe you. I trust you. I can do this. I'll be okay. I'll miss you.

I love you.
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A/N
Gotta keep in that rhythm! This is actually the last weekend I have at home before I head off to college. I move into my dorm next weekend. I'm kinda terrified to get started, so wish me luck on this. Anyway, I hope you guys enjoyed this sweet goodbye, as our two lovebirds won't be seeing each other for a while. 3 days time and all that...
If you did enjoy, vote and comment to let me know! How do you think Daisy is gonna handle flying solo? Does Jerome reciprocate her feelings? I wanna know where you guys think this is headed. Talk to all you guys later!
Gingy