Curiosity Killed the Cat

~Rapunzel
This is going to be my last time posting on here.  In HIS favor, I'll write everything down about the whole day...apologies if I get a bit cynical, but when you get to the end, you will understand why.  I don't even know why I'm typing this! 

Yesterday, EVERYONE else started off for a week-long trip exploring the house.  Of course, I wasn't invited, because Anna and Punzie were going along.  Big surprise there, right? 
So today, Eugene was gone for most of the day.  To keep myself busy, I sung and danced by myself.  I had a question for him about the blog, so I just couldn't WAIT for him to get back.

When he did, I promptly hurried over to his side of the table. 
"Hey!"  I said excitedly.  Ahh, gotta love the feeling of excitement you get when you see someone you love, right? 
"Hey, yourself," he gave me that smile of his -- the one that made my stomach erupt in butterflies.  Then, he pulled a small stem of slightly wilted flowers from behind his back.  "Tangled Fan got a bunch of little flowers so I could give them to you and the girls.  They're, ah...kinda wilted up, but-"

I was so excited.  I was soo, so happy.  "Oh my gosh, Eugene!  Thank you so much!"  

With a chuckle, he handed them to me.  I wasted no time, going ahead to bury my face in them and take a deep whiff.  I'd never smelled flowers before!  I'd never been given flowers before, either.  

"Mmm...they smell soo sweet!  Thank you so, so much!"  I looked up at him and grinned, and he laughed. 
"You have some yellow gunk on your nose," he told me before he dabbed it off himself.  After he wiped his fingers on his pants, he pulled me close and gave me a quick kiss on the forehead. 

"So, how was your day?"  he asked.  

I moved away so I could set the flowers down in a safe place, and then I slid back into his arms.  For the moment being, I felt so at home and so comfortable in his arms... ugh. 
"Well, everyone else left last night for this week-long expedition to explore the house, and of course, I had to stay behind...Punzie and Anna, y'know?  So, I just sang and danced by myself today.  It was pretty fun, actually...nobody pushing me around or saying mean things.  OH, I have a question for you!  Someone commented on your last blog post, but they directed it towards me...I saw the preview of it, but I didn't go see the whole thing, because I didn't want to...you know...look at your post, because you said not to." 
He nodded.  "You can stick around here as much as you like, then, if you're all by yourself over there.  I mean, you always CAN, but...you know.  Anyway, uh...yeah, you can answer it.  Noo problem.  It's not like I'm hiding bad secrets there or anything, so I really...I just...um..am self-conscious of my writing."  [Hmmph.  Yeahh...right.]
"Aw, I'm sure your writing is good!" I told him. 

 We talked for a little while, but then I left for my side (where I had left Tangled Fan's tablet) to go check on that comment before I forgot. 

Before I left, I made sure to snag the flowers -- of course.  He gave me the usual hug, kiss on the cheek, and 'I love you, see you later', and I did the same.  

I was on cloud 9, as I normally was after I'd had a visit with him, when I went to check the comment.  

It was on the last post on the blog (Sorry about that, nothing really interesting has been going on, but I had been visiting with him everyday.  Y'know...falling in love...) when I caught sight of something on the page. 
Something about him not wanting to let me meet the orphan girls because he couldn't make them 'pretend to not know their mother'.  

Mother?  

Since I'm obviously not married to him, and I had never met the girls, I  decided to do a little digging.  

I flipped through a couple of the most popular posts.

Apparently, he has a thing for clumsy 2010 Rapunzels. 
He has a wife.  

I was too mad to cry.  Didn't he think I had gone through enough already?!  Why, why, WHY??!!  UGH! 

I grabbed the tablet, the flowers, and Pascal, and stormed over to his side of the table, where he was sitting. 
He greeted me with a surprised smile as he strode over to me. 

"Y-you...you could've told me." I gave him a firm shove right off the bat, knocking him right back away from me. 
"What?" He gave me a slightly terrified and confused look.
"THIS.  What the heck is all this?!"  I shoved the tablet at him and flicked through several pictures he, or his WIFE, rather, had on "our" blog. 
He stammered around terribly for a few minutes, and I could feel my eyes watering as I waited for a response.  My stomach was twisted in knots, and I wanted to be furious at him, but suddenly, all I could feel was sorrow.  For so long...so long...he had led me to believe he loved me, and it turns out it was unrequited affection once more.  Why?  When he just answered me with an 'it's complicated...sit down for a minute', I just gave up.  I should've known better to have hoped he truly cared for me!  I'd just gotten played...just like last time.  But wait...I still wanted answers.
"Well, where's she at...that girl?  It looks like you have a THING for the 2010 model.  And what about--what about all your kids?  Nice to know you were visiting your CHILDREN, not orphans like you told me you were."  I glared, oozing sarcasm.  "I ought to warn your WIFE about what's been going on!  She should at least have fair warning to know something like this could happen again!  And why hasn't she been posting?  Or HAS she, and I just didn't notice because of your stupid little 'no reading' rule?"  
"She's...well...the kids were taken away.  And she is standing right in front of me."  he gave me a serious look.
Was the doll delusional?
"What, then...are you, like...are you mad?!"  I barked.
"No, I'm not mad--"
"Mad as in crazy in the head."   Stupid...! 
"No.  I'm not that, either.  I --"
"I don't want to hear any more excuses!"  I put my hand up, hauling the tablet along with me as I turned to leave.  "I'm done.  I'm sick of MEN!"  I gave the tablet a firm shove to the other side of the table.

"Wait...you don't understand.  Let me explain-"  he succeeded in grabbing my arm.
"Did you not just hear me?" I was mad at myself for the tears that were spilling down my cheeks.  "Let me go!" 
"Please...just listen for..f-for five minutes, Rapunzel--"
"NO!  Let me go, you sick, twisted...freak!  I can't believe you....!"  I cried.   I managed to yank away from him, and I almost fell down.  I managed to stay on my feet, though, and I quickly stumbled back on the other side of the table.  My side.  I'd never cross to the other side of that table again.  I was finished.  I was finished with relationships, and liars, and men who used you and made you think they loved you, and...I'm done with LOVE.  Finished.
 Why must I be so naive....?
I went to my corner, where I'd left Pascal, and sat down.  Nobody was there, of course. Part of me was glad nobody was there to see me like this, but part of me wanted Zelia or Belle.  But they might not even care...Why WOULD anyone care, anyway?  It's ME.  I'm stupid, and I'm worthless, and...why can't I be smart for once??
I can honestly say that this is worse, though.  Looking back, I should have seen it coming with Flynn.  But Eugene had been so sweet with me, and had told me nearly every day that he loved me.  Why??  Didn't he think I had been through enough the first time??!  And yet, my stupid heart kept squeezing every time I thought about him.  Why did it?  Some small voice kept telling me that he hadn't used me, and I wished it would shut up!  I was too shocked to even cry, but if I COULD cry, I would probably feel better.  I felt like I was going to throw up.

Our Memorial Day

Eugene

Happy Memorial Day, everyone!  We might be dolls, but we still make sure to dedicate today to all the soldiers that fought to keep the place we live in safe.  Are any of you guys doing anything for Memorial Day? 
Zelia and I convinced Tangled Fan to let us take the girls outside for the first time...and she actually let us!  She made sure we waited until the backyard was cleaned up and mowed (they're having a picnic or something later, I guess)...and then she let us take them out.  She limited us to the ramp and the small strip of grass by the ramp, but that's plennnty of space for us dolls --it's humongous for the kids!  Zelia and I took turns staying in the shade with Jordan to keep her safe from the sun, and when one was watching her, the other was playing with and keeping track of rambunctious little Audrey and Casey.
When I told the girls we were going outside, they were just bouncing off the walls. 
"Really?!"  Casey gasped.
"You mean...you mean for real?"  Audrey overlapped her sister before they both started squealing and running in impatient circles around us.  That sent Jordan crying, so I asked them to calm down until they were set loose outside, and they obliged...somewhat. 

Buddy, they had a BLAST.  They were so happy to get out of that old box Tangled Fan has them in, poor things.  They ran...and ran...and ran...and tripped and kept running...and jumped, screamed, giggled, and played for a good solid hour, playing anything from tag-you're-it to hide and seek, plus a few little games they've invented themselves. 
  I think we were all exhausted by the time Tangled Fan came back out to get us.  Jordan was sleeping, and the other two were so tired that they went to sleep as soon as they got back to their box.  After we exchanged our normal 'love you, see you again really soon's, Tangled Fan took Zelia and I back.  I was reluctant to let them go, as was usual, but we headed back to the bedroom anyway. 

As we walked, we talked. 
"So...how are things moving along with you and Rapunzel?"  Zelia asked me.  "She seems pretty fascinated by you at this point." 
I grinned.  "I'm hoping that it won't be too much longer, but you never know.  I want to make sure not to go too fast for her,"
"Yeah.  You don't want to lose her now," Zelia groaned.  "If you would, I think I would slap you.  Repeatedly." 
"No doubt in my mind.  I want to tell her about everything, but I just can't think of the right time to tell her.  I don't want to freak her out, and I don't know if she trusts me enough yet."  I added. 
"Mmhm.  You should wait for a little while, just don't wait too long,"
We talked a little bit more about her, and Ray and Belle as well, until we got to their side of the table.  I followed Zelia up, and saw Rapunzel was sitting in her corner....alone...with Pascal.  Belle, Elsa, Anna, Emma, and Piper were gone, leaving her with Ray, Kristoff, Hans, and Punzie. 
Well, I can see where this is going...."Hey, you," I knelt in front of her, putting a hand on her shoulder.  She looked up sharply, and I was greeted with a relieved smile. 
"Hey, yourself," she told me. 
"Why is such a pretty girl such as yourself sitting back here?"  I asked, and she blushed, even though her face clouded with that look of rejection. 
"Everyone else went for a walk, and Anna and Emma didn't want me to go, so I stayed here.  Ray tried to strike up a conversation with me, and then got frustrated with me because I started to stammer around, so I just went back here," she shrugged. 
"Hmm...I'm sorry, sweetheart.  Do you want to go for a walk or something?"  I suggested.  I was really tired, yeah, but if my girl wanted to do something, I was all for it. 
Her whole face lit up.  "Oh!  Yeah, of course!!"
But after she said so, her smile faltered and her gaze dropped down to her lap.  "O-oh...oh geez.  I haven't even changed out of my nightie yet--oh my gosh, I'm so sorry-"
"It's fine," I laughed.  I hadn't even noticed that, to be honest. 
"I guess...if you want to let me change and get my hair brushed out, I'll meet you under the table?" 
"M'kay...sounds good," I chuckled, standing up. 

I waited for her under the table...and waited...and waited. I was just starting to wonder if she had forgotten already, but then she came sliding down the table leg.  She was wearing her normal purple dress and had Pascal on her shoulder, but her hair was braided like the movie Rapunzel's.  She gave me a red-faced smile as she came over.  I still don't know why my heart starts pounding and I feel kind of dizzy every time I see her, I mean...it's been eight months since I met her! 
I strode over and pulled her into a quick hug, grinning.  "Wow...you look amazing..I mean, you always do, but-"
She giggled, the tips of her ears turning red.  "I don't think so, but thank you.  Zelia said you guys went to see the girls today...how were they today?" 
As we walked, I narrated the hour outside with the girls, and she gave me a huge smile. 
"Aw...I bet they really enjoyed it!  They just seem like they're so sweet," she told me.  I saw a glimmer--just a split-second glimmer--of the adoring expression in her eyes that she used to have when she'd hold one of the girls.  I had to smile when I realized that. 
"They are," I nodded, "that they are." 
"Someday, you'll have to introduce them to me," she suggested once more. 
Ooh no.  Don't panic, don't--I really don't want to do this.  I can't expect the girls to act like they don't know their own mother, that's way too much for them. "Maybe we can adopt them, someday," I winked, and her eyebrows shot up in surprise. 
"Hmm..."
"What?"  I started to panic on the inside.That probably wasn't what she had wanted to hear...?
"I was just thinking about how unlikely that is, but how much fun it would be," she ducked her head in embarrassment. 
"Who says it's unlikely?"  I reached to tickle her side, and she jumped back, laughing.  She almost tripped, but I snagged her arm and kept her upright. 
"Well, you're so perfect, and I'm so...not," she said, even though she was still grinning. 
"Me?  Perfect?  Pfft.  And no, you're not a cookie-cutter doll, but that's what makes you great!"  I told her, threatening to tickle her again. 
"Stop!  Don't you dare tickle me," she grabbed my hands.  "And...once more, thanks, but I don't think so." 
"Remember what Belle told you," I kissed her cheek.  "And I won't tickle you more, but if you degrade yourself again, I might just have to..."
She rolled her eyes.  "You're terrible....I love you." 
"Talk about a contradiction...love you, too, though," I teased. 
After that, we just walked and talked for awhile; eventually retiring to the window to sit and read for the afternoon.

Today's Events (:

 Today, I took Belle on an expedition of Tangled Fan's bedroom.  We tried to persuade Ray to go with us, but he strongly refused, so we just left him alone with the rest of the bunch.  I would have asked Eugene to come with us, too, but he had told me yesterday evening that he was going to go visit Casey, Audrey, and Jordan again.  
Soo, we had a girl's day out.  We explored quite a few places --not nearly all of the room, of course, but the half of the room closest to our table.  We'd explore the far side another day, we decided.  (:

Belle is seriously soo nice.  We talked about things we liked to do, and she apparently loves reading and going for walks.  She said she wasn't much of one for music unless it was classical, though.  She also brought up  horseback riding, which is something I have always wanted to try.  I'll have to ask Tangled Fan if there are any horses we could ride...either her or Eugene, since he's been around here a lot longer than I have.

After awhile, we went up to the windowsill to look out at the front yard for awhile.  A strong breeze was maintained through the open window, which blew any loose hairs out of my braid.  I don't know how Belle's stayed perfectly in place. 
I sat down, and Belle followed suit, smiling when Pascal crawled over to her lap.  I just hoped he wouldn't stick his tongue in her ear, which was something that he did if he didn't like or trust someone.  He's  actually  a very good judge of character, because he had always hated Flynn.  Thankfully, he didn't do anything to her, and just came back to sit up on my shoulder.

"He's so cute," Belle said, smiling kindly.
"Yeah, he is...he was my best buddy until I met Eugene - and he's still my best buddy in the animal category,"  I smiled and cuddled him against my cheek for a moment.
"Speaking of Eugene, where is he today?  I am surprised that he isn't tagging along with you today,"  she said.  Her French accent made her sentence smooth and pretty.
 "He's visiting these three little orphan girls today...he does quite a bit,"  I explained.
She smiled.  "That is very sweet of him.  Do you know their names?"
"Casey, Aurey, and Jordan.  I've never met any of them, but I'd love to," I told her.
She didn't look surprised or anything, and almost acted like she knew what I was going to say, but I'm not sure why.  "Aw.  I bet they are absolutely adorable.  Do the two of you plan on adopting them someday?"

Oh.  Ummm...heh.  I'd never thought about that...I was still cautious about letting myself remember that he loved me, because love seems to  be a pretty loose term nowadays.
"Well....I don't really know.  I've never thought about that.  If --and that's a HUGE if--we ever get married, I know I would love to adopt them, but...I don't know.  I don't see us getting married.  I mean...I don't know."  I shrugged, twisting my hands together awkwardly.
"Why is that such a huge if?"
"He's so perfect and I'm so...not.  I'd feel BAD for him if he wanted to marry me, because I'm sure he could find a much better wife than what I could be.  Plus, the word 'love' seems to be a pretty widely-used term anymore.  Not saying I'd MIND marrying him..of course."  I winked, and she laughed quietly.
"I am pretty sure you guys will get married.  I have seen the way you look at each other, and he thinks the world of you."  Belle smiled, and I blushed.
"So...what about you?  Any love interests before?  Ray?"
She shook her head.  "Not for me.  This is only the second home I have ever been to, so I never knew many dolls.  I did like a gentleman from my previous home, but he did not even know I existed.  And oh, goodness...Ray and I do not get along well.  He only tolerates me, although he has been a bit more gentleman-like towards me since we left our old home," she gave a wistful smile as she obviously reminisced about the guy that she had liked.
"Aw....I'm so sorry.  At least nobody's ever used you to get the attention of another girl--that's what the guy in my previous home did with me," I laughed at how naive I'd been.  "What was his name?"
"Edmund, and he was a newer model of Snow White's prince," she smiled.  "I must admit, he and Elisa --an Ariel doll--made a sweet couple.  I got to hold their baby girl a couple of days before I left.  They met, got married, and adopted her, all in one month...they were pretty sure of themselves.  I would love to know how one can be so sure of someone's affections--I would never have moved that quicky!"
"Same here....but, aww!"  I smiled.  "Do you have a thing for kids?"
"Oh, I simply adore children!  At my old home, I would babysit for a couple of my friends,"  her face lit up as she talked.
"You should ask Tangled Fan if you could go visit some of the orphans, like what Eugene does,"  I suggested.
"Ohh, I would love that so much, but I do not know if I could bear to leave them there!"  she smiled, and I nodded.
"Understandable,"
After that, our chatter trailed off, and I looked around, trying to think of something to say.  Finally, I lamely suggested we head back.  She agreed, and we stood to go. 

I watched her as she made her way to the floor first.  She hopped from the sill to the chair and onto the floor with grace to spare....ugh.  I wish I could be HALF as graceful as she is!
I, on the other hand, got my leg tangled up in the end of my braid when I went to jump from the chair to the floor.  And, of course, I hit the floor, stumbled a few steps, and almost fell flat on my face.  Gasping when my ankle twisted and the hair pulled tighter, I reached for the nearby bin to lean against.
I was purely horrified.  Most dolls left quickly, never to return or talk again as soon as they realized how clumsy I am, but Belle stuck around.

"Oh goodness, are you alright, Rapunzel?  Can I help you with...something?"
I grunted (which, to my horror, I realized that it was quite an unladylike response  in the presence of my very ladylike friend) as I bent to untangle my leg.  "Nah, I'm fine...my hair got tangled up.  Sorry!"
"What are you apologizing for?"
What on...
Sorry for making what probably seemed to you like a huge production of tripping?
 Sorry for being such an ungraceful moron?
I waited until my leg was freed before I answered, so I could see what kind of expression she had on her face.
"Sorry for tripping.  I wasn't making  a big show out of it, I promise--I-"
"I did not think you were.  Are you sure you are okay?"  she asked, looking quite concerned.
"Yeah, I'm sure.  I do this all the time...I'm probably the clumsiest Disney doll on earth,"  I groaned.  My face was so warm, and I wished she would just drop the topic.  And I thought talking about Eugene was awkward!  I'll take that topic any day over talking about my clumsiness.  
"Oh, you are not that bad," she reassured me.  "At least you have quirks."
"At least?!"  I blurted.  I didn't mean to be rude, but it just came out.

Open mouth. 
Insert foot. 

"It makes you more interesting.  I'm just like the rest of them, and that is definitely boring; trust me when I tell you this.  Look at it as though it is a special gift that hardly any Disney dolls are blessed with."
"Hmm....want to trade personalities?  You can be awkward and weird for a few days, I'm sure you won't view it as a blessing, then!"  I joked.

"I would give anything to be like you, to be honest.  I'm tired of being a perfect little princess!  And just keep in mind that Eugene does not love a cookie cutter doll, he loves you."
I gulped.  Wow.  Was it really a bad thing to be just like the others?  "Oh...I never really thought about it.  You're so nice, though - you're not like most of the others around here.  So it must not be  a rare gift to be different?"
"Each doll is different, they all think and act differently, but on the inside, most of us have to be perfect; we simply do not have it in us to be different or quirky.  It's a blessing to be different, I promise."  she explained a little further, but it only confused me more.
We quietly continued on our way back to our side of the table.  When we got back, I peeked around the divider to see if Eugene was back yet, since Tangled Fan had just left the room.

He was just sitting down on his wicker chair.  Yess!!
I hurried over to his side of the table, and when he saw me, he stood back up and grinned at me.

"Hey!"  I walked over to him, and he promptly took my hands into his.
"Hey, yourself.  You look happy," he observed.
"Mmhm!  Oh--do you want me to leave?  You're probably tired--"  I realized he might want to be left alone.  After all, he'd been off with the girls for the majority of the day. 
"Are you kidding me?  No, stay and tell me about your day.  I want to know what made you look so happy."  he studied my face and gave me an adorable grin.  I about melted at the gaze he gave me.  After he grinned, he left go of one of my hands to cup one of my cheeks.  "Wish you'd be this happy more often, you look simply radiant."
I giggled.  "Well, having a good friend and an amazing guy in my life helps."  I led him over to the chair and boxes, and took my normal spot on the box.
Instead of sitting on the chair, he sat beside me on the box and watched me while I unbraided my hair, holding Pascal for me as I did so.  When I had it unbraided, I looked at my mass of messy hair with a groan.  "Soo, it went from being a mess to being messIER, but oh well."

"You look fine," he chuckled, slipping an arm around my shoulders.  "So...today..?"
I explained everything Belle and I did today, and about what she had said about me being different.  When I finished, he nodded.
"I'm really glad you're making friends with Belle, and I hope it lasts.  I agree with her, but I'm pretty sure I'd think you were perfect no matter what.  I hope you start looking at your quirks with this in mind."
"No guarantees.  I get soo embarrassed when I'm clumsy...but enough about me.  How was your day with Casey, Audrey, and Jordan?"  I asked.
"Great....we just talked and I played with them for most of the day.  Except for Jordan, of course --she's a baby, so of course she can't partake in most games.  Patty-cake usually gets her riled up and all giggly, though," his smile showed how much he cared about those little girls...wow.  I couldn't help but smile.
"They sound absolutely adorable...maybe one day, you can take me to meet them!"
He shrugged, suddenly looking just a bit panic stricken.  "We'll have to see.  I'm pretty sure they would like it, though, but I'll have to talk to Tangled Fan."
I nodded, wondering why he was kind of guarded about me meeting them.  I just shook it off, though, and asked him to describe them for me.  That, he could do.
As he talked, I couldn't shake off the feeling that I knew those girls...even though I had never met any kids from here....weird.  Maybe I just feel like I know them because he talks so much about them?
Regardless, we talked for a good while, mostly about the girls and my day out with Belle.  It felt really great to have someone to talk to about the day and to unwind with (:

Ray's Issues and A Continuation to Yesterday's Post

So...to continue last night's post from Eugene (you'll want to check it out if you haven't seen it already, or this post won't make ANY sense, I'm sure xD)....
We just sat and talked for awhile, all avoiding any talk of Ray or the incident.  Eventually, though, Zelia fell asleep..and then Belle.  Eugene and I were the only ones up -- even Pascal was asleep on my lap. 
"So...should I carry them back or should we go get their blankets?"  Eugene whispered. 
"Probably get their blankets and leave them here," I recommended.  "If Zelia woke up when you were carrying her, she'd likely punch your lights out."
"Probably," Eugene said without a moment's hesitation.  I giggled, and then we headed silently over to the other side of the table.  It was dark, and we could hardly see, but we managed to find the blankets. 
I tripped over someone's foot --not sure who--and Eugene, who was right beside me, grabbed my arm and kept me upright.  Whew.  When we got back over to Eugene's side of the table, I tossed a blanket over Zelia, and Eugene slid Belle to lay on the floor --since she was propped up against the cutout--before doing the same to her. 
When that was done, he turned around and gave me a smile, slipping my blanket around my shoulders and using it to pull me into a hug. 
"If you're sleepy, you can go back over there...?" 
I sighed.  To be honest, I was kinda scared to go back over there.  I know to you humans, that wasn't that big of an event, but to dolls....it's big.  Since we can't kill or dismember each other, any physical contact that ends up hurting someone on purpose is a big deal.  Although...I don't know.  Zelia might be able to dismember someone if she got mad enough, but...regardless.  xD 
"I don't know.  Can I stay here for a bit?  If you're tired...no, I'll j-just go back," I realized I was being kind of selfish. 
"You're scared, aren't you?  I can't blame you.  You can stay here, it's fine," he told me.  He kissed my hair, and then sat down.  I sat beside, and went to lean my head up against his shoulder. My neck soon reminded me that it wasn't a good idea, and I moved. 
"What?  Is your neck still sore?"  he asked, and I could hear the concern in his voice. 
"Yeahh..." I groaned quietly. 
"And what about your jaw?  Your leg?" 
"My jaw's okay, and my leg's a little stiff.  I'll be fine," I said. 
He put an arm around me.  "I'm sorry...I-I froze up when he grabbed you the first time...I should've been able to just jump into actio--"
My heart squeezed as I realized how upset he seriously was over this.  "It's okay, Eugene...it's no big deal!  You act like I...I fell off of something really high, rather than just have my neck yanked around by a rude jerk and fall a short distance and hurt my leg."
He fell silent for a few minutes, and I worried that I'd insulted him or something. 
"I didn't...upset you, did I?  I mean..I appreciate your concern, but I just don't want you to be so worried about me,"
"You didn't upset me...I just, um, tend to overreact if someone gets hurt....'specially if they just happen to be my best gal," I heard the teasing tone in his voice, and smiled, my face getting hot. 
We talked quietly for a few more minutes, but then I guess I must've fallen asleep. 

The next morning, I woke up feeling like someone was watching me.  When I opened my eyes, I saw Eugene peering around the cutout, watching me. 
I shot upright.  "Wh...where...?" I couldn't form a logical sentence, so I just flubbed my lips uselessly and stared a hole through Eugene.
He chuckled.  "When you fell asleep last night, I thought maybe it would be more comfortable on your leg and neck if you slept on the bed back here.  Pascal and I took the wicker chair.  How do you feel?" 
Aw.  I hadn't meant to kick him out of his own bed, but I suppose I was asleep and hadn't had a say in the matter. 
"Oh...well...thanks, I mean..I'm sorry, you could've let me on the floor and I woulda been fine..your hip joints won't get messed up, will they?" 
I patted the bed beside me, scooting over a bit and smiling at him 
He chuckled, accepting my silent offer, and sat beside me.  "My joints are fine.  But you never answered me about YOUR joints!" 

I laughed quietly.  "My leg feels a lot better."

                                                                           

"And...your neck?"  he asked, touching my cheek with an incredible amount of tenderness.  Much nicer than Ray's brutal jerking around from yesterday.  I leaned into his touch and smiled.  "I'm fine, I promise.  See?  I moved my neck...no problems."  
"I'm glad.  So...today...what are you planning on doing?" 
"I don't know," I sighed, turning away to look down in my lap.  "It's so dumb of me to be so scared to go back and face him.  It's stupid, and it's really, really cowardly." 
"No, it's not!  I told Tangled Fan that I wanted to go see Jordan, Casey, and Audrey today, so...either you can stay here, or go over to your side of the table.  We could talk when I come back, though?"  he offered. 
I bit my lip.  I knew I'd need to face him sooner or later, so I may as well get it over with.  "Okay.  Might as well just do it and get it over with,"
"I'll go with you when you go to do so," he told me.
"Okay...stinky old boyfriend of mine," I teased, referring to what Zelia had called him yesterday evening, elbowing him.
"Alright, stinky old girlfriend of mine," he threw back, giving me a gentle shove in return.  I giggled, shoving him back, and then he reached to tickle me.
"Hey!  Stop it!"  I laughed, grabbing his hand and making him stop.
He laughed, pulling away so he could slip an arm round my shoulders.  "Anything to make you laugh, darling."
I wrinkled my nose and giggled.  "Darling?  It sounds like you should have a British accent when you say that."
"Okeeh-dokahy, dahling," he made a terrible attempt at a British accent, and I laughed again.
"You're terrible...." I remembered that there were supposed to be storms last night. "Hey, did it storm overnight?"
"Nope...I asked Tangled Fan and it went right around us," he said.  "So...you ready to get up and going?  I think Zelia's  still asleep, but Belle is up.  If I didn't value my life, I would do something to pick on Zelia to wake her up...but I value my life."
I laughed.  "Yeah...we'd better get going. And yes, leave her alone unless you wish to die.  And I don't know about you, but I'd like for you to stay around for a bit."
He chuckled.  "Okay, I won't.  C'mon," he stood up and offered me his hand, which I took.  We headed out from behind the cutout, and since Zelia was up -and Belle was busying herself by playing with Pascal--we headed to the other side.
When we got there, the Frozen gang was gone already.  Zelia headed to go discuss something with Zelia and Emma, and Belle hung in the background, watching.
As soon as Ray saw me, he stood.  I tried not to be scared.  I don't know how the sight of him could scare me, but it did.  He strode over to both of us, and I immediately backed up a step. I didn't mean to, but I did.  Eugene put a reassuring hand on my back.
"Rapunzel...I apologize for yesterday.  Please, sit," he sat and offered the place next to him on the box, but I quickly refused.
He didn't even look at me the whole time he spoke.  I didn't know how to feel about that, but regardless.

"I apologize.  I should never have let my temper flare in the way that it did.  It was inexcusable, but I do hope you accept my deepest regrets for it ever happening.  I try to control my temper, but...it doesn't work sometimes.  I truly thought you were an attention-seeker, and I cannot stand attention-seekers, and your behavior simply infuriated me.  But I now understand that you are simply clumsy, and I am sorry."

His eyebrows furrowed, and he went silent for a moment, but then he continued.  "All Beast dolls are given either a temperment and personality similar to Prince Adam's, or a personality and temper similar to Beast's.  I was unfortunate enough to recieve a Beast personality, and I cannot control my temper at times."
Even though I was shaking, I nodded and tried to smile.  I felt terrible for being so scared, since everyone probably feared him, but I told him that I accepted his apology and thanked him for his explanation.  Then, Tangled Fan came in and took Eugene, so I was left on my own.

When he left the box, I went to sit on it with Pascal, and I played with him for awhile.  I was once more invisible, and nobody else was bothering with me, so all I had to do was play with Pascal --not a bad deal, I suppose!
Until Ray came back over to me.
"I-I'll move," I quickly offered, and he shook his head.
"Please, stop looking so terrified of me."

How can I, when in doll terms, you practically ASSAULTED me yesterday??!
"No, seriously, I'm fine moving-"
He grabbed my shoulder.  How could everything about him be so sharp, rough, and terrifying?!  "Don't!  All I did was ask a simple request of you, and you act as though I threatened you.  I thought you might understand, but I see that you cannot.  You're like.."
"Raymond, if all this is just a-about  seat...or..or a facial expression, seriously, I'll just go-"
He gave me an incredibly frustrated look, and that's when Belle raced over, whispered something to him, and then he left, giving us both a cross look.

She sat down beside me.  "I am terribly sorry...he is taking the change so roughly.  He gets upset if he knows anyone around is scared of him, but it's not like you are overreacting.  He can be quite terrifying,"   she played with her skirt as she spoke.
"I understand.  Thank you for breaking that up...you're really kind."  I gave her a small smile, and she nodded.
"Thank you for being a good friend to me," Belle said.
I laughed.  "I've hardly done anything for you...and you're saving my sorry self right and left!"
"Yes, but I view you as a good friend, also," she nodded, so sure of herself.
"Wow..well...why don't we go do something soon?  I could show you around the room; there's a lot of neat little places that we could explore," I offered, feeling sort of awkward.  I didn't know how to react to anyone saying that I was their FRIEND!
"That would be wonderful!"  Belle exclaimed, ever-so-elegantly.
We talked for awhile, but then she went to go talk with some of the others.  I was once more all alone, except for Pascal, and Ray kept looking at me; watching me...staring at me.  It just really creeped me out..!

So when Tangled Fan brought Eugene back around four, I was about to lose my mind if Ray didn't stop watching me.  As soon as Tangled Fan left, I ran over to his side of the table and grabbed him into an excited hug.

"Hey, sweet girl...I mean, I guess I missed you today too, but..wow.  I'll take it, though," he teased me before he put his arms around me.  "How did your day go?"
"It was fine..I could hardly stand the tension anymore, though.  He just stared at me, like the whole day.   It was really freaking me out!"
"Hmm...I'm sorry.  Why don't we go chat on the window for awhile?"  he kissed the top of my head, and I grinned.
"Is that even a question?  Sure!"
...And then I realized Pascal wasn't with me.
I quickly ducked around the divider, and saw that Belle was playing with him.  When she saw me, she smiled and said she would keep an eye on Pascal, so then I thanked her and then went to go spend the afternoon with Eugene, talking about anything and everything, and Jordan, Casey, and Audrey.  =]

Ray's true colors show...

Eugene
So, I know Rapunzel posted about it, which is a post you will want to read if you haven't already, but...I am just so happy that I told her I loved her, finally.  It was a long month of not telling my best girl that...!  Now if only I could find the right time to tell her about her past...that will have to wait for sometime when she trusts me, though.  Otherwise, she'd probably think I was dillusional or something.  Uggh.

This afternoon, I went over to Rapunzel's side of the table, wondering why she hadn't come over yet.  I found her, Belle, and Tangled Fan's tablet, and she must have been introducing Belle to Blogger.  She didn't even notice me coming over, but Zelia beckoned for  me to come talk with her. 
"She's totally into showing Belle the blog.  But I just wanted to warn you:  dorky boy over there has been watching her every chance he can get.  Just look right now!"
I did, assuming she meant Beast -- er...Ray -- and saw that he, indeed, was watching her intently.
"Well, maybe he's watching Belle.  I mean, they are sitting really close--"
"Huh-uh.  It's your girl he's watching.  You better, ah...keep an eye on that.  Just sayin'," she nodded a few times before telling me to go do my thing, shoving me towards Rapunzel and Belle.
 
I went over and sat on the other side of the tablet, waiting for Rapunzel to notice.  She kept a steady stream of chatter going, explaining how Blogger works, as she kept her face glued to the screen.  Pascal even left her to sit on my lap!  I glanced up to see Ray, still staring at Rapunzel.  I didn't necessarily appreciate that, especially since she had her back turned to him..you know..but I wasn't going to make a big fuss.
Pick your fights wisely, pick your fights wisely....
I cleared my throat quietly, and she jumped, shuddering all over as she looked up. 
"OH!  Hey, Eugene...you scared me!" she giggled before turning back to the tablet -- and then doing a double take.  "O-oh!  Oh my gosh!  Ohhh my gosh.  I-I was supposed to...oh, I'm so sorry!  I-"
She sat up quickly, her face blazing with embarrassment. 
"It's fine,"  I chuckled.  "You're showing Belle the ropes on Blogger?" 
"Yes, she is," Belle smiled. 
"Um...I-I guess I'll let you play around on here, I'll be back sometime later, I guess?"  she--Rapunzel--turned and looked at me, quirking a brow. 
"Finish up with that you're doing -- we don't even have to do anything today," I told her.  She gave me a sweet smile before turning back to Belle.  I zoned out of what she was saying next, because Ray stood and was making his way over to stand directly behind Rapunzel.  What was he...
"You are all odd and pathetic beings.  All you ever do is sit around and do nothing!  Are there any other locations to live in this room?  I simply cannot stand this one more moment!" 
We turned to look at him -- Rapunzel, Belle, Zelia, and I to be exact -- and then he bent down to get into Rapunzel's face.  When she looked away and tried to scoot away, he literally grabbed her jaw in his hand and yanked her face up to look at him, spouting off at her the entire time....going on about how much of an attention-seeker she was, she wasn't really clumsy, she was just an attention seeker...she was so stupid, nobody would ever care for her, why doesn't she just leave...When he grabbed her, she tried to yank away, but he forced her to stay put in such a forceful manner that she grimaced in pain, and then he grabbed her hair so she couldn't even move her head a centimeter.  All she did--all she could do--was gasp a 'let me go'.  The second he grabbed her hair, I finally came to my senses.  I don't think I've ever been so rough with a doll, ever, and I hope I never have to be again.  I jumped at him, grabbing his shirt collar in one hand and prying his fingers away from Rapunzel's jaw with my other.  When he released her hair and swung at me, Zelia ran to grab his arm, twisting it backwards.  She thought it would cause enough pain that he would stop, but his joints swivel...360 degrees.  It didn't do any good, but she grabbed his ear instead and pinched.  Anna was more than happy to pile on as well, helping Zelia keep ahold of him.  I pulled him upright, away from Rapunzel -- who by now was probably scared spit-less -- and got in his face.  I heard scrambling around, and Zelia yelled for Rapunzel to stay put --followed by a groan, which meant she hadn't stuck around.   I would go after her later--for now, I had to have a talk with Ray.

"Listen.  That girl is stronger than all of us put together, and she has been through way more than you ever have, I'm sure.  I understand if it's in your plastic to have a temper, but you had best keep that temper away from Rapunzel.  You can't just tell ANYONE that they're stupid and weak.  It's bad enough that she's heard that all her life--"
"I could see why," was all Ray spat out, breaking me off. 
"Shut up.  It's bad enough she's heard it constantly, but to have you add violence to the factor?"
"Oh, she wasn't hurt--"
"I saw my girl cringe.  She was crying.  You scared her, and you hurt her.  And I promise you this:  if you touch as much as a single hair on her head, I'll--"
"I'll snap those stupid arms off.  They might have special joints, but they'll break," Zelia yelled for me.
Then, of all dolls...of all dolls...Punzie  squeezed between Zelia, Anna, and I to get in his face.  "I'm the boss around here, and you BETTER just shut up, sit down, and simmer down.  I don't care about yelling or name calling -- I do that all the time -- but if you touch ANY of us in the way you just...you just almost assaulted  her, I will have you put in a box in the attic for the rest of your days here - Tangled Fan won't tolerate that.  So watch your step, pretty boy!"
Okay then.  Didn't see that coming.  
"Now, I would very much appreciate it if you never go near her again.  If you do, I'll make sure that you never come in contact with her again-"
"I'd like that, actuall--" Ray started, but that's when Belle -- Belle-- waded into it.
"Raymond, you will reside on this table, and you will reside by their rules.  This is no longer your old home, and while I understand you're upset that we left, it's for the best.  They have been very hospitable to us from the start, so please, do not mar their opinions of you.  Rapunzel is a very kind girl, and I would appreciate it if you left her alone.  And please, attempt to control your temper..you do terrify everyone so when you have your little Beast-fits.    Okay?" 
Ray simmered down after that.  Belle put a hand on my shoulder and asked me to let him go, which I did grudgingly.
He glared at me, so I stared him down until he gave in and strode away. 
"I'm terribly sorry....I do hope she is alright.  Do you want me to-" Belle fretted. 
"It isn't your fault he's such a jerk.  I'll go look for her...she won't want a crowd.  Unless...Zelia, do you want to-" I started.
"I'm worthless when it comes to emotions, so you go.  Belle and I will catch up with you guys in about an hour, maybe," Zelia shrugged.
"I'll come, too," Belle offered, but I shook my head, grabbed Pascal, and hurried off to look for my girl.

It didn't take long -- she was across the room, curled up in a ball in a corner. 
I strode up to her, scuffing my feet so she knew I was there. 
"Hey...you forgot your buddy," I announced myself, and she slowly turned to look up at me.  Her face was red from crying.  I held Pascal out to her, and she took him silently.  She cleared her throat, staring at me, and then muttered a thank you. 
I sat down beside her, and she didn't look at me for a couple of minutes.  She just kept her gaze in her lap. 
"Are you okay?"  I asked quietly.  I put a hand on her shoulder, and she jumped. 
"Yeah..." she shrugged her shoulders up to her ears.  "You can go, Eugene.  I'm fine."
"I'm sorry.  I should have seen it coming, and I should've pulled him aside before he did anything--"
"He did it just like that...without any warning.  You can't keep me safe from everything,"
"I wish I could," I sighed.  I wanted to hug her, but I didn't know how she'd feel about it right now. 
"He's right, anyway.  I'm stupid, and weak, and...ugh."  she sighed. 
I hesitantly cupped her cheek in my hand and tilted her head so I could study her face.  When she moved her neck, she grimaced ever-so-slightly. 
"Did I-I...did I hurt you?  I'm--" I was horrified.  The last thing I wanted to do was hurt her!
"No, I'm okay.  My neck's just sore, and my jaw's kind of tender from him grabbing me.  He has a really strong grip," she gave me a small smile, but I dropped my hand from her face. 
"I'm sorry,"
"You're fine, Eugene...stop apologizing!"  she gave a faux-disgusted groan.  "What were you going to say or do, anyway?" 
"I was just going to list a few things about you that are perfect," I teased. 
She gave a self-deprecating laugh.  "Yeah...a few things.  I'm surprised you could find a few!" 
"Challenge accepted," I told her.  "Now...Zelia and Belle said they would be here in about an hour.  They were going to come along, but I said you wouldn't want an audience.  I can guarantee that they both think you're pretty great, too.  Just so you know.  But anyway...You'll have to ask for secondary opinions, but why do I think you're perfect?  You're sweet, gentle, kind, caring, goofy, loving, absolutely beautiful inside and out, you're not one for fights, you aren't cold and calculating.  You are clumsy, but I think it's kind of cute.  Of course, not when you hurt yourself, but...yeah."  I carefully smoothed some hair away from her eyes, and the corners of her lips just barely lifted into a shy smile. 
"You think?" 
"I know," I teased, quoting our movie.  She caught on, and giggled. 
"Oh, Eugene...you're terrible.  But thank you.  And..you know me pretty well -- I would've been so horrified if you, my sister, AND Belle had come to find me,"
"I figured.  Do you mind if I--" I pantomimed putting an arm around her, and while I had my arm up, she wordlessly slipped under it. I laughed through my nose before pulling her close. 
"Don't forget...there's at least three of us rooting for you.  Four, if you count Pascal." 
She nodded, sighing again.  "I know.  I just have a hard time remembering.  I've spent the first three years of my life alone, and now I have all this support, and I just keep forgetting." 
Not the only thing you're forgetting, hon.  "Yeah...understandable."  I carefully planted a couple of kisses in her hair, and then we just sat quietly.  It seemed like she didn't need to talk, she just needed to have someone with her who cared about her...so I obliged. 
When Zelia and Belle came, I gave her the option to pull away from my arm, in case she was going to be shy about anyone seeing us together, but she stayed tucked close to me for the rest of the time.  We all talked for awhile, and Belle explained why Ray was being such a jerk -- he'd been in quite a few homes, and every time he started to settle in, he'd get tossed somewhere else.  He started to be mean because he felt that was the only way he could manage --sound like anyone?  Zelia, perhaps?
When we decided to go back to the table, we all stood--except for Rapunzel.  I turned and offered her my hand, which she took.  I kept my hand wrapped around hers, and that's how I found out she had hurt her leg.  She was lagging a little behind me,  but then she stumbled and smacked her nose off of my shoulder when I turned to see if she was okay. 
"Oh--oh!  Are you okay?  I'm sorry-"
She held her nose gingerly.  "Yeah, I'm--fine."  I also noticed how she held her right leg up slightly off the ground. 
"What happened..?"
"N-noth--"
"You're not putting weight on that leg.  What happened?"  I glanced over my shoulder to see that Belle and Zelia were coming back around, likely to see what was going on.
"It's so dumb.  I was so upset when I-I was trying to get off the table that when I tried to balance on that cross-piece we have to balance on in order to grab the  leg of the table and slide down?  I slipped and fell on my side pretty hard.  I'm okay, though," she shrugged. 
I immediately went into panic mode.  "You didn't hit your head, did you?  How much does it hurt?  Should I get Tangled Fan...I'll get Tangled Fan right now--"
"No.  Eugene...Eugene!  Snap out of it, I'm fiiine!  And no, I didn't hit my head!" she ended up yelling to get my attention. 
I looked at Zelia, who had heard everything and understood my worry about her head, and she shook her head.  "She'll be fine." 
"Well...let's see how you can walk."
"I made it the whole way across the room, Eugene.  Not saying how much worse it made it hurt, but I'll be able to go back to the table."  she snapped the first part. 
I nodded.  "Okay.  I'm sorry, I kinda overreacted there." I felt pretty dumb for not thinking about that. 
She softened.  "It's fine."  I offered to let her lean on me, and she quickly took up on the offer.

When we got back to the table, we went to my side of the table. That was when I remembered checking the weather last night on Tangled Fan's tablet.
"I saw the weather and they're forecasting more strong storms tonight, so I don't know what you want to do?" I said quietly, not wanting to embarrass her --since Zelia and Belle were right there. 
She shrugged, sighing.  "I don't know...but right now I just don't want to go over there." 
Zelia heard us, and piped up, "I can't blame you.  Don't worry, though, I'll stick up for you.  He'll regret even being made!"
"I don't doubt that," I said, and Zelia responded with a swat to the arm.
"But for now, I think we'll all stay here.  There's no real need to be there anyway."  Zelia said.  "I prefer your--"
She froze, and I think she was about to say 'husband'.  She gave me a terrified look.
"..your stinky old boyfriend over THAT any day."
Rapunzel smiled.  "He's not stinky, and he's not old.  But yes, I agree."
Belle sighed before finally speaking up.  "I apologize.  I should have warned you all that he has temper issues.  This whole thing could have been avoided,"
"It's not your fault, and I'm pretty sure it was unavoidable," was my girl's response.
So then, everyone just sat around on my side of the table and talked.  I'm sure Rapunzel will update you all tomorrow as to if there were any storms or not, etc.  So that's all I leave you with for today...hopefully tomorrow will be a better day on the homefront on the other side of the table.

Two New Faces and I am SO EXCITED Right Now!!

~Rapunzel
This morning, Tangled Fan brought in a box and set it on her bed before yelling and hurrying out the door again.  I had the perfect view of the box from my side of the table, and I wanted to investigate.  Unfortunately, nobody else was as enthused as I was, and nobody jumped up and yelled, 'we need to go check that box out now!!'.  Finally, after an hour of unbearable curiosity, I spoke up.
"Guys, why don't we check out the box over there?" I stood and waited to be noticed.
Which never happened.
Literally everyone ignored me.
So I went over to each individual and asked, even Punzie, who just rolled her eyes and grumbled about the possibility that more dolls were here now.
When I had gathered a group --Anna, Hans, and Zelia-- I popped my head over to Eugene's side, smiling when I saw him stand the second he saw me.
"Cmon, do you want to go see the mystery package?" I joked, trying to make it sound intriguing.
He nodded and gave me that grin of his, and soon, our little bunch was on the floor and headed to the bed.

It didn't take long to get over there, and we soon met...

Belle...

                                                               And Beast/Raymond/Ray. 


I was slightly terrified of Beast, but I tried to keep it hidden.  How rude would THAT be??  Plus, my shyness kicked in, and I wanted to go back to my side of the table the second Belle glanced my way.  Even more so when Beast STARED at me.  I didn't mean to, but I ended up reaching for Eugene...and then I realized that he was hanging back a little ways behind me, his face worried as he looked over the both of them.
"Are you shy, too?" I whispered, and he nodded before trying to smile at the newcomers.  Zelia was greeting them, albeit a bit rudely, but that was Zelia for you.

We all started back, and not a word was spoken.  I hung back, feeling quite out of place.  I wanted to talk to them, even though Beast--er...Ray...-gave me the willies, but I just couldn't get myself to speak up.  Eugene did, however, and started talking to both of them.  He periodically glanced back at me, so I finally gave in and helped tell them about the other dolls in our group.
I couldn't believe how perfect Belle acted.  With gorgeous brown hair and huge doe eyes, she was beautiful.  She walked with grace to spare, and spoke eloquently, with a very faint French accent.
Ray, on the other hand, spoke not a word, and acted like he couldn't see or hear well.

When we got to the bins under the table, Ray motioned frantically to Belle, rushing aside.  We paused, watching, as she went over and STARTED TO PULL HIS HEAD OFF!

We all froze in our tracks.  Anna squeaked and ducked behind her husband, still watching over his shoulder.
I wanted to scream, but knew it was rude and inappropriate of me, so I reached to clutch Zelia's arm.
She wasn't there...she was scrambling to climb the trash bag, clearly fascinated by the whole morbid thing.
When the head came off, it revealed a fairly handsome, ginger-haired and blue eyed human version of Beast, and the coat slipped off to reveal human hands.

 

After that, everyone was abuzz.  Ray was very much NOT abuzz, and just wanted to be left alone...so we obliged.  Anna and Hans went back, but Zelia, Eugene, and I stuck around on the floor.  I hung back, and Zelia spent her time staring at Ray.  Hmm. 

And Eugene and Belle seemed to be hitting it off very well.  He was talking to her, and she was smiling, laughing, and gazing into his eyes --even though he kept dropping his gaze away, for some reason.  The both of them made a pretty cute couple, actually, and I had to smile.
Yeah, I know what you're thinking.  Why am I not mad because they're both hitting it off so well, when just yesterday, I was saying about how I had a thing for Eugene??
Well, dear readers, that is because I know I don't stand a chance, he is out of my league, and they are absolutely adorable together.  I mean, just look at them!!!

I turned my attention to Ray for a moment or two, and caught him staring at me.  When our eyes met, he abruptly gave me a LOOK and turned his back.
Alrighty then.
I looked at Zelia and nudged her with my elbow, redirecting her gaze from Ray to Eugene and Belle.
"You thinking what I'm thinking?"
"Probably not, Hopeless Romantic," Zelia said dryly.
"Wedding bells for those two, sometime in the future.  He's quite taken and I think it's mutual," I explained.
"Hmmph," Zelia rolled her eyes and stalked off, leaving me completely alone.

Yay me, right?
So I tried to gather the courage to talk to Ray, thinking that maybe, he was feeling left out too.
He fairly growled at me, and I quickly backed off.
Looks like there's no chance of me befriending anyone in THIS group, either!
I don't know why I hung back, maybe because I thought Zelia would come back around.  Regardless, I did...and eventually, Zelia did.  Eugene noticed her, and quickly cornered her, requesting something of her.    She nodded, and then Eugene headed my way.  Zelia went instead to go talk to Belle and Ray.

Eugene gave me that special grin of his and put his hand on my shoulder, so I couldn't help but smile back.
"Hey, little miss wallflower," he teased.
"Hmm...says the guy who was hiding behind me earlier!" I threw back, and his grin broadened into a smile.
"You got me.  But for the record, you're the prettiest wallflower in existence, I'm fairly certain."
I giggled.  "Somehow, I sincerely doubt that..."

"Well, you shouldn't." he slipped his arm around me, pulling me close with an adorable grin.  I was beyond surprised, especially since Belle was looking right at us.
Oh no.  He wasn't going to use me like Flynn did.  Was he??
At that, I quickly slipped away, and as soon as that happy mood had appeared, it was replaced with uncertainty.  Without an explanation, I tried to hurry back to the table.  When he followed me and asked if I was okay, I said I had forgotten Pascal up there, even though he was on my shoulder. 
"He's..."
"I just..I'll talk to you later.  I'm not feeling too hot right now."  I felt bad lying, but I DIDN'T necessarily feel the best, anyway.  My stomach twisted just at the thought of him trying to use me to get Belle's attention.  He started to follow me, but I told him he didn't have to and that he needed to help Zelia out.

The rest of the day came and went.  I was silent in my corner for the majority of the time, thoughts tumbling through my mind in waves of confusion.  Waves?  Maybe HURRICANES of confusion would be the more suitable term.  I didn't care that Belle likes him, I just had not taken him for the using kind.

When I wasn't totally silent and buried inside my thoughts, Belle and I talked.  She was a really, really nice girl, and I almost hope we can become friends..but I have learned to hope for things cautiously.

Well, night fell, and I, of course, went to sleep, curled up in my corner with Pascal.  I had given Belle my blanket, since we were one blanket short, and so I was freezing cold in my thin little nightie.  Of COURSE tonight would be in the  low thirties!  It's May, for goodness' sake.  Why is it this cold??  Tangled Fan has the heat on, but it's still pretty chilly without a blanket and a sleeveless, short-ish, lightweight dress as your nightie!
My slumber was disturbed by...Eugene.  He gently shook me awake, and even though it was dark, I could still see the glimmer of excitement in his eyes.
What on earth...
I rubbed my eyes, trying to keep up with what he was saying.
"...get your blanket and your buddy, and let's go,"
"Wh...where?  My hair is a mess and I'm in my nightie..." I mumbled.
"Don't worry bout that, just come on," he scooped Pascal up and then helped me to my feet before feeling for a blanket.
"I gave it to Belle...we were one blanket short," I whispered, and he nodded.
"Oh, wow, it's no wonder why your arms are so cold, then," he took my hand and led me to his side of the table, ducking behind the cutout and snagging his blanket.  Next, he led me to the far side of the windowsill, and then draped the blanket over my shoulders.
"There... And here we are,"
I could see his face better..and then I realized.
Windowsill.
Night.
Stars!
I gasped and looked up, not disappointed by the crystal clear night.  The stars looked like tiny, precious gems that had been scattered across blue-black velvet.
I couldn't remove the smile from my face as I turned to look at Eugene. I wanted to say so much, but I couldn't get a single word out.
"I noticed it was a clear night, and knew you would like to stargaze," he shrugged, smiling.
I just wordlessly grabbed him into a tight hug, so quickly that the blanket slid off of my shoulders.  He chuckled and held me close for a minute, and almost seemed reluctant to let me go.  I didn't consider that at the time, I just was so excited about the stars.  He sat down I'm the corner, and I started to sit on the opposite corner, but he made a grumble of disapproval.
"Hey...you can come over here if ya want, you know,"
I didn't hesitate, and I snagged the blanket I had dropped as I came back over.
"Lean forward," I asked him.  I was going to give the blanket back, but he shook his head. 
"No, you need it--"
"We'll share.  It's chilly," I gave him a grin, and he chuckled. 
"Alright, fine..." he pretended to be exasperated as I reached to drape the blanket around his shoulders, minding Pascal on his shoulder opposite me.  When it didn't quite reach as far as I thought it would, he pulled me closer.  I held onto my corner and he held onto his, and we both just fell silent for awhile, just looking up at the stars.   
I wanted to ask him about Belle, because based off of his response to that, I could probably deduce whether or not he was going to use me.  I know it's stupid of me to worry about him using me, because quite frankly, I don't think he has it in him to use anyone, but you never know, right?  And I prefer to be safe rather than sorry. 
After awhile, though, I couldn't stand my curiosity any longer.  "So...what do you think about Belle and Ray?"
"Ray seems pretty...distant, but maybe he just needs time to settle in.  Belle's nice, though...what about you?" 
Well, that didn't really help much of anything.  'She's nice'....that could mean anything! 
"I think the same about Ray, I guess.  He's...I don't know.  He fairly growled at me when I tried to talk to him earlier today.  And Belle's just perfect in every way.  She's beautiful, and elegant, and is so eloquent.  I wish I could be a tenth of the doll that she is!"  I blurted. 
"Well...I don't," he said quietly.  I looked away from the sky, and saw he wasn't looking out the window..he was looking at ME. 
"What?" 
"I think you're perfect just the way you are.  You're beautiful, and sweet, and you're unique.  If you were like Belle, you would be like the majority of the Disney merchandise population.  I think your little quirks are great, actually.  Belle's nice and all, but she's just like the rest of 'em."
"Really?  And here I thought you and Belle were going to end up getting married and you guys looked really cute togeth--"
CRUMBS. 
I didn't just let that one slip, did I??
Crud, crud, crud...I did...
"Wait.  So that's why you ran off today?"  he turned towards me as best as he could and gave me a worried expression. 
"I-I...It's stupid but...I thought that when you were talking with her, you both seemed really happy and I thought you would make a cute couple, and you two seemed to hit it off really, really well, and I was happy --I mean, I'm not a horrible individual, I want to see you happy!  And then you came over and you were being nice to me, too, and stuff, and  I just all of a sudden started worrying about if you would use me like Flynn did, and I know it's stupid, but I just panicked and I left.  It's stupid..."
"No...it's understandable.  I should've gone after you, but I thought maybe you wanted some time alone.  I'm sorry.  No...I wasn't even really enjoying myself.  The whole time, I was thinking about you, to be honest.  She's nice, but definitely not viewed as a future mate.  More like an acquaintance.  I love you,"
I sucked in a breath.  Well, had I ever been wrong.  "...Oh."
He chuckled.  "It isn't too soon, is it--"
"No," I smiled, and he reached to kiss my forehead.  I fell silent for a few more minutes, watching him even though his face wasn't turned towards me.  Finally, I spoke up.  "I know it's dumb also, but you'll never use me in any way, right?  I-I just need to hear you tell me..."
"It's okay.  I promise I would never even think about doing such a thing to you...here.  I'll even shake on it," he held his pinky finger out to me, and I giggled.
"That's silly...you don't have--"
"Oh, c'mon,..." he waggled his eyebrows, never breaking eye contact, and I rolled my eyes, trying and failing to not laugh. 
"Fine," I dropped my corner of the blanket and linked my little finger with his, and then he laced the rest of his fingers with mine.

We just sat together and stared at the sky for a good while.  Eventually, I got comfortable enough to rest my head up against his shoulder, still watching the sky, and within minutes of doing so, he cocked his head and looked at my face, blocking my view of the sky.
"What?"  I asked, quirking a brow.
"Oh, you're awake.  The way you leaned up against me there, I thought you fell asleep or something," he gave me a gentle smile.
"Oh -- I'll move-" I started to do exactly that, but he tightened his arm around me and shook his head.
"Nah, you're fine," he said, so I slipped my arms around him and we stayed there for a little while longer.

I don't even know what time it was when we went to go to the table.  All I knew was that I was reluctant to go back, and I had a bone to pick with Eugene.  I was just really terrified to tell him, and I would have preferred to wait a little longer, but I just needed to tell him and get it off my chest.
When we went back to his side of the table, he followed me to the divider.
"Well, I'll see you," he smiled and put his hands on my shoulders.
"Okay," I gulped, trying to calm my nerves.  I had to say it....I had to say it..I had to say ittt!!!  "Oh!  Here's your blanket back."
No, that is not what I wanted to tell him.
"No, you take it with you.  You have a lot less to wear for bed than I do, and I can move my bed away from the window if need be," he smiled, pushing the blanket back towards me instead of taking it from my arms.
"Well..."
"Yes, you will take it with you.   No ifs, ands, or buts."
I grinned.  "Thanks.."
"Okay.  Night," he said, ducking to kiss my cheek.  With that, he turned to go.
Tell him...tell him!!!!!
"Hey, um..."
He swung back around to look at me curiously.  "What?"
"I-I...love you.  Night,"  I turned on my heel to leave, embarrassed from telling him, but he reached out and caught my arm, chuckling.
"That's nothing to be embarrassed about, sweet girl.  Love you, too,"
I looked up at his face, which held a really funny expression.  He was obviously beyond excited, but he didn't seem to be surprised to hear it.  But then he impulsively grabbed me into a really tight hug....slightly tighter than I thought necessary for me just saying a simple 'I love you', but oh well.  Maybe I had given a less-than-enthused reaction to his confession.  But regardless, I hugged him back and then went back to my side of the table, curling up in the corner with Pascal and trying to fall asleep quickly, before it could sink in that  EUGENE LOVES ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  
Maaaybe I am a bit too excited now... =]

It's Rapunzel

Hello, everyone!  I'm....Rapunzel.  Eugene said I didn't need to worry about backstory or anything, so I guess I won't - he said you guys know about me.  I'm pretty sure he warned you guys that he's letting me use his blog, but don't worry -- we're sharing it, so you'll hear from him, too (:  I'm actually really excited to share it with him...but then again, I guess I get excited over anything that has to do with maybe getting to spend time with him.  He's such a nice guy, and I'm so thankful that he let me use this blog to write...but anyway.  I'm sure you guys don't want my half of the posts to be full of gushy dreams of sharing a life with him -- which will never, ever happen, I'm quite sure.  Oh my goodness, if Zelia could read this...yeesh.  She's not much of one for romance or emotions...and since I AM, it gets kinda awkward, as you all can imagine :} 

Anyway.  Here I am rambling... today, Eugene was gone for the majority of the morning and early afternoon, as was Zelia.  Sooo, I was stuck on my side of the table with basically all the dolls that are not too fond of me.  Fun, fun...right?? 
Punzie was sure to lay it on thick.  "No wonder they have to take long breaks from you sometimes.  I don't know how they can stand you, 'specially Zelia.  I always knew Eugene was weird, but her...and you...whew." 
"It's because she's my sister, and she HAS to put up with me," I reminded her.  I didn't look up at her, I just kept my gaze down in my lap, where my buddy, Pascal, was sleeping. 
"Yeah, but he doesn't.  It's kind of cute, actually.  Or at least...it would be.  The two freaks--"
"Punzie, stop.  Please.  I'm asking nicely, so please...just stop."  I stood up,  went over to the nearest corner, and sat down.  Anna was sitting there, and I was hoping maybe she would at least socialize with me, but she didn't.  She just gave me a horrified look before jumping up and leaving.  Way to make a doll feel better....
"Good choice, Anna," Punzie gave her a sly grin, and Anna told her to shut up.  "Hey, now...who's the boss of this table?" 
"It shouldn't be you," Anna grumbled.  Hans stood and touched Anna's arm and started to ask her to simmer down, but she cut him off. 
"Ohh, you know what happens to--" Punzie tried to taunt her.
"WOULD EVERYONE JUST STOP IT??"  Elsa yelled. 
I'm amazed she could even yell that loudly..she's normally very quiet.
Everyone listened to her, even Punzie.  Whoa.
After that, everyone quieted down, and everyone left me alone.  I couldn't help but notice how everyone gave me a wide berth. 
Eh...usual day here.  Usual day for me anywhere...

I eventually gathered Pascal up and left for the windowsill.  When  I was down on the floor, walking to the windowsill --yeah, I could have gone through Eugene's side of the table, but I felt weird doing so, so I just went across the floor.  When I got up there on the sill (and after I almost fell, because my hand slipped when I was trying to climb up there..), I just sat quietly with Pascal, staring out the window and thinking. 
That's another thing...I think a lot.  Probably too much.  Sometimes, I even prefer to be alone when I think about more pressing matters --which isn't too hard of a thing to do.  That's why I, if Eugene told you guys, requested he not come around for two weeks, because I had an overabundance of pressing matters to think about.  Mostly about Flynn, unfortunately.  Well, of course...it only lasted two days.  Not that I minded....it's silly, but I had missed him.  Eugene, not Flynn.  And in that frame of time, I was able to finally get myself to just quit obsessing over Flynn and wondering if things had been different if I had been different.  If that makes sense...?  And then when Eugene was so caring and even stayed with me through the night when I was scared over the storms (another reason why I'm weird...and just to clarify, small storms don't bother me, but the ones that have lots of wind, or lots of lightning and thunder loud enough to rattle the windows...those ones get me upset faster than anything else.)  anyway, he was so nice to me, and didn't say I was stupid for being afraid...at that point, I decided that I could trust him.  Man....after I forgot about Flynn, at least half of the weight of the world was no longer on my shoulders--the rest is from certain other individuals making fun and constantly harassing me...*cough PUNZIE cough*.  But anyway....today's thoughts were focused on exactly that...my invisible qualities. 
Either I'm invisible and nobody even seems to notice me, or I'm way too visible and everyone decides to harass, make fun, laugh at my clumsiness...you get it. 
I was in the middle of drowning in my own thoughts when I heard a boot scuff. 
"Hey, you,"
Eugene!
I shot upright, surprised to see him standing just about a foot away from me.  I stuck Pascal on  my shoulder, and then clasped my hands behind my back. 
"Hey, yourself.  Where were you today?  I mean, if you don't mind me asking," I added.
He gave me a calculating stare before saying, "I, ah...I was actually visiting these three little girl dolls that Tangled Fan has...they're orphans.  Jordan, Casey, and Audrey..."
Where had I heard those names?  They sounded so familiar, but I'm pretty sure I'd never met any little orphans.  Still..maybe the dolls at one of my previous homes had had those names.  Hmm...
"I really was...you can ask--" he acted like he thought I didn't believe him. 
"No, no...I believe you!  I just...the names sound really, really familiar, and I was trying to remember why.  Anyway, um...that's really sweet of you! Is this the first time you've seen them?" 
"No, I visit them at least a couple of times a week.  Whenever I'm not hanging out with you," he gave me that special little grin of his.  I wish he wouldn't grin like that....it made me like him even more.  And he visits three orphan girls regularly??  I needed to ask Tangled Fan if I could, too.  At least I might be able to make some kiddos happy and give them company, at least. 
"That's so cool.  Was Zelia with you?" 
"No, actually...she goes once in awhile, but she didn't today," he told me. 
My sister.  My...sister?  ZELIA?  Whoa.  I did NOT see that coming.
"Wow...my SISTER does this, too?  Are you sure it's my sister?  Or did...I don't know...aliens kidnap her or something?"  I joked, and he laughed.
"Nah...she's actually really good with kids.  You'd be surprised!" 
"I already am!"  I giggled.  "I can't wrap my head around that.  Are you planning on adopting them -- Casey, Audrey, and Jordan, right?  Sorry I'm asking so many questions.  I'll stop if you--" 
"No, you're fine!  And, well...Tangled Fan only adopts to married couples, so...and yeah, really --I couldn't at first, either."  he finally sat down on the windowsill, and I dropped down so I could face him to talk some more.
"Hmm...cool!  And that kind of stinks about her only adopting to married couples.  I mean, I can understand why, but you'd be such a great dad to them, I'm sure.  And at least they'd have a home..." I trailed off. 
"Yeah...that's basically what I thought, too.  And you think I would be?"  he quirked a brow. 
Oh, geez!  "I am ninety-nine percent sure you would be a perfect father.  And I'm sure they just love you...you'd be a really fun dad," I grinned.  I could just imagine him with little kids...he'd probably be really sweet with them.
He gave me a small smile before clearing his throat and asking how my day went. 
"Hmmh...why can't we just talk about your day?  Your day seemed a lot more fun," I sighed. 
"What's wrong?  Punzie?"  he asked, reaching to cover my hand with his. 
"Yeahh...what's new, though - really?"  I shrugged.  "And then everyone gives me this...this huge berth, like they think they can't go anywhere near me.  It just makes me feel...I don't know.  Horrible.  I just wish that I could have one...just ONE...friend that sticks with me no matter what.  Zelia's...I mean, I have Zelia, but she definitely isn't much of one to talk with when it comes to emotional matters.  I'm just really tired of it, but I should be used to it.  I don't know why I think that maybe, just maybe, someone could come and befriend me and..." I broke off and sighed, realizing that I was ranting,  "..and I'm sure you have better things to do than to listen to me complain." 
"I'm sorry. And it's okay....I don't have anything better to do," he gave me a gentle gaze.  "I just wish things were easier for you.  You don't deserve to be treated that way."
"Hmmh...tell that to everyone on my side of the table." I groaned.
He sighed.  "Yeah...I'm sorry,"
"It it isn't your fault.  I should apologize to YOU, since I've obviously ruined your happy attitude for today..." I said as I realized that his cheerful expression had disappeared.  Now I felt even worse!
"No... I just feel for ya," he told me, squeezing my hand before beckoning me to come sit beside him.  I did, of course, and then he asked if he could put his arm around me.
Well, gee, Eugene...lemme think about it. =D
I nodded, and he didn't just put an arm loosely around my shoulders...he pulled me close and gave me one of the most comfortable hugs I have ever gotten.  Way to make me fall for you even more, Eugene....
He kept me close to him for the rest of the afternoon, and we either talked or just sat and enjoyed each other's company.  When evening rolled in, and then darkness crept into the room, we finally went back to the table.  Before I left for my side of the shelf, I gave him a hug and thanked him.  He always managed to make me feel better, and I owe him so much just for being here for me...! But regardless, when I went back to my side of the table, I was greeted with silence.  My sister was back, but she didn't want to talk with me, so I just went to my corner of the table with my blanket and my chameleon, and resumed my state of invisibility.