Stuck With You- Part 2

Chapter 6- Chatting

Art does not belong to me. 

Cass yelled out in surprise and Rapunzel rushed forward. Before she got there, Cassandra threw the creature off of her. It stood in the light, hissing and spitting at all of them. It fixed it's gaze on Rapunzel and seemed to get angrier.

Varian gasped. "Ruddy?" he whispered.

"Ruddiger?" Rapunzel exclaimed, getting very excited on Varian's part. She tried to go forward, but Ruddiger's hissing got louder the closer she came. Cass held out a hand to stop her from going further.

"How do you know it's Ruddiger? It could just be a stray." Hook Foot put in, looking closely at the raccoon. Lance put a hand on his shoulder.

"Okay, how do you know what Ruddiger looks like?" he asked suspiciously.

Hook Foot rolled his eyes. "He was at the funeral, I was at the funeral. It kinda seems like we would see each other.

Varian had not taken his eyes off of Ruddiger. The same words rang over and over in his head, He's alive. Maya told me I'd meet a friend. I can't believe it, he's alive.

"Ruddiger!" he called out. Varian felt he should be surprised when Ruddiger perked up but Maya had told him that he would be able to communicate with his friend. "Stand down! I will explain everything, buddy! It's okay, now." Ruddiger stopped hissing and made a happy chittering noise. "You can pick him up, Rapunzel." Varian told her.

She hesitated slightly, then bent and picked him up. Ruddiger seemed to still be holding a grudge but he allowed it. Rapunzel hugged him tightly, whispering in his ear, "You are going to make him so happy."

~0~

"Finally!!!" Varian cheered when they reached the outside of the forest. "That took absolutely forever." he groaned but the smile didn't leave his face. Rapunzel came to stand beside him and she laughed softly.

I missed this. Varian heard her think and, although he didn't say it aloud, he agreed. It felt good to be on good terms again. He wasn't fully forgiven by everyone but as long as he had Raps, he felt safe. It wasn't until the night in the forest with her, under the moon, when he had realized how his anger was causing him more pain than it was worth. He had let it go that night. He had forgiven Rapunzel.

And it felt good to be friends again. He just hopped it lasted.

~0~

Over the next few days, strange things ensued. Although, Varian wasn't super surprised when Rapunzel and Cass turned into birds. He got to meet Red and Angry, but they didn't really meet him. It was sweet that these two have a family in each other, though. And there was this whole 'Vigor the Visionary' guy. Varian had to admit, that was weird. And don't even get him started on Calliope. That was rough. But they got the next piece of the scroll, so that's a plus. Now he was standing next to Raps as they watched Eugene, Lance, Hookfoot, Lance, and Cass convert the caravan into a boat. He turned to look at Rapunzel.

"Are you sure this is the smartest way to cross the ocean? I could just convert it into a balloon instead, it'd be faster." He suggested. She smiled.

"Nah, I think they've got it covered." she said aloud. The others were working so they didn't notice. Varian shrugged and turned to Ruddiger, who was sitting on Rapunzel's shoulder. He pet him affectionately under his chin and Ruddiger purred. Varian had explained to Ruddiger why he was like this and Ruddiger had given him a stern talking to. Although, to Varian, it was just a bunch of chittering noises.

He laughed at the memory. Rapunzel's smile widened. I knew it. He is so happy with Ruddiger here. She thought, just to herself. Boy was she glad that speaking to him through her thoughts required concentration and directing it towards him. Otherwise, she'd be in big trouble for thinking cute thoughts about Varian.

"So," Varian spoke up, glancing back at the group, "Do you think it's going to be smooth sailing from here?"

Rapunzel shrugged her shoulders. "Who knows?"

A/N: Ugh I am so sorry I feel like now I am just giving you guys filler but I feel bad for not posting anything!! UGH I SHOULD PROBABLY GO TO BED ITS MIDNIGHT