chatpiper | ✿|| The Start of Something New

✿|| The Start of Something New

[ The evening is still young, and already she's defied her mother's wishes by running off to find some where that she can be alone. Beyond the shelter of gauzy silk drapes is where she finds relief, gazing out over the gardens of the estate, long blonde hair plaited down the length of her back. There's a little bit of a nip in the air but she doesn't seem to mind.

The young woman can't bring herself to care much about that or anything else, as she listens to strangers mill about behind her from a safe distance, expression a blended mask of dejection, boredom, and disappointment to anyone that get close enough to see. She should be having the time of her life right now, she actually almost NEVER gets to interact with people, even after so much has changed- but there's no one here her age and on top of the fact that these people are all... snobbish upper-crust types, she already feels plenty out of place just by being from a different century.

It's been nothing but unfamiliar sights, unfamiliar faces, and unfamiliar sensations ever since she woke from her apparent centuries-long slumber. There are still days when Rapunzel feels like she's living in a dream rather than having been woken up from one.

Maybe the evening won't drag on too long, if she can just find some way to pass the time that DOESN'T involve thinking about all the things she's left behind in her old life.

If anyone notices the pretty young woman standing outside on the balcony all on her own, completely apart from the rest of the party they don't make any outward indication of it. Instead, Rapunzel is left to trail one fingertip very slowly around the rim of a glass from her spot standing next to the stone railing. Sparkling water of some kind... she hadn't really paid much attention when she accepted the offered glass, even less to what the server said it was as she hastily excused herself before Gothel could find her to drag her into more awkward introductions.

She's holding out hope, but it's dwindling by the minute. Is there any chance that there might be just ONE friendly face here? ]

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[ Adrien himself is far more used to these parties full of stuffy, upperclass types. He fought hard to get out of it, but once his father has his mind made up about something, it’s almost impossible to change it. (“Almost” because he somehow managed the whole going-to-school thing...but was definitely lucky, uncharacteristically so.)

He is adorned in a boring black tux, the most interesting about it being the golden bowtie he had chosen carefully to match his hair (and his bell that appeared there when he transformed). He spends much of the evening mingling, faking smiles and exchanging handshakes and meaningless pleasantries. The food is good; that, he has to admit, but all that could only maintain his interest for so long.

Feeling a desperate need for fresh air, he excuses himself from a group conversation he was hardly paying attention to in the first place. It’s actually kind of a relief that they hardly noticed, though he does feel eyes on him as he slipped through the crowds towards the balcony. He ignores this and pulls out his phone as he steps outside, greeted by the light of the moon and stars from above.

Several seconds pass as he texts Nino out of boredom. It isn’t until he looks up, almost a full minute later that he notices his company. ]

Oh! Sorry, I...didn’t know this balcony was occupied.

[ He smiles sheepishly. It’s dark, but he’s sort of mesmerized by her golden, soft-looking hair...

He’s seen it before. That perfection that makes you want to run your fingers right through... but that’s ridiculous. They’ve never met.

Til now. ]

[ When Rapunzel heard footsteps approaching she initially thought it was Gothel coming to drag her back into the party, but quickly realized that the pace was too measured, the steps belonging to someone taller, someone NOT in heels, and someone NOT on a mission. Out of curiosity and on reflex she glanced back over her shoulder, and found herself gobsmacked for her trouble when a handsome young man her age stepped into view. He had hair like the sun on a mild spring day, and eyes at least as deeply green as hers, but lighter, like fresh grass caught right between the change of seasons. Most of all she couldn't help but think that he had kind features, the kind of face that seemed to be made for smiles and laughter, no frown lines, no forehead creases, no sharpness around the eyes. It wasn't enough to be the first boy she'd met in her age range. No, the first boy she met in her age range had to be drop dead beautiful.

With one of those strange communication devices in hand her mysterious companion didn't notice her initially and so Rapunzel was spared the embarrassment of being caught staring outright, at least for a bit. Before long, however, he finally finished what he was doing and caught on that he wasn't alone.

For some reason she feels a little bit ashamed at having been watching him so long without saying a word, and it shows in the way that she quickly averts her gaze and reaches up to tuck some stray locks of hair back behind an ear. Still, there is a bit of a hasty smile cast in his direction as Rapunzel struggles to remember how to at least pretend to be normal. ]

It's alright. I was a little... lost in thought myself.

[ Truth. And with that admission a little bit of the awkwardness already begins to fall away. She's too curious, if nervous about being alone with someone her mother hadn't expressly permitted her to speak with. Her gaze turns towards him more, a tentative hope in her eyes and her smile. ]

So... were you trying to get some air away from the other guests, too?

[ That should at least make it obvious that he's in like-minded company, if his answer is yes. ]

[ Even if he'd noticed her staring, he wouldn't have thought it strange. As a model, perhaps he should have been more concerned if people weren't staring.

He's not thinking about that, though, as he carefully tucks his phone back into his pocket. He just walks over to the balcony's edge, leaning carefully on its railing next to her as he sighs. ]

Yeah, I was starting to get a little claustrophobic. [ he adds gently, tone sheepish to match his expression: ] Hopefully you don't mind if I join you?

[ There's an expulsion of air, a burst that's half exhale, half laugh, and Rapunzel leans on the balcony next to him, smiling a little more easily now, giving him an almost secretive smile. Like she's about to share a secret. ]

Honestly? Me too. I've always been kind of... sheltered, I guess. Being around this many people all of a sudden is a little intimidating. Or... you know, a lot.

[ Adrien takes the cue and laughs too, very lightly. It's what he thinks she wants to hear.

It's been a while since big crowds affected him, but he can still sort of relate. ]

It's okay. It gets easier... sort of. Or you get used to it, at least, if you do it often enough. [ Though there's nothing to suggest that she does. Quite the opposite, in fact... ]

I've never seen you before, though.

[ She takes the encouragement for what it is. She at least remembers the cover story. She fumbles just a little with her French here, but- ]

Oh... I moved here just recently. I've spent most of my time just learning how to speak French.

[ Which... probably sounds a little lame, but- ]

I'm Rapunzel, Rapunzel Blum. [ Someone's still getting used to having a last name. ]

[ There's a slight tilt of his head that is almost cat-like. He hadn't noticed that she'd been speaking a language that wasn't her own; honestly, from his Chinese lessons alone, he can safely say that's more impressive than lame. ]

Really?

[ He recognizes the name immediately, though hesitates in calling it out. Surely he would have heard mention of a daughter by now? Still, it can't be a coincidence. ]

Are... Are you Gothel's daughter?

[ It kind of reminds her of Pascal, who'd always been very expressive. Her lips quirk a bit in a smile. She wishes Pascal could've come along, but the risk seemed too high with him not being free to hide in her hair like he usually did. ]

Yeah... she's my mother. [ She admits, realizing the admission in this case feels just a little embarrassing for some reason, not unpleasant, just-

Well, mother's made quite the name for herself in the beauty industry, after all, and Rapunzel has had to get used to seeing the effects of that fame plastered all around their new, very lavish home. Nothing like the tower, much larger- though she's still pretty much a prisoner in it. ]

[ Her smile, even a subtle one, seems to really lighten the mood. Adrien can't help feeling a little relieved (because honestly, it would've been pretty embarrassing to be wrong), but he can also see how uncomfortable she is, so he thinks maybe he shouldn't push it. ]

I'm Adrien Agreste. She's my dad's new business partner.

He hasn't exactly introduced me yet, but... I've seen pictures and stuff.

[ He doesn't want to insult her by saying "I had no idea she had a daughter" (though it's probably obvious)... or worse, "I don't really see the resemblance."

Yep, at times like this, it's best just to shut up. ]

It's nice to meet you, Adrien.

[ That smile is only growing brighter now as the seconds pass and excitement sets in. He's not all like the other guests here, some of whom are at least somewhat friendly- or trying to be -but Adrien so far is much more down to earth, more like her she thinks. And she says the next part without thinking, hopeful, despite her odds. ]

Maybe that means we'll see more of each other, then?

[ Assuming Gothel decided it wasn't too risky, too dangerous to leave Rapunzel alone with a boy and her own devices. Maybe she could reason with her, that if she were on friendly terms with her business partner's son, maybe it would make things with the business itself a little easier? A long shot, but Rapunzel is so desperate for that first human friend that it's a shot she's willing to take. ]

Edited 2018-10-14 20:59 (UTC)

Maybe!

[ He hums cheerfully in response to her budding excitement. The truth is though that he really doesn't know how things will play out. It's already hard enough to allocate his free time for the friends he already has, so he goes for a noncommittal answer. ]

I guess that depends on them.

[ A pause, and he turns around so that he's leaning against the railing, glancing at the party going on inside. ]

...Wonder how long it'll take for them to come looking for us.

[ Rapunzel leaves it there, because she's not sure either, and she doesn't want to embarrass herself by saying something along the lines of him being the first human friend she'd made.

Instead she lets her gaze wander to the stars, until she senses him turning beside her, then her gaze goes back to him, instinctively tracking the motion in the corner of her vision. ]

... Knowing mother, not long. [ A sigh. ] ... So... let's say we didn't want to be found yet. Maybe... we keep moving? Get lost in the crowd?

[ Say, dancing? Then they could keep talking and avoid their parents at the same time, especially since they'd technically be fulfilling one of the social expectations at this function anyway.

It's a perfectly good suggestion with perfectly sound reasons!!! ... But she's still nervously picking at a stray pebble (maybe left behind after falling from a pigeon's claws, or from between the treds of a certain feline superhero) on the railing as she waits for his answer. ]

[ The comment about her mother does pique his interest. Sure seems like she doesn't want to talk about her, though, so Adrien easily goes with the topic change.

Not that he immediately equates her suggestions to dancing because, you know, he's dense as a brick. ]

"Get lost in the crowd"? You mean, you wanna go back in there?

Well... sort of? I was kind of thinking the dancing looked like it could be sort of fun...?

[ Peeking over at him to gage his reaction to that.

They can talk about weirdly over protective parents later. ]

Oh! I--

[ Wow. Adrien stammers for a second, feeling heat despite the chill in the cool night air. Rapunzel seemed so meek, yet she was so forward, asking something that could be so......intimate?

He might be blushing a little, but it isn't as though he's about to say no. ]

Sure. I can show you how we do it in Paris.

[ As if to drum up his own confidence, he winks, adding: ]

I've had lessons and everything.

[ Rapunzel was just on the brink of walking back the invitation with an embarrassed reassurance and apology, but before she could she noticed Adrien's flustered expression and he surprised her by saying yes.

Her expression lights up, a combination of relief and excitement, because of course she'll jump at the chance to learn something new, and especially if it's related to music, or dancing, or art. She's still grinning when he adds the playful comment about his lessons. ]

Oh, that's good... because I'm still pretty new. I'm a pretty fast study, for what it's worth?

[ He saw her hesitate for a second and is super glad at how quick he was before she could change her mind. He laughs, offering her a hand. ]

It'll be fine. As long as you have some fun...

Just follow my lead. Okay?

[ Smiling, Rapunzel reaches out and places her hand in his, fingers curling around his hand lightly. A show of trust despite having just met. After all, her mother wouldn't have brought her here if she couldn't trust these people, even if she doesn't click with all of them. ]

Alright. [ Just like that. If he says so, she will.

... Though she IS actually a little nervous about dancing in front of all those other people. ]

So... what do you do for fun when you're not teaching girls how to dance at parties?

[ In a smug, but completely matter-of-fact tone of voice: ]

Save the world.

[ Okay, okay, he can practically hear Ladybug scolding him. He squeezes her hand. ]

Just kidding.

My father keeps me on a pretty tight schedule, actually, so... if I’m not at school, there’s usually a photoshoot or a show of some kind.

[ He stops once they get to the door leading back inside, sighing: ]

...Failing that, there’s also studying, fencing, and... piano.

[ It's probably telling that she takes him at his word for a moment, blinking at him in surprise with wide eyes before he dismisses the claim again with a squeeze to her hand. Rapunzel, catching on then offers up a small laugh, following his lead.

It's strange, all the things he describe sound like things she'd have GLADLY done to pass the time back home, even if most of it is unfamiliar. Yet he sounds unhappy about it. She isn't really sure just how to respond, considering that. Her instinctive response is excited curiosity, but, maybe that would be rubbing it in? Rude? ]

So... do you not enjoy any those things...?

[ She asks it tentatively, biting the corner of her lip, hoping she isn't crossing a line or upsetting him by asking. ]

Oh, no, I do! Most of the time.

[ Adrien looks surprised for a second, as if that isn’t how he meant it to sound. His smile is a sad one though, and maybe just a bit lonely. ]

It just doesn’t leave much time for friends... you know? Every time I’m invited anywhere it turns into a huge Thing.

Like there's always some reason that you can't be around other people...?

[ She can't even muster a sad smile, looking at him. She tries, though, but it's at least as lonely as his, maybe more. ]

I understand just how you feel. Well... mostly. I don't get invited anywhere. I don't go to school so... you're kind of the first person I've met who's even close to my age.

[ Close to her age. HAH. Maybe mentally, but she's at least an easy half a century old, kept young and healthy only by the magic in her own hair and Gothel's religious dedication to performing the enchantment while she slept. But, you know, she can't tell him THAT, can she? ]

...R-Really? Wow. That's a lot of pressure to put on a guy.

[ For a moment, he wonders if she's not pulling his leg, but she doesn't appear to have a single deceptive bone in her body. Rather than pity her though, he laughs it off.

It's less making fun of her and more a jab at himself, because yikes, he is not the one she wants for this. ]

Well... consider this your first invitation!

[ AND without stalling any longer, he opens the door quite suddenly and drags her out onto the dance floor. ]

[ This time she does laugh, at her own lack of social grace, at her own inexperience, and out of discomfort for putting him on the spot like that. It wasn't as if it were a contest for who's life was more lonely, and what made her admit all of that to someone she'd just met, anyway? All he'd said was he was kept busy with a packed schedule, she didn't have to get into all of that.

So now she's trying her damned best to downplay it. ]

Ah... sorry. I'm not very good at this.

[ Clearly, and obviously.

Before she can dwell, though, he's pulling her through the doors and towards the center of the room where the dance floor has been set up. Rapunzel has just enough time to let out a surprised sound, catching herself around in front of him again and looking up, suddenly at once nervous and unsure, especially once she notices the eyes all around are starting to take notice of them. It would have been impossible to just slip in unnoticed, with them being the youngest people at the event, and the son and daughter of quite possibly the most well known in the world of fashion and beauty.

Her eyes meet his with a silent question, ready to follow his lead. ]

[ Yeaaaah, he pretty much expected this. Old people are super predictable, at least when it comes to how they treat people with their status.

He doesn’t look at Rapunzel at first, instead meeting all the eyes they’ve captured in the room with a smirk before placing his hands on either of her shoulders. ]

It’s not a slow song, so it’ll be a lot easier. And more fun. Watch.

[ And with all the charm and grace he can muster, he demonstrates a few moves before prompting her to join in. ]

[ This is- not at all what she'd expected! ...... And she likes it. Hey, those are some fancy looking moves. She's not sure how good she'll be at doing them, but she gets the general idea, and to show that she's not intimidated (anymore) she grins, attempting to follow his lead.

The irony of dancing to a song that's talking about refusing to dance- ]

[ Quality of her actual dancing aside, the way her face lights up is worth the trouble in and of itself. Adrien finds himself chuckling over how she stumbles in the beginning, but she's right, in the end. She is quick study, and she learns quickly.

It's not so fantastical and cliche that everyone at the party starts watching them or applauding, but they do turn a few heads by the song's end. Most notably... that of Gabriel Agreste and a certain dark and curly-haired woman. ]

Ah... hello, father.

[ Neither look disappointed, actually, which is good! ......but there is definitely a distinct feeling of fun times being over. ]

[ It's amazing, but sadly short lived. They were at least able to enjoy themselves for a time before they caught the wrong sets of eyes.

For a while she didn't even notice, her eyes closed as she was lost in the freedom of the dance, but when she heard Adrien speak up she tensed, eyes snapping open and looking in the direction that Adrien did. A tall man with hair the color of corn silk, stern features, and a... not quite stern but not relaxed either. Gothel's expression was all too familiar, and Rapunzel knew she had to be mindful. She tensed , trying to remember her lessons and the warnings Gothel had given her before. So, this was Adrien's father? The resemblance is clear from their coloring, but... she thinks Adrien looks much... ah... warmer? Easier to approach? She's glad she isn't alone, here. ]

Hello, mother, Mr. Agreste. [ Politely, she manages a light curtsy, relieved to see the glint of approval in Gothel's gaze right before her expression softens a bit. ]

Gabriel, this is my daughter, Rapunzel. And I take it this is Adrien? Your father speaks very highly of you, young man.

[ There'll no doubt be some praise forthcoming, some thanks for looking after Rapunzel, but she can't get away with dominating conversation in this crowd like she could in private with Rapunzel, so she leaves it there for now. ]

Edited 2018-10-16 01:43 (UTC)

[ Well, it could be worse. Adrien is not nearly as rattled. He watches Rapunzel curtsy and follows with a bow of his own, glancing at his father all the while as he smiles. ]

Thank you, ma'am. It's very nice to meet you. You're...

Ms. Gothel Blum. Yes. [ A slightly-defeated "ah" escapes Adrien's lips as he takes in his father's confirmation. After taking a good look over at Rapunzel, Gabriel smiles proudly at his son. ] You two look like you were enjoying yourselves.

[ And at that, Adrien...... really doesn't know what to say. He looks over at Rapunzel, as if to ask, "Were we?"

(They were.) ]

Yes, sir. [ Rapunzel replies, just frazzled enough to stick to formalities for the moment, though it's already slipping a little as she smiles, casting a glance back at Adrien.

Yes, Adrien, you were. ]

I'm still not really used to such large crowds, and French is still new to me. Adrien was kind enough to keep me company.

[ She knows well enough by now how to appease her own mother, and while she can't say if it would work on Adrien's father she also doesn't QUITE see the need at present, nor does she want to be disingenuous. What she says is true, after all, and praising Adrien's social manners can't hurt, can it...? Gothel certainly seems surprisingly- and uncharacteristically to Rapunzel -pleased with the turn of events. ]

[ Right. Adrien smiles at the affirmation and is able to meet his father's scrutinizing eyes that seem to ask, 'Is that so?' Adrien chimes in eagerly to agree with her before Gabriel can say anything. ]

Yeah. The dancing was her idea, though. [ He winks. ] I'm glad she enjoyed it.

[ ......The two adults go silent and do that thing where they look at each other with unreadable expressions. A whole conversation was probably without them knowing. Adrien can only tilt his head, inquiring further: ]

Did you guys need us?

[ In answer to that Rapunzel gave a small laugh, only a little bit sheepish.

As Gabriel's eyes asked that silent question, so too did Gothel's when Adrien mentioned the dancing being her daughter's idea. One trimmed eyebrow slipped upwards in surprise, as if echoing Gabriel's exact question now just as silently.

The look that she exchanged with Gabriel was indeed telling, but only the two of them would understand what it meant, be it a difference in age, experience, or roles between parents and children. Whatever the case, they seemed on the same page and just as quickly as the look was exchanged, Gothel's and Gabriel's gaze returned to the young blond(e)s. ]

Well, I must say I'm pleasantly surprised. And here I was worried that you'd spend the whole evening being a wallflower.

[ Ha, ha... ha ha... ]

But, no... only to introduce ourselves, officially of course. I think we've kept them long enough, Gabriel?

[ Rapunzel is the one a bit at a loss now, surprised by Gothel's admission and not realizing that it was at least in part for show. She is, after all, still getting used to her mother's public persona. ]

[ The way she says "wallflower" makes him instinctively take a step between Rapunzel and her mother in a protective gesture. Her tone was just that scathing, but... it's possible he's only imagining that malice. This is a new business venture for them both, after all, and Adrien wants to be supportive of it.

Gabriel seems to hesitate for a second, then nods. ]

Of course. By all means. We still have much to discuss anyway.

My assistant Nathalie will be meeting us shortly.

[ Oh, good. Adrien gives a thumbs up to his dad to show his approval (and reassure him). ]

Don't worry. We've got this.

[ The disguised barb isn't a surprise. She's more than accustomed to her mother expressing doubt in her competence to handle situations like this, to being seen as too naive to know how to handle herself.

What is surprising is Adrien's response, to which Gothel seems to take no notice at all. A pair of green eyes stares at the back of Adrien's head for a moment, then her eyes slide quickly back to Gothel's face. When the older woman shows no immediate signs of reacting to the gesture Rapunzel assumes she hadn't even paid attention to notice.

She's relieved when the two adults finally take their leave, feeling embarrassed and frustrated, but not wanting to let the remark ruin her first real night out. ]

Thanks, Adrien. [ She says with a small smile, ready to keep the conversation moving, anywhere but lingering on the interaction just now. It shouldn't be too surprising now why she has avoided the topic of her mother until now. She wouldn't even know what to SAY. She could really only excuse so much, for one reason or another. Inexperience, lack of familiarity with how these relationships normally work, frustrations bleeding into her responses... Yeah, safer just to avoid the subject completely. ]

[ Adrien is relieved too when they leave. It’s honestly hard not to be, despite how used to it he is. Something about (most) interactions with his father always left him feeling like he’d been holding his breath, and Gothel Blum hadn’t helped.

He returns Rapunzel’s smile, though. ]

Hey, don’t sweat it. Adults are always like that.

[ Sensing that she doesn’t want to dwell, though, he rolls right off the topic. ]

They’re gone for now. If there’s anything else you wanna try... now’s our chance.

Always? That doesn't spell out a lot of hope for us, you know.

[ It's obviously a tease, since she's even smirking and raising an eyebrow with a playful challenge. ]

... Anything? ... Is there a garden somewhere here?

[ The smirk is a good look on her. Adrien takes in stride, and is surprised, since he didn't really know what to expect, as far as how she would answer and what she'd come up with.

But it seems she's not quite out of ideas yet. ]

A garden, huh? ...I might have seen one on the way in.

[ ....... ]

Why?

[ Oh not by a long shot, Agreste. You'd better buckle in. ]

Well, it's just that there's something I've always wanted to do. Mother won't exactly let me, so...

[ Is it legal? happens to be the first question that pops into his head, but he laughs it off, instead offering his hand again. ]

Okay. Let’s go.

[ He offers up his hand so casually that Rapunzel wonders if she should think anything of giving him hers, but ultimately she just takes the offered hand with an excited grin. ]

Okay!

[ Is she 18 or 16????

What they're doing is totally legal(!!!).

BUT it's still a rush because it's something Gothel has scolded her for. "It's uncouth, dear."

She doesn't care. Damn it she wants to feel the grass with her own bare skin. Just once! ]

[ Adrien navigates his way out of the room, looking left and right constantly as he creates a path for them. They get more stares, but he doesn't stop long enough to hear any of their questions.

Once they're out, it's a lot easier.

He leads her to some stairs. ]

So what is it? Do you... [ he has no idea, so he's just going to bullshit ] want to make a bouquet or something?

I don't think we're actually allowed to pluck the flowers.

[ One or two might not hurt, though... ]

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✿|| The Start of Something New

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DO YOU HAVE PLURK BTW?? 8D;; I can get on plurk but not discord today. ;__;

I WILL LET YOU KNOW IF I DECIDE TO MAKE ONE <3

Totally fine! I don't actually mean to pressure/bully you into it! I just got excited. Ffft.

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TALE AS OLD AS TIME~

1/3 TRUE AS IT CAN BE

2/3

3/3

Barely even friends, then somebody bends, unexpectedly!

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