Romance Fan Fiction / Other Fan Fiction ❯ Stars Above - A Cassunzel Fanfic ❯ Chapter 8: Bored and Drugged ( Chapter 8 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

"I'm so boooored," Cassandra groaned as she sank down into her bed, arms crossed and a very noticeable scowl on her face.

"Cass, it's only been like a few hours."

Cassandra groaned again. "How am I ever gonna survive a week of this?"

"Well, you don't have a choice, you have to stay in bed." Rapunzel responded without even looking at her as she looked over the medication Cassandra was informed to take.

Cassandra grumbled. "But I feel fine!"

"Maybe, but your body disagrees and it needs proper rest to give it time to heal."

Cassandra scowled and Rapunzel sighed then looked up from the medication to look at Cass. "Cass, it's only a week."

 

"A week that feels like a lifetime."

"This is not the first time you've been stuck in a bed. Remember when you broke your leg?"

"Yeah, but that was only a day! And I was in a place I was familiar with instead of some mysterious village!"

Rapunzel groaned and shook her head. "Just shut up and take your medicine." Rapunzel handed Cassandra two of the pills, as directed, and a glass a water.

"Fine." Cassandra mumbled and took the medicine. She looked like a child who was just told no and couldn't get their way. "Isn't this stuff supposed to make me all loopy and weird and stuff?"

"Yeah, I think so. Although, it says it takes about an hour to take full effect." Rapunzel couldn't help but hide her amused smile.

Cassandra narrowed her eyes at the princess and crossed her arms. "Whatever happens, we never speak to each other, or anyone, about it ever again."

Rapunzel's smile dropped as she whined. "Aw, come on Cass! You're taking all the fun out of it!"

"Rapunzel..." Cassandra warned.

"Ugh, fine." It was Rapunzel's turn to look like a disciplined child. "Party-pooper." She mumbled.

"What was that?"

"Nothing, nothing."

"Yeah, that's what I thought." Cassandra huffed.

 

 

Cassandra's head felt heavy. Her vision was blurred and everything seemed to be going in hyper-mode. Her senses were awake like never before. She could hear, feel, and see everything. She felt weird.

"Cass? Hello? Earth to Cass?" She heard a faint voice, a voice that was sweet as honey. Cassandra turned towards the voice that seemed to be pulling her in.

"Hm?" Cassandra asked lazily.

"Seems as if the medicine finally started taking effect. How do you feel?"

"Weird.." Cassandra responded, her words were sluggish, slurred and slow. "Everything is spinning."

"Are you in any pain?"

"Physically or mentally?" Cassandra joked.

"Uh, both?"

"I feel fine, Raps."

"Well, that's good at least." The two sat in silence for a good minute before Cassandra turned to lay on her side so she could face Rapunzel.

"You're my best friend, you know that?"

Rapunzel giggled. "I know, Cass."

"And I love you."

"I know that too." Rapunzel smiled and Cassandra returned the smile. Rapunzel didn't know what to take of this 'affectionate and open' Cass. She wasn't used to it. But she'd be lying if she said she didn't already enjoy it. Could she use this to her advantage? Rapunzel quickly shook her head. No, that would be taking advantage of Cassandra while she was in a vulnerable state. She wasn't gonna do that. It meant a lot to her that Cass would let her see in such a vulnerable state, much less trust her to watch over her and take care of her. So that was what she gonna do. Take care of Cassandra, protect Cassandra, like Cass herself has been doing for her for years. "You should get some rest, Cass."

 

"What?" Cassandra's head lazily turned towards her. "But I'm not tired!"

"You need to rest."

"I already did earlier!"

"Cass-"

"I don't wannnaaa!"

Rapunzel groaned. Is this what it was like to have a child? "Alright, alright. Fine. Don't come crying to me when you're tired tomorrow." Rapunzel started to lay down on the bed she was provided before Cass started speaking again.

"Can you come lay with me?" Rapunzel had to turn her head towards her to make sure she heard her right. "Please?" Cassandra gave Rapunzel the cutest, most loving, most puppy-eyed expression she had ever seen. It even beat Rapunzel's.

Completely at her will, Rapunzel relented and climbed into bed next to Cassandra. Cassandra gave her a happy smile that nearly made her heart stop. God, she was glad that Cassandra didn't give her these looks regularly or she would be completely at Cass's mercy. Not that she was ever going to tell her that.

As soon as Rapunzel got herself settled, Cassandra made it her personal goal to nuzzle herself into Rapunzel's arms. Her head was comfortably resting in the crook of Rapunzel's neck. Rapunzel shivered at the feel of Cassandra's nose nestled nicely against her neck. Rapunzel was pretty sure she was blushing like a mad woman at that moment. Cassandra made a cute little purring sound that vibrated against Rapunzel's neck. Rapunzel shivered again. Goodness, did Cassandra know what she was doing to her? It was almost torture.

Nonetheless, Rapunzel wrapped one arm around the older woman and the other was running her hands through Cassandra's hair. Cassandra let out a contented sigh. "..Feels nice.." She mumbled against Rapunzel's neck.

"Mhm," Rapunzel responded half-heartedly. All she could focus on was how Cassandra's body was pushed up against hers. She hoped Cassandra couldn't feel how fast her heart was beating. She also hoped that Cassandra didn't look up and see her reddened face. Apparently, luck wasn't on her side today. Cass pulled away from Rapunzel to look up into her eyes.

"Why are you so red?" Cassandra asked before reaching up and gently placing a hand on Rapunzel's forehead. "Are you feeling sick?" Even now, when Cassandra was barely herself, she was still taking care of Rapunzel.

Rapunzel shook her head. "It's just.. hot in here. I'm okay."

"Liar," Cassandra responded.

Rapunzel, surprised by the response, stuttered. "E-Excuse me? I'm not-"

 

"You are." Cassandra stated. "You always avoid eye contact when you lie." Dammit, Cass knew her too well. Rapunzel didn't respond. She didn't even try to come up with an excuse because she knew that Cass would see right through it anyway. But apparently, Cassandra read right through her anyway. Her silence was all she needed. "Ooh, I see~." Cassandra let go of Rapunzel then climbed back up to her pillow so her and Rapunzel were laying face-to-face, barely an inch apart. "You're flustered."

"W-What?" Rapunzel squeaked as she pulled back slightly. She looked into Cassandra's eyes for a second, did she see.. desire? Hidden in her beautiful hazel eyes? Why was Cass looking at her like.. like that. Rapunzel quickly looked away as she tried to scramble for an excuse. "N-No, I- I just.. It's really hot in here and.. I'm just.. tired?" She sounded pathetic even to her own ears.

"You're lying again."

Rapunzel gulped as she continuously tried to avoid her best friend's eye contact. "O-Okay, maybe a l-little.. B-But it's not my fault! You c-came cuddling up to me and it's just not.. Not you so it just caught me off guard, that's all."

"That," Cassandra trailed off as she leaned in closer. "...or it's because you, like me, pushed up against you." She ended in a whisper as she looked at Rapunzel's lips.

Rapunzel's blush deepened, if that was even possible, as she tried to lean away but realized she couldn't go any farther or she would fall off the bed. "C-Cass, you're weirding me out.."

Cass looked up to meet her eyes again. "You're the one who's always telling me to be more expressive." Cassandra suddenly smirked. "What? Can't handle a little flirting?"

"I-I can! It's just not like you.."

"Oh yeah?" Cassandra grabbed Rapunzel's hips and pulled her into her. Rapunzel let out a surprised squeak as she was pressed against her best friend. Now, their noses were touching. Rapunzel wanted so bad to just lean in.. She mentally shook her head. No, she wouldn't do that to Cass. She wasn't herself. The.. sober.. Cass would never say or do any of this. Would she?

"See," Cassandra whispered and if Rapunzel wasn't imagining it, her voice lowered a couple octaves. Cassandra leaned forward to whisper into her ear. "Don't kid yourself, Raps, I see the way you look at me. The way.." Cassandra gently blew in her ear, making Rapunzel shiver. "...you want me."

It took everything in her to gently push Cassandra away. "C-Cass, this is the medicine talking. You don't know what you're saying.."

 

Cassandra huffed. "I know exactly what I'm saying, Raps. I may be a little drugged-out, but that doesn't mean I've lost my common sense."

"I-I didn't say that. I'm just saying that you wouldn't normally do this."

"Maybe. But maybe I've been too much of a coward before."

"What do you mean?"

 

Cassandra groaned. "You are either the most oblivious person in the world or you just like to mess with me." Rapunzel tilted her head in confusion. Realizing that she WAS the most oblivious person in the world, Cassandra sighed. "Rapunzel, I'm in love with you."

Rapunzel's breath got caught in her throat. She couldn't be serious? She said it so casually. Was she telling the truth? Or was the medicine making her hallucinate? That didn't sound like Cassandra at all though. She wouldn't say something if it wasn't true, whether or not she's influenced by drugs.

"I-I uhm.." Rapunzel stuttered, unable to form words or even think of any.

Cassandra's face immediately fell as she looked away. "I-I get it you don't feel the same way but... I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought it up." Cassandra started to turn away but Rapunzel immediately rebounded and gently grabbed her.

"No! W-Wait, I just.." Rapunzel took a shaky breath as Cassandra looked at her in confusion, waiting for her to continue. "....I'm just having a hard time believing you, Cass. Not that I don't trust you! But.. all of this isn't what you would normally... say."

"I told you Rapunzel, I know exactly what I'm saying. If I didn't mean it, I wouldn't have said it."

Rapunzel was confused. Very confused. Also, slightly concerned. But also a little bit.. hopeful? If what Cassandra was saying was true, then why wouldn't she be hopeful? Maybe, just maybe, this is what was in Cassandra's heart and because of the medication, it's all being let out. Rapunzel searched her best friend's eyes for any sign of deceit or amusement or even doubt. There was none. All she found was confidence and love.

Cassandra scooted closer but this time, Rapunzel didn't pull away. Cassandra hesitated for a moment, as if she was deciding whether or whether not this was what she wanted. Her mind was made. Rapunzel's breath was stolen as Cassandra's soft lips met hers. Rapunzel found herself melting and she pushed back. She had never felt anything like what she was feeling before. It was different than when she was with Eugene. Her whole body was on fire. She felt so light. As Cassandra kissed her, electrical sparks moved through her body. Rapunzel let out a small moan as the kiss deepened.

It could have been 10 seconds, a minute, an hour, Rapunzel had no clue, when Cassandra pulled away and ended the kiss. Their noses touching, lips parted and not even an inch apart, as they both panted softly; looking deep into each other's eyes. Rapunzel, dazed as she was, didn't comprehend when Cassandra pulled her into her body. One hand dug behind her head into her short brown hair and the other wrapped protectively around her. She did, however, comprehend the most beautiful, happy smile that Cassandra had ever given her or anyone for that matter. Rapunzel returned one whole-heartily as she dug herself into Cassandra. Both women fell asleep within minutes.

 

 

Rapunzel awoke to the sunlight hitting her in the eyes. She groaned and tried to hide her face into a warmth that wasn't there. Wait, wasn't there? Rapunzel's eyes snapped open as she realized that Cass wasn't beside her. Starting to panic, she searched the room but her breathing immediately slowed as she saw her sitting on the edge of the bed. But the worry returned full-on for Cassandra because she looked completely distressed. She was leaning forward as she held her head in her hands. Her hands dug tightly into her hair and they also covered her face.

Worried even more, Rapunzel sat up. "Cass?" No answer. "Cassandra?" Again, no answer. She crawled over to the distressed girl and placed a hand on her shoulder. She immediately flinched, like she wasn't expecting it, and Rapunzel pulled away. Despite flinching, Cassandra still didn't look up. That wasn't like Cass at all. Her guard was always up. She couldn't remember a time where she ever saw Cass act like this.

Rapunzel was about to move next to her when Cass spoke. Her voice was broken, wet, and shaky. "I'm sorry." It was barely a whisper. Rapunzel looked confused as Cassandra added. "I ruined everything.."

It was then that realization dawned on Rapunzel. She must've remembered what happened last night. Her heart immediately dropped. She knew that Cass didn't know what she was saying last night. But then again, what confused Rapunzel was that she didn't seem like it wasn't true. Instead of saying something like 'I shouldn't have said that' or 'it was all a mistake' like she thought she would, she said she 'ruined' everything. What 'everything' did she mean? Her internal questions were answered when Cassandra continued.

"I understand if you don't want to be friends anymore.. Or if you're disgusted with me.. Or you even hate me.." Oh. That's everything she meant. Did she really blame herself for this? Rapunzel basically took advantage of her. What confused Rapunzel was: why did she think, after everything that they've been through together, that she would hate her? Or be disgusted by her? It wasn't like... oh. It clicked. Cassandra did mean what she said last night, Cassandra was in love with her best friend, a female, a princess, and royalty. Female relationships were illegal, at least they were in Corona. But even if it wasn't illegal in other places, it was still looked down upon. Women, or men, who like the same gender were often treated like dirt. That's why all of them were in hiding. That's why Cass has been in hiding for so many years. It all suddenly made sense. Cass made sense. She was scared and Rapunzel couldn't really blame her.

Rapunzel must've been quiet for too long because Cassandra started to get up, "I'll just.. I'll just leave.."

Panicked, Rapunzel shot forward and grabbed Cassandra's arm. "Wait!" Cass stopped but still refused to look at her. "Please," Rapunzel begged. "Please stay."

Cassandra didn't move. Didn't talk. Didn't look at her. She just stood in the middle of the room, her hair covering her face. Rapunzel held onto her arm, scared she was gonna run away as soon as she let go, and got off the bed. She walked towards her best friend with worry. Then stopped. What could she possibly say in a situation like this? How did she even start? Rapunzel was knocked out of her thoughts when she heard a sniff and watched as Cassandra wrapped her arms around her body. Was she crying? Now that worries Rapunzel more than anything so far. Cassandra didn't cry. At least, no in front of others, not even in front of her. 

Rapunzel took another step forward, still holding onto her arm, as she walked to stand next to her to try and see her face. The taller woman turned her head the other direction. "Cass, please look at me." Cassandra ignored her. "Cass, please look at me!" Cassandra shook her head quickly.

"I can't.." She spoke, her voice broken.

"Why?"

 

"...I can't see the.. I can't see the dis.. I can't see those things in your eyes." 

Rapunzel let out an inhuman growl as she yanked the girl's shirt to force her to look at her, cautious of her wounds. Cassandra looked at her in surprise but looking into Cass's eyes, her heart broke. She looked so scared, so hurt, so lost, so broken. Rapunzel's earlier guess was right; Cass had been crying, and was STILL crying. 

All anger faded from Rapunzel's face as she asked quietly. "What do you see?"

Cassandra opened her mouth for a second then closed it. "...I.."

 

Rapunzel finished for her. "There's no disgust, no hate, no nothing of the sort, is there?" Cassandra could only shake her head. "Exactly. After everything we've been through together, after you literally tried to kill me, do you think something like this would suddenly make me hate you?"

 

"...I just.. you're the princess of Corona, the biggest country to be against.. this."

"Just because I'm the princess doesn't mean I agree with my father's rules. Besides, out here, I'm not a princess. I am just Rapunzel. No crown, no royal status, just Rapunzel." Rapunzel's eyes softened as she reached her hand up and placed it on Cassandra's cheek. Cassandra flinched slightly. "...And I'm not gonna start hating you now, or ever."

Cassandra's eyes grew slightly angry as she pushed away from Rapunzel, winching from the sudden movement. "Rapunzel, I kissed you! Th-That's.. I wasn't suppose.." Cassandra shook her head. "That's not right! I should just forget about these feelings, I tried a long time ago, but I just.. You're supposed to be disgusted! Kick me out, send me to the dungeon, tell everyone! Why aren't you?!"

"Oh my god," Rapunzel exclaimed, exasperated.

"Wha-" Cassandra was cut off by Rapunzel grabbing her shirt and yanking her down to meet her lips. Cassandra's eyes widened impossibly wide. When Cass didn't pull away, Rapunzel let go of Cass's shirt and slowly slid her arms around the taller girl's neck for leverage as she deepened the kiss. Cassandra found herself slowly melting into the kiss as she placed her hands on the princess's waist, tilted her head back slightly, (which made a cute little moan rise out of Rapunzel, if I may add), and kissed her back just as feverishly. 

The kiss ended way too quickly for both of their likings. Cassandra stared at Rapunzel in confusion but she didn't push her away but rather kept her hands placed on her hips. Rapunzel kept her arms wrapped around Cassandra's neck. At Cassandra's confused stare, Rapunzel let out a cute giggle and placed a very quick peck onto Cassandra's lips then whispered: "You can be such an idiot sometimes." There was no bite to the statement as Rapunzel gave Cassandra an amused smile. 

It took a second before Cassandra found her voice. "I-I don't.." Cassandra cleared her throat. "I don't understand. Why.. when.. how..?" Cassandra desperately hoped Rapunzel knew what she was trying to ask because Cassandra couldn't get the words out. Rapunzel knew right away.

"I started realizing it a little bit after you took the moonstone. Nothing felt... right. Everything felt dull and.. gray. If that makes sense. I was confused at first myself about what that meant. But I was so focused on trying to bring you back that I didn't dwell on it. But after you left Corona.. is when I started to realize it. I realized that.." Rapunzel stopped for a second as she tried to gather her thoughts. "...that I was in love with you from the first time we met."

"B-But that doesn't make sense.. why... you were so set on becoming my friend.."

Rapunzel nodded. "I was."

"Then when...?"

"I realized that what I felt wasn't just friendship but something more. You fascinated me, honestly. You were mysterious, kind and.. honest. You were true and real. I had never had a friend before besides Pascal and I had barely known Eugene for two days."

"But you two were.."

"I know. I think that's what threw me off." Rapunzel shifted awkwardly. "I didn't know the first thing about friendship, much less love. Eugene was the first person I ever met besides.. Gothel.. so of course I thought it was love. He risked his life for me. I had never been in love before so I thought.. that's what it is." Rapunzel let out a chuckle. "Boy, was I wrong. It wasn't until I met you that I felt true love. Although I called it 'friendship', you were the first person I thought about every day. The first person I always ran to. And as our friendship grew, it slowly started to turn into something more. And I didn't even realize it. It took me almost 3 years to realize it for what it was."

"W-Wait, am I the..?"

 

"The other person that made me break up with Eugene? Yeah. Yeah, you are. I love Eugene, I do, but not like I love you. It's.. different. Every time I think of a life without you.. I turn into a mess. When you nearly died the other day, it felt as if a part of me was torn away. A missing piece I never even knew I needed. It was the worst possible feeling you can imagine, a feeling I never ever felt before. Not even when Eugene died in my arms. It was just... blank. Dark. Numb. The days blurred together as I hoped for you to wake. I didn't want to eat, want to sleep, I didn't want to live if you didn't. When you.. when you admitted to me last night.. I had never been that happy in my entire life. And that's saying something." Rapunzel raised her hand to place it on Cassandra's cheek. "When I told you you meant everything to me the other day, I meant it. You are my everything, Cass and... I love you. Not like a sister, or a friend, more than that. You're my best friend, whether or whether not it's friendship or something more." Rapunzel ended in barely a whisper as she tried to search her best friend's eyes. 

Cassandra was in disbelief. Was all those years of pain and longing for nothing? Cassandra suddenly decided it didn't matter. Whatever happened back then, whatever pain and sorrow she felt, didn't matter now. She bit the inside of her cheek as her eyes filled up with tears. Before Rapunzel could say anything more, she was pulled into a tight bear hug. Cassandra's whole body was shaking as she held her close to her, to her heart, to her soul. She heard Rapunzel let out a watery laugh as the princess wrapped her arms around her. 

Who knew how long had passed as they embraced each other. 2 minutes, 3, 4, 5, an hour? No one knew and frankly, they didn't care. It wasn't until Cassandra started feeling the searing pain in her side and dizziness from the sudden movements that made her pull away. She nearly fell but Rapunzel caught her, as she always did, and helped her back to the bed. 

Cassandra groaned. "I'm never taking that medicine again." 

Rapunzel let out a laugh that made Cassandra's lip pull up into a small smile. "Well, you have to, so. Hey! Look on the bright side, at least we have no more secrets from each other."

"Well.."

"Cass!"

Cassandra laughed. "I'm kidding." Cassandra then opened her arms and gave her an inviting smile. Rapunzel's eyes softened as she climbed into Cassandra's arms. Cassandra gently planted a kiss on Rapunzel's forehead as she protectively held the princess close to her. 

"I love you, Raps." Cassandra stated with a smile.

Rapunzel smiled as she snuggled into Cassandra's chest; her beautiful scent that smelt of nature, pine and something else wild that was all Cassandra calmed her. 

"I love you too, Cass."

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Whew! This one took like two days to write! Anyway, I hope you all enjoy it! I had loads of fun writing this chapter and it's my favorite one yet! Thanks for reading! (Also, see what I did at the end there? ;3. The fans who has finished the entire show will know ;3). Enjoy!