SHINING STAR

-MichelleTheVampGirl

Chapter 1: Astronomy.

In my life, I've done some things that I am very proud of. The greatest moments have been when I stood up and did something for myself, sometimes they were crazy, sometimes just stupid, and then one time, it was the best thing I have ever done. When I walked out of the orphanage when I was still a kid, after finally realising that no one was ever going to adopt me, I felt strong, empowered, my own person. When I successfully managed to steal the lost Princess's crown right from underneath the royal guard's noses, I honestly believed I was the greatest lovable rogue ever to walk this earth. When I asked Rapunzel to marry me, that was when I finally realised that there was more to my life then thieving and running from authorities. I could start a life with the woman I loved, and that was my greatest achievement.

I've also done some things, that when I look back on them, I wish I had never done. Leaving the orphanage when I was still so young, now seems reckless. It's no wonder I fell into such a desolate line of work. I abandoned hope; I gave up searching for a family and embraced the solitude and friendless existence of "Flynn Rider". Stealing the lost Princess's crown, that almost got me killed, which is something I would very much like to avoid if possible. I don't really like the idea of swinging from a noose, so it's better to play it safe.

Almost ironic isn't it? That the things that I consider my greatest accomplishments in my life, are also my biggest regrets? I guess that's what happens when you live with two different alias's. Flynn Rider didn't care about consequences; he did whatever he could to further his own position, and did not spare a passing thought for anyone else and how he hurt them. Eugene Fitzherbert cared very much if he hurt someone. Especially if it was someone he loved.

And that's why my greatest achievement to date, is also my biggest regret.

I heard the screen door of the parlour open, and light footsteps on the stone padded their way gently towards me. I ignored her, mainly because I was so wrapped up in thought that I didn't have anything to say.

Looking out at the night sky, I counted the stars, or at least I tried to. There was far too many, each one so similar to those around it, a massive blur of shining lights. Just like the sky, my life was filled with so many people that sometimes their faces blurred together in my memory, and I couldn't remember a lot of their names. Some were just people I had passed on the street, while others were my dearest friends. The point is, I've known a lot of people. And out of all of the people I have met, Rapunzel shines the brightest. She lights up my night sky like a meteor, and no matter where I am, or what kind of state I'm in, she will always be there to guide me home.

I cast a glance at Rapunzel, resting her face in her hands as she too stared up into the sky. Gingerly, I took her hands and watched as her face lit up as she recognised my touch. Her pale jade eyes melted with such adoration, that it broke my heart to have to look away.

"Rapunzel..." I began unsteadily.

"Look at the sky."

Without saying a word, she turned back to the balcony and tipped her head back, her short brown hair barely brushing against her shoulders, the silky strands caressing her skin.

"Tell me what you see" I asked her gently, having to physically restrain myself from reaching for her, to run my fingers through her soft hair.

She deserved so much better than me.

"I see stars. Eugene, what is this about?"

She smiled nervously, and grabbed my hand. Feeling her warm fingers in mine made my stomach churn with self loathing. I promised her I would stop thieving. But I didn't. I hadn't just stolen the lost Princess's crown; I had stolen the lost Princess. Her love wasn't my right, and I certainly wasn't entitled to it.

Boys like Eugene Fitzherbert don't marry Princesses.

"Rapunzel, I want what's best for you..."

"And I want what's best for you too, Eugene." She spoke softly, earnestly, as though she had guessed my doubts before I had even spoken. She always knew exactly what I was thinking.

"I want you to be happy, and I want you to feel the happiness that I do right now. I want you to marry someone you truly love."

She folded her arms across her tiny chest and narrowed her eyes at him.

"That's why I'm marrying you. There's no one else."

"Exactly!" I launched myself forward at her, clasping her thin fingers in mine and stooping ever so slightly so I could look her directly in the eyes.

"There is no one else. You don't know anyone else! How can you honestly tell me you love me when you have nothing to compare me too? You're escaping the cage of your tower only to be trapped in a marriage to me that you might regret. I've regretting a lot of things, Rapunzel, stealing your life from you would be totally unforgivable."

She didn't speak, but I could feel the pain radiating off her skin. She pulled her hands from mine and took a few steps back towards the balcony door. She looked defiant and angry, but all I felt was defeated.

"I love you Eugene."

I smiled sadly at her.

"Why?"

"I just do."

I shook my head but didn't respond. I watched her give in to her emotions and bolt from the balcony, with one hand brushing the shining tears from her eyes.

Oh how I wish her words were enough.

I looked back up at the sky, thinking of Rapunzel, and how my actions are unfair to her. I couldn't live with myself if I tied her to my side and prevented her from living, just like Gothel had done. I was the first man she had ever met, that doesn't mean that she loves me. It means that she knows me.

It means her feelings for me were the pent up emotions of a socially depraved teenager.

However, I knew exactly how I felt.

She would always be my one and only shining star.

(A/N: Don't despair! I am writing more to this! Its going to be quite short, but I thought chapters would help transition it better. I don't know how long its going to be, anywhere from only one more chapter to a few, so I hope you enjoyed part one! Tormented Eugene makes me want to hug him! :( Please tell me what you think. Reviews are the best part of my day! Chow!

-MichelleTheVampGirl)