Kaleidoscope of Lights

Above them, the lanterns glowed like a swarm of fireflies. Below, the water lapped like black oil. And their little boat drifted softly toward the shore.

Hand in hand, they felt something pulling them closer together. Some invisible, magnetic force that they didn't understand, didn't need to. They were lost inside the kaleidoscope of lights, the reflection on the water, and they weren't sure where the sky began and the water ended.

Their lips met and suddenly they both knew in an instant that they were meant to be here. Together. It was as if everything else in the world was pulling away, further and further, and yet neither of them felt alone.

Eugene moved his lips softly and felt Rapunzel respond. He didn't know how she'd react, half expecting her to pull away and slam the frying pan on his head. It was over there in the corner, somewhere near the satchel and the frog that clicked its tongue in disapproval.

Instead, Rapunzel's lips pushed back against his and they melded together. Caressing, teasing, wanting. Eugene thought he could get used to this. And yet, he wanted more. His tongue slipped between his lips and he held it there, waiting. Rapunzel moaned gently and opened her mouth like a bud pulling back its petals.

He slid his tongue inside and stroked, gently, like it was his first time… he knew it was hers; he didn't want to scare her. Instead, she matched him, even bettered him, pulling him inside. They held like that for a moment, maybe more, until Eugene gently pulled back.

Maybe this was too soon. Maybe it shouldn't happen at all. But, damn, it felt so right.

He glanced up at her and saw her big, green eyes cloud in confusion. He cocked an eyebrow and smiled, gently pulling her over to sit on his lap. He squeezed her in a hug that meant, "It's okay. I'm not going anywhere." She understood, and snuggled back against his chest.

And Eugene tried to be good. He really did, watching the lanterns drift higher and higher in the sky until he wasn't sure if he saw them anymore or if it was just the light burnt on his pupils.

But she was so close to him. So close. And her hair was flowing and the one of the flowers tucked inside brushed his cheek. He moved his nose toward her neck, that sexy spot just behind her ear, near her neck. He breathed her in, all of her. She smelled like pie and cookies and cupcakes. And frosting that he could lick and lick and never get tired of its sweet, delicious taste.

Rapunzel turned her head back, toward his lips. Her back arched to meet him, and he felt his pants tighten in want. They kissed, longer this time, slowly dragging out seconds into moments into minutes. His hand rested on her hip, and he felt it pulling up, leaving a trail from her hip, to her rib. And he left it there, waiting. Her chest was breathing hard, and she reached up, grabbing his hair and pulling him closer.

That's when Eugene slid his hand up, over her breast, cupping it softly in his palm. Rubbing it, molding it like a soft bit of clay. That's when he kissed her harder than he had ever kissed anyone. That's when he knew.

Forget the crown. Forget the island. She was all he wanted. No. All he needed. She was his lantern, leading him home.

For that one moment, everything was right. Rapunzel kissed him back, harder, responding to his every movement. She struggled to turn over in his arms, to face him. He could tell she wanted more. He did, too. And as he leaned in again, ready to give it to her, a green glow caught his eye. Shadows. Stabbington brothers. Shit.